San Francisco Lawmakers Could Skirt Ban on ‘Safe Injection Sites’

California Democrats have begun to move forward with plans to open safe injection sites. Gavin Newsom (D.), vetoed the bill that would have legalized them.

Democratic supervisors suggested a plan to establish “wellness centers” The KRON San Francisco would offer a variety of services, including places for drug consumption. reported. These centers would be partly funded by the taxpayers but not entirely by the private sector nonprofits The funds and operation of the “safe consumption areas” for drug users. Breed has already been successful in convincing Mayor London Breed (D.), to join their initiative. suggested While the city debates whether the proposal is legal, nonprofits continue to work on plans for safe injection sites.

August’s Newsom vetoed a bill to legalize publicly-funded injection sites in many California cities.

This is the latest effort by San Francisco lawmakers to manage the city’s addiction problem. The city boasts More than 20 “harm reduction centers” Where drug users can get clean crack pipes or free needles. Last month, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors proposed a budget of $5.5 million for drug-use hubs in the city. This would provide drug users with medical care.

These injection sites are safe, progressive lawmakers claim. This has not been the case. The city in December shut down The controversial Tenderloin linkage center, which cost $22 million to build and is intended to connect high-risk drug users with public assistance. Breed pledged to make the site, which is currently under construction, a reality. opened In January 2022, overdose deaths would be reduced. The city had 625 overdose deaths In 2022, it will be 41 percent higher than the pre-pandemic level.

The Linkage Center was purposefully constructed in the Tenderloin, which is home to San Francisco’s largest “open air drug market.” Tenderloin small business owners are encouraged demanding tax refunds from the city to make up for the loss of business they say is caused by the city’s inaction on drug use and crime.

Breed was scheduled to meet with the coalition on Tuesday, but the group postponed the meeting to February. The group sent an email to members Tuesday.