Annie Gaus

A plan to create a new team to respond to homelessness-related concerns received a stamp of approval at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, but details on how it would integrate with existing city services are murky.

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A plan to create a new team to respond to homelessness-related concerns received a stamp of approval at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, but details on how it would integrate with existing city services are murky.

The proposal, dubbed the Compassionate Alternative Response Team (CART) and put forth by a group of advocates called the CART Coalition, seeks to reroute low-priority complaints from the San Francisco Police Department to its proposed team of 52 workers. The group estimates that the plan will cost about $6.8 million dollars to build and operate the response teams, who would receive training and earn annual compensation of $90,000 per employee. 

The proposal, dubbed the Compassionate Alternative Response Team (CART) and put forth by a group of advocates called the CART Coalition, seeks to reroute low-priority complaints from the San Francisco Police Department to its proposed team of 52 workers. The group estimates that the plan will cost about $6.8 million dollars to build and operate the response teams, who would receive training and earn annual compensation of $90,000 per employee.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of CART, though the resolution itself doesn’t guarantee that will happen. Supervisor Matt Haney, who sponsored the resolution, described it at a June 10 hearing as an expression of “the need generally for this type of model.” Actually funding the teams would require a more formal budget appropriation process, which isn’t likely to happen in time for the upcoming fiscal year 2022 budget. 

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of CART, though the resolution itself doesn’t guarantee that will happen. Supervisor Matt Haney, who sponsored the resolution, described it at a June 10 hearing as an expression of “the need generally for this type of model.” Actually funding the teams would require a more formal budget appropriation process, which isn’t likely to happen in time for the upcoming fiscal year 2022 budget.

“We are clearly not doing something right when we are relying on institutional responses to calls that don’t require police,” said Vinny Eng, an organizer for the CART Coalition at a June 10 hearing about the plan. 

“We are clearly not doing something right when we are relying on institutional responses to calls that don’t require police,” said Vinny Eng, an organizer for the CART Coalition at a June 10 hearing about the plan.

An unhoused resident of San Francisco gathers their bags at a bus stop in front of City Hall on July 10, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1407" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TL-HereSay-Cohen-58-1-2500x1407.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5238"/><figcaption>An unhoused resident of San Francisco gathers their bags at a bus stop in front of City Hall on July 10, 2021 | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TL-HereSay-Cohen-58-1-2500x1407.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5238"/><figcaption>An unhoused resident of San Francisco gathers their bags at a bus stop in front of City Hall on July 10, 2021 | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

As outlined in <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">a presentation</a> to the Board of Supervisors, CART says it could respond to encampment complaints and all homeless-related, Priority C 911 calls in lieu of police, in addition to setting up its own separate hotline for calls. It is modeled after a community program called CAHOOTS based in Eugene, Ore. that intervenes in mental illness, homelessness and addiction-related crises.

As outlined in <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">a presentation</a> to the Board of Supervisors, CART says it could respond to encampment complaints and all homeless-related, Priority C 911 calls in lieu of police, in addition to setting up its own separate hotline for calls. It is modeled after a community program called CAHOOTS based in Eugene, Ore. that intervenes in mental illness, homelessness and addiction-related crises.

Priority C calls are those that carry no present danger to life or property, and include anything from loitering, panhandling and trespassing calls to wellness checks for people appearing to be in distress. Under the city’s current system, many of these calls are already routed to non-police teams.&nbsp;

Priority C calls are those that carry no present danger to life or property, and include anything from loitering, panhandling and trespassing calls to wellness checks for people appearing to be in distress. Under the city’s current system, many of these calls are already routed to non-police teams.&nbsp;

CART, if funded, would join a growing alphabet soup of teams responding to street-level calls in lieu of police.&nbsp;

CART, if funded, would join a growing alphabet soup of teams responding to street-level calls in lieu of police.&nbsp;

Calls involving a psychiatric or other crisis, for example, may be routed to a Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) within the San Francisco Fire Department. Likewise, wellness checks may be routed to a Street Wellness Response Team (SWRT), a group of community paramedics also overseen by SFFD. Overdoses are often handled by SFFD paramedics, and Mayor Breed is requesting that the city also fund dedicated Street Overdose Response Teams (SORT) as part of her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">proposed budget</a>. Calls regarding homeless encampments are routed to the city’s 311 customer service center and handled by the Healthy Streets Operations Center (HSOC), a joint effort by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Department of Public Health and the police.

Calls involving a psychiatric or other crisis, for example, may be routed to a Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) within the San Francisco Fire Department. Likewise, wellness checks may be routed to a Street Wellness Response Team (SWRT), a group of community paramedics also overseen by SFFD. Overdoses are often handled by SFFD paramedics, and Mayor Breed is requesting that the city also fund dedicated Street Overdose Response Teams (SORT) as part of her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">proposed budget</a>. Calls regarding homeless encampments are routed to the city’s 311 customer service center and handled by the Healthy Streets Operations Center (HSOC), a joint effort by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Department of Public Health and the police.

Groups responding to homelessness also include Homelessness Outreach Teams (HOT) focused on referrals and case management, which is overseen by the Department of Homelessness; a Crisis Intervention Team managed by SFPD; and SFFD’s EMS-6 paramedic teams, which respond to all manner of medical emergencies.

Groups responding to homelessness also include Homelessness Outreach Teams (HOT) focused on referrals and case management, which is overseen by the Department of Homelessness; a Crisis Intervention Team managed by SFPD; and SFFD’s EMS-6 paramedic teams, which respond to all manner of medical emergencies.

For some policymakers, the number of teams involved in street response raises concerns of duplication and inefficiencies in efforts to manage homelessness-related calls, which members of the public generally place to either 311 or 911 depending on the urgency of the situation.&nbsp;

For some policymakers, the number of teams involved in street response raises concerns of duplication and inefficiencies in efforts to manage homelessness-related calls, which members of the public generally place to either 311 or 911 depending on the urgency of the situation.&nbsp;

“In total, we have a proposed nine teams that we are going to be reviewing during this budget process to respond to people in need on the streets of San Francisco,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen at a June 9 hearing focused on street response. “I am watching this and seeing a disaster unfold. Nine teams is too much.”&nbsp;

“In total, we have a proposed nine teams that we are going to be reviewing during this budget process to respond to people in need on the streets of San Francisco,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen at a June 9 hearing focused on street response. “I am watching this and seeing a disaster unfold. Nine teams is too much.”&nbsp;

The Department of Emergency Management says that between 911, 311 and the police non-emergency line, the city processed more than 65,000 calls deemed homelessness-related in 2019. It fielded more than 26,000 total trespassing calls and 23,000 suspicious person calls, many of which are homelessness-related.

The Department of Emergency Management says that between 911, 311 and the police non-emergency line, the city processed more than 65,000 calls deemed homelessness-related in 2019. It fielded more than 26,000 total trespassing calls and 23,000 suspicious person calls, many of which are homelessness-related.

San Francisco has seen its homeless population <a href="https://sfgov.org/scorecards/safety-net/homeless-population">rise steadily</a> over the past decade, from approximately 5,400 individuals in 2011 to 8,000 in 2019, an increase of 67 percent according to the city’s biennial counts. State data points to a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">surge in homelessness</a> during the COVID pandemic.

San Francisco has seen its homeless population <a href="https://sfgov.org/scorecards/safety-net/homeless-population">rise steadily</a> over the past decade, from approximately 5,400 individuals in 2011 to 8,000 in 2019, an increase of 67 percent according to the city’s biennial counts. State data points to a <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/more-than-10-000-people-sought-homeless-services-in-sf-last-year-a-40-jump-over-2019">surge in homelessness</a> during the COVID pandemic.

Meanwhile, as part of a local reform effort, Mayor London Breed announced last year that the city would reduce its reliance on police for non-criminal complaints. Police chief Bill Scott has largely embraced the idea of diverting such calls, and said the department identified <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">23 categories of calls</a> that it believes can be &#8220;reenvisioned.&#8221;

Meanwhile, as part of a local reform effort, Mayor London Breed announced last year that the city would reduce its reliance on police for non-criminal complaints. Police chief Bill Scott has largely embraced the idea of diverting such calls, and said the department identified <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">23 categories of calls</a> that it believes can be "reenvisioned."

Meanwhile, as part of a local reform effort, Mayor London Breed announced last year that the city would reduce its reliance on police for non-criminal complaints. Police chief Bill Scott has largely embraced the idea of diverting such calls, and said the department identified <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">23 categories of calls</a> that it believes can be &#8220;reenvisioned.&#8221;

CART says that its proposed model is more responsive to individuals for whom “institutional” intervention, whether by police or even emergency medical responders, may cause trauma. The group says that its “consent-based” approach will be more effective than existing responses.&nbsp;

CART says that its proposed model is more responsive to individuals for whom “institutional” intervention, whether by police or even emergency medical responders, may cause trauma. The group says that its “consent-based” approach will be more effective than existing responses.&nbsp;

“That&#8217;s right, and there are a number of reasons for this: We know that racial disparities exist, health disparities exist,” said Eng, in response to a question by Supervisor Catherine Stefani about whether a fire department response was upsetting or triggering to some.&nbsp;

“That's right, and there are a number of reasons for this: We know that racial disparities exist, health disparities exist,” said Eng, in response to a question by Supervisor Catherine Stefani about whether a fire department response was upsetting or triggering to some.&nbsp;

“That&#8217;s right, and there are a number of reasons for this: We know that racial disparities exist, health disparities exist,” said Eng, in response to a question by Supervisor Catherine Stefani about whether a fire department response was upsetting or triggering to some.&nbsp;

“I do feel that bias [against] institutional response—and I’m just talking about paramedics and firefighters, not police—may potentially put some people in harm that need care,” Stefani responded. 

“I do feel that bias [against] institutional response—and I’m just talking about paramedics and firefighters, not police—may potentially put some people in harm that need care,” Stefani responded.

CART <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">is requesting</a> to take over spillover psychiatric calls that Street Crisis Response Teams cannot handle, wellbeing checks, and homeless-related trespassing, suspicious person, aggressive panhandling and other Priority C calls, as well as encampment complaints otherwise routed to 311. According to various scenarios presented to the board, the group aims to focus on conflict resolution and “education services” in situations involving a complaint by a housed person.

CART <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9470668&amp;GUID=FF9BC57F-D237-4E22-B01D-11A63F11A6E2">is requesting</a> to take over spillover psychiatric calls that Street Crisis Response Teams cannot handle, wellbeing checks, and homeless-related trespassing, suspicious person, aggressive panhandling and other Priority C calls, as well as encampment complaints otherwise routed to 311. According to various scenarios presented to the board, the group aims to focus on conflict resolution and “education services” in situations involving a complaint by a housed person.

Despite broad agreement that police be removed from many homelessness-related calls, some city officials are wary of shifting responsibilities to an organization not governed by the city&#8217;s emergency services. Moreover, it is not yet clear whether CART would be able to comply with strict regulatory standards required for medical responses, and how its hotline would integrate with existing services. 

Despite broad agreement that police be removed from many homelessness-related calls, some city officials are wary of shifting responsibilities to an organization not governed by the city's emergency services. Moreover, it is not yet clear whether CART would be able to comply with strict regulatory standards required for medical responses, and how its hotline would integrate with existing services.

Despite broad agreement that police be removed from many homelessness-related calls, some city officials are wary of shifting responsibilities to an organization not governed by the city&#8217;s emergency services. Moreover, it is not yet clear whether CART would be able to comply with strict regulatory standards required for medical responses, and how its hotline would integrate with existing services.

“We do not agree with excluding the Fire Department, Department of Public Health, and others who already have the expertise and training to get this program going immediately,” said Andy Lynch, a spokesperson for Mayor Breed. “CART could not take calls that the pilot street crisis response teams will take because these calls require an immediate response, which is not possible when the teams are not directly synced with the City’s Emergency Communications Channels. We want all of our outreach teams to be working together to field requests as they come in and conduct proactive outreach.”

“We do not agree with excluding the Fire Department, Department of Public Health, and others who already have the expertise and training to get this program going immediately,” said Andy Lynch, a spokesperson for Mayor Breed. “CART could not take calls that the pilot street crisis response teams will take because these calls require an immediate response, which is not possible when the teams are not directly synced with the City’s Emergency Communications Channels. We want all of our outreach teams to be working together to field requests as they come in and conduct proactive outreach.”

The city currently funds six Street Crisis Response Teams, and Breed hopes to fund a seventh that would spin up in the next few months. The four teams that are currently up and running have responded to more than 1,000 calls in their first five months of operation, according to the Mayor’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The city currently funds six Street Crisis Response Teams, and Breed hopes to fund a seventh that would spin up in the next few months. The four teams that are currently up and running have responded to more than 1,000 calls in their first five months of operation, according to the Mayor’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Final deliberations for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">upcoming budget </a>are scheduled for next week, and Breed is expected to sign the budget by August 1.

Final deliberations for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-kick-off-13-billion-budget-negotiations/">upcoming budget </a>are scheduled for next week, and Breed is expected to sign the budget by August 1.

Board of Supervisors pledges to create new homelessness response team, but details remain murky

Astrid Kane

Most candidates for local office would be ecstatic to receive the endorsement of a labor union or a neighborhood political club. But on Monday, two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda—or, rather, her eponymous climate PAC—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/jane-fonda-endorses-honey-mahogany-for-supervisor/">parachuted into a race</a> for San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, declaring her support for Honey Mahogany, a social worker, small-business owner, chief of staff for former Sup. Matt Haney, and caftan-clad RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor who is vying to represent District 6 on the board.

Most candidates for local office would be ecstatic to receive the endorsement of a labor union or a neighborhood political club. But on Monday, two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda—or, rather, her eponymous climate PAC—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/jane-fonda-endorses-honey-mahogany-for-supervisor/">parachuted into a race</a> for San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, declaring her support for Honey Mahogany, a social worker, small-business owner, chief of staff for former Sup. Matt Haney, and caftan-clad RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor who is vying to represent District 6 on the board.

As endorsements go, it was hardly the most unusual. (Remember when 50 Cent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jan/20/popandrock">backed George W. Bush</a>?) Whether glamorous or cringe, the fact that Hollywood’s ultimate liberal weighed in suggests that a contest to represent one-eleventh of America’s 17th-largest city is as consequential as the fight for a Georgia Senate seat.

As endorsements go, it was hardly the most unusual. (Remember when 50 Cent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jan/20/popandrock">backed George W. Bush</a>?) Whether glamorous or cringe, the fact that Hollywood’s ultimate liberal weighed in suggests that a contest to represent one-eleventh of America’s 17th-largest city is as consequential as the fight for a Georgia Senate seat.

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait outside OASIS Nightclub, where she used to perform, in San Francisco on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84872"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait outside OASIS Nightclub, where she used to perform, in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84872"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait outside OASIS Nightclub, where she used to perform, in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">Newly redistricted</a> to cover SoMa, Mission Bay, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island, half of the Financial District and a jagged fragment of Civic Center, D6 may not be the keystone to an evenly divided America or even control of the board. But it is San Francisco in microcosm, encompassing incomparable tech wealth and unhoused encampments, shiny medical campuses and dilapidated SROs, overpasses from all three of the city’s freeways (along with everything that transpires beneath them) plus restaurants with 15 Michelin stars all told.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">Newly redistricted</a> to cover SoMa, Mission Bay, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island, half of the Financial District and a jagged fragment of Civic Center, D6 may not be the keystone to an evenly divided America or even control of the board. But it is San Francisco in microcosm, encompassing incomparable tech wealth and unhoused encampments, shiny medical campuses and dilapidated SROs, overpasses from all three of the city’s freeways (along with everything that transpires beneath them) plus restaurants with 15 Michelin stars all told.

As a Black transgender woman whose family arrived decades ago as Ethiopian refugees, Honey Mahogany, 38, is at once an unlikely candidate for office and, in her backers’ eyes, the right person at the right time. A native of the Sunset District and a lauded drag performer, her chief opponent is the incumbent, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a cisgender gay white man living with HIV whose struggle with substance abuse gives him a compelling narrative of his own.&nbsp;

As a Black transgender woman whose family arrived decades ago as Ethiopian refugees, Honey Mahogany, 38, is at once an unlikely candidate for office and, in her backers’ eyes, the right person at the right time. A native of the Sunset District and a lauded drag performer, her chief opponent is the incumbent, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a cisgender gay white man living with HIV whose struggle with substance abuse gives him a compelling narrative of his own.&nbsp;

The contest is technically a four-way affair, with Dorsey fending off challenges from two other Black women: labor leader Cherelle Jackson and longtime transgender and homeless advocate Ms. Billie Cooper. Given all this, a reliance on checklist-style identity politics may not propel anyone’s campaign over the finish line.&nbsp;

The contest is technically a four-way affair, with Dorsey fending off challenges from two other Black women: labor leader Cherelle Jackson and longtime transgender and homeless advocate Ms. Billie Cooper. Given all this, a reliance on checklist-style identity politics may not propel anyone’s campaign over the finish line.&nbsp;

With polling at local levels all but nonexistent, the race is widely perceived as a race between Dorsey and Mahogany, two LGBTQ-identified renters in SoMa with little daylight between their positions on housing, safe drug consumption and public safety. But many of Mahogany’s supporters—Fonda among them—see a candidate whose lived experience informs her stances in a way that transcends City Hall’s persistent and frequently petty divisions. To them, she is a harbinger of a new San Francisco politics. 

With polling at local levels all but nonexistent, the race is widely perceived as a race between Dorsey and Mahogany, two LGBTQ-identified renters in SoMa with little daylight between their positions on housing, safe drug consumption and public safety. But many of Mahogany’s supporters—Fonda among them—see a candidate whose lived experience informs her stances in a way that transcends City Hall’s persistent and frequently petty divisions. To them, she is a harbinger of a new San Francisco politics.

Candidates for Distict 6 supervisor gather to debate at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. From left to right are Ms. Billie Cooper, Cherelle Jackson, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Honey Mohogany. Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1584" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED02-2500x1584.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84875"/><figcaption>Candidates for Distict 6 supervisor gather to debate at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. From left to right are Ms. Billie Cooper, Cherelle Jackson, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Honey Mohogany. Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED02-2500x1584.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84875"/><figcaption>Candidates for Distict 6 supervisor gather to debate at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. From left to right are Ms. Billie Cooper, Cherelle Jackson, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Honey Mohogany. Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Many challengers take up the mantle of the outsider, crusading to deliver needed change. Mahogany, however, comes close to outflanking Supervisor Dorsey as a savvy insider, one whose political experience buttresses her quasi-unicorn status as a San Francisco native.

Many challengers take up the mantle of the outsider, crusading to deliver needed change. Mahogany, however, comes close to outflanking Supervisor Dorsey as a savvy insider, one whose political experience buttresses her quasi-unicorn status as a San Francisco native.

“Generally, in San Francisco, people are relatively close together politically, and it is really splitting hairs,” she told me as the Blue Angels practiced sorties overhead. “I think the key difference between us is that I definitely have that on-the-ground experience as a social worker and small-business owner, and as someone who has done the work of legislating and performed the functions as a legislative aide and chief of staff.”

“Generally, in San Francisco, people are relatively close together politically, and it is really splitting hairs,” she told me as the Blue Angels practiced sorties overhead. “I think the key difference between us is that I definitely have that on-the-ground experience as a social worker and small-business owner, and as someone who has done the work of legislating and performed the functions as a legislative aide and chief of staff.”

Mahogany grew up in a four-story building along the Taraval corridor—“They exist!” she insists—and went to St. Ignatius. After receiving her master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, she worked at Tenderloin LGBTQ+ nonprofit Larkin Street Youth Services and later the Rainbow Community Center in Concord as its first full-time employee, revamping the youth program before returning to the city, where she cofounded the Transgender District with two other Black trans women, Aria Sa’id and Janetta Johnson.&nbsp;

Mahogany grew up in a four-story building along the Taraval corridor—“They exist!” she insists—and went to St. Ignatius. After receiving her master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, she worked at Tenderloin LGBTQ+ nonprofit Larkin Street Youth Services and later the Rainbow Community Center in Concord as its first full-time employee, revamping the youth program before returning to the city, where she cofounded the Transgender District with two other Black trans women, Aria Sa’id and Janetta Johnson.&nbsp;

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany crosses the street on her way to Bearrison Street Fair on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED03-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84878"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany on her way to the second annual Bearrison Street Fair on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is a co-owner of The Stud, a 55-year-old LGBTQ+ bar whose previous home was within the festival’s footprint. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED03-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84878"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany on her way to the second annual Bearrison Street Fair on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is a co-owner of The Stud, a 55-year-old LGBTQ+ bar whose previous home was within the festival’s footprint. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The cultural district, which covers a small part of the Tenderloin and some of SoMa’s Sixth Street corridor, is like a progressive’s dream come true. But it gave Mahogany particular insights into how the city’s most marginalized residents view their safety.

The cultural district, which covers a small part of the Tenderloin and some of SoMa’s Sixth Street corridor, is like a progressive’s dream come true. But it gave Mahogany particular insights into how the city’s most marginalized residents view their safety.

“As someone who has worked with trans women of color and low-income trans people, I can tell people that all of them have asked, ‘Where are the police, and why aren’t they doing their jobs?’,” she said. “Anyone who has worked in D6 knows that police are part of the solution, and the people most impacted by crime are low-income—and they are asking for more police.”&nbsp;

“As someone who has worked with trans women of color and low-income trans people, I can tell people that all of them have asked, ‘Where are the police, and why aren’t they doing their jobs?’,” she said. “Anyone who has worked in D6 knows that police are part of the solution, and the people most impacted by crime are low-income—and they are asking for more police.”&nbsp;

Her role in the city’s nightlife—specifically, as part of the 18-member collective that owns The Stud—may be an even better lens to analyze her political development. San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene entered the Covid pandemic in a state of free fall, with venue after venue closing. The constellation of nightlife luminaries who in 2016 had <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/feature-culture/how-the-stud-was-saved/">purchased The Stud</a>, long the most freewheeling queer space in SoMa, shuttered it mere months into lockdown.&nbsp;

Her role in the city’s nightlife—specifically, as part of the 18-member collective that owns The Stud—may be an even better lens to analyze her political development. San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene entered the Covid pandemic in a state of free fall, with venue after venue closing. The constellation of nightlife luminaries who in 2016 had <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/feature-culture/how-the-stud-was-saved/">purchased The Stud</a>, long the most freewheeling queer space in SoMa, shuttered it mere months into lockdown.&nbsp;

(Left to right ) Mark Leno, senator Scott Wiener, Oasis host Heklina, and Honey Mahogany comment as a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4am is reintroduced at San Francisco Eagle bar on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, in San Francisco, Calif. | Liz Hafalia/The SF Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED04-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84881"/><figcaption>From left, then-state Sen. Mark Leno, then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, drag legend Heklina and Honey Mahogany at the San Francisco Eagle, commenting on the reintroduction of a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. | Liz Hafalia/The SF Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED04-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84881"/><figcaption>From left, then-state Sen. Mark Leno, then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, drag legend Heklina and Honey Mahogany at the San Francisco Eagle, commenting on the reintroduction of a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. | Liz Hafalia/The SF Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Honey Mahogany (center) speaks as Jose 'Jojo' Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discusses The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ Community on the Michelle Meow Show at the Commonwealth Club, San Francisco on January 31 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1553" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED05-2500x1553.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84884"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, center, speaks as Jose &#8216;Jojo&#8217; Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discussing The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ+ community on “The Michelle Meow Show” at the Commonwealth Club on Jan. 31, 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED05-2500x1553.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84884"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, center, speaks as Jose 'Jojo' Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discussing The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ+ community on “The Michelle Meow Show” at the Commonwealth Club on Jan. 31, 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED05-2500x1553.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84884"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, center, speaks as Jose &#8216;Jojo&#8217; Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discussing The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ+ community on “The Michelle Meow Show” at the Commonwealth Club on Jan. 31, 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images </figcaption></figure>

Since then, the club has existed in suspended animation, its vacated, ramshackle former home at Harrison and Ninth streets the <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/07/20/artists-lose-lawsuit-over-erased-murals-at-san-francisco-gay-bar">occasional target of grumbling and graffiti</a>. (The collective is in preliminary talks to obtain another space, but members would not specify its location on the record.) If elected, Mahogany would likely have to sell her share.

Since then, the club has existed in suspended animation, its vacated, ramshackle former home at Harrison and Ninth streets the <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/07/20/artists-lose-lawsuit-over-erased-murals-at-san-francisco-gay-bar">occasional target of grumbling and graffiti</a>. (The collective is in preliminary talks to obtain another space, but members would not specify its location on the record.) If elected, Mahogany would likely have to sell her share.

“I own very little of The Stud outright,” she insisted. “It holds such a huge piece of my heart; I would hate to let it go, but we pass the torch when we can.”

“I own very little of The Stud outright,” she insisted. “It holds such a huge piece of my heart; I would hate to let it go, but we pass the torch when we can.”

This is how the city’s queer communities know her best. And it’s not so much Mahogany’s intersectional identities (Black, trans, somewhat famous) as the perceived qualities that those identities endow (empathy, quiet authority, showing up) that form the backbone of her support.&nbsp;

This is how the city’s queer communities know her best. And it’s not so much Mahogany’s intersectional identities (Black, trans, somewhat famous) as the perceived qualities that those identities endow (empathy, quiet authority, showing up) that form the backbone of her support.&nbsp;

Asked what the main difference between Dorsey and Mahogany is, supporter after supporter cited her connection to “the community.” It’s the fuzziest of buzzwords, but few aspirants to local office unseat incumbents without convincing stakeholders of their bona fides.&nbsp;

Asked what the main difference between Dorsey and Mahogany is, supporter after supporter cited her connection to “the community.” It’s the fuzziest of buzzwords, but few aspirants to local office unseat incumbents without convincing stakeholders of their bona fides.&nbsp;

“To me, she’s the people’s candidate and will bring a heart and soul and true SF values about inclusion and diversity, and people feeling seen and respected and cared for,” said Sister Roma, probably the best-known Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, who co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s Main Stage with Mahogany for several years.&nbsp;

“To me, she’s the people’s candidate and will bring a heart and soul and true SF values about inclusion and diversity, and people feeling seen and respected and cared for,” said Sister Roma, probably the best-known Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, who co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s Main Stage with Mahogany for several years.&nbsp;

“She’s done quite a bit from the DCCC [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]. More than I’ve seen in San Francisco, at least from the time I’ve been paying attention to politics,” said Sophia Andary, who sits on the SF Commission on the Status of Women. “She did the resolution standing up for solidarity for women in Iran and one for women Afghan refugees. She’s not thinking about the negative political consequences. She’s thinking about what’s needed.”

“She’s done quite a bit from the DCCC [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]. More than I’ve seen in San Francisco, at least from the time I’ve been paying attention to politics,” said Sophia Andary, who sits on the SF Commission on the Status of Women. “She did the resolution standing up for solidarity for women in Iran and one for women Afghan refugees. She’s not thinking about the negative political consequences. She’s thinking about what’s needed.”

Even Supervisor Dorsey may agree. Asked what the fairest criticism of Mahogany is, he takes a long pause and offers up the mildest barb: that she was a latecomer to SB 50, state Senator Scott Wiener’s controversial bill to streamline housing production.&nbsp;

Even Supervisor Dorsey may agree. Asked what the fairest criticism of Mahogany is, he takes a long pause and offers up the mildest barb: that she was a latecomer to SB 50, state Senator Scott Wiener’s controversial bill to streamline housing production.&nbsp;

“This isn’t a classic kind of progressive-moderate thing,” he says of their contest. “Let’s hope these are how these SF races are moving forward—with nuance.”

“This isn’t a classic kind of progressive-moderate thing,” he says of their contest. “Let’s hope these are how these SF races are moving forward—with nuance.”

Or, as Mahogany put it, “The most important difference between Dorsey and myself is the independence. I’m going to be an independent voice and not always defer to the mayor.”

Or, as Mahogany put it, “The most important difference between Dorsey and myself is the independence. I’m going to be an independent voice and not always defer to the mayor.”

San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany speaks with union workers holding a 24-hour rally for an increase in living wages in front of the offices of Tenderloin Housing Clinic on Turk Street in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Employees are citing the low wages as the impetus for staffer burnout, and high turnover.  | Don Feria for the Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED07-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84890"/><figcaption>San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany speaks with union workers holding a 24-hour rally for an increase in living wages in front of the offices of Tenderloin Housing Clinic on Turk Street on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Employees are citing the low wages as the impetus for staff burnout and high turnover. | Don Feria for the Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED07-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84890"/><figcaption>San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany speaks with union workers holding a 24-hour rally for an increase in living wages in front of the offices of Tenderloin Housing Clinic on Turk Street on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Employees are citing the low wages as the impetus for staff burnout and high turnover. | Don Feria for the Standard</figcaption></figure>

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany, center right, greets Stud Collective member Neven Samara, right, and his partner Ben Stilp, left, at Bearrison Street Fair on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED06-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84887"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany, center right, greets Stud Collective member Neven Samara, right, and his partner Ben Stilp, left, at Bearrison Street Fair on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED06-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84887"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany, center right, greets Stud Collective member Neven Samara, right, and his partner Ben Stilp, left, at Bearrison Street Fair on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

South of Market is, in the words of Assemblymember Matt Haney, who held the District 6 supervisor seat until this spring, the “most shitted-on neighborhood” in San Francisco. Yet, as the cinematic cliche goes, the D6 race is quiet—a little too quiet. Meanwhile, over in the normally sleepy Sunset District where Mahogany grew up, mild-mannered incumbent Gordon Mar has been smeared as a “<a href="https://twitter.com/d4gordonmar/status/1549621969842163717">communist pedophile</a>” in his bid for reelection.&nbsp;

South of Market is, in the words of Assemblymember Matt Haney, who held the District 6 supervisor seat until this spring, the “most shitted-on neighborhood” in San Francisco. Yet, as the cinematic cliche goes, the D6 race is quiet—a little too quiet. Meanwhile, over in the normally sleepy Sunset District where Mahogany grew up, mild-mannered incumbent Gordon Mar has been smeared as a “<a href="https://twitter.com/d4gordonmar/status/1549621969842163717">communist pedophile</a>” in his bid for reelection.&nbsp;

This might have something to do with Mahogany’s manner. For a performer who has co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s main stage and been on reality TV, she’s somewhat low-key—even conflict-averse. At the candidate forum hosted by The Standard in early October, Mahogany fanned herself on a stool while enduring occasional jabs from Cooper, who felt she was receiving favorable treatment.

This might have something to do with Mahogany’s manner. For a performer who has co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s main stage and been on reality TV, she’s somewhat low-key—even conflict-averse. At the candidate forum hosted by The Standard in early October, Mahogany fanned herself on a stool while enduring occasional jabs from Cooper, who felt she was receiving favorable treatment.

Mahogany refrained from chucking any javelins in return. Instead, she took an almost technocratic stance on issues surrounding addiction and homelessness. Hammering home the point that the Department of Public Health’s treatment beds are useless without adequate staff, she called for a “Crisis Workers Hiring Act.”

Mahogany refrained from chucking any javelins in return. Instead, she took an almost technocratic stance on issues surrounding addiction and homelessness. Hammering home the point that the Department of Public Health’s treatment beds are useless without adequate staff, she called for a “Crisis Workers Hiring Act.”

“I’m an outreach counselor, and here’s what I can tell you,” she said then. “There’s tons of money sitting at the DPH going unused, because we haven’t hired for the positions we have open, and that’s because we’re not paying people a living wage. Nurses and other health-care workers cannot afford to live in San Francisco.&#8221;

“I’m an outreach counselor, and here’s what I can tell you,” she said then. “There’s tons of money sitting at the DPH going unused, because we haven’t hired for the positions we have open, and that’s because we’re not paying people a living wage. Nurses and other health-care workers cannot afford to live in San Francisco."

“I’m an outreach counselor, and here’s what I can tell you,” she said then. “There’s tons of money sitting at the DPH going unused, because we haven’t hired for the positions we have open, and that’s because we’re not paying people a living wage. Nurses and other health-care workers cannot afford to live in San Francisco.&#8221;

Dorsey, for his part, touted his work with colleagues on a program called “San Francisco Recovers.” It quickly became clear that he and Mahogany not only agree on several hot-button issues, but they also defy certain political orthodoxies together. They support safe consumption. They want to upzone low-density neighborhoods. With qualifications, they back <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/for-supervisor-rafael-mandelman-conservatorship-is-personal/">conservatorship</a>. Both believe that the San Francisco Police Department must be part of any discussion about public safety. And both have endorsed Proposition D, a charter amendment to streamline multifamily housing approvals.&nbsp;

Dorsey, for his part, touted his work with colleagues on a program called “San Francisco Recovers.” It quickly became clear that he and Mahogany not only agree on several hot-button issues, but they also defy certain political orthodoxies together. They support safe consumption. They want to upzone low-density neighborhoods. With qualifications, they back <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/for-supervisor-rafael-mandelman-conservatorship-is-personal/">conservatorship</a>. Both believe that the San Francisco Police Department must be part of any discussion about public safety. And both have endorsed Proposition D, a charter amendment to streamline multifamily housing approvals.&nbsp;

Many <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/this-is-whos-spending-money-on-sf-housing-propositions/">left-leaning organizations oppose that measure</a>—including the same SF Democratic Party whose central committee is chaired by Honey Mahogany.&nbsp;

Many <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/this-is-whos-spending-money-on-sf-housing-propositions/">left-leaning organizations oppose that measure</a>—including the same SF Democratic Party whose central committee is chaired by Honey Mahogany.&nbsp;

Supporters of Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidate Honey Mohogany listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED08-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84893"/><figcaption>Supporters of Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidate Honey Mahogany listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED08-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84893"/><figcaption>Supporters of Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidate Honey Mahogany listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Honey Mohogany, and San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED09-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84897"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, and San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED09-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84897"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, and San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

A specter is haunting District 6: the specter of Yes In My Backyard.&nbsp;

A specter is haunting District 6: the specter of Yes In My Backyard.&nbsp;

In the four years since Matt Haney defeated arch-YIMBY Sonja Trauss to represent D6, public sentiment has shifted in a build-baby-build direction. While it might be a stretch to say “We Are All YIMBYs now,” Haney successfully made an issue of David Campos’ opposition to a 495-unit project in SoMa during their several contests for an Assembly seat this year. If bland, market-rate condos are what it takes to get some affordable units around here, this line of thinking goes, then so be it.&nbsp;

In the four years since Matt Haney defeated arch-YIMBY Sonja Trauss to represent D6, public sentiment has shifted in a build-baby-build direction. While it might be a stretch to say “We Are All YIMBYs now,” Haney successfully made an issue of David Campos’ opposition to a 495-unit project in SoMa during their several contests for an Assembly seat this year. If bland, market-rate condos are what it takes to get some affordable units around here, this line of thinking goes, then so be it.&nbsp;

“Thirty members of my family lived in San Francisco at one point,” Mahogany said during The Standard’s debate. “Now that’s down to two. The lack of affordability is why I got involved in housing.”

“Thirty members of my family lived in San Francisco at one point,” Mahogany said during The Standard’s debate. “Now that’s down to two. The lack of affordability is why I got involved in housing.”

An overwhelming proportion of new construction in San Francisco during the 2010s took place in SoMa and Mission Bay. Consequently, District 6’s population growth relative to the other districts introduced a distortion into the city’s political map. Its contours were always going to change after the 2020 Census, but this spring’s redistricting fight struck some observers as unnecessarily protracted. While insisting that Mahogany would emerge victorious from any version of the district that emerged, Haney believes that redistricting was undertaken specifically to torpedo progressive-aligned campaigns.

An overwhelming proportion of new construction in San Francisco during the 2010s took place in SoMa and Mission Bay. Consequently, District 6’s population growth relative to the other districts introduced a distortion into the city’s political map. Its contours were always going to change after the 2020 Census, but this spring’s redistricting fight struck some observers as unnecessarily protracted. While insisting that Mahogany would emerge victorious from any version of the district that emerged, Haney believes that redistricting was undertaken specifically to torpedo progressive-aligned campaigns.

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait on 11th St. in San Francisco on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED10-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84900"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait on 11th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED10-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84900"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait on 11th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Since Danica Roem won a 2017 upset for a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates, transgender lawmakers have become more common around the country. 

Since Danica Roem won a 2017 upset for a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates, transgender lawmakers have become more common around the country.

Maebe A. Girl, a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles who is currently challenging Rep. Adam Schiff for a seat in Congress, says that while her politics are antithetical to that of the former president, she believes that his presidency had one unexpected effect. It’s counterintuitive, maybe even perverse, but Donald Trump essentially “redefined who people could picture in office,” and gender-variant people are among the groups who have benefited from that shift. Still, she says, simply running for office as a nonbinary trans woman presents complications.

Maebe A. Girl, a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles who is currently challenging Rep. Adam Schiff for a seat in Congress, says that while her politics are antithetical to that of the former president, she believes that his presidency had one unexpected effect. It’s counterintuitive, maybe even perverse, but Donald Trump essentially “redefined who people could picture in office,” and gender-variant people are among the groups who have benefited from that shift. Still, she says, simply running for office as a nonbinary trans woman presents complications.

“If I underdress or don’t wear makeup, I get misgendered, and if I do too much, it’s like, ‘Oh, look at this drag queen,’” Girl said of the campaign trail. “I have to find this strange balance.”

“If I underdress or don’t wear makeup, I get misgendered, and if I do too much, it’s like, ‘Oh, look at this drag queen,’” Girl said of the campaign trail. “I have to find this strange balance.”

In her run against Schiff, whose involvement in Trump’s impeachments brought him national media exposure, Girl laments how hard it has been to garner media attention.

In her run against Schiff, whose involvement in Trump’s impeachments brought him national media exposure, Girl laments how hard it has been to garner media attention.

“I’m the first trans or nonbinary person to advance to a top-two race for the House of Representatives,” she said. “I thought that would make a good story.”

“I’m the first trans or nonbinary person to advance to a top-two race for the House of Representatives,” she said. “I thought that would make a good story.”

California activist and politician Maebe A. Girl. | Silver Lake Neighborhood Council/Wikimedia/Creative Commons

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2165" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED11-2500x2165.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84904"/><figcaption>California activist and politician Maebe A. Girl. | Silver Lake Neighborhood Council/Wikimedia/Creative Commons</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED11-2500x2165.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84904"/><figcaption>California activist and politician Maebe A. Girl. | Silver Lake Neighborhood Council/Wikimedia/Creative Commons</figcaption></figure>

Visibility cuts both ways, though. In September, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, often considered to be among the Board of Supervisors’ more left-leaning members, dismissed Mahogany as an ego-driven arriviste and declared his support for Dorsey and other candidates who “are real people and who are human.”&nbsp;

Visibility cuts both ways, though. In September, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, often considered to be among the Board of Supervisors’ more left-leaning members, dismissed Mahogany as an ego-driven arriviste and declared his support for Dorsey and other candidates who “are real people and who are human.”&nbsp;

Peskin, who is 58 and serving his fourth term on the board, apologized for his remarks, which were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/transgender-rights-san-francisco-17489539.php">inartful at best and transphobic at worst</a>. But it may have revealed a new political fracture in the city—not so much between left and right, but young and old.

Peskin, who is 58 and serving his fourth term on the board, apologized for his remarks, which were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/transgender-rights-san-francisco-17489539.php">inartful at best and transphobic at worst</a>. But it may have revealed a new political fracture in the city—not so much between left and right, but young and old.

“The idea that Aaron Peskin represents what a progressive is is fucking nonsense, and I don’t believe it,” said Nate Allbee, Mahogany’s campaign strategist. “How is he more progressive than Matt Haney if you look at what they say and do? The one difference is that Matt and Honey are openly willing to say that building housing at all levels is the right tactic to do right now.”

“The idea that Aaron Peskin represents what a progressive is is fucking nonsense, and I don’t believe it,” said Nate Allbee, Mahogany’s campaign strategist. “How is he more progressive than Matt Haney if you look at what they say and do? The one difference is that Matt and Honey are openly willing to say that building housing at all levels is the right tactic to do right now.”

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/p4lnk2oQHbCGnmTVf6qrKAxxLJ-DZCfQEkgJqpr-iUZf3-sRRod7HaSq199EsY5PgGS2Oyt4q8OlVSerwiKD7er1uJK0dFr1zkEda76iR7MCN4RGFfD9Bcn9meIO9s2p8SwX_zh-2L4h6WsF5I3q6vZzbb35hSQxoxb1zDoMMdJULz9xCmwPkvGm7g" alt=""/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany watches the Leather Pride Flag raising at Bearrison Street Fair in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

If an openness to new construction disqualifies someone as a progressive, Allbee continued, then progressivism is in a heap of trouble. And the record indicates that a measure of pragmatism has been a boon to people looking to make history, even when they had to struggle to do it. Harvey Milk fought his way to becoming the first gay person on the Board of Supervisors almost half a century ago with soaring, “You gotta give ’em hope” oratory combined with a crusade against that most mundane of issues: dog poop. If you assumed that the first Black trans woman with a credible shot at following Milk would succeed simply by veering to the left of the left, you would be wrong.

If an openness to new construction disqualifies someone as a progressive, Allbee continued, then progressivism is in a heap of trouble. And the record indicates that a measure of pragmatism has been a boon to people looking to make history, even when they had to struggle to do it. Harvey Milk fought his way to becoming the first gay person on the Board of Supervisors almost half a century ago with soaring, “You gotta give ’em hope” oratory combined with a crusade against that most mundane of issues: dog poop. If you assumed that the first Black trans woman with a credible shot at following Milk would succeed simply by veering to the left of the left, you would be wrong.

“There’s a diversity of opinions there,” Mahogany said, “but it’s the No. 1 thing: a complete failure of accountability and a failure to implement practical solutions. We can’t allow people to suffer and die in the streets and call that progress.”

“There’s a diversity of opinions there,” Mahogany said, “but it’s the No. 1 thing: a complete failure of accountability and a failure to implement practical solutions. We can’t allow people to suffer and die in the streets and call that progress.”

Honey Mahogany’s supporters see her as the harbinger of a new kind of San Francisco politics

Adrian Spinelli

Last year’s Stern Grove Festival was cut short in an unpredictable, non-Covid way: A water main broke on Sloat Blvd. above the grounds, sending more than 700,000 gallons of water sloshing down into the verdant amphitheater and resulting in <a href="https://sfist.com/2022/04/26/that-4-million-stern-grove-flood-clean-up-thats-now-more-of-a-20-million-stern-grove-flood-clean-up/">tens of millions of dollars</a> in damage.&nbsp;

Last year’s Stern Grove Festival was cut short in an unpredictable, non-Covid way: A water main broke on Sloat Blvd. above the grounds, sending more than 700,000 gallons of water sloshing down into the verdant amphitheater and resulting in <a href="https://sfist.com/2022/04/26/that-4-million-stern-grove-flood-clean-up-thats-now-more-of-a-20-million-stern-grove-flood-clean-up/">tens of millions of dollars</a> in damage.&nbsp;

The flood forced organizers to cancel the final show of the season: The Big Picnic with Tower of Power and Too $hort. For the uninitiated, The Big Picnic is the grand finale event of the fest, which also serves as the biggest fundraising effort of the year.&nbsp;

The flood forced organizers to cancel the final show of the season: The Big Picnic with Tower of Power and Too $hort. For the uninitiated, The Big Picnic is the grand finale event of the fest, which also serves as the biggest fundraising effort of the year.&nbsp;

There were challenges in re-opening the Grove for this year’s 85th Summer Concert Series, but thanks to a prodigious push, Stern Grove is ready to welcome back locals, beginning on June 12. The 10-concert slate, helmed by second year Director of Programming Stacey Horne, seems aimed at attracting younger audiences by peppering the classics with plenty of cutting-edge cool. This year’s lineup is also packed with local legends and rising Bay Area stars, which is sure to give the hometown crowd plenty to be proud of.

There were challenges in re-opening the Grove for this year’s 85th Summer Concert Series, but thanks to a prodigious push, Stern Grove is ready to welcome back locals, beginning on June 12. The 10-concert slate, helmed by second year Director of Programming Stacey Horne, seems aimed at attracting younger audiences by peppering the classics with plenty of cutting-edge cool. This year’s lineup is also packed with local legends and rising Bay Area stars, which is sure to give the hometown crowd plenty to be proud of.

Read on for our breakdown of this year’s shows, which we’ve broken down into five categories. Into indie? Toro y Moi, Cold War Kids and Cat Power have you covered. Feeling bluesy? Taj Mahal is a national treasure who certainly knows his way around 12 bars. Looking to get lost in the jam? Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh is sure to take a few extended solos.

Read on for our breakdown of this year’s shows, which we’ve broken down into five categories. Into indie? Toro y Moi, Cold War Kids and Cat Power have you covered. Feeling bluesy? Taj Mahal is a national treasure who certainly knows his way around 12 bars. Looking to get lost in the jam? Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh is sure to take a few extended solos.

All the concerts are free, but reservations are required. You can snag a spot on the Stern Grove Festival website beginning 12 days before each show—Tuesdays at 2 p.m. The gates open at noon every Sunday and the concerts begin at 2 p.m. You can bring your own chairs, food and drinks. Additional details can be found at <a href="https://www.sterngrove.org/">sterngrove.org</a>.

All the concerts are free, but reservations are required. You can snag a spot on the Stern Grove Festival website beginning 12 days before each show—Tuesdays at 2 p.m. The gates open at noon every Sunday and the concerts begin at 2 p.m. You can bring your own chairs, food and drinks. Additional details can be found at <a href="https://www.sterngrove.org/">sterngrove.org</a>.

<h2 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading">The Ultimate Cure For Last Year’s Fomo</h2>

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<h2 class="has-medium-font-size">The Ultimate Cure For Last Year’s Fomo</h2>

Tower of Power and Too Short w/ DJ Shortkut | June 12

Tower of Power and Too Short w/ DJ Shortkut | June 12

When this bill was announced last year, it seemed highly improbable: A ’70s era funk and soul revue from Oakland with one of the grittiest rappers in the Bay? OK. But in so many ways, it speaks to the diversity and vibrance of our local music scene. It’s a beautiful world when you can dance alongside your mom to “What Is Hip?” while also taking a puff off a blunt with your dad to “Blow The Whistle” in the same afternoon. We highly recommended arriving early to catch DJ Shortkut warming up the crowd on the decks. The Daly City native is one of the best selectors and turntablists out there. And if you weren’t able to reserve tickets to this one, the whole show will be live streamed for free <a href="https://boxoffice.mandolin.com/pages/stern-grove-festival-livestream">here</a>.

When this bill was announced last year, it seemed highly improbable: A ’70s era funk and soul revue from Oakland with one of the grittiest rappers in the Bay? OK. But in so many ways, it speaks to the diversity and vibrance of our local music scene. It’s a beautiful world when you can dance alongside your mom to “What Is Hip?” while also taking a puff off a blunt with your dad to “Blow The Whistle” in the same afternoon. We highly recommended arriving early to catch DJ Shortkut warming up the crowd on the decks. The Daly City native is one of the best selectors and turntablists out there. And if you weren’t able to reserve tickets to this one, the whole show will be live streamed for free <a href="https://boxoffice.mandolin.com/pages/stern-grove-festival-livestream">here</a>.

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Tracing The History of The Past 25 Years of Indie Rock

<h2 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading">Tracing The History of The Past 25 Years of Indie Rock</h2>

<h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Tracing The History of The Past 25 Years of Indie Rock</h2>

Toro y Moi w Hello Yello | June 19 Liz Phair w/ Madi Diaz | June 26 Cold War Kids w/ Geographer | July 3 Cat Power w/ SPELLLING | July 17

Toro y Moi w Hello Yello | June 19 Liz Phair w/ Madi Diaz | June 26 Cold War Kids w/ Geographer | July 3 Cat Power w/ SPELLLING | July 17

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