Jason Henry

Jennifer Wadsworth

Nolan Lawson cultivated his addiction in Mendocino County, where the rate of opioid overdoses is triple the statewide average.

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Nolan Lawson cultivated his addiction in Mendocino County, where the rate of opioid overdoses is triple the statewide average.

But he became a San Francisco statistic on New Year&#8217;s Day, when he died on the steps of the Civic Center library, marking the city&#8217;s first overdose death of 2024. He was 35.

But he became a San Francisco statistic on New Year's Day, when he died on the steps of the Civic Center library, marking the city's first overdose death of 2024. He was 35.

But he became a San Francisco statistic on New Year&#8217;s Day, when he died on the steps of the Civic Center library, marking the city&#8217;s first overdose death of 2024. He was 35.

Nearly nine months later, across the plaza on the steps of City Hall, his mother, Whitney Eads, 58, joined other parents to mourn at a vigil for lives cut short by the drug crisis.

Nearly nine months later, across the plaza on the steps of City Hall, his mother, Whitney Eads, 58, joined other parents to mourn at a vigil for lives cut short by the drug crisis.

The Saturday-night memorial was set against a backdrop of more than 1,100 votive candles, each representing an overdose casualty since the start of last year, the deadliest on record for overdoses in San Francisco. So far in 2024, the fatalities, largely driven by fentanyl, are on track to nearly match last year&#8217;s numbers.

The Saturday-night memorial was set against a backdrop of more than 1,100 votive candles, each representing an overdose casualty since the start of last year, the deadliest on record for overdoses in San Francisco. So far in 2024, the fatalities, largely driven by fentanyl, are on track to nearly match last year's numbers.

The Saturday-night memorial was set against a backdrop of more than 1,100 votive candles, each representing an overdose casualty since the start of last year, the deadliest on record for overdoses in San Francisco. So far in 2024, the fatalities, largely driven by fentanyl, are on track to nearly match last year&#8217;s numbers.

Whitney Eads, who lost her son Nolan Lawson to a fentanyl overdose, brought her sonÕs ashes along with a photo of him and lavender to a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0524.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands in front of a lit-up building at night, holding a photo of a man and a child, and a rolled-up paper. People and lanterns can be seen in the background." class="wp-image-307072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Whitney Eads, who lost son Nolan Lawson to a fentanyl overdose, brought his ashes and a photo to the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0524.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands in front of a lit-up building at night, holding a photo of a man and a child, and a rolled-up paper. People and lanterns can be seen in the background." class="wp-image-307072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Whitney Eads, who lost son Nolan Lawson to a fentanyl overdose, brought his ashes and a photo to the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

Vicki Dowell held a photo of her son, Jacob, who died of an fentanyl poisoning on December 17, 2022 at the age of 26, during a vigil on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0094.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands solemnly, holding a framed photo of a smiling person. She wears a denim jacket, with sunglasses atop her head, in front of ornate doors with gold detailing." class="wp-image-307047"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vicki Dowell holds a photo of son Jacob, 26, who died of fentanyl poisoning on Dec.17, 2022.</figcaption></figure>

About 50 people attended a vigil for overdose victims, including many politicians, on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0447.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stands solemnly in an urban setting at night, facing a staircase lined with white paper lanterns. The city lights and buildings illuminate the background." class="wp-image-307068"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Several dozen people attended the ceremony.</figcaption></figure>

Eads shared her story at the somber sunset gathering to call attention to systemic failures that she said let drug-dependent people fall through the cracks.

Eads shared her story at the somber sunset gathering to call attention to systemic failures that she said let drug-dependent people fall through the cracks.

&#8220;My son begged to go to recovery and treatment while he was incarcerated,&#8221; she said, &#8220;and he did not receive that.&#8221;

"My son begged to go to recovery and treatment while he was incarcerated," she said, "and he did not receive that."

&#8220;My son begged to go to recovery and treatment while he was incarcerated,&#8221; she said, &#8220;and he did not receive that.&#8221;

On the streets, she said the lack of open-door access to treatment leaves people like her son stuck in the cycles of crime and addiction that so often lead to death.

On the streets, she said the lack of open-door access to treatment leaves people like her son stuck in the cycles of crime and addiction that so often lead to death.

&#8220;We must realize that addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem with someone,&#8221; Eads said, &#8220;and we need to have better supports for those services.&#8221;

"We must realize that addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem with someone," Eads said, "and we need to have better supports for those services."

&#8220;We must realize that addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem with someone,&#8221; Eads said, &#8220;and we need to have better supports for those services.&#8221;

Vicki Dowell said the fentanyl crisis even poses a risk for casual users like her son, Jacob Dowell, who died on Dec. 17, 2022, after using cocaine offered by a friend. He was just 26.

Vicki Dowell said the fentanyl crisis even poses a risk for casual users like her son, Jacob Dowell, who died on Dec. 17, 2022, after using cocaine offered by a friend. He was just 26.

&#8220;He was just outgoing, loving, he was engaged to be married, and he loved animals,&#8221; his mother recounted. &#8220;He would help anyone that needed help. And he was my only son, my only child.&#8221;

"He was just outgoing, loving, he was engaged to be married, and he loved animals," his mother recounted. "He would help anyone that needed help. And he was my only son, my only child."

&#8220;He was just outgoing, loving, he was engaged to be married, and he loved animals,&#8221; his mother recounted. &#8220;He would help anyone that needed help. And he was my only son, my only child.&#8221;

Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, gets emotional during a vigil on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0110.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people stand outdoors; a woman wipes tears, clutching a phone, flanked by a serious-looking woman and a man looking down at his phone." class="wp-image-307049"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, which organized the vigil.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0216.jpg?w=2500" alt="A memorial display on steps features a framed photo of a man and a child, a bouquet of lavender, a cylinder wrapped in white paper, small candles, and a blue cloth." class="wp-image-307055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Nolan Lawson, who died of fentanyl poisoning on the steps of the Civic Center library on New Year&#8217;s Day.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0216.jpg?w=2500" alt="A memorial display on steps features a framed photo of a man and a child, a bouquet of lavender, a cylinder wrapped in white paper, small candles, and a blue cloth." class="wp-image-307055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Nolan Lawson, who died of fentanyl poisoning on the steps of the Civic Center library on New Year's Day.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0216.jpg?w=2500" alt="A memorial display on steps features a framed photo of a man and a child, a bouquet of lavender, a cylinder wrapped in white paper, small candles, and a blue cloth." class="wp-image-307055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Nolan Lawson, who died of fentanyl poisoning on the steps of the Civic Center library on New Year&#8217;s Day.</figcaption></figure>

Gina McDonald, center, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, gets emotional during a vigil on on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0323.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd of people stands somberly outdoors, with one woman in the foreground clasping her hands in a prayerful gesture, surrounded by trees and buildings." class="wp-image-307059"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gina McDonald bows her head in prayer.</figcaption></figure>

For many attendees, the vigil was a chance to dispel the shame that keeps families silent about addiction.

For many attendees, the vigil was a chance to dispel the shame that keeps families silent about addiction.

Jacqui Berlinn, 58, said she kept her son&#8217;s struggles a closely held secret until a photo of him passed out on a BART train started making the rounds online.

Jacqui Berlinn, 58, said she kept her son's struggles a closely held secret until a photo of him passed out on a BART train started making the rounds online.

Jacqui Berlinn, 58, said she kept her son&#8217;s struggles a closely held secret until a photo of him passed out on a BART train started making the rounds online.

&#8220;People were saying all these awful things about my son,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I realized it was my son.&#8221;

"People were saying all these awful things about my son," she said. "And I realized it was my son."

&#8220;People were saying all these awful things about my son,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I realized it was my son.&#8221;

Berlinn responded to the mockery by claiming her child, commenting in the BART rants-and-raves Facebook group that the man in the photo was her son, Corey Sylvester.

Berlinn responded to the mockery by claiming her child, commenting in the BART rants-and-raves Facebook group that the man in the photo was her son, Corey Sylvester.

&#8220;As soon as I did that, the narrative changed,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Like, people started saying, &#8216;Oh, my gosh, I&#8217;m so sorry. If we see him again, what can we tell him for you?&#8217; It humanized him. And I realized how important it is for people to understand that even though they see someone who&#8217;s an addict, a drug addict on the streets, that it doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re not worthy or loved, that they don&#8217;t have a family. They&#8217;re not throwaway people.&#8221;

"As soon as I did that, the narrative changed," she said. "Like, people started saying, 'Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry. If we see him again, what can we tell him for you?' It humanized him. And I realized how important it is for people to understand that even though they see someone who's an addict, a drug addict on the streets, that it doesn't mean they're not worthy or loved, that they don't have a family. They're not throwaway people."

&#8220;As soon as I did that, the narrative changed,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Like, people started saying, &#8216;Oh, my gosh, I&#8217;m so sorry. If we see him again, what can we tell him for you?&#8217; It humanized him. And I realized how important it is for people to understand that even though they see someone who&#8217;s an addict, a drug addict on the streets, that it doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re not worthy or loved, that they don&#8217;t have a family. They&#8217;re not throwaway people.&#8221;

A man comforts a woman during a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0382.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people gather outside a building lit with green and red lights, watching a speaker. Some individuals are hugging, creating a sense of community." class="wp-image-307064"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees comfort one another. </figcaption></figure>

Ametiszt Hajdu wore a shirt with the words Òwe want answers!Ó and a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at the age of 15, at a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0078.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is wearing a gray t-shirt featuring a photo of two smiling individuals, with red text above saying &quot;Jazmin Pellegrini&quot; and below saying &quot;We want answers!&quot;" class="wp-image-307046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ametiszt Hajdu&#8217;s shirt has a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at 15 from a drug overdose.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0078.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is wearing a gray t-shirt featuring a photo of two smiling individuals, with red text above saying &quot;Jazmin Pellegrini&quot; and below saying &quot;We want answers!&quot;" class="wp-image-307046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ametiszt Hajdu's shirt has a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at 15 from a drug overdose.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0078.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person is wearing a gray t-shirt featuring a photo of two smiling individuals, with red text above saying &quot;Jazmin Pellegrini&quot; and below saying &quot;We want answers!&quot;" class="wp-image-307046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ametiszt Hajdu&#8217;s shirt has a photo of Jazmin Pellegrini, who died at 15 from a drug overdose.</figcaption></figure>

Tammy Morgan-Foglia, whoÕs son Davis was addicted to fentanyl and is now in prison, speaks on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0077.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman stands behind a podium with a microphone in front of an ornate City Hall entrance, adorned with gold and intricate designs." class="wp-image-307045"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tammy Morgan-Foglia talks about son David Morgan-Foglia, whose addiction landed him in prison.</figcaption></figure>

Berlinn founded Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths — the group behind the vigil — to advocate for other families with loved ones in the throes of addiction.

Berlinn founded Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths — the group behind the vigil — to advocate for other families with loved ones in the throes of addiction.

She said her son is doing much better. He&#8217;s on methadone and under a roof. It&#8217;s the culmination of a hard-fought journey.

She said her son is doing much better. He's on methadone and under a roof. It's the culmination of a hard-fought journey.

She said her son is doing much better. He&#8217;s on methadone and under a roof. It&#8217;s the culmination of a hard-fought journey.

&#8220;It was unbelievably difficult to get him help and find resources,&#8221; Berlinn said.

"It was unbelievably difficult to get him help and find resources," Berlinn said.

&#8220;It was unbelievably difficult to get him help and find resources,&#8221; Berlinn said.

That was a familiar refrain at the vigil, where one speaker after another talked about how difficult it was to find services for loved ones.

That was a familiar refrain at the vigil, where one speaker after another talked about how difficult it was to find services for loved ones.

Gina McDonald, whose daughter spent a few years on the streets of the Tenderloin, said city leaders have leaned too much toward harm reduction instead of recovery.

Gina McDonald, whose daughter spent a few years on the streets of the Tenderloin, said city leaders have leaned too much toward harm reduction instead of recovery.

&#8220;Drugs are easy to get here; paraphernalia&#8217;s easy to get here,&#8221; McDonald said.

"Drugs are easy to get here; paraphernalia's easy to get here," McDonald said.

&#8220;Drugs are easy to get here; paraphernalia&#8217;s easy to get here,&#8221; McDonald said.

While she commended the Public Health Department for distributing Narcan to reverse overdose deaths, she said that&#8217;s just a short-term fix.

While she commended the Public Health Department for distributing Narcan to reverse overdose deaths, she said that's just a short-term fix.

While she commended the Public Health Department for distributing Narcan to reverse overdose deaths, she said that&#8217;s just a short-term fix.

A woman rested on a manÕs shoulder during a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0162.jpg?w=2500" alt="A young woman with a pink tie-dye hoodie rests her head on a man's shoulder. They stand among a group of people, near steps in a city setting." class="wp-image-307053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees listen to the speakers.</figcaption></figure>

Names and ages of victims of overdose during a vigil on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0427.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows rows of white paper bags, each labeled with a name and age, arranged in a grid-like pattern. The bags appear to be part of a display or memorial." class="wp-image-307065"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Names and ages of overdose victims were printed on white bags that lined the steps of City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

A person kneels on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person kneels on a staircase covered in a blue cloth with small lights. Surrounding them are numerous white bags, each labeled, and a speaker sits on the steps." class="wp-image-307039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A mourner kneels on the steps, where candles placed in white bags memorialize the lives lost to drugs in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey attended a vigil for overdose victims on the steps of City Hall on August 31, 2024. The organization Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths held a vigil with over 1,100 electronic candles in paper bags with names representing the deaths of people that have died from drug overdoses since 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240831_overdosevigil_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a black jacket stands in a group, looking slightly to his right. Other people around him have their backs to the camera, and a decorative background is visible." class="wp-image-307044"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey was one of the 50 or so attendees.</figcaption></figure>

McDonald said she pulled her daughter off the street and brought her back to the East Bay for treatment, and she&#8217;s approaching nearly a few years sober.

McDonald said she pulled her daughter off the street and brought her back to the East Bay for treatment, and she's approaching nearly a few years sober.

McDonald said she pulled her daughter off the street and brought her back to the East Bay for treatment, and she&#8217;s approaching nearly a few years sober.

As co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, McDonald advocates for more treatment beds and services.

As co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, McDonald advocates for more treatment beds and services.

For Lisa Richofsky, the battle is far from over. Her daughter remains on the streets, where she has lived for a few years.

For Lisa Richofsky, the battle is far from over. Her daughter remains on the streets, where she has lived for a few years.

&#8220;I&#8217;ve tried to get her home many times,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve walked the streets in San Francisco many times just to look for her. It&#8217;s been a long road, and I don&#8217;t think they get enough help out here.&#8221;

"I've tried to get her home many times," she said. "I've walked the streets in San Francisco many times just to look for her. It's been a long road, and I don't think they get enough help out here."

&#8220;I&#8217;ve tried to get her home many times,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve walked the streets in San Francisco many times just to look for her. It&#8217;s been a long road, and I don&#8217;t think they get enough help out here.&#8221;

If death doesn&#8217;t claim her daughter, she fears, prison might.

If death doesn't claim her daughter, she fears, prison might.

If death doesn&#8217;t claim her daughter, she fears, prison might.

That&#8217;s where addiction brought 55-year-old Tammy Morgan-Foglia&#8217;s son, who&#8217;s 27 and serving an 18-month stint for stealing to fund his drug use. Had the city made services more readily available, her son might be free, she said.

That's where addiction brought 55-year-old Tammy Morgan-Foglia's son, who's 27 and serving an 18-month stint for stealing to fund his drug use. Had the city made services more readily available, her son might be free, she said.

That&#8217;s where addiction brought 55-year-old Tammy Morgan-Foglia&#8217;s son, who&#8217;s 27 and serving an 18-month stint for stealing to fund his drug use. Had the city made services more readily available, her son might be free, she said.

&#8220;Literally, with my son here, they did nothing,&#8221; she said. &#8220;They didn&#8217;t care.&#8221;

"Literally, with my son here, they did nothing," she said. "They didn't care."

&#8220;Literally, with my son here, they did nothing,&#8221; she said. &#8220;They didn&#8217;t care.&#8221;

Candlelight vigil honors lives lost to San Francisco’s drug crisis

Joe Burn

George Kelly

San Francisco is set to open a new unified command center to combat open-air drug dealing in the Downtown area, city officials said Friday.

San Francisco is set to open a new unified command center to combat open-air drug dealing in the Downtown area, city officials said Friday.

The new center to combat the drug crisis will be named the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC), according to the Department of Emergency Management, which will work with San Francisco police and the Department of Public Health to operate the center.

The new center to combat the drug crisis will be named the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC), according to the Department of Emergency Management, which will work with San Francisco police and the Department of Public Health to operate the center.

An emergency management department spokesperson confirmed the center would open within the next two weeks at a location on Market Street near Civic Center. The exact location will not be disclosed due to security risks.

An emergency management department spokesperson confirmed the center would open within the next two weeks at a location on Market Street near Civic Center. The exact location will not be disclosed due to security risks.

The emergency management department says the coordinated effort has been in place since April 17 but will move from a virtual to a physical in-person center, allowing the different agencies, including federal and state partners, to work more closely together to direct resources to disrupt open-air drug markets more effectively.

The emergency management department says the coordinated effort has been in place since April 17 but will move from a virtual to a physical in-person center, allowing the different agencies, including federal and state partners, to work more closely together to direct resources to disrupt open-air drug markets more effectively.

New data collection strategies will also be implemented to produce monthly reports on outputs and outcomes related to disrupting San Francisco drug markets.

New data collection strategies will also be implemented to produce monthly reports on outputs and outcomes related to disrupting San Francisco drug markets.

&#8220;The mission of the DMACC is to coordinate all lines of operational effort—including engagement, enforcement and treatment—related to disrupting and reducing the severity and number of open-air drug markets on the streets of San Francisco, with the ultimate objective to identify paths to recovery for those sick with substance use disorder,&#8221; a spokesperson for the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said.

"The mission of the DMACC is to coordinate all lines of operational effort—including engagement, enforcement and treatment—related to disrupting and reducing the severity and number of open-air drug markets on the streets of San Francisco, with the ultimate objective to identify paths to recovery for those sick with substance use disorder," a spokesperson for the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said.

&#8220;The mission of the DMACC is to coordinate all lines of operational effort—including engagement, enforcement and treatment—related to disrupting and reducing the severity and number of open-air drug markets on the streets of San Francisco, with the ultimate objective to identify paths to recovery for those sick with substance use disorder,&#8221; a spokesperson for the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said.

(From left) Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, City Supervisor Shamann Walton City Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and City Supervisor Matt Dorsey attend the Board of Supervisors meeting held in United Nations (UN) Plaza in San Francisco on Tuesday May 23, 2023. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/H61A0160-2500x1667.jpeg" alt="An SFPD vehicle patrols United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11. | Jason Henry for The Standard" class="wp-image-163620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco city officials held a brief meeting at United Nations Plaza on May 23. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The announcement comes just 10 days after Board President Aaron Peskin brought Mayor London Breed to an open-air public meeting to grill her on the drug crisis. The meeting was cut short and moved inside after hecklers interrupted proceedings, as the meeting was packing up, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/woman-throws-brick-at-sf-officials-after-un-plaza-meeting-cut-short-by-heckling/">a woman threw in brick in the direction of city officials</a>, hitting a high school girl, who was not harmed.

The announcement comes just 10 days after Board President Aaron Peskin brought Mayor London Breed to an open-air public meeting to grill her on the drug crisis. The meeting was cut short and moved inside after hecklers interrupted proceedings, as the meeting was packing up, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/woman-throws-brick-at-sf-officials-after-un-plaza-meeting-cut-short-by-heckling/">a woman threw in brick in the direction of city officials</a>, hitting a high school girl, who was not harmed.

As the meeting continued inside, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-had-secret-meeting-with-nancy-pelosi-on-citys-drug-crisis/">Breed teased a May 22 meeting with officials including U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi</a> and law enforcement on the drug crisis but refused to provide further details of what was discussed.

As the meeting continued inside, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-had-secret-meeting-with-nancy-pelosi-on-citys-drug-crisis/">Breed teased a May 22 meeting with officials including U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi</a> and law enforcement on the drug crisis but refused to provide further details of what was discussed.

City officials are also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-to-address-public-intoxication-under-new-program/">developing a pilot program that could allow for the enforcement of public intoxication laws</a>.

City officials are also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-to-address-public-intoxication-under-new-program/">developing a pilot program that could allow for the enforcement of public intoxication laws</a>.

An individual yells in protest during a meeting held at UN Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Mayor London Breed held the meeting at the plaza to address city issues including the Fentanyl epidemic. UN Plaza is an area known for open drug use. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/UNPlazaBosMeeting05182023_0850-2500x1667.jpg" alt="An SFPD vehicle patrols United Nations Plaza in San Francisco on May 11. | Jason Henry for The Standard" class="wp-image-163729"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An individual yells in protest during a meeting held at U.N. Plaza in San Francisco on May 23. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“Proximity to other law enforcement agencies is not the same as coordination,” said Randy Shaw, director of the nonprofit Tenderloin Housing Clinic and a member of the Tenderloin Business Association.

“Proximity to other law enforcement agencies is not the same as coordination,” said Randy Shaw, director of the nonprofit Tenderloin Housing Clinic and a member of the Tenderloin Business Association.

Shaw said he would prefer to see the mayor appoint someone to command the effort against the drug crisis, rather than have a physical center created for different agencies to work from.

Shaw said he would prefer to see the mayor appoint someone to command the effort against the drug crisis, rather than have a physical center created for different agencies to work from.

&#8220;I want to emphasize that we&#8217;re not making progress, and it&#8217;s gone on too long,” Shaw said.

"I want to emphasize that we're not making progress, and it's gone on too long,” Shaw said.

&#8220;I want to emphasize that we&#8217;re not making progress, and it&#8217;s gone on too long,” Shaw said.

The Mayor&#8217;s Office did not respond to requests for comment by publication time. The San Francisco Police Department declined to comment.

The Mayor's Office did not respond to requests for comment by publication time. The San Francisco Police Department declined to comment.

The Mayor&#8217;s Office did not respond to requests for comment by publication time. The San Francisco Police Department declined to comment.

New downtown San Francisco drug-dealing command center to open

Garrett Leahy

A run-down, graffiti-covered hotel known as the Civic Center Inn on the corner of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/31/san-francisco-activists-pop-up-safe-drug-use-site/">Downtown San Francisco’s</a> Ellis and Polk streets can be yours for a cool $21 million.

San Francisco drug crisis: Activists open safe drug use pop-up site

A run-down, graffiti-covered hotel known as the Civic Center Inn on the corner of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/31/san-francisco-activists-pop-up-safe-drug-use-site/">Downtown San Francisco’s</a> Ellis and Polk streets can be yours for a cool $21 million.

The listing describes the hotel’s location as a “prime San Francisco corner lot” with lots of off-street parking.

The listing describes the hotel’s location as a “prime San Francisco corner lot” with lots of off-street parking.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/12/tiki-bars-and-soul-food-why-you-should-visit-san-franciscos-most-infamous-neighborhood/">Tenderloin neighborhood</a>, where the Civic Center Inn sits, is the area most affected by the city’s drugs and homelessness crises. But despite the hotel’s undesirable location, Jeff Appenrodt, a real estate broker with Laurel Realty and Investments, said he’s been fielding calls from brokers interested in buying it just days after listing it.

Tiki bars and soul food: Why you should visit San Francisco&#8217;s most infamous neighborhood

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/12/tiki-bars-and-soul-food-why-you-should-visit-san-franciscos-most-infamous-neighborhood/">Tenderloin neighborhood</a>, where the Civic Center Inn sits, is the area most affected by the city’s drugs and homelessness crises. But despite the hotel’s undesirable location, Jeff Appenrodt, a real estate broker with Laurel Realty and Investments, said he’s been fielding calls from brokers interested in buying it just days after listing it.

However, the homeless people living outside the hotel didn’t think it was worth the list price.

However, the homeless people living outside the hotel didn’t think it was worth the list price.

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James Pace stands outside the Civic Center Inn in the Tenderloin on Aug. 31, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230831_120500_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-196896"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Pace stands outside the Civic Center Inn in the Tenderloin on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

“I’d give you $10,000 for it,” said James Pace, who said he has been living on San Francisco’s streets for a year. “But I bet they’re selling it for like $100,000.”

“I’d give you $10,000 for it,” said James Pace, who said he has been living on San Francisco’s streets for a year. “But I bet they’re selling it for like $100,000.”

Brittany Hank said she thought the hotel would be listed for $1 million.

Brittany Hank said she thought the hotel would be listed for $1 million.

“But I don’t think it’s worth it,” Hank said.

“But I don’t think it’s worth it,” Hank said.

Gerald Robinson nearby said he figured the hotel was on sale for $5 million.

Gerald Robinson nearby said he figured the hotel was on sale for $5 million.

core/heading

The Civic Center Inn, which has been closed for several months and is covered in graffiti, was listed for $21 million in August 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230831_113716.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-196898"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Civic Center Inn has been closed for several months and is covered in graffiti.</figcaption></figure>

When told the actual listing price, the homeless crowd was left in a state of shock.

When told the actual listing price, the homeless crowd was left in a state of shock.

“Holy sh*t, what the f*ck?” Hank said. “That’s way off!”

“Holy sh*t, what the f*ck?” Hank said. “That’s way off!”

Hank said the run-down hotel has squatters living inside—although she didn’t know how many—a potential headache for any serious buyer.

Hank said the run-down hotel has squatters living inside—although she didn’t know how many—a potential headache for any serious buyer.

Appenrodt said he’s aware of “a handful” of people living inside the dilapidated structure. He doesn’t know if they’re paying rent or have a rental agreement longer than 30 days, which would give them eviction protections, or if they would have to be evicted for nonpayment of rent.

Appenrodt said he’s aware of “a handful” of people living inside the dilapidated structure. He doesn’t know if they’re paying rent or have a rental agreement longer than 30 days, which would give them eviction protections, or if they would have to be evicted for nonpayment of rent.

“The buyer will have to figure out what to do with them,” Appenrodt said.

“The buyer will have to figure out what to do with them,” Appenrodt said.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230831_122617_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-196901"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Civic Center Inn has a handful of people living inside it, according to a real estate agent.</figcaption></figure>

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