In a theatrical display that could rival any reality TV finale, Vice President of the San Francisco Police Commission, Max Carter-Oberstone, has been ousted from his position after a boisterous hearing that felt more like a talk show reunion than a political meeting. The plot twist? It seems our new mayor, Daniel Lurie, decided it was time to settle a score with Carter-Oberstone after the latter dared to cross Mayor London Breed, his former benefactor, in a previous scandal where she forced city commissioners to sign undated resignation letters. Talk about risky business!

Now, most of us wouldn’t know a police commissioner from a bus stop, but Carter-Oberstone made waves in 2022 when he blew the whistle on Breed’s questionable tactics to keep power. Fast forward to 2025, and Lurie, wielding newfound influence over the more moderate Board of Supervisors, decided Carter-Oberstone’s independent spirit was just a little too spicy for his taste.

A letter from Lurie to the Board declared, ‘I hereby remove Max Carter-Oberstone from the Police Commission,’ and with a solid 9-2 vote, effectively made that a reality. While the supervisors cavorted through thin excuses, all Carter-Oberstone seemed to hear was the distant clapping of supporters packed into the room calling for his retention.

Despite the impending doom looming over him, Carter-Oberstone delivered a passionate farewell speech, hitting hard at the SFPD’s secrecy in using rape victims’ DNA against them and their spooky facial-recognition tactics. Amid the cheers of his loyal followers, he pointedly noted, ‘There’s nothing classy about quitting,’ firmly asserting his commitment to integrity over a cushy seat.

The board members listened quietly, with only Supervisor Matt Dorsey justifying the decision and giving a rather feeble defense of the vote. Dorsey’s comment about how police commissioners shouldn’t have too much independence was about as exciting as day-old bread.

Despite the shuffling of the political deck, one thing remains crystal clear: the fight for accountability within the SF Police Commission isn’t over. Carter-Oberstone’s defiant exit will undoubtedly linger in the air, a reminder that real change often comes at a heavy price.