In a bid to address the longstanding issues of homelessness, drugs, and property crime in San Francisco, Mayor London Breed is pushing two controversial public safety proposals that will be on the March 5 ballot. The first proposal would require single adults on welfare to undergo screening and treatment for illegal drug addiction, with the consequence of losing cash assistance if they refuse. The second proposal would grant police more crime-fighting powers, including the use of drones and surveillance cameras.

However, these proposals have sparked a heated debate among residents and activists, who argue that they infringe upon privacy and civil liberties and will disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Critics argue that the measures are out of touch with San Francisco's values and will only exacerbate the issues they aim to address.

Mayor Breed, the first Black woman to lead San Francisco, defended her proposals by highlighting the pleas from residents in poorer, Black, and immigrant neighborhoods for increased police presence. She also emphasized the urgent need for action in response to the record number of accidental overdose deaths in the city, fueled by the prevalence of cheap and potent fentanyl.

While Mayor Breed's name is not on the current presidential primary ballots, the two measures she is pushing serve as an early indication of her reelection campaign. Her opponents, who consider her approach to the city's problems to be weak, argue that San Francisco needs a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to tackling drug addiction and homelessness.

San Francisco has long grappled with quality-of-life crimes, although violent crimes remain relatively low. Mayor Breed credits strategic operations by the city police for recent declines in retail theft and auto smash-ins. The police have also increased enforcement of drug laws, issuing citations to individuals using drugs in public as a means of disrupting the behavior and encouraging them to seek help.

However, Mayor Breed believes that more needs to be done. If approved by voters, Proposition F would provide an additional avenue for compelling treatment by allowing the city to screen single adults on welfare for substance abuse. Those found to be abusing illegal drugs would be required to enroll in treatment to continue receiving cash assistance.

Opponents argue that coercion is not an effective approach and express concerns that homelessness may increase if the measure passes. They emphasize that drug addiction should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal offense and highlight the lack of sufficient treatment beds and counseling services.

Trent Rhorer, the executive director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency, supports Proposition F, arguing that providing cash assistance to individuals addicted to fentanyl does not improve their lives. The measure would replace the current substance abuse question on welfare applications with a more rigorous screening test verified by an addiction specialist. Treatment options would include residential care, 12-step programs, individual counseling, and replacement medication. The measure also calls for the city to pay the rent of those accepted into the program for 30 days or longer to prevent eviction.

In addition to Proposition F, Proposition E aims to enhance the capabilities of the police force. It would authorize the use of drones, surveillance cameras, and other modern technologies while reducing paperwork to allow officers more time for patrol. The measure would also allow police to pursue suspects by vehicle in a wider range of cases, not just in instances of violent felonies or immediate threats to public safety.

Supporters of Proposition E argue that these measures are necessary to combat the rise in property crime and to send a strong message to criminals. They cite cases like that of Michael Hsu, owner of Footprint, an athletic apparel and shoe store repeatedly targeted by burglars. Despite police arriving as the suspects were leaving, they were unable to pursue them because no lives were at risk. Hsu, who suffered significant financial losses, sees this as a discouraging message to criminals.

The debate surrounding these ballot measures reflects the ongoing struggle of San Francisco to redefine itself after the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. The city's response to issues of homelessness, drugs, and property crime will undoubtedly shape the upcoming mayoral election, where Mayor Breed will face off against fellow moderates who criticize her approach. As the city grapples with these challenges, the need for comprehensive and compassionate solutions remains at the forefront of the public discourse.