David Sjostedt

Mike Ege

The contest between candidates Honey Mahogany and Supervisor Matt Dorsey to represent a pivotal slice of Downtown San Francisco came to a head Tuesday night with election results showing the incumbent, Dorsey, leading by a wide margin.

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<p>The contest between candidates Honey Mahogany and Supervisor Matt Dorsey to represent a pivotal slice of Downtown San Francisco came to a head Tuesday night with election results showing the incumbent, Dorsey, leading by a wide margin.</p>

Dorsey had 55% of the votes to Mahogany&#8217;s 39% as of midnight.

<p>Dorsey had 55% of the votes to Mahogany's 39% as of midnight.</p>

<p>Dorsey had 55% of the votes to Mahogany&#8217;s 39% as of midnight.</p>

The two supervisor candidates practically mirror each other on the main issues facing District 6, which contains the South of Market, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, as well as parts of the Financial District and Civic Center.

<p>The two supervisor candidates practically mirror each other on the main issues facing District 6, which contains the South of Market, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, as well as parts of the Financial District and Civic Center.  </p>

Mayor London Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey look at early election results at Dorsey’s Election Night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. Dorsey is running against Honey Mahogany. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-Dorsey8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91438"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey look at early election results at Dorsey’s election night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-Dorsey8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91438"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey look at early election results at Dorsey’s election night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

District 6 Supervisor candidate Honey Mahogany addresses supporters at her Election Night party at Trademark Sports Bar on Nov. 8, 2022. Mahogany is running against incumbent Matt Dorsey. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight_Honey4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91666"/><figcaption>District 6 Supervisor candidate Honey Mahogany addresses supporters at her election night party at Trademark Sports Bar on Nov. 8, 2022. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


While Dorsey had a hefty lead, Mahogany was not ready to concede as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night. “There’s still a chance that we can pull ahead, a small chance.” Mahogany said. “We’re going to hold those candles of hope right in our hearts.”

<p>While Dorsey had a hefty lead, Mahogany was not ready to concede as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night. “There’s still a chance that we can pull ahead, a small chance.” Mahogany said. “We’re going to hold those candles of hope right in our hearts.”</p>

The race has largely centered on how the two candidates propose addressing open-air drug markets in SoMa, which has <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/2022%2010_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accounted for 16% of the city’s total overdose deaths</a> this year.&nbsp;

<p>The race has largely centered on how the two candidates propose addressing open-air drug markets in SoMa, which has <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/2022%2010_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accounted for 16% of the city’s total overdose deaths</a> this year.&nbsp;</p>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">Dorsey—who was appointed by Mayor London Breed—said he plans to use his personal experience</a> as a recovering addict to make progress on the city’s drug crisis. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/honey-mahoganys-supporters-see-her-as-the-harbinger-of-a-new-kind-of-san-francisco-politics/">Mahogany, for her part, points to her resume as a social worker</a> and a legislative aide to State Assemblymember Matt Haney, who previously served as supervisor of the district.&nbsp;

<p><a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">Dorsey—who was appointed by Mayor London Breed—said he plans to use his personal experience</a> as a recovering addict to make progress on the city’s drug crisis. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/honey-mahoganys-supporters-see-her-as-the-harbinger-of-a-new-kind-of-san-francisco-politics/">Mahogany, for her part, points to her resume as a social worker</a> and a legislative aide to State Assemblymember Matt Haney, who previously served as supervisor of the district.&nbsp;</p>

In the nearly five months since Breed appointed Dorsey, he’s introduced several policies related to curbing the drug crisis as well as a resolution aiming to coalesce city departments around a citywide plan to address the crisis. Mahogany said that, if elected, she would look to bolster the city’s depleted behavioral health workforce and create more rehabilitation centers.

<p>In the nearly five months since Breed appointed Dorsey, he’s introduced several policies related to curbing the drug crisis as well as a resolution aiming to coalesce city departments around a citywide plan to address the crisis. Mahogany said that, if elected, she would look to bolster the city’s depleted behavioral health workforce and create more rehabilitation centers.</p>

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey celebrates the first round of results at his Election Night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. Dorsey is running against Honey Mahogany. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-Dorsey1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91461"/><figcaption>District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey celebrates the first round of results at his election night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>


Both campaigns raised close to half a million dollars each in donations. Groups like the San Francisco Labor Council made independent expenditures on behalf of Mahogany, while moderate and more business-oriented groups such as GrowSF spent for Dorsey.&nbsp;

<p>Both campaigns raised close to half a million dollars each in donations. Groups like the San Francisco Labor Council made independent expenditures on behalf of Mahogany, while moderate and more business-oriented groups such as GrowSF spent for Dorsey.&nbsp;</p>

The money trail reflects both candidate’s perceived political allegiances. Dorsey is seen as the choice of the city’s political center, while Mahogany is champion of the city’s progressive political faction, aligned with the current majority of the Board of Supervisors. 

<p>The money trail reflects both candidate’s perceived political allegiances. Dorsey is seen as the choice of the city’s political center, while Mahogany is champion of the city’s progressive political faction, aligned with the current majority of the Board of Supervisors. </p>

District 6 is one of two that were substantially changed in this year’s controversial redistricting process. Much of the Civic Center was removed and put in District 5, along with the Tenderloin. This has increased speculation that more political weight in the district will shift to the new neighborhoods in SoMa and Mission Bay.&nbsp;

<p>District 6 is one of two that were substantially changed in this year’s controversial redistricting process. Much of the Civic Center was removed and put in District 5, along with the Tenderloin. This has increased speculation that more political weight in the district will shift to the new neighborhoods in SoMa and Mission Bay.&nbsp;</p>

Matt Dorsey leads Honey Mahogany by wide margin

Josh Koehn

The first thing you notice using Bluesky is how happy everyone is to no longer be drinking from the fire hose in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/dave-chappelle-show-elon-musk-booed-chris-rock/">Elon Musk’</a>s Godforsaken hellscape.

<p>The first thing you notice using Bluesky is how happy everyone is to no longer be drinking from the fire hose in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/dave-chappelle-show-elon-musk-booed-chris-rock/">Elon Musk’</a>s Godforsaken hellscape.</p>

To my surprise Friday, I received a passcode to join <a href="https://blueskyweb.xyz/">Bluesky</a>, the exclusive, invite-only social media app, which basically bills itself as non-toxic Twitter.

<p>To my surprise Friday, I received a passcode to join <a href="https://blueskyweb.xyz/">Bluesky</a>, the exclusive, invite-only social media app, which basically bills itself as non-toxic Twitter.</p>

As someone who is very online but rarely tweets outside of work, I quickly realized that Bluesky—at least for the time being—has little utility for a person like me. I have no interest in making new internet friends or monitoring strangers’ non-news-related “skeets,” <a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Skeets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a funny and unfortunate name</a> for posts that have taken hold to the chagrin of Bluesky CEO Jay Graber.

<p>As someone who is very online but rarely tweets outside of work, I quickly realized that Bluesky—at least for the time being—has little utility for a person like me. I have no interest in making new internet friends or monitoring strangers’ non-news-related “skeets,” <a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Skeets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a funny and unfortunate name</a> for posts that have taken hold to the chagrin of Bluesky CEO Jay Graber.</p>

Bluesky CEO Jay Grabner is losing the battle to get users to stop calling posts 'skeets.' | Screenshots


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-10.05.24-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155478"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bluesky CEO Jay Graber appears to be losing the battle to get users to stop calling posts &#8220;skeets.&#8221; | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-10.05.24-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155478"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bluesky CEO Jay Graber appears to be losing the battle to get users to stop calling posts "skeets." | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-10.05.24-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155478"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bluesky CEO Jay Graber appears to be losing the battle to get users to stop calling posts &#8220;skeets.&#8221; | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>

I spent the weekend checking out the “skeets on the hotfeed” to get a sense of the discourse, which is ironic and insidery like a lot of Twitter, while also sending out a few posts to test the user experience.

<p>I spent the weekend checking out the “skeets on the hotfeed” to get a sense of the discourse, which is ironic and insidery like a lot of Twitter, while also sending out a few posts to test the user experience.</p>

Bluesky is nearly identical to Twitter in appearance, scrolling capabilities and features. The main difference between the two, at this moment in time, is the makeup of the communities.

<p>Bluesky is nearly identical to Twitter in appearance, scrolling capabilities and features. The main difference between the two, at this moment in time, is the makeup of the communities.</p>

Twitter, the company Jack Dorsey co-founded, has changed notably since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/elon-musk-twitter-san-francisco-hq-takeover/">Musk purchased the company</a> and began <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-musks-twitter-layoffs-went-down-and-whats-next/">stripping it for parts</a>. He recently rolled out a confusing series of badge announcements in between posting juvenile memes and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/technology/twitter-hate-speech.html">letting Neo-Nazis, transphobes and other trolls go mostly unchecked</a>.

<p>Twitter, the company Jack Dorsey co-founded, has changed notably since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/elon-musk-twitter-san-francisco-hq-takeover/">Musk purchased the company</a> and began <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-musks-twitter-layoffs-went-down-and-whats-next/">stripping it for parts</a>. He recently rolled out a confusing series of badge announcements in between posting juvenile memes and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/technology/twitter-hate-speech.html">letting Neo-Nazis, transphobes and other trolls go mostly unchecked</a>.</p>

Twitter is everywhere and everyone is on it, and Bluesky, for the moment, appears to be limited to the “SF tech Illuminati”—as the person who invited me joked—and a handful of fun Twitter personas (e.g. <a href="https://twitter.com/darth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darth</a>), journalists (e.g. <a href="https://twitter.com/jaketapper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jake Tapper</a>) and social media savvy politicians (e.g. <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a>). New users are unable to extend invites to others until spending enough time on the app.

<p>Twitter is everywhere and everyone is on it, and Bluesky, for the moment, appears to be limited to the “SF tech Illuminati”—as the person who invited me joked—and a handful of fun Twitter personas (e.g. <a href="https://twitter.com/darth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darth</a>), journalists (e.g. <a href="https://twitter.com/jaketapper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jake Tapper</a>) and social media savvy politicians (e.g. <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a>). New users are unable to extend invites to others until spending enough time on the app.</p>

A sampling of notable figures who have been invited to use Bluesky include influential members of San Francisco's tech community, elected officials and political journalists. | Screenshots


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-9.57.09-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155475"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A sampling of notable figures who have been invited to use Bluesky includes influential members of San Francisco&#8217;s tech community, elected officials and political journalists. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-9.57.09-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155475"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A sampling of notable figures who have been invited to use Bluesky includes influential members of San Francisco's tech community, elected officials and political journalists. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-9.57.09-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155475"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A sampling of notable figures who have been invited to use Bluesky includes influential members of San Francisco&#8217;s tech community, elected officials and political journalists. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>

I joined Twitter early enough to see it morph from an echo chamber to an indispensable news source that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/25/twitter-facebook-uprisings-arab-libya" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">helped revolutions gain steam</a> to a clown show that made the news cycle nearly spin off its axis. Regardless of what we call this current iteration, Twitter has become increasingly buggy, and it’s now more difficult to decipher who’s an informed source and someone simply paying for clout.

<p>I joined Twitter early enough to see it morph from an echo chamber to an indispensable news source that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/25/twitter-facebook-uprisings-arab-libya" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">helped revolutions gain steam</a> to a clown show that made the news cycle nearly spin off its axis. Regardless of what we call this current iteration, Twitter has become increasingly buggy, and it’s now more difficult to decipher who’s an informed source and someone simply paying for clout.</p>

Bluesky does not allow GIFs or videos, and there are no DMs, but for the moment it’s at least … kind of pleasant? Searching the term “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>” has drastically different outcomes between Twitter and Bluesky, with the former focusing on San Francisco’s shuttered market and drug-addled Downtown. Bluesky is not yet being used to share a whole lot of news.

<p>Bluesky does not allow GIFs or videos, and there are no DMs, but for the moment it’s at least … kind of pleasant? Searching the term “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>” has drastically different outcomes between Twitter and Bluesky, with the former focusing on San Francisco’s shuttered market and drug-addled Downtown. Bluesky is not yet being used to share a whole lot of news.</p>

Search results for the term 'Whole Foods' in Twitter (left and center) compared to results for the same search using Twitter on April 30, 2023. | Schreenshots


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-9.52.18-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155472"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Search results for the term &#8220;Whole Foods&#8221; on Twitter, left and center, compared with results for the same search using Bluesky on Sunday. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-9.52.18-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155472"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Search results for the term "Whole Foods" on Twitter, left and center, compared with results for the same search using Bluesky on Sunday. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-9.52.18-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155472"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Search results for the term &#8220;Whole Foods&#8221; on Twitter, left and center, compared with results for the same search using Bluesky on Sunday. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>

From what I observed, Bluesky users are generally just making jokes and treating each other in the way they would like to be treated. While the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Golden-Rule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">golden rule</a> mostly applies, by the end of my three-day experiment I came across a New York Times columnist and Bitcoin booster having an exhausting argument that was performative and stupid and tailor-made for social media, which, first and foremost, remains all about engagement.

<p>From what I observed, Bluesky users are generally just making jokes and treating each other in the way they would like to be treated. While the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Golden-Rule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">golden rule</a> mostly applies, by the end of my three-day experiment I came across a New York Times columnist and Bitcoin booster having an exhausting argument that was performative and stupid and tailor-made for social media, which, first and foremost, remains all about engagement.</p>

As is the case with virtually all social media, the self-indulgence is smothering, and there is something particularly exhausting about seeing people celebrate the fact that they are in an exclusive new club, where people are literally doing the same thing they did in the old club, which is mostly ignore the real world and develop inside jokes that are nearly impossible to explain because you just had to be there, whether it was four minutes or four hours ago.

<p>As is the case with virtually all social media, the self-indulgence is smothering, and there is something particularly exhausting about seeing people celebrate the fact that they are in an exclusive new club, where people are literally doing the same thing they did in the old club, which is mostly ignore the real world and develop inside jokes that are nearly impossible to explain because you just had to be there, whether it was four minutes or four hours ago.</p>

The fear of missing out, FOMO, is very real on the emerging social media app Bluesky. | Screenshots


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-10.17.16-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155481"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The fear of missing out is real on the emerging social media app Bluesky. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>


The timeline cleanse of a dog or cat photo, a view from a person’s walk or even a snapshot of someone’s lunch can have a positive effect both on Twitter and Bluesky, but then a thought enters my head: Why am I wasting my life looking at someone&#8217;s salad or a dog that may not even be a good or interesting boy?

<p>The timeline cleanse of a dog or cat photo, a view from a person’s walk or even a snapshot of someone’s lunch can have a positive effect both on Twitter and Bluesky, but then a thought enters my head: Why am I wasting my life looking at someone's salad or a dog that may not even be a good or interesting boy?</p>

<p>The timeline cleanse of a dog or cat photo, a view from a person’s walk or even a snapshot of someone’s lunch can have a positive effect both on Twitter and Bluesky, but then a thought enters my head: Why am I wasting my life looking at someone&#8217;s salad or a dog that may not even be a good or interesting boy?</p>

In my brief time on the app, the Bluesky discourse went from pro-labor union posts to people supporting transgender rights to an insidery avalanche about a glitchy “hellthread” (I’m not even going to bother to explain) to a Sunday morning confab about AOC being exposed to butt and boob pics the previous evening.

<p>In my brief time on the app, the Bluesky discourse went from pro-labor union posts to people supporting transgender rights to an insidery avalanche about a glitchy “hellthread” (I’m not even going to bother to explain) to a Sunday morning confab about AOC being exposed to butt and boob pics the previous evening.</p>

Bluesky’s evolution is happening in real-time, bugs and all, and the app apparently rolled out a feature to block people. The settings allow users to hide, warn or show content that ranges from: explicit sexual images; other nudity; sexually suggestive, which does not include nudity; violent/bloody; political hate groups; spam; and accounts impersonating others.

<p>Bluesky’s evolution is happening in real-time, bugs and all, and the app apparently rolled out a feature to block people. The settings allow users to hide, warn or show content that ranges from: explicit sexual images; other nudity; sexually suggestive, which does not include nudity; violent/bloody; political hate groups; spam; and accounts impersonating others.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-30-at-10.19.39-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-155484"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bluesky offers default settings on what users will see in their feeds, left, but they can be toggled to make everything available for viewing, right. | Screenshots</figcaption></figure>


Dorsey, who started his own controversy on Bluesky by talking about <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/29/elon-musk-twitter-jack-dorsey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musk’s handling of Twitter</a>, confirmed that the goal of Bluesky is to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/28/technology/what-is-bluesky.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">let the bird of Twitter fly free through “open protocol.”</a> Bluesky will eventually allow people to share social media across platforms that don’t exactly mesh (i.e. Twitter, Instagram and TikTok). It’s too early to know how the experiment will work, but it all sounds promising.

<p>Dorsey, who started his own controversy on Bluesky by talking about <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/29/elon-musk-twitter-jack-dorsey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musk’s handling of Twitter</a>, confirmed that the goal of Bluesky is to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/28/technology/what-is-bluesky.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">let the bird of Twitter fly free through “open protocol.”</a> Bluesky will eventually allow people to share social media across platforms that don’t exactly mesh (i.e. Twitter, Instagram and TikTok). It’s too early to know how the experiment will work, but it all sounds promising.</p>

There’s no putting the monkey back in the bottle on social media, and maybe Bluesky will succeed in being a place where people are free to make new friends, share insightful news and opinions, expand the discourse on culture, and form interest-based cliques and communities to nerd out and laugh.

<p>There’s no putting the monkey back in the bottle on social media, and maybe Bluesky will succeed in being a place where people are free to make new friends, share insightful news and opinions, expand the discourse on culture, and form interest-based cliques and communities to nerd out and laugh.</p>

The thought of doing all of that and leaving Musk behind may be all the motivation millions of people need.

<p>The thought of doing all of that and leaving Musk behind may be all the motivation millions of people need.</p>

I got a Bluesky invite. Here’s why Elon Musk and Twitter should be worried

Kevin Truong

Now that a portion of Silicon Valley Bank’s assets <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/silicon-valley-bank-acquired-by-first-citizens-bank/">have been picked up at a significant discount</a>, the question turns to whether that intervention is enough to prop up San Francisco’s First Republic Bank and the rest of a struggling banking sector. 

<p>Now that a portion of Silicon Valley Bank’s assets <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/silicon-valley-bank-acquired-by-first-citizens-bank/">have been picked up at a significant discount</a>, the question turns to whether that intervention is enough to prop up San Francisco’s First Republic Bank and the rest of a struggling banking sector. </p>

First Republic&#8217;s stock price closed up 12% Monday after SVB’s sale, as part of a broader rally by regional banks. But banking experts say that the faltering institution&#8217;s challenges are far from over. 

<p>First Republic's stock price closed up 12% Monday after SVB’s sale, as part of a broader rally by regional banks. But banking experts say that the faltering institution's challenges are far from over. </p>

<p>First Republic&#8217;s stock price closed up 12% Monday after SVB’s sale, as part of a broader rally by regional banks. But banking experts say that the faltering institution&#8217;s challenges are far from over. </p>

Founded by Jim Herbert in 1985, First Republic specializes in high-touch service and wealth management, focused on a high-net-worth clientele. But those customers were <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/how-first-republics-courtship-wealthy-led-meltdown-2023-03-27/">perhaps most prone</a> to move their money to “too big to fail banks” amid concerns about regional banks and whether uninsured deposits would be protected. 

<p>Founded by Jim Herbert in 1985, First Republic specializes in high-touch service and wealth management, focused on a high-net-worth clientele. But those customers were <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/how-first-republics-courtship-wealthy-led-meltdown-2023-03-27/">perhaps most prone</a> to move their money to “too big to fail banks” amid concerns about regional banks and whether uninsured deposits would be protected. </p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitous-fall">Precipitous Fall&nbsp;</h2>


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<h2 id="h-precipitous-fall">Precipitous Fall&nbsp;</h2>

Major <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/first-republic-bank-san-francisco-banking-sector-worries/">deposit outflows</a> on the order of $70 billion at First Republic were followed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/first-republic-stock-fell-on-a-credit-downgrade-heres-what-to-know/">a number of credit rating downgrades</a>, which added to signs of distress for the Bay Area’s third-largest bank. The bank&#8217;s share price has lost nearly 90% of its value over the last month. 

<p>Major <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/first-republic-bank-san-francisco-banking-sector-worries/">deposit outflows</a> on the order of $70 billion at First Republic were followed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/first-republic-stock-fell-on-a-credit-downgrade-heres-what-to-know/">a number of credit rating downgrades</a>, which added to signs of distress for the Bay Area’s third-largest bank. The bank's share price has lost nearly 90% of its value over the last month. </p>

<p>Major <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/first-republic-bank-san-francisco-banking-sector-worries/">deposit outflows</a> on the order of $70 billion at First Republic were followed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/first-republic-stock-fell-on-a-credit-downgrade-heres-what-to-know/">a number of credit rating downgrades</a>, which added to signs of distress for the Bay Area’s third-largest bank. The bank&#8217;s share price has lost nearly 90% of its value over the last month. </p>

Federal officials—who previously announced <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20230312a.htm">a $25 billion Federal Reserve program</a> to provide short-term loans for banks that put up securities as collateral—are weighing additional support for vulnerable banks.&nbsp;

<p>Federal officials—who previously announced <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20230312a.htm">a $25 billion Federal Reserve program</a> to provide short-term loans for banks that put up securities as collateral—are weighing additional support for vulnerable banks.&nbsp;</p>

Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-25/us-mulls-more-support-for-banks-while-giving-first-republic-time?srnd=premium&amp;sref=9rGv1w9C#xj4y7vzkg">reported that the Fed</a> is considering expanding its <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/bank-term-funding-program.htm">emergency lending program</a> to provide additional aid, but has concluded that the situation at First Republic has begun to stabilize. 

<p>Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-25/us-mulls-more-support-for-banks-while-giving-first-republic-time?srnd=premium&amp;sref=9rGv1w9C#xj4y7vzkg">reported that the Fed</a> is considering expanding its <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/bank-term-funding-program.htm">emergency lending program</a> to provide additional aid, but has concluded that the situation at First Republic has begun to stabilize. </p>

Crucially, deposit outflows have slowed. That buys valuable time: The bank has enough liquidity to meet its current needs while leaders look for an exit strategy in the form of additional fundraising or a potential acquisition. 

<p>Crucially, deposit outflows have slowed. That buys valuable time: The bank has enough liquidity to meet its current needs while leaders look for an exit strategy in the form of additional fundraising or a potential acquisition. </p>

<a href="https://ludwigbc.com/">Ludwig Chincarini</a>, a professor of finance at the University of San Francisco, said the immediate concern of a bankruptcy or federal takeover à la SVB has abated, but the bank still faces significant challenges. For one, he said the stock isn’t particularly attractive right now from an investment perspective.

<p><a href="https://ludwigbc.com/">Ludwig Chincarini</a>, a professor of finance at the University of San Francisco, said the immediate concern of a bankruptcy or federal takeover à la SVB has abated, but the bank still faces significant challenges. For one, he said the stock isn’t particularly attractive right now from an investment perspective.</p>

“The longer-term question they’re asking is: What are they going to do with the lost deposits? Either they’re going to have to call clients back and say, ‘We’re doing OK now,’ or they’re going to have to lay off a bunch of people,&#8221; Chincarini said. &#8220;I think that latter option is more likely.&#8221;

<p>“The longer-term question they’re asking is: What are they going to do with the lost deposits? Either they’re going to have to call clients back and say, ‘We’re doing OK now,’ or they’re going to have to lay off a bunch of people," Chincarini said. "I think that latter option is more likely."</p>

<p>“The longer-term question they’re asking is: What are they going to do with the lost deposits? Either they’re going to have to call clients back and say, ‘We’re doing OK now,’ or they’re going to have to lay off a bunch of people,&#8221; Chincarini said. &#8220;I think that latter option is more likely.&#8221;</p>

On social media, First Republic has been boosting stories from clients who have chosen to stick with the bank as a counter-narrative to those pulling their money out. 

<p>On social media, First Republic has been boosting stories from clients who have chosen to stick with the bank as a counter-narrative to those pulling their money out. </p>

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https://twitter.com/firstrepublic/status/1640427788535513101
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calming-fears">Calming Fears</h2>


<h2 id="h-calming-fears">Calming Fears</h2>

In a bid to instill confidence in First Republic and the broader sector, a coalition of major financial institutions—including J.P. Morgan, Bank of America and Citigroup—made $30 billion worth of deposits earlier this month. 

<p>In a bid to instill confidence in First Republic and the broader sector, a coalition of major financial institutions—including J.P. Morgan, Bank of America and Citigroup—made $30 billion worth of deposits earlier this month. </p>

Jay Ritter, a professor of finance at the University of Florida, said deposit outflows have slowed, in large part because those most willing to pull their funds have already done so. 

<p>Jay Ritter, a professor of finance at the University of Florida, said deposit outflows have slowed, in large part because those most willing to pull their funds have already done so. </p>

“Secondly, the federal reserve and the FDIC have largely been saying that for any major bank, you don’t have to worry about getting your money back, whether you are an insured depositor or not,” Ritter said. “They’re stating they don’t want the collateral damage for allowing a major bank to go belly up and largely removing the threat which causes bank runs in the first place.”

<p>“Secondly, the federal reserve and the FDIC have largely been saying that for any major bank, you don’t have to worry about getting your money back, whether you are an insured depositor or not,” Ritter said. “They’re stating they don’t want the collateral damage for allowing a major bank to go belly up and largely removing the threat which causes bank runs in the first place.”</p>

These deposit outflows proved fatal to banks like SVB and Signature Bank, which were forced to sell securities at major losses. That, in turn, led to a death spiral of falling share prices and fleeing depositors.

<p>These deposit outflows proved fatal to banks like SVB and Signature Bank, which were forced to sell securities at major losses. That, in turn, led to a death spiral of falling share prices and fleeing depositors.</p>

“Part of the rationale of bank accounting is if you have sticky deposits, it’s likely that the spread of what you’re paying on deposits matches the interest you’re making on your loans or bonds,” Ritter said. “As long as deposits are sticky, that makes a lot of sense.”

<p>“Part of the rationale of bank accounting is if you have sticky deposits, it’s likely that the spread of what you’re paying on deposits matches the interest you’re making on your loans or bonds,” Ritter said. “As long as deposits are sticky, that makes a lot of sense.”</p>

A First Republic Bank branch at Montgomery and Sutter Streets in Downtown San Francisco on March 13, 2023 | Morgan Ellis/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FirstRepublicBank03132023-19.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138489"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A First Republic Bank branch at Montgomery and Sutter Streets in Downtown San Francisco on March 13, 2023. | Morgan Ellis/The Standard</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-racing-against-the-clock">Racing Against the Clock</h2>


<h2 id="h-racing-against-the-clock">Racing Against the Clock</h2>

Chincarini said he suspects that First Republic&#8217;s leadership is trying to find someone to purchase the company prior to its next earnings announcement, where the damage done to the bank’s financials will be publicly disclosed. First Republic is expected to report its latest quarterly earnings in mid-April. 

<p>Chincarini said he suspects that First Republic's leadership is trying to find someone to purchase the company prior to its next earnings announcement, where the damage done to the bank’s financials will be publicly disclosed. First Republic is expected to report its latest quarterly earnings in mid-April. </p>

<p>Chincarini said he suspects that First Republic&#8217;s leadership is trying to find someone to purchase the company prior to its next earnings announcement, where the damage done to the bank’s financials will be publicly disclosed. First Republic is expected to report its latest quarterly earnings in mid-April. </p>

“The earnings announcement will reveal about what they had to sell and what damage was done,” Chincarini said. &#8220;I would imagine many folks don’t want to be around to see what comes after that.&#8221;

<p>“The earnings announcement will reveal about what they had to sell and what damage was done,” Chincarini said. "I would imagine many folks don’t want to be around to see what comes after that."</p>

<p>“The earnings announcement will reveal about what they had to sell and what damage was done,” Chincarini said. &#8220;I would imagine many folks don’t want to be around to see what comes after that.&#8221;</p>

As First Republic and its enlisted advisers look for a path forward, Ritter said one sticking point may be what academics call the “debt-overhang problem.” Essentially, that’s when the debt load from existing assets makes it difficult for the bank to issue equity for more capital without compromising existing stockholders.

<p>As First Republic and its enlisted advisers look for a path forward, Ritter said one sticking point may be what academics call the “debt-overhang problem.” Essentially, that’s when the debt load from existing assets makes it difficult for the bank to issue equity for more capital without compromising existing stockholders.</p>

He said that federal officials can help to ease this blockage via loss-sharing arrangements to help spread the risk from bad assets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>He said that federal officials can help to ease this blockage via loss-sharing arrangements to help spread the risk from bad assets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

“I suspect that’s a bit of a problem with First Republic,” Ritter said. “Although it’s not in as bad of a shape as SVB, it&#8217;s very possible that they will only get a private equity firm or some other bank to come in for some kind of rescue if the FDIC agrees to subsidize some potential losses.”

<p>“I suspect that’s a bit of a problem with First Republic,” Ritter said. “Although it’s not in as bad of a shape as SVB, it's very possible that they will only get a private equity firm or some other bank to come in for some kind of rescue if the FDIC agrees to subsidize some potential losses.”</p>

<p>“I suspect that’s a bit of a problem with First Republic,” Ritter said. “Although it’s not in as bad of a shape as SVB, it&#8217;s very possible that they will only get a private equity firm or some other bank to come in for some kind of rescue if the FDIC agrees to subsidize some potential losses.”</p>

First Republic Bank stabilizes, but more problems are lurking around the corner

Liz Lindqwister

The country’s overdose crisis is perhaps not so evident anywhere as it is in San Francisco, where more than 1,000 people have died of a fatal drug overdose since January last year. But year-end data shows that the rate of these overdoses is actually declining in the city.

<p>The country’s overdose crisis is perhaps not so evident anywhere as it is in San Francisco, where more than 1,000 people have died of a fatal drug overdose since January last year. But year-end data shows that the rate of these overdoses is actually declining in the city.</p>

A total of 556 people in San Francisco died of fatal drug overdoses as of the end of November, a 13% decline from 2021’s <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2021_OCME%20Overdose%20Report_1.pdf">641 total accidental fatal overdoses</a>, according to <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022%2012_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf">data</a> from the Medical Examiner’s Office.&nbsp;Estimates show the city will likely end the year with about 600 overdose fatalities.

<p>A total of 556 people in San Francisco died of fatal drug overdoses as of the end of November, a 13% decline from 2021’s <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2021_OCME%20Overdose%20Report_1.pdf">641 total accidental fatal overdoses</a>, according to <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022%2012_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf">data</a> from the Medical Examiner’s Office.&nbsp;Estimates show the city will likely end the year with about 600 overdose fatalities. </p>

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If the rate of overdoses continues, it will be the second year in a row that the city has reported a decline in overall overdose deaths. Last year, 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2021/san-francisco-drug-overdoses-map/#:~:text=Fentanyl%20can%20be%20up%20to,San%20Francisco%20has%20gone%20down.">was the first to break the</a> decade-long streak of worsening fatal overdose statistics.

<p>If the rate of overdoses continues, it will be the second year in a row that the city has reported a decline in overall overdose deaths. Last year, 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2021/san-francisco-drug-overdoses-map/#:~:text=Fentanyl%20can%20be%20up%20to,San%20Francisco%20has%20gone%20down.">was the first to break the</a> decade-long streak of worsening fatal overdose statistics.</p>

While these numbers may signal some hope for San Francisco, the city’s handling of the drug crisis this year has constantly shifted: Between a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-target-drug-users-in-tenderloin-crackdown-we-have-to-disrupt-this-activity/">July drug crackdown</a> and the opening of the city’s first <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">unofficial safe consumption</a> site called the Tenderloin Center, San Francisco oscillated between harm reduction and criminal punishment in its approach to the crisis.

<p>While these numbers may signal some hope for San Francisco, the city’s handling of the drug crisis this year has constantly shifted: Between a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-target-drug-users-in-tenderloin-crackdown-we-have-to-disrupt-this-activity/">July drug crackdown</a> and the opening of the city’s first <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">unofficial safe consumption</a> site called the Tenderloin Center, San Francisco oscillated between harm reduction and criminal punishment in its approach to the crisis.</p>

At times, <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/san-francisco-police-increase-citations-for-open-air-drug-users/article_cdde1b22-1445-11ed-8f3a-3f2a8fa8146a.html">the two approaches conflicted</a>, sometimes <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">in spite of city leaders</a> hoping to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/dorsey-seeks-to-unify-opposing-sides-of-the-hotly-contested-addiction-debate/">find a winning balance</a> between them. So what actually worked?

<p>At times, <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/san-francisco-police-increase-citations-for-open-air-drug-users/article_cdde1b22-1445-11ed-8f3a-3f2a8fa8146a.html">the two approaches conflicted</a>, sometimes <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">in spite of city leaders</a> hoping to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/dorsey-seeks-to-unify-opposing-sides-of-the-hotly-contested-addiction-debate/">find a winning balance</a> between them. So what actually worked?</p>

<strong>Public Health Approach Met With Skepticism</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-approach-met-with-skepticism"><strong>Public Health Approach Met With Skepticism</strong></h2>


<h2 id="h-public-health-approach-met-with-skepticism"><strong>Public Health Approach Met With Skepticism</strong></h2>

The health department put increasing access to treatment and harm-reduction services at the top of its <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/SFDPH%20Overdose%20Plan%202022.pdf">2022 Overdose Plan</a>, signaling the city’s long-standing harm reduction and public health-forward approach to the drug crisis.

<p>The health department put increasing access to treatment and harm-reduction services at the top of its <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/SFDPH%20Overdose%20Plan%202022.pdf">2022 Overdose Plan</a>, signaling the city’s long-standing harm reduction and public health-forward approach to the drug crisis.</p>

But in the face of anecdotal reports of patients <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/the-window-slammed-shut-some-drug-users-seeking-methadone-turned-away-at-sf-clinics/">being turned away from treatment</a> and a widespread <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-hospitals-grapple-with-repeat-psychiatric-patients-frustrated-workers/">behavioral health worker shortage</a>, legislators are concerned that the health department may not be meeting its long-standing goal of offering “treatment on demand.”

<p>But in the face of anecdotal reports of patients <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/the-window-slammed-shut-some-drug-users-seeking-methadone-turned-away-at-sf-clinics/">being turned away from treatment</a> and a widespread <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-hospitals-grapple-with-repeat-psychiatric-patients-frustrated-workers/">behavioral health worker shortage</a>, legislators are concerned that the health department may not be meeting its long-standing goal of offering “treatment on demand.”</p>

Tools and resources available to guests of the Tenderloin “Linkage” Center on Market Street in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, June 2, 2022. 


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/INLINE2_2022ODDeaths12062022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tools and resources available to guests of the now-shuttered Tenderloin Center on Market Street in San Francisco on June 2, 2022 | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


San Francisco has seen a steady <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/fatal-overdoses-decreased-in-sf-last-year-and-so-did-treatment-admissions/">decline of drug addiction treatment admissions</a> while overdoses have exploded since 2015, a phenomenon that health leaders attribute to an evolving outpatient-style approach to addiction treatment, as well as new state policies that require patients to attend longterm treatment in their cities of origin.&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco has seen a steady <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/fatal-overdoses-decreased-in-sf-last-year-and-so-did-treatment-admissions/">decline of drug addiction treatment admissions</a> while overdoses have exploded since 2015, a phenomenon that health leaders attribute to an evolving outpatient-style approach to addiction treatment, as well as new state policies that require patients to attend longterm treatment in their cities of origin.&nbsp;</p>

And though San Francisco has historically touted its role as a leader in the harm-reduction movement, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/tenderloin-center-clients-warn-of-disaster-as-controversial-drug-site-heads-for-closure/">recent closure of the Tenderloin Center</a> has made some critics skeptical that Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-supervisors-rally-for-5-5m-for-wellness-hubs-after-plan-stalls/">will continue to prioritize</a> public health measures to fight the fentanyl plague.

<p>And though San Francisco has historically touted its role as a leader in the harm-reduction movement, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/tenderloin-center-clients-warn-of-disaster-as-controversial-drug-site-heads-for-closure/">recent closure of the Tenderloin Center</a> has made some critics skeptical that Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-supervisors-rally-for-5-5m-for-wellness-hubs-after-plan-stalls/">will continue to prioritize</a> public health measures to fight the fentanyl plague.</p>

Advocates say that safe consumption sites, where people can use drugs under supervision, are crucial to an overdose prevention plan.

<p>Advocates say that safe consumption sites, where people can use drugs under supervision, are crucial to an overdose prevention plan.</p>

A total of 333 overdoses were reversed at the Tenderloin Center in the last year, and the rate at which it intervened in these crises only picked up in the months leading up to its December closure. It saw over 124,000 visits across its 11-month open period, averaging roughly 400 per day. By comparison, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reversed roughly 132 overdoses during this same time period.

<p>A total of 333 overdoses were reversed at the Tenderloin Center in the last year, and the rate at which it intervened in these crises only picked up in the months leading up to its December closure. It saw over 124,000 visits across its 11-month open period, averaging roughly 400 per day. By comparison, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reversed roughly 132 overdoses during this same time period.</p>

In the last year, the Tenderloin Center quickly became a central hub for distributing naloxone—often called by the brand name of its delivery device, Narcan—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/where-get-narcan-map-how-use-narcan-fentanyl-overdose-san-francisco/">drug that can reverse</a> an opioid overdose. Over 15,500 doses have been distributed in the last year, both by the Tenderloin Center and city outreach teams.

<p>In the last year, the Tenderloin Center quickly became a central hub for distributing naloxone—often called by the brand name of its delivery device, Narcan—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/where-get-narcan-map-how-use-narcan-fentanyl-overdose-san-francisco/">drug that can reverse</a> an opioid overdose. Over 15,500 doses have been distributed in the last year, both by the Tenderloin Center and city outreach teams.</p>

Phillip Coffin, director of the Center on Substance Abuse, estimated that roughly 1% of the city’s 4,600 overdose reversals <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">would have led to death</a>.

<p>Phillip Coffin, director of the Center on Substance Abuse, estimated that roughly 1% of the city’s 4,600 overdose reversals <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">would have led to death</a>.</p>

<strong>Did the City’s First Safe Consumption Site Help?&nbsp;</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Did the City’s First Safe Consumption Site Help?&nbsp;</strong></h2>


<h2><strong>Did the City’s First Safe Consumption Site Help?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

In the roughly 10 months that the Tenderloin Center was open, the city saw around the same amount of fatal overdoses as the 10 months prior to the center’s launch, causing some legislators to question its effectiveness.&nbsp;

<p>In the roughly 10 months that the Tenderloin Center was open, the city saw around the same amount of fatal overdoses as the 10 months prior to the center’s launch, causing some legislators to question its effectiveness.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco saw 505 overdoses between March and December 2021—and roughly the same number between January and October this year, when the Tenderloin Center was open.&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco saw 505 overdoses between March and December 2021—and roughly the same number between January and October this year, when the Tenderloin Center was open.&nbsp;</p>

Unhoused San Franciscans line up outside the Tenderloin “Linkage” Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, June 17, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/INLINE1_2022ODDeaths12062022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107322"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Unhoused San Franciscans line up outside the now-shuttered Tenderloin Center in San Francisco on June 17, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


But most of the city’s overdose <a href="https://sf.gov/resource/2020/ocme-accidental-overdose-reports">deaths occurred</a> among people with a fixed residence in the city, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/overdose-deaths-at-sfs-city-funded-facilities-totalled-246-over-two-years/">at least 246 residents</a> within city-funded permanent supportive housing facilities died from overdoses during 2020 and 2021.

<p>But most of the city’s overdose <a href="https://sf.gov/resource/2020/ocme-accidental-overdose-reports">deaths occurred</a> among people with a fixed residence in the city, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/overdose-deaths-at-sfs-city-funded-facilities-totalled-246-over-two-years/">at least 246 residents</a> within city-funded permanent supportive housing facilities died from overdoses during 2020 and 2021.</p>

A string of <a href="https://www.sfcdcp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Health-Alert-Overdoses-Among-Persons-Unintentionally-Exposed-to-Fentanyl-While-Using-Cocaine-FINAL-2022.3.17.pdf">fentanyl lacings and subsequent fatal overdoses</a> in March, for example, prompted the city to issue a health alert, and a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/laced-drugs-hospitalized-5-after-overdose-sf-officials-confirm/">mass overdose on Christmas Day</a> led to six non-fatal overdoses—events that may add to the city’s growing overdose count, but happened among portions of the population that wouldn’t likely use the Tenderloin Center.&nbsp;

<p>A string of <a href="https://www.sfcdcp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Health-Alert-Overdoses-Among-Persons-Unintentionally-Exposed-to-Fentanyl-While-Using-Cocaine-FINAL-2022.3.17.pdf">fentanyl lacings and subsequent fatal overdoses</a> in March, for example, prompted the city to issue a health alert, and a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/laced-drugs-hospitalized-5-after-overdose-sf-officials-confirm/">mass overdose on Christmas Day</a> led to six non-fatal overdoses—events that may add to the city’s growing overdose count, but happened among portions of the population that wouldn’t likely use the Tenderloin Center.&nbsp;</p>

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


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/INLINE4_2022ODDeaths12062022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107325"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A billboard intended to raise awareness about Fentanyl addiction in San Francisco is revealed on April 4, 2022, in Union Square | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>


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