San Francisco could be 5 years into the boldest local social housing program in the nation. Instead, a YIMBY mayor for years blocked the funds voters and legislators had approved. Now, with a new Mayor at the helm, the City has a second chance to lead the nation. Will Mayor Lurie set things right?
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Read the story: https://www.deanprestonsf.com/blog/social-housing

In just three months under Mayor Daniel Lurie’s leadership, San Francisco has seen a 50% spike in overdose deaths, with 192 lives lost in early 2025 alone. That’s nearly two people dying daily from preventable causes. We’re seeing too much of the same failed War on Drugs and governing by press release that we saw with the last administration..
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https://www.deanprestonsf.com/blog/overdose-deaths

This week’s hearing on police overtime abuse was a turning point. For the first time in recent history, all major media outlets covered the issue, and even the pro-police spending conservatives admitted that SFPD needs to rein in its spending. Supervisors Walton and Fielder deserve enormous credit for sponsoring this hearing, which may be the first real step toward breaking San Francisco’s addiction to wasteful police spending.
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https://www.deanprestonsf.com/blog/oversight-hearing

While I was Chair of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee, I commissioned an audit after SFPD overspent its overtime budget by $55.6 million and the Board of Supervisors approved a $25 million mid-year supplemental to cover the gap. There needed to be transparency about how overtime dollars are spent at SFPD.

It says a lot that since the audit came out, not a single reform has been announced to address the issues raised.

It's time for accountability.
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https://www.deanprestonsf.com/blog/policeaudit

SFMTA is literally taking one of its most successful lines, the 5 Fulton, lopping off a chunk of the route that goes down market st, and de facto replacing the bus line there with Waymos. Same for the 31 Balboa, ending Powell/Market, and 21 Hayes, ending Hyde/Market.

What happened to Transit First?

Contrary to government claims, the latest attempt to eliminate MUNI lines has little to do with the budget. This is the culmination of twenty years of trying to force service cuts and route abandonments that the public does not want.

There is still time to restore service, save Muni lines, and invest in public transportation. San Franciscans should speak up before it’s too late.
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https://www.deanprestonsf.com/blog/muni-service-cuts

San Francisco needs to be a city working people can afford. Check out the scenes from our screening of The City of Sensitive Frauds (from directors Mario Riveira and Abraham Woodliff)– if you missed it, keep in touch and we’ll announce ways you can catch it next time, and get involved to fight back against the rising rents, developers, and political corruption trying to take over cities across America.
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https://youtu.be/N28r9-3W120

Jacobin reports on the billionaire backlash we got for taxing the rich as San Francisco’s democratic socialist legislator.
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https://jacobin.com/2025/03/silicon-valley-vs-san-francisco-socialists

Once again for those in the back, deregulating the market isn't the solution to our housing crisis. We've seen that fail for decades.

Ezra Klein’s “Abundance” offers a trickle-down re-run when it comes to housing. No thanks.

Trump has shown who he is. Democrats in Congress should refuse to enable him in any way.

Shut it down. Show Americans you care enough to fight for something better.

I'm really looking forward to hosting the directors (@realbayareamemes and @mario0o0o0o0o0o) of The City of Sensitive Frauds at our SOLD OUT screening at the @greatstartheater in SF next week on March 19th. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

The detention of Mahmoud Khalil is an outrageous and illegal assault on civil rights, free speech, and the rule of law. Speak out in every possible way to make it clear that we will not stand for this.

Join us for a one-night-only screening of The City of Sensitive Frauds, a powerful documentary on gentrification by SF-made subculture documentary filmmaker Mario Riveira ( @Mario0o0o0o0o0o ) and ferociously candid culture writer Abe Woodliff ( @realbayareamemes ). I’m honored to be featured in this film and excited to share this special event with you. Don’t miss it!
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https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-of-sensitive-frauds-bay-area-gentrification-documentary-premiere-tickets-1257262097779?aff=oddtdtcreator

"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."

https://48hills.org/2025/02/when-sf-democrats-start-to-sound-like-trump/

Leaders are rolling over to billionaires from Washington to the Fillmore. San Francisco’s oldest black neighborhood just lost its only grocery store because city leaders are bowing to real estate speculators.

It’s time to stand up to billionaires and put people over profits.

“City leaders are pretending to be powerless when it comes to saving the Fillmore’s only grocery store. The defeatism reminds me of what the Democrats have been doing in D.C., capitulating to billionaires without a fight. We need leadership, not excuses and surrender. It’s what the community is demanding.”

https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/sf-must-take-bold-action-to-save-the-fillmore-s-only-grocery-store/article_2f02ace6-e979-11ef-87cb-1fb557464da6.html

"Last year, Preston pushed for Safeway and Align Real Estate to offer up the land for affordable housing nonprofits, to no avail. He urged Breed to consider acquiring the property, and got no response.

'If they want out, the respectful thing to do is meet with community groups and involve the city,' Preston said. 'They want to cash out and get top dollar selling the lot.'"

https://www.deanprestonsf.com/in-the-news/safeways-desertion-of-the-fillmore-has-happened-before

The only way they win is if we stay isolated—so let’s connect, organize, and fight back. Remember: there are more of us than there are of them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, demoralized, or unsure of where to start, here are 10 ways to take action and fight fascism in San Francisco.

https://www.deanprestonsf.com/blog/10-ways-to-fight-fascism-in-san-francisco

Here’s some excerpted information from our recently published 5 year retrospective covering my time in office. These are a few highlights from the section on tenant rights. Be sure to download the whole thing.

https://www.deanprestonsf.com/retrospective