Mike Ege

In his quest to replenish San Francisco police ranks, Supervisor Matt Dorsey is pivoting after suffering a setback this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In his quest to replenish San Francisco police ranks, Supervisor Matt Dorsey is pivoting after suffering a setback this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The supervisor’s planned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/san-francisco-ballot-measure-would-add-100-new-cops-annually-over-5-years/">ballot measure to hire more cops</a> is being revived as an ordinance after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-police-staffing-ballot-measure-city-hall-debate/">colleagues hobbled the original version</a> with what he called “poison pill” changes on Monday.

San Francisco could add 100 new cops annually under ballot measure

Testy debate over San Francisco police staffing erupts at City Hall

The supervisor’s planned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/san-francisco-ballot-measure-would-add-100-new-cops-annually-over-5-years/">ballot measure to hire more cops</a> is being revived as an ordinance after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-police-staffing-ballot-measure-city-hall-debate/">colleagues hobbled the original version</a> with what he called “poison pill” changes on Monday.

Dorsey asked the city attorney to draft the new ordinance at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Instead of voters weighing in, it will be up to his colleagues to pass.

Dorsey asked the city attorney to draft the new ordinance at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Instead of voters weighing in, it will be up to his colleagues to pass.

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-police-staffing-ballot-measure-city-hall-debate/">Testy Debate Over San Francisco Police Staffing Erupts at City Hall</a>

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-police-staffing-ballot-measure-city-hall-debate/">Testy Debate Over San Francisco Police Staffing Erupts at City Hall</a>

“Many times during the committee meeting, it was noted that significant provisions of the measure—those tying real dollars to otherwise empty words on paper—did not need to be in a ballot measure because the mayor (and also this Board of Supervisors, on any given Tuesday) could enact them,” Dorsey told fellow supervisors at Tuesday’s board meeting.

“Many times during the committee meeting, it was noted that significant provisions of the measure—those tying real dollars to otherwise empty words on paper—did not need to be in a ballot measure because the mayor (and also this Board of Supervisors, on any given Tuesday) could enact them,” Dorsey told fellow supervisors at Tuesday’s board meeting.

The new ordinance would do two things. First, it would create a police staffing fund, as in the planned ballot measure, which would support recruitment and hiring to bring the San Francisco Police Department to a full staffing level. Second, it would reappropriate $8.4 million—half of what was proposed in the ballot measure—in the current budget to support “more competitive recruitment.”&nbsp;

The new ordinance would do two things. First, it would create a police staffing fund, as in the planned ballot measure, which would support recruitment and hiring to bring the San Francisco Police Department to a full staffing level. Second, it would reappropriate $8.4 million—half of what was proposed in the ballot measure—in the current budget to support “more competitive recruitment.”&nbsp;

Tenderloin station police officers sit and listen during the San Francisco Police Department’s Police Officer of the Month Ceremony at City Hall, in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Mayor London Breed and Assistant Police Chief David Lazar spoke at the event, and SFPD Acting Captains Mark Moreno and Matt Mason presented the awards for the months of April, May and June.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BreedSFPDOfficerOfTheMonth072623_08.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214979"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tenderloin Station officers listen during the San Francisco Police Department’s Police Officer of the Month Ceremony at City Hall on July 26, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BreedSFPDOfficerOfTheMonth072623_08.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214979"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tenderloin Station officers listen during the San Francisco Police Department’s Police Officer of the Month Ceremony at City Hall on July 26, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

“I think San Franciscans are well served by a vigorous debate over whether and how to accomplish police full staffing as expeditiously as possible—and I plan to submit a similar measure in the future to discuss funding recruitment for next fiscal year,” added Dorsey.&nbsp;

“I think San Franciscans are well served by a vigorous debate over whether and how to accomplish police full staffing as expeditiously as possible—and I plan to submit a similar measure in the future to discuss funding recruitment for next fiscal year,” added Dorsey.&nbsp;

Dorsey expects to introduce the draft ordinance next week and said he’s “hesitant to speculate” what will happen with his original ballot measure.&nbsp;

Dorsey expects to introduce the draft ordinance next week and said he’s “hesitant to speculate” what will happen with his original ballot measure.&nbsp;

At the board’s Rules Committee, the original measure was changed to include what Dorsey characterized as “poison pill” amendments, offered by Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and supported by Supervisor Shamann Walton, that make the staffing mandates depend on the passage of a new tax.

At the board’s Rules Committee, the original measure was changed to include what Dorsey characterized as “poison pill” amendments, offered by Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and supported by Supervisor Shamann Walton, that make the staffing mandates depend on the passage of a new tax.

The meeting was punctuated by rancorous debate among supervisors and was accompanied by an hour of public comment, mostly from labor groups against the measure, reflecting complaints over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/san-francisco-mayor-orders-budget-cuts/#">recent budget cuts</a> and low pay of other first responders such as 911 dispatchers.&nbsp;

San Francisco mayor says budget cuts &#8216;cannot wait&#8217; as $500M deficit looms

The meeting was punctuated by rancorous debate among supervisors and was accompanied by an hour of public comment, mostly from labor groups against the measure, reflecting complaints over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/san-francisco-mayor-orders-budget-cuts/#">recent budget cuts</a> and low pay of other first responders such as 911 dispatchers.&nbsp;

Dorsey’s new ordinance is sure to amplify the differences between moderate, progressive and swing vote supervisors on how to address the city’s drug overdose crisis and crime issues. Much like a resolution submitted Tuesday by Supervisor Hillary Ronen calling on Mayor London Breed to “initiate an emergency hiring plan” for recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers.

Dorsey’s new ordinance is sure to amplify the differences between moderate, progressive and swing vote supervisors on how to address the city’s drug overdose crisis and crime issues. Much like a resolution submitted Tuesday by Supervisor Hillary Ronen calling on Mayor London Breed to “initiate an emergency hiring plan” for recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers.

“Supervisor Dorsey continues to push for more [police],” Ronen told supervisors at her roll call speech Tuesday. “Meanwhile, we have had a growing number of vacancies, up to 144 in our beleaguered behavioral health program at [the Department of Public Health], and we have not heard a word, which is very telling.”&nbsp;

“Supervisor Dorsey continues to push for more [police],” Ronen told supervisors at her roll call speech Tuesday. “Meanwhile, we have had a growing number of vacancies, up to 144 in our beleaguered behavioral health program at [the Department of Public Health], and we have not heard a word, which is very telling.”&nbsp;

San Francisco lawmaker revives push to staff up police force

Calling attention to a national political and cultural touchstone of the times, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey is urging the city to proclaim July 28 and 29 as Taylor Swift Weekend to coincide with her performances at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.&nbsp;

Calling attention to a national political and cultural touchstone of the times, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey is urging the city to proclaim July 28 and 29 as Taylor Swift Weekend to coincide with her performances at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.&nbsp;

“As you may know all too well, Taylor Swift is a music industry icon and an advocate for change,” Dorsey said, citing the singer-songwriter’s turn toward liberal activism since 2018, and describing her as “a once-in-a-generation talent who has captivated people like a fireworks show.”

“As you may know all too well, Taylor Swift is a music industry icon and an advocate for change,” Dorsey said, citing the singer-songwriter’s turn toward liberal activism since 2018, and describing her as “a once-in-a-generation talent who has captivated people like a fireworks show.”

Most recently, Swift used her platform to urge fellow Tennesseeans to get to the polls early and vote in special elections.&nbsp;

Most recently, Swift used her platform to urge fellow Tennesseeans to get to the polls early and vote in special elections.&nbsp;

Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson, recently expelled from the state house for allegedly violating rules of decorum while protesting lawmakers&#8217; refusal to pass gun safety laws, is running for his seat <a href="https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/early-voting-memphis-tennessee-house-district-86-special-election/522-2933ef67-4673-462d-b80a-45982693932b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a special election</a> after being reinstated. The Democrat faces challenger Jeff Johnston.&nbsp;

Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson, recently expelled from the state house for allegedly violating rules of decorum while protesting lawmakers' refusal to pass gun safety laws, is running for his seat <a href="https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/early-voting-memphis-tennessee-house-district-86-special-election/522-2933ef67-4673-462d-b80a-45982693932b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a special election</a> after being reinstated. The Democrat faces challenger Jeff Johnston.&nbsp;

Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson, recently expelled from the state house for allegedly violating rules of decorum while protesting lawmakers&#8217; refusal to pass gun safety laws, is running for his seat <a href="https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/early-voting-memphis-tennessee-house-district-86-special-election/522-2933ef67-4673-462d-b80a-45982693932b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a special election</a> after being reinstated. The Democrat faces challenger Jeff Johnston.&nbsp;

In <a href="https://variety.com/2020/music/news/taylor-swift-political-song-documentary-miss-americana-1203473948/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a 2020 Variety interview</a>, Swift said her disappointment over the 2018 midterm election results in her home state inspired her song “Only the Young,” which accompanied her concert documentary film Miss Americana.

In <a href="https://variety.com/2020/music/news/taylor-swift-political-song-documentary-miss-americana-1203473948/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a 2020 Variety interview</a>, Swift said her disappointment over the 2018 midterm election results in her home state inspired her song “Only the Young,” which accompanied her concert documentary film Miss Americana.

“I saw a lot of young people’s hopes dashed,” Swift says in the interview. “And I found that to be particularly tragic, because young people are the people who feel the worst effects of gun violence, and student loans and trying to figure out how to start their lives and how to pay their bills, and climate change, and are we going to war—all these horrific situations that we find ourselves facing right now.”

“I saw a lot of young people’s hopes dashed,” Swift says in the interview. “And I found that to be particularly tragic, because young people are the people who feel the worst effects of gun violence, and student loans and trying to figure out how to start their lives and how to pay their bills, and climate change, and are we going to war—all these horrific situations that we find ourselves facing right now.”

A global superstar, Swift maintains a home in Nashville as well as in New York, Los Angeles and Rhode Island.&nbsp;

A global superstar, Swift maintains a home in Nashville as well as in New York, Los Angeles and Rhode Island.&nbsp;

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, center, and San Francisco Public Works workers and District 6 volunteers stand on a street corner during a community cleaning and beautification day near the intersection of Mission St. and 8th St. on October 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED3_SoMaNeighborhoodFuture06092023-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-177669"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, center | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED3_SoMaNeighborhoodFuture06092023-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-177669"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, center | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Dorsey accompanied his introduction to the Taylor Swift Weekend idea with a speech infused with the pop star’s lyrical references and citing the influence of “the Taylor Swift lobby” with his legislative staff, “four passionate Swifties in my office to whom I committed to be fearless before August slips away into a moment of time.”

Dorsey accompanied his introduction to the Taylor Swift Weekend idea with a speech infused with the pop star’s lyrical references and citing the influence of “the Taylor Swift lobby” with his legislative staff, “four passionate Swifties in my office to whom I committed to be fearless before August slips away into a moment of time.”

Despite being seemingly carried away during the speech, Dorsey later told The Standard the reference “was an inside joke” and “rest assured there is no ‘Big Taylor.’”

Despite being seemingly carried away during the speech, Dorsey later told The Standard the reference “was an inside joke” and “rest assured there is no ‘Big Taylor.’”

That said, Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras” tour is having a big impact on local economies, boosting hotel bookings in places like <a href="https://komonews.com/news/local/taylor-swift-seattle-concert-show-eras-tour-lumen-field-stadium-washington-music-boost-economy-tickets-resale-hotel-revenue-bookings-flights-oregon-montana-idaho-vancouver-british-columbia-canada-king-county" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle</a> and <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-eras-tour-boosting-hotel-industry-economy-federal-reserve-1235371670/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia</a>, the latter stop earning the notice of the region’s <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-boosting-210919967.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal Reserve Bank</a>.&nbsp;

That said, Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras” tour is having a big impact on local economies, boosting hotel bookings in places like <a href="https://komonews.com/news/local/taylor-swift-seattle-concert-show-eras-tour-lumen-field-stadium-washington-music-boost-economy-tickets-resale-hotel-revenue-bookings-flights-oregon-montana-idaho-vancouver-british-columbia-canada-king-county" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle</a> and <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-eras-tour-boosting-hotel-industry-economy-federal-reserve-1235371670/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia</a>, the latter stop earning the notice of the region’s <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/taylor-swifts-eras-tour-boosting-210919967.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal Reserve Bank</a>.&nbsp;

Tickets for Swift’s Bay Area dates first went on sale last November, and the shock of initial demand caused <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/ticketmaster-cancels-fridays-general-public-taylor-swift-ticket-sale/">a massive meltdown at Ticketmaster</a>.&nbsp;

Ticketmaster cancels Friday&#8217;s general public Taylor Swift ticket sale

Tickets for Swift’s Bay Area dates first went on sale last November, and the shock of initial demand caused <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/ticketmaster-cancels-fridays-general-public-taylor-swift-ticket-sale/">a massive meltdown at Ticketmaster</a>.&nbsp;

State governors <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/12/governors-taylor-swift-eras-tour/70407454007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are now wooing</a> Swift. So are newly ascendant liberal political leaders <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/pita-limjaroenrat-taylor-swift-eras-tour-thailand-1235367760/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Thailand</a>.&nbsp;

State governors <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/12/governors-taylor-swift-eras-tour/70407454007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are now wooing</a> Swift. So are newly ascendant liberal political leaders <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/pita-limjaroenrat-taylor-swift-eras-tour-thailand-1235367760/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Thailand</a>.&nbsp;

Dorsey did, in fact, refer to the economic aspects of the Swift phenomenon in his wistful, whimsical introductory speech, which is definitely worth a watch.&nbsp;

Dorsey did, in fact, refer to the economic aspects of the Swift phenomenon in his wistful, whimsical introductory speech, which is definitely worth a watch.&nbsp;

“Although the concert will take place in our south, there is an invisible string tying Levi&#8217;s Stadium to San Francisco,” Dorsey riffed during roll call. “As the supervisor representing a district known for many tourist destinations, I know places that will welcome the foot traffic and business.&nbsp;

“Although the concert will take place in our south, there is an invisible string tying Levi's Stadium to San Francisco,” Dorsey riffed during roll call. “As the supervisor representing a district known for many tourist destinations, I know places that will welcome the foot traffic and business.&nbsp;

“Although the concert will take place in our south, there is an invisible string tying Levi&#8217;s Stadium to San Francisco,” Dorsey riffed during roll call. “As the supervisor representing a district known for many tourist destinations, I know places that will welcome the foot traffic and business.&nbsp;

“Colleagues, let’s not make this a cruel summer but one where sparks fly, and we can be in a state of grace.”&nbsp;

“Colleagues, let’s not make this a cruel summer but one where sparks fly, and we can be in a state of grace.”&nbsp;

Taylor Swift tour: San Francisco lawmaker proposes dedicating weekend to pop star

George Kelly

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey introduced legislation Tuesday that would require every retail pharmacy in the city to carry medication used to rapidly reverse overdoses of drugs like fentanyl.

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey introduced legislation Tuesday that would require every retail pharmacy in the city to carry medication used to rapidly reverse overdoses of drugs like fentanyl.

In a statement, Dorsey acknowledged that a majority of San Francisco pharmacies already stock naloxone, but he asserted that a city requirement would “maximize its availability and help save lives.”

In a statement, Dorsey acknowledged that a majority of San Francisco pharmacies already stock naloxone, but he asserted that a city requirement would “maximize its availability and help save lives.”

The city and country continue to suffer an extraordinary toll from fentanyl, with the U.S. logging a record 108,000 overdose fatalities—mainly from fentanyl—in 2021. In San Francisco, about 620 <a href="https://sf.gov/news/accidental-overdose-deaths-decline-san-francisco-second-consecutive-year-fentanylopioid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">died from drug overdoses last year</a> and the city is on pace to set a record for deadly overdoses this current year. Those numbers would likely be far higher without the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">widespread availability of naloxone</a>, a medication commonly referred to as Narcan, which can <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/why-san-francisco-does-not-police-open-drug-use/">reverse an overdose</a>.

The city and country continue to suffer an extraordinary toll from fentanyl, with the U.S. logging a record 108,000 overdose fatalities—mainly from fentanyl—in 2021. In San Francisco, about 620 <a href="https://sf.gov/news/accidental-overdose-deaths-decline-san-francisco-second-consecutive-year-fentanylopioid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">died from drug overdoses last year</a> and the city is on pace to set a record for deadly overdoses this current year. Those numbers would likely be far higher without the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/as-the-drug-overdose-crisis-rages-city-fails-to-collect-data-needed-to-fight-it/">widespread availability of naloxone</a>, a medication commonly referred to as Narcan, which can <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/why-san-francisco-does-not-police-open-drug-use/">reverse an overdose</a>.

Nearly 60% of all drug overdose deaths in San Francisco and four neighboring counties involved fentanyl last year, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/california/san-francisco-bay-areas-fight-against-fentanyl-is-failing-new-overdose-numbers-reveal/">new data shows</a>. And while San Francisco has the highest per capita fatal overdose rate, 57% of the region’s 1,510 overdose deaths occurred outside the city.

Nearly 60% of all drug overdose deaths in San Francisco and four neighboring counties involved fentanyl last year, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/california/san-francisco-bay-areas-fight-against-fentanyl-is-failing-new-overdose-numbers-reveal/">new data shows</a>. And while San Francisco has the highest per capita fatal overdose rate, 57% of the region’s 1,510 overdose deaths occurred outside the city.

City leaders and regional law enforcement agencies have recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-sheriff-fentanyl-crisis-drug-dealing/">taken steps</a> to disrupt open-air drug markets and provide services to people with substance-use disorders who are willing to accept them.

City leaders and regional law enforcement agencies have recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-sheriff-fentanyl-crisis-drug-dealing/">taken steps</a> to disrupt open-air drug markets and provide services to people with substance-use disorders who are willing to accept them.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey addresses the crowed for National Fentanyl Awareness Day along with city officials and community members in San Francisco on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Phelicia Jones, founder of Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community hosted an event to highlight the disproportionately deadly risks of synthetic opioid that is affecting the Black community. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fentanylpresser051023-139.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey addresses a crowd on National Fentanyl Awareness Day in San Francisco on May 10, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The supervisor noted that, despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in March for over-the-counter sale of naloxone without a prescription, random &#8220;secret shopper&#8221; surveys found some pharmacies short of the drug. One survey carried out by the San Francisco Department of Public Health found about 20% of local retail pharmacies did not have it in stock.

The supervisor noted that, despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in March for over-the-counter sale of naloxone without a prescription, random "secret shopper" surveys found some pharmacies short of the drug. One survey carried out by the San Francisco Department of Public Health found about 20% of local retail pharmacies did not have it in stock.

The supervisor noted that, despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in March for over-the-counter sale of naloxone without a prescription, random &#8220;secret shopper&#8221; surveys found some pharmacies short of the drug. One survey carried out by the San Francisco Department of Public Health found about 20% of local retail pharmacies did not have it in stock.

City legislation would require pharmacies in San Francisco to stock two boxes, with a three-day grace period for reorders, as well as penalties of $250 to $1,000 per violation.

City legislation would require pharmacies in San Francisco to stock two boxes, with a three-day grace period for reorders, as well as penalties of $250 to $1,000 per violation.

Dorsey credited the city&#8217;s Department of Public Health and City Attorney David Chiu for their help with introducing the legislation, and he called the ordinance “a blueprint” for other cities and states to similarly expand access.

Dorsey credited the city's Department of Public Health and City Attorney David Chiu for their help with introducing the legislation, and he called the ordinance “a blueprint” for other cities and states to similarly expand access.

Dorsey credited the city&#8217;s Department of Public Health and City Attorney David Chiu for their help with introducing the legislation, and he called the ordinance “a blueprint” for other cities and states to similarly expand access.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I’m grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/SF_DPH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SF_DPH</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SFCityAttorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SFCityAttorney</a> David Chiu’s office for their assistance in developing this legislation. Thanks also to many of our local pharmacies, which have been full partners in recognizing the dire need to help expand access to this life-saving medicine. (9/9)&mdash; Matt Dorsey (@mattdorsey) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattdorsey/status/1673811829171318784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Two prominent retail pharmacy outlets weighed in with support Tuesday.

Two prominent retail pharmacy outlets weighed in with support Tuesday.

“At Safeway, we already stock naloxone in our pharmacies,” said Wendy Gutshall, Safeway’s public and government affairs director. “We want to give our customers the choice to purchase this potentially life-saving drug.”

“At Safeway, we already stock naloxone in our pharmacies,” said Wendy Gutshall, Safeway’s public and government affairs director. “We want to give our customers the choice to purchase this potentially life-saving drug.”

Perry Han, a regional vice president for Walgreens, said in a statement that naloxone is available in all of the chain’s San Francisco pharmacies.&nbsp;

Perry Han, a regional vice president for Walgreens, said in a statement that naloxone is available in all of the chain’s San Francisco pharmacies.&nbsp;

“We applaud Supervisor Dorsey for his work to increase access throughout San Francisco,” Han said.

“We applaud Supervisor Dorsey for his work to increase access throughout San Francisco,” Han said.

Last August, the city won a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-wins-landmark-opioid-trial-against-walgreens/">judge’s ruling</a> against Walgreens, the last of multiple defendants in a nationwide tangle of lawsuits involving companies that manufactured and distributed opioids. Walgreens agreed last month to pay San Francisco a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/walgreens-to-pay-san-francisco-230m-for-opioid-crisis/">$230 million settlement</a> that can be used to address the city’s opioid epidemic.

Last August, the city won a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/san-francisco-wins-landmark-opioid-trial-against-walgreens/">judge’s ruling</a> against Walgreens, the last of multiple defendants in a nationwide tangle of lawsuits involving companies that manufactured and distributed opioids. Walgreens agreed last month to pay San Francisco a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/walgreens-to-pay-san-francisco-230m-for-opioid-crisis/">$230 million settlement</a> that can be used to address the city’s opioid epidemic.

San Francisco pharmacies might have to carry overdose-reversal drugs

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

San Francisco supervisors laid into the police department Wednesday over a scathing report that found officers sometimes went to work as private security officers on the same days they called in sick to get overtime.

San Francisco supervisors laid into the police department Wednesday over a scathing report that found officers sometimes went to work as private security officers on the same days they called in sick to get overtime.

Their critiques were many: It’s rule-breaking, a big win for corporations who can afford private security over taxpaying citizens, and it shakes the public’s trust.

Their critiques were many: It’s rule-breaking, a big win for corporations who can afford private security over taxpaying citizens, and it shakes the public’s trust.

“Bottom line, police officers need to work for San Franciscans, not for private entities,” Supervisor Jackie Fielder said during a budget committee hearing.

“Bottom line, police officers need to work for San Franciscans, not for private entities,” Supervisor Jackie Fielder said during a budget committee hearing.

Cops are calling in sick to clock overtime on side gigs, audit finds

sf-standard/related-post

Inside SFPD’s struggling cop factory

After decades of downsizing, SF jails are suddenly packed again

sf-standard/related-posts-container

It was inopportune timing for the San Francisco Police Department. At the same meeting, the police and sheriff’s departments asked for approval of a combined $91 million in overtime spending. Officials also sought the OK for another $1.05 million for building maintenance.

It was inopportune timing for the San Francisco Police Department. At the same meeting, the police and sheriff’s departments asked for approval of a combined $91 million in overtime spending. Officials also sought the OK for another $1.05 million for building maintenance.

Even SFPD Assistant Chief David Lazar admitted it was a big ask.

Even SFPD Assistant Chief David Lazar admitted it was a big ask.

In his 33 years on the force, Lazar said he had “never seen this much overtime being spent.”

In his 33 years on the force, Lazar said he had “never seen this much overtime being spent.”

The big dollar bill, paired with a scathing review of police policy, drew surprising criticism from Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a former SFPD spokesperson who is perhaps the police’s most staunch defender on the board.

The big dollar bill, paired with a scathing review of police policy, drew surprising criticism from Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a former SFPD spokesperson who is perhaps the police’s most staunch defender on the board.

“I wish we were not in a situation,” Dorsey said, “where we have to approve this level of overtime.”

“I wish we were not in a situation,” Dorsey said, “where we have to approve this level of overtime.”

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey asks a question about the city's police department's overtime budget during a budget and finance committee meeting in City Hall on April 30, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a suit is speaking into a microphone in a formal setting with wood-paneled walls and a computer screen in front of them." class="wp-image-394508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey asks a question about SFPD&#8217;s overtime spending.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a suit is speaking into a microphone in a formal setting with wood-paneled walls and a computer screen in front of them." class="wp-image-394508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey asks a question about SFPD's overtime spending.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a suit is speaking into a microphone in a formal setting with wood-paneled walls and a computer screen in front of them." class="wp-image-394508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey asks a question about SFPD&#8217;s overtime spending.</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/12/san-francisco-police-overtime-audit-wasteful/">The December police audit</a>, written by the board’s budget legislative analyst, found that the department was not tracking overtime, and that some officers were calling in sick and then working private security shifts — what SFPD calls its 10B program — in that same 24-hour period.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/12/san-francisco-police-overtime-audit-wasteful/">The December police audit</a>, written by the board’s budget legislative analyst, found that the department was not tracking overtime, and that some officers were calling in sick and then working private security shifts — what SFPD calls its 10B program — in that same 24-hour period.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Lazar cast doubt on some of the report’s findings regarding the use of sick time.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Lazar cast doubt on some of the report’s findings regarding the use of sick time.

He said it’s possible officers took sick leave on behalf of a family member, like taking a child home from school, or used their leave to attend a doctor&#8217;s appointment, but then worked a private security job later that same day.

He said it’s possible officers took sick leave on behalf of a family member, like taking a child home from school, or used their leave to attend a doctor's appointment, but then worked a private security job later that same day.

He said it’s possible officers took sick leave on behalf of a family member, like taking a child home from school, or used their leave to attend a doctor&#8217;s appointment, but then worked a private security job later that same day.

San Francisco Police Department Assistant Chief David Lazar answers a question about the police department's overtime budget during a budget and finance committee meeting with members of the Board of Supervisors in City Hall on April 30, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_019.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police officer speaks at a podium in a formal setting, wearing a uniform with badges. A woman sits at a desk with a document camera next to her." class="wp-image-394512"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Assistant Chief David Lazar says he&#8217;s &#8220;never seen this much overtime being spent.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_019.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police officer speaks at a podium in a formal setting, wearing a uniform with badges. A woman sits at a desk with a document camera next to her." class="wp-image-394512"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Assistant Chief David Lazar says he's "never seen this much overtime being spent."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_019.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police officer speaks at a podium in a formal setting, wearing a uniform with badges. A woman sits at a desk with a document camera next to her." class="wp-image-394512"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Assistant Chief David Lazar says he&#8217;s &#8220;never seen this much overtime being spent.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

Sick leave wasn’t the only department practice drawing scrutiny. Supervisor Shamann Walton, whose district includes the Bayview, skewered the department for failing to anticipate how much overtime funding it would need during regular budget proceedings last year.

Sick leave wasn’t the only department practice drawing scrutiny. Supervisor Shamann Walton, whose district includes the Bayview, skewered the department for failing to anticipate how much overtime funding it would need during regular budget proceedings last year.

“The department has not been able to adequately forecast their overtime budget every single year,” Walton said.

“The department has not been able to adequately forecast their overtime budget every single year,” Walton said.

San Francisco’s budget season is gearing up. A roughly $820 million budget deficit fueled by downtown’s sluggish recovery led <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/18/daniel-lurie-san-francisco-budget-departments-cuts/">Mayor Daniel Lurie to call on all departments to cut 15% from their budgets</a> earlier this year. City departments will come before the board’s budget committee one by one to justify their proposals for fiscal year 2025-26.

Lurie seizes budget control after SF departments fail to make cuts

San Francisco’s budget season is gearing up. A roughly $820 million budget deficit fueled by downtown’s sluggish recovery led <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/18/daniel-lurie-san-francisco-budget-departments-cuts/">Mayor Daniel Lurie to call on all departments to cut 15% from their budgets</a> earlier this year. City departments will come before the board’s budget committee one by one to justify their proposals for fiscal year 2025-26.

Though the sheriff’s department, which claimed its overtime cost swelled <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/14/sf-jails-packed-for-the-first-time-in-decades/">due to a growing jail population</a>, was part of the budget item, it was SFPD that drew the most heat.

Though the sheriff’s department, which claimed its overtime cost swelled <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/14/sf-jails-packed-for-the-first-time-in-decades/">due to a growing jail population</a>, was part of the budget item, it was SFPD that drew the most heat.

San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, right, makes a comment about the city's police department's overtime budget during a budget and finance committee meeting in City Hall on April 30, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_007.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows two people seated at a table in a formal setting. One person speaks into a microphone, while the other listens attentively. Flags are visible in the background." class="wp-image-394500"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan says SFPD and other city departments will need to do more with less because of the budget deficit.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9039634452_sfpdovertime_007.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows two people seated at a table in a formal setting. One person speaks into a microphone, while the other listens attentively. Flags are visible in the background." class="wp-image-394500"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan says SFPD and other city departments will need to do more with less because of the budget deficit.</figcaption></figure>

Lazar pointed to two drivers of the growing overtime: a staffing shortage of roughly 525 officers, and community policing called for by politicians. Roughly $30 million of SFPD’s overtime budget went to beefing up police presence in the Tenderloin, Union Square, and tourist areas, which drew resources from district stations.

Lazar pointed to two drivers of the growing overtime: a staffing shortage of roughly 525 officers, and community policing called for by politicians. Roughly $30 million of SFPD’s overtime budget went to beefing up police presence in the Tenderloin, Union Square, and tourist areas, which drew resources from district stations.

“We’re pretty excited to ramp up staffing,” Lazar said. “The future is bright.”

“We’re pretty excited to ramp up staffing,” Lazar said. “The future is bright.”

But Supervisor Connie Chan threw cold water on that hope. City leaders need to acknowledge the “budget crisis,” Chan said. “I want to be really honest,” she told Lazar, noting that the city may not be able to afford to hire enough police to grow the force.

But Supervisor Connie Chan threw cold water on that hope. City leaders need to acknowledge the “budget crisis,” Chan said. “I want to be really honest,” she told Lazar, noting that the city may not be able to afford to hire enough police to grow the force.

The committee advanced the overtime request to the full Board of Supervisors “without recommendation.” In board parlance, that means the matter is far from settled — the proposal can and will be picked apart at a future meeting.

The committee advanced the overtime request to the full Board of Supervisors “without recommendation.” In board parlance, that means the matter is far from settled — the proposal can and will be picked apart at a future meeting.

“We don’t have money. We’re in a budget deficit,” Chan said. “How can the police department — at this moment, I’m asking every department — how do we do more with I wouldn&#8217;t say less, but flat?”

“We don’t have money. We’re in a budget deficit,” Chan said. “How can the police department — at this moment, I’m asking every department — how do we do more with I wouldn't say less, but flat?”

“We don’t have money. We’re in a budget deficit,” Chan said. “How can the police department — at this moment, I’m asking every department — how do we do more with I wouldn&#8217;t say less, but flat?”

Jonah Owen Lamb contributed to this story.

Jonah Owen Lamb contributed to this story.

$91M for overtime? Even pro-police  supervisors are skeptical

Sam Mondros

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

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

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

San Francisco suffers worst drug overdose death year on record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2034" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/recovery-housing.jpg?w=2500" alt="A large group of people are gathered outside, holding blue signs that read &quot;GIVE RECOVERY A CHANCE&quot; and &quot;RECOVERY HOUSING FIRST!&quot; while raising their hands." class="wp-image-284146"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Matt Dorsey, District 6 Supervisor and former addict, asks a crowd of those in support of recovery-based housing to raise a hand if they have lost a friend to an overdose.</figcaption></figure>

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

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

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

Nearly everyone raised their hand.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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