Mike Ege

David Sjostedt

The city’s Tenderloin Emergency Intervention Plan dominated Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The board also dealt with a new homeless shelter and new funding for Muni. (As always, wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out the meeting’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/event/2022/bag020822_agenda">complete agenda</a>.)

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The city’s Tenderloin Emergency Intervention Plan dominated Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The board also dealt with a new homeless shelter and new funding for Muni. (As always, wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out the meeting’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/event/2022/bag020822_agenda">complete agenda</a>.)

Progress Report on Tenderloin Emergency The hearing on the mayor’s Tenderloin plan took up almost three hours of Tuesday’s nearly seven-hour meeting, with dueling presentations by city departments and a coalition of nonprofit groups, led by the Coalition on Homelessness.&nbsp;

Progress Report on Tenderloin Emergency The hearing on the mayor’s Tenderloin plan took up almost three hours of Tuesday’s nearly seven-hour meeting, with dueling presentations by city departments and a coalition of nonprofit groups, led by the Coalition on Homelessness.&nbsp;

The city presentation outlined priorities in tackling drug dealing and crime, open-air drug use, lack of drop-in resources, street safety and quality of life issues, and overdose deaths.

The city presentation outlined priorities in tackling drug dealing and crime, open-air drug use, lack of drop-in resources, street safety and quality of life issues, and overdose deaths.

So far, the city reported 117 people were connected to shelters, 893 were connected to treatment, 922 tons of street waste was cleaned up and 5,975 grams of Fentanyl were seized. Engagements with clients have roughly doubled since the opening of the linkage center, while service referrals have roughly tripled.

So far, the city reported 117 people were connected to shelters, 893 were connected to treatment, 922 tons of street waste was cleaned up and 5,975 grams of Fentanyl were seized. Engagements with clients have roughly doubled since the opening of the linkage center, while service referrals have roughly tripled.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Health has filled just half of the 200 needed healthcare positions required for the project.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Health has filled just half of the 200 needed healthcare positions required for the project.&nbsp;

The nonprofit coalition’s presentation outlined engagement with the city to urge more impact- and equity-based goals and metrics into the plan.

The nonprofit coalition’s presentation outlined engagement with the city to urge more impact- and equity-based goals and metrics into the plan.

Board President Shamann Walton, along with Supervisor Hilary Ronen, asked whether additional resources given to the Tenderloin were impacting services to other parts of the city. Ronen also urged acquisition of further shelter space and the hiring of behavioral health workers.&nbsp;

Board President Shamann Walton, along with Supervisor Hilary Ronen, asked whether additional resources given to the Tenderloin were impacting services to other parts of the city. Ronen also urged acquisition of further shelter space and the hiring of behavioral health workers.&nbsp;

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman urged greater attention to the reaction of families and households in the neighborhood. “Success or failure [should be] determined on whether families and households feel safe,” said Mandelman.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman urged greater attention to the reaction of families and households in the neighborhood. “Success or failure [should be] determined on whether families and households feel safe,” said Mandelman.

Supervisor Dean Preston used his questioning to amplify concerns over increased police activity and to urge postponing closure of shelter-In-place hotels.&nbsp;

Supervisor Dean Preston used his questioning to amplify concerns over increased police activity and to urge postponing closure of shelter-In-place hotels.&nbsp;

Both Supervisors Ahsha Safai and Catherine Stefani spent considerable time questioning staff about inclusion of abstinence-based programs in the services provided. It was eventually revealed that while the city made referrals to a number of abstinence based programs, such as Delancey Street, none were actually contracted by the city.&nbsp;

Both Supervisors Ahsha Safai and Catherine Stefani spent considerable time questioning staff about inclusion of abstinence-based programs in the services provided. It was eventually revealed that while the city made referrals to a number of abstinence based programs, such as Delancey Street, none were actually contracted by the city.&nbsp;

Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents the Tenderloin, was not present for the hearing because his sister was having a baby.

Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents the Tenderloin, was not present for the hearing because his sister was having a baby.

Urban Alchemy’s Nob Hill Shelter

Urban Alchemy’s Nob Hill Shelter

The board approved a three-year contract for service provider Urban Alchemy to run a former youth hostel at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/budget-committee-to-approve-controversial-lower-nob-hill-shelter/">711 Post St</a>. as an emergency homeless shelter.&nbsp;

The board approved a three-year contract for service provider Urban Alchemy to run a former youth hostel at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/budget-committee-to-approve-controversial-lower-nob-hill-shelter/">711 Post St</a>. as an emergency homeless shelter.&nbsp;

The proposed 250-unit facility, which will offer some guests private rooms, has sparked controversy in the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. Residents and businesses are alarmed over the neighborhood’s transition from tourist hub to Tenderloin-adjacent “containment zone” for the city’s homeless.

The proposed 250-unit facility, which will offer some guests private rooms, has sparked controversy in the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. Residents and businesses are alarmed over the neighborhood’s transition from tourist hub to Tenderloin-adjacent “containment zone” for the city’s homeless.

“This thing got off to a rough start,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents the neighborhood, as he outlined an emerging agreement between residents and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing on administration and maintenance of the site.

“This thing got off to a rough start,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents the neighborhood, as he outlined an emerging agreement between residents and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing on administration and maintenance of the site.

Peskin also said he would remain “a constant presence” in the process to finalize the agreement.&nbsp;

Peskin also said he would remain “a constant presence” in the process to finalize the agreement.&nbsp;

Rescuing Muni with $400 Million

Rescuing Muni with $400 Million

The $400 million general obligation bond measure for the SF Municipal Transportation Agency, slated for the June ballot, was continued after additional amendments by  Supervisor Connie Chan. The changes address policy goals to provide services to underserved communities and stipulate an annual hearing on the agency’s bond program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The $400 million general obligation bond measure for the SF Municipal Transportation Agency, slated for the June ballot, was continued after additional amendments by Supervisor Connie Chan. The changes address policy goals to provide services to underserved communities and stipulate an annual hearing on the agency’s bond program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most of the bond will speed repairs and upgrade aging infrastructure at Muni, including the subway control system. The remainder will go toward improving traffic signals and configuring streets to emphasize transit, walking and cycling, with lower <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/street-safety-transit-agency-gets-a-start-on-cutting-car-speeds/">speed limits</a>.&nbsp;

Most of the bond will speed repairs and upgrade aging infrastructure at Muni, including the subway control system. The remainder will go toward improving traffic signals and configuring streets to emphasize transit, walking and cycling, with lower <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/street-safety-transit-agency-gets-a-start-on-cutting-car-speeds/">speed limits</a>.&nbsp;

The continuance means that, if approved at the Board, the bond measure will have to be submitted to the Department of Elections as a “late item” by March 4, likely ruling out any further amendments to other measures being considered by the board.

The continuance means that, if approved at the Board, the bond measure will have to be submitted to the Department of Elections as a “late item” by March 4, likely ruling out any further amendments to other measures being considered by the board.

Meanwhile, Chan’s monster <a href="https://sfstandard.com/explainers/explainer-what-sf-voters-need-to-know-about-2022-ballot-measures/">charter amendment</a>, which would have radically realigned appointments to commissions and made other major changes to city government, was tabled by her own motion at Monday’s Rules Committee meeting.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chan’s monster <a href="https://sfstandard.com/explainers/explainer-what-sf-voters-need-to-know-about-2022-ballot-measures/">charter amendment</a>, which would have radically realigned appointments to commissions and made other major changes to city government, was tabled by her own motion at Monday’s Rules Committee meeting.&nbsp;

Other Thorny Issues&nbsp;

Other Thorny Issues&nbsp;

The meeting began with remarks from Mayor London Breed relating “hard news” from her recent trip to Chicago and other cities with SFTravel.&nbsp;

The meeting began with remarks from Mayor London Breed relating “hard news” from her recent trip to Chicago and other cities with SFTravel.&nbsp;

“Companies love San Francisco but have serious concerns,” Breed said, noting the city’s rising housing prices and property crime rate, as well as quality of life issues.

“Companies love San Francisco but have serious concerns,” Breed said, noting the city’s rising housing prices and property crime rate, as well as quality of life issues.

She argued this could now overtake the ability to take the city’s charms for granted in a business environment now shaped by Covid and remote work options.&nbsp;

She argued this could now overtake the ability to take the city’s charms for granted in a business environment now shaped by Covid and remote work options.&nbsp;

Additionally, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/220207-bos-proxy-war/">two issues</a> related to the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin had mixed results this session: The reappointment confirmation of Commissioner Andrea Shorter was continued one week; and the $700,000 settlement in the case of the alleged police beating of Dacari Spiers was finally approved by a vote of 8-2, with supervisors Mandelman and Stefani dissenting.

Additionally, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/220207-bos-proxy-war/">two issues</a> related to the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin had mixed results this session: The reappointment confirmation of Commissioner Andrea Shorter was continued one week; and the $700,000 settlement in the case of the alleged police beating of Dacari Spiers was finally approved by a vote of 8-2, with supervisors Mandelman and Stefani dissenting.

SF supervisors approve contract for controversial Lower Nob Hill homeless shelter

At over eight and a half hours, the <a href="https://sfbos.org/">Board of Supervisors</a> meeting Tuesday touched the bases, from tackling the ongoing response to the Tenderloin overdose crisis and passing legislation to make it harder to develop microunits to an earful of comments on other issues.

At over eight and a half hours, the <a href="https://sfbos.org/">Board of Supervisors</a> meeting Tuesday touched the bases, from tackling the ongoing response to the Tenderloin overdose crisis and passing legislation to make it harder to develop microunits to an earful of comments on other issues.

The Evolving Tenderloin Emergency Response

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolving-tenderloin-emergency-response">The Evolving Tenderloin Emergency Response</h2>

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<h2 id="h-the-evolving-tenderloin-emergency-response">The Evolving Tenderloin Emergency Response</h2>

The board held another hearing on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/emergency-linkage-tenderloin/">Mayor London Breed’s emergency declaration on crime and drug overdoses</a> in the Tenderloin, as the city’s response has come to a turning point.&nbsp;

The board held another hearing on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/emergency-linkage-tenderloin/">Mayor London Breed’s emergency declaration on crime and drug overdoses</a> in the Tenderloin, as the city’s response has come to a turning point.&nbsp;

The declaration expires Mar. 17, but the mayor filed a supplement enabling continued employment of disaster service workers at the linkage center—for a limited time. This will enable an orderly transition to regularly assigned personnel taking over that work, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Breed.&nbsp;

The declaration expires Mar. 17, but the mayor filed a supplement enabling continued employment of disaster service workers at the linkage center—for a limited time. This will enable an orderly transition to regularly assigned personnel taking over that work, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Breed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, some supervisors responded to a false perception that the change meant operations under the declaration would end.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, some supervisors responded to a false perception that the change meant operations under the declaration would end.&nbsp;

Supervisor Matt Haney, whose District 6 includes the Tenderloin, thanked Mayor Breed for the proclamation but added that the Tenderloin “was clearly still in a state of public health emergency.”&nbsp;

Supervisor Matt Haney, whose District 6 includes the Tenderloin, thanked Mayor Breed for the proclamation but added that the Tenderloin “was clearly still in a state of public health emergency.”&nbsp;

“If we are ending the emergency, that’s not something I support. We are still in as much of an emergency as we were three months ago,” Haney said, citing continued concerns over open-air drug dealing and other issues. He added that “a lot of work has been accomplished that could not have been done without the declaration.”&nbsp;

“If we are ending the emergency, that’s not something I support. We are still in as much of an emergency as we were three months ago,” Haney said, citing continued concerns over open-air drug dealing and other issues. He added that “a lot of work has been accomplished that could not have been done without the declaration.”&nbsp;

Supervisor Ahsha Safai echoed Haney’s concerns and expressed a desire for a greater police presence along the lines of what was deployed at Union Square in response to organized retail thefts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supervisor Ahsha Safai echoed Haney’s concerns and expressed a desire for a greater police presence along the lines of what was deployed at Union Square in response to organized retail thefts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some three hours into the hearing, Department of Emergency Management Director Mary Ellen Carroll clarified the situation. “The Tenderloin Emergency Initiative is still ongoing,” she said.&nbsp;

Some three hours into the hearing, Department of Emergency Management Director Mary Ellen Carroll clarified the situation. “The Tenderloin Emergency Initiative is still ongoing,” she said.&nbsp;

Carroll and other city staffers delivered a series of presentations outlining indicators of what has been accomplished so far, as well as next steps.&nbsp;

Carroll and other city staffers delivered a series of presentations outlining indicators of what has been accomplished so far, as well as next steps.&nbsp;

So far, the linkage center has had more than 15,000 visits, yielding over 3,000 service referrals. Thirty-five overdoses were reversed thanks to Narcan. Hours are expanding, with a goal of 24/7 operations, and the center now provides three hot meals a day. On the personnel side, the Department of Public Health has completed 80% of its staffing goals and expects to reach 100% by month’s end.&nbsp;

So far, the linkage center has had more than 15,000 visits, yielding over 3,000 service referrals. Thirty-five overdoses were reversed thanks to Narcan. Hours are expanding, with a goal of 24/7 operations, and the center now provides three hot meals a day. On the personnel side, the Department of Public Health has completed 80% of its staffing goals and expects to reach 100% by month’s end.&nbsp;

Supervisors, nevertheless, wanted more information. Safai noted that metrics were still more about processes than outcomes. Others focused on a lack of more tangible results.&nbsp;

Supervisors, nevertheless, wanted more information. Safai noted that metrics were still more about processes than outcomes. Others focused on a lack of more tangible results.&nbsp;

“Something is not working, but not for the lack of trying,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, whose District 9 has experienced more open-air drug dealing and related incidents than other areas of the city. Department heads cited lag time in obtaining relevant metrics as one issue in the response.&nbsp;

“Something is not working, but not for the lack of trying,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, whose District 9 has experienced more open-air drug dealing and related incidents than other areas of the city. Department heads cited lag time in obtaining relevant metrics as one issue in the response.&nbsp;

Supervisor Catherine Stefani expressed continued concerns over a lack of abstinence-based solutions at the linkage center, which prompted staffers to point out that a “sober living room” facility would soon be made available.&nbsp;

Supervisor Catherine Stefani expressed continued concerns over a lack of abstinence-based solutions at the linkage center, which prompted staffers to point out that a “sober living room” facility would soon be made available.&nbsp;

Superior Dean Preston focused on the role of police. During an earlier discussion it was revealed that an increase in police presence in the Tenderloin is on its way—using existing funds not related to the emergency declaration. Carroll&nbsp; said that input from neighborhood outreach showed residents have been asking for more police. Preston continued to criticize the move, noting reports of significant increases in use of force by police during the emergency, as more than 70% of arrests have targeted people of color.&nbsp;

Superior Dean Preston focused on the role of police. During an earlier discussion it was revealed that an increase in police presence in the Tenderloin is on its way—using existing funds not related to the emergency declaration. Carroll&nbsp; said that input from neighborhood outreach showed residents have been asking for more police. Preston continued to criticize the move, noting reports of significant increases in use of force by police during the emergency, as more than 70% of arrests have targeted people of color.&nbsp;

Mayor Breed’s declaration was referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee to provide continued oversight.

Mayor Breed’s declaration was referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee to provide continued oversight.

Housing:&nbsp; Microunits vs. SROs, and more&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Housing:&nbsp; Microunits vs. SROs, and more&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Housing:&nbsp; Microunits vs. SROs, and more&nbsp;</h2>

Concerns over “microunit” housing, such as 450 O’Farrell St., now the subject of a<a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-scrambles-to-prep-for-lawsuits-after-rejecting-800-new-housing-units/"> lawsuit</a> against the city, prompted Supervisor Aaron Peskin to introduce two bills, one of which passed unanimously today.&nbsp;

Concerns over “microunit” housing, such as 450 O’Farrell St., now the subject of a<a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-scrambles-to-prep-for-lawsuits-after-rejecting-800-new-housing-units/"> lawsuit</a> against the city, prompted Supervisor Aaron Peskin to introduce two bills, one of which passed unanimously today.&nbsp;

The bill redefines “group housing,” which up until now had allowed for the development of small efficiency apartments, including “microunits.” Peskin maintains this incentivizes conversion of&nbsp; low-income Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotel housing. He reiterated comments made&nbsp; at Land Use Committee, describing the former definition as “muddy and confusing.”

The bill redefines “group housing,” which up until now had allowed for the development of small efficiency apartments, including “microunits.” Peskin maintains this incentivizes conversion of&nbsp; low-income Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotel housing. He reiterated comments made&nbsp; at Land Use Committee, describing the former definition as “muddy and confusing.”

The new definition is similar to dormitory housing, replacing a provision for limited kitchen facilities in individual units with group kitchen facilities for every 15 units, among other changes. Peskin cited work by the Planning Department, as well as research on best practices for group housing by the California College of the Arts, as justifying the changes.&nbsp;

The new definition is similar to dormitory housing, replacing a provision for limited kitchen facilities in individual units with group kitchen facilities for every 15 units, among other changes. Peskin cited work by the Planning Department, as well as research on best practices for group housing by the California College of the Arts, as justifying the changes.&nbsp;

Trailing legislation for this item banning group housing in the Tenderloin and Chinatown will likely be heard by the full board next week.&nbsp;

Trailing legislation for this item banning group housing in the Tenderloin and Chinatown will likely be heard by the full board next week.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parole for Parklets</h2>

<h2>Parole for Parklets</h2>

Another Peskin bill giving businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/parklets-shared-spaces-public-access-restauarants/">more time</a> to bring parklets into compliance with the new Permanent Shared Spaces program also passed unanimously. Parklets out of code—apart from major issues such as disabled access—won&#8217;t be fined until next April.&nbsp;

Another Peskin bill giving businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/parklets-shared-spaces-public-access-restauarants/">more time</a> to bring parklets into compliance with the new Permanent Shared Spaces program also passed unanimously. Parklets out of code—apart from major issues such as disabled access—won't be fined until next April.&nbsp;

Another Peskin bill giving businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/parklets-shared-spaces-public-access-restauarants/">more time</a> to bring parklets into compliance with the new Permanent Shared Spaces program also passed unanimously. Parklets out of code—apart from major issues such as disabled access—won&#8217;t be fined until next April.&nbsp;

Before the vote, Peskin said the ordinance would “offer more certainty to small businesses” currently transitioning to the permanent program. He noted that the city will reach out to permit holders to work toward full compliance by 2023.

Before the vote, Peskin said the ordinance would “offer more certainty to small businesses” currently transitioning to the permanent program. He noted that the city will reach out to permit holders to work toward full compliance by 2023.

Mayor’s JFK Drive Ordinance&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mayor’s JFK Drive Ordinance&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Mayor’s JFK Drive Ordinance&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier Tuesday, Mayor Breed introduced an ordinance to keep JFK Drive<a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/mayor-floats-bill-to-make-car-free-jfk-permanent-but-its-fate-at-the-board-is-uncertain/"> in Golden Gate Park car-free</a>. Callers in support dominated the over hour-long public comment period at Tuesday&#8217;s meeting.

Earlier Tuesday, Mayor Breed introduced an ordinance to keep JFK Drive<a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/mayor-floats-bill-to-make-car-free-jfk-permanent-but-its-fate-at-the-board-is-uncertain/"> in Golden Gate Park car-free</a>. Callers in support dominated the over hour-long public comment period at Tuesday's meeting.

Earlier Tuesday, Mayor Breed introduced an ordinance to keep JFK Drive<a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/mayor-floats-bill-to-make-car-free-jfk-permanent-but-its-fate-at-the-board-is-uncertain/"> in Golden Gate Park car-free</a>. Callers in support dominated the over hour-long public comment period at Tuesday&#8217;s meeting.

Todd David, of the Housing Action Coalition, joined a return to in-person public comment in the board chambers to thank supervisors for opposing a bill from Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) that would exempt housing created under the state’s Density Bonus Law from affordable housing impact fees.&nbsp;

Todd David, of the Housing Action Coalition, joined a return to in-person public comment in the board chambers to thank supervisors for opposing a bill from Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) that would exempt housing created under the state’s Density Bonus Law from affordable housing impact fees.&nbsp;

“Your opposition will help to solidify support for our legislation,” David said.&nbsp;

“Your opposition will help to solidify support for our legislation,” David said.&nbsp;

Roll Call: Sex and Politics

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roll Call: Sex and Politics</h2>

<h2>Roll Call: Sex and Politics</h2>

New business included a resolution by Supervisor Connie Chan condemning the use of what she called “racist imagery” in recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/da-chesa-boudin-recall-asian-american-leaders-condemn-racist-communist-style-poster/">political placards</a> appearing to appropriate Communist themes. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced an ordinance that would create an Adult Sex Venue classification in the planning code in order to reduce restrictions on bathhouses and similar businesses in LGBTQ+ cultural districts.

New business included a resolution by Supervisor Connie Chan condemning the use of what she called “racist imagery” in recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/da-chesa-boudin-recall-asian-american-leaders-condemn-racist-communist-style-poster/">political placards</a> appearing to appropriate Communist themes. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced an ordinance that would create an Adult Sex Venue classification in the planning code in order to reduce restrictions on bathhouses and similar businesses in LGBTQ+ cultural districts.

Board of Supervisors question evolution of Tenderloin emergency

Josh Koehn

The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

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<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div>

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<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div></div>

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks during a press conference about the state of smalls businesses in the SoMa district of San Francisco, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED1_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022" class="wp-image-171134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED1_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022" class="wp-image-171134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-i-you-can-t-mess-with-her">Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’</h2>

“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission

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<div class="quote-container">
“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story." 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
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<div class="quote-container">
“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
</div>

The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

A booklet entitled “The New Western Addition Is a Good Place to Live” published in 1971, outlines new housing developments, apartments and public spaces as part of the larger Western Addition redevelopment project. London Breed was raised in the Western Addition’s Yerba Buena Plaza East housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

“If you were not Black or didn't live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn't walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don't want the police to be brutalizing them.”

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

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