Vince Bielski

Andy Reanos-Moreno built an extensive trafficking enterprise in the Bay Area, keeping San Francisco awash in fentanyl and other drugs.

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Andy Reanos-Moreno built an extensive trafficking enterprise in the Bay Area, keeping San Francisco awash in fentanyl and other drugs.

A savvy businessman, Reanos-Moreno cut a deal with his troupe of Tenderloin street dealers, according to court papers. He rented houses and apartments throughout Oakland for them to live in, and in exchange, his apparatchiks agreed to buy their supplies exclusively from Reanos-Moreno—an arrangement that allowed him to keep tens of thousands of dollars on hand.&nbsp;

A savvy businessman, Reanos-Moreno cut a deal with his troupe of Tenderloin street dealers, according to court papers. He rented houses and apartments throughout Oakland for them to live in, and in exchange, his apparatchiks agreed to buy their supplies exclusively from Reanos-Moreno—an arrangement that allowed him to keep tens of thousands of dollars on hand.&nbsp;

Reanos-Moreno, considered a major Bay Area trafficker, was arrested in 2019 and sentenced in June to six years in prison, joining a long string of local dealers who have been taken off the streets in the last three years. But despite the law enforcement crackdown targeting San Francisco, the supply of deadly fentanyl into the city is surging to levels not seen before, according to federal and local officials.

Reanos-Moreno, considered a major Bay Area trafficker, was arrested in 2019 and sentenced in June to six years in prison, joining a long string of local dealers who have been taken off the streets in the last three years. But despite the law enforcement crackdown targeting San Francisco, the supply of deadly fentanyl into the city is surging to levels not seen before, according to federal and local officials.

The telltale indicator is the plunge in the price of a gram of fentanyl in the Tenderloin. It sold for about $35 in July, down from about $70 two years ago.

The telltale indicator is the plunge in the price of a gram of fentanyl in the Tenderloin. It sold for about $35 in July, down from about $70 two years ago.

Shawn Brown’s shows us his Narcan Nasal Spray that he got from his bag in San Francisco, Calif., on August 16, 2022. Drugs like fentanyl are cheaper and are more widely used now compared to a few years ago. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-INLINE1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73691"/><figcaption>Shawn Brown pulls out a supply of Narcan nasal spray, an overdose antidote to opiates and opioids like fentanyl. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-INLINE1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73691"/><figcaption>Shawn Brown pulls out a supply of Narcan nasal spray, an overdose antidote to opiates and opioids like fentanyl. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“That’s a huge change,” says Wade Shannon, who worked as the special agent in charge in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s San Francisco Field Division before retiring at the end of August. “And it just means the market is getting flooded with synthetic opioids.”

“That’s a huge change,” says Wade Shannon, who worked as the special agent in charge in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s San Francisco Field Division before retiring at the end of August. “And it just means the market is getting flooded with synthetic opioids.”

The boom in supply, which also plagues other major American cities, suggests that the overdose crisis won’t end anytime soon. The death toll has been rising, more or less steadily, in tandem with the supply of <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/adpc/pages/opiate-opioid.aspx">opiates and their synthetic opioid counterparts</a> for two decades.&nbsp;

The boom in supply, which also plagues other major American cities, suggests that the overdose crisis won’t end anytime soon. The death toll has been rising, more or less steadily, in tandem with the supply of <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/adpc/pages/opiate-opioid.aspx">opiates and their synthetic opioid counterparts</a> for two decades.&nbsp;

Last year, the U.S. suffered a record 108,000 overdose fatalities, mainly from fentanyl. In San Francisco, <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022%2008_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf">641 people died from overdoses in 2021</a>. This year, the city is on pace for slightly fewer such fatalities, perhaps due to the wider <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">availability of naloxone</a>, which can reverse an overdose.&nbsp;

Last year, the U.S. suffered a record 108,000 overdose fatalities, mainly from fentanyl. In San Francisco, <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022%2008_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf">641 people died from overdoses in 2021</a>. This year, the city is on pace for slightly fewer such fatalities, perhaps due to the wider <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">availability of naloxone</a>, which can reverse an overdose.&nbsp;

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It’s been widely chronicled that the first wave of the opioid epidemic started in the 1990s, driven by the explosive growth in the supply of prescription pills like oxycodone provided by major corporate drugmakers and pharmacies that later <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-wins-landmark-opioid-trial-against-walgreens/">faced successful lawsuits in San Francisco</a> and elsewhere. Although the federal government eventually dialed back distribution of prescription opioids, they have been replaced by growing supplies of fentanyl products, both powder and fake pills posing as pharmaceuticals.&nbsp;

It’s been widely chronicled that the first wave of the opioid epidemic started in the 1990s, driven by the explosive growth in the supply of prescription pills like oxycodone provided by major corporate drugmakers and pharmacies that later <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-wins-landmark-opioid-trial-against-walgreens/">faced successful lawsuits in San Francisco</a> and elsewhere. Although the federal government eventually dialed back distribution of prescription opioids, they have been replaced by growing supplies of fentanyl products, both powder and fake pills posing as pharmaceuticals.&nbsp;

“We have learned that controlling supply is really essential,” says Keith Humphreys, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and an adviser to federal health officials on substance abuse treatment. “When opioids are widely available, and when they are cheap, there will be more addiction and overdose.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have learned that controlling supply is really essential,” says Keith Humphreys, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and an adviser to federal health officials on substance abuse treatment. “When opioids are widely available, and when they are cheap, there will be more addiction and overdose.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fentanyl-s-big-profits">Fentanyl’s Big Profits</h2>

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<h2 id="h-fentanyl-s-big-profits">Fentanyl’s Big Profits</h2>

The fentanyl supply is soaring partly because it’s a synthetic product, making it more profitable and easier to produce than organic opiates like heroin.

The fentanyl supply is soaring partly because it’s a synthetic product, making it more profitable and easier to produce than organic opiates like heroin.

Fentanyl’s costs—mainly inexpensive chemicals called precursors that the DEA says are sourced primarily from China and shipped to Mexico for production—are relatively low. Heroin, on the other hand, requires land, farmers and machinery to grow and harvest poppies, driving up prices.&nbsp;

Fentanyl’s costs—mainly inexpensive chemicals called precursors that the DEA says are sourced primarily from China and shipped to Mexico for production—are relatively low. Heroin, on the other hand, requires land, farmers and machinery to grow and harvest poppies, driving up prices.&nbsp;

“In making fentanyl, you don’t need a farmer, you don&#8217;t need good weather, you don&#8217;t need land, you don&#8217;t need anything that drives up the costs of heroin,” Shannon says. “That’s a huge advantage.”

“In making fentanyl, you don’t need a farmer, you don't need good weather, you don't need land, you don't need anything that drives up the costs of heroin,” Shannon says. “That’s a huge advantage.”

“In making fentanyl, you don’t need a farmer, you don&#8217;t need good weather, you don&#8217;t need land, you don&#8217;t need anything that drives up the costs of heroin,” Shannon says. “That’s a huge advantage.”

In the Bay Area, a kilo of cut fentanyl powder sells wholesale for only about $4,500, reflecting the cheap production costs, according to the DEA. Heroin, by comparison, goes for $14,000 to $25,000.

In the Bay Area, a kilo of cut fentanyl powder sells wholesale for only about $4,500, reflecting the cheap production costs, according to the DEA. Heroin, by comparison, goes for $14,000 to $25,000.

The remarkable profit on fentanyl comes from the retail markup.&nbsp;

The remarkable profit on fentanyl comes from the retail markup.&nbsp;

A fentanyl pill wholesales in San Francisco for $3.50 but goes on the street for $20 to $30, a profit margin that incentivizes dealers to accept the risk of arrest by selling dope in the Tenderloin and SoMa.

A fentanyl pill wholesales in San Francisco for $3.50 but goes on the street for $20 to $30, a profit margin that incentivizes dealers to accept the risk of arrest by selling dope in the Tenderloin and SoMa.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DA Jenkins Cracks Down</h2>

The urgent question is can the city, and the nation, tamp down the menace of fentanyl that’s profitable for the Mexican cartels that produce it.

The urgent question is can the city, and the nation, tamp down the menace of fentanyl that’s profitable for the Mexican cartels that produce it.

In August, just a month after her appointment as San Francisco’s district attorney, Brooke Jenkins made fighting fentanyl a priority in an ongoing effort in the city to clean up the Tenderloin. Jenkins <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-jenkins-threatens-drug-dealers-with-more-jail-time-harsher-penalties-as-sf-fentanyl-crackdown-expands/">announced</a> that she would take a harder line than her recalled progressive predecessor, Chesa Boudin, by allowing prosecutors to seek pretrial lockups and longer sentences for fentanyl dealers.

In August, just a month after her appointment as San Francisco’s district attorney, Brooke Jenkins made fighting fentanyl a priority in an ongoing effort in the city to clean up the Tenderloin. Jenkins <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-jenkins-threatens-drug-dealers-with-more-jail-time-harsher-penalties-as-sf-fentanyl-crackdown-expands/">announced</a> that she would take a harder line than her recalled progressive predecessor, Chesa Boudin, by allowing prosecutors to seek pretrial lockups and longer sentences for fentanyl dealers.

Jenkins’ tougher stance sparked concerns of a new war on drugs, locking up more street dealers, many of them recent immigrants from Honduras, who will be quickly replaced by others like them. Critics of efforts to cut the fentanyl supply say the answer is reducing demand by funding a list of programs, from drug treatment to job placement. But these services take time to work and fail when opioid users resist them, which is not uncommon, substance abuse experts say.

Jenkins’ tougher stance sparked concerns of a new war on drugs, locking up more street dealers, many of them recent immigrants from Honduras, who will be quickly replaced by others like them. Critics of efforts to cut the fentanyl supply say the answer is reducing demand by funding a list of programs, from drug treatment to job placement. But these services take time to work and fail when opioid users resist them, which is not uncommon, substance abuse experts say.

On Tuesday, three San Francisco supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">introduced a resolution</a> to back programs, including a possible supervised drug consumption site, to encourage people with addiction to get help.

On Tuesday, three San Francisco supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">introduced a resolution</a> to back programs, including a possible supervised drug consumption site, to encourage people with addiction to get help.

“Criminalizing the supply does nothing to abate the demand,” San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju told The Standard in an email. “Instead of bringing back the inhumane and racist war on drugs, we should use our public resources to invest in treatment, housing, job training, and employment.”

“Criminalizing the supply does nothing to abate the demand,” San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju told The Standard in an email. “Instead of bringing back the inhumane and racist war on drugs, we should use our public resources to invest in treatment, housing, job training, and employment.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-supply-chain">The Supply Chain</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-supply-chain">The Supply Chain</h2>

San Francisco and much of the U.S. gets most of its fentanyl from Mexico, where two powerful cartels, Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, manufacture the drug in clandestine labs, according to a <a href="https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/DEA_GOV_DIR-008-20%20Fentanyl%20Flow%20in%20the%20United%20States_0.pdf">2020 DEA intelligence report</a>. These heavily armed and technologically sophisticated criminal groups operate in Mexico with near impunity from the law.&nbsp;

San Francisco and much of the U.S. gets most of its fentanyl from Mexico, where two powerful cartels, Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, manufacture the drug in clandestine labs, according to a <a href="https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/DEA_GOV_DIR-008-20%20Fentanyl%20Flow%20in%20the%20United%20States_0.pdf">2020 DEA intelligence report</a>. These heavily armed and technologically sophisticated criminal groups operate in Mexico with near impunity from the law.&nbsp;

The government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has backed off from aggressively confronting the cartels in a bid to reduce rampant violence in Mexico. Repeated calls from DEA Administrator Anne Milgram for the country to curb opioid production hasn’t made much of a difference.

The government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has backed off from aggressively confronting the cartels in a bid to reduce rampant violence in Mexico. Repeated calls from DEA Administrator Anne Milgram for the country to curb opioid production hasn’t made much of a difference.

“The cartels are so well armed, largely with U.S. weapons, that it has gotten extremely difficult to go after them,” says Bryce Pardo, an expert in fentanyl trafficking and drug policy at RAND Corporation, a global policy think tank. “Mexico will occasionally close down a lab but they don’t have an appetite to confront the cartels. So the flow of fentanyl is increasing across the border.”

“The cartels are so well armed, largely with U.S. weapons, that it has gotten extremely difficult to go after them,” says Bryce Pardo, an expert in fentanyl trafficking and drug policy at RAND Corporation, a global policy think tank. “Mexico will occasionally close down a lab but they don’t have an appetite to confront the cartels. So the flow of fentanyl is increasing across the border.”

A billboard intended to raise awareness about Fentanyl addiction in San Francisco is revealed on April 4, 2022 in Union Square. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-INLINE2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73699"/><figcaption>A Union Square billboard intended to raise awareness about fentanyl addiction. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

The uptick has been dramatic, as measured by seizures at the southern border. This year is on pace to top <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/drug-seizure-statistics">2021’s record haul of 10,600 pounds</a> of fentanyl by U.S. border and customs agents—a fourfold increase over 2019, according to federal data.&nbsp;

The uptick has been dramatic, as measured by seizures at the southern border. This year is on pace to top <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/drug-seizure-statistics">2021’s record haul of 10,600 pounds</a> of fentanyl by U.S. border and customs agents—a fourfold increase over 2019, according to federal data.&nbsp;

As the latest in a series of illegal drugs to cross into the U.S. from Mexico, fentanyl benefits by piggybacking on the established trafficking networks of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine that are also controlled by cartels.&nbsp;

As the latest in a series of illegal drugs to cross into the U.S. from Mexico, fentanyl benefits by piggybacking on the established trafficking networks of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine that are also controlled by cartels.&nbsp;

Traffickers send most of the fentanyl destined for the Bay Area through the official ports of entry in California since they are on the fastest travel routes north. And customs agents, overwhelmed with the heavy flow of cars and pedestrians, don’t have enough detection technology and time to stop much of the illicit cargo.

Traffickers send most of the fentanyl destined for the Bay Area through the official ports of entry in California since they are on the fastest travel routes north. And customs agents, overwhelmed with the heavy flow of cars and pedestrians, don’t have enough detection technology and time to stop much of the illicit cargo.

Shannon says the fentanyl, which is typically accompanied by methamphetamine and smaller amounts of other drugs, is then brought to stash houses in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Wholesalers—often working for the cartels—break up the dope into smaller and less detectable packages for transit by couriers.

Shannon says the fentanyl, which is typically accompanied by methamphetamine and smaller amounts of other drugs, is then brought to stash houses in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Wholesalers—often working for the cartels—break up the dope into smaller and less detectable packages for transit by couriers.

In July, DEA seized a record <a href="https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/07/14/dea-los-angeles-field-division-makes-historic-seizure-approximately-1">one million fentanyl pills</a> valued at $15 to $20 million at a stash house in Inglewood, showing the magnitude of the trafficking in Southern California.&nbsp;

In July, DEA seized a record <a href="https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/07/14/dea-los-angeles-field-division-makes-historic-seizure-approximately-1">one million fentanyl pills</a> valued at $15 to $20 million at a stash house in Inglewood, showing the magnitude of the trafficking in Southern California.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-east-bay-distribution-hub">The East Bay Distribution Hub</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-east-bay-distribution-hub">The East Bay Distribution Hub</h2>

Some of the cargo then moves north in cars on Interstate 5 to regional distributors in the East Bay, one of the largest fentanyl hubs in the country, according to Alameda County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Ray Kelly.

Some of the cargo then moves north in cars on Interstate 5 to regional distributors in the East Bay, one of the largest fentanyl hubs in the country, according to Alameda County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Ray Kelly.

Kelly says more than half the distributors in Alameda County are immigrants from Honduras. Hunger and poverty, worsened by a long drought and two devastating hurricanes, have forced thousands of Hondurans to flee their country, often with help on their journey from the same cartels that traffic fentanyl.&nbsp;

Kelly says more than half the distributors in Alameda County are immigrants from Honduras. Hunger and poverty, worsened by a long drought and two devastating hurricanes, have forced thousands of Hondurans to flee their country, often with help on their journey from the same cartels that traffic fentanyl.&nbsp;

As part of the deal, Kelly says, the Hondurans often agree to deal drugs as a way to pay the cartels several thousands of dollars for smuggling them over the U.S. border.&nbsp;

As part of the deal, Kelly says, the Hondurans often agree to deal drugs as a way to pay the cartels several thousands of dollars for smuggling them over the U.S. border.&nbsp;

Working out of as many as 50 stash houses across the bay in Oakland and other East Bay cities, the dealers prepare the fentanyl for sale in San Francisco, a major retail center, by adding a variety of colors like green or yellow to the powder in what the feds say amounts to a marketing gimmick. Dealers pitch certain colors like “rainbow” as more potent, though DEA analysis shows that’s not the case.

Working out of as many as 50 stash houses across the bay in Oakland and other East Bay cities, the dealers prepare the fentanyl for sale in San Francisco, a major retail center, by adding a variety of colors like green or yellow to the powder in what the feds say amounts to a marketing gimmick. Dealers pitch certain colors like “rainbow” as more potent, though DEA analysis shows that’s not the case.

The $200 a day street dealers typically earn provides a strong incentive to stay in the fentanyl business long after they have repaid their debt to the cartels.&nbsp;

The $200 a day street dealers typically earn provides a strong incentive to stay in the fentanyl business long after they have repaid their debt to the cartels.&nbsp;

“These Honduran dealers are really pawns in the big scheme of things,” Kelly says. “And the money is getting kicked up to organized crime.”

“These Honduran dealers are really pawns in the big scheme of things,” Kelly says. “And the money is getting kicked up to organized crime.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-series-of-fentanyl-busts">A Series of Fentanyl Busts</h2>

<h2 id="h-a-series-of-fentanyl-busts">A Series of Fentanyl Busts</h2>

Officers in the Bay Area have been seizing larger and larger shipments of fentanyl. In April deputies in Alameda found 92 pounds of the opioid during raids in Oakland and Hayward that were likely bound for San Francisco.&nbsp;

Officers in the Bay Area have been seizing larger and larger shipments of fentanyl. In April deputies in Alameda found 92 pounds of the opioid during raids in Oakland and Hayward that were likely bound for San Francisco.&nbsp;

DEA agents have been gathering big loads too. The amount of fentanyl powder confiscated in the San Francisco region grew by 60% to 80 kilograms in the 12 months ending in April compared to the prior year, and the upward trend has continued through August, according to the agency.

DEA agents have been gathering big loads too. The amount of fentanyl powder confiscated in the San Francisco region grew by 60% to 80 kilograms in the 12 months ending in April compared to the prior year, and the upward trend has continued through August, according to the agency.

But the impressive busts have done little to curb supply or demand.

But the impressive busts have done little to curb supply or demand.

“I would love to say that our seizures of fentanyl—20 to 30 pounds at a time on many occasions—have shrunk the supply,” Kelly says. “But they have not. We are overwhelmed, just overwhelmed with fentanyl.”

“I would love to say that our seizures of fentanyl—20 to 30 pounds at a time on many occasions—have shrunk the supply,” Kelly says. “But they have not. We are overwhelmed, just overwhelmed with fentanyl.”

‘Overwhelmed with fentanyl’: Why the deadly opioid is pouring into San Francisco from Mexico

Josh Koehn

In the first event of the San Francisco Standard’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/politics/elections/">election</a> debate series, Supervisor Gordon Mar and challenger Joel Engardio faced off Wednesday evening to discuss the key issues affecting District 4 and the city at large.

In the first event of the San Francisco Standard’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/politics/elections/">election</a> debate series, Supervisor Gordon Mar and challenger Joel Engardio faced off Wednesday evening to discuss the key issues affecting District 4 and the city at large.

Scroll from the bottom up to read in chronological order.

Scroll from the bottom up to read in chronological order.

7:32 P.M. And like that, we’re done.&nbsp;

7:32 P.M. And like that, we’re done.&nbsp;

The Standard’s editor-in-chief Jonathan Weber thanked both candidates for their time and the crowd gave what felt like a genuine round of applause.

The Standard’s editor-in-chief Jonathan Weber thanked both candidates for their time and the crowd gave what felt like a genuine round of applause.

7:21 P.M. Mar slams large development in D4.&nbsp;

7:21 P.M. Mar slams large development in D4.&nbsp;

Candidates Joel Engardio and District 4 City Supervisor Gordon Mar responds to questions from the crowd at the Irish Culture Center on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022 in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/District4Debate_09212022_049-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77426"/><figcaption>Candidates Joel Engardio and District 4 City Supervisor Gordon Mar responds to questions from the crowd at the Irish Culture Center on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022 in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

A man asked what the candidates thought about a large development at 2700 Sloat Blvd., right across the street from the venue of the debate.

A man asked what the candidates thought about a large development at 2700 Sloat Blvd., right across the street from the venue of the debate.

He said the 12-story, 400-unit property is a “luxury housing” project that is just “another example of a development here in the neighborhood and our city that is really just driven by profit.” He said it doesn’t meet the needs of the city and “would just be similar to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thewesterlysf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westerly</a>,” but eight times bigger.

He said the 12-story, 400-unit property is a “luxury housing” project that is just “another example of a development here in the neighborhood and our city that is really just driven by profit.” He said it doesn’t meet the needs of the city and “would just be similar to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thewesterlysf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westerly</a>,” but eight times bigger.

Mar suggested the project should be subject to discretionary review.

Mar suggested the project should be subject to discretionary review.

7:17 P.M. Both candidates support labor unions.

7:17 P.M. Both candidates support labor unions.

Mar took part in a labor protest last week at SFO to support food service workers who have not gotten a raise since 2018. Engardio said he grew up in Michigan in a strong union town and worked at McDonald’s and Red Lobster. So, tie?

Mar took part in a labor protest last week at SFO to support food service workers who have not gotten a raise since 2018. Engardio said he grew up in Michigan in a strong union town and worked at McDonald’s and Red Lobster. So, tie?

7:12 P.M. A father wants answers on Lowell.

7:12 P.M. A father wants answers on Lowell.

A resident named Jim said he and his wife didn’t get interested in local politics until the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/selective-admissions-are-back-at-lowell-high-after-a-split-vote-reinstates-the-controversial-policy/">Lowell High School admissions</a> controversy started. One of his children suggested the change in admissions policy was so disappointing they might as well move to Illinois. He then asked Engardio why he should believe the candidate when he says he’s going to make his family’s life easier.

A resident named Jim said he and his wife didn’t get interested in local politics until the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/selective-admissions-are-back-at-lowell-high-after-a-split-vote-reinstates-the-controversial-policy/">Lowell High School admissions</a> controversy started. One of his children suggested the change in admissions policy was so disappointing they might as well move to Illinois. He then asked Engardio why he should believe the candidate when he says he’s going to make his family’s life easier.

Engardio said he fought for merit-based admissions at Lowell and he will support families. If they don’t get what they want and need, they will simply flee the city or opt for private schools.

Engardio said he fought for merit-based admissions at Lowell and he will support families. If they don’t get what they want and need, they will simply flee the city or opt for private schools.

Mar said Lowell is very personal to him, as his daughter attends the school. “I was a very vocal advocate against the school board’s decision when they made the lottery admissions permanent, illegally,” he said.

Mar said Lowell is very personal to him, as his daughter attends the school. “I was a very vocal advocate against the school board’s decision when they made the lottery admissions permanent, illegally,” he said.

The supervisor said it’s important to maintain Lowell’s status while also helping marginalized students in the city.

The supervisor said it’s important to maintain Lowell’s status while also helping marginalized students in the city.

Jim said his daughter feels “marginalized,” which allowed Engardio to cut in and said Mar was absent from this debate. He asked the supervisor why he endorsed Allison Collins when “everyone knew” she wanted to roll back merit-based admissions at Lowell.

Jim said his daughter feels “marginalized,” which allowed Engardio to cut in and said Mar was absent from this debate. He asked the supervisor why he endorsed Allison Collins when “everyone knew” she wanted to roll back merit-based admissions at Lowell.

7:04 P.M. The polls say supervisors are failing.

7:04 P.M. The polls say supervisors are failing.

An audience member noted that a recent poll by the San Francisco Chronicle shows the BOS has an approval rating of 12%.

An audience member noted that a recent poll by the San Francisco Chronicle shows the BOS has an approval rating of 12%.

“I think that’s sort of high,” he said to laughter.

“I think that’s sort of high,” he said to laughter.

He then asked Mar: “Are you part of the solution or part of the problem, and why?”

He then asked Mar: “Are you part of the solution or part of the problem, and why?”

“I certainly don’t dispute the poll and we hear constant complaints from our constituents around a wide range of issues,” Mar replied. “I believe I’ve been very responsive and focused on issues I have more control over,” such as public safety, schools and protecting the unique quality of life in the the Sunset District.

“I certainly don’t dispute the poll and we hear constant complaints from our constituents around a wide range of issues,” Mar replied. “I believe I’ve been very responsive and focused on issues I have more control over,” such as public safety, schools and protecting the unique quality of life in the the Sunset District.

“On a citywide level,” Mar said, “I understand the frustration.”

“On a citywide level,” Mar said, “I understand the frustration.”

6:59 P.M. Residents grill the candidates.

6:59 P.M. Residents grill the candidates.

The audience came armed with questions for the two candidates. / Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-21-at-6.59.06-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-77350"/><figcaption>The audience came armed with questions for the two candidates. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

We have entered the portion of the debate in which audience members can ask questions. What could go wrong?

We have entered the portion of the debate in which audience members can ask questions. What could go wrong?

First up, a gentleman asked: “What are the blockers in San Francisco that stop people from investing in affordable housing?”

First up, a gentleman asked: “What are the blockers in San Francisco that stop people from investing in affordable housing?”

“One of the big challenges is the acquisition cost of a home,” Mar said.

“One of the big challenges is the acquisition cost of a home,” Mar said.

Engardio said construction costs and delays caused by city approvals can stop “common-sense” projects from being built.

Engardio said construction costs and delays caused by city approvals can stop “common-sense” projects from being built.

6:48 P.M. Can the Sunset become the ‘Paris’ of the city?&nbsp;

6:48 P.M. Can the Sunset become the ‘Paris’ of the city?&nbsp;

Mar called out a column Engardio wrote about&nbsp;<a href="https://engardio.com/blog/2017/10/10/paris-in-the-sunset-is-possible-if-we-think-outside-the-box" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turning the Sunset District into the Paris of the city</a>&nbsp;by converting single family-homes into six-story housing. Um, OK.

Mar called out a column Engardio wrote about&nbsp;<a href="https://engardio.com/blog/2017/10/10/paris-in-the-sunset-is-possible-if-we-think-outside-the-box" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turning the Sunset District into the Paris of the city</a>&nbsp;by converting single family-homes into six-story housing. Um, OK.

Engardio said he has visited Paris multiple times and the theme of his column was really about getting the “spirit” of Paris into the city. Um, OK.

Engardio said he has visited Paris multiple times and the theme of his column was really about getting the “spirit” of Paris into the city. Um, OK.

Engardio—an&nbsp;<a href="https://engardio.com/awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">award-winning columnist</a>, according to his website—noted that people can go read all of his past columns and learn more about his views. You can even read the columns that won third place.

Engardio—an&nbsp;<a href="https://engardio.com/awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">award-winning columnist</a>, according to his website—noted that people can go read all of his past columns and learn more about his views. You can even read the columns that won third place.

6:43 P.M. Helping people who can’t help themselves.

6:43 P.M. Helping people who can’t help themselves.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-21-at-6.57.57-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-77345"/><figcaption>Joel Engardio and Gordon Mar, from left. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

How the city will address the homelessness crisis is top of mind for many in San Francisco. Mar said supervisors “will be able to take a firmer hand” into helping homeless people into transitional housing and shelters with initiatives like CARE courts.

How the city will address the homelessness crisis is top of mind for many in San Francisco. Mar said supervisors “will be able to take a firmer hand” into helping homeless people into transitional housing and shelters with initiatives like CARE courts.

Engardio countered that we need more shelter space and housing options, such as tiny homes, to create better opportunities to get homeless people off the street.

Engardio countered that we need more shelter space and housing options, such as tiny homes, to create better opportunities to get homeless people off the street.

He pointed out that many homeless people are suffering from mental illness and applauded a conservatorship law from San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener. But, Engardio said, the supervisor watered down that legislation to make it ineffective.

He pointed out that many homeless people are suffering from mental illness and applauded a conservatorship law from San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener. But, Engardio said, the supervisor watered down that legislation to make it ineffective.

Mar said he personally supported the legislation and brought the issue back to D4, adding that he is working to address ways to provide more options to help people living out of RVs.

Mar said he personally supported the legislation and brought the issue back to D4, adding that he is working to address ways to provide more options to help people living out of RVs.

6:37 P.M. Can downtown San Francisco be saved?&nbsp;

6:37 P.M. Can downtown San Francisco be saved?&nbsp;

The impending&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate collapse</a>&nbsp;in downtown has everyone rightfully worried.

The impending&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate collapse</a>&nbsp;in downtown has everyone rightfully worried.

Engardio compared the lack of people coming back to in-office work since the start of the pandemic to the situation in New York City after 9/11. And he doesn’t see a return to in-office work.&nbsp;

Engardio compared the lack of people coming back to in-office work since the start of the pandemic to the situation in New York City after 9/11. And he doesn’t see a return to in-office work.&nbsp;

“That’s gone, so we can’t magically bring that back. So we’re going to reinvent what the downtown is,” Engardio said.

“That’s gone, so we can’t magically bring that back. So we’re going to reinvent what the downtown is,” Engardio said.

He suggested the city should reconfigure streets into promenades, repurpose office buildings into housing and look at incentives to draw investors in the community.

He suggested the city should reconfigure streets into promenades, repurpose office buildings into housing and look at incentives to draw investors in the community.

“We need to roll out the red carpet to every entrepreneur and artisan in the world,” Engardio said.

“We need to roll out the red carpet to every entrepreneur and artisan in the world,” Engardio said.

Mar said the future of downtown is one of the most important issues we face as a city, but “I wouldn’t support looking at tax breaks or tax handouts.”

Mar said the future of downtown is one of the most important issues we face as a city, but “I wouldn’t support looking at tax breaks or tax handouts.”

The supervisor said the Twitter tax break was “a handout of tens of millions of dollars” to a small group of companies, and the city should look at lowering the lease rates to create a more diverse economy downtown.

The supervisor said the Twitter tax break was “a handout of tens of millions of dollars” to a small group of companies, and the city should look at lowering the lease rates to create a more diverse economy downtown.

Mar suggested the city could look to convert office space into housing and cultural centers.

Mar suggested the city could look to convert office space into housing and cultural centers.

6:27 P.M. Stop the presses—the candidates agree on something!&nbsp;

6:27 P.M. Stop the presses—the candidates agree on something!&nbsp;

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