David Sjostedt

The city filed an application to purchase a building on Market Street to use as a mental health center for people who are homeless and uninsured.&nbsp;

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The city filed an application to purchase a building on Market Street to use as a mental health center for people who are homeless and uninsured.&nbsp;

The center, located at 1019 Market St., is still early in the application process but, if approved, would replace a chai bar that now occupies the bottom floor of the building.

The center, located at 1019 Market St., is still early in the application process but, if approved, would replace a chai bar that now occupies the bottom floor of the building.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health declined to provide further details on potential services offered at the center, saying negotiations are still ongoing. However, an application by the San Francisco Real Estate Division states the facility would include a pharmacy and “transportation.” It’s unclear from the application what’s meant by transportation.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Department of Public Health declined to provide further details on potential services offered at the center, saying negotiations are still ongoing. However, an application by the San Francisco Real Estate Division states the facility would include a pharmacy and “transportation.” It’s unclear from the application what’s meant by transportation.&nbsp;

San Francisco City is filing for a new mental health center at 1019 Market Street in San Francisco down the street from the new Ikea on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MarketMentalHealth082823-5085.jpg?w=1666" alt="" class="wp-image-195982"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bicyclists pass the site of the proposed mental health center, which is just down the street from the new Ikea.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MarketMentalHealth082823-5085.jpg?w=1666" alt="" class="wp-image-195982"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bicyclists pass the site of the proposed mental health center, which is just down the street from the new Ikea.</figcaption></figure>

United Nations Plaza, which lies two blocks away from the proposed facility, has seen the most overdose calls in the city for five years straight, and the area often finds itself at the center of the city’s debates around drug addiction, homelessness and mental illness. A historic number of people have died of overdoses this year, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/san-francsico-records-deadliest-drug-overdose-month-ever/">473 people losing their lives</a> to drugs in the first seven months of this year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.&nbsp;

Drug overdose crisis: San Francisco officials push for more treatment options after deadly month

United Nations Plaza, which lies two blocks away from the proposed facility, has seen the most overdose calls in the city for five years straight, and the area often finds itself at the center of the city’s debates around drug addiction, homelessness and mental illness. A historic number of people have died of overdoses this year, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/san-francsico-records-deadliest-drug-overdose-month-ever/">473 people losing their lives</a> to drugs in the first seven months of this year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.&nbsp;

The city has struggled to meet the needs of people with addiction and mental illness while also appealing to people who live in the Downtown core, which is home to most of the city’s social services.&nbsp;

The city has struggled to meet the needs of people with addiction and mental illness while also appealing to people who live in the Downtown core, which is home to most of the city’s social services.&nbsp;

The planned facility would operate one block away from a new Ikea, which some in the neighborhood hope can help revitalize the area. City officials have also touted other initiatives, such as a proposed outdoor skate park <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/24/downtown-san-francisco-carnival-kicks-off-at-civic-center/">and a recent carnival</a>, as ways to bring new life to the struggling city core.&nbsp;

Downtown San Francisco carnival kicks off at Civic Center

The planned facility would operate one block away from a new Ikea, which some in the neighborhood hope can help revitalize the area. City officials have also touted other initiatives, such as a proposed outdoor skate park <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/24/downtown-san-francisco-carnival-kicks-off-at-civic-center/">and a recent carnival</a>, as ways to bring new life to the struggling city core.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MarketMentalHealth082823-4980.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195981"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The proposed mental health center is located at 1019 Market St. in San Francisco, not far from United Nations Plaza.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco plans mental health center near new downtown Ikea

Jonah Owen Lamb

Two San Francisco judges and their electoral challengers—a prosecutor and a corporate lawyer—sat before more than a 100 people Thursday night in a debate where there were few disagreements over how a judge should behave on the bench.

Two San Francisco judges and their electoral challengers—a prosecutor and a corporate lawyer—sat before more than a 100 people Thursday night in a debate where there were few disagreements over how a judge should behave on the bench.

The debate was the first in the race for two judicial seats in March. The election pits Judge Patrick Thompson against Assistant District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland, and Judge Michael Begert against attorney Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/33224873.410/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudWNsYXdzZi5lZHUvcGVvcGxlL2FsYmVydC16ZWNoZXIvP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TRitTdGFuZGFyZCtQb3dlcitQbGF5JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXAtdGV4dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9U0YrU3RhbmRhcmQmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNGK1N0YW5kYXJkK1Bvd2VyK1BsYXkmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9cC10ZXh0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1TRitTdGFuZGFyZA/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7Bd11bcce5.">board member</a> at UC Law San Francisco.

The debate was the first in the race for two judicial seats in March. The election pits Judge Patrick Thompson against Assistant District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland, and Judge Michael Begert against attorney Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/33224873.410/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudWNsYXdzZi5lZHUvcGVvcGxlL2FsYmVydC16ZWNoZXIvP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TRitTdGFuZGFyZCtQb3dlcitQbGF5JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXAtdGV4dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9U0YrU3RhbmRhcmQmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNGK1N0YW5kYXJkK1Bvd2VyK1BsYXkmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9cC10ZXh0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1TRitTdGFuZGFyZA/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7Bd11bcce5.">board member</a> at UC Law San Francisco.

The hourlong debate that took place in Golden Gate Park is the latest political battleground over how San Francisco is dealing with open-air drug dealing and other public safety concerns that worsened over the pandemic.&nbsp;

The hourlong debate that took place in Golden Gate Park is the latest political battleground over how San Francisco is dealing with open-air drug dealing and other public safety concerns that worsened over the pandemic.&nbsp;

From left, corporate lawyer Albert “Chip” Zecher, Assistant District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland and Judge Patrick Thompson of the San Francisco Superior Court participate in a debate at the San Francisco County Fair building on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people sit at a debate table." class="wp-image-228977"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Corporate lawyer Albert “Chip” Zecher, left, Assistant District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland, center, and Judge Patrick Thompson debate during a candidate forum on Thursday night. </figcaption></figure>

The rhetoric at the center of the judicial elections is redolent of the debate that fueled the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Some of the same forces that funded the 2022 recall are now backing the tough-on-crime candidates against sitting judges.&nbsp;

The rhetoric at the center of the judicial elections is redolent of the debate that fueled the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Some of the same forces that funded the 2022 recall are now backing the tough-on-crime candidates against sitting judges.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, critics of the effort say it unfairly politicizes the criminal justice system and scapegoats judges for the city’s problems. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, critics of the effort say it unfairly politicizes the criminal justice system and scapegoats judges for the city’s problems. &nbsp;

Despite rhetoric attempting to differentiate how each candidate would behave on the bench, all four generally agreed about how judges must be impartial and fair in how they apply the law. Judge candidates are barred by judicial ethics rules from speaking about how they would rule on any specific cases.&nbsp;

Despite rhetoric attempting to differentiate how each candidate would behave on the bench, all four generally agreed about how judges must be impartial and fair in how they apply the law. Judge candidates are barred by judicial ethics rules from speaking about how they would rule on any specific cases.&nbsp;

That consensus was exemplified by Thompson.&nbsp;

That consensus was exemplified by Thompson.&nbsp;

“I really believe that well-run courts are the foundation of a safe community,” he said. “I have respect for the law, the legal process and everyone that comes into my courtroom.”

“I really believe that well-run courts are the foundation of a safe community,” he said. “I have respect for the law, the legal process and everyone that comes into my courtroom.”

Judge Patrick Thompson of the Superior Court of San Francisco participates in a debate between the judges and their challengers at the San Francisco County Fair building on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Judges Patrick Thompson and Michael Begert are criticized by Stop Crime SF for releasing repeat offenders back in the streets.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands with a mic." class="wp-image-228981"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Patrick Thompson takes a turn to speak during Thursday&#8217;s debate. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands with a mic." class="wp-image-228981"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Patrick Thompson takes a turn to speak during Thursday's debate. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands with a mic." class="wp-image-228981"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Patrick Thompson takes a turn to speak during Thursday&#8217;s debate. </figcaption></figure>

For at least three of those present at the debate, biography and position dominated their comments. The two sitting judges spoke about how the courts work and what they have the power to do in their courtrooms.&nbsp;

For at least three of those present at the debate, biography and position dominated their comments. The two sitting judges spoke about how the courts work and what they have the power to do in their courtrooms.&nbsp;

Begert runs rehabilitation courts for veterans and drug offenders and spoke about success stories and how helping such individuals can make the city safer. He pointed out that he only deals with the cases once they are in his court, but the district attorney and defense lawyers decide whether or not people come to his court.

Begert runs rehabilitation courts for veterans and drug offenders and spoke about success stories and how helping such individuals can make the city safer. He pointed out that he only deals with the cases once they are in his court, but the district attorney and defense lawyers decide whether or not people come to his court.

Thompson runs a preliminary hearing court, where he decides whether felony cases will go to trial. During Thursday’s debate, he focused on how he runs that court and how the fair application of the law is what helps make the city safe.&nbsp;

Thompson runs a preliminary hearing court, where he decides whether felony cases will go to trial. During Thursday’s debate, he focused on how he runs that court and how the fair application of the law is what helps make the city safe.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Roland spoke of her advocacy for victims as a prosecutor and how her personal and professional experiences give her special insight into the experience of victims.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Roland spoke of her advocacy for victims as a prosecutor and how her personal and professional experiences give her special insight into the experience of victims.&nbsp;

Zecher, for his part, took less time to speak about his limited legal experience in the criminal courts and focused instead on the reason he is running to unseat Begert.&nbsp;

Zecher, for his part, took less time to speak about his limited legal experience in the criminal courts and focused instead on the reason he is running to unseat Begert.&nbsp;

“I don’t agree with the approach that permits compassionate treatment of sellers on our streets,” he said.&nbsp;

“I don’t agree with the approach that permits compassionate treatment of sellers on our streets,” he said.&nbsp;

The two challengers attempted to set themselves apart from their incumbent opponents by hammering on the drug crisis and accountability on the bench.&nbsp;

The two challengers attempted to set themselves apart from their incumbent opponents by hammering on the drug crisis and accountability on the bench.&nbsp;

“Like you, I am concerned about public safety on our streets,” Zecher said “I believe our public safety is compromised.”

“Like you, I am concerned about public safety on our streets,” Zecher said “I believe our public safety is compromised.”

Zecher, who tried to characterize all incumbent judges as though they are above elections, said he decided to run for the bench after hearing District Attorney Brooke Jenkins blame the city’s street crime issues on judges.&nbsp;

Zecher, who tried to characterize all incumbent judges as though they are above elections, said he decided to run for the bench after hearing District Attorney Brooke Jenkins blame the city’s street crime issues on judges.&nbsp;

Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and board member at UC Law San Francisco attends a debate at the San Francisco County Fair building on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Zecher is challenging Judge Michael Begert of the Superior Court of San Francisco County.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-3.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a mic." class="wp-image-228963"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and board member at UC Law San Francisco, listens as other candidates speak during the forum.</figcaption></figure>

Roland focused on her years as a prosecutor and the reason why she became a prosecutor: Her grandparents were the victims of a violent home invasion.

Roland focused on her years as a prosecutor and the reason why she became a prosecutor: Her grandparents were the victims of a violent home invasion.

“I believe that judges should not be ruled by political whims, but public safety is not a political whim,” Roland said in response to a question.

“I believe that judges should not be ruled by political whims, but public safety is not a political whim,” Roland said in response to a question.

The brief fireworks in the debate were mostly between Zecher and Begert.

The brief fireworks in the debate were mostly between Zecher and Begert.

In one exchange, Zecher attacked Begert for saying he only follows the advice of drug treatment experts when it comes to keeping defendants in treatment court—a statement that made it sound like he disregarded input from other stakeholders. Begert said he misspoke and takes multiple factors into consideration when making his decisions.&nbsp;

In one exchange, Zecher attacked Begert for saying he only follows the advice of drug treatment experts when it comes to keeping defendants in treatment court—a statement that made it sound like he disregarded input from other stakeholders. Begert said he misspoke and takes multiple factors into consideration when making his decisions.&nbsp;

The pair also sniped at one another about funding, with Zecher asking Begert to forgo political action committee funds from groups outside of San Francisco. Begert responded by saying that his campaign has far less cash than Zecher’s.

The pair also sniped at one another about funding, with Zecher asking Begert to forgo political action committee funds from groups outside of San Francisco. Begert responded by saying that his campaign has far less cash than Zecher’s.

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

Residents of San Francisco’s troubled Tenderloin aired their concerns about brazen drug activity and crime in their neighborhood to a panel of the city’s leading law enforcement officials on Thursday night.&nbsp;

Residents of San Francisco’s troubled Tenderloin aired their concerns about brazen drug activity and crime in their neighborhood to a panel of the city’s leading law enforcement officials on Thursday night.&nbsp;

And District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who vowed to address the city’s visible drug markets after she took office last year, pointed the finger at other members of the city’s criminal justice system for allowing accused drug dealers to leave jail before trial.&nbsp;

And District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who vowed to address the city’s visible drug markets after she took office last year, pointed the finger at other members of the city’s criminal justice system for allowing accused drug dealers to leave jail before trial.&nbsp;

Jenkins said police officers are arresting people on suspicion of dealing drugs only to have them walk free despite her office’s pleas to detain them as they await trial.

Jenkins said police officers are arresting people on suspicion of dealing drugs only to have them walk free despite her office’s pleas to detain them as they await trial.

“The police have to arrest the same person four times before the court will agree to hold them,” Jenkins said. “The judges are ignoring it … I think it’s going to take to the community of San Francisco getting more involved in overseeing what’s going on in these courtrooms.”

“The police have to arrest the same person four times before the court will agree to hold them,” Jenkins said. “The judges are ignoring it … I think it’s going to take to the community of San Francisco getting more involved in overseeing what’s going on in these courtrooms.”

Hosted by the nonprofit St. Anthony’s and moderated by addiction-recovery activist Tom Wolf, the panel, called in response to a shooting that happened in July, featured Jenkins, police Chief Bill Scott and Sheriff Paul Miyamoto.

Hosted by the nonprofit St. Anthony’s and moderated by addiction-recovery activist Tom Wolf, the panel, called in response to a shooting that happened in July, featured Jenkins, police Chief Bill Scott and Sheriff Paul Miyamoto.

San Francisco police have made an increased number of drug-dealing-related arrests this year while Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard to the Tenderloin in April. But residents say they’ve seen little progress in reining in drug use and related crimes.&nbsp;

San Francisco police have made an increased number of drug-dealing-related arrests this year while Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard to the Tenderloin in April. But residents say they’ve seen little progress in reining in drug use and related crimes.&nbsp;

Many attendees at Thursday night’s forum—including a young girl who said she was afraid to go on walks around her house—asked what it would take to see progress in the neighborhood.&nbsp;

Many attendees at Thursday night’s forum—including a young girl who said she was afraid to go on walks around her house—asked what it would take to see progress in the neighborhood.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s really frustrating because I go to school in Pacific Heights,” the girl said, “and my friends in Pacific Heights, they can go on walks.”

“It's really frustrating because I go to school in Pacific Heights,” the girl said, “and my friends in Pacific Heights, they can go on walks.”

“It&#8217;s really frustrating because I go to school in Pacific Heights,” the girl said, “and my friends in Pacific Heights, they can go on walks.”

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott speaks during the town hall, in San Francisco on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office held the town hall at the St. Anthony Foundation to address public safety in the Tenderloin.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_11.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-188369"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott speaks during Thursday&#8217;s town hall hosted by District Attorney’s Office at the St. Anthony Foundation.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_11.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-188369"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott speaks during Thursday's town hall hosted by District Attorney’s Office at the St. Anthony Foundation.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TenderloinSafety080323_11.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-188369"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott speaks during Thursday&#8217;s town hall hosted by District Attorney’s Office at the St. Anthony Foundation.</figcaption></figure>

Scott said his officers’ arrests often just push criminal activity to other parts of the neighborhood. And he acknowledged that to make progress on a complex issue such as addiction, law enforcement and social services need to work hand-in-hand.

Scott said his officers’ arrests often just push criminal activity to other parts of the neighborhood. And he acknowledged that to make progress on a complex issue such as addiction, law enforcement and social services need to work hand-in-hand.

In June, the city launched an interagency hub called the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center to bring together public health officials, police and the Department of Emergency Management to address the city’s drug crisis, which has taken over 400 lives this year and has devastated some local businesses.&nbsp;

In June, the city launched an interagency hub called the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center to bring together public health officials, police and the Department of Emergency Management to address the city’s drug crisis, which has taken over 400 lives this year and has devastated some local businesses.&nbsp;

Mark Mazza, who works on the front lines of the drug and homelessness crisis for the city’s Department of Emergency Management, said the coordination center marks the first time those city divisions are working together and said he was optimistic that progress would be made through that kind of collaboration. 

Mark Mazza, who works on the front lines of the drug and homelessness crisis for the city’s Department of Emergency Management, said the coordination center marks the first time those city divisions are working together and said he was optimistic that progress would be made through that kind of collaboration.

“City departments working together is a new thing,” he said. “We’re not going to arrest our way out of this, and we’re not going to house our way out of this unless public health has a firm place in this plan.”

“City departments working together is a new thing,” he said. “We’re not going to arrest our way out of this, and we’re not going to house our way out of this unless public health has a firm place in this plan.”

St. Anthony’s CEO Nils Behnke said he hoped for the panel to reconvene in three months to take account of any progress—or take public accountability for the lack thereof.&nbsp;

St. Anthony’s CEO Nils Behnke said he hoped for the panel to reconvene in three months to take account of any progress—or take public accountability for the lack thereof.&nbsp;

Tenderloin drug suspects walk free because of judges, San Francisco DA says

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;

Even the mayor felt confused when San Francisco tried to count its homeless population

24 hours at SF&#8217;s worst drug corner: The city&#8217;s struggle to control Seventh and Market

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 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.

San Francisco’s drug crisis crackdown makes more than 1,700 arrests in 6 months

sf-standard/related-post

24 hours at SF’s worst drug corner: The city’s struggle to control Seventh and Market

sf-standard/related-posts-container

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.

“I’m not afraid of them,” the man proclaimed to the crowd.&nbsp;

“I’m not afraid of them,” the man proclaimed to the crowd.&nbsp;

The Drug Enforcement Agency, California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have worked together in the city’s SoMa and Tenderloin neighborhoods on the crackdown since May.

The Drug Enforcement Agency, California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have worked together in the city’s SoMa and Tenderloin neighborhoods on the crackdown since May.

However, many people have continued gathering in the plaza at night, leading some to criticize the city for merely moving the problems around.&nbsp;

However, many people have continued gathering in the plaza at night, leading some to criticize the city for merely moving the problems around.&nbsp;

Pigeons fly through the air as pedestrians and skateboarders make their way through U.N. Plaza with City Hall in the background in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. Some city residents are concerned that areas which were cleaned ahead of APEC will return to their pre-conference conditions. APEC concluded three days ago on Friday Nov. 17, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/120231115beforeaftercleanup_0130.jpg?w=1922" alt="Pigeons in flight over a city plaza with a domed building in the background and people walking below." class="wp-image-245248"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Local officials have touted an improvement to U.N. Plaza since a skate park was installed in November.</figcaption></figure>

Now, the city is officially ramping up its enforcement presence in the plaza after dark, according to Evan Sernoffsky, head of communications for the police department.&nbsp;

Now, the city is officially ramping up its enforcement presence in the plaza after dark, according to Evan Sernoffsky, head of communications for the police department.&nbsp;

“We have had success in other areas, and we are now devoting more resources to addressing night-time illegal activity along Market, Seventh and McAllister streets,” Sernoffsky said in an emailed statement.&nbsp;

“We have had success in other areas, and we are now devoting more resources to addressing night-time illegal activity along Market, Seventh and McAllister streets,” Sernoffsky said in an emailed statement.&nbsp;

Since May 30, the city has made 2,308 arrests as part of these efforts, Sernoffsky said.

Since May 30, the city has made 2,308 arrests as part of these efforts, Sernoffsky said.

But the arrests haven’t come without criticism, as some people allege the city may be contributing to a surge in overdose deaths.&nbsp;

But the arrests haven’t come without criticism, as some people allege the city may be contributing to a surge in overdose deaths.&nbsp;

Some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/26/san-francisco-overdoses-creep-from-historic-epicenter/">health experts warn</a> that enforcement may cause some people to use drugs in hiding, away from others who can render medical aid if they overdose. A record 806 people died of overdoses last year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.&nbsp;

San Francisco drug overdoses creep from Tenderloin into nearby neighborhoods

Some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/26/san-francisco-overdoses-creep-from-historic-epicenter/">health experts warn</a> that enforcement may cause some people to use drugs in hiding, away from others who can render medical aid if they overdose. A record 806 people died of overdoses last year, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.&nbsp;

The enforcement plan rolled out with the promise of offering treatment to people arrested for public intoxication. However, as of Sept. 8, only two people had accepted treatment out of 476 arrested, according to the department.&nbsp;

The enforcement plan rolled out with the promise of offering treatment to people arrested for public intoxication. However, as of Sept. 8, only two people had accepted treatment out of 476 arrested, according to the department.&nbsp;

UN Plaza drug crackdown intensifies as dealers chased through streets

Garrett Leahy

Liquor stores in San Francisco&#8217;s most troubled neighborhood are more than a place to buy booze and cigarettes for people living on the city&#8217;s streets. The sidewalks in front of some Tenderloin neighborhood corner markets serve as gathering places for people to use drugs and sell stolen goods. The shops also conveniently sell pipes, torches and anything else needed to use drugs late into the night. This week, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/breed-tenderloin-corner-store-curfew/">proposed legislation</a> that would force markets in the Tenderloin to close after midnight, threatening $1,000 fines for every hour shops stay open after this curfew.

Mayor&#8217;s latest drug crackdown plan: Close Tenderloin stores earlier

Liquor stores in San Francisco's most troubled neighborhood are more than a place to buy booze and cigarettes for people living on the city's streets. The sidewalks in front of some Tenderloin neighborhood corner markets serve as gathering places for people to use drugs and sell stolen goods. The shops also conveniently sell pipes, torches and anything else needed to use drugs late into the night. This week, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/breed-tenderloin-corner-store-curfew/">proposed legislation</a> that would force markets in the Tenderloin to close after midnight, threatening $1,000 fines for every hour shops stay open after this curfew.

Liquor stores in San Francisco&#8217;s most troubled neighborhood are more than a place to buy booze and cigarettes for people living on the city&#8217;s streets. The sidewalks in front of some Tenderloin neighborhood corner markets serve as gathering places for people to use drugs and sell stolen goods. The shops also conveniently sell pipes, torches and anything else needed to use drugs late into the night. This week, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/breed-tenderloin-corner-store-curfew/">proposed legislation</a> that would force markets in the Tenderloin to close after midnight, threatening $1,000 fines for every hour shops stay open after this curfew.

Breed has alleged these late-night retail shops in the Tenderloin are attracting illegal behavior and undermining the city&#8217;s progress in breaking up drug markets. The curfew would be in place for one year under a pilot program if approved.

Breed has alleged these late-night retail shops in the Tenderloin are attracting illegal behavior and undermining the city's progress in breaking up drug markets. The curfew would be in place for one year under a pilot program if approved.

Breed has alleged these late-night retail shops in the Tenderloin are attracting illegal behavior and undermining the city&#8217;s progress in breaking up drug markets. The curfew would be in place for one year under a pilot program if approved.

&#8220;Tenderloin residents, businesses, and workers deserve safe streets not just during the day, but also at night,&#8221; Breed said in an earlier statement. &#8220;The drug markets happening at night in this neighborhood are unacceptable and must be met with increased law enforcement and new strategies.&#8221;

"Tenderloin residents, businesses, and workers deserve safe streets not just during the day, but also at night," Breed said in an earlier statement. "The drug markets happening at night in this neighborhood are unacceptable and must be met with increased law enforcement and new strategies."

&#8220;Tenderloin residents, businesses, and workers deserve safe streets not just during the day, but also at night,&#8221; Breed said in an earlier statement. &#8220;The drug markets happening at night in this neighborhood are unacceptable and must be met with increased law enforcement and new strategies.&#8221;

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, center, 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 src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propaprewrite-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands on the sidewalk in a hoodie." class="wp-image-255209"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed, center, stands in the Tenderloin during the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s biennial Point-in-Time Count of homeless people in January.</figcaption></figure>

Standing in front of Plaza Snacks &amp; Deli at 77 McAllister St., Cole H., a fentanyl user who lives in the Sunset who declined to share his full name due to privacy concerns, said that while he lives far from the Tenderloin corner store, he comes there late at night to buy soda and &#8220;gabnails,&#8221; a metal nail that, when heated, can turn fentanyl-laced &#8220;wax&#8221; into smoke he inhales to get high.

Standing in front of Plaza Snacks &amp; Deli at 77 McAllister St., Cole H., a fentanyl user who lives in the Sunset who declined to share his full name due to privacy concerns, said that while he lives far from the Tenderloin corner store, he comes there late at night to buy soda and "gabnails," a metal nail that, when heated, can turn fentanyl-laced "wax" into smoke he inhales to get high.

Standing in front of Plaza Snacks &amp; Deli at 77 McAllister St., Cole H., a fentanyl user who lives in the Sunset who declined to share his full name due to privacy concerns, said that while he lives far from the Tenderloin corner store, he comes there late at night to buy soda and &#8220;gabnails,&#8221; a metal nail that, when heated, can turn fentanyl-laced &#8220;wax&#8221; into smoke he inhales to get high.

&#8220;I usually buy something to drink, paraphernalia,&#8221; Cole said. &#8220;But I can&#8217;t always buy it right away. Usually, I have to make a little money first,&#8221; Cole added, admitting that he sometimes has to sell stolen goods to come up with the money to buy supplies to use drugs.

"I usually buy something to drink, paraphernalia," Cole said. "But I can't always buy it right away. Usually, I have to make a little money first," Cole added, admitting that he sometimes has to sell stolen goods to come up with the money to buy supplies to use drugs.

&#8220;I usually buy something to drink, paraphernalia,&#8221; Cole said. &#8220;But I can&#8217;t always buy it right away. Usually, I have to make a little money first,&#8221; Cole added, admitting that he sometimes has to sell stolen goods to come up with the money to buy supplies to use drugs.

Outside the Los Primos convenience store at 147 Hyde St., Tenderloin resident and fentanyl user Derek Francis said he only buys soda, often Mountain Dew or other caffeinated soft drinks, from Tenderloin corner stores. While he knows Los Primos and other Tenderloin corner stores sell glass pipes, he thinks they are mainly novelty items that happen to be used to smoke drugs like fentanyl.

Outside the Los Primos convenience store at 147 Hyde St., Tenderloin resident and fentanyl user Derek Francis said he only buys soda, often Mountain Dew or other caffeinated soft drinks, from Tenderloin corner stores. While he knows Los Primos and other Tenderloin corner stores sell glass pipes, he thinks they are mainly novelty items that happen to be used to smoke drugs like fentanyl.

Derek Francis and his dog DayZ sit outside Tenderloin corner store Los Primos on 189 Hyde St. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_1425.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man sits on the sidewalk." class="wp-image-270024"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Derek Francis and his dog DayZ sit outside Tenderloin corner store Los Primos on 189 Hyde St. </figcaption></figure>

&#8220;Yeah, but they have those cylindrical pipes in corner stores across the country,” Francis said. &#8220;They have like <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/04/05/a-rose-with-another-name-crack-pipe/430fc938-18e4-4457-bcd1-72601deb118d/">little roses in them</a>, like a gimmick.&#8221;

"Yeah, but they have those cylindrical pipes in corner stores across the country,” Francis said. "They have like <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/04/05/a-rose-with-another-name-crack-pipe/430fc938-18e4-4457-bcd1-72601deb118d/">little roses in them</a>, like a gimmick."

&#8220;Yeah, but they have those cylindrical pipes in corner stores across the country,” Francis said. &#8220;They have like <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/04/05/a-rose-with-another-name-crack-pipe/430fc938-18e4-4457-bcd1-72601deb118d/">little roses in them</a>, like a gimmick.&#8221;

The Standard witnessed a shopkeeper at Los Primos measure out and sell $3 strips of tin foil—used on the streets to smoke drugs.

The Standard witnessed a shopkeeper at Los Primos measure out and sell $3 strips of tin foil—used on the streets to smoke drugs.

Los Primos manager Aziz Mo admitted to selling the foil scraps at the store.

Los Primos manager Aziz Mo admitted to selling the foil scraps at the store.

&#8220;We sell aluminum foil, but if we didn&#8217;t, people would just get it from a store, from the shelf,&#8221; Mo said. &#8220;If I don&#8217;t sell it, they would just steal a whole roll from Target, Safeway.&#8221;

"We sell aluminum foil, but if we didn't, people would just get it from a store, from the shelf," Mo said. "If I don't sell it, they would just steal a whole roll from Target, Safeway."

&#8220;We sell aluminum foil, but if we didn&#8217;t, people would just get it from a store, from the shelf,&#8221; Mo said. &#8220;If I don&#8217;t sell it, they would just steal a whole roll from Target, Safeway.&#8221;

Fentanyl is their drug, sugar is their vice. Users explain their desperate need for candy

Mo also admitted he sells bongs and pipes at Los Primos, as many as 60 a month.

Mo also admitted he sells bongs and pipes at Los Primos, as many as 60 a month.

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