Meaghan Mitchell

For Katy Birnbaum, who heads programming for San Francisco’s beloved Sunday Streets festivals, the arrival of the novel coronavirus in March of 2020 was a tough blow.

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<p>For Katy Birnbaum, who heads programming for San Francisco’s beloved Sunday Streets festivals, the arrival of the novel coronavirus in March of 2020 was a tough blow.</p>

She’d already secured the numerous city permits, the dozens of corporate sponsors, and the array of community partners needed for the first event of the season, expected to draw 20,00 people. Just two days before kick-off, she got the dreaded phone call from the health department that Sunday Streets 2020 would have to be cancelled.

<p>She’d already secured the numerous city permits, the dozens of corporate sponsors, and the array of community partners needed for the first event of the season, expected to draw 20,00 people. Just two days before kick-off, she got the dreaded phone call from the health department that Sunday Streets 2020 would have to be cancelled.</p>

“It brought this level of stress and hardship that the organization has never gone through,” said Birnbaum, associate director of Livable City, the non-profit behind the event.&nbsp; “There was definitely some grief and the immediate need for a transition that at the time we were not prepared for.”

<p>“It brought this level of stress and hardship that the organization has never gone through,” said Birnbaum, associate director of Livable City, the non-profit behind the event.&nbsp; “There was definitely some grief and the immediate need for a transition that at the time we were not prepared for.”</p>

Now, after an 18-month hiatus and in the spirit of building community, Livable City will host their first-ever citywide open streets event, called Phoenix Day. It will feature the classic Sunday Streets routes, which connect neighborhoods with car-free streets, as well as a 20-plus mile bike ride, community-organized block parties and sidewalk sales organized by local business owners. The event will take place this Sunday, Oct. 17, from 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Now, after an 18-month hiatus and in the spirit of building community, Livable City will host their first-ever citywide open streets event, called Phoenix Day. It will feature the classic Sunday Streets routes, which connect neighborhoods with car-free streets, as well as a 20-plus mile bike ride, community-organized block parties and sidewalk sales organized by local business owners. The event will take place this Sunday, Oct. 17, from 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Originally inspired by the <a href="https://www.vox.com/2016/10/9/13017282/bogota-ciclovia-open-streets">Ciclovía</a> open-streets festival in in Bogotá, Colombia, San Francisco’s Sunday Streets transforms one to four miles of streets into car-free community spaces across various neighborhoods such as the Western Addition, the Sunset, SoMA, Mission, Excelsior, Dogpatch, Bayview and Tenderloin districts. It has run seasonally from March to October since 2008, typically drawing over 100,000 attendees.&nbsp;

<p>Originally inspired by the <a href="https://www.vox.com/2016/10/9/13017282/bogota-ciclovia-open-streets">Ciclovía</a> open-streets festival in in Bogotá, Colombia, San Francisco’s Sunday Streets transforms one to four miles of streets into car-free community spaces across various neighborhoods such as the Western Addition, the Sunset, SoMA, Mission, Excelsior, Dogpatch, Bayview and Tenderloin districts. It has run seasonally from March to October since 2008, typically drawing over 100,000 attendees.&nbsp;</p>

Routes were traditionally chosen in part to link underserved neighborhoods that lack access to green space and recreational activities. The events feature a series of activity hubs, each with unique themes ranging from art to bike repair, and also seek to help businesses&nbsp; better connect with their communities.

<p>Routes were traditionally chosen in part to link underserved neighborhoods that lack access to green space and recreational activities. The events feature a series of activity hubs, each with unique themes ranging from art to bike repair, and also seek to help businesses&nbsp; better connect with their communities.</p>

During the pandemic, Livable City pivoted to supporting local restaurants, helping with things like the buildout of parklets in neighborhoods that were part of Sunday Streets. As shelter in place orders were lifted, Livable City led a marketing campaign called “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/whatsopensf">What’s Open SF</a>,” which became both a guide and a call to action for residents to shop local.

<p>During the pandemic, Livable City pivoted to supporting local restaurants, helping with things like the buildout of parklets in neighborhoods that were part of Sunday Streets. As shelter in place orders were lifted, Livable City led a marketing campaign called “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/whatsopensf">What’s Open SF</a>,” which became both a guide and a call to action for residents to shop local.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WOSF-2500x1875.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8216;What&#8217;s Open SF&#8217; Sign in a cafe.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WOSF-2500x1875.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 'What's Open SF' Sign in a cafe.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WOSF-2500x1875.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8216;What&#8217;s Open SF&#8217; Sign in a cafe.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>

“The pandemic has opened up new ways to support the communities that we’ve always shown up for,” Birbaim said. “Instead of bringing our usual family-friendly activities, we shifted our focus to businesses and helped them open during the pandemic, so that was a pretty amazing pivot and transition.”&nbsp;

<p>“The pandemic has opened up new ways to support the communities that we’ve always shown up for,” Birbaim said. “Instead of bringing our usual family-friendly activities, we shifted our focus to businesses and helped them open during the pandemic, so that was a pretty amazing pivot and transition.”&nbsp;</p>

Livable City also hired 30 community organizers spread throughout these districts so that they could keep their ears to the ground. “It was a great way to support people who needed money in their pocket, but added value by helping the organization build capacity,” said Birnbaum. “It felt wonderful to be able to keep people employed.”

<p>Livable City also hired 30 community organizers spread throughout these districts so that they could keep their ears to the ground. “It was a great way to support people who needed money in their pocket, but added value by helping the organization build capacity,” said Birnbaum. “It felt wonderful to be able to keep people employed.”</p>

Now the Livable City team has been pounding the pavement citywide and working alongside other NGOs to prepare for Phoenix Day by hosting satellite versions of block parties.&nbsp;

<p>Now the Livable City team has been pounding the pavement citywide and working alongside other NGOs to prepare for Phoenix Day by hosting satellite versions of block parties.&nbsp;</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/I1WXfeCOGk-felsa1E89yf_pkrPeCcSRa5Bd1FaMHzQMs2DrVWTSIqLSTiZwHJrXufvJsD3Jrj3D8ntT3U-Gx5x8SPt-n9i_itvBZsXmyFUnDuzdbVHTTXxjjm7zbOQ5kvu2LNf6s0.png?w=817" alt="" class="wp-image-184514"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><meta charset="utf-8">Katy Birnbaum playing hopscotch during SoMa’s Slow Streets.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>


City officials praised the Phoenix day effort and what it could contribute to the city’s re-opening.&nbsp;

<p>City officials praised the Phoenix day effort and what it could contribute to the city’s re-opening.&nbsp;</p>

“Opportunities for exercise and fresh air are essential,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. “We’re grateful that Livable City pivoted the Sunday Streets program to provide safe and fun opportunities for our most impacted communities.:

<p>“Opportunities for exercise and fresh air are essential,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. “We’re grateful that Livable City pivoted the Sunday Streets program to provide safe and fun opportunities for our most impacted communities.:</p>

“Phoenix Day is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the city’s opening and recovery while activating our streets and our neighborhoods,” said Kate Sofis, the Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development in a statement.&nbsp;

<p>“Phoenix Day is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the city’s opening and recovery while activating our streets and our neighborhoods,” said Kate Sofis, the Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

“The big thing about Phoenix Day is that we are creating a gigantic and open space with free recreational and community building activities, so it doesn&#8217;t matter if you&#8217;re a millionaire, experiencing homelessness, or struggling financially and looking for employment,” said Birnbaum.&nbsp;

<p>“The big thing about Phoenix Day is that we are creating a gigantic and open space with free recreational and community building activities, so it doesn't matter if you're a millionaire, experiencing homelessness, or struggling financially and looking for employment,” said Birnbaum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The big thing about Phoenix Day is that we are creating a gigantic and open space with free recreational and community building activities, so it doesn&#8217;t matter if you&#8217;re a millionaire, experiencing homelessness, or struggling financially and looking for employment,” said Birnbaum.&nbsp;</p>

Here are some highlights of what attendees can expect at Phoenix Day:&nbsp;

<p>Here are some highlights of what attendees can expect at Phoenix Day:&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mission-district">The Mission District</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mission-district">The Mission District</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SFCARNIVAL-2500x1875.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dancers of SF Carnival prepare to perform.| Photo<em> courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>


Enjoy car-free fun on Valencia from 16th St. to 24th St., with restaurant and merchant specials along the way. <a href="https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/">Carnival San Francisco</a> will enliven the route with live music and dance performances.&nbsp;

<p>Enjoy car-free fun on Valencia from 16th St. to 24th St., with restaurant and merchant specials along the way. <a href="https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/">Carnival San Francisco</a> will enliven the route with live music and dance performances.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tenderloin">The Tenderloin</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2021-10-12-at-8.39.23-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-184533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><meta charset="utf-8">A shot of the Tenderloin’s Play Streets program.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>


Hosted by the Tenderloin Merchants Association, the Tenderloin party will offer a wide range of family-friendly activities and merchants specials, including a flea market. In addition, foodies can stop by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/la-cocina-women-led-food-hall/">La Cocina’s newest dining hall run by women</a>, and St. Anthony’s Foundation will give you a sneak peek of the soon-to-be <a href="https://www.goldengategreenway.org/">Golden Gate Avenue Greenway </a>prototype. It will all take place on Larkin Street between O’Farrell and&nbsp; McAllister Streets, with more programming on Golden Gate Avenue between Polk and Jones Streets.

<p>Hosted by the Tenderloin Merchants Association, the Tenderloin party will offer a wide range of family-friendly activities and merchants specials, including a flea market. In addition, foodies can stop by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/la-cocina-women-led-food-hall/">La Cocina’s newest dining hall run by women</a>, and St. Anthony’s Foundation will give you a sneak peek of the soon-to-be <a href="https://www.goldengategreenway.org/">Golden Gate Avenue Greenway </a>prototype. It will all take place on Larkin Street between O’Farrell and&nbsp; McAllister Streets, with more programming on Golden Gate Avenue between Polk and Jones Streets.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bayview-district-amp-sunnydale">The Bayview District &amp; Sunnydale</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2021-10-13-at-9.34.27-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-184535"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><meta charset="utf-8">A shot of the Bayview’s Juneteenth celebration in Gilman Park.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>


Hop on the T-train and make your way through the Bayview, starting with a block party featuring free BBQ on Sam Jordans Way. Continue down 3rd Street to Oakdale Avenue for another block party and then head to Mendell Plaza for the family-fun zone hosted by <a href="https://bayviewmagic.org/">BMAGIC</a>. If you are into live jazz and wine, then be sure to make a stop on Lane Street for the Merchants of Butchertown’s Jazz Fest redux. There will also be a professional hub hosted by <a href="https://www.100collegeprep.org/">100% College Prep</a> and <a href="https://www.ycdjobs.org/">Young Community Developers</a> on Yosemite Avenue. The festivities continue to Sunnydale, where there will be free activities for all ages.&nbsp;

<p>Hop on the T-train and make your way through the Bayview, starting with a block party featuring free BBQ on Sam Jordans Way. Continue down 3rd Street to Oakdale Avenue for another block party and then head to Mendell Plaza for the family-fun zone hosted by <a href="https://bayviewmagic.org/">BMAGIC</a>. If you are into live jazz and wine, then be sure to make a stop on Lane Street for the Merchants of Butchertown’s Jazz Fest redux. There will also be a professional hub hosted by <a href="https://www.100collegeprep.org/">100% College Prep</a> and <a href="https://www.ycdjobs.org/">Young Community Developers</a> on Yosemite Avenue. The festivities continue to Sunnydale, where there will be free activities for all ages.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinatown">Chinatown</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Chloe-Jackman-Photography-Chinatown-Avennue-Greenlight-SF-326-1-2500x1664.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The youth of LionDanceMe practicing at Chinatown Walkway Weekends.| Photo <em>by Chloe Jackman</em></figcaption></figure>


In partnership with the <a href="https://sfchinatownmerchants.org/">San Francisco Chinatown Merchants,</a> this activation will build on ongoing weekly Chinatown Walkway Weekends and bring the delight of free recreation and sports activities. Expect music, dancing, youth presentations, performances, and cultural exhibits. The festivities start on Grant Avenue and will continue to Willy Woo Park.&nbsp;

<p>In partnership with the <a href="https://sfchinatownmerchants.org/">San Francisco Chinatown Merchants,</a> this activation will build on ongoing weekly Chinatown Walkway Weekends and bring the delight of free recreation and sports activities. Expect music, dancing, youth presentations, performances, and cultural exhibits. The festivities start on Grant Avenue and will continue to Willy Woo Park.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-excelsior">The Excelsior</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ONON-2500x1875.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A shot of the ONON Street Festival &amp; Art Walk.| Photo <em>courtesy of Livable Cit<strong>y</strong></em></figcaption></figure>


Co-hosted by Excelsior Action Group and Excelsior Outer Mission Merchants, the block activations will commence on Onondaga Street (between Alemany and Mission Streets) and London Street at Geneva Avenue.&nbsp; Start the day off by joining a community cleanup on Mission led by Together SF and Refuse Refuse. Then treat yourself to a day of fun with art, live entertainment, and merchant specials.&nbsp;

<p>Co-hosted by Excelsior Action Group and Excelsior Outer Mission Merchants, the block activations will commence on Onondaga Street (between Alemany and Mission Streets) and London Street at Geneva Avenue.&nbsp; Start the day off by joining a community cleanup on Mission led by Together SF and Refuse Refuse. Then treat yourself to a day of fun with art, live entertainment, and merchant specials.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-across-the-town">Across the town</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/THEMAP.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-184536"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><meta charset="utf-8">A map of the Cross City Connector bike route. |<em> Image by Livable City</em></figcaption></figure>


Grab your set of wheels and head to <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1436/In-Chan-Kaajal">Chan Kajaal Park</a> by noon. Powered by <a href="https://www.podersf.org/campaigns/working-together-economy-in-peoples-hands/bicis-del-pueblo/">PODER y Bicis Del Pueblo,</a> the Cross City Connector Bike Route &amp; Community Bike Ride will cover 20+ miles of San Francisco’s streets. Consider the route a tour of San Francisco’s Slow Streets networks, including car-free Great Highway and Golden Gate Park, and Better Market Street. With multiple rest stations along the way sponsored by Spare the Air to fuel up, Sunday Streets fans are also encouraged to choose their own adventure along the route anytime on Phoenix Day.&nbsp;

<p>Grab your set of wheels and head to <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1436/In-Chan-Kaajal">Chan Kajaal Park</a> by noon. Powered by <a href="https://www.podersf.org/campaigns/working-together-economy-in-peoples-hands/bicis-del-pueblo/">PODER y Bicis Del Pueblo,</a> the Cross City Connector Bike Route &amp; Community Bike Ride will cover 20+ miles of San Francisco’s streets. Consider the route a tour of San Francisco’s Slow Streets networks, including car-free Great Highway and Golden Gate Park, and Better Market Street. With multiple rest stations along the way sponsored by Spare the Air to fuel up, Sunday Streets fans are also encouraged to choose their own adventure along the route anytime on Phoenix Day.&nbsp;</p>

<strong>“</strong>Despite all the frustration and difficulties that come with producing and coordinating tens of thousands of people across the city,&nbsp; it has always an inspiration to see how much deep and committed love there actually still is in every corner of San Francisco,&#8221; said Birnbaum. “And it&#8217;s an honor to engage daily with that part of humanity.”

<p><strong>“</strong>Despite all the frustration and difficulties that come with producing and coordinating tens of thousands of people across the city,&nbsp; it has always an inspiration to see how much deep and committed love there actually still is in every corner of San Francisco,'' said Birnbaum. “And it's an honor to engage daily with that part of humanity.”</p>

<p><strong>“</strong>Despite all the frustration and difficulties that come with producing and coordinating tens of thousands of people across the city,&nbsp; it has always an inspiration to see how much deep and committed love there actually still is in every corner of San Francisco,&#8221; said Birnbaum. “And it&#8217;s an honor to engage daily with that part of humanity.”</p>

‘Phoenix Day’ to celebrate the revival of San Francisco’s streets

Kevin Truong

Local health professionals are concerned that overall Covid hospitalization numbers now include many people who were admitted for other ailments or injuries and then happened to test positive for the coronavirus, thus giving a distorted picture of the Omicron wave.

<p>Local health professionals are concerned that overall Covid hospitalization numbers now include many people who were admitted for other ailments or injuries and then happened to test positive for the coronavirus, thus giving a distorted picture of the Omicron wave.</p>

Dr. Jeanne Noble, an associate professor of emergency medicine at UCSF, said 43% of all Covid patients admitted to the hospital were there for something else. Among pediatric patients the number is 70%. UCSF believes the distinction is important enough to separate out the patients who have been admitted “with” <meta charset="utf-8">Covid versus “for” Covid in their own internal data dashboard.

<p>Dr. Jeanne Noble, an associate professor of emergency medicine at UCSF, said 43% of all Covid patients admitted to the hospital were there for something else. Among pediatric patients the number is 70%. UCSF believes the distinction is important enough to separate out the patients who have been admitted “with” <meta charset="utf-8">Covid versus “for” Covid in their own internal data dashboard.</p>

The public should focus on those numbers too, she said. &#8220;When they see hospitalization rates go up, people aren&#8217;t thinking, ‘Oh, wait a minute, that&#8217;s a person with appendicitis who doesn&#8217;t have a cough,’” Noble said. In part due to Omicron’s lower relative impact on the lower respiratory tract, Noble said she has not been forced to intubate any patient yet across the entire Omicron wave.&nbsp;

<p>The public should focus on those numbers too, she said. "When they see hospitalization rates go up, people aren't thinking, ‘Oh, wait a minute, that's a person with appendicitis who doesn't have a cough,’” Noble said. In part due to Omicron’s lower relative impact on the lower respiratory tract, Noble said she has not been forced to intubate any patient yet across the entire Omicron wave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The public should focus on those numbers too, she said. &#8220;When they see hospitalization rates go up, people aren&#8217;t thinking, ‘Oh, wait a minute, that&#8217;s a person with appendicitis who doesn&#8217;t have a cough,’” Noble said. In part due to Omicron’s lower relative impact on the lower respiratory tract, Noble said she has not been forced to intubate any patient yet across the entire Omicron wave.&nbsp;</p>

Dr. Anil Makam, an assistant professor of medicine at UCSF who also works as a clinician at SF General Hospital, agreed that the current <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/covid-conundrum-workers-go-test-hunting-as-shortage-imperils-sfs-pandemic-recovery/">Omicron surge</a> requires an emphasis on different metrics.&nbsp;

<p>Dr. Anil Makam, an assistant professor of medicine at UCSF who also works as a clinician at SF General Hospital, agreed that the current <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/covid-conundrum-workers-go-test-hunting-as-shortage-imperils-sfs-pandemic-recovery/">Omicron surge</a> requires an emphasis on different metrics.&nbsp;</p>

Makam said the distinction between those hospitalized “with” or “for” Covid was previously used as a “dog whistle” by those trying to downplay the effect of the virus. During the current wave, however, it has become a useful tool to understand the severity and condition of the current surge.

<p>Makam said the distinction between those hospitalized “with” or “for” Covid was previously used as a “dog whistle” by those trying to downplay the effect of the virus. During the current wave, however, it has become a useful tool to understand the severity and condition of the current surge.</p>

“The ugly is that Omicron is way more infectious than Delta, which is why cases are skyrocketing. The bad is we are still seeing tragedy that is preventable, particularly with people who are unvaccinated,” Makam said. “The good of Omicron—and how I’m trying to change the conversation—is that not all hospitalizations with people who test positive for Covid are those who we’ve seen hospitalized traditionally during the pandemic.”

<p>“The ugly is that Omicron is way more infectious than Delta, which is why cases are skyrocketing. The bad is we are still seeing tragedy that is preventable, particularly with people who are unvaccinated,” Makam said. “The good of Omicron—and how I’m trying to change the conversation—is that not all hospitalizations with people who test positive for Covid are those who we’ve seen hospitalized traditionally during the pandemic.”</p>

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/03/nyregion/hospitals-ny-covid.html">announced plans</a> earlier this month to request that hospitals provide the number of patients who were admitted with severe Covid, essentially those in respiratory distress, as part of an effort to give residents a better picture of the severity of the current surge.

<p>New York Gov. Kathy Hochul <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/03/nyregion/hospitals-ny-covid.html">announced plans</a> earlier this month to request that hospitals provide the number of patients who were admitted with severe Covid, essentially those in respiratory distress, as part of an effort to give residents a better picture of the severity of the current surge.</p>

“I think looking at severe Covid is an excellent idea because it gets back to why we care about this,” Noble said. “We cared about this initially in 2020 because we saw ICUs be overwhelmed, and we worried explicitly about our number of ventilators. We have gone so far afield from that initial concern.”

<p>“I think looking at severe Covid is an excellent idea because it gets back to why we care about this,” Noble said. “We cared about this initially in 2020 because we saw ICUs be overwhelmed, and we worried explicitly about our number of ventilators. We have gone so far afield from that initial concern.”</p>

John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert at UC Berkeley, said at the minimum, there should be a categorization splitting people hospitalized either “with” or “for” Covid, but that dichotomy doesn’t tell the whole story. Overall case counts can still be important to understand the level of community spread and help people dial in their risk calculations, he said.

<p>John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert at UC Berkeley, said at the minimum, there should be a categorization splitting people hospitalized either “with” or “for” Covid, but that dichotomy doesn’t tell the whole story. Overall case counts can still be important to understand the level of community spread and help people dial in their risk calculations, he said.</p>

“This is a brand new virus, and we don’t have a lot of information about how it’s going to behave,” Swartzberg said, adding that overall hospitalizations still have a critical impact on hospital capacity.&nbsp;

<p>“This is a brand new virus, and we don’t have a lot of information about how it’s going to behave,” Swartzberg said, adding that overall hospitalizations still have a critical impact on hospital capacity.&nbsp;</p>

Makam said hospitalization numbers also include patients waiting to be discharged because of isolation requirements for those living in congregate care settings like shelters and nursing homes.&nbsp;

<p>Makam said hospitalization numbers also include patients waiting to be discharged because of isolation requirements for those living in congregate care settings like shelters and nursing homes.&nbsp;</p>

He’s optimistic about the longer term, as long as nasty new variants don’t emerge.

<p>He’s optimistic about the longer term, as long as nasty new variants don’t emerge.</p>

“January is going to be rough because so many people are testing positive, but at the same time once we get through this crunch and when our healthcare system is better positioned with more throughput and capacity, we will have largely accomplished our goal of April 2020 where we can prevent or avert most severe illness and deaths,” Makam said.

<p>“January is going to be rough because so many people are testing positive, but at the same time once we get through this crunch and when our healthcare system is better positioned with more throughput and capacity, we will have largely accomplished our goal of April 2020 where we can prevent or avert most severe illness and deaths,” Makam said.</p>

He added this was the first time across the entire pandemic that he has felt confident enough to make that statement publicly.&nbsp;

<p>He added this was the first time across the entire pandemic that he has felt confident enough to make that statement publicly.&nbsp;</p>

Noble also stressed that the increasing number of incidental Covid cases “is a really good news story that should be publicized alongside all of the really fearful reporting that focuses on overall case numbers. We just have so much attention to this constant drumbeat of case counts, and I do think it is inciting panic in our Bay Area population.”

<p>Noble also stressed that the increasing number of incidental Covid cases “is a really good news story that should be publicized alongside all of the really fearful reporting that focuses on overall case numbers. We just have so much attention to this constant drumbeat of case counts, and I do think it is inciting panic in our Bay Area population.”</p>

Noble said an increased number of “worried well” patients were coming to the emergency room looking to be tested or worried about developing more intense Covid symptoms.

<p>Noble said an increased number of “worried well” patients were coming to the emergency room looking to be tested or worried about developing more intense Covid symptoms.</p>

The majority of patients in the emergency department who test positive for Covid have minimal symptoms and are discharged relatively quickly, Noble said. She groups the remaining individuals into a few key categories.&nbsp;

<p>The majority of patients in the emergency department who test positive for Covid have minimal symptoms and are discharged relatively quickly, Noble said. She groups the remaining individuals into a few key categories.&nbsp;</p>

First are the most severe cases: patients who are admitted with Covid due to a serious respiratory illness, for example, and who need supplemental oxygen. These patients are mostly either unvaccinated or vaccinated with compromised immune systems, according to Noble.

<p>First are the most severe cases: patients who are admitted with Covid due to a serious respiratory illness, for example, and who need supplemental oxygen. These patients are mostly either unvaccinated or vaccinated with compromised immune systems, according to Noble.</p>

Then there are the “incidental Covid” patients who are admitted for issues unrelated to respiratory illness like appendicitis or a hip fracture and happen to test positive as part of regular screening.&nbsp;

<p>Then there are the “incidental Covid” patients who are admitted for issues unrelated to respiratory illness like appendicitis or a hip fracture and happen to test positive as part of regular screening.&nbsp;</p>

The last group are in a gray area: admitted patients whose Covid diagnosis contributed to their overall condition or need to be in the hospital. Noble said UCSF’s data collection methodology generally errs on categorizing this group as being admitted for Covid.

<p>The last group are in a gray area: admitted patients whose Covid diagnosis contributed to their overall condition or need to be in the hospital. Noble said UCSF’s data collection methodology generally errs on categorizing this group as being admitted for Covid.</p>

&#8220;I think it was less confusing before we had vaccinations because we had a pretty even playing field, so if somebody was sick enough to be hospitalized with Covid, they generally needed oxygen,” Noble said. “But as testing became incredibly widespread and the case counts became really decoupled from serious illness, we just did not keep up with that transition in our metrics.”

<p>"I think it was less confusing before we had vaccinations because we had a pretty even playing field, so if somebody was sick enough to be hospitalized with Covid, they generally needed oxygen,” Noble said. “But as testing became incredibly widespread and the case counts became really decoupled from serious illness, we just did not keep up with that transition in our metrics.”</p>

<p>&#8220;I think it was less confusing before we had vaccinations because we had a pretty even playing field, so if somebody was sick enough to be hospitalized with Covid, they generally needed oxygen,” Noble said. “But as testing became incredibly widespread and the case counts became really decoupled from serious illness, we just did not keep up with that transition in our metrics.”</p>

Counting Covid: SF doctors worry widely used metrics are misleading in Omicron surge

Sarah Wright

David Sjostedt

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposed state budget Monday while also announcing a $46 billion surplus that could bolster San Francisco’s pandemic response, increase school funding and help build more affordable housing.&nbsp;

<p>Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposed state budget Monday while also announcing a $46 billion surplus that could bolster San Francisco’s pandemic response, increase school funding and help build more affordable housing.&nbsp;</p>

Outlined in a more than <a href="https://www.ebudget.ca.gov/FullBudgetSummary.pdf">400-page document</a>, the $286.4 billion budget—a 9% increase in spending from last year—would invest heavily in priorities like combating the spread of Covid and addressing climate change, as well as investing in schools, housing and crime prevention.&nbsp;

<p>Outlined in a more than <a href="https://www.ebudget.ca.gov/FullBudgetSummary.pdf">400-page document</a>, the $286.4 billion budget—a 9% increase in spending from last year—would invest heavily in priorities like combating the spread of Covid and addressing climate change, as well as investing in schools, housing and crime prevention.&nbsp;</p>

Specific to San Francisco, the governor targeted an increase of $10 million to the UC San Francisco Dyslexia Center and $2 million to UC Hastings College of the Law. <meta charset="utf-8">While the full impact of Newsom’s budget on the city is not yet clear, state-run programs like Covid testing sites and schools, which are funded with state dollars, will reevaluate their budgets in light of Newsom’s announcement.

<p>Specific to San Francisco, the governor targeted an increase of $10 million to the UC San Francisco Dyslexia Center and $2 million to UC Hastings College of the Law. <meta charset="utf-8">While the full impact of Newsom’s budget on the city is not yet clear, state-run programs like Covid testing sites and schools, which are funded with state dollars, will reevaluate their budgets in light of Newsom’s announcement.</p>

“This year we are in a substantially better place than we projected last January,” Newsom said during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL5ok0EyPa4">a virtual press conference</a>.&nbsp;

<p>“This year we are in a substantially better place than we projected last January,” Newsom said during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL5ok0EyPa4">a virtual press conference</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Monday’s budget release is just the first step in the process—the spending priorities will be revised in May before being finalized and approved by the Legislature in mid-June. Here’s a quick breakdown of where some of the money may go and how it could affect San Francisco:

<p>Monday’s budget release is just the first step in the process—the spending priorities will be revised in May before being finalized and approved by the Legislature in mid-June. Here’s a quick breakdown of where some of the money may go and how it could affect San Francisco:</p>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>Schools</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center" id="h-schools"><strong>Schools</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Newsom called out two local universities in his budget proposal as he looks to spend $10 million to fund dyslexia research at UC San Francisco Dyslexia Center and $2 million to support operating costs at UC Hastings College of Law. Newsom struggled with dyslexia as a child and recently published a children’s book on the learning disability called <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1443592043285016582?s=20">“Ben &amp; Emma’s Big Hit.”</a></li><li>Total funding for K-12 schools in Newsom’s budget comes out to $119 billion, bringing per-pupil spending to $20,855—the highest total ever. That would boost funding for San Francisco Unified School District’s public schools, which serve 57,000 students, and comes amid a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/educators-call-out-sick-en-masse-as-union-negotiates-covid-safety/">push for expanded Covid safety measures in schools</a>. SFUSD reported a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/sfusd-enrollment-drops-exacerbating-budget-woes/">3.2% drop in enrollment last year</a>, so the funds could help address the district’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/under-pressure-sf-school-board-passes-budget-plan-to-stave-off-state-takeover/">budget crisis</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>


core/list

<ul><li>Newsom called out two local universities in his budget proposal as he looks to spend $10 million to fund dyslexia research at UC San Francisco Dyslexia Center and $2 million to support operating costs at UC Hastings College of Law. Newsom struggled with dyslexia as a child and recently published a children’s book on the learning disability called <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1443592043285016582?s=20">“Ben &amp; Emma’s Big Hit.”</a></li><li>Total funding for K-12 schools in Newsom’s budget comes out to $119 billion, bringing per-pupil spending to $20,855—the highest total ever. That would boost funding for San Francisco Unified School District’s public schools, which serve 57,000 students, and comes amid a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/educators-call-out-sick-en-masse-as-union-negotiates-covid-safety/">push for expanded Covid safety measures in schools</a>. SFUSD reported a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/sfusd-enrollment-drops-exacerbating-budget-woes/">3.2% drop in enrollment last year</a>, so the funds could help address the district’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/under-pressure-sf-school-board-passes-budget-plan-to-stave-off-state-takeover/">budget crisis</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Housing</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Housing</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>In total, the proposed state budget includes $9 billion for housing resources.</li><li>A state mandate could require San Francisco to create 82,000 housing units before 2031, <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/ABAG_2023-2031_Draft_RHNA_Plan.pdf">according to an early draft of the plan</a>. SF initiatives, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/mayor-breed-pushes-homes-over-cars-in-proposed-legislation/">Mayor London Breed’s “Cars to Casas,”</a> have recently focused on restructuring zoning laws <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/amid-competing-legislation-mandelman-fourplex-proposal-leads-the-pack/">to incentivize the construction of multi–family homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></li><li>Monday’s state budget draft offers a proposed allocation of $1 billion over the next two years aimed at accelerating these developments in downtown–oriented areas. An additional $500 million in statewide grants would further incentivize cities to upzone single–family housing units.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<ul><li>In total, the proposed state budget includes $9 billion for housing resources.</li><li>A state mandate could require San Francisco to create 82,000 housing units before 2031, <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/ABAG_2023-2031_Draft_RHNA_Plan.pdf">according to an early draft of the plan</a>. SF initiatives, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/mayor-breed-pushes-homes-over-cars-in-proposed-legislation/">Mayor London Breed’s “Cars to Casas,”</a> have recently focused on restructuring zoning laws <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/amid-competing-legislation-mandelman-fourplex-proposal-leads-the-pack/">to incentivize the construction of multi–family homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></li><li>Monday’s state budget draft offers a proposed allocation of $1 billion over the next two years aimed at accelerating these developments in downtown–oriented areas. An additional $500 million in statewide grants would further incentivize cities to upzone single–family housing units.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Homelessness</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Homelessness</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The 2021 budget allocated $12 billion from 2021–2023 to address homelessness through 2023. In addition to this, the 2022 budget proposes an additional $2 billion over the next two years to expand housing opportunities and behavioral health infrastructure.</li><li>In 2021, the state allocated $5.8 billion for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/san-francisco-extends-emergency-shelter-in-place-hotel-program-until-september-2022/">Project HomeKey</a>, which allowed San Francisco to purchase 25 hotel rooms and house 2,300 total rooms at the peak of the program. The new budget doesn’t include any additional funds for this program, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/white-house-extends-reimbursement/">FEMA announced in November that cities could apply for reimbursement</a> on temporary Project RoomKey units until April 1. The remaining funds will be used to transition people into permanent housing and close down the existing hotels, according to a representative from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.&nbsp;</li><li>San Francisco is expecting to receive a portion of a $50 million Encampment Resolution Grant this spring. The new proposed budget includes an additional $500 million to expand this program in the interest of rehousing strategies for the homeless, as well as $1.5 billion over the next two years <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2021/09/22/san-francisco-will-build-dozens-of-tiny-homes-for-homeless/">to implement tiny homes</a> or other alternative housing settings.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<ul><li>The 2021 budget allocated $12 billion from 2021–2023 to address homelessness through 2023. In addition to this, the 2022 budget proposes an additional $2 billion over the next two years to expand housing opportunities and behavioral health infrastructure.</li><li>In 2021, the state allocated $5.8 billion for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/san-francisco-extends-emergency-shelter-in-place-hotel-program-until-september-2022/">Project HomeKey</a>, which allowed San Francisco to purchase 25 hotel rooms and house 2,300 total rooms at the peak of the program. The new budget doesn’t include any additional funds for this program, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/white-house-extends-reimbursement/">FEMA announced in November that cities could apply for reimbursement</a> on temporary Project RoomKey units until April 1. The remaining funds will be used to transition people into permanent housing and close down the existing hotels, according to a representative from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.&nbsp;</li><li>San Francisco is expecting to receive a portion of a $50 million Encampment Resolution Grant this spring. The new proposed budget includes an additional $500 million to expand this program in the interest of rehousing strategies for the homeless, as well as $1.5 billion over the next two years <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2021/09/22/san-francisco-will-build-dozens-of-tiny-homes-for-homeless/">to implement tiny homes</a> or other alternative housing settings.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Covid</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Covid</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The state plans to invest $1.4 billion to expand testing. Newsom is urging the state Legislature to <a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2022/01/covid-testing-california-budget/">immediately approve</a> the funds through an emergency measure as residents in San Francisco and across the state <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/covid-conundrum-workers-go-test-hunting-as-shortage-imperils-sfs-pandemic-recovery/">struggle to access tests</a> during the Omicron surge. Another $1.3 billion is set to go toward vaccine distribution, hospital surge efforts and contact tracing.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<ul><li>The state plans to invest $1.4 billion to expand testing. Newsom is urging the state Legislature to <a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2022/01/covid-testing-california-budget/">immediately approve</a> the funds through an emergency measure as residents in San Francisco and across the state <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/covid-conundrum-workers-go-test-hunting-as-shortage-imperils-sfs-pandemic-recovery/">struggle to access tests</a> during the Omicron surge. Another $1.3 billion is set to go toward vaccine distribution, hospital surge efforts and contact tracing.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Small Businesses</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Small Businesses</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Newsom’s budget waives filing fees for new businesses and allocates $150 million for those waitlisted in past rounds of the state’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. These and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/s-f-offers-small-businesses-relief-grants-for-vandalism-broken-windows/">other programs have helped lift San Francisco’s businesses</a> out of pandemic-related hardship.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<ul><li>Newsom’s budget waives filing fees for new businesses and allocates $150 million for those waitlisted in past rounds of the state’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. These and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/s-f-offers-small-businesses-relief-grants-for-vandalism-broken-windows/">other programs have helped lift San Francisco’s businesses</a> out of pandemic-related hardship.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Opioid Crisis</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Opioid Crisis</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The budget attempts to address the state’s opioid epidemic by adding $96 million to the general fund for the Medication Assisted Treatment Expansion Project, which applies to a <a href="https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/State-Targeted-Response-to-Opioid-Crisis-Grant.aspx">myriad of treatment programs</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Also mentioned is an $86 million one-time settlement geared toward creating a public awareness campaign for youth opioid education.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<ul><li>The budget attempts to address the state’s opioid epidemic by adding $96 million to the general fund for the Medication Assisted Treatment Expansion Project, which applies to a <a href="https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/State-Targeted-Response-to-Opioid-Crisis-Grant.aspx">myriad of treatment programs</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Also mentioned is an $86 million one-time settlement geared toward creating a public awareness campaign for youth opioid education.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Crime</strong></h2>


<h2 class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Crime</strong></h2>


<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Newsom proposes $128 million over three years to help local police and prosecutors respond to organized retail theft crimes, including funding for the state Attorney General and the California Highway Patrol. San Francisco had its own well-publicized incidents this winter, which led to the arrests of nine people and charges for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/felonies-san-francisco-retail-crime-spree-chesa-boudin/">coordinated burglaries in Union Square</a>.</li></ul>


<ul><li>Newsom proposes $128 million over three years to help local police and prosecutors respond to organized retail theft crimes, including funding for the state Attorney General and the California Highway Patrol. San Francisco had its own well-publicized incidents this winter, which led to the arrests of nine people and charges for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/felonies-san-francisco-retail-crime-spree-chesa-boudin/">coordinated burglaries in Union Square</a>.</li></ul>

What SF should know about Gov. Newsom’s new budget proposal

Annie Gaus

Bilal Mahmood, an entrepreneur, scientist and former policy analyst, is not a conventional candidate for state assembly: he’s spent much of his career in the technology sector, working in product development and analytics roles at startups. More recently, he created a fund that studies and donates money to social causes in the Bay Area, such as combating anti-Asian violence and income support for restaurant workers. He also served a stint as a national policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama, but has never held political office.&nbsp;

<p>Bilal Mahmood, an entrepreneur, scientist and former policy analyst, is not a conventional candidate for state assembly: he’s spent much of his career in the technology sector, working in product development and analytics roles at startups. More recently, he created a fund that studies and donates money to social causes in the Bay Area, such as combating anti-Asian violence and income support for restaurant workers. He also served a stint as a national policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama, but has never held political office.&nbsp;</p>

Mahmood has earned the endorsements of the South West Asian North African (SWANA) SF Democratic Club, the moderate-leaning political action group Grow SF, as well as parent activists Meredith Willa-Dodson, Matt Brezina and Robin Pham, prosecutor Nancy Tung, and others.&nbsp;

<p>Mahmood has earned the endorsements of the South West Asian North African (SWANA) SF Democratic Club, the moderate-leaning political action group Grow SF, as well as parent activists Meredith Willa-Dodson, Matt Brezina and Robin Pham, prosecutor Nancy Tung, and others.&nbsp;</p>

Asked about his lack of political experience compared to competitors, Mahmood argued that career politicians in San Francisco haven’t shown results and that it is time for a new approach. He linked the city’s issues—from a floundering school district to housing and transit—to politicians using local offices as a stepping stone for higher positions rather than long-term problem solving.&nbsp;

<p>Asked about his lack of political experience compared to competitors, Mahmood argued that career politicians in San Francisco haven’t shown results and that it is time for a new approach. He linked the city’s issues—from a floundering school district to housing and transit—to politicians using local offices as a stepping stone for higher positions rather than long-term problem solving.&nbsp;</p>

“Over the last five to 10 years, inequality is up. The number of people who are unhoused is up. The number of people with opioid overdoses is up. The housing prices have gone up,” Mahmood said. “So if that&#8217;s what political leadership gets us today, then I think something is fundamentally off.”

<p>“Over the last five to 10 years, inequality is up. The number of people who are unhoused is up. The number of people with opioid overdoses is up. The housing prices have gone up,” Mahmood said. “So if that's what political leadership gets us today, then I think something is fundamentally off.”</p>

<p>“Over the last five to 10 years, inequality is up. The number of people who are unhoused is up. The number of people with opioid overdoses is up. The housing prices have gone up,” Mahmood said. “So if that&#8217;s what political leadership gets us today, then I think something is fundamentally off.”</p>

Mahmood points to his experience as a son of Pakistani immigrants as inspiration for his political aspirations. Like many other immigrant families, his parents raised children in a small, multigenerational apartment in the Bay Area and worked to achieve the American Dream. The region’s high costs and difficult conditions for working families have threatened that pathway to the middle class, he said.&nbsp;

<p>Mahmood points to his experience as a son of Pakistani immigrants as inspiration for his political aspirations. Like many other immigrant families, his parents raised children in a small, multigenerational apartment in the Bay Area and worked to achieve the American Dream. The region’s high costs and difficult conditions for working families have threatened that pathway to the middle class, he said.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="housing">Housing</h2>


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https://youtu.be/aUT5_OZtwuM
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On housing, Mahmood said he supports the state taking a heavier hand in local housing development goals and ensuring that city governments don’t improperly block projects in the name of lengthy environmental reviews. Crediting former Assemblyman David Chiu’s and State Senator Scott Wiener’s work on housing legislation, he praised streamlining efforts such as SB-35 and suggested setting time targets as a way to eliminate undue delays.

<p>On housing, Mahmood said he supports the state taking a heavier hand in local housing development goals and ensuring that city governments don’t improperly block projects in the name of lengthy environmental reviews. Crediting former Assemblyman David Chiu’s and State Senator Scott Wiener’s work on housing legislation, he praised streamlining efforts such as SB-35 and suggested setting time targets as a way to eliminate undue delays.</p>

“If we set median targets and time to build, it&#8217;ll put pressure on counties and municipalities to reform,” he said. “The state can&#8217;t go and eliminate every permit in every county&#8230;but it can set top-down, outcomes-level legislation, that then gives local control on how to decide how [cities] should best implement towards those targets.”

<p>“If we set median targets and time to build, it'll put pressure on counties and municipalities to reform,” he said. “The state can't go and eliminate every permit in every county...but it can set top-down, outcomes-level legislation, that then gives local control on how to decide how [cities] should best implement towards those targets.”</p>

<p>“If we set median targets and time to build, it&#8217;ll put pressure on counties and municipalities to reform,” he said. “The state can&#8217;t go and eliminate every permit in every county&#8230;but it can set top-down, outcomes-level legislation, that then gives local control on how to decide how [cities] should best implement towards those targets.”</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="education">Education</h2>


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https://youtu.be/kHcDQx5MPQc
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Mahmood supports the recall of three members of the San Francisco school board, citing a need for greater accountability and better administrative oversight of the district, which is facing a $125 million budget shortfall and waning enrollment. He pushed back on what he views as “lowering the standards” in the district, citing a de-emphasis on accelerated math and a lottery system that presents unpredictability for local families.&nbsp;

<p>Mahmood supports the recall of three members of the San Francisco school board, citing a need for greater accountability and better administrative oversight of the district, which is facing a $125 million budget shortfall and waning enrollment. He pushed back on what he views as “lowering the standards” in the district, citing a de-emphasis on accelerated math and a lottery system that presents unpredictability for local families.&nbsp;</p>

A resident of District 6, Mahmood pointed to a lack of positive outcomes in the Tenderloin and surrounding areas, which have seen a spike in overdose deaths, small business closures, and violence linked to the drug trade. He supports interventions such as safe injection sites, as well as stricter charges for fentanyl dealers and increased funding for enforcement of international trafficking rings.&nbsp;

<p>A resident of District 6, Mahmood pointed to a lack of positive outcomes in the Tenderloin and surrounding areas, which have seen a spike in overdose deaths, small business closures, and violence linked to the drug trade. He supports interventions such as safe injection sites, as well as stricter charges for fentanyl dealers and increased funding for enforcement of international trafficking rings.&nbsp;</p>

On homelessness, Mahmood expressed support for Built for Zero, a program in more than 80 cities and counties that seeks to end homelessness through a combination of gathering data and matching individuals with housing solutions.

<p>On homelessness, Mahmood expressed support for Built for Zero, a program in more than 80 cities and counties that seeks to end homelessness through a combination of gathering data and matching individuals with housing solutions.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="economy">Economy</h2>


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https://youtu.be/ww5sVLlj5LU
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‘Phoenix Day’ to celebrate the revival of San Francisco’s streets

Counting Covid: SF doctors worry widely used metrics are misleading in Omicron surge

What SF should know about Gov. Newsom’s new budget proposal

Bilal Mahmood, entrepreneur and scientist, on why he’s running

Mayor Breed cheers Google’s new SF office amid pretty meh return-to-work numbers

Search Results for: transit

‘Phoenix Day’ to celebrate the revival of San Francisco’s streets

Counting Covid: SF doctors worry widely used metrics are misleading in Omicron surge

What SF should know about Gov. Newsom’s new budget proposal

Bilal Mahmood, entrepreneur and scientist, on why he’s running

Mayor Breed cheers Google’s new SF office amid pretty meh return-to-work numbers