San Francisco Becomes Taxpayer-Funded Haven for Registered Sex Offenders, Report Claims

San Francisco is reportedly becoming a taxpayer-funded sanctuary for registered sex offenders, with a substantial number residing in subsidized housing located in close proximity to educational institutions and childcare facilities. An investigation found that over 25% of sex offenders listed in California's Megan's Law database who have an address in San Francisco live in taxpayer-funded buildings.

The Taylor Street Center, a facility in the Tenderloin neighborhood, is cited as a prominent example, housing at least 31 registered sex offenders. This facility is operated by the private GEO Group under contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the federal Bureau of Prisons. The reentry complex, which can accommodate up to 240 individuals, offers programs such as "cultural diversity education" and "gender-responsive groups." It is situated just 400 feet from a daycare center, 1,000 feet from a school serving fourth through eighth graders, and five blocks from a preschool.

The Tenderloin neighborhood itself is characterized by a high concentration of immigrant and low-income households, as well as the city's highest density of children, meaning residents of the Taylor Street Center are likely to encounter minors.

Among the residents at 111 Taylor Street is Kevin Adams, who was convicted of possessing over 600 images of child pornography. Despite documented continued lewd internet searches and a "clear sexual preoccupation with minors" noted by his probation officer, Adams' listed address remains 111 Taylor Street. Another resident, Michael Eugene Kincade, has a history of alleged sexual misconduct, including a past conviction for molesting a 13-year-old girl and an alleged rape.

This situation arises partly due to legal challenges to California's sex offender residency restrictions. In 2006, voters passed Jessica's Law, which aimed to ban offenders from living within 2,000 feet of schools and parks. However, a lawsuit by San Diego sex offenders led the California State Supreme Court in 2015 to rule that such blanket restrictions hindered parolees' ability to find housing. Consequently, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation can now only impose residency restrictions on a case-by-case basis, effectively allowing sex offenders in urban areas to live near schools.

While some jurisdictions are tightening regulations, such as Fresno County which recently limited the number of sex offenders per residential property to six, San Francisco appears to be moving in a different direction. The city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (DHSH) operates on a budget of over $800 million, with a significant portion allocated to housing initiatives. The cost to taxpayers for housing individuals in permanent supportive housing can range from $30,000 to $40,000 per resident annually.

As of September 25, 779 registered sex offenders were listed in San Francisco's Megan's Law database. Of those with a listed address, 158 resided in 65 taxpayer-funded buildings across the city. These buildings operate under various models, including private contractors, nonprofit-run supportive housing hotels, and city-funded interim housing facilities.