Gabe Greschler

San Francisco voters on Tuesday approved Proposition F, a controversial measure to tie San Francisco welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.&nbsp;

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San Francisco voters on Tuesday approved Proposition F, a controversial measure to tie San Francisco welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.&nbsp;

The measure needed a simple majority and was put on the ballot by Mayor London Breed.

The measure needed a simple majority and was put on the ballot by Mayor London Breed.

Supporters said the measure could help push back against the wave of drug-related overdose deaths that have roiled the city, while opponents said it could take away vital monetary assistance from low-income people.

Supporters said the measure could help push back against the wave of drug-related overdose deaths that have roiled the city, while opponents said it could take away vital monetary assistance from low-income people.

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Prop. F will affect single adults with no children who are recipients of County Adult Assistance Programs, a cash program known as CAAP. If an individual is suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs, they will be required to undergo drug screening and agree to some form of treatment as a condition of continuing to receive benefits.&nbsp;

Prop. F will affect single adults with no children who are recipients of County Adult Assistance Programs, a cash program known as CAAP. If an individual is suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs, they will be required to undergo drug screening and agree to some form of treatment as a condition of continuing to receive benefits.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Prop. F is a controversial one. Here’s what you should know before you cast your vote. For more information about the upcoming election, head to the link in our bio.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFStandard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFStandard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanFrancisco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanFrancisco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Election?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Election</a> <a href="https://t.co/GTTO5khnUf">pic.twitter.com/GTTO5khnUf</a>&mdash; The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1764804306572874162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The measure saw an influx of cash from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">including Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>, collectively raising over $600,000. Opponents—including Service Employees International Union Local 1021—raised a comparatively small $37,491.

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

The measure saw an influx of cash from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">including Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>, collectively raising over $600,000. Opponents—including Service Employees International Union Local 1021—raised a comparatively small $37,491.

In a letter to the City Attorney’s Office, an attorney for the SEIU argued that Prop. F could adversely affect working conditions and that the city should have met with the union before placing it on the ballot. The union said that it may pursue legal action if voters passed the measure.&nbsp;

In a letter to the City Attorney’s Office, an attorney for the SEIU argued that Prop. F could adversely affect working conditions and that the city should have met with the union before placing it on the ballot. The union said that it may pursue legal action if voters passed the measure.&nbsp;

Opponents of the proposition warned the measure could backfire.

Opponents of the proposition warned the measure could backfire.

“It is deeply disturbing that in the middle of an unprecedented overdose epidemic, voters got a misleading and performative ballot issue that demonizes welfare recipients rather than helps them,”&nbsp;Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, said in a statement. “San Francisco deserves better. Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics.”

“It is deeply disturbing that in the middle of an unprecedented overdose epidemic, voters got a misleading and performative ballot issue that demonizes welfare recipients rather than helps them,”&nbsp;Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, said in a statement. “San Francisco deserves better. Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics.”

“This was an exceptionally low voter turnout election and we know that low turnout electorates skew conservative,”&nbsp;Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, said in a statement. “It’s difficult to say that this electorate was representative of San Francisco. What’s unfortunate is that residents are likely to see an increase in the unhoused population in the city if Measure F is implemented as described by supporters of the measure.”

“This was an exceptionally low voter turnout election and we know that low turnout electorates skew conservative,”&nbsp;Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, said in a statement. “It’s difficult to say that this electorate was representative of San Francisco. What’s unfortunate is that residents are likely to see an increase in the unhoused population in the city if Measure F is implemented as described by supporters of the measure.”

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

George Kelly

Six San Francisco men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a criminal enterprise that terrorized the city&#8217;s Mission District for years and their involvement in seven cold-case gang-related murders.

Six San Francisco men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a criminal enterprise that terrorized the city's Mission District for years and their involvement in seven cold-case gang-related murders.

Six San Francisco men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a criminal enterprise that terrorized the city&#8217;s Mission District for years and their involvement in seven cold-case gang-related murders.

The defendants, who pleaded guilty in October 2023, received sentences ranging from 11 to 32 years in prison, U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King, said in a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/six-men-sentenced-their-roles-seven-gang-related-san-francisco-cold-case-murders-and" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> Tuesday.

The defendants, who pleaded guilty in October 2023, received sentences ranging from 11 to 32 years in prison, U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King, said in a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/six-men-sentenced-their-roles-seven-gang-related-san-francisco-cold-case-murders-and" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> Tuesday.

The men, part of the 19th Street/16th Street Sureños gang, were convicted of offenses related to the group&#8217;s criminal activities, which included shootings, robberies and drug dealing, as well as roles in seven cold-case murders between 2006 and 2013.  

The men, part of the 19th Street/16th Street Sureños gang, were convicted of offenses related to the group's criminal activities, which included shootings, robberies and drug dealing, as well as roles in seven cold-case murders between 2006 and 2013.

The men, part of the 19th Street/16th Street Sureños gang, were convicted of offenses related to the group&#8217;s criminal activities, which included shootings, robberies and drug dealing, as well as roles in seven cold-case murders between 2006 and 2013.

&#8220;This Sureño criminal enterprise has terrorized San Francisco&#8217;s Mission District for decades through shootings, robberies, and drug dealing,&#8221; Ramsey said.&nbsp;

"This Sureño criminal enterprise has terrorized San Francisco's Mission District for decades through shootings, robberies, and drug dealing," Ramsey said.&nbsp;

&#8220;This Sureño criminal enterprise has terrorized San Francisco&#8217;s Mission District for decades through shootings, robberies, and drug dealing,&#8221; Ramsey said.&nbsp;

&#8220;The sentences in this case make clear that we will pursue the perpetrators of gang violence and seek justice no matter when that violence occurred.&#8221; &nbsp;

"The sentences in this case make clear that we will pursue the perpetrators of gang violence and seek justice no matter when that violence occurred." &nbsp;

&#8220;The sentences in this case make clear that we will pursue the perpetrators of gang violence and seek justice no matter when that violence occurred.&#8221; &nbsp;

The defendants were identified as Eddy Urbina, 35; Jonathan Aguilar, 37; Orlando Hernandez, 41; Weston Venegas, 34; Juan Carlos Gallardo, 35; and Mario Reyes, 44. All are from San Francisco.

The defendants were identified as Eddy Urbina, 35; Jonathan Aguilar, 37; Orlando Hernandez, 41; Weston Venegas, 34; Juan Carlos Gallardo, 35; and Mario Reyes, 44. All are from San Francisco.

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Urbina, who was sentenced to 32 years in prison, admitted in a plea agreement to a Sept. 4, 2008, shooting where he and others killed two victims and tried to kill a third in retaliation for a fellow gang member&#8217;s same-day murder.

Urbina, who was sentenced to 32 years in prison, admitted in a plea agreement to a Sept. 4, 2008, shooting where he and others killed two victims and tried to kill a third in retaliation for a fellow gang member's same-day murder.

Urbina, who was sentenced to 32 years in prison, admitted in a plea agreement to a Sept. 4, 2008, shooting where he and others killed two victims and tried to kill a third in retaliation for a fellow gang member&#8217;s same-day murder.

Aguilar, who received 30 years, admitted in his plea agreement to a March 14, 2006, shooting where he and others killed two victims and tried to kill two others, as well as a separate September 2007 shooting.

Aguilar, who received 30 years, admitted in his plea agreement to a March 14, 2006, shooting where he and others killed two victims and tried to kill two others, as well as a separate September 2007 shooting.

Hernandez and Venegas each received 25-year sentences, with 13 years to be served consecutively to previous 12-year sentences for racketeering. In plea agreements, both men admitted to roles in a March 30, 2013, murder&nbsp;intended as a retaliation for a gang member&#8217;s murder two years earlier. Court filings said their victim was an innocent civilian mistaken for a rival.

Hernandez and Venegas each received 25-year sentences, with 13 years to be served consecutively to previous 12-year sentences for racketeering. In plea agreements, both men admitted to roles in a March 30, 2013, murder&nbsp;intended as a retaliation for a gang member's murder two years earlier. Court filings said their victim was an innocent civilian mistaken for a rival.

Hernandez and Venegas each received 25-year sentences, with 13 years to be served consecutively to previous 12-year sentences for racketeering. In plea agreements, both men admitted to roles in a March 30, 2013, murder&nbsp;intended as a retaliation for a gang member&#8217;s murder two years earlier. Court filings said their victim was an innocent civilian mistaken for a rival.

Gallardo was sentenced to 22 years, after admitting in a plea agreement to fatally shooting a 16-year-old boy at a Feb. 28, 2009, Richmond house party, as well as participating in gang-related robberies. Reyes, who received an 11-year sentence, said in a plea agreement that he sought victims in the 2013 shooting, as well as joining in on racketeering conspiracies and narcotics sales.

Gallardo was sentenced to 22 years, after admitting in a plea agreement to fatally shooting a 16-year-old boy at a Feb. 28, 2009, Richmond house party, as well as participating in gang-related robberies. Reyes, who received an 11-year sentence, said in a plea agreement that he sought victims in the 2013 shooting, as well as joining in on racketeering conspiracies and narcotics sales.

&#8220;This sentencing reflects efforts by law enforcement to pursue justice in a long-running case that terrorized victims in the Mission District and beyond,&#8221; King said. &#8220;We hope this sentence provides some solace and closure to victim families who have suffered for a significant period of time.&#8221;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This sentencing reflects efforts by law enforcement to pursue justice in a long-running case that terrorized victims in the Mission District and beyond," King said. "We hope this sentence provides some solace and closure to victim families who have suffered for a significant period of time."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;This sentencing reflects efforts by law enforcement to pursue justice in a long-running case that terrorized victims in the Mission District and beyond,&#8221; King said. &#8220;We hope this sentence provides some solace and closure to victim families who have suffered for a significant period of time.&#8221;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition, the defendants were ordered to spend five years on supervised release after completing their respective prison terms. &nbsp;

In addition, the defendants were ordered to spend five years on supervised release after completing their respective prison terms. &nbsp;

The case was the result of a multiyear investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with help from San Francisco police&#8217;s community violence reduction team and homicide detail.

The case was the result of a multiyear investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with help from San Francisco police's community violence reduction team and homicide detail.

The case was the result of a multiyear investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with help from San Francisco police&#8217;s community violence reduction team and homicide detail.

6 gang members get lengthy prison time for murders that ‘terrorized’ Mission District

Garrett Leahy

San Francisco Public Library workers plan to rally Tuesday, demanding the city provide security guards at all branches to protect staff and patrons amid a rise in dangerous incidents.

San Francisco Public Library workers plan to rally Tuesday, demanding the city provide security guards at all branches to protect staff and patrons amid a rise in dangerous incidents.

Most of the city&#8217;s 28 library locations lack dedicated security officers, and librarians and other workers say they&#8217;ve been forced to intervene in dangerous situations that sometimes turn physical, according to a Monday press release from Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents library workers at the city&#8217;s public branches. The workers are demanding the change as they negotiate with officials for new contracts.

Most of the city's 28 library locations lack dedicated security officers, and librarians and other workers say they've been forced to intervene in dangerous situations that sometimes turn physical, according to a Monday press release from Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents library workers at the city's public branches. The workers are demanding the change as they negotiate with officials for new contracts.

Most of the city&#8217;s 28 library locations lack dedicated security officers, and librarians and other workers say they&#8217;ve been forced to intervene in dangerous situations that sometimes turn physical, according to a Monday press release from Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents library workers at the city&#8217;s public branches. The workers are demanding the change as they negotiate with officials for new contracts.

&#8220;There&#8217;s tension in the air when there is no trained security around to de-escalate situations,&#8221; said Jessica Choy, a part-time librarian, in the press release. She said at one branch, she recently approached a man who swore at other patrons and then kicked in a glass door.

"There's tension in the air when there is no trained security around to de-escalate situations," said Jessica Choy, a part-time librarian, in the press release. She said at one branch, she recently approached a man who swore at other patrons and then kicked in a glass door.

&#8220;There&#8217;s tension in the air when there is no trained security around to de-escalate situations,&#8221; said Jessica Choy, a part-time librarian, in the press release. She said at one branch, she recently approached a man who swore at other patrons and then kicked in a glass door.

Choy said having guards at every site &#8220;would be a better solution than hoping librarians are able to handle potentially dangerous situations alone.&#8221;

Choy said having guards at every site "would be a better solution than hoping librarians are able to handle potentially dangerous situations alone."

Choy said having guards at every site &#8220;would be a better solution than hoping librarians are able to handle potentially dangerous situations alone.&#8221;

Michelle Jeffers, a spokesperson for the library, told The Standard on Tuesday that not all of the library&#8217;s locations need security guards, saying that the institution relies on data to determine which branches require patrol officers. According to Jeffers, security incidents are down 13.8% year-over-year as of February and that there were seven branches with zero incidents and six with just one during that time.

Michelle Jeffers, a spokesperson for the library, told The Standard on Tuesday that not all of the library's locations need security guards, saying that the institution relies on data to determine which branches require patrol officers. According to Jeffers, security incidents are down 13.8% year-over-year as of February and that there were seven branches with zero incidents and six with just one during that time.

Michelle Jeffers, a spokesperson for the library, told The Standard on Tuesday that not all of the library&#8217;s locations need security guards, saying that the institution relies on data to determine which branches require patrol officers. According to Jeffers, security incidents are down 13.8% year-over-year as of February and that there were seven branches with zero incidents and six with just one during that time.

&#8220;In the month of March, we had a total of 114 security incidents across the system, out of some 320,000 visitors to our libraries that month,&#8221; Jeffers said in an email. &#8220;Statistically speaking that volume is very low, especially when you consider that our libraries are all open seven days per week, for a total of 1,462 &nbsp;weekly hours of operation.&#8221;

"In the month of March, we had a total of 114 security incidents across the system, out of some 320,000 visitors to our libraries that month," Jeffers said in an email. "Statistically speaking that volume is very low, especially when you consider that our libraries are all open seven days per week, for a total of 1,462 &nbsp;weekly hours of operation."

&#8220;In the month of March, we had a total of 114 security incidents across the system, out of some 320,000 visitors to our libraries that month,&#8221; Jeffers said in an email. &#8220;Statistically speaking that volume is very low, especially when you consider that our libraries are all open seven days per week, for a total of 1,462 &nbsp;weekly hours of operation.&#8221;

She added that 12 branches plus the main library currently have dedicated on-site security officers. There is also a mobile team that is available to respond to incidents at locations without an officer.

She added that 12 branches plus the main library currently have dedicated on-site security officers. There is also a mobile team that is available to respond to incidents at locations without an officer.

The call for higher security comes as the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">cracks down</a> on open-air drug use and dealing near U.N. Plaza, which is a stone&#8217;s throw from the city&#8217;s main library branch. For years, the plaza has been considered the epicenter of San Francisco&#8217;s drug crisis.

UN Plaza drug crackdown intensifies as dealers chased through streets

The call for higher security comes as the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">cracks down</a> on open-air drug use and dealing near U.N. Plaza, which is a stone's throw from the city's main library branch. For years, the plaza has been considered the epicenter of San Francisco's drug crisis.

The call for higher security comes as the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">cracks down</a> on open-air drug use and dealing near U.N. Plaza, which is a stone&#8217;s throw from the city&#8217;s main library branch. For years, the plaza has been considered the epicenter of San Francisco&#8217;s drug crisis.

The city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-skatepark-opens-un-plaza/">opened</a> a skate park at U.N. Plaza in November, an initiative officials hoped would make the public square <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">safer and more inviting</a>.

Skaters flock to San Francisco’s new skate park in drug crisis zone

UN Plaza was long the epicenter of San Francisco’s drug crisis. Skaters have brought a new vibe

The city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-skatepark-opens-un-plaza/">opened</a> a skate park at U.N. Plaza in November, an initiative officials hoped would make the public square <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">safer and more inviting</a>.

&#8220;We&#8217;re open to every member of the public seven days a week,&#8221; Choy said. &#8220;Our job is to ensure equitable access for everyone, which is why we&#8217;re fighting for more full-time jobs and more security guards.&#8221;

"We're open to every member of the public seven days a week," Choy said. "Our job is to ensure equitable access for everyone, which is why we're fighting for more full-time jobs and more security guards."

&#8220;We&#8217;re open to every member of the public seven days a week,&#8221; Choy said. &#8220;Our job is to ensure equitable access for everyone, which is why we&#8217;re fighting for more full-time jobs and more security guards.&#8221;

Public library staff demand security guards amid San Francisco drug crisis

Alex Mullaney

“Are you going to go after the bad guys?” asked Mark Philpot, a Bayview resident who works as a nurse in the Tenderloin.

“Are you going to go after the bad guys?” asked Mark Philpot, a Bayview resident who works as a nurse in the Tenderloin.

Philpot was one of a dozen Quesada Avenue residents whose frustrations erupted at an Aug. 20 town hall at the San Francisco Police Department’s Bayview Station. A meeting that was supposed to be about public-safety cameras turned into a forum for Bayview residents who&#8217;d had enough of the shootings, confrontations, and fear caused by the drug trade returning to their block.

Philpot was one of a dozen Quesada Avenue residents whose frustrations erupted at an Aug. 20 town hall at the San Francisco Police Department’s Bayview Station. A meeting that was supposed to be about public-safety cameras turned into a forum for Bayview residents who'd had enough of the shootings, confrontations, and fear caused by the drug trade returning to their block.

Philpot was one of a dozen Quesada Avenue residents whose frustrations erupted at an Aug. 20 town hall at the San Francisco Police Department’s Bayview Station. A meeting that was supposed to be about public-safety cameras turned into a forum for Bayview residents who&#8217;d had enough of the shootings, confrontations, and fear caused by the drug trade returning to their block.

Chief Bill Scott stepped to the front of the room and raised his hands, trying to bring the topic back to how <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/05/sf-first-police-surveillance-cameras-mission/">a network of cameras</a> would reduce crime.

Chief Bill Scott stepped to the front of the room and raised his hands, trying to bring the topic back to how <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/05/sf-first-police-surveillance-cameras-mission/">a network of cameras</a> would reduce crime.

“We’ve used the cameras pretty effectively for drug dealing, and we know that there is drug dealing out there,” the 34-year law enforcement veteran said. “We have the ability to record footage. If someone is complaining and we do an operation, we can see what’s going on and we can get the right people.”

“We’ve used the cameras pretty effectively for drug dealing, and we know that there is drug dealing out there,” the 34-year law enforcement veteran said. “We have the ability to record footage. If someone is complaining and we do an operation, we can see what’s going on and we can get the right people.”

The residents were ready to tell the longtime police leader about the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">open drug dealing</a> in their neighborhood and weren&#8217;t going to let him get away without providing answers —&nbsp;especially in light of resources to combat the drug trade being concentrated in the Tenderloin, when they need them too.

Drug markets persist downtown despite thousands of arrests, police crackdown

The residents were ready to tell the longtime police leader about the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">open drug dealing</a> in their neighborhood and weren't going to let him get away without providing answers —&nbsp;especially in light of resources to combat the drug trade being concentrated in the Tenderloin, when they need them too.

The residents were ready to tell the longtime police leader about the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">open drug dealing</a> in their neighborhood and weren&#8217;t going to let him get away without providing answers —&nbsp;especially in light of resources to combat the drug trade being concentrated in the Tenderloin, when they need them too.

A woman whose family has lived in the neighborhood for three generations poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. Neighbors say their intersection of Third St. is overrun by drug dealers. After storming a meeting about security cameras, San Francisco Police Department  says they'll step up as much as they can given the staffing shortage.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240826bayviewdrugdealing_aar_12.jpg?w=2000" alt="A person with gray hair wearing a striped shirt is walking up a dimly lit staircase, surrounded by household items and plants. Butterflies decorate the wall." class="wp-image-307691"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman whose family has lived in the neighborhood for three generations poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240826bayviewdrugdealing_aar_12.jpg?w=2000" alt="A person with gray hair wearing a striped shirt is walking up a dimly lit staircase, surrounded by household items and plants. Butterflies decorate the wall." class="wp-image-307691"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman whose family has lived in the neighborhood for three generations poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. </figcaption></figure>

A garden divides a neighborhood around the intersection of Third Street and Quesada in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. Neighbors say their intersection of Third St. is overrun by drug dealers. After storming a meeting about security cameras, San Francisco Police Department  says they'll step up as much as they can given the staffing shortage.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240826bayviewdrugdealing_aar_4.jpg?w=2500" alt="A sign in a garden reads &quot;Quesada Gardens,&quot; thanking founders and describing the community as diverse and inclusive. There are plants, houses, and cars in the background." class="wp-image-307689"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gardened median divides Quesada Avenue, creating a narrow street. Residents say the drug trade makes accessing their homes difficult. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forgotten-area">&#8216;A forgotten area&#8217;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forgotten-area">'A forgotten area'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forgotten-area">&#8216;A forgotten area&#8217;</h2>

Lifelong Bayview resident Linda Pettus has lived on Quesada Avenue since 1970. The 72-year-old remembers the upheaval in the ’60s over police brutality and has watched as the neighborhood missed out on the prosperity that buoyed the rest of the city.

Lifelong Bayview resident Linda Pettus has lived on Quesada Avenue since 1970. The 72-year-old remembers the upheaval in the ’60s over police brutality and has watched as the neighborhood missed out on the prosperity that buoyed the rest of the city.

“I don’t know what can be done,” she said, standing outside her home. “Bayview-Hunters Point has been a forgotten area for — as far as the city is concerned — years. We&#8217;ve heard the same thing from different police captains and supervisors. It&#8217;s really the same things that we&#8217;ve been hearing over the years: There&#8217;s always not enough police. My biggest thing now: Why focus so much on the Tenderloin and not other areas of the city?”

“I don’t know what can be done,” she said, standing outside her home. “Bayview-Hunters Point has been a forgotten area for — as far as the city is concerned — years. We've heard the same thing from different police captains and supervisors. It's really the same things that we've been hearing over the years: There's always not enough police. My biggest thing now: Why focus so much on the Tenderloin and not other areas of the city?”

“I don’t know what can be done,” she said, standing outside her home. “Bayview-Hunters Point has been a forgotten area for — as far as the city is concerned — years. We&#8217;ve heard the same thing from different police captains and supervisors. It&#8217;s really the same things that we&#8217;ve been hearing over the years: There&#8217;s always not enough police. My biggest thing now: Why focus so much on the Tenderloin and not other areas of the city?”

Down the block from Pettus’ front door, men hang out in a van parked beside a partially renovated community center. The sliding door is open, and drivers pull up alongside the van or park in front of the median to do business. Sometimes, six to eight vehicles are double-parked at once.

Down the block from Pettus’ front door, men hang out in a van parked beside a partially renovated community center. The sliding door is open, and drivers pull up alongside the van or park in front of the median to do business. Sometimes, six to eight vehicles are double-parked at once.

More than 50 people a day double-park in a right-turn lane or in front of the median, blocking the narrow street, sometimes for hours, to buy drugs from dealers working the corner. Residents have been yelled at and threatened; their cars get shot up. Philpot had to ask nicely that a man stop urinating on his garden. When they complain, 311 directs residents to take photos of offenders’ vehicles —&nbsp;a risk many aren’t willing to take. (At the meeting, Scott said he does not encourage people to put themselves at risk.)

More than 50 people a day double-park in a right-turn lane or in front of the median, blocking the narrow street, sometimes for hours, to buy drugs from dealers working the corner. Residents have been yelled at and threatened; their cars get shot up. Philpot had to ask nicely that a man stop urinating on his garden. When they complain, 311 directs residents to take photos of offenders’ vehicles —&nbsp;a risk many aren’t willing to take. (At the meeting, Scott said he does not encourage people to put themselves at risk.)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_4617.png?w=2500" alt="Two police officers stand at the front of a meeting hall." class="wp-image-307800"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFPD Chief Bill Scott, left, and Lt. Chris Wilhelm answer questions from Bayview-Hunters Point residents about open drug dealing.</figcaption></figure>

But meaningful solutions have been elusive. There have been 72 police reports at the intersection over the last year, for incidents ranging from carrying weapons to disorderly conduct. While police have run operations on the corner — a drug arrest was made in July — the problems crop back up.

But meaningful solutions have been elusive. There have been 72 police reports at the intersection over the last year, for incidents ranging from carrying weapons to disorderly conduct. While police have run operations on the corner — a drug arrest was made in July — the problems crop back up.

A retiree who cares for her mother, Pettus was once stuck inside her house when a shooting turned the sidewalk into a crime scene.

A retiree who cares for her mother, Pettus was once stuck inside her house when a shooting turned the sidewalk into a crime scene.

One neighbor, Keith S., was unimpressed by the camera proposal.

One neighbor, Keith S., was unimpressed by the camera proposal.

“I almost couldn&#8217;t get out of the street because they were double-parked getting their drugs,” he said. “Police cars drive down Third. How come they can&#8217;t stop and say, ‘WTF are you doing? Move.’”

“I almost couldn't get out of the street because they were double-parked getting their drugs,” he said. “Police cars drive down Third. How come they can't stop and say, ‘WTF are you doing? Move.’”

“I almost couldn&#8217;t get out of the street because they were double-parked getting their drugs,” he said. “Police cars drive down Third. How come they can&#8217;t stop and say, ‘WTF are you doing? Move.’”

Much of the frustration stems from the fact that while law enforcement and city agencies get involved, nothing seems to change.

Much of the frustration stems from the fact that while law enforcement and city agencies get involved, nothing seems to change.

In the past, Quesada Avenue neighbors worked with police and the district attorney, even going to court to obtain stay-away orders against drug dealers. The double-parkers returned.

In the past, Quesada Avenue neighbors worked with police and the district attorney, even going to court to obtain stay-away orders against drug dealers. The double-parkers returned.

A barricade blocks off part of a street around the intersection of Third Street and Quesada in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. Neighbors say their intersection of Third St. is overrun by drug dealers. After storming a meeting about security cameras, San Francisco Police Department  says they'll step up as much as they can given the staffing shortage.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240826bayviewdrugdealing_aar_13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A street with cars and a white van driving uphill, surrounded by trees and parked vehicles. Two pedestrians walk on the sidewalk, and a traffic light shows green." class="wp-image-307692"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">City Hall installed barricades on Quesada Avenue to prevent double-parking.</figcaption></figure>

Residents use 311 to get parking control officers and police to issue more tickets. If nothing else, maybe it would drive the trade to move elsewhere. But ticketing double-parked vehicles is usually a nonstarter; the drivers can leave before an officer arrives or a citation is issued.

Residents use 311 to get parking control officers and police to issue more tickets. If nothing else, maybe it would drive the trade to move elsewhere. But ticketing double-parked vehicles is usually a nonstarter; the drivers can leave before an officer arrives or a citation is issued.

Besides, said an SF Municipal Transportation Agency spokesperson, it’s beyond the scope of the job: “Attempting to use parking control officers to dissuade criminal activity, without the presence of law enforcement, can also expose them to safety hazards that they are not trained or equipped for.&#8221;

Besides, said an SF Municipal Transportation Agency spokesperson, it’s beyond the scope of the job: “Attempting to use parking control officers to dissuade criminal activity, without the presence of law enforcement, can also expose them to safety hazards that they are not trained or equipped for."

Besides, said an SF Municipal Transportation Agency spokesperson, it’s beyond the scope of the job: “Attempting to use parking control officers to dissuade criminal activity, without the presence of law enforcement, can also expose them to safety hazards that they are not trained or equipped for.&#8221;

At a minimum, residents want the SFPD to park a squad car — manned with an officer or without — on the street as a deterrent.

At a minimum, residents want the SFPD to park a squad car — manned with an officer or without — on the street as a deterrent.

Bayview Station Capt. Mike Koniaris told the residents at the meeting that he would place a vehicle on the street and assign the community violence reduction team to the location. But, he told The Standard later, his options are limited. The station is understaffed: no plainclothes team and few beat officers. The station needs 158 officers to operate at recommended levels, but in <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/district-10-residents-want-answers-not-excuses-and-promises/">July staffing was down to 78</a>.

Bayview Station Capt. Mike Koniaris told the residents at the meeting that he would place a vehicle on the street and assign the community violence reduction team to the location. But, he told The Standard later, his options are limited. The station is understaffed: no plainclothes team and few beat officers. The station needs 158 officers to operate at recommended levels, but in <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/district-10-residents-want-answers-not-excuses-and-promises/">July staffing was down to 78</a>.

The mayor’s office said it’s aware of the situation.

The mayor’s office said it’s aware of the situation.

“While shutting down open-air drug markets remains a major priority in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods, Mayor Breed will continue to allocate resources and respond to calls for services citywide and adapt our response to changing crime trends,” a spokesperson said. “Just within the last month, SFPD officers arrested a person for suspected illicit drug activity in the area around Quesada Avenue and Third Street, and their van was towed.”

“While shutting down open-air drug markets remains a major priority in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods, Mayor Breed will continue to allocate resources and respond to calls for services citywide and adapt our response to changing crime trends,” a spokesperson said. “Just within the last month, SFPD officers arrested a person for suspected illicit drug activity in the area around Quesada Avenue and Third Street, and their van was towed.”

At the Aug. 20 meeting, residents said they were particularly irked by the fact that the narcotics unit is focused exclusively on the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods.

At the Aug. 20 meeting, residents said they were particularly irked by the fact that the narcotics unit is focused exclusively on the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods.

Scott countered that the SFPD has officers who can make drug arrests. “Even though the narcotics [unit] has been in the Tenderloin for pretty much the past year, we can still make narcotics arrests, and we do in other parts of the city, and a lot of that happens at the station level until we increase the size of our narcotics unit.”

Scott countered that the SFPD has officers who can make drug arrests. “Even though the narcotics [unit] has been in the Tenderloin for pretty much the past year, we can still make narcotics arrests, and we do in other parts of the city, and a lot of that happens at the station level until we increase the size of our narcotics unit.”

New cameras and signs have been posted around the intersection of Third Street and Quesada in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. Neighbors say their intersection of Third St. is overrun by drug dealers. After storming a meeting about security cameras, San Francisco Police Department  says they'll step up as much as they can given the staffing shortage.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240826bayviewdrugdealing_aar_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A green traffic light pole features a blue sign indicating SFPD public safety cameras. A street sign below reads &quot;1700 Quesada,&quot; against a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-307688"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Signs were posted at the intersection of Third Street and Quesada Avenue after an Aug. 20 community meeting.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dangerous-corner">‘A dangerous corner’</h2>

Ashley Bostwick has had enough. The Quesada Avenue resident’s car has been hit by gunfire twice. She often finds herself parking blocks away so she doesn’t have to confront double-parkers. She has been complaining to the police and 311 for two years.

Ashley Bostwick has had enough. The Quesada Avenue resident’s car has been hit by gunfire twice. She often finds herself parking blocks away so she doesn’t have to confront double-parkers. She has been complaining to the police and 311 for two years.

So Scott’s attempt to talk up cameras didn’t inspire her. “The meeting was discouraging, because if there have been cameras there the whole time, why doesn’t anything change?” Bostwick said.

So Scott’s attempt to talk up cameras didn’t inspire her. “The meeting was discouraging, because if there have been cameras there the whole time, why doesn’t anything change?” Bostwick said.

The cameras, Scott contends, don’t stop the crime but can help with investigations.

The cameras, Scott contends, don’t stop the crime but can help with investigations.

“Because we&#8217;ve been using cameras on some of our narcotics investigations, the cases have been really good,” he said. “If people are getting convicted, it’s because the evidence is there. I think it&#8217;ll make us better at what we do and help get some of these problems to a better place.”

“Because we've been using cameras on some of our narcotics investigations, the cases have been really good,” he said. “If people are getting convicted, it’s because the evidence is there. I think it'll make us better at what we do and help get some of these problems to a better place.”

“Because we&#8217;ve been using cameras on some of our narcotics investigations, the cases have been really good,” he said. “If people are getting convicted, it’s because the evidence is there. I think it&#8217;ll make us better at what we do and help get some of these problems to a better place.”

Historically home to the city’s largest Black community, Bayview-Hunters Point is now made up of about 40% Asian American residents, 27% Black, 22% Latino, and 9% white.&nbsp;Median household income is $80,000, making it one of the lowest-income areas of the city. It&#8217;s a place defined by working people, not by the extreme poverty of the Tenderloin, and so, the residents feel, it doesn&#8217;t demand enough of the police&#8217;s attention.

Historically home to the city’s largest Black community, Bayview-Hunters Point is now made up of about 40% Asian American residents, 27% Black, 22% Latino, and 9% white.&nbsp;Median household income is $80,000, making it one of the lowest-income areas of the city. It's a place defined by working people, not by the extreme poverty of the Tenderloin, and so, the residents feel, it doesn't demand enough of the police's attention.

Historically home to the city’s largest Black community, Bayview-Hunters Point is now made up of about 40% Asian American residents, 27% Black, 22% Latino, and 9% white.&nbsp;Median household income is $80,000, making it one of the lowest-income areas of the city. It&#8217;s a place defined by working people, not by the extreme poverty of the Tenderloin, and so, the residents feel, it doesn&#8217;t demand enough of the police&#8217;s attention.

“We just don&#8217;t have the resources to be at all these places at one time,” Scott said, and the worst places are the priority. The good news, he said, is that the SFPD budget from the Board of Supervisors will allow for new police hires. Still, he admitted, making arrests is one thing; changing behavior is another.

“We just don't have the resources to be at all these places at one time,” Scott said, and the worst places are the priority. The good news, he said, is that the SFPD budget from the Board of Supervisors will allow for new police hires. Still, he admitted, making arrests is one thing; changing behavior is another.

“We just don&#8217;t have the resources to be at all these places at one time,” Scott said, and the worst places are the priority. The good news, he said, is that the SFPD budget from the Board of Supervisors will allow for new police hires. Still, he admitted, making arrests is one thing; changing behavior is another.

“Who are the people that are out there?” he asked. “That&#8217;s a rhetorical question — because I know who they are. They’re people, mainly, that live in the community. They are people that have been doing this for years, and we need to change the code and some of this, but we have to do it the right way.”

“Who are the people that are out there?” he asked. “That's a rhetorical question — because I know who they are. They’re people, mainly, that live in the community. They are people that have been doing this for years, and we need to change the code and some of this, but we have to do it the right way.”

“Who are the people that are out there?” he asked. “That&#8217;s a rhetorical question — because I know who they are. They’re people, mainly, that live in the community. They are people that have been doing this for years, and we need to change the code and some of this, but we have to do it the right way.”

A garden divides a street around the intersection of Third Street and Quesada in San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024. Neighbors say their intersection of Third St. is overrun by drug dealers. After storming a meeting about security cameras, San Francisco Police Department  says they'll step up as much as they can given the staffing shortage.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240826bayviewdrugdealing_aar_8.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a steep, leafy urban street with parked cars on both sides, palm trees in the center median, and colorful houses on the hill in the background." class="wp-image-307690"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Quesada Avenue residents are fed up with double-parking by drug dealers.</figcaption></figure>

Scott reminded the Bayview residents that the dealers are neighbors, too. “If people live in the community, they&#8217;re not just going to disappear,” he said. “We just have to change the culture where these things aren&#8217;t permitted to happen, and that usually happens over time. [It’s] not going to be overnight, but we have to do our job.”

Scott reminded the Bayview residents that the dealers are neighbors, too. “If people live in the community, they're not just going to disappear,” he said. “We just have to change the culture where these things aren't permitted to happen, and that usually happens over time. [It’s] not going to be overnight, but we have to do our job.”

Scott reminded the Bayview residents that the dealers are neighbors, too. “If people live in the community, they&#8217;re not just going to disappear,” he said. “We just have to change the culture where these things aren&#8217;t permitted to happen, and that usually happens over time. [It’s] not going to be overnight, but we have to do our job.”

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