Max Harrison-Caldwell

When Donna Mateer was 14, she walked into a Whittier department store, put on a wedding dress, and strolled out. Store security quickly detained her for shoplifting. It was her first arrest, and an early sign of the mental illness that has afflicted her ever since.

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When Donna Mateer was 14, she walked into a Whittier department store, put on a wedding dress, and strolled out. Store security quickly detained her for shoplifting. It was her first arrest, and an early sign of the mental illness that has afflicted her ever since.

When Mateer was in her 20s, she worked at McDonald’s for a month, according to her sister Debbie Gish. It was the only job she ever had.

When Mateer was in her 20s, she worked at McDonald’s for a month, according to her sister Debbie Gish. It was the only job she ever had.

In 1994, when she was in her 30s, Mateer moved to San Francisco to live with Gish. Nearly a decade of chaos ensued. The sisters recalled Mateer hammering away on the piano in the dead of night. But it wasn’t just loud music — deep in a depressive episode, Mateer tried to take her own life by swallowing pills. At the hospital, she had her stomach pumped and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For the next 10 to 15 years — neither sister quite remembers the timeline — Mateer cycled through filthy board-and-care facilities and single-room occupancy hotels.

In 1994, when she was in her 30s, Mateer moved to San Francisco to live with Gish. Nearly a decade of chaos ensued. The sisters recalled Mateer hammering away on the piano in the dead of night. But it wasn’t just loud music — deep in a depressive episode, Mateer tried to take her own life by swallowing pills. At the hospital, she had her stomach pumped and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For the next 10 to 15 years — neither sister quite remembers the timeline — Mateer cycled through filthy board-and-care facilities and single-room occupancy hotels.

Then, sometime in the 2000s, she arrived at the Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and, for the first time, found stability. Mateer said the BHC staff truly care about her. They make sure she takes her medications and eats during her depressive episodes, but they also play guitar for residents and make them laugh.

Then, sometime in the 2000s, she arrived at the Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and, for the first time, found stability. Mateer said the BHC staff truly care about her. They make sure she takes her medications and eats during her depressive episodes, but they also play guitar for residents and make them laugh.

But soon, Mateer, 66, and the facility’s 81 other residents will have to move. As part of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s plan to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency/">tackle the homelessness and drug crises</a>, the Department of Public Health is converting the center into a mental health rehabilitation facility to treat people in crisis and moving current residents to facilities outside the hospital, including two in Hayes Valley that have yet to open. Unlike the current center, in which one floor is a locked ward, the new center will consist completely of locked beds for patients who need round-the-clock psychiatric care.&nbsp;

Lurie finally unveils plan for tackling SF&#8217;s fentanyl crisis

But soon, Mateer, 66, and the facility’s 81 other residents will have to move. As part of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s plan to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency/">tackle the homelessness and drug crises</a>, the Department of Public Health is converting the center into a mental health rehabilitation facility to treat people in crisis and moving current residents to facilities outside the hospital, including two in Hayes Valley that have yet to open. Unlike the current center, in which one floor is a locked ward, the new center will consist completely of locked beds for patients who need round-the-clock psychiatric care.&nbsp;

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Sept. 9, 2024. Community members, members of Faith in Action, and friends of Carmen Marquez gathered at the hospital to support Marquez. Marquez, who contracted meningitis while staying at a city-operated homeless shelter, was supposed to be discharged from the hospital this morning.

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No residents will need to move before the fall, city officials said. People on the second floor will likely move near the end of this year, while those on the first floor will move next year. Of the two planned Hayes Valley sites, the city has acquired only one; the Board of Supervisors will vote this summer on buying the other.

No residents will need to move before the fall, city officials said. People on the second floor will likely move near the end of this year, while those on the first floor will move next year. Of the two planned Hayes Valley sites, the city has acquired only one; the Board of Supervisors will vote this summer on buying the other.

City officials recognize that the move is unsettling —&nbsp;numerous hospital and city employees uttered the phrase “Change is hard” — but argue that the need for locked beds is paramount. Residents and their families, though, are scarred by past experiences at outside facilities and are loath to leave.

City officials recognize that the move is unsettling —&nbsp;numerous hospital and city employees uttered the phrase “Change is hard” — but argue that the need for locked beds is paramount. Residents and their families, though, are scarred by past experiences at outside facilities and are loath to leave.

Sitting on her walker outside the BHC, Mateer recalled her suicide attempt 30 years ago.

Sitting on her walker outside the BHC, Mateer recalled her suicide attempt 30 years ago.

“I might come down again, and where am I going to hide?” she said. “I need this place.”

“I might come down again, and where am I going to hide?” she said. “I need this place.”

Debbie Gish, right, requests that the concierge at the Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg General Hospital open the door for her sister Donna Mateer to re-enter the building, in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Mayor Daniel Lurie plans to convert the Behavioral Health Center into a shelter with 1500 beds, resulting in the relocation of long-term and senior residents to another facility.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-181.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people are outside a building. One uses a walker, and the other leans against a glass door, looking inside. Signs are visible on the wall and door." class="wp-image-406035"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mateer and her sister Debbie Gish outside the Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-181.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people are outside a building. One uses a walker, and the other leans against a glass door, looking inside. Signs are visible on the wall and door." class="wp-image-406035"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mateer and her sister Debbie Gish outside the Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-board-and-care-nightmares">Board-and-care nightmares</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-board-and-care-nightmares">Board-and-care nightmares</h2>

Relatives of BHC residents uniformly describe the facility as safe, orderly, and professional, in contrast to places their loved ones lived before: dirty board-and-care facilities with uncaring staff, where patients were allowed to wander away or go days without eating.

Relatives of BHC residents uniformly describe the facility as safe, orderly, and professional, in contrast to places their loved ones lived before: dirty board-and-care facilities with uncaring staff, where patients were allowed to wander away or go days without eating.

Elmer Conde, 65, has lived on the second floor of the BHC for about five years. His sister Antoinette said he was previously in a Mission facility that was shut down due to unsanitary conditions. And that wasn’t the only place Conde, who has schizophrenia, had problems.

Elmer Conde, 65, has lived on the second floor of the BHC for about five years. His sister Antoinette said he was previously in a Mission facility that was shut down due to unsanitary conditions. And that wasn’t the only place Conde, who has schizophrenia, had problems.

“My experience and his experience were not good at all,” Antoinette said. “[The facilities] were poorly managed, and the staff were mean.”

“My experience and his experience were not good at all,” Antoinette said. “[The facilities] were poorly managed, and the staff were mean.”

In 2019, Conde had to leave another home, the South Van Ness Manor, when it closed, contributing to the <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2022/08/despite-rosy-press-board-and-cares-continue-to-go-quietly/">loss of dozens of residential beds</a> in recent years.

In 2019, Conde had to leave another home, the South Van Ness Manor, when it closed, contributing to the <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2022/08/despite-rosy-press-board-and-cares-continue-to-go-quietly/">loss of dozens of residential beds</a> in recent years.

Rozelle Trizuto’s daughter Angela, 41, lives on the first floor of the BHC, which is known as the Adult Residential Facility, or ARF. Like Mateer, she cycled through small facilities before landing at the center and achieving stability.

Rozelle Trizuto’s daughter Angela, 41, lives on the first floor of the BHC, which is known as the Adult Residential Facility, or ARF. Like Mateer, she cycled through small facilities before landing at the center and achieving stability.

“My daughter and I have had vast experience with these psychiatric board-and-care places,” Trizuto said. “They’re horrible. Absolutely horrid, every single one of them.”

“My daughter and I have had vast experience with these psychiatric board-and-care places,” Trizuto said. “They’re horrible. Absolutely horrid, every single one of them.”

Trizuto described one Mission facility that had bedbugs and another “rathole that looked like it should have been a storage closet.”

Trizuto described one Mission facility that had bedbugs and another “rathole that looked like it should have been a storage closet.”

SF hospitals grapple with repeat psychiatric patients, frustrated workers

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Angela, who has schizophrenia and a history of violence, also spent time on the streets and in jail. But the nightmare ended when she moved to the BHC.&nbsp;

Angela, who has schizophrenia and a history of violence, also spent time on the streets and in jail. But the nightmare ended when she moved to the BHC.&nbsp;

“ARF has saved my daughter’s life,” Trizuto said. “She has done wonderfully. She goes out during the day sometimes, walks around, comes back, they make sure she takes her meds, they make sure she eats, they make sure she does the things a 41-year-old woman should do to take care of her health.”

“ARF has saved my daughter’s life,” Trizuto said. “She has done wonderfully. She goes out during the day sometimes, walks around, comes back, they make sure she takes her meds, they make sure she eats, they make sure she does the things a 41-year-old woman should do to take care of her health.”

Antoinette Conde said the same of her brother’s experience.

Antoinette Conde said the same of her brother’s experience.

“I swear to God, this is the safest place he’s been in. The safest and the cleanest. The hospital is just next door, if something happens,” Conde said. “This is perfect for this type of people. Why are you trying to move them?”

“I swear to God, this is the safest place he’s been in. The safest and the cleanest. The hospital is just next door, if something happens,” Conde said. “This is perfect for this type of people. Why are you trying to move them?”

at Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg General Hospital in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Mayor Daniel Lurie plans to convert the Behavioral Health Center into a shelter with 1500 beds, resulting in the relocation of long-term and senior residents to another facility.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="An older individual in a heavy black coat and teal scarf clasps hands together. A silver cross necklace is visible against the dark background of the jacket." class="wp-image-406036"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;I need this place,&#8221; Mateer says of the Behavioral Health Center. Her hands shake because of her medication.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="An older individual in a heavy black coat and teal scarf clasps hands together. A silver cross necklace is visible against the dark background of the jacket." class="wp-image-406036"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"I need this place," Mateer says of the Behavioral Health Center. Her hands shake because of her medication.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="An older individual in a heavy black coat and teal scarf clasps hands together. A silver cross necklace is visible against the dark background of the jacket." class="wp-image-406036"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;I need this place,&#8221; Mateer says of the Behavioral Health Center. Her hands shake because of her medication.</figcaption></figure>

Donna Mateer, a 69-year-old resident of the Behavioral Health Center at Zuckerberg General Hospital, left, sits next to her sister Debbie Gish and reflects on the challenges of moving away from the place she had resided for two decades.. San Francisco on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Mayor Daniel Lurie plans to convert the Behavioral Health Center into a shelter with 1500 beds, resulting in the relocation of long-term and senior residents to another facility. .

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-111.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people stand outdoors among greenery. One is in focus, wearing glasses and a purple cardigan, while the other is blurred in the foreground." class="wp-image-406038"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gish lives near the hospital and visits her sister frequently.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9186421678_orbegozo-111.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people stand outdoors among greenery. One is in focus, wearing glasses and a purple cardigan, while the other is blurred in the foreground." class="wp-image-406038"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gish lives near the hospital and visits her sister frequently.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acute-bed-shortage">Acute bed shortage</h2>

According to the Department of Public Health, the facility at SF General is the perfect place to add 57 locked beds. The top floor of the three-level building is already secure, and the structure was built as a locked facility. Additionally, the department has received $21 million in state funding to renovate the BHC and can double the number of locked beds in the city by doing so. (There are currently about 100 across several facilities.)

According to the Department of Public Health, the facility at SF General is the perfect place to add 57 locked beds. The top floor of the three-level building is already secure, and the structure was built as a locked facility. Additionally, the department has received $21 million in state funding to renovate the BHC and can double the number of locked beds in the city by doing so. (There are currently about 100 across several facilities.)

“The BHC is a unique opportunity because it’s this confluence of situations,” said Angelica Almeida, who oversees behavioral health services at the hospital.&nbsp;

“The BHC is a unique opportunity because it’s this confluence of situations,” said Angelica Almeida, who oversees behavioral health services at the hospital.&nbsp;

Kate Brady, board director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness San Francisco, said there are not enough locked beds in San Francisco to accommodate the need.&nbsp;

Kate Brady, board director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness San Francisco, said there are not enough locked beds in San Francisco to accommodate the need.&nbsp;

“Everybody is getting shipped outside of the city,” Brady said. And when doctors determine that patients are no longer a danger to themselves and others, they’re turned loose, even if nobody is there to pick them up.

“Everybody is getting shipped outside of the city,” Brady said. And when doctors determine that patients are no longer a danger to themselves and others, they’re turned loose, even if nobody is there to pick them up.

That’s only the people lucky enough to get a placement at all. Others are waiting in psychiatric emergency rooms, hospital hallways, and county jails for beds to open up.&nbsp;

That’s only the people lucky enough to get a placement at all. Others are waiting in psychiatric emergency rooms, hospital hallways, and county jails for beds to open up.&nbsp;

“Jail is not the right place for them,” said San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charles Crompton, who oversees the court’s behavioral and mental health diversion departments. “It should be, ‘What does this person need?’ But instead it’s, ‘What’s available?’ And if there’s no viable alternative to jail available, that’s the answer.”

“Jail is not the right place for them,” said San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charles Crompton, who oversees the court’s behavioral and mental health diversion departments. “It should be, ‘What does this person need?’ But instead it’s, ‘What’s available?’ And if there’s no viable alternative to jail available, that’s the answer.”

In addition to the potential for harm, placing such patients in jail contributes to crowding and the bottleneck in the courts. Psychiatric beds in hospitals are choked with people who need long-term residential care, restricting access to those experiencing acute mental health crises on the street. In short, it’s a mess — a mess that can be solved only by introducing more locked beds for residential care.

In addition to the potential for harm, placing such patients in jail contributes to crowding and the bottleneck in the courts. Psychiatric beds in hospitals are choked with people who need long-term residential care, restricting access to those experiencing acute mental health crises on the street. In short, it’s a mess — a mess that can be solved only by introducing more locked beds for residential care.

None of that is much comfort to BHC’s occupants, some of whom protested the conversion last month at a Board of Supervisors meeting. DPH has assured the residents they&#8217;ll receive the same level of care at their new homes. But they and their families remain skeptical.

None of that is much comfort to BHC’s occupants, some of whom protested the conversion last month at a Board of Supervisors meeting. DPH has assured the residents they'll receive the same level of care at their new homes. But they and their families remain skeptical.

None of that is much comfort to BHC’s occupants, some of whom protested the conversion last month at a Board of Supervisors meeting. DPH has assured the residents they&#8217;ll receive the same level of care at their new homes. But they and their families remain skeptical.

“They’re stabilized because of the environment of [the BHC],” Trizuto said. “You want to take a mini-community full of schizophrenic, bipolar people and move them around. That’s how you destabilize them again.”

“They’re stabilized because of the environment of [the BHC],” Trizuto said. “You want to take a mini-community full of schizophrenic, bipolar people and move them around. That’s how you destabilize them again.”

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text “988,” day or night, to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/">chat online</a>.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text “988,” day or night, to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/">chat online</a>.

Paradise lost: Patients told to leave hospital haven

Gabe Greschler

One of the most consequential forces driving San Francisco’s political future—crime rates in the city—has been trending downward this year.

One of the most consequential forces driving San Francisco’s political future—crime rates in the city—has been trending downward this year.

Robbery reports are at a six-year low, according to an analysis by The Standard of San Francisco Police Department data. After peaking in 2021, burglaries have fallen. Also down are crimes like motor vehicle theft and larceny, a category that includes car break-ins.

Robbery reports are at a six-year low, according to an analysis by The Standard of San Francisco Police Department data. After peaking in 2021, burglaries have fallen. Also down are crimes like motor vehicle theft and larceny, a category that includes car break-ins.

Even as crime rates fall, questions remain about whether voters—who are largely <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">unhappy with the state of the city</a> and frustrated with City Hall—will perceive the difference and reward sitting politicians for it.&nbsp;

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

Even as crime rates fall, questions remain about whether voters—who are largely <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">unhappy with the state of the city</a> and frustrated with City Hall—will perceive the difference and reward sitting politicians for it.&nbsp;

The development could change the dynamics of the mayoral race this November as public safety dominates the election conversation and candidates embrace tough positions on crime. Improving crime rates could complicate the narrative that some moderate candidates have relied on in their campaigns, political observers say.&nbsp;

The development could change the dynamics of the mayoral race this November as public safety dominates the election conversation and candidates embrace tough positions on crime. Improving crime rates could complicate the narrative that some moderate candidates have relied on in their campaigns, political observers say.&nbsp;

“London Breed will certainly try to get credit for things turning around,” progressive consultant Daniel Anderson said. “I think the trick is, can you get the narrative changed fast enough in the minds of voters? The thing is, it is such a departure from what she has been saying for the last couple of years.”

“London Breed will certainly try to get credit for things turning around,” progressive consultant Daniel Anderson said. “I think the trick is, can you get the narrative changed fast enough in the minds of voters? The thing is, it is such a departure from what she has been saying for the last couple of years.”

The data <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics">appears to reflect what other U.S. cities</a> are experiencing as the pandemic has subsided.

The data <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics">appears to reflect what other U.S. cities</a> are experiencing as the pandemic has subsided.

The Standard&#8217;s analysis includes a comparison of three-and-a-half-month intervals over the last six years—and offers insight into how the city is doing in its first 100 days of 2024, roughly four years since Covid pushed crime onto the center stage of San Francisco’s political debate.

The Standard's analysis includes a comparison of three-and-a-half-month intervals over the last six years—and offers insight into how the city is doing in its first 100 days of 2024, roughly four years since Covid pushed crime onto the center stage of San Francisco’s political debate.

The Standard&#8217;s analysis includes a comparison of three-and-a-half-month intervals over the last six years—and offers insight into how the city is doing in its first 100 days of 2024, roughly four years since Covid pushed crime onto the center stage of San Francisco’s political debate.

The most recent crime figures pulled from SFPD show robberies down from a high of 856 in the first 100 days of 2020 to 627 in the same period this year. Burglaries, which were at a peak of 2,384 in the first 100 days of 2021, have dropped to 1,408 in the same period this year. Larceny reports have dropped from the same period in 2018 at 11,812 to 6,118.

The most recent crime figures pulled from SFPD show robberies down from a high of 856 in the first 100 days of 2020 to 627 in the same period this year. Burglaries, which were at a peak of 2,384 in the first 100 days of 2021, have dropped to 1,408 in the same period this year. Larceny reports have dropped from the same period in 2018 at 11,812 to 6,118.

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The data is, of course, imperfect: It only represents reported incidents to police, so it may not capture the full picture of crime in the city. And the citywide data doesn’t measure changes on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, where some crimes may have increased in certain areas while decreasing in others.

The data is, of course, imperfect: It only represents reported incidents to police, so it may not capture the full picture of crime in the city. And the citywide data doesn’t measure changes on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, where some crimes may have increased in certain areas while decreasing in others.

Furthermore, the numbers don’t offer insight into activities in San Francisco that can play into people’s perceptions of public safety. University of San Francisco criminologist Kimberly Richman said people often associate high crime with boarded-up shops and homeless encampments.

Furthermore, the numbers don’t offer insight into activities in San Francisco that can play into people’s perceptions of public safety. University of San Francisco criminologist Kimberly Richman said people often associate high crime with boarded-up shops and homeless encampments.

&#8220;In general, people are normally primed to think that there is more crime than there is,” said Richman.

"In general, people are normally primed to think that there is more crime than there is,” said Richman.

&#8220;In general, people are normally primed to think that there is more crime than there is,” said Richman.

Some crime categories have also stubbornly plateaued, like assaults and homicides, though the latter numbers are still low when compared with those of other cities across the country.

Some crime categories have also stubbornly plateaued, like assaults and homicides, though the latter numbers are still low when compared with those of other cities across the country.

Fears around crime in San Francisco came to a head during the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022 when moderate opponents cast the city’s top cop as soft on crime.&nbsp;

Fears around crime in San Francisco came to a head during the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022 when moderate opponents cast the city’s top cop as soft on crime.&nbsp;

Facing pressure on the issue, Mayor London Breed has seemingly embraced tougher tactics on crime. Beginning in 2021, when she declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin, Breed championed two March ballot measures that tightened rules around drug use for recipients of cash assistance and handed more powers to police.&nbsp;

Facing pressure on the issue, Mayor London Breed has seemingly embraced tougher tactics on crime. Beginning in 2021, when she declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin, Breed championed two March ballot measures that tightened rules around drug use for recipients of cash assistance and handed more powers to police.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Mayor London Breed joined Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Myrna Melgar, and Joel Engardio joined business leaders and members of the community to announce the City's plan to install 400 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) at approximately 100 intersections across San Francisco. These new public safety license plate reader cameras will be used by SFPD to address critical public safety issues, including organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/powerplaynewsletter-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue jacket speaks into a microphone with blurred figures and vehicles in the background." class="wp-image-261097"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe,” according to a campaign spokesperson.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/powerplaynewsletter-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue jacket speaks into a microphone with blurred figures and vehicles in the background." class="wp-image-261097"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe,” according to a campaign spokesperson.</figcaption></figure>

Over the past month, Breed has proudly <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1778874478468145439">advertised</a> <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-2024-crime-rates-down-city-prepares-implement-new-voter-approved-public-safety">the</a> recent crime statistics—likely as a way to show her strategies on the issue are working.

Over the past month, Breed has proudly <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1778874478468145439">advertised</a> <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-2024-crime-rates-down-city-prepares-implement-new-voter-approved-public-safety">the</a> recent crime statistics—likely as a way to show her strategies on the issue are working.

It’s not clear whether voters will give the mayor credit for falling crime rates, however. Recent polling shows voters pessimistic about the state of the city and displeased with Breed’s performance.

It’s not clear whether voters will give the mayor credit for falling crime rates, however. Recent polling shows voters pessimistic about the state of the city and displeased with Breed’s performance.

“I see crime on another level,” said San Francisco resident Margaret McNulty as she stood on the steps of City Hall on Monday. “There’s a lot of shattered glass and graffiti. I think people are getting really frustrated. In terms of how I will vote, I haven’t seen any action plans. I want a fresh face.”

“I see crime on another level,” said San Francisco resident Margaret McNulty as she stood on the steps of City Hall on Monday. “There’s a lot of shattered glass and graffiti. I think people are getting really frustrated. In terms of how I will vote, I haven’t seen any action plans. I want a fresh face.”

Chris Callaway, who owns a dispensary on Van Ness Avenue, said he feels the city is making strides in both reducing store break-ins and controlling the spread of encampments.&nbsp;

Chris Callaway, who owns a dispensary on Van Ness Avenue, said he feels the city is making strides in both reducing store break-ins and controlling the spread of encampments.&nbsp;

He hasn’t made any decisions about who he will vote for yet—but said crime and the city’s ability to get empty storefronts filled will certainly be part of his decision-making.

He hasn’t made any decisions about who he will vote for yet—but said crime and the city’s ability to get empty storefronts filled will certainly be part of his decision-making.

“I will be taking a good look at the new candidates,” Callaway said.&nbsp;

“I will be taking a good look at the new candidates,” Callaway said.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Breed’s campaign said she “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe” and that she promises to have a fully staffed police force to keep pushing crime down if elected to a second term. “Her number one goal is for San Franciscans in every neighborhood to feel safe.”

A spokesperson for Breed’s campaign said she “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe” and that she promises to have a fully staffed police force to keep pushing crime down if elected to a second term. “Her number one goal is for San Franciscans in every neighborhood to feel safe.”

A San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer stands on Powell Street as pedestrians walk by in downtown San Francisco on Monday, April 22, 2024. While crime rates in San Francisco are falling across several categories, including burglaries, motor vehicle theft and larceny, voters are still largely unhappy with the state of the city--both factors that could impact the mayoral race during the upcoming November election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-61.jpg?w=2136" alt="A busy city street with pedestrians and a police officer in the foreground." class="wp-image-269701" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians walk down Powell Street near Union Square in downtown San Francisco on Monday. </figcaption></figure>

Todd David, the political director for the moderate-aligned advocacy organization Abundant SF, said the crime data benefits Breed and hurts her rivals Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, both of whom entered the race with public safety as a top priority.&nbsp;

Todd David, the political director for the moderate-aligned advocacy organization Abundant SF, said the crime data benefits Breed and hurts her rivals Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, both of whom entered the race with public safety as a top priority.&nbsp;

Farrell has gone the farthest between the two, calling for armed National Guard in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods to combat the city’s drug trade.

Farrell has gone the farthest between the two, calling for armed National Guard in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods to combat the city’s drug trade.

“Their whole argument for running is that London Breed is not doing a good job,” said David about Lurie and Farrell. “It doesn’t pass the smell test. When it seemed like things were bad, it was the mayor&#8217;s fault. Isn’t she responsible for both the good and the bad?”

“Their whole argument for running is that London Breed is not doing a good job,” said David about Lurie and Farrell. “It doesn’t pass the smell test. When it seemed like things were bad, it was the mayor's fault. Isn’t she responsible for both the good and the bad?”

“Their whole argument for running is that London Breed is not doing a good job,” said David about Lurie and Farrell. “It doesn’t pass the smell test. When it seemed like things were bad, it was the mayor&#8217;s fault. Isn’t she responsible for both the good and the bad?”

In a statement, Farrell called Breed’s efforts “too little too late” and criticized her track record on police staffing.&nbsp;

In a statement, Farrell called Breed’s efforts “too little too late” and criticized her track record on police staffing.&nbsp;

“I will be a mayor who will challenge and upend the status quo at every level of government because voters are fed up and don’t trust that Mayor Breed can get the job done,” he stated.&nbsp;

“I will be a mayor who will challenge and upend the status quo at every level of government because voters are fed up and don’t trust that Mayor Breed can get the job done,” he stated.&nbsp;

Nonprofit leader Lurie said he welcomes any good news “because our city needs it.”

Nonprofit leader Lurie said he welcomes any good news “because our city needs it.”

He added, “While I hope these gains are not temporary, we have a long way to go as San Francisco continues to experience some of the highest rates of property crime in California.”

He added, “While I hope these gains are not temporary, we have a long way to go as San Francisco continues to experience some of the highest rates of property crime in California.”

How the crime figures impact Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who entered the race this month in an attempt to capture the city’s leftward-leaning voters, will hinge on just how much other topics like housing affordability take up oxygen, Anderson said.

How the crime figures impact Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who entered the race this month in an attempt to capture the city’s leftward-leaning voters, will hinge on just how much other topics like housing affordability take up oxygen, Anderson said.

“The less the race is about crime panic, I think that helps a progressive,” he said.

“The less the race is about crime panic, I think that helps a progressive,” he said.

Longtime political consultant Jim Ross said Peskin could use the trends to his advantage.

Longtime political consultant Jim Ross said Peskin could use the trends to his advantage.

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“You have these conflicting messages coming from this moderate group of candidates in San Francisco,” Ross said. “I think it gives him a great opportunity.”

“You have these conflicting messages coming from this moderate group of candidates in San Francisco,” Ross said. “I think it gives him a great opportunity.”

But Abundant SF’s David isn’t convinced Peskin can shift the narrative for his own political survival, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/chinese-american-voter-san-francisco-mayoral-race/">considering the importance that public safety carries with the city’s Asian American voting bloc</a>, who are vital to winning the mayoral race. Peskin has promised to bring back police foot patrols and increase community ambassadors.

Inside the cutthroat race to win over San Francisco&#8217;s frustrated Asian voters

But Abundant SF’s David isn’t convinced Peskin can shift the narrative for his own political survival, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/chinese-american-voter-san-francisco-mayoral-race/">considering the importance that public safety carries with the city’s Asian American voting bloc</a>, who are vital to winning the mayoral race. Peskin has promised to bring back police foot patrols and increase community ambassadors.

“Aaron Peskin believes his path is through the Chinese community,” David said. “To do that, he’s going to have to talk about public safety all the time.”

“Aaron Peskin believes his path is through the Chinese community,” David said. “To do that, he’s going to have to talk about public safety all the time.”

In a statement, Peskin said that “overall crime statistics don’t tell the full story of our neighborhoods.”

In a statement, Peskin said that “overall crime statistics don’t tell the full story of our neighborhoods.”

He added, “What we have seen from this administration and its allies is an effort to make people feel afraid for their own political gain. Public safety is a progressive value, and it’s time to be smart on crime.”

He added, “What we have seen from this administration and its allies is an effort to make people feel afraid for their own political gain. Public safety is a progressive value, and it’s time to be smart on crime.”

Jonah Owen Lamb contributed to this story.

Jonah Owen Lamb contributed to this story.

Crime is falling in San Francisco. Try telling that to voters

David Sjostedt

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

“Stop using drugs,” read the usual note that overdose victims were handed as they left the hospital during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

“Stop using drugs,” read the usual note that overdose victims were handed as they left the hospital during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

Arms covered in track marks. Dragged in against their will. Spoiling for a fight with staff. Almost always on death’s door. The hospital was the only place that Diane Jones, a former nurse at San Francisco General, remembers interacting with drug users. Day after day, it admitted and discharged these patients without a treatment plan, she said.

Arms covered in track marks. Dragged in against their will. Spoiling for a fight with staff. Almost always on death’s door. The hospital was the only place that Diane Jones, a former nurse at San Francisco General, remembers interacting with drug users. Day after day, it admitted and discharged these patients without a treatment plan, she said.

Then, in the early ’90s, Jones and a handful of her colleagues learned about a new medical framework: harm reduction.

Then, in the early ’90s, Jones and a handful of her colleagues learned about a new medical framework: harm reduction.

Drawing on methods that had shown promising results with heroin users in the South Bronx, the nurses learned to build relationships with their drug-addicted patients. They collaborated with social workers to open programs such as needle exchanges outside the hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Drawing on methods that had shown promising results with heroin users in the South Bronx, the nurses learned to build relationships with their drug-addicted patients. They collaborated with social workers to open programs such as needle exchanges outside the hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The science would lead to success: Needle sharing dropped from 66% in 1987 to 36% in 1992, according to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The number of HIV cases among people injecting drugs dropped by half from 1992 to 1998 and has continued to slow in the years since.&nbsp;

The science would lead to success: Needle sharing dropped from 66% in 1987 to 36% in 1992, according to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The number of HIV cases among people injecting drugs dropped by half from 1992 to 1998 and has continued to slow in the years since.&nbsp;

Diane Jones in her home. Sharing photos of when she was a nurse in the 1980s and 90s, treating patients with HIV/AIDS. She was one of the first nurses to use harm-reduction strategies to treat drug addicts and recognized the benefits of the program early on.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8558878657_risefallharmreduction_-photography-by-alexa-trevino-for-the-sf-standard-33-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with curly gray hair holds an open scrapbook displaying black-and-white photos. She stands in a warmly lit room with framed items on the walls." class="wp-image-381564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diane Jones began using harm reduction strategies to treat drug users in San Francisco in the early 1990s.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8558878657_risefallharmreduction_-photography-by-alexa-trevino-for-the-sf-standard-33-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with curly gray hair holds an open scrapbook displaying black-and-white photos. She stands in a warmly lit room with framed items on the walls." class="wp-image-381564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diane Jones began using harm reduction strategies to treat drug users in San Francisco in the early 1990s.</figcaption></figure>

Diane Jone in her home. She was a nurse in the 1980s and 90s, treating patients with HIV/AIDS. She was one of the first nurses to use harm-reduction strategies to treat drug addicts and recognized the benefits of the program early on.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8558878657_risefallharmreduction_-photography-by-alexa-trevino-for-the-sf-standard-23.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows colorful magnets on a metallic surface, including hospital info, a &quot;Friends of Togo&quot; logo, a &quot;Solidarity is Essential&quot; fist, and the letter &quot;W&quot;." class="wp-image-381574"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jones and her colleagues collaborated with social workers to open needle exchanges outside the hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8558878657_risefallharmreduction_-photography-by-alexa-trevino-for-the-sf-standard-23.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows colorful magnets on a metallic surface, including hospital info, a &quot;Friends of Togo&quot; logo, a &quot;Solidarity is Essential&quot; fist, and the letter &quot;W&quot;." class="wp-image-381574"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jones and her colleagues collaborated with social workers to open needle exchanges outside the hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>

Paradise lost: Patients told to leave hospital haven

Crime is falling in San Francisco. Try telling that to voters

SF is done being soft on drug users

Opinion: West Portal tragedy is a call to accelerate street safety efforts

Politics are dividing our city, down to the doughnut

Search Results for: daniel lurie

Paradise lost: Patients told to leave hospital haven

Crime is falling in San Francisco. Try telling that to voters

SF is done being soft on drug users

Opinion: West Portal tragedy is a call to accelerate street safety efforts

Politics are dividing our city, down to the doughnut