Astrid Kane

For the last 18 months or so, a new organization has been tabling on the sidewalk in San Francisco’s Castro District, distributing wisdom to passersby. Called the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/church_of_cosmic_consciousness/">Church of Cosmic Consciousness</a>, its gospel deals with an increasingly common path to spiritual growth: so-called magic mushrooms.&nbsp;

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For the last 18 months or so, a new organization has been tabling on the sidewalk in San Francisco’s Castro District, distributing wisdom to passersby. Called the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/church_of_cosmic_consciousness/">Church of Cosmic Consciousness</a>, its gospel deals with an increasingly common path to spiritual growth: so-called magic mushrooms.&nbsp;

The church recently rented a brick-and-mortar on the corner of 18th and Ord streets, a few blocks uphill from rainbow flag-filled Castro Street.&nbsp;

The church recently rented a brick-and-mortar on the corner of 18th and Ord streets, a few blocks uphill from rainbow flag-filled Castro Street.&nbsp;

It’s a bit different from the Bay Area’s other mushroom churches. The firmly established Zide Door, with locations in East Oakland and SoMa, is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/19/oaklands-magic-mushroom-church-opens-sf-outpost-in-this-neighborhood/">ambitious in scope and guarded by fearsome security</a>. The Living Church, in an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/magic-mushroom-chocolate-san-francisco-living-church/">unmarked storefront on Post Street</a> in the Tenderloin, is wary of publicity and more or less a place to buy edibles containing psilocybin, mushrooms’ psychoactive component.&nbsp;

Oakland’s magic mushroom church opens outpost in this San Francisco neighborhood

You can get magic mushroom chocolates over the counter in San Francisco now

It’s a bit different from the Bay Area’s other mushroom churches. The firmly established Zide Door, with locations in East Oakland and SoMa, is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/19/oaklands-magic-mushroom-church-opens-sf-outpost-in-this-neighborhood/">ambitious in scope and guarded by fearsome security</a>. The Living Church, in an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/magic-mushroom-chocolate-san-francisco-living-church/">unmarked storefront on Post Street</a> in the Tenderloin, is wary of publicity and more or less a place to buy edibles containing psilocybin, mushrooms’ psychoactive component.&nbsp;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/22/san-francisco-magic-mushroom-tattoo-secret-party/">San Franciscans Eat Magic Mushrooms and Get Tattooed at Secret Party</a>

San Franciscans eat magic mushrooms and get tattooed at secret party

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/22/san-francisco-magic-mushroom-tattoo-secret-party/">San Franciscans Eat Magic Mushrooms and Get Tattooed at Secret Party</a>

The Church of Cosmic Consciousness, which opens Sunday, is—well, it’s churchier. It’s meant to be pastoral and aid residents of a neighborhood <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/31/castro-merchants-threatening-civil-disobedience-over-mental-health-drug-crisis-finds-sympathetic-audience/">long afflicted by severe mental-health crises</a>, as well as ordinary people with their ordinary-people problems.&nbsp;

Castro merchants threatening ‘civil disobedience’ over mental health, drug crisis find sympathetic audience

The Church of Cosmic Consciousness, which opens Sunday, is—well, it’s churchier. It’s meant to be pastoral and aid residents of a neighborhood <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/31/castro-merchants-threatening-civil-disobedience-over-mental-health-drug-crisis-finds-sympathetic-audience/">long afflicted by severe mental-health crises</a>, as well as ordinary people with their ordinary-people problems.&nbsp;

Jade, 40, a self-described queer and neurodivergent person who uses pronouns interchangeably, is the church’s founder. He&#8217;s the &#8220;Mushroom Pope,” as staffers put it. He was raised in a strict Christian environment, although his mother was something of a hippie. “Jade” was his name from birth.

Jade, 40, a self-described queer and neurodivergent person who uses pronouns interchangeably, is the church’s founder. He's the "Mushroom Pope,” as staffers put it. He was raised in a strict Christian environment, although his mother was something of a hippie. “Jade” was his name from birth.

Jade, 40, a self-described queer and neurodivergent person who uses pronouns interchangeably, is the church’s founder. He&#8217;s the &#8220;Mushroom Pope,” as staffers put it. He was raised in a strict Christian environment, although his mother was something of a hippie. “Jade” was his name from birth.

Jade Edaj, also known as the Mushroom Pope, poses for the portrait outside of the Church of Cosmic Consciousness, in the Castro District in San Francisco on Friday, October 27, 2023. The church, which has over 2,000 members, will have a grand opening on Sunday.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1803" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231027_CosmicMushroomChurch-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-216017"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jade Edaj has worked as a skydiver and formerly owned a cannabis extract company.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231027_CosmicMushroomChurch-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-216017"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jade Edaj has worked as a skydiver and formerly owned a cannabis extract company.</figcaption></figure>

“She gave me a square middle name, which I went by for quite a while,” he told The Standard. “And then one day, I realize, ‘I am not that. I am Jade—obviously.’”

“She gave me a square middle name, which I went by for quite a while,” he told The Standard. “And then one day, I realize, ‘I am not that. I am Jade—obviously.’”

His last name, he added, is “Edaj”—which is to say, “Jade” backward.&nbsp;

His last name, he added, is “Edaj”—which is to say, “Jade” backward.&nbsp;

A multihyphenate in fields where few people dare compete, he built science fair-winning rockets and even a tattoo machine, later becoming a professional skydiver and base jumper before later owning a cannabis extract company in South San Francisco. In terms of Hogwarts houses, he&#8217;s a Gryffindor, through and through.

A multihyphenate in fields where few people dare compete, he built science fair-winning rockets and even a tattoo machine, later becoming a professional skydiver and base jumper before later owning a cannabis extract company in South San Francisco. In terms of Hogwarts houses, he's a Gryffindor, through and through.

A multihyphenate in fields where few people dare compete, he built science fair-winning rockets and even a tattoo machine, later becoming a professional skydiver and base jumper before later owning a cannabis extract company in South San Francisco. In terms of Hogwarts houses, he&#8217;s a Gryffindor, through and through.

He had a difficult upbringing, though, marked by abuse and the death of a close friend from cancer. At one point, Jade said, he harbored thoughts of suicide. In his 20s, he discovered psychedelics, including mushrooms but also peyote and LSD.&nbsp;

He had a difficult upbringing, though, marked by abuse and the death of a close friend from cancer. At one point, Jade said, he harbored thoughts of suicide. In his 20s, he discovered psychedelics, including mushrooms but also peyote and LSD.&nbsp;

“I believe in psychedelics,” Jade said. “They’re my religion. They’re how I connect to a higher power.”

“I believe in psychedelics,” Jade said. “They’re my religion. They’re how I connect to a higher power.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-herd-of-wildebeests">In the Herd of Wildebeests</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-herd-of-wildebeests">In the Herd of Wildebeests</h2>

Naturally occurring psychedelics like so-called magic mushrooms have reached a pivotal moment.&nbsp;

Naturally occurring psychedelics like so-called magic mushrooms have reached a pivotal moment.&nbsp;

At the federal level, they remain a Schedule I substance, meaning there’s <a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Schedule%20I%20drugs%2C%20substances%2C%20or,)%2C%20methaqualone%2C%20and%20peyote." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no medically accepted usage and a high possibility of addiction</a>. The classification has long struck some observers as capricious, as marijuana is also Schedule I, while cocaine is a less-restricted Schedule II and anabolic steroids are an even less-regulated Schedule III.

At the federal level, they remain a Schedule I substance, meaning there’s <a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Schedule%20I%20drugs%2C%20substances%2C%20or,)%2C%20methaqualone%2C%20and%20peyote." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no medically accepted usage and a high possibility of addiction</a>. The classification has long struck some observers as capricious, as marijuana is also Schedule I, while cocaine is a less-restricted Schedule II and anabolic steroids are an even less-regulated Schedule III.

The picture is different at the local level.&nbsp;

The picture is different at the local level.&nbsp;

Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple bills into law Wednesday addressing barriers to housing and development of more affordable homes.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NewsomDreamforce-214.jpg?w=2500" alt="Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics statewide. " class="wp-image-200717"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics statewide.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NewsomDreamforce-214.jpg?w=2500" alt="Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics statewide. " class="wp-image-200717"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to decriminalize plant-based psychedelics statewide.</figcaption></figure>

Last year, San Francisco joined Oakland and other liberal jurisdictions nationwide in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/01/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">decriminalizing psilocybin</a>. Earlier this month, though, Gov. Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed state Sen. Scott Wiener’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">bill to&nbsp;decriminalize plant-based psychedelics statewide</a>. But even then, decriminalization isn’t legalization. It refers only to possession and use, not sales.&nbsp;

San Francisco has effectively decriminalized magic mushrooms. Now what?

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes bill that would’ve decriminalized magic mushrooms

Last year, San Francisco joined Oakland and other liberal jurisdictions nationwide in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/01/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">decriminalizing psilocybin</a>. Earlier this month, though, Gov. Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed state Sen. Scott Wiener’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">bill to&nbsp;decriminalize plant-based psychedelics statewide</a>. But even then, decriminalization isn’t legalization. It refers only to possession and use, not sales.&nbsp;

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill That Would’ve Decriminalized Magic Mushrooms</a>

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill That Would’ve Decriminalized Magic Mushrooms</a>

With two levels of government stacked against them, anyone operating in the world of psilocybin is, understandably, cautious. But there’s caution, and then there’s caution for someone who used to be paid to jump out of planes.

With two levels of government stacked against them, anyone operating in the world of psilocybin is, understandably, cautious. But there’s caution, and then there’s caution for someone who used to be paid to jump out of planes.

“I recently realized that if I’m in a herd of wildebeests crossing a river where there are crocodiles, I’m going to be one of the first three that are jumping in,” Jade said. “Like, &#8216;Let’s go!&#8217;”

“I recently realized that if I’m in a herd of wildebeests crossing a river where there are crocodiles, I’m going to be one of the first three that are jumping in,” Jade said. “Like, 'Let’s go!'”

“I recently realized that if I’m in a herd of wildebeests crossing a river where there are crocodiles, I’m going to be one of the first three that are jumping in,” Jade said. “Like, &#8216;Let’s go!&#8217;”

An entrepreneur whose extract company was raided at gunpoint, Jade sees similarities between cannabis and mushrooms, comparing the present moment to the period just before 1996’s Proposition 215, in which California voters allowed medicinal marijuana.

An entrepreneur whose extract company was raided at gunpoint, Jade sees similarities between cannabis and mushrooms, comparing the present moment to the period just before 1996’s Proposition 215, in which California voters allowed medicinal marijuana.

“I really hope that they get it right with this space, because while cannabis is important as a medicine, mushrooms have more potential to help mental health and spiritual growth,” he said. “Mushrooms can heal the world if it’s done right.”

“I really hope that they get it right with this space, because while cannabis is important as a medicine, mushrooms have more potential to help mental health and spiritual growth,” he said. “Mushrooms can heal the world if it’s done right.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-as-sacrament">Mushrooms as Sacrament</h2>

Jade and the Church of Cosmic Consciousness, like many similar organizations, consider mushrooms to be a sacrament, something provided by the Earth itself that can be used for the benefit of its sentient and occasionally bummed-out inhabitants. Although he&#8217;ll have a drink on special occasions, Jade draws a distinction between the use of psilocybin and the consumption of drugs like alcohol that are used for escapism.

Jade and the Church of Cosmic Consciousness, like many similar organizations, consider mushrooms to be a sacrament, something provided by the Earth itself that can be used for the benefit of its sentient and occasionally bummed-out inhabitants. Although he'll have a drink on special occasions, Jade draws a distinction between the use of psilocybin and the consumption of drugs like alcohol that are used for escapism.

Jade and the Church of Cosmic Consciousness, like many similar organizations, consider mushrooms to be a sacrament, something provided by the Earth itself that can be used for the benefit of its sentient and occasionally bummed-out inhabitants. Although he&#8217;ll have a drink on special occasions, Jade draws a distinction between the use of psilocybin and the consumption of drugs like alcohol that are used for escapism.

Although it hasn’t had a space of its own until now, the Church of Cosmic Consciousness and its three volunteers have been around for over a year, tending to people’s needs, whether that be through daily microdosing or assisting in more intense trips from what are sometimes known as “heroic doses.” Some congregants have spoken to Jade about thoughts of taking their own lives. At least one member is in his 80s.

Although it hasn’t had a space of its own until now, the Church of Cosmic Consciousness and its three volunteers have been around for over a year, tending to people’s needs, whether that be through daily microdosing or assisting in more intense trips from what are sometimes known as “heroic doses.” Some congregants have spoken to Jade about thoughts of taking their own lives. At least one member is in his 80s.

A composite image of mushroom edibles on a tabel and an individual showing his phone screen after signing up for a membership to the Church of Cosmic Consciousness in the Castro District in San Francisco on Friday, October 27, 2023. The church has over 2,000 members and will have a grand opening on Sunday. The church sets up a table every day to recruit members and accept donations towards the church.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1406" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CosmicMushroomChurch.jpeg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-216018"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows mushroom edibles on a table and an individual holding his phone screen after signing up for a membership to the Church of Cosmic Consciousness in the Castro District on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CosmicMushroomChurch.jpeg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-216018"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows mushroom edibles on a table and an individual holding his phone screen after signing up for a membership to the Church of Cosmic Consciousness in the Castro District on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

Joining is open to all. Approved members, and there are 2,000 so far, sign an agreement that allows them to donate to the church, whereupon they will be given sacrament. And although the church has infused-chocolate brands like White Lotus and Golden Teacher—along with “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cup5qiXLtbI/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mighty Penis</a>,” because for some reason <a href="https://psychedelicspotlight.com/penis-envy-mushrooms-effects-potency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penis references are popular</a> among edibles—the idea is more than just “Here’s your mushrooms. Next, please!”

Joining is open to all. Approved members, and there are 2,000 so far, sign an agreement that allows them to donate to the church, whereupon they will be given sacrament. And although the church has infused-chocolate brands like White Lotus and Golden Teacher—along with “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cup5qiXLtbI/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mighty Penis</a>,” because for some reason <a href="https://psychedelicspotlight.com/penis-envy-mushrooms-effects-potency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penis references are popular</a> among edibles—the idea is more than just “Here’s your mushrooms. Next, please!”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/magic-mushroom-chocolate-san-francisco-living-church/">You Can Get Magic Mushroom Chocolates Over the Counter in San Francisco Now</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/magic-mushroom-chocolate-san-francisco-living-church/">You Can Get Magic Mushroom Chocolates Over the Counter in San Francisco Now</a>

There will be Sunday services, for example, and opportunities to volunteer. Jade hopes to feed the unhoused in some capacity and use mushrooms to help rewire the brains of people who are dealing with substance abuse.

There will be Sunday services, for example, and opportunities to volunteer. Jade hopes to feed the unhoused in some capacity and use mushrooms to help rewire the brains of people who are dealing with substance abuse.

“The world is hard,” he said. “It’s hard to be a human. And not to downplay, you know, regular people, but marginalized people—people of color, queer people—we just get shit on so hard.”

“The world is hard,” he said. “It’s hard to be a human. And not to downplay, you know, regular people, but marginalized people—people of color, queer people—we just get shit on so hard.”

Opening oneself up to the community can present thorny problems, of course.&nbsp;

Opening oneself up to the community can present thorny problems, of course.&nbsp;

So far, the neighbors seem cool with the idea of a mushroom church in their midst, but residents’ tolerance levels for people in the throes of crisis may vary. More to the point, one person’s sanctuary may no longer feel like a safe space if it’s disrupted by an individual battling addiction—even if that individual’s need for help is far greater.&nbsp;

So far, the neighbors seem cool with the idea of a mushroom church in their midst, but residents’ tolerance levels for people in the throes of crisis may vary. More to the point, one person’s sanctuary may no longer feel like a safe space if it’s disrupted by an individual battling addiction—even if that individual’s need for help is far greater.&nbsp;

People sign up for a membership at a table set up by the Church of Cosmic Consciousness in the Castro District in San Francisco on Friday, October 27, 2023. The church, which has over 2,000 members, will have a grand opening on Sunday. The church sets up a table every day to recruit members and accept donations towards the church.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231027_CosmicMushroomChurch-11.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-216019"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sign up for membership at a table set up by the Church of Cosmic Consciousness in the Castro District on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231027_CosmicMushroomChurch-11.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-216019"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sign up for membership at a table set up by the Church of Cosmic Consciousness in the Castro District on Friday.</figcaption></figure>

Jade is candid that the church staff are neither doctors nor psychiatrists, and there must be rules.

Jade is candid that the church staff are neither doctors nor psychiatrists, and there must be rules.

“If someone’s not respectful, they’re fucking out,” he said. “I’ll have no problem excommunicating someone.”

“If someone’s not respectful, they’re fucking out,” he said. “I’ll have no problem excommunicating someone.”

So the mechanics of outreach will have to figure themselves out as people join up for their psychoactive fishes and hallucinogenic loaves.&nbsp;

So the mechanics of outreach will have to figure themselves out as people join up for their psychoactive fishes and hallucinogenic loaves.&nbsp;

“The point is to give away knowledge and give away mushrooms,” Jade said. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“The point is to give away knowledge and give away mushrooms,” Jade said. “That’s what I’m here for.”

San Francisco gets a magic mushroom church that actually feels like a church

Mike Ege

San Francisco employees responsible for enforcing regulations against illegal vending made an emotional appeal to city lawmakers for policy changes, relating harrowing stories of how they are regularly exposed to violence and threats from people selling stolen goods on the street.&nbsp;

San Francisco employees responsible for enforcing regulations against illegal vending made an emotional appeal to city lawmakers for policy changes, relating harrowing stories of how they are regularly exposed to violence and threats from people selling stolen goods on the street.&nbsp;

The call came from several San Francisco Department of Public Works employees—many wearing their safety jackets emblazoned with the DPW logo and some wearing masks or not giving their names out of fear of retaliation—who took turns speaking during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

The call came from several San Francisco Department of Public Works employees—many wearing their safety jackets emblazoned with the DPW logo and some wearing masks or not giving their names out of fear of retaliation—who took turns speaking during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-workers-health-housing-unsafe-drugs-homelessness/">Assault, Gunfire, Stabbing: San Francisco&#8217;s &#8216;Front-Line&#8217; Workers Don&#8217;t Feel Safe</a>

Assault, gunfire, stabbing: San Francisco’s front-line workers don&#8217;t feel safe

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-workers-health-housing-unsafe-drugs-homelessness/">Assault, Gunfire, Stabbing: San Francisco's 'Front-Line' Workers Don't Feel Safe</a>

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-workers-health-housing-unsafe-drugs-homelessness/">Assault, Gunfire, Stabbing: San Francisco&#8217;s &#8216;Front-Line&#8217; Workers Don&#8217;t Feel Safe</a>

Teresa McNamara, who identified herself as a senior street inspector who has worked for the city for 12 years, tearfully recounted how her illegal vending enforcement assignment “has broken my spirit and enthusiasm. … My mental health is suffering, and sadly, it’s affecting my family and friends, too, as they watch me cry and struggle with panic attacks that I never had before.”&nbsp;

Teresa McNamara, who identified herself as a senior street inspector who has worked for the city for 12 years, tearfully recounted how her illegal vending enforcement assignment “has broken my spirit and enthusiasm. … My mental health is suffering, and sadly, it’s affecting my family and friends, too, as they watch me cry and struggle with panic attacks that I never had before.”&nbsp;

McNamara then detailed the main issue with her work.

McNamara then detailed the main issue with her work.

“The problem is the vendor enforcement assignment makes no distinction between legitimate street vendors and armed people with stolen goods,” she said, adding that she and her colleagues are often put in the position of impounding goods from people “under the influence of drugs or experiencing mental health issues.”

“The problem is the vendor enforcement assignment makes no distinction between legitimate street vendors and armed people with stolen goods,” she said, adding that she and her colleagues are often put in the position of impounding goods from people “under the influence of drugs or experiencing mental health issues.”

Another inspector described being regularly exposed to violence.

Another inspector described being regularly exposed to violence.

An anonymous San Francisco Department of Public Works Employee testifies at the Nov. 7 Board of Supervisors meeting. 

“I have personally been involved in tug-of-wars with unpermitted offenders,” they said, adding they “have been spat on and verbally threatened with violent racist language regularly and physically assaulted. … I’m hypervigilant that I will end up being doxed while doing my duty as a public servant; we are put out there at least once a week for shifts that can last an hour to an entire day.”&nbsp;

“I have personally been involved in tug-of-wars with unpermitted offenders,” they said, adding they “have been spat on and verbally threatened with violent racist language regularly and physically assaulted. … I’m hypervigilant that I will end up being doxed while doing my duty as a public servant; we are put out there at least once a week for shifts that can last an hour to an entire day.”&nbsp;

The inspectors take issue with enforcing laws against illegal vending while under the constraints of SB 946, also known as the “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” passed in 2018 to decriminalize street vending and allow cities to regulate the practice with civil enforcement.

The inspectors take issue with enforcing laws against illegal vending while under the constraints of SB 946, also known as the “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” passed in 2018 to decriminalize street vending and allow cities to regulate the practice with civil enforcement.

A product shot of some of the items a vendor is selling on Mission Street in San Francisco, Calif. on August 5, 2022. With the rising prices of inflation, many people look to the street vendors to purchase basic home goods at half the price they find in the stores. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/08052022-mission-street-goods-013.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo of shampoos, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other goods is spread across the concrete sidewalk on Mission Street in San Francisco." class="wp-image-219206"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vendor sells a variety of goods a vendoron Mission Street on Aug. 5, 2022. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/08052022-mission-street-goods-013.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo of shampoos, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other goods is spread across the concrete sidewalk on Mission Street in San Francisco." class="wp-image-219206"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vendor sells a variety of goods a vendoron Mission Street on Aug. 5, 2022. </figcaption></figure>

But in enforcing local rules, including regulations <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/07/city-workers-hit-harassed-street-vending/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed by San Francisco supervisors in March 2022</a> to deal with increased street sales of stolen goods, Public Works inspectors, who are unarmed civilians, are exposed to violence from street fences. The city employees have been agitating for police to take over the duty <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/07/city-workers-hit-harassed-street-vending/">since July</a>, citing the dangers. Street vending on Mission was finally banned last month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/san-francisco-mission-street-vendor-ban/">despite pushback from vendors</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco wants to ban street vendors for 90 days on Mission Street. Vendors aren&#8217;t having it

But in enforcing local rules, including regulations <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/07/city-workers-hit-harassed-street-vending/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed by San Francisco supervisors in March 2022</a> to deal with increased street sales of stolen goods, Public Works inspectors, who are unarmed civilians, are exposed to violence from street fences. The city employees have been agitating for police to take over the duty <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/07/city-workers-hit-harassed-street-vending/">since July</a>, citing the dangers. Street vending on Mission was finally banned last month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/san-francisco-mission-street-vendor-ban/">despite pushback from vendors</a>.&nbsp;

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/san-francisco-mission-street-vendor-ban/">San Francisco Wants To Ban Street Vendors for 90 Days on Mission Street. Vendors Aren’t Having It</a>

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/san-francisco-mission-street-vendor-ban/">San Francisco Wants To Ban Street Vendors for 90 Days on Mission Street. Vendors Aren’t Having It</a>

Another inspector who would only identify himself as “some city employee” told supervisors, “This is failed legislation,” and said that police were needed to deal with the situation appropriately.&nbsp;

Another inspector who would only identify himself as “some city employee” told supervisors, “This is failed legislation,” and said that police were needed to deal with the situation appropriately.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s organized retail theft, and they’re fencing these items to support their drug habits,” the unnamed worker said. “Police are the people that need to handle this, not street inspectors who were hired and trained to check on permits and the safety of sidewalks and ensure that the public right of way is maintained.”

“It's organized retail theft, and they’re fencing these items to support their drug habits,” the unnamed worker said. “Police are the people that need to handle this, not street inspectors who were hired and trained to check on permits and the safety of sidewalks and ensure that the public right of way is maintained.”

“It&#8217;s organized retail theft, and they’re fencing these items to support their drug habits,” the unnamed worker said. “Police are the people that need to handle this, not street inspectors who were hired and trained to check on permits and the safety of sidewalks and ensure that the public right of way is maintained.”

The pleas prompted an unusually direct response from board President Aaron Peskin.

The pleas prompted an unusually direct response from board President Aaron Peskin.

“Let me say that if it were up to this Board of Supervisors, we would go back to the system as it existed for all of the years that I have been in office until the state of California took it away from this city and every city in the state of California, the ability to enforce these laws criminally,” he said. “It is not this mayor’s fault. It is not this board of supervisors&#8217; fault. It is the state of California, Gov. Newsom, and the state Legislature&#8217;s fault, and they should fix it. … [state Sen.] Scott Weiner, [Assemblymember] Phil Ting and [Assemblymember] Matt Haney should go carry a bill to give us back our former powers because right now this entire scheme is a joke.”

“Let me say that if it were up to this Board of Supervisors, we would go back to the system as it existed for all of the years that I have been in office until the state of California took it away from this city and every city in the state of California, the ability to enforce these laws criminally,” he said. “It is not this mayor’s fault. It is not this board of supervisors' fault. It is the state of California, Gov. Newsom, and the state Legislature's fault, and they should fix it. … [state Sen.] Scott Weiner, [Assemblymember] Phil Ting and [Assemblymember] Matt Haney should go carry a bill to give us back our former powers because right now this entire scheme is a joke.”

“Let me say that if it were up to this Board of Supervisors, we would go back to the system as it existed for all of the years that I have been in office until the state of California took it away from this city and every city in the state of California, the ability to enforce these laws criminally,” he said. “It is not this mayor’s fault. It is not this board of supervisors&#8217; fault. It is the state of California, Gov. Newsom, and the state Legislature&#8217;s fault, and they should fix it. … [state Sen.] Scott Weiner, [Assemblymember] Phil Ting and [Assemblymember] Matt Haney should go carry a bill to give us back our former powers because right now this entire scheme is a joke.”

San Francisco street inspectors beg city for help to deal with armed stolen-goods dealers

Jillian D’Onfro

On Thursday night, the bass bumped and crowds cheered along a usually quiet stretch of Second Street in SoMa. Drag queens posed for glamour shots, toddlers gawked at a dancing robot and people boogied under a gigantic shimmering disco ball.&nbsp;

On Thursday night, the bass bumped and crowds cheered along a usually quiet stretch of Second Street in SoMa. Drag queens posed for glamour shots, toddlers gawked at a dancing robot and people boogied under a gigantic shimmering disco ball.&nbsp;

The evening marked <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/09/san-francisco-downtown-first-thursdays/">San Francisco’s second Downtown First Thursdays (DFT) event</a>, a new festival series meant to add a jolt of energy and delight to one of the city’s most visibly struggling neighborhoods.&nbsp;

New series to bring free music, two beer gardens and a giant disco ball to downtown 

The evening marked <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/09/san-francisco-downtown-first-thursdays/">San Francisco’s second Downtown First Thursdays (DFT) event</a>, a new festival series meant to add a jolt of energy and delight to one of the city’s most visibly struggling neighborhoods.&nbsp;

The event is one of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">several similar activations</a> of late, but it’s an open question whether the novelty of partying in the shadow of office buildings will fade or if downtown can sustain a transformation into an actual social and entertainment hub.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s newest plan to resurrect downtown involves Indian dancing

The event is one of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">several similar activations</a> of late, but it’s an open question whether the novelty of partying in the shadow of office buildings will fade or if downtown can sustain a transformation into an actual social and entertainment hub.&nbsp;

Judging by the long food and drink lines, several packed stages blasting live music, and the overall buzz from attendees and business owners alike, the festival’s momentum—at least in this case—is only building.&nbsp;

Judging by the long food and drink lines, several packed stages blasting live music, and the overall buzz from attendees and business owners alike, the festival’s momentum—at least in this case—is only building.&nbsp;

Rasa Vitalia performs for a crowd gathered on Natoma Street during the second Downtown First Thursday event in San Francisco’s Financial District.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inlined01_20240530-secondfirstthursday.jpg?w=2001" alt="A performer dances in front of a crowd. " class="wp-image-281835"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rasa Vitalia performs for a crowd gathered on Natoma Street during the second Downtown First Thursday event in San Francisco’s Financial District.</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66035432ff74660bfd13c29e/f16ed727-fdc0-4d0d-95a9-4b8c3feefe4f/DIGITAL_DFT_Map.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">Spanning Second Street</a> between Market and Howard, DFT offered dozens of food trucks, stalls from local artisans, free activities like screenprinting, henna and a kids’ mini-golf station, street performers, several stages with live music, outdoor bars and more. Brick-and-mortar businesses along the event’s corridor say the events have provided a much-needed traffic boost.&nbsp;

<a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66035432ff74660bfd13c29e/f16ed727-fdc0-4d0d-95a9-4b8c3feefe4f/DIGITAL_DFT_Map.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">Spanning Second Street</a> between Market and Howard, DFT offered dozens of food trucks, stalls from local artisans, free activities like screenprinting, henna and a kids’ mini-golf station, street performers, several stages with live music, outdoor bars and more. Brick-and-mortar businesses along the event’s corridor say the events have provided a much-needed traffic boost.&nbsp;

“We saw a huge uptick: The first one was our largest day of sales post-Covid,” said Maria Ribaudo-Alicea, director of operations at <a href="https://lukeslobster.com/pages/soma">Luke’s Lobster</a> on Second Street. The shop stayed open hours later than usual for both last month’s and Thursday’s iterations&nbsp;

“We saw a huge uptick: The first one was our largest day of sales post-Covid,” said Maria Ribaudo-Alicea, director of operations at <a href="https://lukeslobster.com/pages/soma">Luke’s Lobster</a> on Second Street. The shop stayed open hours later than usual for both last month’s and Thursday’s iterations&nbsp;

“This week, we are up 163% from last Thursday,” she said on Friday morning. “We’re seeing huge numbers and that the community is clearly rallying.”&nbsp;

“This week, we are up 163% from last Thursday,” she said on Friday morning. “We’re seeing huge numbers and that the community is clearly rallying.”&nbsp;

Tanya Tandon, left, Trisha Bonthu and Grace Oldham look at pieces of jewelry at a vendor’s booth.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inlined06_20240530-secondfirstthursday.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three women look at jewelry at an artisan's booth. " class="wp-image-281840"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tanya Tandon, left, Trisha Bonthu and Grace Oldham look at pieces of jewelry at a vendor’s booth.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inlined06_20240530-secondfirstthursday.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three women look at jewelry at an artisan's booth. " class="wp-image-281840"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tanya Tandon, left, Trisha Bonthu and Grace Oldham look at pieces of jewelry at a vendor’s booth.</figcaption></figure>

Andrew Robinson, from the East Cut Community Benefit District, and Scott Rowitz, from the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, both said the events have exceeded their expectations, and that the feedback from neighborhood businesses has been wildly enthusiastic.&nbsp;

Andrew Robinson, from the East Cut Community Benefit District, and Scott Rowitz, from the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, both said the events have exceeded their expectations, and that the feedback from neighborhood businesses has been wildly enthusiastic.&nbsp;

“We heard anecdotally from numerous businesses and bars on Second Street that it’s been the best sales they’ve had in years,” Rowitz said. Local hotels reported excitement from guests in May, leading to more active promotion of this month’s event.&nbsp;

“We heard anecdotally from numerous businesses and bars on Second Street that it’s been the best sales they’ve had in years,” Rowitz said. Local hotels reported excitement from guests in May, leading to more active promotion of this month’s event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, businesses raved about the crowds, and the crowds raved about the number of activities and options, according to Robinson. “It’s been an unbelievable success so far,” he said. “There’s something for everyone.”

Meanwhile, businesses raved about the crowds, and the crowds raved about the number of activities and options, according to Robinson. “It’s been an unbelievable success so far,” he said. “There’s something for everyone.”

Lea C., left, helps her son Phoenix play a mini golf activity.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inlined02_20240530-secondfirstthursday.jpg?w=2213" alt="A woman helps a child play mini golf. " class="wp-image-281836"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lea C., left, helps her son Phoenix play a mini golf activity.</figcaption></figure>

The band Grooblen performs on for a crowd on Jessie Street during the second Downtown First Thursday event in San Francisco’s Financial District on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Downtown San Francisco’s first Thursday events are designed to enliven downtown through and encourage local business in the area. The street party includes live music, food, drag, DJs, free all-ages activities every first Thursday of the month.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inlined03_20240530-secondfirstthursday.jpg?w=1654" alt="This image shows a street concert with four musicians performing, surrounded by tall buildings. Several people are watching, including someone filming with a smartphone." class="wp-image-281837"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grooblen performs on Jessie Street during the second Downtown First Thursday event on Thursday night.</figcaption></figure>

The diverse, all-ages crowd ranged from families with young children to folks grooving in raver gear and workers who had clearly just left the office, complete with backpacks and Patagonia vests.&nbsp;

The diverse, all-ages crowd ranged from families with young children to folks grooving in raver gear and workers who had clearly just left the office, complete with backpacks and Patagonia vests.&nbsp;

“I was always low-key jealous about Oakland’s First Fridays, so I love that we’re doing this,” attendee Raciel Andales said with a laugh.&nbsp;

“I was always low-key jealous about Oakland’s First Fridays, so I love that we’re doing this,” attendee Raciel Andales said with a laugh.&nbsp;

She and two friends wore hair clips adorned with tiny bean sprouts and rubber ducks and had brought extras to give away to others (including this reporter). “It’s about spreading the love,” Andales said. “And things like this bring the city back.”&nbsp;

She and two friends wore hair clips adorned with tiny bean sprouts and rubber ducks and had brought extras to give away to others (including this reporter). “It’s about spreading the love,” Andales said. “And things like this bring the city back.”&nbsp;

The trio said they planned to attend again in the future.&nbsp;

The trio said they planned to attend again in the future.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fomo-effect">The FOMO effect</h2>

With roaming performers and plenty of selfie-friendly backdrops, DFT has played up its photo ops to become an event to see and be seen. And the FOMO effect seems to be working.&nbsp;

With roaming performers and plenty of selfie-friendly backdrops, DFT has played up its photo ops to become an event to see and be seen. And the FOMO effect seems to be working.&nbsp;

“After seeing all the Instagram posts last time, I knew I wanted to come,” said another reveler, Rheanna Montero, explaining how she discovered the event. “I wanted to see the disco ball and the drag queens—and it’s been just as good as it looked online.”

“After seeing all the Instagram posts last time, I knew I wanted to come,” said another reveler, Rheanna Montero, explaining how she discovered the event. “I wanted to see the disco ball and the drag queens—and it’s been just as good as it looked online.”

Deon Abruzzo shows off a baseball cap with Lego art on the bill.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inlined04_20240530-secondfirstthursday.jpg?w=1610" alt="A man shows off his custom hat with legos on it." class="wp-image-281838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Deon Abruzzo shows off a baseball cap with Lego art on the bill.</figcaption></figure>

DFT is spearheaded by the nonprofit <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-civic-joy-fund-aims-to-fix-doom-loop/">Civic Joy Fund</a> and for-profit production studio <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Into The Streets</a>, in collaboration with a slew of cultural orgs including Noise Pop, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Oasis <a href="https://www.dftsf.com/home#about">and more</a>. The yearlong program will cost about $1 million over 12 monthly events and is primarily funded by Bob and Randi Fisher, of Gap Inc.&#8217;s founding family, as well as Levi’s as a corporate sponsor.&nbsp;

What doom loop? ‘Civic Joy Fund’ aims to bring music, murals and good vibes to SF streets

DFT is spearheaded by the nonprofit <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-civic-joy-fund-aims-to-fix-doom-loop/">Civic Joy Fund</a> and for-profit production studio <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Into The Streets</a>, in collaboration with a slew of cultural orgs including Noise Pop, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Oasis <a href="https://www.dftsf.com/home#about">and more</a>. The yearlong program will cost about $1 million over 12 monthly events and is primarily funded by Bob and Randi Fisher, of Gap Inc.'s founding family, as well as Levi’s as a corporate sponsor.&nbsp;

DFT is spearheaded by the nonprofit <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-civic-joy-fund-aims-to-fix-doom-loop/">Civic Joy Fund</a> and for-profit production studio <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Into The Streets</a>, in collaboration with a slew of cultural orgs including Noise Pop, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Oasis <a href="https://www.dftsf.com/home#about">and more</a>. The yearlong program will cost about $1 million over 12 monthly events and is primarily funded by Bob and Randi Fisher, of Gap Inc.&#8217;s founding family, as well as Levi’s as a corporate sponsor.&nbsp;

“The recovery of our city doesn’t have to be some scary, sad thing,” said Manny Yekutiel, cofounder of the Civic Joy Fund. “We believe that it comes through our streets, through traditions, gatherings, loving each other, and celebration.”

“The recovery of our city doesn’t have to be some scary, sad thing,” said Manny Yekutiel, cofounder of the Civic Joy Fund. “We believe that it comes through our streets, through traditions, gatherings, loving each other, and celebration.”

He and Katy Birnbaum, founder of Into the Streets and the event’s “fairy godmother,” both say they expect the event to just keep getting bigger and better.&nbsp;

He and Katy Birnbaum, founder of Into the Streets and the event’s “fairy godmother,” both say they expect the event to just keep getting bigger and better.&nbsp;

“It’s already becoming a tradition,” Birnbaum said. “We want to make this a part of a city-wide ritual.”

“It’s already becoming a tradition,” Birnbaum said. “We want to make this a part of a city-wide ritual.”

The first event officially clicked through about 12,000 people, though Yekutiel estimates the real number was closer to 15,000.&nbsp;

The first event officially clicked through about 12,000 people, though Yekutiel estimates the real number was closer to 15,000.&nbsp;

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San Francisco gets a magic mushroom church that actually feels like a church

San Francisco street inspectors beg city for help to deal with armed stolen-goods dealers

‘We’re seeing huge numbers’: Downtown First Thursdays shows serious staying power in SF

Pour one out for San Francisco’s 4 a.m. bar bill. It’s dead

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