Mayor's plan to add drug treatment beds takes away mental health beds

Good afternoon! Here’s the latest:

Mayor Lurie said he’s adding 57 new locked drug treatment beds—by doing away with 97 board-and-care beds at the Behavioral Health Center, home to adults and seniors with severe mental illness. Nurses rallied to protest the displacement of vulnerable patients who’ve lived there for years.

Lurie also unveiled an executive order that would boost law enforcement hiring and review the SFPD’s heavy use of overtime. Read Joe Rivano Barros on the details, including a call to look at the expanded use of technology.

With pledges of new beds and police crackdowns, the city says substance abuse treatment is a priority. Abigail Vân Neely has a really interesting piece on why some drug users don’t want—or can’t get—treatment.

A former SFMTA worker who’s suing the agency charged that it targeted the Bayview, Excelsior, and Mission disproportionately for parking tickets.

For the back story, see Marina Newman‘s trial coverage, featuring allegations of harassment, racial division, and blowout fights inside the parking division.

More soon,

Sara

P.S. There are two community meetings this evening to discuss conditions around the 16th Street plaza. Come to one or both!