Priya Anand

Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell represent two ends of the ideological spectrum in the mayor&#8217;s race, but there&#8217;s one thing they agree on: A state bill proposing to regulate AI development in the name of safety is bad news for San Francisco.

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<p>Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell represent two ends of the ideological spectrum in the mayor's race, but there's one thing they agree on: A state bill proposing to regulate AI development in the name of safety is bad news for San Francisco.</p>

<p>Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell represent two ends of the ideological spectrum in the mayor&#8217;s race, but there&#8217;s one thing they agree on: A state bill proposing to regulate AI development in the name of safety is bad news for San Francisco.</p>

State Sen. Scott Wiener said his bill, SB 1047, is aimed at ensuring that the largest AI companies implement safeguards to prevent their technology from being used to cause serious harm. Many in Silicon Valley say the bill could threaten the budding AI industry that has <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-15/ai-startups-are-a-bright-spot-in-san-francisco-s-dismal-office-market">clustered in San Francisco</a>, at a time when the city is still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

<p>State Sen. Scott Wiener said his bill, SB 1047, is aimed at ensuring that the largest AI companies implement safeguards to prevent their technology from being used to cause serious harm. Many in Silicon Valley say the bill could threaten the budding AI industry that has <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-15/ai-startups-are-a-bright-spot-in-san-francisco-s-dismal-office-market">clustered in San Francisco</a>, at a time when the city is still struggling to recover from the pandemic.</p>

For a wonky piece of legislation that applies only to companies spending $100 million or more on training AI models, SB 1047 has become a salient local issue, reflecting how much of the San Francisco economy revolves around tech. For his part, Wiener said he’s “a big fan of AI” and “very proud that San Francisco is the heart of AI innovation.”&nbsp;

<p>For a wonky piece of legislation that applies only to companies spending $100 million or more on training AI models, SB 1047 has become a salient local issue, reflecting how much of the San Francisco economy revolves around tech. For his part, Wiener said he’s “a big fan of AI” and “very proud that San Francisco is the heart of AI innovation.”&nbsp;</p>

“The bill&#8217;s good intentions are overshadowed by speculative regulations that will chill innovation before it begins,” the Board of Supervisors president said. “We should approach the regulation of AI just as we approach any industry that impacts how San Franciscans live, work and play. That means safeguarding against known harms, like discrimination or market manipulation, while promoting concepts like open source or open weights that can allow engineers and entrepreneurs to innovate in ways that actually benefit workers and consumers.”

<p>“The bill's good intentions are overshadowed by speculative regulations that will chill innovation before it begins,” the Board of Supervisors president said. “We should approach the regulation of AI just as we approach any industry that impacts how San Franciscans live, work and play. That means safeguarding against known harms, like discrimination or market manipulation, while promoting concepts like open source or open weights that can allow engineers and entrepreneurs to innovate in ways that actually benefit workers and consumers.”</p>

<p>“The bill&#8217;s good intentions are overshadowed by speculative regulations that will chill innovation before it begins,” the Board of Supervisors president said. “We should approach the regulation of AI just as we approach any industry that impacts how San Franciscans live, work and play. That means safeguarding against known harms, like discrimination or market manipulation, while promoting concepts like open source or open weights that can allow engineers and entrepreneurs to innovate in ways that actually benefit workers and consumers.”</p>

Aaron Peskin speaks to the crowd at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with a short gray beard and glasses, wearing a blue suit and tie, is speaking passionately with his hands raised against a dark background." class="wp-image-284207"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin speaks at a mayoral debate in June. He has been critical of SB 1047, which some say is bad news for San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-35.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with a short gray beard and glasses, wearing a blue suit and tie, is speaking passionately with his hands raised against a dark background." class="wp-image-284207"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin speaks at a mayoral debate in June. He has been critical of SB 1047, which some say is bad news for San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Farrell went further, writing on <a href="https://medium.com/@markfarrellsf_30463/back-up-the-ai-moving-trucks-the-implications-of-sb-1047-for-san-francisco-b150b551cc2a">Medium</a> that the bill “has the potential to kill our nascent AI ecosystem in San Francisco and stop the one kernel of hope our fragile local technology economy has today.”&nbsp;

<p>Farrell went further, writing on <a href="https://medium.com/@markfarrellsf_30463/back-up-the-ai-moving-trucks-the-implications-of-sb-1047-for-san-francisco-b150b551cc2a">Medium</a> that the bill “has the potential to kill our nascent AI ecosystem in San Francisco and stop the one kernel of hope our fragile local technology economy has today.”&nbsp;</p>

“Everyone in San Francisco should be alarmed about SB 1047,” he wrote. “Let’s leave AI regulation to the federal government, and locally, instead focus on fostering technology innovation, including AI, rather than giving the industry a reason to leave us.”

<p>“Everyone in San Francisco should be alarmed about SB 1047,” he wrote. “Let’s leave AI regulation to the federal government, and locally, instead focus on fostering technology innovation, including AI, rather than giving the industry a reason to leave us.”</p>

While her challengers have made an issue of the bill and its potential impact on the economy, Mayor London Breed has opted to straddle the fence, noting that Wiener’s office is actively amending the bill based on feedback from technology companies.

<p>While her challengers have made an issue of the bill and its potential impact on the economy, Mayor London Breed has opted to straddle the fence, noting that Wiener’s office is actively amending the bill based on feedback from technology companies.</p>

Mayor London Breed gives her State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Breed gave an impassioned speech on San Francisco’s recovery post-pandemic, and pushed back on criticism of the city.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer gestures while speaking at a podium." class="wp-image-257440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is &#8220;working diligently on this bill with a goal of embracing and supporting AI, while safeguarding against possible abuses,&#8221; a spokesman said.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer gestures while speaking at a podium." class="wp-image-257440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is "working diligently on this bill with a goal of embracing and supporting AI, while safeguarding against possible abuses," a spokesman said.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer gestures while speaking at a podium." class="wp-image-257440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is &#8220;working diligently on this bill with a goal of embracing and supporting AI, while safeguarding against possible abuses,&#8221; a spokesman said.</figcaption></figure>

Breed’s spokesman, Jeff Cretan, called AI regulation “complicated and important,” praising Wiener’s efforts to put forward legislation but not explicitly endorsing the bill.&nbsp;

<p>Breed’s spokesman, Jeff Cretan, called AI regulation “complicated and important,” praising Wiener’s efforts to put forward legislation but not explicitly endorsing the bill.&nbsp;</p>

“Mayor Breed knows that Sen. Wiener is working diligently on this bill with a goal of embracing and supporting AI, while safeguarding against possible abuses,” Cretan said. “AI is and will continue to be an important part of San Francisco’s present and future.” He noted that Wiener’s office is working with Anthropic, a leading AI company, to amend the bill.

<p>“Mayor Breed knows that Sen. Wiener is working diligently on this bill with a goal of embracing and supporting AI, while safeguarding against possible abuses,” Cretan said. “AI is and will continue to be an important part of San Francisco’s present and future.” He noted that Wiener’s office is working with Anthropic, a leading AI company, to amend the bill.</p>

Some of Silicon Valley’s most prominent voices have criticized the legislation. Y Combinator’s Garry Tan — who has encouraged startups to headquarter in San Francisco — <a href="https://x.com/garrytan/status/1804274947159920746">said</a> SB 1047 could “gravely harm California’s ability to retain its AI talent and remain the location of choice for AI companies.” Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz said the bill would set “an impossible standard to meet,” <a href="https://a16z.com/sb-1047-what-you-need-to-know-with-anjney-midha/">arguing</a> that “most startups will simply have to relocate to more AI-friendly states or countries.”

<p>Some of Silicon Valley’s most prominent voices have criticized the legislation. Y Combinator’s Garry Tan — who has encouraged startups to headquarter in San Francisco — <a href="https://x.com/garrytan/status/1804274947159920746">said</a> SB 1047 could “gravely harm California’s ability to retain its AI talent and remain the location of choice for AI companies.” Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz said the bill would set “an impossible standard to meet,” <a href="https://a16z.com/sb-1047-what-you-need-to-know-with-anjney-midha/">arguing</a> that “most startups will simply have to relocate to more AI-friendly states or countries.”</p>

Tech entrepreneur and CEO of Y Combinator Garry Tan reacts to a question during an interview at his offices in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Garry Tan has become a political activist and is one of the fiercest critics of progressives in San Francisco.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garrytan09272023_018.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bespectacled man in a black shirt, hand in hair, looks at the camera with a slight smile." class="wp-image-244336"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Y Combinator&#8217;s Garry Tan said SB 1047 could “gravely harm California’s ability to retain its AI talent.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garrytan09272023_018.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bespectacled man in a black shirt, hand in hair, looks at the camera with a slight smile." class="wp-image-244336"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Y Combinator's Garry Tan said SB 1047 could “gravely harm California’s ability to retain its AI talent."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garrytan09272023_018.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bespectacled man in a black shirt, hand in hair, looks at the camera with a slight smile." class="wp-image-244336"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Y Combinator&#8217;s Garry Tan said SB 1047 could “gravely harm California’s ability to retain its AI talent.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

In a city where some 18.7% of workers held tech jobs as of 2021, SB 1047 casts a long shadow. One entrepreneur cited the bill to rail online against crime in the city, after she was injured by a homeless man while sitting in a coffee shop. She <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/face-cut-homeless-man-kill-ai-safety-law/?taid=667cac7333a740000167e706&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">argued</a> that state leaders should focus more on personal safety than on regulating innovation. “Focus on keeping us ACTUALLY safe,” she wrote.&nbsp;

Injured by a homeless man, she’s using the crime to kill an AI safety law

<p>In a city where some 18.7% of workers held tech jobs as of 2021, SB 1047 casts a long shadow. One entrepreneur cited the bill to rail online against crime in the city, after she was injured by a homeless man while sitting in a coffee shop. She <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/face-cut-homeless-man-kill-ai-safety-law/?taid=667cac7333a740000167e706&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">argued</a> that state leaders should focus more on personal safety than on regulating innovation. “Focus on keeping us ACTUALLY safe,” she wrote.&nbsp;</p>

Wiener called concerns that his bill could quash San Francisco’s innovation economy “fear-mongering.” He said in an interview that Farrell’s post misinterpreted what the proposed legislation would do. Its focus on companies spending $100 million or more to train AI models limits its scope to the largest firms, such as Anthropic, OpenAI and the tech giants, Wiener said.

<p>Wiener called concerns that his bill could quash San Francisco’s innovation economy “fear-mongering.” He said in an interview that Farrell’s post misinterpreted what the proposed legislation would do. Its focus on companies spending $100 million or more to train AI models limits its scope to the largest firms, such as Anthropic, OpenAI and the tech giants, Wiener said.</p>

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Anthropic, which develops the Claude chatbot, told the senator’s office in a late-July letter that it does not support the bill in its current form but is open to doing so if the company’s suggested amendments are addressed. “We&#8217;re actively working with Anthropic and making amendments to the bill,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

<p>Anthropic, which develops the Claude chatbot, told the senator’s office in a late-July letter that it does not support the bill in its current form but is open to doing so if the company’s suggested amendments are addressed. “We're actively working with Anthropic and making amendments to the bill,” Wiener said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anthropic, which develops the Claude chatbot, told the senator’s office in a late-July letter that it does not support the bill in its current form but is open to doing so if the company’s suggested amendments are addressed. “We&#8217;re actively working with Anthropic and making amendments to the bill,” Wiener said.&nbsp;</p>

Those changes include narrowing the scope of the bill to focus on ways to hold companies responsible for causing disasters, &#8220;instead of deciding what measures companies should take to prevent catastrophes (which are still hypothetical and where the ecosystem is still iterating to determine best practices),” according to the letter.

<p>Those changes include narrowing the scope of the bill to focus on ways to hold companies responsible for causing disasters, "instead of deciding what measures companies should take to prevent catastrophes (which are still hypothetical and where the ecosystem is still iterating to determine best practices),” according to the letter.</p>

<p>Those changes include narrowing the scope of the bill to focus on ways to hold companies responsible for causing disasters, &#8220;instead of deciding what measures companies should take to prevent catastrophes (which are still hypothetical and where the ecosystem is still iterating to determine best practices),” according to the letter.</p>

OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman speaks at Dreamforce at Moscone Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AltmanBreakoutLizDreamforce-148.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue suit and white shirt is sitting on a beige chair with an orange cushion. In the background, there are green plants and a reddish-brown canopy." class="wp-image-200112"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is one of the companies spending at least $100 million on training AI models that would be affected by the bill.</figcaption></figure>


The bill in its current form stipulates that the attorney general could sue a company that fails to develop adequate safeguards for its AI technology and causes catastrophic harm.

<p>The bill in its current form stipulates that the attorney general could sue a company that fails to develop adequate safeguards for its AI technology and causes catastrophic harm.</p>

Among the “critical harm”&nbsp;the bill hopes to prevent is the development of AI that makes it easier to create or use “a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon in a manner that results in mass casualties” and more than $500 million in damage to critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

<p>Among the “critical harm”&nbsp;the bill hopes to prevent is the development of AI that makes it easier to create or use “a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon in a manner that results in mass casualties” and more than $500 million in damage to critical infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

Like Breed, mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit executive and Levi Strauss heir, attempted to walk a middle path when asked for his thoughts on the bill. &#8220;We have to manage the risks posed by AI, and to do that government needs to know what this industry is doing — much like we track autonomous vehicles to ensure they are operating safely,” he said in a statement. “However, we have to do that in a way that ensures California remains competitive and attractive for these businesses.” Lurie said the state must “must avoid regulatory schemes that undermine the investment and jobs that this emerging industry is poised to bring to our struggling city.”

<p>Like Breed, mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit executive and Levi Strauss heir, attempted to walk a middle path when asked for his thoughts on the bill. "We have to manage the risks posed by AI, and to do that government needs to know what this industry is doing — much like we track autonomous vehicles to ensure they are operating safely,” he said in a statement. “However, we have to do that in a way that ensures California remains competitive and attractive for these businesses.” Lurie said the state must “must avoid regulatory schemes that undermine the investment and jobs that this emerging industry is poised to bring to our struggling city.”</p>

<p>Like Breed, mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit executive and Levi Strauss heir, attempted to walk a middle path when asked for his thoughts on the bill. &#8220;We have to manage the risks posed by AI, and to do that government needs to know what this industry is doing — much like we track autonomous vehicles to ensure they are operating safely,” he said in a statement. “However, we have to do that in a way that ensures California remains competitive and attractive for these businesses.” Lurie said the state must “must avoid regulatory schemes that undermine the investment and jobs that this emerging industry is poised to bring to our struggling city.”</p>

A spokesperson for Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, another mayoral candidate, did not respond to a request for comment on SB 1047.

<p>A spokesperson for Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, another mayoral candidate, did not respond to a request for comment on SB 1047.</p>

Wiener compared the outcry over the bill to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/19/silicon-valley-terrified-california-privacy-law/">pushback</a> against California’s efforts to pass data privacy laws in 2018. “The tech sector told us, ‘You&#8217;re going to push tech out of California if you pass this law,’&nbsp;” he said. “Tech is still here and growing strong, and we now have a data privacy law that protects consumers.”&nbsp;

<p>Wiener compared the outcry over the bill to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/19/silicon-valley-terrified-california-privacy-law/">pushback</a> against California’s efforts to pass data privacy laws in 2018. “The tech sector told us, ‘You're going to push tech out of California if you pass this law,’&nbsp;” he said. “Tech is still here and growing strong, and we now have a data privacy law that protects consumers.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wiener compared the outcry over the bill to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/19/silicon-valley-terrified-california-privacy-law/">pushback</a> against California’s efforts to pass data privacy laws in 2018. “The tech sector told us, ‘You&#8217;re going to push tech out of California if you pass this law,’&nbsp;” he said. “Tech is still here and growing strong, and we now have a data privacy law that protects consumers.”&nbsp;</p>

Silicon Valley says this AI bill will kill tech in SF. Some mayoral candidates agree

Tomoki Chien

San Francisco may have lost out on millions of dollars in state funding to address homelessness —&nbsp;simply because it didn’t ask for more.

<p>San Francisco may have lost out on millions of dollars in state funding to address homelessness —&nbsp;simply because it didn’t ask for more.</p>

Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom threw a splashy $130.7 million at local governments to help clear homeless camps. The cash came from the state’s Encampment Resolution Funding program, which awards grants to cities and counties to execute specific homelessness projects.

<p>Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom threw a splashy $130.7 million at local governments to help clear homeless camps. The cash came from the state’s Encampment Resolution Funding program, which awards grants to cities and counties to execute specific homelessness projects.</p>

San Francisco scored $8 million to create an interim housing site in the Bayview with 60 tiny homes and 20 RV spaces, according to state documents obtained by The Standard.&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco scored $8 million to create an interim housing site in the Bayview with 60 tiny homes and 20 RV spaces, according to state documents obtained by The Standard.&nbsp;</p>

But SF’s take was dwarfed by that of six other cities and counties, which in some cases sought funding for more ambitious projects or submitted multiple proposals that were greenlit by state officials.&nbsp;

<p>But SF’s take was dwarfed by that of six other cities and counties, which in some cases sought funding for more ambitious projects or submitted multiple proposals that were greenlit by state officials.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco submitted just one application — but could have submitted several more. The state does not disburse money unless local municipalities ask for it.

<p>San Francisco submitted just one application — but could have submitted several more. The state does not disburse money unless local municipalities ask for it.</p>

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Sacramento won $18.2 million for two projects. The city of Los Angeles won $11.4 million, also for two projects. San Bernardino County won $11 million for a sweeping plan to put as many as 105 people in permanent housing.&nbsp;

<p>Sacramento won $18.2 million for two projects. The city of Los Angeles won $11.4 million, also for two projects. San Bernardino County won $11 million for a sweeping plan to put as many as 105 people in permanent housing.&nbsp;</p>

Meanwhile, Carlsbad, with an approximate homeless population of 112, got $3 million for a project that could, in theory, house its entire encampment population.

<p>Meanwhile, Carlsbad, with an approximate homeless population of 112, got $3 million for a project that could, in theory, house its entire encampment population.</p>

A spokesperson for the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which reviews the grant applications, said cities are welcome to submit multiple proposals — there&#8217;s no limit. In the worst case, the spokesperson said, the state will offer feedback based on the <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/calich/erf_3r_nofa.pdf">publicly available rubric</a> and tell cities to resubmit in the next round of funding.

<p>A spokesperson for the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which reviews the grant applications, said cities are welcome to submit multiple proposals — there's no limit. In the worst case, the spokesperson said, the state will offer feedback based on the <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/calich/erf_3r_nofa.pdf">publicly available rubric</a> and tell cities to resubmit in the next round of funding.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which reviews the grant applications, said cities are welcome to submit multiple proposals — there&#8217;s no limit. In the worst case, the spokesperson said, the state will offer feedback based on the <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/calich/erf_3r_nofa.pdf">publicly available rubric</a> and tell cities to resubmit in the next round of funding.</p>

Each of the 18 local governments that won grants in the latest round got the <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/calich/erf-3r-window-2-website-awardee-list.pdf">exact amount</a> they asked for, state documents show. Eight proposals were denied. Notably, Oakland and Stockton did not apply for funding during this window.

<p>Each of the 18 local governments that won grants in the latest round got the <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/calich/erf-3r-window-2-website-awardee-list.pdf">exact amount</a> they asked for, state documents show. Eight proposals were denied. Notably, Oakland and Stockton did not apply for funding during this window.</p>

San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which was responsible for the funding applications, said it targeted just one grant because “only one project met the narrow timeline requirements.”&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which was responsible for the funding applications, said it targeted just one grant because “only one project met the narrow timeline requirements.”&nbsp;</p>

A spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked what those timeline requirements were. On Friday, after publication of this report, spokesperson Emily Cohen said the state requires that 50% of the grant money be spent by June 2025 and 100% be obligated by the same date.

<p>A spokesperson did not immediately respond when asked what those timeline requirements were. On Friday, after publication of this report, spokesperson Emily Cohen said the state requires that 50% of the grant money be spent by June 2025 and 100% be obligated by the same date.</p>

&#8220;With that tight of a timeline, [the grant] was only workable for projects already in the development process,&#8221; Cohen said.

<p>"With that tight of a timeline, [the grant] was only workable for projects already in the development process," Cohen said.</p>

<p>&#8220;With that tight of a timeline, [the grant] was only workable for projects already in the development process,&#8221; Cohen said.</p>

She added that the city received a total of $17.2 million for two projects in two previous rounds of funding, bringing its total haul to $25.2 million. That&#8217;s the most in the Bay Area and fourth statewide, behind Los Angeles, Riverside, and Fresno, Cohen said.

<p>She added that the city received a total of $17.2 million for two projects in two previous rounds of funding, bringing its total haul to $25.2 million. That's the most in the Bay Area and fourth statewide, behind Los Angeles, Riverside, and Fresno, Cohen said.</p>

<p>She added that the city received a total of $17.2 million for two projects in two previous rounds of funding, bringing its total haul to $25.2 million. That&#8217;s the most in the Bay Area and fourth statewide, behind Los Angeles, Riverside, and Fresno, Cohen said.</p>

A spokesperson for Mayor London Breed&nbsp;—&nbsp;whose office did not have direct oversight of the grant proposal — touted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/10/homeless-camps-record-low/">plummeting tent counts</a> and said Homelessness and Supportive Housing &#8220;requested funding that is based off of a formula the state implements.&#8221;

Homeless tents hit record low. So where’d they go?

<p>A spokesperson for Mayor London Breed&nbsp;—&nbsp;whose office did not have direct oversight of the grant proposal — touted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/10/homeless-camps-record-low/">plummeting tent counts</a> and said Homelessness and Supportive Housing "requested funding that is based off of a formula the state implements."</p>

<p>A spokesperson for Mayor London Breed&nbsp;—&nbsp;whose office did not have direct oversight of the grant proposal — touted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/10/homeless-camps-record-low/">plummeting tent counts</a> and said Homelessness and Supportive Housing &#8220;requested funding that is based off of a formula the state implements.&#8221;</p>

The spokesperson did not reply when asked what formula she was referring to.

<p>The spokesperson did not reply when asked what formula she was referring to.</p>

&#8220;While the [Encampment Resolution Funding] grants are an important funding source, we do not rely on this program alone as a driving source,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;We are a city that already invests about $846 million in our homelessness budget, including a mix of state and federal grant funding.&#8221;

<p>"While the [Encampment Resolution Funding] grants are an important funding source, we do not rely on this program alone as a driving source," the spokesperson said. "We are a city that already invests about $846 million in our homelessness budget, including a mix of state and federal grant funding."</p>

<p>&#8220;While the [Encampment Resolution Funding] grants are an important funding source, we do not rely on this program alone as a driving source,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;We are a city that already invests about $846 million in our homelessness budget, including a mix of state and federal grant funding.&#8221;</p>

SF has been busing homeless people all over the U.S. — and it’s just getting started

Experts say that while San Francisco could have submitted more proposals, it’s worth celebrating the money it won.

<p>Experts say that while San Francisco could have submitted more proposals, it’s worth celebrating the money it won.</p>

“They’re getting funding, and that’s better than most cities in California,” said Adrian Covert, senior vice president for public policy at the <a href="https://www.bayareacouncil.org/">Bay Area Council</a>. “On the other hand, most cities in California, just like most cities across the West, aren’t taking unsheltered homelessness nearly as seriously as they should.”

<p>“They’re getting funding, and that’s better than most cities in California,” said Adrian Covert, senior vice president for public policy at the <a href="https://www.bayareacouncil.org/">Bay Area Council</a>. “On the other hand, most cities in California, just like most cities across the West, aren’t taking unsheltered homelessness nearly as seriously as they should.”</p>

Elizabeth Funk, CEO of <a href="https://dignitymoves.org/">Dignity Moves</a>, speculated that San Francisco may have had a hard time finding sites for interim housing, and it could be a strategic error to request funding for too many projects.

<p>Elizabeth Funk, CEO of <a href="https://dignitymoves.org/">Dignity Moves</a>, speculated that San Francisco may have had a hard time finding sites for interim housing, and it could be a strategic error to request funding for too many projects.</p>

However, she said, the proposals are not hard to write —&nbsp;and submitting a second one likely wouldn’t have hurt.

<p>However, she said, the proposals are not hard to write —&nbsp;and submitting a second one likely wouldn’t have hurt.</p>

“They’re not that hard, and they do tend to get accepted,” Funk said. “If you’re going to use the analogy of colleges, it’s one with a high acceptance rate. It’s not Stanford.”

<p>“They’re not that hard, and they do tend to get accepted,” Funk said. “If you’re going to use the analogy of colleges, it’s one with a high acceptance rate. It’s not Stanford.”</p>

A San Francisco Department of Public Works employee loads a truck with belongings during a clearing of a homeless encampment along Dore Alley in San Francisco on Thursday, February 1, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20242806_scotushomeless-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city worker clears a tent encampment in SoMa" class="wp-image-286636"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office touted record low tent counts after aggressive encampment sweeps started this summer.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20242806_scotushomeless-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city worker clears a tent encampment in SoMa" class="wp-image-286636"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed's office touted record low tent counts after aggressive encampment sweeps started this summer.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20242806_scotushomeless-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city worker clears a tent encampment in SoMa" class="wp-image-286636"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office touted record low tent counts after aggressive encampment sweeps started this summer.</figcaption></figure>

Christin Evans, vice chair of the Homeless Oversight Commission, noted that money awarded to other Bay Area communities whose homeless populations often move to San Francisco could indirectly benefit the city.

<p>Christin Evans, vice chair of the Homeless Oversight Commission, noted that money awarded to other Bay Area communities whose homeless populations often move to San Francisco could indirectly benefit the city.</p>

Political opponents, however, were quick to attack Breed.

<p>Political opponents, however, were quick to attack Breed.</p>

“There is no excuse for her administration’s failure to leverage more state resources to clear tent encampments and connect people to the services and housing they need,” said mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. “There is no sane reason for why Sacramento should be getting nearly triple the resources compared to San Francisco.”

<p>“There is no excuse for her administration’s failure to leverage more state resources to clear tent encampments and connect people to the services and housing they need,” said mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. “There is no sane reason for why Sacramento should be getting nearly triple the resources compared to San Francisco.”</p>

“San Francisco just left millions of dollars on the table that could have helped us tackle this problem,” said mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. “Ultimately, it’s San Franciscans that will pay the price for poor management.”&nbsp;

<p>“San Francisco just left millions of dollars on the table that could have helped us tackle this problem,” said mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. “Ultimately, it’s San Franciscans that will pay the price for poor management.”&nbsp;</p>

Newsom’s office directed questions to the Department of Housing and Community Development.

<p>Newsom’s office directed questions to the Department of Housing and Community Development.</p>

Breed&#8217;s spokesperson noted that while Los Angeles&#8217; unsheltered homeless population is nearly seven times greater than that of San Francisco, it won only about 50% more in grant funding.

<p>Breed's spokesperson noted that while Los Angeles' unsheltered homeless population is nearly seven times greater than that of San Francisco, it won only about 50% more in grant funding.</p>

<p>Breed&#8217;s spokesperson noted that while Los Angeles&#8217; unsheltered homeless population is nearly seven times greater than that of San Francisco, it won only about 50% more in grant funding.</p>

&#8220;We&#8217;re punching well above our weight,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;Considering San Francisco&#8217;s significant progress tackling this issue, other cities may need that funding support more.&#8221;

<p>"We're punching well above our weight," the spokesperson said. "Considering San Francisco's significant progress tackling this issue, other cities may need that funding support more."</p>

<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re punching well above our weight,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;Considering San Francisco&#8217;s significant progress tackling this issue, other cities may need that funding support more.&#8221;</p>

Did SF just miss out on serious cash for clearing homeless camps?

David Sjostedt

Homelessness is a top issue in the San Francisco mayoral election for voters who live in homes. It’s also front of mind for voters who don’t: the people who sleep on city streets, in vehicles, and in tents.&nbsp;

<p>Homelessness is a top issue in the San Francisco mayoral election for voters who live in homes. It’s also front of mind for voters who don’t: the people who sleep on city streets, in vehicles, and in tents.&nbsp;</p>

The Standard canvassed 10 homeless people this week to find out who’s got their vote for mayor in November.&nbsp;

<p>The Standard canvassed 10 homeless people this week to find out who’s got their vote for mayor in November.&nbsp;</p>

Of the 10, only three knew details of the candidates; The Standard walked the others through the options. Just one was registered to vote, according to public records.&nbsp;

<p>Of the 10, only three knew details of the candidates; The Standard walked the others through the options. Just one was registered to vote, according to public records.&nbsp;</p>

But most agree that they want a mayor who won’t throw away their belongings and will get them into housing.

<p>But most agree that they want a mayor who won’t throw away their belongings and will get them into housing.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-these-laws-against-us">&#8216;All these laws against us&#8217;</h2>


core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-these-laws-against-us">'All these laws against us'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-these-laws-against-us">&#8216;All these laws against us&#8217;</h2>

Several people said a recent uptick in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/26/san-franciscohomeless-arrests-skyrocket/">encampment sweeps</a>, overseen by Mayor London Breed, has made it harder to escape homelessness.&nbsp;

Homeless arrests skyrocket as Tenderloin tent count tumbles

<p>Several people said a recent uptick in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/26/san-franciscohomeless-arrests-skyrocket/">encampment sweeps</a>, overseen by Mayor London Breed, has made it harder to escape homelessness.&nbsp;</p>

For that reason, they said, they’re more likely to vote for Supervisor Aaron Peskin, whose website<strong> </strong>criticizes the approach of moving homeless people from block to block.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>

<p>For that reason, they said, they’re more likely to vote for Supervisor Aaron Peskin, whose website<strong> </strong>criticizes the approach of moving homeless people from block to block.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

Breed and Peskin’s campaigns didn’t respond to requests for comment by publication time.

<p>Breed and Peskin’s campaigns didn’t respond to requests for comment by publication time.</p>

Dan Laughlin said he's against encampment sweeps, which is leading him to vote for Aaron Peskin.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dsc07349.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with gray hair is smiling while leaning out of a vehicle window. He wears a tan shirt, and the vehicle's interior appears cluttered with items." class="wp-image-318731"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dan Laughlin said his stance against encampment sweeps means he&#8217;ll vote for Supervisor Aaron Peskin.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dsc07349.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with gray hair is smiling while leaning out of a vehicle window. He wears a tan shirt, and the vehicle's interior appears cluttered with items." class="wp-image-318731"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dan Laughlin said his stance against encampment sweeps means he'll vote for Supervisor Aaron Peskin.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dsc07349.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with gray hair is smiling while leaning out of a vehicle window. He wears a tan shirt, and the vehicle's interior appears cluttered with items." class="wp-image-318731"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dan Laughlin said his stance against encampment sweeps means he&#8217;ll vote for Supervisor Aaron Peskin.</figcaption></figure>

Dan Laughlin said he’s lived in an RV in San Francisco for 27 years and was recently ticketed for illegal parking for the first time. Laughlin said he’s a registered Green Party voter and will likely vote for Peskin.&nbsp;

<p>Dan Laughlin said he’s lived in an RV in San Francisco for 27 years and was recently ticketed for illegal parking for the first time. Laughlin said he’s a registered Green Party voter and will likely vote for Peskin.&nbsp;</p>

“When you start having all these laws against us, it doesn’t help,” Laughlin said. “There’s not going to be enough shelter for everyone.”

<p>“When you start having all these laws against us, it doesn’t help,” Laughlin said. “There’s not going to be enough shelter for everyone.”</p>

Watch: Mark Farrell says he would have cleared homeless despite court order: ‘Sue me’

Homeless camp complaints have spiked in these neighborhoods


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-don-t-trust-anyone">&#8216;I don&#8217;t trust anyone&#8217;</h2>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-don-t-trust-anyone">'I don't trust anyone'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-don-t-trust-anyone">&#8216;I don&#8217;t trust anyone&#8217;</h2>

Tugboat Rainwater, who lives in a tent on the streets of SoMa, said he got involved in the election after Republican candidate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/11/this-far-right-maga-style-mayoral-candidate-is-back/">Ellen Lee Zhou</a> approached him while he was panhandling.&nbsp;

This far-right, MAGA candidate could decide the race for San Francisco mayor

<p>Tugboat Rainwater, who lives in a tent on the streets of SoMa, said he got involved in the election after Republican candidate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/11/this-far-right-maga-style-mayoral-candidate-is-back/">Ellen Lee Zhou</a> approached him while he was panhandling.&nbsp;</p>

Rainwater said he was holding a sign that read “homeless hungry veteran” near a freeway off-ramp when Zhou pulled over in her campaign van and promised to house him if elected.

<p>Rainwater said he was holding a sign that read “homeless hungry veteran” near a freeway off-ramp when Zhou pulled over in her campaign van and promised to house him if elected.</p>

Tugboat Rainwater displays the campaign card Ellen Lee Zhou handed him.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dsc07368.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dirty hand holds a campaign card for Ellen Lee Zhou, a San Francisco mayoral candidate, featuring her photo, contact info, and voting date on November 5, 2024." class="wp-image-318726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rainwater shows a campaign card the candidate handed him.</figcaption></figure>


“She goes, ‘If you vote for me and I get inducted as mayor, I promise that we’ll get as many homeless people off the street as want to get off the street,’” Rainwater said, pulling Zhou’s campaign card from his wallet.&nbsp;

<p>“She goes, ‘If you vote for me and I get inducted as mayor, I promise that we’ll get as many homeless people off the street as want to get off the street,’” Rainwater said, pulling Zhou’s campaign card from his wallet.&nbsp;</p>

In a phone interview, Zhou said she often stops and talks to “non-Tenderloin” homeless people as part of her religious practice — but not for campaign purposes.&nbsp;

<p>In a phone interview, Zhou said she often stops and talks to “non-Tenderloin” homeless people as part of her religious practice — but not for campaign purposes.&nbsp;</p>

She said that if she becomes mayor, she’ll call an emergency declaration to fingerprint every homeless person, allowing her to determine whether they are homeless by choice.&nbsp;

<p>She said that if she becomes mayor, she’ll call an emergency declaration to fingerprint every homeless person, allowing her to determine whether they are homeless by choice.&nbsp;</p>

Those who are “professional homeless,” as she puts it, would be reprimanded. Everyone else would receive around-the-clock care.

<p>Those who are “professional homeless,” as she puts it, would be reprimanded. Everyone else would receive around-the-clock care.</p>

“Once I fingerprint and facial recognition each person in San Francisco who claims to be homeless, then we were able to root out the problems,” Zhou said. “If they are professional homeless, and they choose to be homeless, then we have to give them a warning.”

<p>“Once I fingerprint and facial recognition each person in San Francisco who claims to be homeless, then we were able to root out the problems,” Zhou said. “If they are professional homeless, and they choose to be homeless, then we have to give them a warning.”</p>

Rainwater, who said he is from Alaska, became homeless after his little brother stole his car, leaving him stranded in the city three years ago. He’s frustrated by politicians and social workers, who’ve repeatedly broken promises to house him, he said.&nbsp;

<p>Rainwater, who said he is from Alaska, became homeless after his little brother stole his car, leaving him stranded in the city three years ago. He’s frustrated by politicians and social workers, who’ve repeatedly broken promises to house him, he said.&nbsp;</p>

“I jumped through every one of their hoops, and they never called me back,” Rainwater said. “I don’t trust anyone. But I like what [Zhou] says and the way she says it.”&nbsp;

<p>“I jumped through every one of their hoops, and they never called me back,” Rainwater said. “I don’t trust anyone. But I like what [Zhou] says and the way she says it.”&nbsp;</p>

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