David Sjostedt

Mike Ege

The contest between candidates Honey Mahogany and Supervisor Matt Dorsey to represent a pivotal slice of Downtown San Francisco came to a head Tuesday night with election results showing the incumbent, Dorsey, leading by a wide margin.

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The contest between candidates Honey Mahogany and Supervisor Matt Dorsey to represent a pivotal slice of Downtown San Francisco came to a head Tuesday night with election results showing the incumbent, Dorsey, leading by a wide margin.

Dorsey had 55% of the votes to Mahogany's 39% as of midnight.

Dorsey had 55% of the votes to Mahogany's 39% as of midnight.

The two supervisor candidates practically mirror each other on the main issues facing District 6, which contains the South of Market, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, as well as parts of the Financial District and Civic Center.

The two supervisor candidates practically mirror each other on the main issues facing District 6, which contains the South of Market, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, as well as parts of the Financial District and Civic Center.

Mayor London Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey look at early election results at Dorsey’s Election Night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. Dorsey is running against Honey Mahogany. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-Dorsey8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91438"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey look at early election results at Dorsey’s election night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-Dorsey8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91438"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey look at early election results at Dorsey’s election night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

District 6 Supervisor candidate Honey Mahogany addresses supporters at her Election Night party at Trademark Sports Bar on Nov. 8, 2022. Mahogany is running against incumbent Matt Dorsey. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight_Honey4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91666"/><figcaption>District 6 Supervisor candidate Honey Mahogany addresses supporters at her election night party at Trademark Sports Bar on Nov. 8, 2022. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

While Dorsey had a hefty lead, Mahogany was not ready to concede as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night. “There’s still a chance that we can pull ahead, a small chance.” Mahogany said. “We’re going to hold those candles of hope right in our hearts.”

While Dorsey had a hefty lead, Mahogany was not ready to concede as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night. “There’s still a chance that we can pull ahead, a small chance.” Mahogany said. “We’re going to hold those candles of hope right in our hearts.”

The race has largely centered on how the two candidates propose addressing open-air drug markets in SoMa, which has <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/2022%2010_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accounted for 16% of the city’s total overdose deaths</a> this year.&nbsp;

The race has largely centered on how the two candidates propose addressing open-air drug markets in SoMa, which has <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/2022%2010_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accounted for 16% of the city’s total overdose deaths</a> this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">Dorsey—who was appointed by Mayor London Breed—said he plans to use his personal experience</a> as a recovering addict to make progress on the city’s drug crisis. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/honey-mahoganys-supporters-see-her-as-the-harbinger-of-a-new-kind-of-san-francisco-politics/">Mahogany, for her part, points to her resume as a social worker</a> and a legislative aide to State Assemblymember Matt Haney, who previously served as supervisor of the district.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">Dorsey—who was appointed by Mayor London Breed—said he plans to use his personal experience</a> as a recovering addict to make progress on the city’s drug crisis. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/honey-mahoganys-supporters-see-her-as-the-harbinger-of-a-new-kind-of-san-francisco-politics/">Mahogany, for her part, points to her resume as a social worker</a> and a legislative aide to State Assemblymember Matt Haney, who previously served as supervisor of the district.&nbsp;

In the nearly five months since Breed appointed Dorsey, he’s introduced several policies related to curbing the drug crisis as well as a resolution aiming to coalesce city departments around a citywide plan to address the crisis. Mahogany said that, if elected, she would look to bolster the city’s depleted behavioral health workforce and create more rehabilitation centers.

In the nearly five months since Breed appointed Dorsey, he’s introduced several policies related to curbing the drug crisis as well as a resolution aiming to coalesce city departments around a citywide plan to address the crisis. Mahogany said that, if elected, she would look to bolster the city’s depleted behavioral health workforce and create more rehabilitation centers.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey celebrates the first round of results at his Election Night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. Dorsey is running against Honey Mahogany. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionNight-Dorsey1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-91461"/><figcaption>District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey celebrates the first round of results at his election night party at Folsom Street Foundry on Nov. 8, 2022. | Juliana Yamada for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Both campaigns raised close to half a million dollars each in donations. Groups like the San Francisco Labor Council made independent expenditures on behalf of Mahogany, while moderate and more business-oriented groups such as GrowSF spent for Dorsey.&nbsp;

Both campaigns raised close to half a million dollars each in donations. Groups like the San Francisco Labor Council made independent expenditures on behalf of Mahogany, while moderate and more business-oriented groups such as GrowSF spent for Dorsey.&nbsp;

The money trail reflects both candidate’s perceived political allegiances. Dorsey is seen as the choice of the city’s political center, while Mahogany is champion of the city’s progressive political faction, aligned with the current majority of the Board of Supervisors. 

The money trail reflects both candidate’s perceived political allegiances. Dorsey is seen as the choice of the city’s political center, while Mahogany is champion of the city’s progressive political faction, aligned with the current majority of the Board of Supervisors.

District 6 is one of two that were substantially changed in this year’s controversial redistricting process. Much of the Civic Center was removed and put in District 5, along with the Tenderloin. This has increased speculation that more political weight in the district will shift to the new neighborhoods in SoMa and Mission Bay.&nbsp;

District 6 is one of two that were substantially changed in this year’s controversial redistricting process. Much of the Civic Center was removed and put in District 5, along with the Tenderloin. This has increased speculation that more political weight in the district will shift to the new neighborhoods in SoMa and Mission Bay.&nbsp;

Matt Dorsey leads Honey Mahogany by wide margin

Olivia Cruz Mayeda

A reality TV show starring San Francisco police officers could be produced if Supervisor Matt Dorsey wins approval for it.

A reality TV show starring San Francisco police officers could be produced if Supervisor Matt Dorsey wins approval for it.

Supervisor Dorsey has asked for city permission to allow local police officers to star in a show currently dubbed: “Real Streets of San Francisco.”

Supervisor Dorsey has asked for city permission to allow local police officers to star in a show currently dubbed: “Real Streets of San Francisco.”

In November, he <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5952872&amp;GUID=5CC61B0C-A9D3-41EF-B829-A4F169B13524&amp;Options=ID%7CText%7C&amp;Search=police" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced a resolution</a> to the Board of Supervisors that would authorize the police department to enter into a <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11489045&amp;GUID=FA1FC2D3-0610-4B3D-9D31-058305B99FF8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use agreement</a> with the show’s producer, Topspin Content.

In November, he <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5952872&amp;GUID=5CC61B0C-A9D3-41EF-B829-A4F169B13524&amp;Options=ID%7CText%7C&amp;Search=police" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced a resolution</a> to the Board of Supervisors that would authorize the police department to enter into a <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11489045&amp;GUID=FA1FC2D3-0610-4B3D-9D31-058305B99FF8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use agreement</a> with the show’s producer, Topspin Content.

San Francisco’s police officers are not strangers to being in the limelight, with one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/chinatowns-favorite-beat-cop-moves-to-sf-police-headquarters-but-hes-not-leaving-his-community-behind/">gaining local celebrity status</a> already.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s police officers are not strangers to being in the limelight, with one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/chinatowns-favorite-beat-cop-moves-to-sf-police-headquarters-but-hes-not-leaving-his-community-behind/">gaining local celebrity status</a> already.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey (left) and San Francisco Chief of Police BILL SCOTT (right) at Dorsey’s introductory press conference in San Francisco on May 9, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SFPDRealityShow12022022_INLINED1-3-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-99826"/><figcaption>San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey (left) and San Francisco Chief of Police Bill Scott (right) are pictured at Dorsey’s introductory press conference in San Francisco on May 9, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The series would document “the day-to-day challenges and opportunities of 21st century policing,” according to the resolution documents seen by The Standard.

The series would document “the day-to-day challenges and opportunities of 21st century policing,” according to the resolution documents seen by The Standard.

Dorsey, who previously worked at the department in a communications role, said the SFPD’s historical legacy and recent reforms following national George Floyd demonstrations have earned it a place in pop culture.

Dorsey, who previously worked at the department in a communications role, said the SFPD’s historical legacy and recent reforms following national George Floyd demonstrations have earned it a place in pop culture.

The department has previously featured in films like Dirty Harry, Zodiac and the '70s television crime drama starring Michael Douglas, The Streets of San Francisco.

The department has previously featured in films like Dirty Harry, Zodiac and the '70s television crime drama starring Michael Douglas, The Streets of San Francisco.

The resolution claims a reality cop show would improve the city by giving the public a closer look at the inner workings of the police department. It could also attract more quality recruits as the department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/708m-for-sfpd-mayor-wants-to-boost-police-spending-to-hire-retain-more-officers/">looks to hire hundreds of police officers</a>.

The resolution claims a reality cop show would improve the city by giving the public a closer look at the inner workings of the police department. It could also attract more quality recruits as the department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/708m-for-sfpd-mayor-wants-to-boost-police-spending-to-hire-retain-more-officers/">looks to hire hundreds of police officers</a>.

The decision around whether SFPD will be allowed to take part in the TV show will be made at a future Budget and Finance Committee meeting.

The decision around whether SFPD will be allowed to take part in the TV show will be made at a future Budget and Finance Committee meeting.

San Francisco police officers could star in a new reality TV show

Garrett Leahy

Outside a San Francisco court Wednesday, city officials and civil rights groups held <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/17/decrying-ban-on-homeless-sweeps-san-francisco-lawmakers-to-stage-courthouse-protest/">dueling rallies</a> about&nbsp;an injunction restricting the city from clearing homeless encampments.

Decrying ban on homeless sweeps, San Francisco lawmakers to stage courthouse protest

Outside a San Francisco court Wednesday, city officials and civil rights groups held <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/17/decrying-ban-on-homeless-sweeps-san-francisco-lawmakers-to-stage-courthouse-protest/">dueling rallies</a> about&nbsp;an injunction restricting the city from clearing homeless encampments.

The dueling protesters tried to shout each other down with opposing chants of "save our streets" and "housing is a human right" outside the court at around 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The dueling protesters tried to shout each other down with opposing chants of "save our streets" and "housing is a human right" outside the court at around 9 a.m. Wednesday.

A Standard reporter on the scene says protesters supporting the end of the injunction outnumber counter-protesters by a wide margin.

A Standard reporter on the scene says protesters supporting the end of the injunction outnumber counter-protesters by a wide margin.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230823_090808.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dueling protestors sound off about the homeless encampment sweeps injunction outside the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu appeared at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to try to persuade a three-judge panel to toss out the injunction restricting the city from clearing homeless encampments.

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu appeared at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to try to persuade a three-judge panel to toss out the injunction restricting the city from clearing homeless encampments.

Outside of federal  court, Mayor London Breed and three members of the Board of Supervisors—Supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio—talk about the impacts of the court order blocking sweeps of homeless encampments. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot_20230823-094726.png?w=1898" alt="" class="wp-image-194090"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Outside the courthouse, Mayor London Breed makes a speech as supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio listen.</figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed and three members of the Board of Supervisors—supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio—are heading up a rally calling attention to the impacts&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/24/court-order-blocking-homeless-sweeps-leaves-residents-city-workers-in-ambiguity/">of the injunction</a>.

Court order blocking homeless sweeps leaves residents, city workers in ambiguity

Mayor London Breed and three members of the Board of Supervisors—supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Matt Dorsey and Joel Engardio—are heading up a rally calling attention to the impacts&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/24/court-order-blocking-homeless-sweeps-leaves-residents-city-workers-in-ambiguity/">of the injunction</a>.

Mandelman said his constituents see encampments in the Castro District and local merchants have voiced concerns.

Mandelman said his constituents see encampments in the Castro District and local merchants have voiced concerns.

“We shouldn’t let people camp in public, especially when those camps are correlated with drug use and disrupt business,” Mandelman said.

“We shouldn’t let people camp in public, especially when those camps are correlated with drug use and disrupt business,” Mandelman said.

“It’s good to build affordable housing, but we need to create the space for people to get well before moving into housing,” Engardio said.

“It’s good to build affordable housing, but we need to create the space for people to get well before moving into housing,” Engardio said.

The call for greater investment in shelter beds comes as the city grapples with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/31/san-francisco-mayor-proposes-record-spending-despite-780m-deficit/">$728 million budget deficit</a>.

San Francisco mayor proposes record spending despite $780M deficit

The call for greater investment in shelter beds comes as the city grapples with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/31/san-francisco-mayor-proposes-record-spending-despite-780m-deficit/">$728 million budget deficit</a>.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230823_092954.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey gives a speech in support of ending the homeless encampment sweeps injunction outside a San Francisco courthouse ahead of a key appeals hearing on Wednesday. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Protesters, both supporting and opposing an injunction barring encampment sweeps, gathered outside the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday ahead of the city's appeal of the court order. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230823_084012_HDR-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194065"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters, both supporting and opposing an injunction barring encampment sweeps, gathered outside the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday ahead of the city's appeal of the court order.</figcaption></figure>

The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club organized the counterprotest opposing the appeal.&nbsp;

The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club organized the counterprotest opposing the appeal.&nbsp;

“Our rally sends a clear message that we stand united for justice, compassion and accountability from the city and Mayor London Breed," the club's president, Jeffrey Kwong, said in an email. "We are standing up with the ACLU and [Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area] to demand judicial oversight over the city’s utter failure to address the homelessness and housing crisis.”

“Our rally sends a clear message that we stand united for justice, compassion and accountability from the city and Mayor London Breed," the club's president, Jeffrey Kwong, said in an email. "We are standing up with the ACLU and [Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area] to demand judicial oversight over the city’s utter failure to address the homelessness and housing crisis.”

ACLU Northern California Director Abdi Soltani said encampment sweeps are ineffective at addressing homelessness and that shelter options are not provided when they are carried out.

ACLU Northern California Director Abdi Soltani said encampment sweeps are ineffective at addressing homelessness and that shelter options are not provided when they are carried out.

ACLU Northern California director Abdi Soltani speaks in support of the homeless sweeps injunction in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230823_083432-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ACLU Northern California Director Abdi Soltani speaks in support of the homeless encampment sweeps injunction in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

San Francisco homeless encampment sweeps court hearing draws crowd of dueling protesters

In the spirit of mixing politics and pageantry, San Francisco supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman will perform in drag for a political fundraiser this week.&nbsp;

In the spirit of mixing politics and pageantry, San Francisco supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman will perform in drag for a political fundraiser this week.&nbsp;

But raising money for the <a href="https://www.uniteddems.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Democratic Club</a> at <a href="https://www.sfoasis.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oasis</a> on Sunday won’t all be about lip-syncs and death drops.

But raising money for the <a href="https://www.uniteddems.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Democratic Club</a> at <a href="https://www.sfoasis.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oasis</a> on Sunday won’t all be about lip-syncs and death drops.

“We’re taking a hot minute to talk about trans rights and LGBTQ legislation,” reads a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/s/drag-for-a-cause-2023/3631636880415639/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook post</a> advertising the event.&nbsp;

“We’re taking a hot minute to talk about trans rights and LGBTQ legislation,” reads a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/s/drag-for-a-cause-2023/3631636880415639/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook post</a> advertising the event.&nbsp;

The show will be hosted by D’Arcy Drollinger, the owner of Oasis, who was appointed San Francisco’s drag laureate by Mayor London Breed to promote the city’s LGBTQ+ culture and small businesses.

The show will be hosted by D’Arcy Drollinger, the owner of Oasis, who was appointed San Francisco’s drag laureate by Mayor London Breed to promote the city’s LGBTQ+ culture and small businesses.

D'Arcy Drollinger, the owner of SoMa drag club Oasis, was chosen Thursday as the San Francisco's first-ever drag laureate.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Copy-of-DarcyOasisRunway.jpg?w=1920" alt="" class="wp-image-161325"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">D'Arcy Drollinger, the owner of SoMa drag club Oasis, was chosen Thursday as the San Francisco's first-ever drag laureate.</figcaption></figure>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/18/san-francisco-bestows-first-ever-drag-laureate-title-on-its-hardest-working-queen/">San Francisco Pays ‘Drag Laureate’ $55K To Be the City’s LGBTQ+ Envoy</a>

San Francisco pays ‘drag laureate’ $55K to be the city&#8217;s LGBTQ+ envoy

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/18/san-francisco-bestows-first-ever-drag-laureate-title-on-its-hardest-working-queen/">San Francisco Pays ‘Drag Laureate’ $55K To Be the City’s LGBTQ+ Envoy</a>

More officials are expected to participate in the show, the Facebook post says.

More officials are expected to participate in the show, the Facebook post says.

In addition to raising money for the political club, part of the proceeds will also go to <a href="https://www.dragstoryhour.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drag Story Hour</a>, where drag queens read to children at public libraries.

In addition to raising money for the political club, part of the proceeds will also go to <a href="https://www.dragstoryhour.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drag Story Hour</a>, where drag queens read to children at public libraries.

The drag event comes as the U.S. grapples with a wave of anti-trans and anti-queer sentiment, including right-wing groups <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/protesters-bloodied-arrested-nyc-drag-story-hour-rcna75724" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protesting</a> drag storytime events and queer politicians being called “<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Rep-Marjorie-Taylor-Greene-calls-Sen-Scott-17606923.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groomers</a>.”&nbsp;

The drag event comes as the U.S. grapples with a wave of anti-trans and anti-queer sentiment, including right-wing groups <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/protesters-bloodied-arrested-nyc-drag-story-hour-rcna75724" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protesting</a> drag storytime events and queer politicians being called “<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Rep-Marjorie-Taylor-Greene-calls-Sen-Scott-17606923.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groomers</a>.”&nbsp;

District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey and State Sen. Scott Wiener pose for a photo on the corner of Beale and Folsom streets on Election Day on Nov. 8, 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ElectionBlog-Dorsey4.jpg?w=2048" alt="" class="wp-image-90602"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey and state Sen. Scott Wiener pose for a photo on the corner of Beale and Folsom streets on Election Day on Nov. 8, 2022.</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/31/sf-students-join-nationwide-walkout-over-attacks-on-lbgtq-youth/">Anti-LGBTQ legislation</a> is also sweeping the country, including here in California, where a controversial mandate from the Chino Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County requires educators to out students who identify as a gender other than what they were assigned at birth.&nbsp;

SF students join nationwide walkout over attacks on LGBTQ+ youth

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/31/sf-students-join-nationwide-walkout-over-attacks-on-lbgtq-youth/">Anti-LGBTQ legislation</a> is also sweeping the country, including here in California, where a controversial mandate from the Chino Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County requires educators to out students who identify as a gender other than what they were assigned at birth.&nbsp;

The mandate, passed in July with a 4-1 vote by the district’s school board, prompted outrage from supporters of trans rights and a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/chino-valley-california-ag-18279952.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">civil rights investigation</a> from California’s attorney general.

The mandate, passed in July with a 4-1 vote by the district’s school board, prompted outrage from supporters of trans rights and a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/chino-valley-california-ag-18279952.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">civil rights investigation</a> from California’s attorney general.

Supervisors Mandelman and Dorsey, Drollinger and United Democratic Club president Bobak Esfandiari did not respond to requests for comment.

Supervisors Mandelman and Dorsey, Drollinger and United Democratic Club president Bobak Esfandiari did not respond to requests for comment.

2 San Francisco lawmakers to perform in drag show

Josh Koehn

Until this spring, Matt Dorsey spent the bulk of his career selling San Franciscans on the ideas of others. By the time a press statement or an op-ed under his control made its way out the door for public consumption, Dorsey’s fingerprints had usually been wiped clean. People inside the room always knew better.

Until this spring, Matt Dorsey spent the bulk of his career selling San Franciscans on the ideas of others. By the time a press statement or an op-ed under his control made its way out the door for public consumption, Dorsey’s fingerprints had usually been wiped clean. People inside the room always knew better.

As a deeply embedded political consultant, a spokesman of 14 years with the City Attorney's Office, a two-year head of strategic communications for the police department and now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">an appointed supervisor</a> running in November's election, Dorsey knows where the bodies are buried and how to sell a story.&nbsp;

As a deeply embedded political consultant, a spokesman of 14 years with the City Attorney's Office, a two-year head of strategic communications for the police department and now <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">an appointed supervisor</a> running in November's election, Dorsey knows where the bodies are buried and how to sell a story.&nbsp;

“In a democracy,” Dorsey said in an interview this month, “communications is governing.”

“In a democracy,” Dorsey said in an interview this month, “communications is governing.”

His writing career started at Emerson College, where he learned how to influence public opinion as a campaign operative and ghostwriter. Over the course of three decades, his words have been relayed by a slew of San Francisco politicians and public agencies looking to control the narrative, and his strategic advice has often extended beyond the departments in which he works.&nbsp;

His writing career started at Emerson College, where he learned how to influence public opinion as a campaign operative and ghostwriter. Over the course of three decades, his words have been relayed by a slew of San Francisco politicians and public agencies looking to control the narrative, and his strategic advice has often extended beyond the departments in which he works.&nbsp;

“I have to tell you, he was much more than simply a communications person,” said Dennis Herrera, the former city attorney and current head of the city’s Public Utilities Commission. “He was part of my leadership team. He worked with all of our lawyers on some of the biggest legal issues of the past two decades.”

“I have to tell you, he was much more than simply a communications person,” said Dennis Herrera, the former city attorney and current head of the city’s Public Utilities Commission. “He was part of my leadership team. He worked with all of our lawyers on some of the biggest legal issues of the past two decades.”

San Francisco City Attorney's office spokesperson Matt Dorsey speaks during a rally and press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on April 3, 2012. | Lea Suzuki/ SF Chronicle via Getty Image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84739"/><figcaption>San Francisco City Attorney's office spokesperson Matt Dorsey speaks during a rally and press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on April 3, 2012. | Lea Suzuki/ SF Chronicle via Getty Image</figcaption></figure>

Dorsey’s writing typically combines a keen eye for details, dashes of empathy—he is almost universally regarded as a nice person—and a heavy dose of bravado. Projecting confidence is key to the Dorsey playbook. Among the many lessons he learned while confronting crises and earning his bosses positive press, one was to consistently reinforce a key message to the public: Progress is not only on the horizon—it is already being made.

Dorsey’s writing typically combines a keen eye for details, dashes of empathy—he is almost universally regarded as a nice person—and a heavy dose of bravado. Projecting confidence is key to the Dorsey playbook. Among the many lessons he learned while confronting crises and earning his bosses positive press, one was to consistently reinforce a key message to the public: Progress is not only on the horizon—it is already being made.

Since his May appointment as supervisor for San Francisco's Sixth District, which includes the South of Market area, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Mission Bay and Treasure Island, Dorsey’s insatiable work ethic has been on full display. He has held numerous press events with Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Police Chief Bill Scott. This foursome have linked arms since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall/">the recall of progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin</a> and vowed that, together, they are addressing the drug crisis and quality-of-life concerns plaguing San Francisco’s Downtown core.

Since his May appointment as supervisor for San Francisco's Sixth District, which includes the South of Market area, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Mission Bay and Treasure Island, Dorsey’s insatiable work ethic has been on full display. He has held numerous press events with Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Police Chief Bill Scott. This foursome have linked arms since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall/">the recall of progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin</a> and vowed that, together, they are addressing the drug crisis and quality-of-life concerns plaguing San Francisco’s Downtown core.

In a savvy move to corral earned media ahead of the election next month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">Dorsey released a 27-page resolution</a>—replete with footnotes—on how he hopes to pool the city’s immense resources and finally address the city’s drug epidemic. The chances of his plan coming to fruition are likely slimmer than the documents on which they are written, but Dorsey received credit in most corners of City Hall for his collegiality in attempting to bring commissions and departments together.&nbsp;

In a savvy move to corral earned media ahead of the election next month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/nobodys-going-to-jail-supes-plan-to-fix-drug-crisis-asks-city-bosses-for-ideas-within-90-days/">Dorsey released a 27-page resolution</a>—replete with footnotes—on how he hopes to pool the city’s immense resources and finally address the city’s drug epidemic. The chances of his plan coming to fruition are likely slimmer than the documents on which they are written, but Dorsey received credit in most corners of City Hall for his collegiality in attempting to bring commissions and departments together.&nbsp;

And while he claims a run for office higher than his current perch is not in the cards, the longtime political puppetmaster’s ambitions are starting to take form.

And while he claims a run for office higher than his current perch is not in the cards, the longtime political puppetmaster’s ambitions are starting to take form.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-salesman">The Salesman</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-the-salesman">The Salesman</h2>

It feels a bit on the nose for an interview in Dorsey’s Mission Street campaign headquarters, which he shares with DA Jenkins, to take place in an interrogation room, but here we are. Across a sparse table, the 57-year-old former police spokesman is sitting under two yellow lamps descending from the ceiling and telling his life story, from coming to San Francisco in 1990 to work on then-DA Arlo Smith’s campaign for state attorney general to massaging all manner of messages coming out of City Hall.

It feels a bit on the nose for an interview in Dorsey’s Mission Street campaign headquarters, which he shares with DA Jenkins, to take place in an interrogation room, but here we are. Across a sparse table, the 57-year-old former police spokesman is sitting under two yellow lamps descending from the ceiling and telling his life story, from coming to San Francisco in 1990 to work on then-DA Arlo Smith’s campaign for state attorney general to massaging all manner of messages coming out of City Hall.

This includes going after Juul when the e-cigarette company was found to be targeting minors in its marketing, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights when the city began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and, most recently, shielding the police department and its brass from political blowback amid a public furor over crime.

This includes going after Juul when the e-cigarette company was found to be targeting minors in its marketing, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights when the city began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and, most recently, shielding the police department and its brass from political blowback amid a public furor over crime.

“I'm a believer in reform, and I do think that the Chief [Bill Scott] has been doing great work,” Dorsey said of his former boss. “That doesn't mean that I'm being a copagandist. I do think I wanted to be an evangelist for reform.”

“I'm a believer in reform, and I do think that the Chief [Bill Scott] has been doing great work,” Dorsey said of his former boss. “That doesn't mean that I'm being a copagandist. I do think I wanted to be an evangelist for reform.”

Supervisor Matt Dorsey addresses a crowd at a protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade outside San Francisco City Hall on June 24, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED03.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84748"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey addresses a crowd at a protest against the overturning of Roe v. Wade outside San Francisco City Hall on June 24, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Since this spring, Dorsey has traded ghost-written bylines for stump speeches in which he shakes a thumb-extended fist and quotes the late gay rights icon Harvey Milk. He grins and he talks about hope in a city going through the throes of addiction and homelessness. A Dorsey speech also rarely omits his own struggles with addiction as an earnest example of why San Francisco should buy what he’s selling. In <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/live-blog-sf-standards-district-6-supervisor-debate/">a debate held this month at The Standard’s offices</a>, he called this work “the obligation of my survival.”

Since this spring, Dorsey has traded ghost-written bylines for stump speeches in which he shakes a thumb-extended fist and quotes the late gay rights icon Harvey Milk. He grins and he talks about hope in a city going through the throes of addiction and homelessness. A Dorsey speech also rarely omits his own struggles with addiction as an earnest example of why San Francisco should buy what he’s selling. In <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/live-blog-sf-standards-district-6-supervisor-debate/">a debate held this month at The Standard’s offices</a>, he called this work “the obligation of my survival.”

“He’s got a lot of ideas, and he loves talking about them,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who is a longtime friend and supporter of Dorsey’s. “He thinks a lot about framing and how to solve a problem. And he will talk your ear off about it. As a politician, he has a very Irish Catholic, Massachusetts-ey style.”

“He’s got a lot of ideas, and he loves talking about them,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who is a longtime friend and supporter of Dorsey’s. “He thinks a lot about framing and how to solve a problem. And he will talk your ear off about it. As a politician, he has a very Irish Catholic, Massachusetts-ey style.”

His critics—and there are more than a few in the more progressive wing of the city’s Democratic Party—would argue that Dorsey’s goals aren’t the issue, but rather it’s the paradox in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">how he merges harm reduction and tough-on-crime talk</a>.

His critics—and there are more than a few in the more progressive wing of the city’s Democratic Party—would argue that Dorsey’s goals aren’t the issue, but rather it’s the paradox in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/sup-dorsey-proposes-right-to-recovery-zones-with-targeted-drug-enforcement/">how he merges harm reduction and tough-on-crime talk</a>.

Peter Calloway, a public defender in the city who has accused Dorsey and Jenkins’ rhetoric as a futile attempt to incarcerate San Francisco out of its problems, said he and others have had trouble pinning the supervisor down.&nbsp;

Peter Calloway, a public defender in the city who has accused Dorsey and Jenkins’ rhetoric as a futile attempt to incarcerate San Francisco out of its problems, said he and others have had trouble pinning the supervisor down.&nbsp;

Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks out in support of safe-consumption sites at a press conference at San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church on Aug. 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84754"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks out in support of safe-consumption sites at a press conference at San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church on Aug. 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“I think his messaging is effective,” said Calloway, who lives in the Tenderloin, which up until the spring redistricting process was part of District 6. “But to what end?”

“I think his messaging is effective,” said Calloway, who lives in the Tenderloin, which up until the spring redistricting process was part of District 6. “But to what end?”

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/john-crew-police-reform-san-francisco-obituary/">John Crew, an attorney and police reformer</a> who died earlier this month, told The Standard in an interview over the summer that Dorsey’s impact on the police department was substantial and oftentimes overtly political.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/john-crew-police-reform-san-francisco-obituary/">John Crew, an attorney and police reformer</a> who died earlier this month, told The Standard in an interview over the summer that Dorsey’s impact on the police department was substantial and oftentimes overtly political.

“It’s important for police officers to understand their obligation to tell the truth,” Crew said, whether it be writing crime reports or testifying in court. “When you lie on every press release, when you completely spin and misuse the use-of-force data—when officers see the department operate in such a blatantly political fashion, it creates an environment that is very dangerous.”

“It’s important for police officers to understand their obligation to tell the truth,” Crew said, whether it be writing crime reports or testifying in court. “When you lie on every press release, when you completely spin and misuse the use-of-force data—when officers see the department operate in such a blatantly political fashion, it creates an environment that is very dangerous.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-addict">The Addict</h2>

The pressure of stepping out of the staffing shadows and into the limelight as an elected official in San Francisco is a risky proposition for Dorsey.

The pressure of stepping out of the staffing shadows and into the limelight as an elected official in San Francisco is a risky proposition for Dorsey.

David Chiu, the current city attorney and a former supervisor, once compared the city’s politics to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Chiu-a-moderate-in-SF-but-a-radical-in-Sacramento-8348850.php">“a knife fight in a phone booth.”</a> Dorsey touts his experience with addiction—he said he first became sober Dec. 2, 1992—as a trait that makes him uniquely qualified to understand and confront a drug crisis that claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people in the city during 2020 and 2021.

David Chiu, the current city attorney and a former supervisor, once compared the city’s politics to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Chiu-a-moderate-in-SF-but-a-radical-in-Sacramento-8348850.php">“a knife fight in a phone booth.”</a> Dorsey touts his experience with addiction—he said he first became sober Dec. 2, 1992—as a trait that makes him uniquely qualified to understand and confront a drug crisis that claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people in the city during 2020 and 2021.

While out campaigning ahead of the Nov. 8 election, which is now underway thanks to mail-in ballots, Dorsey has been candid about his recent relapses. He went to rehab in 2018 and stumbled again in 2020—the latter being the same year he took a job as the director of strategic communications for the police department.

While out campaigning ahead of the Nov. 8 election, which is now underway thanks to mail-in ballots, Dorsey has been candid about his recent relapses. He went to rehab in 2018 and stumbled again in 2020—the latter being the same year he took a job as the director of strategic communications for the police department.

Dorsey said he took crystal meth, GHB “and party drugs like ecstasy or MDMA” during his 2018 relapse.&nbsp;

Dorsey said he took crystal meth, GHB “and party drugs like ecstasy or MDMA” during his 2018 relapse.&nbsp;

“I’m a gay man, and if the right hot guy asks if I want to party, you know, if I'm not doing my part to work a good program, I can be vulnerable to some bad decisions,” he said.

“I’m a gay man, and if the right hot guy asks if I want to party, you know, if I'm not doing my part to work a good program, I can be vulnerable to some bad decisions,” he said.

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The Standard offices on Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-Profile-10072022_INLINED07-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84763"/><figcaption>San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey speaks during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The Standard offices on Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

In 2020, Dorsey said, he fell off the wagon again as the pandemic lockdown took hold and he realized in a moment of weakness that he had GHB in his apartment.

In 2020, Dorsey said, he fell off the wagon again as the pandemic lockdown took hold and he realized in a moment of weakness that he had GHB in his apartment.

“In some ways, I think especially doing politics, I don't know that I can even competently do this if I didn't have a program,” Dorsey said. “Today, I'm in a place where I'm so grateful for the program I have that I'm grateful for the disease that got me there. It helps me have perspective. It keeps me humble. It keeps me service-oriented.”

“In some ways, I think especially doing politics, I don't know that I can even competently do this if I didn't have a program,” Dorsey said. “Today, I'm in a place where I'm so grateful for the program I have that I'm grateful for the disease that got me there. It helps me have perspective. It keeps me humble. It keeps me service-oriented.”

Mayor Breed said she appointed Dorsey over his election challenger Honey Mahogany, a social worker and trans woman, after residents told her their top concern is crime.

Mayor Breed said she appointed Dorsey over his election challenger Honey Mahogany, a social worker and trans woman, after residents told her their top concern is crime.

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