Wednesday, June 21, 2023  

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org   

***PRESS RELEASE***  

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVE TO DISRUPT OPEN AIR DRUG MARKETS SEIZING FENTANYL AT RECORD LEVELS  

SFPD has seized over 60 kilos of fentanyl this year so far – an increase of 160% over the same period last year and more than 640% since 2021    

San Francisco, CA – Today Mayor London Breed announced progress from the City’s multiagency initiative to address open-air drug markets made up of local, state, and federal public safety partners focused on a more coordinated enforcement and disruption of illegal activities.   

As part of this work, SFPD has focused enforcement in the Tenderloin and South of Market Area, where officers have seized over 60 kilos of fentanyl year to date, amounting to over 30 million lethal doses of the deadly drug. This is an increase of 160% over the same time period last year, and more than 640% seized year over year since 2021.   

Additionally, 28% of those cited for public drug use under new enforcement efforts have had existing warrants for other crimes and are now being charged under those warrants. Only 8% cited for public drug use identified as San Francisco residents.   

This effort is part of Mayor Breed’s commitment to enforcing laws to make our streets safer for residents, small businesses, and workers, to offering help to people in crisis, and holding people accountable for the harm that they do to everyone when they refuse help and continue to deal or use in public. This initiative is focused on addressing drug markets in three key areas: open drug sales, public drug use, and fencing of stolen goods in drug market areas.  

“Shutting down open air drug markets is critical to the safety of our neighborhoods and the overall health of our City,” said Mayor London Breed. “The work that our city agencies and state and federal partners are doing to confront this crisis has to be sustained and expanded and we can’t continue to accept the existence of these drug markets on our streets. We will continue to offer help to people in crisis, but we must hold people accountable who are hurting our communities.”  

Coordinated Response to Fentanyl  

A coordinated City initiative to address open-air drug markets led by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) began ramping up in April. Starting June 12, this effort expanded to include more city agencies as well as regional and state partners, and is focused on enforcing existing laws, as well as continuing street outreach and offers of services to those in need of care.   

DEM is coordinating local and state agencies involved in this effort, including enforcement agencies such as the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO), the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the Adult Probation Department, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the California National Guard. It also involves agencies providing outreach and services, including the Department of Public Health (DPH), Human Services Agency (HSA), and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH).  

Open Drug Sales  

In the first six months of 2023, SFPD has focused enforcement efforts in the Tenderloin and South of Market areas. This work has yielded in these areas alone:  

• 390 arrests for sale  
• 61 kilograms of fentanyl seized  
• 95 kilograms of narcotics seized   

This data does not include arrests and seizures in other parts of San Francisco. Through ongoing City public safety coordination, the agencies will work more closely with state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and arrest drug dealers and traffickers, disrupt the supply chain, and reduce the profitability of this criminal operation.   

Last week, the CHP announced the seizure of 4 kilograms of fentanyl since May 1 when the State announced its plans to direct resources to San Francisco to support efforts targeting open-air drug markets. The California National Guard has been deployed to provide investigative support for dismantling drug rings.   

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has also announced that San Francisco will be included in Operation Overdrive, a federal initiative under the Department of Justice that deploys federal law enforcement resources to help local and state authorities identify and dismantle criminal drug networks. These partnerships play a critical role to develop long-term, sustainable strategies to maintain clearance from drug sales.   

Public Drug Use  

SFPD and SFSO have launched a new coordinated effort to arrest and detain those who pose a danger to themselves and to others through their public drug use.  Between May 30 and June 18, this team of officers trained to identify narcotics use completed 58 total encounters, resulting in 5 medical transports to local hospitals, 11 misdemeanor citations, and 42 misdemeanor bookings into county jail for temporary detention due to narcotics intoxication.    

Of the 53 cited or booked for public drug use:  

• 28% had outstanding warrants. These individuals were then held on these warrants. Only one of these 15 individuals identified as San Francisco residents.   
• 8% overall identified as San Francisco residents. 51% came from another California county, and 34% came from out of state. The remaining came from out of country or didn’t identify their residency.     

None of those detained under public intoxication laws accepted services for treatment offered to them upon release. Anyone detained in San Francisco’s jails are supported by Jail Health Services, and offered access to voluntary services upon release. Additionally, City health and homelessness outreach teams will continue routine daily outreach to offer services and treatment linkages in targeted neighborhoods.  

Next Steps  

As part of the City’s efforts to streamline and coordinate efforts, regular data updates on key metrics around these efforts will be shared publicly as they become available. The Mayor’s Budget, which is currently before the Board of Supervisors, provides key funding to continue this work, as well as broader support for law enforcement and public health needs.  

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MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR ONSITE COVERAGE:
FRIDAY JUNE 16 (3pm – 6:30pm)

Media contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com    

WHAT: 
SuitUp Empowers 15 Women from Bayview’s Ladies in Power Program

Innovation Violence Intervention Program Provides
Clothes and Mentoring to Participants

WHO: 
Sponsored by Macy’s Union Square, Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP), Operation Genesis Inc., the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA),
 

WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, June 16: 3pm – 6:30pm
Macy’s Union Square

3pm – 3:30pm:
Remarks by SFDA Brooke Jenkins; SFPD Chief Bill Scott; Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez

3:30pm – 4pm
Fashion Show begins

4:30pm
Welcome Remarks by Marisa Rodriguez at John’s Grill to honor participants

5pm
Dinner and Awards

6:30pm
Event Concludes

WHY/DETAILS: 
The Union Square Alliance (www.visitunionsquaresf.com) has announced the upcoming SuitUp! Runway Event, which will take place on June 16, 2023, at Macy’s Union Square in San Francisco. SuitUp!,is a collaborative initiative between community agencies and sponsors including Macy’s Union Square, Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP), Operation Genesis Inc., the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA), which aims to uplift young African American women from San Francisco’s Ladies in Power program through the transformative power of a brand new business suit and a six-week intensive mentoring program. 

“These young women are truly inspirational, and their dedication to their goals inspires us all,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance. “Having worked for many years in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, I know how important initiatives like ‘SuitUp’ are to breaking the cycle of violence. This program defines a smart and compassionate partnership between business, law enforcement, and the community.” 

The inaugural 2022 cohort of Suit Up!, which included young African American men from Bayview’s Alice Griffith Community, participated in a year-long mentorship program focused on empowering and supporting young men during a crucial age. This year, the second cohort of fifteen young African American women, aged 13-20 from SF’s Ladies in Power program, will participate in a six-week intensive program focusing on self-esteem and confidence building, addressing unrealistic beauty standards and social media pressures. 

Upon completion of the program, the young women will have the opportunity to meet with a Macy’s stylist and purchase their first work suit and accessories courtesy of Macy’s. They will also participate in the Macy’s Runway Show on June 16, 2023, showcasing their new suits and celebrating their growth and transformation. 

“I believe if we can get these young women to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities,” said Taneshia Miller of SF’s Ladies in Power. 

“Macy’s is thrilled to sponsor this important initiative for the second year in a row,” said John Sparks, Senior Director Store Manager at Macy’s Union Square. “As part of our social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s is dedicated to creating a brighter future with bold representation for all. This critical work promotes community involvement in San Francisco compassionately and creatively, aligning with our mission to empower more voice, choice, and ownership for colleagues, customers, and communities.”

The idea for “SuitUp” came in 2021 through Robert Newt, a Supervisor at the Street Violence Intervention Program. Determined to see the young people he works with succeed, Newt started a mentoring program with a year-long curriculum focused on self-esteem and positive transformations. 

“My vision for this mentoring program was to collaborate with community partners and teach young people about the power of self-esteem,” said Newt. “I strongly believe that if we can get these young people to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities.” 

The San Francisco Street Violence Intervention Program is an outreach and crisis response program hosted in the Department of Public Health. Created in 2013 to reduce and intervene in youth-related street violence for the City and County of San Francisco. Already, the “SuitUp” pilot project is gaining enthusiastic support from its community partners, including the SFPD. 

“Congratulations to the young women who participated in Suit Up’s second cohort with Ladies in Power,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “They are exceptional young women with bright futures ahead who have demonstrated their commitment to improving themselves and our community.” 

“We are so proud to support 15 young women from the San Francisco’s Ladies in Powerin this second year of the program,” said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.  “The ‘Suit Up’ initiative is about helping young people build confidence to learn to help themselves and their communities.” 

About the Union Square Alliance: 
The Union Square Alliance serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and excellent public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square Alliance. It is bordered to the north by Bush Street, to the east by Kearny Street, to the south by Market Street, and on west Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com  

For more information on this Violence Intervention Program, please contact Chief Tiffany Sutton, SFDA’s Chief of Collaborative Justice, at tiffany.sutton@sfgov.org

About Macy’s
For more than 160 years, Macy’s—the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc.—has served generations at every stage of their lives. Macy’s customers come to us for fashion, value and high-quality products. We are proud of our heritage and the unique role we play in American culture and tradition. We celebrate occasions big and small, and have created decades of memorable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks^® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. With the collective support of our customers and colleagues, Macy’s helps make a difference in every market we serve, supporting local and national charities through funding and volunteer service. With fashion, value and celebration as our guide, Macy’s makes life shine brighter for our customers, colleagues and communities. More information is available at macys.com.

media contact: DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

“SuitUp” Empowers 15 Young Women from Bayview’s Ladies in Power Program

Union Square Alliance Collaborates with Macy’s, SFPD, SVIP, SF District Attorney’s Office, and Operation Genesis in Innovative Violence Intervention Program Providing Professional Clothes and Mentoring; Program Culminates with Fashion Show on June 16, 2023

15 June 2023 — San Francisco, CA:  The Union Square Alliance (www.visitunionsquaresf.com) has announced the upcoming SuitUp! Runway Event, which will take place on June 16, 2023, at Macy’s Union Square in San Francisco. SuitUp!,is a collaborative initiative between community agencies and sponsors including Macy’s Union Square, Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP), Operation Genesis Inc., the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA), which aims to uplift young African American women from San Francisco’s Ladies in Power program through the transformative power of a brand new business suit and a six-week intensive mentoring program. 

“These young women are truly inspirational, and their dedication to their goals inspires us all,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance. “Having worked for many years in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, I know how important initiatives like ‘SuitUp’ are to breaking the cycle of violence. This program defines a smart and compassionate partnership between business, law enforcement, and the community.” 

The inaugural 2022 cohort of Suit Up!, which included young African American men from Bayview’s Alice Griffith Community, participated in a year-long mentorship program focused on empowering and supporting young men during a crucial age. This year, the second cohort of fifteen young African American women, aged 13-20 from SF’s Ladies in Power program, will participate in a six-week intensive program focusing on self-esteem and confidence building, addressing unrealistic beauty standards and social media pressures. 

Upon completion of the program, the young women will have the opportunity to meet with a Macy’s stylist and purchase their first work suit and accessories courtesy of Macy’s. They will also participate in the Macy’s Runway Show on June 16, 2023, showcasing their new suits and celebrating their growth and transformation. 

“I believe if we can get these young women to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities,” said Taneshia Miller of SF’s Ladies in Power. 

“Macy’s is thrilled to sponsor this important initiative for the second year in a row,” said John Sparks, Senior Director Store Manager at Macy’s Union Square. “As part of our social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s is dedicated to creating a brighter future with bold representation for all. This critical work promotes community involvement in San Francisco compassionately and creatively, aligning with our mission to empower more voice, choice, and ownership for colleagues, customers, and communities.”

The idea for “SuitUp” came in 2021 through Robert Newt, a Supervisor at the Street Violence Intervention Program. Determined to see the young people he works with succeed, Newt started a mentoring program with a year-long curriculum focused on self-esteem and positive transformations. 

“My vision for this mentoring program was to collaborate with community partners and teach young people about the power of self-esteem,” said Newt. “I strongly believe that if we can get these young people to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities.” 

The San Francisco Street Violence Intervention Program is an outreach and crisis response program hosted in the Department of Public Health. Created in 2013 to reduce and intervene in youth-related street violence for the City and County of San Francisco. Already, the “SuitUp” pilot project is gaining enthusiastic support from its community partners, including the SFPD. 

“Congratulations to the young women who participated in Suit Up’s second cohort with Ladies in Power,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “They are exceptional young women with bright futures ahead who have demonstrated their commitment to improving themselves and our community.” 

“We are so proud to support 15 young women from the San Francisco’s Ladies in Powerin this second year of the program,” said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.  “The ‘Suit Up’ initiative is about helping young people build confidence to learn to help themselves and their communities.” 

About the Union Square Alliance: 

The Union Square Alliance serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and excellent public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square Alliance. It is bordered to the north by Bush Street, to the east by Kearny Street, to the south by Market Street, and on west Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com  

For more information on this Violence Intervention Program, please contact Chief Tiffany Sutton, SFDA’s Chief of Collaborative Justice, at tiffany.sutton@sfgov.org

About Macy’s

For more than 160 years, Macy’s—the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc.—has served generations at every stage of their lives. Macy’s customers come to us for fashion, value and high-quality products. We are proud of our heritage and the unique role we play in American culture and tradition. We celebrate occasions big and small, and have created decades of memorable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks^® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. With the collective support of our customers and colleagues, Macy’s helps make a difference in every market we serve, supporting local and national charities through funding and volunteer service. With fashion, value and celebration as our guide, Macy’s makes life shine brighter for our customers, colleagues and communities. More information is available at macys.com.

Today IS Decision Day for the Castro Theatre.

Meeting details:
Thursday, June 15th at 11am at City Hall, Room 400, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Your presence is crucial, so please join us in dressing in BLUE to symbolize our widespread solidarity and be sure to arrive early to secure your seat! 
 
If you cannot attend, you can still make a difference by calling for a brief comment:
 
(415) 655-0001 / access code 2593 558 2871##
 
Watch along here: https://sfgovtv.org/sfgovtv-live-events (https://sfgovtv.org/sfgovtv-live-events)
 
To receive real-time updates from Neighbors for a Restored Castro Theatre (https://www.restorecastrotheatre.com/)
, including the start of public comment, text “Castro” to
+1 (833) 268-2481