Jonah Owen Lamb

Real estate interests, venture capital and tech execs are lining up to back challengers in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-judge-debates/">March elections</a> for San Francisco Superior Court judges. The incumbents, meanwhile, are largely being backed by lawyers and fellow judges.&nbsp;

San Francisco judges, challengers face off in debate ahead of March 2024 election

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Real estate interests, venture capital and tech execs are lining up to back challengers in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-judge-debates/">March elections</a> for San Francisco Superior Court judges. The incumbents, meanwhile, are largely being backed by lawyers and fellow judges.&nbsp;

That’s how the fundraising camps for two contested judicial seats are shaping up. The races are on pace to cost more than the last serious challenge to sitting judges in the city.&nbsp;

That’s how the fundraising camps for two contested judicial seats are shaping up. The races are on pace to cost more than the last serious challenge to sitting judges in the city.&nbsp;

The latest campaign contribution data from the state shows that the four candidates running for two open judicial seats in San Francisco have collectively raised nearly half a million dollars. In 2018, when four deputy public defenders ran against four sitting judges, the total raised was $800,000. But the March 5 election is still six weeks away.

The latest campaign contribution data from the state shows that the four candidates running for two open judicial seats in San Francisco have collectively raised nearly half a million dollars. In 2018, when four deputy public defenders ran against four sitting judges, the total raised was $800,000. But the March 5 election is still six weeks away.

The two challengers—corporate lawyer Albert “Chip” Zecher and San Francisco prosecutor Jean Myungjin Roland—are mostly getting their money from tech, real estate interests and venture capital, while their opponents, Judge Patrick Thompson and Judge Michael Isaku Begert, are funded mainly by attorneys and judges.

The two challengers—corporate lawyer Albert “Chip” Zecher and San Francisco prosecutor Jean Myungjin Roland—are mostly getting their money from tech, real estate interests and venture capital, while their opponents, Judge Patrick Thompson and Judge Michael Isaku Begert, are funded mainly by attorneys and judges.

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The contributions point to the powerful interests that have joined the debate over public safety in San Francisco. That financial division is reflected in the difference between Zecher and Begert’s contributors.&nbsp;

The contributions point to the powerful interests that have joined the debate over public safety in San Francisco. That financial division is reflected in the difference between Zecher and Begert’s contributors.&nbsp;

Superior Court Judge Michael Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting at the State of California office building in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. Judge Begert is the presiding judge of CARE Act Court, which aims to help individuals who have schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CareCourt091823_JY_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="The profile of a man speaking to a crowd. " class="wp-image-216829"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Superior Court Judge Michael Isaku Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting at the State of California office building in San Francisco in September. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CareCourt091823_JY_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="The profile of a man speaking to a crowd. " class="wp-image-216829"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Superior Court Judge Michael Isaku Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting at the State of California office building in San Francisco in September. </figcaption></figure>

Begert, the sitting magistrate, has raised $182,000—more money than any other candidate. Much of that money is from a large group of small donors, but with one exception: Begert’s $100,000 loan to his own campaign.&nbsp;

Begert, the sitting magistrate, has raised $182,000—more money than any other candidate. Much of that money is from a large group of small donors, but with one exception: Begert’s $100,000 loan to his own campaign.&nbsp;

Zecher, his challenger, has raised $165,000, including $100,000 from crypto boss Chris Larsen.&nbsp;

Zecher, his challenger, has raised $165,000, including $100,000 from crypto boss Chris Larsen.&nbsp;

The single contribution from Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple, could be interpreted as an indication of the heightened attention the contentious race is receiving.&nbsp;

The single contribution from Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple, could be interpreted as an indication of the heightened attention the contentious race is receiving.&nbsp;

The contest is centered on how rulings from the bench impact crime and public safety. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/stop-crime-sf-judge-grade/">Backers of the challengers</a> contend that the two sitting judges up for election have failed to protect San Franciscans.&nbsp;

Inside the anti-crime group &#8216;grading&#8217; San Francisco judges

The contest is centered on how rulings from the bench impact crime and public safety. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/stop-crime-sf-judge-grade/">Backers of the challengers</a> contend that the two sitting judges up for election have failed to protect San Franciscans.&nbsp;

The supporters of the two sitting judges say their opponents and their backers are part of a right-wing effort to push all the county’s judges to be more punitive, especially around drug use and sales.&nbsp;

The supporters of the two sitting judges say their opponents and their backers are part of a right-wing effort to push all the county’s judges to be more punitive, especially around drug use and sales.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, both sitting judges refute their critic’s claims, saying their rulings follow the law and respect the rights of everyone, including victims and defendants.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, both sitting judges refute their critic’s claims, saying their rulings follow the law and respect the rights of everyone, including victims and defendants.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-backing-whom">Who Is Backing Whom?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-backing-whom">Who Is Backing Whom?</h2>

Begert’s $182,000 war chest comes from almost 200 people, with all but one giving his campaign $2,500 or less. The exception is the California Judges Association, which handed over $25,000.&nbsp;

Begert’s $182,000 war chest comes from almost 200 people, with all but one giving his campaign $2,500 or less. The exception is the California Judges Association, which handed over $25,000.&nbsp;

Individual judges—34 who sit on the bench in San Francisco—are among the largest group backing Begert with funds. For instance, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Curtis Karnow, who was himself challenged by a deputy public defender in 2018 in a similar move from the left, gave $2,500.&nbsp;

Individual judges—34 who sit on the bench in San Francisco—are among the largest group backing Begert with funds. For instance, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Curtis Karnow, who was himself challenged by a deputy public defender in 2018 in a similar move from the left, gave $2,500.&nbsp;

Campaign flyers for SF Superior Court judge candidates Chip Zecher, left, and Jean Myungin Roland have Chinese names next to their English names which has created some controversy.  Over 30 candidates, including Zecher and Roland are having their Chinese names challenged by the Board of Elections.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mg_0681.jpg?w=2500" alt="Campaign flyers for SF Superior Court judge candidates Chip Zecher, left, and Jean Myungin Roland have Chinese names next to their English names which has created some controversy." class="wp-image-234785"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Campaign flyers promote the candidacies of Albert &#8220;Chip&#8221; Zecher and Jean Myungjin Roland. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mg_0681.jpg?w=2500" alt="Campaign flyers for SF Superior Court judge candidates Chip Zecher, left, and Jean Myungin Roland have Chinese names next to their English names which has created some controversy." class="wp-image-234785"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Campaign flyers promote the candidacies of Albert "Chip" Zecher and Jean Myungjin Roland. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mg_0681.jpg?w=2500" alt="Campaign flyers for SF Superior Court judge candidates Chip Zecher, left, and Jean Myungin Roland have Chinese names next to their English names which has created some controversy." class="wp-image-234785"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Campaign flyers promote the candidacies of Albert &#8220;Chip&#8221; Zecher and Jean Myungjin Roland. </figcaption></figure>

Attorneys are also one of the largest groups giving to Begert. Joan Haratani, a corporate lawyer, gave him $2,500. Paul DeMeester, a defense attorney, also gave $2,500.&nbsp;

Attorneys are also one of the largest groups giving to Begert. Joan Haratani, a corporate lawyer, gave him $2,500. Paul DeMeester, a defense attorney, also gave $2,500.&nbsp;

Begert’s opponent, Zecher, meanwhile, trails but not by much with his $165,000 raised so far. Besides the $100,000 he got from Larsen, Boston Properties, his second-largest donor, gave $10,000. The rest of his 22 funders are from the tech and real estate worlds. They include Carl Shannon, a senior managing director at Tishman Speyer, a real estate developer, and Clint Reilly, the owner of the San Francisco Examiner and Clint Reilly Landmark Properties.&nbsp;

Begert’s opponent, Zecher, meanwhile, trails but not by much with his $165,000 raised so far. Besides the $100,000 he got from Larsen, Boston Properties, his second-largest donor, gave $10,000. The rest of his 22 funders are from the tech and real estate worlds. They include Carl Shannon, a senior managing director at Tishman Speyer, a real estate developer, and Clint Reilly, the owner of the San Francisco Examiner and Clint Reilly Landmark Properties.&nbsp;

Eleven of his donors live outside of San Francisco.&nbsp;

Eleven of his donors live outside of San Francisco.&nbsp;

Roland, the San Francisco prosecutor challenging Thompson, has raised the least, with a current total of $23,500. Among her eight donors, her largest came from Kevin Hartz, a co-founder and partner at A* Capital, who also co-founded Eventbrite, the event management and ticketing website. Her other donors include William S. Fisher, an investor at Manzanita Capital and former president for Gap International, and Sig Anderman, a real estate developer.&nbsp;

Roland, the San Francisco prosecutor challenging Thompson, has raised the least, with a current total of $23,500. Among her eight donors, her largest came from Kevin Hartz, a co-founder and partner at A* Capital, who also co-founded Eventbrite, the event management and ticketing website. Her other donors include William S. Fisher, an investor at Manzanita Capital and former president for Gap International, and Sig Anderman, a real estate developer.&nbsp;

Challengers Zecher and Roland have five donors in common, including real estate developer Shannon, who gave them each $1,000.&nbsp;

Challengers Zecher and Roland have five donors in common, including real estate developer Shannon, who gave them each $1,000.&nbsp;

Judge Patrick Thompson of the Superior Court of San Francisco participates in a debate between the judges and their challengers at the San Francisco County Fair building on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Judges Patrick Thompson and Michael Begert are criticized by Stop Crime SF for releasing repeat offenders back in the streets.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands on a stage before an audience. " class="wp-image-228980"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Patrick Thompson of the Superior Court of San Francisco participates in a debate between the judges and their challengers at the San Francisco County Fair building in December. </figcaption></figure>

Thompson, meanwhile, has raised $50,500 from 21 donors, the single largest being the California Judges Association, which gave him $20,000. His donors include mostly attorneys and a sitting jurist, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Brian Ferrall, who gave him $1,000.&nbsp;

Thompson, meanwhile, has raised $50,500 from 21 donors, the single largest being the California Judges Association, which gave him $20,000. His donors include mostly attorneys and a sitting jurist, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Brian Ferrall, who gave him $1,000.&nbsp;

“This election is unusual, and these donations, the amount of money there, is reflecting the fact that this is a more important judicial election,” said Jason McDaniel, a political scientist who teaches at San Francisco State. “It’s more important in the sense that the mayor and the DA are trying to make public safety an issue in this election.”

“This election is unusual, and these donations, the amount of money there, is reflecting the fact that this is a more important judicial election,” said Jason McDaniel, a political scientist who teaches at San Francisco State. “It’s more important in the sense that the mayor and the DA are trying to make public safety an issue in this election.”

Tech billionaire’s $100,000 is top donation in pricey San Francisco judge races

Josh Koehn

A political committee designed with the sole purpose of removing progressive San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston from office raised almost $300,000 last year, with a third of that money coming from crypto billionaire Chris Larsen and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">under-fire Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a>.

Garry Tan’s vulgar tweet prompts police reports by San Francisco supervisors

A political committee designed with the sole purpose of removing progressive San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston from office raised almost $300,000 last year, with a third of that money coming from crypto billionaire Chris Larsen and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">under-fire Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a>.

Newly filed campaign records show that GrowSF—the moderate political group behind a committee nicknamed the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">“Dump Dean PAC”</a>—has tapped into San Francisco’s increasingly influential tech scene to oust the supervisor of the Tenderloin, the Haight and other neighborhoods.

‘Dump Dean PAC’ declares war on San Francisco’s Democratic Socialist Supervisor Dean Preston

Newly filed campaign records show that GrowSF—the moderate political group behind a committee nicknamed the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">“Dump Dean PAC”</a>—has tapped into San Francisco’s increasingly influential tech scene to oust the supervisor of the Tenderloin, the Haight and other neighborhoods.

Larsen, the founder of cryptocurrency company Ripple, has become the most active political donor in the city, giving $50,000 to GrowSF. Meanwhile, Tan, who has been under intense scrutiny since he posted a tone-deaf tweet last weekend jokingly calling for the death of progressive supervisors, gave the same amount in late July. The tweet by the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">influential head of the tech accelerator Y Combinator</a> led some elected officials to file police reports and additional death threats were mailed to supervisors’ homes.

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s war on San Francisco politics has only just begun

Larsen, the founder of cryptocurrency company Ripple, has become the most active political donor in the city, giving $50,000 to GrowSF. Meanwhile, Tan, who has been under intense scrutiny since he posted a tone-deaf tweet last weekend jokingly calling for the death of progressive supervisors, gave the same amount in late July. The tweet by the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">influential head of the tech accelerator Y Combinator</a> led some elected officials to file police reports and additional death threats were mailed to supervisors’ homes.

SF Supervisor Dean Preston serves as the leader of San Francisco's Democratic Socialists for America chapter, which launched a pseudo-news website that published positive stories about him before and after his 2020 re-election. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SupesRoundup67_INLINED-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dean Preston" class="wp-image-53616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston is the target of a committee nicknamed the &#8220;Dump Dean PAC,&#8221; which raised $300,000 last year. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SupesRoundup67_INLINED-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dean Preston" class="wp-image-53616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston is the target of a committee nicknamed the "Dump Dean PAC," which raised $300,000 last year. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SupesRoundup67_INLINED-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dean Preston" class="wp-image-53616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston is the target of a committee nicknamed the &#8220;Dump Dean PAC,&#8221; which raised $300,000 last year. I Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Sachin Agarwal and Steven Buss, the co-founders of GrowSF, told The Standard last summer that the committee had hit the $300,000 mark from about 300 donors. Newly released reports, which detail political activity in 2023, confirm that total donations were in that dollar range. The number of donors found in reports was less than half of 300 individuals, according to GrowSF, because contributions under $100 are not required to be listed.

Sachin Agarwal and Steven Buss, the co-founders of GrowSF, told The Standard last summer that the committee had hit the $300,000 mark from about 300 donors. Newly released reports, which detail political activity in 2023, confirm that total donations were in that dollar range. The number of donors found in reports was less than half of 300 individuals, according to GrowSF, because contributions under $100 are not required to be listed.

“We&#8217;re focused on winning <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">March 5</a>, and then November,” Buss said in a statement Wednesday. “Dean Preston has continued to ignore the needs of his constituents and we&#8217;re eager to kick off a campaign for new leadership for the district.”

Here&#8217;s what San Francisco voters will consider in the March 2024 election

“We're focused on winning <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">March 5</a>, and then November,” Buss said in a statement Wednesday. “Dean Preston has continued to ignore the needs of his constituents and we're eager to kick off a campaign for new leadership for the district.”

“We&#8217;re focused on winning <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">March 5</a>, and then November,” Buss said in a statement Wednesday. “Dean Preston has continued to ignore the needs of his constituents and we&#8217;re eager to kick off a campaign for new leadership for the district.”

Other notable contributors to the committee included: $50,000 from Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear, who was listed on campaign forms as a partner at Y Combinator; $50,000 from Jessica Livingston, a co-founder of Y Combinator who was listed as unemployed; $15,300 from Gustaf Alströmer, a group partner of Y Combinator; and $10,005 from Hilary Shirazi, the head of corporate development at Notion.

Other notable contributors to the committee included: $50,000 from Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear, who was listed on campaign forms as a partner at Y Combinator; $50,000 from Jessica Livingston, a co-founder of Y Combinator who was listed as unemployed; $15,300 from Gustaf Alströmer, a group partner of Y Combinator; and $10,005 from Hilary Shirazi, the head of corporate development at Notion.

The Building Owners and Managers Association of San Francisco also gave $20,000, according to filings.

The Building Owners and Managers Association of San Francisco also gave $20,000, according to filings.

Preston did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Preston did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

GrowSF’s close connections with Y Cominator is bound to draw scrutiny as the fallout to Tan’s apparently drunken tweet is still unfolding. He deleted the tweet and said it was a bad joke in reference to a 2Pac diss track from the ’90s, but in his apology, he noted that there is “no place, no excuse and no reason for this type of speech and charged language in the discourse.”

GrowSF’s close connections with Y Cominator is bound to draw scrutiny as the fallout to Tan’s apparently drunken tweet is still unfolding. He deleted the tweet and said it was a bad joke in reference to a 2Pac diss track from the ’90s, but in his apology, he noted that there is “no place, no excuse and no reason for this type of speech and charged language in the discourse.”

This message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin after Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan sent out an expletive-filled tweet that has since been deleted.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_0113.jpg?w=1696" alt="A threatening message with an image of Garry Tan's deleted tweet," class="wp-image-244437"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin after Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan sent out an expletive-filled tweet that has since been deleted.</figcaption></figure>

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan filed police reports as a result of Tan’s tweet. Both Peskin and Preston said they received threatening letters at their homes saying Tan’s tweet was right along with the message: “I WISH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan filed police reports as a result of Tan’s tweet. Both Peskin and Preston said they received threatening letters at their homes saying Tan’s tweet was right along with the message: “I WISH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”

Chan told The Standard that she filed a police report because she has been physically threatened by a staffer employed by the campaign of her reelection challenger Marjan Philhour, whose candidacy is supported by Tan.

Chan told The Standard that she filed a police report because she has been physically threatened by a staffer employed by the campaign of her reelection challenger Marjan Philhour, whose candidacy is supported by Tan.

Records with the San Francisco Ethics Commission show that Larsen, the founder of Ripple, has now contributed $1,081,000 toward this year’s two elections, spreading donations across a variety of ballot measures and candidates for the Democratic County Central Committee.

Records with the San Francisco Ethics Commission show that Larsen, the founder of Ripple, has now contributed $1,081,000 toward this year’s two elections, spreading donations across a variety of ballot measures and candidates for the Democratic County Central Committee.

The only other person who comes close to that spending amount so far is Mimi Haas, the mother of mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, who threw down a million dollars to an independent committee supporting her son’s challenge to Mayor London Breed.

The only other person who comes close to that spending amount so far is Mimi Haas, the mother of mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, who threw down a million dollars to an independent committee supporting her son’s challenge to Mayor London Breed.

GrowSF has another committee designed to oust progressive Supervisor Connie Chan, and records show that committee raised almost $72,000 last year.

GrowSF has another committee designed to oust progressive Supervisor Connie Chan, and records show that committee raised almost $72,000 last year.

Tech money fuels effort to defeat Democratic Socialist Supervisor Dean Preston

Michael Barba

An anti-crime nonprofit <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">caught improperly billing San Francisco police</a> for luxury gift boxes, limo rides and valet parking is now facing tough questions about how it spent as much as $1 million in grant funding from a crypto billionaire.

Limo rides, a Tahoe trip and luxury gifts: San Francisco police wrongly paid for it all

An anti-crime nonprofit <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">caught improperly billing San Francisco police</a> for luxury gift boxes, limo rides and valet parking is now facing tough questions about how it spent as much as $1 million in grant funding from a crypto billionaire.

San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, was the subject of <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/Police%20Department%20SF%20SAFE%20Assessment%2001.18.24.pdf">a scathing report</a> released by the Controller&#8217;s Office last week that found it wrongly charged police for at least $79,000 in expenses—including a nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe.&nbsp;

San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, was the subject of <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/Police%20Department%20SF%20SAFE%20Assessment%2001.18.24.pdf">a scathing report</a> released by the Controller's Office last week that found it wrongly charged police for at least $79,000 in expenses—including a nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe.&nbsp;

San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, was the subject of <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/Police%20Department%20SF%20SAFE%20Assessment%2001.18.24.pdf">a scathing report</a> released by the Controller&#8217;s Office last week that found it wrongly charged police for at least $79,000 in expenses—including a nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe.&nbsp;

The Standard has since learned that Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple and a local philanthropist, has separately called for an investigation into how SF SAFE spent up to $1 million of the $1.8 million that he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city.

The Standard has since learned that Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple and a local philanthropist, has separately called for an investigation into how SF SAFE spent up to $1 million of the $1.8 million that he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city.

At the center of the dispute is an estimated $600,000 to $1 million that the nonprofit allegedly owes a security company, Applied Video Solutions, for work that it performed installing and maintaining surveillance cameras over the past three years, according to the company.

At the center of the dispute is an estimated $600,000 to $1 million that the nonprofit allegedly owes a security company, Applied Video Solutions, for work that it performed installing and maintaining surveillance cameras over the past three years, according to the company.

&#8220;Unfortunately, we recently found discrepancies regarding the designated outcomes of previous funds provided, and I&#8217;ve asked my donor-advised fund to launch an independent audit and investigation,&#8221; Larsen told The Standard.

"Unfortunately, we recently found discrepancies regarding the designated outcomes of previous funds provided, and I've asked my donor-advised fund to launch an independent audit and investigation," Larsen told The Standard.

&#8220;Unfortunately, we recently found discrepancies regarding the designated outcomes of previous funds provided, and I&#8217;ve asked my donor-advised fund to launch an independent audit and investigation,&#8221; Larsen told The Standard.

Larsen gave SF SAFE $1.8 million through a charity, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, according to his spokesperson, Alex Tourk. Tourk said less than $1 million of the funding was “contracted as intended, with numerous unpaid invoices.”

Larsen gave SF SAFE $1.8 million through a charity, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, according to his spokesperson, Alex Tourk. Tourk said less than $1 million of the funding was “contracted as intended, with numerous unpaid invoices.”

“Discrepancies were identified when invoices for existing projects were not being paid and then new funding requests represented as being for camera project expansion came in that seemed to duplicate previous requests of work reported as already being completed,” Tourk said.

“Discrepancies were identified when invoices for existing projects were not being paid and then new funding requests represented as being for camera project expansion came in that seemed to duplicate previous requests of work reported as already being completed,” Tourk said.

Larsen declined a final grant request from SF SAFE and stopped doing business with the nonprofit last March, Tourk said.

Larsen declined a final grant request from SF SAFE and stopped doing business with the nonprofit last March, Tourk said.

The investigation he called for is ongoing, Larsen said.

The investigation he called for is ongoing, Larsen said.

Dmitri Shimolin, CEO and co-founder of Applied Video Solutions, said his firm was hired by SF SAFE to install and maintain security cameras on private property in undisclosed locations around San Francisco. Shimolin said that these cameras capture footage that can be accessed after the fact.

Dmitri Shimolin, CEO and co-founder of Applied Video Solutions, said his firm was hired by SF SAFE to install and maintain security cameras on private property in undisclosed locations around San Francisco. Shimolin said that these cameras capture footage that can be accessed after the fact.

He said his firm continued to provide services to SF SAFE despite being owed an estimated six-figure sum because the work is so important.

He said his firm continued to provide services to SF SAFE despite being owed an estimated six-figure sum because the work is so important.

“The reason to do this in the first place is to take care of the city and keep it safe,” Shimolin told The Standard. “We need to continue doing the work because these are important public safety measures.”

“The reason to do this in the first place is to take care of the city and keep it safe,” Shimolin told The Standard. “We need to continue doing the work because these are important public safety measures.”

An attorney for SF SAFE, Dylan Hackett, said that the nonprofit is investigating the issues to restore trust with the community.

An attorney for SF SAFE, Dylan Hackett, said that the nonprofit is investigating the issues to restore trust with the community.

“SF SAFE is doing their due diligence to make sure that this type of situation does not happen again,” Hackett said. “We are actively looking into all of the allegations which are being presented to us.”

“SF SAFE is doing their due diligence to make sure that this type of situation does not happen again,” Hackett said. “We are actively looking into all of the allegations which are being presented to us.”

Hackett said that he discussed the issue with the nonprofit’s executive director, Kyra Worthy.

Hackett said that he discussed the issue with the nonprofit’s executive director, Kyra Worthy.

“She said that she did not misappropriate any funds whatsoever,” Hackett said.

“She said that she did not misappropriate any funds whatsoever,” Hackett said.

Applied Video Solutions is not the only company that SF SAFE may owe money to.

Applied Video Solutions is not the only company that SF SAFE may owe money to.

Larsen’s spokesperson, Tourk, also represented SF SAFE before canceling his contract with the nonprofit last summer. He said the nonprofit owes his firm, Ground Floor Public Affairs, $80,000.

Larsen’s spokesperson, Tourk, also represented SF SAFE before canceling his contract with the nonprofit last summer. He said the nonprofit owes his firm, Ground Floor Public Affairs, $80,000.

&#8220;Ground Floor is deeply dismayed by the recent discrepancies discovered at the organization,” Tourk said. “Although we remain proud of our public affairs advice provided in the past for the half-century-old trusted public safety community platform, our firm terminated its agreement with SF SAFE in the summer of 2023 due to contractual delinquency.”

"Ground Floor is deeply dismayed by the recent discrepancies discovered at the organization,” Tourk said. “Although we remain proud of our public affairs advice provided in the past for the half-century-old trusted public safety community platform, our firm terminated its agreement with SF SAFE in the summer of 2023 due to contractual delinquency.”

&#8220;Ground Floor is deeply dismayed by the recent discrepancies discovered at the organization,” Tourk said. “Although we remain proud of our public affairs advice provided in the past for the half-century-old trusted public safety community platform, our firm terminated its agreement with SF SAFE in the summer of 2023 due to contractual delinquency.”

The report by the Controller’s Office last week sullied the longtime financial ties between the SFPD and SF SAFE, which launched in 1976 and hosts meetings that bring the community together with police. The report found that the department reimbursed SF SAFE for more than $5.3 million in expenses between July 2018 and last March, largely without checking for receipts.

The report by the Controller’s Office last week sullied the longtime financial ties between the SFPD and SF SAFE, which launched in 1976 and hosts meetings that bring the community together with police. The report found that the department reimbursed SF SAFE for more than $5.3 million in expenses between July 2018 and last March, largely without checking for receipts.

A closer look by the Controller’s Office at $910,000 of the reimbursements for “crime prevention education services” revealed that 9% of it was used in ways it should not have been, including for the curated gift boxes handed out at community policing events and for valet parking at the Battery, a private San Francisco club. The reimbursements also covered the costs of ride-shares for Worthy, as well as the costs of parking expenses listed under her name.

A closer look by the Controller’s Office at $910,000 of the reimbursements for “crime prevention education services” revealed that 9% of it was used in ways it should not have been, including for the curated gift boxes handed out at community policing events and for valet parking at the Battery, a private San Francisco club. The reimbursements also covered the costs of ride-shares for Worthy, as well as the costs of parking expenses listed under her name.

Based on that small sample, the report projected that the total amount of improperly reimbursed expenses over the years not scrutinized by the Controller’s Office was “likely significantly higher.”

Based on that small sample, the report projected that the total amount of improperly reimbursed expenses over the years not scrutinized by the Controller’s Office was “likely significantly higher.”

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who said he has been raising concerns about misspending by SF SAFE for years, plans to call for a hearing Tuesday to seek answers from both San Francisco police and the nonprofit.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who said he has been raising concerns about misspending by SF SAFE for years, plans to call for a hearing Tuesday to seek answers from both San Francisco police and the nonprofit.

“I want to hear what their systemic, financial failures are and how they are going to correct them,” Peskin said.

“I want to hear what their systemic, financial failures are and how they are going to correct them,” Peskin said.

Crypto boss who gave $1.8M to San Francisco crime nonprofit wants audit of ‘discrepancies’

Tech heavyweights Ron Conway and Chris Larsen are lining up alongside San Francisco’s police union to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into a campaign supporting Mayor London Breed’s public safety measure on the March ballot, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">seeks in part to neuter the city’s Police Commission</a>.

San Francisco mayor wants to give cops a long leash. Here’s what you’ll be voting on

Tech heavyweights Ron Conway and Chris Larsen are lining up alongside San Francisco’s police union to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into a campaign supporting Mayor London Breed’s public safety measure on the March ballot, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">seeks in part to neuter the city’s Police Commission</a>.

Together with the San Francisco Police Officers Association, the Silicon Valley angel investors have dumped a combined $400,000 into a committee supporting Breed’s Proposition E on the March ballot, according to campaign finance records and a spokesperson for the committee. 

Together with the San Francisco Police Officers Association, the Silicon Valley angel investors have dumped a combined $400,000 into a committee supporting Breed’s Proposition E on the March ballot, according to campaign finance records and a spokesperson for the committee.

The contributions, to a campaign called Committee for a Safer San Francisco 2024, amount to the largest war chest amassed so far in the March election cycle. The measure is shaping up to be one of the most contentious on the ballot, with the ACLU of Northern California giving $100,000 to defeat it.

The contributions, to a campaign called Committee for a Safer San Francisco 2024, amount to the largest war chest amassed so far in the March election cycle. The measure is shaping up to be one of the most contentious on the ballot, with the ACLU of Northern California giving $100,000 to defeat it.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">READ MORE: Tech Boss Tops List of Donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 Ballot Measures</a>

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">READ MORE: Tech Boss Tops List of Donors to Breed's March 2024 Ballot Measures</a>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">READ MORE: Tech Boss Tops List of Donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 Ballot Measures</a>

Breed’s measure would throttle the power of the Police Commission, redefine the rules for when police officers can engage suspects in vehicle pursuits and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">give police access to drones</a>. It would also reduce the amount of paperwork officers have to file in some cases after using force, and let Police Chief Bill Scott install public-facing security cameras at locations of his choice.

Vehicle pursuits, sideshows and car break-ins: How Mayor Breed wants San Francisco police to use drones

Breed’s measure would throttle the power of the Police Commission, redefine the rules for when police officers can engage suspects in vehicle pursuits and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-mayor-police-drones/">give police access to drones</a>. It would also reduce the amount of paperwork officers have to file in some cases after using force, and let Police Chief Bill Scott install public-facing security cameras at locations of his choice.

Larsen told The Standard he is supporting the proposal because society “overcorrected” after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and has taken steps antithetical to public safety. He said the police department should be allowed to leverage new tools to offset its officer staffing shortage.

Larsen told The Standard he is supporting the proposal because society “overcorrected” after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and has taken steps antithetical to public safety. He said the police department should be allowed to leverage new tools to offset its officer staffing shortage.

“The Police Commission has unfortunately not been very constructive when it comes to this balance between reform and public safety,” he said. “There’s a little too much performative things going on there and I think that’s a problem.”

“The Police Commission has unfortunately not been very constructive when it comes to this balance between reform and public safety,” he said. “There’s a little too much performative things going on there and I think that’s a problem.”

The Police Commission has become a lightning rod for anxieties about crime and lawlessness in San Francisco, with Breed accusing the commission of putting reform ideology over public safety. The oversight body is made up of seven civilians who are tasked with setting police policy and disciplining officers.

The Police Commission has become a lightning rod for anxieties about crime and lawlessness in San Francisco, with Breed accusing the commission of putting reform ideology over public safety. The oversight body is made up of seven civilians who are tasked with setting police policy and disciplining officers.

But opponents of her measure say that Breed is simply using the issue to shore up her November re-election campaign. Four police commissioners—one of whom was appointed by Breed but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/23/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">publicly split from her</a>—penned an argument this month calling the measure poorly drafted, especially when it comes to loosening the rules around police pursuits.

What’s really behind the mayor’s spat with her appointee? Influence over SFPD’s future leadership

But opponents of her measure say that Breed is simply using the issue to shore up her November re-election campaign. Four police commissioners—one of whom was appointed by Breed but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/23/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">publicly split from her</a>—penned an argument this month calling the measure poorly drafted, especially when it comes to loosening the rules around police pursuits.

At $250,000, the largest donation supporting the measure came from Larsen, the executive chairman and co-founder of crypto firm Ripple who is also known for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/19/how-sf-is-about-to-take-police-surveillance-to-the-next-level/">funding security camera networks around the city</a>.

How SF is about to take police surveillance to the &#8216;next level&#8217;

At $250,000, the largest donation supporting the measure came from Larsen, the executive chairman and co-founder of crypto firm Ripple who is also known for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/19/how-sf-is-about-to-take-police-surveillance-to-the-next-level/">funding security camera networks around the city</a>.

Larsen is also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">giving $100,000 to another of Breed’s measures</a>, Proposition F, which would compel some welfare recipients to undergo drug screening.

Larsen is also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">giving $100,000 to another of Breed’s measures</a>, Proposition F, which would compel some welfare recipients to undergo drug screening.

Conway, founder and a managing partner of SV Angel, gave $100,000. He is another longtime deep-pocketed political donor who has historically supported moderate political campaigns and was a big backer of Mayor Ed Lee.

Conway, founder and a managing partner of SV Angel, gave $100,000. He is another longtime deep-pocketed political donor who has historically supported moderate political campaigns and was a big backer of Mayor Ed Lee.

While its donation has not yet appeared in campaign finance reports, the police union contributed $50,000, according to the committee. The donation marks its biggest in San Francisco since the union poured hundreds of thousands into an unsuccessful campaign to defeat Chesa Boudin in his 2019 campaign to become district attorney, <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/police-union-demands-apology-from-supervisor-over-f-the-poa-chant/article_0e03065a-ff04-5d93-9076-258e551db950.html">culminating in chants of “F– the POA.</a>”

While its donation has not yet appeared in campaign finance reports, the police union contributed $50,000, according to the committee. The donation marks its biggest in San Francisco since the union poured hundreds of thousands into an unsuccessful campaign to defeat Chesa Boudin in his 2019 campaign to become district attorney, <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/police-union-demands-apology-from-supervisor-over-f-the-poa-chant/article_0e03065a-ff04-5d93-9076-258e551db950.html">culminating in chants of “F– the POA.</a>”

While a spokesperson for Conway said he has no relationship with the police union, this is not the first time they’ve been on the same team. They each spent big opposing <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Ed-Lee-s-big-bucks-ally-police-union-target-6554659.php">Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s 2015 race to return to office</a>.

While a spokesperson for Conway said he has no relationship with the police union, this is not the first time they’ve been on the same team. They each spent big opposing <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Ed-Lee-s-big-bucks-ally-police-union-target-6554659.php">Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s 2015 race to return to office</a>.

Lee Hepner, an attorney and former aide to Peskin, fired off a pithy tweet describing the alliance between Conway, Larsen and the police union.

Lee Hepner, an attorney and former aide to Peskin, fired off a pithy tweet describing the alliance between Conway, Larsen and the police union.

“<a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dream-blunt-rotation-nightmare-blunt-rotation">Nightmare blunt rotation</a>,” Hepner wrote.

“<a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dream-blunt-rotation-nightmare-blunt-rotation">Nightmare blunt rotation</a>,” Hepner wrote.

“It’s a frightening combination of some of the most radical, self-interested political vehicles in San Francisco from venture capital, to crypto currency, to conservative law enforcement,” Hepner said in a subsequent phone call. “That does not spell safety for San Francisco residents or visitors.”

“It’s a frightening combination of some of the most radical, self-interested political vehicles in San Francisco from venture capital, to crypto currency, to conservative law enforcement,” Hepner said in a subsequent phone call. “That does not spell safety for San Francisco residents or visitors.”

Tony Winnicker, a spokesperson for Conway, said that the tech investor considers the measure the most important on the ballot.

Tony Winnicker, a spokesperson for Conway, said that the tech investor considers the measure the most important on the ballot.

“He’s a resident of the city and he definitely agrees that public safety is the most important challenge facing the city,” Winnicker said. “He believes Prop. E will make a positive difference and so he’s proud to support.”

“He’s a resident of the city and he definitely agrees that public safety is the most important challenge facing the city,” Winnicker said. “He believes Prop. E will make a positive difference and so he’s proud to support.”

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Search Results for: chris larsen

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