Josh Koehn

Pour one out for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/last-call-at-4-a-m-sf-legislators-renew-push-to-keep-bars-open-later/">a bill to keep the party going</a>. By all appearances, SB 930 is dead.&nbsp;

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Pour one out for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/last-call-at-4-a-m-sf-legislators-renew-push-to-keep-bars-open-later/">a bill to keep the party going</a>. By all appearances, SB 930 is dead.&nbsp;

The bill—authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney, both of whom represent San Francisco—would have created a pilot program to allow bars in the city, Palm Springs and West Hollywood to stay open past 2 a.m.&nbsp;

The bill—authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney, both of whom represent San Francisco—would have created a pilot program to allow bars in the city, Palm Springs and West Hollywood to stay open past 2 a.m.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday evening, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB930">SB 930</a> was sitting in the state Assembly’s dreaded “on call” pile, with just 28 votes in support and 29 against. It needs 41 votes to pass out of the Assembly.

As of Wednesday evening, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB930">SB 930</a> was sitting in the state Assembly’s dreaded “on call” pile, with just 28 votes in support and 29 against. It needs 41 votes to pass out of the Assembly.

The bill is now in limbo with just a week left in the legislative session. Wiener and Haney released a joint statement expressing dismay with opposition arguments they say were made in bad faith.

The bill is now in limbo with just a week left in the legislative session. Wiener and Haney released a joint statement expressing dismay with opposition arguments they say were made in bad faith.

Patrons dine at The Royal Cuckoo in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, July 15, 2022 | Juliana Yamada/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/VinylBars-258.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70627"/><figcaption>Patrons dine at The Royal Cuckoo in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, July 15, 2022 | Juliana Yamada/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/VinylBars-258.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70627"/><figcaption>Patrons dine at The Royal Cuckoo in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, July 15, 2022 | Juliana Yamada/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“We are disappointed that SB 930 came up short on votes today on the Assembly floor after a series of misleading speeches by members representing areas that would not have been impacted by the bill,” they said. “We are assessing whether there is a path to pass the bill off the Assembly floor.”

“We are disappointed that SB 930 came up short on votes today on the Assembly floor after a series of misleading speeches by members representing areas that would not have been impacted by the bill,” they said. “We are assessing whether there is a path to pass the bill off the Assembly floor.”

Throughout the legislative process, SB 930 was scaled back to address the concerns of colleagues—from how late bars should remain open during weekdays (the bill was modified to allow a last call of 3 a.m. on weekdays) to the number of cities that would be included in the pilot program. In the end, the bill would have applied to just San Francisco, Palm Springs and West Hollywood—all of which have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities—instead of seven cities across the state.

Throughout the legislative process, SB 930 was scaled back to address the concerns of colleagues—from how late bars should remain open during weekdays (the bill was modified to allow a last call of 3 a.m. on weekdays) to the number of cities that would be included in the pilot program. In the end, the bill would have applied to just San Francisco, Palm Springs and West Hollywood—all of which have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities—instead of seven cities across the state.

The authors of SB 930 said the goal is to increase tax revenue and tourism for the pilot cities while also revitalizing business districts that were among the first to close during the pandemic and among the last to reopen. It’s currently a misdemeanor for bars and other businesses in California to sell, give or deliver alcohol between 2 and 6 a.m, but at least 15 states across the country allow this in some fashion.

The authors of SB 930 said the goal is to increase tax revenue and tourism for the pilot cities while also revitalizing business districts that were among the first to close during the pandemic and among the last to reopen. It’s currently a misdemeanor for bars and other businesses in California to sell, give or deliver alcohol between 2 and 6 a.m, but at least 15 states across the country allow this in some fashion.

Some critics of the bill said they feared a later last call would lead to greater disturbances, from public intoxication to drunken driving. But both Wiener and Haney suggested a later last call—one in which only some bars choose to remain open until 4 a.m.—would reduce the burden on public transit and public safety agencies in dealing with a glut of people all pouring out of bars and onto the streets at the same time.

Some critics of the bill said they feared a later last call would lead to greater disturbances, from public intoxication to drunken driving. But both Wiener and Haney suggested a later last call—one in which only some bars choose to remain open until 4 a.m.—would reduce the burden on public transit and public safety agencies in dealing with a glut of people all pouring out of bars and onto the streets at the same time.

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SB 930 would have allowed the three pilot cities to begin the licensing process for bars interested in staying open later, and that process would have included a lengthy set of tasks, such as conducting outreach to the surrounding neighborhoods and creating public safety and transportation plans. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) would be involved throughout this process and residents and agencies would have been able to file protests in the event that a bar’s later hours presented conflicts.

SB 930 would have allowed the three pilot cities to begin the licensing process for bars interested in staying open later, and that process would have included a lengthy set of tasks, such as conducting outreach to the surrounding neighborhoods and creating public safety and transportation plans. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) would be involved throughout this process and residents and agencies would have been able to file protests in the event that a bar’s later hours presented conflicts.

In a Twitter Spaces chat with The Standard earlier this month, Wiener noted that the entire licensing process would likely mean the first California bar to remain open until 4 a.m. wouldn’t occur until 2025.

In a Twitter Spaces chat with The Standard earlier this month, Wiener noted that the entire licensing process would likely mean the first California bar to remain open until 4 a.m. wouldn’t occur until 2025.

Of course, this isn’t the first time a late-night bar bill has stumbled on the home stretch. Similar legislative proposals have been introduced multiple times over the years, and most recently former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a previous attempt from Wiener in 2018.

Of course, this isn’t the first time a late-night bar bill has stumbled on the home stretch. Similar legislative proposals have been introduced multiple times over the years, and most recently former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a previous attempt from Wiener in 2018.

The likely death of SB 930 comes as yet another setback for the San Francisco senator in a week in which he also saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/gov-newsom-vetoes-safe-drug-use-site-bill-citing-unintended-consequences/">Gov. Gavin Newsom veto his safe-injection site bill</a>.

The likely death of SB 930 comes as yet another setback for the San Francisco senator in a week in which he also saw <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/gov-newsom-vetoes-safe-drug-use-site-bill-citing-unintended-consequences/">Gov. Gavin Newsom veto his safe-injection site bill</a>.

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

Annie Gaus

Dozens of San Francisco police officers submitted last-minute proof of vaccination and won’t be subject to termination under the city’s health order, according to new figures released by the city’s human resources department.

Dozens of San Francisco police officers submitted last-minute proof of vaccination and won’t be subject to termination under the city’s health order, according to new figures released by the city’s human resources department.

As of Thursday, there were 108 police staffers, including 76 sworn officers, out of compliance with the city’s mandate that employees submit proof of vaccination or be terminated. That marked an improvement over the 118 sworn officers that were unvaccinated as of Wednesday afternoon, according to remarks by Police Chief Bill Scott at a commission hearing.

As of Thursday, there were 108 police staffers, including 76 sworn officers, out of compliance with the city’s mandate that employees submit proof of vaccination or be terminated. That marked an improvement over the 118 sworn officers that were unvaccinated as of Wednesday afternoon, according to remarks by Police Chief Bill Scott at a commission hearing.

Thursday was a key deadline for the city’s vaccination order, with police officers, firefighters, sheriffs and other workers who interact with the public required to submit proof of vaccination by midnight. All other city employees must provide proof of full vaccination by Nov. 1. About 95% of the city’s total workforce of roughly 35,000 is fully or partially vaccinated, according to human resources.&nbsp;

Thursday was a key deadline for the city’s vaccination order, with police officers, firefighters, sheriffs and other workers who interact with the public required to submit proof of vaccination by midnight. All other city employees must provide proof of full vaccination by Nov. 1. About 95% of the city’s total workforce of roughly 35,000 is fully or partially vaccinated, according to human resources.&nbsp;

Any employee who is out of compliance with the vaccine order will be placed on administrative leave and undergo a due process hearing, said Scott on Wednesday.

Any employee who is out of compliance with the vaccine order will be placed on administrative leave and undergo a due process hearing, said Scott on Wednesday.

“In those due process hearings if we find that the employee [is out of compliance]&#8230;those employees will be sent to the police commission for a non-disciplinary release from employment,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In those due process hearings if we find that the employee [is out of compliance]...those employees will be sent to the police commission for a non-disciplinary release from employment,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In those due process hearings if we find that the employee [is out of compliance]&#8230;those employees will be sent to the police commission for a non-disciplinary release from employment,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The departure of 76 police officers would put an additional dent in a workforce that saw high attrition during the pandemic and&#8211; like other police departments across the country&#8211;is having a harder time recruiting than in years past.&nbsp;

The departure of 76 police officers would put an additional dent in a workforce that saw high attrition during the pandemic and-- like other police departments across the country--is having a harder time recruiting than in years past.&nbsp;

The departure of 76 police officers would put an additional dent in a workforce that saw high attrition during the pandemic and&#8211; like other police departments across the country&#8211;is having a harder time recruiting than in years past.&nbsp;

During budget negotiations in June, Scott said that SFPD <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">was short-staffed</a> by hundreds, struggling to fulfill responsibilities like public records requests and federally-mandated reforms, and seeing fewer new candidates. The department is undergoing a review of its staffing needs this winter.&nbsp;

During budget negotiations in June, Scott said that SFPD <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">was short-staffed</a> by hundreds, struggling to fulfill responsibilities like public records requests and federally-mandated reforms, and seeing fewer new candidates. The department is undergoing a review of its staffing needs this winter.&nbsp;

Other departments bracing for departures include the fire department, which had 35 unvaccinated members on Thursday, an improvement over the 41 believed unvaccinated as of Wednesday afternoon. SFMTA warned last week that up to 15% of its transit operators were presumed unvaccinated at that time.&nbsp;

Other departments bracing for departures include the fire department, which had 35 unvaccinated members on Thursday, an improvement over the 41 believed unvaccinated as of Wednesday afternoon. SFMTA warned last week that up to 15% of its transit operators were presumed unvaccinated at that time.&nbsp;

SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin said that while the agency was working to encourage more vaccines among its staff, an outflow of hundreds of workers could cause “chaotic” service disruptions and a suspension of other transit services starting Nov. 1, the last vaccination deadline for that cohort of workers.&nbsp;

SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin said that while the agency was working to encourage more vaccines among its staff, an outflow of hundreds of workers could cause “chaotic” service disruptions and a suspension of other transit services starting Nov. 1, the last vaccination deadline for that cohort of workers.&nbsp;

Last-minute vaccine push staves off layoffs of SF first responders

David Sjostedt

High-profile politicians and health leaders gathered at the Ellis Street headquarters of Glide Foundation on Wednesday to demand Gov. Gavin Newsom sign legislation that would sanction sites for supervised drug use in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland.

High-profile politicians and health leaders gathered at the Ellis Street headquarters of Glide Foundation on Wednesday to demand Gov. Gavin Newsom sign legislation that would sanction sites for supervised drug use in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland.

For those backing the legislation, each day that goes by without it being passed means more lives unnecessarily lost to overdoses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For those backing the legislation, each day that goes by without it being passed means more lives unnecessarily lost to overdoses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill was passed by the State Senate last week and landed on Newsom’s desk on Wednesday, setting a timer for 12 days and ramping up the anxiety among harm reduction advocates.&nbsp;

The bill was passed by the State Senate last week and landed on Newsom’s desk on Wednesday, setting a timer for 12 days and ramping up the anxiety among harm reduction advocates.&nbsp;

“His poker face concerns me,” said Paul Harkin, director of harm reduction services at HealthRight360, one of the city’s largest drug health nonprofits. “Maybe he’s waiting to walk into the arena and save the day.”&nbsp;

“His poker face concerns me,” said Paul Harkin, director of harm reduction services at HealthRight360, one of the city’s largest drug health nonprofits. “Maybe he’s waiting to walk into the arena and save the day.”&nbsp;

While State Sen. Scott Wiener, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and fellow supporters of the bill spoke to a crowd of reporters on Ellis Street in the Tenderloin, people openly used drugs on the sidewalk down the street. One man who identified himself as homeless screamed out of frustration at the crowd, while another person was wheeled into an ambulance.

While State Sen. Scott Wiener, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and fellow supporters of the bill spoke to a crowd of reporters on Ellis Street in the Tenderloin, people openly used drugs on the sidewalk down the street. One man who identified himself as homeless screamed out of frustration at the crowd, while another person was wheeled into an ambulance.

“Had it been signed into law years ago, as it should have been, how many lives would have been saved,” asked Wiener, lead author of the bill.&nbsp;

“Had it been signed into law years ago, as it should have been, how many lives would have been saved,” asked Wiener, lead author of the bill.&nbsp;

Will Carter, who’s been living on the streets of San Francisco for five years and tuned into parts of the press conference, told The Standard that he’s supportive of safe consumption sites even though he doesn’t use opiods.&nbsp;

Will Carter, who’s been living on the streets of San Francisco for five years and tuned into parts of the press conference, told The Standard that he’s supportive of safe consumption sites even though he doesn’t use opiods.&nbsp;

“I just want a place to go to feel safe,” Carter said.

“I just want a place to go to feel safe,” Carter said.

If Newsom signs the bill, it won’t go into effect until January. And once passed, the city is<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/safe-consumption-bill-expected-to-pass-but-sf-will-likely-wait-for-federal-ruling-before-opening-a-site/"> unlikely to move forward with opening a site</a> until granted the approval of the federal government.&nbsp;

If Newsom signs the bill, it won’t go into effect until January. And once passed, the city is<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/safe-consumption-bill-expected-to-pass-but-sf-will-likely-wait-for-federal-ruling-before-opening-a-site/"> unlikely to move forward with opening a site</a> until granted the approval of the federal government.&nbsp;

“We are eagerly awaiting anticipated guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice on appropriate guardrails,” city attorney spokesperson Jen Kwart said in a statement.

“We are eagerly awaiting anticipated guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice on appropriate guardrails,” city attorney spokesperson Jen Kwart said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Justice indicated in a letter seen by The Standard to Mayor London Breed on Feb. 15 that they are evaluating a path forward for safe consumption sites, but the department has continually delayed its own deadlines and is currently expecting a decision by Sept. 22.

The U.S. Department of Justice indicated in a letter seen by The Standard to Mayor London Breed on Feb. 15 that they are evaluating a path forward for safe consumption sites, but the department has continually delayed its own deadlines and is currently expecting a decision by Sept. 22.

The uncertainty surrounding the federal ruling forces a tough decision upon city leaders, who could face legal liability if they move forward before being granted the go-ahead.&nbsp;

The uncertainty surrounding the federal ruling forces a tough decision upon city leaders, who could face legal liability if they move forward before being granted the go-ahead.&nbsp;

The Philadelphia-based nonprofit Safehouse announced plans to open a site in Feb. 2019 but faced a lawsuit from Trump appointed attorney William McSwain, who alleged the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/01/14/956428659/in-philadelphia-judges-rule-against-opening-a-medical-site-to-safely-inject-hero">nonprofit was in violation</a> of the “crack house” statute.&nbsp;

The Philadelphia-based nonprofit Safehouse announced plans to open a site in Feb. 2019 but faced a lawsuit from Trump appointed attorney William McSwain, who alleged the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/01/14/956428659/in-philadelphia-judges-rule-against-opening-a-medical-site-to-safely-inject-hero">nonprofit was in violation</a> of the “crack house” statute.&nbsp;

A district judge ultimately ruled in favor of Safehouse and President Biden’s Department of Justice is now using the Safehouse litigation to explore creating new &#8220;guardrails&#8221; for safe consumption sites.&nbsp;

A district judge ultimately ruled in favor of Safehouse and President Biden’s Department of Justice is now using the Safehouse litigation to explore creating new "guardrails" for safe consumption sites.&nbsp;

A district judge ultimately ruled in favor of Safehouse and President Biden’s Department of Justice is now using the Safehouse litigation to explore creating new &#8220;guardrails&#8221; for safe consumption sites.&nbsp;

“It would be such a deep tragedy if the president of the United States were to move toward allowing safe consumption sites, with California vetoing a safe consumption site bill,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

“It would be such a deep tragedy if the president of the United States were to move toward allowing safe consumption sites, with California vetoing a safe consumption site bill,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

The city has already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/safe-consumption-controversy/">purchased two connecting buildings</a> in the Tenderloin that would serve as a safe consumption site.&nbsp;

The city has already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/safe-consumption-controversy/">purchased two connecting buildings</a> in the Tenderloin that would serve as a safe consumption site.&nbsp;

New York City opened <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/30/nyregion/supervised-injection-sites-nyc.html">two safe consumption</a> sites in November, becoming the first city in the nation to do so. The city also became the first to go against federal law in doing so, while Rhode Island has also passed legislation that authorizes safe use sites.

New York City opened <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/30/nyregion/supervised-injection-sites-nyc.html">two safe consumption</a> sites in November, becoming the first city in the nation to do so. The city also became the first to go against federal law in doing so, while Rhode Island has also passed legislation that authorizes safe use sites.

The idea to open safe consumption sites in San Francisco has been debated for many years but so far it hasn’t materialized.

The idea to open safe consumption sites in San Francisco has been debated for many years but so far it hasn’t materialized.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health announced the opening of two sites in Feb. 2018, but the plan never came to fruition.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health announced the opening of two sites in Feb. 2018, but the plan never came to fruition.

A facility called the Tenderloin Center claims it has reversed over 100 overdoses since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">it morphed into a de facto overdose prevention site</a> after it opened in January. But the site is scheduled to shutter by the year’s end.&nbsp;

A facility called the Tenderloin Center claims it has reversed over 100 overdoses since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">it morphed into a de facto overdose prevention site</a> after it opened in January. But the site is scheduled to shutter by the year’s end.&nbsp;

For now, supporters of safe use sites in San Francisco will be paying close attention to murmurings from Newsom’s office ahead of his final decision.

For now, supporters of safe use sites in San Francisco will be paying close attention to murmurings from Newsom’s office ahead of his final decision.

Safe drug use sites: Anxiety grows as controversial bill sits on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk

Lee Edwards

To read the headlines last Tuesday announcing the end of progressivism in San Francisco, you’d think conservatives had scored a major victory across the city. The Chronicle trumpeted in “<a href="https://twitter.com/IanAStewart/status/1765457954688643482">Dewey Defeats Truman”</a>-sized type that “Progressivism is out—for now.” The New York Times asked, “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/us/san-francisco-progressive-ballot-measures.html">Has San Francisco lost its liberal soul?</a>”&nbsp; Even The Standard got in on the discourse, posing, “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-liberal-bastion/">Is San Francisco still a liberal bastion?</a>”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Voters empower cops, reform welfare: Is San Francisco still a liberal bastion?

To read the headlines last Tuesday announcing the end of progressivism in San Francisco, you’d think conservatives had scored a major victory across the city. The Chronicle trumpeted in “<a href="https://twitter.com/IanAStewart/status/1765457954688643482">Dewey Defeats Truman”</a>-sized type that “Progressivism is out—for now.” The New York Times asked, “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/us/san-francisco-progressive-ballot-measures.html">Has San Francisco lost its liberal soul?</a>”&nbsp; Even The Standard got in on the discourse, posing, “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-liberal-bastion/">Is San Francisco still a liberal bastion?</a>”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The obvious answer: Of course it is.&nbsp;

The obvious answer: Of course it is.&nbsp;

In reality, fewer ballots were cast for Donald Trump in our city’s Republican primary than for the 14th runner-up in the 17th District Democratic County Central Committee. (In fact, in a city that famously has more dogs than children, there are far more children than registered Republicans.) So, who actually won on Tuesday, and who elected the victors? The answer to both questions is progressive Democrats.

In reality, fewer ballots were cast for Donald Trump in our city’s Republican primary than for the 14th runner-up in the 17th District Democratic County Central Committee. (In fact, in a city that famously has more dogs than children, there are far more children than registered Republicans.) So, who actually won on Tuesday, and who elected the victors? The answer to both questions is progressive Democrats.

In the aforementioned DCCC race, the Democrats for Change slate (in San Francisco parlance, the moderates) virtually swept the even more left-leaning Labor and Working Families slate. Though final votes are still being tallied, the Democrats for Change candidates look likely to take between 18 and 23 of the 24 seats.&nbsp;

In the aforementioned DCCC race, the Democrats for Change slate (in San Francisco parlance, the moderates) virtually swept the even more left-leaning Labor and Working Families slate. Though final votes are still being tallied, the Democrats for Change candidates look likely to take between 18 and 23 of the 24 seats.&nbsp;

The new committee will likely include Bilal Mahmood, who has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/01/bilal-mahmood-racist-mailer/">tarred as a moderate boogeyman</a> by his detractors. Mahmood, a child of immigrants, former Barack Obama staffer, enemy of wage theft and climate advocate, would be considered an unelectable progressive in most of the country. He endorsed Barbara Lee, California’s most progressive candidate, for the U.S. Senate. He even <a href="https://californiaglobe.com/fr/sf-supervisor-dean-preston-has-a-challenger-i-wont-support-him/">once tweeted</a> that “San Francisco is a city of progressive values. Elon [Musk] should keep his fucking money out of our politics.”

Bilal Mahmood claims progressives target him with racist election mailer

The new committee will likely include Bilal Mahmood, who has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/01/bilal-mahmood-racist-mailer/">tarred as a moderate boogeyman</a> by his detractors. Mahmood, a child of immigrants, former Barack Obama staffer, enemy of wage theft and climate advocate, would be considered an unelectable progressive in most of the country. He endorsed Barbara Lee, California’s most progressive candidate, for the U.S. Senate. He even <a href="https://californiaglobe.com/fr/sf-supervisor-dean-preston-has-a-challenger-i-wont-support-him/">once tweeted</a> that “San Francisco is a city of progressive values. Elon [Musk] should keep his fucking money out of our politics.”

The new DCCC reps would also include Trevor Chandler, who identifies as progressive but is often tagged a &#8220;moderate” against his wishes by opponents. Chandler has campaigned for marriage equality at the state level even before it was broadly supported by the national party. He worked in Topeka, Kansas, to pass a trans-inclusive nondiscrimination bill that drew the protests of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. He, too, would almost certainly be unelectable in any red—or even purple—state.

The new DCCC reps would also include Trevor Chandler, who identifies as progressive but is often tagged a "moderate” against his wishes by opponents. Chandler has campaigned for marriage equality at the state level even before it was broadly supported by the national party. He worked in Topeka, Kansas, to pass a trans-inclusive nondiscrimination bill that drew the protests of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. He, too, would almost certainly be unelectable in any red—or even purple—state.

The new DCCC reps would also include Trevor Chandler, who identifies as progressive but is often tagged a &#8220;moderate” against his wishes by opponents. Chandler has campaigned for marriage equality at the state level even before it was broadly supported by the national party. He worked in Topeka, Kansas, to pass a trans-inclusive nondiscrimination bill that drew the protests of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. He, too, would almost certainly be unelectable in any red—or even purple—state.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piercing-the-liberal-bubble">Piercing the liberal bubble</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piercing-the-liberal-bubble">Piercing the liberal bubble</h2>

Friends of all political affiliations outside San Francisco are often surprised to hear me tell them that House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi—“Crazy Nancy” to the MAGA movement—often loses about 25% of the local Congressional vote from people who think she’s too conservative.&nbsp;

Friends of all political affiliations outside San Francisco are often surprised to hear me tell them that House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi—“Crazy Nancy” to the MAGA movement—often loses about 25% of the local Congressional vote from people who think she’s too conservative.&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener, another favorite punching bag of the most unhinged national Republicans, has also been called a right-wing conservative and even a fascist. It’s only through the distorted view of a dramatically shifted Overton window that someone can label liberal Democrats like Wiener and Pelosi as conservatives. If San Francisco is not a progressive city, which major city is more progressive, exactly?

State Sen. Scott Wiener, another favorite punching bag of the most unhinged national Republicans, has also been called a right-wing conservative and even a fascist. It’s only through the distorted view of a dramatically shifted Overton window that someone can label liberal Democrats like Wiener and Pelosi as conservatives. If San Francisco is not a progressive city, which major city is more progressive, exactly?

Meanwhile, in my home state of Florida, and around the country, local Democrats are battling it out with actual conservatives. School boards fight not over whether teaching advanced algebra disadvantages students of color, but whether to ban books that acknowledge <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/desantis-signs-dont-say-gay-expansion-gender-affirming-care-ban-rcna84698">the factual existence of gay people</a>. They argue that 14-year-old girls should be<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/14/mississippi-abortion-ban-girl-raped-gives-birth"> legally forced to carry a pregnancy</a> to term.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in my home state of Florida, and around the country, local Democrats are battling it out with actual conservatives. School boards fight not over whether teaching advanced algebra disadvantages students of color, but whether to ban books that acknowledge <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/desantis-signs-dont-say-gay-expansion-gender-affirming-care-ban-rcna84698">the factual existence of gay people</a>. They argue that 14-year-old girls should be<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/14/mississippi-abortion-ban-girl-raped-gives-birth"> legally forced to carry a pregnancy</a> to term.&nbsp;

In the wake of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, San Francisco Democrats of all stripes have unquestionably reaffirmed our commitment to true progressive values. Even the changes to San Francisco Police Department policy on this ballot bring us closer to our peer blue cities than to red states and counties. Attempting to paint Mahmood, Chandler, Pelosi and Wiener with the same brush as true authoritarians and right-wingers like Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene is as insulting to them as it is oblivious to the state of the country.

In the wake of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, San Francisco Democrats of all stripes have unquestionably reaffirmed our commitment to true progressive values. Even the changes to San Francisco Police Department policy on this ballot bring us closer to our peer blue cities than to red states and counties. Attempting to paint Mahmood, Chandler, Pelosi and Wiener with the same brush as true authoritarians and right-wingers like Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene is as insulting to them as it is oblivious to the state of the country.

So who really lost on Tuesday if not “progressives”? Well, by the tone of<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/san-francisco-election-progressives-18699100.php"> their responses in the media</a>, you’d guess Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Supervisor Dean Preston were on the ballot. Eager to deny the reality of the referendum against their incumbency, they are blaming the wealthy donors on the other side (as if they don’t have wealthy donors of their own).&nbsp;

So who really lost on Tuesday if not “progressives”? Well, by the tone of<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/san-francisco-election-progressives-18699100.php"> their responses in the media</a>, you’d guess Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Supervisor Dean Preston were on the ballot. Eager to deny the reality of the referendum against their incumbency, they are blaming the wealthy donors on the other side (as if they don’t have wealthy donors of their own).&nbsp;

Implicit in this excuse is the infantilization of San Francisco voters as people whose opinions are easily swayed by a well-placed TV ad. These politicians fail to put themselves in the shoes of the average Democratic voter, who likely doesn’t take kindly to the insinuation that they are secret Republicans.

Implicit in this excuse is the infantilization of San Francisco voters as people whose opinions are easily swayed by a well-placed TV ad. These politicians fail to put themselves in the shoes of the average Democratic voter, who likely doesn’t take kindly to the insinuation that they are secret Republicans.

The actual message from Tuesday is that an electorate of 90% Democrats, in an <a href="https://twitter.com/sharkyl/status/1766140286592483767?s=46">unusually high turnout</a> for a non-contested presidential primary election, voted for a slate that demands progressive results over mere progressive intentions. For most of the last several years—when the farthest left supervisors held a veto-proof supermajority and the presidency (now just a simple majority and the presidency) on the Board of Supervisors—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">more San Franciscans polled</a> have said the city is heading in the wrong direction than the right one.&nbsp;

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

The actual message from Tuesday is that an electorate of 90% Democrats, in an <a href="https://twitter.com/sharkyl/status/1766140286592483767?s=46">unusually high turnout</a> for a non-contested presidential primary election, voted for a slate that demands progressive results over mere progressive intentions. For most of the last several years—when the farthest left supervisors held a veto-proof supermajority and the presidency (now just a simple majority and the presidency) on the Board of Supervisors—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">more San Franciscans polled</a> have said the city is heading in the wrong direction than the right one.&nbsp;

Far from abandoning our progressive values, voters held our elected representatives to the task of creating progressive outcomes when so many of their well-intentioned policies have done the exact opposite—in public health, public safety, housing affordability and the quality of public education. Change will require competence in addition to courage, neither of which has much to do with the purity tests or disingenuous political labels. Tuesday night proved that the only thing that’s unprogressive about San Francisco’s voters are the faulty media narratives that define them.&nbsp;

Far from abandoning our progressive values, voters held our elected representatives to the task of creating progressive outcomes when so many of their well-intentioned policies have done the exact opposite—in public health, public safety, housing affordability and the quality of public education. Change will require competence in addition to courage, neither of which has much to do with the purity tests or disingenuous political labels. Tuesday night proved that the only thing that’s unprogressive about San Francisco’s voters are the faulty media narratives that define them.&nbsp;

Lee Edwards is a General Partner at Root Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm in San Francisco. He can be found on X at <a href="https://twitter.com/terronk">@terronk</a>.

Lee Edwards is a General Partner at Root Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm in San Francisco. He can be found on X at <a href="https://twitter.com/terronk">@terronk</a>.

The media narrative is wrong. SF progressives actually won big on election night

Opinion: The media narrative is wrong. SF progressives actually won big on election night

Tony Jodeh spends the better part of a dozen hours a day behind the shop counter at his business, Tony Baloney’s Deli on the corner of Seventh and Howard streets in SoMa, peering through two layers of metal bars he installed over the front window.

Tony Jodeh spends the better part of a dozen hours a day behind the shop counter at his business, Tony Baloney’s Deli on the corner of Seventh and Howard streets in SoMa, peering through two layers of metal bars he installed over the front window.

Day in and day out, Jodeh says he lives in fear of the next time he may fall victim to thieves or vandals. Last June, a man burglarized Jodeh’s deli and assaulted his wife before stabbing a nearby business owner, Mark E. Sackett, when he rushed over to help.&nbsp;

Day in and day out, Jodeh says he lives in fear of the next time he may fall victim to thieves or vandals. Last June, a man burglarized Jodeh’s deli and assaulted his wife before stabbing a nearby business owner, Mark E. Sackett, when he rushed over to help.&nbsp;

Since the <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/06/30/soma-shopkeepers-assaulted-by-shoplifting-suspect/">attack</a>, Jodeh said he feels imprisoned by his increasingly fortified storefront. Sackett, meanwhile, told The Standard he may have permanent nerve damage from the knife wounds.&nbsp;

Since the <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/06/30/soma-shopkeepers-assaulted-by-shoplifting-suspect/">attack</a>, Jodeh said he feels imprisoned by his increasingly fortified storefront. Sackett, meanwhile, told The Standard he may have permanent nerve damage from the knife wounds.&nbsp;

“It shouldn’t be like this, I feel like I’m in jail…I can’t even open the windows,” Jodeh said. “We need lots of help in this neighborhood.”

“It shouldn’t be like this, I feel like I’m in jail…I can’t even open the windows,” Jodeh said. “We need lots of help in this neighborhood.”

Jodeh was one of several small business owners who aired concerns with newly crowned Supervisor Matt Dorsey during a recent walk around one of the neighborhoods under his purview: SoMa. Over the course of the one-hour tour, it became clear that the District 6 representative’s new role comes freighted with expectations.

Jodeh was one of several small business owners who aired concerns with newly crowned Supervisor Matt Dorsey during a recent walk around one of the neighborhoods under his purview: SoMa. Over the course of the one-hour tour, it became clear that the District 6 representative’s new role comes freighted with expectations.

For years, District Attorney Chesa Boudin shouldered much of the blame for residents’ concerns over public safety. But with Boudin recalled and on his way out, SoMa residents—who voted decisively to recall the progressive prosecutor—have their sights set on other City Hall targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For years, District Attorney Chesa Boudin shouldered much of the blame for residents’ concerns over public safety. But with Boudin recalled and on his way out, SoMa residents—who voted decisively to recall the progressive prosecutor—have their sights set on other City Hall targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For his part, Sackett said he was “pretty agnostic” about Boudin and even commended the way the DA’s office handled the prosecution of his attacker. But he’s slighted by what he sees as a lack of action from City Hall—and Mayor London Breed.

For his part, Sackett said he was “pretty agnostic” about Boudin and even commended the way the DA’s office handled the prosecution of his attacker. But he’s slighted by what he sees as a lack of action from City Hall—and Mayor London Breed.

“Especially from the mayor,” Sackett said. “She just talks a good game.”

“Especially from the mayor,” Sackett said. “She just talks a good game.”

Just about a month ago, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">Breed appointed Dorsey</a> to lead District 6, which spans SoMa, Mission Bay, South Beach and Treasure Island. But residents who spoke to The Standard on the SoMa tour made it clear that the new supervisor has plenty to prove ahead of the November election. In November, Dorsey will have to compete for a full term in a field <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/d6-race-heats-up-honey-mahogany-challenges-matt-dorsey-for-supervisor/">that includes Honey Mahogany,</a> a former aide to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/matt-haney-assembly-victory-rejects-housing-criticism/">newly minted Assemblymember Matt Haney</a> who held the seat before Dorsey.

Just about a month ago, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">Breed appointed Dorsey</a> to lead District 6, which spans SoMa, Mission Bay, South Beach and Treasure Island. But residents who spoke to The Standard on the SoMa tour made it clear that the new supervisor has plenty to prove ahead of the November election. In November, Dorsey will have to compete for a full term in a field <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/d6-race-heats-up-honey-mahogany-challenges-matt-dorsey-for-supervisor/">that includes Honey Mahogany,</a> a former aide to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/matt-haney-assembly-victory-rejects-housing-criticism/">newly minted Assemblymember Matt Haney</a> who held the seat before Dorsey.

“I think people will want to hold their district supervisor accountable,” Dorsey said. “But I think they have realistic expectations.”

“I think people will want to hold their district supervisor accountable,” Dorsey said. “But I think they have realistic expectations.”

Public safety concerns played a significant role in Breed’s appointment of Dorsey, a former spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department and longtime political strategist in the city.&nbsp;

Public safety concerns played a significant role in Breed’s appointment of Dorsey, a former spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department and longtime political strategist in the city.&nbsp;

At a June 8 press conference, Breed told reporters that Boudin&#8217;s recall doesn&#8217;t mean setbacks for criminal justice reform, but rather a renewed focus on &#8220;accountability.&#8221;

At a June 8 press conference, Breed told reporters that Boudin's recall doesn't mean setbacks for criminal justice reform, but rather a renewed focus on "accountability."

At a June 8 press conference, Breed told reporters that Boudin&#8217;s recall doesn&#8217;t mean setbacks for criminal justice reform, but rather a renewed focus on &#8220;accountability.&#8221;

&#8220;To be clear, sometimes accountability means rehab. Sometimes accountability means community service,” said Breed. &#8220;It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice.&#8221;&nbsp;

"To be clear, sometimes accountability means rehab. Sometimes accountability means community service,” said Breed. "It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice."&nbsp;

&#8220;To be clear, sometimes accountability means rehab. Sometimes accountability means community service,” said Breed. &#8220;It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice.&#8221;&nbsp;

In SoMa, much of the neighborhood’s public safety challenges are related to an open-air drug market on Sixth and Seventh streets—two blocks that are connected by an alleyway on Minna Street, where a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/16-year-old-girl-found-dead-just-blocks-from-sfs-civic-center-police-investigating/">16-year-old girl died of an overdose earlier this year</a>.

In SoMa, much of the neighborhood’s public safety challenges are related to an open-air drug market on Sixth and Seventh streets—two blocks that are connected by an alleyway on Minna Street, where a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/16-year-old-girl-found-dead-just-blocks-from-sfs-civic-center-police-investigating/">16-year-old girl died of an overdose earlier this year</a>.

Rudy Corpuz Jr. of United Playaz speaks at a vigil honoring lives lost to addiction on Minna Street in SoMa district of San Francisco on May 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/StateofSoma_Inlined06.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54677"/><figcaption>Rudy Corpuz&nbsp;Jr. of&nbsp;United Playaz speaks at a vigil honoring lives lost to addiction on Minna Street in SoMa district of San Francisco on May 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The neighborhood’s problems, though longstanding, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/like-quicksand-tenderloin-residents-worry-that-emergency-order-is-just-shifting-problems-around%ef%bf%bc/">may have been exacerbated</a> by Breed’s December <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/">emergency declaration</a> that called for increased deployment of SFPD officers and community ambassadors into the Tenderloin neighborhood. Some residents speculated that the declaration merely shifted the problems into other areas of the city.

The neighborhood’s problems, though longstanding, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/like-quicksand-tenderloin-residents-worry-that-emergency-order-is-just-shifting-problems-around%ef%bf%bc/">may have been exacerbated</a> by Breed’s December <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/">emergency declaration</a> that called for increased deployment of SFPD officers and community ambassadors into the Tenderloin neighborhood. Some residents speculated that the declaration merely shifted the problems into other areas of the city.

SoMa residents noted a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/soma-sees-spike-in-shootings-as-police-urban-alchemy-push-drug-dealers-out-of-tenderloin/">marked increase in shootings</a> in the weeks following Breed’s announcement. And while the number of homeless encampments in the Tenderloin has decreased, a city dashboard noted an uptick in <a href="https://sf.gov/data/reducing-homelessness-and-street-sleeping-tenderloin">tents and structures citywide</a> between November 2021 and March 2022.&nbsp;

SoMa residents noted a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/soma-sees-spike-in-shootings-as-police-urban-alchemy-push-drug-dealers-out-of-tenderloin/">marked increase in shootings</a> in the weeks following Breed’s announcement. And while the number of homeless encampments in the Tenderloin has decreased, a city dashboard noted an uptick in <a href="https://sf.gov/data/reducing-homelessness-and-street-sleeping-tenderloin">tents and structures citywide</a> between November 2021 and March 2022.&nbsp;

“When it comes to public safety issues, you&#8217;re often managing problems,” Dorsey said. “That doesn&#8217;t mean they’re necessarily going to go away, but we can do a better job than we&#8217;re doing.”

“When it comes to public safety issues, you're often managing problems,” Dorsey said. “That doesn't mean they’re necessarily going to go away, but we can do a better job than we're doing.”

“When it comes to public safety issues, you&#8217;re often managing problems,” Dorsey said. “That doesn&#8217;t mean they’re necessarily going to go away, but we can do a better job than we&#8217;re doing.”

At last Wednesday’s Police Commission meeting, Chief of Police Bill Scott said that SFPD is increasing narcotics enforcement in the SoMa area to account for an influx of drug dealers from the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

At last Wednesday’s Police Commission meeting, Chief of Police Bill Scott said that SFPD is increasing narcotics enforcement in the SoMa area to account for an influx of drug dealers from the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

Ramping up police in the neighborhood would likely be met with some scrutiny. On May 19, police officers responding to an assault shot and killed two men who were fighting over a knife <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/man-killed-in-sf-police-shooting-was-a-homeless-cuban-immigrant-he-was-tired-of-being-out-on-the-streets/">beneath a freeway overpass</a> near the edge of Dorsey’s district in Dogpatch.&nbsp;

Ramping up police in the neighborhood would likely be met with some scrutiny. On May 19, police officers responding to an assault shot and killed two men who were fighting over a knife <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/man-killed-in-sf-police-shooting-was-a-homeless-cuban-immigrant-he-was-tired-of-being-out-on-the-streets/">beneath a freeway overpass</a> near the edge of Dorsey’s district in Dogpatch.&nbsp;

“I’m sure that people are probably thinking, ‘Oh man [Dorsey] worked with the police.’ But you’ve got to give him a chance,” said Rudy Corpuz Jr., executive director of SoMa-based nonprofit United Playaz. “If he doesn&#8217;t execute what he said he would do, then we have to get somebody who&#8217;s a supervisor that would qualify for the position.”

“I’m sure that people are probably thinking, ‘Oh man [Dorsey] worked with the police.’ But you’ve got to give him a chance,” said Rudy Corpuz Jr., executive director of SoMa-based nonprofit United Playaz. “If he doesn't execute what he said he would do, then we have to get somebody who's a supervisor that would qualify for the position.”

“I’m sure that people are probably thinking, ‘Oh man [Dorsey] worked with the police.’ But you’ve got to give him a chance,” said Rudy Corpuz Jr., executive director of SoMa-based nonprofit United Playaz. “If he doesn&#8217;t execute what he said he would do, then we have to get somebody who&#8217;s a supervisor that would qualify for the position.”

Dorsey said he isn’t leaning entirely on a law-and-order approach, particularly in handling the neighborhood’s drug crisis.&nbsp;

Dorsey said he isn’t leaning entirely on a law-and-order approach, particularly in handling the neighborhood’s drug crisis.&nbsp;

He said he wants to create “right to recovery” blocks, where people can receive treatment for substance abuse disorders without being exposed to open drug use and dealing.&nbsp;

He said he wants to create “right to recovery” blocks, where people can receive treatment for substance abuse disorders without being exposed to open drug use and dealing.&nbsp;

Dorsey also said that he would “absolutely” feel comfortable scrutinizing the actions of his former employer, the police department. At the time of the interview, however, Dorsey said he hadn’t yet reviewed the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-id-four-officers-who-opened-fire-in-fatal-shooting-beneath-sf-freeway/">video of the Dogpatch police shooting</a>.

Dorsey also said that he would “absolutely” feel comfortable scrutinizing the actions of his former employer, the police department. At the time of the interview, however, Dorsey said he hadn’t yet reviewed the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-id-four-officers-who-opened-fire-in-fatal-shooting-beneath-sf-freeway/">video of the Dogpatch police shooting</a>.

In response to the neighborhood’s issues, SoMa residents and neighborhood leaders are organizing to make progress on drugs and the threat of gun violence. In early May, Dorsey and Corpuz joined a slew of other politicians, activists and residents to honor the 641 lives lost last year due to overdoses. And in the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting, Corpuz spoke out about the ever-present threat of gun violence in low-income neighborhoods.

In response to the neighborhood’s issues, SoMa residents and neighborhood leaders are organizing to make progress on drugs and the threat of gun violence. In early May, Dorsey and Corpuz joined a slew of other politicians, activists and residents to honor the 641 lives lost last year due to overdoses. And in the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting, Corpuz spoke out about the ever-present threat of gun violence in low-income neighborhoods.

Corpuz told The Standard that he’s hopeful Dorsey’s appointment will lead to change in the neighborhood, but he hopes to see the right kind of change.&nbsp;

Corpuz told The Standard that he’s hopeful Dorsey’s appointment will lead to change in the neighborhood, but he hopes to see the right kind of change.&nbsp;

“He needs to have the right people who will share with him what works and what doesn&#8217;t,” Corpuz said. “They say we need more police. Well, we do need more police, but we need the right police.”

“He needs to have the right people who will share with him what works and what doesn't,” Corpuz said. “They say we need more police. Well, we do need more police, but we need the right police.”

“He needs to have the right people who will share with him what works and what doesn&#8217;t,” Corpuz said. “They say we need more police. Well, we do need more police, but we need the right police.”

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Opinion: The media narrative is wrong. SF progressives actually won big on election night

Sup. Matt Dorsey walks a tightrope in SoMa as November election looms