Annie Gaus

Aspiring assemblymember Matt Haney has taken a well-traveled path through San Francisco politics: Prior to his three-year tenure at the Board of Supervisors, where he represents District 6, Haney was president of the San Francisco Board of Education and co-founded #cut50, a nonprofit that seeks to end mass incarceration. Among other policy and advocacy roles, Haney served as a legislative aide to former State Senator Joe Simitian.

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<p>Aspiring assemblymember Matt Haney has taken a well-traveled path through San Francisco politics: Prior to his three-year tenure at the Board of Supervisors, where he represents District 6, Haney was president of the San Francisco Board of Education and co-founded #cut50, a nonprofit that seeks to end mass incarceration. Among other policy and advocacy roles, Haney served as a legislative aide to former State Senator Joe Simitian.</p>

Haney’s campaign enjoys support from local elected officials and labor organizations including Supervisors Shamann Walton and Ahsha Safai, the SF Building and Construction Trades Council, SEIU Local 87, Teamsters Joint Council 7 and the California Faculty Association.

<p>Haney’s campaign enjoys support from local elected officials and labor organizations including Supervisors Shamann Walton and Ahsha Safai, the SF Building and Construction Trades Council, SEIU Local 87, Teamsters Joint Council 7 and the California Faculty Association.</p>

On the Board of Supervisors, Haney chairs the budget and finance committee and points to the “Overpaid Executive Tax,” a ballot measure that imposed a tax on companies with a significant gap between total managerial compensation and median pay for local workers, as one of his key achievements. Among other initiatives, Haney has also led efforts to establish 24-hour bathroom sites in the city, authored legislation to move homeless people to hotels during the pandemic and co-authored Mental Health SF, a ballot initiative to create a city-run mental health program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>On the Board of Supervisors, Haney chairs the budget and finance committee and points to the “Overpaid Executive Tax,” a ballot measure that imposed a tax on companies with a significant gap between total managerial compensation and median pay for local workers, as one of his key achievements. Among other initiatives, Haney has also led efforts to establish 24-hour bathroom sites in the city, authored legislation to move homeless people to hotels during the pandemic and co-authored Mental Health SF, a ballot initiative to create a city-run mental health program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


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


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On education, Haney points to efforts such as a 2018 parcel tax to boost funding for the cash-strapped school district, which is currently facing a yawning deficit of $125 million and the possibility of a state takeover. As past president and twice-elected member of the school board, having served from 2012 to 2018, Haney presided over some initiatives that grew controversial in light of prolonged school closures during the pandemic, including a resolution to rename public schools and another to delay algebra instruction until high school.&nbsp;

<p>On education, Haney points to efforts such as a 2018 parcel tax to boost funding for the cash-strapped school district, which is currently facing a yawning deficit of $125 million and the possibility of a state takeover. As past president and twice-elected member of the school board, having served from 2012 to 2018, Haney presided over some initiatives that grew controversial in light of prolonged school closures during the pandemic, including a resolution to rename public schools and another to delay algebra instruction until high school.&nbsp;</p>

Today, Haney told the SF Standard that he supports the recall of school board commissioner Alison Collins, but not the recalls of president Gabriela López and commissioner Faauuga Moliga.&nbsp;

<p>Today, Haney told the SF Standard that he supports the recall of school board commissioner Alison Collins, but not the recalls of president Gabriela López and commissioner Faauuga Moliga.&nbsp;</p>

“I do think that we need to have an important conversation in November about who should be leading the school district moving forward,” Haney added.

<p>“I do think that we need to have an important conversation in November about who should be leading the school district moving forward,” Haney added.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="public-safety">Public Safety</h2>


<h2 id="public-safety">Public Safety</h2>

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As District 6 supervisor, Haney oversees one of the densest&#8211;and most economically and demographically diverse&#8211;districts in San Francisco. His district includes the Tenderloin, a neighborhood with a high concentration of children, seniors, people with disabilities that is described by some residents as a “containment zone” for drug dealing, associated violent crime, and squalor. Asked about rising overdose rates and a recent spate of shootings, Haney pointed to initiatives such as neighborhood safety ambassadors and increased police foot patrols, as well as “systemic failures that are state challenges&#8230;that go behind this neighborhood.”&nbsp;

<p>As District 6 supervisor, Haney oversees one of the densest--and most economically and demographically diverse--districts in San Francisco. His district includes the Tenderloin, a neighborhood with a high concentration of children, seniors, people with disabilities that is described by some residents as a “containment zone” for drug dealing, associated violent crime, and squalor. Asked about rising overdose rates and a recent spate of shootings, Haney pointed to initiatives such as neighborhood safety ambassadors and increased police foot patrols, as well as “systemic failures that are state challenges...that go behind this neighborhood.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>As District 6 supervisor, Haney oversees one of the densest&#8211;and most economically and demographically diverse&#8211;districts in San Francisco. His district includes the Tenderloin, a neighborhood with a high concentration of children, seniors, people with disabilities that is described by some residents as a “containment zone” for drug dealing, associated violent crime, and squalor. Asked about rising overdose rates and a recent spate of shootings, Haney pointed to initiatives such as neighborhood safety ambassadors and increased police foot patrols, as well as “systemic failures that are state challenges&#8230;that go behind this neighborhood.”&nbsp;</p>


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


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On housing, Haney notes that his district, which has historically generated a disproportionate amount of the city’s overall new housing stock, has seen thousands of new housing units approved since he was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2018. Earlier on, Haney opposed a state bill, SB 35, that streamlined housing production in cities that were falling short of state-mandated minimums, but later came to support the bill. He told the SF Standard that cities must strike a balance between local control and broader mandates to make progress on a persistent housing shortage statewide.&nbsp;

<p>On housing, Haney notes that his district, which has historically generated a disproportionate amount of the city’s overall new housing stock, has seen thousands of new housing units approved since he was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2018. Earlier on, Haney opposed a state bill, SB 35, that streamlined housing production in cities that were falling short of state-mandated minimums, but later came to support the bill. He told the SF Standard that cities must strike a balance between local control and broader mandates to make progress on a persistent housing shortage statewide.&nbsp;</p>

“What has changed for me is I have been District 6 supervisor for three years, and I&#8217;ve seen what this looks like&#8230;that we&#8217;re allowing so many cities and counties to do what essentially many of the neighborhoods of our city are unfortunately doing, which is saying no to everything,” Haney told the SF Standard.&nbsp;

<p>“What has changed for me is I have been District 6 supervisor for three years, and I've seen what this looks like...that we're allowing so many cities and counties to do what essentially many of the neighborhoods of our city are unfortunately doing, which is saying no to everything,” Haney told the SF Standard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What has changed for me is I have been District 6 supervisor for three years, and I&#8217;ve seen what this looks like&#8230;that we&#8217;re allowing so many cities and counties to do what essentially many of the neighborhoods of our city are unfortunately doing, which is saying no to everything,” Haney told the SF Standard.&nbsp;</p>

Read more about Haney’s <a href="http://matthaney.com">campaign here.</a>&nbsp;

<p>Read more about Haney’s <a href="http://matthaney.com">campaign here.</a>&nbsp;</p>

Matt Haney, District 6 supervisor, on why he’s running

The Standard Staff

After a month of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/pink-triangle-lights-up-skyline-for-pride-month-once-again/">Pink Triangle lightings</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/whats-behind-the-decline-in-lesbian-bars-documentary-mannys-unpack-the-downward-trend/">public forums</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/kill-your-darlings-last-dance-tracks-the-willful-destruction-of-a-drag-queens-persona/">film screenings</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/rage-for-pride-queer-supergroup-commando-turn-nu-metal-on-its-ear/">queer nü metal supergroup performances</a>, San Francisco’s 30-day celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in the city and beyond is culminating in the 52nd annual SF Pride Parade down Market Street.

<p>After a month of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/pink-triangle-lights-up-skyline-for-pride-month-once-again/">Pink Triangle lightings</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/whats-behind-the-decline-in-lesbian-bars-documentary-mannys-unpack-the-downward-trend/">public forums</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/kill-your-darlings-last-dance-tracks-the-willful-destruction-of-a-drag-queens-persona/">film screenings</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/rage-for-pride-queer-supergroup-commando-turn-nu-metal-on-its-ear/">queer nü metal supergroup performances</a>, San Francisco’s 30-day celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in the city and beyond is culminating in the 52nd annual SF Pride Parade down Market Street.</p>

But Pride-adjacent dance parties and drag shows aren’t the only diversions on offer this weekend. You can also contemplate the fragility of existence at Manny’s “extinction” event, get down to the OG sounds of Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff at The Independent, listen to see if you can hear a pin drop during the more subdued moments of Aldous Harding’s set at The Fillmore.

<p>But Pride-adjacent dance parties and drag shows aren’t the only diversions on offer this weekend. You can also contemplate the fragility of existence at Manny’s “extinction” event, get down to the OG sounds of Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff at The Independent, listen to see if you can hear a pin drop during the more subdued moments of Aldous Harding’s set at The Fillmore.</p>

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<a href="#Thursday">Thursday</a> | <a href="#Friday">Friday</a> | <a href="#Saturday">Saturday</a> | <a href="#Sunday">Sunday</a>

<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><a href="#Thursday">Thursday</a> | <a href="#Friday">Friday</a> | <a href="#Saturday">Saturday</a> | <a href="#Sunday">Sunday</a></p>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Thursday, June 23</mark>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Thursday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Thursday, June 23</mark></h2>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Thursday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Thursday, June 23</mark></h2>

<a href="https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/03/12/cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy">The Cockettes: Acid Drag &amp; Sexual Anarchy</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy"><a href="https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/03/12/cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy">The Cockettes: Acid Drag &amp; Sexual Anarchy</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-the-cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy"><a href="https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/03/12/cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy">The Cockettes: Acid Drag &amp; Sexual Anarchy</a></h3>

<em>SF Public Library, 100 Larkin St. </em><em><br></em><em>Through Aug. 11 | Free</em>

<p><em>SF Public Library, 100 Larkin St. </em><em><br></em><em>Through Aug. 11 | Free</em></p>

With the big Pride Parade just around the corner, it’s a great time to revisit the history of LGBTQ+ culture in the city. The San Francisco Public Library hosts an eclectic array of rare photographs, posters, fliers, costumes, newspaper clippings, audio-visual materials and memorabilia from the gender-bending Haight-Ashbury-born hippie-era performance troupe known as <a href="https://www.cockettes.com/history/">The Cockettes</a>. This installation, co-curated by original Cockette Fayette Hauser and local author and scholar Jim Van Buskirk, traces the group’s history and cultural impact—including their barrier-breaking contributions to concepts of gender and sexual fludity, the counterculture and the Free Love movement of the 1960s and ’70s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>With the big Pride Parade just around the corner, it’s a great time to revisit the history of LGBTQ+ culture in the city. The San Francisco Public Library hosts an eclectic array of rare photographs, posters, fliers, costumes, newspaper clippings, audio-visual materials and memorabilia from the gender-bending Haight-Ashbury-born hippie-era performance troupe known as <a href="https://www.cockettes.com/history/">The Cockettes</a>. This installation, co-curated by original Cockette Fayette Hauser and local author and scholar Jim Van Buskirk, traces the group’s history and cultural impact—including their barrier-breaking contributions to concepts of gender and sexual fludity, the counterculture and the Free Love movement of the 1960s and ’70s.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

On Thursday, June 23, <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2022/06/23/performance-cockette-cabaret-scrumbly-co">the freewheeling spirit of the Cockettes comes back to life</a> with a special performance featuring original Cockettes songs and the musical talents of Cockettes founding member and musical director Scrumbly Koldewyn on piano. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Koret Auditorium, located at SFPL’s main library. The exhibit is located in the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the 3rd floor.

<p>On Thursday, June 23, <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2022/06/23/performance-cockette-cabaret-scrumbly-co">the freewheeling spirit of the Cockettes comes back to life</a> with a special performance featuring original Cockettes songs and the musical talents of Cockettes founding member and musical director Scrumbly Koldewyn on piano. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Koret Auditorium, located at SFPL’s main library. The exhibit is located in the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the 3rd floor.</p>

For a rundown on all Pride-adjacent events, be sure to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/brimming-with-pride-sf-closes-out-june-with-many-more-events-celebrating-the-lgbtq-community/">check out our guide</a>. (CJC)&nbsp;

<p>For a rundown on all Pride-adjacent events, be sure to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/brimming-with-pride-sf-closes-out-june-with-many-more-events-celebrating-the-lgbtq-community/">check out our guide</a>. (CJC)&nbsp;</p>

<a href="https://schlomerhaus.com/chloe-sherman">Renegade San Francisco: the 1990s</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-renegade-san-francisco-the-1990s"><a href="https://schlomerhaus.com/chloe-sherman">Renegade San Francisco: the 1990s</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-renegade-san-francisco-the-1990s"><a href="https://schlomerhaus.com/chloe-sherman">Renegade San Francisco: the 1990s</a></h3>

 <em>Schlomer Haus Gallery, 2128 Market St. </em><br><em>Through Aug. 17 | Free</em>

<p id="h-schlomer-haus-gallery-2128-market-st-through-aug-17-free"> <em>Schlomer Haus Gallery, 2128 Market St. </em><br><em>Through Aug. 17 | Free</em></p>

When fine art photographer Chloe Sherman moved to the city in 1991 to study at the San Francisco Art Institute, she picked up her camera and started documenting a rising generation of self-identified queer youth in the Mission District. Now on view at Schlomer Haus gallery, which specializes in showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ artists, the photographs take an intimate and tender look back on the era, focusing on the femme and butch styles of the scene at that time, and reveal the community’s continued vibrancy and resilience against mainstream norms.

<p>When fine art photographer Chloe Sherman moved to the city in 1991 to study at the San Francisco Art Institute, she picked up her camera and started documenting a rising generation of self-identified queer youth in the Mission District. Now on view at Schlomer Haus gallery, which specializes in showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ artists, the photographs take an intimate and tender look back on the era, focusing on the femme and butch styles of the scene at that time, and reveal the community’s continued vibrancy and resilience against mainstream norms.</p>

“I witnessed individual conviction with a collective awareness of strength in numbers,” Sherman wrote in an artist’s statement. “I found beauty, grace, and bravery in this subculture that was derided by mainstream society.” (CJC)

<p>“I witnessed individual conviction with a collective awareness of strength in numbers,” Sherman wrote in an artist’s statement. “I found beauty, grace, and bravery in this subculture that was derided by mainstream society.” (CJC)</p>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Friday, June 24</mark>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Friday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Friday, June 24</mark></h2>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Friday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Friday, June 24</mark></h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BothEyesOpen.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56388"/><figcaption>&#8216;Both Eyes Open&#8217; | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BothEyesOpen.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56388"/><figcaption>'Both Eyes Open' | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BothEyesOpen.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56388"/><figcaption>&#8216;Both Eyes Open&#8217; | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<em>Presidio Theatre</em>,<em> 99 Moraga Ave.</em><em><br></em><em>2 p.m. | $20+</em>

<p><em>Presidio Theatre</em>,<em> 99 Moraga Ave.</em><em><br></em><em>2 p.m. | $20+</em></p>

UC Berkeley Professor of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies Philip Kan Gotanda has been exploring the Japanese American experience on stage for more than four decades, with a particular focus on the World War II incarceration. But he’s never created a work quite like <em>Both Eyes Open</em>, a new chamber opera with music by Max Duykers. Directed by Melissa Weaver, the work is scored for<em> </em>a four-piece chamber ensemble with clarinet, bass clarinet, violin, piano and the Marimba Lumina—a programmable MIDI controller that allows Joel Davel to trigger an extensive library of choral samples to supplement baritone Suchan Kim, soprano Kalean Ung and tenor John Duykers (father of the opera’s composer). A roiling meta-fictional account of a Japanese American man coming to terms with humiliation, faith and national identity in order to save his soul, <em>Both Eyes Open</em> weaves spoken dialogue, singing, acoustic instruments and electronic samples together with dramatic video and lighting cues. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at 7 p.m. (AG)

<p>UC Berkeley Professor of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies Philip Kan Gotanda has been exploring the Japanese American experience on stage for more than four decades, with a particular focus on the World War II incarceration. But he’s never created a work quite like <em>Both Eyes Open</em>, a new chamber opera with music by Max Duykers. Directed by Melissa Weaver, the work is scored for<em> </em>a four-piece chamber ensemble with clarinet, bass clarinet, violin, piano and the Marimba Lumina—a programmable MIDI controller that allows Joel Davel to trigger an extensive library of choral samples to supplement baritone Suchan Kim, soprano Kalean Ung and tenor John Duykers (father of the opera’s composer). A roiling meta-fictional account of a Japanese American man coming to terms with humiliation, faith and national identity in order to save his soul, <em>Both Eyes Open</em> weaves spoken dialogue, singing, acoustic instruments and electronic samples together with dramatic video and lighting cues. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at 7 p.m. (AG)</p>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">Manny’s</a></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">‘Extinction’ Event</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-manny-s-extinction-event"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">Manny’s</a></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">‘Extinction’ Event</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-manny-s-extinction-event"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">Manny’s</a></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">‘Extinction’ Event</a></h3>

<em>Manny’s, 3092 16th St.</em><em><br></em><em>7 p.m. | Free</em>

<p><em>Manny’s, 3092 16th St.</em><em><br></em><em>7 p.m. | Free</em></p>

This Friday, Manny’s offers you the chance to process some of your existential dread through poetry and spoken word. The theme of the night is “extinction” and will feature poems written for these uniquely apocalyptic times. The event is part of the Living Room Reading Series &amp; Salon, a forum for exploring some of the most pressing topics of the day. Hosted by Kevin Dublin, author of the chapbook <em>How to Fall in Love in San Diego</em>, this Friday’s Salon will bring you one step closer to the end of the world as we know it. (BF)

<p>This Friday, Manny’s offers you the chance to process some of your existential dread through poetry and spoken word. The theme of the night is “extinction” and will feature poems written for these uniquely apocalyptic times. The event is part of the Living Room Reading Series &amp; Salon, a forum for exploring some of the most pressing topics of the day. Hosted by Kevin Dublin, author of the chapbook <em>How to Fall in Love in San Diego</em>, this Friday’s Salon will bring you one step closer to the end of the world as we know it. (BF)</p>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Saturday, June 25</mark>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Saturday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Saturday, June 25</mark></h2>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Saturday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Saturday, June 25</mark></h2>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque-tickets-338233725177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Afterglow 2022: Blacklight Discotheque</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque-tickets-338233725177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Afterglow 2022: Blacklight Discotheque</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque-tickets-338233725177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Afterglow 2022: Blacklight Discotheque</a></h3>

<em>Space 550, 550 Barneveld Ave.</em><em><br></em><em>10 p.m. &#8211; 6 a.m. | $25-$150&nbsp;</em>

<p><em>Space 550, 550 Barneveld Ave.</em><em><br></em><em>10 p.m. - 6 a.m. | $25-$150&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em>Space 550, 550 Barneveld Ave.</em><em><br></em><em>10 p.m. &#8211; 6 a.m. | $25-$150&nbsp;</em></p>

After a three-year hiatus, Afterglow is back. Don ye all your dayglo apparel and take to the dance floor at this beloved Pink Saturday party hosted by Comfort &amp; Joy. With central dance floors, outdoor silent discos, debaucherous upstairs areas, pole dancers, local queens and <em>RuPaul’s Drag Race</em> winner Raja Gemini, this will be a neon-soaked night to remember. (BF)

<p>After a three-year hiatus, Afterglow is back. Don ye all your dayglo apparel and take to the dance floor at this beloved Pink Saturday party hosted by Comfort &amp; Joy. With central dance floors, outdoor silent discos, debaucherous upstairs areas, pole dancers, local queens and <em>RuPaul’s Drag Race</em> winner Raja Gemini, this will be a neon-soaked night to remember. (BF)</p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMA1kJ7Uc9s
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<a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/aldous-harding-san-francisco-california-06-25-2022/event/1C005AC81B1B3BD6?_ga=2.261851012.806962047.1655960311-949476700.1642489712">Aldous Harding</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-aldous-harding"><a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/aldous-harding-san-francisco-california-06-25-2022/event/1C005AC81B1B3BD6?_ga=2.261851012.806962047.1655960311-949476700.1642489712">Aldous Harding</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-aldous-harding"><a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/aldous-harding-san-francisco-california-06-25-2022/event/1C005AC81B1B3BD6?_ga=2.261851012.806962047.1655960311-949476700.1642489712">Aldous Harding</a></h3>

<em>The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.</em><em><br></em><em>8 p.m. | $30</em>

<p><em>The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.</em><em><br></em><em>8 p.m. | $30</em></p>

Keeping an entire crowd focused on an on-stage performance shouldn’t be that difficult, right? You’d think that when folks are shelling out good money to see a concert, that it’d go without saying. Not in 2022. Endless chatter in the back (and middle of) the crowd is the norm and the artists who can keep a crowd silent are few and far between. Aldous Harding is one of those artists. When the New Zealand singer-songwriter came to San Francisco’s Rickshaw Stop in support of her stunning 2019 album, <em>Designer</em>, the room was so silent that you could hear&nbsp; breath in the crowd; she’s a mesmerizing performer. Now Harding is back at the larger, historic confines of The Fillmore in support of her latest album, <em>Warm Chris. </em>Harding’s music continues to mystify the senses, with clarinets gently popping into your ears behind a grassy guitar and purposeful keys. If she seems peculiar, that’s because she’s 100% locked in to her art. If you want to feel like you’re in a parallel universe for a night—one where people come to the show <em>for </em>the show and nothing else, you’ll want to be here on Saturday. (AS)

<p>Keeping an entire crowd focused on an on-stage performance shouldn’t be that difficult, right? You’d think that when folks are shelling out good money to see a concert, that it’d go without saying. Not in 2022. Endless chatter in the back (and middle of) the crowd is the norm and the artists who can keep a crowd silent are few and far between. Aldous Harding is one of those artists. When the New Zealand singer-songwriter came to San Francisco’s Rickshaw Stop in support of her stunning 2019 album, <em>Designer</em>, the room was so silent that you could hear&nbsp; breath in the crowd; she’s a mesmerizing performer. Now Harding is back at the larger, historic confines of The Fillmore in support of her latest album, <em>Warm Chris. </em>Harding’s music continues to mystify the senses, with clarinets gently popping into your ears behind a grassy guitar and purposeful keys. If she seems peculiar, that’s because she’s 100% locked in to her art. If you want to feel like you’re in a parallel universe for a night—one where people come to the show <em>for </em>the show and nothing else, you’ll want to be here on Saturday. (AS)</p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY08FkhpPjk
</div></figure>

<a href="https://www.augusthallsf.com/event/12058555/rjd2-soulfunky-groovewell-/">RJD2</a>&nbsp;

When DJ Shadow’s <em>Endtroducing…</em> revolutionized the way producers thought about stitching samples into standalone productions that didn’t necessarily require an MC, RJD2 was there taking copious notes. The dizzying producer, masterful turntablist and always gracious human has been pushing the envelope of hip-hop, funk and soul since the release of 2002’s seminal <em>Deadringer</em> to 2020’s <em>The Fun Ones, </em>and his musicality has kept growing ever since. More than just a DJ, RJD2 performs with a backing band, as he jumps from turntables, to guitar, to vocals, with a palpable passion for the craft. This will be an exercise in a lifetime of love for music, and he might even play some bars off of his theme song to <em>Mad Men. </em>(AS)

<p>When DJ Shadow’s <em>Endtroducing…</em> revolutionized the way producers thought about stitching samples into standalone productions that didn’t necessarily require an MC, RJD2 was there taking copious notes. The dizzying producer, masterful turntablist and always gracious human has been pushing the envelope of hip-hop, funk and soul since the release of 2002’s seminal <em>Deadringer</em> to 2020’s <em>The Fun Ones, </em>and his musicality has kept growing ever since. More than just a DJ, RJD2 performs with a backing band, as he jumps from turntables, to guitar, to vocals, with a palpable passion for the craft. This will be an exercise in a lifetime of love for music, and he might even play some bars off of his theme song to <em>Mad Men. </em>(AS)</p>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Sunday, June 26</mark>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Sunday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Sunday, June 26</mark></h2>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Sunday"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Sunday, June 26</mark></h2>

<a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/ani-difranco-w-special-guest-abraham-san-francisco-california-06-26-2022/event/1C005C94397A8E96">Ani DiFranco</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading"><a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/ani-difranco-w-special-guest-abraham-san-francisco-california-06-26-2022/event/1C005C94397A8E96">Ani DiFranco</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/ani-difranco-w-special-guest-abraham-san-francisco-california-06-26-2022/event/1C005C94397A8E96">Ani DiFranco</a></h3>

<em>The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.</em><br><em>8 p.m. | $41.50 </em>

<p><em>The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.</em><br><em>8 p.m. | $41.50 </em></p>

While some musical artists are <em>brands</em>, modern folk singer-songwriter and paradigm-buster Ani DiFranco is in the rare company of those who are institutions. She&#8217;s released all of her albums through her own Righteous Babe Records label—standard practice for many these days, but a remarkable feat back when she began her practice in 1990 as a 20-year old independent musician. The Buffalo native continues to write and record new material including the songs featured on <em>Revolutionary Love, </em>which came out in<em> </em>early 2021. Upholding her fight for social justice and adhering to her ethos of independence, she now also enjoys the wisdom of three decades&#8217; worth of life experience. As she said in an interview for the Los Angeles Philharmonic&#8217;s <em>Sound/Stage </em>Gen X Festival series, “That&#8217;s the cool thing about playing songs for 30 years: Even the same song is completely different when you are a completely remade person singing it.&#8221; Special guest Abraham Alexander also performs. (YK)

<p>While some musical artists are <em>brands</em>, modern folk singer-songwriter and paradigm-buster Ani DiFranco is in the rare company of those who are institutions. She's released all of her albums through her own Righteous Babe Records label—standard practice for many these days, but a remarkable feat back when she began her practice in 1990 as a 20-year old independent musician. The Buffalo native continues to write and record new material including the songs featured on <em>Revolutionary Love, </em>which came out in<em> </em>early 2021. Upholding her fight for social justice and adhering to her ethos of independence, she now also enjoys the wisdom of three decades' worth of life experience. As she said in an interview for the Los Angeles Philharmonic's <em>Sound/Stage </em>Gen X Festival series, “That's the cool thing about playing songs for 30 years: Even the same song is completely different when you are a completely remade person singing it." Special guest Abraham Alexander also performs. (YK)</p>

<p>While some musical artists are <em>brands</em>, modern folk singer-songwriter and paradigm-buster Ani DiFranco is in the rare company of those who are institutions. She&#8217;s released all of her albums through her own Righteous Babe Records label—standard practice for many these days, but a remarkable feat back when she began her practice in 1990 as a 20-year old independent musician. The Buffalo native continues to write and record new material including the songs featured on <em>Revolutionary Love, </em>which came out in<em> </em>early 2021. Upholding her fight for social justice and adhering to her ethos of independence, she now also enjoys the wisdom of three decades&#8217; worth of life experience. As she said in an interview for the Los Angeles Philharmonic&#8217;s <em>Sound/Stage </em>Gen X Festival series, “That&#8217;s the cool thing about playing songs for 30 years: Even the same song is completely different when you are a completely remade person singing it.&#8221; Special guest Abraham Alexander also performs. (YK)</p>

<a href="https://sfpride.org/"><strong>San Francisco Pride Parade</strong></a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-san-francisco-pride-parade"><a href="https://sfpride.org/"><strong>San Francisco Pride Parade</strong></a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-san-francisco-pride-parade"><a href="https://sfpride.org/"><strong>San Francisco Pride Parade</strong></a></h3>

<em>Market St. from Beale St. to 8th St.</em><br><em>Sunday, June 26, 10:30 a.m. | Free</em>

<p><em>Market St. from Beale St. to 8th St.</em><br><em>Sunday, June 26, 10:30 a.m. | Free</em></p>

Actor Sherry Cola and “Jeopardy” champion Amy Schneider will serve as celebrity Grand Marshals in the 52nd Pride Parade up Market St. The sidelines are almost as much fun as the participants but it’s not too late to ride with <a href="http://v/">Dykes on Bikes</a>, <a href="https://sfpride.org/volunteering">volunteer</a> or get <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-francisco-pride-2022-grandstand-seating-tickets-311471147587?aff=sfpridedotorg">grandstand seats</a>! (MJT)&nbsp;

<p>Actor Sherry Cola and “Jeopardy” champion Amy Schneider will serve as celebrity Grand Marshals in the 52nd Pride Parade up Market St. The sidelines are almost as much fun as the participants but it’s not too late to ride with <a href="http://v/">Dykes on Bikes</a>, <a href="https://sfpride.org/volunteering">volunteer</a> or get <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-francisco-pride-2022-grandstand-seating-tickets-311471147587?aff=sfpridedotorg">grandstand seats</a>! (MJT)&nbsp;</p>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/882390799823322/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2252%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22invite_link_id%5C%22%3A521447323012661%7D%7D]%22%7D">People’s March &amp; Rally 2022</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-people-s-march-rally-2022"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/882390799823322/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2252%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22invite_link_id%5C%22%3A521447323012661%7D%7D]%22%7D">People’s March &amp; Rally 2022</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-people-s-march-rally-2022"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/882390799823322/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2252%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22invite_link_id%5C%22%3A521447323012661%7D%7D]%22%7D">People’s March &amp; Rally 2022</a></h3>

<em>Polk &amp; Washington Streets</em><em><br></em><em>Sunday, June 26, 10 a.m. | Free, but </em><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-peoples-march-rally-unite-to-fight?qid=c27f955ff85350a123c10e805c966ce0"><em>donations encouraged</em></a>

<p><em>Polk &amp; Washington Streets</em><em><br></em><em>Sunday, June 26, 10 a.m. | Free, but </em><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-peoples-march-rally-unite-to-fight?qid=c27f955ff85350a123c10e805c966ce0"><em>donations encouraged</em></a></p>

The third annual People’s March—which rose up as an activist-focused demonstration after the Pride Parade of 2020 was canceled the same year Minneapolis police killed George Floyd—will step off from the corner of Polk and Washington streets at 11 a.m. following speeches and performances at 10 a.m. Organized by local drag artist-activists <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/whats-behind-the-decline-in-lesbian-bars-documentary-mannys-unpack-the-downward-trend/">Alex U. Inn</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/contenders-for-the-throne-7-local-drag-royals-breed-might-name-as-sfs-first-drag-laureate/">Juanita MORE</a>, the march will follow the original path of the Pride parade down Polk Street and be led by Black, Brown, Indigenous, trans and queer community leaders to show solidarity with BIPOC groups and protest racial injustices. (CJC)&nbsp;

<p>The third annual People’s March—which rose up as an activist-focused demonstration after the Pride Parade of 2020 was canceled the same year Minneapolis police killed George Floyd—will step off from the corner of Polk and Washington streets at 11 a.m. following speeches and performances at 10 a.m. Organized by local drag artist-activists <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/whats-behind-the-decline-in-lesbian-bars-documentary-mannys-unpack-the-downward-trend/">Alex U. Inn</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/contenders-for-the-throne-7-local-drag-royals-breed-might-name-as-sfs-first-drag-laureate/">Juanita MORE</a>, the march will follow the original path of the Pride parade down Polk Street and be led by Black, Brown, Indigenous, trans and queer community leaders to show solidarity with BIPOC groups and protest racial injustices. (CJC)&nbsp;</p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t8eoA_1jQ
</div></figure>

<a href="https://www.ticketweb.com/event/rakim-dj-jazzy-jeff-the-independent-tickets/12226575?pl=independentsf&amp;REFID=clientsitewp">Rakim &amp; DJ Jazzy Jeff</a>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-rakim-dj-jazzy-jeff"><a href="https://www.ticketweb.com/event/rakim-dj-jazzy-jeff-the-independent-tickets/12226575?pl=independentsf&amp;REFID=clientsitewp">Rakim &amp; DJ Jazzy Jeff</a></h3>


<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-rakim-dj-jazzy-jeff"><a href="https://www.ticketweb.com/event/rakim-dj-jazzy-jeff-the-independent-tickets/12226575?pl=independentsf&amp;REFID=clientsitewp">Rakim &amp; DJ Jazzy Jeff</a></h3>

<em>The Independent</em><em><br></em><em>8:30 p.m. | $29.50+</em>

<p><em>The Independent</em><em><br></em><em>8:30 p.m. | $29.50+</em></p>

From the ashes of a recently-cancelled Lyricist Lounge showcase at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre that would have also included Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One, the timeless MC Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff have saved the weekend for the old school heads with this one. As the voice behind undisputed hip-hop touchstone classics (with his erstwhile partner Eric B) like “Paid In Full,” and “I Ain’t No Joke,” Rakim is one of those guys that qualifies as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” Meanwhile, DJ Jazzy Jeff has continued to show his flair on the decks since his rise in the late ’80s with Will “Fresh Prince” Smith. This show is an opportunity to see one half of two separate storied hip-hop duos together on stage, bound forever by their place in hip-hop lore. Kangol hats not required. (AS)

<p>From the ashes of a recently-cancelled Lyricist Lounge showcase at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre that would have also included Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One, the timeless MC Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff have saved the weekend for the old school heads with this one. As the voice behind undisputed hip-hop touchstone classics (with his erstwhile partner Eric B) like “Paid In Full,” and “I Ain’t No Joke,” Rakim is one of those guys that qualifies as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” Meanwhile, DJ Jazzy Jeff has continued to show his flair on the decks since his rise in the late ’80s with Will “Fresh Prince” Smith. This show is an opportunity to see one half of two separate storied hip-hop duos together on stage, bound forever by their place in hip-hop lore. Kangol hats not required. (AS)</p>

This weekend: Pride parade, Japanese internment opera and an ‘extinction’ event

Chris Roberts

Today marks the fifth April 20 since legal adult-use cannabis sales began in California. But rather than celebrate and give thanks, many in the San Francisco cannabis industry are gravely concerned about the future of the legalization experiment.

<p>Today marks the fifth April 20 since legal adult-use cannabis sales began in California. But rather than celebrate and give thanks, many in the San Francisco cannabis industry are gravely concerned about the future of the legalization experiment.</p>

Nine local cannabis business owners, entrepreneurs and workers shared common complaints about unreasonably high taxes, a booming illicit market, onerous bureaucratic hurdles and—worse—broken social justice promises.&nbsp;

<p>Nine local cannabis business owners, entrepreneurs and workers shared common complaints about unreasonably high taxes, a booming illicit market, onerous bureaucratic hurdles and—worse—broken social justice promises.&nbsp;</p>

Some even offered ominous warnings that unless state elected officials can muster significant reform, both the cannabis industry and the marijuana legalization experiment writ large could be in serious trouble.

<p>Some even offered ominous warnings that unless state elected officials can muster significant reform, both the cannabis industry and the marijuana legalization experiment writ large could be in serious trouble.</p>

Legalization was pitched as a win-win policy that would shower treasure on state coffers while offering lucrative business opportunities to Black and Brown people who suffered most during the drug war. The promise of a multi-billion dollar legal market triggered a flood of entrepreneurship and investment that’s been compared to the Gold Rush and the tech boom.

<p>Legalization was pitched as a win-win policy that would shower treasure on state coffers while offering lucrative business opportunities to Black and Brown people who suffered most during the drug war. The promise of a multi-billion dollar legal market triggered a flood of entrepreneurship and investment that’s been compared to the Gold Rush and the tech boom.</p>

But just a few years later, many are finding that the excitement and frenzy of the Green Rush have given way to something closer to a green grind.

<p>But just a few years later, many are finding that the excitement and frenzy of the Green Rush have given way to something closer to a green grind.</p>

“There’s no get-rich-quick in cannabis—this is a long game,” said Brendan Hallinan, a business attorney who’s worked with cannabis clients for more than a decade and who is a partner now in several local cannabis businesses.&nbsp;

<p>“There’s no get-rich-quick in cannabis—this is a long game,” said Brendan Hallinan, a business attorney who’s worked with cannabis clients for more than a decade and who is a partner now in several local cannabis businesses.&nbsp;</p>

“I think a lot of people came into cannabis with the expectation, ‘Oh, we’re gonna make millions of dollars in a year.’ And it’s just not working out that way,” he added. “It’s a small business. It’s a startup in a challenging, highly regulated environment.”

<p>“I think a lot of people came into cannabis with the expectation, ‘Oh, we’re gonna make millions of dollars in a year.’ And it’s just not working out that way,” he added. “It’s a small business. It’s a startup in a challenging, highly regulated environment.”</p>

If anything, it’s more like running a bar or a restaurant than launching a startup, with the same modest profit margins and the same sobering rate of failure, according to the businesspeople and additional observers interviewed for this story.&nbsp;

<p>If anything, it’s more like running a bar or a restaurant than launching a startup, with the same modest profit margins and the same sobering rate of failure, according to the businesspeople and additional observers interviewed for this story.&nbsp;</p>

“Nobody’s making any money in this business,” said Ben Bleiman, a partner in cannabis dispensaries in Lower Nob Hill and on Clement Street in the Richmond.&nbsp;

<p>“Nobody’s making any money in this business,” said Ben Bleiman, a partner in cannabis dispensaries in Lower Nob Hill and on Clement Street in the Richmond.&nbsp;</p>

Bleiman, a successful bar owner and booster for San Francisco’s nightlife scene, has earned a reputation for his outspoken advocacy for the city’s indulgences and his often hyperbolic rhetoric. But in this case, he insists, he’s merely being real—and saying what policymakers need to hear: That legalization has been “an utter catastrophe.”

<p>Bleiman, a successful bar owner and booster for San Francisco’s nightlife scene, has earned a reputation for his outspoken advocacy for the city’s indulgences and his often hyperbolic rhetoric. But in this case, he insists, he’s merely being real—and saying what policymakers need to hear: That legalization has been “an utter catastrophe.”</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dank-taxes">Dank &amp; Taxes</h2>


<h2 id="h-dank-taxes">Dank &amp; Taxes</h2>

On the macro level, this can be hard to understand. California raked in nearly $1.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue last year, on taxable sales of more than $5.2 billion, according to<a href="https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/dataportal/dataset.htm?url=CannabisTaxRevenues"> Department of Tax and Fee Administration data</a>.

<p>On the macro level, this can be hard to understand. California raked in nearly $1.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue last year, on taxable sales of more than $5.2 billion, according to<a href="https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/dataportal/dataset.htm?url=CannabisTaxRevenues"> Department of Tax and Fee Administration data</a>.</p>

The numbers don’t lie, but they may deceive. In San Francisco, licensed merchants sold $231 million worth of weed in 2021—$17 million less than in 2020, the agency reported. And there is more competition for that shrinking opportunity.&nbsp;

<p>The numbers don’t lie, but they may deceive. In San Francisco, licensed merchants sold $231 million worth of weed in 2021—$17 million less than in 2020, the agency reported. And there is more competition for that shrinking opportunity.&nbsp;</p>

The pandemic is one explanation for why legal sales have stagnated. So is the booming and thriving illicit market, which may be <a href="http://www.cahcc.com/Portals/0/ADE%20Cannabis%20Report%20_8-6-20.pdf?ver=2020-08-11-125659-360">between three to five times</a> as large as the state’s legal market, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/02/california-legal-weed-cannabis-industry-economy">according to most estimates</a>.

<p>The pandemic is one explanation for why legal sales have stagnated. So is the booming and thriving illicit market, which may be <a href="http://www.cahcc.com/Portals/0/ADE%20Cannabis%20Report%20_8-6-20.pdf?ver=2020-08-11-125659-360">between three to five times</a> as large as the state’s legal market, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/02/california-legal-weed-cannabis-industry-economy">according to most estimates</a>.</p>

Though the state is struggling to shut down both illicit growers and unlicensed sellers, consumers have a strong incentive to buy from the “traditional” marketplace rather than legitimate merchants. It’s a lot cheaper.

<p>Though the state is struggling to shut down both illicit growers and unlicensed sellers, consumers have a strong incentive to buy from the “traditional” marketplace rather than legitimate merchants. It’s a lot cheaper.</p>

For consumers, “prices are too high,” agreed David Goldman, a retired public-school teacher and prominent cannabis activist who co-founded the city’s Brownie Mary Democratic Club, a political organization dedicated to cannabis advocacy.&nbsp;

<p>For consumers, “prices are too high,” agreed David Goldman, a retired public-school teacher and prominent cannabis activist who co-founded the city’s Brownie Mary Democratic Club, a political organization dedicated to cannabis advocacy.&nbsp;</p>

As numerous reviews, including <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/Portals/1/Documents/fiscal/Marijuana_Fiscal_Brief_Jan_2021.pdf">a National Conference of State Legislatures policy brief have found, California’s cannabis tax burden</a> <a href="https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/marijuana_legalization_impact_assessment_7-13-18.pdf">is one of the highest in the country</a>. A $166.08 flat tax is due on every pound of cannabis flower, plus a 15% excise tax, and state sales tax, <a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4125">according to the state Legislative Analysts Office.</a> Local taxes, like the gross receipts tax of up to 5% that San Francisco voters approved in 2018—but temperarily suspended—add to the burden.&nbsp;

<p>As numerous reviews, including <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/Portals/1/Documents/fiscal/Marijuana_Fiscal_Brief_Jan_2021.pdf">a National Conference of State Legislatures policy brief have found, California’s cannabis tax burden</a> <a href="https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/marijuana_legalization_impact_assessment_7-13-18.pdf">is one of the highest in the country</a>. A $166.08 flat tax is due on every pound of cannabis flower, plus a 15% excise tax, and state sales tax, <a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4125">according to the state Legislative Analysts Office.</a> Local taxes, like the gross receipts tax of up to 5% that San Francisco voters approved in 2018—but temperarily suspended—add to the burden.&nbsp;</p>

In addition to taxing cannabis more than other states, California also taxes cannabis “more” than other commodities, including so-called “vice” sectors like alcohol or tobacco. Tobacco growers, hops growers and vineyards are not hit with a flat tax rate at the production level.&nbsp;

<p>In addition to taxing cannabis more than other states, California also taxes cannabis “more” than other commodities, including so-called “vice” sectors like alcohol or tobacco. Tobacco growers, hops growers and vineyards are not hit with a flat tax rate at the production level.&nbsp;</p>

Detail of giant joints in the Sunset Connect workspace in San Francisco on April, 19th 2022. |Eloïse Kelsey


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Dispensary_EloiseKelsey_008-2500x1676.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47187"/><figcaption><em>Detail of giant joints in the Sunset Connect workspace in San Francisco on April, 19th 2022. | Eloïse Kelsey</em></figcaption></figure>


To compound the matter, there’s too much weed. The state produces as much as three times the cannabis it consumes, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2021/08/31/its-gonna-be-a-bloodbath-epic-marijuana-oversupply-is-flooding-california-jeopardizing-legalization/?sh=7277c2257ddb">according to an estimate from the Humboldt County Growers Alliance</a>. This oversupply has sent wholesale prices plummeting from several thousand dollars per pound in the medical-cannabis era to $500 or below. It’s a one-two punch that adds up to an <a href="https://www.abc10.com/article/money/black-nonprofit-farmers-call-for-cannabis-tax-reform/103-c343ade2-a00e-431f-b62f-c4a8e44ab0a3">effective tax rate for farmers of 50% or more</a> before the crop even hits the production room, a tax burden not felt by any other agricultural sector.

<p>To compound the matter, there’s too much weed. The state produces as much as three times the cannabis it consumes, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2021/08/31/its-gonna-be-a-bloodbath-epic-marijuana-oversupply-is-flooding-california-jeopardizing-legalization/?sh=7277c2257ddb">according to an estimate from the Humboldt County Growers Alliance</a>. This oversupply has sent wholesale prices plummeting from several thousand dollars per pound in the medical-cannabis era to $500 or below. It’s a one-two punch that adds up to an <a href="https://www.abc10.com/article/money/black-nonprofit-farmers-call-for-cannabis-tax-reform/103-c343ade2-a00e-431f-b62f-c4a8e44ab0a3">effective tax rate for farmers of 50% or more</a> before the crop even hits the production room, a tax burden not felt by any other agricultural sector.</p>

“Nobody taxes hops or tobacco at the cultivator level,” <a href="https://twitter.com/OglesbyPat">said Pat Oglesby</a>, a North Carolina-based attorney and founder of the tax policy nonprofit Center for New Revenue, who chaired the tax structure working group of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s<a href="https://www.safeandsmartpolicy.org/"> Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Legalization</a>.&nbsp;

<p>“Nobody taxes hops or tobacco at the cultivator level,” <a href="https://twitter.com/OglesbyPat">said Pat Oglesby</a>, a North Carolina-based attorney and founder of the tax policy nonprofit Center for New Revenue, who chaired the tax structure working group of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s<a href="https://www.safeandsmartpolicy.org/"> Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Legalization</a>.&nbsp;</p>

These taxes, part of the “tax and regulate” sales pitch that convinced voters to legalize, “continue to strangle the legal cannabis industry, preventing it from more effectively competing” with the illicit market, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored legislation suspending the local tax.&nbsp;

<p>These taxes, part of the “tax and regulate” sales pitch that convinced voters to legalize, “continue to strangle the legal cannabis industry, preventing it from more effectively competing” with the illicit market, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored legislation suspending the local tax.&nbsp;</p>

Add in the ongoing federal cannabis prohibition, which prevents marijuana businesses from deducting normal business expenses thanks to <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/section-280e-and-the-taxation-of-5068426/">a section of IRS code called 280E</a>, and “<a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/how-irs-tries-to-collect-taxes-from-marijuana-companies-through-280e/">your average cannabis business pays three to five times more taxes than a regular business</a>,” Bleiman said.&nbsp;

<p>Add in the ongoing federal cannabis prohibition, which prevents marijuana businesses from deducting normal business expenses thanks to <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/section-280e-and-the-taxation-of-5068426/">a section of IRS code called 280E</a>, and “<a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/how-irs-tries-to-collect-taxes-from-marijuana-companies-through-280e/">your average cannabis business pays three to five times more taxes than a regular business</a>,” Bleiman said.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-constant-fight">‘A Constant Fight’</h2>


<h2 id="h-a-constant-fight">‘A Constant Fight’</h2>

Matt Haney, District 6 supervisor, on why he’s running

This weekend: Pride parade, Japanese internment opera and an ‘extinction’ event

The green grind: SF cannabis firms call out taxes and broken promises

Crypto, tech stocks and expensive homes: What SF’s elected officials own

Street safety: Transit agency gets a start on cutting car speeds

Search Results for: san francisco police

Matt Haney, District 6 supervisor, on why he’s running

This weekend: Pride parade, Japanese internment opera and an ‘extinction’ event

The green grind: SF cannabis firms call out taxes and broken promises

Crypto, tech stocks and expensive homes: What SF’s elected officials own

Street safety: Transit agency gets a start on cutting car speeds