Josh Koehn

San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

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San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

SF voters turn on Breed as confidence in City Hall slumps further

Bad news for Mayor London Breed in new poll

San Francisco mayor faces tough union talks ahead of November election

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

The mayor’s path to victory will become even more complicated in the next two weeks, as another moderate challenger—former San Francisco Mayor and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/former-san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-will-challege-london-breed/">Mark Farrell</a>—is expected to announce his candidacy, making it a four-person race with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a> announcing his candidacy last year. A more progressive candidate also seems likely to emerge.

Mark Farrell will run to be San Francisco’s mayor again, sources say

San Francisco mayor’s race: London Breed challenger raises $149K, campaign says

The mayor’s path to victory will become even more complicated in the next two weeks, as another moderate challenger—former San Francisco Mayor and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/former-san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-will-challege-london-breed/">Mark Farrell</a>—is expected to announce his candidacy, making it a four-person race with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a> announcing his candidacy last year. A more progressive candidate also seems likely to emerge.

But aside from polling, deficits and a crowded field, one of the biggest issues Breed’s reelection campaign faces between now and November could come down to something as simple as dollars and cents. At the moment, the mayor is looking a bit short on both. And her challengers appear poised to kick off a fundraising arms race unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen.&nbsp;

But aside from polling, deficits and a crowded field, one of the biggest issues Breed’s reelection campaign faces between now and November could come down to something as simple as dollars and cents. At the moment, the mayor is looking a bit short on both. And her challengers appear poised to kick off a fundraising arms race unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-falls-behind-on-fundraising">Breed Falls Behind on Fundraising</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-falls-behind-on-fundraising">Breed Falls Behind on Fundraising</h2>

Following the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, Breed won the 2018 special election for mayor, which also turned out to be the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Money-spent-on-San-Francisco-s-elections-13715699.php">most expensive mayoral race in San Francisco history</a> with more than $8.4 million spent.

Following the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, Breed won the 2018 special election for mayor, which also turned out to be the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Money-spent-on-San-Francisco-s-elections-13715699.php">most expensive mayoral race in San Francisco history</a> with more than $8.4 million spent.

Still nine months out to this November’s election, mayoral campaigns and committees supporting 2024 candidates have already raised more than $4.8 million. And much of that money is not going toward San Francisco’s current mayor.

Still nine months out to this November’s election, mayoral campaigns and committees supporting 2024 candidates have already raised more than $4.8 million. And much of that money is not going toward San Francisco’s current mayor.

Breed’s personal reelection campaign raised almost $408,000 last year and an independent committee supporting Breed raised more than $265,120, according to filings with the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Combined, those totals are about a sixth of what Lurie’s campaign and a committee supporting his run for mayor have raised since late September.

Breed’s personal reelection campaign raised almost $408,000 last year and an independent committee supporting Breed raised more than $265,120, according to filings with the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Combined, those totals are about a sixth of what Lurie’s campaign and a committee supporting his run for mayor have raised since late September.

A closer look at the independent committee supporting the mayor’s reelection shows that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/michael-bloomberg-breed-san-francisco-mayor-campaign/">$200,000 came from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg</a>, which might have been a little payback for Breed’s endorsement of his ill-fated presidential run. The remaining $65,000 to the pro-Breed committee came mostly from real estate interests, which also supported a local firefighters committee backing Breed in 2018.

Billionaire ex-mayor of NYC drops big money into San Francisco mayoral race

A closer look at the independent committee supporting the mayor’s reelection shows that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/michael-bloomberg-breed-san-francisco-mayor-campaign/">$200,000 came from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg</a>, which might have been a little payback for Breed’s endorsement of his ill-fated presidential run. The remaining $65,000 to the pro-Breed committee came mostly from real estate interests, which also supported a local firefighters committee backing Breed in 2018.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed addresses the media at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 during a press conference about the upcoming APEC summit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1APECGraton10242023-12.jpg?w=2072" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, dressed in a purple speaks to the media during a press conference in City Hall. She sands behind a podium that reads &quot;APEC 2023 UNITED STATES&quot; in a wood paneled room." class="wp-image-214726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed placed three measures on the March ballot to address housing, public safety and the drug crisis.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1APECGraton10242023-12.jpg?w=2072" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, dressed in a purple speaks to the media during a press conference in City Hall. She sands behind a podium that reads &quot;APEC 2023 UNITED STATES&quot; in a wood paneled room." class="wp-image-214726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed placed three measures on the March ballot to address housing, public safety and the drug crisis.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor also put forward Propositions C, E and F on the March ballot to reform policies on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, respectively. The measures—with almost $1.07 million in combined support, including big chunks from billionaires Chris Larsen and Ron Conway—are designed to shape city policy and can’t mention Breed’s reelection campaign. In reality, though, they should be seen as vehicles to solidify the mayor’s messaging ahead of November, potentially giving her momentum if at least two out of three propositions pass.&nbsp;

The mayor also put forward Propositions C, E and F on the March ballot to reform policies on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, respectively. The measures—with almost $1.07 million in combined support, including big chunks from billionaires Chris Larsen and Ron Conway—are designed to shape city policy and can’t mention Breed’s reelection campaign. In reality, though, they should be seen as vehicles to solidify the mayor’s messaging ahead of November, potentially giving her momentum if at least two out of three propositions pass.&nbsp;

“Her March ballot measures will deliver even more change and progress, giving police the tools they need, bringing accountability to those who are doing lethal drugs, and creating a thriving new neighborhood Downtown,” said Maggie Muir, the mayor’s campaign manager.

“Her March ballot measures will deliver even more change and progress, giving police the tools they need, bringing accountability to those who are doing lethal drugs, and creating a thriving new neighborhood Downtown,” said Maggie Muir, the mayor’s campaign manager.

But even when accounting for all of these different Breed-aligned committees, the mayor is still being outraised almost three to one by Lurie-aligned groups.

But even when accounting for all of these different Breed-aligned committees, the mayor is still being outraised almost three to one by Lurie-aligned groups.

Lurie’s mayoral campaign, an independent committee backing his run for mayor and a pro-Prop. E committee he formed to reframe the measure as an indictment of Breed’s leadership have combined to raise $4.46 million, according to the most recently available campaign filings with the Ethics Commission.&nbsp;

Lurie’s mayoral campaign, an independent committee backing his run for mayor and a pro-Prop. E committee he formed to reframe the measure as an indictment of Breed’s leadership have combined to raise $4.46 million, according to the most recently available campaign filings with the Ethics Commission.&nbsp;

“That’s an impressive amount of money,” said Larry Gerston, professor emeritus for San Jose State University’s political science department and a political analyst for NBC Bay Area. “Clearly, people are not happy with the mayor.”

“That’s an impressive amount of money,” said Larry Gerston, professor emeritus for San Jose State University’s political science department and a political analyst for NBC Bay Area. “Clearly, people are not happy with the mayor.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayor-s-challengers-tap-into-big-money">Mayor’s Challengers Tap Into Big Money</h2>

A huge chunk of the pro-Lurie money is coming directly from his own family. His mother, Mimi Haas—the widow of Peter Haas, who was the great-grandnephew of Levi Strauss—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">gave $1 million</a> to a group called “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024.”&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s mother spends $1 million to help him win San Francisco mayor’s race

A huge chunk of the pro-Lurie money is coming directly from his own family. His mother, Mimi Haas—the widow of Peter Haas, who was the great-grandnephew of Levi Strauss—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">gave $1 million</a> to a group called “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, his brother Ari Lurie has given $350,000 across two committees, and a mix of San Francisco bluebloods and new money venture capitalists are cutting massive checks in support of Lurie’s bid for mayor.

Meanwhile, his brother Ari Lurie has given $350,000 across two committees, and a mix of San Francisco bluebloods and new money venture capitalists are cutting massive checks in support of Lurie’s bid for mayor.

Daniel Lurie files paperwork officially announcing his candidacy for mayor with the Department of Elections at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Lurie, is challenging Mayor London Breed for the position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LurieForMayor09262023__0040.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie smiles." class="wp-image-204612"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is getting strong financial support from family and friends in his run for mayor of San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Trishala Vinnakota, Lurie’s campaign manager, issued a statement saying that his coalition of support comes from him being “the only candidate running to replace City Hall insiders with new ideas and accountable leadership.”

Trishala Vinnakota, Lurie’s campaign manager, issued a statement saying that his coalition of support comes from him being “the only candidate running to replace City Hall insiders with new ideas and accountable leadership.”

Campaign records show Lurie will likely have the loudest voice when it’s all said and done on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">Prop. E</a>, which would increase police surveillance tools and place restrictions on how the Police Commission passes new policies. His committee has already raised $660,000 in support of the measure, which was roughly $35,000 more than the mayor’s committee as of Sunday.&nbsp;

This San Francisco ballot measure would boost police surveillance. It&#8217;s raised $1M

Campaign records show Lurie will likely have the loudest voice when it’s all said and done on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">Prop. E</a>, which would increase police surveillance tools and place restrictions on how the Police Commission passes new policies. His committee has already raised $660,000 in support of the measure, which was roughly $35,000 more than the mayor’s committee as of Sunday.&nbsp;

A closer look at Lurie’s pro-Prop. E committee filings shows that his committee reported $805,000 in outstanding debts, which means his committee still expects to pick up at least another $145,000 in contributions to break even. That certainly won’t be hard if Lurie keeps getting six-figure contributions like the $100,000 he received from venture capitalist Nellie Levchin on Jan. 22.&nbsp;

A closer look at Lurie’s pro-Prop. E committee filings shows that his committee reported $805,000 in outstanding debts, which means his committee still expects to pick up at least another $145,000 in contributions to break even. That certainly won’t be hard if Lurie keeps getting six-figure contributions like the $100,000 he received from venture capitalist Nellie Levchin on Jan. 22.&nbsp;

Prop. E is essentially an avenue for Lurie to increase his name recognition on the road to November, as almost all San Francisco voters are aware of Breed. Whether their opinion of the mayor is favorable is another story.

Prop. E is essentially an avenue for Lurie to increase his name recognition on the road to November, as almost all San Francisco voters are aware of Breed. Whether their opinion of the mayor is favorable is another story.

Gerston cautioned against “automatically equating money and victory,” but he noted that pro-Lurie money could give the mayor fits if the campaign finance trends persist.

Gerston cautioned against “automatically equating money and victory,” but he noted that pro-Lurie money could give the mayor fits if the campaign finance trends persist.

“Presumably, Breed has some capital that goes beyond dollars just by virtue of her incumbency and the network she&#8217;s established,” Gerston said. “Whether that&#8217;s enough to keep a challenger like Lurie from winning, that’s the question.”

“Presumably, Breed has some capital that goes beyond dollars just by virtue of her incumbency and the network she's established,” Gerston said. “Whether that's enough to keep a challenger like Lurie from winning, that’s the question.”

“Presumably, Breed has some capital that goes beyond dollars just by virtue of her incumbency and the network she&#8217;s established,” Gerston said. “Whether that&#8217;s enough to keep a challenger like Lurie from winning, that’s the question.”

Acting San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell speaks at a rally for clean energy in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018. California stands in "complete opposition" to a Trump administration plan to scrap a policy slashing climate-changing emissions from power plants, its top air official said Wednesday at a U.S. hearing in a state helping lead the fight against global warming.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/featured-mayor-mark-farrell.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mark Farrell speaks at a press conference." class="wp-image-245445"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell, a former San Francisco mayor and supervisor, is expected to join the race in mid-February, which would likely shake up supporters and fundraising.</figcaption></figure>

The expected candidacy of Farrell—a native San Franciscan who also has close ties to many in the investor class—could lead to a splintering of support for Lurie-aligned committees. Officials linked to Farrell’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but his base of supporters is believed to have a fair amount of overlap with Lurie’s. However, the financial reservoirs for potential benefactors are not at risk of running dry.

The expected candidacy of Farrell—a native San Franciscan who also has close ties to many in the investor class—could lead to a splintering of support for Lurie-aligned committees. Officials linked to Farrell’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but his base of supporters is believed to have a fair amount of overlap with Lurie’s. However, the financial reservoirs for potential benefactors are not at risk of running dry.

It’s possible that voters could sour on the staggering amount of money going into the mayor’s race, which is where San Francisco’s public financing program for campaigns could come into play.

It’s possible that voters could sour on the staggering amount of money going into the mayor’s race, which is where San Francisco’s public financing program for campaigns could come into play.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-huge-bill-for-taxpayers">A Huge Bill for Taxpayers?</h2>

Safaí, the District 11 supervisor who represents the Excelsior and other neighborhoods on the south side of the city, raised more than $333,000 last year, and no outside committee supporting his run for mayor currently exists. However, he expects to hit the threshold to unlock <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">public matching funds</a>, which can climb as high as $1.2 million for mayoral candidates.

SF will pay for your political campaign: Meet the candidates who got the most taxpayer money

Safaí, the District 11 supervisor who represents the Excelsior and other neighborhoods on the south side of the city, raised more than $333,000 last year, and no outside committee supporting his run for mayor currently exists. However, he expects to hit the threshold to unlock <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">public matching funds</a>, which can climb as high as $1.2 million for mayoral candidates.

District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai during the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday July 11, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1SupervisorsChambersPhotos07062023-23.jpg?w=2350" alt="A man in a suit sits attentively, hands folded, in a chamber with ornate wood paneling." class="wp-image-185328"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí does not expect to have major financial support outside of his own campaign for mayor, which will likely receive public matching funds.</figcaption></figure>

“Ahsha doesn’t have any billionaires bankrolling his campaign like Mayor Breed or Daniel Lurie, and over a quarter of his contributions are $100 or less,” said Derek Jansen, Safaí’s campaign manager. “The strength of our grassroots fundraising underscores the city’s desire for change, while affirming that regular, working people trust Ahsha to deliver for them. People will decide this election, not money.”

“Ahsha doesn’t have any billionaires bankrolling his campaign like Mayor Breed or Daniel Lurie, and over a quarter of his contributions are $100 or less,” said Derek Jansen, Safaí’s campaign manager. “The strength of our grassroots fundraising underscores the city’s desire for change, while affirming that regular, working people trust Ahsha to deliver for them. People will decide this election, not money.”

It’s likely that all of the major candidates for mayor will hit the necessary fundraising thresholds to accept public matching funds, putting city taxpayers on the hook for $4.8 million in spending across just four candidates—and perhaps even $6 million if someone like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Supervisor Aaron Peskin</a> were to join the fray. Meanwhile, outside committees seem certain to raise the race’s price tag to unprecedented levels.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin says people want him to run for mayor

It’s likely that all of the major candidates for mayor will hit the necessary fundraising thresholds to accept public matching funds, putting city taxpayers on the hook for $4.8 million in spending across just four candidates—and perhaps even $6 million if someone like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Supervisor Aaron Peskin</a> were to join the fray. Meanwhile, outside committees seem certain to raise the race’s price tag to unprecedented levels.&nbsp;

There are some things money can’t buy. Time will tell if the San Francisco Mayor’s Office is one of them.

There are some things money can’t buy. Time will tell if the San Francisco Mayor’s Office is one of them.

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

Hope Williams

Nathan Sheard

Nestor Reyes

The authors are community activists who helped organize and participated in protests against police violence in San Francisco after the murder of George Floyd. A hearing in their lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department over surveillance of Union Square protests (see photo), originally scheduled for Friday, has been postponed until Jan. 21. This Perspective follows<a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/"> last week’s piece from Chris Larsen</a> supporting surveillance cameras and criticizing that lawsuit.

The authors are community activists who helped organize and participated in protests against police violence in San Francisco after the murder of George Floyd. A hearing in their lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department over surveillance of Union Square protests (see photo), originally scheduled for Friday, has been postponed until Jan. 21. This Perspective follows<a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/"> last week’s piece from Chris Larsen</a> supporting surveillance cameras and criticizing that lawsuit.

A year and a half ago, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">illegally spied on us</a> and thousands of other Bay Area residents as we marched against racist police violence and the murder of George Floyd. Aided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU of Northern California, we have <a href="https://www.eff.org/cases/williams-v-san-francisco">taken the SFPD to court</a>.

A year and a half ago, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">illegally spied on us</a> and thousands of other Bay Area residents as we marched against racist police violence and the murder of George Floyd. Aided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU of Northern California, we have <a href="https://www.eff.org/cases/williams-v-san-francisco">taken the SFPD to court</a>.

Our lawsuit defends our right to organize protests against police violence without fear of illegal police surveillance. After the police murdered George Floyd, we coordinated mass actions and legal support and spent our days leading the community in chants, marches and protests demanding an end to policing systems that stalk and kill Black and Brown people with impunity.

Our lawsuit defends our right to organize protests against police violence without fear of illegal police surveillance. After the police murdered George Floyd, we coordinated mass actions and legal support and spent our days leading the community in chants, marches and protests demanding an end to policing systems that stalk and kill Black and Brown people with impunity.

Our voice is more important than ever as the mayor and Chris Larsen, the billionaire tech executive funding camera networks across San Francisco, push a false narrative about our lawsuit and the law that the SFPD violated.&nbsp;

Our voice is more important than ever as the mayor and Chris Larsen, the billionaire tech executive funding camera networks across San Francisco, push a false narrative about our lawsuit and the law that the SFPD violated.&nbsp;

In 2019, the city passed a <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-47320">landmark ordinance</a> that bans the SFPD and other city agencies from using facial recognition and requires them to get approval from the Board of Supervisors for other surveillance technologies. This transparent process sets up guardrails, allows for public input and empowers communities to say “no” to more police surveillance on our streets.&nbsp;

In 2019, the city passed a <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-47320">landmark ordinance</a> that bans the SFPD and other city agencies from using facial recognition and requires them to get approval from the Board of Supervisors for other surveillance technologies. This transparent process sets up guardrails, allows for public input and empowers communities to say “no” to more police surveillance on our streets.&nbsp;

But the police refuse to play by the rules. EFF <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">uncovered documents</a> showing that the SFPD violated the 2019 law and illegally tapped into a network of more than 300 video cameras in the Union Square area to surveil us and our fellow protesters. Additional documents and testimony in our case revealed that an SFPD officer <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/09/eff-court-stop-sfpd-spying-protestors-black-lives">repeatedly viewed the live camera feed</a>, which directly contradicts the SFPD’s prior statements to the public and the city’s Board of Supervisors that <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7223143-Response-Letter-to-Sup-Peskin-Re-SFPD-Use-of.html">“the feed was not monitored.”</a>

But the police refuse to play by the rules. EFF <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">uncovered documents</a> showing that the SFPD violated the 2019 law and illegally tapped into a network of more than 300 video cameras in the Union Square area to surveil us and our fellow protesters. Additional documents and testimony in our case revealed that an SFPD officer <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/09/eff-court-stop-sfpd-spying-protestors-black-lives">repeatedly viewed the live camera feed</a>, which directly contradicts the SFPD’s prior statements to the public and the city’s Board of Supervisors that <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7223143-Response-Letter-to-Sup-Peskin-Re-SFPD-Use-of.html">“the feed was not monitored.”</a>

Larsen has also backpedaled. Referencing the network, he previously claimed that <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/anti-racism-police-protest/2020/10/sf-tech-moguls-funded-the-cameras-cops-used-them-to-spy-on-protesters/">“the police can’t monitor it live.”</a> Now, Larsen is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/">advocating for live surveillance</a> and criticizing us for defending our right under city law to be free from unfettered police spying. He even suggests that we are to blame for <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics-op-eds/article/San-Francisco-retail-theft-Chesa-Boudin-crime-16716651.php">recent high-profile retail thefts</a> at San Francisco’s luxury stores.&nbsp;

Larsen has also backpedaled. Referencing the network, he previously claimed that <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/anti-racism-police-protest/2020/10/sf-tech-moguls-funded-the-cameras-cops-used-them-to-spy-on-protesters/">“the police can’t monitor it live.”</a> Now, Larsen is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/">advocating for live surveillance</a> and criticizing us for defending our right under city law to be free from unfettered police spying. He even suggests that we are to blame for <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics-op-eds/article/San-Francisco-retail-theft-Chesa-Boudin-crime-16716651.php">recent high-profile retail thefts</a> at San Francisco’s luxury stores.&nbsp;

As Black and Latinx activists, we are outraged—but not surprised—by rich and powerful people supporting illegal police surveillance. They are not the ones targeted by the police and won’t pay the price if the city rolls back hard-won civil rights protections.&nbsp;

As Black and Latinx activists, we are outraged—but not surprised—by rich and powerful people supporting illegal police surveillance. They are not the ones targeted by the police and won’t pay the price if the city rolls back hard-won civil rights protections.&nbsp;

Secret surveillance will not protect the public. What will actually make us safer is to shift funding away from the police and toward housing, healthcare, violence interruption programs and other services necessary for <a href="https://www.oaklandrising.org/sf-chronicle-no-oakland-didnt-defund-the-police-op-ed-by-cat-brooks/">racial justice in the Bay Area</a>. Strong and well-resourced communities are far more likely to be safe than they would be with ever-increasing surveillance.

Secret surveillance will not protect the public. What will actually make us safer is to shift funding away from the police and toward housing, healthcare, violence interruption programs and other services necessary for <a href="https://www.oaklandrising.org/sf-chronicle-no-oakland-didnt-defund-the-police-op-ed-by-cat-brooks/">racial justice in the Bay Area</a>. Strong and well-resourced communities are far more likely to be safe than they would be with ever-increasing surveillance.

As members of communities that are already overpoliced and underserved we know&nbsp;that surveillance is a trigger that <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/location-tracking/san-francisco-woman-pulled-out-car-gunpoint-because">sets our most violent and unjust systems in motion</a>. Before the police kill a Black person, deport an immigrant, or imprison a young adult for a crime driven by poverty, chances are the police surveilled them first.

As members of communities that are already overpoliced and underserved we know&nbsp;that surveillance is a trigger that <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/location-tracking/san-francisco-woman-pulled-out-car-gunpoint-because">sets our most violent and unjust systems in motion</a>. Before the police kill a Black person, deport an immigrant, or imprison a young adult for a crime driven by poverty, chances are the police surveilled them first.

That is why we support democratic control over police spying and oppose the surveillance infrastructure that Larsen is building in our communities. We joined organizations like the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club in a <a href="https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_news/305767">successful campaign</a> against Larsen’s plan to fund more than 125 cameras in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. And we made the decision to join forces with the EFF and the ACLU to defend our rights in court after we found out the SFPD spied on us and our movement.

That is why we support democratic control over police spying and oppose the surveillance infrastructure that Larsen is building in our communities. We joined organizations like the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club in a <a href="https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_news/305767">successful campaign</a> against Larsen’s plan to fund more than 125 cameras in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. And we made the decision to join forces with the EFF and the ACLU to defend our rights in court after we found out the SFPD spied on us and our movement.

Tomorrow, we will be in court to put a stop to the SFPD’s illegal spying and evasion of democratic oversight. We won’t let the police or their rich and powerful supporters intimidate activists into silence or undermine our social movements.

Tomorrow, we will be in court to put a stop to the SFPD’s illegal spying and evasion of democratic oversight. We won’t let the police or their rich and powerful supporters intimidate activists into silence or undermine our social movements.

San Francisco police illegally used surveillance cameras at the George Floyd protests. The courts must stop them

Opinion: San Francisco police illegally used surveillance cameras at the George Floyd protests. The courts must stop them

Michael Barba

Stunt drivers burning rubber in the dead of night as throngs of onlookers stand dangerously close. An 84-year-old Thai grandfather forcefully pushed to his death while enjoying a morning walk. A group of teens beating a 70-year-old Asian woman in the lobby of her apartment building.&nbsp;

Stunt drivers burning rubber in the dead of night as throngs of onlookers stand dangerously close. An 84-year-old Thai grandfather forcefully pushed to his death while enjoying a morning walk. A group of teens beating a 70-year-old Asian woman in the lobby of her apartment building.&nbsp;

San Francisco police are citing such attention-grabbing crimes as reasons why City Hall should boost law enforcement access to privately owned surveillance cameras popping up around town.

San Francisco police are citing such attention-grabbing crimes as reasons why City Hall should boost law enforcement access to privately owned surveillance cameras popping up around town.

But lost in the conversation so far, with a consequential vote on the proposal looming at the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, is the growing size of the camera networks that SFPD wants to access in real time—and the willingness of their owners to let police use them.

But lost in the conversation so far, with a consequential vote on the proposal looming at the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, is the growing size of the camera networks that SFPD wants to access in real time—and the willingness of their owners to let police use them.

New reporting by The Standard shows how the plan could unlock hundreds of cameras for live monitoring by SFPD. The cameras are run by five local property owner groups, known as community benefit districts or CBDs, and largely funded by one person: cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen.

New reporting by The Standard shows how the plan could unlock hundreds of cameras for live monitoring by SFPD. The cameras are run by five local property owner groups, known as community benefit districts or CBDs, and largely funded by one person: cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen.

The business districts operate close to 1,000 cameras, depending on how they’re counted. Some of the high-tech cameras include multiple sensors within a single dome that each provide a different view.

The business districts operate close to 1,000 cameras, depending on how they’re counted. Some of the high-tech cameras include multiple sensors within a single dome that each provide a different view.

Police already access footage from these cameras to help solve crimes after they occur, but are not typically allowed to view the footage in real time.

Police already access footage from these cameras to help solve crimes after they occur, but are not typically allowed to view the footage in real time.

The proposal would let police live monitor these video feeds <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11246033&amp;GUID=045FD4E1-FC1E-4009-8829-871342E68EB9">for three reasons</a>: during a life-threatening emergency, to redeploy officers during a mass event and during a criminal investigation with written approval from a captain.

The proposal would let police live monitor these video feeds <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11246033&amp;GUID=045FD4E1-FC1E-4009-8829-871342E68EB9">for three reasons</a>: during a life-threatening emergency, to redeploy officers during a mass event and during a criminal investigation with written approval from a captain.

All police would need is the camera owner’s consent.

All police would need is the camera owner’s consent.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-force-multiplier">‘A Force Multiplier’</h2>

<h2 id="h-a-force-multiplier">‘A Force Multiplier’</h2>

Reached by The Standard, two of the community benefit districts that operate cameras expressed interest in letting police live-monitor their video feeds, pending approval from their governing boards.

Reached by The Standard, two of the community benefit districts that operate cameras expressed interest in letting police live-monitor their video feeds, pending approval from their governing boards.

Both districts, in Fisherman’s Wharf and Mid-Market, argued that live access to the cameras could help SFPD supplement its dwindling staffing numbers.

Both districts, in Fisherman’s Wharf and Mid-Market, argued that live access to the cameras could help SFPD supplement its dwindling staffing numbers.

“It’s a force multiplier and right now we need all the help we can get,” said Randall Scott, who runs the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD and controls cameras pointed in more than 30 different directions around the tourist area.

“It’s a force multiplier and right now we need all the help we can get,” said Randall Scott, who runs the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD and controls cameras pointed in more than 30 different directions around the tourist area.

Scott said police could use the cameras to passively track an auto burglary crew across the city and wait for the right time to make an arrest.

Scott said police could use the cameras to passively track an auto burglary crew across the city and wait for the right time to make an arrest.

“With so many fewer officers, the easier we can make their job the better,” said Tracy Everwine, head of the Mid-Market CBD. Her association has cameras in 11 locations pointing in 100-plus directions.

“With so many fewer officers, the easier we can make their job the better,” said Tracy Everwine, head of the Mid-Market CBD. Her association has cameras in 11 locations pointing in 100-plus directions.

A third CBD, the Union Square Alliance, already gave police live access to its cameras in 2020 after a day of protests over the police killing of George Floyd gave way to a night of looting, sparking a lawsuit that police ultimately won. The group runs the largest of the networks, with more than 400 cameras keeping an eye on the tourist shopping destination.

A third CBD, the Union Square Alliance, already gave police live access to its cameras in 2020 after a day of protests over the police killing of George Floyd gave way to a night of looting, sparking a lawsuit that police ultimately won. The group runs the largest of the networks, with more than 400 cameras keeping an eye on the tourist shopping destination.

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-level-city-surveillance">‘Next-Level City Surveillance’</h2>

<h2 id="h-next-level-city-surveillance">‘Next-Level City Surveillance’</h2>

While proponents see the crime-fighting value in increasing police access to these camera networks, surveillance experts worry that the proposal will give the government a license to run roughshod over people’s civil liberties.

While proponents see the crime-fighting value in increasing police access to these camera networks, surveillance experts worry that the proposal will give the government a license to run roughshod over people’s civil liberties.

Andrew Ferguson, a law professor at American University Washington College of Law and expert on police surveillance, said there is a vast difference between a private person using a camera network to do store security, for instance, and police gaining live access to a network.

Andrew Ferguson, a law professor at American University Washington College of Law and expert on police surveillance, said there is a vast difference between a private person using a camera network to do store security, for instance, and police gaining live access to a network.

The distinction is that police can infringe on a person’s rights by following as they go about their daily life—to religious centers or protests, for example.

The distinction is that police can infringe on a person’s rights by following as they go about their daily life—to religious centers or protests, for example.

“Giving police access with only weak police-controlled limitations means you are flipping an on-switch into next-level city surveillance,” he said.

“Giving police access with only weak police-controlled limitations means you are flipping an on-switch into next-level city surveillance,” he said.

Ferguson said the proposal might be received more critically if the police sought to set up its own citywide, public-facing camera system, rather than seeking live access to an already established privately run network.

Ferguson said the proposal might be received more critically if the police sought to set up its own citywide, public-facing camera system, rather than seeking live access to an already established privately run network.

“By outsourcing surveillance to businesses and getting the cameras without cost, police have escaped the usual forms of formal accountability,” he said.&nbsp;

“By outsourcing surveillance to businesses and getting the cameras without cost, police have escaped the usual forms of formal accountability,” he said.&nbsp;

Jennifer Jones, a technology and civil liberties attorney at the ACLU of Northern California, said the provision allowing police to access live cameras for a criminal investigation was particularly ripe for abuse.

Jennifer Jones, a technology and civil liberties attorney at the ACLU of Northern California, said the provision allowing police to access live cameras for a criminal investigation was particularly ripe for abuse.

She said it was so broad that even a minor offense &#8220;could be used for justification for sweeping live surveillance.&#8221;

She said it was so broad that even a minor offense "could be used for justification for sweeping live surveillance."

She said it was so broad that even a minor offense &#8220;could be used for justification for sweeping live surveillance.&#8221;

Only one of the districts that controls a surveillance network, the Tenderloin CBD, said it would not consider giving police real-time access to its cameras. The group currently bars live access for police and is “not changing the policy,” Tenderloin CBD representative Phoeut Tak said.&nbsp;

Only one of the districts that controls a surveillance network, the Tenderloin CBD, said it would not consider giving police real-time access to its cameras. The group currently bars live access for police and is “not changing the policy,” Tenderloin CBD representative Phoeut Tak said.&nbsp;

The fifth CBD that runs a network, in Japantown, did not respond to requests for comment. The district controls 120 cameras throughout the six-block area, according to a report from the organization last year.

The fifth CBD that runs a network, in Japantown, did not respond to requests for comment. The district controls 120 cameras throughout the six-block area, according to a report from the organization last year.

While a sixth CBD, Lower Polk, also has cameras, its network is considerably smaller than the rest and was not funded by the same donor.

While a sixth CBD, Lower Polk, also has cameras, its network is considerably smaller than the rest and was not funded by the same donor.

The proposal heads to the full Board of Supervisors for a vote Tuesday afternoon after clearing the board’s Rules Committee last week in a 2-1 vote.

The proposal heads to the full Board of Supervisors for a vote Tuesday afternoon after clearing the board’s Rules Committee last week in a 2-1 vote.

Proponents of the legislation, which is sponsored by Mayor London Breed, have tried to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-commissioners-revive-debate-over-law-enforcement-use-of-video-surveillance/">strike a balance between civil liberties concerns and giving police a tool to fight crime</a>. They also included a 15-month sunset provision and a requirement that SFPD publicly report on its live video usage.

Proponents of the legislation, which is sponsored by Mayor London Breed, have tried to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/police-commissioners-revive-debate-over-law-enforcement-use-of-video-surveillance/">strike a balance between civil liberties concerns and giving police a tool to fight crime</a>. They also included a 15-month sunset provision and a requirement that SFPD publicly report on its live video usage.

Supervisor Connie Chan cast the dissenting vote at committee. She said she would prefer more police patrols over live surveillance.

Supervisor Connie Chan cast the dissenting vote at committee. She said she would prefer more police patrols over live surveillance.

“To say that this is somehow an additional tool that will make us safer,” she said, “I have doubts.”

“To say that this is somehow an additional tool that will make us safer,” she said, “I have doubts.”

How SF is about to take police surveillance to the ‘next level’

Mike Ege

In anticipation of the coming budget process, the Board of Supervisors’ meeting this week is yet again mostly light and dry. But it does include some notable items, including trailing legislation for Proposition B, a 2020 ballot measure that created the Sanitation and Streets Department, as well as plans for better language access for crime victims, look into the performance of the city’s community benefit districts, and other matters.

In anticipation of the coming budget process, the Board of Supervisors’ meeting this week is yet again mostly light and dry. But it does include some notable items, including trailing legislation for Proposition B, a 2020 ballot measure that created the Sanitation and Streets Department, as well as plans for better language access for crime victims, look into the performance of the city’s community benefit districts, and other matters.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-sanitation-department">Building a Sanitation Department</h2>

<h2 id="h-building-a-sanitation-department">Building a Sanitation Department</h2>

The Board is expected to pass an ordinance requiring the Department of Public Works to provide interim administrative support for the gestating Department of Sanitation and Streets, known as SAS for short. The ordinance will also establish financial reporting requirements for members of the new agency’s oversight commission.&nbsp;

The Board is expected to pass an ordinance requiring the Department of Public Works to provide interim administrative support for the gestating Department of Sanitation and Streets, known as SAS for short. The ordinance will also establish financial reporting requirements for members of the new agency’s oversight commission.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>SAS was created by voter approval of Proposition B, whose main sponsor was the departed District 6 Supervisor and now 17th District Assemblymember Matt Haney, in 2020. </li><li>Midwifing the agency has proven complicated: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/public-works-estimates-23m-increase-in-cleaning-costs-grapples-with-department-split/">a committee hearing late last month </a>discussed increased costs and worker morale issues associated with its spin off from the Department of Public Works. Read more <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/public-works-estimates-23m-increase-in-cleaning-costs-grapples-with-department-split/">here.</a> </li></ul>

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<ul><li>SAS was created by voter approval of Proposition B, whose main sponsor was the departed District 6 Supervisor and now 17th District Assemblymember Matt Haney, in 2020. </li><li>Midwifing the agency has proven complicated: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/public-works-estimates-23m-increase-in-cleaning-costs-grapples-with-department-split/">a committee hearing late last month </a>discussed increased costs and worker morale issues associated with its spin off from the Department of Public Works. Read more <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/public-works-estimates-23m-increase-in-cleaning-costs-grapples-with-department-split/">here.</a> </li></ul>

Speaking of Sanitation: New Commissioners

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speaking-of-sanitation-new-commissioners">Speaking of Sanitation: New Commissioners</h2>

<h2 id="h-speaking-of-sanitation-new-commissioners">Speaking of Sanitation: New Commissioners</h2>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The supervisors will also be considering appointments to SAS’ governing commission, including Mayor London Breed’s appointment of Ike Kwon.&nbsp;</li><li>Kwon is chief operating officer of the California Academy of Sciences, one of the losing parties in the recent legislative fight over keeping JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park closed to cars.&nbsp;</li><li>Is this a consolation prize, or is Kwon a glutton for punishment? Sanitation commissioners may have a host of issues to watch, including the possibility of extra budget needs and a hiring deficit.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>The supervisors will also be considering appointments to SAS’ governing commission, including Mayor London Breed’s appointment of Ike Kwon.&nbsp;</li><li>Kwon is chief operating officer of the California Academy of Sciences, one of the losing parties in the recent legislative fight over keeping JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park closed to cars.&nbsp;</li><li>Is this a consolation prize, or is Kwon a glutton for punishment? Sanitation commissioners may have a host of issues to watch, including the possibility of extra budget needs and a hiring deficit.&nbsp;</li></ul>

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