Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Drug treatment facilities, needle exchange centers, homeless shelters — all usually face opposition from irate neighbors.

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Drug treatment facilities, needle exchange centers, homeless shelters — all usually face opposition from irate neighbors.

But those neighbors don’t often include members of the Board of Supervisors.

But those neighbors don’t often include members of the Board of Supervisors.

The city has ended its efforts to spend a $10 million grant to move drug treatment services from Howard Street to a Mission Street location kitty-corner from Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s home.

The city has ended its efforts to spend a $10 million grant to move drug treatment services from Howard Street to a Mission Street location kitty-corner from Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s home.

The promised money now sits unused, and the state may revoke it.

The promised money now sits unused, and the state may revoke it.

Dorsey and a cadre of his constituents, including roughly 50 businesses and more than 300 individuals in the South of Market area, pushed the mayor’s office to stop the Department of Public Health from creating the service center on 1125 Mission St. The neighborhood is already home to many drug service centers, including the <a href="https://www.sf.gov/location--maria-x-martinez-health-resource-center">Maria X Martinez Health Resource Center</a> a block away.

Dorsey and a cadre of his constituents, including roughly 50 businesses and more than 300 individuals in the South of Market area, pushed the mayor’s office to stop the Department of Public Health from creating the service center on 1125 Mission St. The neighborhood is already home to many drug service centers, including the <a href="https://www.sf.gov/location--maria-x-martinez-health-resource-center">Maria X Martinez Health Resource Center</a> a block away.

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Dorsey said such facilities, while they do help those in need, can lead to open-air drug use that harms businesses and affects neighbors.

Dorsey said such facilities, while they do help those in need, can lead to open-air drug use that harms businesses and affects neighbors.

“When I come home and leave for work, the entrance to my apartment building looks down Julius Street, which has drug use all the time,” he said. “I think some [city] departments aren&#8217;t taking responsibility for the challenges of public safety they&#8217;re creating.”

“When I come home and leave for work, the entrance to my apartment building looks down Julius Street, which has drug use all the time,” he said. “I think some [city] departments aren't taking responsibility for the challenges of public safety they're creating.”

“When I come home and leave for work, the entrance to my apartment building looks down Julius Street, which has drug use all the time,” he said. “I think some [city] departments aren&#8217;t taking responsibility for the challenges of public safety they&#8217;re creating.”

The grant was awarded from California’s $430 million <a href="https://www.infrastructure.buildingcalhhs.com/">behavioral infrastructure bond</a> to enact “projects that will address significant crisis service gaps,” according to the bond’s website. The money has not been disbursed.

The grant was awarded from California’s $430 million <a href="https://www.infrastructure.buildingcalhhs.com/">behavioral infrastructure bond</a> to enact “projects that will address significant crisis service gaps,” according to the bond’s website. The money has not been disbursed.

Oz Erickson, chairman of the developer Emerald Fund, on Monday wrote an email to Mayor Daniel Lurie and Dorsey with the signatures of 50 business owners, arguing that SoMa has more drug treatment centers than other city neighborhoods.

Oz Erickson, chairman of the developer Emerald Fund, on Monday wrote an email to Mayor Daniel Lurie and Dorsey with the signatures of 50 business owners, arguing that SoMa has more drug treatment centers than other city neighborhoods.

“Not a single resident or merchant wants the return of those dreadful days when the sidewalks were so jammed with dealers and users that pedestrians such as Governor Newsom in July of 2023 had to walk on the street instead of using the sidewalks,” Erickson wrote. “We do not want any more drug treatment service locations in our neighborhood.”

“Not a single resident or merchant wants the return of those dreadful days when the sidewalks were so jammed with dealers and users that pedestrians such as Governor Newsom in July of 2023 had to walk on the street instead of using the sidewalks,” Erickson wrote. “We do not want any more drug treatment service locations in our neighborhood.”

Lurie’s office declined to comment.

In a statement, the Department of Public Health said, &#8220;With every decision we make at SFDPH, our goal is to most effectively connect San Franciscans to the resources they need to have stable and healthy lives, while working with communities to support their neighborhoods. After extensive community feedback the best way to achieve those goals is to keep the Behavioral Health Access Center at 1380 Howard Street for the time being. As always, we will continue exploring opportunities to expand our services and ensure continuity and stability for everyone we serve.&#8221;

In a statement, the Department of Public Health said, "With every decision we make at SFDPH, our goal is to most effectively connect San Franciscans to the resources they need to have stable and healthy lives, while working with communities to support their neighborhoods. After extensive community feedback the best way to achieve those goals is to keep the Behavioral Health Access Center at 1380 Howard Street for the time being. As always, we will continue exploring opportunities to expand our services and ensure continuity and stability for everyone we serve."

In a statement, the Department of Public Health said, &#8220;With every decision we make at SFDPH, our goal is to most effectively connect San Franciscans to the resources they need to have stable and healthy lives, while working with communities to support their neighborhoods. After extensive community feedback the best way to achieve those goals is to keep the Behavioral Health Access Center at 1380 Howard Street for the time being. As always, we will continue exploring opportunities to expand our services and ensure continuity and stability for everyone we serve.&#8221;

The drop-in center at 1380 Howard St. offers drug screening, medical referrals, and access to mental health services, as well as Medi-Cal enrollment. Dorsey said if that center had moved, the Department of Public Health would have used the state funding to also build new offices on the site.

The drop-in center at 1380 Howard St. offers drug screening, medical referrals, and access to mental health services, as well as Medi-Cal enrollment. Dorsey said if that center had moved, the Department of Public Health would have used the state funding to also build new offices on the site.

“At the end of the day though, the thing that made this indefensible is, I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s a good or wise use of [state] dollars,” Dorsey said.

“At the end of the day though, the thing that made this indefensible is, I don't think it's a good or wise use of [state] dollars,” Dorsey said.

“At the end of the day though, the thing that made this indefensible is, I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s a good or wise use of [state] dollars,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey, who is open about his struggles with addiction, said the Department of Public Health proposed client-facing drug treatment services at the Mission Street site. He thinks the city already has too many of those types of services.

Dorsey, who is open about his struggles with addiction, said the Department of Public Health proposed client-facing drug treatment services at the Mission Street site. He thinks the city already has too many of those types of services.

Instead, Dorsey wanted to see state funds spent on facilities San Francisco lacks, like a locked treatment center for the mentally ill or abstinence-based services with medically assisted treatment.

Instead, Dorsey wanted to see state funds spent on facilities San Francisco lacks, like a locked treatment center for the mentally ill or abstinence-based services with medically assisted treatment.

Since joining the Board of Supervisors in 2022, Dorsey has emerged as a leading voice for abstinence-based drug treatment.

Since joining the Board of Supervisors in 2022, Dorsey has emerged as a leading voice for abstinence-based drug treatment.

City officials are increasingly lambasting harm reduction drug treatment strategies. Those methods include the distribution of safe paraphernalia to prevent the spread of disease and consumption sites where users can be monitored for overdoses.

City officials are increasingly lambasting harm reduction drug treatment strategies. Those methods include the distribution of safe paraphernalia to prevent the spread of disease and consumption sites where users can be monitored for overdoses.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the proposed new location of the treatment facility.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the proposed new location of the treatment facility.

Supervisor opposes drug center across from his home. Now city may lose $10 million grant

Gabe Greschler

A bill introduced Monday could see San Francisco welfare recipients being paid if they steer clear of illicit substances.

A bill introduced Monday could see San Francisco welfare recipients being paid if they steer clear of illicit substances.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey proposed the “Cash Not Drugs” pilot program Monday as a compliment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a>, a ballot measure from March that requires drug screening and treatment for welfare recipients if they are to continue receiving monetary assistance.

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

Supervisor Matt Dorsey proposed the “Cash Not Drugs” pilot program Monday as a compliment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a>, a ballot measure from March that requires drug screening and treatment for welfare recipients if they are to continue receiving monetary assistance.

For those who test negative for drugs, Dorsey’s plan would provide an extra $400 a month. Recipients who will be affected by Proposition F — single adults without children — currently receive $712 per month through the County Adult Assistance Program. Under Dorsey’s bill, those people would now receive up to $1,112 when they test negative for drug use. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the pilot would go into effect for three years, with its effectiveness overseen by an independent academic researcher.&nbsp;

For those who test negative for drugs, Dorsey’s plan would provide an extra $400 a month. Recipients who will be affected by Proposition F — single adults without children — currently receive $712 per month through the County Adult Assistance Program. Under Dorsey’s bill, those people would now receive up to $1,112 when they test negative for drug use. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the pilot would go into effect for three years, with its effectiveness overseen by an independent academic researcher.&nbsp;

“This is more carrot than stick,” said Dorsey, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">who himself is a recovering drug user</a>. “It’s a pretty promising approach.”&nbsp;

Recovering addict Matt Dorsey sells SF on how to solve its drug crisis

“This is more carrot than stick,” said Dorsey, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">who himself is a recovering drug user</a>. “It’s a pretty promising approach.”&nbsp;

Dorsey’s program has the backing of Mayor London Breed, who placed Prop. F on the ballot.&nbsp;

Dorsey’s program has the backing of Mayor London Breed, who placed Prop. F on the ballot.&nbsp;

A woman who did not want to use her name injects fentanyl into her arm on a curb in the Tenderloin District on Monday, July 4, 2022. Fentanyl and other opioids are common the Tenderloin neighborhood. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey&#8217;s program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey's program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey&#8217;s program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor’s ballot measure — which will go into effect Jan. 1 — passed by a hefty margin this spring, with 58% of voters in support.&nbsp;

The mayor’s ballot measure — which will go into effect Jan. 1 — passed by a hefty margin this spring, with 58% of voters in support.&nbsp;

The bill saw a deluge of cash to help it pass, with its advocates raising more than half a million dollars, including from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">such as Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>. Those opposed to the measure, who argued it would take away vital assistance from the city’s most vulnerable, raised around $37,000.&nbsp;

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

The bill saw a deluge of cash to help it pass, with its advocates raising more than half a million dollars, including from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">such as Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>. Those opposed to the measure, who argued it would take away vital assistance from the city’s most vulnerable, raised around $37,000.&nbsp;

The bill’s passage comes amid skepticism over the city’s plan to combat the drug-related overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans over the last five years. Some leaders, including the mayor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">have taken a swing at more progressive drug treatment strategies</a>, including “harm reduction,” an approach that tries to lessen the adverse effects of drug usage through needle exchanges or safe consumption sites.

Breed blames harm reduction strategy for surging drug overdose deaths

The bill’s passage comes amid skepticism over the city’s plan to combat the drug-related overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans over the last five years. Some leaders, including the mayor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">have taken a swing at more progressive drug treatment strategies</a>, including “harm reduction,” an approach that tries to lessen the adverse effects of drug usage through needle exchanges or safe consumption sites.

The plan Dorsey announced Monday is part of a drug treatment strategy known as “contingency management,” which rewards individuals for positive behavior as a reinforcement mechanism. The San Francisco Department of Public Health oversees several similar programs on a small scale. Dorsey said the costs of the program could be reimbursable through Medi-Cal.

The plan Dorsey announced Monday is part of a drug treatment strategy known as “contingency management,” which rewards individuals for positive behavior as a reinforcement mechanism. The San Francisco Department of Public Health oversees several similar programs on a small scale. Dorsey said the costs of the program could be reimbursable through Medi-Cal.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said there is evidence that the contingency management approach can make an impact.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said there is evidence that the contingency management approach can make an impact.

“It has been done all over the country,” Humphreys wrote in a text message. “There are over 150 clinical trials supported by the National Institute of Health that have shown positive effects.”

“It has been done all over the country,” Humphreys wrote in a text message. “There are over 150 clinical trials supported by the National Institute of Health that have shown positive effects.”

The city’s welfare program, known as the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), has about 5,700 recipients. Homeless residents can also receive cash assistance, though they are paid a reduced rate of $109 a month.

The city’s welfare program, known as the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), has about 5,700 recipients. Homeless residents can also receive cash assistance, though they are paid a reduced rate of $109 a month.

Dorsey told The Standard that the financial impact of his program was not immediately apparent. Dorsey said the payment of $400 a month is not set in stone, and he is instructing the city to experiment with increasing weekly payments tied to successive negative drug tests. He said if the program is successful, he could see it being expanded to more CAAP recipients as a preventative measure rather than merely a treatment strategy. If every person in CAAP succeeded in Dorsey’s plan with the $400 payout, it would equal roughly $27 million in extra costs for the city, though the likely price tag is much smaller.

Dorsey told The Standard that the financial impact of his program was not immediately apparent. Dorsey said the payment of $400 a month is not set in stone, and he is instructing the city to experiment with increasing weekly payments tied to successive negative drug tests. He said if the program is successful, he could see it being expanded to more CAAP recipients as a preventative measure rather than merely a treatment strategy. If every person in CAAP succeeded in Dorsey’s plan with the $400 payout, it would equal roughly $27 million in extra costs for the city, though the likely price tag is much smaller.

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let&#8217;s get it right first.”

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let's get it right first.”

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let&#8217;s get it right first.”

Stay sober, earn cash: New bill gives welfare recipients extra $400 for avoiding drugs 

Astrid Kane

The competition was stiff — very stiff.&nbsp;

The competition was stiff — very stiff.&nbsp;

A couple hundred people gathered at the Eagle Tavern on Saturday afternoon for the annual <a href="https://sfleatherdistrict.org/2025-gda-ceremony/">Golden Dildeaux awards</a>, a ceremony acknowledging the city’s kinkiest kinksters hosted by San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfleatherdistrict.org/">Leather and LGBTQ+ Cultural District</a>. Essentially the Oscars for the raunchier elements of local queer community, the Golden Dildeauxs — or Woodies, as it were — are both a fundraiser for the district and an excuse for leatherfolk, rubber fetishists, and a smattering of drag performers to get geared (or dolled) up.&nbsp;

A couple hundred people gathered at the Eagle Tavern on Saturday afternoon for the annual <a href="https://sfleatherdistrict.org/2025-gda-ceremony/">Golden Dildeaux awards</a>, a ceremony acknowledging the city’s kinkiest kinksters hosted by San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfleatherdistrict.org/">Leather and LGBTQ+ Cultural District</a>. Essentially the Oscars for the raunchier elements of local queer community, the Golden Dildeauxs — or Woodies, as it were — are both a fundraiser for the district and an excuse for leatherfolk, rubber fetishists, and a smattering of drag performers to get geared (or dolled) up.&nbsp;

The Golden Dildeaux Awards, aka the Woodies, a fundraiser for the "LEATHER &amp; LGBTQ Cultural District" is taking place in the outdoor patio at the SF Eagle bar in San Francisco on Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025. Rodrigo Pup Rush 9right) wins “The Slip ’n Slide Award” for best in rubber.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_296.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men are shaking hands; one is holding a phallic-shaped trophy. They are dressed in leather and standing in front of a foliage-covered wall." class="wp-image-387932"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emcee Dolan Wolf (left) presents Rodrigo Pup Rush with a Woody for the Best in Rubber category at the Eagle Tavern. </figcaption></figure>

The cigar smoke was thick on the patio of the Eagle Tavern as emcees Dolan Wolf and Matthew Beld bestowed awards to winners in 24 categories like Best Bootblack, Fiercest Femme, Golden Shower Lover, and Queerest of the Queer. One notable nominee was Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who is gay and represents District 6 — which includes SoMa, historically the home of the city’s leather and BDSM community.&nbsp;

The cigar smoke was thick on the patio of the Eagle Tavern as emcees Dolan Wolf and Matthew Beld bestowed awards to winners in 24 categories like Best Bootblack, Fiercest Femme, Golden Shower Lover, and Queerest of the Queer. One notable nominee was Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who is gay and represents District 6 — which includes SoMa, historically the home of the city’s leather and BDSM community.&nbsp;

Dorsey was nominated for “Best Impact Player &#8211; Bottom.” Impact play is a broad category, covering spanking, flogging, paddling — and, well, basically anything that hurts. By his own admission, the supervisor waged a “Timothée Chalamet-caliber campaign” to win, but it was a feverishly contested award, with seven other contenders (no other category could boast as many aspirants).

Dorsey was nominated for “Best Impact Player - Bottom.” Impact play is a broad category, covering spanking, flogging, paddling — and, well, basically anything that hurts. By his own admission, the supervisor waged a “Timothée Chalamet-caliber campaign” to win, but it was a feverishly contested award, with seven other contenders (no other category could boast as many aspirants).

Dorsey was nominated for “Best Impact Player &#8211; Bottom.” Impact play is a broad category, covering spanking, flogging, paddling — and, well, basically anything that hurts. By his own admission, the supervisor waged a “Timothée Chalamet-caliber campaign” to win, but it was a feverishly contested award, with seven other contenders (no other category could boast as many aspirants).

“After years of my work in this category going unnoticed and unheralded, it was an honor just to be nominated,” Dorsey said. “Did I win? No. Am I bitter? A little.” As the winner, one Julian Castillo, was announced, the supervisor vowed to work as hard as necessary to emerge victorious next year — even though, by his own admission, he’s pretty vanilla and only learned about his nomination from one of his legislative aides.&nbsp;

“After years of my work in this category going unnoticed and unheralded, it was an honor just to be nominated,” Dorsey said. “Did I win? No. Am I bitter? A little.” As the winner, one Julian Castillo, was announced, the supervisor vowed to work as hard as necessary to emerge victorious next year — even though, by his own admission, he’s pretty vanilla and only learned about his nomination from one of his legislative aides.&nbsp;

The Golden Dildeaux Awards, aka the Woodies, a fundraiser for the "LEATHER &amp; LGBTQ Cultural District" is taking place in the outdoor patio at the SF Eagle bar in San Francisco on Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025. District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey (center), a nominee for the best impact player-bottom “Pound Cake Award”, did not win but watches the awards.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_170.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stands in a dimly lit area, smiling and holding drinks. One person has bright blue hair and is wearing a leather jacket with colorful pins." class="wp-image-387926"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey (center) was nominated for Best Impact Player &#8211; Bottom — also known as the &#8220;Pound Cake Award.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_170.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stands in a dimly lit area, smiling and holding drinks. One person has bright blue hair and is wearing a leather jacket with colorful pins." class="wp-image-387926"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey (center) was nominated for Best Impact Player - Bottom — also known as the "Pound Cake Award."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_170.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stands in a dimly lit area, smiling and holding drinks. One person has bright blue hair and is wearing a leather jacket with colorful pins." class="wp-image-387926"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey (center) was nominated for Best Impact Player &#8211; Bottom — also known as the &#8220;Pound Cake Award.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

The Golden Dildeaux Awards, aka the Woodies, a fundraiser for the "LEATHER &amp; LGBTQ Cultural District" is taking place in the outdoor patio at the SF Eagle bar in San Francisco on Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025. One of the winners, Ariel Sky, performs on stage.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_458.jpg?w=2500" alt="A masked person kneels onstage, tied in ropes, wearing minimal attire. A crowd watches, with some in colorful or themed outfits, creating a festive atmosphere." class="wp-image-387942"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ariel Sky&#8217;s masked shibari performance involved tying himself up with rope — no easy feat.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_458.jpg?w=2500" alt="A masked person kneels onstage, tied in ropes, wearing minimal attire. A crowd watches, with some in colorful or themed outfits, creating a festive atmosphere." class="wp-image-387942"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ariel Sky's masked shibari performance involved tying himself up with rope — no easy feat.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_458.jpg?w=2500" alt="A masked person kneels onstage, tied in ropes, wearing minimal attire. A crowd watches, with some in colorful or themed outfits, creating a festive atmosphere." class="wp-image-387942"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ariel Sky&#8217;s masked shibari performance involved tying himself up with rope — no easy feat.</figcaption></figure>

Dating to 1974, the Golden Dildeaux Awards are both a campy exercise and a major event for a community that has grappled with displacement since the 1980s, when dozens of leather bars dotted Western SoMa. The voting process is decidedly peculiar. Nominations are free and may be undertaken to support one’s friends or razz one’s frenemies, but once the nominees are announced, votes are $1 each. Consequently, ballot-stuffing is openly encouraged.

Dating to 1974, the Golden Dildeaux Awards are both a campy exercise and a major event for a community that has grappled with displacement since the 1980s, when dozens of leather bars dotted Western SoMa. The voting process is decidedly peculiar. Nominations are free and may be undertaken to support one’s friends or razz one’s frenemies, but once the nominees are announced, votes are $1 each. Consequently, ballot-stuffing is openly encouraged.

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Leather &amp; LGBTQ+ Cultural District executive director Bob Goldfarb said this year’s fundraising haul set a record: $17,800. That figure, of course, means he had to oversee the counting of 17,800 ballots. He attributed this burst of enthusiasm to a strong social media campaign, but also to the flurry of <a href="https://www.hrc.org/news/understanding-executive-orders-and-what-they-mean-for-the-lgbtq-community">anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders</a> and other grim news out of Washington, D.C.&nbsp;

Leather &amp; LGBTQ+ Cultural District executive director Bob Goldfarb said this year’s fundraising haul set a record: $17,800. That figure, of course, means he had to oversee the counting of 17,800 ballots. He attributed this burst of enthusiasm to a strong social media campaign, but also to the flurry of <a href="https://www.hrc.org/news/understanding-executive-orders-and-what-they-mean-for-the-lgbtq-community">anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders</a> and other grim news out of Washington, D.C.&nbsp;

“A lot of people in the current environment feel the need to support the Leather District,” Goldfarb said, adding that the funds will go to the eventual purchase of a community center. And while he had a strong personal interest in the Best Power-Fisting Bottom category, he’s the only person ineligible to shove fistfuls of cash into a ballot box. “We have to have free, safe, and fair elections,” he said.

“A lot of people in the current environment feel the need to support the Leather District,” Goldfarb said, adding that the funds will go to the eventual purchase of a community center. And while he had a strong personal interest in the Best Power-Fisting Bottom category, he’s the only person ineligible to shove fistfuls of cash into a ballot box. “We have to have free, safe, and fair elections,” he said.

The Golden Dildeaux Awards, aka the Woodies, a fundraiser for the "LEATHER &amp; LGBTQ Cultural District" is taking place in the outdoor patio at the SF Eagle bar in San Francisco on Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025. Awrd winners gather before doing a group photo.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_534.jpg?w=1666" alt="Two people wearing dog masks and leather outfits stand close together holding large, orange, bone-shaped objects, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers." class="wp-image-387947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hung Horse Stud winner Dandy Buckley (left) embraces another Golden Dildeaux winner.</figcaption></figure>

While categories and nominees may change from year to year, the Golden Dildeaux awards are about recognizing local folk heroes. Calder Storm, a trans man and activist who was instrumental in pushing back against two local spas for their <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/10/imperial-day-spa-transphobia-accusations/">retrograde gender policies</a>, was another Impact Bottom nominee. He was up for Best Novice, too. “It&#8217;s my first rodeo,” he said.

‘Gross retro transphobia’: Another SF spa accused of discrimination

While categories and nominees may change from year to year, the Golden Dildeaux awards are about recognizing local folk heroes. Calder Storm, a trans man and activist who was instrumental in pushing back against two local spas for their <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/10/imperial-day-spa-transphobia-accusations/">retrograde gender policies</a>, was another Impact Bottom nominee. He was up for Best Novice, too. “It's my first rodeo,” he said.

While categories and nominees may change from year to year, the Golden Dildeaux awards are about recognizing local folk heroes. Calder Storm, a trans man and activist who was instrumental in pushing back against two local spas for their <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/10/imperial-day-spa-transphobia-accusations/">retrograde gender policies</a>, was another Impact Bottom nominee. He was up for Best Novice, too. “It&#8217;s my first rodeo,” he said.

But of course, it’s fun to win. Dandy Buckley, a butch lesbian who The Standard profiled in 2024 as part of a look into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/16/san-francisco-lgbtq-daddy/">daddy culture</a> in San Francisco, was last year’s Favorite Silver Fox winner. This year, Buckley brought a prop, an enormous, blue-and-purple sex toy with a horsehead tip. (It matched this reporter’s nails exactly.)&nbsp;

SF&#8217;s baddest daddies: They&#8217;re mature, they&#8217;re masculine and they&#8217;re the new gay icons

But of course, it’s fun to win. Dandy Buckley, a butch lesbian who The Standard profiled in 2024 as part of a look into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/16/san-francisco-lgbtq-daddy/">daddy culture</a> in San Francisco, was last year’s Favorite Silver Fox winner. This year, Buckley brought a prop, an enormous, blue-and-purple sex toy with a horsehead tip. (It matched this reporter’s nails exactly.)&nbsp;

“I was nominated for Horse Hung Stud, and I brought one with me,” Buckley said. She won.

“I was nominated for Horse Hung Stud, and I brought one with me,” Buckley said. She won.

The Golden Dildeaux Awards, aka the Woodies, a fundraiser for the "LEATHER &amp; LGBTQ Cultural District" is taking place in the outdoor patio at the SF Eagle bar in San Francisco on Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025. Awar winners Ricardo Carillo (left) and Ariel Sky.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8900871853_goldendildeauxaward_639.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a leather vest and hat smiles while holding a phallic-shaped trophy. Another man beside him, also smiling, is wearing a black top. People are in the background." class="wp-image-387955"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ricardo Carillo (center) shows off his Woody for Novice Player of the Year next to Queerest of the Queer winner Ariel Sky.</figcaption></figure>

SF supervisor nominated for kinky local sex award. He’s into it

Josh Koehn

San Francisco Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">Matt Dorsey</a> told The Standard he plans to call for a hearing this week to review how small businesses were negatively impacted by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-businesses-suffered-major-losses-during-apec-owners-say/">reports of major drops in customers</a>.

San Francisco businesses suffered major losses during APEC, owners say

San Francisco Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">Matt Dorsey</a> told The Standard he plans to call for a hearing this week to review how small businesses were negatively impacted by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-businesses-suffered-major-losses-during-apec-owners-say/">reports of major drops in customers</a>.

Tens of thousands of people came to San Francisco for the weeklong geopolitical summit in mid-November, making the gathering the largest international event the city has hosted since the United Nations convened in 1945. However, the security fences set up to protect <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, created a heavily guarded security perimeter around Moscone Center, where most meetings took place.

Tens of thousands of people came to San Francisco for the weeklong geopolitical summit in mid-November, making the gathering the largest international event the city has hosted since the United Nations convened in 1945. However, the security fences set up to protect <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, created a heavily guarded security perimeter around Moscone Center, where most meetings took place.

Dorsey, whose district includes the South of Market area affected by the security zone, said he heard complaints from a “multitude” of residents and businesses. On Tuesday, he plans to submit a request for a hearing by the city’s Budget and Finance Committee.

Dorsey, whose district includes the South of Market area affected by the security zone, said he heard complaints from a “multitude” of residents and businesses. On Tuesday, he plans to submit a request for a hearing by the city’s Budget and Finance Committee.

“I think the city and its partners at the state and federal level did a good job in staging a historic event,” Dorsey said. “I think this showcased San Francisco to the world in a good way and this was generally successful. But like in anything else, there are winners and losers, and I heard from small business and residents who suffered undue hardships. I want to do everything I can to advocate for them.”

“I think the city and its partners at the state and federal level did a good job in staging a historic event,” Dorsey said. “I think this showcased San Francisco to the world in a good way and this was generally successful. But like in anything else, there are winners and losers, and I heard from small business and residents who suffered undue hardships. I want to do everything I can to advocate for them.”

David Cohen, CEO of the company that oversees the Grove on Mission Street, said the restaurant saw revenue dip 40% during the APEC conference, with about 1,300 fewer customers than a normal week.

David Cohen, CEO of the company that oversees the Grove on Mission Street, said the restaurant saw revenue dip 40% during the APEC conference, with about 1,300 fewer customers than a normal week.

“We stayed open to be a part of this event to showcase the city, and we saw a huge sales drop,” Cohen said. “It destroyed our financials.”

“We stayed open to be a part of this event to showcase the city, and we saw a huge sales drop,” Cohen said. “It destroyed our financials.”

Dorsey, who frequently holds meetings at the Grove on weekends, said he also heard from a pet grooming business that didn’t do well because of the security perimeter. The supervisor acknowledged that such a business was likely to be harder hit than others during APEC, but he hopes a hearing will allow other residents and business owners to provide a fuller picture of the impacts.

Dorsey, who frequently holds meetings at the Grove on weekends, said he also heard from a pet grooming business that didn’t do well because of the security perimeter. The supervisor acknowledged that such a business was likely to be harder hit than others during APEC, but he hopes a hearing will allow other residents and business owners to provide a fuller picture of the impacts.

“I don’t think anybody is flying in from around the world to groom their dogs, and people not being able to come in and out of the area is critical to that business,” Dorsey said. “I think a hearing is a good opportunity to identify businesses that suffered hardships.”

“I don’t think anybody is flying in from around the world to groom their dogs, and people not being able to come in and out of the area is critical to that business,” Dorsey said. “I think a hearing is a good opportunity to identify businesses that suffered hardships.”

Overall, San Francisco received mostly positive reviews for its handling of APEC. Many city officials viewed the summit as a pivotal moment to reset the narrative on a city that has been the subject of frequent criticism in the media. How the city handles the aftermath of APEC may be even more important for local businesses and residents.

Overall, San Francisco received mostly positive reviews for its handling of APEC. Many city officials viewed the summit as a pivotal moment to reset the narrative on a city that has been the subject of frequent criticism in the media. How the city handles the aftermath of APEC may be even more important for local businesses and residents.

Garrett Leahy contributed to this story.

Garrett Leahy contributed to this story.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to note that The Grove’s traffic was down about 1,300 customers, according to the owners.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to note that The Grove’s traffic was down about 1,300 customers, according to the owners.

These San Francisco small businesses say APEC crushed them. An official wants answers

George Kelly

In order to quantify so-called &#8220;drug tourism,&#8221; a San Francisco supervisor wants the City Controller&#8217;s Office to produce an annual report tracking the home addresses of people who have been arrested for drug use or who have died from overdoses in the city.

In order to quantify so-called "drug tourism," a San Francisco supervisor wants the City Controller's Office to produce an annual report tracking the home addresses of people who have been arrested for drug use or who have died from overdoses in the city.

In order to quantify so-called &#8220;drug tourism,&#8221; a San Francisco supervisor wants the City Controller&#8217;s Office to produce an annual report tracking the home addresses of people who have been arrested for drug use or who have died from overdoses in the city.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey said in letters Thursday that an anonymized report would help inform city policymakers about the consequences of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">San Francisco&#8217;s drug crisis</a>.

San Francisco suffers worst drug overdose death year on record

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey said in letters Thursday that an anonymized report would help inform city policymakers about the consequences of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">San Francisco's drug crisis</a>.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey said in letters Thursday that an anonymized report would help inform city policymakers about the consequences of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">San Francisco&#8217;s drug crisis</a>.

“The report I&#8217;m requesting from the City Controller is necessary to more accurately quantify the extent to which San Francisco is a destination city for open-air drug scenes,&#8221; Dorsey wrote to Angela Calvillo, clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

“The report I'm requesting from the City Controller is necessary to more accurately quantify the extent to which San Francisco is a destination city for open-air drug scenes," Dorsey wrote to Angela Calvillo, clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

“The report I&#8217;m requesting from the City Controller is necessary to more accurately quantify the extent to which San Francisco is a destination city for open-air drug scenes,&#8221; Dorsey wrote to Angela Calvillo, clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks at a June 2023 press conference.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BreedPressConf062923_17-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks at a press conference concerning the city’s thousands of unapproved housing projects, in San Francisco, on June 29, 2023. | Jeremy Chen/The Standard" class="wp-image-178012"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks at a June 2023 press conference.</figcaption></figure>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">UN Plaza Was Long the Epicenter of San Francisco’s Drug Crisis. Skaters Have Brought a New Vibe</a>

UN Plaza was long the epicenter of San Francisco’s drug crisis. Skaters have brought a new vibe

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">UN Plaza Was Long the Epicenter of San Francisco’s Drug Crisis. Skaters Have Brought a New Vibe</a>

The requested methodology would use commercially available databases to research the residential histories of three populations: those arrested for public drug use, those whose cause of death was an overdose, and recipients of the County Adult Assistance Program.

The requested methodology would use commercially available databases to research the residential histories of three populations: those arrested for public drug use, those whose cause of death was an overdose, and recipients of the County Adult Assistance Program.

It would quantify how long they lived in San Francisco and track their county, state and national origins.

It would quantify how long they lived in San Francisco and track their county, state and national origins.

There were&nbsp;806 overdose deaths in San Francisco&nbsp;in 2023, a record number, up from 647 deaths in 2022, the Department of Public Health reported. The deaths were mostly due to fentanyl.

There were&nbsp;806 overdose deaths in San Francisco&nbsp;in 2023, a record number, up from 647 deaths in 2022, the Department of Public Health reported. The deaths were mostly due to fentanyl.

Dorsey said that current city reporting provides divergent data on what percentage of arrested drug users or overdose victims are San Francisco residents, as opposed to out-of-town visitors who may be attracted by permissive drug policies or a robust social safety net.

Dorsey said that current city reporting provides divergent data on what percentage of arrested drug users or overdose victims are San Francisco residents, as opposed to out-of-town visitors who may be attracted by permissive drug policies or a robust social safety net.

His request cited a June 2023 report that 95% of recent arrests for drug use in the city were of non-San Francisco residents, which the supervisor contrasted with a proposed city resolution stating that 95% of deadly overdoses last year happened to residents.

His request cited a June 2023 report that 95% of recent arrests for drug use in the city were of non-San Francisco residents, which the supervisor contrasted with a proposed city resolution stating that 95% of deadly overdoses last year happened to residents.

Dorsey said more reliable statistics could bring overdue scrutiny to unintended consequences of the city&#8217;s struggles with open drug scenes and free assistance programs.

Dorsey said more reliable statistics could bring overdue scrutiny to unintended consequences of the city's struggles with open drug scenes and free assistance programs.

Dorsey said more reliable statistics could bring overdue scrutiny to unintended consequences of the city&#8217;s struggles with open drug scenes and free assistance programs.

The Coalition on Homelessness said they are deeply concerned about the number of lives being lost to the overdose crisis and said the request for the report amounts to political tactics.

The Coalition on Homelessness said they are deeply concerned about the number of lives being lost to the overdose crisis and said the request for the report amounts to political tactics.

&#8220;Political tactics such as these that attempt to shift blame and divert attention away from real solutions such as the implementation of the DPH overdose prevention plan are irresponsible and misguided,&#8221; Jennifer Friedenbach of the coalition said in an email. &#8220;In addition, looking into &#8216;home addresses&#8217; not only wastes time and energy when lives are at stake—it often misrepresents the real situation, such as individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to abuse are counted as housed from out of town.&#8221;

"Political tactics such as these that attempt to shift blame and divert attention away from real solutions such as the implementation of the DPH overdose prevention plan are irresponsible and misguided," Jennifer Friedenbach of the coalition said in an email. "In addition, looking into 'home addresses' not only wastes time and energy when lives are at stake—it often misrepresents the real situation, such as individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to abuse are counted as housed from out of town."

&#8220;Political tactics such as these that attempt to shift blame and divert attention away from real solutions such as the implementation of the DPH overdose prevention plan are irresponsible and misguided,&#8221; Jennifer Friedenbach of the coalition said in an email. &#8220;In addition, looking into &#8216;home addresses&#8217; not only wastes time and energy when lives are at stake—it often misrepresents the real situation, such as individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to abuse are counted as housed from out of town.&#8221;

Search Results for: matt dorsey

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SF supervisor nominated for kinky local sex award. He’s into it

These San Francisco small businesses say APEC crushed them. An official wants answers

San Francisco ‘drug tourism’ report would track address history of city users