The how best to "solve" the issue of homelessness in San Francisco has elicited countless responses from a wide range of self-proclaimed social experts and others that "care" and have "compassion" for those that struggle to survive on the streets. In the early 90s, the Matrix was the proposed solution. It was a social cleansing program run by then-mayor Frank Jordan, notable for its harrassment of Food Not Bombs' free public meals. These days, the so-called "quality of life" crimes are still an effective way of herding homeless people out of the city, but public relations gurus recommended to upstart politicians that new ordinances need to have a warm, fuzzy exterior to really work.

Along comes Care Not Cash, the brainchild of mayoral-hopeful Gavin Newsom, a wealthy, politically-connected Supervisor. Despite its deceptive claims, Prop N, as it was called, was passed by fearful conservatives and liberals in the November vote.

On 5/8, however, a local judge voided part of the measure, saying authority on the matter should have been with the Board of Supervisors. Upon reflection, city officials realized they could still mercilessly cut payments to over 1,600 homeless people in the city.

Without fail, homeless people are depicted as "lazy" and "disruptive" of the lives of ordinary, hard-working San Franciscans. This, despite the fact that many work, yet can't afford a place to live. Life on the streets is no walk in the park. Some organizations prefer to take a more systemic analysis of the issue, seeking more widespread changes to guarantee that people have a roof over their heads and can feed their children. A boycott of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, a huge Newsom supporter, has been called, while less draconian plans have been concocted by other mayoral candidates. Whether substance or style will take the lead in SF as regards homelessness and poverty, however, is still up for debate. Poor Magazine | Coalition on Homelessness