San Francisco is one of the 10 most expensive cities in the world. The City by the Bay got the dubious honor based on a cost of living survey from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a research group. The analysis considers hundreds of factors, including the price of goods and services, and the cost of utilities, car payments and housing.

The average cost of living in San Francisco, by the numbers

To comprehend just how expensive San Francisco is, consider these facts:

• In 2022, housing costs were 113% higher and utilities costs were 67.5% higher in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley metro area than the national average, according to federal data.

• The overall price of goods in San Francisco, including apparel and food, education, medical expenses, recreation and transportation services, was 19.8% higher than the national average, according to the same report.

• The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is $3,020, according to October 2022 data from Zumper. Although this is less expensive than it was pre-pandemic, San Francisco is still the third most expensive city for renters in the US

The cost of living in San Francisco versus New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and the rest of the world

In 2022, San Francisco was the eighth most expensive city in the world, slightly more expensive than Paris, Copenhagen and Sydney, but less expensive than Los Angeles, which is tied with Hong Kong at number four. New York and Singapore are tied for the most expensive cities in the world. Tel Aviv comes in third, and Zurich and Geneva are numbers six and seven, respectively.

Seattle does not make the list of the 10 most expensive cities; the cost of living there is 22% lower than San Francisco’s, according to Forbes.

San Francisco’s financial district looms over a residential street in San Francisco, Calif.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

History repeats: San Francisco has always been an expensive city

San Francisco’s origins as a boom town mean its history of steep competition and price gouging goes back almost 200 years. In fact, during the Gold Rush, relative to incomes, San Francisco was even more expensive than it is today or during its dot-com boom.

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, a dozen eggs bought from a San Francisco store in 1849 cost the equivalent of $90 today. That year, individual hotel rooms were rented to professional gamblers for the equivalent of $300,000 per month.

San Francisco has a long history of what many would call opportunist housing practices. Following the 1906 earthquake and fire that devastated the city, landlords of the homes that were not destroyed, raised rents on tenants and forced even those making good wages into refugee camps, according to SFist and a July 1906 newspaper clipping from the San Francisco Call.

As the booms in precious metals contributed to high prices back in the day, the tech industry may be a contemporary contributor to the high cost of living.

Alexander Fromm Lurie, a San Francisco real estate advisor with Compass, points to the region’s tech jobs, which Bloomberg says make up over 30% of San Francisco’s private wages, as being largely responsible. “The Bay Area has among the strongest economies in the world, which attracts talent and infuses an abundance of money in the region,” Lurie writes in an email. With that, comes high salaries — according to Bloomberg, the average tech worker makes $165,000 a year — which results in “high housing costs,” Lurie explains.

But not even every tech worker can buy here. According to data from the California Association of Realtors, a San Franciscan needs to make nearly $400,000 to buy a median-income house.

The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square in San Francisco, Calif.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

It’s a buyer’s market — for now

Despite home prices remaining well above the national average, San Francisco is no longer the most unaffordable housing market in the country, according to a March 2022 report. Lurie explains that the market is cooling after a decade of massive housing appreciation that followed the 2008 recession. “There are some spectacular prices for buyers at the moment,” he writes. A national housing report by RE/MAX estimates that home prices are down 5.1% compared to the previous year.

A recent survey of real estate agents shows San Francisco is no longer the seller’s market it recently was. According to real estate company HomeLight, only 30% of agents said their market was a seller’s market in the fourth quarter of 2022. Just six months earlier, 95% of respondents said they were in a seller’s market.

But Lurie doesn’t expect the relatively low home prices to last long. “I believe that within a few short years we will see the San Francisco housing market rebound significantly from their current levels.”

This story was edited by Hearst National Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.

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Presenters Matt Edmondson and Mollie King were quizzed by a man named Jonathan as part of the Have You Been Paying Attention Quiz on Sunday.

It sees the pair asked about things which have happened during the week by a listener – with the first question of the segment being about Peaky Blinders.

And it led to a gaffe with the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, the answer to the question, being labeled as in Birmingham despite the museum’s obvious name.

Jonathan asked: “Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has said the story could potentially return to television with a new creative team. What museum is the series filmed in, in Birmingham?”

Matt said he “didn’t know it was filmed inside a museum” which was backed up by fellow presenter Molly. The male presenter added the show was something he “tried to watch” but he never warmed to it – despite joking he was jealous of the suits and flat caps, but would look like a “little chimney sweep” if he replicated it.

Matt added: “It’s got to be like a museum of old Britain, hasn’t it? When is it set, like around the war isn’t it? The museum of the 20s or 30s. Hang on, in Birmingham there’s a chocolate factory. No, is there a museum of chocolate? No, they wouldn’t film it there, that would make no sense.”

The two presenters asked to be put out of their misery – with Jonathan revealing the answer, although he got the name wrong – saying “It’s the Black Country Living History Museum” to which Matt responded: “of course, the BCLHM that one.”

And the presenter added: “I think there are people who worked on Peaky Blinders who are going ‘I don’t know the answer to that question’.

The post Radio 1 quiz host says Black Nation Dwelling Museum is in Birmingham appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

When living alone is no longer a viable option, assisted living communities can provide a comfortable place for seniors to age with dignity. In addition to helping older adults live safely, assisted living also provides amenities and community that can help make life enjoyable as you age. 

In San Francisco, assisted living facilities run the gamut from luxurious high-rise buildings to quaint, historic mansions with close-knit groups of residents. While no community is perfect for everyone — we highly recommend you tour multiple options — you’re sure to find some solid choices from our rundown of the best assisted living communities in the Bay Area.

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living

We researched hundreds of assisted communities in the San Francisco area and evaluated each of them based on the following criteria:

• Cost: According to Genworth, a long-term care insurance provider, the average monthly cost of assisted living in San Francisco is about $6,300 per month, with costs increasing as a person moves from assisted care to nursing or memory care. With this in mind, we looked for assisted living communities that cost roughly around the San Francisco average.
• Care provided: Every assisted living community will provide meals, structured activities, and help with activities of daily living (ADLs); however, we gave extra points to communities that go above and beyond to address the care needs of their residents.
• Amenities: From chef-prepared meals to state-of-the-art fitness centers and even on-site salons, our favorite assisted living communities provide resort-like facilities that offer a touch of luxury.
• Resident testimonials: Because we haven’t actually resided in these communities, we also took into account online reviews posted by residents and their families.

Village at Hayes Valley

Courtesy of Village at Hayes Valley

Cost: Starting at $4,200 per month

Located in a restored Victorian set in the Hayes Valley neighborhood, The Village at Hayes Valley provides residents with compassionate care in the heart of San Francisco. At The Village, residents are four blocks from Alamo Square and the adjacent Painted Ladies, and a short drive from Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and San Francisco Hospital.

With its 47 beds, The Village offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. In addition to assistance with ADLs, The Village at Hayes Valley also provides:

• In-house urgent care
• Licensed nurses on duty
• Transportation and escorting through the community
• Physician-prescribed nutrition programs
• 24-hour respiratory therapists
• Chef-prepared meals

While every assisted living community offers shared common areas, we appreciated the Village’s beautiful rooftop area, complete with a piano, bar, and patio that overlooks the city. For those looking to reside in one of the most beautiful parts of San Francisco, The Village at Hayes Valley offers an exceptionally appointed option with ample activities, both within and outside of its walls.  

Online, many family members of residents praise the caregivers at this community, particularly with how they go out of their way to engage residents and keep them active.

“Anja, Community Relations Director, and Brittany, Resident Services Director, as well as their entire team of caregivers and staff at The Village at Hayes Valley have been like a second family to my brother and me.  We moved our parents from Boston to the community in January and were gratified by the competent, responsive, and compassionate care our parents received.” – Len (source: Google Reviews)

Coterie at Cathedral Hill

Courtesy of Coterie at Cathedral Hill

Price: Starting at $7,200 per month

Should you walk past Coterie Cathedral Hill, you might see its elegant facade and mistake it for a chic new apartment building, replete with a rooftop pool, cinema room, and state-of-the-art fitness center. And while Coterie does in fact possess these amenities, it’s actually home to a thriving community of seniors. 

Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, Coterie is the ideal place for those seeking a luxurious approach to custodial care. In addition to offering assistance with ADLs, Coterie provides the type of amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, including:

• Kitchen and pantry stocking
• Wardrobe rotation
• Event preparation
• Shoe shining and repair
• Car oil changes and washes
• Pet care
• Tech assistance
• On-site cafe, restaurant, and cocktail lounge

Located in the heart of San Francisco, Coterie is a short distance from SFMOMA, The de Young Museum, Japantown, and the Theater District. Its around-the-clock concierge can arrange transportation as well as reservations at nearby restaurants. Sadly, for younger folk, Coterie is open only to those 65 and older.

In online reviews, residents and their family members are consistently amazed by the facilities at Coterie. One visitor even mentions a Mercedes parked out front, ready to take residents on errands and trips. That said, just as many reviewers point out the kindness and professionalism of Coterie’s staff. 

“This is a beautiful, modern and elegant community. It offers fresh and appetizing meals that resemble those of five star restaurants… I am ready to move in myself if only I were old enough. For now, I am assisting my neighbor with her transition into memory care but will consider Coterie in the near future.” – Michelle B (source: A Place for Mom)

Ivy at Golden Gate

Courtesy of Ivy at Golden Gate

Cost: Starting at $5,300 per month

Housed in a historic building mere blocks from Golden Gate Park, The Ivy at Golden Gate provides ample support for its residents, both in terms of care and the freedom to live safely and independently within the community. Residents are free to stroll through The Ivy’s manicured grounds and walking paths, as well as the nearby parks. Did we mention that pets are welcome here too? 

As well as providing 24-hour personal care support, The Ivy offers: 

• Concierge physician services
• Weekly or biweekly housekeeping
• On-site maintenance
• Scheduled transportation
• Spa services
• Indoor and outdoor lounge areas
• An on-site salon

Ivy Park at Golden Gate offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Should a resident need an escalated level of support (i.e., dressing, transfer, or dementia care), the staff can accommodate this in the same setting, making Ivy Park a place you can call home for the long haul. 

If you look at online reviews of Ivy Park, you’ll find countless accounts of the care plans they develop for each resident. Mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, and activity preferences are all taken into consideration by the Ivy Park staff. 

“The wellness care and social [and] health activities that are available are so impressive and ensure peace of mind knowing your loved ones are in the best hands possible.  Residents get to choose from a menu of dining options which is fabulous for specific dietary needs.” – Damia F (source: Google Reviews)

Sequoias San Francisco

Courtesy of Sequoias San Francisco

Cost: Starting at $3,537 per month 

Situated in Japantown, The Sequoias San Francisco puts you right in the middle of the city, near some of the best museums, theaters, and shopping it has to offer. While the emphasis of this community is on independent living, it also offers assisted living and memory care to residents who need a little extra help. 

As a Life Plan Community, The Sequoias provides all residents access to the same amenities you’d expect from assisted living; however, should a person need an escalated level of support, they’ll also have access to quality medical care. This includes:

• On-site physicians
• Personal emergency response systems
• Personal care assistance
• Skilled nursing
• Dementia care

Most importantly, all of these services are included at no extra cost. A resident’s one-time entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees will cover any type of care needed, making it one of the more affordable options in the region. 

In addition to singling out the location of The Sequoias, many family members of residents appreciate the community’s variety of activities, including art classes, speakers, concerts, and excursions through town. 

“[My mother] was a little reluctant moving in because it symbolized the end to a certain way of living, i.e. on her own.  But within a few months, she became an integral part of the community.  She loves the Sequoias for so many reasons: elegant decor, diverse and friendly community, staff who pamper her and show genuine caring, resident involvement, spectrum of cultural programs, fitness activities, volunteer opportunities, gourmet dining with sit-down and self-serve options.” – Liana T (source: Yelp)

Heritage on the Marina

Courtesy of Heritage on the Marina

Cost: Starting at $3,504 per month

Set in a beautiful building designed by Julia Morgan (the architect behind Hearst Castle), Heritage on the Marina is one of the most picturesque senior care communities in San Francisco. And did we mention that it’s situated mere blocks from the bay, Fort Mason, and Fisherman’s Wharf? 

Similar to The Sequoias, Heritage is also a Life Plan Community, wherein residents pay a one-time entrance fee as well as a monthly fee that covers their continuing care needs, whether this means light assistance with personal care, skilled nursing, or memory care. Heritage also has its own Medicare-approved health center with registered nurses who can help residents take care of short-term health issues.

Regardless of the care level needed, Heritage residents can all take advantage of housekeeping, laundry, and chef-prepared meals. Heritage also possesses a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as private gardens, multiple patios, an art studio, a library, and an on-site beauty salon. To help residents take advantage of the surrounding attractions, the Heritage staff also regularly organizes outings to the nearby museums, landmarks, and restaurants. 

Online reviewers consistently praise the Life Plan element of this community. Many family members of residents note the ease with which their loved ones were able to receive additional care without being subjected to much additional cost. 

“We moved my grand-father into an independent apartment almost five years ago now, with a most recent move into the next level of care, where he now gets the assistance he requires at the young age of 98.  We contribute his happiness and health to the care of not only the professionals that work with pride at the facility, but the other community members that live there.” – Laurel F (source: Google Reviews)

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term senior care community for those who need daily nonmedical assistance. As well as providing help with personal care needs, these communities generally also offer housekeeping, laundry, and meals to residents, as well as a variety of activities and amenities that will vary by location. The result is a setting that provides older adults with care, community, and safety. 

Who Should Consider Assisted Living?

Assisted living is an ideal choice for those who need help with ADLs. These include:

• Ambulating: The extent of an individual’s ability to move from one position to another and walk independently
• Feeding: The ability of a person to feed oneself
• Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put the clothes on
• Personal hygiene: The ability to bathe and groom oneself and maintain dental hygiene and nail and hair care
• Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel function
• Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself

Most assisted living communities require that a person need help with two or more ADLs in order to qualify for residency; however, some communities (often called Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs) provide multiple levels of care. 

In a CCRC, residents often enter with no care needs. Upon entering, they’ll take advantage of meal, housekeeping, and laundry services, and — should they eventually need a heightened level of care — the CCRC will be able to provide these services as needed. 

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care and Independent Living

While many styles of living are often housed under the same roof, assisted living is a completely different environment from independent living and memory care.

Independent living generally provides similar amenities to assisted living, such as access to housekeeping, laundry, and dining services; however, independent living does not include assistance with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, transfer, walking, and toileting. When independent living is hosted in the same building as assisted living, however, upgrading to these care services is usually a simple matter of cost.

Memory care provides a similar type of care as that of assisted living; however, memory care is geared toward those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In addition to assistance with ADLs, memory care residents will be guided through structured routines that stimulate cognitive development. These communities also have a heightened level of security to prevent residents from wandering. 

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

In 2021, the national median cost of assisted living was $4,500 per month; however, costs vary greatly depending on both location and the type of community.

How Does Pricing Work?

When paying for assisted living, you’ll generally have to account for three factors. First, there will be a one-time entrance fee. For most communities, this fee is between $1,000 and $5,000. However, in CCRCs, it can be upwards of $100,000. 

Next, you’ll have to pay the monthly rent. This will cover room, board, and access to the amenities of the community. Personal care services, however, are not usually included in this fee. Laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with individual ADLs will generally come with additional monthly fees. Generally speaking, the more care you need, the more you’ll end up paying. 

Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco

According to Genworth, the average cost of assisted living in San Francisco is about $6,319 per month. The average cost for California as a whole is $5,250, while the national average is $4,500. That said, you’ll find great variations in pricing for assisted living communities, based on amenities, room size, and the level of care needed. 

How to Choose an Assisted Living Community

To find the right assisted living community for your needs, the first step is to begin touring them. Most communities have contact information on their website so that you can call and arrange a tour.

On these tours, be sure to check out different apartments, try a sample of the food, and even talk to the residents. Assisted living is more than a collection of care services and amenities; rather, it’s a community. If you notice that residents are active, partaking in various activities, and friendly, then you’ve likely found a good community. 

You’ll also want to inquire about pricing. While most communities will be cagey about providing pricing information over the phone, they’ll happily explain their pricing structure in person. Be sure to inquire about all of the fees (care fees, entrance fees, and amenity fees) and how a monthly fee might change should a person need an increased level of care. 

Remember, a transition to even the most beautiful assisted living can be scary for many people. Because of this, it’s best to begin having conversations with your loved one before a community is desperately needed. Many communities have a waitlist, so it’s best to have an idea of your ideal community before a fall or other incident forces you to make a hasty decision. 

Read More About Senior Living

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When living alone is no longer a viable option, assisted living communities can provide a comfortable place for seniors to age with dignity. In addition to helping older adults live safely, assisted living also provides amenities and community that can help make life enjoyable as you age. 

In San Francisco, assisted living facilities run the gamut from luxurious high-rise buildings to quaint, historic mansions with close-knit groups of residents. While no community is perfect for everyone — we highly recommend you tour multiple options — you’re sure to find some solid choices from our rundown of the best assisted living communities in the Bay Area.

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living

We researched hundreds of assisted communities in the San Francisco area and evaluated each of them based on the following criteria:

• Cost: According to Genworth, a long-term care insurance provider, the average monthly cost of assisted living in San Francisco is about $6,300 per month. With this in mind, we looked for communities that cost roughly this much.
• Care provided: Every assisted living community will provide meals, structured activities, and help with activities of daily living (ADLs); however, we gave extra points to communities that go above and beyond to address the care needs of their residents.
• Amenities: From chef-prepared meals to state-of-the-art fitness centers and even on-site salons, our favorite assisted living communities provide resort-like facilities that offer a touch of luxury.
• Resident testimonials: Because we haven’t actually resided in these communities, we also took into account online reviews posted by residents and their families.

Village at Hayes Valley

Courtesy of Village at Hayes Valley

Cost: Starting at $4,200 per month

Located in a restored Victorian set in the Hayes Valley neighborhood, The Village at Hayes Valley provides residents with compassionate care in the heart of San Francisco. At The Village, residents are four blocks from Alamo Square and the adjacent Painted Ladies, and a short drive from Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and San Francisco Hospital.

With its 47 beds, The Village offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. In addition to assistance with ADLs, The Village at Hayes Valley also provides:

• In-house urgent care
• Licensed nurses on duty
• Transportation and escorting through the community
• Physician-prescribed nutrition programs
• 24-hour respiratory therapists
• Chef-prepared meals

While every assisted living community offers shared common areas, we appreciated the Village’s beautiful rooftop area, complete with a piano, bar, and patio that overlooks the city. For those looking to reside in one of the most beautiful parts of San Francisco, The Village at Hayes Valley offers an exceptionally appointed option with ample activities, both within and outside of its walls.  

Online, many family members of residents praise the caregivers at this community, particularly with how they go out of their way to engage residents and keep them active.

“Anja, Community Relations Director, and Brittany, Resident Services Director, as well as their entire team of caregivers and staff at The Village at Hayes Valley have been like a second family to my brother and me.  We moved our parents from Boston to the community in January and were gratified by the competent, responsive, and compassionate care our parents received.” – Len (source: Google Reviews)

Coterie at Cathedral Hill

Courtesy of Coterie at Cathedral Hill

Price: Starting at $7,200 per month

Should you walk past Coterie Cathedral Hill, you might see its elegant facade and mistake it for a chic new apartment building, replete with a rooftop pool, cinema room, and state-of-the-art fitness center. And while Coterie does in fact possess these amenities, it’s actually home to a thriving community of seniors. 

Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, Coterie is the ideal place for those seeking a luxurious approach to custodial care. In addition to offering assistance with ADLs, Coterie provides the type of amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, including:

• Kitchen and pantry stocking
• Wardrobe rotation
• Event preparation
• Shoe shining and repair
• Car oil changes and washes
• Pet care
• Tech assistance
• On-site cafe, restaurant, and cocktail lounge

Located in the heart of San Francisco, Coterie is a short distance from SFMOMA, The de Young Museum, Japantown, and the Theater District. Its around-the-clock concierge can arrange transportation as well as reservations at nearby restaurants. Sadly, for younger folk, Coterie is open only to those 65 and older.

In online reviews, residents and their family members are consistently amazed by the facilities at Coterie. One visitor even mentions a Mercedes parked out front, ready to take residents on errands and trips. That said, just as many reviewers point out the kindness and professionalism of Coterie’s staff. 

“This is a beautiful, modern and elegant community. It offers fresh and appetizing meals that resemble those of five star restaurants… I am ready to move in myself if only I were old enough. For now, I am assisting my neighbor with her transition into memory care but will consider Coterie in the near future.” – Michelle B (source: A Place for Mom)

Ivy at Golden Gate

Courtesy of Ivy at Golden Gate

Cost: Starting at $5,300 per month

Housed in a historic building mere blocks from Golden Gate Park, The Ivy at Golden Gate provides ample support for its residents, both in terms of care and the freedom to live safely and independently within the community. Residents are free to stroll through The Ivy’s manicured grounds and walking paths, as well as the nearby parks. Did we mention that pets are welcome here too? 

As well as providing 24-hour personal care support, The Ivy offers: 

• Concierge physician services
• Weekly or biweekly housekeeping
• On-site maintenance
• Scheduled transportation
• Spa services
• Indoor and outdoor lounge areas
• An on-site salon

Ivy Park at Golden Gate offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Should a resident need an escalated level of support (i.e., dressing, transfer, or dementia care), the staff can accommodate this in the same setting, making Ivy Park a place you can call home for the long haul. 

If you look at online reviews of Ivy Park, you’ll find countless accounts of the care plans they develop for each resident. Mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, and activity preferences are all taken into consideration by the Ivy Park staff. 

“The wellness care and social [and] health activities that are available are so impressive and ensure peace of mind knowing your loved ones are in the best hands possible.  Residents get to choose from a menu of dining options which is fabulous for specific dietary needs.” – Damia F (source: Google Reviews)

Sequoias San Francisco

Courtesy of Sequoias San Francisco

Cost: Starting at $3,537 per month 

Situated in Japantown, The Sequoias San Francisco puts you right in the middle of the city, near some of the best museums, theaters, and shopping it has to offer. While the emphasis of this community is on independent living, it also offers assisted living and memory care to residents who need a little extra help. 

As a Life Plan Community, The Sequoias provides all residents access to the same amenities you’d expect from assisted living; however, should a person need an escalated level of support, they’ll also have access to quality medical care. This includes:

• On-site physicians
• Personal emergency response systems
• Personal care assistance
• Skilled nursing
• Dementia care

Most importantly, all of these services are included at no extra cost. A resident’s one-time entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees will cover any type of care needed, making it one of the more affordable options in the region. 

In addition to singling out the location of The Sequoias, many family members of residents appreciate the community’s variety of activities, including art classes, speakers, concerts, and excursions through town. 

“[My mother] was a little reluctant moving in because it symbolized the end to a certain way of living, i.e. on her own.  But within a few months, she became an integral part of the community.  She loves the Sequoias for so many reasons: elegant decor, diverse and friendly community, staff who pamper her and show genuine caring, resident involvement, spectrum of cultural programs, fitness activities, volunteer opportunities, gourmet dining with sit-down and self-serve options.” – Liana T (source: Yelp)

Heritage on the Marina

Courtesy of Heritage on the Marina

Cost: Starting at $3,504 per month

Set in a beautiful building designed by Julia Morgan (the architect behind Hearst Castle), Heritage on the Marina is one of the most picturesque senior care communities in San Francisco. And did we mention that it’s situated mere blocks from the bay, Fort Mason, and Fisherman’s Wharf? 

Similar to The Sequoias, Heritage is also a Life Plan Community, wherein residents pay a one-time entrance fee as well as a monthly fee that covers their continuing care needs, whether this means light assistance with personal care, skilled nursing, or memory care. Heritage also has its own Medicare-approved health center with registered nurses who can help residents take care of short-term health issues.

Regardless of the care level needed, Heritage residents can all take advantage of housekeeping, laundry, and chef-prepared meals. Heritage also possesses a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as private gardens, multiple patios, an art studio, a library, and an on-site beauty salon. To help residents take advantage of the surrounding attractions, the Heritage staff also regularly organizes outings to the nearby museums, landmarks, and restaurants. 

Online reviewers consistently praise the Life Plan element of this community. Many family members of residents note the ease with which their loved ones were able to receive additional care without being subjected to much additional cost. 

“We moved my grand-father into an independent apartment almost five years ago now, with a most recent move into the next level of care, where he now gets the assistance he requires at the young age of 98.  We contribute his happiness and health to the care of not only the professionals that work with pride at the facility, but the other community members that live there.” – Laurel F (source: Google Reviews)

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term senior care community for those who need daily nonmedical assistance. As well as providing help with personal care needs, these communities generally also offer housekeeping, laundry, and meals to residents, as well as a variety of activities and amenities that will vary by location. The result is a setting that provides older adults with care, community, and safety. 

Who Should Consider Assisted Living?

Assisted living is an ideal choice for those who need help with ADLs. These include:

• Ambulating: The extent of an individual’s ability to move from one position to another and walk independently
• Feeding: The ability of a person to feed oneself
• Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put the clothes on
• Personal hygiene: The ability to bathe and groom oneself and maintain dental hygiene and nail and hair care
• Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel function
• Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself

Most assisted living communities require that a person need help with two or more ADLs in order to qualify for residency; however, some communities (often called Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs) provide multiple levels of care. 

In a CCRC, residents often enter with no care needs. Upon entering, they’ll take advantage of meal, housekeeping, and laundry services, and — should they eventually need a heightened level of care — the CCRC will be able to provide these services as needed. 

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care and Independent Living

While many styles of living are often housed under the same roof, assisted living is a completely different environment from independent living and memory care.

Independent living generally provides similar amenities to assisted living, such as access to housekeeping, laundry, and dining services; however, independent living does not include assistance with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, transfer, walking, and toileting. When independent living is hosted in the same building as assisted living, however, upgrading to these care services is usually a simple matter of cost.

Memory care provides a similar type of care as that of assisted living; however, memory care is geared toward those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In addition to assistance with ADLs, memory care residents will be guided through structured routines that stimulate cognitive development. These communities also have a heightened level of security to prevent residents from wandering. 

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

In 2021, the national median cost of assisted living was $4,500 per month; however, costs vary greatly depending on both location and the type of community.

How Does Pricing Work?

When paying for assisted living, you’ll generally have to account for three factors. First, there will be a one-time entrance fee. For most communities, this fee is between $1,000 and $5,000. However, in CCRCs, it can be upwards of $100,000. 

Next, you’ll have to pay the monthly rent. This will cover room, board, and access to the amenities of the community. Personal care services, however, are not usually included in this fee. Laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with individual ADLs will generally come with additional monthly fees. Generally speaking, the more care you need, the more you’ll end up paying. 

Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco

According to Genworth, the average cost of assisted living in San Francisco is about $6,319 per month. The average cost for California as a whole is $5,250, while the national average is $4,500. That said, you’ll find great variations in pricing for assisted living communities, based on amenities, room size, and the level of care needed. 

How to Choose an Assisted Living Community

To find the right assisted living community for your needs, the first step is to begin touring them. Most communities have contact information on their website so that you can call and arrange a tour.

On these tours, be sure to check out different apartments, try a sample of the food, and even talk to the residents. Assisted living is more than a collection of care services and amenities; rather, it’s a community. If you notice that residents are active, partaking in various activities, and friendly, then you’ve likely found a good community. 

You’ll also want to inquire about pricing. While most communities will be cagey about providing pricing information over the phone, they’ll happily explain their pricing structure in person. Be sure to inquire about all of the fees (care fees, entrance fees, and amenity fees) and how a monthly fee might change should a person need an increased level of care. 

Remember, a transition to even the most beautiful assisted living can be scary for many people. Because of this, it’s best to begin having conversations with your loved one before a community is desperately needed. Many communities have a waitlist, so it’s best to have an idea of your ideal community before a fall or other incident forces you to make a hasty decision. 

Read More About Senior Living

The post Greatest Assisted Dwelling Communities in San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

When living alone is no longer a viable option, assisted living communities can provide a comfortable place for seniors to age with dignity. In addition to helping older adults live safely, assisted living also provides amenities and community that can help make life enjoyable as you age. 

In San Francisco, assisted living facilities run the gamut from luxurious high-rise buildings to quaint, historic mansions with close-knit groups of residents. While no community is perfect for everyone — we highly recommend you tour multiple options — you’re sure to find some solid choices from our rundown of the best assisted living communities in the Bay Area.

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living

We researched hundreds of assisted communities in the San Francisco area and evaluated each of them based on the following criteria:

• Cost: According to Genworth, a long-term care insurance provider, the average monthly cost of assisted living in San Francisco is about $6,300 per month. With this in mind, we looked for communities that cost roughly this much.
• Care provided: Every assisted living community will provide meals, structured activities, and help with activities of daily living (ADLs); however, we gave extra points to communities that go above and beyond to address the care needs of their residents.
• Amenities: From chef-prepared meals to state-of-the-art fitness centers and even on-site salons, our favorite assisted living communities provide resort-like facilities that offer a touch of luxury.
• Resident testimonials: Because we haven’t actually resided in these communities, we also took into account online reviews posted by residents and their families.

Village at Hayes Valley

Courtesy of Village at Hayes Valley

Cost: Starting at $4,200 per month

Located in a restored Victorian set in the Hayes Valley neighborhood, The Village at Hayes Valley provides residents with compassionate care in the heart of San Francisco. At The Village, residents are four blocks from Alamo Square and the adjacent Painted Ladies, and a short drive from Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and San Francisco Hospital.

With its 47 beds, The Village offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. In addition to assistance with ADLs, The Village at Hayes Valley also provides:

• In-house urgent care
• Licensed nurses on duty
• Transportation and escorting through the community
• Physician-prescribed nutrition programs
• 24-hour respiratory therapists
• Chef-prepared meals

While every assisted living community offers shared common areas, we appreciated the Village’s beautiful rooftop area, complete with a piano, bar, and patio that overlooks the city. For those looking to reside in one of the most beautiful parts of San Francisco, The Village at Hayes Valley offers an exceptionally appointed option with ample activities, both within and outside of its walls.  

Online, many family members of residents praise the caregivers at this community, particularly with how they go out of their way to engage residents and keep them active.

“Anja, Community Relations Director, and Brittany, Resident Services Director, as well as their entire team of caregivers and staff at The Village at Hayes Valley have been like a second family to my brother and me.  We moved our parents from Boston to the community in January and were gratified by the competent, responsive, and compassionate care our parents received.” – Len (source: Google Reviews)

Coterie at Cathedral Hill

Courtesy of Coterie at Cathedral Hill

Price: Starting at $7,200 per month

Should you walk past Coterie Cathedral Hill, you might see its elegant facade and mistake it for a chic new apartment building, replete with a rooftop pool, cinema room, and state-of-the-art fitness center. And while Coterie does in fact possess these amenities, it’s actually home to a thriving community of seniors. 

Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, Coterie is the ideal place for those seeking a luxurious approach to custodial care. In addition to offering assistance with ADLs, Coterie provides the type of amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel, including:

• Kitchen and pantry stocking
• Wardrobe rotation
• Event preparation
• Shoe shining and repair
• Car oil changes and washes
• Pet care
• Tech assistance
• On-site cafe, restaurant, and cocktail lounge

Located in the heart of San Francisco, Coterie is a short distance from SFMOMA, The de Young Museum, Japantown, and the Theater District. Its around-the-clock concierge can arrange transportation as well as reservations at nearby restaurants. Sadly, for younger folk, Coterie is open only to those 65 and older.

In online reviews, residents and their family members are consistently amazed by the facilities at Coterie. One visitor even mentions a Mercedes parked out front, ready to take residents on errands and trips. That said, just as many reviewers point out the kindness and professionalism of Coterie’s staff. 

“This is a beautiful, modern and elegant community. It offers fresh and appetizing meals that resemble those of five star restaurants… I am ready to move in myself if only I were old enough. For now, I am assisting my neighbor with her transition into memory care but will consider Coterie in the near future.” – Michelle B (source: A Place for Mom)

Ivy at Golden Gate

Courtesy of Ivy at Golden Gate

Cost: Starting at $5,300 per month

Housed in a historic building mere blocks from Golden Gate Park, The Ivy at Golden Gate provides ample support for its residents, both in terms of care and the freedom to live safely and independently within the community. Residents are free to stroll through The Ivy’s manicured grounds and walking paths, as well as the nearby parks. Did we mention that pets are welcome here too? 

As well as providing 24-hour personal care support, The Ivy offers: 

• Concierge physician services
• Weekly or biweekly housekeeping
• On-site maintenance
• Scheduled transportation
• Spa services
• Indoor and outdoor lounge areas
• An on-site salon

Ivy Park at Golden Gate offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Should a resident need an escalated level of support (i.e., dressing, transfer, or dementia care), the staff can accommodate this in the same setting, making Ivy Park a place you can call home for the long haul. 

If you look at online reviews of Ivy Park, you’ll find countless accounts of the care plans they develop for each resident. Mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, and activity preferences are all taken into consideration by the Ivy Park staff. 

“The wellness care and social [and] health activities that are available are so impressive and ensure peace of mind knowing your loved ones are in the best hands possible.  Residents get to choose from a menu of dining options which is fabulous for specific dietary needs.” – Damia F (source: Google Reviews)

Sequoias San Francisco

Courtesy of Sequoias San Francisco

Cost: Starting at $3,537 per month 

Situated in Japantown, The Sequoias San Francisco puts you right in the middle of the city, near some of the best museums, theaters, and shopping it has to offer. While the emphasis of this community is on independent living, it also offers assisted living and memory care to residents who need a little extra help. 

As a Life Plan Community, The Sequoias provides all residents access to the same amenities you’d expect from assisted living; however, should a person need an escalated level of support, they’ll also have access to quality medical care. This includes:

• On-site physicians
• Personal emergency response systems
• Personal care assistance
• Skilled nursing
• Dementia care

Most importantly, all of these services are included at no extra cost. A resident’s one-time entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees will cover any type of care needed, making it one of the more affordable options in the region. 

In addition to singling out the location of The Sequoias, many family members of residents appreciate the community’s variety of activities, including art classes, speakers, concerts, and excursions through town. 

“[My mother] was a little reluctant moving in because it symbolized the end to a certain way of living, i.e. on her own.  But within a few months, she became an integral part of the community.  She loves the Sequoias for so many reasons: elegant decor, diverse and friendly community, staff who pamper her and show genuine caring, resident involvement, spectrum of cultural programs, fitness activities, volunteer opportunities, gourmet dining with sit-down and self-serve options.” – Liana T (source: Yelp)

Heritage on the Marina

Courtesy of Heritage on the Marina

Cost: Starting at $3,504 per month

Set in a beautiful building designed by Julia Morgan (the architect behind Hearst Castle), Heritage on the Marina is one of the most picturesque senior care communities in San Francisco. And did we mention that it’s situated mere blocks from the bay, Fort Mason, and Fisherman’s Wharf? 

Similar to The Sequoias, Heritage is also a Life Plan Community, wherein residents pay a one-time entrance fee as well as a monthly fee that covers their continuing care needs, whether this means light assistance with personal care, skilled nursing, or memory care. Heritage also has its own Medicare-approved health center with registered nurses who can help residents take care of short-term health issues.

Regardless of the care level needed, Heritage residents can all take advantage of housekeeping, laundry, and chef-prepared meals. Heritage also possesses a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as private gardens, multiple patios, an art studio, a library, and an on-site beauty salon. To help residents take advantage of the surrounding attractions, the Heritage staff also regularly organizes outings to the nearby museums, landmarks, and restaurants. 

Online reviewers consistently praise the Life Plan element of this community. Many family members of residents note the ease with which their loved ones were able to receive additional care without being subjected to much additional cost. 

“We moved my grand-father into an independent apartment almost five years ago now, with a most recent move into the next level of care, where he now gets the assistance he requires at the young age of 98.  We contribute his happiness and health to the care of not only the professionals that work with pride at the facility, but the other community members that live there.” – Laurel F (source: Google Reviews)

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term senior care community for those who need daily nonmedical assistance. As well as providing help with personal care needs, these communities generally also offer housekeeping, laundry, and meals to residents, as well as a variety of activities and amenities that will vary by location. The result is a setting that provides older adults with care, community, and safety. 

Who Should Consider Assisted Living?

Assisted living is an ideal choice for those who need help with ADLs. These include:

• Ambulating: The extent of an individual’s ability to move from one position to another and walk independently
• Feeding: The ability of a person to feed oneself
• Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put the clothes on
• Personal hygiene: The ability to bathe and groom oneself and maintain dental hygiene and nail and hair care
• Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel function
• Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself

Most assisted living communities require that a person need help with two or more ADLs in order to qualify for residency; however, some communities (often called Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs) provide multiple levels of care. 

In a CCRC, residents often enter with no care needs. Upon entering, they’ll take advantage of meal, housekeeping, and laundry services, and — should they eventually need a heightened level of care — the CCRC will be able to provide these services as needed. 

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care and Independent Living

While many styles of living are often housed under the same roof, assisted living is a completely different environment from independent living and memory care.

Independent living generally provides similar amenities to assisted living, such as access to housekeeping, laundry, and dining services; however, independent living does not include assistance with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, transfer, walking, and toileting. When independent living is hosted in the same building as assisted living, however, upgrading to these care services is usually a simple matter of cost.

Memory care provides a similar type of care as that of assisted living; however, memory care is geared toward those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In addition to assistance with ADLs, memory care residents will be guided through structured routines that stimulate cognitive development. These communities also have a heightened level of security to prevent residents from wandering. 

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

In 2021, the national median cost of assisted living was $4,500 per month; however, costs vary greatly depending on both location and the type of community.

How Does Pricing Work?

When paying for assisted living, you’ll generally have to account for three factors. First, there will be a one-time entrance fee. For most communities, this fee is between $1,000 and $5,000. However, in CCRCs, it can be upwards of $100,000. 

Next, you’ll have to pay the monthly rent. This will cover room, board, and access to the amenities of the community. Personal care services, however, are not usually included in this fee. Laundry, housekeeping, and assistance with individual ADLs will generally come with additional monthly fees. Generally speaking, the more care you need, the more you’ll end up paying. 

Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco

According to Genworth, the average cost of assisted living in San Francisco is about $6,319 per month. The average cost for California as a whole is $5,250, while the national average is $4,500. That said, you’ll find great variations in pricing for assisted living communities, based on amenities, room size, and the level of care needed. 

How to Choose an Assisted Living Community

To find the right assisted living community for your needs, the first step is to begin touring them. Most communities have contact information on their website so that you can call and arrange a tour.

On these tours, be sure to check out different apartments, try a sample of the food, and even talk to the residents. Assisted living is more than a collection of care services and amenities; rather, it’s a community. If you notice that residents are active, partaking in various activities, and friendly, then you’ve likely found a good community. 

You’ll also want to inquire about pricing. While most communities will be cagey about providing pricing information over the phone, they’ll happily explain their pricing structure in person. Be sure to inquire about all of the fees (care fees, entrance fees, and amenity fees) and how a monthly fee might change should a person need an increased level of care. 

Remember, a transition to even the most beautiful assisted living can be scary for many people. Because of this, it’s best to begin having conversations with your loved one before a community is desperately needed. Many communities have a waitlist, so it’s best to have an idea of your ideal community before a fall or other incident forces you to make a hasty decision. 

The post The 5 Finest Assisted Residing Communities in San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

“Everybody should have access to a beautiful place, good music, good food, good wine,” said Arcana founder and curator Naz Khorram. “Basically, an extended version of my own living room in my own personal home was what I was really striving for.”

Whether you’d like to become a plant parent or add to your existing collection, Arcana offers hundreds of carefully selected options to fill your space.

“We handpick every single plant, choosing plants and pots that go together to create some sort of vibe that you can kind of imagine in your space,” explained Plant Specialist & Interiorscaper Anna Trautman. “It’s a place where you actually get to see living things as a form of art. It’s also a place for community.”

A plant shop and teahouse by day and wine bar-restaurant by night, Arcana serves as an oasis that connects the community through sustainable offerings.

“From our plant-based food to our natural wine to the tea, everything is pretty environmentally focused and inspired,” said Operations Coordinator Andy Garcia.

For Arcana founder Khorram, the shop’s location and welcoming vibe hits close to home.

“It’s a very immigrant-dominated neighborhood, that’s why I really connected with it,” they said. “I’m queer, I moved here when I was 18, and I specifically wanted to come to San Francisco because as a very young Iranian came out of that culture, people didn’t have an open mind about it.”

Khorram displays the Rainbow Flag inside Arcana as a symbol of the love and community they feel in San Francisco, with the intention of sharing positivity and light with all who visit.

“I just wanted to have a big flag raised as a sign for all the other 18-year-olds that are moving into this city from their own countries and their own backgrounds to feel what I felt, ‘Oh, that’s a safe place to go,'” said Khorram.

For more information about Arcana, visit here.

For the latest updates about workshops, design services, and more, follow Arcana on Instagram.

The post Arcana welcomes you to a group lounge within the coronary heart of San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

“Everybody should have access to a beautiful place, good music, good food, good wine,” said Arcana founder and curator Naz Khorram. “Basically, an extended version of my own living room in my own personal home was what I was really striving for.”

Whether you’d like to become a plant parent or add to your existing collection, Arcana offers hundreds of carefully selected options to fill your space.

“We handpick every single plant, choosing plants and pots that go together to create some sort of vibe that you can kind of imagine in your space,” explained Plant Specialist & Interiorscaper Anna Trautman. “It’s a place where you actually get to see living things as a form of art. It’s also a place for community.”

A plant shop and teahouse by day and wine bar-restaurant by night, Arcana serves as an oasis that connects the community through sustainable offerings.

“From our plant-based food to our natural wine to the tea, everything is pretty environmentally focused and inspired,” said Operations Coordinator Andy Garcia.

For Arcana founder Khorram, the shop’s location and welcoming vibe hits close to home.

“It’s a very immigrant-dominated neighborhood, that’s why I really connected with it,” they said. “I’m queer, I moved here when I was 18, and I specifically wanted to come to San Francisco because as a very young Iranian came out of that culture, people didn’t have an open mind about it.”

Khorram displays the Rainbow Flag inside Arcana as a symbol of the love and community they feel in San Francisco, with the intention of sharing positivity and light with all who visit.

“I just wanted to have a big flag raised as a sign for all the other 18-year-olds that are moving into this city from their own countries and their own backgrounds to feel what I felt, ‘Oh, that’s a safe place to go,'” said Khorram.

For more information about Arcana, visit here.

For the latest updates about workshops, design services, and more, follow Arcana on Instagram.

The post Arcana welcomes you to a neighborhood lounge within the coronary heart of San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

“Everybody should have access to a beautiful place, good music, good food, good wine,” said Arcana founder and curator Naz Khorram. “Basically, an extended version of my own living room in my own personal home was what I was really striving for.”

Whether you’d like to become a plant parent or add to your existing collection, Arcana offers hundreds of carefully selected options to fill your space.

“We handpick every single plant, choosing plants and pots that go together to create some sort of vibe that you can kind of imagine in your space,” explained Plant Specialist & Interiorscaper Anna Trautman. “It’s a place where you actually get to see living things as a form of art. It’s also a place for community.”

A plant shop and teahouse by day and wine bar-restaurant by night, Arcana serves as an oasis that connects the community through sustainable offerings.

“From our plant-based food to our natural wine to the tea, everything is pretty environmentally focused and inspired,” said Operations Coordinator Andy Garcia.

For Arcana founder Khorram, the shop’s location and welcoming vibe hits close to home.

“It’s a very immigrant-dominated neighborhood, that’s why I really connected with it,” they said. “I’m queer, I moved here when I was 18, and I specifically wanted to come to San Francisco because as a very young Iranian came out of that culture, people didn’t have an open mind about it.”

Khorram displays the Rainbow Flag inside Arcana as a symbol of the love and community they feel in San Francisco, with the intention of sharing positivity and light with all who visit.

“I just wanted to have a big flag raised as a sign for all the other 18-year-olds that are moving into this city from their own countries and their own backgrounds to feel what I felt, ‘Oh, that’s a safe place to go,'” said Khorram.

For more information about Arcana, visit here.

For the latest updates about workshops, design services, and more, follow Arcana on Instagram.

The post Arcana welcomes you to a neighborhood front room within the coronary heart of San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

“Everybody should have access to a beautiful place, good music, good food, good wine,” said Arcana founder and curator Naz Khorram. “Basically, an extended version of my own living room in my own personal home was what I was really striving for.”

Whether you’d like to become a plant parent or add to your existing collection, Arcana offers hundreds of carefully selected options to fill your space.

“We handpick every single plant, choosing plants and pots that go together to create some sort of vibe that you can kind of imagine in your space,” explained Plant Specialist & Interiorscaper Anna Trautman. “It’s a place where you actually get to see living things as a form of art. It’s also a place for community.”

A plant shop and teahouse by day and wine bar-restaurant by night, Arcana serves as an oasis that connects the community through sustainable offerings.

“From our plant-based food to our natural wine to the tea, everything is pretty environmentally focused and inspired,” said Operations Coordinator Andy Garcia.

For Arcana founder Khorram, the shop’s location and welcoming vibe hits close to home.

“It’s a very immigrant-dominated neighborhood, that’s why I really connected with it,” they said. “I’m queer, I moved here when I was 18, and I specifically wanted to come to San Francisco because as a very young Iranian came out of that culture, people didn’t have an open mind about it.”

Khorram displays the Rainbow Flag inside Arcana as a symbol of the love and community they feel in San Francisco, with the intention of sharing positivity and light with all who visit.

“I just wanted to have a big flag raised as a sign for all the other 18-year-olds that are moving into this city from their own countries and their own backgrounds to feel what I felt, ‘Oh, that’s a safe place to go,'” said Khorram.

For more information about Arcana, visit here.

For the latest updates about workshops, design services, and more, follow Arcana on Instagram.

The post Arcana welcomes you to a neighborhood front room within the coronary heart of San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

In naming Matt Dorsey as the new District 6 supervisor, San Francisco Mayor London Breed has not only appointed the second gay man living with HIV to fill a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors in recent years but also someone who has personal experience combatting a substance use disorder. An alcoholic who also overused a variety of drugs, including crystal meth, Dorsey has been clean and sober for 19 months as of May 7.

“I was very honest about it,” Dorsey, 57, told the Bay Area Reporter about his discussion with Breed when he spoke with her privately last month about his interest in being named the supervisor for the city’s South of Market, Treasure Island, and Mission Bay neighborhoods. “I have spent most of my adult life in recovery.”

Breed will swear Dorsey in as supervisor at noon Monday (May 9) at Delancey Street, the nonprofit provider of services to substance abusers with a restaurant on the city’s Embarcadero in District 6. Brothers John and Bill Maher, the latter of whom served on the Board of Supervisors, co-founded the agency in 1970.

According to a 1988 Los Angeles Times story, Bill Maher was himself “a former Delancey Street resident and reformed drug addict.” More recently, District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin admitted last summer that he had a drinking problem and sought treatment for alcohol use.

Dorsey will now serve alongside Peskin and gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, until now the lone LGBTQ community member on the board. In June 2018, Mandelman defeated former District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, a gay man who became the first person living with HIV on the board when the late mayor Ed Lee appointed him to the vacant seat in January 2017.

“I hope it is meaningful to people who maybe have HIV or have a substance use disorder or are from the LGBTQ+ community,” said Dorsey of his now becoming a supervisor.

Dorsey will serve out the remainder of the term vacated by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) last week and will need to run in November for a full four-year term under the newly drawn boundaries for District 6. The city’s redistricting task force pulled out the Tenderloin and most of the city’s Transgender District from District 6, except for the stretch of the cultural district that runs along Sixth Street, and moved it into District 5.

Expected to seek the District 6 seat is queer San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany, as she had already planned to run for it once Haney had stepped down. Mahogany, a well-known drag queen, had worked for Haney at City Hall as his de facto chief of staff.

While Haney campaigned for the Assembly seat, he had repeatedly urged Breed to name as his successor Mahogany, who would be the first transgender and nonbinary person to serve on the board as well as the first LGBTQ African American supervisor in the city if elected in November . But as the BAR’s Political Notebook reported last month, Breed faced pressure to pick someone else who was aligned with her more moderate faction within the local Democratic Party.

Gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who has known Dorsey for two decades, told the BAR that Breed had made “a very strong appointment” in choosing Dorsey.

“He’s an incredibly talented, hardworking, committed public servant, and I know he will do a great job on the Board of Supervisors,” said Wiener, who has endorsed Dorsey in the fall race for the seat. “He also brings powerful lived experience to the role, particularly around addiction, which is such a huge challenge in the city.”

New District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey has worked as a civilian in the San Francisco Police Department for the last two years. Photo: Courtesy SFPD

SF struggling with overdoses
Dorsey’s appointment comes as the city is grappling with how to respond to an epidemic of drug overdoses that has been far more deadly than the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January 1, 2020, when San Francisco’s medical examiner began tracking the numbers, nearly 1,500 people have died due to a drug overdose. As of May 1, 865 people have died from COVID in the city.

Dorsey, as director of strategic communications at the San Francisco Police Department and part of Police Chief William Scott’s command staff, took part in the monthly calls with other city officials to hear the latest tally of those who have died from a drug overdose. He told the BAR that he is “acutely aware” that he is “one bad decision away” from being added to the list.

“I think the public health calamity that San Francisco has right now with drug overdose deaths feels to me a lot like the AIDS crisis. It certainly is the biggest public health calamity since AIDS; it has been twice as deadly as COVID-19,” Dorsey told the BAR Sunday, May 8, in his first print media interview since being told by Breed she had chosen him for the supervisor seat. “I think in the same way that those of us who remember those times during the early days of AIDS were wondering where is the outrage at the number of people we are losing, I feel that today as a drug addict.”

Dorsey’s fight with addiction
During the 75-minute interview at Harvest Market on Eighth Street, a short walk from his rented apartment at Trinity Plaza, where he has lived the past 12 years, Dorsey spoke about his struggles with addiction since his teenage years when he would drink alcohol to excess.

“I have spent most of my adult life in recovery. December 2, 1992 was my first sobriety date,” said Dorsey. “I identify as an addict and an alcoholic.”

He had come to realize that his drinking “was unsustainable” and gave up alcohol for the next eight years. He joked that his first stretch of sobriety “mapped closely to the Clinton administration.”

But in 2000 during the dot-com era, Dorsey took up party drugs like meth, ecstasy and GHB, which he did with other gay men at private social parties in people’s homes. He also used drugs equivalent to Xanax to help bring him down off his highs.

“I got that under control but had a couple relapses since then,” recounted Dorsey, who noted that he had “added it up and I have been in recovery I think close to just under 25 years.”

One of his hardest relapses came in 2018 when he was working again in the private sector.

“I think, for me, I am the kind of person who has struggled with substance use disorder based on more of what I can get away with more than anything driving me to it,” Dorsey explained. “Some people come to it because of trauma and some people are built without an off switch, and I am the latter.”

Now that he is a supervisor, Dorsey told the BAR he plans to work with Breed, health officials, and his former colleagues in the police department and city attorney’s office, where he had served as spokesman for former city attorney Dennis Herrera, on figuring out how to open a supervised consumption site where substance users can not only go to consume their drugs but also seek out services to help them deal with their addictions. He suggested to the BAR that the city could use the model that New York City officials have used to open such facilities by partnering with a nonprofit to run them.

“I am a believer in supervised consumption sites,” said Dorsey. “I was one of the people when Dennis Herrera was running for mayor, I advocated very strongly he should support it and he did.”

Having seen firsthand the legal repercussions that can come from city employees and officials ignoring federal law, such as when former mayor Gavin Newsom ordered his administration to marry same-sex couples in 2004, Dorsey said he isn’t surprised by the fear of seeing city staffing a supervised employees consumption site be held legally liable.

“The city has very good reasons for why they want to get their arms around the liability issues,” he said.

Also key for him is having “political consensus” on the issue, said Dorsey.

“One of the most important things is to get our arms around issues of drug addiction in San Francisco,” he said. “I am optimistic that we can.”

The grocery store’s owner, Gil Desaulniers, has lived in District 6 since 1983 and has known Dorsey for 15 years, as Dorsey and his colleagues from the city attorney’s office would often lunch there. Desaulniers said Dorsey is well aware of the problems he has faced as a small business owner with people high on drugs coming into his store and causing problems.

“He’s heard me complain so many times over all the years. My street is the worst,” said Desaulniers, who recently had eye surgery after a woman attacked him with pepper spray and clawed his face because he had asked her to wear a face mask while in the store.

Dorsey “is the perfect guy,” said Desaulniers, to be his district supervisor.

“I’m happy about it,” he told the BAR

Professional life
One of three siblings in an Irish and Italian Catholic family, Dorsey was born in Bristol, Connecticut and lived for a year in Georgia as a kindergartener. But his parents moved the family back to New England and settled in Westfield, Massachusetts.

“It is two towns over from where Art Agnos grew up in Springfield,” noted Dorsey, referring to the former San Francisco mayor.

After earning a bachelor of science in speech with an emphasis in political communications from Emerson College in Boston, and newly out of the closet, Dorsey moved to Los Angeles’s Venice neighborhood in 1990 to work on then-San Francisco District Attorney Arlo Smith’s unsuccessful campaign for attorney general.

He then moved to San Francisco due to Smith hiring him an investigator in the DA office’s Family Support Bureau. Dorsey also served as a deputy press secretary and speechwriter in a part-time capacity for Smith.

The Democratic National Committee hired him for a job in Washington, DC in 1993 to help promote then-President Bill Clinton’s failed Healthcare Reform Act. A year later Dorsey had started his own political consultant firm Koenig & Dorsey; in 1999 he went to work for a technology PR agency.

At the start of the new decade he was back at political consulting until Herrera hired him in September 2002. Dorsey left the city attorney’s office in September 2016 to become a partner and head of the communications practice at Lighthouse Public Affairs, LLC. He joined the police chief’s staff in January 2020.

Apart from working for other elected officials, Dorsey served on the Democratic County Central Committee that oversees the San Francisco Democratic Party. He was appointed to it in 2011 and elected to a four-year term on it in 2012, serving as its secretary. But he opted not to seek another term in 2016.

“There wasn’t the fire in the belly to do a second term on the DCCC,” he explained. “I had a lot of fun on the DCCC. I learned a good lesson, I think to not burn bridges with people. It’s funny, a lot of people I never voted with on the DCCC are now personal friends who are being very supportive of me now.”

He credits three now-deceased gay men — Dennis Collins, the first gay investigator in the DA’s office who was a spokesman on Smith’s campaign, political consultant Jim Rivaldo, and BAR political columnist Wayne Friday — for teaching him about the city’s political landscape.

“They showed me the ropes of San Francisco politics the three of them,” Dorsey said.

He believes he contracted HIV in 2003 due to condom failure, as Dorsey told the BAR he practiced safe sex. It is why he was an early supporter of PrEP, the medication taken orally that prevents people from contracting HIV.

“It is why I am such an advocate for PrEP. Its efficacy is so much better than condoms,” he said.

Dorsey has a boyfriend he has been seeing for seven months, but for now the Brazil native prefers to remain anonymous, he told the BAR

A practicing Catholic to this day, Dorsey is a longtime parishioner at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in the Castro LGBTQ district. He asked Father Donal Godfrey, the author of the 2007 book “Gays and Grays: The Story of the Gay Community at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish,” to do the invocation at his supervisory swearing-in ceremony.

“I think spirituality is part of my recovery journey,” said Dorsey, who has attended mass at Most Holy Redeemer since 2004. “I have quarreled with the Catholic Church since childhood. I have accepted I am going to have quarrels with any religious tradition I seek to be a part of.”

As for why he hasn’t sought out a more progressive denomination, Dorsey joked that, “with Catholicism, I know the words already and know when to stand up. I know all the basics.”

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