The San Francisco Board of Supervisors held a special meeting primarily focused on the Mayor's Proclamation of Local Emergency related to drug overdoses in the Tenderloin. The Board convened as a Committee of the Whole to discuss and ultimately vote on concurring with the Proclamation, which allows the city to take emergency measures to address the crisis. Public comment was extensive, with many speakers expressing support for and opposition to the Proclamation. The Board ultimately voted to approve the motion concurring with the Mayor's Proclamation. Supervisor Peskin was excused, legislation was introduced at Roll Call, and topics ranging from city collaboration, surveillance laws, and housing were mentioned by the public during the meeting.
Supervisor Ronen, seconded by Supervisor Chan, moved to excuse Supervisor Peskin from attending the meeting because he was out of the country. The motion was approved with 10 ayes and 1 excused absence.
Clerk Calvillo announced the process for public comment, including phone and email options. An ADA request was accommodated to allow a member of the public to speak at the beginning of the meeting. Zach spoke in opposition to the proposed Motion concurring in the Proclamation of Local Emergency relating to drug overdoses in the Tenderloin.
The Board convened as a Committee of the Whole due to the Mayor's emergency declaration regarding drug overdoses in the Tenderloin. Supervisor Haney temporarily assumed the chair. The Committee discussed Motion 211320, which was about concurring with the Mayor's Proclamation. This motion allows the City to take emergency measures, including deploying temporary facilities and waiving certain requirements, to address the crisis. Several city officials, including Maryellen Carroll from the Department of Emergency Management and Chief William Scott from the Police Department, provided an overview and answered questions. The Committee then heard public comment from many speakers, mostly split between support and opposition, and then voted on the motion.
Several members of the public provided comments. Sonya expressed concerns about drug addiction and a specific pharmaceutical drug. Paulina Bayer voiced concerns about collaboration. Blaire Beekman shared concerns about federal subsidies for housing. Other speakers wished the Board a happy holiday, thanked the members and staff, expressed concerns about public bathroom access and surveillance reforms, and raised concerns about homelessness in neighborhoods. Speakers included Sonya, Paulina Bayer, Blaire Beekman, Joe Consler, Mary Hell, Barry Taranto, and others.
The minutes note that legislation was introduced at roll call by either a Supervisor or the Mayor, according to Charter Section 2.105. This legislation will be listed in the Final Minutes and made available online at http://www.sfbos.org/legislation_introduced once approved.