Gabe Greschler

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that&#8217;s raised major questions about the mayor&#8217;s flagship program supporting the Black community.

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

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In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that's raised major questions about the mayor's flagship program supporting the Black community.

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that&#8217;s raised major questions about the mayor&#8217;s flagship program supporting the Black community.

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha&#8217;s Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

Top official resigns in nonprofit scandal; Breed plays defense

City official on leave after signing off on $1.5M in grants to man she shared home with

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha's Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha&#8217;s Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative&#8217;s grantees.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative's grantees.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative&#8217;s grantees.

Sheryl Davis and James Spingola attended the SF Human Rights Commission Reception on October 6th, 2023, at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola's nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

In a statement on Tuesday, Breed weighed in on the relationship between Davis and Spingola for the first time, saying she was “appalled” by the news last week and that “any misuse” of taxpayer money is “unacceptable.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Breed weighed in on the relationship between Davis and Spingola for the first time, saying she was “appalled” by the news last week and that “any misuse” of taxpayer money is “unacceptable.”

“I was aware that Sheryl Davis and James Spingola were very close friends,” Breed told The Standard. “That’s why I made it clear to former Director Davis on multiple occasions that she needed to wall herself off from all decisions related to Collective Impact. While protective measures were put in place, they weren’t implemented soon enough or to the extent necessary. As mayor, I take full responsibility because the buck stops with me.”

“I was aware that Sheryl Davis and James Spingola were very close friends,” Breed told The Standard. “That’s why I made it clear to former Director Davis on multiple occasions that she needed to wall herself off from all decisions related to Collective Impact. While protective measures were put in place, they weren’t implemented soon enough or to the extent necessary. As mayor, I take full responsibility because the buck stops with me.”

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen &#8220;until further notice.&#8221; Additionally, the controller&#8217;s office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative &#8220;to preserve the integrity of the program.&#8221;

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen "until further notice." Additionally, the controller's office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative "to preserve the integrity of the program."

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen &#8220;until further notice.&#8221; Additionally, the controller&#8217;s office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative &#8220;to preserve the integrity of the program.&#8221;

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Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola&#8217;s Collective Impact.

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola's Collective Impact.

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola&#8217;s Collective Impact.

After signing off on three six-figure contracts for Collective Impact in 2021 and 2022, Davis informed the city that she was no longer going to be overseeing money being directed toward the nonprofit, citing her past employment there. However, Davis did not mention her relationship with Spingola in the disclosure form.

After signing off on three six-figure contracts for Collective Impact in 2021 and 2022, Davis informed the city that she was no longer going to be overseeing money being directed toward the nonprofit, citing her past employment there. However, Davis did not mention her relationship with Spingola in the disclosure form.

Candidates in the mayoral race running against Breed, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin, have called for federal investigations into the Human Rights Commission and Dream Keeper Initiative.

Candidates in the mayoral race running against Breed, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin, have called for federal investigations into the Human Rights Commission and Dream Keeper Initiative.

“Everything tells me this goes all the way to the top — to London Breed herself. And I don’t say that lightly,” Peskin said last week after Davis resigned.

“Everything tells me this goes all the way to the top — to London Breed herself. And I don’t say that lightly,” Peskin said last week after Davis resigned.

On Tuesday, Farrell criticized Breed for waiting to disclose her knowledge of Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship.

On Tuesday, Farrell criticized Breed for waiting to disclose her knowledge of Davis and Spingola's relationship.

On Tuesday, Farrell criticized Breed for waiting to disclose her knowledge of Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship.

&#8220;It speaks volumes that it took Mayor Breed nearly a week to acknowledge her awareness of the improper relationship and likely cronyism involving the head of her signature initiative,&#8221; Farrell said.

"It speaks volumes that it took Mayor Breed nearly a week to acknowledge her awareness of the improper relationship and likely cronyism involving the head of her signature initiative," Farrell said.

&#8220;It speaks volumes that it took Mayor Breed nearly a week to acknowledge her awareness of the improper relationship and likely cronyism involving the head of her signature initiative,&#8221; Farrell said.

&#8220;Supporting the Black community is critically important, and this corruption is not a victimless crime — it has the greatest impact on those most in need,&#8221; wrote mayoral candidate and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in a statement. &#8220;It&#8217;s all part of the same City Hall insider formula, grow the system and exploit it for your personal benefit.&#8221;

"Supporting the Black community is critically important, and this corruption is not a victimless crime — it has the greatest impact on those most in need," wrote mayoral candidate and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in a statement. "It's all part of the same City Hall insider formula, grow the system and exploit it for your personal benefit."

&#8220;Supporting the Black community is critically important, and this corruption is not a victimless crime — it has the greatest impact on those most in need,&#8221; wrote mayoral candidate and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in a statement. &#8220;It&#8217;s all part of the same City Hall insider formula, grow the system and exploit it for your personal benefit.&#8221;

Breed ‘appalled’ as crisis unfolds at her signature program

Kevin Truong

On the eve of an incredibly tight <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/04/san-francisco-voters-turnout-election-trump-kamala/">November election</a> that will dictate her political future, Mayor London Breed took the podium to announce a new park on the Embarcadero.

These San Franciscans don&#8217;t give a rat&#8217;s ass about the election

On the eve of an incredibly tight <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/04/san-francisco-voters-turnout-election-trump-kamala/">November election</a> that will dictate her political future, Mayor London Breed took the podium to announce a new park on the Embarcadero.

Technically, it’s the creation of a public-private partnership to potentially enable the construction of a new park, but who’s counting?

Technically, it’s the creation of a public-private partnership to potentially enable the construction of a new park, but who’s counting?

Breed plans to introduce legislation on Tuesday to greenlight a partnership between the city, Salesforce Tower owner BXP Inc. (formerly Boston Properties), and the Downtown SF Partnership to redesign and upgrade the Embarcadero Plaza in front of the Ferry Building and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park.

Breed plans to introduce legislation on Tuesday to greenlight a partnership between the city, Salesforce Tower owner BXP Inc. (formerly Boston Properties), and the Downtown SF Partnership to redesign and upgrade the Embarcadero Plaza in front of the Ferry Building and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park.

“We are going to reimagine what Embarcadero Plaza will be for the future so that people who want to come here can enjoy it,” Breed said at the press conference, before listing a string of recent park projects that have been open to the public, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/05/bayfront-park-chase-center/">Bayfront Park</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/29/china-basin-park-opens/">China Basin Park</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/17/party-on-a-freeway-sfs-much-anticipated-tunnel-tops-park-opens-in-the-presidio/">Presidio Tunnel Tops</a>.&nbsp;

SF has been opening new parks at a furious clip—and the next one is almost here

China Basin revealed: How a &#8216;complicated land-use deal&#8217; yielded a new gem by the bay

Party on a freeway: SF’s much-anticipated Tunnel Tops Park opens in the Presidio

“We are going to reimagine what Embarcadero Plaza will be for the future so that people who want to come here can enjoy it,” Breed said at the press conference, before listing a string of recent park projects that have been open to the public, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/05/bayfront-park-chase-center/">Bayfront Park</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/29/china-basin-park-opens/">China Basin Park</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/17/party-on-a-freeway-sfs-much-anticipated-tunnel-tops-park-opens-in-the-presidio/">Presidio Tunnel Tops</a>.&nbsp;

“All these open public spaces every single weekend are packed with people. This is one step further to making a plaza like this come to life differently.”

“All these open public spaces every single weekend are packed with people. This is one step further to making a plaza like this come to life differently.”

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The resolution would call for BXP to spend $2.5 million on the design of the project, while the Recreation &amp; Parks Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development would commit to securing $15 million in public funds for the park.&nbsp;

The resolution would call for BXP to spend $2.5 million on the design of the project, while the Recreation &amp; Parks Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development would commit to securing $15 million in public funds for the park.&nbsp;

BXP and the Downtown SF Partnership would also be charged with working to secure an additional $10 million in private funding.&nbsp;

BXP and the Downtown SF Partnership would also be charged with working to secure an additional $10 million in private funding.&nbsp;

What exactly the project would consist of is still an open question and subject to community outreach, but ideas include entertainment venues, a new children’s playground, or a marketplace space with kiosks. Any potential renovation of the park would go through public hearings and review.&nbsp;

What exactly the project would consist of is still an open question and subject to community outreach, but ideas include entertainment venues, a new children’s playground, or a marketplace space with kiosks. Any potential renovation of the park would go through public hearings and review.&nbsp;

“San Francisco needs a world-class park in its downtown,” said Aaron Fenton, senior vice president of BXP, at the press conference. “This is such a prime piece of real estate with its iconic views and its access to public transportation”

“San Francisco needs a world-class park in its downtown,” said Aaron Fenton, senior vice president of BXP, at the press conference. “This is such a prime piece of real estate with its iconic views and its access to public transportation”

BXP has been working with the design firm HOK for about a year on a redesign of the plaza in a bid to better activate the area and make it an attractive amenity for its tenants. During that time, the city has tried to activate the area with programming like concerts, raves, and DJ sets.&nbsp;

BXP has been working with the design firm HOK for about a year on a redesign of the plaza in a bid to better activate the area and make it an attractive amenity for its tenants. During that time, the city has tried to activate the area with programming like concerts, raves, and DJ sets.&nbsp;

“As the front door to San Francisco, Embarcadero Plaza is arguably the most underutilized public space in the greater downtown area and prime to welcome residents and visitors downtown to experience a world-class waterfront park in a world-class city,” Robbie Silver, Downtown SF Partnership CEO and president, said in a statement.

“As the front door to San Francisco, Embarcadero Plaza is arguably the most underutilized public space in the greater downtown area and prime to welcome residents and visitors downtown to experience a world-class waterfront park in a world-class city,” Robbie Silver, Downtown SF Partnership CEO and president, said in a statement.

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Mark Farrell reveals ‘bold’ vision for downtown. Mayor calls it a ChatGPT plan

The Ferry Building is hot again. Here’s how it happened

Initial renderings shared by the team show the removal of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/21/bono-vaillancourt-fountain-drained/">Vaillancourt Fountain</a>, perhaps one of the city’s most reviled pieces of public art.&nbsp;

The Bono fountain is broken. Is SF too broke to pay for its $3 million fix?

Initial renderings shared by the team show the removal of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/21/bono-vaillancourt-fountain-drained/">Vaillancourt Fountain</a>, perhaps one of the city’s most reviled pieces of public art.&nbsp;

The real estate developer, which also owns the adjacent Embarcadero Center, touted increased vitality from its planned revamp, including a publicly accessible bathroom at its property with an eye-popping $2.5 million price tag.

The real estate developer, which also owns the adjacent Embarcadero Center, touted increased vitality from its planned revamp, including a publicly accessible bathroom at its property with an eye-popping $2.5 million price tag.

Breed’s legislation is being put forward a few months after Mark Farrell — one of Breed’s leading competitors for mayor — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/mark-farrell-downtown-recovery-plan/">proposed his own version</a> of a new Embarcadero Plaza park as part of a larger downtown revitalization plan.

Breed’s legislation is being put forward a few months after Mark Farrell — one of Breed’s leading competitors for mayor — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/mark-farrell-downtown-recovery-plan/">proposed his own version</a> of a new Embarcadero Plaza park as part of a larger downtown revitalization plan.

At the time, a Breed campaign spokesman derided the plan as a “Chat-GPT” envisioned fantasy.&nbsp;

At the time, a Breed campaign spokesman derided the plan as a “Chat-GPT” envisioned fantasy.&nbsp;

A new park may come to SF’s Embarcadero with help from the Salesforce Tower owner

Noah Baustin

Board President Aaron Peskin has called for an investigation into a city department  following allegations about the Dream Keeper Initiative, a flagship project of San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s that has fallen under scrutiny in recent months.

Board President Aaron Peskin has called for an investigation into a city department following allegations about the Dream Keeper Initiative, a flagship project of San Francisco Mayor London Breed's that has fallen under scrutiny in recent months.

Board President Aaron Peskin has called for an investigation into a city department following allegations about the Dream Keeper Initiative, a flagship project of San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s that has fallen under scrutiny in recent months.

On Thursday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard published a story</a> revealing that the initiative&#8217;s top decision maker, Human Rights Commission executive director Sheryl Davis, approved $1.5 million in contracts to a nonprofit executive with whom she shared a house.

On Thursday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard published a story</a> revealing that the initiative's top decision maker, Human Rights Commission executive director Sheryl Davis, approved $1.5 million in contracts to a nonprofit executive with whom she shared a house.

On Thursday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard published a story</a> revealing that the initiative&#8217;s top decision maker, Human Rights Commission executive director Sheryl Davis, approved $1.5 million in contracts to a nonprofit executive with whom she shared a house.

Davis is on leave as of Thursday, according to the mayor&#8217;s office. The mayor will appoint an interim leader for the Human Rights Commission.

Davis is on leave as of Thursday, according to the mayor's office. The mayor will appoint an interim leader for the Human Rights Commission.

Davis is on leave as of Thursday, according to the mayor&#8217;s office. The mayor will appoint an interim leader for the Human Rights Commission.

The Standard&#8217;s investigation found that Davis signed off on contracts for the nonprofit Collective Impact, run by James Spingola, without notifying City Hall about her relationship. In addition to sharing a home address, Davis co-owns a car with Spingola. The arrangement appears to run afoul of city rules around disclosing personal relationships with recipients of city funding.

The Standard's investigation found that Davis signed off on contracts for the nonprofit Collective Impact, run by James Spingola, without notifying City Hall about her relationship. In addition to sharing a home address, Davis co-owns a car with Spingola. The arrangement appears to run afoul of city rules around disclosing personal relationships with recipients of city funding.

The Standard&#8217;s investigation found that Davis signed off on contracts for the nonprofit Collective Impact, run by James Spingola, without notifying City Hall about her relationship. In addition to sharing a home address, Davis co-owns a car with Spingola. The arrangement appears to run afoul of city rules around disclosing personal relationships with recipients of city funding.

Davis did not respond to a request for comment about her leave.

Davis did not respond to a request for comment about her leave.

Peskin, a candidate in the November mayor&#8217;s race, isn&#8217;t the only one to call for an investigation. On Thursday, mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for Breed to fire Davis and for a federal investigation into the Dream Keeper Initiative and the mayor&#8217;s role in the program.

Peskin, a candidate in the November mayor's race, isn't the only one to call for an investigation. On Thursday, mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for Breed to fire Davis and for a federal investigation into the Dream Keeper Initiative and the mayor's role in the program.

Peskin, a candidate in the November mayor&#8217;s race, isn&#8217;t the only one to call for an investigation. On Thursday, mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for Breed to fire Davis and for a federal investigation into the Dream Keeper Initiative and the mayor&#8217;s role in the program.

In July 2020, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Shamann Walton and other city leaders <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-million-from-15447811.php">proposed</a>&nbsp;redirecting city funds from law enforcement to support economic and cultural development in San Francisco’s Black communities. In February 2021 <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Here-s-how-San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-15980236.php">introduced a more detailed plan</a>, dubbing it the Dream Keeper Initiative and calling for a $60 million annual investment. In total, city leaders have budgeted roughly $300 million for the program.

In July 2020, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Shamann Walton and other city leaders <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-million-from-15447811.php">proposed</a>&nbsp;redirecting city funds from law enforcement to support economic and cultural development in San Francisco’s Black communities. In February 2021 <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Here-s-how-San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-15980236.php">introduced a more detailed plan</a>, dubbing it the Dream Keeper Initiative and calling for a $60 million annual investment. In total, city leaders have budgeted roughly $300 million for the program.

In recent months, however, the initiative has been dogged by questions of transparency and oversight of how funds are used. Human Rights Commission staffers have directed much of the initiative, though the money is distributed through various city departments. Records show that, in 2021 and 2022, Davis approved three contracts totaling $1.5 million directed towards for Collective Impact, Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

In recent months, however, the initiative has been dogged by questions of transparency and oversight of how funds are used. Human Rights Commission staffers have directed much of the initiative, though the money is distributed through various city departments. Records show that, in 2021 and 2022, Davis approved three contracts totaling $1.5 million directed towards for Collective Impact, Spingola's nonprofit, as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

In recent months, however, the initiative has been dogged by questions of transparency and oversight of how funds are used. Human Rights Commission staffers have directed much of the initiative, though the money is distributed through various city departments. Records show that, in 2021 and 2022, Davis approved three contracts totaling $1.5 million directed towards for Collective Impact, Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

Mayoral candidate and nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie said Breed had &#8220;handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight.&#8221;

Mayoral candidate and nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie said Breed had "handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight."

Mayoral candidate and nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie said Breed had &#8220;handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight.&#8221;

In a statement on Thursday, Breed said that she was &#8220;committed to ensuring the integrity of the program and continuing the good that it does with full transparency.&#8221;

In a statement on Thursday, Breed said that she was "committed to ensuring the integrity of the program and continuing the good that it does with full transparency."

In a statement on Thursday, Breed said that she was &#8220;committed to ensuring the integrity of the program and continuing the good that it does with full transparency.&#8221;

Breed said she has directed the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney&#8217;s office to investigate questions about the Dream Keeper Initiative. On Thursday, the Chronicle published a story that showed a &#8220;litany&#8221; of issues around Human Rights Commission spending, and questionable accounting practices.

Breed said she has directed the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney's office to investigate questions about the Dream Keeper Initiative. On Thursday, the Chronicle published a story that showed a "litany" of issues around Human Rights Commission spending, and questionable accounting practices.

Breed said she has directed the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney&#8217;s office to investigate questions about the Dream Keeper Initiative. On Thursday, the Chronicle published a story that showed a &#8220;litany&#8221; of issues around Human Rights Commission spending, and questionable accounting practices.

Peskin called the questions about Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship &#8220;very serious and deeply disturbing and can’t be brushed under the rug.&#8221;

Peskin called the questions about Davis and Spingola's relationship "very serious and deeply disturbing and can’t be brushed under the rug."

Peskin called the questions about Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship &#8220;very serious and deeply disturbing and can’t be brushed under the rug.&#8221;

&#8220;I will be utilizing the Board of Supervisors unlimited power of inquiry,&#8221; Peskin said in an interview with The Standard. &#8220;To call public hearings and bring forward the controller and other oversight authorities to fully report and tell us the status of what they know and how they’re going to thoroughly investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it and hold people accountable.&#8221;

"I will be utilizing the Board of Supervisors unlimited power of inquiry," Peskin said in an interview with The Standard. "To call public hearings and bring forward the controller and other oversight authorities to fully report and tell us the status of what they know and how they’re going to thoroughly investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it and hold people accountable."

&#8220;I will be utilizing the Board of Supervisors unlimited power of inquiry,&#8221; Peskin said in an interview with The Standard. &#8220;To call public hearings and bring forward the controller and other oversight authorities to fully report and tell us the status of what they know and how they’re going to thoroughly investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it and hold people accountable.&#8221;

Lawmaker calls for investigation into embattled Human Rights Commission

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Candidates for office across San Francisco are hoping voters notice that, yes, they too think they just fell out of a coconut tree. They too exist in the context.

Candidates for office across San Francisco are hoping voters notice that, yes, they too think they just fell out of a coconut tree. They too exist in the context.

Selfies with Vice President Kamala Harris — and Harris campaign paraphernalia — are popping up on candidates’ social media accounts across San Francisco. Coconuts and palm tree emojis have sprouted in Instagram profiles. Everyone’s in on the action: candidates for state Assembly, district attorney, the Board of Supervisors, even the BART Board of Directors.

Selfies with Vice President Kamala Harris — and Harris campaign paraphernalia — are popping up on candidates’ social media accounts across San Francisco. Coconuts and palm tree emojis have sprouted in Instagram profiles. Everyone’s in on the action: candidates for state Assembly, district attorney, the Board of Supervisors, even the BART Board of Directors.

No office is too small, or too obscure, to be saved from the rush for candidates basking in <a href="https://people.com/kamala-harris-brat-summer-charli-xcx-explained-8681485">brat summer</a>.

No office is too small, or too obscure, to be saved from the rush for candidates basking in <a href="https://people.com/kamala-harris-brat-summer-charli-xcx-explained-8681485">brat summer</a>.

“I’ve seen all kinds of crazy pictures, man,” said David Ho, a San Francisco–based political consultant. “It’s a novelty, right? There’s a certain sense of ‘wow, this is groundbreaking, transformative.’ I think this honeymoon is going to last a few weeks.”

“I’ve seen all kinds of crazy pictures, man,” said David Ho, a San Francisco–based political consultant. “It’s a novelty, right? There’s a certain sense of ‘wow, this is groundbreaking, transformative.’ I think this honeymoon is going to last a few weeks.”

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Ho points to the unique opportunity offered to local politicians.

Ho points to the unique opportunity offered to local politicians.

Not only is the nation’s leading Democrat enjoying a surge in polls across demographics, but she also launched her career in San Francisco. Harris raised her first campaign dollars <a href="https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/08/09/kamala-harris-2020-president-profile-san-francisco-elite-227611/">from the wealthiest families in San Francisco</a>. And many city politicians have known her since she was a young prosecutor rising through the ranks in San Francisco.

Not only is the nation’s leading Democrat enjoying a surge in polls across demographics, but she also launched her career in San Francisco. Harris raised her first campaign dollars <a href="https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/08/09/kamala-harris-2020-president-profile-san-francisco-elite-227611/">from the wealthiest families in San Francisco</a>. And many city politicians have known her since she was a young prosecutor rising through the ranks in San Francisco.

Fittingly, then, posed portraits with those same politicians and Harris are as abundant as <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mxwlch03/video/7394583648571313424">coconut tree TikToks</a>. They all share a singular vibe: asking voters to associate Harris and that local candidate in the hope of earning a vote.

Fittingly, then, posed portraits with those same politicians and Harris are as abundant as <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mxwlch03/video/7394583648571313424">coconut tree TikToks</a>. They all share a singular vibe: asking voters to associate Harris and that local candidate in the hope of earning a vote.

The photos vary: one with Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a state Assembly hopeful, features Stefani and Harris <a href="https://x.com/Stefani4CA/status/1815217309700759759">standing in front of a stately, snowflake-adorned Christmas tree</a>:

The photos vary: one with Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a state Assembly hopeful, features Stefani and Harris <a href="https://x.com/Stefani4CA/status/1815217309700759759">standing in front of a stately, snowflake-adorned Christmas tree</a>:

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Supervisor Connie Chan, who is running for reelection, and who worked for Harris when she was San Francisco district attorney, snagged a photo in which Harris is giving her signature laugh.

Supervisor Connie Chan, who is running for reelection, and who worked for Harris when she was San Francisco district attorney, snagged a photo in which Harris is giving her signature laugh.

Trevor Chandler, a supervisor hopeful, snagged the classic Harris selfie, with part of his face cut off from the oddly angled phone. Luis Zamora is a California Democratic delegate who is also a candidate for the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees. Late last month, he posted a screenshot of a Zoom call with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in which delegates voted to back Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Trevor Chandler, a supervisor hopeful, snagged the classic Harris selfie, with part of his face cut off from the oddly angled phone. Luis Zamora is a California Democratic delegate who is also a candidate for the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees. Late last month, he posted a screenshot of a Zoom call with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in which delegates voted to back Harris as the Democratic nominee.

And, as The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/29/kamala-harris-london-breed-mayoral-race/">has covered before</a>, even Mayor London Breed has gotten in on the action, repeatedly posting photos alongside the vice president.

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And, as The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/29/kamala-harris-london-breed-mayoral-race/">has covered before</a>, even Mayor London Breed has gotten in on the action, repeatedly posting photos alongside the vice president.

Some are more creative than others. Edward Wright, a candidate for the BART Board of Directors, crafted his own BART buttons, but <a href="https://x.com/EdwardWrightSF/status/1816276929806561759">spelled in lowercase and emblazoned on a green background</a> to resemble the “brat” memes Gen Z are sharing <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqqlgq7k374o">to celebrate Harris</a>.

Some are more creative than others. Edward Wright, a candidate for the BART Board of Directors, crafted his own BART buttons, but <a href="https://x.com/EdwardWrightSF/status/1816276929806561759">spelled in lowercase and emblazoned on a green background</a> to resemble the “brat” memes Gen Z are sharing <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqqlgq7k374o">to celebrate Harris</a>.

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“I think everyone has felt what could perhaps most accurately be called a vibe shift in international politics,” Wright told The Standard. “And I think everything has become so nationalized now, we feel that on a local level too.”

“I think everyone has felt what could perhaps most accurately be called a vibe shift in international politics,” Wright told The Standard. “And I think everything has become so nationalized now, we feel that on a local level too.”

Wright said he actually crafted the brat-style BART buttons before Harris rebranded her campaign with the signature green-and-black stylings of musical artist Charli XCX’s “brat” iconography.

Wright said he actually crafted the brat-style BART buttons before Harris rebranded her campaign with the signature green-and-black stylings of musical artist Charli XCX’s “brat” iconography.

But when Harris leaned into it, so did Wright. He’s given out hundreds of buttons. People who may not have learned about a candidate for a transit board have now learned Wright’s name.

But when Harris leaned into it, so did Wright. He’s given out hundreds of buttons. People who may not have learned about a candidate for a transit board have now learned Wright’s name.

“There was another surge of interest and enthusiasm. We had to make a lot more buttons,” Wright said.

“There was another surge of interest and enthusiasm. We had to make a lot more buttons,” Wright said.

An Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll r<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-honesty-discipline-immigration-ap-poll-f025463df08beacbaa0c51e7bbb7eda7">eleased Wednesday</a> shows two-thirds of Democrats are excited for Harris to be elected. And with so many San Francisco politicians enjoying personal relationships with Harris, it makes sense some would want to join in her zeitgeist.

An Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll r<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-honesty-discipline-immigration-ap-poll-f025463df08beacbaa0c51e7bbb7eda7">eleased Wednesday</a> shows two-thirds of Democrats are excited for Harris to be elected. And with so many San Francisco politicians enjoying personal relationships with Harris, it makes sense some would want to join in her zeitgeist.

For down-ballot races like Wright’s, where voters often know little about a candidate, it’s a shortcut to understand more about them by association, said veteran campaign consultant Jim Ross, who worked on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s successful 2003 mayoral election.

For down-ballot races like Wright’s, where voters often know little about a candidate, it’s a shortcut to understand more about them by association, said veteran campaign consultant Jim Ross, who worked on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s successful 2003 mayoral election.

“It’s a signal to voters of where you come from, who you are and what your values are,” Ross said. “On that level, it’s pretty valuable, but it’s not something that’s going to make or break your campaign.”

“It’s a signal to voters of where you come from, who you are and what your values are,” Ross said. “On that level, it’s pretty valuable, but it’s not something that’s going to make or break your campaign.”

And, he added, candidates who have personal experience with the vice president — like Chan, the supervisor, who worked with Harris — may be able to articulate to voters why their experience with the VP will help them in office.

And, he added, candidates who have personal experience with the vice president — like Chan, the supervisor, who worked with Harris — may be able to articulate to voters why their experience with the VP will help them in office.

“It’s a direct link,” Ross said.

The strategy comes with risks, however. When mayoral hopeful Mark Farrell posted a photo of himself in a backwards cap promoting the “White Dudes for Harris” group on social media, he was met with a deluge of negativity from his followers.

The strategy comes with risks, however. When mayoral hopeful Mark Farrell posted a photo of himself in a backwards cap promoting the “White Dudes for Harris” group on social media, he was met with a deluge of negativity from his followers.

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Some local candidates want to harness San Francisco’s brat fever to help Harris.

Some local candidates want to harness San Francisco’s brat fever to help Harris.

City Attorney David Chiu is a California Democratic delegate who will journey to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week. In the late 1990s, he worked with Harris in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. When she was elected to lead that office in 2003, she tapped him to reform its paper-based systems to rely on computer filing to better track cases.

City Attorney David Chiu is a California Democratic delegate who will journey to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week. In the late 1990s, he worked with Harris in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. When she was elected to lead that office in 2003, she tapped him to reform its paper-based systems to rely on computer filing to better track cases.

Unsurprisingly, Chiu has also flooded his social media with pro-Harris posts. Chiu is hopeful local Democrats will harness California volunteers to make calls and donate money in swing states, where they can make the most impact.

Unsurprisingly, Chiu has also flooded his social media with pro-Harris posts. Chiu is hopeful local Democrats will harness California volunteers to make calls and donate money in swing states, where they can make the most impact.

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