Matt Mahan

The fires in Los Angeles have been mostly contained, but the housing crisis exacerbated by their flames is only growing worse. Tens of thousands of people are flooding an already brutal market in Southern California, and <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-wildfires/officials-warn-price-gouging-rents-fire-los-angeles/3609152/">rents are soaring</a> by thousands of dollars. Though terrible and tragic, the fires are also a rare opportunity to tackle housing affordability, not just in Los Angeles but also in San Francisco and throughout California.&nbsp;

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<p>The fires in Los Angeles have been mostly contained, but the housing crisis exacerbated by their flames is only growing worse. Tens of thousands of people are flooding an already brutal market in Southern California, and <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-wildfires/officials-warn-price-gouging-rents-fire-los-angeles/3609152/">rents are soaring</a> by thousands of dollars. Though terrible and tragic, the fires are also a rare opportunity to tackle housing affordability, not just in Los Angeles but also in San Francisco and throughout California.&nbsp;</p>

The state’s housing shortage — <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/94729ab1648d43b1811c1698a748c136">estimated</a> at 2.5 million homes — has three root causes: the high cost of construction, land, and capital. These factors have pushed prices beyond the reach of millions; the share of Californians who own a home <a href="https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Homeownership-Ladder-May-2023-Final.pdf">trails</a> the rest of the country by 15%, and the figure is getting worse. Current construction mostly creates high-end housing because it is the only type that financially “pencils out.”

<p>The state’s housing shortage — <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/94729ab1648d43b1811c1698a748c136">estimated</a> at 2.5 million homes — has three root causes: the high cost of construction, land, and capital. These factors have pushed prices beyond the reach of millions; the share of Californians who own a home <a href="https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Homeownership-Ladder-May-2023-Final.pdf">trails</a> the rest of the country by 15%, and the figure is getting worse. Current construction mostly creates high-end housing because it is the only type that financially “pencils out.”</p>

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer a different path. Their small size makes them more affordable, and factory-made ADUs can leverage economies of scale to further slash construction costs. In Los Angeles, these costs currently range from $400 to $700 per square foot; a reasonable estimate for an affordable factory-made ADU is $125 to $300 per square foot.

<p>Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer a different path. Their small size makes them more affordable, and factory-made ADUs can leverage economies of scale to further slash construction costs. In Los Angeles, these costs currently range from $400 to $700 per square foot; a reasonable estimate for an affordable factory-made ADU is $125 to $300 per square foot.</p>

ADUs also bypass the land cost barrier, which can comprise over half of a new home’s price in places like Los Angeles and the Bay Area. ADUs can sit on land that doesn&#8217;t have to be purchased; its owners just have to be persuaded that an ADU is a good idea. They can also be built on city-owned land.

<p>ADUs also bypass the land cost barrier, which can comprise over half of a new home’s price in places like Los Angeles and the Bay Area. ADUs can sit on land that doesn't have to be purchased; its owners just have to be persuaded that an ADU is a good idea. They can also be built on city-owned land.</p>

<p>ADUs also bypass the land cost barrier, which can comprise over half of a new home’s price in places like Los Angeles and the Bay Area. ADUs can sit on land that doesn&#8217;t have to be purchased; its owners just have to be persuaded that an ADU is a good idea. They can also be built on city-owned land.</p>

But just because ADUs are now legal across California doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s easy to get a permit. San Francisco is one of the prime culprits: One <a href="https://x.com/alexisxrivas/status/1882873802495074491">recent analysis</a> found that since 2021, it took an average of 404 days for an ADU permit to be issued in the city.

<p>But just because ADUs are now legal across California doesn't mean it's easy to get a permit. San Francisco is one of the prime culprits: One <a href="https://x.com/alexisxrivas/status/1882873802495074491">recent analysis</a> found that since 2021, it took an average of 404 days for an ADU permit to be issued in the city.</p>

<p>But just because ADUs are now legal across California doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s easy to get a permit. San Francisco is one of the prime culprits: One <a href="https://x.com/alexisxrivas/status/1882873802495074491">recent analysis</a> found that since 2021, it took an average of 404 days for an ADU permit to be issued in the city.</p>

To make them as affordable as possible, California should establish a &#8220;buyer’s club,&#8221; a state program to negotiate the bulk purchase of up to 1 million factory-made backyard cottages. Using the state’s financing authority to issue lease-revenue bonds (a bond that is paid back by a future revenue stream), the program would allow cities, agencies, and homeowners to buy deeply discounted ADUs. Essentially, the state would pay the upfront cost of purchasing and installing the ADU in willing homeowners’ backyards, then the homeowners would buy the unit via a small monthly payment, presumably using revenue they earn from renting it.&nbsp;

<p>To make them as affordable as possible, California should establish a "buyer’s club," a state program to negotiate the bulk purchase of up to 1 million factory-made backyard cottages. Using the state’s financing authority to issue lease-revenue bonds (a bond that is paid back by a future revenue stream), the program would allow cities, agencies, and homeowners to buy deeply discounted ADUs. Essentially, the state would pay the upfront cost of purchasing and installing the ADU in willing homeowners’ backyards, then the homeowners would buy the unit via a small monthly payment, presumably using revenue they earn from renting it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make them as affordable as possible, California should establish a &#8220;buyer’s club,&#8221; a state program to negotiate the bulk purchase of up to 1 million factory-made backyard cottages. Using the state’s financing authority to issue lease-revenue bonds (a bond that is paid back by a future revenue stream), the program would allow cities, agencies, and homeowners to buy deeply discounted ADUs. Essentially, the state would pay the upfront cost of purchasing and installing the ADU in willing homeowners’ backyards, then the homeowners would buy the unit via a small monthly payment, presumably using revenue they earn from renting it.&nbsp;</p>

History supports this approach. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the local government joined forces with the U.S. Army to quickly build more than 5,000 “earthquake cottages” — each about 140 to 250 square feet — to help house the roughly 250,000 displaced residents. Families paid $2 monthly toward ownership, and today these units, modified and upgraded over the past century, are homes for many San Franciscans.

<p>History supports this approach. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the local government joined forces with the U.S. Army to quickly build more than 5,000 “earthquake cottages” — each about 140 to 250 square feet — to help house the roughly 250,000 displaced residents. Families paid $2 monthly toward ownership, and today these units, modified and upgraded over the past century, are homes for many San Franciscans.</p>

We could adapt what worked well for those San Franciscans to provide quick, affordable shelter throughout California while contributing to our long-term housing stock. California’s history with solar energy provides another blueprint. In the 1970s, solar power cost more than $100 per watt; today, it’s less than 5 cents per watt. By using state resources to create demand, California helped drive down per-unit costs and improve technology. A similar market-making effort for ADUs could revolutionize affordable housing. It could also guarantee that ADUs incorporate features like solar panels and battery storage, making them more sustainable and eliminating the fire risk of connecting them to power lines.

<p>We could adapt what worked well for those San Franciscans to provide quick, affordable shelter throughout California while contributing to our long-term housing stock. California’s history with solar energy provides another blueprint. In the 1970s, solar power cost more than $100 per watt; today, it’s less than 5 cents per watt. By using state resources to create demand, California helped drive down per-unit costs and improve technology. A similar market-making effort for ADUs could revolutionize affordable housing. It could also guarantee that ADUs incorporate features like solar panels and battery storage, making them more sustainable and eliminating the fire risk of connecting them to power lines.</p>

The California Department of Housing and Community Development should issue a request for proposal for tens of thousands of ADUs, prioritizing areas affected by the fires and the homeless epidemic. The state could clarify that these ADUs can go up as soon as they’re shipped. The governor just did this with an executive order that allows ADUs to be the primary dwelling on a lot in areas affected by the fires. Once displaced residents are housed, the program could expand statewide. Homeowners, cities, and nonprofits would purchase ADUs to do everything from addressing homelessness to providing affordable rental housing. Construction of these units should be exempted from CEQA — thus depriving NIMBYs of one of their favorite tools.

<p>The California Department of Housing and Community Development should issue a request for proposal for tens of thousands of ADUs, prioritizing areas affected by the fires and the homeless epidemic. The state could clarify that these ADUs can go up as soon as they’re shipped. The governor just did this with an executive order that allows ADUs to be the primary dwelling on a lot in areas affected by the fires. Once displaced residents are housed, the program could expand statewide. Homeowners, cities, and nonprofits would purchase ADUs to do everything from addressing homelessness to providing affordable rental housing. Construction of these units should be exempted from CEQA — thus depriving NIMBYs of one of their favorite tools.</p>

In San Jose, we’ve already prioritized quick-build housing for the homeless. Private homeowners have also installed nearly 1,400 new ADUs, with an average square footage of just over 600, in their backyards during the past five years, representing nearly one-third of San Jose’s new housing stock, with <a href="https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/planning-division/development-data/permit-statistics-reports/adu-permit-activity">nearly</a> 700 more in the pipeline. Expanding this approach with lower-cost ADUs would let cities house more people and prevent others from falling into homelessness.&nbsp;

<p>In San Jose, we’ve already prioritized quick-build housing for the homeless. Private homeowners have also installed nearly 1,400 new ADUs, with an average square footage of just over 600, in their backyards during the past five years, representing nearly one-third of San Jose’s new housing stock, with <a href="https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/planning-division/development-data/permit-statistics-reports/adu-permit-activity">nearly</a> 700 more in the pipeline. Expanding this approach with lower-cost ADUs would let cities house more people and prevent others from falling into homelessness.&nbsp;</p>

A fully fitted ADU might cost around $30,000, and buyers could repay this sum with a $150 monthly payment to the state, making these units accessible to homeowners and readily affordable for tenants. Even doubling the total cost to account for site preparation, utility connections, and permitting fees, the total monthly cost would be well below average rents in cities across the state.

<p>A fully fitted ADU might cost around $30,000, and buyers could repay this sum with a $150 monthly payment to the state, making these units accessible to homeowners and readily affordable for tenants. Even doubling the total cost to account for site preparation, utility connections, and permitting fees, the total monthly cost would be well below average rents in cities across the state.</p>

ADUs may not suit everyone, but they are ideal for many Californians, including single adults, small families, and extended households. They provide safe, decent housing at a fraction of current costs. They also enable homeownership opportunities; San Jose was the first city in California to adopt legislation that made it legal to sell an ADU separately from a home on the same lot. California’s low borrowing costs — around 4% interest — would make these projects far more affordable than traditional housing development, where construction loans can carry interest rates of 12% to 20%.

<p>ADUs may not suit everyone, but they are ideal for many Californians, including single adults, small families, and extended households. They provide safe, decent housing at a fraction of current costs. They also enable homeownership opportunities; San Jose was the first city in California to adopt legislation that made it legal to sell an ADU separately from a home on the same lot. California’s low borrowing costs — around 4% interest — would make these projects far more affordable than traditional housing development, where construction loans can carry interest rates of 12% to 20%.</p>

Manufacturing ADUs locally could create jobs and stimulate California’s economy, including in rural areas that source lumber to ADU-building factories here in the Bay Area and around the state. While initial production might require sourcing units from existing manufacturers, the state could introduce a “buy local” incentive to support local factories and workforce development. These factories would produce high-quality, sustainable units, ensuring that new housing meets modern standards for safety and energy efficiency.

<p>Manufacturing ADUs locally could create jobs and stimulate California’s economy, including in rural areas that source lumber to ADU-building factories here in the Bay Area and around the state. While initial production might require sourcing units from existing manufacturers, the state could introduce a “buy local” incentive to support local factories and workforce development. These factories would produce high-quality, sustainable units, ensuring that new housing meets modern standards for safety and energy efficiency.</p>

We can help heal Los Angeles, and help every community struggling with high housing costs and homelessness, by responding with a bold plan for roughly a million new affordable homes.

<p>We can help heal Los Angeles, and help every community struggling with high housing costs and homelessness, by responding with a bold plan for roughly a million new affordable homes.</p>

<em>Matt Mahan is the mayor of San Jose.</em>

<p><em>Matt Mahan is the mayor of San Jose.</em></p>

With wildfires and homelessness raging, it’s time to bring back the shack

Opinion: With wildfires and homelessness raging, it’s time to bring back the shack

Julie Zigoris

The encore of San Francisco Ballet’s AI-inspired <em>Mere Mortals</em>, a seven-performance run that ends Wednesday, represents the largest and most unexpected bouquet in artistic director Tamara Rojo’s inaugural season.&nbsp;

<p>The encore of San Francisco Ballet’s AI-inspired <em>Mere Mortals</em>, a seven-performance run that ends Wednesday, represents the largest and most unexpected bouquet in artistic director Tamara Rojo’s inaugural season.&nbsp;</p>

For audiences, the surprises began with the show’s printed program. The booklet came sealed with the words “DO NOT OPEN”: part provocation, part dare. The cover was decorated with only an abstract swirl of silky fog.&nbsp;

<p>For audiences, the surprises began with the show’s printed program. The booklet came sealed with the words “DO NOT OPEN”: part provocation, part dare. The cover was decorated with only an abstract swirl of silky fog.&nbsp;</p>

Yet the real incitement came when the performance began—not with lilting strings and a curtain raise, but with the low thrum of a single electronic note by British musician Floating Points and a sheer black screen. For the next 66 minutes, the crowd was gripped by a modern retelling of the Pandora myth, the company’s first full-length ballet choreographed by a woman, Canadian American Aszure Barton. Nearly 50 dancers writhed and wiggled on a stage designed with the help of artificial intelligence by Barcelona-based Hamill Industries, all of the performers clad in black reflective bodysuits.&nbsp;

<p>Yet the real incitement came when the performance began—not with lilting strings and a curtain raise, but with the low thrum of a single electronic note by British musician Floating Points and a sheer black screen. For the next 66 minutes, the crowd was gripped by a modern retelling of the Pandora myth, the company’s first full-length ballet choreographed by a woman, Canadian American Aszure Barton. Nearly 50 dancers writhed and wiggled on a stage designed with the help of artificial intelligence by Barcelona-based Hamill Industries, all of the performers clad in black reflective bodysuits.&nbsp;</p>

A DJ spins at the San Francisco Ballet's Mere Mortals after party.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf2036-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A DJ with curly hair mixes tracks on a Pioneer setup in a warmly lit event space." class="wp-image-270273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A DJ spins at the San Francisco Ballet&#8217;s &#8220;Mere Mortals&#8221; after-party.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf2036-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A DJ with curly hair mixes tracks on a Pioneer setup in a warmly lit event space." class="wp-image-270273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A DJ spins at the San Francisco Ballet's "Mere Mortals" after-party.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf2036-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A DJ with curly hair mixes tracks on a Pioneer setup in a warmly lit event space." class="wp-image-270273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A DJ spins at the San Francisco Ballet&#8217;s &#8220;Mere Mortals&#8221; after-party.</figcaption></figure>

Rojo sat down with The Standard in early April to reflect on the singular vision that inspired her first programmed season at the San Francisco Ballet.&nbsp;“I believe in why I’m commissioning female choreographers and collaborators,” she said. “But I think the work stands by itself.”&nbsp;

<p>Rojo sat down with The Standard in early April to reflect on the singular vision that inspired her first programmed season at the San Francisco Ballet.&nbsp;“I believe in why I’m commissioning female choreographers and collaborators,” she said. “But I think the work stands by itself.”&nbsp;</p>

The additional seven performances of <em>Mere Mortals</em> were not pre-planned—rather they were a generous bow to the staggering response received by the ballet’s initial run. Many people who originally came to see the performance knew nothing about it, Rojo said. And very little about the woman who orchestrated it.

<p>The additional seven performances of <em>Mere Mortals</em> were not pre-planned—rather they were a generous bow to the staggering response received by the ballet’s initial run. Many people who originally came to see the performance knew nothing about it, Rojo said. And very little about the woman who orchestrated it.</p>

“Yet they keep coming back,” she said.&nbsp;

<p>“Yet they keep coming back,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

Rojo, the 49-year-old former principal ballerina at the Royal Ballet who previously served as the director of the English National Ballet, might be winding down her inaugural season as artistic director, but her impact has only begun to reverberate in the San Francisco art world—and across the wider international ballet scene.&nbsp;

<p>Rojo, the 49-year-old former principal ballerina at the Royal Ballet who previously served as the director of the English National Ballet, might be winding down her inaugural season as artistic director, but her impact has only begun to reverberate in the San Francisco art world—and across the wider international ballet scene.&nbsp;</p>

Joanna Berman and Tamara Rojo watch a San Francisco Ballet rehearsal. 


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/raj2023reh_lr_eg9a5676.jpg?w=1667" alt="Two women sit near a piano; one is contemplative with a hand on her chin." class="wp-image-270259"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic director Tamara Rojo, foreground, watches a San Francisco Ballet rehearsal.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/raj2023reh_lr_eg9a5676.jpg?w=1667" alt="Two women sit near a piano; one is contemplative with a hand on her chin." class="wp-image-270259"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic director Tamara Rojo, foreground, watches a San Francisco Ballet rehearsal.</figcaption></figure>

She’s brought in a decidedly younger crowd to the War Memorial Opera House, and Tuesday night’s performance of <em>Mere Mortals</em> saw flocks of young(ish) audience members rocking multicolored fits, frosted hair and feathered masks. One attendee told The Standard she had seen the performance twice; another had flown from Washington state to San Francisco for 24 hours just to catch it. 

<p>She’s brought in a decidedly younger crowd to the War Memorial Opera House, and Tuesday night’s performance of <em>Mere Mortals</em> saw flocks of young(ish) audience members rocking multicolored fits, frosted hair and feathered masks. One attendee told The Standard she had seen the performance twice; another had flown from Washington state to San Francisco for 24 hours just to catch it. </p>

“It was fucking phenomenal,” said Joanna Karlinsky, who was at the show to celebrate her 60th birthday with her girlfriend. “It was as if Alvin Ailey, Lauren Anderson and Brian Eno had a love child.”&nbsp;

<p>“It was fucking phenomenal,” said Joanna Karlinsky, who was at the show to celebrate her 60th birthday with her girlfriend. “It was as if Alvin Ailey, Lauren Anderson and Brian Eno had a love child.”&nbsp;</p>

In the process of her first four months of programming, Rojo has done something her predecessors could not: She transformed the vibe of the War Memorial Opera House from a stuffy shrine to the high arts to a people’s palace poised to party. Local DJs Nooka Jones and Mozhgan kept the party going in the lobby after the show, where audience members danced alongside members of the Rising Rhythm troupe.

<p>In the process of her first four months of programming, Rojo has done something her predecessors could not: She transformed the vibe of the War Memorial Opera House from a stuffy shrine to the high arts to a people’s palace poised to party. Local DJs Nooka Jones and Mozhgan kept the party going in the lobby after the show, where audience members danced alongside members of the Rising Rhythm troupe.</p>

Steam rises from Mere Mortals signage during a Mere Mortals after party in San Francisco on Jan. 31, 2024. Tamara Rojo is the first female artistic director of the San Francisco Ballet which is on track for a record-breaking season with two encore performances and multiple new productions.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf7956.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people behind colorful smoke plumes with a bright light source behind them, casting long shadows." class="wp-image-270281"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steam rises from signage during a Mere Mortals after-party.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf7956.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people behind colorful smoke plumes with a bright light source behind them, casting long shadows." class="wp-image-270281"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steam rises from signage during a Mere Mortals after-party.</figcaption></figure>

Every production of the just-finished run <em>Dos Mujeres</em>—another breakout success in April, which was the first double bill of female choreographers and the first program dedicated specifically to Latino stories—had the all-female Mariachi Bonitas performing in the lobby post-show.&nbsp;

<p>Every production of the just-finished run <em>Dos Mujeres</em>—another breakout success in April, which was the first double bill of female choreographers and the first program dedicated specifically to Latino stories—had the all-female Mariachi Bonitas performing in the lobby post-show.&nbsp;</p>

“We couldn’t get people to leave the opera house because they were having such a good time,” Rojo said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>“We couldn’t get people to leave the opera house because they were having such a good time,” Rojo said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

That production, which included stories inspired by <em>Carmen</em> and Frida Kahlo, brought new color into the beige house: balconies festooned with paper decorations, a custom folk art curtain and a replica of Frida Kahlo’s yellow dining table that once stood in her Blue House.&nbsp;

<p>That production, which included stories inspired by <em>Carmen</em> and Frida Kahlo, brought new color into the beige house: balconies festooned with paper decorations, a custom folk art curtain and a replica of Frida Kahlo’s yellow dining table that once stood in her Blue House.&nbsp;</p>

It’s all part of Rojo’s plan to widen the network of artists who are presenting work at the opera house, which she wants to open up to all Bay Area creatives.&nbsp;

<p>It’s all part of Rojo’s plan to widen the network of artists who are presenting work at the opera house, which she wants to open up to all Bay Area creatives.&nbsp;</p>

The San Francisco Ballet performs in Aszure Barton and Sam Shepherd's (known as Floating Points) Mere Mortals.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1533" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mmo2024dre_chr52_0831_ce-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dancers in black, outstretched, face a giant screen displaying a fiery cosmic image, all on a minimalist stage." class="wp-image-270263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Ballet performs in Aszure Barton and Sam Shepherd&#8217;s &#8220;Mere Mortals.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mmo2024dre_chr52_0831_ce-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dancers in black, outstretched, face a giant screen displaying a fiery cosmic image, all on a minimalist stage." class="wp-image-270263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Ballet performs in Aszure Barton and Sam Shepherd's "Mere Mortals."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mmo2024dre_chr52_0831_ce-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dancers in black, outstretched, face a giant screen displaying a fiery cosmic image, all on a minimalist stage." class="wp-image-270263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Ballet performs in Aszure Barton and Sam Shepherd&#8217;s &#8220;Mere Mortals.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

When asked about the neighboring fine arts institutions experiencing a variety of hardships—such as the departure of SF Symphony music director Esa-Pekka Salonen in the wake of financial struggles and the shortened season of the San Francisco Opera—Rojo insists she’s not looking to score easy points at her rivals’ expense.

<p>When asked about the neighboring fine arts institutions experiencing a variety of hardships—such as the departure of SF Symphony music director Esa-Pekka Salonen in the wake of financial struggles and the shortened season of the San Francisco Opera—Rojo insists she’s not looking to score easy points at her rivals’ expense.</p>

“I am in no position to give lessons,” she said.&nbsp;

<p>“I am in no position to give lessons,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

Yet the facts of her first, bravura season indicate otherwise. Buoyed by a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/sf-ballet-donation-18665795.php">$60 million anonymous donation</a> in February—the ballet’s largest gift ever—and with ticket sales approaching pre-Covid levels, there’s a lot for the SF Ballet to celebrate. The house was packed Tuesday night for <em>Mere Mortals</em>, and the audience was agape.&nbsp;

<p>Yet the facts of her first, bravura season indicate otherwise. Buoyed by a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/sf-ballet-donation-18665795.php">$60 million anonymous donation</a> in February—the ballet’s largest gift ever—and with ticket sales approaching pre-Covid levels, there’s a lot for the SF Ballet to celebrate. The house was packed Tuesday night for <em>Mere Mortals</em>, and the audience was agape.&nbsp;</p>

“It was mesmerizing,” said first-time balletgoer Daria Bianchina. Amy Orringer attended the show with a group of friends after hearing her roommate’s glowing review. She likened the show to a modern-day <em>The Rite of Spring</em>, the 1913 Sergei Diaghilev ballet that prompted riots in Paris.&nbsp;

<p>“It was mesmerizing,” said first-time balletgoer Daria Bianchina. Amy Orringer attended the show with a group of friends after hearing her roommate’s glowing review. She likened the show to a modern-day <em>The Rite of Spring</em>, the 1913 Sergei Diaghilev ballet that prompted riots in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

Attendees dance during a Mere Mortals after-party


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf2535.jpg?w=2500" alt="People dancing joyfully in a festive, dimly-lit hall with red lighting and classical architecture." class="wp-image-270278"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees dance during a &#8220;Mere Mortals&#8221; after-party.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf2535.jpg?w=2500" alt="People dancing joyfully in a festive, dimly-lit hall with red lighting and classical architecture." class="wp-image-270278"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees dance during a "Mere Mortals" after-party.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf2535.jpg?w=2500" alt="People dancing joyfully in a festive, dimly-lit hall with red lighting and classical architecture." class="wp-image-270278"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees dance during a &#8220;Mere Mortals&#8221; after-party.</figcaption></figure>

Rojo said the more she has tapped into the scene of local institutions and artists—whether it’s mariachi bands, DJs or the Mexican Consulate—the better the response has been.&nbsp;

<p>Rojo said the more she has tapped into the scene of local institutions and artists—whether it’s mariachi bands, DJs or the Mexican Consulate—the better the response has been.&nbsp;</p>

“I think that has been part of why this season has been embraced and has been so successful,” she said. “People have felt very welcomed.”&nbsp;

<p>“I think that has been part of why this season has been embraced and has been so successful,” she said. “People have felt very welcomed.”&nbsp;</p>

“I&#8217;ve really thrown so much at them,” she added about her San Francisco audiences, who have lavished the company with adoration. “And the response has been extraordinary.”

<p>“I've really thrown so much at them,” she added about her San Francisco audiences, who have lavished the company with adoration. “And the response has been extraordinary.”</p>

<p>“I&#8217;ve really thrown so much at them,” she added about her San Francisco audiences, who have lavished the company with adoration. “And the response has been extraordinary.”</p>

A performer dances during a Mere Mortals after party in San Francisco on Jan. 31, 2024. Tamara Rojo is the first female artistic director of the San Francisco Ballet which is on track for a record-breaking season with two encore performances and multiple new productions.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf7095_055567.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dancer in a fringe outfit performs before an audience in a warmly lit grand hall." class="wp-image-270280"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A performer dances during a &#8220;Mere Mortals&#8221; after-party.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf7095_055567.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dancer in a fringe outfit performs before an audience in a warmly lit grand hall." class="wp-image-270280"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A performer dances during a "Mere Mortals" after-party.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/art2024mmo_lrdscf7095_055567.jpg?w=2500" alt="A dancer in a fringe outfit performs before an audience in a warmly lit grand hall." class="wp-image-270280"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A performer dances during a &#8220;Mere Mortals&#8221; after-party.</figcaption></figure>

How a new San Francisco Ballet director turned an opera house into a house party

Sam Mondros

San Francisco housing advocate Corey Smith filed a lawsuit accusing Supervisor Dean Preston of lying about his housing record in his application to run for reelection this year. 

<p>San Francisco housing advocate Corey Smith filed a lawsuit accusing Supervisor Dean Preston of lying about his housing record in his application to run for reelection this year. </p>

The writ of mandate filed Monday seeks to get the San Francisco Department of Elections to correct what Smith characterizes as misinformation on the city supervisor’s application for reelection.

<p>The writ of mandate filed Monday seeks to get the San Francisco Department of Elections to correct what Smith characterizes as misinformation on the city supervisor’s application for reelection.</p>

Preston’s application touts a <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/preston_dean_nom_docs.pdf">litany of housing achievements</a>, from saving 20,000 renters from eviction to securing a quarter-billion dollars in rent relief and affordable housing. However, Smith and other critics dispute Preston’s claim that he voted to approve 30,000 new homes in San Francisco, 86% of which are affordable.

<p>Preston’s application touts a <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/preston_dean_nom_docs.pdf">litany of housing achievements</a>, from saving 20,000 renters from eviction to securing a quarter-billion dollars in rent relief and affordable housing. However, Smith and other critics dispute Preston’s claim that he voted to approve 30,000 new homes in San Francisco, 86% of which are affordable.</p>

“I’m calling bullshit,” said Smith, executive director of Housing Action Coalition, a nonprofit that advocates for increasing housing supply in San Francisco. “Because it’s an election year, he is trying to reframe himself and his anti-housing record, which is based entirely on political plans. But I’m actually interested in homes getting built, and he has consistently opposed that.”

<p>“I’m calling bullshit,” said Smith, executive director of Housing Action Coalition, a nonprofit that advocates for increasing housing supply in San Francisco. “Because it’s an election year, he is trying to reframe himself and his anti-housing record, which is based entirely on political plans. But I’m actually interested in homes getting built, and he has consistently opposed that.”</p>

Preston faces a potentially tough reelection come November, with two main challengers: entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood and education activist Autumn Looijen. Preston’s Democratic Socialist affiliation has made him a punching bag for figures like Elon Musk, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">pledged money to defeat him</a>. On the issue of housing, Preston’s critics have often accused him of <a href="https://nimby.report/preston">blocking or stalling</a> projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elon Musk pledges $100K to defeat this San Francisco elected official

<p>Preston faces a potentially tough reelection come November, with two main challengers: entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood and education activist Autumn Looijen. Preston’s Democratic Socialist affiliation has made him a punching bag for figures like Elon Musk, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">pledged money to defeat him</a>. On the issue of housing, Preston’s critics have often accused him of <a href="https://nimby.report/preston">blocking or stalling</a> projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Smith claims the 30,000 figure is bogus—citing <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-community-development/housing-open-data-tools/housing-element-implementation-and-apr-dashboard">city data</a> showing the number is closer to 14,000—and he is asking the court for a writ of mandate to remove the information from Preston’s candidate statement before it’s printed in voter information pamphlets.

<p>Smith claims the 30,000 figure is bogus—citing <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-community-development/housing-open-data-tools/housing-element-implementation-and-apr-dashboard">city data</a> showing the number is closer to 14,000—and he is asking the court for a writ of mandate to remove the information from Preston’s candidate statement before it’s printed in voter information pamphlets.</p>

Jen Snyder, a spokesperson for Preston, was not amused by Smith’s lawsuit.&nbsp;

<p>Jen Snyder, a spokesperson for Preston, was not amused by Smith’s lawsuit.&nbsp;</p>

“Sorry, not interested in commenting on a corporate developer lobbyist’s latest media stunt,” she said by text.&nbsp;

<p>“Sorry, not interested in commenting on a corporate developer lobbyist’s latest media stunt,” she said by text.&nbsp;</p>

Snyder directed those dubious of Preston’s housing record to DeansHousingRecord.com, a website set up by campaign volunteers and staffers from Preston’s office to rebuke the claims made by Dean Preston’s Housing Graveyard, a site set up by David Broockman, a volunteer&nbsp; SF YIMBY volunteer whose work is cited in Smith’s lawsuit.&nbsp;

<p>Snyder directed those dubious of Preston’s housing record to DeansHousingRecord.com, a website set up by campaign volunteers and staffers from Preston’s office to rebuke the claims made by Dean Preston’s Housing Graveyard, a site set up by David Broockman, a volunteer&nbsp; SF YIMBY volunteer whose work is cited in Smith’s lawsuit.&nbsp;</p>

Smith claimed that 8,250 of the homes Preston cited included temporary shelter-in-place hotel rooms for the homeless during the pandemic along with 10,000 concept homes from Proposition K—a ballot measure passed by voters in 2020—that had yet to be built.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Smith claimed that 8,250 of the homes Preston cited included temporary shelter-in-place hotel rooms for the homeless during the pandemic along with 10,000 concept homes from Proposition K—a ballot measure passed by voters in 2020—that had yet to be built.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

“These are not ‘new homes’ that were ‘approved’ in the sense that a reasonable voter would interpret these terms,” Smith said in the lawsuit. “These were existing hotel rooms which were temporarily leased for shelter during COVID-19.”

<p>“These are not ‘new homes’ that were ‘approved’ in the sense that a reasonable voter would interpret these terms,” Smith said in the lawsuit. “These were existing hotel rooms which were temporarily leased for shelter during COVID-19.”</p>

Dean Preston accused of lying about housing record in lawsuit

Garrett Leahy

<p>Danny has unwanted roommates.&nbsp;</p>

Dozens of cockroaches struggle in a glue trap in his kitchen drawer.&nbsp;

<p>Dozens of cockroaches struggle in a glue trap in his kitchen drawer.&nbsp;</p>

He’s tried just about everything to kill off the infestation, which began a month after the building at 833 Bryant St., a supportive housing facility for formerly homeless people, opened two years ago. Traps, spray, sprinkled baking soda —&nbsp;nothing has worked.&nbsp;

<p>He’s tried just about everything to kill off the infestation, which began a month after the building at 833 Bryant St., a supportive housing facility for formerly homeless people, opened two years ago. Traps, spray, sprinkled baking soda —&nbsp;nothing has worked.&nbsp;</p>

“That’s just from one week,” Danny said, as he showed the drawer to a reporter last month. The Standard is not publishing his real name due to fears he’ll be evicted for speaking with the media about conditions at the facility. The cabinet beneath the kitchen sink in his studio apartment was also peppered with dead cockroaches. Outside his room, roaches could be seen crawling out of other rooms and along the hallway.

<p>“That’s just from one week,” Danny said, as he showed the drawer to a reporter last month. The Standard is not publishing his real name due to fears he’ll be evicted for speaking with the media about conditions at the facility. The cabinet beneath the kitchen sink in his studio apartment was also peppered with dead cockroaches. Outside his room, roaches could be seen crawling out of other rooms and along the hallway.</p>

“This is a brand-new building!” Danny shouted. “It shouldn’t be like this.”&nbsp;

<p>“This is a brand-new building!” Danny shouted. “It shouldn’t be like this.”&nbsp;</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-video alignwide"><video autoplay loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sfs_project_version_1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residents say roaches have infested the building for years.</figcaption></figure>

The 146-unit building, managed by Mercy Housing, is rife with pests, filth, allegations of violence, and shoddy maintenance, according to residents, social workers, and city records. In addition to the roach infestation, The Standard observed a broken elevator and torn-up walls and floors during a January visit.&nbsp;

<p>The 146-unit building, managed by Mercy Housing, is rife with pests, filth, allegations of violence, and shoddy maintenance, according to residents, social workers, and city records. In addition to the roach infestation, The Standard observed a broken elevator and torn-up walls and floors during a January visit.&nbsp;</p>

Construction of 833 Bryant St., also known as the Tahanan, was financed by Mayor Daniel Lurie’s nonprofit Tipping Point Community and touted by him as a shining example of how to build affordable housing at a fraction of the time and cost of other supportive housing projects in the city. (Lurie, who founded the nonprofit in 2005, stepped down as its CEO in 2019.) But residents and social workers say poor building maintenance, high staffing turnover, and inaction by management make life at 833 Bryant a filthy, dangerous nightmare.

<p>Construction of 833 Bryant St., also known as the Tahanan, was financed by Mayor Daniel Lurie’s nonprofit Tipping Point Community and touted by him as a shining example of how to build affordable housing at a fraction of the time and cost of other supportive housing projects in the city. (Lurie, who founded the nonprofit in 2005, stepped down as its CEO in 2019.) But residents and social workers say poor building maintenance, high staffing turnover, and inaction by management make life at 833 Bryant a filthy, dangerous nightmare.</p>

An SF social worker was shot on the job. Her mother says nonprofits failed to protect her

sf-standard/related-post

Daniel Lurie is selling a housing miracle to voters. The reality is messier

This SF group says it solved the math on affordable housing. Can it get others to follow?

sf-standard/related-posts-container

In a September debate during the mayoral election, Lurie said 833 Bryant was built within three years at a cost of $377,000 per unit; he said this is far faster and cheaper than other supportive housing projects, which typically cost around <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/affordable-housing-project-price-19589118.php">$729,000 per unit</a>.&nbsp;

<p>In a September debate during the mayoral election, Lurie said 833 Bryant was built within three years at a cost of $377,000 per unit; he said this is far faster and cheaper than other supportive housing projects, which typically cost around <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/affordable-housing-project-price-19589118.php">$729,000 per unit</a>.&nbsp;</p>

The building was funded in part by a $65 million gift from philanthropists Charles and Helen Schwab, who did not respond to requests for comment.

<p>The building was funded in part by a $65 million gift from philanthropists Charles and Helen Schwab, who did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

“At 833 Bryant, I built affordable housing at a fraction of the cost and time it typically takes the city. I will do it again as mayor,” Lurie posted on X after the debate.

<p>“At 833 Bryant, I built affordable housing at a fraction of the cost and time it typically takes the city. I will do it again as mayor,” Lurie posted on X after the debate.</p>

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https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1839348573055701250
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">At Tipping Point, we built affordable housing at a fraction of the time &amp; money it takes the City. Now this model is being replicated at 1633 Valencia. I know we can build affordable housing because I’ve done it.<br><br>Read my housing plan: <a href="https://t.co/TqwBURb8oO">https://t.co/TqwBURb8oO</a> <a href="https://t.co/NtpDUAu7MD">https://t.co/NtpDUAu7MD</a></p>&mdash; Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 (@DanielLurie) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1839348573055701250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-m-gonna-kill-you">‘I’m gonna kill you’</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-m-gonna-kill-you">‘I’m gonna kill you’</h2>

While 833 Bryant’s cheap and speedy construction may sound like a silver bullet in San Francisco&#8217;s fight to end street homelessness, life inside the facility is grim, with at least one shooting, filth, allegations of violence, and nearly a dozen overdose deaths.

<p>While 833 Bryant’s cheap and speedy construction may sound like a silver bullet in San Francisco's fight to end street homelessness, life inside the facility is grim, with at least one shooting, filth, allegations of violence, and nearly a dozen overdose deaths.</p>

<p>While 833 Bryant’s cheap and speedy construction may sound like a silver bullet in San Francisco&#8217;s fight to end street homelessness, life inside the facility is grim, with at least one shooting, filth, allegations of violence, and nearly a dozen overdose deaths.</p>

On Jan. 2, a social worker was shot in the face and a janitor was attacked by a tenant, police and prosecutors say.

<p>On Jan. 2, a social worker was shot in the face and a janitor was attacked by a tenant, police and prosecutors say.</p>

Social workers and residents told The Standard there are often fights between tenants and say they’ve had to thwart intruders who try to break into people’s rooms. Some workers said they have been followed home by residents. Many are afraid to work at the facility, especially after last month’s shooting.

<p>Social workers and residents told The Standard there are often fights between tenants and say they’ve had to thwart intruders who try to break into people’s rooms. Some workers said they have been followed home by residents. Many are afraid to work at the facility, especially after last month’s shooting.</p>

“People don’t feel safe about the conditions there. Most of the clients we work with have mental health problems,” said one worker who spoke anonymously due to fear of retribution. “But it’s shot down as one of the things you just have to deal with.”

<p>“People don’t feel safe about the conditions there. Most of the clients we work with have mental health problems,” said one worker who spoke anonymously due to fear of retribution. “But it’s shot down as one of the things you just have to deal with.”</p>

Meanwhile, at least 11 people have fatally overdosed inside since the building opened, according to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.

<p>Meanwhile, at least 11 people have fatally overdosed inside since the building opened, according to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.</p>

Safety issues and low pay can cause high turnover among social workers and an unwillingness to meet with clients, perpetuating an ongoing <a href="https://socialwork.columbia.edu/news/bridging-gap-urgent-need-social-workers#:~:text=In%20the%20midst%20of%20a,an%20estimated%20700%2C000%20social%20workers.">staffing shortfall.</a>

<p>Safety issues and low pay can cause high turnover among social workers and an unwillingness to meet with clients, perpetuating an ongoing <a href="https://socialwork.columbia.edu/news/bridging-gap-urgent-need-social-workers#:~:text=In%20the%20midst%20of%20a,an%20estimated%20700%2C000%20social%20workers.">staffing shortfall.</a></p>

“The crisis is not unique to [833 Bryant]; there’s a huge hiring crisis,” said Marya Wright, an Oakland-based social work consultant and educator. “One reason is threats or violence with mental health clients. At some point, it’s not worth it.”

<p>“The crisis is not unique to [833 Bryant]; there’s a huge hiring crisis,” said Marya Wright, an Oakland-based social work consultant and educator. “One reason is threats or violence with mental health clients. At some point, it’s not worth it.”</p>

Social workers are often sent into dangerous situations alone, Wright said, and requests to have someone accompany them for safety are usually denied by supervisors. When workers get assaulted, they often don’t bother to fill out incident report forms.

<p>Social workers are often sent into dangerous situations alone, Wright said, and requests to have someone accompany them for safety are usually denied by supervisors. When workers get assaulted, they often don’t bother to fill out incident report forms.</p>

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“Reports take time, and it’s like, why complete it because nothing’s going to happen?” Wright said.

<p>“Reports take time, and it’s like, why complete it because nothing’s going to happen?” Wright said.</p>

Pay for social workers —&nbsp;who, unlike nurses, do not need to be licensed to work in California — is low. This means the jobs often go to people who lack experience and clinical training, which can lead to worse outcomes for clients, Wright said.&nbsp;

<p>Pay for social workers —&nbsp;who, unlike nurses, do not need to be licensed to work in California — is low. This means the jobs often go to people who lack experience and clinical training, which can lead to worse outcomes for clients, Wright said.&nbsp;</p>

The average salary for a social worker in San Francisco is $86,910, according to an Indeed analysis of 99 reported salaries, although many job postings are well below that average. A salary of less than $105,000 for a single-person household is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/under-100k-low-income-san-francisco-18168899.php">considered low-income</a> in San Francisco.

<p>The average salary for a social worker in San Francisco is $86,910, according to an Indeed analysis of 99 reported salaries, although many job postings are well below that average. A salary of less than $105,000 for a single-person household is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/under-100k-low-income-san-francisco-18168899.php">considered low-income</a> in San Francisco.</p>

Episcopal Community Services, which provides client services at 833 Bryant, pays $30 an hour to senior case managers with a master’s degree and $28 to $31 an hour for&nbsp;case managers with a bachelor’s degree and a few years of work experience, according to online job postings. Many positions do not require applicants to be licensed social workers. ECS declined to comment.&nbsp;

<p>Episcopal Community Services, which provides client services at 833 Bryant, pays $30 an hour to senior case managers with a master’s degree and $28 to $31 an hour for&nbsp;case managers with a bachelor’s degree and a few years of work experience, according to online job postings. Many positions do not require applicants to be licensed social workers. ECS declined to comment.&nbsp;</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240916-lurie833bryant-es-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows an upward view of a modern building facade with rust-colored panels and large windows, featuring a grid of circular perforations." class="wp-image-362123"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Social workers and residents say they face violence and threats at the supportive housing facility.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240916-lurie833bryant-es-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows an upward view of a modern building facade with rust-colored panels and large windows, featuring a grid of circular perforations." class="wp-image-362123"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Social workers and residents say they face violence and threats at the supportive housing facility.</figcaption></figure>

Opinion: With wildfires and homelessness raging, it’s time to bring back the shack

How a new San Francisco Ballet director turned an opera house into a house party

Dean Preston accused of lying about housing record in lawsuit

Guns and roaches: Inside the homeless housing Lurie is banking on

SF sued for deadly fire in dilapidated public housing

Search Results for: housing

Opinion: With wildfires and homelessness raging, it’s time to bring back the shack

How a new San Francisco Ballet director turned an opera house into a house party

Dean Preston accused of lying about housing record in lawsuit

Guns and roaches: Inside the homeless housing Lurie is banking on

SF sued for deadly fire in dilapidated public housing