David Sjostedt

Mayor Daniel Lurie is finally showing his cards on how he plans to fund his ambitious homeless shelter goals — but it could be illegal and result in the city facing costly lawsuits.

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Mayor Daniel Lurie is finally showing his cards on how he plans to fund his ambitious homeless shelter goals — but it could be illegal and result in the city facing costly lawsuits.

Lurie is asking the Board of Supervisors to change the rules of Proposition C, a law passed by voters in 2018 to tax large corporations for homeless services, in a way that would shift $88 million intended for homeless families, youth, general housing, and prevention toward funding shelter. But this week, the city attorney’s office circulated a memo to supervisors warning of legal risks if the law is changed, The Standard has learned.&nbsp;

Lurie is asking the Board of Supervisors to change the rules of Proposition C, a law passed by voters in 2018 to tax large corporations for homeless services, in a way that would shift $88 million intended for homeless families, youth, general housing, and prevention toward funding shelter. But this week, the city attorney’s office circulated a memo to supervisors warning of legal risks if the law is changed, The Standard has learned.&nbsp;

Jen Kwart, the city attorney’s spokesperson, declined to share the memo. But she said any changes to the legislation must align with the law’s original intent, as passed by voters.

Jen Kwart, the city attorney’s spokesperson, declined to share the memo. But she said any changes to the legislation must align with the law’s original intent, as passed by voters.

The warning is weighing heavily on supervisors who are already wary of approving Lurie’s proposal, which requires a supermajority of eight votes to pass.&nbsp;

The warning is weighing heavily on supervisors who are already wary of approving Lurie’s proposal, which requires a supermajority of eight votes to pass.&nbsp;

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Supervisor Myrna Melgar said she understands the need for more shelter but is worried about pulling funds from homeless families and youth, who often aren’t as visible as single adults.&nbsp;

Supervisor Myrna Melgar said she understands the need for more shelter but is worried about pulling funds from homeless families and youth, who often aren’t as visible as single adults.&nbsp;

“I’m going to be very, very careful with the legal issues,” Melgar said. “The fact that they wrote a memo indicates there is a risk.”&nbsp;

“I’m going to be very, very careful with the legal issues,” Melgar said. “The fact that they wrote a memo indicates there is a risk.”&nbsp;

As written, Prop. C requires the city to spend at least 25% of funds earned from the tax on mental health and 50% on housing, while up to 10% may be spent on shelter and 15% on prevention. As part of a plan to build 630 treatment and shelter beds at a cost of $121 million, Lurie is asking the supervisors to remove the regulations on $31.4 million for transitional-aged youth, $27.4 million for general housing, $19.8 million for family housing, and $9.8 million for prevention.

As written, Prop. C requires the city to spend at least 25% of funds earned from the tax on mental health and 50% on housing, while up to 10% may be spent on shelter and 15% on prevention. As part of a plan to build 630 treatment and shelter beds at a cost of $121 million, Lurie is asking the supervisors to remove the regulations on $31.4 million for transitional-aged youth, $27.4 million for general housing, $19.8 million for family housing, and $9.8 million for prevention.

Christin Evans, an official proponent of the original law and homeless oversight commissioner, said she doesn’t believe these changes align with the law’s intent.

Christin Evans, an official proponent of the original law and homeless oversight commissioner, said she doesn’t believe these changes align with the law’s intent.

“Going back several mayors, there&#8217;s always been attempts to put more money into shelter and more money toward addressing visible homelessness, as opposed to actually going to the root causes of homelessness,” Evans said. “That&#8217;s why Prop. C was designed the way it was.”&nbsp;

“Going back several mayors, there's always been attempts to put more money into shelter and more money toward addressing visible homelessness, as opposed to actually going to the root causes of homelessness,” Evans said. “That's why Prop. C was designed the way it was.”&nbsp;

“Going back several mayors, there&#8217;s always been attempts to put more money into shelter and more money toward addressing visible homelessness, as opposed to actually going to the root causes of homelessness,” Evans said. “That&#8217;s why Prop. C was designed the way it was.”&nbsp;

Jennifer Friedenbach, director of the Coalition on Homelessness and an architect of Prop. C, said she would pursue legal action if Lurie’s proposal passes as is.

Jennifer Friedenbach, director of the Coalition on Homelessness and an architect of Prop. C, said she would pursue legal action if Lurie’s proposal passes as is.

“It’s pretty clear to us that what the mayor is doing is illegal,” Friedenbach said. “What the mayor is proposing is we&#8217;re going to move money from one category to the other and wipe out the categories for three years and have a giant slush fund.”

“It’s pretty clear to us that what the mayor is doing is illegal,” Friedenbach said. “What the mayor is proposing is we're going to move money from one category to the other and wipe out the categories for three years and have a giant slush fund.”

“It’s pretty clear to us that what the mayor is doing is illegal,” Friedenbach said. “What the mayor is proposing is we&#8217;re going to move money from one category to the other and wipe out the categories for three years and have a giant slush fund.”

After publication, Friedenbach asked to retract her statement threatening legal action, but maintained that the mayor’s proposal appears to be illegal.

After publication, Friedenbach asked to retract her statement threatening legal action, but maintained that the mayor’s proposal appears to be illegal.

The city last year counted a 45% increase in homeless families and a 19% increase in homeless youth, according to the most recent survey of the homeless population.&nbsp;

The city last year counted a 45% increase in homeless families and a 19% increase in homeless youth, according to the most recent survey of the homeless population.&nbsp;

“Without these legally mandated set-asides, youth would be forgotten,” Marnie Regen, a director at Larkin Street Youth Services, said during a City Hall hearing Thursday. “Homeless youth are invisible. They hide in the shadows. This doesn&#8217;t mean they don&#8217;t exist.”

“Without these legally mandated set-asides, youth would be forgotten,” Marnie Regen, a director at Larkin Street Youth Services, said during a City Hall hearing Thursday. “Homeless youth are invisible. They hide in the shadows. This doesn't mean they don't exist.”

“Without these legally mandated set-asides, youth would be forgotten,” Marnie Regen, a director at Larkin Street Youth Services, said during a City Hall hearing Thursday. “Homeless youth are invisible. They hide in the shadows. This doesn&#8217;t mean they don&#8217;t exist.”

A father holds his son while their family sits down for an interview with a San Francisco Standard reporter at the Stay-Over Program located on Valencia Street in San Francisco on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. The family has been applying to the program, but has not been admitted yet.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/homelessfamilydeniedshelter_0212.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man holds a child in a firm hug." class="wp-image-228229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A father holds his son at a homeless shelter in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/homelessfamilydeniedshelter_0212.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man holds a child in a firm hug." class="wp-image-228229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A father holds his son at a homeless shelter in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Kunal Modi, the mayor’s homelessness chief, contends that homeless families and youth stand to benefit from the city’s planned shelter expansion, arguing that the money had previously gone unspent.

Kunal Modi, the mayor’s homelessness chief, contends that homeless families and youth stand to benefit from the city’s planned shelter expansion, arguing that the money had previously gone unspent.

&#8220;What we&#8217;re trying to do is use the unspent funds on the type of stabilization and treatment beds that can address the crisis on our streets,” Modi told The Standard. “Which will also benefit families and youth.&#8221;

"What we're trying to do is use the unspent funds on the type of stabilization and treatment beds that can address the crisis on our streets,” Modi told The Standard. “Which will also benefit families and youth."

&#8220;What we&#8217;re trying to do is use the unspent funds on the type of stabilization and treatment beds that can address the crisis on our streets,” Modi told The Standard. “Which will also benefit families and youth.&#8221;

Charles Lutvak, Lurie’s spokesperson, defended the proposal as in line with the original legislation.&nbsp;

Charles Lutvak, Lurie’s spokesperson, defended the proposal as in line with the original legislation.&nbsp;

“The intent of Prop C in 2018 was to fund solutions to homelessness. In 2025, families are sleeping on our streets and people are dying from overdose with nowhere to go, because the city does not have a bed for them to sleep in—all while millions of dollars raised through Prop C are sitting unspent,” Lutvak said. “San Francisco has a behavioral health and homelessness crisis today, and we cannot solve it without the interim housing and treatment support that will help those struggling on the street get onto the path to long-term stability.”

“The intent of Prop C in 2018 was to fund solutions to homelessness. In 2025, families are sleeping on our streets and people are dying from overdose with nowhere to go, because the city does not have a bed for them to sleep in—all while millions of dollars raised through Prop C are sitting unspent,” Lutvak said. “San Francisco has a behavioral health and homelessness crisis today, and we cannot solve it without the interim housing and treatment support that will help those struggling on the street get onto the path to long-term stability.”

Sharky Laguana, a member of the homeless oversight commission, argued that the original law is outdated, and city officials should be liberated to spend the money on the current street crisis.

Sharky Laguana, a member of the homeless oversight commission, argued that the original law is outdated, and city officials should be liberated to spend the money on the current street crisis.

“If you&#8217;re trying to tell me that a group of people in 2018 know seven years later what is the best way to allocate those resources, I just find that incredibly difficult to believe,” Laguana said.

“If you're trying to tell me that a group of people in 2018 know seven years later what is the best way to allocate those resources, I just find that incredibly difficult to believe,” Laguana said.

“If you&#8217;re trying to tell me that a group of people in 2018 know seven years later what is the best way to allocate those resources, I just find that incredibly difficult to believe,” Laguana said.

Supervisor Connie Chan, the board budget chair, aired concerns about the extent of the proposal during Thursday’s hearing. If the supervisors approve the motion, Lurie would have control over Prop. C funds for the next three years. If it is passed during this budget cycle, the mayor’s office would need only a simple majority of six votes to retain the changes in subsequent years.&nbsp;

Supervisor Connie Chan, the board budget chair, aired concerns about the extent of the proposal during Thursday’s hearing. If the supervisors approve the motion, Lurie would have control over Prop. C funds for the next three years. If it is passed during this budget cycle, the mayor’s office would need only a simple majority of six votes to retain the changes in subsequent years.&nbsp;

As of Thursday, Chan said she was not ready to pass the ordinance without further explanation or amendments, signaling that Lurie may not have the votes needed for approval.&nbsp;

As of Thursday, Chan said she was not ready to pass the ordinance without further explanation or amendments, signaling that Lurie may not have the votes needed for approval.&nbsp;

“We are confused about the plan. It has not been shown to us clearly,” Chan said. “And that&#8217;s a whole lot of money that we&#8217;re moving, and I am not getting sort of this definite answer that those families will be housed.”&nbsp;

“We are confused about the plan. It has not been shown to us clearly,” Chan said. “And that's a whole lot of money that we're moving, and I am not getting sort of this definite answer that those families will be housed.”&nbsp;

“We are confused about the plan. It has not been shown to us clearly,” Chan said. “And that&#8217;s a whole lot of money that we&#8217;re moving, and I am not getting sort of this definite answer that those families will be housed.”&nbsp;

Lurie’s master plan to fund homeless shelters is on shaky legal ground

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;

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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;

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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.

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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 height="1668" width="2500" 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>

<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>.

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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;

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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 height="2500" width="2359" 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.”

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Lurie’s master plan to fund homeless shelters is on shaky legal ground

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

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