San Francisco's Mandelman Faces Scrutiny Over "Sacred Cow" Policies, Says Local Outlet

San Francisco, CA – The Voice of San Francisco, a non-profit online news publication, has issued a newsletter highlighting what it describes as Supervisor Rafael Mandelman's "cow tipping" actions, suggesting the Board President is challenging established norms and facing repercussions. The outlet's recent newsletter, announced via a tweet, provocatively stated, > "NEWSLETTER OUT NOW: Cow tipping is dangerous, ask Rafael Mandelman."

The publication, which launched in April 2024 with a mission to "cut through the noise and restore sanity to San Francisco," further elaborated in its newsletter that "Mandelman tips sacred cow, gets gored." This metaphor likely refers to Mandelman's recent legislative efforts and policy stances that aim to significantly alter the city's approach to long-standing issues.

As President of the Board of Supervisors, Mandelman has been a central figure in several high-profile initiatives. Most recently, he co-sponsored legislation with Mayor Daniel Lurie to address RV and vehicular homelessness, a comprehensive plan that includes specialized outreach, service offerings, a vehicle buyback program, and stricter enforcement of parking regulations. This policy, which passed overwhelmingly, represents a notable shift in the city's strategy for managing its unhoused population.

Additionally, Mandelman has actively pursued downtown revitalization, introducing legislation to facilitate office-to-residential conversions through a new financing district. This effort seeks to breathe new life into San Francisco's struggling urban core by converting underutilized commercial spaces into much-needed housing, a move that could disrupt traditional real estate dynamics.

His focus extends to public health, where he has advocated for reforms in mental health and substance use treatment. Mandelman has held hearings on the city's behavioral health crisis and pushed for expanded eligibility for conservatorship, as well as increased shelter capacity through his "A Place for All" initiative. These proposals often challenge existing harm reduction philosophies and have drawn both support and criticism.

The "cow tipping" commentary from The Voice of San Francisco underscores a perception that Mandelman is taking on deeply entrenched issues and potentially revered approaches within the city's political landscape. The publication, known for its critical perspective on city governance, posits that such bold policy shifts inevitably lead to significant pushback, or being "gored."