Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Businesses hate it. Restaurant customers are bewildered by it. Employees benefit from it.

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Businesses hate it. Restaurant customers are bewildered by it. Employees benefit from it.

Now, come budget time, an often-reviled city fee may help protect the city.

Now, come budget time, an often-reviled city fee may help protect the city.

The San Francisco City Option program provides medical reimbursement accounts to help thousands of employees pay for health coverage every year. The fees that small businesses — in particular, restaurants — contribute to the program are so high, it’s akin to doubling their rent. Restaurants often pass some of that to customers, in the form of an “SF mandate” or “health fee” tacked onto the bill.

The San Francisco City Option program provides medical reimbursement accounts to help thousands of employees pay for health coverage every year. The fees that small businesses — in particular, restaurants — contribute to the program are so high, it’s akin to doubling their rent. Restaurants often pass some of that to customers, in the form of an “SF mandate” or “health fee” tacked onto the bill.

Ben Bleiman, a bar owner and president of the Entertainment Commission, said he pays roughly $350 per employee per month. For a restaurant or shop with a staff of 20, that’s $7,000 monthly — though most businesses enrolled in the program have far more workers than that.

Ben Bleiman, a bar owner and president of the Entertainment Commission, said he pays roughly $350 per employee per month. For a restaurant or shop with a staff of 20, that’s $7,000 monthly — though most businesses enrolled in the program have far more workers than that.

“Don&#8217;t get me started, man. It&#8217;s just the biggest scam perpetrated on small businesses in the city,” Bleiman said. “It&#8217;s a massive expense.”

“Don't get me started, man. It's just the biggest scam perpetrated on small businesses in the city,” Bleiman said. “It's a massive expense.”

“Don&#8217;t get me started, man. It&#8217;s just the biggest scam perpetrated on small businesses in the city,” Bleiman said. “It&#8217;s a massive expense.”

Roughly $200 million of that fund has gone unused by workers, according to a city report published at the end of March, and the excess will roll over into San Francisco’s general fund in April 2026. That’s just in time to serve as a cushion against the city’s budget deficit, as federal cuts loom.

Roughly $200 million of that fund has gone unused by workers, according to a city report published at the end of March, and the excess will roll over into San Francisco’s general fund in April 2026. That’s just in time to serve as a cushion against the city’s budget deficit, as federal cuts loom.

City departments are blowing off Lurie’s budget-cut mandate

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New estimate puts federal threat to SF at more than $2 billion, Lurie says

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But amid complaints from business owners about the fees, city leaders are divided on how to use the money, if at all.

But amid complaints from business owners about the fees, city leaders are divided on how to use the money, if at all.

“We cannot paper over a $1 billion budget deficit with one-time funds, especially not funds that rightfully belong to San Franciscans,” Charles Lutvak, Mayor Daniel Lurie’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “Our administration is prepared to make the structural changes needed to close this $1 billion deficit, stabilize our city’s finances, and get back to investing in the workers and businesses of San Francisco again.”

“We cannot paper over a $1 billion budget deficit with one-time funds, especially not funds that rightfully belong to San Franciscans,” Charles Lutvak, Mayor Daniel Lurie’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “Our administration is prepared to make the structural changes needed to close this $1 billion deficit, stabilize our city’s finances, and get back to investing in the workers and businesses of San Francisco again.”

The deficit, estimated at $820 million, could mean cuts in agencies citywide: street cleaning crews, homeless shelter staffers, pro-bono legal aid for low-income residents, and more. If President Donald Trump continues swinging a scythe at funding for healthcare, education, and other services, the deficit could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/san-francisco-lurie-budget-trump-2-billion/">more than double,</a> officials estimate.

The deficit, estimated at $820 million, could mean cuts in agencies citywide: street cleaning crews, homeless shelter staffers, pro-bono legal aid for low-income residents, and more. If President Donald Trump continues swinging a scythe at funding for healthcare, education, and other services, the deficit could <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/san-francisco-lurie-budget-trump-2-billion/">more than double,</a> officials estimate.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors negotiates with the mayor’s office to approve the budget, giving them a say in how funding is used. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, the board president, said the City Option dollars may come in handy at a time of great uncertainty.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors negotiates with the mayor’s office to approve the budget, giving them a say in how funding is used. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, the board president, said the City Option dollars may come in handy at a time of great uncertainty.

“In that kind of environment, you&#8217;re looking for additional sources of reserve dollars,” Mandelman said. “But I think we&#8217;re not there yet, and there&#8217;s all these other elements of the conversation we have to have.”

“In that kind of environment, you're looking for additional sources of reserve dollars,” Mandelman said. “But I think we're not there yet, and there's all these other elements of the conversation we have to have.”

“In that kind of environment, you&#8217;re looking for additional sources of reserve dollars,” Mandelman said. “But I think we&#8217;re not there yet, and there&#8217;s all these other elements of the conversation we have to have.”

However, the amount of unspent City Option money has led small business groups to question whether the program is needed. It was created two decades ago, long before the Affordable Care Act helped insure more San Franciscans, according to Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

However, the amount of unspent City Option money has led small business groups to question whether the program is needed. It was created two decades ago, long before the Affordable Care Act helped insure more San Franciscans, according to Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

“Many additional healthcare options are now available,” Thomas wrote. “Given the amount of unused funds paid into the city&#8217;s [medical reimbursement] account, we believe it is prudent to look to repeal this ordinance.”

“Many additional healthcare options are now available,” Thomas wrote. “Given the amount of unused funds paid into the city's [medical reimbursement] account, we believe it is prudent to look to repeal this ordinance.”

“Many additional healthcare options are now available,” Thomas wrote. “Given the amount of unused funds paid into the city&#8217;s [medical reimbursement] account, we believe it is prudent to look to repeal this ordinance.”

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Small-business owners are pushing the city to repeal the program. Conversations to reform it are underway.

Small-business owners are pushing the city to repeal the program. Conversations to reform it are underway.

Many entities can make strong claims to the unspent dollars: the employers who paid fees to make it possible, the workers whom the fund was created to help, and unions looking to prevent layoffs.

Many entities can make strong claims to the unspent dollars: the employers who paid fees to make it possible, the workers whom the fund was created to help, and unions looking to prevent layoffs.

Insiders said it may be easier politically to spend the spare funds on public health, instead of on general city costs. The federal government’s potential Medicare or Medicaid reductions, for instance, could cost the city roughly $900 million, according to the mayor’s office.

Insiders said it may be easier politically to spend the spare funds on public health, instead of on general city costs. The federal government’s potential Medicare or Medicaid reductions, for instance, could cost the city roughly $900 million, according to the mayor’s office.

The city doesn’t have its hands on the money just yet. It sits in a $900 million Department of Public Health reimbursement account as part of Healthy San Francisco, the 2006 <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Healthy_San_Francisco">brainchild of progressive Democrats</a> aimed at helping uninsured San Franciscans with medical care. The city anticipates the bulk of those funds will be used by workers.

The city doesn’t have its hands on the money just yet. It sits in a $900 million Department of Public Health reimbursement account as part of Healthy San Francisco, the 2006 <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Healthy_San_Francisco">brainchild of progressive Democrats</a> aimed at helping uninsured San Franciscans with medical care. The city anticipates the bulk of those funds will be used by workers.

Supervisor Connie Chan, the board&#8217;s budget chair and a leading progressive, said the healthcare fund should be reserved for workers.

Supervisor Connie Chan, the board's budget chair and a leading progressive, said the healthcare fund should be reserved for workers.

Supervisor Connie Chan, the board&#8217;s budget chair and a leading progressive, said the healthcare fund should be reserved for workers.

&#8220;At a moment when Trump is attacking our sanctuary state where many, including immigrant workers, have taken roots and contributed for generations, it is unthinkable for anyone wanting to take away their health care, especially because this is not funded by any business but all San Franciscans who dine out and&nbsp;support our restaurants,&#8221; Chan said.

"At a moment when Trump is attacking our sanctuary state where many, including immigrant workers, have taken roots and contributed for generations, it is unthinkable for anyone wanting to take away their health care, especially because this is not funded by any business but all San Franciscans who dine out and&nbsp;support our restaurants," Chan said.

&#8220;At a moment when Trump is attacking our sanctuary state where many, including immigrant workers, have taken roots and contributed for generations, it is unthinkable for anyone wanting to take away their health care, especially because this is not funded by any business but all San Franciscans who dine out and&nbsp;support our restaurants,&#8221; Chan said.

Chan said the current system should become more accessible to workers. She said she will demand that the city use a separate pot of money called the Health Security Fund as a bulwark against Medicaid cuts. That fund has about $240 million accessible.

Chan said the current system should become more accessible to workers. She said she will demand that the city use a separate pot of money called the Health Security Fund as a bulwark against Medicaid cuts. That fund has about $240 million accessible.

Roughly 5,225 employers have opted into the San Francisco City Option program, which houses the healthcare reimbursement account. More than $500 million has been paid out in claims to workers since 2021, according to the Department of Public Health.

Roughly 5,225 employers have opted into the San Francisco City Option program, which houses the healthcare reimbursement account. More than $500 million has been paid out in claims to workers since 2021, according to the Department of Public Health.

The city’s ability to reclaim unspent dollars is fairly recent. In 2022, the Health Commission approved a tweak to the healthcare reimbursement fund to bring it in line with state law. From then on, funds unclaimed in a three-year period would roll over to the city’s general fund.

The city’s ability to reclaim unspent dollars is fairly recent. In 2022, the Health Commission approved a tweak to the healthcare reimbursement fund to bring it in line with state law. From then on, funds unclaimed in a three-year period would roll over to the city’s general fund.

“Closing accounts is the last resort,” a Public Health spokesperson said.

“Closing accounts is the last resort,” a Public Health spokesperson said.

Mandelman said shrinking or eliminating the healthcare fee could “provide relief for some small-business owners,” and he’s taken part in meetings to figure out its future.

Mandelman said shrinking or eliminating the healthcare fee could “provide relief for some small-business owners,” and he’s taken part in meetings to figure out its future.

City records show various meetings aimed at reforming the healthcare fund: a Feb. 26 meeting between Supervisors Danny Sauter, Joel Engardio, and Mandelman, as well as mayor’s office and city department staff. On March 27, a team from the mayor’s office met with the San Francisco Labor Council, and on Friday they are due to meet with the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

City records show various meetings aimed at reforming the healthcare fund: a Feb. 26 meeting between Supervisors Danny Sauter, Joel Engardio, and Mandelman, as well as mayor’s office and city department staff. On March 27, a team from the mayor’s office met with the San Francisco Labor Council, and on Friday they are due to meet with the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

Small businesses pay the smallest portion of the fund; groups that represent them argue that this is a reason to exempt them. Roughly 4% of contributions come from companies with 20-49 employees, but a whopping 79% comes from companies employing more than 500.

Small businesses pay the smallest portion of the fund; groups that represent them argue that this is a reason to exempt them. Roughly 4% of contributions come from companies with 20-49 employees, but a whopping 79% comes from companies employing more than 500.

Even Democrats are pushing for change. Eric Kingsbury, a member of the San Francisco Democratic Party board, said he’s writing a resolution to put Democrats on record seeking to repeal the healthcare fund.

Even Democrats are pushing for change. Eric Kingsbury, a member of the San Francisco Democratic Party board, said he’s writing a resolution to put Democrats on record seeking to repeal the healthcare fund.

“It was a great initiative that did its work and no longer serves its purpose,” Kingsbury said.

“It was a great initiative that did its work and no longer serves its purpose,” Kingsbury said.

The Department of Public Health has recognized the need to reach more workers so funds don’t go unspent. In September, the agency kicked off a splashy ad campaign on BART, Muni, and billboards to direct San Franciscans to an online tool where they could look up their healthcare reimbursement accounts.

The Department of Public Health has recognized the need to reach more workers so funds don’t go unspent. In September, the agency kicked off a splashy ad campaign on BART, Muni, and billboards to direct San Franciscans to an online tool where they could look up their healthcare reimbursement accounts.

This summer, the Public Health Department aims to issue debit cards so San Franciscans can more easily pay for medical expenses upfront, instead of seeking reimbursements later.

This summer, the Public Health Department aims to issue debit cards so San Franciscans can more easily pay for medical expenses upfront, instead of seeking reimbursements later.

Bleiman, the bar owner, thinks most small-business owners want the fund scrapped. He said he hears from restaurateurs and bar owners who hate the fee “every goddamn day, dude. Every single day.”

Bleiman, the bar owner, thinks most small-business owners want the fund scrapped. He said he hears from restaurateurs and bar owners who hate the fee “every goddamn day, dude. Every single day.”

“It&#8217;s so offensively unfair that it&#8217;s infuriating,” Bleiman added. “It&#8217;s exactly why San Francisco has a reputation of being the most unfair to small businesses in America.”

“It's so offensively unfair that it's infuriating,” Bleiman added. “It's exactly why San Francisco has a reputation of being the most unfair to small businesses in America.”

“It&#8217;s so offensively unfair that it&#8217;s infuriating,” Bleiman added. “It&#8217;s exactly why San Francisco has a reputation of being the most unfair to small businesses in America.”

‘The biggest scam’: This hated business fee might help protect SF’s budget from Trump

Mark Farrell

Following the deadly crash in West Portal last weekend, the Standard asked the leading candidates for mayor what they would do to make city streets safer and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/breed-deadly-crash-safety/">Mayor London Breed</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/safai-deadly-crash-safety/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a>, former mayor and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/farrell-deadly-crash-safety/">supervisor Mark Farrell</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/">non-profit executive</a> Daniel Lurie</a> submitted responses.

Following the deadly crash in West Portal last weekend, the Standard asked the leading candidates for mayor what they would do to make city streets safer and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/breed-deadly-crash-safety/">Mayor London Breed</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/safai-deadly-crash-safety/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a>, former mayor and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/farrell-deadly-crash-safety/">supervisor Mark Farrell</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/">non-profit executive</a> Daniel Lurie</a> submitted responses.

In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by 2024. Although we have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/20/traffic-deaths-in-san-francisco-continue-despite-vision-zero/#">clearly fallen short</a> 10 years later, the goal and work to make Vision Zero a reality must remain.

San Francisco set out to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024. Why has it failed?

In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by 2024. Although we have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/20/traffic-deaths-in-san-francisco-continue-despite-vision-zero/#">clearly fallen short</a> 10 years later, the goal and work to make Vision Zero a reality must remain.

Last weekend, we had a devastating reminder of the work we still have left to do. Our city was shaken by a <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horrific crash</a> in West Portal caused by a driver allegedly speeding and going the wrong way, killing three members of a family and critically injuring their 2-month-old infant. The tragedy has caused enormous suffering and left a lasting mark on the community, a painful reminder that pedestrian <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette">fatalities</a> due to car collisions remain stubbornly high in San Francisco.

Last weekend, we had a devastating reminder of the work we still have left to do. Our city was shaken by a <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horrific crash</a> in West Portal caused by a driver allegedly speeding and going the wrong way, killing three members of a family and critically injuring their 2-month-old infant. The tragedy has caused enormous suffering and left a lasting mark on the community, a painful reminder that pedestrian <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette">fatalities</a> due to car collisions remain stubbornly high in San Francisco.

On average, <a href="https://walksf.org/news/for-reporters/press-releases/west-portal-pedestrians-killed-march-16-2024/#:~:text=Citywide%2C%20around%2030%20people%20are,50%25%20of%20these%20fatalities%20annually.&amp;text=Walk%20San%20Francisco%20('Walk%20SF,who%20walks%2C%20which%20is%20everyone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 people</a> are killed every year on San Francisco’s streets and over 500 are severely injured. This year, the city has seen more <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/west-portal-crash-arrest-three-dead-19201921.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic-related deaths</a> than average and is on track to surpass total traffic deaths in 2023. This is unacceptable. Our families deserve better.&nbsp;

On average, <a href="https://walksf.org/news/for-reporters/press-releases/west-portal-pedestrians-killed-march-16-2024/#:~:text=Citywide%2C%20around%2030%20people%20are,50%25%20of%20these%20fatalities%20annually.&amp;text=Walk%20San%20Francisco%20('Walk%20SF,who%20walks%2C%20which%20is%20everyone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 people</a> are killed every year on San Francisco’s streets and over 500 are severely injured. This year, the city has seen more <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/west-portal-crash-arrest-three-dead-19201921.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic-related deaths</a> than average and is on track to surpass total traffic deaths in 2023. This is unacceptable. Our families deserve better.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, much of this boils down to failed leadership. Mayor London Breed has bungled or abandoned one half-baked initiative after another and stalled critical projects that would improve road safety. This is all while allowing her San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to force ideological-driven streetscape initiatives on communities that don’t take unique neighborhood needs into account.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, much of this boils down to failed leadership. Mayor London Breed has bungled or abandoned one half-baked initiative after another and stalled critical projects that would improve road safety. This is all while allowing her San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to force ideological-driven streetscape initiatives on communities that don’t take unique neighborhood needs into account.&nbsp;

Our city’s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/better-market-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Better Market Street project</a>, which I consistently voted to support while in office, was intended to breathe new life into downtown, promising a safe Market Street for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Millions of dollars and countless hours went into the project. But Breed gutted the effort with no explanation. Not only did it never come to fruition, but her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">decision to ban cars</a> on Market Street has simultaneously failed to stop collisions there and caused nightmarish traffic on arterial streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Did car-free Market Street kill San Francisco’s most important boulevard?

Our city’s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/better-market-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Better Market Street project</a>, which I consistently voted to support while in office, was intended to breathe new life into downtown, promising a safe Market Street for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Millions of dollars and countless hours went into the project. But Breed gutted the effort with no explanation. Not only did it never come to fruition, but her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">decision to ban cars</a> on Market Street has simultaneously failed to stop collisions there and caused nightmarish traffic on arterial streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This unfulfilled promise was soon followed by the contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">Valencia Street bike lane project</a>. After dedicating significant resources and undergoing two redesigns, Breed managed to upset neighbors, bicyclists and small businesses on the corridor, earning a rare trifecta of opposition. This is just the latest example of her inability to get any semblance of community support for streetscape projects and road use changes, which has prevented the city from making faster and real progress. Incidents along the corridor have only <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2024/02/21/cutting-through-the-newest-misinformation-on-valencias-center-running-bike-lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gotten worse</a> since then.

A bike lane moved, and this San Francisco neighborhood erupted

This unfulfilled promise was soon followed by the contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">Valencia Street bike lane project</a>. After dedicating significant resources and undergoing two redesigns, Breed managed to upset neighbors, bicyclists and small businesses on the corridor, earning a rare trifecta of opposition. This is just the latest example of her inability to get any semblance of community support for streetscape projects and road use changes, which has prevented the city from making faster and real progress. Incidents along the corridor have only <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2024/02/21/cutting-through-the-newest-misinformation-on-valencias-center-running-bike-lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gotten worse</a> since then.

San Francisco cannot afford to keep putting lives in danger due to poor leadership. As mayor and District 2 supervisor, public safety was always my North Star, and it will continue to be my top priority. I helped advance thoughtful projects in my district, making improvements to Bay, Euclid and Lombard streets that balanced safety, convenience and neighborhood concerns. I helped install traffic calming measures, circles and stop signs across the city to slow down traffic on notorious unsafe streets. I even supported installing a new bike lane in front of my own home.&nbsp;

San Francisco cannot afford to keep putting lives in danger due to poor leadership. As mayor and District 2 supervisor, public safety was always my North Star, and it will continue to be my top priority. I helped advance thoughtful projects in my district, making improvements to Bay, Euclid and Lombard streets that balanced safety, convenience and neighborhood concerns. I helped install traffic calming measures, circles and stop signs across the city to slow down traffic on notorious unsafe streets. I even supported installing a new bike lane in front of my own home.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it&#8217;s too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it's too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it&#8217;s too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn&#8217;t wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

Woman arrested after 4-year-old girl killed in crash near San Francisco&#8217;s Oracle Park

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn't wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn&#8217;t wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

As mayor, I will take bold, aggressive action to ensure all road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, are safe on our streets. I am committed to installing bollards on sidewalks at major intersections that have multiple modes and are near places like hospitals, parks and schools that are exposed to more vulnerable road users. These have the benefit of also being easy to remove and replace as traffic and neighborhood needs inevitably shift over time.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will take bold, aggressive action to ensure all road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, are safe on our streets. I am committed to installing bollards on sidewalks at major intersections that have multiple modes and are near places like hospitals, parks and schools that are exposed to more vulnerable road users. These have the benefit of also being easy to remove and replace as traffic and neighborhood needs inevitably shift over time.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will support the installation of more speed cameras. Speed is what kills, and we need more tools to deter speeding and enforce speed limits. I also support installing protected bike lanes on streets that are wide enough to support them and heavily used by cyclists. Some of the most famous promenades in the world in <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/08/commentary-the-paris-bike-boom-is-incroyable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris</a>, <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/10/18/cycling-through-covid-19-barcelona-and-seville-spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/31/commentary-the-shock-of-returning-to-the-bay-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rotterdam</a> have managed to balance and promote safety, public transit, bicycling, private vehicles and convenience for all road users, and so can we.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will support the installation of more speed cameras. Speed is what kills, and we need more tools to deter speeding and enforce speed limits. I also support installing protected bike lanes on streets that are wide enough to support them and heavily used by cyclists. Some of the most famous promenades in the world in <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/08/commentary-the-paris-bike-boom-is-incroyable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris</a>, <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/10/18/cycling-through-covid-19-barcelona-and-seville-spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/31/commentary-the-shock-of-returning-to-the-bay-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rotterdam</a> have managed to balance and promote safety, public transit, bicycling, private vehicles and convenience for all road users, and so can we.&nbsp;

We need to continue to strive for Vision Zero because one life lost is too many. But we need a change in leadership to drive the real change and progress San Francisco deserves.&nbsp;

We need to continue to strive for Vision Zero because one life lost is too many. But we need a change in leadership to drive the real change and progress San Francisco deserves.&nbsp;

Mark Farrell is the 44th mayor of San Francisco and a former District 2 supervisor and is running to be the 46th mayor of San Francisco.

Mark Farrell is the 44th mayor of San Francisco and a former District 2 supervisor and is running to be the 46th mayor of San Francisco.

West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Opinion: West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Max Harrison-Caldwell

It was March when Gwen decided she’d had enough.&nbsp;

It was March when Gwen decided she’d had enough.&nbsp;

Her husband had dragged her out of the elevator in their apartment building while their daughter watched. Gwen screamed, broke free, and ran to knock on a neighbor’s door. The police arrived soon after.

Her husband had dragged her out of the elevator in their apartment building while their daughter watched. Gwen screamed, broke free, and ran to knock on a neighbor’s door. The police arrived soon after.

“That’s how it started,” said Gwen, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy. “I’m trying to figure out how I’m gonna do things. I’m communicating with my job, my [daughter’s] school.”

“That’s how it started,” said Gwen, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy. “I’m trying to figure out how I’m gonna do things. I’m communicating with my job, my [daughter’s] school.”

Her husband had been isolating her for years, she said. He had taken her money, her phone, her wedding ring, even her glasses. He had abused her physically, emotionally, and sexually. The Standard corroborated Gwen’s story through court documents.

Her husband had been isolating her for years, she said. He had taken her money, her phone, her wedding ring, even her glasses. He had abused her physically, emotionally, and sexually. The Standard corroborated Gwen’s story through court documents.

“He said he didn’t care if he ended up in jail after killing me,” Gwen said.

“He said he didn’t care if he ended up in jail after killing me,” Gwen said.

After the elevator incident, Gwen fled to a friend’s house with her daughter. The police had given her a list of nonprofit service providers, but one after another said they didn’t have capacity to help her or had a long client waitlist.&nbsp;

After the elevator incident, Gwen fled to a friend’s house with her daughter. The police had given her a list of nonprofit service providers, but one after another said they didn’t have capacity to help her or had a long client waitlist.&nbsp;

One organization, Gwen recalled, said, “I’m sorry. We’re rooting for you.”&nbsp;

One organization, Gwen recalled, said, “I’m sorry. We’re rooting for you.”&nbsp;

She contacted more than 20 groups over a period of six months before finding one that would take her case.

She contacted more than 20 groups over a period of six months before finding one that would take her case.

“I’m like, if I’m going through this, someone will just give up and stay in a fucked-up marriage,” Gwen said.&nbsp;

“I’m like, if I’m going through this, someone will just give up and stay in a fucked-up marriage,” Gwen said.&nbsp;

She chronicled her journey in a black, spiral-bound notebook decorated with pink roses and sparkling gold spots. By the time she found legal representation, she had filled every page.

She chronicled her journey in a black, spiral-bound notebook decorated with pink roses and sparkling gold spots. By the time she found legal representation, she had filled every page.

A domestic violence survivor holds the notebook she used to catalog both the abuse she suffered and the ways in which she tried to escape her marriage in San Francisco on Thursday Jan. 9, 2025. Navigating resources for domestic violence survivors in San Francisco can be very challenging. Many individuals struggle to find information about shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/navigating-the-citys-resources-for-dv-survivors-is-a-nightmare_aar_6.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person in a denim outfit holds a spiral notebook with a black cover, vibrant pink and purple floral design, and small gold dots." class="wp-image-354864"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gwen used her notebook to catalog both the abuse she suffered and the ways in which she tried to escape her marriage.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/navigating-the-citys-resources-for-dv-survivors-is-a-nightmare_aar_6.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person in a denim outfit holds a spiral notebook with a black cover, vibrant pink and purple floral design, and small gold dots." class="wp-image-354864"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gwen used her notebook to catalog both the abuse she suffered and the ways in which she tried to escape her marriage.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nonprofit-pingpong">Nonprofit pingpong</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nonprofit-pingpong">Nonprofit pingpong</h2>

Nonprofits in San Francisco deliver services to thousands of people each year. More than 13,000 people accessed services through domestic violence programs in fiscal year 2022-23, according to a report from the Department on the Status of Women obtained by The Standard. The document reports that the district attorney’s office prosecuted nearly 500 domestic violence cases in 2023.&nbsp;

Nonprofits in San Francisco deliver services to thousands of people each year. More than 13,000 people accessed services through domestic violence programs in fiscal year 2022-23, according to a report from the Department on the Status of Women obtained by The Standard. The document reports that the district attorney’s office prosecuted nearly 500 domestic violence cases in 2023.&nbsp;

But what Gwen found is that in San Francisco, the myriad city agencies and nonprofits seeking to assist domestic violence survivors don’t always communicate with one another. When organizations were turning her away, or informing her of long waitlists, they would often refer her to groups she’d already visited. And she wasn’t the only one.

But what Gwen found is that in San Francisco, the myriad city agencies and nonprofits seeking to assist domestic violence survivors don’t always communicate with one another. When organizations were turning her away, or informing her of long waitlists, they would often refer her to groups she’d already visited. And she wasn’t the only one.

Alona said that when she called the numbers on the survivor resources flyer police gave her, four or five organizations didn’t answer the phone at all.

Alona said that when she called the numbers on the survivor resources flyer police gave her, four or five organizations didn’t answer the phone at all.

“I felt like I was in the tunnel, with no light at all,” said Alona, whose last name is being withheld to protect her privacy. “It’s so depressing. I didn’t know where to go. I felt lost.”

“I felt like I was in the tunnel, with no light at all,” said Alona, whose last name is being withheld to protect her privacy. “It’s so depressing. I didn’t know where to go. I felt lost.”

“I’ve had dozens of clients who have said how difficult it was to get help,” said family law attorney Stefanie Young, who works with the nonprofit Open Door Legal.&nbsp;

“I’ve had dozens of clients who have said how difficult it was to get help,” said family law attorney Stefanie Young, who works with the nonprofit Open Door Legal.&nbsp;

Young said one big problem is a lack of city funding, particularly for legal services. Open Door Legal’s executive director, Adrian Tirtanadi, described funding for these services as “grossly insufficient.”

Young said one big problem is a lack of city funding, particularly for legal services. Open Door Legal’s executive director, Adrian Tirtanadi, described funding for these services as “grossly insufficient.”

“You may say, ‘Oh, it’s because of a lack of coordination,’ but it’s really a lack of funding,” Tirtanadi said.&nbsp;

“You may say, ‘Oh, it’s because of a lack of coordination,’ but it’s really a lack of funding,” Tirtanadi said.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-crime">‘Hidden crime’</h2>

Beverly Upton, who has led the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium since 2001, said she has seen the need for services steadily increase.

Beverly Upton, who has led the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium since 2001, said she has seen the need for services steadily increase.

“The crisis lines and referral numbers are taking thousands of calls a year, and they have suffered some budget cuts,” she said.&nbsp;

“The crisis lines and referral numbers are taking thousands of calls a year, and they have suffered some budget cuts,” she said.&nbsp;

The increase could be driven by a rise in violence, by more people reporting, or both. But Upton is sure the trend hasn’t made domestic violence more of a funding priority for the city.&nbsp;

The increase could be driven by a rise in violence, by more people reporting, or both. But Upton is sure the trend hasn’t made domestic violence more of a funding priority for the city.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, I would say, competing priorities and the political will to support this vital work has been an issue,” she said. “Domestic violence is a quieter, more hidden crime and trauma that lives in the shadows. And when you have thousands of people living on the streets, of course that becomes a competing priority.”

“In San Francisco, I would say, competing priorities and the political will to support this vital work has been an issue,” she said. “Domestic violence is a quieter, more hidden crime and trauma that lives in the shadows. And when you have thousands of people living on the streets, of course that becomes a competing priority.”

Upton stressed that she did not want to see competition between nonprofits helping survivors of violence and those helping the unhoused. After all, the issues are related: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women, and 52% of women living on San Francisco’s streets report having experienced it. But homelessness, as a public problem, is much more visible, so it often takes precedence during budget negotiations.

Upton stressed that she did not want to see competition between nonprofits helping survivors of violence and those helping the unhoused. After all, the issues are related: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women, and 52% of women living on San Francisco’s streets report having experienced it. But homelessness, as a public problem, is much more visible, so it often takes precedence during budget negotiations.

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Even when the city allocates money to service providers for victims of domestic violence, Upton says, it doesn&#8217;t always show up.

Even when the city allocates money to service providers for victims of domestic violence, Upton says, it doesn't always show up.

Even when the city allocates money to service providers for victims of domestic violence, Upton says, it doesn&#8217;t always show up.

Though the Board of Supervisors earmarked $1.25 million for its portfolio of gender-based violence organizations for fiscal year 2022-23, those organizations never saw the money, Upton said. That’s because even when the board allocates money for a certain purpose, mayoral departments can choose not to spend it — and they did. The $1.25 million was folded back into the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Though the Board of Supervisors earmarked $1.25 million for its portfolio of gender-based violence organizations for fiscal year 2022-23, those organizations never saw the money, Upton said. That’s because even when the board allocates money for a certain purpose, mayoral departments can choose not to spend it — and they did. The $1.25 million was folded back into the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Mayor Daniel Lurie has yet to announce grant recipients for the coming fiscal year.

Mayor Daniel Lurie has yet to announce grant recipients for the coming fiscal year.

“The community is holding its breath, hoping that they will continue to be funded,” Upton said.&nbsp;

“The community is holding its breath, hoping that they will continue to be funded,” Upton said.&nbsp;

Lurie&#8217;s office did not answer specific questions, but provided the following statement:

Lurie's office did not answer specific questions, but provided the following statement:

Lurie&#8217;s office did not answer specific questions, but provided the following statement:

&#8220;Mayor Lurie will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why he specifically took time during his campaign to listen to survivors and understand how best to support them, and our administration will continue that work.”

"Mayor Lurie will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why he specifically took time during his campaign to listen to survivors and understand how best to support them, and our administration will continue that work.”

&#8220;Mayor Lurie will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why he specifically took time during his campaign to listen to survivors and understand how best to support them, and our administration will continue that work.”

City Hall on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Candidate Daniel Lurie beat London Breed to capture the title of Mayor of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241107-breedconcedes_jason_0003-edited.jpg" alt="A grand building with a large domed roof, adorned with ornate details, stands against a clear sky. Two flags are visible on poles nearby." class="wp-image-354867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters in 2022 passed Proposition D to establish the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Victim Rights.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241107-breedconcedes_jason_0003-edited.jpg" alt="A grand building with a large domed roof, adorned with ornate details, stands against a clear sky. Two flags are visible on poles nearby." class="wp-image-354867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters in 2022 passed Proposition D to establish the Mayor's Office of Victim Rights.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241107-breedconcedes_jason_0003-edited.jpg" alt="A grand building with a large domed roof, adorned with ornate details, stands against a clear sky. Two flags are visible on poles nearby." class="wp-image-354867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters in 2022 passed Proposition D to establish the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Victim Rights.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dream-deferred">A dream deferred</h2>

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