Supervisor Ed Jew Refuses To Resign

Jun. 13 - KGO (KGO) -- Calls are growing louder at San Francisco City Hall tonight, for the resignation of supervisor Ed Jew. But mayor Gavin Newsom is not ready to move against him a day after Jew surrendered on felony charges stemming from an investigation into where he lives.

And tonight, Jew's attorney tells ABC7News his client will no longer cooperate with another investigation against him.

District Attorney Kamala Harris yesterday issued a warrant for Jew's arrest, charging that he lied about where he lived when he ran for office. Today, the day after he posted bail, supervisor Jew was keeping a very low profile. In fact, he cancelled all of his city hall appointments.

Supervisor Ed Jew had planned this morning to meet with a delegation from the Chinese city of Hanzou to discuss closer business ties with San Francisco. Even they knew something was wrong.

In fact, the last time Jew was in city hall was yesterday during the supervisors meeting. He left abruptly when he got word he was a wanted man. Jew surrendered last night, posted bail and was released.

Supervisors president Aaron Peskin says the mayor can still initiate misconduct charges against Jew, which could lead to his suspension.

Aaron Peskin, San Francisco Supervisors President: "I am in discussions with the mayor."

ABC7's Vic Lee: "About what?"

Aaron Peskin: "About what the right thing for San Francisco should be.

City attorney Dennis Herrera is also looking into whether Jew has violated residency requirements. He has until Friday to turn over documents requested by Herrera.

Jew's attorney tells ABC7 his client will no longer cooperate with that probe.

Bill Fazio, Jew's Attorney: "I had to advise Ed with an abundance of caution not to make any statements or provide any additional information to the city attorney because that information may very well be used against him in the pending criminal matter."

Meantime, the criminal charges against Jew shocked his constituents in the sunset district.

Jennifer Nadig, Sunset District Resident: "Of course he should resign. You can't represent a district you don't live in."

Robert Young, Sunset District Resident: "Yes, he should resign."

But Jew still has a lot of supporters among the merchants on busy Irving Street.

Shadi Kharsa, Irving St. Merchant: "He's great for the area. he's done a lot of great things for us."

Joe Lee, Irving St. Merchant: "Ever since he became supervisor in this district, our street is a lot cleaner, never like that before, and I like the man. So we should give him a second chance."

The supervisor will be arraigned July 16th. He's also the target of two other ongoing investigations. We mentioned the city attorney's probe, and the FBI is also conducting a bribery investigation related to Jew taking $40,000 dollars in cash from businessmen facing city permit problems.

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