Annie Gaus

For neighborhoods that deal with the Sisyphean task of keeping streets clean, the city’s existing customer service sometimes doesn’t cut it.&nbsp;

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For neighborhoods that deal with the Sisyphean task of keeping streets clean, the city’s existing customer service sometimes doesn’t cut it.&nbsp;

For some of the most common complaints, such as loose trash, graffiti or feces, it can take hours or even days for a crew from the city&#8217;s Department of Public Works to resolve the issue. That’s partly due to redundancy and confusion between cleanup crews employed by the Department of Public Works and privately-funded community benefit districts, or CBDs, that work in high-traffic commercial corridors.

For some of the most common complaints, such as loose trash, graffiti or feces, it can take hours or even days for a crew from the city's Department of Public Works to resolve the issue. That’s partly due to redundancy and confusion between cleanup crews employed by the Department of Public Works and privately-funded community benefit districts, or CBDs, that work in high-traffic commercial corridors.

For some of the most common complaints, such as loose trash, graffiti or feces, it can take hours or even days for a crew from the city&#8217;s Department of Public Works to resolve the issue. That’s partly due to redundancy and confusion between cleanup crews employed by the Department of Public Works and privately-funded community benefit districts, or CBDs, that work in high-traffic commercial corridors.

The city is hoping that a technological fix will change that. An app called Connected Worker, which was introduced on a pilot basis last year, promises to dramatically improve response times for everyday cleanup while better integrating private CBDs into the city’s expansive 311 system.&nbsp;

The city is hoping that a technological fix will change that. An app called Connected Worker, which was introduced on a pilot basis last year, promises to dramatically improve response times for everyday cleanup while better integrating private CBDs into the city’s expansive 311 system.&nbsp;

“The benefit to the city and neighborhood is that the response time is significantly faster,” said Andrew Robinson, executive director of the East Cut CBD, which has 22 full-time staff working 24 hours a day. “We want to respond to those things, and make sure our data is also in the city’s system so the city can see what we’re doing.”&nbsp;

“The benefit to the city and neighborhood is that the response time is significantly faster,” said Andrew Robinson, executive director of the East Cut CBD, which has 22 full-time staff working 24 hours a day. “We want to respond to those things, and make sure our data is also in the city’s system so the city can see what we’re doing.”&nbsp;

The city’s 311 customer service system processes roughly 50,000 calls for service in a typical month. Requests for cleaning make up the lion’s share of those requests: In October, about 40% of all 311 requests were for street and sidewalk cleanup. The city’s 17 active CBDs, which serve limited geographic areas and are funded by local businesses and property owners, are often already at the scene and can respond to those requests much more quickly than city teams.

The city’s 311 customer service system processes roughly 50,000 calls for service in a typical month. Requests for cleaning make up the lion’s share of those requests: In October, about 40% of all 311 requests were for street and sidewalk cleanup. The city’s 17 active CBDs, which serve limited geographic areas and are funded by local businesses and property owners, are often already at the scene and can respond to those requests much more quickly than city teams.

Until recently, however, the CBDs and Public Works cleaning crews had no easy way to communicate. That meant that city crews would arrive at a cleanup scene only to find that it had already been handled by a private neighborhood crew, creating wasted time and effort across Public Works’ response system.&nbsp;

Until recently, however, the CBDs and Public Works cleaning crews had no easy way to communicate. That meant that city crews would arrive at a cleanup scene only to find that it had already been handled by a private neighborhood crew, creating wasted time and effort across Public Works’ response system.&nbsp;

“My hunch is that it would often mean the city wouldn’t send someone out as fast,” added Robinson. “[The app] has really improved communications.”&nbsp;

“My hunch is that it would often mean the city wouldn’t send someone out as fast,” added Robinson. “[The app] has really improved communications.”&nbsp;

The recent push is part of Shine On SF, a public-private initiative launched by Mayor London Breed to scrub down and beautify San Francisco neighborhoods. With a carve-out of about $92 million from this year’s budget, the initiative includes funding for dedicated cleanup along key commercial corridors, trash can replacements, and improvements to the 311 response system, among other efforts.&nbsp;

The recent push is part of Shine On SF, a public-private initiative launched by Mayor London Breed to scrub down and beautify San Francisco neighborhoods. With a carve-out of about $92 million from this year’s budget, the initiative includes funding for dedicated cleanup along key commercial corridors, trash can replacements, and improvements to the 311 response system, among other efforts.&nbsp;

“Sometimes things just aren&#8217;t run the best they could be,” Noaeh Pinaire, a laborer with Public Works who scrubs down Castro Street as part of the new beautification efforts, told Here/Say in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-francisco-deep-cleans-its-streets/">a recent interview</a>. “In essence, [it’s] the allocation of resources&#8230;maybe people are getting put in areas that necessarily don&#8217;t need all that manpower. I think it&#8217;s just small things like that.”

“Sometimes things just aren't run the best they could be,” Noaeh Pinaire, a laborer with Public Works who scrubs down Castro Street as part of the new beautification efforts, told Here/Say in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-francisco-deep-cleans-its-streets/">a recent interview</a>. “In essence, [it’s] the allocation of resources...maybe people are getting put in areas that necessarily don't need all that manpower. I think it's just small things like that.”

“Sometimes things just aren&#8217;t run the best they could be,” Noaeh Pinaire, a laborer with Public Works who scrubs down Castro Street as part of the new beautification efforts, told Here/Say in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-francisco-deep-cleans-its-streets/">a recent interview</a>. “In essence, [it’s] the allocation of resources&#8230;maybe people are getting put in areas that necessarily don&#8217;t need all that manpower. I think it&#8217;s just small things like that.”

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The Mayor’s Office frames the cleanup efforts as part of a broader recovery, positing that cleaner and better cared-for streets will make San Francisco a more inviting place to visit as the city’s battered tourism sector crawls back from COVID.&nbsp;

The Mayor’s Office frames the cleanup efforts as part of a broader recovery, positing that cleaner and better cared-for streets will make San Francisco a more inviting place to visit as the city’s battered tourism sector crawls back from COVID.&nbsp;

Using general fund money, the city commissioned developer Connected Bits, which also built the external 311 app, to create an app for cleanup workers in the field. That allows CBD workers to address and resolve complaints within the city’s existing 311 infrastructure, freeing up more time for Public Works staff to respond to citywide complaints.&nbsp;

Using general fund money, the city commissioned developer Connected Bits, which also built the external 311 app, to create an app for cleanup workers in the field. That allows CBD workers to address and resolve complaints within the city’s existing 311 infrastructure, freeing up more time for Public Works staff to respond to citywide complaints.&nbsp;

The average resolution times using the app were significantly faster compared to comparable calls routed through 311: Loose trash cleanup took about 5 hours on average with the app, compared to 34 hours citywide, according to data provided by the city. Public graffiti cleanup took 4 hours, compared to 6 days. Neighborhood CBDs must opt in to the app, and six of the city’s 17 CBDs are participating right now.&nbsp;

The average resolution times using the app were significantly faster compared to comparable calls routed through 311: Loose trash cleanup took about 5 hours on average with the app, compared to 34 hours citywide, according to data provided by the city. Public graffiti cleanup took 4 hours, compared to 6 days. Neighborhood CBDs must opt in to the app, and six of the city’s 17 CBDs are participating right now.&nbsp;

Robinson said that the “long game” is to build a unified response system that includes all CBDs, and perhaps even other nonprofits that provide maintenance or safety services in San Francisco neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Robinson said that the “long game” is to build a unified response system that includes all CBDs, and perhaps even other nonprofits that provide maintenance or safety services in San Francisco neighborhoods.&nbsp;

“The sidewalks in front of your house or business&#8230;often have more intense use than anyone should ever be expected to take care of,” Robinson said. “Now I’m able to invest the money I’m putting into responding to calls into more work on the streets.”

“The sidewalks in front of your house or business...often have more intense use than anyone should ever be expected to take care of,” Robinson said. “Now I’m able to invest the money I’m putting into responding to calls into more work on the streets.”

“The sidewalks in front of your house or business&#8230;often have more intense use than anyone should ever be expected to take care of,” Robinson said. “Now I’m able to invest the money I’m putting into responding to calls into more work on the streets.”

To help streets sparkle, S.F. looks to revamped tech for cleanup crews

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicked off the process of wrangling and finalizing the city’s budget with the first in a series of hearings that will determine where billions of dollars will go over the next two years.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicked off the process of wrangling and finalizing the city’s budget with the first in a series of hearings that will determine where billions of dollars will go over the next two years.&nbsp;

At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Supervisors Matt Haney, Hillary Ronen and Gordon Mar heard presentations from City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Ashley Groffenberger, budget director for Mayor London Breed, who gave a breakdown of the city’s revenue outlook and the allocations proposed in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Supervisors Matt Haney, Hillary Ronen and Gordon Mar heard presentations from City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Ashley Groffenberger, budget director for Mayor London Breed, who gave a breakdown of the city’s revenue outlook and the allocations proposed in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal, which she <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">previewed last week</a>, sets aside $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022 and $12.8 billion for the following year. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and its fiscal years end in July.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal, which she <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">previewed last week</a>, sets aside $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022 and $12.8 billion for the following year. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and its fiscal years end in July.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed of her proposal, which has a particular focus on COVID-19 recovery and response, public safety and homelessness.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed of her proposal, which has a particular focus on COVID-19 recovery and response, public safety and homelessness.&nbsp;

Among the notable line items are $1 billion to create new placements for homeless individuals and families, $300 million for behavioral health services and millions in funding for alternative public safety programs such as<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market"> </a>street <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">ambassadors in the downtown area </a>and additional street crisis response teams. The budget also proposes a new Office of Justice Innovation that would be housed within the Mayor’s Office, various tax and fee waivers for businesses and low-income individuals, and other economic and workforce initiatives.

Among the notable line items are $1 billion to create new placements for homeless individuals and families, $300 million for behavioral health services and millions in funding for alternative public safety programs such as<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market"> </a>street <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">ambassadors in the downtown area </a>and additional street crisis response teams. The budget also proposes a new Office of Justice Innovation that would be housed within the Mayor’s Office, various tax and fee waivers for businesses and low-income individuals, and other economic and workforce initiatives.

Supervisor Ronen, who represents District 9, raised concerns about “duplication” of services between some of the items in Breed’s budget and <a href="https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/">Mental Health SF</a>, an initiative passed in 2019 that seeks to create, among other things, a central coordinating center for mental health services in the city.&nbsp;

Supervisor Ronen, who represents District 9, raised concerns about “duplication” of services between some of the items in Breed’s budget and <a href="https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/">Mental Health SF</a>, an initiative passed in 2019 that seeks to create, among other things, a central coordinating center for mental health services in the city.&nbsp;

“I’m not exactly sure what the purpose is,” said Ronen, speaking of the proposed Office of Justice Innovation. “We’re creating all of these random street teams, and a whole new unit within the Mayor’s Office and I’m worried we’re falling back into old habits.”&nbsp;

“I’m not exactly sure what the purpose is,” said Ronen, speaking of the proposed Office of Justice Innovation. “We’re creating all of these random street teams, and a whole new unit within the Mayor’s Office and I’m worried we’re falling back into old habits.”&nbsp;

Supervisors also questioned the level of funding for law enforcement in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Supervisors also questioned the level of funding for law enforcement in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Breed’s proposal calls for stabilization of San Francisco’s police force, including two academy classes to replace the roughly 80 who retire or leave each year. Supervisor Mar asked how soon the new alternative safety programs, such as street response teams, would result in a reduced need for police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed’s proposal calls for stabilization of San Francisco’s police force, including two academy classes to replace the roughly 80 who retire or leave each year. Supervisor Mar asked how soon the new alternative safety programs, such as street response teams, would result in a reduced need for police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the Board of Supervisors published a list of 386 <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Public%20List%20of%20Budget%20Requests%20-%20Updated%206.9.21%20-%20Citywide%20Requests.pdf">budget requests</a> totaling $545 million in the upcoming year. Those requests run the gamut, ranging from $25 million to finance affordable housing projects to smaller line items, such as $25,000 to fund a native plant garden at McLaren Park.&nbsp;

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the Board of Supervisors published a list of 386 <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Public%20List%20of%20Budget%20Requests%20-%20Updated%206.9.21%20-%20Citywide%20Requests.pdf">budget requests</a> totaling $545 million in the upcoming year. Those requests run the gamut, ranging from $25 million to finance affordable housing projects to smaller line items, such as $25,000 to fund a native plant garden at McLaren Park.&nbsp;

Primarily due to federal funding—the city is set to receive about $625 million in COVID-19 recovery funds—San Francisco budget officials were able to balance the city’s budget over the next two years. But there’s still a great degree of uncertainty over what <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">the local revenue picture</a> will look like after that, and how quickly key sources of tax dollars will recover as federal funds dry up.

Primarily due to federal funding—the city is set to receive about $625 million in COVID-19 recovery funds—San Francisco budget officials were able to balance the city’s budget over the next two years. But there’s still a great degree of uncertainty over what <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">the local revenue picture</a> will look like after that, and how quickly key sources of tax dollars will recover as federal funds dry up.

“Business and hotel [taxes] have a long way to recover,” said Carol Lu, a revenue manager at the Controller’s Office, noting that hotel taxes may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2025 or 2026. The office is also expecting 25 percent of the city’s workforce to telecommute permanently, which may affect business taxes long-term.&nbsp;

“Business and hotel [taxes] have a long way to recover,” said Carol Lu, a revenue manager at the Controller’s Office, noting that hotel taxes may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2025 or 2026. The office is also expecting 25 percent of the city’s workforce to telecommute permanently, which may affect business taxes long-term.&nbsp;

Another risk is FEMA reimbursement for emergency expenses San Francisco incurred during the pandemic. The city is currently expecting reimbursement of $430 million for disaster costs, including a shelter-in-place program for unhoused individuals that will begin winding down this year.&nbsp;

Another risk is FEMA reimbursement for emergency expenses San Francisco incurred during the pandemic. The city is currently expecting reimbursement of $430 million for disaster costs, including a shelter-in-place program for unhoused individuals that will begin winding down this year.&nbsp;

However, the federal agency undergoes a lengthy process of evaluating, approving and auditing claims—and it’s not uncommon for FEMA to deny some of the reimbursement claims in the end, said City Controller Rosenfield. Either way, it may take years to get clarity on how much of that $430 million San Francisco will actually receive.&nbsp;

However, the federal agency undergoes a lengthy process of evaluating, approving and auditing claims—and it’s not uncommon for FEMA to deny some of the reimbursement claims in the end, said City Controller Rosenfield. Either way, it may take years to get clarity on how much of that $430 million San Francisco will actually receive.&nbsp;

“They have a huge amount of claims coming in from all over the country, and it’s going to take some time,” said Rosenfield. “For the Loma Prieta earthquake, it took almost a decade to clear all the [claims].”&nbsp;

“They have a huge amount of claims coming in from all over the country, and it’s going to take some time,” said Rosenfield. “For the Loma Prieta earthquake, it took almost a decade to clear all the [claims].”&nbsp;

Over the next three weeks, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will remediate the differing budget proposals, starting with a series of presentations from individual city departments next week.

Over the next three weeks, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will remediate the differing budget proposals, starting with a series of presentations from individual city departments next week.

Hearings and negotiations will culminate in a day of public comment on June 25, followed by final budget deliberations <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">scheduled for</a> June 28. Mayor Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

Hearings and negotiations will culminate in a day of public comment on June 25, followed by final budget deliberations <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">scheduled for</a> June 28. Mayor Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations

David Sjostedt

Sarah Wright

A majority of the Board of Supervisors looks poised to approve Mayor London Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/">State of Emergency Declaration</a> on Thursday to address drug overdoses in the Tenderloin. Three supervisors told The Standard on Wednesday they plan to vote in favor, and at least three others are likely to support the Mayor, according to political observers and sources who asked not to be identified.

A majority of the Board of Supervisors looks poised to approve Mayor London Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/">State of Emergency Declaration</a> on Thursday to address drug overdoses in the Tenderloin. Three supervisors told The Standard on Wednesday they plan to vote in favor, and at least three others are likely to support the Mayor, according to political observers and sources who asked not to be identified.

Matt Haney, Rafael Mandelman and Gordon Mar all said they plan to vote in favor of the emergency proclamation. Connie Chan told The Standard that Haney’s position would weigh heavily with her. Myrna Melgar did not comment but is seen as likely to support Breed. Ahsha Safaí and Catherine Stefani did not comment but both are allies of the mayor.

Matt Haney, Rafael Mandelman and Gordon Mar all said they plan to vote in favor of the emergency proclamation. Connie Chan told The Standard that Haney’s position would weigh heavily with her. Myrna Melgar did not comment but is seen as likely to support Breed. Ahsha Safaí and Catherine Stefani did not comment but both are allies of the mayor.

The state of emergency declared on Friday is specifically aimed at the drug overdose crisis in the Tenderloin, the epicenter of an epidemic that has claimed over 500 lives citywide in 2021. In particular, it would clear bureaucratic barriers to the opening of a “linkage site” connecting drug users to services.

The state of emergency declared on Friday is specifically aimed at the drug overdose crisis in the Tenderloin, the epicenter of an epidemic that has claimed over 500 lives citywide in 2021. In particular, it would clear bureaucratic barriers to the opening of a “linkage site” connecting drug users to services.

But opponents of the emergency declaration see it as inextricably linked to the broader law-enforcement crackdown on drug use and street crime in the Tenderloin that Breed announced earlier last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But opponents of the emergency declaration see it as inextricably linked to the broader law-enforcement crackdown on drug use and street crime in the Tenderloin that Breed announced earlier last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dissenting voter Supervisor Dean Preston criticized the plan in a Twitter thread on Tuesday, objecting to it as a rehashed mechanism of the failed war on drugs. Breed has on numerous occasions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-calls-for-change-to-state-law-to-expand-involuntary-mental-health-treatment/">advocated for compelled treatment</a> and said during a press conference last week that the city is no longer going to give drug users a choice.&nbsp;

Dissenting voter Supervisor Dean Preston criticized the plan in a Twitter thread on Tuesday, objecting to it as a rehashed mechanism of the failed war on drugs. Breed has on numerous occasions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-calls-for-change-to-state-law-to-expand-involuntary-mental-health-treatment/">advocated for compelled treatment</a> and said during a press conference last week that the city is no longer going to give drug users a choice.&nbsp;

“Threatening people with arrest doesn’t work as a way to get addicted folks into treatment,” Preston wrote.

“Threatening people with arrest doesn’t work as a way to get addicted folks into treatment,” Preston wrote.

Supervisor Matt Haney, whose district includes the Tenderloin, tried to placate critics while still supporting the Mayor’s policies.

Supervisor Matt Haney, whose district includes the Tenderloin, tried to placate critics while still supporting the Mayor’s policies.

“I recognize that the mayor has said some things about the Tenderloin, some of which are things I disagree with. … But I have always felt that we need a public health response on our streets that matches the deadly epidemic we are facing,” Haney told The Standard. “If someone is threatened with jail to go to a linkage site then they can just walk away &#8230; They should not be threatened with jail. That should not happen.”&nbsp;

“I recognize that the mayor has said some things about the Tenderloin, some of which are things I disagree with. … But I have always felt that we need a public health response on our streets that matches the deadly epidemic we are facing,” Haney told The Standard. “If someone is threatened with jail to go to a linkage site then they can just walk away ... They should not be threatened with jail. That should not happen.”&nbsp;

“I recognize that the mayor has said some things about the Tenderloin, some of which are things I disagree with. … But I have always felt that we need a public health response on our streets that matches the deadly epidemic we are facing,” Haney told The Standard. “If someone is threatened with jail to go to a linkage site then they can just walk away &#8230; They should not be threatened with jail. That should not happen.”&nbsp;

In 2020, San Francisco tallied well over one-fourth of the total overdose deaths that occurred in New York City, which has 10 times the population.&nbsp;

In 2020, San Francisco tallied well over one-fourth of the total overdose deaths that occurred in New York City, which has 10 times the population.&nbsp;

A woman named Lil Bit, who became addicted to drugs 2 years ago after her daughter died, displays her drug paraphernalia in San Francisco’s United Nations Plaza on Dec. 20, 2021. | James Wyatt

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_33-1-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-20786"/><figcaption>A woman named Lil Bit, who became addicted to drugs 2 years ago after her daughter died, displays her drug paraphernalia in San Francisco’s United Nations Plaza on Dec. 20, 2021. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DocumentingTenderloin_JamesWyatt_SFS_33-1-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-20786"/><figcaption>A woman named Lil Bit, who became addicted to drugs 2 years ago after her daughter died, displays her drug paraphernalia in San Francisco’s United Nations Plaza on Dec. 20, 2021. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

Breed’s emergency declaration pertains only to the region overseen by the Tenderloin Police Department and is separate from her previous announcement of a move to&nbsp; increase police presence in the neighborhood, according to Andy Lynch, the mayor’s spokesperson.&nbsp;

Breed’s emergency declaration pertains only to the region overseen by the Tenderloin Police Department and is separate from her previous announcement of a move to&nbsp; increase police presence in the neighborhood, according to Andy Lynch, the mayor’s spokesperson.&nbsp;

“Increasing police in an area of the City doesn’t require an emergency declaration,” Lynch said, emphasizing that the main intent of the order is to allow the city to move quickly in opening the linkage site.

“Increasing police in an area of the City doesn’t require an emergency declaration,” Lynch said, emphasizing that the main intent of the order is to allow the city to move quickly in opening the linkage site.

If it passes, the emergency declaration would be in effect for up to 90 days, effectively eliminating processes that generally delay the implementation of city infrastructure. A similar ordinance was passed during the pandemic to expedite the purchase of shelter in place hotels and the sanctioning of safe sleeping villages.&nbsp;

If it passes, the emergency declaration would be in effect for up to 90 days, effectively eliminating processes that generally delay the implementation of city infrastructure. A similar ordinance was passed during the pandemic to expedite the purchase of shelter in place hotels and the sanctioning of safe sleeping villages.&nbsp;

The passing of the declaration would also enable the director of the Department of Emergency Management, Mary Caroll, to implement temporary facilities pertaining to public health, behavioral health, social or housing services at her own discretion.&nbsp;

The passing of the declaration would also enable the director of the Department of Emergency Management, Mary Caroll, to implement temporary facilities pertaining to public health, behavioral health, social or housing services at her own discretion.&nbsp;

Although fentanyl deaths were down last year in the city, fentanyl was a factor in more than 70% of overdose deaths between January and October 2021, an increase of nearly 20% since 2019, according to the mayor’s proclamation. The Tenderloin is one local hub for drug dealers and users, making it the target of recent efforts to crack down on drug use and help people struggling with addiction. <a href="https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/">Fentanyl deaths have risen by 23% across California</a> this year, too, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows.

Although fentanyl deaths were down last year in the city, fentanyl was a factor in more than 70% of overdose deaths between January and October 2021, an increase of nearly 20% since 2019, according to the mayor’s proclamation. The Tenderloin is one local hub for drug dealers and users, making it the target of recent efforts to crack down on drug use and help people struggling with addiction. <a href="https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/">Fentanyl deaths have risen by 23% across California</a> this year, too, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows.

San Francisco isn’t the only major metropolis with an overdose problem. Midway through 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office saw <a href="https://lasd.org/fentanyl-awareness/">fentanyl deaths rise by nearly 60% in the city</a>. The trends are the same across the nation, where this year, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/17/health/drug-overdoses-fentanyl-deaths.html">more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses</a>—setting a new record.

San Francisco isn’t the only major metropolis with an overdose problem. Midway through 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office saw <a href="https://lasd.org/fentanyl-awareness/">fentanyl deaths rise by nearly 60% in the city</a>. The trends are the same across the nation, where this year, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/17/health/drug-overdoses-fentanyl-deaths.html">more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses</a>—setting a new record.

In response to Breed’s announcement earlier this week, Board President Shamann Walton, who plans to vote “no” tomorrow, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/backlash-mounts-against-breeds-tenderloin-crackdown-as-board-vote-approaches/">held a press conference</a> saying he won’t support the declaration or Breed’s desire to flood the Tenderloin with police. In lieu of incarceration, he wants to see expanded support for people with mental, behavioral health and substance abuse issues.

In response to Breed’s announcement earlier this week, Board President Shamann Walton, who plans to vote “no” tomorrow, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/backlash-mounts-against-breeds-tenderloin-crackdown-as-board-vote-approaches/">held a press conference</a> saying he won’t support the declaration or Breed’s desire to flood the Tenderloin with police. In lieu of incarceration, he wants to see expanded support for people with mental, behavioral health and substance abuse issues.

“Locking people up for addictions and mental illness has never worked in this City or in this country,” Walton said earlier this week.

“Locking people up for addictions and mental illness has never worked in this City or in this country,” Walton said earlier this week.

Mandelman said while the Tenderloin is far from the only neighborhood in the city in need of help, citing the Castro in his own district as one example, he is in favor of the emergency declaration—and said he wants to see the mayor’s idea for a site to connect drug users with health services come to fruition.

Mandelman said while the Tenderloin is far from the only neighborhood in the city in need of help, citing the Castro in his own district as one example, he is in favor of the emergency declaration—and said he wants to see the mayor’s idea for a site to connect drug users with health services come to fruition.

While acknowledging his colleagues&#8217; concerns about policing, Mandelman, too, sees the two moves as distinct, and thinks Breed will activate the city’s police regardless of Thursday’s vote.&nbsp;

While acknowledging his colleagues' concerns about policing, Mandelman, too, sees the two moves as distinct, and thinks Breed will activate the city’s police regardless of Thursday’s vote.&nbsp;

While acknowledging his colleagues&#8217; concerns about policing, Mandelman, too, sees the two moves as distinct, and thinks Breed will activate the city’s police regardless of Thursday’s vote.&nbsp;

“She believes sometimes police are going to be necessary, and so do I,” Mandelman said.

“She believes sometimes police are going to be necessary, and so do I,” Mandelman said.

After a briefing from the Department of Emergency Management yesterday, Mar says he now has a better understanding of the plan’s emphasis on connecting drug users to services over increasing law enforcement and plans to support the emergency declaration.

After a briefing from the Department of Emergency Management yesterday, Mar says he now has a better understanding of the plan’s emphasis on connecting drug users to services over increasing law enforcement and plans to support the emergency declaration.

Chan said she has not yet decided how she will vote tomorrow, and has “a lot of questions about this declaration” to ask at tomorrow’s board meeting. She emphasized the importance of Haney’s leadership in this issue because “he knows Tenderloin better than I do.”

Chan said she has not yet decided how she will vote tomorrow, and has “a lot of questions about this declaration” to ask at tomorrow’s board meeting. She emphasized the importance of Haney’s leadership in this issue because “he knows Tenderloin better than I do.”

Walton said he’s frustrated that the focus has stayed on the Tenderloin, when there have been 16 homicides in District 10, which includes Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, Hunters Point and the Bayview, just this year.&nbsp;

Walton said he’s frustrated that the focus has stayed on the Tenderloin, when there have been 16 homicides in District 10, which includes Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, Hunters Point and the Bayview, just this year.&nbsp;

“No one seems to be concerned,” Walton said.

“No one seems to be concerned,” Walton said.

Additional reporting from Han Li, Meaghan Mitchell and Mike Ege.

Additional reporting from Han Li, Meaghan Mitchell and Mike Ege.

Tenderloin crackdown: Supervisors likely to approve state of emergency amid arguments over policing

With a moratorium on commercial evictions set to expire, San Francisco plans to establish a relief fund intended to help stave off a wave of closures and settle hundreds of millions in outstanding rent debt.&nbsp;

With a moratorium on commercial evictions set to expire, San Francisco plans to establish a relief fund intended to help stave off a wave of closures and settle hundreds of millions in outstanding rent debt.&nbsp;

Combined with a forbearance period, the city hopes that the fund will save thousands of small businesses and jobs, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai at a hearing of the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance committee on Wednesday. The three-person committee voted unanimously to advance the plan to the full board.&nbsp;

Combined with a forbearance period, the city hopes that the fund will save thousands of small businesses and jobs, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai at a hearing of the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance committee on Wednesday. The three-person committee voted unanimously to advance the plan to the full board.&nbsp;

“This is an imminent crisis&#8230;with the scale of back rent exceeding the hundreds of millions, this is something we’re very concerned about,” said Safai. “It affects every single district and every single merchant corridor.”

“This is an imminent crisis...with the scale of back rent exceeding the hundreds of millions, this is something we’re very concerned about,” said Safai. “It affects every single district and every single merchant corridor.”

“This is an imminent crisis&#8230;with the scale of back rent exceeding the hundreds of millions, this is something we’re very concerned about,” said Safai. “It affects every single district and every single merchant corridor.”

If approved and signed by Mayor London Breed, a relief fund would be created to offer grants for commercial landlords. Safai proposed that the fund include $25 million—a fraction of the total back rent owed, according to estimates—though it&#8217;s not yet clear where the funding would come from.

If approved and signed by Mayor London Breed, a relief fund would be created to offer grants for commercial landlords. Safai proposed that the fund include $25 million—a fraction of the total back rent owed, according to estimates—though it's not yet clear where the funding would come from.

If approved and signed by Mayor London Breed, a relief fund would be created to offer grants for commercial landlords. Safai proposed that the fund include $25 million—a fraction of the total back rent owed, according to estimates—though it&#8217;s not yet clear where the funding would come from.

Those landlords would have to agree to apply the full grant to the balance of back rent, and to renegotiate the lease with their tenant and cut a deal for the remaining balance. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) would administer the grants, which will be capped at $35,000 each.&nbsp;

Those landlords would have to agree to apply the full grant to the balance of back rent, and to renegotiate the lease with their tenant and cut a deal for the remaining balance. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) would administer the grants, which will be capped at $35,000 each.&nbsp;

Many business owners said they’d accrued tens of thousands in back rent during pandemic-related shutdowns, or had landlords who were unwilling to negotiate rent reductions as their revenues withered.&nbsp;

Many business owners said they’d accrued tens of thousands in back rent during pandemic-related shutdowns, or had landlords who were unwilling to negotiate rent reductions as their revenues withered.&nbsp;

One speaker at Wednesday’s meeting, a stylist at House of Mahogany salon in the Ingleside district, said that the salon’s cooperative business model made it ineligible for federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans because it doesn’t pay out salaries.&nbsp;

One speaker at Wednesday’s meeting, a stylist at House of Mahogany salon in the Ingleside district, said that the salon’s cooperative business model made it ineligible for federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans because it doesn’t pay out salaries.&nbsp;

“I think we all know the federal financial relief, through the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund loans, fell far short of our need,” added Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, approved by Congress in March, ran out of money in June and with a backlog of more than 177,000 applications.&nbsp;

“I think we all know the federal financial relief, through the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund loans, fell far short of our need,” added Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, approved by Congress in March, ran out of money in June and with a backlog of more than 177,000 applications.&nbsp;

Others described an impossible situation: Crushing rent debts, coupled with a dramatic and continuing drop in revenue.

Others described an impossible situation: Crushing rent debts, coupled with a dramatic and continuing drop in revenue.

“Our rent is one of the highest in the country; we owe hundreds of thousands in back rent,” said Sterling Quan of Lee’s Deli, a small chain of eateries in the Financial District. “We have reopened and are doing not even 10% of pre-COVID sales. It’s impossible to make up 18 months of lost sales⁠—no one is coming in to eat twice a day.”&nbsp;

“Our rent is one of the highest in the country; we owe hundreds of thousands in back rent,” said Sterling Quan of Lee’s Deli, a small chain of eateries in the Financial District. “We have reopened and are doing not even 10% of pre-COVID sales. It’s impossible to make up 18 months of lost sales⁠—no one is coming in to eat twice a day.”&nbsp;

Commercial tenants, along with residential tenants, face a cliff at the end of this month.&nbsp;

Commercial tenants, along with residential tenants, face a cliff at the end of this month.&nbsp;

California’s eviction moratorium expires on Sept. 30, and while some<a href="https://sfstandard.com/policymakers-advocates-urge-tenants-to-seek-relief-ahead-of-sept-30-deadline/"> protections will stay in place</a>—renters cannot be evicted if they’ve paid at least 25% of back rent, for example—some policymakers are concerned that the looming deadline could bring a wave of evictions, both of individuals and businesses. San Francisco small businesses employed about 364,000 people prior to the pandemic according to OEWD.&nbsp;

California’s eviction moratorium expires on Sept. 30, and while some<a href="https://sfstandard.com/policymakers-advocates-urge-tenants-to-seek-relief-ahead-of-sept-30-deadline/"> protections will stay in place</a>—renters cannot be evicted if they’ve paid at least 25% of back rent, for example—some policymakers are concerned that the looming deadline could bring a wave of evictions, both of individuals and businesses. San Francisco small businesses employed about 364,000 people prior to the pandemic according to OEWD.&nbsp;

The eviction moratorium enacted at the federal level covered only residences, leaving states and local governments to write their own rules for commercial evictions. But further extensions to California&#8217;s residential and commercial eviction moratoriums appear “unlikely,” said Safai.&nbsp;

The eviction moratorium enacted at the federal level covered only residences, leaving states and local governments to write their own rules for commercial evictions. But further extensions to California's residential and commercial eviction moratoriums appear “unlikely,” said Safai.&nbsp;

The eviction moratorium enacted at the federal level covered only residences, leaving states and local governments to write their own rules for commercial evictions. But further extensions to California&#8217;s residential and commercial eviction moratoriums appear “unlikely,” said Safai.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors voted to enact a six-month forbearance period for businesses with between 50 and 99 employees, an expansion of existing provisions for smaller businesses.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors voted to enact a six-month forbearance period for businesses with between 50 and 99 employees, an expansion of existing provisions for smaller businesses.&nbsp;

In March, the city’s Budget &amp; Legislative analyst estimated that San Francisco businesses had accrued as much as $400 million in unpaid rent between March and December 2020. Restaurants and bars were particularly hard hit, with retail tenants accounting for as much as 98% of the total unpaid rent.&nbsp;

In March, the city’s Budget &amp; Legislative analyst estimated that San Francisco businesses had accrued as much as $400 million in unpaid rent between March and December 2020. Restaurants and bars were particularly hard hit, with retail tenants accounting for as much as 98% of the total unpaid rent.&nbsp;

‘Imminent crisis’: SF moves to create $25M fund to cover small businesses’ back rent

Mike Ege

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Update: This story has been updated from a previous version.</li></ul>

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<ul><li>Update: This story has been updated from a previous version.</li></ul>

Among the items that were considered at Tuesday’s San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting: new bars in the Castro, more eviction protections, and hearings on police shootings and Omicron response. Plus, possible new rules for gun owners and monster homes. (Wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag012522_agenda.pdf">the meeting’s full agenda.</a>)

Among the items that were considered at Tuesday’s San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting: new bars in the Castro, more eviction protections, and hearings on police shootings and Omicron response. Plus, possible new rules for gun owners and monster homes. (Wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can check out <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag012522_agenda.pdf">the meeting’s full agenda.</a>)

Bars in the Castro&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bars-in-the-castro">Bars in the Castro&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-bars-in-the-castro">Bars in the Castro&nbsp;</h2>

The Castro Street Neighborhood Commercial District banned new bars back in 1987, mainly due to concerns of an oversaturation of bars in the neighborhood. While new drinking establishments have opened in the neighborhood over time, they’ve always replaced bars that have closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Castro Street Neighborhood Commercial District banned new bars back in 1987, mainly due to concerns of an oversaturation of bars in the neighborhood. While new drinking establishments have opened in the neighborhood over time, they’ve always replaced bars that have closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The limit on drinking establishments has also led to equity issues—back in 2005, the city’s<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Panel-finds-bias-at-Castro-bar-2637802.php"> Human Rights Commission</a> found that one of the most popular establishments had been using its door policy to discriminate against Black patrons. Although the ruling wasn’t legally binding, the controversy continued until a<a href="https://www.ebar.com/news///236681"> settlement was reached</a> the following year.

The limit on drinking establishments has also led to equity issues—back in 2005, the city’s<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Panel-finds-bias-at-Castro-bar-2637802.php"> Human Rights Commission</a> found that one of the most popular establishments had been using its door policy to discriminate against Black patrons. Although the ruling wasn’t legally binding, the controversy continued until a<a href="https://www.ebar.com/news///236681"> settlement was reached</a> the following year.

Meanwhile, changes in the neighborhood over time, including an increase in storefront vacancies due to the Covid pandemic and a plea from a constituent who wants to open a wine bar in the district, prompted District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to look into the matter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, changes in the neighborhood over time, including an increase in storefront vacancies due to the Covid pandemic and a plea from a constituent who wants to open a wine bar in the district, prompted District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to look into the matter.&nbsp;

The end result Tuesday was a simple change in the zoning tables for the district, where the line for bars was changed from “NP” to “C,” thus allowing new drinking establishments to open up in the neighborhood upon approval of a conditional-use permit. Public notice and a hearing before the Planning Commission would still be required.&nbsp;

The end result Tuesday was a simple change in the zoning tables for the district, where the line for bars was changed from “NP” to “C,” thus allowing new drinking establishments to open up in the neighborhood upon approval of a conditional-use permit. Public notice and a hearing before the Planning Commission would still be required.&nbsp;

“Basically, we wanted to update the use controls to something more flexible and fair,” said Jacob Bintliff, an aide to Supervisor Mandelman.&nbsp;

“Basically, we wanted to update the use controls to something more flexible and fair,” said Jacob Bintliff, an aide to Supervisor Mandelman.&nbsp;

At the Jan. 10 hearing on the item, Castro resident Jesse Sanford urged the Land Use Committee to approve the zoning law and noted a continuing atmosphere of discrimination in the neighborhood’s bar scene. He said he could easily enter neighborhood bars as a white man, but often a person of color would be denied entry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the Jan. 10 hearing on the item, Castro resident Jesse Sanford urged the Land Use Committee to approve the zoning law and noted a continuing atmosphere of discrimination in the neighborhood’s bar scene. He said he could easily enter neighborhood bars as a white man, but often a person of color would be denied entry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sanford said that “every bar in the Castro is owned by a cisgender white man” and that “sets a tone at the top” for discrimination.&nbsp;

Sanford said that “every bar in the Castro is owned by a cisgender white man” and that “sets a tone at the top” for discrimination.&nbsp;

“I have spoken with Black and brown folks, lesbians and trans people who have been heartbroken to discover that even after making it to the United States’ foremost LGBT sanctuary neighborhood, that there is no place for them,” he continued.&nbsp;

“I have spoken with Black and brown folks, lesbians and trans people who have been heartbroken to discover that even after making it to the United States’ foremost LGBT sanctuary neighborhood, that there is no place for them,” he continued.&nbsp;

Sanford urged support for the legislation, which was then sent with positive recommendation to the full board for accelerated approval as a committee report. The full Board approved the item on first reading the following day, and it was approved again Tuesday.

Sanford urged support for the legislation, which was then sent with positive recommendation to the full board for accelerated approval as a committee report. The full Board approved the item on first reading the following day, and it was approved again Tuesday.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evictions</h2>

Also on the BOS agenda Tuesday were further eviction protections. District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston’s “eviction diversion ordinance,” which would require landlords pursuing certain with-cause evictions to give the tenant a preliminary written notice and a 10-day grace period to rectify the issue, passed unanimously on first reading.

Also on the BOS agenda Tuesday were further eviction protections. District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston’s “eviction diversion ordinance,” which would require landlords pursuing certain with-cause evictions to give the tenant a preliminary written notice and a 10-day grace period to rectify the issue, passed unanimously on first reading.

Preston reiterated remarks made at the Jan. 10 Land Use Committee meeting that emergency eviction protections instituted during the pandemic are providing a foundation for future policy. “Making eviction a last resort is good policy,” Preston said at the hearing. “We don’t resolve any other financial dispute (by threatening someone’s housing.)”

Preston reiterated remarks made at the Jan. 10 Land Use Committee meeting that emergency eviction protections instituted during the pandemic are providing a foundation for future policy. “Making eviction a last resort is good policy,” Preston said at the hearing. “We don’t resolve any other financial dispute (by threatening someone’s housing.)”

Hearings: Police and Omicron

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hearings: Police and Omicron</h2>

<h2>Hearings: Police and Omicron</h2>

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SF Board of Supes in 5 mins: Castro bars, evictions, police shootings and more Omicron