Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie will use his new legislative powers to open a long-planned behavioral health facility at 822 Geary St., his office confirmed Wednesday.

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San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie will use his new legislative powers to open a long-planned behavioral health facility at 822 Geary St., his office confirmed Wednesday.

On the campaign trail, Lurie promised to declare a fentanyl state of emergency on his first day in office. He couldn’t legally do so, as “emergencies” need to be unforeseen — and the fentanyl crisis has been unfolding in public view for more than a decade.

On the campaign trail, Lurie promised to declare a fentanyl state of emergency on his first day in office. He couldn’t legally do so, as “emergencies” need to be unforeseen — and the fentanyl crisis has been unfolding in public view for more than a decade.

Instead, Lurie passed legislation at the Board of Supervisors to bypass oversight of contracts and allow private fundraising in response to the drug crisis. The Geary project, which was set in motion under former Mayor London Breed, is Lurie’s first use of his newfound powers to cut City Hall’s notorious red tape.

Instead, Lurie passed legislation at the Board of Supervisors to bypass oversight of contracts and allow private fundraising in response to the drug crisis. The Geary project, which was set in motion under former Mayor London Breed, is Lurie’s first use of his newfound powers to cut City Hall’s notorious red tape.

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The facility at the Geary site will provide police with an alternative to San Francisco General Hospital as a destination for people experiencing a crisis, Lurie said Wednesday on <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101908873/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-takes-your-questions">KQED’s “Forum” show</a>. During the program, Lurie touted 822 Geary St. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/29/daniell-lurie-fentanyl-emergency-board-of-supervisors/">and his deal with the supervisors</a>.

The secret to Lurie’s fentanyl legislation success? Talking

The facility at the Geary site will provide police with an alternative to San Francisco General Hospital as a destination for people experiencing a crisis, Lurie said Wednesday on <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101908873/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-takes-your-questions">KQED’s “Forum” show</a>. During the program, Lurie touted 822 Geary St. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/29/daniell-lurie-fentanyl-emergency-board-of-supervisors/">and his deal with the supervisors</a>.

“If you go to SF General any day, there are people in the throes of addiction lined up in the hallway,” he told KQED. “This is going to help us stand it up much more quickly without going to board approval.”

“If you go to SF General any day, there are people in the throes of addiction lined up in the hallway,” he told KQED. “This is going to help us stand it up much more quickly without going to board approval.”

Lurie said 822 Geary St. will open in April.

Lurie said 822 Geary St. will open in April.

Daniel Lurie signs a bill during the signing ceremony for his Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Mayor Daniel Lurie hosted a signing ceremony for his Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance in an effort to clean up the streets of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/0a8459596666_luriefentanylplan-_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is signing a document at a desk, surrounded by a smiling group of people, including someone taking a photo with a smartphone." class="wp-image-367268"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie signs an ordinance declaring a state of emergency to address San Francisco&#8217;s fentanyl crisis.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/0a8459596666_luriefentanylplan-_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is signing a document at a desk, surrounded by a smiling group of people, including someone taking a photo with a smartphone." class="wp-image-367268"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie signs an ordinance declaring a state of emergency to address San Francisco's fentanyl crisis.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/0a8459596666_luriefentanylplan-_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is signing a document at a desk, surrounded by a smiling group of people, including someone taking a photo with a smartphone." class="wp-image-367268"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie signs an ordinance declaring a state of emergency to address San Francisco&#8217;s fentanyl crisis.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie signed the fentanyl legislation on a City Hall balcony Wednesday, surrounded by a bevy of supporters. When The Standard asked if and when he will reveal the private donors he&#8217;s seeking to fund his emergency fentanyl plans, the mayor said transparency was the watchword.

Lurie signed the fentanyl legislation on a City Hall balcony Wednesday, surrounded by a bevy of supporters. When The Standard asked if and when he will reveal the private donors he's seeking to fund his emergency fentanyl plans, the mayor said transparency was the watchword.

Lurie signed the fentanyl legislation on a City Hall balcony Wednesday, surrounded by a bevy of supporters. When The Standard asked if and when he will reveal the private donors he&#8217;s seeking to fund his emergency fentanyl plans, the mayor said transparency was the watchword.

&#8220;When we get a donation, the Board of Supervisors are going to know and the public is going to know, that&#8217;s my commitment,&#8221; Lurie said.

"When we get a donation, the Board of Supervisors are going to know and the public is going to know, that's my commitment," Lurie said.

&#8220;When we get a donation, the Board of Supervisors are going to know and the public is going to know, that&#8217;s my commitment,&#8221; Lurie said.

While the ability to expedite projects may make an impact down the road, it’s not clear how much the project will benefit from Lurie’s greasing of the skids, which was <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/mayor-lurie-behavioral-health-20162075.php">first reported</a> by the San Francisco Chronicle.

While the ability to expedite projects may make an impact down the road, it’s not clear how much the project will benefit from Lurie’s greasing of the skids, which was <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/mayor-lurie-behavioral-health-20162075.php">first reported</a> by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The purchase of the property doesn’t need to be accelerated; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/12/14/safe-consumption-controversy/">the city bought it in 2021</a>, under Breed’s administration, with early intent to use it as a safe injection site, though it was later reconceived as a behavioral health center. Lurie’s powers allow contracts for service providers to bypass the competitive bidding process, but that doesn’t apply in this case, as the Department of Public Health has almost solidified deals.

Drug overdose crisis: Safe consumption site moves forward but long road remains

The purchase of the property doesn’t need to be accelerated; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/12/14/safe-consumption-controversy/">the city bought it in 2021</a>, under Breed’s administration, with early intent to use it as a safe injection site, though it was later reconceived as a behavioral health center. Lurie’s powers allow contracts for service providers to bypass the competitive bidding process, but that doesn’t apply in this case, as the Department of Public Health has almost solidified deals.

After the bidding process to choose a provider, Lurie, under his new powers, will be able to skip Board of Supervisors approval of the service contract to staff the site. But the mayor’s emergency fentanyl powers give the supervisors a “shot clock” of 45 days to step in on projects when they feel the need.

After the bidding process to choose a provider, Lurie, under his new powers, will be able to skip Board of Supervisors approval of the service contract to staff the site. But the mayor’s emergency fentanyl powers give the supervisors a “shot clock” of 45 days to step in on projects when they feel the need.

Many similar projects have been approved by the board within two months.

Many similar projects have been approved by the board within two months.

Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin said the Geary project won&#8217;t benefit much from the new law, noting that he was among the supervisors who voted to approve construction at the site within just three weeks, on Jan. 30, 2024.

Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin said the Geary project won't benefit much from the new law, noting that he was among the supervisors who voted to approve construction at the site within just three weeks, on Jan. 30, 2024.

Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin said the Geary project won&#8217;t benefit much from the new law, noting that he was among the supervisors who voted to approve construction at the site within just three weeks, on Jan. 30, 2024.

&#8220;The Board of Supervisors reviews and approves virtually all of these agreements and contracts in less than 45 days. Respectfully, this is a solution looking for a problem,&#8221; Peskin said.

"The Board of Supervisors reviews and approves virtually all of these agreements and contracts in less than 45 days. Respectfully, this is a solution looking for a problem," Peskin said.

&#8220;The Board of Supervisors reviews and approves virtually all of these agreements and contracts in less than 45 days. Respectfully, this is a solution looking for a problem,&#8221; Peskin said.

According to a review of project agreements in the city’s legislative database, a grant agreement between the Department of Public Health and a service provider to staff bridge housing was introduced to the board last year on March 12 and approved April 2; a grant agreement by the Homelessness and Supportive Housing Department was introduced to the board May 21 and approved June 11; and a lease for permanent supportive housing was introduced Sept. 10 and approved Oct. 1.

According to a review of project agreements in the city’s legislative database, a grant agreement between the Department of Public Health and a service provider to staff bridge housing was introduced to the board last year on March 12 and approved April 2; a grant agreement by the Homelessness and Supportive Housing Department was introduced to the board May 21 and approved June 11; and a lease for permanent supportive housing was introduced Sept. 10 and approved Oct. 1.

“We would’ve had to go to the Board of Supervisors up to 50 different times” to move forward with plans on similar sites, hiring police, and creating more shelter beds without the legislation, Lurie told KQED. “This allows us to move with speed and urgency.”

“We would’ve had to go to the Board of Supervisors up to 50 different times” to move forward with plans on similar sites, hiring police, and creating more shelter beds without the legislation, Lurie told KQED. “This allows us to move with speed and urgency.”

The Department of Public Health has since 2021 stressed the urgency of getting 822 Geary St. up and running. The city moved to purchase the site shortly after Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/12/14/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/">infamous speech</a> touting the need to end leniency against drug users, to be “less tolerant of all the bullshit.”

Mayor announces crackdown on Tenderloin crime in fiery press conference

The Department of Public Health has since 2021 stressed the urgency of getting 822 Geary St. up and running. The city moved to purchase the site shortly after Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/12/14/mayor-announces-crackdown-on-tenderloin-crime-in-fiery-press-conference/">infamous speech</a> touting the need to end leniency against drug users, to be “less tolerant of all the bullshit.”

Tenderloin drug crisis center to open this spring under Lurie’s emergency law

Jason Henry

Jennifer Wadsworth

Nolan Lawson cultivated his addiction in Mendocino County, where the rate of opioid overdoses is triple the statewide average.

Nolan Lawson cultivated his addiction in Mendocino County, where the rate of opioid overdoses is triple the statewide average.

But he became a San Francisco statistic on New Year&#8217;s Day, when he died on the steps of the Civic Center library, marking the city&#8217;s first overdose death of 2024. He was 35.

But he became a San Francisco statistic on New Year's Day, when he died on the steps of the Civic Center library, marking the city's first overdose death of 2024. He was 35.

But he became a San Francisco statistic on New Year&#8217;s Day, when he died on the steps of the Civic Center library, marking the city&#8217;s first overdose death of 2024. He was 35.

Nearly nine months later, across the plaza on the steps of City Hall, his mother, Whitney Eads, 58, joined other parents to mourn at a vigil for lives cut short by the drug crisis.

Nearly nine months later, across the plaza on the steps of City Hall, his mother, Whitney Eads, 58, joined other parents to mourn at a vigil for lives cut short by the drug crisis.

The Saturday-night memorial was set against a backdrop of more than 1,100 votive candles, each representing an overdose casualty since the start of last year, the deadliest on record for overdoses in San Francisco. So far in 2024, the fatalities, largely driven by fentanyl, are on track to nearly match last year&#8217;s numbers.

The Saturday-night memorial was set against a backdrop of more than 1,100 votive candles, each representing an overdose casualty since the start of last year, the deadliest on record for overdoses in San Francisco. So far in 2024, the fatalities, largely driven by fentanyl, are on track to nearly match last year's numbers.

The Saturday-night memorial was set against a backdrop of more than 1,100 votive candles, each representing an overdose casualty since the start of last year, the deadliest on record for overdoses in San Francisco. So far in 2024, the fatalities, largely driven by fentanyl, are on track to nearly match last year&#8217;s numbers.

Whitney Eads, who lost her son Nolan Lawson to a fentanyl overdose, brought her sonÕs ashes along with a photo of him and lavender to a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0524.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands in front of a lit-up building at night, holding a photo of a man and a child, and a rolled-up paper. People and lanterns can be seen in the background." class="wp-image-307072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Whitney Eads, who lost son Nolan Lawson to a fentanyl overdose, brought his ashes and a photo to the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0524.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands in front of a lit-up building at night, holding a photo of a man and a child, and a rolled-up paper. People and lanterns can be seen in the background." class="wp-image-307072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Whitney Eads, who lost son Nolan Lawson to a fentanyl overdose, brought his ashes and a photo to the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

Vicki Dowell held a photo of her son, Jacob, who died of an fentanyl poisoning on December 17, 2022 at the age of 26, during a vigil on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0094.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands solemnly, holding a framed photo of a smiling person. She wears a denim jacket, with sunglasses atop her head, in front of ornate doors with gold detailing." class="wp-image-307047"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vicki Dowell holds a photo of son Jacob, 26, who died of fentanyl poisoning on Dec.17, 2022.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0094.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands solemnly, holding a framed photo of a smiling person. She wears a denim jacket, with sunglasses atop her head, in front of ornate doors with gold detailing." class="wp-image-307047"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vicki Dowell holds a photo of son Jacob, 26, who died of fentanyl poisoning on Dec.17, 2022.</figcaption></figure>

About 50 people attended a vigil for overdose victims, including many politicians, on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0447.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stands solemnly in an urban setting at night, facing a staircase lined with white paper lanterns. The city lights and buildings illuminate the background." class="wp-image-307068"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Several dozen people attended the ceremony.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0447.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stands solemnly in an urban setting at night, facing a staircase lined with white paper lanterns. The city lights and buildings illuminate the background." class="wp-image-307068"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Several dozen people attended the ceremony.</figcaption></figure>

Eads shared her story at the somber sunset gathering to call attention to systemic failures that she said let drug-dependent people fall through the cracks.

Eads shared her story at the somber sunset gathering to call attention to systemic failures that she said let drug-dependent people fall through the cracks.

&#8220;My son begged to go to recovery and treatment while he was incarcerated,&#8221; she said, &#8220;and he did not receive that.&#8221;

"My son begged to go to recovery and treatment while he was incarcerated," she said, "and he did not receive that."

&#8220;My son begged to go to recovery and treatment while he was incarcerated,&#8221; she said, &#8220;and he did not receive that.&#8221;

On the streets, she said the lack of open-door access to treatment leaves people like her son stuck in the cycles of crime and addiction that so often lead to death.

On the streets, she said the lack of open-door access to treatment leaves people like her son stuck in the cycles of crime and addiction that so often lead to death.

&#8220;We must realize that addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem with someone,&#8221; Eads said, &#8220;and we need to have better supports for those services.&#8221;

"We must realize that addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem with someone," Eads said, "and we need to have better supports for those services."

&#8220;We must realize that addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem with someone,&#8221; Eads said, &#8220;and we need to have better supports for those services.&#8221;

Vicki Dowell said the fentanyl crisis even poses a risk for casual users like her son, Jacob Dowell, who died on Dec. 17, 2022, after using cocaine offered by a friend. He was just 26.

Vicki Dowell said the fentanyl crisis even poses a risk for casual users like her son, Jacob Dowell, who died on Dec. 17, 2022, after using cocaine offered by a friend. He was just 26.

&#8220;He was just outgoing, loving, he was engaged to be married, and he loved animals,&#8221; his mother recounted. &#8220;He would help anyone that needed help. And he was my only son, my only child.&#8221;

"He was just outgoing, loving, he was engaged to be married, and he loved animals," his mother recounted. "He would help anyone that needed help. And he was my only son, my only child."

&#8220;He was just outgoing, loving, he was engaged to be married, and he loved animals,&#8221; his mother recounted. &#8220;He would help anyone that needed help. And he was my only son, my only child.&#8221;

Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, gets emotional during a vigil on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0110.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people stand outdoors; a woman wipes tears, clutching a phone, flanked by a serious-looking woman and a man looking down at his phone." class="wp-image-307049"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, which organized the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0110.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people stand outdoors; a woman wipes tears, clutching a phone, flanked by a serious-looking woman and a man looking down at his phone." class="wp-image-307049"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, which organized the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0216.jpg?w=2500" alt="A memorial display on steps features a framed photo of a man and a child, a bouquet of lavender, a cylinder wrapped in white paper, small candles, and a blue cloth." class="wp-image-307055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Nolan Lawson, who died of fentanyl poisoning on the steps of the Civic Center library on New Year&#8217;s Day.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0216.jpg?w=2500" alt="A memorial display on steps features a framed photo of a man and a child, a bouquet of lavender, a cylinder wrapped in white paper, small candles, and a blue cloth." class="wp-image-307055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Nolan Lawson, who died of fentanyl poisoning on the steps of the Civic Center library on New Year's Day.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0216.jpg?w=2500" alt="A memorial display on steps features a framed photo of a man and a child, a bouquet of lavender, a cylinder wrapped in white paper, small candles, and a blue cloth." class="wp-image-307055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Nolan Lawson, who died of fentanyl poisoning on the steps of the Civic Center library on New Year&#8217;s Day.</figcaption></figure>

Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, gets emotional during a vigil on on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0323.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd of people stands somberly outdoors, with one woman in the foreground clasping her hands in a prayerful gesture, surrounded by trees and buildings." class="wp-image-307059"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gina McDonald bows her head in prayer.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0323.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd of people stands somberly outdoors, with one woman in the foreground clasping her hands in a prayerful gesture, surrounded by trees and buildings." class="wp-image-307059"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gina McDonald bows her head in prayer.</figcaption></figure>

For many attendees, the vigil was a chance to dispel the shame that keeps families silent about addiction.

For many attendees, the vigil was a chance to dispel the shame that keeps families silent about addiction.

Jacqui Berlinn, 58, said she kept her son&#8217;s struggles a closely held secret until a photo of him passed out on a BART train started making the rounds online.

Jacqui Berlinn, 58, said she kept her son's struggles a closely held secret until a photo of him passed out on a BART train started making the rounds online.

Jacqui Berlinn, 58, said she kept her son&#8217;s struggles a closely held secret until a photo of him passed out on a BART train started making the rounds online.

&#8220;People were saying all these awful things about my son,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I realized it was my son.&#8221;

"People were saying all these awful things about my son," she said. "And I realized it was my son."

&#8220;People were saying all these awful things about my son,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I realized it was my son.&#8221;

Berlinn responded to the mockery by claiming her child, commenting in the BART rants-and-raves Facebook group that the man in the photo was her son, Corey Sylvester.

Berlinn responded to the mockery by claiming her child, commenting in the BART rants-and-raves Facebook group that the man in the photo was her son, Corey Sylvester.

&#8220;As soon as I did that, the narrative changed,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Like, people started saying, &#8216;Oh, my gosh, I&#8217;m so sorry. If we see him again, what can we tell him for you?&#8217; It humanized him. And I realized how important it is for people to understand that even though they see someone who&#8217;s an addict, a drug addict on the streets, that it doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re not worthy or loved, that they don&#8217;t have a family. They&#8217;re not throwaway people.&#8221;

"As soon as I did that, the narrative changed," she said. "Like, people started saying, 'Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry. If we see him again, what can we tell him for you?' It humanized him. And I realized how important it is for people to understand that even though they see someone who's an addict, a drug addict on the streets, that it doesn't mean they're not worthy or loved, that they don't have a family. They're not throwaway people."

&#8220;As soon as I did that, the narrative changed,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Like, people started saying, &#8216;Oh, my gosh, I&#8217;m so sorry. If we see him again, what can we tell him for you?&#8217; It humanized him. And I realized how important it is for people to understand that even though they see someone who&#8217;s an addict, a drug addict on the streets, that it doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re not worthy or loved, that they don&#8217;t have a family. They&#8217;re not throwaway people.&#8221;

A man comforts a woman during a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0382.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people gather outside a building lit with green and red lights, watching a speaker. Some individuals are hugging, creating a sense of community." class="wp-image-307064"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees comfort one another. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0382.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people gather outside a building lit with green and red lights, watching a speaker. Some individuals are hugging, creating a sense of community." class="wp-image-307064"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees comfort one another. </figcaption></figure>

Ametiszt Hajdu wore a shirt with the words Òwe want answers!Ó and a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at the age of 15, at a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0078.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is wearing a gray t-shirt featuring a photo of two smiling individuals, with red text above saying &quot;Jazmin Pellegrini&quot; and below saying &quot;We want answers!&quot;" class="wp-image-307046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ametiszt Hajdu&#8217;s shirt has a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at 15 from a drug overdose.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0078.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is wearing a gray t-shirt featuring a photo of two smiling individuals, with red text above saying &quot;Jazmin Pellegrini&quot; and below saying &quot;We want answers!&quot;" class="wp-image-307046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ametiszt Hajdu's shirt has a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at 15 from a drug overdose.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0078.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is wearing a gray t-shirt featuring a photo of two smiling individuals, with red text above saying &quot;Jazmin Pellegrini&quot; and below saying &quot;We want answers!&quot;" class="wp-image-307046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ametiszt Hajdu&#8217;s shirt has a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at 15 from a drug overdose.</figcaption></figure>

Tammy Morgan-Foglia, whoÕs son Davis was addicted to fentanyl and is now in prison, speaks on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0077.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands behind a podium with a microphone in front of an ornate City Hall entrance, adorned with gold and intricate designs." class="wp-image-307045"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tammy Morgan-Foglia talks about son David Morgan-Foglia, whose addiction landed him in prison.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0077.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands behind a podium with a microphone in front of an ornate City Hall entrance, adorned with gold and intricate designs." class="wp-image-307045"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tammy Morgan-Foglia talks about son David Morgan-Foglia, whose addiction landed him in prison.</figcaption></figure>

Berlinn founded Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths — the group behind the vigil — to advocate for other families with loved ones in the throes of addiction.

Berlinn founded Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths — the group behind the vigil — to advocate for other families with loved ones in the throes of addiction.

She said her son is doing much better. He&#8217;s on methadone and under a roof. It&#8217;s the culmination of a hard-fought journey.

She said her son is doing much better. He's on methadone and under a roof. It's the culmination of a hard-fought journey.

She said her son is doing much better. He&#8217;s on methadone and under a roof. It&#8217;s the culmination of a hard-fought journey.

&#8220;It was unbelievably difficult to get him help and find resources,&#8221; Berlinn said.

"It was unbelievably difficult to get him help and find resources," Berlinn said.

&#8220;It was unbelievably difficult to get him help and find resources,&#8221; Berlinn said.

That was a familiar refrain at the vigil, where one speaker after another talked about how difficult it was to find services for loved ones.

That was a familiar refrain at the vigil, where one speaker after another talked about how difficult it was to find services for loved ones.

Gina McDonald, whose daughter spent a few years on the streets of the Tenderloin, said city leaders have leaned too much toward harm reduction instead of recovery.

Gina McDonald, whose daughter spent a few years on the streets of the Tenderloin, said city leaders have leaned too much toward harm reduction instead of recovery.

&#8220;Drugs are easy to get here; paraphernalia&#8217;s easy to get here,&#8221; McDonald said.

"Drugs are easy to get here; paraphernalia's easy to get here," McDonald said.

&#8220;Drugs are easy to get here; paraphernalia&#8217;s easy to get here,&#8221; McDonald said.

While she commended the Public Health Department for distributing Narcan to reverse overdose deaths, she said that&#8217;s just a short-term fix.

While she commended the Public Health Department for distributing Narcan to reverse overdose deaths, she said that's just a short-term fix.

While she commended the Public Health Department for distributing Narcan to reverse overdose deaths, she said that&#8217;s just a short-term fix.

A woman rested on a manÕs shoulder during a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0162.jpg?w=2500" alt="A young woman with a pink tie-dye hoodie rests her head on a man's shoulder. They stand among a group of people, near steps in a city setting." class="wp-image-307053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees listen to the speakers.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0162.jpg?w=2500" alt="A young woman with a pink tie-dye hoodie rests her head on a man's shoulder. They stand among a group of people, near steps in a city setting." class="wp-image-307053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees listen to the speakers.</figcaption></figure>

Names and ages of victims of overdose during a vigil on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0427.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows rows of white paper bags, each labeled with a name and age, arranged in a grid-like pattern. The bags appear to be part of a display or memorial." class="wp-image-307065"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Names and ages of overdose victims were printed on white bags that lined the steps of City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0427.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows rows of white paper bags, each labeled with a name and age, arranged in a grid-like pattern. The bags appear to be part of a display or memorial." class="wp-image-307065"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Names and ages of overdose victims were printed on white bags that lined the steps of City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

A person kneels on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person kneels on a staircase covered in a blue cloth with small lights. Surrounding them are numerous white bags, each labeled, and a speaker sits on the steps." class="wp-image-307039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A mourner kneels on the steps, where candles placed in white bags memorialize the lives lost to drugs in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person kneels on a staircase covered in a blue cloth with small lights. Surrounding them are numerous white bags, each labeled, and a speaker sits on the steps." class="wp-image-307039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A mourner kneels on the steps, where candles placed in white bags memorialize the lives lost to drugs in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey attended a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a black jacket stands in a group, looking slightly to his right. Other people around him have their backs to the camera, and a decorative background is visible." class="wp-image-307044"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey was one of the 50 or so attendees.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a black jacket stands in a group, looking slightly to his right. Other people around him have their backs to the camera, and a decorative background is visible." class="wp-image-307044"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey was one of the 50 or so attendees.</figcaption></figure>

McDonald said she pulled her daughter off the street and brought her back to the East Bay for treatment, and she&#8217;s approaching nearly a few years sober.

McDonald said she pulled her daughter off the street and brought her back to the East Bay for treatment, and she's approaching nearly a few years sober.

McDonald said she pulled her daughter off the street and brought her back to the East Bay for treatment, and she&#8217;s approaching nearly a few years sober.

As co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, McDonald advocates for more treatment beds and services.

As co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, McDonald advocates for more treatment beds and services.

For Lisa Richofsky, the battle is far from over. Her daughter remains on the streets, where she has lived for a few years.

For Lisa Richofsky, the battle is far from over. Her daughter remains on the streets, where she has lived for a few years.

&#8220;I&#8217;ve tried to get her home many times,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve walked the streets in San Francisco many times just to look for her. It&#8217;s been a long road, and I don&#8217;t think they get enough help out here.&#8221;

"I've tried to get her home many times," she said. "I've walked the streets in San Francisco many times just to look for her. It's been a long road, and I don't think they get enough help out here."

&#8220;I&#8217;ve tried to get her home many times,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve walked the streets in San Francisco many times just to look for her. It&#8217;s been a long road, and I don&#8217;t think they get enough help out here.&#8221;

If death doesn&#8217;t claim her daughter, she fears, prison might.

If death doesn't claim her daughter, she fears, prison might.

If death doesn&#8217;t claim her daughter, she fears, prison might.

That&#8217;s where addiction brought 55-year-old Tammy Morgan-Foglia&#8217;s son, who&#8217;s 27 and serving an 18-month stint for stealing to fund his drug use. Had the city made services more readily available, her son might be free, she said.

That's where addiction brought 55-year-old Tammy Morgan-Foglia's son, who's 27 and serving an 18-month stint for stealing to fund his drug use. Had the city made services more readily available, her son might be free, she said.

That&#8217;s where addiction brought 55-year-old Tammy Morgan-Foglia&#8217;s son, who&#8217;s 27 and serving an 18-month stint for stealing to fund his drug use. Had the city made services more readily available, her son might be free, she said.

&#8220;Literally, with my son here, they did nothing,&#8221; she said. &#8220;They didn&#8217;t care.&#8221;

"Literally, with my son here, they did nothing," she said. "They didn't care."

&#8220;Literally, with my son here, they did nothing,&#8221; she said. &#8220;They didn&#8217;t care.&#8221;

Candlelight vigil honors lives lost to San Francisco’s drug crisis

David Sjostedt

A new phase of the multiagency drug dealing crackdown has begun in San Francisco, as police officers were spotted chasing down suspected dealers near United Nations Plaza at night.

A new phase of the multiagency drug dealing crackdown has begun in San Francisco, as police officers were spotted chasing down suspected dealers near United Nations Plaza at night.

The revitalization of U.N. Plaza, long considered the epicenter of the city’s drug crisis, has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">touted as a success story</a> by Mayor London Breed since a new skate park was installed in November.

UN Plaza was long the epicenter of San Francisco’s drug crisis. Skaters have brought a new vibe

The revitalization of U.N. Plaza, long considered the epicenter of the city’s drug crisis, has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">touted as a success story</a> by Mayor London Breed since a new skate park was installed in November.

However, critics said the skate park only made things safer in daylight hours. The Standard visited U.N. Plaza after dark on several occasions and witnessed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/01/homeless-count-confusion/">a dramatic shift</a> from daytime skating to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">nighttime scene of open-air drug use</a>, dealing and the vending of seemingly stolen goods.&nbsp;

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However, critics said the skate park only made things safer in daylight hours. The Standard visited U.N. Plaza after dark on several occasions and witnessed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/01/homeless-count-confusion/">a dramatic shift</a> from daytime skating to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">nighttime scene of open-air drug use</a>, dealing and the vending of seemingly stolen goods.&nbsp;

People congregate on the corner of Market Street and Charles J Brenham Place during the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s biennial Point-in-Time Count of homeless and unhoused people on the street on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 8PM to midnight. According to Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the count covered all 47 square miles of San Francisco and used administrative data for people staying in City shelters, emergency shelters and transitional housing. The final report will include more detailed information about people experiencing homelessness including demographics, veteran status, and chronic homelessness.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240126_homelesscountwewent_-2758.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowded city street at night with people gathered and a car passing by." class="wp-image-247140"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sell items on the corner of Market Street and Charles J. Brenham Place on the night of Jan. 30. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240126_homelesscountwewent_-2758.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowded city street at night with people gathered and a car passing by." class="wp-image-247140"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sell items on the corner of Market Street and Charles J. Brenham Place on the night of Jan. 30. </figcaption></figure>

On Wednesday night, The Standard saw sheriff’s deputies and police officers disperse a large crowd of people using and selling drugs outside the Asian Art Museum on Hyde Street before chasing at least one suspected dealer down and detaining them. Other people with their faces covered stood unbothered, with some filming the incident on cellphones.&nbsp;

On Wednesday night, The Standard saw sheriff’s deputies and police officers disperse a large crowd of people using and selling drugs outside the Asian Art Museum on Hyde Street before chasing at least one suspected dealer down and detaining them. Other people with their faces covered stood unbothered, with some filming the incident on cellphones.&nbsp;

Across the plaza, at the corner of Market Street near Seventh Street, police officers were issuing citations for illegal vending with Department of Public Works staff.&nbsp;

Across the plaza, at the corner of Market Street near Seventh Street, police officers were issuing citations for illegal vending with Department of Public Works staff.&nbsp;

“They’re on both sides,” a man using fentanyl warned the crowd as officers closed in near the Asian Art Museum.

“They’re on both sides,” a man using fentanyl warned the crowd as officers closed in near the Asian Art Museum.

“This is what’s been happening,” another man named Jay, who refused to give his last name for fear of criminal repercussions, told The Standard before making a break for it to evade cops.

“This is what’s been happening,” another man named Jay, who refused to give his last name for fear of criminal repercussions, told The Standard before making a break for it to evade cops.

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The officers cited and arrested people engaged in drug activity around the museum, but at least one suspected drug dealer ran away, resulting in a foot chase that ended on the north side of the plaza by McAllister Street. The Standard asked for more details on the arrests but didn’t receive a response by publication time.&nbsp;

The officers cited and arrested people engaged in drug activity around the museum, but at least one suspected drug dealer ran away, resulting in a foot chase that ended on the north side of the plaza by McAllister Street. The Standard asked for more details on the arrests but didn’t receive a response by publication time.&nbsp;

The crowd heckled the cops as they made the arrest. One man taunted an officer, claiming he’d seen them on a reality television show.

The crowd heckled the cops as they made the arrest. One man taunted an officer, claiming he’d seen them on a reality television show.

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Search Results for: drug crisis

Tenderloin drug crisis center to open this spring under Lurie’s emergency law

Candlelight vigil honors lives lost to San Francisco’s drug crisis

UN Plaza drug crackdown intensifies as dealers chased through streets

Foil, cardboard, crack pipes: What drug users buy at corner stores threatened with curfew

San Francisco judges, challengers face off in debate ahead of March 2024 election