In a pivotal meeting held at San Francisco City Hall, city officials, including Mayor London Breed and Governor Gavin Newsom, announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at tackling the city's escalating fentanyl crisis. The collaboration, which includes local law enforcement and state agencies, marks a significant shift in the approach to public safety and drug-related crime in San Francisco.

Mayor Breed opened the session by expressing gratitude to Governor Newsom for his proactive stance on the issue, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by fentanyl. She highlighted the alarming rise in overdose deaths and open-air drug dealing, particularly in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods. "This is something that has never happened before," she stated, referring to the new partnership, which aims to send a strong message to those perpetuating drug-related crimes.

The meeting revealed that the San Francisco Police Department has already made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, with a reported 150% increase in drug seizures from the previous quarter. Breed praised the teamwork between the police and the district attorney's office, which has led to recent arrests, including one involving five kilos of fentanyl. "We are making the arrests. We are bringing charges," she affirmed, underscoring the commitment to accountability.

Commissioner Sean Duree of the California Highway Patrol outlined the specific actions that will be taken under this partnership. Starting May 1, CHP officers will be deployed to work alongside San Francisco police, focusing on high-crime areas to deter and disrupt illegal activities. The partnership will also provide specialized training for local officers to enhance their ability to combat drug-related crimes.

Major General Matt Beavers from the California National Guard clarified that their role will not involve boots on the ground but will focus on intelligence and analysis to dismantle drug trafficking networks. He cited successful operations in San Diego as a model for what could be achieved in San Francisco.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that it would expedite efforts to address open-air drug markets and improve prosecution capabilities. She highlighted the need for additional resources to combat the complex issues surrounding drug trafficking, including human trafficking defenses that some defendants have been asserting.

Police Chief Bill Scott reiterated the urgency of the situation, describing the fentanyl crisis as a "poison" affecting the community. He emphasized the need for a united front against drug dealers and the importance of maintaining dignity and respect in policing efforts.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about the potential for change. Mayor Breed encapsulated the sentiment by stating, "It's time for us to write our own narrative about what San Francisco is." With this new partnership, city leaders hope to not only reclaim the streets but also restore a sense of safety and community pride in San Francisco.