Mark Farrell

Following the deadly crash in West Portal last weekend, the Standard asked the leading candidates for mayor what they would do to make city streets safer and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/breed-deadly-crash-safety/">Mayor London Breed</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/safai-deadly-crash-safety/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a>, former mayor and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/farrell-deadly-crash-safety/">supervisor Mark Farrell</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/">non-profit executive</a> Daniel Lurie</a> submitted responses.

core/paragraph

Following the deadly crash in West Portal last weekend, the Standard asked the leading candidates for mayor what they would do to make city streets safer and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/breed-deadly-crash-safety/">Mayor London Breed</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/safai-deadly-crash-safety/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a>, former mayor and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/farrell-deadly-crash-safety/">supervisor Mark Farrell</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/">non-profit executive</a> Daniel Lurie</a> submitted responses.

In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by 2024. Although we have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/20/traffic-deaths-in-san-francisco-continue-despite-vision-zero/#">clearly fallen short</a> 10 years later, the goal and work to make Vision Zero a reality must remain.

San Francisco set out to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024. Why has it failed?

In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by 2024. Although we have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/20/traffic-deaths-in-san-francisco-continue-despite-vision-zero/#">clearly fallen short</a> 10 years later, the goal and work to make Vision Zero a reality must remain.

Last weekend, we had a devastating reminder of the work we still have left to do. Our city was shaken by a <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horrific crash</a> in West Portal caused by a driver allegedly speeding and going the wrong way, killing three members of a family and critically injuring their 2-month-old infant. The tragedy has caused enormous suffering and left a lasting mark on the community, a painful reminder that pedestrian <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette">fatalities</a> due to car collisions remain stubbornly high in San Francisco.

Last weekend, we had a devastating reminder of the work we still have left to do. Our city was shaken by a <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horrific crash</a> in West Portal caused by a driver allegedly speeding and going the wrong way, killing three members of a family and critically injuring their 2-month-old infant. The tragedy has caused enormous suffering and left a lasting mark on the community, a painful reminder that pedestrian <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette">fatalities</a> due to car collisions remain stubbornly high in San Francisco.

On average, <a href="https://walksf.org/news/for-reporters/press-releases/west-portal-pedestrians-killed-march-16-2024/#:~:text=Citywide%2C%20around%2030%20people%20are,50%25%20of%20these%20fatalities%20annually.&amp;text=Walk%20San%20Francisco%20('Walk%20SF,who%20walks%2C%20which%20is%20everyone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 people</a> are killed every year on San Francisco’s streets and over 500 are severely injured. This year, the city has seen more <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/west-portal-crash-arrest-three-dead-19201921.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic-related deaths</a> than average and is on track to surpass total traffic deaths in 2023. This is unacceptable. Our families deserve better.&nbsp;

On average, <a href="https://walksf.org/news/for-reporters/press-releases/west-portal-pedestrians-killed-march-16-2024/#:~:text=Citywide%2C%20around%2030%20people%20are,50%25%20of%20these%20fatalities%20annually.&amp;text=Walk%20San%20Francisco%20('Walk%20SF,who%20walks%2C%20which%20is%20everyone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 people</a> are killed every year on San Francisco’s streets and over 500 are severely injured. This year, the city has seen more <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/west-portal-crash-arrest-three-dead-19201921.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic-related deaths</a> than average and is on track to surpass total traffic deaths in 2023. This is unacceptable. Our families deserve better.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, much of this boils down to failed leadership. Mayor London Breed has bungled or abandoned one half-baked initiative after another and stalled critical projects that would improve road safety. This is all while allowing her San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to force ideological-driven streetscape initiatives on communities that don’t take unique neighborhood needs into account.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, much of this boils down to failed leadership. Mayor London Breed has bungled or abandoned one half-baked initiative after another and stalled critical projects that would improve road safety. This is all while allowing her San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to force ideological-driven streetscape initiatives on communities that don’t take unique neighborhood needs into account.&nbsp;

Our city’s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/better-market-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Better Market Street project</a>, which I consistently voted to support while in office, was intended to breathe new life into downtown, promising a safe Market Street for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Millions of dollars and countless hours went into the project. But Breed gutted the effort with no explanation. Not only did it never come to fruition, but her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">decision to ban cars</a> on Market Street has simultaneously failed to stop collisions there and caused nightmarish traffic on arterial streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Did car-free Market Street kill San Francisco’s most important boulevard?

Our city’s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/better-market-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Better Market Street project</a>, which I consistently voted to support while in office, was intended to breathe new life into downtown, promising a safe Market Street for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Millions of dollars and countless hours went into the project. But Breed gutted the effort with no explanation. Not only did it never come to fruition, but her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">decision to ban cars</a> on Market Street has simultaneously failed to stop collisions there and caused nightmarish traffic on arterial streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This unfulfilled promise was soon followed by the contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">Valencia Street bike lane project</a>. After dedicating significant resources and undergoing two redesigns, Breed managed to upset neighbors, bicyclists and small businesses on the corridor, earning a rare trifecta of opposition. This is just the latest example of her inability to get any semblance of community support for streetscape projects and road use changes, which has prevented the city from making faster and real progress. Incidents along the corridor have only <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2024/02/21/cutting-through-the-newest-misinformation-on-valencias-center-running-bike-lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gotten worse</a> since then.

A bike lane moved, and this San Francisco neighborhood erupted

This unfulfilled promise was soon followed by the contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">Valencia Street bike lane project</a>. After dedicating significant resources and undergoing two redesigns, Breed managed to upset neighbors, bicyclists and small businesses on the corridor, earning a rare trifecta of opposition. This is just the latest example of her inability to get any semblance of community support for streetscape projects and road use changes, which has prevented the city from making faster and real progress. Incidents along the corridor have only <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2024/02/21/cutting-through-the-newest-misinformation-on-valencias-center-running-bike-lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gotten worse</a> since then.

San Francisco cannot afford to keep putting lives in danger due to poor leadership. As mayor and District 2 supervisor, public safety was always my North Star, and it will continue to be my top priority. I helped advance thoughtful projects in my district, making improvements to Bay, Euclid and Lombard streets that balanced safety, convenience and neighborhood concerns. I helped install traffic calming measures, circles and stop signs across the city to slow down traffic on notorious unsafe streets. I even supported installing a new bike lane in front of my own home.&nbsp;

San Francisco cannot afford to keep putting lives in danger due to poor leadership. As mayor and District 2 supervisor, public safety was always my North Star, and it will continue to be my top priority. I helped advance thoughtful projects in my district, making improvements to Bay, Euclid and Lombard streets that balanced safety, convenience and neighborhood concerns. I helped install traffic calming measures, circles and stop signs across the city to slow down traffic on notorious unsafe streets. I even supported installing a new bike lane in front of my own home.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it&#8217;s too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it's too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it&#8217;s too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn&#8217;t wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

Woman arrested after 4-year-old girl killed in crash near San Francisco&#8217;s Oracle Park

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn't wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn&#8217;t wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

As mayor, I will take bold, aggressive action to ensure all road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, are safe on our streets. I am committed to installing bollards on sidewalks at major intersections that have multiple modes and are near places like hospitals, parks and schools that are exposed to more vulnerable road users. These have the benefit of also being easy to remove and replace as traffic and neighborhood needs inevitably shift over time.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will take bold, aggressive action to ensure all road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, are safe on our streets. I am committed to installing bollards on sidewalks at major intersections that have multiple modes and are near places like hospitals, parks and schools that are exposed to more vulnerable road users. These have the benefit of also being easy to remove and replace as traffic and neighborhood needs inevitably shift over time.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will support the installation of more speed cameras. Speed is what kills, and we need more tools to deter speeding and enforce speed limits. I also support installing protected bike lanes on streets that are wide enough to support them and heavily used by cyclists. Some of the most famous promenades in the world in <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/08/commentary-the-paris-bike-boom-is-incroyable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris</a>, <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/10/18/cycling-through-covid-19-barcelona-and-seville-spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/31/commentary-the-shock-of-returning-to-the-bay-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rotterdam</a> have managed to balance and promote safety, public transit, bicycling, private vehicles and convenience for all road users, and so can we.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will support the installation of more speed cameras. Speed is what kills, and we need more tools to deter speeding and enforce speed limits. I also support installing protected bike lanes on streets that are wide enough to support them and heavily used by cyclists. Some of the most famous promenades in the world in <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/08/commentary-the-paris-bike-boom-is-incroyable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris</a>, <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/10/18/cycling-through-covid-19-barcelona-and-seville-spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/31/commentary-the-shock-of-returning-to-the-bay-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rotterdam</a> have managed to balance and promote safety, public transit, bicycling, private vehicles and convenience for all road users, and so can we.&nbsp;

We need to continue to strive for Vision Zero because one life lost is too many. But we need a change in leadership to drive the real change and progress San Francisco deserves.&nbsp;

We need to continue to strive for Vision Zero because one life lost is too many. But we need a change in leadership to drive the real change and progress San Francisco deserves.&nbsp;

Mark Farrell is the 44th mayor of San Francisco and a former District 2 supervisor and is running to be the 46th mayor of San Francisco.

Mark Farrell is the 44th mayor of San Francisco and a former District 2 supervisor and is running to be the 46th mayor of San Francisco.

West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Opinion: West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Max Harrison-Caldwell

It was March when Gwen decided she’d had enough.&nbsp;

It was March when Gwen decided she’d had enough.&nbsp;

Her husband had dragged her out of the elevator in their apartment building while their daughter watched. Gwen screamed, broke free, and ran to knock on a neighbor’s door. The police arrived soon after.

Her husband had dragged her out of the elevator in their apartment building while their daughter watched. Gwen screamed, broke free, and ran to knock on a neighbor’s door. The police arrived soon after.

“That’s how it started,” said Gwen, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy. “I’m trying to figure out how I’m gonna do things. I’m communicating with my job, my [daughter’s] school.”

“That’s how it started,” said Gwen, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy. “I’m trying to figure out how I’m gonna do things. I’m communicating with my job, my [daughter’s] school.”

Her husband had been isolating her for years, she said. He had taken her money, her phone, her wedding ring, even her glasses. He had abused her physically, emotionally, and sexually. The Standard corroborated Gwen’s story through court documents.

Her husband had been isolating her for years, she said. He had taken her money, her phone, her wedding ring, even her glasses. He had abused her physically, emotionally, and sexually. The Standard corroborated Gwen’s story through court documents.

“He said he didn’t care if he ended up in jail after killing me,” Gwen said.

“He said he didn’t care if he ended up in jail after killing me,” Gwen said.

After the elevator incident, Gwen fled to a friend’s house with her daughter. The police had given her a list of nonprofit service providers, but one after another said they didn’t have capacity to help her or had a long client waitlist.&nbsp;

After the elevator incident, Gwen fled to a friend’s house with her daughter. The police had given her a list of nonprofit service providers, but one after another said they didn’t have capacity to help her or had a long client waitlist.&nbsp;

One organization, Gwen recalled, said, “I’m sorry. We’re rooting for you.”&nbsp;

One organization, Gwen recalled, said, “I’m sorry. We’re rooting for you.”&nbsp;

She contacted more than 20 groups over a period of six months before finding one that would take her case.

She contacted more than 20 groups over a period of six months before finding one that would take her case.

“I’m like, if I’m going through this, someone will just give up and stay in a fucked-up marriage,” Gwen said.&nbsp;

“I’m like, if I’m going through this, someone will just give up and stay in a fucked-up marriage,” Gwen said.&nbsp;

She chronicled her journey in a black, spiral-bound notebook decorated with pink roses and sparkling gold spots. By the time she found legal representation, she had filled every page.

She chronicled her journey in a black, spiral-bound notebook decorated with pink roses and sparkling gold spots. By the time she found legal representation, she had filled every page.

A domestic violence survivor holds the notebook she used to catalog both the abuse she suffered and the ways in which she tried to escape her marriage in San Francisco on Thursday Jan. 9, 2025. Navigating resources for domestic violence survivors in San Francisco can be very challenging. Many individuals struggle to find information about shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/navigating-the-citys-resources-for-dv-survivors-is-a-nightmare_aar_6.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person in a denim outfit holds a spiral notebook with a black cover, vibrant pink and purple floral design, and small gold dots." class="wp-image-354864"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gwen used her notebook to catalog both the abuse she suffered and the ways in which she tried to escape her marriage.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/navigating-the-citys-resources-for-dv-survivors-is-a-nightmare_aar_6.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person in a denim outfit holds a spiral notebook with a black cover, vibrant pink and purple floral design, and small gold dots." class="wp-image-354864"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gwen used her notebook to catalog both the abuse she suffered and the ways in which she tried to escape her marriage.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nonprofit-pingpong">Nonprofit pingpong</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nonprofit-pingpong">Nonprofit pingpong</h2>

Nonprofits in San Francisco deliver services to thousands of people each year. More than 13,000 people accessed services through domestic violence programs in fiscal year 2022-23, according to a report from the Department on the Status of Women obtained by The Standard. The document reports that the district attorney’s office prosecuted nearly 500 domestic violence cases in 2023.&nbsp;

Nonprofits in San Francisco deliver services to thousands of people each year. More than 13,000 people accessed services through domestic violence programs in fiscal year 2022-23, according to a report from the Department on the Status of Women obtained by The Standard. The document reports that the district attorney’s office prosecuted nearly 500 domestic violence cases in 2023.&nbsp;

But what Gwen found is that in San Francisco, the myriad city agencies and nonprofits seeking to assist domestic violence survivors don’t always communicate with one another. When organizations were turning her away, or informing her of long waitlists, they would often refer her to groups she’d already visited. And she wasn’t the only one.

But what Gwen found is that in San Francisco, the myriad city agencies and nonprofits seeking to assist domestic violence survivors don’t always communicate with one another. When organizations were turning her away, or informing her of long waitlists, they would often refer her to groups she’d already visited. And she wasn’t the only one.

Alona said that when she called the numbers on the survivor resources flyer police gave her, four or five organizations didn’t answer the phone at all.

Alona said that when she called the numbers on the survivor resources flyer police gave her, four or five organizations didn’t answer the phone at all.

“I felt like I was in the tunnel, with no light at all,” said Alona, whose last name is being withheld to protect her privacy. “It’s so depressing. I didn’t know where to go. I felt lost.”

“I felt like I was in the tunnel, with no light at all,” said Alona, whose last name is being withheld to protect her privacy. “It’s so depressing. I didn’t know where to go. I felt lost.”

“I’ve had dozens of clients who have said how difficult it was to get help,” said family law attorney Stefanie Young, who works with the nonprofit Open Door Legal.&nbsp;

“I’ve had dozens of clients who have said how difficult it was to get help,” said family law attorney Stefanie Young, who works with the nonprofit Open Door Legal.&nbsp;

Young said one big problem is a lack of city funding, particularly for legal services. Open Door Legal’s executive director, Adrian Tirtanadi, described funding for these services as “grossly insufficient.”

Young said one big problem is a lack of city funding, particularly for legal services. Open Door Legal’s executive director, Adrian Tirtanadi, described funding for these services as “grossly insufficient.”

“You may say, ‘Oh, it’s because of a lack of coordination,’ but it’s really a lack of funding,” Tirtanadi said.&nbsp;

“You may say, ‘Oh, it’s because of a lack of coordination,’ but it’s really a lack of funding,” Tirtanadi said.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-crime">‘Hidden crime’</h2>

Beverly Upton, who has led the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium since 2001, said she has seen the need for services steadily increase.

Beverly Upton, who has led the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium since 2001, said she has seen the need for services steadily increase.

“The crisis lines and referral numbers are taking thousands of calls a year, and they have suffered some budget cuts,” she said.&nbsp;

“The crisis lines and referral numbers are taking thousands of calls a year, and they have suffered some budget cuts,” she said.&nbsp;

The increase could be driven by a rise in violence, by more people reporting, or both. But Upton is sure the trend hasn’t made domestic violence more of a funding priority for the city.&nbsp;

The increase could be driven by a rise in violence, by more people reporting, or both. But Upton is sure the trend hasn’t made domestic violence more of a funding priority for the city.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, I would say, competing priorities and the political will to support this vital work has been an issue,” she said. “Domestic violence is a quieter, more hidden crime and trauma that lives in the shadows. And when you have thousands of people living on the streets, of course that becomes a competing priority.”

“In San Francisco, I would say, competing priorities and the political will to support this vital work has been an issue,” she said. “Domestic violence is a quieter, more hidden crime and trauma that lives in the shadows. And when you have thousands of people living on the streets, of course that becomes a competing priority.”

Upton stressed that she did not want to see competition between nonprofits helping survivors of violence and those helping the unhoused. After all, the issues are related: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women, and 52% of women living on San Francisco’s streets report having experienced it. But homelessness, as a public problem, is much more visible, so it often takes precedence during budget negotiations.

Upton stressed that she did not want to see competition between nonprofits helping survivors of violence and those helping the unhoused. After all, the issues are related: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women, and 52% of women living on San Francisco’s streets report having experienced it. But homelessness, as a public problem, is much more visible, so it often takes precedence during budget negotiations.

San Francisco created an agency to fight sexual crimes. It’s never met with police

sf-standard/related-post

‘I have been failed’: Victims slam court as domestic violence, deadly driving cases tossed

Democratic leader accused of sexual assault gets his job back

sf-standard/related-posts-container

Even when the city allocates money to service providers for victims of domestic violence, Upton says, it doesn&#8217;t always show up.

Even when the city allocates money to service providers for victims of domestic violence, Upton says, it doesn't always show up.

Even when the city allocates money to service providers for victims of domestic violence, Upton says, it doesn&#8217;t always show up.

Though the Board of Supervisors earmarked $1.25 million for its portfolio of gender-based violence organizations for fiscal year 2022-23, those organizations never saw the money, Upton said. That’s because even when the board allocates money for a certain purpose, mayoral departments can choose not to spend it — and they did. The $1.25 million was folded back into the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Though the Board of Supervisors earmarked $1.25 million for its portfolio of gender-based violence organizations for fiscal year 2022-23, those organizations never saw the money, Upton said. That’s because even when the board allocates money for a certain purpose, mayoral departments can choose not to spend it — and they did. The $1.25 million was folded back into the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Mayor Daniel Lurie has yet to announce grant recipients for the coming fiscal year.

Mayor Daniel Lurie has yet to announce grant recipients for the coming fiscal year.

“The community is holding its breath, hoping that they will continue to be funded,” Upton said.&nbsp;

“The community is holding its breath, hoping that they will continue to be funded,” Upton said.&nbsp;

Lurie&#8217;s office did not answer specific questions, but provided the following statement:

Lurie's office did not answer specific questions, but provided the following statement:

Lurie&#8217;s office did not answer specific questions, but provided the following statement:

&#8220;Mayor Lurie will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why he specifically took time during his campaign to listen to survivors and understand how best to support them, and our administration will continue that work.”

"Mayor Lurie will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why he specifically took time during his campaign to listen to survivors and understand how best to support them, and our administration will continue that work.”

&#8220;Mayor Lurie will always stand up for survivors of domestic violence. That’s why he specifically took time during his campaign to listen to survivors and understand how best to support them, and our administration will continue that work.”

City Hall on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Candidate Daniel Lurie beat London Breed to capture the title of Mayor of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241107-breedconcedes_jason_0003-edited.jpg" alt="A grand building with a large domed roof, adorned with ornate details, stands against a clear sky. Two flags are visible on poles nearby." class="wp-image-354867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters in 2022 passed Proposition D to establish the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Victim Rights.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241107-breedconcedes_jason_0003-edited.jpg" alt="A grand building with a large domed roof, adorned with ornate details, stands against a clear sky. Two flags are visible on poles nearby." class="wp-image-354867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters in 2022 passed Proposition D to establish the Mayor's Office of Victim Rights.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20241107-breedconcedes_jason_0003-edited.jpg" alt="A grand building with a large domed roof, adorned with ornate details, stands against a clear sky. Two flags are visible on poles nearby." class="wp-image-354867"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters in 2022 passed Proposition D to establish the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Victim Rights.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dream-deferred">A dream deferred</h2>

The city did have one plan to address the coordination problem, but it has become another delayed promise. The Mayor’s Office of Victim Rights is meant to guide victims and survivors through the process of finding legal representation and other services.

The city did have one plan to address the coordination problem, but it has become another delayed promise. The Mayor’s Office of Victim Rights is meant to guide victims and survivors through the process of finding legal representation and other services.

Voters approved MOVR’s creation by passing Proposition D in 2022. But two-and-a-half years later, the office still has no website, only recently got a phone number and office space, and has yet to announce its first hires.

Voters approved MOVR’s creation by passing Proposition D in 2022. But two-and-a-half years later, the office still has no website, only recently got a phone number and office space, and has yet to announce its first hires.

The office so far consists only of director Ivy Lee, appointed last year by Mayor London Breed, deputy director Bobbi Lopez, and one employee who started in late December.

The office so far consists only of director Ivy Lee, appointed last year by Mayor London Breed, deputy director Bobbi Lopez, and one employee who started in late December.

“It’s been frustrating for myself and also for community members that it’s taken so long,” Lopez said. “But it’s happening.”&nbsp;

“It’s been frustrating for myself and also for community members that it’s taken so long,” Lopez said. “But it’s happening.”&nbsp;

Lopez cited budget challenges and a lengthy hiring process for the delays and emphasized that she is excited for the new office to get to work.&nbsp;

Lopez cited budget challenges and a lengthy hiring process for the delays and emphasized that she is excited for the new office to get to work.&nbsp;

A source with firsthand knowledge of 2022 budget negotiations said MOVR was supposed to get funding in 2022, but a political dispute got in the way, and a year passed before the city allocated any money.&nbsp;

A source with firsthand knowledge of 2022 budget negotiations said MOVR was supposed to get funding in 2022, but a political dispute got in the way, and a year passed before the city allocated any money.&nbsp;

Yet another year went by before Breed appointed Lee in May, right before the director took a planned three-month leave to represent sexual assault survivors in local courts.

Yet another year went by before Breed appointed Lee in May, right before the director took a planned three-month leave to represent sexual assault survivors in local courts.

“The delays have been frustrating,” former Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who wrote Prop. D and now represents San Francisco in the state assembly, said in an email, “But they underscore the systemic issues we’re working to address.

“The delays have been frustrating,” former Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who wrote Prop. D and now represents San Francisco in the state assembly, said in an email, “But they underscore the systemic issues we’re working to address.

“San Francisco’s existing services have been fragmented and overly reliant on the criminal justice system,” she added. “This left many victims — especially those who do not report their abuse to law enforcement — without access to critical resources.”

“San Francisco’s existing services have been fragmented and overly reliant on the criminal justice system,” she added. “This left many victims — especially those who do not report their abuse to law enforcement — without access to critical resources.”

Prop. D was also supposed to create a right to legal counsel for victims of domestic violence. Even with Lee’s office launching, that remains a dream: MOVR aims to launch a right-to-counsel pilot in the future, if funding allows.

Prop. D was also supposed to create a right to legal counsel for victims of domestic violence. Even with Lee’s office launching, that remains a dream: MOVR aims to launch a right-to-counsel pilot in the future, if funding allows.

If you are looking for resources to escape domestic violence, help is available:&nbsp;

If you are looking for resources to escape domestic violence, help is available:&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mayor’s Office of Victim Rights, 628-652-1175</li>



<li>Asian Women’s Shelter 24/7 crisis line, 877-751-0880&nbsp;</li>



<li>National Domestic Violence Hotline, text START to 88788 or call 800-799-7233</li>



<li>WOMAN, Inc. 24/7 Support Line, 877-384-3578</li>



<li>Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic, 415-969-6711</li>



<li>La Casa De Las Madres Crisis, call 877-503-1850 or text 415-200-3575</li>



<li>A Women’s Place, 415-487-2140</li>



<li>Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, 415-869-7977</li>



<li>Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, 888-260-1498</li>
</ul>

Mayor’s Office of Victim Rights, 628-652-1175

core/list-item

<li>Mayor’s Office of Victim Rights, 628-652-1175</li>

Asian Women’s Shelter 24/7 crisis line, 877-751-0880&nbsp;

<li>Asian Women’s Shelter 24/7 crisis line, 877-751-0880&nbsp;</li>

National Domestic Violence Hotline, text START to 88788 or call 800-799-7233

<li>National Domestic Violence Hotline, text START to 88788 or call 800-799-7233</li>

WOMAN, Inc. 24/7 Support Line, 877-384-3578

<li>WOMAN, Inc. 24/7 Support Line, 877-384-3578</li>

Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic, 415-969-6711

<li>Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic, 415-969-6711</li>

La Casa De Las Madres Crisis, call 877-503-1850 or text 415-200-3575

<li>La Casa De Las Madres Crisis, call 877-503-1850 or text 415-200-3575</li>

<li>A Women’s Place, 415-487-2140</li>

Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, 415-869-7977

<li>Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, 415-869-7977</li>

Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, 888-260-1498

<li>Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, 888-260-1498</li>

core/list

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Mayor’s Office of Victim Rights, 628-652-1175</li><li>Asian Women’s Shelter 24/7 crisis line, 877-751-0880&nbsp;</li><li>National Domestic Violence Hotline, text START to 88788 or call 800-799-7233</li><li>WOMAN, Inc. 24/7 Support Line, 877-384-3578</li><li>Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic, 415-969-6711</li><li>La Casa De Las Madres Crisis, call 877-503-1850 or text 415-200-3575</li><li>A Women’s Place, 415-487-2140</li><li>Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, 415-869-7977</li><li>Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, 888-260-1498</li></ul>

Domestic violence survivors face nightmare getting city help

Sam Mondros

Emily Shugerman

The art collectors of San Francisco are exhausted.&nbsp;

The art collectors of San Francisco are exhausted.&nbsp;

For the past week, they schlepped in their finery to soirees across the city as part of San Francisco Art Week, rushing to accept Partiful invites and sometimes waiting days to find out exact party locations. Caviar was eaten by the tray. THC gummies were consumed in demure 2 mg doses. And millions of dollars were spent on artworks.

For the past week, they schlepped in their finery to soirees across the city as part of San Francisco Art Week, rushing to accept Partiful invites and sometimes waiting days to find out exact party locations. Caviar was eaten by the tray. THC gummies were consumed in demure 2 mg doses. And millions of dollars were spent on artworks.

One of the hardest-to-score invitations was for Thursday’s top-secret party hosted by interior designer Nicole Hollis, who told invitees only that the event would be somewhere in San Francisco. When the address arrived in attendees&#8217; in-boxes hours before the event, it led to the English Tudor estate of private equity billionaire Scott Crabill, whose house boasts art by the likes of Richard Serra, Ruth Asawa, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.&nbsp;

One of the hardest-to-score invitations was for Thursday’s top-secret party hosted by interior designer Nicole Hollis, who told invitees only that the event would be somewhere in San Francisco. When the address arrived in attendees' in-boxes hours before the event, it led to the English Tudor estate of private equity billionaire Scott Crabill, whose house boasts art by the likes of Richard Serra, Ruth Asawa, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.&nbsp;

One of the hardest-to-score invitations was for Thursday’s top-secret party hosted by interior designer Nicole Hollis, who told invitees only that the event would be somewhere in San Francisco. When the address arrived in attendees&#8217; in-boxes hours before the event, it led to the English Tudor estate of private equity billionaire Scott Crabill, whose house boasts art by the likes of Richard Serra, Ruth Asawa, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.&nbsp;

“If this is a private collection,” remarked interior designer Tina Lai, “it’s a private museum.”

“If this is a private collection,” remarked interior designer Tina Lai, “it’s a private museum.”

It was at parties like this that the real action of San Francisco Art Week, which launched two years ago on the coattails of the FOG Fair, took place. And this year, the parties were more numerous than ever. “It was impossible to do everything,” said Ethan Beard, chair of the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco.

It was at parties like this that the real action of San Francisco Art Week, which launched two years ago on the coattails of the FOG Fair, took place. And this year, the parties were more numerous than ever. “It was impossible to do everything,” said Ethan Beard, chair of the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco.

Host Sonya You, second from right, mingles with guests at the Fog Gala after party at Gallery 419 January 22, 2025. San Francisco Standard attends Art World's post-gala after hour party during FOG Art and Design Week.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8251978043_fogartweekparties_0796.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stand close together at a lively gathering, engaged in animated conversation, with some holding drinks and smiling brightly at each other." class="wp-image-359546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Host Sonya Yu, second from right, mingles with guests at the FOG Gala after-party at Four One Nine.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8251978043_fogartweekparties_0796.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people stand close together at a lively gathering, engaged in animated conversation, with some holding drinks and smiling brightly at each other." class="wp-image-359546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Host Sonya Yu, second from right, mingles with guests at the FOG Gala after-party at Four One Nine.</figcaption></figure>

Hundreds of people attend an SF Art Week party and exhibition hosted by Ken Fulk and the St. Joseph’s Art Society in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The San Francisco Standard dispatches from lavish parties during the city’s FOG Art and Design Week.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="2500" width="1668" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8251978043_fogartweekparties-me-15.jpg?w=1668" alt="A vibrant party in a grand hall features a domed ceiling, colorful lights, and people mingling and dancing. A DJ is set up on a stage surrounded by ornate arches." class="wp-image-359551"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hundreds attend an SF Art Week party and exhibition at St. Joseph’s Art Society.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/8251978043_fogartweekparties-me-15.jpg?w=1668" alt="A vibrant party in a grand hall features a domed ceiling, colorful lights, and people mingling and dancing. A DJ is set up on a stage surrounded by ornate arches." class="wp-image-359551"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hundreds attend an SF Art Week party and exhibition at St. Joseph’s Art Society.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-belles-of-the-balls">The belles of the balls</h2>

ICA SF kicked off the week with a free event on Saturday that got so many RSVPs the organizers sent out a text blast hours beforehand asking people to cancel if they were no longer coming. More than 1,600 showed up. Despite the enthusiasm, some art cognoscenti turned up their noses at the crowd. “They weren’t really there for the art,” sniffed one FOG Gala attendee. Implied but not said: They were there for the open bar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ICA SF kicked off the week with a free event on Saturday that got so many RSVPs the organizers sent out a text blast hours beforehand asking people to cancel if they were no longer coming. More than 1,600 showed up. Despite the enthusiasm, some art cognoscenti turned up their noses at the crowd. “They weren’t really there for the art,” sniffed one FOG Gala attendee. Implied but not said: They were there for the open bar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One big name who did make it out: Mayor Daniel Lurie, who stopped by just four days into the job. “The days of outsiders defining San Francisco are over,” Lurie said in a speech barely audible over the din. “We, the artists, the innovators, get to decide how we define ourselves.”

One big name who did make it out: Mayor Daniel Lurie, who stopped by just four days into the job. “The days of outsiders defining San Francisco are over,” Lurie said in a speech barely audible over the din. “We, the artists, the innovators, get to decide how we define ourselves.”

As the night wound down, a group of VIPs — including ICA director Ali Gass and Christie’s executive Sarah Wendell Sherrill and her husband, District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill — peeled back an “access restricted” sign over the fourth-floor elevator button and headed up to the top of the atrium, where they found a small group of venture capitalists and art patrons kicking a bottle of Casa Dragones añejo between them.

As the night wound down, a group of VIPs — including ICA director Ali Gass and Christie’s executive Sarah Wendell Sherrill and her husband, District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill — peeled back an “access restricted” sign over the fourth-floor elevator button and headed up to the top of the atrium, where they found a small group of venture capitalists and art patrons kicking a bottle of Casa Dragones añejo between them.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-the-good-times-roll">Let the good times roll</h2>

On Tuesday at Mission Bowling Club, Jeffrey Fraenkel of Fraenkel Gallery, a 46-year San Francisco institution, was hosting what he called his annual “leveling party” that “mixes the high and low” — though the crowd seemed decidedly high-level: Among the bowlers were revered event producer Stanlee Gatti, philanthropist and art collector Susan Swig, and art dealer Sabrina Buell.&nbsp;

On Tuesday at Mission Bowling Club, Jeffrey Fraenkel of Fraenkel Gallery, a 46-year San Francisco institution, was hosting what he called his annual “leveling party” that “mixes the high and low” — though the crowd seemed decidedly high-level: Among the bowlers were revered event producer Stanlee Gatti, philanthropist and art collector Susan Swig, and art dealer Sabrina Buell.&nbsp;

Oh, and John Waters, whose appearance thrilled even the city’s jaded socialites. The filmmaker stayed until 9:30 before disappearing in an UberX. “He should have taken a Waymo,” huffed one observer.

Oh, and John Waters, whose appearance thrilled even the city’s jaded socialites. The filmmaker stayed until 9:30 before disappearing in an UberX. “He should have taken a Waymo,” huffed one observer.

No one bowled particularly well — The Standard did not see a score over 130 — though artists Carrie Mae Weems and Richard Misrach got points for enthusiasm.&nbsp;

No one bowled particularly well — The Standard did not see a score over 130 — though artists Carrie Mae Weems and Richard Misrach got points for enthusiasm.&nbsp;

Opinion: West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Domestic violence survivors face nightmare getting city help

Secret soirees, caviar carts, pricey paintings: Inside SF’s exclusive Art Week parties

Opinion: If Steve Hilton wants to be California governor, he should ditch the MAGA baggage

‘Tired of the negativity’: Breed hits back at doubters in State of the City speech

Search Results for: daniel lurie

Opinion: West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Domestic violence survivors face nightmare getting city help

Secret soirees, caviar carts, pricey paintings: Inside SF’s exclusive Art Week parties

Opinion: If Steve Hilton wants to be California governor, he should ditch the MAGA baggage

‘Tired of the negativity’: Breed hits back at doubters in State of the City speech