Joe Burn

Humboldt County officials voted Tuesday to send a letter raising the alarm about San Francisco’s plans to bus homeless people out of the city.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

Humboldt County officials voted Tuesday to send a letter raising the alarm about San Francisco’s plans to bus homeless people out of the city.&nbsp;

San Francisco recently ramped up its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/01/mayor-san-francisco-homeless-bus-tickets-order/">effort to offer homeless people bus tickets</a> out of town as part of its Journey Home program. Humboldt is among the top three California counties requested as destinations. County supervisors learned of this from reporting in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/journey-home-data/">The Standard</a>.

Mayor issues homeless order: Bus tickets before anything as shelters near full

SF plans to bus more homeless people out of town. Here&#8217;s where they&#8217;ve already been sent

San Francisco recently ramped up its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/01/mayor-san-francisco-homeless-bus-tickets-order/">effort to offer homeless people bus tickets</a> out of town as part of its Journey Home program. Humboldt is among the top three California counties requested as destinations. County supervisors learned of this from reporting in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/journey-home-data/">The Standard</a>.

“We were dismayed to learn that our small, rural county was among the top three destinations in the state where people experiencing homelessness were sent by the program,” states a draft of the <a href="https://humboldt.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=13240803&amp;GUID=A5A5C605-DEB4-4BF2-8A68-77CD13751CD1">letter</a> to San Francisco Mayor London Breed that can be seen on the Humboldt County website.

“We were dismayed to learn that our small, rural county was among the top three destinations in the state where people experiencing homelessness were sent by the program,” states a draft of the <a href="https://humboldt.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=13240803&amp;GUID=A5A5C605-DEB4-4BF2-8A68-77CD13751CD1">letter</a> to San Francisco Mayor London Breed that can be seen on the Humboldt County website.

Los Angeles and Sacramento counties are the two other most popular California destinations, according to SF’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Human Services Agency.

Los Angeles and Sacramento counties are the two other most popular California destinations, according to SF’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Human Services Agency.

But new data obtained by The Standard from Humboldt’s own <a href="https://humboldtgov.org/530/Transportation-Assistance-Program">relocation program</a> show that the county’s homeless people were bused to San Francisco on four occasions between October and March. Since August 2023, Humboldt has also sent homeless people to other Bay Area locations, such as San Rafael, Napa County, Santa Cruz, and Petaluma.

But new data obtained by The Standard from Humboldt’s own <a href="https://humboldtgov.org/530/Transportation-Assistance-Program">relocation program</a> show that the county’s homeless people were bused to San Francisco on four occasions between October and March. Since August 2023, Humboldt has also sent homeless people to other Bay Area locations, such as San Rafael, Napa County, Santa Cruz, and Petaluma.

Humboldt’s Transportation Assistance Program, or TAP, provides relocation services to individuals and families who request assistance with moving. According to the program’s website, social services staffers verify that those who use TAP will be received at their destination by a relative, friend, or appropriate agency.&nbsp;

Humboldt’s Transportation Assistance Program, or TAP, provides relocation services to individuals and families who request assistance with moving. According to the program’s website, social services staffers verify that those who use TAP will be received at their destination by a relative, friend, or appropriate agency.&nbsp;

core/html

“We are concerned that providing bus tickets to other jurisdictions without verifying access to housing, family support or employment does not alleviate homelessness; it simply shifts the person to another county,” Humboldt’s letter says. “We urge you to ensure that Journey Home participants have the support they need to obtain housing and employment before they receive transportation assistance to Humboldt County. Let’s act together in partnership to alleviate homelessness throughout our state.”&nbsp;

“We are concerned that providing bus tickets to other jurisdictions without verifying access to housing, family support or employment does not alleviate homelessness; it simply shifts the person to another county,” Humboldt’s letter says. “We urge you to ensure that Journey Home participants have the support they need to obtain housing and employment before they receive transportation assistance to Humboldt County. Let’s act together in partnership to alleviate homelessness throughout our state.”&nbsp;

Paul Boden, a homeless advocate with the Western Regional Advocacy Project, said the strategy of busing unhoused people out of town dates back to the 1960s, when welfare agencies offered bus tickets to previously institutionalized people in exchange for a signed pledge not to return for a year — a process that was known as “Greyhound therapy.”&nbsp;

Paul Boden, a homeless advocate with the Western Regional Advocacy Project, said the strategy of busing unhoused people out of town dates back to the 1960s, when welfare agencies offered bus tickets to previously institutionalized people in exchange for a signed pledge not to return for a year — a process that was known as “Greyhound therapy.”&nbsp;

“The aim isn’t to achieve a goal. It’s to get you out of our town, and it&#8217;s cheaper than arresting you,” Boden said. “The No. 1 answer to homelessness is to make them disappear. Then mayors write letters back and forth: ‘Stop sending your people here.’ Then it turns out they&#8217;re sending their people here. It shows the ridiculousness of us not trying to address why people are on the streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The aim isn’t to achieve a goal. It’s to get you out of our town, and it's cheaper than arresting you,” Boden said. “The No. 1 answer to homelessness is to make them disappear. Then mayors write letters back and forth: ‘Stop sending your people here.’ Then it turns out they're sending their people here. It shows the ridiculousness of us not trying to address why people are on the streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The aim isn’t to achieve a goal. It’s to get you out of our town, and it&#8217;s cheaper than arresting you,” Boden said. “The No. 1 answer to homelessness is to make them disappear. Then mayors write letters back and forth: ‘Stop sending your people here.’ Then it turns out they&#8217;re sending their people here. It shows the ridiculousness of us not trying to address why people are on the streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

SF plans to bus more homeless people out of town. Here’s where they’ve already been sent

sf-standard/related-post

sf-standard/related-posts-container

When asked for comment, the San Francisco mayor’s office said it had not received the letter. Humboldt supervisors voted to send a revised version of the letter; the county did not provide a copy to The Standard.&nbsp;

When asked for comment, the San Francisco mayor’s office said it had not received the letter. Humboldt supervisors voted to send a revised version of the letter; the county did not provide a copy to The Standard.&nbsp;

“Our TAP program works really well, and hopefully San Francisco can go back to more — not just dumping — but assisting and actually helping people get help,” Humboldt Supervisor Rex Bohn said at Tuesday’s board meeting. 

“Our TAP program works really well, and hopefully San Francisco can go back to more — not just dumping — but assisting and actually helping people get help,” Humboldt Supervisor Rex Bohn said at Tuesday’s board meeting.

Humboldt ‘dismayed’ with SF homeless bus program. Turns out they bus people here too

George Kelly

In the second episode of Gov. Gavin Newsom&#8217;s <a href="https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartpodcasts-and-california-governor-gavin-newsom-announce-new-solo-podcast-gavin-newsom">podcast</a>, released Monday evening, conservative radio host Michael Savage blamed the Democrats&#8217; election loss on transgender acceptance in schools.

In the second episode of Gov. Gavin Newsom's <a href="https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartpodcasts-and-california-governor-gavin-newsom-announce-new-solo-podcast-gavin-newsom">podcast</a>, released Monday evening, conservative radio host Michael Savage blamed the Democrats' election loss on transgender acceptance in schools.

In the second episode of Gov. Gavin Newsom&#8217;s <a href="https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartpodcasts-and-california-governor-gavin-newsom-announce-new-solo-podcast-gavin-newsom">podcast</a>, released Monday evening, conservative radio host Michael Savage blamed the Democrats&#8217; election loss on transgender acceptance in schools.

Newsom did not push back on Savage&#8217;s election analysis or offer a defense of trans rights. Last week, the governor was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/gavin-newsom-transgender-athletes-podcast-charlie-kirk/">slammed for agreeing with conservative activist</a> Charlie Kirk on the issue of trans athletes competing in high school sports as part of a conversation on the debut episode of his podcast, &#8220;This is Gavin Newsom.&#8221;

‘Sickened’: Dems blast Newsom’s remarks on transgender athletes

Newsom did not push back on Savage's election analysis or offer a defense of trans rights. Last week, the governor was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/gavin-newsom-transgender-athletes-podcast-charlie-kirk/">slammed for agreeing with conservative activist</a> Charlie Kirk on the issue of trans athletes competing in high school sports as part of a conversation on the debut episode of his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom."

Newsom did not push back on Savage&#8217;s election analysis or offer a defense of trans rights. Last week, the governor was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/gavin-newsom-transgender-athletes-podcast-charlie-kirk/">slammed for agreeing with conservative activist</a> Charlie Kirk on the issue of trans athletes competing in high school sports as part of a conversation on the debut episode of his podcast, &#8220;This is Gavin Newsom.&#8221;

Savage, known for his &#8220;borders, language, culture&#8221; mantra, told Newsom that Democratic policies on transgender issues alienated women who might otherwise have voted for liberal candidates.

Savage, known for his "borders, language, culture" mantra, told Newsom that Democratic policies on transgender issues alienated women who might otherwise have voted for liberal candidates.

Savage, known for his &#8220;borders, language, culture&#8221; mantra, told Newsom that Democratic policies on transgender issues alienated women who might otherwise have voted for liberal candidates.

&#8220;The whole trans issue triggered the women who were normally liberal,&#8221; Savage said during the wide-ranging conversation that also hit on immigration, homelessness and wildfires. &#8220;When you have kids being brainwashed in school to accept that stuff in kindergarten &#8230; When you start crossing that line into the schools, you&#8217;re going to see what happened.&#8221;

"The whole trans issue triggered the women who were normally liberal," Savage said during the wide-ranging conversation that also hit on immigration, homelessness and wildfires. "When you have kids being brainwashed in school to accept that stuff in kindergarten ... When you start crossing that line into the schools, you're going to see what happened."

&#8220;The whole trans issue triggered the women who were normally liberal,&#8221; Savage said during the wide-ranging conversation that also hit on immigration, homelessness and wildfires. &#8220;When you have kids being brainwashed in school to accept that stuff in kindergarten &#8230; When you start crossing that line into the schools, you&#8217;re going to see what happened.&#8221;

&#8220;Interesting,&#8221; Newsom said. &#8220;The trans issue, you thought, was outsize. … You felt our party was complicit in terms of creating those conditions. &#8220;

"Interesting," Newsom said. "The trans issue, you thought, was outsize. … You felt our party was complicit in terms of creating those conditions. "

&#8220;Interesting,&#8221; Newsom said. &#8220;The trans issue, you thought, was outsize. … You felt our party was complicit in terms of creating those conditions. &#8220;

The 83-year-old commentator, a Marin County resident who has written 29 books on topics ranging from nutrition to politics, emphasized that he&#8217;s not opposed to transgender rights for adults.

The 83-year-old commentator, a Marin County resident who has written 29 books on topics ranging from nutrition to politics, emphasized that he's not opposed to transgender rights for adults.

The 83-year-old commentator, a Marin County resident who has written 29 books on topics ranging from nutrition to politics, emphasized that he&#8217;s not opposed to transgender rights for adults.

&#8220;I&#8217;m a sexual libertarian,&#8221; Savage said. &#8220;I really don&#8217;t care what people do to make themselves happy &#8230; but leave the kids alone.&#8221;

"I'm a sexual libertarian," Savage said. "I really don't care what people do to make themselves happy ... but leave the kids alone."

&#8220;I&#8217;m a sexual libertarian,&#8221; Savage said. &#8220;I really don&#8217;t care what people do to make themselves happy &#8230; but leave the kids alone.&#8221;

A Christian high school’s moral crisis over a transgender basketball star

SF Waldorf School opponent forfeits girls volleyball game over transgender suspicions

Trump is coming for the transgender community. California is trying to stop him

At another point in the show, Newsom generally agreed with Savage that immigration policy is not working.

At another point in the show, Newsom generally agreed with Savage that immigration policy is not working.

While touting his increases in border security, Newsom insisted immigration is an issue that can be fixed.

While touting his increases in border security, Newsom insisted immigration is an issue that can be fixed.

&#8220;I think there&#8217;s a way of doing it and approaching it, and I think we have a broader problem, which is immigration policy and asylum abuse,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The asylum system is broken in the United States.&#8221;

"I think there's a way of doing it and approaching it, and I think we have a broader problem, which is immigration policy and asylum abuse," he said. "The asylum system is broken in the United States."

&#8220;I think there&#8217;s a way of doing it and approaching it, and I think we have a broader problem, which is immigration policy and asylum abuse,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The asylum system is broken in the United States.&#8221;

Savage, who said the Trump administration has taken up his views, also decried the Golden State&#8217;s cost of living, saying, &#8220;I pay 16% in state taxes. &#8230; I can go to Florida and pay no state tax.&#8221; On the issue of homelessness, he insisted that &#8220;there is a solution &#8230; you build camps for them in places outside cities, and you give them the care that they need against their will.&#8221;

Savage, who said the Trump administration has taken up his views, also decried the Golden State's cost of living, saying, "I pay 16% in state taxes. ... I can go to Florida and pay no state tax." On the issue of homelessness, he insisted that "there is a solution ... you build camps for them in places outside cities, and you give them the care that they need against their will."

Savage, who said the Trump administration has taken up his views, also decried the Golden State&#8217;s cost of living, saying, &#8220;I pay 16% in state taxes. &#8230; I can go to Florida and pay no state tax.&#8221; On the issue of homelessness, he insisted that &#8220;there is a solution &#8230; you build camps for them in places outside cities, and you give them the care that they need against their will.&#8221;

On this front, Newsom challenged Savage. The governor noted that the manner of care for people with mental health needs has changed over several decades: &#8220;At peak 1959, California had 37,000 mental health beds. Today, 500.&#8221;

On this front, Newsom challenged Savage. The governor noted that the manner of care for people with mental health needs has changed over several decades: "At peak 1959, California had 37,000 mental health beds. Today, 500."

On this front, Newsom challenged Savage. The governor noted that the manner of care for people with mental health needs has changed over several decades: &#8220;At peak 1959, California had 37,000 mental health beds. Today, 500.&#8221;

He also resisted Savage&#8217;s descriptions of California as business-unfriendly.

He also resisted Savage's descriptions of California as business-unfriendly.

He also resisted Savage&#8217;s descriptions of California as business-unfriendly.

&#8220;I think we have the highest tax rate, but not the highest taxes in America &#8230; the vast majority of middle-class taxpayers pay less than they do in California middle class than they do in states like Texas,&#8221; said Newsom.

"I think we have the highest tax rate, but not the highest taxes in America ... the vast majority of middle-class taxpayers pay less than they do in California middle class than they do in states like Texas," said Newsom.

&#8220;I think we have the highest tax rate, but not the highest taxes in America &#8230; the vast majority of middle-class taxpayers pay less than they do in California middle class than they do in states like Texas,&#8221; said Newsom.

The podcast revealed personal connections between the two California figures spanning decades, with Savage recalling encounters with Newsom during his time as San Francisco&#8217;s mayor from 2004 to 2011.

The podcast revealed personal connections between the two California figures spanning decades, with Savage recalling encounters with Newsom during his time as San Francisco's mayor from 2004 to 2011.

The podcast revealed personal connections between the two California figures spanning decades, with Savage recalling encounters with Newsom during his time as San Francisco&#8217;s mayor from 2004 to 2011.

Despite their political differences, both emphasized the importance of civil dialogue. &#8220;I don&#8217;t have to agree with you, nor you with me, for us to sit and have a civilized conversation,&#8221; Savage said. &#8220;It&#8217;s the only way we&#8217;re going to solve the problems of the state and the country.&#8221;

Despite their political differences, both emphasized the importance of civil dialogue. "I don't have to agree with you, nor you with me, for us to sit and have a civilized conversation," Savage said. "It's the only way we're going to solve the problems of the state and the country."

Despite their political differences, both emphasized the importance of civil dialogue. &#8220;I don&#8217;t have to agree with you, nor you with me, for us to sit and have a civilized conversation,&#8221; Savage said. &#8220;It&#8217;s the only way we&#8217;re going to solve the problems of the state and the country.&#8221;

Issues around trans children ‘triggered’ women, Newsom podcast guest says

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie wants to turn out the pockets of members of his wealthy social circles for the public good.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie wants to turn out the pockets of members of his wealthy social circles for the public good.

In his first proposed law, Lurie, a centi-millionaire and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, seeks to loosen city regulations to allow the mayor’s office to solicit donations from “various private entities and organizations” to address the fentanyl crisis, homelessness, and public safety. The loosened laws concerning private donations would be in effect for six months.

In his first proposed law, Lurie, a centi-millionaire and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, seeks to loosen city regulations to allow the mayor’s office to solicit donations from “various private entities and organizations” to address the fentanyl crisis, homelessness, and public safety. The loosened laws concerning private donations would be in effect for six months.

The draft legislation, sent to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, also asks the board to voluntarily give up its authority to approve contracts in those areas, in the name of speed.

The draft legislation, sent to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, also asks the board to voluntarily give up its authority to approve contracts in those areas, in the name of speed.

“The city wants to try innovative solutions to address these crises more effectively and more quickly, but long-established rules often stand in the way of speedy progress,” Lurie’s draft law reads. He intends to “expedite the city’s response to these challenges and expand the city’s capacity to meet these challenges.”

“The city wants to try innovative solutions to address these crises more effectively and more quickly, but long-established rules often stand in the way of speedy progress,” Lurie’s draft law reads. He intends to “expedite the city’s response to these challenges and expand the city’s capacity to meet these challenges.”

The law focuses on contracts addressing homelessness, drug overdoses and substance use disorders, mental health needs, and public safety. It would likely cover a wide swath of contracts; for example, approving funds to buy property for a new homeless shelter, hiring a nonprofit health contractor to provide free checkups, or paying <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/19/urban-alchemy-san-francisco-tenderloin-layoffs/">unarmed ambassadors like Urban Alchemy</a> to patrol the Tenderloin.

Urban Alchemy could lay off hundreds of workers in 2025

The law focuses on contracts addressing homelessness, drug overdoses and substance use disorders, mental health needs, and public safety. It would likely cover a wide swath of contracts; for example, approving funds to buy property for a new homeless shelter, hiring a nonprofit health contractor to provide free checkups, or paying <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/19/urban-alchemy-san-francisco-tenderloin-layoffs/">unarmed ambassadors like Urban Alchemy</a> to patrol the Tenderloin.

SFPD Lieutenant Kevin Knoble clearing people the were congregating outside the Asian Art Museum near UN Plaza in San Francisco on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. There are children in U.N. Plaza in San Francisco in the evening hours selling drugs and according to the City, and there have been over 50 kids that have been taken in custody due to the illicit activity.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240211_unplazayouth-0369.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people is gathered at night on a city sidewalk, with a police car parked nearby. Many are wearing coats and appear to be outdoors in cold weather." class="wp-image-354771"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The area outside the Asian Art Museum near UN Plaza has been a hot spot for drug activity.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240211_unplazayouth-0369.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people is gathered at night on a city sidewalk, with a police car parked nearby. Many are wearing coats and appear to be outdoors in cold weather." class="wp-image-354771"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The area outside the Asian Art Museum near UN Plaza has been a hot spot for drug activity.</figcaption></figure>

Negotiations with the Board of Supervisors could change the draft law. The first version is as an opening salvo — and an early test of the “new era of cooperation” between the mayor and the board that Lurie promised in his inauguration speech.

Negotiations with the Board of Supervisors could change the draft law. The first version is as an opening salvo — and an early test of the “new era of cooperation” between the mayor and the board that Lurie promised in his inauguration speech.

Already, members of the Board of Supervisors are sounding skeptical notes.

Already, members of the Board of Supervisors are sounding skeptical notes.

&#8220;I’m open to providing Mayor Lurie the necessary legislative tools to tackle the fentanyl crisis, but not at the expense of checks and balances of the legislative branch,&#8221; Supervisor Connie Chan told The Standard.

"I’m open to providing Mayor Lurie the necessary legislative tools to tackle the fentanyl crisis, but not at the expense of checks and balances of the legislative branch," Supervisor Connie Chan told The Standard.

&#8220;I’m open to providing Mayor Lurie the necessary legislative tools to tackle the fentanyl crisis, but not at the expense of checks and balances of the legislative branch,&#8221; Supervisor Connie Chan told The Standard.

But publicly at the Board of Supervisors regular meeting Tuesday, and speaking to The Standard, a few noted their support: Supervisors Bilal Mahmood, Joel Engardio, Danny Sauter, and Matt Dorsey.

But publicly at the Board of Supervisors regular meeting Tuesday, and speaking to The Standard, a few noted their support: Supervisors Bilal Mahmood, Joel Engardio, Danny Sauter, and Matt Dorsey.

&#8220;There’s a part of this that&#8217;s personal for me as someone struggling with addiction, but also in my time in the city attorney’s office,&#8221; Dorsey said. He said he&#8217;s seen how stymied the government can get: &#8220;Sometimes we have to declare an emergency to get out of our own way internally.&#8221;

"There’s a part of this that's personal for me as someone struggling with addiction, but also in my time in the city attorney’s office," Dorsey said. He said he's seen how stymied the government can get: "Sometimes we have to declare an emergency to get out of our own way internally."

&#8220;There’s a part of this that&#8217;s personal for me as someone struggling with addiction, but also in my time in the city attorney’s office,&#8221; Dorsey said. He said he&#8217;s seen how stymied the government can get: &#8220;Sometimes we have to declare an emergency to get out of our own way internally.&#8221;

Others are reserving judgment before they hear more, like Supervisor Shamann Walton, who told the board, &#8220;I&#8217;m not sure how the current plan reflects action.&#8221;

Others are reserving judgment before they hear more, like Supervisor Shamann Walton, who told the board, "I'm not sure how the current plan reflects action."

Others are reserving judgment before they hear more, like Supervisor Shamann Walton, who told the board, &#8220;I&#8217;m not sure how the current plan reflects action.&#8221;

On the campaign trail, Lurie promised to declare a fentanyl state of emergency on “Day One,” which would help him cut red tape in addressing the crisis. That didn’t happen.

On the campaign trail, Lurie promised to declare a fentanyl state of emergency on “Day One,” which would help him cut red tape in addressing the crisis. That didn’t happen.

As The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/fentanyl-state-of-emergency-mayoral-san-francisco/">has noted</a>, a legal “state of emergency” must be unforeseen and sudden to hold up to legal scrutiny. Lurie’s draft law aims to achieve similar goals without the legal mechanism of an emergency declaration.

A ‘fentanyl state of emergency’? Mayoral candidates argue over plan

As The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/fentanyl-state-of-emergency-mayoral-san-francisco/">has noted</a>, a legal “state of emergency” must be unforeseen and sudden to hold up to legal scrutiny. Lurie’s draft law aims to achieve similar goals without the legal mechanism of an emergency declaration.

Some provisions may be welcome: allowing quicker hiring, for instance, and allowing departments to more easily move money around where it&#8217;s needed, without red tape.

Some provisions may be welcome: allowing quicker hiring, for instance, and allowing departments to more easily move money around where it's needed, without red tape.

Some provisions may be welcome: allowing quicker hiring, for instance, and allowing departments to more easily move money around where it&#8217;s needed, without red tape.

From the Board of Supervisors’ perspective, other parts of the legislation may be a hard sell.

From the Board of Supervisors’ perspective, other parts of the legislation may be a hard sell.

The draft says the provision around board authority will sunset in 2029, a long period for the supervisors to give up the ability to provide checks and balances to Lurie’s administration. The draft also notes that some departments may award contracts without a competitive bidding process — the same lack of oversight that enabled Mohammed Nuru, the convicted former director of the SF Department of Public Works, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">to award contracts in exchange for bribes</a>.

San Francisco corruption scandal: A guide to the players involved

The draft says the provision around board authority will sunset in 2029, a long period for the supervisors to give up the ability to provide checks and balances to Lurie’s administration. The draft also notes that some departments may award contracts without a competitive bidding process — the same lack of oversight that enabled Mohammed Nuru, the convicted former director of the SF Department of Public Works, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">to award contracts in exchange for bribes</a>.

Giving up board authority may also raise the eyebrows of the various unions who work with the board on labor practices. Rudy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, said he was guaranteed by Lurie&#8217;s administration that prevailing wages would be protected — calming his fears the legislation would cut out working-class people.

Giving up board authority may also raise the eyebrows of the various unions who work with the board on labor practices. Rudy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, said he was guaranteed by Lurie's administration that prevailing wages would be protected — calming his fears the legislation would cut out working-class people.

Giving up board authority may also raise the eyebrows of the various unions who work with the board on labor practices. Rudy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, said he was guaranteed by Lurie&#8217;s administration that prevailing wages would be protected — calming his fears the legislation would cut out working-class people.

&#8220;I’m going to be supportive of the administration treating the fentanyl crisis as a true emergency,&#8221; Gonzalez said.

"I’m going to be supportive of the administration treating the fentanyl crisis as a true emergency," Gonzalez said.

&#8220;I’m going to be supportive of the administration treating the fentanyl crisis as a true emergency,&#8221; Gonzalez said.

A source familiar with negotiations said that conversations are now focused on what would be a 45-day window for the board to reject contracts if they wanted to, which is the same for the process of commission appointments.

A source familiar with negotiations said that conversations are now focused on what would be a 45-day window for the board to reject contracts if they wanted to, which is the same for the process of commission appointments.

A similar concern may arise in granting Lurie the ability to solicit funds from private donors. Government staff are legally barred from soliciting donations from parties with business before their departments, a practice legally known as “behested payments.” The city at times has waived behested payment laws for specific projects. That may prove relevant as the city tries to plug its two-year $876 million budget deficit.

A similar concern may arise in granting Lurie the ability to solicit funds from private donors. Government staff are legally barred from soliciting donations from parties with business before their departments, a practice legally known as “behested payments.” The city at times has waived behested payment laws for specific projects. That may prove relevant as the city tries to plug its two-year $876 million budget deficit.

That may be why in his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-speech-san-francisco/">inauguration day speech</a>, Lurie described private funds as a “critical requirement” for his policy initiatives.

In first address as mayor, Lurie promises safer, shinier city

That may be why in his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-speech-san-francisco/">inauguration day speech</a>, Lurie described private funds as a “critical requirement” for his policy initiatives.

Lurie’s first law asks rich people to help fix the fentanyl crisis

Tomoki Chien

Paul Reyes was finally getting his life together.

Paul Reyes was finally getting his life together.

His spot at a city-funded RV site came with free food, laundry services, and therapy. He worked to tackle his drug addiction and felt ready to reenter the workforce for the first time in his 10 years of homelessness.

His spot at a city-funded RV site came with free food, laundry services, and therapy. He worked to tackle his drug addiction and felt ready to reenter the workforce for the first time in his 10 years of homelessness.

“All that’s been derailed now,” Reyes said.

“All that’s been derailed now,” Reyes said.

City officials said last week they plan to close the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center, a safe-parking site whose three-year tenure has been marred by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/12/san-francisco-sued-over-diesel-generators-at-center-for-unhoused-people/">lawsuits</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/19/bayview-vehicle-triage-center-exposes-the-challenge-of-alternative-shelter-approaches/">bitter complaints</a> from residents, and an ongoing federal investigation.&nbsp;

San Francisco sued over diesel generators at center for unhoused people

SF vehicle triage center exposes the challenge of alternative shelter approaches

City officials said last week they plan to close the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center, a safe-parking site whose three-year tenure has been marred by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/12/san-francisco-sued-over-diesel-generators-at-center-for-unhoused-people/">lawsuits</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/19/bayview-vehicle-triage-center-exposes-the-challenge-of-alternative-shelter-approaches/">bitter complaints</a> from residents, and an ongoing federal investigation.&nbsp;

The site, which was supposed to serve 120 RVs at a time, housed just 35. Residents have until Valentine&#8217;s Day to accept shelter or leave, the San Francisco Chronicle <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/homeless-parking-site-close-19962351.php">first reported</a>.

The site, which was supposed to serve 120 RVs at a time, housed just 35. Residents have until Valentine's Day to accept shelter or leave, the San Francisco Chronicle <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/homeless-parking-site-close-19962351.php">first reported</a>.

The site, which was supposed to serve 120 RVs at a time, housed just 35. Residents have until Valentine&#8217;s Day to accept shelter or leave, the San Francisco Chronicle <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/homeless-parking-site-close-19962351.php">first reported</a>.

That’s nine months before the city’s lease on the Candlestick Point property is set to expire.&nbsp;

That’s nine months before the city’s lease on the Candlestick Point property is set to expire.&nbsp;

The closure will cap a saga that even city officials have acknowledged was a largely ineffective — and costly — attempt to mitigate San Francisco’s vehicular homelessness crisis. It also leaves the site’s vulnerable residents scrambling to find a new place to live.

The closure will cap a saga that even city officials have acknowledged was a largely ineffective — and costly — attempt to mitigate San Francisco’s vehicular homelessness crisis. It also leaves the site’s vulnerable residents scrambling to find a new place to live.

Mobile homes rest at The Bayview Vehicle Triage Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. The center which provides parking for residents living in mobile homes is expected to close.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241209-bayviewvehicletriagecenterclosing_01691.jpg?w=2359" alt="A parking lot with a red, graffiti-covered truck and several RVs parked beside it. A painted wall is partially visible on the left." class="wp-image-343339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residents must leave the site by Valentine&#8217;s Day.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241209-bayviewvehicletriagecenterclosing_01691.jpg?w=2359" alt="A parking lot with a red, graffiti-covered truck and several RVs parked beside it. A painted wall is partially visible on the left." class="wp-image-343339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residents must leave the site by Valentine's Day.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241209-bayviewvehicletriagecenterclosing_01691.jpg?w=2359" alt="A parking lot with a red, graffiti-covered truck and several RVs parked beside it. A painted wall is partially visible on the left." class="wp-image-343339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residents must leave the site by Valentine&#8217;s Day.</figcaption></figure>

A spokesperson for San Francisco&#8217;s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing did not say why the city is shuttering the property early but noted that it was originally intended as a “temporary two-year solution to address vehicular homelessness.”

A spokesperson for San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing did not say why the city is shuttering the property early but noted that it was originally intended as a “temporary two-year solution to address vehicular homelessness.”

A spokesperson for San Francisco&#8217;s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing did not say why the city is shuttering the property early but noted that it was originally intended as a “temporary two-year solution to address vehicular homelessness.”

The project has long been under scrutiny for its high price tag. City documents show that in 2023, the annual cost to keep one vehicle at the site was $140,000. That was “by far the most expensive homeless response intervention,” <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12320995&amp;GUID=059EBD1F-2F09-42E5-816A-E23E32FD85CC">city analysts wrote</a>.

The project has long been under scrutiny for its high price tag. City documents show that in 2023, the annual cost to keep one vehicle at the site was $140,000. That was “by far the most expensive homeless response intervention,” <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12320995&amp;GUID=059EBD1F-2F09-42E5-816A-E23E32FD85CC">city analysts wrote</a>.

At that price, you could house a resident in a “Grand Deluxe King Room” at the Westin St. Francis for a year —&nbsp;with a towering city view and $100 per diem. But the site’s residents say it’s a far cry from an upscale Union Square hotel.&nbsp;

At that price, you could house a resident in a “Grand Deluxe King Room” at the Westin St. Francis for a year —&nbsp;with a towering city view and $100 per diem. But the site’s residents say it’s a far cry from an upscale Union Square hotel.&nbsp;

SF supervisors vote to reverse RV parking restrictions

For one thing, there are the rodents.

Ramona Mayon, who has lived at the site since August 2022, said one morning she found a dead mouse under her stove.

Ramona Mayon, who has lived at the site since August 2022, said one morning she found a dead mouse under her stove.

She said a mechanic told her mice had nested in her RV’s engine compartment and may have damaged the vehicle’s wiring. Photos viewed by The Standard show dead rodents strewn across the RV site.

She said a mechanic told her mice had nested in her RV’s engine compartment and may have damaged the vehicle’s wiring. Photos viewed by The Standard show dead rodents strewn across the RV site.

Then there’s the electricity problem.

The site, which opened in January 2022, didn’t gain permanent power until Oct. 29 this year thanks to problems connecting it to the PG&amp;E grid. That set the stage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/12/san-francisco-sued-over-diesel-generators-at-center-for-unhoused-people/">for a 2023 lawsuit</a> in which a citizens group accused the city of running 16 unauthorized diesel generators at the site.

The site, which opened in January 2022, didn’t gain permanent power until Oct. 29 this year thanks to problems connecting it to the PG&amp;E grid. That set the stage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/12/san-francisco-sued-over-diesel-generators-at-center-for-unhoused-people/">for a 2023 lawsuit</a> in which a citizens group accused the city of running 16 unauthorized diesel generators at the site.

The Homelessness Department didn’t answer questions about how much the city spent to electrify the site or what it plans to do with the property for the remainder of the lease.

The Homelessness Department didn’t answer questions about how much the city spent to electrify the site or what it plans to do with the property for the remainder of the lease.

Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson, who has lived there since March, said there is daily friction between residents and the staff of Urban Alchemy, the nonprofit charged with running the site.  

Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson, who has lived there since March, said there is daily friction between residents and the staff of Urban Alchemy, the nonprofit charged with running the site.

“It’s a prison camp,” Wilson said, referring to the fact that residents aren’t allowed to have visitors.

“It’s a prison camp,” Wilson said, referring to the fact that residents aren’t allowed to have visitors.

Wilson and two other residents who spoke to The Standard&nbsp;referenced an instance in which a staffer appeared to mock a deaf resident during a heated exchange.

Wilson and two other residents who spoke to The Standard&nbsp;referenced an instance in which a staffer appeared to mock a deaf resident during a heated exchange.

core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sfs_urbanalchemylaughter.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An Urban Alchemy employee appears to mock the laughter of a deaf RV resident.</figcaption></figure>

At one point, residents sought to form a tenants union to fight what they called “shameful” quality of life.&nbsp;

At one point, residents sought to form a tenants union to fight what they called “shameful” quality of life.&nbsp;

“Stop this communist regime that violates our BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS,” one resident wrote in February, <a href="https://localnewsmatters.org/2024/02/01/living-in-camp-dismal-residents-of-bayview-rv-site-try-to-unionize-to-improve-conditions/">Bay City News</a> reported.

“Stop this communist regime that violates our BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS,” one resident wrote in February, <a href="https://localnewsmatters.org/2024/02/01/living-in-camp-dismal-residents-of-bayview-rv-site-try-to-unionize-to-improve-conditions/">Bay City News</a> reported.

Humboldt ‘dismayed’ with SF homeless bus program. Turns out they bus people here too

Issues around trans children ‘triggered’ women, Newsom podcast guest says

Lurie’s first law asks rich people to help fix the fentanyl crisis

This homeless solution was a costly disaster. What comes next for the RV camp?

Chesa Boudin, homeless activists decry possible U.S. Supreme Court decision: ‘draconian’

Search Results for: homelessness

Humboldt ‘dismayed’ with SF homeless bus program. Turns out they bus people here too

Issues around trans children ‘triggered’ women, Newsom podcast guest says

Lurie’s first law asks rich people to help fix the fentanyl crisis

This homeless solution was a costly disaster. What comes next for the RV camp?

Chesa Boudin, homeless activists decry possible U.S. Supreme Court decision: ‘draconian’