Dan Morain

Dan Morain is the former editorial page editor of the Sacramento Bee and the author of “Kamala’s Way, An American Life.”

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Dan Morain is the former editorial page editor of the Sacramento Bee and the author of “Kamala’s Way, An American Life.”

As the state legislative session draws to a close, San Francisco’s popular state senator, Scott Wiener, finds himself in a place that’s become his comfort zone: at the center of the culture wars.

As the state legislative session draws to a close, San Francisco’s popular state senator, Scott Wiener, finds himself in a place that’s become his comfort zone: at the center of the culture wars.

This time, he’s pushing legislation that would offer sanctuary for out-of-state parents who seek gender-affirming medical care for their trans-children, along with a satchel of other bills on topics including keeping bars open until 4:00 a.m. He’s becoming something of a human rejoinder to national pundits who read the recalls of school board members (which Wiener supported) and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin (which he ducked) that San Francisco has turned to the right.

This time, he’s pushing legislation that would offer sanctuary for out-of-state parents who seek gender-affirming medical care for their trans-children, along with a satchel of other bills on topics including keeping bars open until 4:00 a.m. He’s becoming something of a human rejoinder to national pundits who read the recalls of school board members (which Wiener supported) and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin (which he ducked) that San Francisco has turned to the right.

It’s an only-in-San Francisco thing that Wiener would be seen as anything other than a very left-wing Democrat. But he’s carving out a more nuanced path by marrying his firmly progressive values on social issues and criminal justice with a practical, centrist view on other key issues, namely housing and homelessness.

It’s an only-in-San Francisco thing that Wiener would be seen as anything other than a very left-wing Democrat. But he’s carving out a more nuanced path by marrying his firmly progressive values on social issues and criminal justice with a practical, centrist view on other key issues, namely housing and homelessness.

Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50 the "More HOMES Act" on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif.  | Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1869" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-2500x1869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50, the &#8220;More HOMES Act,&#8221; on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-2500x1869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50, the "More HOMES Act," on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-2500x1869.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50, the &#8220;More HOMES Act,&#8221; on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

If he can keep making it work, it could represent a fresh approach for California Democrats who have largely vanquished the GOP only to find themselves caught in an intractable conflict between progressives and moderates. And if Wiener can ride that philosophy to higher office, as most assume he will attempt, he could become a new standard-bearer for a city and a state that both enjoy outsize influence on the national party.

If he can keep making it work, it could represent a fresh approach for California Democrats who have largely vanquished the GOP only to find themselves caught in an intractable conflict between progressives and moderates. And if Wiener can ride that philosophy to higher office, as most assume he will attempt, he could become a new standard-bearer for a city and a state that both enjoy outsize influence on the national party.

Wiener challenges slow-growth proponents on the left by pushing for more housing development, urging the state to crack down on San Francisco for the many ways its leaders have found to block new housing. He also crosses civil libertarians by arguing for more assertive care for people who are severely mentally ill and living on the streets; he’s won Republican support for legislation increasing access to addiction treatment.

Wiener challenges slow-growth proponents on the left by pushing for more housing development, urging the state to crack down on San Francisco for the many ways its leaders have found to block new housing. He also crosses civil libertarians by arguing for more assertive care for people who are severely mentally ill and living on the streets; he’s won Republican support for legislation increasing access to addiction treatment.

And he likes to legislate: Wiener currently has 18 bills pending in the Legislature, and a history of carrying complicated legislation like the “net neutrality” bill barring internet service providers from impeding access to sites they don’t like.

And he likes to legislate: Wiener currently has 18 bills pending in the Legislature, and a history of carrying complicated legislation like the “net neutrality” bill barring internet service providers from impeding access to sites they don’t like.

All that makes for a politician with a promising future. In fractious San Francisco, the genial Wiener is perhaps the only prominent politician who enjoys at least some support among many warring factions—but he evinces little interest in running for mayor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All that makes for a politician with a promising future. In fractious San Francisco, the genial Wiener is perhaps the only prominent politician who enjoys at least some support among many warring factions—but he evinces little interest in running for mayor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Instead, his most likely next step would be to run for the congressional seat held since 1987 by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi will step down at some point, perhaps after her reelection this November, setting off a once-in-a-generation slugfest for the coveted seat.

Instead, his most likely next step would be to run for the congressional seat held since 1987 by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi will step down at some point, perhaps after her reelection this November, setting off a once-in-a-generation slugfest for the coveted seat.

Speaker Pelosi’s daughter, attorney and Democratic Party activist Christine Pelosi, almost certainly will run. She’d be formidable, benefiting from the speaker’s political organization and fund-raising apparatus, not to mention the Pelosi name.

Speaker Pelosi’s daughter, attorney and Democratic Party activist Christine Pelosi, almost certainly will run. She’d be formidable, benefiting from the speaker’s political organization and fund-raising apparatus, not to mention the Pelosi name.

Wiener knows well that, as the saying goes, no one gives power away, it must be seized. And he has plenty of experience with the “knife fight in a phone booth,” as he referred to it, that can be San Francisco politics.

Wiener knows well that, as the saying goes, no one gives power away, it must be seized. And he has plenty of experience with the “knife fight in a phone booth,” as he referred to it, that can be San Francisco politics.

Wiener moved to San Francisco in 1995 from New Jersey, where he was raised, and started his political career as one of 56 candidates running for 12 seats on the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee in 2004. He placed 11th. Even after successfully climbing the ladder—chair of the Central Committee, deputy to former City Attorney Dennis Herrera, two-term member of the Board of Supervisors—and winning friends, he still faced a stiff challenge from the left in his 2020 senate re-election race and had to raise $1.5 million to hold his seat.&nbsp;

Wiener moved to San Francisco in 1995 from New Jersey, where he was raised, and started his political career as one of 56 candidates running for 12 seats on the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee in 2004. He placed 11th. Even after successfully climbing the ladder—chair of the Central Committee, deputy to former City Attorney Dennis Herrera, two-term member of the Board of Supervisors—and winning friends, he still faced a stiff challenge from the left in his 2020 senate re-election race and had to raise $1.5 million to hold his seat.&nbsp;

Wiener,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/13/us/politics/pelosi-house-race-san-francisco.html?searchResultPosition=1"> like everyone else,</a> won’t touch the question of a Congressional run as long as Pelosi hasn’t made her intentions known. When I asked him about it, he answered by praising Speaker Pelosi as a “bulwark” on behalf of democracy. “The longer she stays, the better for the city and the better for the country,” he said. “Whenever Nancy retires, we will see what happens.”

Wiener,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/13/us/politics/pelosi-house-race-san-francisco.html?searchResultPosition=1"> like everyone else,</a> won’t touch the question of a Congressional run as long as Pelosi hasn’t made her intentions known. When I asked him about it, he answered by praising Speaker Pelosi as a “bulwark” on behalf of democracy. “The longer she stays, the better for the city and the better for the country,” he said. “Whenever Nancy retires, we will see what happens.”

When that does happen, and if Wiener were to run and win, his record in Sacramento suggests he could make a stir on the left.

When that does happen, and if Wiener were to run and win, his record in Sacramento suggests he could make a stir on the left.

One of Wiener’s bills that’s earned Governor Newsom’s signature will <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SB357-Signing-Message-7.01.2022.pdf?emrc=14a4d2">decriminalize loitering</a> with intent to commit prostitution, reversing a 1995 law signed by Gov. Pete Wilson aimed at combating sex workers and drug dealers from plying their trades on the streets.&nbsp;

One of Wiener’s bills that’s earned Governor Newsom’s signature will <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SB357-Signing-Message-7.01.2022.pdf?emrc=14a4d2">decriminalize loitering</a> with intent to commit prostitution, reversing a 1995 law signed by Gov. Pete Wilson aimed at combating sex workers and drug dealers from plying their trades on the streets.&nbsp;

He’s also trying to get Newsom’s support on bill that would authorize officials in San Francisco, Oakland and L.A. to establish<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/drug-overdose-death-safe-consumption-site-scott-wiener/"> safe injection sites</a> for those addicted to drugs. (He shouldn’t hold his breath.)&nbsp;

He’s also trying to get Newsom’s support on bill that would authorize officials in San Francisco, Oakland and L.A. to establish<a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/drug-overdose-death-safe-consumption-site-scott-wiener/"> safe injection sites</a> for those addicted to drugs. (He shouldn’t hold his breath.)&nbsp;

Then there’s the one that would provide some safeguards to out-of-state parents who seek care for their trans-children and come here from states such as Texas where that care is being criminalized. Under the bill, for example, California courts would not have to enforce subpoenas from those states seeking information about gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

Then there’s the one that would provide some safeguards to out-of-state parents who seek care for their trans-children and come here from states such as Texas where that care is being criminalized. Under the bill, for example, California courts would not have to enforce subpoenas from those states seeking information about gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

The combatants are familiar. Representatives of Equality California, an advocacy organization for LGBTQ rights, and Planned Parenthood are backing the bill. Foes include the California Family Council, which describes its mission as “advancing God’s design for life, family and liberty,” and refers to Wiener as a “notorious” San Francisco senator.&nbsp;

The combatants are familiar. Representatives of Equality California, an advocacy organization for LGBTQ rights, and Planned Parenthood are backing the bill. Foes include the California Family Council, which describes its mission as “advancing God’s design for life, family and liberty,” and refers to Wiener as a “notorious” San Francisco senator.&nbsp;

A legislative staff analysis of the legislation questioned whether the concept might run afoul of the U.S. constitutional provision that requires one state to honor legitimate requests by other states.&nbsp;

A legislative staff analysis of the legislation questioned whether the concept might run afoul of the U.S. constitutional provision that requires one state to honor legitimate requests by other states.&nbsp;

Wiener, a lawyer, insists nothing in the legislation violates the constitution and said his goal is merely to protect parents trying to care for their children. He also knows we’re in a culture war, and he sees little choice but to join the fight. The Legislature likely will approve the bill, on a party-line vote.&nbsp;

Wiener, a lawyer, insists nothing in the legislation violates the constitution and said his goal is merely to protect parents trying to care for their children. He also knows we’re in a culture war, and he sees little choice but to join the fight. The Legislature likely will approve the bill, on a party-line vote.&nbsp;

While he fights the national religious right on social issues, he’s simultaneously battling fellow SF Democrats on housing, pushing the state to sue the city to force it to build more. He’s the author of a key state housing law that eliminated single-family zoning and in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/rotten-to-the-core-san-francisco-could-get-sued-over-housing-gridlock-says-legislator/">a recent interview with The Standard</a>, he called SF’s housing system “rotten to the core.”

While he fights the national religious right on social issues, he’s simultaneously battling fellow SF Democrats on housing, pushing the state to sue the city to force it to build more. He’s the author of a key state housing law that eliminated single-family zoning and in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/rotten-to-the-core-san-francisco-could-get-sued-over-housing-gridlock-says-legislator/">a recent interview with The Standard</a>, he called SF’s housing system “rotten to the core.”

It’s a bit ironic that he seems to be having more success in Sacramento battling the right on culture war issues, than he is persuading NIMBYs to stand down. But such is the politics of San Francisco.

It’s a bit ironic that he seems to be having more success in Sacramento battling the right on culture war issues, than he is persuading NIMBYs to stand down. But such is the politics of San Francisco.

Culture warrior and housing rebel: SF’s state senator, Scott Wiener, carves a fresh path

Opinion: Culture warrior and housing rebel: SF’s state senator, Scott Wiener, carves a fresh path

Annie Gaus

Scrambling to get ahead of mounting frustration over retail crime, Mayor London Breed and SFPD chief Bill Scott on Wednesday announced a “public-private” initiative that will increase to a total of six the number of police officers assigned to investigating store thefts and dramatically improve data collection on such crimes.

Scrambling to get ahead of mounting frustration over retail crime, Mayor London Breed and SFPD chief Bill Scott on Wednesday announced a “public-private” initiative that will increase to a total of six the number of police officers assigned to investigating store thefts and dramatically improve data collection on such crimes.

The expanded retail crime unit will share data and criminal evidence more closely with retailers who are frequently targeted, such as Walgreens and Target. Some large retailers also hire off-duty officers to monitor their stores, and one SFPD lieutenant will be in charge of coordinating those privately-funded officers. Five SFPD investigators will be assigned to investigate retail crime full-time. 

The expanded retail crime unit will share data and criminal evidence more closely with retailers who are frequently targeted, such as Walgreens and Target. Some large retailers also hire off-duty officers to monitor their stores, and one SFPD lieutenant will be in charge of coordinating those privately-funded officers. Five SFPD investigators will be assigned to investigate retail crime full-time.

“Our goal is to make sure, with our plans, that we have sufficient resources to investigate and to make sure we gather the appropriate evidence for conviction of these crimes,” Scott told reporters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to make sure, with our plans, that we have sufficient resources to investigate and to make sure we gather the appropriate evidence for conviction of these crimes,” Scott told reporters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The department will also offer more options for reporting theft—a type of crime that is believed to be widely underreported. Instead of waiting for an officer to show up in person to take a report, which can take hours for lower-priority incidents, retail workers will be able to either report them over the phone or file online through the department’s Coplogic portal. The latter option will be available in about three weeks. 

The department will also offer more options for reporting theft—a type of crime that is believed to be widely underreported. Instead of waiting for an officer to show up in person to take a report, which can take hours for lower-priority incidents, retail workers will be able to either report them over the phone or file online through the department’s Coplogic portal. The latter option will be available in about three weeks.

Scott said that the change in reporting could trigger a dramatic increase in reports of larceny and commercial burglary.

Scott said that the change in reporting could trigger a dramatic increase in reports of larceny and commercial burglary.

“You’re going to see an increase with better reporting, and that’s not a bad thing,” he said, noting that many thefts go unreported because of corporate policies, an unmet monetary threshold, or a feeling of apathy that doing so won’t “make a difference.”&nbsp;

“You’re going to see an increase with better reporting, and that’s not a bad thing,” he said, noting that many thefts go unreported because of corporate policies, an unmet monetary threshold, or a feeling of apathy that doing so won’t “make a difference.”&nbsp;

The department also plans to add more “community ambassadors”—unarmed, retired officers who can plug into SFPD’s radio system—in hotspots of retail theft, including Chinatown, Lower Market, Fisherman’s Wharf and Yerba Buena.&nbsp;

The department also plans to add more “community ambassadors”—unarmed, retired officers who can plug into SFPD’s radio system—in hotspots of retail theft, including Chinatown, Lower Market, Fisherman’s Wharf and Yerba Buena.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Breed linked the theft to a “domino effect” of store closures, job loss, and harm to residents who rely on stores like Walgreens, CVS and Target to shop and fill prescriptions.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Breed linked the theft to a “domino effect” of store closures, job loss, and harm to residents who rely on stores like Walgreens, CVS and Target to shop and fill prescriptions.&nbsp;

“There will be consequences; there has to be consequences,” said Breed. “People are feeling unsafe, it’s frustrating and we are tired of it.”&nbsp;

“There will be consequences; there has to be consequences,” said Breed. “People are feeling unsafe, it’s frustrating and we are tired of it.”&nbsp;

Over the past few months, viral videos of shoplifting and a smattering of store closures have elevated concerns about retail crime and its impact on workers, shoppers and the city at large.

Over the past few months, viral videos of shoplifting and a smattering of store closures have elevated concerns about retail crime and its impact on workers, shoppers and the city at large.

Rafael Gutierrez, a former security guard at a Yerba Buena Target store, told Here/Say in an interview that brazen shoplifting had made work conditions dangerous for retail workers. In June, Target cut operating hours at its San Francisco stores in an effort to mitigate theft.&nbsp;

Rafael Gutierrez, a former security guard at a Yerba Buena Target store, told Here/Say in an interview that brazen shoplifting had made work conditions dangerous for retail workers. In June, Target cut operating hours at its San Francisco stores in an effort to mitigate theft.&nbsp;

“Everyone’s scared, customers are scared,” Gutierrez <a href="https://sfstandard.com/target-security-guard-speaks-out-san-francisco-retail-crime/">told Here/Say in July.</a> “I really fear that somebody is going to get hurt or killed there.”&nbsp;

“Everyone’s scared, customers are scared,” Gutierrez <a href="https://sfstandard.com/target-security-guard-speaks-out-san-francisco-retail-crime/">told Here/Say in July.</a> “I really fear that somebody is going to get hurt or killed there.”&nbsp;

State and local law enforcement believe that much of the city’s retail theft is tied to organized rings that buy and resell items on platforms like eBay and Amazon. A limited group of chronic shoplifters are responsible for many individual theft incidents, SFPD told the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/repeat-shoplifters-are-driving-s-f-retail-crime-according-to-police/">in a July letter</a>. The department identified 116 such repeat offenders in 2020, of which 33% were arrested more than once.&nbsp;

State and local law enforcement believe that much of the city’s retail theft is tied to organized rings that buy and resell items on platforms like eBay and Amazon. A limited group of chronic shoplifters are responsible for many individual theft incidents, SFPD told the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/repeat-shoplifters-are-driving-s-f-retail-crime-according-to-police/">in a July letter</a>. The department identified 116 such repeat offenders in 2020, of which 33% were arrested more than once.&nbsp;

In July, Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a bill, AB 331, that extended a carve-out for organized retail crime in California’s criminal code. The bill also directs the California Highway Patrol to help local law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions defined as having “elevated” levels of property crime, and encourages more cross-agency collaboration on organized retail crime.

In July, Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a bill, AB 331, that extended a carve-out for organized retail crime in California’s criminal code. The bill also directs the California Highway Patrol to help local law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions defined as having “elevated” levels of property crime, and encourages more cross-agency collaboration on organized retail crime.

In October 2020, a joint investigation between the California Highway Patrol, San Francisco Police, San Francisco District Attorney and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service resulted in a recovery of $8 million in stolen razor blades, cosmetics and other goods that were stolen from retail stores and resold on Amazon, eBay and elsewhere through a shell company.

In October 2020, a joint investigation between the California Highway Patrol, San Francisco Police, San Francisco District Attorney and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service resulted in a recovery of $8 million in stolen razor blades, cosmetics and other goods that were stolen from retail stores and resold on Amazon, eBay and elsewhere through a shell company.

SF launches new initiative to battle retail crime

Astrid Kane

“Yes, I have albino Penis Envy.”

This was an actual conversation that took place inside what used to be Divas, a San Francisco club that catered to transgender women. For the last few months, the former three-story venue on Post Street near Polk Street is now <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelivingchurchsf/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a windowless house of worship called the Living Church</a>, which is dedicated to helping people acquire magic mushrooms.

This was an actual conversation that took place inside what used to be Divas, a San Francisco club that catered to transgender women. For the last few months, the former three-story venue on Post Street near Polk Street is now <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelivingchurchsf/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a windowless house of worship called the Living Church</a>, which is dedicated to helping people acquire magic mushrooms.

Penis Envy is a type of mushroom, one of the 180 or so that contain psychoactive chemicals. As with indica and sativa, the two main categories of cannabis, mushrooms’ effects can be configured by cross-breeding. With the right strain and at the right dose, some help you go on a quest of spiritual self-exploration, oblivious to the passage of time, while others will just have you and your friends laughing at everything, mesmerized by the motion of wind through the trees. And while they’re technically illegal, you can easily obtain some by donating to the Living Church, where “prices” for what’s referred to as sacrament lack dollar signs, but mostly everything is in the range of $20 to $60.&nbsp;

Penis Envy is a type of mushroom, one of the 180 or so that contain psychoactive chemicals. As with indica and sativa, the two main categories of cannabis, mushrooms’ effects can be configured by cross-breeding. With the right strain and at the right dose, some help you go on a quest of spiritual self-exploration, oblivious to the passage of time, while others will just have you and your friends laughing at everything, mesmerized by the motion of wind through the trees. And while they’re technically illegal, you can easily obtain some by donating to the Living Church, where “prices” for what’s referred to as sacrament lack dollar signs, but mostly everything is in the range of $20 to $60.&nbsp;

It’s never been easier to buy magic mushroom chocolates, tinctures and other edibles over the counter, in fact. Such products have been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/25/as-sf-weighs-decriminalizing-psychedelics-you-can-buy-shroom-candy-bars-over-the-counter-in-oakland/">available in Oakland for well over a year already</a>, but The Standard did a quick survey on both sides of the bay and found that many—but by no means all—smoke shops have products containing shrooms, sometimes mixed in with non-psychoactive varieties for a little wellness boost.&nbsp;

You can buy magic mushroom candy bars over the counter in Oakland

It’s never been easier to buy magic mushroom chocolates, tinctures and other edibles over the counter, in fact. Such products have been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/25/as-sf-weighs-decriminalizing-psychedelics-you-can-buy-shroom-candy-bars-over-the-counter-in-oakland/">available in Oakland for well over a year already</a>, but The Standard did a quick survey on both sides of the bay and found that many—but by no means all—smoke shops have products containing shrooms, sometimes mixed in with non-psychoactive varieties for a little wellness boost.&nbsp;

You don’t even have to pay cash. Living Church offers a way to tithe via an app.

You don’t even have to pay cash. Living Church offers a way to tithe via an app.

A photo-illustration of Vibrant Minds Honey Nut Granola Bar
which contains organic honey, oats, walnuts, cashews, cranberries, almonds, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin seeds and 1.75 grams of mushrooms (psilocybin) per piece. The Living Church in the Tenderloin now sells mushroom chocolates and edibles over the counter.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED01_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203326"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo illustration shows Vibrant Minds Honey Nut Granola Bar, which contains organic honey, oats, walnuts, cashews, cranberries, almonds, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin seeds and 1.75 grams of mushrooms (psilocybin) per piece.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED01_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203326"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo illustration shows Vibrant Minds Honey Nut Granola Bar, which contains organic honey, oats, walnuts, cashews, cranberries, almonds, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin seeds and 1.75 grams of mushrooms (psilocybin) per piece.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-are-almost-legal-now-almost">Mushrooms Are Almost Legal Now—Almost</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-are-almost-legal-now-almost">Mushrooms Are Almost Legal Now—Almost</h2>

Times are changing. San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/01/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">passed a resolution last year</a> that urged local law enforcement to deprioritize the investigation and arrest of adult users of naturally occurring psychedelic substances like psilocybin. More recently, SB 58, state Sen. Scott Wiener’s bill that would <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decriminalize the use and possession of mushrooms</a> in early 2025—along with DMT and ibogaine—has been passed by the California Legislature and awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.&nbsp;

San Francisco has effectively decriminalized magic mushrooms. Now what?

Times are changing. San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/01/san-francisco-has-effectively-decriminalized-mushrooms-now-what/">passed a resolution last year</a> that urged local law enforcement to deprioritize the investigation and arrest of adult users of naturally occurring psychedelic substances like psilocybin. More recently, SB 58, state Sen. Scott Wiener’s bill that would <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decriminalize the use and possession of mushrooms</a> in early 2025—along with DMT and ibogaine—has been passed by the California Legislature and awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.&nbsp;

Notably, it’s not a full-scale legalization, as sales are still banned, and unlike California cannabis regulations, it contains no provisions for monitoring quality or purity.

Notably, it’s not a full-scale legalization, as sales are still banned, and unlike California cannabis regulations, it contains no provisions for monitoring quality or purity.

﻿“We’re laser-focused on making the case to the Governor that SB 58 is good policy, with broad support, and that it deserves his signature,” Wiener’s office told The Standard in a statement. “Our coalition of veterans, first responders, health care professionals and former law enforcement officers are conveying to the Governor the critical importance of these substances in helping people heal and get their lives back.”

﻿“We’re laser-focused on making the case to the Governor that SB 58 is good policy, with broad support, and that it deserves his signature,” Wiener’s office told The Standard in a statement. “Our coalition of veterans, first responders, health care professionals and former law enforcement officers are conveying to the Governor the critical importance of these substances in helping people heal and get their lives back.”

For its part, the San Francisco Police Department said its enforcement focus continues to be on meth and opioids like fentanyl.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For its part, the San Francisco Police Department said its enforcement focus continues to be on meth and opioids like fentanyl.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The SFPD currently does not prioritize the enforcement of psychedelics, but will continue to take law enforcement action, when appropriate,” spokesperson Kathryn Winters said.&nbsp;

“The SFPD currently does not prioritize the enforcement of psychedelics, but will continue to take law enforcement action, when appropriate,” spokesperson Kathryn Winters said.&nbsp;

The former Divas is now the unmarked home of the Living Church.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8425.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203555"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The former Divas is now the unmarked home of the Living Church.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8425.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203555"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The former Divas is now the unmarked home of the Living Church.</figcaption></figure>

A photo-illustration of a Galaxy Lab Mushroom Bar which contains 72% dark chocolate, roasted almonds, fleur du sel and 24 segments of 150 mg of psilocybin. The Living Church in the Tenderloin now sells mushroom chocolates and edibles over the counter.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED04_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203329"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dosages can be inconsistent. According to the label of a Galaxy Labs bar, eating half of it can cause you to &#8220;blast off to space.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED04_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203329"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dosages can be inconsistent. According to the label of a Galaxy Labs bar, eating half of it can cause you to "blast off to space."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED04_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203329"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dosages can be inconsistent. According to the label of a Galaxy Labs bar, eating half of it can cause you to &#8220;blast off to space.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

In the meantime, you don’t even need to go to church to get some mushrooms. A worker at a cannabis dispensary near the Living Church said smoke shops around Lower Polk Street carry certain brands. As with so many other things in life, though, it’s caveat emptor: It’s possible to buy the packaging online and slap it on an ordinary chocolate bar.&nbsp;

In the meantime, you don’t even need to go to church to get some mushrooms. A worker at a cannabis dispensary near the Living Church said smoke shops around Lower Polk Street carry certain brands. As with so many other things in life, though, it’s caveat emptor: It’s possible to buy the packaging online and slap it on an ordinary chocolate bar.&nbsp;

Mushroom products exist in a legal limbo now, and that’s where they will remain, untaxed and untested. Wiener’s decriminalization bill, which again does not legalize the sale of any substance, doesn’t address quality control—either to determine how much constitutes a “dose” or whether these products even contain any psychoactive compounds at all.&nbsp;

Mushroom products exist in a legal limbo now, and that’s where they will remain, untaxed and untested. Wiener’s decriminalization bill, which again does not legalize the sale of any substance, doesn’t address quality control—either to determine how much constitutes a “dose” or whether these products even contain any psychoactive compounds at all.&nbsp;

Venturing to the most obvious neighborhood in the city to hunt for quasi-illegal drugs—that would be the Haight—The Standard found that some smoke shops stock jars of homemade marshmallows dosed with psilocybin, while others want nothing to do with it.&nbsp;

Venturing to the most obvious neighborhood in the city to hunt for quasi-illegal drugs—that would be the Haight—The Standard found that some smoke shops stock jars of homemade marshmallows dosed with psilocybin, while others want nothing to do with it.&nbsp;

If you want the best stuff, though, the East Bay still wins. The Standard found a smoke shop with no pretensions to religion on San Pablo Avenue near where Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville meet. A friendly proprietor fanned out an array of four or five $50 chocolate bars in various flavors. He was even good enough to give his own recommendations, and we walked out with an artisanal-looking, $50 Galaxy Labs bar wrapped in gold foil like a key to Willy Wonka’s factory.&nbsp;

If you want the best stuff, though, the East Bay still wins. The Standard found a smoke shop with no pretensions to religion on San Pablo Avenue near where Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville meet. A friendly proprietor fanned out an array of four or five $50 chocolate bars in various flavors. He was even good enough to give his own recommendations, and we walked out with an artisanal-looking, $50 Galaxy Labs bar wrapped in gold foil like a key to Willy Wonka’s factory.&nbsp;

“Ancient Medicine for the People,” its somewhat verbose label reads, touting mushrooms’ powers through fuzzy buzzwords like “synergistically.” There’s even a bonus Mandalorian reference—“This Is the Way”—juxtaposed with the warning to keep the bar away from children and pets.&nbsp;

“Ancient Medicine for the People,” its somewhat verbose label reads, touting mushrooms’ powers through fuzzy buzzwords like “synergistically.” There’s even a bonus Mandalorian reference—“This Is the Way”—juxtaposed with the warning to keep the bar away from children and pets.&nbsp;

A search for the ostensibly California-based Galaxy Labs yields odd results, because there are a lot of companies with that name, including a veterinary diagnostics firm, a woke-sounding VR manufacturer and Wisconsin’s No. 1 premium supplement retailer. Instagram has what you’re looking for—nominally, at least. Amid @galaxylabscalifornia’s admittedly wondrous images of mushroom spores glowing under ultraviolet light, there’s not a link to be found.

A search for the ostensibly California-based Galaxy Labs yields odd results, because there are a lot of companies with that name, including a veterinary diagnostics firm, a woke-sounding VR manufacturer and Wisconsin’s No. 1 premium supplement retailer. Instagram has what you’re looking for—nominally, at least. Amid @galaxylabscalifornia’s admittedly wondrous images of mushroom spores glowing under ultraviolet light, there’s not a link to be found.

Follow a handful of mushroom-centric Instagram accounts, and you’ll attract the attention of fly-by-night spammers with appeals to “legalize nature” and promises of discreet shipping. The times haven’t changed completely, though. Reached for comment over Instagram, the Living Church replied, “We are not interested in press.”&nbsp;

Follow a handful of mushroom-centric Instagram accounts, and you’ll attract the attention of fly-by-night spammers with appeals to “legalize nature” and promises of discreet shipping. The times haven’t changed completely, though. Reached for comment over Instagram, the Living Church replied, “We are not interested in press.”&nbsp;

A photo-illustration of a Galaxy Lab Mushroom Bar, left, which contains 72% dark chocolate, roasted almonds, fleur du sel and 24 segments of 150 mg of psilocybin and Vibrant Minds Honey Nut Granola Bar, right, which contains organic honey, oats, walnuts, cashews, cranberries, almonds, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin seeds and 1.75 grams of mushrooms (psilocybin) per piece. The Living Church in the Tenderloin now sells mushroom chocolates and edibles over the counter.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED05_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203331"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Space Age packaging on mushroom edibles resembles that of cannabis-infused products, which are legal under California law.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED05_WhereYouCanBuyMushroomChocolateSF_09222023_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203331"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Space Age packaging on mushroom edibles resembles that of cannabis-infused products, which are legal under California law.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wormhole-straight-to-uranus">‘A Wormhole Straight to Uranus’</h2>

Unlike East Oakland’s more established Zide Door church, which was <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7vbkx/magic-mushroom-zide-door-lawsuit-religious-freedom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">famously raided by police in 2020</a> for its mushroom sacraments and has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/19/oaklands-magic-mushroom-church-opens-sf-outpost-in-this-neighborhood/">recently opened a second location in SoMa</a>, the Living Church doesn’t have metal detectors. There, spiritual guidance comes in the form of a Vibrant Minds honey nut granola bar, sold in the kind of vaguely Space Age packaging that cannabis edibles come in—evoking Honey Nut Cheerios, bee and all.

Oakland’s magic mushroom church opens outpost in this San Francisco neighborhood

Unlike East Oakland’s more established Zide Door church, which was <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7vbkx/magic-mushroom-zide-door-lawsuit-religious-freedom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">famously raided by police in 2020</a> for its mushroom sacraments and has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/19/oaklands-magic-mushroom-church-opens-sf-outpost-in-this-neighborhood/">recently opened a second location in SoMa</a>, the Living Church doesn’t have metal detectors. There, spiritual guidance comes in the form of a Vibrant Minds honey nut granola bar, sold in the kind of vaguely Space Age packaging that cannabis edibles come in—evoking Honey Nut Cheerios, bee and all.

As sacraments go, psychedelic mushrooms are more intense than the average Communion wafer. Even at lower doses, eating psychoactive mushrooms on their own often causes a bit of nausea. It used to be that you had to have a friend with rudimentary ganache-making skills and a confectionery mold take homegrown shrooms and encase them in chocolatey goodness.&nbsp;

As sacraments go, psychedelic mushrooms are more intense than the average Communion wafer. Even at lower doses, eating psychoactive mushrooms on their own often causes a bit of nausea. It used to be that you had to have a friend with rudimentary ganache-making skills and a confectionery mold take homegrown shrooms and encase them in chocolatey goodness.&nbsp;

Now you can walk into a shop filled with pipes and ask for Galaxy Labs’ 72% cacao bar containing 24 segments of 150 milligrams each.&nbsp;

Now you can walk into a shop filled with pipes and ask for Galaxy Labs’ 72% cacao bar containing 24 segments of 150 milligrams each.&nbsp;

That’s a lot. Consume half the bar, and you’ll be tripping hard. Eat 16 pieces, and you’ll enter “a wormhole straight to Uranus,” as the label suggestively puts it.

That’s a lot. Consume half the bar, and you’ll be tripping hard. Eat 16 pieces, and you’ll enter “a wormhole straight to Uranus,” as the label suggestively puts it.

As with the availability of cannabis in 2010, before California legalized recreational use, it can feel like sellers are begging for a SWAT team to rappel in through the skylight. At least, never before in human history has anyone seemed to flaunt penis envy.

As with the availability of cannabis in 2010, before California legalized recreational use, it can feel like sellers are begging for a SWAT team to rappel in through the skylight. At least, never before in human history has anyone seemed to flaunt penis envy.

You can get magic mushroom chocolates over the counter in San Francisco now

Kevin Truong

A 4 a.m. last call in San Francisco is one step closer to becoming reality.

A 4 a.m. last call in San Francisco is one step closer to becoming reality.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/last-call-at-4-a-m-sf-legislators-renew-push-to-keep-bars-open-later/">The revived effort</a> to give bars in the city the option to stay open, while serving alcohol, for two additional hours survived an Assembly Appropriations Committee vote Thursday. And though local nightlife advocates have had their hopes dashed in the past (similar legislation has come before state lawmakers several times in the recent years) there’s optimism that this time it will stick.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/last-call-at-4-a-m-sf-legislators-renew-push-to-keep-bars-open-later/">The revived effort</a> to give bars in the city the option to stay open, while serving alcohol, for two additional hours survived an Assembly Appropriations Committee vote Thursday. And though local nightlife advocates have had their hopes dashed in the past (similar legislation has come before state lawmakers several times in the recent years) there’s optimism that this time it will stick.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB930">SB 930</a>, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, would require the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to create a three-year pilot program where chosen alcohol license holders in specific cities are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between the hours of of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Currently that activity is a misdemeanor under state law.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB930">SB 930</a>, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, would require the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to create a three-year pilot program where chosen alcohol license holders in specific cities are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages between the hours of of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Currently that activity is a misdemeanor under state law.&nbsp;

The last time a similar bill was introduced by Wiener it was amended in the Assembly to cut last call from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. before eventually being voted down.&nbsp;

The last time a similar bill was introduced by Wiener it was amended in the Assembly to cut last call from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. before eventually being voted down.&nbsp;

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Wiener, who co-authored the bill with recently elected Assemblymember Matt Haney, argues that the bill is important to helping nightlife businesses recover from the debt load of the pandemic.

Wiener, who co-authored the bill with recently elected Assemblymember Matt Haney, argues that the bill is important to helping nightlife businesses recover from the debt load of the pandemic.

Extending bar operating hours has been a perennial issue for San Francisco lawmakers, including Wiener and his predecessor Mark Leno. A similar version of the bill passed both houses before being vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 who said “we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem.”

Extending bar operating hours has been a perennial issue for San Francisco lawmakers, including Wiener and his predecessor Mark Leno. A similar version of the bill passed both houses before being vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018 who said “we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem.”

The hope from bill supporters is that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who made his fortune in the wine and hospitality industry, will be more amenable to extending last call.&nbsp;

The hope from bill supporters is that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who made his fortune in the wine and hospitality industry, will be more amenable to extending last call.&nbsp;

The initial list of seven participating cities in the bill was trimmed down to only include San Francisco, Palm Springs and West Hollywood.&nbsp;

The initial list of seven participating cities in the bill was trimmed down to only include San Francisco, Palm Springs and West Hollywood.&nbsp;

Each jurisdiction would create their own process for choosing businesses that are allowed to participate in the pilot as well as specific rules they would be required to follow. Cities are required to designate a task force to develop a recommended local safety plan with the California Highway Patrol and adopt an ordinance laying out its plan that will be reviewed by ABC.

Each jurisdiction would create their own process for choosing businesses that are allowed to participate in the pilot as well as specific rules they would be required to follow. Cities are required to designate a task force to develop a recommended local safety plan with the California Highway Patrol and adopt an ordinance laying out its plan that will be reviewed by ABC.

Additional fees are also required for bars wishing to participate, including a $2,500 application fee and $2,500 annual fee for the extended hours license.&nbsp;

Additional fees are also required for bars wishing to participate, including a $2,500 application fee and $2,500 annual fee for the extended hours license.&nbsp;

All this process will take a while, even if the bill gets signed into law. Bar patrons looking to party until 4 a.m. will have to wait until at least 2025 for it to go into effect.

All this process will take a while, even if the bill gets signed into law. Bar patrons looking to party until 4 a.m. will have to wait until at least 2025 for it to go into effect.

Let’s have another: Bill to extend alcohol service to 4 a.m. in SF clears major hurdle

Jonah Owen Lamb

District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s approach to law enforcement in San Francisco is no longer—at least until the mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/election-appointment-da-chesa-boudin-recall/">appoints his replacement</a> next month.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s approach to law enforcement in San Francisco is no longer—at least until the mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/election-appointment-da-chesa-boudin-recall/">appoints his replacement</a> next month.

Mayor London Breed won’t say who she plans to install in the interim, despite comments pointing to an appointee who can manage to continue criminal justice reforms while making sure crimes are vigorously prosecuted.

Mayor London Breed won’t say who she plans to install in the interim, despite comments pointing to an appointee who can manage to continue criminal justice reforms while making sure crimes are vigorously prosecuted.

“It is not just about law-and-order and tough-on-crime and locking people up and throwing away the key,” she said Wednesday about her choice to replace Boudin. “It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice and what that really means for, in some cases, not just the perpetrator but the people who fall victim to those crimes.”&nbsp;

“It is not just about law-and-order and tough-on-crime and locking people up and throwing away the key,” she said Wednesday about her choice to replace Boudin. “It’s about accountability when those lines are crossed and coming to a reasonable conclusion around justice and what that really means for, in some cases, not just the perpetrator but the people who fall victim to those crimes.”&nbsp;

When Breed swore in Boudin, she said prosecutions should strike a balance between fairness and responsibility. But the mayor has been on a rhetorical public safety crusade since late last year after a series of highly publicized <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/s-f-launches-new-initiative-to-battle-retail-crime/">property crimes</a> cast San Francisco as a lawless city. And many of the positions espoused by potential replacements suggest the new regime could spell an end to reforms championed by Boudin.&nbsp;

When Breed swore in Boudin, she said prosecutions should strike a balance between fairness and responsibility. But the mayor has been on a rhetorical public safety crusade since late last year after a series of highly publicized <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/s-f-launches-new-initiative-to-battle-retail-crime/">property crimes</a> cast San Francisco as a lawless city. And many of the positions espoused by potential replacements suggest the new regime could spell an end to reforms championed by Boudin.&nbsp;

SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DAOFFICEChange_Inlined3-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53902"/><figcaption>SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DAOFFICEChange_Inlined3-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53902"/><figcaption>SFPD Chief Scott speaks on police response to the rise in AAPI hate crimes on Jan. 25, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The prospective slate of rumored DA replacements range from progressives who might advance Boudin’s reforms to moderates with more punitive approaches to crime.

The prospective slate of rumored DA replacements range from progressives who might advance Boudin’s reforms to moderates with more punitive approaches to crime.

Among potential appointees are Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a vocal supporter of police, and veteran Alameda County prosecutor Nancy Tung, who has said she will run in the coming election with a tough-on-crime mentality. Several other longshots include former police commissioner Suzy Loftus, who was interim DA before Boudin’s election, and former prosecutor Brooke Jenkins, as well as the Department of Police Accountability head Paul Henderson and private attorney Joe Alioto Veronese, who announced his run for DA earlier this year.&nbsp;

Among potential appointees are Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a vocal supporter of police, and veteran Alameda County prosecutor Nancy Tung, who has said she will run in the coming election with a tough-on-crime mentality. Several other longshots include former police commissioner Suzy Loftus, who was interim DA before Boudin’s election, and former prosecutor Brooke Jenkins, as well as the Department of Police Accountability head Paul Henderson and private attorney Joe Alioto Veronese, who announced his run for DA earlier this year.&nbsp;

The new DA could launch a plan to combat this atmosphere of perceived disorder in a city reeling from more than two years of pandemic. Some of the city’s neighborhoods have been plagued by street-corner drug dealing, an uptick in overdose deaths and homelessness, making many feel unsafe despite a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/data-offer-clues-on-san-franciscos-crime-paradox-police-chief-and-academics-have-some-ideas-too/">relative decline in most serious crimes</a>.&nbsp;

The new DA could launch a plan to combat this atmosphere of perceived disorder in a city reeling from more than two years of pandemic. Some of the city’s neighborhoods have been plagued by street-corner drug dealing, an uptick in overdose deaths and homelessness, making many feel unsafe despite a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/data-offer-clues-on-san-franciscos-crime-paradox-police-chief-and-academics-have-some-ideas-too/">relative decline in most serious crimes</a>.&nbsp;

But some reform-minded prosecutors and public defenders fear the mayor’s pick will return the office to a focus on punishment, which might make the public feel safer while failing to reduce San Francisco’s crime.&nbsp;

But some reform-minded prosecutors and public defenders fear the mayor’s pick will return the office to a focus on punishment, which might make the public feel safer while failing to reduce San Francisco’s crime.&nbsp;

Christine Soto deBerry, executive director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, has expressed trepidation about Boudin’s replacement. The one-time chief-of-staff for former SF DA George Gascon and Boudin said she expects the successor to make empty promises that rely on hard-nosed prosecutions that won’t get to the root of crime.&nbsp;

Christine Soto deBerry, executive director of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, has expressed trepidation about Boudin’s replacement. The one-time chief-of-staff for former SF DA George Gascon and Boudin said she expects the successor to make empty promises that rely on hard-nosed prosecutions that won’t get to the root of crime.&nbsp;

Soto deBerry said Breed’s pick could take the city “back to a place where we are doubling down on this failed approach.”&nbsp;

Soto deBerry said Breed’s pick could take the city “back to a place where we are doubling down on this failed approach.”&nbsp;

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SF launches new initiative to battle retail crime

You can get magic mushroom chocolates over the counter in San Francisco now

Let’s have another: Bill to extend alcohol service to 4 a.m. in SF clears major hurdle

Boudin recall: DA recall likely to slow criminal justice reforms and lead to office shakeup