David Sjostedt

San Francisco drug users say they’re being forced into arrangements with their drug dealers, tasked with holding thousands of dollars worth of narcotics, cash and even guns in exchange for relatively small quantities of drugs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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San Francisco drug users say they’re being forced into arrangements with their drug dealers, tasked with holding thousands of dollars worth of narcotics, cash and even guns in exchange for relatively small quantities of drugs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The practice of “holding,” as it’s known on the streets, leaves vulnerable drug users in the crossfire of a battle between the city’s law enforcement agencies and the organized drug market.&nbsp;

The practice of “holding,” as it’s known on the streets, leaves vulnerable drug users in the crossfire of a battle between the city’s law enforcement agencies and the organized drug market.&nbsp;

Some “holders” willfully participate in the exchange, in which drug dealers promise to provide them with a daily supply of fentanyl or other drugs. Others become involved in the practice to pay off debts or <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">out of sheer desperation</a>.

24 hours at SF&#8217;s worst drug corner: The city&#8217;s struggle to control Seventh and Market

Some “holders” willfully participate in the exchange, in which drug dealers promise to provide them with a daily supply of fentanyl or other drugs. Others become involved in the practice to pay off debts or <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">out of sheer desperation</a>.

If holders dip into their dealers’ supply, they say there’s an implication they’ll be punished. One holder said he has held up to $50,000 worth of drugs, cash and firearms at a time for his dealer. He explained some arrangements are more lucrative than others, depending on who you’re working for and the quantity you’re holding.

If holders dip into their dealers’ supply, they say there’s an implication they’ll be punished. One holder said he has held up to $50,000 worth of drugs, cash and firearms at a time for his dealer. He explained some arrangements are more lucrative than others, depending on who you’re working for and the quantity you’re holding.

One person assists another in using drugs near the intersection of Seventh and Market in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 16, 2023. The intersection is known for its open-air drug trade, where fentanyl and other narcotics are bought and sold.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PHOTO11_7thMarketDrugs.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people standing. One in a wheelchair. " class="wp-image-216701"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One person assists another in using drugs near the intersection of Seventh and Market streets in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 16. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PHOTO11_7thMarketDrugs.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people standing. One in a wheelchair. " class="wp-image-216701"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One person assists another in using drugs near the intersection of Seventh and Market streets in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 16. </figcaption></figure>

The Standard interviewed three holders and six other drug users who said they had direct knowledge of the practice. The Standard is not naming the interview subjects out of concern for their safety.&nbsp;

The Standard interviewed three holders and six other drug users who said they had direct knowledge of the practice. The Standard is not naming the interview subjects out of concern for their safety.&nbsp;

“The [dealers] see it like they’re doing us a favor, but we’re doing them a favor,” one holder said. “I’ve seen a lot of my holder friends go to jail, get caught up by the feds. … By the grace of God, I haven’t.”

“The [dealers] see it like they’re doing us a favor, but we’re doing them a favor,” one holder said. “I’ve seen a lot of my holder friends go to jail, get caught up by the feds. … By the grace of God, I haven’t.”

Two holders told The Standard their “job” makes them afraid to seek drug treatment because they may face retaliation if they attempt to escape the arrangement.&nbsp;

Two holders told The Standard their “job” makes them afraid to seek drug treatment because they may face retaliation if they attempt to escape the arrangement.&nbsp;

“They can’t trust you to stop using because they think you’re going to snitch. … You can’t go nowhere. You become their property,” a holder said. “It breaks my heart. I just want to see my daughter.”

“They can’t trust you to stop using because they think you’re going to snitch. … You can’t go nowhere. You become their property,” a holder said. “It breaks my heart. I just want to see my daughter.”

A homeless person sleeps on the sidewalk outside the Elm Hotel, a single-room-occupancy facility, in the Tenderloin District on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Data obtained by The Standard indicated multiple overdoses occurred in the building, which is city funded. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SROOverdoses101223_101.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person laying on the sidewalk. " class="wp-image-211756"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person sleeps on the sidewalk in the Tenderloin District.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-human-filing-cabinet">‘A Human Filing Cabinet’</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-human-filing-cabinet">‘A Human Filing Cabinet’</h2>

During a recent court hearing, a police officer described a holder as “a human filing cabinet” for their dealer, according to Liz Camacho, felony manager at the Public Defender’s Office.

During a recent court hearing, a police officer described a holder as “a human filing cabinet” for their dealer, according to Liz Camacho, felony manager at the Public Defender’s Office.

One holder told The Standard they willfully participate in the arrangement, in part because it’s the only work they can get.&nbsp;

One holder told The Standard they willfully participate in the arrangement, in part because it’s the only work they can get.&nbsp;

“[People] want to work,” the holder said. “Who doesn’t want free drugs that you don’t have to spend your money on?”

“[People] want to work,” the holder said. “Who doesn’t want free drugs that you don’t have to spend your money on?”

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins told The Standard in a statement that she’s aware of the practice and seeks to use the criminal justice system to direct people into treatment. However, she also said she aims to hold people accountable for their involvement with drug dealers.&nbsp;

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins told The Standard in a statement that she’s aware of the practice and seeks to use the criminal justice system to direct people into treatment. However, she also said she aims to hold people accountable for their involvement with drug dealers.&nbsp;

“I believe people suffering from substance abuse disorder deserve help, and we do everything in our power to connect them to services,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;But they must also be held accountable for their complicity in the drug trade.&#8221;

“I believe people suffering from substance abuse disorder deserve help, and we do everything in our power to connect them to services," Jenkins said. "But they must also be held accountable for their complicity in the drug trade."

“I believe people suffering from substance abuse disorder deserve help, and we do everything in our power to connect them to services,&#8221; Jenkins said. &#8220;But they must also be held accountable for their complicity in the drug trade.&#8221;

District Attorney Brook Jenkins listens as Police Chief William Scott addresses the recent wave of attacks against the Asian Community in San Francisco on Wednesday July 26, 2023. In the month of July there were four attacks on the Asian American Pacific Islander (APPI) community.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DAChiefAAPI-072623-270.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman wearing a purple blouse looks into the distance as a portion of a police uniform is in the foreground." class="wp-image-185623"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins listens as Police Chief William Scott speaks during a press conference in San Francisco on July 26, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

Camacho contended it’s become more difficult for holders to access treatment under Jenkins’ administration. She said that many drug dealers, as well as holders, are victims of labor trafficking because they’re working in the drug trade to pay for their transportation from Central America.

Camacho contended it’s become more difficult for holders to access treatment under Jenkins’ administration. She said that many drug dealers, as well as holders, are victims of labor trafficking because they’re working in the drug trade to pay for their transportation from Central America.

“[Jenkins’] focus on accountability is actually creating an even bigger health crisis,” Camacho said. “Only the poor get held accountable.”

“[Jenkins’] focus on accountability is actually creating an even bigger health crisis,” Camacho said. “Only the poor get held accountable.”

The city has cracked down on drug dealing this year, making 465 arrests for drug dealing and seizing roughly 121 pounds of fentanyl between May 29 and Nov. 6. Meanwhile, fatal overdoses have surged, averaging over two deaths a day and totaling 620 lives lost in the first nine months of this year.

The city has cracked down on drug dealing this year, making 465 arrests for drug dealing and seizing roughly 121 pounds of fentanyl between May 29 and Nov. 6. Meanwhile, fatal overdoses have surged, averaging over two deaths a day and totaling 620 lives lost in the first nine months of this year.

A person is pictured in the back of an ambulance at the intersection of Seventh and Market in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 16, 2023. The intersection is known for its open-air drug trade, where fentanyl and other narcotics are bought and sold.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PHOTO07_7thMarketDrugs.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person lies in an ambulance. Their face is out of frame." class="wp-image-216696"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person is pictured in the back of an ambulance at the intersection of Seventh and Market in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 16, 2023. The intersection is known for its open-air drug trade, where fentanyl and other narcotics are bought and sold.</figcaption></figure>

Drug treatment has remained <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/19/the-window-slammed-shut-some-drug-users-seeking-methadone-turned-away-at-sf-clinics/">difficult to access</a>. Around half of people who sought help from the city’s largest drug detox program <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/half-of-san-francisco-drug-users-seeking-treatment-werent-admitted-data-shows-its-scandalous/">this past spring weren’t admitted</a>. Many people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/san-franciscans-battling-addiction-explain-why-its-hard-to-get-clean-here/">may leave the detox</a> before the extensive intake process is complete. Others may be ineligible because of restrictions around insurance or because of their overlapping health conditions.&nbsp;

&#8220;The window slammed shut&#8217;: Some drug users seeking methadone turned away at SF clinics&#8221;

Half of San Francisco drug users seeking treatment weren’t admitted, data shows: ‘it’s scandalous’

Drug treatment is available in San Francisco. Why don’t people use it?

Drug treatment has remained <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/19/the-window-slammed-shut-some-drug-users-seeking-methadone-turned-away-at-sf-clinics/">difficult to access</a>. Around half of people who sought help from the city’s largest drug detox program <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/half-of-san-francisco-drug-users-seeking-treatment-werent-admitted-data-shows-its-scandalous/">this past spring weren’t admitted</a>. Many people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/san-franciscans-battling-addiction-explain-why-its-hard-to-get-clean-here/">may leave the detox</a> before the extensive intake process is complete. Others may be ineligible because of restrictions around insurance or because of their overlapping health conditions.&nbsp;

“It takes weeks, sometimes months, for a treatment bed to become available and to get them transported there,” Camacho said. “All those factors help keep them in forced labor. … Their debt never ends.”

“It takes weeks, sometimes months, for a treatment bed to become available and to get them transported there,” Camacho said. “All those factors help keep them in forced labor. … Their debt never ends.”

San Francisco drug users forced by dealers to hold narcotics, cash and guns

San Francisco has resorted to towing the cars of suspected drug dealers and people who are selling stolen goods as part of its latest effort to crack down on crime in the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, according to Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office. The city has made thousands of arrests for drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods since late May last year, when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/21/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">multiagency crackdown</a> began, with officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">chasing dealers</a> through the neighborhood&#8217;s streets. Tenderloin residents and business owners have reported some improvements during the day. Still, illegal behavior has persisted at night <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/tenderloin-drugs-moved-during-crackdown/">on certain blocks</a>, leaving some to search for more creative solutions, like this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/can-fence-stop-san-franciscos-illegal-night-markets/">simple fence</a>. Last month, The Standard reported that Breed and other city officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/tenderloin-stores-close-drug-crisis/">were contemplating legislation</a> that would force Tenderloin corner stores to close earlier, alleging they attract illegal activity.

Gavin Newsom tells SFPD to work with National Guard, CHP against drug crisis

UN Plaza drug crackdown intensifies as dealers chased through streets

The city claims the Tenderloin is much nicer now. Residents of this street say otherwise

Can a simple fence stop San Francisco&#8217;s illegal night markets?

To fight drug crisis, city may force Tenderloin stores to close earlier. Owners are outraged

San Francisco has resorted to towing the cars of suspected drug dealers and people who are selling stolen goods as part of its latest effort to crack down on crime in the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, according to Mayor London Breed's office. The city has made thousands of arrests for drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods since late May last year, when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/21/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">multiagency crackdown</a> began, with officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">chasing dealers</a> through the neighborhood's streets. Tenderloin residents and business owners have reported some improvements during the day. Still, illegal behavior has persisted at night <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/tenderloin-drugs-moved-during-crackdown/">on certain blocks</a>, leaving some to search for more creative solutions, like this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/can-fence-stop-san-franciscos-illegal-night-markets/">simple fence</a>. Last month, The Standard reported that Breed and other city officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/tenderloin-stores-close-drug-crisis/">were contemplating legislation</a> that would force Tenderloin corner stores to close earlier, alleging they attract illegal activity.

San Francisco has resorted to towing the cars of suspected drug dealers and people who are selling stolen goods as part of its latest effort to crack down on crime in the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, according to Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office. The city has made thousands of arrests for drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods since late May last year, when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/21/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">multiagency crackdown</a> began, with officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">chasing dealers</a> through the neighborhood&#8217;s streets. Tenderloin residents and business owners have reported some improvements during the day. Still, illegal behavior has persisted at night <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/tenderloin-drugs-moved-during-crackdown/">on certain blocks</a>, leaving some to search for more creative solutions, like this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/can-fence-stop-san-franciscos-illegal-night-markets/">simple fence</a>. Last month, The Standard reported that Breed and other city officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/tenderloin-stores-close-drug-crisis/">were contemplating legislation</a> that would force Tenderloin corner stores to close earlier, alleging they attract illegal activity.

Now, the city confirms it has resorted to towing the cars of drug dealers and illegal vendors.

Now, the city confirms it has resorted to towing the cars of drug dealers and illegal vendors.

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The Standard witnessed a line of about seven tow trucks lugging cars away from Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street on Wednesday night. &#8220;That is part of our ongoing [Drug Market Agency Coordination Center] operation to target and disrupt illegal activity happening on our streets,&#8221; Breed&#8217;s spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told The Standard in a text message. &#8220;We are continuing to utilize every tool that is available to us, including towing drug dealers vehicles and people who are illegally fencing and using their vehicles to transport stolen goods.&#8221; The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that, as part of the crackdown, officers have protected the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency during ongoing parking enforcement. SFPD and the SFMTA have been contacted for more details on how police or parking control officers know the cars they tow belong to suspected criminals and how many have been towed, but officials are yet to respond.

The Standard witnessed a line of about seven tow trucks lugging cars away from Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street on Wednesday night. "That is part of our ongoing [Drug Market Agency Coordination Center] operation to target and disrupt illegal activity happening on our streets," Breed's spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told The Standard in a text message. "We are continuing to utilize every tool that is available to us, including towing drug dealers vehicles and people who are illegally fencing and using their vehicles to transport stolen goods." The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that, as part of the crackdown, officers have protected the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency during ongoing parking enforcement. SFPD and the SFMTA have been contacted for more details on how police or parking control officers know the cars they tow belong to suspected criminals and how many have been towed, but officials are yet to respond.

The Standard witnessed a line of about seven tow trucks lugging cars away from Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street on Wednesday night. &#8220;That is part of our ongoing [Drug Market Agency Coordination Center] operation to target and disrupt illegal activity happening on our streets,&#8221; Breed&#8217;s spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told The Standard in a text message. &#8220;We are continuing to utilize every tool that is available to us, including towing drug dealers vehicles and people who are illegally fencing and using their vehicles to transport stolen goods.&#8221; The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that, as part of the crackdown, officers have protected the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency during ongoing parking enforcement. SFPD and the SFMTA have been contacted for more details on how police or parking control officers know the cars they tow belong to suspected criminals and how many have been towed, but officials are yet to respond.

San Francisco now towing drug dealers’ cars in latest crackdown effort

Joel Umanzor

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

A group of San Francisco activists erected tents in a hot spot for drug use Thursday and invited people in the area to use drugs under their supervision.

A group of San Francisco activists erected tents in a hot spot for drug use Thursday and invited people in the area to use drugs under their supervision.

The group, which gathered in and around two canopy tents on the corner of Willow and Polk streets in the Tenderloin neighborhood, consisted of several local nonprofit workers who said they took the day off to pursue the project in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. Volunteers at the site, which resembled what’s called a safe-consumption facility, said they reversed two potentially fatal overdoses in the vicinity of the tents before noon.

The group, which gathered in and around two canopy tents on the corner of Willow and Polk streets in the Tenderloin neighborhood, consisted of several local nonprofit workers who said they took the day off to pursue the project in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. Volunteers at the site, which resembled what’s called a safe-consumption facility, said they reversed two potentially fatal overdoses in the vicinity of the tents before noon.

“They didn’t have Narcan and came very close to dying,” said Lydia Bransten, an organizer of the event. “This work is about building trusting relationships. … When they’re ready to find another kind of intervention, they’ll know who to go to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They didn’t have Narcan and came very close to dying,” said Lydia Bransten, an organizer of the event. “This work is about building trusting relationships. … When they’re ready to find another kind of intervention, they’ll know who to go to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bransten said the group, which donned matching shirts that read “Concerned Public Response” on the front and “Can&#8217;t Stand By As People Die” on the back, contributed money from their own pockets to fund the demonstration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bransten said the group, which donned matching shirts that read “Concerned Public Response” on the front and “Can't Stand By As People Die” on the back, contributed money from their own pockets to fund the demonstration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bransten said the group, which donned matching shirts that read “Concerned Public Response” on the front and “Can&#8217;t Stand By As People Die” on the back, contributed money from their own pockets to fund the demonstration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outreach workers speak to a person on Willow Street during International Overdose Awareness Day. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/safe-injection-3.jpg?w=1920" alt="" class="wp-image-196995"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Outreach workers speak to a person on Willow Street during International Overdose Awareness Day. </figcaption></figure>

The city operated a safe-consumption site called the Tenderloin Center for 11 months last year, counting 333 overdose reversals during its tenure, according to a city dashboard. But <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/30/tenderloin-center-clients-warn-of-disaster-as-controversial-drug-site-heads-for-closure/">that site closed</a> amid concerns about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/city-funded-survey-says-the-tenderloin-center-improved-the-neighborhood-others-arent-convinced/">its impact on the neighborhood</a>, its $22 million price tag and an apparent failure to connect many clients to treatment. Plans to create replacement facilities have stalled <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/20/san-francisco-cant-use-opioid-settlement-funds-for-drug-sites-attorney-says/">over legal concerns.&nbsp;</a>

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The city operated a safe-consumption site called the Tenderloin Center for 11 months last year, counting 333 overdose reversals during its tenure, according to a city dashboard. But <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/30/tenderloin-center-clients-warn-of-disaster-as-controversial-drug-site-heads-for-closure/">that site closed</a> amid concerns about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/city-funded-survey-says-the-tenderloin-center-improved-the-neighborhood-others-arent-convinced/">its impact on the neighborhood</a>, its $22 million price tag and an apparent failure to connect many clients to treatment. Plans to create replacement facilities have stalled <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/20/san-francisco-cant-use-opioid-settlement-funds-for-drug-sites-attorney-says/">over legal concerns.&nbsp;</a>

Fatal overdoses are surging to historic highs with 473 people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/san-francsico-records-deadliest-drug-overdose-month-ever/">losing their lives to drugs</a> in the first seven months of this year. Safe-consumption sites have long served as a flashpoint in the debate over how to abate the overdose crisis plaguing cities across the country.

Drug overdose crisis: San Francisco officials push for more treatment options after deadly month

Fatal overdoses are surging to historic highs with 473 people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/san-francsico-records-deadliest-drug-overdose-month-ever/">losing their lives to drugs</a> in the first seven months of this year. Safe-consumption sites have long served as a flashpoint in the debate over how to abate the overdose crisis plaguing cities across the country.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-demonstrations">Multiple Demonstrations</h2>

In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, activists on all sides of the policy debate staged protests, demonstrations and memorials around the city.

In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, activists on all sides of the policy debate staged protests, demonstrations and memorials around the city.

On Wednesday night, a group called Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths covered the sidewalks in front of City Hall with names of overdose victims. By Thursday morning, the Department of Public Works had washed the names from the sidewalk at the request of the Sheriff’s Department because it was considered graffiti, according to a statement from the Department of Public Works. “The names of opioid victims are not erased from our memories, but are the motivation for us to continue this work,” the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Public Works said in a joint statement.

On Wednesday night, a group called Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths covered the sidewalks in front of City Hall with names of overdose victims. By Thursday morning, the Department of Public Works had washed the names from the sidewalk at the request of the Sheriff’s Department because it was considered graffiti, according to a statement from the Department of Public Works. “The names of opioid victims are not erased from our memories, but are the motivation for us to continue this work,” the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Public Works said in a joint statement.

Gina McDonald, a member of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, pointed to a <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/CY22_Street_Sidewalk_Standards_Report_05222023.pdf">public document</a> that states temporary mediums such as chalk aren’t considered graffiti. The group spent seven hours etching the names on the sidewalk Wednesday night.

Gina McDonald, a member of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, pointed to a <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/CY22_Street_Sidewalk_Standards_Report_05222023.pdf">public document</a> that states temporary mediums such as chalk aren’t considered graffiti. The group spent seven hours etching the names on the sidewalk Wednesday night.

“Every day, people walk around San Francisco and have to dodge human excrement, dirty needles, pipes and foil,” McDonald said. &#8220;The fact that they think our memorial was more offending than those items is flabbergasting.&#8221;

“Every day, people walk around San Francisco and have to dodge human excrement, dirty needles, pipes and foil,” McDonald said. "The fact that they think our memorial was more offending than those items is flabbergasting."

“Every day, people walk around San Francisco and have to dodge human excrement, dirty needles, pipes and foil,” McDonald said. &#8220;The fact that they think our memorial was more offending than those items is flabbergasting.&#8221;

Another coalition of nonprofits and advocacy groups staged a rally in front of City Hall on Thursday afternoon to criticize the war on drugs and call for more safe-consumption sites.

Another coalition of nonprofits and advocacy groups staged a rally in front of City Hall on Thursday afternoon to criticize the war on drugs and call for more safe-consumption sites.

Activists held a rally in front of San Francisco City Hall to criticize the war on drugs on August 31, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_5036.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-197017"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Activists held a rally in front of San Francisco City Hall to criticize the war on drugs on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

At the renegade safe-consumption site, The Standard witnessed several people using drugs under the tent while many others lined up to obtain fresh materials to consume their drugs with—a measure taken to combat the spread of diseases.&nbsp;

At the renegade safe-consumption site, The Standard witnessed several people using drugs under the tent while many others lined up to obtain fresh materials to consume their drugs with—a measure taken to combat the spread of diseases.&nbsp;

A police squad car slowly drove by the site shortly after noon, but no enforcement action was taken.

A police squad car slowly drove by the site shortly after noon, but no enforcement action was taken.

A man named Phillip Torres, who lives on a nearby street and said he had overdosed 15 times, said he was grateful for the services.&nbsp;

A man named Phillip Torres, who lives on a nearby street and said he had overdosed 15 times, said he was grateful for the services.&nbsp;

“There’d be a lot more deaths if we didn’t have resources like this. There’s no telling what would happen,” Torres said. “If they got such a problem with us being on the streets, they should put us inside.”&nbsp;

“There’d be a lot more deaths if we didn’t have resources like this. There’s no telling what would happen,” Torres said. “If they got such a problem with us being on the streets, they should put us inside.”&nbsp;

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

Zara Stone

Parents might worry that their children will go off to college and major in drugs, but until now that wasn&#8217;t an actual possibility. In 2025, undergraduates at the California Institute of Integral Studies will be able to declare a major in psychedelic studies. CIIS, an accredited private college in San Francisco, is launching the nation&#8217;s first bachelor of science degree in hallucinogenic drugs.&nbsp;

Parents might worry that their children will go off to college and major in drugs, but until now that wasn't an actual possibility. In 2025, undergraduates at the California Institute of Integral Studies will be able to declare a major in psychedelic studies. CIIS, an accredited private college in San Francisco, is launching the nation's first bachelor of science degree in hallucinogenic drugs.&nbsp;

Parents might worry that their children will go off to college and major in drugs, but until now that wasn&#8217;t an actual possibility. In 2025, undergraduates at the California Institute of Integral Studies will be able to declare a major in psychedelic studies. CIIS, an accredited private college in San Francisco, is launching the nation&#8217;s first bachelor of science degree in hallucinogenic drugs.&nbsp;

“We have incorporated psychology, cultural anthropology, neuroscience — a lot of different angles,” said CIIS psychology professor Nick Walker, who helped design the program, which has been years in the making. One module explores the history of hallucinogens and the impact of colonialism on psychedelic tourism.

“We have incorporated psychology, cultural anthropology, neuroscience — a lot of different angles,” said CIIS psychology professor Nick Walker, who helped design the program, which has been years in the making. One module explores the history of hallucinogens and the impact of colonialism on psychedelic tourism.

Walker noted that the program caters to the growing demand for psychedelic therapy training, which is predicted to drive up the market for psychedelic drugs to upwards of <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/psychedelic-drugs-market-surge-usd-155900610.html">$4.6 billion by 2030</a>.

Walker noted that the program caters to the growing demand for psychedelic therapy training, which is predicted to drive up the market for psychedelic drugs to upwards of <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/psychedelic-drugs-market-surge-usd-155900610.html">$4.6 billion by 2030</a>.

A festival attendee wears a t-shirt that reads ‘ketamine saves lives’ during day one of Portola Music Festival at Pier 80 in San Francisco on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Portola, in its third year, centers mostly around electronic, dance and house artists. This year, household names like Disclosure, Rüfüs du Sol, Jamie XX and Natasha Bedingfield were on the lineup.

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240926-portolacoverage-me-48.jpg" alt="The image shows a person wearing a white T-shirt that says &quot;ketamine saves lives&quot; with pink heart shapes around the text. Other people are blurred in the background." class="wp-image-316748"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ketamine-assisted therapy is on the cutting edge of mental health care.</figcaption></figure>

As of 2024, around 10 universities across the U.S. offer psychedelic training to specialized medical professionals and clergy. In the Bay Area, CIIS launched its 10-month certification program in 2016, and has trained 1,000 professionals and clergy in the therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, and FDA-approved ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. <a href="https://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/training/">Berkeley</a> and <a href="https://www.naropa.edu/academics/schools-centers/center-for-psychedelic-studies/psychedelic-assisted-therapies-certificate/#:~:text=The%202025%20Naropa%20University%20Certificate,%2C%20medicine%2C%20chaplaincy%2C%20and%20social">Naropa </a>University in Colorado offer similar certificate courses. But these have all been for licensed professionals; CIIS’ psychedelic degree will be the first in the nation for undergraduates.

As of 2024, around 10 universities across the U.S. offer psychedelic training to specialized medical professionals and clergy. In the Bay Area, CIIS launched its 10-month certification program in 2016, and has trained 1,000 professionals and clergy in the therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, and FDA-approved ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. <a href="https://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/training/">Berkeley</a> and <a href="https://www.naropa.edu/academics/schools-centers/center-for-psychedelic-studies/psychedelic-assisted-therapies-certificate/#:~:text=The%202025%20Naropa%20University%20Certificate,%2C%20medicine%2C%20chaplaincy%2C%20and%20social">Naropa </a>University in Colorado offer similar certificate courses. But these have all been for licensed professionals; CIIS’ psychedelic degree will be the first in the nation for undergraduates.

The CIIS was founded in 1968, conceptualized as a Zen-like crash pad for transcendental thinkers, with a heavy focus on Eastern mysticism. By the 1980s it had evolved into an accredited university, with a focus on psychology, philosophy, and consciousness. Offerings include master’s programs in transformative leadership and in somatic psychology.

The CIIS was founded in 1968, conceptualized as a Zen-like crash pad for transcendental thinkers, with a heavy focus on Eastern mysticism. By the 1980s it had evolved into an accredited university, with a focus on psychology, philosophy, and consciousness. Offerings include master’s programs in transformative leadership and in somatic psychology.

Walker and a panel of experts from CIIS, led by Ernesto Londoño, author of Trippy: The Promise and Perils of Medicinal Psychedelics, introduced the degree during a panel discussion last Friday at the First Unitarian Universalist Church &amp; Center. Around 200 people filled the pews; 1,100 more RSVP’d for the livestream.

Walker and a panel of experts from CIIS, led by Ernesto Londoño, author of Trippy: The Promise and Perils of Medicinal Psychedelics, introduced the degree during a panel discussion last Friday at the First Unitarian Universalist Church &amp; Center. Around 200 people filled the pews; 1,100 more RSVP’d for the livestream.

“I wish they’d had this program when I was 18,” said Jonas Di Gregorio, an administrator from the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco. “So many people are open to psychedelics now.”

“I wish they’d had this program when I was 18,” said Jonas Di Gregorio, an administrator from the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco. “So many people are open to psychedelics now.”

The CIIS undergrads will consist of around 24 psychedelic-curious juniors and seniors, said Walker. The program is a “bachelor completion program,” meaning students will have fulfilled most of their general ed requirements at community colleges prior to coming to CIIS.&nbsp;

The CIIS undergrads will consist of around 24 psychedelic-curious juniors and seniors, said Walker. The program is a “bachelor completion program,” meaning students will have fulfilled most of their general ed requirements at community colleges prior to coming to CIIS.&nbsp;

The curriculum is still in the works, but will likely include some version of the same classes that postgraduate certificate seekers have been taking in the preexisting program, such as immersive experiences that guide individuals through altered states of consciousness, and role-playing exercises that mimic psychedelic therapy sessions.

The curriculum is still in the works, but will likely include some version of the same classes that postgraduate certificate seekers have been taking in the preexisting program, such as immersive experiences that guide individuals through altered states of consciousness, and role-playing exercises that mimic psychedelic therapy sessions.

“This is the first Bachelor of Science in psychedelic studies. That&#8217;s what the diplomas will say,” Walker said.

“This is the first Bachelor of Science in psychedelic studies. That's what the diplomas will say,” Walker said.

“This is the first Bachelor of Science in psychedelic studies. That&#8217;s what the diplomas will say,” Walker said.

The online undergraduate program will teach students about therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, but will not offer hands-on drug experiences and will not be a professional training program in any way, said Walker, noting, “If they want to be a psychedelic assisted therapist, they&#8217;re going to have to go to grad school and get licensed.”

The online undergraduate program will teach students about therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, but will not offer hands-on drug experiences and will not be a professional training program in any way, said Walker, noting, “If they want to be a psychedelic assisted therapist, they're going to have to go to grad school and get licensed.”

The online undergraduate program will teach students about therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, but will not offer hands-on drug experiences and will not be a professional training program in any way, said Walker, noting, “If they want to be a psychedelic assisted therapist, they&#8217;re going to have to go to grad school and get licensed.”

The Standard asked attendees of the launch event whether they would consider getting such a degree if they were undegrads. “I wouldn&#8217;t sign up for a bachelor’s in psychedelic studies — but then I’m drawn to computer science,” said Dejon Joy, the assistant director of Empowerment<a href="https://www.empowermentave.org/"> Avenue</a>, a nonprofit that helps incarcerated artists get integrated into communities. “Plus, my mom would probably have some concerns.”&nbsp;

The Standard asked attendees of the launch event whether they would consider getting such a degree if they were undegrads. “I wouldn't sign up for a bachelor’s in psychedelic studies — but then I’m drawn to computer science,” said Dejon Joy, the assistant director of Empowerment<a href="https://www.empowermentave.org/"> Avenue</a>, a nonprofit that helps incarcerated artists get integrated into communities. “Plus, my mom would probably have some concerns.”&nbsp;

The Standard asked attendees of the launch event whether they would consider getting such a degree if they were undegrads. “I wouldn&#8217;t sign up for a bachelor’s in psychedelic studies — but then I’m drawn to computer science,” said Dejon Joy, the assistant director of Empowerment<a href="https://www.empowermentave.org/"> Avenue</a>, a nonprofit that helps incarcerated artists get integrated into communities. “Plus, my mom would probably have some concerns.”&nbsp;

Concerns might stem not just from the concept of majoring in psychedelic drugs, but also from the troubling history of the program that birthed this new CIIS degree. In 2021, the podcast <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2021/11/cover-story-podcast-goes-into-world-of-psychedelic-therapy.html">“Cover Story”</a> reported sexual abuse of some CIIS students who participated in psychedelic-assisted therapy treatments that, though outside the school, were run by CIIS instructors. CIIS did not renew contracts with any of the alleged perpetrators. Today, all students and faculty are required to sign an integrity agreement, confirming they’ll not have sexual relationships with people they work with.&nbsp;

Concerns might stem not just from the concept of majoring in psychedelic drugs, but also from the troubling history of the program that birthed this new CIIS degree. In 2021, the podcast <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2021/11/cover-story-podcast-goes-into-world-of-psychedelic-therapy.html">“Cover Story”</a> reported sexual abuse of some CIIS students who participated in psychedelic-assisted therapy treatments that, though outside the school, were run by CIIS instructors. CIIS did not renew contracts with any of the alleged perpetrators. Today, all students and faculty are required to sign an integrity agreement, confirming they’ll not have sexual relationships with people they work with.&nbsp;

There was no mention of the scandal at the announcement on Friday, though the importance of consent when it comes to mind-altering drugs and therapies did come up repeatedly. “Touch in psychedelic psychotherapy is really cutting edge, but it’s high risk, high reward,” said Jason Butler, a panelist and CIIS psychology professor who specializes in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. “A number of ethical violations have surfaced. … We need to talk about consent before any psychedelic medicine is ingested.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

There was no mention of the scandal at the announcement on Friday, though the importance of consent when it comes to mind-altering drugs and therapies did come up repeatedly. “Touch in psychedelic psychotherapy is really cutting edge, but it’s high risk, high reward,” said Jason Butler, a panelist and CIIS psychology professor who specializes in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. “A number of ethical violations have surfaced. … We need to talk about consent before any psychedelic medicine is ingested.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to the new undergraduate degree, CIIS will also be opening an in-house ketamine-assisted therapy training clinic in 2025, to be staffed by the school’s postgrad students (who are all licensed clinicians or clergy) focusing on psychedelic work.&nbsp;

In addition to the new undergraduate degree, CIIS will also be opening an in-house ketamine-assisted therapy training clinic in 2025, to be staffed by the school’s postgrad students (who are all licensed clinicians or clergy) focusing on psychedelic work.&nbsp;

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