San Francisco's progressive movement struggles amid change
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
... In truth, the city’s storied progressive movement has been hemorrhaging for years. For decades, San Francisco progressives steered the political agenda on everything from rent control to stopping freeways from running through neighborhoods to gay rights, but they seem to have lost power, people and issues to fight for in the past few years. As the city rapidly changes — becoming wealthier and more gentrified — some remaining dedicated progressives say their movement is needed now more than ever.
But progressives lost control of the Board of Supervisors, fielded hardly any challengers in next month’s election and haven’t held the mayor’s seat since Art Agnos left office in 1992.
... San Francisco’s population is also changing. For decades, it attracted young gay people, artists, nonprofit workers and others who could afford an apartment and easily find a niche in the progressive community. Now, the median citywide rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,200 a month — the highest in the nation — making it nearly impossible for many potentially new members of the progressive base to move here or stay.
Political consultant Jim Ross said progressive political movements have often been driven by young people, but many of those moving to San Francisco in their 20s and 30s are no longer coming for the politics and liberal social fabric. “The last two big influxes of young people into San Francisco have all been young folks who are moving here not necessarily for social acceptance but to make money,” said Ross, referring to the dot-com boom of the late 1990s and the current tech boom. “It’s people with a different motivation.”
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Death-of-Ted-Gullicksen-and-Bay-Guardian-blows-to-5832008.php