Han Li

It&#8217;s not easy for a sitting mayor to keep her job as the city is experiencing a serious image crisis, but London Breed wants to persuade voters that San Francisco is on track to recovery.

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It's not easy for a sitting mayor to keep her job as the city is experiencing a serious image crisis, but London Breed wants to persuade voters that San Francisco is on track to recovery.

It&#8217;s not easy for a sitting mayor to keep her job as the city is experiencing a serious image crisis, but London Breed wants to persuade voters that San Francisco is on track to recovery.

In a mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Standard, ABC7 News, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Breed acknowledged that many outsiders may think San Francisco has a &#8220;bad rap&#8221; because of crime, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing but argued that she’s working to tackle the most vexing issues.&nbsp;

In a mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Standard, ABC7 News, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Breed acknowledged that many outsiders may think San Francisco has a "bad rap" because of crime, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing but argued that she’s working to tackle the most vexing issues.&nbsp;

In a mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Standard, ABC7 News, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Breed acknowledged that many outsiders may think San Francisco has a &#8220;bad rap&#8221; because of crime, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing but argued that she’s working to tackle the most vexing issues.&nbsp;

&#8220;We have to do more work above and beyond,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;But we are starting to see improvement, and I&#8217;m excited about what that means for the future.&#8221;

"We have to do more work above and beyond," Breed said. "But we are starting to see improvement, and I'm excited about what that means for the future."

&#8220;We have to do more work above and beyond,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;But we are starting to see improvement, and I&#8217;m excited about what that means for the future.&#8221;

Mayor London Breed during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on October 1, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_london_breed.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a woman in a blue blazer, identified as London Breed, a candidate for San Francisco Mayor, during a television interview on ABC7." class="wp-image-317831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_london_breed.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a woman in a blue blazer, identified as London Breed, a candidate for San Francisco Mayor, during a television interview on ABC7." class="wp-image-317831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>

Breed said crime rates are at historic lows, but people may not feel the difference. She pointed to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/29/san-francisco-cops-catchcar-burglars-drone-video/">new technology tools</a> for law enforcement officers to combat crime and said she has a plan to fully staff the San Francisco Police Department&nbsp;within two and a half years.

Cops show off new tech in flashy drone video of car break-in arrest

Breed said crime rates are at historic lows, but people may not feel the difference. She pointed to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/29/san-francisco-cops-catchcar-burglars-drone-video/">new technology tools</a> for law enforcement officers to combat crime and said she has a plan to fully staff the San Francisco Police Department&nbsp;within two and a half years.

Regarding homelessness, Breed said she has built more shelters and permanent supportive housing than any previous mayor, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/supreme-court-san-francisco-homelessness-grants-pass/">latest Supreme Court ruling</a> allowed her to be more aggressive in placing people in shelters. She has also been working with state and federal government agencies to crack down on the drug crisis on city streets.

Homeless sweeps could ramp up in SF after major Supreme Court ruling

Regarding homelessness, Breed said she has built more shelters and permanent supportive housing than any previous mayor, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/supreme-court-san-francisco-homelessness-grants-pass/">latest Supreme Court ruling</a> allowed her to be more aggressive in placing people in shelters. She has also been working with state and federal government agencies to crack down on the drug crisis on city streets.

Asked who she would list as her second choice on the city&#8217;s ranked-choice ballot, she demurred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked who she would list as her second choice on the city's ranked-choice ballot, she demurred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked who she would list as her second choice on the city&#8217;s ranked-choice ballot, she demurred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to look at most of the candidates and think that they would be anyone that I would ever want to see serve as mayor of San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said. And she took particular aim at Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir who has never worked in government.

"It's hard to look at most of the candidates and think that they would be anyone that I would ever want to see serve as mayor of San Francisco," Breed said. And she took particular aim at Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi's heir who has never worked in government.

&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to look at most of the candidates and think that they would be anyone that I would ever want to see serve as mayor of San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said. And she took particular aim at Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir who has never worked in government.

&#8220;Would you get on a [Boeing] 737 with a pilot with no experience?&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;It&#8217;s dangerous to consider someone just because they have money and no experience.&#8221;

"Would you get on a [Boeing] 737 with a pilot with no experience?" Breed said. "It's dangerous to consider someone just because they have money and no experience."

&#8220;Would you get on a [Boeing] 737 with a pilot with no experience?&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;It&#8217;s dangerous to consider someone just because they have money and no experience.&#8221;

Breed also discussed how to revitalize the struggling downtown and leverage San Francisco’s massive budget to improve services, along with her plan to eradicate alleged corruption in city-funded nonprofits, revealed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard&#8217;s investigative reporting</a>.

City official on leave after signing off on $1.5M in grants to man she shared home with

Breed also discussed how to revitalize the struggling downtown and leverage San Francisco’s massive budget to improve services, along with her plan to eradicate alleged corruption in city-funded nonprofits, revealed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard's investigative reporting</a>.

Breed also discussed how to revitalize the struggling downtown and leverage San Francisco’s massive budget to improve services, along with her plan to eradicate alleged corruption in city-funded nonprofits, revealed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard&#8217;s investigative reporting</a>.

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Watch: Feeling down about San Francisco? London Breed begs to differ

Stephanie K. Baer

A San Francisco woman spent nearly 15 hours over two days waiting to pick up her stolen vehicle from an impound lot, highlighting inefficiencies in the city&#8217;s recovery process.

A San Francisco woman spent nearly 15 hours over two days waiting to pick up her stolen vehicle from an impound lot, highlighting inefficiencies in the city's recovery process.

A San Francisco woman spent nearly 15 hours over two days waiting to pick up her stolen vehicle from an impound lot, highlighting inefficiencies in the city&#8217;s recovery process.

Elizabeth Shipley discovered Tuesday morning that her 1994 Ford Ranger was missing from her Bernal Heights home and reported it stolen to the police. She didn&#8217;t realize it had been gone for two days as she rides BART to work. She was informed that the truck had been towed after the thief left it blocking a driveway in Potrero Hill.

Elizabeth Shipley discovered Tuesday morning that her 1994 Ford Ranger was missing from her Bernal Heights home and reported it stolen to the police. She didn't realize it had been gone for two days as she rides BART to work. She was informed that the truck had been towed after the thief left it blocking a driveway in Potrero Hill.

Elizabeth Shipley discovered Tuesday morning that her 1994 Ford Ranger was missing from her Bernal Heights home and reported it stolen to the police. She didn&#8217;t realize it had been gone for two days as she rides BART to work. She was informed that the truck had been towed after the thief left it blocking a driveway in Potrero Hill.

Shipley went to the 7th Street impound lot around 10 a.m., expecting a quick recovery. Instead, she waited until nearly 7 p.m., hoping for an officer to arrive and process the vehicle as recovered. No officer arrived that day.

Shipley went to the 7th Street impound lot around 10 a.m., expecting a quick recovery. Instead, she waited until nearly 7 p.m., hoping for an officer to arrive and process the vehicle as recovered. No officer arrived that day.

“I was required to be present at the impound lot &#8230; and wait in the hopes that an officer would become available,” she said.

“I was required to be present at the impound lot ... and wait in the hopes that an officer would become available,” she said.

“I was required to be present at the impound lot &#8230; and wait in the hopes that an officer would become available,” she said.

Fabric drapes over the fence of the City and County of San Francisco Impound on Friday August 2, 2024. A woman waits 2 days at impound lot to get her stolen 1994 Ford Ranger back.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240802-waitingdaysstolencar-tv0328.jpg?w=2479" alt="Exterior of City and County of San Francisco Impound" class="wp-image-297871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley says she was unable to take her vehicle home from the city&#8217;s impound lot on Tuesday because an officer never arrived to log it as recovered.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240802-waitingdaysstolencar-tv0328.jpg?w=2479" alt="Exterior of City and County of San Francisco Impound" class="wp-image-297871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley says she was unable to take her vehicle home from the city's impound lot on Tuesday because an officer never arrived to log it as recovered.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240802-waitingdaysstolencar-tv0328.jpg?w=2479" alt="Exterior of City and County of San Francisco Impound" class="wp-image-297871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley says she was unable to take her vehicle home from the city&#8217;s impound lot on Tuesday because an officer never arrived to log it as recovered.</figcaption></figure>

On Thursday, Shipley returned to the lot and waited five hours before officers processed her vehicle and allowed her to take it home.

On Thursday, Shipley returned to the lot and waited five hours before officers processed her vehicle and allowed her to take it home.

Shipley believes the delay stemmed from a city policy requiring vehicle owners to be present while officers verify and process recovered stolen vehicles. A federal employee, she expressed frustration with the inflexibility of the process.&nbsp;

Shipley believes the delay stemmed from a city policy requiring vehicle owners to be present while officers verify and process recovered stolen vehicles. A federal employee, she expressed frustration with the inflexibility of the process.&nbsp;

“They need to be able to say, ‘OK, obviously, we can’t ask this person to spend an indefinite period of time here, so maybe we can make an appointment for somebody to come meet you to deal with this problem,’&nbsp;” Shipley said.

“They need to be able to say, ‘OK, obviously, we can’t ask this person to spend an indefinite period of time here, so maybe we can make an appointment for somebody to come meet you to deal with this problem,’&nbsp;” Shipley said.

Elizabeth Shipley’s 1994 Ford Ranger is parked on Coleridge Street near Virginia Avenue, one block from where it was stolen around July 28, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image000001.jpg?w=1600" alt="A white pickup truck is parked on the street beside a residential building with bay windows and trees around. Other cars and houses are visible in the background." class="wp-image-297846"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley’s 1994 Ford Ranger is parked on Coleridge Street near Virginia Avenue, one block from where it was stolen.</figcaption></figure>

While praising the efficiency of the staff at the impound lot, Shipley called for policy adjustments to prevent similar situations, especially given <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">police staffing challenges</a>.

SFPD’s ranks are thinning fast, and recruitment is lagging. Is the damage ‘permanent’?

While praising the efficiency of the staff at the impound lot, Shipley called for policy adjustments to prevent similar situations, especially given <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">police staffing challenges</a>.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency deferred questions to the police. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency deferred questions to the police. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“The idea that I’m just going to have to every day get up and go to the tow impound yard and compete with whatever crisis is happening in San Francisco until they have time for me — that doesn’t make any sense to me,” Shipley said.

“The idea that I’m just going to have to every day get up and go to the tow impound yard and compete with whatever crisis is happening in San Francisco until they have time for me — that doesn’t make any sense to me,” Shipley said.

Woman waits 15 hours over 2 days at impound lot to get her stolen car back

Sam Mondros

A new ordinance authored by two San Francisco lawmakers could restrict funding for new subsidized housing for homeless adults until at least a quarter of all units are drug-free.

A new ordinance authored by two San Francisco lawmakers could restrict funding for new subsidized housing for homeless adults until at least a quarter of all units are drug-free.

The legislation, which was co-authored by Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman, aims to create more options for homeless adults who want a sober living space on the heels of the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">deadliest year in overdoses</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco suffers worst drug overdose death year on record

The legislation, which was co-authored by Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman, aims to create more options for homeless adults who want a sober living space on the heels of the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">deadliest year in overdoses</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s subsidized housing sites have received criticism for a lax attitude when it comes to drug use, with an average of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homeless-housing-drug-overdose-deaths/">three people dying per week</a> due to overdoses in city-funded housing.&nbsp;

3 people die of drug overdoses every week in San Francisco supportive housing

San Francisco’s subsidized housing sites have received criticism for a lax attitude when it comes to drug use, with an average of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homeless-housing-drug-overdose-deaths/">three people dying per week</a> due to overdoses in city-funded housing.&nbsp;

Dorsey, who is a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">recovering addict himself</a>, said his legislation paves the way for more safely connecting San Francisco’s growing homeless population to housing by prioritizing sober facilities.

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

Dorsey, who is a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">recovering addict himself</a>, said his legislation paves the way for more safely connecting San Francisco’s growing homeless population to housing by prioritizing sober facilities.

The ordinance would restrict funding for new “drug-permissive” housing for adults exiting homelessness, except in select projects. Instead, in order to receive unrestricted subsidies, housing would be required to be drug-free until at least 25% of the city’s supportive housing is recovery-focused.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ordinance would restrict funding for new “drug-permissive” housing for adults exiting homelessness, except in select projects. Instead, in order to receive unrestricted subsidies, housing would be required to be drug-free until at least 25% of the city’s supportive housing is recovery-focused.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m grateful to my fellow recovery community members and the advocates and experts with whom we’ve worked—on this and other needed policy priorities—since I first joined the Board of Supervisors,” he said.&nbsp;

“I’m grateful to my fellow recovery community members and the advocates and experts with whom we’ve worked—on this and other needed policy priorities—since I first joined the Board of Supervisors,” he said.&nbsp;

Matt Dorsey, District 6 Supervisor and former addict, asks a crowd of those in support of Recover-Housing to raise a hand if they have lost a friend to an overdose at an event outside City Hall in San Francisco on Monday, June 17, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/recovery-housing.jpg?w=2500" alt="A large group of people are gathered outside, holding blue signs that read &quot;GIVE RECOVERY A CHANCE&quot; and &quot;RECOVERY HOUSING FIRST!&quot; while raising their hands." class="wp-image-284146"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Matt Dorsey, District 6 Supervisor and former addict, asks a crowd of those in support of recovery-based housing to raise a hand if they have lost a friend to an overdose.</figcaption></figure>

Surrounded by dozens of people in recovery, Dorsey asked the crowd to raise a hand if they had lost someone they knew to an overdose.&nbsp;

Surrounded by dozens of people in recovery, Dorsey asked the crowd to raise a hand if they had lost someone they knew to an overdose.&nbsp;

Nearly everyone raised their hand.&nbsp;

“I feel empowered by this legislation,” said Vincent Jones, 62, who has been sober for seven months after a 45-year addiction to crack cocaine. Mr. Jones, who has been living at Joseph Mcfee Center, a recovery-focused housing site, said he plans to return to his family in Sacramento in seven months after he’s clean.&nbsp;

“I feel empowered by this legislation,” said Vincent Jones, 62, who has been sober for seven months after a 45-year addiction to crack cocaine. Mr. Jones, who has been living at Joseph Mcfee Center, a recovery-focused housing site, said he plans to return to his family in Sacramento in seven months after he’s clean.&nbsp;

“I was lost at one point and lacked the ability to help myself,” Jones added. “They send you to these places that are full of drugs. When I first got into my addiction, I could have really used a program like this.”

“I was lost at one point and lacked the ability to help myself,” Jones added. “They send you to these places that are full of drugs. When I first got into my addiction, I could have really used a program like this.”

Per the ordinance, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing would coordinate with the Department of Public Health to establish local rules and regulations based on federal policies on relapses and when a resident may be discharged. The legislation also includes a low-barrier option for recovery housing that permits voluntary residents without an official diagnosis of substance abuse disorder.

Per the ordinance, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing would coordinate with the Department of Public Health to establish local rules and regulations based on federal policies on relapses and when a resident may be discharged. The legislation also includes a low-barrier option for recovery housing that permits voluntary residents without an official diagnosis of substance abuse disorder.

As it stands, California law requires that 100% of permanent supportive housing providers accept residents regardless of “sobriety” or “behaviors that indicate a lack of ‘housing readiness.’” This effectively stonewalls recovery-focused housing from receiving funding—something those who have recovered from drug abuse say is antithetical to proper rehabilitation.

As it stands, California law requires that 100% of permanent supportive housing providers accept residents regardless of “sobriety” or “behaviors that indicate a lack of ‘housing readiness.’” This effectively stonewalls recovery-focused housing from receiving funding—something those who have recovered from drug abuse say is antithetical to proper rehabilitation.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, center, passes a man in a wheelchair during the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s biennial Point-in-Time Count of homeless and unhoused people on the street on Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 from 8PM to midnight. According to Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the count covered all 47 square miles of San Francisco and used administrative data for people staying in City shelters, emergency shelters and transitional housing. The final report will include more detailed information about people experiencing homelessness including demographics, veteran status, and chronic homelessness.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240126_homelesscountwewent_1311.jpg?w=1827" alt="A person in a wheelchair, head in hands, sits by a wall as pedestrians walk by, seemingly unnoticed." class="wp-image-245090"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed supports new legislation that aims to create more options for homeless adults who want a sober living space. </figcaption></figure>

“You cannot recover in a raggedy-ass SRO in the Tenderloin,” said <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/10/san-francisco-doom-loop-tour-competing-walk-to-show-tenderloins-best/">Del Seymour</a>, a one-time addict and the founder of Code Tenderloin, a nonprofit that provides support for those recovering from addiction.&nbsp;

Tenderloin leader organizes walk to counter San Francisco &#8216;squalor&#8217; tour

“You cannot recover in a raggedy-ass SRO in the Tenderloin,” said <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/10/san-francisco-doom-loop-tour-competing-walk-to-show-tenderloins-best/">Del Seymour</a>, a one-time addict and the founder of Code Tenderloin, a nonprofit that provides support for those recovering from addiction.&nbsp;

The proposed ordinance comes as lawmakers are eyeing changes to state rules around supportive housing. Last month, Assemblymember Matt Haney introduced Assembly Bill 2479, aimed at solving the issue of recovery-based housing state-wide by amending existing state law to permit up to a quarter of state funding for housing to be allocated to recovery housing. The legislation received support from Mayor London Breed, passed the Assembly last month with a unanimous 72-0 vote and is currently being reviewed by the state Senate.&nbsp;

The proposed ordinance comes as lawmakers are eyeing changes to state rules around supportive housing. Last month, Assemblymember Matt Haney introduced Assembly Bill 2479, aimed at solving the issue of recovery-based housing state-wide by amending existing state law to permit up to a quarter of state funding for housing to be allocated to recovery housing. The legislation received support from Mayor London Breed, passed the Assembly last month with a unanimous 72-0 vote and is currently being reviewed by the state Senate.&nbsp;

If both laws are enacted, Dorsey said they will work together with the state providing substantial funding support while ensuring San Francisco meets its goals around recovery housing..

If both laws are enacted, Dorsey said they will work together with the state providing substantial funding support while ensuring San Francisco meets its goals around recovery housing..

In San Francisco, last year was the deadliest on record for overdose deaths. Of 810 fatal overdoses, 17% occurred in the Tenderloin—the highest rate of any neighborhood in the city, according to preliminary data published by the city in April.

In San Francisco, last year was the deadliest on record for overdose deaths. Of 810 fatal overdoses, 17% occurred in the Tenderloin—the highest rate of any neighborhood in the city, according to preliminary data published by the city in April.

Between 2020 and 2021, 14% of all overdoses occurred in housing subsidized by the city, even though the units only accounted for 1% of the population, according to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2022/san-francisco-sros/">The San Francisco Chronicle</a>.&nbsp;

Between 2020 and 2021, 14% of all overdoses occurred in housing subsidized by the city, even though the units only accounted for 1% of the population, according to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2022/san-francisco-sros/">The San Francisco Chronicle</a>.&nbsp;

“I, like so many others, have been placed in a housing unit with many of the most unwell and drug addicted individuals with zero supervision and rehabilitation programs,” said Daniel McClennon, an addict and current resident in a harm reduction facility in San Francisco. “This is an obvious recipe for disaster. They’re often havens for all manner of criminal activity.”

“I, like so many others, have been placed in a housing unit with many of the most unwell and drug addicted individuals with zero supervision and rehabilitation programs,” said Daniel McClennon, an addict and current resident in a harm reduction facility in San Francisco. “This is an obvious recipe for disaster. They’re often havens for all manner of criminal activity.”

According to Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, 71% of the roughly 450 tenants who responded to a recent survey said they would prefer drug-free housing.&nbsp;

According to Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, 71% of the roughly 450 tenants who responded to a recent survey said they would prefer drug-free housing.&nbsp;

Drug-free housing for San Francisco homeless could be required by 2025

Cedric Akbar

Steve Adami

Like many San Franciscans, we know what it’s like to experience, witness, care for and lose loved ones struggling with drug abuse. As people who are in recovery, we also know what it takes to confront and recover from the endless cycle of addiction.

Like many San Franciscans, we know what it’s like to experience, witness, care for and lose loved ones struggling with drug abuse. As people who are in recovery, we also know what it takes to confront and recover from the endless cycle of addiction.

Voters made it clear when they passed Mayor London Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a> in March that they wanted to see a change in our city’s approach to addressing the addiction crisis on our streets. A recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/06/02/london-breed-proposition-f-drug-testing-benefits-addiction-homelessness/">opinion in The San Francisco Standard</a> lacks the perspective of people who have struggled with addiction and recovered.&nbsp;

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

Mayor&#8217;s supposed &#8216;tough-love&#8217; policy is not the cure for our addiction epidemic

Voters made it clear when they passed Mayor London Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a> in March that they wanted to see a change in our city’s approach to addressing the addiction crisis on our streets. A recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/06/02/london-breed-proposition-f-drug-testing-benefits-addiction-homelessness/">opinion in The San Francisco Standard</a> lacks the perspective of people who have struggled with addiction and recovered.&nbsp;

When it is implemented in January 2025, Proposition F will provide better care and services to people suffering from addiction. Throughout her time in office, Breed has consistently worked with, listened to and learned from those of us in the recovery community to deliver <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-announces-budget-investments-behavioral-health-efforts">real solutions</a> to some of San Francisco’s most pressing challenges. She’s more than a mayor to many of us—she’s a friend and ally. She understands better than most elected officials that the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">longstanding harm reduction approach</a> will not solve our city’s addiction crisis alone.&nbsp;

Breed blames harm reduction strategy for surging drug overdose deaths

When it is implemented in January 2025, Proposition F will provide better care and services to people suffering from addiction. Throughout her time in office, Breed has consistently worked with, listened to and learned from those of us in the recovery community to deliver <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-announces-budget-investments-behavioral-health-efforts">real solutions</a> to some of San Francisco’s most pressing challenges. She’s more than a mayor to many of us—she’s a friend and ally. She understands better than most elected officials that the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">longstanding harm reduction approach</a> will not solve our city’s addiction crisis alone.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s approach of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/briefing/san-francisco-addiction.html?u2g=c&amp;unlocked_article_code=1.xk0.B1VK.hWnltt7gyyJl&amp;smid=url-share">tolerating drug use</a> and giving people the freedom to do what they want on our streets was not helping people address their addiction.&nbsp;In some cases, it was enabling it.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s approach of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/briefing/san-francisco-addiction.html?u2g=c&amp;unlocked_article_code=1.xk0.B1VK.hWnltt7gyyJl&amp;smid=url-share">tolerating drug use</a> and giving people the freedom to do what they want on our streets was not helping people address their addiction.&nbsp;In some cases, it was enabling it.&nbsp;

Breed’s approach, by comparison, is a compassionate one. Proposition F does not mandate drug testing, force people into specific treatment programs, or punish those who are not physically or mentally capable of immediately entering a strictly abstinence-based plan. Instead, it will establish accountability measures for those struggling with addiction who receive city-funded care and support.

Breed’s approach, by comparison, is a compassionate one. Proposition F does not mandate drug testing, force people into specific treatment programs, or punish those who are not physically or mentally capable of immediately entering a strictly abstinence-based plan. Instead, it will establish accountability measures for those struggling with addiction who receive city-funded care and support.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-for-reintegration">Support for reintegration</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-for-reintegration">Support for reintegration</h2>

This holistic approach meets people where they are to ensure they have access to the support systems that will allow them to safely reintegrate into our communities once they have recovered. Treatment plans could include taking medication, regularly attending therapy or participating in residential treatment. Health care professionals who meet individually with people will advise which treatment plans best meet their needs.

This holistic approach meets people where they are to ensure they have access to the support systems that will allow them to safely reintegrate into our communities once they have recovered. Treatment plans could include taking medication, regularly attending therapy or participating in residential treatment. Health care professionals who meet individually with people will advise which treatment plans best meet their needs.

Rather than requiring drug testing through blood draws or urinalysis, the legislation simply requires individuals to participate in a drug screening in which they talk with a professional who can create an individual treatment plan and connect them to services. People do not have to be perfect in the program, but they have to make an effort. The assumption that Proposition F will kick people off services if they fail a drug test is not just wrong, but a dangerous narrative that will get in the way of real results.&nbsp;

Rather than requiring drug testing through blood draws or urinalysis, the legislation simply requires individuals to participate in a drug screening in which they talk with a professional who can create an individual treatment plan and connect them to services. People do not have to be perfect in the program, but they have to make an effort. The assumption that Proposition F will kick people off services if they fail a drug test is not just wrong, but a dangerous narrative that will get in the way of real results.&nbsp;

Yes, for those who undergo a drug screening and are unwilling to enter any kind of city-funded recovery program, their cash benefits will be withheld.&nbsp;But the city will be ready to reinstate their benefits as soon as they participate in their own recovery, tailored to meet their individual needs and goals. Allowing people who are suffering to avoid care has not only put them at risk but has affected the health and safety of all San Francisco residents, families and businesses.&nbsp;

Yes, for those who undergo a drug screening and are unwilling to enter any kind of city-funded recovery program, their cash benefits will be withheld.&nbsp;But the city will be ready to reinstate their benefits as soon as they participate in their own recovery, tailored to meet their individual needs and goals. Allowing people who are suffering to avoid care has not only put them at risk but has affected the health and safety of all San Francisco residents, families and businesses.&nbsp;

San Francisco is a compassionate city that prides itself on giving people like us a second chance. But it is not compassionate to let individuals struggle and sadly, too often die, when we have programs that provide comprehensive support and wrap-around services.&nbsp;

San Francisco is a compassionate city that prides itself on giving people like us a second chance. But it is not compassionate to let individuals struggle and sadly, too often die, when we have programs that provide comprehensive support and wrap-around services.&nbsp;

The city has <a href="https://www.findtreatment-sf.org/">treatment beds</a> available now, in addition to services available from other providers. The mayor supports San Francisco’s continued investment in expanding programs and solutions, including dedicating more than $600 million to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/25/breed-to-fund-wellness-hubs-for-overdose-prevention-in-upcoming-budget/">behavioral health programs</a> and more than $20 million in new investments in abstinence-based programs.

San Francisco mayor to fund &#8216;wellness hubs&#8217; for overdose prevention in upcoming budget

The city has <a href="https://www.findtreatment-sf.org/">treatment beds</a> available now, in addition to services available from other providers. The mayor supports San Francisco’s continued investment in expanding programs and solutions, including dedicating more than $600 million to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/25/breed-to-fund-wellness-hubs-for-overdose-prevention-in-upcoming-budget/">behavioral health programs</a> and more than $20 million in new investments in abstinence-based programs.

As a community, we should demand that members of the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health follow Breed’s leadership and advocate for people who need care to have access to it. But we also need to put pressure on policymakers to adopt common-sense solutions that aggressively meet the demands of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">current crisis on our streets</a>.

As a community, we should demand that members of the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health follow Breed’s leadership and advocate for people who need care to have access to it. But we also need to put pressure on policymakers to adopt common-sense solutions that aggressively meet the demands of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">current crisis on our streets</a>.

We cannot continue to allow individuals with substance-use dependency to receive city funding without any accountability. Lives are on the line and we must step up to save them.

We cannot continue to allow individuals with substance-use dependency to receive city funding without any accountability. Lives are on the line and we must step up to save them.

Cedric Akbar is the executive director of <a href="https://www.positivedirectionsequalschange.org/">Positive Directions Equals Change</a> and Steve Adami is the executive director of <a href="https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/san_francisco/the-way-out/">The Salvation Army’s ‘The Way Out’</a> initiative.

Cedric Akbar is the executive director of <a href="https://www.positivedirectionsequalschange.org/">Positive Directions Equals Change</a> and Steve Adami is the executive director of <a href="https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/san_francisco/the-way-out/">The Salvation Army’s ‘The Way Out’</a> initiative.

San Francisco has enabled drug users for too long. It’s time for compassion—with accountability

Opinion: San Francisco has enabled drug users for too long. It’s time for compassion—with accountability

George Kelly

San Francisco officials named Xavier Pittman as a suspect in connection with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/19/bystanders-describe-total-chaos-as-gunfire-erupted-in-san-franciscos-embarcadero-on-fathers-day/">Father&#8217;s Day shooting and burglary incident that injured six people</a>, including a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a car near the busy Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf area.

Bystanders describe ‘total chaos’ as gunfire erupted on San Francisco&#8217;s Embarcadero on Father’s Day

San Francisco officials named Xavier Pittman as a suspect in connection with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/19/bystanders-describe-total-chaos-as-gunfire-erupted-in-san-franciscos-embarcadero-on-fathers-day/">Father's Day shooting and burglary incident that injured six people</a>, including a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a car near the busy Fisherman's Wharf area.

San Francisco officials named Xavier Pittman as a suspect in connection with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/19/bystanders-describe-total-chaos-as-gunfire-erupted-in-san-franciscos-embarcadero-on-fathers-day/">Father&#8217;s Day shooting and burglary incident that injured six people</a>, including a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a car near the busy Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf area.

Two people were hit by gunfire and three people were injured by glass shards, authorities said. Two girls, ages 10 and 16, were hit by a vehicle while walking their bicycles across the Embarcadero; the younger girl was injured in the events that were described as &#8220;total chaos&#8221; by witnesses.

Two people were hit by gunfire and three people were injured by glass shards, authorities said. Two girls, ages 10 and 16, were hit by a vehicle while walking their bicycles across the Embarcadero; the younger girl was injured in the events that were described as "total chaos" by witnesses.

Two people were hit by gunfire and three people were injured by glass shards, authorities said. Two girls, ages 10 and 16, were hit by a vehicle while walking their bicycles across the Embarcadero; the younger girl was injured in the events that were described as &#8220;total chaos&#8221; by witnesses.

The San Francisco District Attorney&#8217;s Office has now charged Pittman in connection with burglaries that happened before the shooting incident.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office has now charged Pittman in connection with burglaries that happened before the shooting incident.

The San Francisco District Attorney&#8217;s Office has now charged Pittman in connection with burglaries that happened before the shooting incident.

Pittman, 25, has been involved in at least one shooting incident in San Francisco before. In 2021, he earned a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/chief-scott-issues-rare-apology-to-man-shot-by-sf-police/article_c2e1d23d-79b5-5530-a930-02c89fcab1db.html">rare apology</a> from Police Chief Bill Scott after he was shot by an undercover cop who was moving in to arrest him in connection with a series of car burglaries.

Pittman, 25, has been involved in at least one shooting incident in San Francisco before. In 2021, he earned a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/chief-scott-issues-rare-apology-to-man-shot-by-sf-police/article_c2e1d23d-79b5-5530-a930-02c89fcab1db.html">rare apology</a> from Police Chief Bill Scott after he was shot by an undercover cop who was moving in to arrest him in connection with a series of car burglaries.

The gun negligently went off, hitting Pittman in the wrist. After filing a lawsuit against the city, Pittman received a <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12118701&amp;GUID=99636593-75CA-42F4-846A-218D0A1CB8B7]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$195,000 settlement</a> in June 2022 from the city Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

The gun negligently went off, hitting Pittman in the wrist. After filing a lawsuit against the city, Pittman received a <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12118701&amp;GUID=99636593-75CA-42F4-846A-218D0A1CB8B7]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$195,000 settlement</a> in June 2022 from the city Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

At a Thursday press conference at San Francisco police headquarters, police did not refer to the 2021 incident, focusing instead on the Father&#8217;s Day car-to-car shooting between an Infiniti and a Chevrolet at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf.

At a Thursday press conference at San Francisco police headquarters, police did not refer to the 2021 incident, focusing instead on the Father's Day car-to-car shooting between an Infiniti and a Chevrolet at Fisherman's Wharf.

At a Thursday press conference at San Francisco police headquarters, police did not refer to the 2021 incident, focusing instead on the Father&#8217;s Day car-to-car shooting between an Infiniti and a Chevrolet at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father's Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_8163.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father's Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on." class="wp-image-212803"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father&#8217;s Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_8163.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father's Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on." class="wp-image-212803"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father's Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_8163.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father's Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on." class="wp-image-212803"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott announces the arrests of suspects Thursday in a Father&#8217;s Day car-to-car shooting as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins looks on.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;We have to hold them accountable. That is why we&#8217;re here today, because we have done a tremendous investigation to find those responsible for that horrific shooting that terrorized people across our city,&#8221; Scott said. &#8220;Mind you, two innocent little girls were caught up, one hit by a car.&#8221;

"We have to hold them accountable. That is why we're here today, because we have done a tremendous investigation to find those responsible for that horrific shooting that terrorized people across our city," Scott said. "Mind you, two innocent little girls were caught up, one hit by a car."

&#8220;We have to hold them accountable. That is why we&#8217;re here today, because we have done a tremendous investigation to find those responsible for that horrific shooting that terrorized people across our city,&#8221; Scott said. &#8220;Mind you, two innocent little girls were caught up, one hit by a car.&#8221;

Deputy Police Chief Robert O&#8217;Sullivan said investigators learned suspects in the Infiniti were part of an auto burglary &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">bipping</a>&#8221; crew that had committed several car-break-ins in the hour before the shooting. Officers later learned that Oakland police and firefighters found the Infiniti torched in&nbsp;Oakland.&nbsp;

Why is San Francisco called Bip City?

Deputy Police Chief Robert O'Sullivan said investigators learned suspects in the Infiniti were part of an auto burglary "<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">bipping</a>" crew that had committed several car-break-ins in the hour before the shooting. Officers later learned that Oakland police and firefighters found the Infiniti torched in&nbsp;Oakland.&nbsp;

Deputy Police Chief Robert O&#8217;Sullivan said investigators learned suspects in the Infiniti were part of an auto burglary &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">bipping</a>&#8221; crew that had committed several car-break-ins in the hour before the shooting. Officers later learned that Oakland police and firefighters found the Infiniti torched in&nbsp;Oakland.&nbsp;

After identifying Pittman, 22-year-old Richard Tuiasosopo and a male juvenile as having been inside the Infiniti, officers worked to obtain search warrants before executing them Wednesday at six different addresses with help from multiple police department units, as well as the Richmond, Vallejo and South San Francisco police.

After identifying Pittman, 22-year-old Richard Tuiasosopo and a male juvenile as having been inside the Infiniti, officers worked to obtain search warrants before executing them Wednesday at six different addresses with help from multiple police department units, as well as the Richmond, Vallejo and South San Francisco police.

During the searches, officers found four assault-style rifles and 13 handguns.

During the searches, officers found four assault-style rifles and 13 handguns.

Pittman and the juvenile were arrested Wednesday. Tuiasosopo was already in Alameda County Jail.&nbsp;

Pittman and the juvenile were arrested Wednesday. Tuiasosopo was already in Alameda County Jail.&nbsp;

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office had charged Pittman, who it believes to be a passenger in the Infiniti, with conspiracy and two counts of burglary. Pittman is scheduled for arraignment at 1:30 p.m. Friday at San Francisco Superior Court.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office had charged Pittman, who it believes to be a passenger in the Infiniti, with conspiracy and two counts of burglary. Pittman is scheduled for arraignment at 1:30 p.m. Friday at San Francisco Superior Court.

Jenkins added that she expects to charge Tuiasosopo as soon as he is released from Alameda County Jail, before adding that she could not answer questions about the minor.

Jenkins added that she expects to charge Tuiasosopo as soon as he is released from Alameda County Jail, before adding that she could not answer questions about the minor.

&#8220;We asked for your trust at that time, given we were not able to file charges, that we would work with the San Francisco Police Department to make sure that we held those responsible for this accountable,&#8221; Jenkins said.

"We asked for your trust at that time, given we were not able to file charges, that we would work with the San Francisco Police Department to make sure that we held those responsible for this accountable," Jenkins said.

&#8220;We asked for your trust at that time, given we were not able to file charges, that we would work with the San Francisco Police Department to make sure that we held those responsible for this accountable,&#8221; Jenkins said.

San Francisco Embarcadero shooting suspect won huge payout after he was shot by cops in 2021

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