David Sjostedt

Uncertainty looms over the Tenderloin neighborhood as Mayor London Breed’s state of emergency declaration, as it&#8217;s currently written, will expire on Thursday, leaving residents and some officials disillusioned by a perceived lack of change in the neighborhood and wondering what happens from here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Uncertainty looms over the Tenderloin neighborhood as Mayor London Breed’s state of emergency declaration, as it's currently written, will expire on Thursday, leaving residents and some officials disillusioned by a perceived lack of change in the neighborhood and wondering what happens from here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Uncertainty looms over the Tenderloin neighborhood as Mayor London Breed’s state of emergency declaration, as it&#8217;s currently written, will expire on Thursday, leaving residents and some officials disillusioned by a perceived lack of change in the neighborhood and wondering what happens from here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The expiration of the current declaration, which is largely a legal formality according to the mayor’s office, signifies a transition to more permanent staffing at a service respite facility called the linkage center—the centerpiece of the mayor’s plan. Under a third declaration signed by Breed on Monday, the state of emergency will continue with a focus of sustaining operations already underway until June 30.

The expiration of the current declaration, which is largely a legal formality according to the mayor’s office, signifies a transition to more permanent staffing at a service respite facility called the linkage center—the centerpiece of the mayor’s plan. Under a third declaration signed by Breed on Monday, the state of emergency will continue with a focus of sustaining operations already underway until June 30.

But existing operations haven’t brought much in the way of visible results, according to many Tenderloin locals.&nbsp;

But existing operations haven’t brought much in the way of visible results, according to many Tenderloin locals.&nbsp;

Adnan Alameri walks past a tent on the sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on his way home from work on Tuesday March 15, 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Otto_iAdnan-Alameri-_16-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42268"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adnan Alameri walks past a tent on the sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on his way home from work on Tuesday March 15, 2022. | Nick Otto</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Otto_iAdnan-Alameri-_16-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42268"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adnan Alameri walks past a tent on the sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on his way home from work on Tuesday March 15, 2022. | Nick Otto</figcaption></figure>

Adnan Alameri, a twenty-year resident and parent in the Tenderloin, was one of many neighborhood residents who rallied in front of City Hall in November and delivered a letter to Breed, pleading for solutions to crime and open-air drug dealing in the neighborhood. The letter demanded an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/tenderloin-residents-demand-emergency-action/">immediate coordinated response </a>to improve safety in the neighborhood.&nbsp;

Adnan Alameri, a twenty-year resident and parent in the Tenderloin, was one of many neighborhood residents who rallied in front of City Hall in November and delivered a letter to Breed, pleading for solutions to crime and open-air drug dealing in the neighborhood. The letter demanded an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/tenderloin-residents-demand-emergency-action/">immediate coordinated response </a>to improve safety in the neighborhood.&nbsp;

Alameri said he left a November town hall meeting with Breed feeling encouraged about the prospect for change in the Tenderloin. But to this point, he said, none of the desired outcomes have come true.&nbsp;

Alameri said he left a November town hall meeting with Breed feeling encouraged about the prospect for change in the Tenderloin. But to this point, he said, none of the desired outcomes have come true.&nbsp;

“I don’t even feel like [the emergency ordinance] started yet,” Alameri said. “Everything we were asking for hasn’t gotten done.”&nbsp;

“I don’t even feel like [the emergency ordinance] started yet,” Alameri said. “Everything we were asking for hasn’t gotten done.”&nbsp;

“On a couple blocks you’ll see a little change, but then two weeks later they’re all back,” added Raymond Ludwick, a Tenderloin resident of 28 years who said that he hasn’t seen any difference under the emergency. “I’ve seen it all: stabbings, shootings, overdoses.”&nbsp;

“On a couple blocks you’ll see a little change, but then two weeks later they’re all back,” added Raymond Ludwick, a Tenderloin resident of 28 years who said that he hasn’t seen any difference under the emergency. “I’ve seen it all: stabbings, shootings, overdoses.”&nbsp;

Aref Elgaali, owner of Zoul Cafe, said that he’s seen a slight difference but that he still finds people sleeping outside his doorstep on a daily basis. Elgaali added that despite its location across the street from the police station, people sell drugs openly around his restaurant. He worried that as soon as the emergency response is over, things would just revert back to the way they were.&nbsp;

Aref Elgaali, owner of Zoul Cafe, said that he’s seen a slight difference but that he still finds people sleeping outside his doorstep on a daily basis. Elgaali added that despite its location across the street from the police station, people sell drugs openly around his restaurant. He worried that as soon as the emergency response is over, things would just revert back to the way they were.&nbsp;

“If [dealers] heard there was continuous action happening I think they would go some place outside the Tenderloin,” he said.

“If [dealers] heard there was continuous action happening I think they would go some place outside the Tenderloin,” he said.

Some of those concerns were echoed by city supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/board-of-supervisors-tenderloin-emergency-mayor-breed/">at a meeting Tuesday</a>, who expressed confusion about the status of the emergency plan that Breed announced in a spree of public appearances in December.

Some of those concerns were echoed by city supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/board-of-supervisors-tenderloin-emergency-mayor-breed/">at a meeting Tuesday</a>, who expressed confusion about the status of the emergency plan that Breed announced in a spree of public appearances in December.

Supervisors Matt Haney and Hillary Ronen criticized the mayor’s plan for an excessive focus on the linkage center, which opened in a limited capacity a month after the emergency was declared and has since been scrutinized for what critics view as a lack of success in connecting clients with shelter and addiction treatment.&nbsp;

Supervisors Matt Haney and Hillary Ronen criticized the mayor’s plan for an excessive focus on the linkage center, which opened in a limited capacity a month after the emergency was declared and has since been scrutinized for what critics view as a lack of success in connecting clients with shelter and addiction treatment.&nbsp;

Between February 28 and March 6, the most recent week available, the city reported two &#8220;completed linkages&#8221; to substance use treatment out of nearly 3,000 total engagements. The city reported five completed linkages to either shelter or the city’s homeless coordinating system. A representative from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing said that the city has not been able to meet the demand of people coming into the linkage center.&nbsp;

Between February 28 and March 6, the most recent week available, the city reported two "completed linkages" to substance use treatment out of nearly 3,000 total engagements. The city reported five completed linkages to either shelter or the city’s homeless coordinating system. A representative from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing said that the city has not been able to meet the demand of people coming into the linkage center.&nbsp;

Between February 28 and March 6, the most recent week available, the city reported two &#8220;completed linkages&#8221; to substance use treatment out of nearly 3,000 total engagements. The city reported five completed linkages to either shelter or the city’s homeless coordinating system. A representative from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing said that the city has not been able to meet the demand of people coming into the linkage center.&nbsp;

“We want to use a model that works, I would’ve expected a lot more shelter placements,” Haney said during Tuesday’s meeting.

“We want to use a model that works, I would’ve expected a lot more shelter placements,” Haney said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Many Tenderloin residents have advocated for a greater police presence to address open-air drug dealing, but said they hadn’t yet noticed a big difference.&nbsp;

Many Tenderloin residents have advocated for a greater police presence to address open-air drug dealing, but said they hadn’t yet noticed a big difference.&nbsp;

Tenderloin Police Captain Chris Canning said at Tuesday’s meeting that the city had just allocated around 20 additional officers to the Tenderloin on Monday—three months after Breed’s promise to crack down on crime in the area. The SFPD Tenderloin narcotics department reported on Tuesday that officers have seized 8.6 kilograms of fentanyl in 2022 so far— up from 2.7 kilograms at this point last year—and Chief of Police Bill Scott told The Standard in a subsequent interview that the department has been using overtime allocations to boost police presence in the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

Tenderloin Police Captain Chris Canning said at Tuesday’s meeting that the city had just allocated around 20 additional officers to the Tenderloin on Monday—three months after Breed’s promise to crack down on crime in the area. The SFPD Tenderloin narcotics department reported on Tuesday that officers have seized 8.6 kilograms of fentanyl in 2022 so far— up from 2.7 kilograms at this point last year—and Chief of Police Bill Scott told The Standard in a subsequent interview that the department has been using overtime allocations to boost police presence in the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

Adnan Alameri poses for a photograph in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on Tuesday March 15, 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Otto_iAdnan-Alameri-_01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adnan Alameri poses for a photograph in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on Tuesday March 15, 2022. | Nick Otto</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Otto_iAdnan-Alameri-_01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adnan Alameri poses for a photograph in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on Tuesday March 15, 2022. | Nick Otto</figcaption></figure>

Alameri said that any enforcement he’s noticed has only pushed problematic individuals to nearby blocks.&nbsp;

Alameri said that any enforcement he’s noticed has only pushed problematic individuals to nearby blocks.&nbsp;

“The city is like quicksand; the more money you dump the more problems are created,” Alameri said.&nbsp;

“The city is like quicksand; the more money you dump the more problems are created,” Alameri said.&nbsp;

Supervisors from surrounding districts said Tuesday that they’d seen an overflow of crime and unhoused residents in their neighborhoods.

Supervisors from surrounding districts said Tuesday that they’d seen an overflow of crime and unhoused residents in their neighborhoods.

“Conditions are worse than they&#8217;ve ever been in the mission, I think, because of the focus on the Tenderloin,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “Where are we going as a city? Our residents are suffering.”&nbsp;

“Conditions are worse than they've ever been in the mission, I think, because of the focus on the Tenderloin,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “Where are we going as a city? Our residents are suffering.”&nbsp;

“Conditions are worse than they&#8217;ve ever been in the mission, I think, because of the focus on the Tenderloin,” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “Where are we going as a city? Our residents are suffering.”&nbsp;

Canning acknowledged that increasing police presence in the Tenderloin is likely to contribute further to this issue.

Canning acknowledged that increasing police presence in the Tenderloin is likely to contribute further to this issue.

“The analogy of pushing air in a balloon or toothpaste in the tube around is certainly a challenge,” Canning said.&nbsp;

“The analogy of pushing air in a balloon or toothpaste in the tube around is certainly a challenge,” Canning said.&nbsp;

Representatives from the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Emergency Management, which is overseeing the emergency initiative, describe the current operations as part of a long-range plan to improve safety and street conditions in the Tenderloin.

Representatives from the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Emergency Management, which is overseeing the emergency initiative, describe the current operations as part of a long-range plan to improve safety and street conditions in the Tenderloin.

“The challenges facing the Tenderloin are decades in the making and they won’t be solved overnight,” Andy Lynch, the mayor’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “The City is making a sustained commitment to the community to make the neighborhood safer and healthier, and we’re going to continue building on the progress that’s been made.”

“The challenges facing the Tenderloin are decades in the making and they won’t be solved overnight,” Andy Lynch, the mayor’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “The City is making a sustained commitment to the community to make the neighborhood safer and healthier, and we’re going to continue building on the progress that’s been made.”

The Department of Public Health hired 160 behavioral health workers in the last 90 days, and officials are working to assure critics that the linkage center will ultimately bring more people into treatment by allowing people to use drugs at the facility.

The Department of Public Health hired 160 behavioral health workers in the last 90 days, and officials are working to assure critics that the linkage center will ultimately bring more people into treatment by allowing people to use drugs at the facility.

“The truth is we have some really good long-range plans in place,” added Curtis Bradford, an organizer at the Tenderloin People’s Congress. “This is going to take years of commitment from the city and I hope that they will make that investment.”

“The truth is we have some really good long-range plans in place,” added Curtis Bradford, an organizer at the Tenderloin People’s Congress. “This is going to take years of commitment from the city and I hope that they will make that investment.”

‘Like quicksand’: Tenderloin residents worry that emergency order is just shifting problems around

Dan Morain

Dan Morain is the former editorial page editor of the Sacramento Bee and the author of “Kamala’s Way, An American Life.”

Dan Morain is the former editorial page editor of the Sacramento Bee and the author of “Kamala’s Way, An American Life.”

As the state legislative session draws to a close, San Francisco’s popular state senator, Scott Wiener, finds himself in a place that’s become his comfort zone: at the center of the culture wars.

As the state legislative session draws to a close, San Francisco’s popular state senator, Scott Wiener, finds himself in a place that’s become his comfort zone: at the center of the culture wars.

This time, he’s pushing legislation that would offer sanctuary for out-of-state parents who seek gender-affirming medical care for their trans-children, along with a satchel of other bills on topics including keeping bars open until 4:00 a.m. He’s becoming something of a human rejoinder to national pundits who read the recalls of school board members (which Wiener supported) and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin (which he ducked) that San Francisco has turned to the right.

This time, he’s pushing legislation that would offer sanctuary for out-of-state parents who seek gender-affirming medical care for their trans-children, along with a satchel of other bills on topics including keeping bars open until 4:00 a.m. He’s becoming something of a human rejoinder to national pundits who read the recalls of school board members (which Wiener supported) and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin (which he ducked) that San Francisco has turned to the right.

It’s an only-in-San Francisco thing that Wiener would be seen as anything other than a very left-wing Democrat. But he’s carving out a more nuanced path by marrying his firmly progressive values on social issues and criminal justice with a practical, centrist view on other key issues, namely housing and homelessness.

It’s an only-in-San Francisco thing that Wiener would be seen as anything other than a very left-wing Democrat. But he’s carving out a more nuanced path by marrying his firmly progressive values on social issues and criminal justice with a practical, centrist view on other key issues, namely housing and homelessness.

Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50 the "More HOMES Act" on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif.  | Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1869" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-2500x1869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50, the &#8220;More HOMES Act,&#8221; on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-2500x1869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50, the "More HOMES Act," on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-2500x1869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50, the &#8220;More HOMES Act,&#8221; on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

If he can keep making it work, it could represent a fresh approach for California Democrats who have largely vanquished the GOP only to find themselves caught in an intractable conflict between progressives and moderates. And if Wiener can ride that philosophy to higher office, as most assume he will attempt, he could become a new standard-bearer for a city and a state that both enjoy outsize influence on the national party.

If he can keep making it work, it could represent a fresh approach for California Democrats who have largely vanquished the GOP only to find themselves caught in an intractable conflict between progressives and moderates. And if Wiener can ride that philosophy to higher office, as most assume he will attempt, he could become a new standard-bearer for a city and a state that both enjoy outsize influence on the national party.

Wiener challenges slow-growth proponents on the left by pushing for more housing development, urging the state to crack down on San Francisco for the many ways its leaders have found to block new housing. He also crosses civil libertarians by arguing for more assertive care for people who are severely mentally ill and living on the streets; he’s won Republican support for legislation increasing access to addiction treatment.

Wiener challenges slow-growth proponents on the left by pushing for more housing development, urging the state to crack down on San Francisco for the many ways its leaders have found to block new housing. He also crosses civil libertarians by arguing for more assertive care for people who are severely mentally ill and living on the streets; he’s won Republican support for legislation increasing access to addiction treatment.

And he likes to legislate: Wiener currently has 18 bills pending in the Legislature, and a history of carrying complicated legislation like the “net neutrality” bill barring internet service providers from impeding access to sites they don’t like.

And he likes to legislate: Wiener currently has 18 bills pending in the Legislature, and a history of carrying complicated legislation like the “net neutrality” bill barring internet service providers from impeding access to sites they don’t like.

All that makes for a politician with a promising future. In fractious San Francisco, the genial Wiener is perhaps the only prominent politician who enjoys at least some support among many warring factions—but he evinces little interest in running for mayor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All that makes for a politician with a promising future. In fractious San Francisco, the genial Wiener is perhaps the only prominent politician who enjoys at least some support among many warring factions—but he evinces little interest in running for mayor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Instead, his most likely next step would be to run for the congressional seat held since 1987 by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi will step down at some point, perhaps after her reelection this November, setting off a once-in-a-generation slugfest for the coveted seat.

Instead, his most likely next step would be to run for the congressional seat held since 1987 by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi will step down at some point, perhaps after her reelection this November, setting off a once-in-a-generation slugfest for the coveted seat.

Speaker Pelosi’s daughter, attorney and Democratic Party activist Christine Pelosi, almost certainly will run. She’d be formidable, benefiting from the speaker’s political organization and fund-raising apparatus, not to mention the Pelosi name.

Speaker Pelosi’s daughter, attorney and Democratic Party activist Christine Pelosi, almost certainly will run. She’d be formidable, benefiting from the speaker’s political organization and fund-raising apparatus, not to mention the Pelosi name.

Wiener knows well that, as the saying goes, no one gives power away, it must be seized. And he has plenty of experience with the “knife fight in a phone booth,” as he referred to it, that can be San Francisco politics.

Wiener knows well that, as the saying goes, no one gives power away, it must be seized. And he has plenty of experience with the “knife fight in a phone booth,” as he referred to it, that can be San Francisco politics.

Wiener moved to San Francisco in 1995 from New Jersey, where he was raised, and started his political career as one of 56 candidates running for 12 seats on the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee in 2004. He placed 11th. Even after successfully climbing the ladder—chair of the Central Committee, deputy to former City Attorney Dennis Herrera, two-term member of the Board of Supervisors—and winning friends, he still faced a stiff challenge from the left in his 2020 senate re-election race and had to raise $1.5 million to hold his seat.&nbsp;

Wiener moved to San Francisco in 1995 from New Jersey, where he was raised, and started his political career as one of 56 candidates running for 12 seats on the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee in 2004. He placed 11th. Even after successfully climbing the ladder—chair of the Central Committee, deputy to former City Attorney Dennis Herrera, two-term member of the Board of Supervisors—and winning friends, he still faced a stiff challenge from the left in his 2020 senate re-election race and had to raise $1.5 million to hold his seat.&nbsp;

Wiener,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/13/us/politics/pelosi-house-race-san-francisco.html?searchResultPosition=1"> like everyone else,</a> won’t touch the question of a Congressional run as long as Pelosi hasn’t made her intentions known. When I asked him about it, he answered by praising Speaker Pelosi as a “bulwark” on behalf of democracy. “The longer she stays, the better for the city and the better for the country,” he said. “Whenever Nancy retires, we will see what happens.”

Wiener,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/13/us/politics/pelosi-house-race-san-francisco.html?searchResultPosition=1"> like everyone else,</a> won’t touch the question of a Congressional run as long as Pelosi hasn’t made her intentions known. When I asked him about it, he answered by praising Speaker Pelosi as a “bulwark” on behalf of democracy. “The longer she stays, the better for the city and the better for the country,” he said. “Whenever Nancy retires, we will see what happens.”

When that does happen, and if Wiener were to run and win, his record in Sacramento suggests he could make a stir on the left.

When that does happen, and if Wiener were to run and win, his record in Sacramento suggests he could make a stir on the left.

One of Wiener’s bills that’s earned Governor Newsom’s signature will <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SB357-Signing-Message-7.01.2022.pdf?emrc=14a4d2">decriminalize loitering</a> with intent to commit prostitution, reversing a 1995 law signed by Gov. Pete Wilson aimed at combating sex workers and drug dealers from plying their trades on the streets.&nbsp;

One of Wiener’s bills that’s earned Governor Newsom’s signature will <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SB357-Signing-Message-7.01.2022.pdf?emrc=14a4d2">decriminalize loitering</a> with intent to commit prostitution, reversing a 1995 law signed by Gov. Pete Wilson aimed at combating sex workers and drug dealers from plying their trades on the streets.&nbsp;

He’s also trying to get Newsom’s support on bill that would authorize officials in San Francisco, Oakland and L.A. to establish<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/drug-overdose-death-safe-consumption-site-scott-wiener/"> safe injection sites</a> for those addicted to drugs. (He shouldn’t hold his breath.)&nbsp;

He’s also trying to get Newsom’s support on bill that would authorize officials in San Francisco, Oakland and L.A. to establish<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/drug-overdose-death-safe-consumption-site-scott-wiener/"> safe injection sites</a> for those addicted to drugs. (He shouldn’t hold his breath.)&nbsp;

Then there’s the one that would provide some safeguards to out-of-state parents who seek care for their trans-children and come here from states such as Texas where that care is being criminalized. Under the bill, for example, California courts would not have to enforce subpoenas from those states seeking information about gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

Then there’s the one that would provide some safeguards to out-of-state parents who seek care for their trans-children and come here from states such as Texas where that care is being criminalized. Under the bill, for example, California courts would not have to enforce subpoenas from those states seeking information about gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

The combatants are familiar. Representatives of Equality California, an advocacy organization for LGBTQ rights, and Planned Parenthood are backing the bill. Foes include the California Family Council, which describes its mission as “advancing God’s design for life, family and liberty,” and refers to Wiener as a “notorious” San Francisco senator.&nbsp;

The combatants are familiar. Representatives of Equality California, an advocacy organization for LGBTQ rights, and Planned Parenthood are backing the bill. Foes include the California Family Council, which describes its mission as “advancing God’s design for life, family and liberty,” and refers to Wiener as a “notorious” San Francisco senator.&nbsp;

A legislative staff analysis of the legislation questioned whether the concept might run afoul of the U.S. constitutional provision that requires one state to honor legitimate requests by other states.&nbsp;

A legislative staff analysis of the legislation questioned whether the concept might run afoul of the U.S. constitutional provision that requires one state to honor legitimate requests by other states.&nbsp;

Wiener, a lawyer, insists nothing in the legislation violates the constitution and said his goal is merely to protect parents trying to care for their children. He also knows we’re in a culture war, and he sees little choice but to join the fight. The Legislature likely will approve the bill, on a party-line vote.&nbsp;

Wiener, a lawyer, insists nothing in the legislation violates the constitution and said his goal is merely to protect parents trying to care for their children. He also knows we’re in a culture war, and he sees little choice but to join the fight. The Legislature likely will approve the bill, on a party-line vote.&nbsp;

While he fights the national religious right on social issues, he’s simultaneously battling fellow SF Democrats on housing, pushing the state to sue the city to force it to build more. He’s the author of a key state housing law that eliminated single-family zoning and in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/rotten-to-the-core-san-francisco-could-get-sued-over-housing-gridlock-says-legislator/">a recent interview with The Standard</a>, he called SF’s housing system “rotten to the core.”

While he fights the national religious right on social issues, he’s simultaneously battling fellow SF Democrats on housing, pushing the state to sue the city to force it to build more. He’s the author of a key state housing law that eliminated single-family zoning and in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/rotten-to-the-core-san-francisco-could-get-sued-over-housing-gridlock-says-legislator/">a recent interview with The Standard</a>, he called SF’s housing system “rotten to the core.”

It’s a bit ironic that he seems to be having more success in Sacramento battling the right on culture war issues, than he is persuading NIMBYs to stand down. But such is the politics of San Francisco.

It’s a bit ironic that he seems to be having more success in Sacramento battling the right on culture war issues, than he is persuading NIMBYs to stand down. But such is the politics of San Francisco.

Culture warrior and housing rebel: SF’s state senator, Scott Wiener, carves a fresh path

Opinion: Culture warrior and housing rebel: SF’s state senator, Scott Wiener, carves a fresh path

This Easter, Americans will devour more than 1 billion Peeps—those radiant marshmallow chicks whose appearance on store shelves each year is as much a herald of spring as azaleas at the Masters.

This Easter, Americans will devour more than 1 billion Peeps—those radiant marshmallow chicks whose appearance on store shelves each year is as much a herald of spring as azaleas at the Masters.

What makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on ingredient labels as Red No. 3. It&#8217;s one of several chemicals, along with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in the country—including Skittles and Hot Tamales.

What makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on ingredient labels as Red No. 3. It's one of several chemicals, along with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in the country—including Skittles and Hot Tamales.

What makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on ingredient labels as Red No. 3. It&#8217;s one of several chemicals, along with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in the country—including Skittles and Hot Tamales.

Both chemicals have been linked to cancer. More than 30 years ago, U.S. regulators banned Red No. 3 from makeup. The U.S. still has not banned the chemical from food to the dismay of some consumer safety groups.

Both chemicals have been linked to cancer. More than 30 years ago, U.S. regulators banned Red No. 3 from makeup. The U.S. still has not banned the chemical from food to the dismay of some consumer safety groups.

Now, a state lawmaker wants to ban erythrosine and titanium dioxide in California, plus three other chemicals used in everyday favorites like tortillas and some store-brand sodas.

Now, a state lawmaker wants to ban erythrosine and titanium dioxide in California, plus three other chemicals used in everyday favorites like tortillas and some store-brand sodas.

The bill has prompted headlines around the world declaring California wants to ban Skittles and other candy. <a href="https://a46.asmdc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel</a>, a Democrat who authored the bill, said he wants to ban the chemicals, not the candy. He said plenty of alternative ingredients are available, noting the chemicals are already banned in Europe and that companies still find a way to sell candy there.

The bill has prompted headlines around the world declaring California wants to ban Skittles and other candy. <a href="https://a46.asmdc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel</a>, a Democrat who authored the bill, said he wants to ban the chemicals, not the candy. He said plenty of alternative ingredients are available, noting the chemicals are already banned in Europe and that companies still find a way to sell candy there.

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&#8220;They still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with something else,&#8221; Gabriel said. &#8220;What we really want is for these companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that they made in Europe and elsewhere.&#8221;

"They still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with something else," Gabriel said. "What we really want is for these companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that they made in Europe and elsewhere."

&#8220;They still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with something else,&#8221; Gabriel said. &#8220;What we really want is for these companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that they made in Europe and elsewhere.&#8221;

The National Confectioners Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says it&#8217;s not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesn&#8217;t mean it will be received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a hardship for regional candy makers who don&#8217;t sell their products overseas, according to the trade group.

The National Confectioners Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says it's not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesn't mean it will be received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a hardship for regional candy makers who don't sell their products overseas, according to the trade group.

The National Confectioners Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says it&#8217;s not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesn&#8217;t mean it will be received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a hardship for regional candy makers who don&#8217;t sell their products overseas, according to the trade group.

&#8220;There&#8217;s a lot more here at play than a simple soundbite solution,&#8221; said Christopher Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. &#8220;We need a comprehensive look at this to make sure there isn&#8217;t unintended consequences for chocolate and candy companies.&#8221;

"There's a lot more here at play than a simple soundbite solution," said Christopher Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. "We need a comprehensive look at this to make sure there isn't unintended consequences for chocolate and candy companies."

&#8220;There&#8217;s a lot more here at play than a simple soundbite solution,&#8221; said Christopher Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. &#8220;We need a comprehensive look at this to make sure there isn&#8217;t unintended consequences for chocolate and candy companies.&#8221;

In addition to erythrosine and titanium dioxide, the bill would ban potassium bromate and propylparaben, two chemicals used in baked goods, and brominated vegetable oil, which is used in some store brand sodas.

In addition to erythrosine and titanium dioxide, the bill would ban potassium bromate and propylparaben, two chemicals used in baked goods, and brominated vegetable oil, which is used in some store brand sodas.

The U.S. has allowed dyes like erythrosine in food since 1907. Decades later, researchers found rats exposed to lots of erythrosine over a long time developed thyroid cancer. In 1990, based in part off of that research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned erythrosine from cosmetics.

The U.S. has allowed dyes like erythrosine in food since 1907. Decades later, researchers found rats exposed to lots of erythrosine over a long time developed thyroid cancer. In 1990, based in part off of that research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned erythrosine from cosmetics.

Consumer safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency&#8217;s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Consumer safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Consumer safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency&#8217;s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

The International Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that California study was &#8220;based on insufficient scientific evidence.&#8221;

The International Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that California study was "based on insufficient scientific evidence."

The International Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that California study was &#8220;based on insufficient scientific evidence.&#8221;

Titanium dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make colors appear brighter. It&#8217;s been used for 100 years in products like paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap and food coloring. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in humans.

Titanium dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make colors appear brighter. It's been used for 100 years in products like paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap and food coloring. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in humans.

Titanium dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make colors appear brighter. It&#8217;s been used for 100 years in products like paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap and food coloring. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in humans.

The candy industry insists the chemicals California is considering banning &#8220;have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to be deemed safe,&#8221; according to a letter signed by various industry trade groups.

The candy industry insists the chemicals California is considering banning "have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to be deemed safe," according to a letter signed by various industry trade groups.

The candy industry insists the chemicals California is considering banning &#8220;have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to be deemed safe,&#8221; according to a letter signed by various industry trade groups.

&#8220;These scientifically based regulatory processes should be allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes,&#8221; the letter stated.

"These scientifically based regulatory processes should be allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes," the letter stated.

&#8220;These scientifically based regulatory processes should be allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes,&#8221; the letter stated.

Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said the only reason the chemical is still deemed safe by federal regulators is because of a loophole that has been exploited by chemical companies. He says regulators have not reviewed their prior decisions in light of new science.

Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said the only reason the chemical is still deemed safe by federal regulators is because of a loophole that has been exploited by chemical companies. He says regulators have not reviewed their prior decisions in light of new science.

&#8220;The confectioners and the food industry know the review process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for decades. We shouldn&#8217;t let them hide behind it anymore,&#8221; Faber said. &#8220;If FDA won&#8217;t fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous chemicals in our food, it&#8217;s up to states like California to keep us safe.&#8221;

"The confectioners and the food industry know the review process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for decades. We shouldn't let them hide behind it anymore," Faber said. "If FDA won't fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous chemicals in our food, it's up to states like California to keep us safe."

&#8220;The confectioners and the food industry know the review process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for decades. We shouldn&#8217;t let them hide behind it anymore,&#8221; Faber said. &#8220;If FDA won&#8217;t fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous chemicals in our food, it&#8217;s up to states like California to keep us safe.&#8221;

Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and gets their &#8220;ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.&#8221;

Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and gets their "ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards."

Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and gets their &#8220;ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.&#8221;

The company noted its development team is looking for other options, &#8220;including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.&#8221;

The company noted its development team is looking for other options, "including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts."

The company noted its development team is looking for other options, &#8220;including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.&#8221;

State lawmaker wants Peeps to drop cancer-linked ingredients

Annie Gaus

Scrambling to get ahead of mounting frustration over retail crime, Mayor London Breed and SFPD chief Bill Scott on Wednesday announced a “public-private” initiative that will increase to a total of six the number of police officers assigned to investigating store thefts and dramatically improve data collection on such crimes.

Scrambling to get ahead of mounting frustration over retail crime, Mayor London Breed and SFPD chief Bill Scott on Wednesday announced a “public-private” initiative that will increase to a total of six the number of police officers assigned to investigating store thefts and dramatically improve data collection on such crimes.

The expanded retail crime unit will share data and criminal evidence more closely with retailers who are frequently targeted, such as Walgreens and Target. Some large retailers also hire off-duty officers to monitor their stores, and one SFPD lieutenant will be in charge of coordinating those privately-funded officers. Five SFPD investigators will be assigned to investigate retail crime full-time. 

The expanded retail crime unit will share data and criminal evidence more closely with retailers who are frequently targeted, such as Walgreens and Target. Some large retailers also hire off-duty officers to monitor their stores, and one SFPD lieutenant will be in charge of coordinating those privately-funded officers. Five SFPD investigators will be assigned to investigate retail crime full-time.

“Our goal is to make sure, with our plans, that we have sufficient resources to investigate and to make sure we gather the appropriate evidence for conviction of these crimes,” Scott told reporters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to make sure, with our plans, that we have sufficient resources to investigate and to make sure we gather the appropriate evidence for conviction of these crimes,” Scott told reporters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The department will also offer more options for reporting theft—a type of crime that is believed to be widely underreported. Instead of waiting for an officer to show up in person to take a report, which can take hours for lower-priority incidents, retail workers will be able to either report them over the phone or file online through the department’s Coplogic portal. The latter option will be available in about three weeks. 

The department will also offer more options for reporting theft—a type of crime that is believed to be widely underreported. Instead of waiting for an officer to show up in person to take a report, which can take hours for lower-priority incidents, retail workers will be able to either report them over the phone or file online through the department’s Coplogic portal. The latter option will be available in about three weeks.

Scott said that the change in reporting could trigger a dramatic increase in reports of larceny and commercial burglary.

Scott said that the change in reporting could trigger a dramatic increase in reports of larceny and commercial burglary.

“You’re going to see an increase with better reporting, and that’s not a bad thing,” he said, noting that many thefts go unreported because of corporate policies, an unmet monetary threshold, or a feeling of apathy that doing so won’t “make a difference.”&nbsp;

“You’re going to see an increase with better reporting, and that’s not a bad thing,” he said, noting that many thefts go unreported because of corporate policies, an unmet monetary threshold, or a feeling of apathy that doing so won’t “make a difference.”&nbsp;

The department also plans to add more “community ambassadors”—unarmed, retired officers who can plug into SFPD’s radio system—in hotspots of retail theft, including Chinatown, Lower Market, Fisherman’s Wharf and Yerba Buena.&nbsp;

The department also plans to add more “community ambassadors”—unarmed, retired officers who can plug into SFPD’s radio system—in hotspots of retail theft, including Chinatown, Lower Market, Fisherman’s Wharf and Yerba Buena.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Breed linked the theft to a “domino effect” of store closures, job loss, and harm to residents who rely on stores like Walgreens, CVS and Target to shop and fill prescriptions.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Breed linked the theft to a “domino effect” of store closures, job loss, and harm to residents who rely on stores like Walgreens, CVS and Target to shop and fill prescriptions.&nbsp;

“There will be consequences; there has to be consequences,” said Breed. “People are feeling unsafe, it’s frustrating and we are tired of it.”&nbsp;

“There will be consequences; there has to be consequences,” said Breed. “People are feeling unsafe, it’s frustrating and we are tired of it.”&nbsp;

Over the past few months, viral videos of shoplifting and a smattering of store closures have elevated concerns about retail crime and its impact on workers, shoppers and the city at large.

Over the past few months, viral videos of shoplifting and a smattering of store closures have elevated concerns about retail crime and its impact on workers, shoppers and the city at large.

Rafael Gutierrez, a former security guard at a Yerba Buena Target store, told Here/Say in an interview that brazen shoplifting had made work conditions dangerous for retail workers. In June, Target cut operating hours at its San Francisco stores in an effort to mitigate theft.&nbsp;

Rafael Gutierrez, a former security guard at a Yerba Buena Target store, told Here/Say in an interview that brazen shoplifting had made work conditions dangerous for retail workers. In June, Target cut operating hours at its San Francisco stores in an effort to mitigate theft.&nbsp;

“Everyone’s scared, customers are scared,” Gutierrez <a href="https://sfstandard.com/target-security-guard-speaks-out-san-francisco-retail-crime/">told Here/Say in July.</a> “I really fear that somebody is going to get hurt or killed there.”&nbsp;

“Everyone’s scared, customers are scared,” Gutierrez <a href="https://sfstandard.com/target-security-guard-speaks-out-san-francisco-retail-crime/">told Here/Say in July.</a> “I really fear that somebody is going to get hurt or killed there.”&nbsp;

State and local law enforcement believe that much of the city’s retail theft is tied to organized rings that buy and resell items on platforms like eBay and Amazon. A limited group of chronic shoplifters are responsible for many individual theft incidents, SFPD told the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/repeat-shoplifters-are-driving-s-f-retail-crime-according-to-police/">in a July letter</a>. The department identified 116 such repeat offenders in 2020, of which 33% were arrested more than once.&nbsp;

State and local law enforcement believe that much of the city’s retail theft is tied to organized rings that buy and resell items on platforms like eBay and Amazon. A limited group of chronic shoplifters are responsible for many individual theft incidents, SFPD told the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/repeat-shoplifters-are-driving-s-f-retail-crime-according-to-police/">in a July letter</a>. The department identified 116 such repeat offenders in 2020, of which 33% were arrested more than once.&nbsp;

In July, Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a bill, AB 331, that extended a carve-out for organized retail crime in California’s criminal code. The bill also directs the California Highway Patrol to help local law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions defined as having “elevated” levels of property crime, and encourages more cross-agency collaboration on organized retail crime.

In July, Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a bill, AB 331, that extended a carve-out for organized retail crime in California’s criminal code. The bill also directs the California Highway Patrol to help local law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions defined as having “elevated” levels of property crime, and encourages more cross-agency collaboration on organized retail crime.

In October 2020, a joint investigation between the California Highway Patrol, San Francisco Police, San Francisco District Attorney and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service resulted in a recovery of $8 million in stolen razor blades, cosmetics and other goods that were stolen from retail stores and resold on Amazon, eBay and elsewhere through a shell company.

In October 2020, a joint investigation between the California Highway Patrol, San Francisco Police, San Francisco District Attorney and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service resulted in a recovery of $8 million in stolen razor blades, cosmetics and other goods that were stolen from retail stores and resold on Amazon, eBay and elsewhere through a shell company.

SF launches new initiative to battle retail crime

Joshua Bote

Anthony Jancso noticed that San Franciscans—in the tech community and beyond—can&#8217;t help but opine on the city&#8217;s myriad challenges. So he decided to do something about it: organize a hackathon with the aim of using AI to solve the city&#8217;s problems.

Anthony Jancso noticed that San Franciscans—in the tech community and beyond—can't help but opine on the city's myriad challenges. So he decided to do something about it: organize a hackathon with the aim of using AI to solve the city's problems.

Anthony Jancso noticed that San Franciscans—in the tech community and beyond—can&#8217;t help but opine on the city&#8217;s myriad challenges. So he decided to do something about it: organize a hackathon with the aim of using AI to solve the city&#8217;s problems.

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