Fixing San Francisco
In 2021, San Francisco had twice as many deaths from drug overdoses as from Covid. Where thousands of homeless people have pitched tents, three people are dying per week.
In 2021, San Francisco had twice as many deaths from drug overdoses as from Covid. In the Tenderloin district alone, where thousands of homeless people have pitched tents, three people are dying per week, while drugs are sold and consumed openly on the street. Many types of crime are rising, and the city is struggling to entice people back after the pandemic exodus. It's led some politicians to ask if progressive approaches to tackling crime, homelessness and drug addiction are appropriate - or making things worse.
In December, the mayor said San Francisco needed 'tough love' - and declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin. For Our World, James Clayton meets rough sleepers, politicians, charities and the keepers of law and order to tell the story of how one of America's most beloved cities is having a crisis of confidence.
