Syphilis cases in California have contributed to soaring national caseloads of sexually transmitted diseases. Experts point to the advent of dating apps, decreased condom use and an increase in meth.
Some who have received the vaccine say it was an emotional experience. The feeling is similar for others who've survived previous epidemics ended by medical advancement.
San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin called the charges "historic" and vowed to apply the law evenly "no matter what the color of your skin....or whether you wear a uniform to work."
Mayor London Breed said the funds would be reallocated over two years to address stark inequities in housing, education, health and economic opportunities faced by the city's Black community.
Hundreds of cars circle San Francisco, festooned with signs honoring George Floyd and other black victims of police violence. Similar protests are planned from Detroit to Connecticut.
To get better data this week on a hard-hit community, the public health department and researchers are offering free testing for everyone over age 4 in a broad swath of the Mission District.
Citing concerns about privacy and civil liberties, the city's not relying on a smartphone app to track cases. Instead, it's recruiting public health staff, librarians and med students to make calls.