An Open Letter: Why San Francisco Needs the Emergency Bill Now

An Open Letter to the People of San Francisco and the Board of Supervisors: Why We Need the Emergency Bill

By Ken Lomba, President, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (SFDSA)

To the People of San Francisco and the Members of the Board of Supervisors:

San Francisco is at a crossroads. The crises of fentanyl addiction, homelessness, mental health, and public safety have gripped our city, leaving devastating impacts on our communities. As frontline public safety professionals, the SFDSA witnesses these challenges daily, and we firmly believe Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Emergency Bill offers the bold and necessary step we need to reclaim the safety and dignity of San Francisco.

The Urgent Need for Action

San Francisco faces an unprecedented emergency on multiple fronts:

  • Fentanyl Crisis: Overdoses continue to devastate families and communities.
  • Homelessness: Rising numbers of unhoused individuals demand urgent solutions.
  • Mental Health Services: Overburdened systems leave many without critical care.
  • Public Safety Staffing: Severe shortages hinder our ability to respond effectively.

The Emergency Bill provides critical tools to tackle these issues head-on by:

  • Streamlining Approval Processes: Reducing the nine-month delays associated with traditional competitive bidding for contracts, grants, and leases valued between $10 million and $50 million.
  • Accelerating Public Safety Hiring: Fast-tracking recruitment and onboarding for essential roles, including deputy sheriffs and 911 operators.
  • Enabling Private Funding: Allowing the mayor’s office to solicit private donations and reallocate surplus funds to address homelessness and behavioral health needs.

These measures ensure resources are deployed swiftly and effectively, addressing the root causes of these crises.

Accountability and Oversight

While some may have concerns about expedited processes, the Emergency Bill includes robust oversight mechanisms to maintain transparency and public trust:

  • Annual reports to the Board of Supervisors on services delivered, funds raised, and outcomes achieved.
  • A commitment to community collaboration and measurable results.

These safeguards balance the need for urgency with the importance of accountability.

A Call to Action

This is not merely a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families who desperately need our help. As I, Ken Lomba, President of the SFDSA, stated:

“This legislation is the swift and decisive response our city needs to address the intersecting crises of public safety, homelessness, and fentanyl addiction. By empowering leaders to act quickly, we can deliver real results that restore public trust and make San Francisco a safer, healthier place for all.”

We strongly urge the Board of Supervisors to approve this legislation without delay. By doing so, they will send a clear message to the people of San Francisco that their safety, health, and well-being are the city’s top priorities.

Join Us

SF Fentanyl Emergency

We ask the public to join us in urging the Board of Supervisors to approve this critical legislation. Contact your representatives, share this message, and help us drive meaningful change for our city. Together, we can create meaningful change and build a brighter future for our city.


About the SFDSA
The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (SFDSA) represents the dedicated men and women of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department. Committed to public safety, community engagement, and justice, the SFDSA supports policies and initiatives that improve the well-being of all San Franciscans.

For inquiries, please contact us at:
Ken Lomba, SFDSA President
415-696-2428