Protestors performed a die-in outside San Francisco City Hall earlier today
as part of an ongoing series of protests to draw attention
to Mayor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget cuts.
Photos by Luke Thomas

By Luke Thomas

July 1, 2009

Protests against Mayor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget cuts continued for a third day today at San Francisco City Hall.

“We’re protesting Mayor Newsom’s inequitable, inhumane, immoral budget that basically balances the City’s budget on the backs of the poor, the backs of the homeless and the backs of the sick,” said Julian Davis, one of several protest organizers.

“It’s just unacceptable,” Davis added.

Julian Davis discusses Newsom’s budget cuts with a KTVU reporter.

Today’s die-in protest followed similar protests Sunday during the annual Pride Parade and on Alioto Plaza, Monday. Davis said the protests would continue, “Until the Mayor gets serious about campaigning for new revenue.”

Newsom’s budget proposal includes over $125 million in cuts to health and human services while other City departments, including public safety, have been largely spared.

Some progress has been made to rectify the imbalance following ongoing negotiations Monday between the controller’s office, the mayor’s office and the Board of Supervisors. Budget Chair John Avalos indicated $20.1 million had been identified for possible restoration to health and human services while signaling that the mayor’s office is supportive of ballot revenue measures that specifically raise revenues for the cuts Newsom has proposed.

Avalos said the City is looking to raise at least $50 million in revenue on the November ballot to help close an unprecedented $576 million budget shortfall.

 
Brother Jonathan Hicks, from the Society of St. Francis Episcopal,
consoles Sarah Benton who fears she will be made homeless
following Newsom’s cuts.

Protestors perform a die-in outside Room 200, the mayor’s office.

And on the rotunda.