Commentary: Tamara McClintock Greenberg, PsyD

San Francisco is grappling with homelessness and a drug crisis. Perceived misunderstandings of harm reduction approaches, inefficient housing strategies, and uncritical acceptance of status quo policies by city-funded nonprofits are exacerbating the problems. The public pushes for stronger responses such as implementing more shelters and treatments, and police reinforcement. Innovative treatment programs like ‘Seeking Safety,’ stressing varying support measures, could be more effective. Policymakers must prioritize both the vulnerable population and community safety.

Commentary: Quentin L. Kopp

Chief Justice Earl Warren of the United States Supreme Court in the 1950s and ‘60s (who swore me in as a lawyer entitled to practice law in the U.S. Supreme Court, which I never did!), when governor of California, began a political address thusly: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to see the dense crowd here tonight.” A voice from the back shouted: “Don’t be too pleased. We ain’t all dense!”