SF nonprofit director threatens hunger strike over Luries proposed cuts to legal services

Adrian Tirtanadi, executive director of Open Door Legal, will begin a hunger strike on Wednesday to protest Mayor Daniel Lurie's proposed cuts to San Francisco's legal aid budget. He declared he would not eat until the funding is restored, asserting that the cuts threaten the stability of low-income families. Tirtanadi stated that without legal aid, many individuals face homelessness and lack vital support in legal matters. He criticized the mayor's decision as contradictory to Lurie's promise of data-driven budget decisions, arguing that legal aid is a cost-effective solution to prevent homelessness. Lurie's office did not respond to media inquiries regarding the proposed cuts.

Last week, labor and community leaders organized a protest at City Hall, showcasing community opposition to the budget reductions. Tirtanadi's hunger strike highlights the urgent need for legal assistance among vulnerable populations. Ensuring funding for legal services aligns with the government's basic mandate to provide justice for the poor.