In his inaugural address, new San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie discussed several issues affecting residents, including homelessness, drug use and public safety.
Wednesday morning, hours before taking the oath of officeLurie visited one of the city’s most troubled neighborhoods, serving breakfast at St. Anthony’s before walking through the Tenderloin District with Police Chief Bill Scott.
“A lot of things need to be done,” Lerontae Brown said as Lurie entered the room. ‘Homelessness, for example. Crime. Typical things that cities have to deal with. But this one is tough.”
A tough challenge, and Brown jumped up on a chair to take a look at the man who now has to do the heavy lifting.
“Never underestimate the power of mentality and hope,” said Dr. Larry Kwan, CEO of St. Anthony’s. “What I love about this moment is that it models two things that are important for significant change: a heart of service and showing up.”
Lurie’s visit to the Tenderloin seemed to spark some appreciation from residents as he toured the district that has become synonymous with the challenges facing San Francisco.
“Thank you for coming to our neighborhood,” one man shouted.
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Block by block, Lurie walked the Tenderloin, introducing his wife and children to anyone who wanted to say hello and receiving many good wishes and advice.
“Hopefully better opportunities,” Code Tenderloin’s Chris Powell said of the changes Lurie’s new administration could bring. “Better services. Hopefully more money will be put into the Tenderloin so we can stop homelessness. So we can stop drug activity and get more people here.”
Of course, this is a neighborhood that has seen a lot of promise for decades.
“He’s got to make sure this area stays clean,” Dell said from her car as she drove through the Tenderloin. ‘That’s all. Because honestly, this is the most forgotten neighborhood in the city.’
“Right now, I hope he cleans up the Jones and Ellis area,” said Charles Sears, who also told the mayor he sees challenges beyond the Tenderloin.
“I drive past places on the way to the doctor.” Sears explained. ‘This place is gone. This place is gone. It’s insane. The city is losing its flavor.’
And in the most child-density neighborhood in San Francisco, Maria had this one request for her daughter.
“Help us with the tenderloin, because there are a lot of children, like my daughter, walking on the streets. And there are a lot of people, homeless and drugs on the streets,” she said. “We hope he will walk the streets and see what’s going on here so the kids can get to the bus stop safely.”
“Safety is not just a statistic,” Lurie said during his inaugural remarks. “It’s a feeling that sticks with you as you walk down the street. That uncertainty is hurting families and businesses in the Tenderloin, South of Market, the Mission and beyond.”
Lurie’s messages seemed to indicate that the new administration understands the issues and has a detailed plan to implement significant changes. Now there are undoubtedly high expectations among residents when the administration starts.
Wilson Walker
