As socialists score electoral wins across the US — most notably in New York City — San Francisco's billionaire backed "moderates" have seized government control, with disastrous results. For working-class San Franciscans, their rule has only made life harder. 

San Franciscans face an extreme affordability crisis. San Francisco rents are the highest in the Bay Area. Evictions are at their highest level in a decade. Only 7% of union members can afford housing in San Francisco. Rather than offer rent subsidies, affordable homes, or eviction bans, Mayor Lurie is instead moving forward a plan to incentivize the demolition of rent-controlled housing. He has also diverted affordable housing funds, and defunded social housing entirely.

At a time when Democrats across the country are being begged by their constituents to stand for something, the local Democratic party and City Hall leaders are proudly championing their “moderate” bona fides, standing for nothing. They offer concerts and vibe shifts in place of principles, and elevate civility and cheerfulness over results. At every opportunity, this new political formation ignores the housing and economic needs of working people and those in poverty. In some ways, it feels like the dystopian fantasies of the Network State movement are being grafted onto our living, beloved city: limitless police spending, elimination of social programs, privatization of public services, and repression of any dissenting views.

Even those who opposed the funding and acquisition strategy that led to this project are now celebrating 650 Divisadero. We welcome their support. This project will help people survive and thrive in San Francisco. There is still time for the city to acquire more sites like this one and use our voter approved law to fund the construction of more affordable homes for San Franciscans. Our mayor should seize this opportunity for the benefit of all San Franciscans.

Many of San Francisco’s Democrats are increasingly using Trump-style language and tactics, especially since tech billionaires took over the local Democratic Party ahead of the 2024 election. Though San Francisco leaders pride themselves on not being Republicans, the distinction between them is growing dimmer.