Kevin Truong

It wasn&#8217;t hard to spot the family of tourists ascending the Powell Street Station escalator. Luggage in tow and squeezed between a busker banging on a makeshift drum set and a speaker blasting Sade’s “Smooth Operator” the group stared at their phones quizzically as they emerged into the chaos of Market Street during the holidays.

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It wasn't hard to spot the family of tourists ascending the Powell Street Station escalator. Luggage in tow and squeezed between a busker banging on a makeshift drum set and a speaker blasting Sade’s “Smooth Operator” the group stared at their phones quizzically as they emerged into the chaos of Market Street during the holidays.

It wasn&#8217;t hard to spot the family of tourists ascending the Powell Street Station escalator. Luggage in tow and squeezed between a busker banging on a makeshift drum set and a speaker blasting Sade’s “Smooth Operator” the group stared at their phones quizzically as they emerged into the chaos of Market Street during the holidays.

Brian DeBellevue sprang into action. Decked out in a vivid orange jacket and baseball cap—and with a smile that’s hard to miss, even behind a mask—<meta charset="utf-8">he looked a bit like a walking traffic cone.&nbsp;

Brian DeBellevue sprang into action. Decked out in a vivid orange jacket and baseball cap—and with a smile that’s hard to miss, even behind a mask—<meta charset="utf-8">he looked a bit like a walking traffic cone.&nbsp;

After a quick greeting and a self-deprecating joke, DeBellevue pointed them to their Union Square hotel.&nbsp;

After a quick greeting and a self-deprecating joke, DeBellevue pointed them to their Union Square hotel.&nbsp;

&#8220;You get a sense pretty quickly of the people who really need you,” DeBellevue said, miming a person buried in their smartphone map spinning around to figure out which way to walk. “Sometimes people are a little off put, but most of the time they’re really thankful to have someone help them out.”

"You get a sense pretty quickly of the people who really need you,” DeBellevue said, miming a person buried in their smartphone map spinning around to figure out which way to walk. “Sometimes people are a little off put, but most of the time they’re really thankful to have someone help them out.”

&#8220;You get a sense pretty quickly of the people who really need you,” DeBellevue said, miming a person buried in their smartphone map spinning around to figure out which way to walk. “Sometimes people are a little off put, but most of the time they’re really thankful to have someone help them out.”

DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. They are responsible for welcoming people to the city, offering directions, taking photos, answering questions and functioning as a concierge for both visitors and residents alike.&nbsp;

DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. They are responsible for welcoming people to the city, offering directions, taking photos, answering questions and functioning as a concierge for both visitors and residents alike.&nbsp;

“The primary goal is to welcome people to the city, give information and help people feel comfortable and safe in San Francisco,” said Rena Leddy, vice president of Urban Place Consulting Group, which was enlisted to help design the program. It&#8217;s managed by Louisville, K.Y.-based Block by Block, which runs about 120 programs around the country.

“The primary goal is to welcome people to the city, give information and help people feel comfortable and safe in San Francisco,” said Rena Leddy, vice president of Urban Place Consulting Group, which was enlisted to help design the program. It's managed by Louisville, K.Y.-based Block by Block, which runs about 120 programs around the country.

“The primary goal is to welcome people to the city, give information and help people feel comfortable and safe in San Francisco,” said Rena Leddy, vice president of Urban Place Consulting Group, which was enlisted to help design the program. It&#8217;s managed by Louisville, K.Y.-based Block by Block, which runs about 120 programs around the country.

Paulita Elliott, director of operations at Block by Block, said the San Francisco program was unique in that ambassadors here, rather than being limited to a single main tourist district, are often assigned to multiple locations and take public transportation to travel between their postings.

Paulita Elliott, director of operations at Block by Block, said the San Francisco program was unique in that ambassadors here, rather than being limited to a single main tourist district, are often assigned to multiple locations and take public transportation to travel between their postings.

The program formally <a href="https://sfstandard.com/eyeing-conventions-san-francisco-installs-welcome-ambassadors-downtown/">started in November</a> and has conducted more than 230,000 public greetings.&nbsp;

The program formally <a href="https://sfstandard.com/eyeing-conventions-san-francisco-installs-welcome-ambassadors-downtown/">started in November</a> and has conducted more than 230,000 public greetings.&nbsp;

The Welcome Ambassador program operates 7 days a week, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with ambassadors posted in key tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Powell St. Cable Car Turnaround.&nbsp;

The Welcome Ambassador program operates 7 days a week, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with ambassadors posted in key tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Powell St. Cable Car Turnaround.&nbsp;

Brian DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to essentially act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. | Photo by Mike Kuba

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_10.png" alt="Welcome Ambassadors 1" class="wp-image-21353"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to essentially act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_10.png" alt="Welcome Ambassadors 1" class="wp-image-21353"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to essentially act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

Some of the initial hiccups in its rollout have stemmed from the lack of reliable public transit and retaining workers unprepared for the hospitality role or the physical nature of the job.

Some of the initial hiccups in its rollout have stemmed from the lack of reliable public transit and retaining workers unprepared for the hospitality role or the physical nature of the job.

“Being outside in the Bay weather and walking 10 to 13 miles is not always what they think it is,” Elliot said.&nbsp;

“Being outside in the Bay weather and walking 10 to 13 miles is not always what they think it is,” Elliot said.&nbsp;

The program is just one of several efforts to encourage more visitors to downtown and other tourist attractions. Other initiatives include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">staffing tourist areas with police officers</a>, another downtown ambassador program comprised of retired police officers, and beautification projects in and around Union Square.

The program is just one of several efforts to encourage more visitors to downtown and other tourist attractions. Other initiatives include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">staffing tourist areas with police officers</a>, another downtown ambassador program comprised of retired police officers, and beautification projects in and around Union Square.

Mayor London Breed has positioned the effort as part of the gradual recovery of San Francisco’s struggling tourism sector and a signal of safety to both residents and tourists.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed has positioned the effort as part of the gradual recovery of San Francisco’s struggling tourism sector and a signal of safety to both residents and tourists.&nbsp;

Moanna Sauleaupepetele, who was one of the program&#8217;s first hires, said community members have started to recognize the ambassadors’ presence and have taken to calling her and her colleagues “the orange people.”

Moanna Sauleaupepetele, who was one of the program's first hires, said community members have started to recognize the ambassadors’ presence and have taken to calling her and her colleagues “the orange people.”

Moanna Sauleaupepetele, who was one of the program&#8217;s first hires, said community members have started to recognize the ambassadors’ presence and have taken to calling her and her colleagues “the orange people.”

The welcome ambassadors are funded through a two-year $12.5 million grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to the San Francisco Tourism Improvement District, which is responsible for supporting SF Travel, the city’s tourism agency.&nbsp;

The welcome ambassadors are funded through a two-year $12.5 million grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to the San Francisco Tourism Improvement District, which is responsible for supporting SF Travel, the city’s tourism agency.&nbsp;

The ambassador’s friendly presence aims to boost to a lagging tourism industry that has traditionally been one of the main drivers of the city’s economy. San Francisco’s hotel market has had the largest fall and the slowest recovery of any major metropolitan area in the U.S.

The ambassador’s friendly presence aims to boost to a lagging tourism industry that has traditionally been one of the main drivers of the city’s economy. San Francisco’s hotel market has had the largest fall and the slowest recovery of any major metropolitan area in the U.S.

“San Francisco was one of the highest performing before the pandemic so it had farther to fall off,” said Emmy Hise, the CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for the Western U.S. “They’ve seen a huge loss in international travel and a very heavy group travel presence that hasn’t come back.&#8221;

“San Francisco was one of the highest performing before the pandemic so it had farther to fall off,” said Emmy Hise, the CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for the Western U.S. “They’ve seen a huge loss in international travel and a very heavy group travel presence that hasn’t come back."

“San Francisco was one of the highest performing before the pandemic so it had farther to fall off,” said Emmy Hise, the CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for the Western U.S. “They’ve seen a huge loss in international travel and a very heavy group travel presence that hasn’t come back.&#8221;

Those macroeconomic factors have been compounded by a national media narrative that has painted a city in crisis and struggling with an overdose epidemic and street crime.

Those macroeconomic factors have been compounded by a national media narrative that has painted a city in crisis and struggling with an overdose epidemic and street crime.

There was little evidence of that story at the Powell St. cable car turnaround on a recent Thursday morning.

There was little evidence of that story at the Powell St. cable car turnaround on a recent Thursday morning.

The line for the city’s iconic cable cars included local tourists marveling at the relative lack of crowds downtown, long-haired Dutch headbangers in town for Metallica&#8217;s 40th anniversary concert and a visitor from India unfortunately named Kovid (“I had the name 55 years earlier,” he protested.)

The line for the city’s iconic cable cars included local tourists marveling at the relative lack of crowds downtown, long-haired Dutch headbangers in town for Metallica's 40th anniversary concert and a visitor from India unfortunately named Kovid (“I had the name 55 years earlier,” he protested.)

The line for the city’s iconic cable cars included local tourists marveling at the relative lack of crowds downtown, long-haired Dutch headbangers in town for Metallica&#8217;s 40th anniversary concert and a visitor from India unfortunately named Kovid (“I had the name 55 years earlier,” he protested.)

Ardis Young, a Campbell resident on her first trip back to San Francisco since the pandemic, said her group was struck by the prevalence of ambassadors and street cleaning teams near tourist haunts. They provided a contrast to some of the stories around street conditions and rampant crime she and her friends had seen on the local news.&nbsp;

Ardis Young, a Campbell resident on her first trip back to San Francisco since the pandemic, said her group was struck by the prevalence of ambassadors and street cleaning teams near tourist haunts. They provided a contrast to some of the stories around street conditions and rampant crime she and her friends had seen on the local news.&nbsp;

While the lack of crowds meant “a different experience,” she still relished the city’s ability “to unearth something new” and mentioned the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS981US981&amp;oq=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.2040j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Let’s Glow SF</a> projection mapping display as a recent highlight.&nbsp;

While the lack of crowds meant “a different experience,” she still relished the city’s ability “to unearth something new” and mentioned the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS981US981&amp;oq=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.2040j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Let’s Glow SF</a> projection mapping display as a recent highlight.&nbsp;

DeBellevue worked the line like a seasoned pro, combining information about Muni’s smartphone app with bits of San Francisco trivia and teasing about this or that sports teams’ prospects.

DeBellevue worked the line like a seasoned pro, combining information about Muni’s smartphone app with bits of San Francisco trivia and teasing about this or that sports teams’ prospects.

“I like to catch people when they&#8217;re in line and get them laughing and having fun because it can get pretty defeating waiting an hour for something to go,” DeBellevue said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I like to catch people when they're in line and get them laughing and having fun because it can get pretty defeating waiting an hour for something to go,” DeBellevue said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I like to catch people when they&#8217;re in line and get them laughing and having fun because it can get pretty defeating waiting an hour for something to go,” DeBellevue said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ambassadors are often confronted with the harsher realities faced by the city. On the walk between Powell Station and Union Square, DeBellevue hunched down to check on a man splayed out on a sidewalk vent.

The ambassadors are often confronted with the harsher realities faced by the city. On the walk between Powell Station and Union Square, DeBellevue hunched down to check on a man splayed out on a sidewalk vent.

“We do have a lot of interactions with the homeless population and we do welfare checks,” DeBellevue said. “Our job is to make sure everybody’s good, it’s not just about tourists, it’s like every person has value and is seen. Just because you’re on drugs or have whatever you got going on, it doesn’t mean you don’t have value or are not important.”

“We do have a lot of interactions with the homeless population and we do welfare checks,” DeBellevue said. “Our job is to make sure everybody’s good, it’s not just about tourists, it’s like every person has value and is seen. Just because you’re on drugs or have whatever you got going on, it doesn’t mean you don’t have value or are not important.”

He recounted a recent experience he had helping a blind homeless man connect with services after he had received a housing voucher.&nbsp;

He recounted a recent experience he had helping a blind homeless man connect with services after he had received a housing voucher.&nbsp;

“He had this opportunity to get off the streets, so I helped him with that. I called 311, got him in touch with the correct channel and got him to the address,” DeBellevue said. “You have no idea the amount of joy that that brought him.”

“He had this opportunity to get off the streets, so I helped him with that. I called 311, got him in touch with the correct channel and got him to the address,” DeBellevue said. “You have no idea the amount of joy that that brought him.”

Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco's tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_6.png" alt="Welcome Ambassador" class="wp-image-21371"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco&#8217;s tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_6.png" alt="Welcome Ambassador" class="wp-image-21371"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco's tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_6.png" alt="Welcome Ambassador" class="wp-image-21371"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco&#8217;s tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

Each ambassador is given an Android device used as a walkie-talkie and for data collection around community engagement. The smartphone is loaded with apps that show the schedule for tour buses and public transportation and translation software for communication with non-English speakers.&nbsp;

Each ambassador is given an Android device used as a walkie-talkie and for data collection around community engagement. The smartphone is loaded with apps that show the schedule for tour buses and public transportation and translation software for communication with non-English speakers.&nbsp;

Ambassadors use their device to report data on their interactions with the public. The program’s leaders say these metrics and forthcoming surveys are key to understanding the impact of the ambassadors and measuring their success.

Ambassadors use their device to report data on their interactions with the public. The program’s leaders say these metrics and forthcoming surveys are key to understanding the impact of the ambassadors and measuring their success.

In his seven years in the city, DeBellevue has struggled with housing insecurity himself, relying on assistance from his mother and government relief to make ends meet. But the new role has provided him the rare opportunity to see the city anew.

In his seven years in the city, DeBellevue has struggled with housing insecurity himself, relying on assistance from his mother and government relief to make ends meet. But the new role has provided him the rare opportunity to see the city anew.

“When people come here they realize even the movies don’t do it justice,” DeBellevue said. “When you see it with your own eyes, you’re like ‘wow, this place is incredible.’”

“When people come here they realize even the movies don’t do it justice,” DeBellevue said. “When you see it with your own eyes, you’re like ‘wow, this place is incredible.’”

Meet the ‘orange people’ who are helping visitors and buffing SF’s battered image

Mike Kuba

Annie Gaus

They’ve become a familiar sight and sound to many San Franciscans: Sideshows and other car stunts that block intersections, damage streets and—in worst-case scenarios—cause serious injuries.&nbsp;

They’ve become a familiar sight and sound to many San Franciscans: Sideshows and other car stunts that block intersections, damage streets and—in worst-case scenarios—cause serious injuries.&nbsp;

At a Board of Supervisors hearing on Thursday, a group of city officials detailed the impact on city residents and introduced plans to deter the risky antics in San Francisco neighborhoods.&nbsp;

At a Board of Supervisors hearing on Thursday, a group of city officials detailed the impact on city residents and introduced plans to deter the risky antics in San Francisco neighborhoods.&nbsp;

“I believe the more we coordinate, suppress and intervene&#8230;the more people get word that San Francisco isn’t the place to do this type of activity,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who convened a hearing with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) to discuss sideshows and stunt driving.

“I believe the more we coordinate, suppress and intervene...the more people get word that San Francisco isn’t the place to do this type of activity,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who convened a hearing with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) to discuss sideshows and stunt driving.

“I believe the more we coordinate, suppress and intervene&#8230;the more people get word that San Francisco isn’t the place to do this type of activity,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who convened a hearing with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) to discuss sideshows and stunt driving.

The events are largely coordinated over social media, including “online gaming forums,” said SFPD Commander Daniel Perea. The most frequent stunt driving activity takes place in the southeastern part of San Francisco, with hotspots in the Mission, Bayview and Ingleside districts, though residents report incidents in many corners of the city.

The events are largely coordinated over social media, including “online gaming forums,” said SFPD Commander Daniel Perea. The most frequent stunt driving activity takes place in the southeastern part of San Francisco, with hotspots in the Mission, Bayview and Ingleside districts, though residents report incidents in many corners of the city.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-22-at-6.11.09-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6812"/><figcaption>Onlookers film a sideshow in San Francisco on July 11, 2021. | Photo courtesy of Twitter user @swollenbabies</figcaption></figure>

“They’re in areas that have ready access to interstate highways,” said Perea. “The majority of these folks that we’ve encountered, whose vehicles we’ve seized or who have been cited, have been from counties like Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Sonoma, Solano, Stanislaus and Sacramento.”&nbsp;

“They’re in areas that have ready access to interstate highways,” said Perea. “The majority of these folks that we’ve encountered, whose vehicles we’ve seized or who have been cited, have been from counties like Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Sonoma, Solano, Stanislaus and Sacramento.”&nbsp;

Last year, the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/supes-pass-legislation-to-increase-penalties-for-sideshow-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed an ordinance</a> allowing vehicles involved in stunt driving to be impounded for up to 30 days. In tandem, SFPD established a stunt driving response unit intended to deter the practice.&nbsp;

Last year, the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/supes-pass-legislation-to-increase-penalties-for-sideshow-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed an ordinance</a> allowing vehicles involved in stunt driving to be impounded for up to 30 days. In tandem, SFPD established a stunt driving response unit intended to deter the practice.&nbsp;

Between October 2020 and June 2021, that unit seized 31 vehicles and issued 225 warnings to vehicles identified at stunt driving events. Only one of the individuals who received citations or vehicle impounds was from San Francisco, according to Perea.&nbsp;

Between October 2020 and June 2021, that unit seized 31 vehicles and issued 225 warnings to vehicles identified at stunt driving events. Only one of the individuals who received citations or vehicle impounds was from San Francisco, according to Perea.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, SFMTA has begun installing small speed bumps and other traffic deterrents in an effort to prevent sideshows in certain hotspots. The agency is also tasked with cleanup from sideshows and stunts that damage intersections, said Ricardo Olea, a traffic engineer at SFMTA.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, SFMTA has begun installing small speed bumps and other traffic deterrents in an effort to prevent sideshows in certain hotspots. The agency is also tasked with cleanup from sideshows and stunts that damage intersections, said Ricardo Olea, a traffic engineer at SFMTA.&nbsp;

“On the MTA side, the cost to repaint a crosswalk is between $3,000 and $5,000 per intersection,” he said. “There is an opportunity cost as well…[SFMTA staff] are basically having to go out repeatedly to repaint crosswalks.”&nbsp;

“On the MTA side, the cost to repaint a crosswalk is between $3,000 and $5,000 per intersection,” he said. “There is an opportunity cost as well…[SFMTA staff] are basically having to go out repeatedly to repaint crosswalks.”&nbsp;

Likewise, a representative at DPW reported that between staff time and materials, costs of repair from a sideshow that damages city property run at least $2,800.&nbsp;

Likewise, a representative at DPW reported that between staff time and materials, costs of repair from a sideshow that damages city property run at least $2,800.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1405" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Image-from-iOS-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6773"/><figcaption>The aftermath of a sideshow in the Bayview District on July 22, 2021. | Photo by Meaghan Mitchell</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Image-from-iOS-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6773"/><figcaption>The aftermath of a sideshow in the Bayview District on July 22, 2021. | Photo by Meaghan Mitchell</figcaption></figure>

“That is cost, and again, that’s money SFMTA or DPW can be putting into Vision Zero or other traffic calming,” added Safai. In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, which has a policy goal of eliminating fatal traffic incidents by 2024.&nbsp;

“That is cost, and again, that’s money SFMTA or DPW can be putting into Vision Zero or other traffic calming,” added Safai. In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, which has a policy goal of eliminating fatal traffic incidents by 2024.&nbsp;

In June, San Jose <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/06/29/san-jose-makes-it-a-crime-to-encourage-illegal-street-racing-on-social-media/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed an ordinance</a> making it a crime to promote sideshows on social media. Under that law, violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

In June, San Jose <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/06/29/san-jose-makes-it-a-crime-to-encourage-illegal-street-racing-on-social-media/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed an ordinance</a> making it a crime to promote sideshows on social media. Under that law, violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Safai said that San Jose’s ordinance was likely too broad to be applicable in San Francisco, but that the Board of Supervisors will monitor sideshow activity over the next six to nine months to see if the new deterrent measures have any effect.&nbsp;

Safai said that San Jose’s ordinance was likely too broad to be applicable in San Francisco, but that the Board of Supervisors will monitor sideshow activity over the next six to nine months to see if the new deterrent measures have any effect.&nbsp;

“Unfortunately, this is something we have to come at with the angle that it can’t be tolerated,” he said.&nbsp;

“Unfortunately, this is something we have to come at with the angle that it can’t be tolerated,” he said.&nbsp;

Sideshows, ‘stunt driving’ are costing the city, say supervisors

Christina Campodonico

Over last weekend, chunks of Slow Streets in the Sunset mysteriously disappeared.&nbsp;

Over last weekend, chunks of Slow Streets in the Sunset mysteriously disappeared.&nbsp;

“Who removed the slow street barriers in District 4, and who directed them to do so?” <a href="https://twitter.com/chris_labarthe/status/1381100506844520453?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">queried</a> local writer Chris Labarthe. District 4 resident and Bart Director Janice Li <a href="https://twitter.com/JaniceForBART/status/1381015126984122369?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tweeted</a>, “I find myself absolutely shocked,” with pictures of “barricades down” and a “bike lane blocked” near Ocean Beach. One Twitter user even <a href="https://twitter.com/graue/status/1380761208970616833?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noticed</a> swaths of Slow Streets removed from the San Francisco Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) digital map of the traffic-calming measure.

“Who removed the slow street barriers in District 4, and who directed them to do so?” <a href="https://twitter.com/chris_labarthe/status/1381100506844520453?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">queried</a> local writer Chris Labarthe. District 4 resident and Bart Director Janice Li <a href="https://twitter.com/JaniceForBART/status/1381015126984122369?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tweeted</a>, “I find myself absolutely shocked,” with pictures of “barricades down” and a “bike lane blocked” near Ocean Beach. One Twitter user even <a href="https://twitter.com/graue/status/1380761208970616833?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noticed</a> swaths of Slow Streets removed from the San Francisco Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) digital map of the traffic-calming measure.

SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin—who essentially manages San Francisco’s streets—admitted he had no idea where the Slow Streets had gone. “I did not authorize removal of Slow Streets in the Sunset, and I don’t yet understand why our online map got edited,” he wrote <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffreytumlin/status/1381047382406688774?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Twitter</a> on Saturday.

SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin—who essentially manages San Francisco’s streets—admitted he had no idea where the Slow Streets had gone. “I did not authorize removal of Slow Streets in the Sunset, and I don’t yet understand why our online map got edited,” he wrote <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffreytumlin/status/1381047382406688774?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Twitter</a> on Saturday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I did not authorize removal of Slow Streets in the Sunset, and I don&#39;t yet understand why our online map got edited yesterday. New Slow Streets barricades will be replaced in slightly different configurations in the Sunset tomorrow&mdash; Jeffrey Tumlin 🏳️‍🌈 (@jeffreytumlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffreytumlin/status/1381047382406688774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The confusion came amid <a href="https://twitter.com/MClendaniel/status/1380917515837009921?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an announcement</a> by Supervisor Gordon Mar Friday saying that he was supporting “a unanimous request” by San Francisco Unified principals in the Sunset to remove Slow Streets to accommodate increased traffic as classes resumed. SFUSD <a href="https://abc7news.com/sf-school-reopening-schools-reopen-sfusd-back-to-in-person-classes/10510096/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reopened</a> 22 of its campuses for a portion of its preschool through 3rd graders on April 12.

The confusion came amid <a href="https://twitter.com/MClendaniel/status/1380917515837009921?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an announcement</a> by Supervisor Gordon Mar Friday saying that he was supporting “a unanimous request” by San Francisco Unified principals in the Sunset to remove Slow Streets to accommodate increased traffic as classes resumed. SFUSD <a href="https://abc7news.com/sf-school-reopening-schools-reopen-sfusd-back-to-in-person-classes/10510096/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reopened</a> 22 of its campuses for a portion of its preschool through 3rd graders on April 12.

But by Sunday, following alternative transit advocates coming down hard on Mar and wondering how certain Slow Streets could simply vanish without community input, the barriers that had been removed around 41st and Ortega were replaced. SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato told Here/Say that “there was an internal miscommunication,” SFUSD Public Relations Manager Laura Dudnick said that Sunset principals “never advocated for complete elimination of the City’s [Slow Streets] program,” and Mar<a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1381091879173779457?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> shared a statement</a> apologizing for the “great deal of confusion and frustration.”&nbsp;

But by Sunday, following alternative transit advocates coming down hard on Mar and wondering how certain Slow Streets could simply vanish without community input, the barriers that had been removed around 41st and Ortega were replaced. SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato told Here/Say that “there was an internal miscommunication,” SFUSD Public Relations Manager Laura Dudnick said that Sunset principals “never advocated for complete elimination of the City’s [Slow Streets] program,” and Mar<a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1381091879173779457?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> shared a statement</a> apologizing for the “great deal of confusion and frustration.”&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1381091879173779457?s=20
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">An update on Slow Streets in the Sunset: <a href="https://t.co/I3U4ycIQRt">pic.twitter.com/I3U4ycIQRt</a>&mdash; Gordon Mar 馬兆明 (@D4GordonMar) <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1381091879173779457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While most Sunset Slow Streets are back to “normal”—for now—the weekend debacle raises questions about how San Francisco will balance reopening with pedestrian-first policies implemented during the pandemic. There has been incremental <a href="https://sfbayca.com/2021/04/07/sfmta-approves-more-slow-streets-corridors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">government movement</a> to make Slow Streets a <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/slow-streets-path-permanence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permanent</a> fixture of San Francisco, but some residents fear that Supervisor Mar’s actions last week could put the future of the program in danger citywide.&nbsp;

While most Sunset Slow Streets are back to “normal”—for now—the weekend debacle raises questions about how San Francisco will balance reopening with pedestrian-first policies implemented during the pandemic. There has been incremental <a href="https://sfbayca.com/2021/04/07/sfmta-approves-more-slow-streets-corridors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">government movement</a> to make Slow Streets a <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/slow-streets-path-permanence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permanent</a> fixture of San Francisco, but some residents fear that Supervisor Mar’s actions last week could put the future of the program in danger citywide.&nbsp;

“I&#8217;m concerned that this will be happening in the Richmond District next, that Slow Streets that aren&#8217;t even connected to schools will be ripped out because people that want to drive their car down Cabrillo to get to Argonne, for example, don&#8217;t want the inconvenience of having to go a block over,” bike advocate and SFUSD parent Jay Bain told Here/Say.

“I'm concerned that this will be happening in the Richmond District next, that Slow Streets that aren't even connected to schools will be ripped out because people that want to drive their car down Cabrillo to get to Argonne, for example, don't want the inconvenience of having to go a block over,” bike advocate and SFUSD parent Jay Bain told Here/Say.

“I&#8217;m concerned that this will be happening in the Richmond District next, that Slow Streets that aren&#8217;t even connected to schools will be ripped out because people that want to drive their car down Cabrillo to get to Argonne, for example, don&#8217;t want the inconvenience of having to go a block over,” bike advocate and SFUSD parent Jay Bain told Here/Say.

Bain also observed that the city’s predominant “curbside drop-off culture” when it comes to shuttling kids to and from school would be a tough hurdle to overcome as students transition back to attending school in person.&nbsp;

Bain also observed that the city’s predominant “curbside drop-off culture” when it comes to shuttling kids to and from school would be a tough hurdle to overcome as students transition back to attending school in person.&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a lot of concern being raised by parents who aren&#8217;t really as worried about the Slow Streets as much as they are getting their kids to school,” said Bain, who is sympathetic to parents who feel their only option is to transport their kids by car but hopes that city leadership will take measured steps toward addressing the future of Slow Streets. “I really hope that my Supervisor is thoughtful, and if they make decisions about changing things, that there is some kind of process, and that they recognize the value of what Slow Streets can be.”

“There's a lot of concern being raised by parents who aren't really as worried about the Slow Streets as much as they are getting their kids to school,” said Bain, who is sympathetic to parents who feel their only option is to transport their kids by car but hopes that city leadership will take measured steps toward addressing the future of Slow Streets. “I really hope that my Supervisor is thoughtful, and if they make decisions about changing things, that there is some kind of process, and that they recognize the value of what Slow Streets can be.”

“There&#8217;s a lot of concern being raised by parents who aren&#8217;t really as worried about the Slow Streets as much as they are getting their kids to school,” said Bain, who is sympathetic to parents who feel their only option is to transport their kids by car but hopes that city leadership will take measured steps toward addressing the future of Slow Streets. “I really hope that my Supervisor is thoughtful, and if they make decisions about changing things, that there is some kind of process, and that they recognize the value of what Slow Streets can be.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Image-from-iOS-2-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2937"/><figcaption>Slow Street signage at 41st and Irving in the Sunset | Photo by Rob Aiavao for Here/Say</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Image-from-iOS-2-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2937"/><figcaption>Slow Street signage at 41st and Irving in the Sunset | Photo by Rob Aiavao for Here/Say</figcaption></figure>

Sunset resident and local activist Cyn Wang, who lives off one of the Sunset’s Slow Streets, echoed Bain’s worry about not being able to bike with her daughter to her elementary school if her neighborhood’s Slow Streets were removed and the “huge loss” it would mean for the community.&nbsp;

Sunset resident and local activist Cyn Wang, who lives off one of the Sunset’s Slow Streets, echoed Bain’s worry about not being able to bike with her daughter to her elementary school if her neighborhood’s Slow Streets were removed and the “huge loss” it would mean for the community.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s like a death knell,” commented self-described “mobility agitator” and SFUSD parent Stacey Randecker, who hosted <a href="https://twitter.com/spiraltime/status/1381703789938241536?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Clubhouse discussion</a> on “Schools As Car-Free Zones” a few days after the incident, and later spoke with Here/Say. “If they&#8217;re not going to work there, they&#8217;re not going to work anywhere.”

“It's like a death knell,” commented self-described “mobility agitator” and SFUSD parent Stacey Randecker, who hosted <a href="https://twitter.com/spiraltime/status/1381703789938241536?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Clubhouse discussion</a> on “Schools As Car-Free Zones” a few days after the incident, and later spoke with Here/Say. “If they're not going to work there, they're not going to work anywhere.”

“It&#8217;s like a death knell,” commented self-described “mobility agitator” and SFUSD parent Stacey Randecker, who hosted <a href="https://twitter.com/spiraltime/status/1381703789938241536?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Clubhouse discussion</a> on “Schools As Car-Free Zones” a few days after the incident, and later spoke with Here/Say. “If they&#8217;re not going to work there, they&#8217;re not going to work anywhere.”

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/JaniceForBART/status/1381025523241918467?s=20
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">How it started. How it’s going. <a href="https://t.co/No3X2HGV0k">pic.twitter.com/No3X2HGV0k</a>&mdash; Janice Li 李正元 (@JaniceForBART) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaniceForBART/status/1381025523241918467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Randecker’s <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaJCampo/status/1381747898904240128?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clubhouse discussion</a> also raised concerns about air pollution, traffic congestion and student-pedestrian safety around schools as more parents chauffeur their children to reopening campuses.

Randecker’s <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaJCampo/status/1381747898904240128?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clubhouse discussion</a> also raised concerns about air pollution, traffic congestion and student-pedestrian safety around schools as more parents chauffeur their children to reopening campuses.

But San Francisco Bike Coalition Executive Director Brian Wiedenmeier disagrees with assertions that the attempted removal of Slow Streets from the Sunset marks a grim outlook for the future of the city’s Slow Streets.&nbsp;

But San Francisco Bike Coalition Executive Director Brian Wiedenmeier disagrees with assertions that the attempted removal of Slow Streets from the Sunset marks a grim outlook for the future of the city’s Slow Streets.&nbsp;

“We know our members and folks in the community <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/district-fours-fight-for-better-mobility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have demonstrated</a> really strong support for Slow Streets in District 4 and in the Sunset neighborhood,” said Wiedenmeier, despite the community’s reputation as a more suburban, less dense and sprawled out part of the city that relies on cars. “I think Slow Streets have a promising future citywide, and that includes the Sunset district.”

“We know our members and folks in the community <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/district-fours-fight-for-better-mobility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have demonstrated</a> really strong support for Slow Streets in District 4 and in the Sunset neighborhood,” said Wiedenmeier, despite the community’s reputation as a more suburban, less dense and sprawled out part of the city that relies on cars. “I think Slow Streets have a promising future citywide, and that includes the Sunset district.”

Yet, Wiedenmeier does worry that last weekend’s confusing series of events illustrates a bigger, more fundamental misperception of how Slow Streets actually work in local neighborhoods. <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/reports/about-slow-streets-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to SFMTA’s website</a>, Slow Streets limit through traffic on residential streets with cones, barriers and signage, but they do not prohibit resident access and parking to such streets. SFMTA confirmed with Here/Say that school traffic to pick up or drop off students is allowed on Slow Streets.&nbsp;

Yet, Wiedenmeier does worry that last weekend’s confusing series of events illustrates a bigger, more fundamental misperception of how Slow Streets actually work in local neighborhoods. <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/reports/about-slow-streets-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to SFMTA’s website</a>, Slow Streets limit through traffic on residential streets with cones, barriers and signage, but they do not prohibit resident access and parking to such streets. SFMTA confirmed with Here/Say that school traffic to pick up or drop off students is allowed on Slow Streets.&nbsp;

“A way that I like to think about them is just an expanded school zone,” Wiedenmeier said. “They do not prevent parents from dropping off students by car if that&#8217;s how they&#8217;re getting to school. At the same time, they encourage more families to walk and bike to school.”&nbsp;

“A way that I like to think about them is just an expanded school zone,” Wiedenmeier said. “They do not prevent parents from dropping off students by car if that's how they're getting to school. At the same time, they encourage more families to walk and bike to school.”&nbsp;

“A way that I like to think about them is just an expanded school zone,” Wiedenmeier said. “They do not prevent parents from dropping off students by car if that&#8217;s how they&#8217;re getting to school. At the same time, they encourage more families to walk and bike to school.”&nbsp;

Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove Slow Streets in the future should be transparent and data-driven, said Wiedenmeier.

Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove Slow Streets in the future should be transparent and data-driven, said Wiedenmeier.

“There is a really important discussion to be had about what the transportation recovery looks like and how our streets best support the reopening of schools, the reopening of businesses, the return of a lot of in-person activities,” said Wiedenmeier. “Being hyper-reactive and responding quickly without consideration or more thorough outreach and communication is not the way to go about that.”

“There is a really important discussion to be had about what the transportation recovery looks like and how our streets best support the reopening of schools, the reopening of businesses, the return of a lot of in-person activities,” said Wiedenmeier. “Being hyper-reactive and responding quickly without consideration or more thorough outreach and communication is not the way to go about that.”

Local residents like Wang would also appreciate more communication between city officials, community members and local schools before any major changes are made.&nbsp;

Local residents like Wang would also appreciate more communication between city officials, community members and local schools before any major changes are made.&nbsp;

“I would welcome further community engagement and conversation,” said Wang. “I&#8217;m sure that there are alternative ways we can come up with where families can do safe and accessible drop-off and pick-up while at the same time preserving Slow Streets.”

“I would welcome further community engagement and conversation,” said Wang. “I'm sure that there are alternative ways we can come up with where families can do safe and accessible drop-off and pick-up while at the same time preserving Slow Streets.”

“I would welcome further community engagement and conversation,” said Wang. “I&#8217;m sure that there are alternative ways we can come up with where families can do safe and accessible drop-off and pick-up while at the same time preserving Slow Streets.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Image-from-iOS-4-2-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2948"/><figcaption>Alternative transit advocates believe that Slow Streets like this one can make the areas around schools safer | Rob Aiavao for Here/Say</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Image-from-iOS-4-2-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2948"/><figcaption>Alternative transit advocates believe that Slow Streets like this one can make the areas around schools safer | Rob Aiavao for Here/Say</figcaption></figure>

But for Mar, Slow Streets never worked that well in the Sunset to begin with. “We’re at the point where we need to move beyond all these temporary, reactive, emergency measures and really be forward-thinking. As best as I can tell, there is no comprehensive plan for Slow Streets, and what started as an experiment continues to be an experiment,” the Supervisor told Here/Say.&nbsp;

But for Mar, Slow Streets never worked that well in the Sunset to begin with. “We’re at the point where we need to move beyond all these temporary, reactive, emergency measures and really be forward-thinking. As best as I can tell, there is no comprehensive plan for Slow Streets, and what started as an experiment continues to be an experiment,” the Supervisor told Here/Say.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the Slow Streets snafu reveals a broader question about what San Francisco’s streets will look like in a post-pandemic world. Which changes implemented during lockdown in an unprecedented time in San Francisco’s history will the city choose to keep?

Ultimately, the Slow Streets snafu reveals a broader question about what San Francisco’s streets will look like in a post-pandemic world. Which changes implemented during lockdown in an unprecedented time in San Francisco’s history will the city choose to keep?

“I think this is a once in a generation opportunity to take a different look at the infrastructure in the shared spaces we have and think differently about how we use them,” said Bain.

“I think this is a once in a generation opportunity to take a different look at the infrastructure in the shared spaces we have and think differently about how we use them,” said Bain.

Barricades down, bike lane blocked

Amid a growing overdose crisis in San Francisco, a Board of Supervisors hearing on Thursday evolved into a robust debate on the role of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528824/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harm reduction</a> and <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-abstinence-including-pros-and-cons-22102" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug abstinence</a> in public health services, and what must be done to stem fatalities and guide more individuals into care.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amid a growing overdose crisis in San Francisco, a Board of Supervisors hearing on Thursday evolved into a robust debate on the role of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528824/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harm reduction</a> and <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-abstinence-including-pros-and-cons-22102" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug abstinence</a> in public health services, and what must be done to stem fatalities and guide more individuals into care.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a four-hour hearing, the Board’s public safety committee scrutinized overdose prevention policies at the Department of Public Health and other agencies that come into contact with people at risk of overdose. They also revisited <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco_Substance_Abuse_Programs,_Proposition_T_(November_2008)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proposition T</a>, a 2008 ballot measure that required DPH to provide enough low-barrier substance abuse treatment “to meet demand,” and to report annually on its progress in that goal.&nbsp;

In a four-hour hearing, the Board’s public safety committee scrutinized overdose prevention policies at the Department of Public Health and other agencies that come into contact with people at risk of overdose. They also revisited <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco_Substance_Abuse_Programs,_Proposition_T_(November_2008)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proposition T</a>, a 2008 ballot measure that required DPH to provide enough low-barrier substance abuse treatment “to meet demand,” and to report annually on its progress in that goal.&nbsp;

The consensus? The spirit of that law—if not the letter—simply isn’t being met thirteen years later. And San Francisco’s current approach to addiction treatment is leaving far too many people at risk.

<p id="h-the-consensus-the-spirit-of-that-law-if-not-the-letter-simply-isn-t-being-met-thirteen-years-later-and-san-francisco-s-current-approach-to-addiction-treatment-is-leaving-far-too-many-people-at-risk">The consensus? The spirit of that law—if not the letter—simply isn’t being met thirteen years later. And San Francisco’s current approach to addiction treatment is leaving far too many people at risk.

“I don’t believe anyone walking around the city believes we are meeting the need for drug treatment or mental health services,” said Supervisor Catherine Stefani (District 2). Stefani, along with others on the committee, expressed frustration at receiving DPH’s latest Proposition T report several months late.

“I don’t believe anyone walking around the city believes we are meeting the need for drug treatment or mental health services,” said Supervisor Catherine Stefani (District 2). Stefani, along with others on the committee, expressed frustration at receiving DPH’s latest Proposition T report several months late.

“This is not a ‘check-the-box’ activity,” Stefani added.&nbsp;

“This is not a ‘check-the-box’ activity,” Stefani added.&nbsp;

Dr. David Pating, an addiction specialist at DPH, identified a number of potential gaps in San Francisco’s system of care. In particular, the city’s transitional treatment options—which assist people in remaining healthy and avoiding relapse after completing intensive residential treatment—should be augmented, according to Pating.&nbsp;

Dr. David Pating, an addiction specialist at DPH, identified a number of potential gaps in San Francisco’s system of care. In particular, the city’s transitional treatment options—which assist people in remaining healthy and avoiding relapse after completing intensive residential treatment—should be augmented, according to Pating.&nbsp;

core/pullquote

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>“I don’t believe anyone walking around the city believes we are meeting the need for drug treatment or mental health services. This is not a ‘check-the-box’ activity.” <cite>— Supervisor Catherine Stefani</cite></blockquote></figure>

“There are still people on the street who need to be outreached, in the Bayview, and in other communities,” said Pating. “We’re obviously missing people and need to bring them in.”&nbsp;

“There are still people on the street who need to be outreached, in the Bayview, and in other communities,” said Pating. “We’re obviously missing people and need to bring them in.”&nbsp;

Paul Harkin, director of harm reduction at GLIDE speaks with people on a popular alley way with drug users in the Tenderloin neighborhood to handout narcan, fentanyl detection packets and tinfoil to those drug users in need as a part of outreach on the streets of San Francisco .  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GettyImages-1201746558-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="A person in a hoodie sits on the sidewalk with bags around them, while another person offers them food. A mural and a bus are visible in the background." class="wp-image-4182"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paul Harkin, director of harm reduction at GLIDE, speaks with people on a popular alley way with drug users in the Tenderloin. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GettyImages-1201746558-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="A person in a hoodie sits on the sidewalk with bags around them, while another person offers them food. A mural and a bus are visible in the background." class="wp-image-4182"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paul Harkin, director of harm reduction at GLIDE, speaks with people on a popular alley way with drug users in the Tenderloin. | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Meet the ‘orange people’ who are helping visitors and buffing SF’s battered image

Sideshows, ‘stunt driving’ are costing the city, say supervisors

Barricades down, bike lane blocked

Board of Supervisors hearing on drug treatment sparks debate on harm reduction, abstinence

With more enforcement power than ever, state relies on housing activists to enforce duplex law

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Meet the ‘orange people’ who are helping visitors and buffing SF’s battered image

Sideshows, ‘stunt driving’ are costing the city, say supervisors

Barricades down, bike lane blocked

Board of Supervisors hearing on drug treatment sparks debate on harm reduction, abstinence

With more enforcement power than ever, state relies on housing activists to enforce duplex law