San Francisco has long been known as a city that celebrates progressive ideals and advocates for the rights of the marginalized. However, in recent years, the city has also been plagued by a growing homelessness crisis, a surge in property crime, and an increase in drug abuse. Rather than addressing these issues head-on, San Francisco has developed a culture of harm production, where policies and practices contribute to the worsening of these problems.

One of the most visible examples of harm production is the city’s approach to homelessness. San Francisco has one of the highest rates of homelessness per capita in the country, with an estimated 8,000 people living on the streets.

Rather than providing permanent housing or addressing the root causes of homelessness, the city has focused on providing temporary shelter and services that often do little to help individuals get back on their feet. This approach has led to the proliferation of tent cities and encampments, which create public safety hazards and contribute to the spread of disease.

San Francisco’s policies around drug abuse have also contributed to harm production. The city has long been a hub for drug trafficking and use, and despite efforts to combat the problem, drug abuse remains a pervasive issue. Rather than investing in evidence-based treatment and prevention programs, the city has focused on safety strategies, such as providing clean needles and safe injection sites.

While these initiatives may help reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis, they do little to address the underlying issues of addiction and substance abuse.

Rather than addressing these issues head-on, the city has implemented policies and practices that contribute to the spread of homelessness, drug abuse, and property crime. If San Francisco hopes to regain its reputation as a city that values the well-being of its citizens, it must begin to prioritize evidence-based solutions and invest in programs that address the root causes of these problems and not focus on masks.