Meaghan Mitchell

For Mary Conde, vice president of production at Another Planet Entertainment and chief organizer of this weekend’s Outside Lands music festival, the comeback of the city’s entertainment scene began on a Monday afternoon last month when she told her team to “send the tweet.”

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For Mary Conde, vice president of production at Another Planet Entertainment and chief organizer of this weekend’s Outside Lands music festival, the comeback of the city’s entertainment scene began on a Monday afternoon last month when she told her team to “send the tweet.”

The message, from the Twitter account of The Independent music hall on Divisadero St., revealed a surprise last-minute Metallica performance that evening that Conde had secretly put together. Only 500 tickets were available, $20 each, vaccine documentation required.

The message, from the Twitter account of The Independent music hall on Divisadero St., revealed a surprise last-minute Metallica performance that evening that Conde had secretly put together. Only 500 tickets were available, $20 each, vaccine documentation required.

Lucky fans who secured wristbands took to social media to express their glee, with one fan <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcjeanelle/status/1438711410716864519?s=20">tweeting</a> that it “feels like old times in the Independent in SF.”&nbsp;

Lucky fans who secured wristbands took to social media to express their glee, with one fan <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcjeanelle/status/1438711410716864519?s=20">tweeting</a> that it “feels like old times in the Independent in SF.”&nbsp;

That’s exactly the feeling Metallica super-fan Conde was looking for—a sign that things were looking up for the city’s live music scene, which had ceased to exist during the pandemic.

That’s exactly the feeling Metallica super-fan Conde was looking for—a sign that things were looking up for the city’s live music scene, which had ceased to exist during the pandemic.

Outside Lands attendees sing along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13198"/><figcaption>Outside Lands attendees sing along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13198"/><figcaption>Outside Lands attendees sing along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

“I felt like I was legit in my happy place that night at the Independent,&#8221; Conde told Here/Say. &#8220;I think I had more fun selling the tickets to that show than I had at the show because it was so amazing, and people really showed up. I even had a doctor show up in his surgical garb.&#8221;

“I felt like I was legit in my happy place that night at the Independent," Conde told Here/Say. "I think I had more fun selling the tickets to that show than I had at the show because it was so amazing, and people really showed up. I even had a doctor show up in his surgical garb."

“I felt like I was legit in my happy place that night at the Independent,&#8221; Conde told Here/Say. &#8220;I think I had more fun selling the tickets to that show than I had at the show because it was so amazing, and people really showed up. I even had a doctor show up in his surgical garb.&#8221;

Now, Conde and her team are gearing up for their largest event, the 13th annual Outside Lands music festival, which kicks off this evening and runs through the weekend with six stages spread across Golden Gate Park&#8217;s Hellman Hollow, Speedway Meadow, and Marx Meadow.

Now, Conde and her team are gearing up for their largest event, the 13th annual Outside Lands music festival, which kicks off this evening and runs through the weekend with six stages spread across Golden Gate Park's Hellman Hollow, Speedway Meadow, and Marx Meadow.

Now, Conde and her team are gearing up for their largest event, the 13th annual Outside Lands music festival, which kicks off this evening and runs through the weekend with six stages spread across Golden Gate Park&#8217;s Hellman Hollow, Speedway Meadow, and Marx Meadow.

The festival is being held for the first time in the fall, after being canceled last year. And the  Halloween weekend promises some extra twists: Another Planet is encouraging participants to dress up for Halloween, though there are plenty of rules. Costumes such as headdresses that are deemed a form of cultural appropriation are not permitted; First responder costumes, such as firemen or health workers, are also prohibited, and toy weapons will be confiscated. Masks or costumes that cover your whole face are banned, as are hard-sided helmets and fake blood.

The festival is being held for the first time in the fall, after being canceled last year. And the Halloween weekend promises some extra twists: Another Planet is encouraging participants to dress up for Halloween, though there are plenty of rules. Costumes such as headdresses that are deemed a form of cultural appropriation are not permitted; First responder costumes, such as firemen or health workers, are also prohibited, and toy weapons will be confiscated. Masks or costumes that cover your whole face are banned, as are hard-sided helmets and fake blood.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_0753-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13135"/><figcaption>Mary Conde, vice president of production at Another Planet Entertainment, at her San Francisco office. | Photo by Joel Aguero</figcaption></figure>

Conde said that otherwise the set-up of the event&nbsp;is similar to past festivals. Instead of a live comedy tent, the festival will host a DJ tent dedicated to summer. Other headliners include DJ Zoo, who grew up in the Sunset District.

Conde said that otherwise the set-up of the event&nbsp;is similar to past festivals. Instead of a live comedy tent, the festival will host a DJ tent dedicated to summer. Other headliners include DJ Zoo, who grew up in the Sunset District.

Conde told us she is still dealing with pandemic-related issues ranging from supply chain to staffing. But the biggest challenge has been organizing a festival at this scale at this time of year while school is in session. To mitigate traffic issues around schools in the immediate area, Conde has hired extra police officers to help parents pick up their kids around school zones.&nbsp;

Conde told us she is still dealing with pandemic-related issues ranging from supply chain to staffing. But the biggest challenge has been organizing a festival at this scale at this time of year while school is in session. To mitigate traffic issues around schools in the immediate area, Conde has hired extra police officers to help parents pick up their kids around school zones.&nbsp;

Conde and her team have also secured volunteers from SFPD on Halloween to enhance pedestrian safety for kids out trick or treating.&nbsp;

Conde and her team have also secured volunteers from SFPD on Halloween to enhance pedestrian safety for kids out trick or treating.&nbsp;

“I think when you start looking at the fact that it&#8217;s Friday and there is a major event happening kicking off the holiday weekend, it&#8217;s just a lot of activity happening in a small space,” said Conde.

“I think when you start looking at the fact that it's Friday and there is a major event happening kicking off the holiday weekend, it's just a lot of activity happening in a small space,” said Conde.

“I think when you start looking at the fact that it&#8217;s Friday and there is a major event happening kicking off the holiday weekend, it&#8217;s just a lot of activity happening in a small space,” said Conde.

Tanner Plott, dressed as Cruella de Vil, waits for the N Judah MUNI to take them to Outside Lands Music Festival alongside Carisa Ramage and Daniel Henry, who were collectively dressed up as “Jungle Cruise” on October 30, 2021. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-28.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13204"/><figcaption>Tanner Plott, dressed as Cruella de Vil, waits for the N Judah to take them to Outside Lands Music Festival alongside Carisa Ramage and Daniel Henry, who were collectively dressed up as “Jungle Cruise” on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Despite the logistical headaches of the festival, the payoff in terms of fun and finances for San Francisco could be great this weekend.&nbsp;

Despite the logistical headaches of the festival, the payoff in terms of fun and finances for San Francisco could be great this weekend.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed noted that Outside Lands is an economic boon to San Francisco in a social media post recently: “This festival brings the equivalent of 700-year-round jobs to our city, growing our economy and giving exposure to many restaurants, wineries, and breweries that struggled during the pandemic,” she said.

Mayor London Breed noted that Outside Lands is an economic boon to San Francisco in a social media post recently: “This festival brings the equivalent of 700-year-round jobs to our city, growing our economy and giving exposure to many restaurants, wineries, and breweries that struggled during the pandemic,” she said.

One notable food-focused attraction, “A Taste of the Bay Area,” will feature cheekily-named food vendors Bacon Lands, Choco Lands, Cheese Lands and the seafood-focused Outside Clams, as well as designated imbibing areas, among them Wine Lands, Beer Lands and Cocktail Magic.

One notable food-focused attraction, “A Taste of the Bay Area,” will feature cheekily-named food vendors Bacon Lands, Choco Lands, Cheese Lands and the seafood-focused Outside Clams, as well as designated imbibing areas, among them Wine Lands, Beer Lands and Cocktail Magic.

The festival will offer up another full schedule of collaborative cooking demonstrations at the GastroMagic stage, a demo space that showcases creative performances involving food and has proven to be extremely popular. You’ll find some of San Francisco’s renowned chefs like Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s French Soul Food for the return of ‘Beignets and Bounce Brunch,’ with rapper Big Freedia and transgender performance artist Katey Red performing live.&nbsp;

The festival will offer up another full schedule of collaborative cooking demonstrations at the GastroMagic stage, a demo space that showcases creative performances involving food and has proven to be extremely popular. You’ll find some of San Francisco’s renowned chefs like Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s French Soul Food for the return of ‘Beignets and Bounce Brunch,’ with rapper Big Freedia and transgender performance artist Katey Red performing live.&nbsp;

Conde has been in the live music game since 1982, when she worked for Bill Graham at a Grateful Dead show in Oakland called Day on the Green.&nbsp;

Conde has been in the live music game since 1982, when she worked for Bill Graham at a Grateful Dead show in Oakland called Day on the Green.&nbsp;

Concertgoes arrive and depart the Sutro Stage in Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park at Outside Lands on October 30, 2021. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-02.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13201"/><figcaption>Fans arrive and depart the Sutro Stage in Lindley Meadow at Outside Lands on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

“I was fresh out of high school and just felt like I saw something I didn&#8217;t know existed,” said Conde. “Everything from peeking behind the curtain and seeing the wonderful wizard. There is just all this magic to make events happen. And it&#8217;s not always glamorous, certainly, but it&#8217;s important.”&nbsp;

“I was fresh out of high school and just felt like I saw something I didn't know existed,” said Conde. “Everything from peeking behind the curtain and seeing the wonderful wizard. There is just all this magic to make events happen. And it's not always glamorous, certainly, but it's important.”&nbsp;

“I was fresh out of high school and just felt like I saw something I didn&#8217;t know existed,” said Conde. “Everything from peeking behind the curtain and seeing the wonderful wizard. There is just all this magic to make events happen. And it&#8217;s not always glamorous, certainly, but it&#8217;s important.”&nbsp;

Her hope is that this year especially, Outside Lands will bring back a renewed energy that San Francisco desperately needs.&nbsp;

Her hope is that this year especially, Outside Lands will bring back a renewed energy that San Francisco desperately needs.&nbsp;

“I think the one thing that 2020 really brought home to me was that it&#8217;s really important to have these communal settings and people need to have this connection in the community that comes from everybody,” Conde said. “Tonight people will float out of Golden Gate Park after having that shared experience of seeing their favorite [artist] singing their favorite songs. And it doesn&#8217;t matter whether or not I like that performer or I sing along to that song as well. What matters to me is that we provided a space that was safe,&nbsp;was welcoming and that there was some hospitality.”

“I think the one thing that 2020 really brought home to me was that it's really important to have these communal settings and people need to have this connection in the community that comes from everybody,” Conde said. “Tonight people will float out of Golden Gate Park after having that shared experience of seeing their favorite [artist] singing their favorite songs. And it doesn't matter whether or not I like that performer or I sing along to that song as well. What matters to me is that we provided a space that was safe,&nbsp;was welcoming and that there was some hospitality.”

“I think the one thing that 2020 really brought home to me was that it&#8217;s really important to have these communal settings and people need to have this connection in the community that comes from everybody,” Conde said. “Tonight people will float out of Golden Gate Park after having that shared experience of seeing their favorite [artist] singing their favorite songs. And it doesn&#8217;t matter whether or not I like that performer or I sing along to that song as well. What matters to me is that we provided a space that was safe,&nbsp;was welcoming and that there was some hospitality.”

Outside Lands organizer Mary Conde aims for unique Halloween revival

Annie Gaus

A Board of Supervisors vote on Tuesday that will at least temporarily block a 495-unit housing complex on a South of Market parking lot has become a flashpoint for long-simmering frustrations around the slow pace of housing development in San Francisco.&nbsp;

A Board of Supervisors vote on Tuesday that will at least temporarily block a 495-unit housing complex on a South of Market parking lot has become a flashpoint for long-simmering frustrations around the slow pace of housing development in San Francisco.&nbsp;

The proposed building at 469 Stevenson Street would include 24% affordable units and was approved by the city’s planning department in June. But after the decision was appealed by an affiliate of the Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), a politically powerful affordable-housing operator, the Board of Supervisors rejected the developer’s environmental impact report, effectively delaying the project indefinitely.

The proposed building at 469 Stevenson Street would include 24% affordable units and was approved by the city’s planning department in June. But after the decision was appealed by an affiliate of the Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), a politically powerful affordable-housing operator, the Board of Supervisors rejected the developer’s environmental impact report, effectively delaying the project indefinitely.

The reasons cited—including shadows over Mint Plaza and supposed earthquake risks—struck critics as cynical excuses.

The reasons cited—including shadows over Mint Plaza and supposed earthquake risks—struck critics as cynical excuses.

“If you&#8217;re wondering how we got into our housing crisis, this is how,” fumed Mayor London Breed on Twitter. “Supervisors raised vague concerns about gentrification and possible shadows to justify rejecting the analysis of the experts at the Planning [Department]. This was in a hearing over supposed environmental concerns. We&#8217;re talking about a parking lot in SoMa surrounded by high-rises.”

“If you're wondering how we got into our housing crisis, this is how,” fumed Mayor London Breed on Twitter. “Supervisors raised vague concerns about gentrification and possible shadows to justify rejecting the analysis of the experts at the Planning [Department]. This was in a hearing over supposed environmental concerns. We're talking about a parking lot in SoMa surrounded by high-rises.”

“If you&#8217;re wondering how we got into our housing crisis, this is how,” fumed Mayor London Breed on Twitter. “Supervisors raised vague concerns about gentrification and possible shadows to justify rejecting the analysis of the experts at the Planning [Department]. This was in a hearing over supposed environmental concerns. We&#8217;re talking about a parking lot in SoMa surrounded by high-rises.”

Only Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Ahsha Safai and Matt Haney—who represents District 6, the site of the proposal—voted to move the project ahead.&nbsp;

Only Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Ahsha Safai and Matt Haney—who represents District 6, the site of the proposal—voted to move the project ahead.&nbsp;

For many local politicians, housing advocates and<a href="https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/1453566474883256330"> business leaders</a>, the vote—and the hours-long discussion preceding it—encapsulated the systemic issues behind San Francisco’s housing crisis.

For many local politicians, housing advocates and<a href="https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/1453566474883256330"> business leaders</a>, the vote—and the hours-long discussion preceding it—encapsulated the systemic issues behind San Francisco’s housing crisis.

469 Stevenson Street parking lot street view in the Tenderloin District on October 28, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Stevenson-09.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12994"/><figcaption>469 Stevenson Street, site of a proposed apartment building, in San Francisco&#8217;s South of Market district on October 28, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Stevenson-09.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12994"/><figcaption>469 Stevenson Street, site of a proposed apartment building, in San Francisco's South of Market district on October 28, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Stevenson-09.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12994"/><figcaption>469 Stevenson Street, site of a proposed apartment building, in San Francisco&#8217;s South of Market district on October 28, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

The developer behind the project is Build Inc., a group with several other mixed-use projects in the works in and around SOMA. The Yerba Buena Neighborhood Consortium, a TODCO affiliate, appealed Build Inc.’s environmental review to the full Board of Supervisors. The process which allows this kind of appeal on individual projects is itself seen by pro-development groups as a major impediment to more housing construction.

The developer behind the project is Build Inc., a group with several other mixed-use projects in the works in and around SOMA. The Yerba Buena Neighborhood Consortium, a TODCO affiliate, appealed Build Inc.’s environmental review to the full Board of Supervisors. The process which allows this kind of appeal on individual projects is itself seen by pro-development groups as a major impediment to more housing construction.

While the hearing was supposed to be about the environmental review, supervisors aired unrelated grievances such as concerns about high rents and gentrification. Supervisors Connie Chan and Dean Preston called the developer’s environmental study “biased” and voted to reject it. TODCO president John Elberling, in a telephone comment at the meeting, vented that a package of community benefits provided by the developer was weak.

While the hearing was supposed to be about the environmental review, supervisors aired unrelated grievances such as concerns about high rents and gentrification. Supervisors Connie Chan and Dean Preston called the developer’s environmental study “biased” and voted to reject it. TODCO president John Elberling, in a telephone comment at the meeting, vented that a package of community benefits provided by the developer was weak.

San Francisco stands apart from other California cities in how long it takes to get approvals for housing development: A study by two researchers at the University of California at Berkeley found that the median length of time to get the required entitlements was 26 months in San Francisco, the longest time frame of any city included in the analysis. By comparison, median time frames were 17 months in San Jose, 16 months in Santa Monica and 13 months in San Diego.&nbsp;

San Francisco stands apart from other California cities in how long it takes to get approvals for housing development: A study by two researchers at the University of California at Berkeley found that the median length of time to get the required entitlements was 26 months in San Francisco, the longest time frame of any city included in the analysis. By comparison, median time frames were 17 months in San Jose, 16 months in Santa Monica and 13 months in San Diego.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, rejections and appeals at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors afflict even smaller housing developments: Just weeks ago, the supervisors unanimously rejected a 316-unit development in the Tenderloin, earlier authorized by the Planning Department, over supposed concerns that it <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2021/10/06/city-rejects-micro-homes-project-in-tenderloin/">would become a “tech dorm” </a>instead of family housing. The project’s authorization had been appealed by Tenderloin Housing Clinic, a major operator of single-room-occupancy units in the area.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, rejections and appeals at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors afflict even smaller housing developments: Just weeks ago, the supervisors unanimously rejected a 316-unit development in the Tenderloin, earlier authorized by the Planning Department, over supposed concerns that it <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2021/10/06/city-rejects-micro-homes-project-in-tenderloin/">would become a “tech dorm” </a>instead of family housing. The project’s authorization had been appealed by Tenderloin Housing Clinic, a major operator of single-room-occupancy units in the area.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screen-Shot-2021-10-28-at-1.00.19-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12997"/><figcaption>A rendering of the proposed 495-unit apartment building in SOMA. | Image courtesy of Build Inc. </figcaption></figure>

For the Stevenson Street project, forcing the developer to conduct another environmental review—a legal requirement under the California Environmental Quality Act—could tack on a year or more to the project and, according to some housing advocates, and may violate state law.&nbsp;

For the Stevenson Street project, forcing the developer to conduct another environmental review—a legal requirement under the California Environmental Quality Act—could tack on a year or more to the project and, according to some housing advocates, and may violate state law.&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener, who’s particularly active on state housing issues, rebuked the Board of Supervisors’ determination as arbitrary and said it “probably” violated state accountability laws around new housing development.&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener, who’s particularly active on state housing issues, rebuked the Board of Supervisors’ determination as arbitrary and said it “probably” violated state accountability laws around new housing development.&nbsp;

Under the state’s <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB167">Housing Accountability Act</a> (HAA), projects that conform to a city’s existing zoning standards must be approved if they have no adverse health, safety or environmental impacts that can’t be mitigated. In the case of 469 Stevenson, Build Inc. had also taken advantage of a state density bonus that relaxes requirements for projects that meet a certain density threshold.&nbsp;

Under the state’s <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB167">Housing Accountability Act</a> (HAA), projects that conform to a city’s existing zoning standards must be approved if they have no adverse health, safety or environmental impacts that can’t be mitigated. In the case of 469 Stevenson, Build Inc. had also taken advantage of a state density bonus that relaxes requirements for projects that meet a certain density threshold.&nbsp;

In a letter, YIMBY Law, the legal arm of the pro-housing group Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY), argued that rejecting the project would amount to a violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under HAA. Sonja Trauss, YIMBY executive director, wrote that the “city has not identified any health and safety impacts that cannot be mitigated” and thus cannot legally deny approval of the project.&nbsp;

In a letter, YIMBY Law, the legal arm of the pro-housing group Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY), argued that rejecting the project would amount to a violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under HAA. Sonja Trauss, YIMBY executive director, wrote that the “city has not identified any health and safety impacts that cannot be mitigated” and thus cannot legally deny approval of the project.&nbsp;

Asked by Here/Say what its next steps are, Build Inc. declined to comment. YIMBY Law, which advocated in favor of the Stevenson project, said it was studying possible legal remedies in light of the Board of Supervisors’ Tuesday vote.&nbsp;

Asked by Here/Say what its next steps are, Build Inc. declined to comment. YIMBY Law, which advocated in favor of the Stevenson project, said it was studying possible legal remedies in light of the Board of Supervisors’ Tuesday vote.&nbsp;

Shortly after the vote on Tuesday, the group released <a href="https://twitter.com/Yimby_Law/status/1453223287090302983?s=20">an open letter</a> on Twitter outlining the legal argument for suing the city should it not comply. The group argues that denial of the project based on CEQA would in fact be a violation of CEQA under the Housing Accountability Act.&nbsp;

Shortly after the vote on Tuesday, the group released <a href="https://twitter.com/Yimby_Law/status/1453223287090302983?s=20">an open letter</a> on Twitter outlining the legal argument for suing the city should it not comply. The group argues that denial of the project based on CEQA would in fact be a violation of CEQA under the Housing Accountability Act.&nbsp;

The imbroglio over 469 Stevenson “reveals how much of a problem we have” in state housing laws, added Chris Elmendorf, a law professor at the University of California at Davis who specializes in housing policy.&nbsp;

The imbroglio over 469 Stevenson “reveals how much of a problem we have” in state housing laws, added Chris Elmendorf, a law professor at the University of California at Davis who specializes in housing policy.&nbsp;

“When a project is stuck in the CEQA eddy, there is no established way to get it out,” he said.&nbsp;

“When a project is stuck in the CEQA eddy, there is no established way to get it out,” he said.&nbsp;

It may take further revisions to California law or court challenges of housing delays to change the status quo in San Francisco.&nbsp;

It may take further revisions to California law or court challenges of housing delays to change the status quo in San Francisco.&nbsp;

“What anyone on the outside would say is: ‘This is absurd what the city did, and a court should order the project approved,'&#8221; Elmendorf said.&nbsp;&#8220;But that remedy is not one that courts traditionally give.”

“What anyone on the outside would say is: ‘This is absurd what the city did, and a court should order the project approved,'" Elmendorf said.&nbsp;"But that remedy is not one that courts traditionally give.”

“What anyone on the outside would say is: ‘This is absurd what the city did, and a court should order the project approved,'&#8221; Elmendorf said.&nbsp;&#8220;But that remedy is not one that courts traditionally give.”

Editing by Jonathan Weber.

Supervisors under fire: Vote against proposed SoMa apartment building sparks furor, may violate state law

In response to a planned reopening of the Great Highway to vehicle traffic, a number of residents are pushing back and issuing last-minute appeals to the city to stop or delay the change.&nbsp;

In response to a planned reopening of the Great Highway to vehicle traffic, a number of residents are pushing back and issuing last-minute appeals to the city to stop or delay the change.&nbsp;

Last week, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Gordon Mar <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1423429560910057480?s=20">announced</a> that a two-mile stretch of the Great Highway, which has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/great-highway-closure-climate-change-erosion/">closed to cars</a> since April 2020, will reopen to vehicle traffic on weekdays starting Aug. 16. The plan was characterized by Mar as a “meaningful compromise” between residents who disagreed over whether the Great Highway should remain a pedestrian promenade permanently.&nbsp;

Last week, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Gordon Mar <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1423429560910057480?s=20">announced</a> that a two-mile stretch of the Great Highway, which has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/great-highway-closure-climate-change-erosion/">closed to cars</a> since April 2020, will reopen to vehicle traffic on weekdays starting Aug. 16. The plan was characterized by Mar as a “meaningful compromise” between residents who disagreed over whether the Great Highway should remain a pedestrian promenade permanently.&nbsp;

“The timeline here has been very short—the mayor announced on Thursday, Aug. 5 that the&nbsp; Great Highway was going to turn from a park into a driving place on Aug. 16,” said Brian Coyne, a resident who supports a permanent closure of the Great Highway. “Anyone who follows city projects knows that’s not the usual timeline city projects fall into.”&nbsp;

“The timeline here has been very short—the mayor announced on Thursday, Aug. 5 that the&nbsp; Great Highway was going to turn from a park into a driving place on Aug. 16,” said Brian Coyne, a resident who supports a permanent closure of the Great Highway. “Anyone who follows city projects knows that’s not the usual timeline city projects fall into.”&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Coyne and a fellow advocate, Scott Feeney, filed a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) appeal with the Board of Supervisors, asking for the change to be delayed until the appeal is reviewed.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Coyne and a fellow advocate, Scott Feeney, filed a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) appeal with the Board of Supervisors, asking for the change to be delayed until the appeal is reviewed.&nbsp;

In a letter, Coyne and Feeney asserted that the reopening of the Great Highway to cars constitutes a “project” and is thus <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MavJzOOx4F8L_ZZNWnxHC7iEj9hspE-yt6onFJLjFUE/edit">eligible for CEQA review</a>. The two delivered the appeal in person at City Hall on Tuesday in the hopes that it can be reviewed quickly.&nbsp;

In a letter, Coyne and Feeney asserted that the reopening of the Great Highway to cars constitutes a “project” and is thus <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MavJzOOx4F8L_ZZNWnxHC7iEj9hspE-yt6onFJLjFUE/edit">eligible for CEQA review</a>. The two delivered the appeal in person at City Hall on Tuesday in the hopes that it can be reviewed quickly.&nbsp;

CEQA, a California state law enacted in 1970, sets forth an environmental oversight process for development: With some exceptions, developers must submit to an environmental review of their projects, and remediate any impacts where appropriate. Third parties are also permitted to appeal CEQA exemptions, though most CEQA appeals don’t wind up approved. According to records provided by the Planning Department, there were 22 CEQA appeals filed in 2020; of those, 19 were either denied or withdrawn, and only one appeal was upheld.

CEQA, a California state law enacted in 1970, sets forth an environmental oversight process for development: With some exceptions, developers must submit to an environmental review of their projects, and remediate any impacts where appropriate. Third parties are also permitted to appeal CEQA exemptions, though most CEQA appeals don’t wind up approved. According to records provided by the Planning Department, there were 22 CEQA appeals filed in 2020; of those, 19 were either denied or withdrawn, and only one appeal was upheld.

The CEQA appeal process has also been criticized for providing a way for appellants to stop or delay projects—such as housing, homeless shelters or even bike infrastructure—for reasons that may have little to do with environmental protection.&nbsp;

The CEQA appeal process has also been criticized for providing a way for appellants to stop or delay projects—such as housing, homeless shelters or even bike infrastructure—for reasons that may have little to do with environmental protection.&nbsp;

Coyne said that an appeal of the Great Highway reopening meets the spirit of CEQA, if not the letter: “[Mayor Breed] and Supervisor Mar explicitly said that the goal here is to make it faster to drive into downtown San Francisco,” he said. “But the question is: Is such a project exempt from environmental review?”

Coyne said that an appeal of the Great Highway reopening meets the spirit of CEQA, if not the letter: “[Mayor Breed] and Supervisor Mar explicitly said that the goal here is to make it faster to drive into downtown San Francisco,” he said. “But the question is: Is such a project exempt from environmental review?”

“It’s easy to be cynical about CEQA, but we feel this is exactly what it’s meant for,” Coyne added.&nbsp;

“It’s easy to be cynical about CEQA, but we feel this is exactly what it’s meant for,” Coyne added.&nbsp;

Coyne is far from alone in opposition to the Great Highway plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coyne is far from alone in opposition to the Great Highway plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Advocates for the oceanfront promenade balked at what they called a backroom deal by the Mayor and Supervisor Mar, which will override a Great Highway planning process that was already underway. Since the Great Highway’s initial closure last year, San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) has conducted a series of meetings, and issued surveys and <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/district-4-mobility-study">reports</a>, to determine a permanent path forward for the approximately 17-acre stretch.

Advocates for the oceanfront promenade balked at what they called a backroom deal by the Mayor and Supervisor Mar, which will override a Great Highway planning process that was already underway. Since the Great Highway’s initial closure last year, San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) has conducted a series of meetings, and issued surveys and <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/district-4-mobility-study">reports</a>, to determine a permanent path forward for the approximately 17-acre stretch.

For their part, opponents of the Great Highway closure contended that it pushed traffic onto surrounding roads, and some complained of <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1327304875177197568/photo/1">unsafe driving</a> on Outer Sunset roads resulting from the closure of a main thoroughfare. San Francisco County Transportation Authority, which manages congestion on local roadways, approved a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/lower-great-highway-pedestrian-improvements">traffic calming plan</a> for nearby roads earlier this year.&nbsp;

For their part, opponents of the Great Highway closure contended that it pushed traffic onto surrounding roads, and some complained of <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1327304875177197568/photo/1">unsafe driving</a> on Outer Sunset roads resulting from the closure of a main thoroughfare. San Francisco County Transportation Authority, which manages congestion on local roadways, approved a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/lower-great-highway-pedestrian-improvements">traffic calming plan</a> for nearby roads earlier this year.&nbsp;

“We are so disappointed by this news from Supervisor Mar,” said Heidi Moseson, an Outer Sunset resident and organizer with the <a href="https://www.greathighwaypark.com/">Great Highway Park Initiative</a>, which supported a permanent closure, at a meeting last week. “There’s a process in place that we’ve all spent thousands of hours organizing around, talking to neighbors, talking to our representatives, and talking to city agencies, and that’s all been completely subverted.”&nbsp;

“We are so disappointed by this news from Supervisor Mar,” said Heidi Moseson, an Outer Sunset resident and organizer with the <a href="https://www.greathighwaypark.com/">Great Highway Park Initiative</a>, which supported a permanent closure, at a meeting last week. “There’s a process in place that we’ve all spent thousands of hours organizing around, talking to neighbors, talking to our representatives, and talking to city agencies, and that’s all been completely subverted.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://kidsafesf.com/">KidSafeSF</a>, a parents’ group that advocates for safe, open spaces for children, is organizing a demonstration and March this Sunday at the Great Highway.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kidsafesf.com/">KidSafeSF</a>, a parents’ group that advocates for safe, open spaces for children, is organizing a demonstration and March this Sunday at the Great Highway.&nbsp;

Coyne called the CEQA appeal a “last-ditch effort” to save the walkway, and it’s unclear if and when the Board of Supervisors will hear the appeal.

Coyne called the CEQA appeal a “last-ditch effort” to save the walkway, and it’s unclear if and when the Board of Supervisors will hear the appeal.

Because the Board of Supervisors is on recess until Sept. 6, there is no calendared date yet for the board to consider the CEQA appeal. The clerk&#8217;s office can&#8217;t anticipate what the board will and will not consider, said Board of Supervisors deputy director Wilson Ng, but he advised members of the public contact their representatives in the meantime.

Because the Board of Supervisors is on recess until Sept. 6, there is no calendared date yet for the board to consider the CEQA appeal. The clerk's office can't anticipate what the board will and will not consider, said Board of Supervisors deputy director Wilson Ng, but he advised members of the public contact their representatives in the meantime.

Because the Board of Supervisors is on recess until Sept. 6, there is no calendared date yet for the board to consider the CEQA appeal. The clerk&#8217;s office can&#8217;t anticipate what the board will and will not consider, said Board of Supervisors deputy director Wilson Ng, but he advised members of the public contact their representatives in the meantime.

“We think it’s worth it,” Coyne added of the appeal. “San Francisco and other cities have started to rethink how we use our public space&#8230;I think these moments of emergency give us a chance to rethink how we do things.”&nbsp;

“We think it’s worth it,” Coyne added of the appeal. “San Francisco and other cities have started to rethink how we use our public space...I think these moments of emergency give us a chance to rethink how we do things.”&nbsp;

“We think it’s worth it,” Coyne added of the appeal. “San Francisco and other cities have started to rethink how we use our public space&#8230;I think these moments of emergency give us a chance to rethink how we do things.”&nbsp;

City’s plan to reopen Great Highway to cars met with pushback

Matt Smith

David Sjostedt

Edwin Armando Alvarez relaxed in UN Plaza near City Hall on a recent Friday, dragging on a cocaine pipe and recounting some of the times he nearly died from drugs. His first overdose was at age 12, he said, continuing to the most recent one when he awoke in an ambulance after a paramedic gave him three doses of the opioid antidote naloxone and advised: “You’re really lucky.”

Edwin Armando Alvarez relaxed in UN Plaza near City Hall on a recent Friday, dragging on a cocaine pipe and recounting some of the times he nearly died from drugs. His first overdose was at age 12, he said, continuing to the most recent one when he awoke in an ambulance after a paramedic gave him three doses of the opioid antidote naloxone and advised: “You’re really lucky.”

Punch line complete, Alvarez turned back to his pipe, identifying in the cocaine resin what he said were yellow flecks of fentanyl, a cheap and powerful synthetic opioid that is often found as an adulterant in street drugs.

Punch line complete, Alvarez turned back to his pipe, identifying in the cocaine resin what he said were yellow flecks of fentanyl, a cheap and powerful synthetic opioid that is often found as an adulterant in street drugs.

“I’m doing my best not to let myself die,” he said. “I keep Narcan on me, and I give it to myself if I feel tired or exhausted.”

“I’m doing my best not to let myself die,” he said. “I keep Narcan on me, and I give it to myself if I feel tired or exhausted.”

Edwin Armando Alvarez sits on a curb and speaks about his experiences with drug use at the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco Calif., on Friday, June 24, 2022. | Ben Fanjoy for The Standard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/OverdoseReversals_002-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58164"/><figcaption>Edwin Armando Alvarez in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco Calif., on Friday, June 24, 2022. Alvarez has overdosed multiple times and now takes naloxone if he feels &#8220;tired or exhausted.&#8221; | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/OverdoseReversals_002-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58164"/><figcaption>Edwin Armando Alvarez in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco Calif., on Friday, June 24, 2022. Alvarez has overdosed multiple times and now takes naloxone if he feels "tired or exhausted." | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/OverdoseReversals_002-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58164"/><figcaption>Edwin Armando Alvarez in United Nations Plaza in San Francisco Calif., on Friday, June 24, 2022. Alvarez has overdosed multiple times and now takes naloxone if he feels &#8220;tired or exhausted.&#8221; | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Alvarez and others who’ve overdosed multiple times and been revived with Narcan, a brand of naloxone, are easy to find in tents along San Francisco sidewalks, in parks, in doorways, and all-too-often in the morgue. The Standard interviewed seven of them just by strolling around Downtown San Francisco. But they’re all but invisible to city leaders, even though overdoses are currently killing <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/2022%2006_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf">around a dozen people</a> a week in SF.

Alvarez and others who’ve overdosed multiple times and been revived with Narcan, a brand of naloxone, are easy to find in tents along San Francisco sidewalks, in parks, in doorways, and all-too-often in the morgue. The Standard interviewed seven of them just by strolling around Downtown San Francisco. But they’re all but invisible to city leaders, even though overdoses are currently killing <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/2022%2006_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf">around a dozen people</a> a week in SF.

That&#8217;s because the city contractor that distributes naloxone, and which the city relies upon for overdose reversal data, collects only limited information about overdose victims. In fact, it stopped keeping track of certain basic healthcare data as of Jan. 1, 2021, according to documents obtained via public records request. The health condition of naloxone recipients, when and where overdose reversals occur, how many people are revived multiple times, or what the long-term prognosis is for naloxone recipients are among the facts not collected.

That's because the city contractor that distributes naloxone, and which the city relies upon for overdose reversal data, collects only limited information about overdose victims. In fact, it stopped keeping track of certain basic healthcare data as of Jan. 1, 2021, according to documents obtained via public records request. The health condition of naloxone recipients, when and where overdose reversals occur, how many people are revived multiple times, or what the long-term prognosis is for naloxone recipients are among the facts not collected.

That&#8217;s because the city contractor that distributes naloxone, and which the city relies upon for overdose reversal data, collects only limited information about overdose victims. In fact, it stopped keeping track of certain basic healthcare data as of Jan. 1, 2021, according to documents obtained via public records request. The health condition of naloxone recipients, when and where overdose reversals occur, how many people are revived multiple times, or what the long-term prognosis is for naloxone recipients are among the facts not collected.

The failure to obtain basic data is among the most dramatic indications that several years into an overdose epidemic that claimed 1,354 lives during 2020 and 2021—about twice as many as Covid—San Francisco lacks a coordinated public health strategy to address the use of fentanyl, a cheap, powerful opioid that’s smoked, injected and often used as an additive in other drugs.&nbsp;

The failure to obtain basic data is among the most dramatic indications that several years into an overdose epidemic that claimed 1,354 lives during 2020 and 2021—about twice as many as Covid—San Francisco lacks a coordinated public health strategy to address the use of fentanyl, a cheap, powerful opioid that’s smoked, injected and often used as an additive in other drugs.&nbsp;

“There’s no way to make progress without data because you don’t know what the problem is,” said Keith Humphreys, a professor of public mental health and population sciences at Stanford University. “If you don’t have that, any coherent strategy would be based on guessing.”

“There’s no way to make progress without data because you don’t know what the problem is,” said Keith Humphreys, a professor of public mental health and population sciences at Stanford University. “If you don’t have that, any coherent strategy would be based on guessing.”

In a statement, the San Francisco Department of Public Health said the Drug Overdose Prevention and Education (DOPE) Project stopped collecting certain information in order to simplify data collection, improve accuracy, engage with overdose victims, and be able to hand out more naloxone. The most important data, the statement said, is whether or not someone asked for a naloxone refill, which the agency does keep track of.

In a statement, the San Francisco Department of Public Health said the Drug Overdose Prevention and Education (DOPE) Project stopped collecting certain information in order to simplify data collection, improve accuracy, engage with overdose victims, and be able to hand out more naloxone. The most important data, the statement said, is whether or not someone asked for a naloxone refill, which the agency does keep track of.

Andrea Figueroa, project manager of the DOPE Project, added in an email that the idea in reducing data collection was “to streamline and maximize Naloxone distribution.”&nbsp;

Andrea Figueroa, project manager of the DOPE Project, added in an email that the idea in reducing data collection was “to streamline and maximize Naloxone distribution.”&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lives Saved, but for How Long?</h2>

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Pedestrians stroll UN Plaza in the Civic Center of San Francisco, Calif. on June 28, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FentanylPolicy_005.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58172" width="396" height="396"/><figcaption>Pedestrians stroll UN Plaza in the Civic Center near City Hall in San Francisco on June 28, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure></div>

Mayor London Breed’s current budget proposal includes $340 million for mental health, substance use and overdose investments between 2020 and 2023. But the steps she has taken so far—including a state of emergency declaration for the Tenderloin District, stepped up <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/urban-alchemy-security-sf-tenderloin-shooting-patrol/">security patrols</a> and the opening of a so-called “linkage center” to steer those who use drugs into treatment—fall well short of a comprehensive public health approach, drug policy experts say. The “linkage center” <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/controversial-tenderloin-center-to-shutter-in-december/">is already slated for closure</a>.

Mayor London Breed’s current budget proposal includes $340 million for mental health, substance use and overdose investments between 2020 and 2023. But the steps she has taken so far—including a state of emergency declaration for the Tenderloin District, stepped up <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/urban-alchemy-security-sf-tenderloin-shooting-patrol/">security patrols</a> and the opening of a so-called “linkage center” to steer those who use drugs into treatment—fall well short of a comprehensive public health approach, drug policy experts say. The “linkage center” <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/controversial-tenderloin-center-to-shutter-in-december/">is already slated for closure</a>.

At the same time, the DOPE Project has grown into what its managers say is the largest single-city naloxone distribution program in the country, claiming to have trained more than 13,000 people to administer the drug since it began in 2003. The National Harm Reduction Coalition receives $365,276 for these services during the current fiscal year, part of what the health department said is its larger overdose prevention strategy.

At the same time, the DOPE Project has grown into what its managers say is the largest single-city naloxone distribution program in the country, claiming to have trained more than 13,000 people to administer the drug since it began in 2003. The National Harm Reduction Coalition receives $365,276 for these services during the current fiscal year, part of what the health department said is its larger overdose prevention strategy.

During the first quarter of this year, it recorded 950 halted overdoses, while handing out 3,500 doses of naloxone, likely saving additional lives. As such, the program is a standard-bearer for the city’s commitment to harm reduction, a policy that seeks to protect people’s health as much as possible while not stigmatizing drug use. The idea is to keep people who use alive by not making them wary of healthcare.

During the first quarter of this year, it recorded 950 halted overdoses, while handing out 3,500 doses of naloxone, likely saving additional lives. As such, the program is a standard-bearer for the city’s commitment to harm reduction, a policy that seeks to protect people’s health as much as possible while not stigmatizing drug use. The idea is to keep people who use alive by not making them wary of healthcare.

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The DOPE Project is run by the National Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit committed to fighting the criminalization of drug use and advancing the rights of marginalized and non-white people the organization says have been victims of the war on drugs. Harm reduction advocates are now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">pushing the city to open so-called safe-consumption sites</a>, where people can use drugs in a supervised environment.

The DOPE Project is run by the National Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit committed to fighting the criminalization of drug use and advancing the rights of marginalized and non-white people the organization says have been victims of the war on drugs. Harm reduction advocates are now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/much-touted-tenderloin-linkage-center-morphs-into-a-safe-consumption-site-for-drug-use-despite-legal-risks/">pushing the city to open so-called safe-consumption sites</a>, where people can use drugs in a supervised environment.

Yet the DOPE Project operates with an agenda apart from other entities involved in the fentanyl problem. Alex Kral, a researcher with the think tank RTI International who has published multiple studies on San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis and the DOPE Project’s work distributing naloxone, was flummoxed when asked if the city has a cohesive strategy to fight drug overdoses.

Yet the DOPE Project operates with an agenda apart from other entities involved in the fentanyl problem. Alex Kral, a researcher with the think tank RTI International who has published multiple studies on San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis and the DOPE Project’s work distributing naloxone, was flummoxed when asked if the city has a cohesive strategy to fight drug overdoses.

“That&#8217;s a good question. I don&#8217;t have the answer,” he said. But “I&nbsp;think [that] line of questioning is really important.”

“That's a good question. I don't have the answer,” he said. But “I&nbsp;think [that] line of questioning is really important.”

“That&#8217;s a good question. I don&#8217;t have the answer,” he said. But “I&nbsp;think [that] line of questioning is really important.”

Kral said the city has fallen far short of complying with its official policy of providing treatment on demand.

Kral said the city has fallen far short of complying with its official policy of providing treatment on demand.

“They don’t have enough treatment slots,” said Kral. “Where are they linking to? Where&#8217;s all the methadone slots that come at no cost to the user? We need more treatment. And then we need to make sure that there are places for people to go where they&#8217;re monitored when they&#8217;re using drugs.&#8221;

“They don’t have enough treatment slots,” said Kral. “Where are they linking to? Where's all the methadone slots that come at no cost to the user? We need more treatment. And then we need to make sure that there are places for people to go where they're monitored when they're using drugs."

“They don’t have enough treatment slots,” said Kral. “Where are they linking to? Where&#8217;s all the methadone slots that come at no cost to the user? We need more treatment. And then we need to make sure that there are places for people to go where they&#8217;re monitored when they&#8217;re using drugs.&#8221;

At the time of publication, there were 26 spaces available for short-term residential treatment, 22 spaces available for longer-term programs, and 10 available for detox treatment to help those with substance abuse disorders manage withdrawal systems as they stop using drugs, according to city data. The city provides 500 such beds in total.

At the time of publication, there were 26 spaces available for short-term residential treatment, 22 spaces available for longer-term programs, and 10 available for detox treatment to help those with substance abuse disorders manage withdrawal systems as they stop using drugs, according to city data. The city provides 500 such beds in total.

Supervisor Dean Preston recently called a special hearing about the lack of a comprehensive plan to fight overdoses.

Supervisor Dean Preston recently called a special hearing about the lack of a comprehensive plan to fight overdoses.

“The city has no comprehensive plan to address overdoses, despite the extent of the crisis and the tragic loss of so many lives,” he said. “We need to bring city leaders, public health experts and community stakeholders together to chart a path forward to solve this crisis, save lives and prevent further suffering.”

“The city has no comprehensive plan to address overdoses, despite the extent of the crisis and the tragic loss of so many lives,” he said. “We need to bring city leaders, public health experts and community stakeholders together to chart a path forward to solve this crisis, save lives and prevent further suffering.”

Outside Lands organizer Mary Conde aims for unique Halloween revival

Supervisors under fire: Vote against proposed SoMa apartment building sparks furor, may violate state law

City’s plan to reopen Great Highway to cars met with pushback

As the drug overdose crisis rages, city fails to collect data needed to fight it

The recall of Chesa Boudin: How the pandemic fed a national attack on progressive prosecutors

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Outside Lands organizer Mary Conde aims for unique Halloween revival

Supervisors under fire: Vote against proposed SoMa apartment building sparks furor, may violate state law

City’s plan to reopen Great Highway to cars met with pushback

As the drug overdose crisis rages, city fails to collect data needed to fight it

The recall of Chesa Boudin: How the pandemic fed a national attack on progressive prosecutors