Han Li

Within San Francisco’s relatively narrow political spectrum, Michael Nohr, a Sunset District homeowner, thinks of himself as a moderate.

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Within San Francisco’s relatively narrow political spectrum, Michael Nohr, a Sunset District homeowner, thinks of himself as a moderate.

He supported the recalls of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three progressive school board members in 2022 and prefers a more business-friendly environment. Most importantly, he wants a more cautious approach to building dense apartment buildings on the west side of the city.

He supported the recalls of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three progressive school board members in 2022 and prefers a more business-friendly environment. Most importantly, he wants a more cautious approach to building dense apartment buildings on the west side of the city.

In the upcoming mayoral election, Nohr is struggling over whether to vote for the most left-leaning candidate—Supervisor Aaron Peskin—because of his similar views on housing.

In the upcoming mayoral election, Nohr is struggling over whether to vote for the most left-leaning candidate—Supervisor Aaron Peskin—because of his similar views on housing.

Michael Norh, a moderate voter, stands on the beach in the Sunset district on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Norh says he is not sure who he will be voting for in the upcoming election because he believes that those who are running do not have substantial ideas or plans that will help the city.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he&#8217;s struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he's struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he&#8217;s struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

“It is truly a conundrum,” Nohr told The Standard. “Peskin and I are not in alignment on most policies, but he is the only candidate currently making sense on the issue of housing.”

“It is truly a conundrum,” Nohr told The Standard. “Peskin and I are not in alignment on most policies, but he is the only candidate currently making sense on the issue of housing.”

San Francisco’s west side, which generally refers to the area west of Twin Peaks, had been largely zoned for single-family homes, with multi-family buildings banned on most of the land. But as the city grapples with how to meet a state mandate to accommodate 82,000 new homes and city officials look to loosen zoning restrictions, the opposition is mounting on the west side as residents fear mega-projects that they believe would crowd streets and threaten neighborhood character.

San Francisco’s west side, which generally refers to the area west of Twin Peaks, had been largely zoned for single-family homes, with multi-family buildings banned on most of the land. But as the city grapples with how to meet a state mandate to accommodate 82,000 new homes and city officials look to loosen zoning restrictions, the opposition is mounting on the west side as residents fear mega-projects that they believe would crowd streets and threaten neighborhood character.

A paradox is emerging in the mayor’s race: Peskin, who’s considered progressive on most issues, has been outspoken about prioritizing neighborhood preservation instead of building market-rate housing. That seems to be resonating with homeowners on the west side, who are typically some of the city’s most moderate-conservative voters.

A paradox is emerging in the mayor’s race: Peskin, who’s considered progressive on most issues, has been outspoken about prioritizing neighborhood preservation instead of building market-rate housing. That seems to be resonating with homeowners on the west side, who are typically some of the city’s most moderate-conservative voters.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaigning-on-the-west-side">Campaigning on the west side</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaigning-on-the-west-side">Campaigning on the west side</h2>

In early June, Neighborhoods United SF, which is organizing against the city’s rezoning proposals, hosted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">a town hall meeting</a> on the west side of the city. In an area where progressive politicians typically get a cool reception, Peskin was the star of the show.

Angry San Francisco homeowners plot to kill city’s rezoning plan

In early June, Neighborhoods United SF, which is organizing against the city’s rezoning proposals, hosted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">a town hall meeting</a> on the west side of the city. In an area where progressive politicians typically get a cool reception, Peskin was the star of the show.

In his speech, Peskin said that San Francisco’s coastline and natural beauty are what makes it special. He won applause for his recent fight over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">building restrictions along the northern waterfront</a>.

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In his speech, Peskin said that San Francisco’s coastline and natural beauty are what makes it special. He won applause for his recent fight over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">building restrictions along the northern waterfront</a>.

“I need your help because it takes a lot of political courage to stand up to the well-funded organizations that are pushing this agenda,” Peskin said.

“I need your help because it takes a lot of political courage to stand up to the well-funded organizations that are pushing this agenda,” Peskin said.

Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-hl01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium labeled &quot;Town Hall Upzoning Impacts.&quot; Two men sit beside her, attentively listening in a room with a wooden floor and technical equipment in the background." class="wp-image-286504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-hl01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium labeled &quot;Town Hall Upzoning Impacts.&quot; Two men sit beside her, attentively listening in a room with a wooden floor and technical equipment in the background." class="wp-image-286504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.</figcaption></figure>

Lori Brooke, the event organizer and an outspoken critic of rezoning, said that the housing issue has become a priority for many moderate voters. They are looking to Peskin to stand up against rezoning, she said.

Lori Brooke, the event organizer and an outspoken critic of rezoning, said that the housing issue has become a priority for many moderate voters. They are looking to Peskin to stand up against rezoning, she said.

“If they were potentially a more moderate voter, this issue has opened their eyes to leadership that would actually fight for the neighborhoods,” Lori told The Standard.

“If they were potentially a more moderate voter, this issue has opened their eyes to leadership that would actually fight for the neighborhoods,” Lori told The Standard.

The process of rezoning and building new housing will take a long time. Lydia So, a planning commissioner, doesn’t expect zoning laws to change dramatically before the mayoral election. But the question remains as to whether the housing issue will override other concerns among moderate voters.

The process of rezoning and building new housing will take a long time. Lydia So, a planning commissioner, doesn’t expect zoning laws to change dramatically before the mayoral election. But the question remains as to whether the housing issue will override other concerns among moderate voters.

Matt Boschetto, a westside homeowner who’s running for District 7 supervisor, said that “extreme housing and planning policies” will drive many westside moderate voters to become “one-issue voters,” supporting a candidate that they agree with on housing but disagree with on almost every other topic.

Matt Boschetto, a westside homeowner who’s running for District 7 supervisor, said that “extreme housing and planning policies” will drive many westside moderate voters to become “one-issue voters,” supporting a candidate that they agree with on housing but disagree with on almost every other topic.

“In the face of a public safety, mental illness and addiction crisis, this would be tragic for the city,” Boschetto said.

“In the face of a public safety, mental illness and addiction crisis, this would be tragic for the city,” Boschetto said.

In a statement, Peskin’s campaign said it is gaining momentum on the west side of the city.

In a statement, Peskin’s campaign said it is gaining momentum on the west side of the city.

“We are finding strong support [on the westside] for Supervisor Peskin’s effective leadership and record of giving neighborhoods a voice at City Hall,” the statement said.

“We are finding strong support [on the westside] for Supervisor Peskin’s effective leadership and record of giving neighborhoods a voice at City Hall,” the statement said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nimby-or-not">NIMBY or not?</h2>

There&#8217;s a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

There's a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

There&#8217;s a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

In 1986, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Remember-Prop-M-SF-may-use-it-to-increase-12967248.php">a ballot measure to cap office building growth</a> in the city was considered one of the first battles that united the progressive anti-displacement activists and conservative homeowners, according to Jane Kim, a former city supervisor and progressive advocate.&nbsp;

In 1986, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Remember-Prop-M-SF-may-use-it-to-increase-12967248.php">a ballot measure to cap office building growth</a> in the city was considered one of the first battles that united the progressive anti-displacement activists and conservative homeowners, according to Jane Kim, a former city supervisor and progressive advocate.&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

“There's a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

“There&#8217;s a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

Rita O’Hara, a San Francisco native, stands in a doorway in the Evergreen Mortuary in the Richmond district on Thursday, June 27, 2024. O’Hara says she is leaning towards voting for Aaron Peskin even though she typically votes for Republican candidates.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv1514-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with gray hair in a ponytail, wearing a dark plaid blazer and a necklace, is standing indoors by a mirror with her reflection visible, surrounded by beige curtains." class="wp-image-286505"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rita O’Hara says Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell are her top two choices for San Francisco mayor.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv1514-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with gray hair in a ponytail, wearing a dark plaid blazer and a necklace, is standing indoors by a mirror with her reflection visible, surrounded by beige curtains." class="wp-image-286505"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rita O’Hara says Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell are her top two choices for San Francisco mayor.</figcaption></figure>

Rita O’Hara, a Richmond District homeowner who identifies as a moderate voter, said she’s torn between Peskin and Mark Farrell for mayor. Farrell, a businessman with a tough-on-crime message, is considered the most conservative of the top candidates.

Rita O’Hara, a Richmond District homeowner who identifies as a moderate voter, said she’s torn between Peskin and Mark Farrell for mayor. Farrell, a businessman with a tough-on-crime message, is considered the most conservative of the top candidates.

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What&#8217;s important is he&#8217;s all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What's important is he's all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What&#8217;s important is he&#8217;s all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

O’Hara and Nohr both rejected the “NIMBY” label, arguing that they support affordable housing and the city should focus on better utilizing existing vacant units.

O’Hara and Nohr both rejected the “NIMBY” label, arguing that they support affordable housing and the city should focus on better utilizing existing vacant units.

“I&#8217;m neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

“I'm neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

“I&#8217;m neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

Peskin has long been targeted by pro-housing groups as a NIMBY mastermind who has blocked and stalled new housing during his years in office. Peskin counters by saying he backs affordable housing instead of the “luxury towers that none of us can afford.” Breed is considered the most <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/yimbys-on-their-heels-after-lawmakers-kill-housing-veto/">pro-housing-development candidate</a>, while other leading candidates fall somewhere in between Peskin and Breed.

YIMBYs on their heels as race for mayor heats up

Peskin has long been targeted by pro-housing groups as a NIMBY mastermind who has blocked and stalled new housing during his years in office. Peskin counters by saying he backs affordable housing instead of the “luxury towers that none of us can afford.” Breed is considered the most <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/yimbys-on-their-heels-after-lawmakers-kill-housing-veto/">pro-housing-development candidate</a>, while other leading candidates fall somewhere in between Peskin and Breed.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at the San Francisco State University, said many voters are not that politically engaged and don’t necessarily sort themselves by the same moderate or progressive labels that political insiders do.&nbsp;

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at the San Francisco State University, said many voters are not that politically engaged and don’t necessarily sort themselves by the same moderate or progressive labels that political insiders do.&nbsp;

“I’ve long said that Peskin is the progressive politician who very skillfully appeals to homeowners and he talks about communities, neighborhoods, protection and preservation.” McDaniel said. “He is trying to appeal to those portions of the electorate.”

“I’ve long said that Peskin is the progressive politician who very skillfully appeals to homeowners and he talks about communities, neighborhoods, protection and preservation.” McDaniel said. “He is trying to appeal to those portions of the electorate.”

McDaniel said the winner of the election will be the candidate who can build a broad base of support with second, third and fourth place votes in the city’s ranked-choice voting system. Peskin’s victory is possible if some of the moderate voters put Farrell or Breed as their top choice and Peskin as their second choice, he said.

McDaniel said the winner of the election will be the candidate who can build a broad base of support with second, third and fourth place votes in the city’s ranked-choice voting system. Peskin’s victory is possible if some of the moderate voters put Farrell or Breed as their top choice and Peskin as their second choice, he said.

“If you look at the progressive candidates in citywide elections for the last few elections, they usually get at least 30% to 35% of the [first choice] votes,” he said. “There&#8217;s a path for [Peskin] to win this election.”

“If you look at the progressive candidates in citywide elections for the last few elections, they usually get at least 30% to 35% of the [first choice] votes,” he said. “There's a path for [Peskin] to win this election.”

“If you look at the progressive candidates in citywide elections for the last few elections, they usually get at least 30% to 35% of the [first choice] votes,” he said. “There&#8217;s a path for [Peskin] to win this election.”

Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin

Kevin V. Nguyen

In a city desperate to court <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-francisco-economy-after-edd-report/">artificial intelligence</a> for the sake of reviving its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/san-francisco-office-vacancy-rate-record-experts-change/">hollowed-out office sector</a>, one use of the technology is facing serious backlash.&nbsp;

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In a city desperate to court <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-francisco-economy-after-edd-report/">artificial intelligence</a> for the sake of reviving its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/san-francisco-office-vacancy-rate-record-experts-change/">hollowed-out office sector</a>, one use of the technology is facing serious backlash.&nbsp;

Last week, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, a candidate for mayor, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6789588&amp;GUID=89BA28F7-B3B8-44D0-806B-FFDC5FC29015&amp;Options=ID%7CText%7C&amp;Search=Algorithmic">introduced an ordinance</a> that would make San Francisco the nation’s first city to ban the sale and use of algorithmic software programs that guide residential landlords in setting prices.

Last week, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, a candidate for mayor, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6789588&amp;GUID=89BA28F7-B3B8-44D0-806B-FFDC5FC29015&amp;Options=ID%7CText%7C&amp;Search=Algorithmic">introduced an ordinance</a> that would make San Francisco the nation’s first city to ban the sale and use of algorithmic software programs that guide residential landlords in setting prices.

YieldStar, created by software developer RealPage, has become the poster child for these types of programs. The company has recently come under federal investigation for allegedly contributing to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/12/justice-department-rental-market-collusion-lawsuit-00167838">widespread price-fixing</a> by allowing corporate landlords to use private data, such as prices, occupancy rates and specific lease start and end dates, to calculate abnormally high rents.&nbsp;

YieldStar, created by software developer RealPage, has become the poster child for these types of programs. The company has recently come under federal investigation for allegedly contributing to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/12/justice-department-rental-market-collusion-lawsuit-00167838">widespread price-fixing</a> by allowing corporate landlords to use private data, such as prices, occupancy rates and specific lease start and end dates, to calculate abnormally high rents.&nbsp;

These software companies have access to such information from customers who are competing with one another, which critics say can help large corporate landlords influence local markets.&nbsp;

These software companies have access to such information from customers who are competing with one another, which critics say can help large corporate landlords influence local markets.&nbsp;

Graffiti is seen on the side of 575 O’Farrell Street, an apartment building in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Mosser Living, a major San Francisco landlord that has defaulted on a significant portion of its portfolio, is now being sued for nonpayment of rent on its lease. The company’s CEO, Neveo Mosser, and his sister Deborah Mosser, are also entangled in a legal battle over control of the company.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inline-07-20240628_mossersuccessionbattle_me-28-cropped.jpg?w=1874" alt="The image shows the corner of a multi-story building with many windows. The exterior wall has graffiti featuring a stylized fist and some illegible text. Trees partly frame the view." class="wp-image-286881"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Corporate landlords may soon have to halt their use of algorithmic software that sets rent prices.</figcaption></figure>

Citing market research and pending lawsuits, Peskin’s office estimates that as much as 70% of rental housing stock in San Francisco is controlled by companies using such software.&nbsp;

Citing market research and pending lawsuits, Peskin’s office estimates that as much as 70% of rental housing stock in San Francisco is controlled by companies using such software.&nbsp;

“Banning automated price-fixing will allow the market to work and bring down rents in San Francisco,” Peskin said in a statement. “Let’s be clear: RealPage has exacerbated our rent crisis and empowered corporate landlords to intentionally keep units vacant.”

“Banning automated price-fixing will allow the market to work and bring down rents in San Francisco,” Peskin said in a statement. “Let’s be clear: RealPage has exacerbated our rent crisis and empowered corporate landlords to intentionally keep units vacant.”

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sf-standard/related-post

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In some cases, landlords that use YieldStar have been accused of purposely keeping units vacant, as advised by the software, in order to keep rent increases in place.&nbsp;

In some cases, landlords that use YieldStar have been accused of purposely keeping units vacant, as advised by the software, in order to keep rent increases in place.&nbsp;

The proposed law, co-sponsored by Supervisor Connie Chan, targets the use of data not generally available to the public that can be analyzed and manipulated by algorithms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The proposed law, co-sponsored by Supervisor Connie Chan, targets the use of data not generally available to the public that can be analyzed and manipulated by algorithms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If it passes in its current form, the ordinance would allow the city attorney and/or affected tenants to file a civil action with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Exempted from the ban would be software intended to establish rent or income limits for the city’s affordable housing program or products that use trade association reports of anonymous renter data.&nbsp;

If it passes in its current form, the ordinance would allow the city attorney and/or affected tenants to file a civil action with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Exempted from the ban would be software intended to establish rent or income limits for the city’s affordable housing program or products that use trade association reports of anonymous renter data.&nbsp;

RealPage and similar companies market their services to landlords as “revenue management” solutions. Their software collects private data from clients each day and uses this to algorithmically propose prices for available units. RealPage boasts that it can help clients <a href="https://www.realpage.com/asset-optimization/revenue-management/">outperform the market by up to 5%</a>.&nbsp;

RealPage and similar companies market their services to landlords as “revenue management” solutions. Their software collects private data from clients each day and uses this to algorithmically propose prices for available units. RealPage boasts that it can help clients <a href="https://www.realpage.com/asset-optimization/revenue-management/">outperform the market by up to 5%</a>.&nbsp;

RealPage did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a <a href="https://www.realpage.com/news/statement-from-realpage-the-real-story/">June statement</a>, the company denied that it facilitates collusion and attributed certain rent increases to the undersupply of housing units and increased demand, among other economic factors.&nbsp;

RealPage did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a <a href="https://www.realpage.com/news/statement-from-realpage-the-real-story/">June statement</a>, the company denied that it facilitates collusion and attributed certain rent increases to the undersupply of housing units and increased demand, among other economic factors.&nbsp;

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The company also emphasized that its customers decide their own rent prices and are “never punished for declining recommendations,” although a 2022 <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/yieldstar-rent-increase-realpage-rent">investigation by ProPublica</a> found that as many as 90% of the company’s pricing suggestions are adopted.

The company also emphasized that its customers decide their own rent prices and are “never punished for declining recommendations,” although a 2022 <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/yieldstar-rent-increase-realpage-rent">investigation by ProPublica</a> found that as many as 90% of the company’s pricing suggestions are adopted.

It is not clear which of San Francisco’s large residential landlords utilize such software. Several of the city&#8217;s largest residential landlords did not respond to a request for comment.

It is not clear which of San Francisco’s large residential landlords utilize such software. Several of the city's largest residential landlords did not respond to a request for comment.

It is not clear which of San Francisco’s large residential landlords utilize such software. Several of the city&#8217;s largest residential landlords did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for Ballast Investments — which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/brookfield-ballast-residential-landlord-in-sf-apartment-veritas/">partnered with Brookfield Properties this year</a> to purchase nearly $1 billion in distressed multifamily mortgages — said the company &#8220;does not use the software that Peskin’s ordinance will ban.&#8221;

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A spokesperson for Ballast Investments — which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/brookfield-ballast-residential-landlord-in-sf-apartment-veritas/">partnered with Brookfield Properties this year</a> to purchase nearly $1 billion in distressed multifamily mortgages — said the company "does not use the software that Peskin’s ordinance will ban."

A spokesperson for Ballast Investments — which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/brookfield-ballast-residential-landlord-in-sf-apartment-veritas/">partnered with Brookfield Properties this year</a> to purchase nearly $1 billion in distressed multifamily mortgages — said the company &#8220;does not use the software that Peskin’s ordinance will ban.&#8221;

Separately, <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2024/04/16/1-8b-in-parkmerced-debt-heads-to-special-servicing/">billions of dollars worth of apartments</a> are poised to <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2024/07/11/rbc-goldman-sachs-ballast-portfolio-sf.html">change hands</a> as more pre-pandemic debt matures.&nbsp;

Separately, <a href="https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2024/04/16/1-8b-in-parkmerced-debt-heads-to-special-servicing/">billions of dollars worth of apartments</a> are poised to <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2024/07/11/rbc-goldman-sachs-ballast-portfolio-sf.html">change hands</a> as more pre-pandemic debt matures.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Apartment Association did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Apartment Association did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Exterior of 601 O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on Monday July 11, 2022. Mayor Breed implemented new local protections, which prevent eviction for late rent due after July 1 and 601 O’Farrell resident Cedric Dugger, not pictured, was recently given a court date for eviction by Veritas, the building management company. Tenants like Dugger can be evicted for unpaid rent throughout the pandemic after they were denied or unable to apply for California COVID-19 rent relief. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EvictionMoratorium_INLINED006-scaled.jpeg?w=2500" alt="An outside view of a San Francisco apartment building owned by Veritas Investments." class="wp-image-59794"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hundreds of multifamily apartment buildings like this one in San Francisco have been changing hands in recent years because of distress in the commercial real estate market. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EvictionMoratorium_INLINED006-scaled.jpeg?w=2500" alt="An outside view of a San Francisco apartment building owned by Veritas Investments." class="wp-image-59794"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hundreds of multifamily apartment buildings like this one in San Francisco have been changing hands in recent years because of distress in the commercial real estate market. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Peskin’s bill comes amid a dire housing shortage in the Bay Area. According to estimates by the California Housing Partnership, more than 227,000 low-income renter households in the region <a href="https://chpc.net/housingneeds/">do not have access</a> to an affordable home, with 70% of extremely low-income households paying more than half of their income on housing.&nbsp;

Peskin’s bill comes amid a dire housing shortage in the Bay Area. According to estimates by the California Housing Partnership, more than 227,000 low-income renter households in the region <a href="https://chpc.net/housingneeds/">do not have access</a> to an affordable home, with 70% of extremely low-income households paying more than half of their income on housing.&nbsp;

In his final months in the White House, President Joe Biden has called on Congress to place<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/19/business/economy/biden-rent-cap-proposal.html"> a 5% annual rent cap</a> on corporate landlords that control more than 50 rental units.

In his final months in the White House, President Joe Biden has called on Congress to place<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/19/business/economy/biden-rent-cap-proposal.html"> a 5% annual rent cap</a> on corporate landlords that control more than 50 rental units.

A rent scheme cost these sisters thousands. Now they’re fighting back

Meanwhile, at the California Legislature, Assemblymember Alex Lee’s bill to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/20/alex-lee-proposes-corporate-landlord-ban-single-family/">ban corporate landlords</a> from owning more than 1,000 single-family homes passed in the Assembly in May. The bill, AB 2584, is being considered in the state Senate.&nbsp;

California lawmaker wants to ban companies from owning more than 1,000 homes in state

Meanwhile, at the California Legislature, Assemblymember Alex Lee’s bill to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/20/alex-lee-proposes-corporate-landlord-ban-single-family/">ban corporate landlords</a> from owning more than 1,000 single-family homes passed in the Assembly in May. The bill, AB 2584, is being considered in the state Senate.&nbsp;

This is not the first time real estate software firms have been in the crosshairs of regulators and housing activists. In 2022, Opendoor Labs <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/01/business/opendoor-homes-deceptive-marketing.html">agreed to pay $62 million </a>to the Federal Trade Commission to settle claims that home sellers actually lost money when using its online platform. The company had said its platform could make customers more money than they’d make on the open market.&nbsp;

This is not the first time real estate software firms have been in the crosshairs of regulators and housing activists. In 2022, Opendoor Labs <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/01/business/opendoor-homes-deceptive-marketing.html">agreed to pay $62 million </a>to the Federal Trade Commission to settle claims that home sellers actually lost money when using its online platform. The company had said its platform could make customers more money than they’d make on the open market.&nbsp;

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">online settlement tracker</a> says nearly 2,500 California residents have received a median refund of $1,553 from the Opendoor settlement.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">online settlement tracker</a> says nearly 2,500 California residents have received a median refund of $1,553 from the Opendoor settlement.

This story has been updated to include comment from Ballast Investments.

This story has been updated to include comment from Ballast Investments.

The rent is too damn AI: Peskin seeks ban on price-hike software

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don't think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That's to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations," vowing to "stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that's his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn't come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

Why Aaron Peskin’s progressive cred may not be enough to win

Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

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Search Results for: aaron peskin

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The rent is too damn AI: Peskin seeks ban on price-hike software

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Watch: San Francisco should ‘embrace tech,’ Aaron Peskin says

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