THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025
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A change in harm reduction policy, but controversial practices remain
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
Mayor Daniel Lurie is continuing to make incremental changes in San Francisco’s policies aimed at drug abuse, this time taking aim at “harm reduction” programs that many argue have outlived their usefulness and are now actively harmful.
Yesterday, Lurie announced what a press release called “a major policy shift in San Francisco’s response to the fentanyl crisis.” Starting on April 30, “safer drug use supplies” will no longer be distributed except to those who receive treatment counseling or connect with services. Additionally, city-funded programs will no longer be able to distribute smoking supplies in public areas.
It’s not a total block of harm-reduction supplies, which can still be handed out “indoors or in approved, controlled spaces.” This means communities still run the risk of hosting sites where drug use continues to happen. This week, Susan Dyer Reynolds details the goings-on inside one such “wellness hub” in the Mission, just 600 feet away from a school. We’ll be discussing these and other issues in our Sunday Brunch Space on X this weekend, with special guests.
But rest assured, we also have some good news coming. Erica Sandberg looks at the role of First Thursdays in reviving Downtown, and Jerold Chinn details how ridership on the Muni is coming back despite the risk of fare increases and service cuts. Look for more good news coverage soon as neighborhood events pick up this year. And don’t forget our A&E coverage from writers like Michael Snyder and Sharon Anderson.
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
REYNOLDS RAP
Videos show drug use inside Gubbio Project ‘wellness hub’ just 600 feet from elementary school
Harm reduction group awarded a no-bid contract by city officials
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
Former Mayor London Breed’s staff, former District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen, and various staff from the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) worked together to hand a no-bid contract for a harm reduction-based “wellness hub” to the Gubbio Project, a series of emails obtained through a public records requests show.
NEWS
So much for matters of principle
So far this year, two prominent progressive Democratic volunteer organizations refused to renew their charters with San Francisco’s Democratic Party.
by Mike Ege
DOWNTOWN RECOVERY
To revive San Francisco’s downtown, does safety or fun come first?
Monthly street party designed to boost local businesses offers vibrant cultural experience
by Erica Sandberg
Quote of the week
““Everyone should contribute to the city, whether supporting city events, volunteering, or attending political events.”
—Rob Stabo, founder of the Bay Area Bright Futures Foundation, on reviving San Francisco neighborhoods through efforts like First Thursdays
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
POLITICS
The $63 million woman: Barbara Lee company tied to 287 federal contract actions, many while she was in political office
According to the Federal Procurement Data System, over $44 million went to guard services.
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
OPINION
Housing First isn’t just on the ropes; it’s about to be K.O.’d. They did it to themselves.
Policies and organizations that were supposed to reduce homelessness have been an abject failure in spite of billions of dollars in funding.
by Tom Wolf
TRANSIT
Muni service cuts coming this summer as SFMTA faces budget shortfall
Muni single rides using Clipper will increase to $2.75; BART fares will rise 5.5 percent.
by Jerold Chinn
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EVENTS
Out and about April 3–9, 2025
What to do this weekend and beyond.
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Here are some suggestions to wind down your week from music and dance to tasty treats to serious stuff like climate change and fun stuff like inflatable art. Read on …
Thursday, April 3
Tickets are going fast for A Conversation with Tom Steyer on Climate Progress in 2025. Join the discussion on how the private sector can drive real change because it sure ain’t gonna happen in Washington. Tickets: $8 and change.
Last week I listed the Balloon Museum’s interactive EmotionAir exhibition before I’d seen it. Now I have, and I recommend it highly (especially if you’ve got kiddos). It’s unlike anything I’ve seen, and the inflatable artworks explore the relationship between art and emotions (which for me was from cool to fun to ewww). Look for our full coverage next week. Daily through Sept. 7. Tickets from $33.
Friday, April 4
Support our local music scene at Lakehouse Jazz, an intimate concert series at the hidden, historic Blue Heron Boathouse in Golden Gate Park. Enjoy all things jazz from Swing to Latin, Funk, Fusion, and original compositions. BYO food, and get your wine and beer onsite. Well-behaved and quiet doggos are welcome (sorry Daisy). Through Saturday; ongoing. Tickets: $39.
Celebrate the flavors of the city and explore its diverse neighborhoods with San Francisco Restaurant Week. Enjoy a special prix-fixe menu of brunch or lunch from $10 and dinner from $30. Visit the link above for participating restaurants and reservations.
Listen to our podcasts
- The interactions on a Federal, State and local level make new policies more uncertain
- The closing of the HHS office in San Francisco is just plain wrong
- It is time to open Market Street to cars! What say you Mayor Lurie?
- For Mayor Lurie, is the honeymoon over?
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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