Garrett Leahy

The head of a San Francisco political group that financed the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin faces a hefty fine for failing to report payments to a public relations firm, according to a new filing with the city&#8217;s Ethics Commission.

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The head of a San Francisco political group that financed the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin faces a hefty fine for failing to report payments to a public relations firm, according to a new filing with the city's Ethics Commission.

The head of a San Francisco political group that financed the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin faces a hefty fine for failing to report payments to a public relations firm, according to a new filing with the city&#8217;s Ethics Commission.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-neighbors-powerful-political-group-crisis/">Jay Cheng</a> and his embattled political group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy are expected to be fined $53,916 for not disclosing $187,084 in payments to Riff City Strategies.

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-neighbors-powerful-political-group-crisis/">Jay Cheng</a> and his embattled political group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy are expected to be fined $53,916 for not disclosing $187,084 in payments to Riff City Strategies.

Cheng and the Ethics Commission have agreed on the settlement, which the oversight body will take up Friday at its next meeting.

Cheng and the Ethics Commission have agreed on the settlement, which the oversight body will take up Friday at its next meeting.

sf-standard/related-post

Brooke Jenkins’ $100K pay may have been legal, but was it ethical?

Tangled web: How all 3 nonprofits that paid DA Brooke Jenkins have links to the Chesa Boudin recall

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Cheng&#8217;s group made the payments from September 2021 through June 2022 for “strategic communications and media relations&#8221; during the recall campaign that ousted Boudin and cleared the way for the mayor to appoint Brooke Jenkins as district attorney.

Cheng's group made the payments from September 2021 through June 2022 for “strategic communications and media relations" during the recall campaign that ousted Boudin and cleared the way for the mayor to appoint Brooke Jenkins as district attorney.

Cheng&#8217;s group made the payments from September 2021 through June 2022 for “strategic communications and media relations&#8221; during the recall campaign that ousted Boudin and cleared the way for the mayor to appoint Brooke Jenkins as district attorney.

Ethics watchdogs say Neighbors for a Better San Francisco violated San Francisco law by making no mention of the PR firm payments as contributions or expenditures in the recall campaign.

Ethics watchdogs say Neighbors for a Better San Francisco violated San Francisco law by making no mention of the PR firm payments as contributions or expenditures in the recall campaign.

&#8220;By paying Riff City to perform personal services of a political nature, Neighbors made political expenditures as defined in state and city law,&#8221; the settlement says. &#8220;This is because Riff City Strategies spent more than 10% of its compensated time during several months rendering services for political purposes to the Recall Committee at the request or direction of Neighbors Advocacy.&#8221;

"By paying Riff City to perform personal services of a political nature, Neighbors made political expenditures as defined in state and city law," the settlement says. "This is because Riff City Strategies spent more than 10% of its compensated time during several months rendering services for political purposes to the Recall Committee at the request or direction of Neighbors Advocacy."

&#8220;By paying Riff City to perform personal services of a political nature, Neighbors made political expenditures as defined in state and city law,&#8221; the settlement says. &#8220;This is because Riff City Strategies spent more than 10% of its compensated time during several months rendering services for political purposes to the Recall Committee at the request or direction of Neighbors Advocacy.&#8221;

Neighbors for a Better San Francisco was the largest backer of the Boudin recall campaign, contributing a total of $4.47 million.

Neighbors for a Better San Francisco was the largest backer of the Boudin recall campaign, contributing a total of $4.47 million.

The commission found no evidence of wrongdoing by Riff City Strategies or its president, Jess Montejano, who is now the spokesperson for Mark Farrell&#8217;s campaign to unseat Mayor London Breed. Montejano declined to comment.

The commission found no evidence of wrongdoing by Riff City Strategies or its president, Jess Montejano, who is now the spokesperson for Mark Farrell's campaign to unseat Mayor London Breed. Montejano declined to comment.

The commission found no evidence of wrongdoing by Riff City Strategies or its president, Jess Montejano, who is now the spokesperson for Mark Farrell&#8217;s campaign to unseat Mayor London Breed. Montejano declined to comment.

The settlement also mentioned payments made to Jenkins for consulting work as an &#8220;independent contractor&#8221; that netted her a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/09/da-jenkins-pocketed-six-figures-as-consultant-for-nonprofit-linked-to-boudin-recall-backers/">six-figure salary</a>. The commission order pegs the amount at $175,770, which she earned between October 2021 and July 2022.

DA Jenkins pocketed six figures as consultant for nonprofit linked to Boudin recall backers

The settlement also mentioned payments made to Jenkins for consulting work as an "independent contractor" that netted her a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/09/da-jenkins-pocketed-six-figures-as-consultant-for-nonprofit-linked-to-boudin-recall-backers/">six-figure salary</a>. The commission order pegs the amount at $175,770, which she earned between October 2021 and July 2022.

The settlement also mentioned payments made to Jenkins for consulting work as an &#8220;independent contractor&#8221; that netted her a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/09/da-jenkins-pocketed-six-figures-as-consultant-for-nonprofit-linked-to-boudin-recall-backers/">six-figure salary</a>. The commission order pegs the amount at $175,770, which she earned between October 2021 and July 2022.

Previously, Jenkins said her work for Neighbors was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/29/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/">unrelated to the Boudin recall campaign</a> but was part of an analysis of Proposition 47.

Previously, Jenkins said her work for Neighbors was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/29/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/">unrelated to the Boudin recall campaign</a> but was part of an analysis of Proposition 47.

The ethics settlement did not say Jenkins committed any wrongdoing in the course of her work for the recall campaign. It said disclosure would be required if Jenkins had spent more than 10% of her paid time on “political activities,” but “available records do not clearly establish any violations stemming from this activity.”

The ethics settlement did not say Jenkins committed any wrongdoing in the course of her work for the recall campaign. It said disclosure would be required if Jenkins had spent more than 10% of her paid time on “political activities,” but “available records do not clearly establish any violations stemming from this activity.”

In a statement, Neighbors said that the California Fair Political Practices Commission exonerated the group, but it decided to settle the complaint with the Ethics Commission.

In a statement, Neighbors said that the California Fair Political Practices Commission exonerated the group, but it decided to settle the complaint with the Ethics Commission.

&#8220;Since 2022, we have put a number of controls and procedures in place to make sure that no matter how small the expense, such an error does not occur again. In this case, it was less than 5% of our total expenditures to the recall campaign,&#8221; the statement said.

"Since 2022, we have put a number of controls and procedures in place to make sure that no matter how small the expense, such an error does not occur again. In this case, it was less than 5% of our total expenditures to the recall campaign," the statement said.

&#8220;Since 2022, we have put a number of controls and procedures in place to make sure that no matter how small the expense, such an error does not occur again. In this case, it was less than 5% of our total expenditures to the recall campaign,&#8221; the statement said.

Joe Arellano, Breed’s campaign spokesperson, said the fine shows that Farrell&#8217;s mayoral bid is led by people with &#8220;questionable tactics&#8221; like slush funds, money laundering and secret back-door payments. &#8220;Mark Farrell likes to tout his business acumen on the campaign trail,&#8221; Arellano said in a statement, &#8220;but it’s clear he’s more Vito Corleone than Bill Gates.&#8221;

Joe Arellano, Breed’s campaign spokesperson, said the fine shows that Farrell's mayoral bid is led by people with "questionable tactics" like slush funds, money laundering and secret back-door payments. "Mark Farrell likes to tout his business acumen on the campaign trail," Arellano said in a statement, "but it’s clear he’s more Vito Corleone than Bill Gates."

Joe Arellano, Breed’s campaign spokesperson, said the fine shows that Farrell&#8217;s mayoral bid is led by people with &#8220;questionable tactics&#8221; like slush funds, money laundering and secret back-door payments. &#8220;Mark Farrell likes to tout his business acumen on the campaign trail,&#8221; Arellano said in a statement, &#8220;but it’s clear he’s more Vito Corleone than Bill Gates.&#8221;

Farrell did not immediately return a request for comment.

Farrell did not immediately return a request for comment.

SF political group that backed Chesa Boudin recall faces $53K ethics fine

Mike Ege

Mayor London Breed has been accused of gutting the San Francisco Ethics Commission in the wake of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/indicted-executive-fingers-ex-boss-in-san-francisco-nuru-corruption-case/">high-profile indictments</a> of former city officials.

Mayor London Breed has been accused of gutting the San Francisco Ethics Commission in the wake of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/indicted-executive-fingers-ex-boss-in-san-francisco-nuru-corruption-case/">high-profile indictments</a> of former city officials.

The first round of San Francisco’s budget review process saw sparks fly as members of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget Committee slammed the spending plan recommended for the city’s ethics watchdog by the Mayor’s Office.

The first round of San Francisco’s budget review process saw sparks fly as members of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget Committee slammed the spending plan recommended for the city’s ethics watchdog by the Mayor’s Office.

The Ethics Commission’s Acting Executive Director Gayathri Thaikkendiyil presented the recommended budget as including significant reductions in operating funds and staff over the next two fiscal years, particularly to the agency’s ethics training program for city employees and enforcement division.&nbsp;

The Ethics Commission’s Acting Executive Director Gayathri Thaikkendiyil presented the recommended budget as including significant reductions in operating funds and staff over the next two fiscal years, particularly to the agency’s ethics training program for city employees and enforcement division.&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re essentially looking at reduced staffing by 47%,” said Thaikkendiyil, describing the reduction of 16 out of the agency’s current 34 positions as significantly impacting its ability to promote transparency and accountability in city government.

“We're essentially looking at reduced staffing by 47%,” said Thaikkendiyil, describing the reduction of 16 out of the agency’s current 34 positions as significantly impacting its ability to promote transparency and accountability in city government.

“We&#8217;re essentially looking at reduced staffing by 47%,” said Thaikkendiyil, describing the reduction of 16 out of the agency’s current 34 positions as significantly impacting its ability to promote transparency and accountability in city government.

The committee presentation follows <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-francisco-ethics-watchdog-decries-severe-cuts-under-mayors-budget/">a statement released June 5</a> by Commission President Yvonne Lee denouncing the cuts and contrasting the agency’s budget with those of other, larger departments whose budgets have increased.&nbsp;

The committee presentation follows <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-francisco-ethics-watchdog-decries-severe-cuts-under-mayors-budget/">a statement released June 5</a> by Commission President Yvonne Lee denouncing the cuts and contrasting the agency’s budget with those of other, larger departments whose budgets have increased.&nbsp;

That statement also outlined impacts, including a return to a backlog in cases investigated by the enforcement division and the possible cessation of public and press access to campaign finance activity during the 2024 election period.

That statement also outlined impacts, including a return to a backlog in cases investigated by the enforcement division and the possible cessation of public and press access to campaign finance activity during the 2024 election period.

District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen speaks at a rally outside City Hall on Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137400"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen speaks outside San Francisco City Hall on Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_0313BOSPreview.jpg-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137400"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen speaks outside San Francisco City Hall on Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

After the presentation, committee member Hillary Ronen rhetorically asked, “How many city employees were indicted in the last five years by the FBI? [&#8230;] I think I can name, like, five off the top of my head. And yet despite that, the mayor&#8217;s gutting the ethics department?”

After the presentation, committee member Hillary Ronen rhetorically asked, “How many city employees were indicted in the last five years by the FBI? [...] I think I can name, like, five off the top of my head. And yet despite that, the mayor's gutting the ethics department?”

After the presentation, committee member Hillary Ronen rhetorically asked, “How many city employees were indicted in the last five years by the FBI? [&#8230;] I think I can name, like, five off the top of my head. And yet despite that, the mayor&#8217;s gutting the ethics department?”

Ronen described the cuts as “extremely alarming,” asking Breed’s Budget Director Anna Duning for an explanation.&nbsp;

Ronen described the cuts as “extremely alarming,” asking Breed’s Budget Director Anna Duning for an explanation.&nbsp;

Duning explained the agency had started a number of programs in past years staffed with temporary positions that are expiring, and the department is presenting many of them as cuts.&nbsp;

Duning explained the agency had started a number of programs in past years staffed with temporary positions that are expiring, and the department is presenting many of them as cuts.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to work with the new director coming on with the Ethics Commission to understand which of these positions should be funded on an ongoing basis,” Duning told the committee. “These weren&#8217;t necessarily cuts, just not an extension of those positions at this time. [&#8230;] There was no intention to gut the department.”&nbsp;

“Our goal is to work with the new director coming on with the Ethics Commission to understand which of these positions should be funded on an ongoing basis,” Duning told the committee. “These weren't necessarily cuts, just not an extension of those positions at this time. [...] There was no intention to gut the department.”&nbsp;

“Our goal is to work with the new director coming on with the Ethics Commission to understand which of these positions should be funded on an ongoing basis,” Duning told the committee. “These weren&#8217;t necessarily cuts, just not an extension of those positions at this time. [&#8230;] There was no intention to gut the department.”&nbsp;

The committee is doing a first round of reviews of department budgets this week, and some, like the Ethics Commission, will likely elicit debate between Breed and the supervisors in a rough budget year where the city faces a budget deficit now estimated at $744 million.&nbsp;

The committee is doing a first round of reviews of department budgets this week, and some, like the Ethics Commission, will likely elicit debate between Breed and the supervisors in a rough budget year where the city faces a budget deficit now estimated at $744 million.&nbsp;

Other proposed budgets sure to incite controversy include those for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-budget-faces-resistance-drugs-homeless/">the police department</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/parents-angry-childcare-cuts-san-francisco-supervisors-mayor-budget/">Department of Early Childhood</a>. Supervisor Myrna Melgar will be holding a press conference tomorrow over concerns about the latter agency’s budget at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at City Hall.&nbsp;

Other proposed budgets sure to incite controversy include those for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-budget-faces-resistance-drugs-homeless/">the police department</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/parents-angry-childcare-cuts-san-francisco-supervisors-mayor-budget/">Department of Early Childhood</a>. Supervisor Myrna Melgar will be holding a press conference tomorrow over concerns about the latter agency’s budget at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at City Hall.&nbsp;

A second pass of departmental reviews, this time augmented by reports from the Supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office, will take place over next week. The board must approve a city budget by July 31, and final deliberations are expected to take place June 28.

A second pass of departmental reviews, this time augmented by reports from the Supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office, will take place over next week. The board must approve a city budget by July 31, and final deliberations are expected to take place June 28.

A second pass of departmental reviews, this time augmented by reports from the Supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office, will take place over next week. The board must approve a city budget by July 31, and final deliberations are expected to take place June 28.

Mayor Breed accused of gutting San Francisco Ethics Commission after FBI probe

Han Li

San Francisco’s political campaign watchdog has accused a campaign operative of misconduct involving Ellen Lee Zhou’s 2019 mayoral run, according to a <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Finding-of-Probable-Cause-SFEC-Case-1920-031.pdf">recent report</a>.

San Francisco’s political campaign watchdog has accused a campaign operative of misconduct involving Ellen Lee Zhou’s 2019 mayoral run, according to a <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Finding-of-Probable-Cause-SFEC-Case-1920-031.pdf">recent report</a>.

The San Francisco Ethics Commission accused Paul Allen Taylor—who worked on Zhou’s campaign and coordinated controversial billboard ads—of accepting and making contributions over the legal limit, withholding required information and failing to register as a campaign consultant.

The San Francisco Ethics Commission accused Paul Allen Taylor—who worked on Zhou’s campaign and coordinated controversial billboard ads—of accepting and making contributions over the legal limit, withholding required information and failing to register as a campaign consultant.

Taylor, 70, is a retired businessman living in the East Bay and a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2018. In a phone interview, he denied the accusations and slammed the Ethics Commission’s effort as a “witch hunt.”

Taylor, 70, is a retired businessman living in the East Bay and a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2018. In a phone interview, he denied the accusations and slammed the Ethics Commission’s effort as a “witch hunt.”

“I have not violated any campaign rules,” he said. “They&#8217;re on a hunting expedition trying to bully me.”

“I have not violated any campaign rules,” he said. “They're on a hunting expedition trying to bully me.”

“I have not violated any campaign rules,” he said. “They&#8217;re on a hunting expedition trying to bully me.”

The controversy centered on a $10,000 contribution that Chinese American businesswoman Margaret Liu made to the Southern California-based Asian American Freedom Political Action Committee, which used the funds for billboard ads.

The controversy centered on a $10,000 contribution that Chinese American businesswoman Margaret Liu made to the Southern California-based Asian American Freedom Political Action Committee, which used the funds for billboard ads.

The report said that Taylor “facilitated coordination” between the political action committee and Zhou’s campaign, allowing both entities to circumvent applicable contribution and disclosure requirements.&nbsp;

The report said that Taylor “facilitated coordination” between the political action committee and Zhou’s campaign, allowing both entities to circumvent applicable contribution and disclosure requirements.&nbsp;

City laws prohibit individuals from contributing more than $500 in one race and defined the Asian American Freedom Political Action Committee’s $10,000 expenditure as “an in-kind contribution” to the campaign.

City laws prohibit individuals from contributing more than $500 in one race and defined the Asian American Freedom Political Action Committee’s $10,000 expenditure as “an in-kind contribution” to the campaign.

Taylor rejected the claims, saying he has no involvement with the political action committee, and he had no official title in Zhou’s campaign in 2019, because he was just helping a friend. While Taylor confirmed he did receive a check from Zhou, he insisted that it was simply to defray part of the cost of the billboards’ design.

Taylor rejected the claims, saying he has no involvement with the political action committee, and he had no official title in Zhou’s campaign in 2019, because he was just helping a friend. While Taylor confirmed he did receive a check from Zhou, he insisted that it was simply to defray part of the cost of the billboards’ design.

“I am strictly a volunteer,” Taylor said. “There’s no profit. I lost money.”

“I am strictly a volunteer,” Taylor said. “There’s no profit. I lost money.”

People attending a press conference stand across from an Ellen Zhou for Mayor billboard on the corner at Dore and Howard Streets  on Monday, October 21, 2019 in San Francisco, Calif. San Francisco leaders held a press conference to protest the billboard they said is racist. (Photo By Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ZhuLightened.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107936"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco leaders held a press conference on Oct. 21, 2019, to protest an Ellen Zhou for Mayor billboard on the corner of Dore and Howard streets that they said is racist. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Zhou’s campaign ran a series of billboard ads in 2019, one of which depicted Mayor London Breed in a cartoon and sparked <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">racism controversy</a> before it was taken down.&nbsp;

Zhou’s campaign ran a series of billboard ads in 2019, one of which depicted Mayor London Breed in a cartoon and sparked <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">racism controversy</a> before it was taken down.&nbsp;

Taylor condemned the Ethics Commission for disregarding Zhou’s rights.

Taylor condemned the Ethics Commission for disregarding Zhou’s rights.

Zhou said Wednesday afternoon that none of the accusations were true, and said she has no paid employee for her campaign.

Zhou said Wednesday afternoon that none of the accusations were true, and said she has no paid employee for her campaign.

The case will be heard in future Ethics Commission meetings, although a date hasn’t been scheduled. According to the <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_charter/0-0-0-4117">City Charter</a>, if the Ethics Commission determined that the violations occurred, the maximum penalty Taylor could face is $187,000.

The case will be heard in future Ethics Commission meetings, although a date hasn’t been scheduled. According to the <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_charter/0-0-0-4117">City Charter</a>, if the Ethics Commission determined that the violations occurred, the maximum penalty Taylor could face is $187,000.

Spending on political billboard ads violated SF election laws, watchdog says

Liz Lindqwister

San Francisco ethics watchdogs have long urged the city to adopt tighter restrictions on gift-giving practices that have in the past opened the door for corruption. Now, the city will take the issue to voters.

San Francisco ethics watchdogs have long urged the city to adopt tighter restrictions on gift-giving practices that have in the past opened the door for corruption. Now, the city will take the issue to voters.

The Ethics Commission voted on Aug. 18 to place a package of anti-corruption measures on the March 5, 2024, election ballot. The news comes after two delayed efforts to bring a corruption-related ballot measure to voters, first in the June 2022 special election and again on the Nov. 8, 2022, ballot.

The Ethics Commission voted on Aug. 18 to place a package of anti-corruption measures on the March 5, 2024, election ballot. The news comes after two delayed efforts to bring a corruption-related ballot measure to voters, first in the June 2022 special election and again on the Nov. 8, 2022, ballot.

“Our city residents and dedicated public servants alike expect and deserve a city government that works to promote the public good, not personal interests,” said Ethics Commission Vice Chair Theis Finlev. “Reformed conflict of interest laws and increased training for city officials can help ensure that governmental decisions are made on a fair and impartial basis.”

“Our city residents and dedicated public servants alike expect and deserve a city government that works to promote the public good, not personal interests,” said Ethics Commission Vice Chair Theis Finlev. “Reformed conflict of interest laws and increased training for city officials can help ensure that governmental decisions are made on a fair and impartial basis.”

San Francisco City Hall's dome is reflected in a nearby window on Dec. 7, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EthicsCommishGiftGiving3.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194585"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco City Hall&#8217;s dome is reflected in a nearby window on Dec. 7, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EthicsCommishGiftGiving3.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194585"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco City Hall's dome is reflected in a nearby window on Dec. 7, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EthicsCommishGiftGiving3.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-194585"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco City Hall&#8217;s dome is reflected in a nearby window on Dec. 7, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

The <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ethics-Measure-Adopted-8.18.2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ballot measure</a> introduces more explicit prohibitions on gift-giving and bribery and adds more required ethics training for city officials.

The <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Ethics-Measure-Adopted-8.18.2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ballot measure</a> introduces more explicit prohibitions on gift-giving and bribery and adds more required ethics training for city officials.

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>prohibiting members of the public from “acting as intermediaries” for city officials receiving inappropriate gifts;&nbsp;</li>



<li>making city officials personally responsible for not disclosing “certain relationships”;&nbsp;</li>



<li>creating “generally applicable incompatible activity rules”;&nbsp;</li>



<li>requiring supermajority approval from both the Board of Supervisors and the Ethics Commission in order to pass ethics-related amendments.</li>
</ul>

prohibiting members of the public from “acting as intermediaries” for city officials receiving inappropriate gifts;&nbsp;

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<li>prohibiting members of the public from “acting as intermediaries” for city officials receiving inappropriate gifts;&nbsp;</li>

making city officials personally responsible for not disclosing “certain relationships”;&nbsp;

<li>making city officials personally responsible for not disclosing “certain relationships”;&nbsp;</li>

creating “generally applicable incompatible activity rules”;&nbsp;

<li>creating “generally applicable incompatible activity rules”;&nbsp;</li>

requiring supermajority approval from both the Board of Supervisors and the Ethics Commission in order to pass ethics-related amendments.

<li>requiring supermajority approval from both the Board of Supervisors and the Ethics Commission in order to pass ethics-related amendments.</li>

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<ul><li>prohibiting members of the public from “acting as intermediaries” for city officials receiving inappropriate gifts;&nbsp;</li><li>making city officials personally responsible for not disclosing “certain relationships”;&nbsp;</li><li>creating “generally applicable incompatible activity rules”;&nbsp;</li><li>requiring supermajority approval from both the Board of Supervisors and the Ethics Commission in order to pass ethics-related amendments.</li></ul>

The Ethics Commission said <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/08/august-18-2023-meeting-agenda-item-9-discussion-and-possible-action-on-a-motion-ordering-submitted-to-the-voters-at-an-election-to-be-held-on-march-5-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it introduced the ordinance</a> to address “demonstrated shortcomings in the city’s ethics laws” and prevent future corruption, such as the Mohammed Nuru bribery scandal that rocked San Francisco’s Department of Public Works.

The Ethics Commission said <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/08/august-18-2023-meeting-agenda-item-9-discussion-and-possible-action-on-a-motion-ordering-submitted-to-the-voters-at-an-election-to-be-held-on-march-5-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it introduced the ordinance</a> to address “demonstrated shortcomings in the city’s ethics laws” and prevent future corruption, such as the Mohammed Nuru bribery scandal that rocked San Francisco’s Department of Public Works.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">These Are the Players in San Francisco’s Corruption Scandal</a>

San Francisco corruption scandal: A guide to the players involved

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">These Are the Players in San Francisco’s Corruption Scandal</a>

The commission drafted the first ballot measure in 2021 in response to the corruption scandals that toppled Nuru, the former director of Public Works, and other officials. In a report, the commission identified continuing corruption risks in ill-defined rules around giving gifts to city departments and officials.

The commission drafted the first ballot measure in 2021 in response to the corruption scandals that toppled Nuru, the former director of Public Works, and other officials. In a report, the commission identified continuing corruption risks in ill-defined rules around giving gifts to city departments and officials.

After the second ballot measure was delayed in November 2022, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/10/ethics-commission-blames-union-for-derailing-anti-corruption-ballot-measure/">ethics watchdogs blamed a union representing city department heads</a>, saying the union used a bargaining process to stall both proposed ethics ballot measures past key deadlines.

Ethics Commission blames city department heads for derailing anti-corruption ballot measure

After the second ballot measure was delayed in November 2022, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/10/ethics-commission-blames-union-for-derailing-anti-corruption-ballot-measure/">ethics watchdogs blamed a union representing city department heads</a>, saying the union used a bargaining process to stall both proposed ethics ballot measures past key deadlines.

Mohammed Nuru, former director of SF Public Works, walks to his sentencing in federal court on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/04A3574-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-70905"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Nuru, former director of the San Francisco Department of Public Works, walks to his sentencing in federal court.</figcaption></figure>

“More robust ethics rules, greater restrictions on gifts, expanded training requirements, and increased transparency regarding the sources of city funding are tools for ensuring city government works for everyone, not just a small minority that engage in, or appear to engage in, ‘pay to play’ actions to secure favorable treatment from city officials,” the <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023.08.18-Agenda-Item-09-Ballot-Measure-and-Regulation-Amendments-with-Attachments-FINAL.pdf">ballot measure proposal</a> stated.

“More robust ethics rules, greater restrictions on gifts, expanded training requirements, and increased transparency regarding the sources of city funding are tools for ensuring city government works for everyone, not just a small minority that engage in, or appear to engage in, ‘pay to play’ actions to secure favorable treatment from city officials,” the <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023.08.18-Agenda-Item-09-Ballot-Measure-and-Regulation-Amendments-with-Attachments-FINAL.pdf">ballot measure proposal</a> stated.

If successful on the March ballot, the gift-giving changes would go into effect roughly six months after the election. Implementing the ordinance would cost $43,000 in administrative fees from the 2023-24 General Reserve, according to the commission.

If successful on the March ballot, the gift-giving changes would go into effect roughly six months after the election. Implementing the ordinance would cost $43,000 in administrative fees from the 2023-24 General Reserve, according to the commission.

&#8220;In the coming weeks, the commission will be putting out additional materials that speak to the factual aspects of what the measure would do if approved by voters,&#8221; an Ethics Commission representative told The Standard.

"In the coming weeks, the commission will be putting out additional materials that speak to the factual aspects of what the measure would do if approved by voters," an Ethics Commission representative told The Standard.

&#8220;In the coming weeks, the commission will be putting out additional materials that speak to the factual aspects of what the measure would do if approved by voters,&#8221; an Ethics Commission representative told The Standard.

San Francisco voters to decide on anti-corruption ballot measure

Michael Barba

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is the target of a new ethics complaint alleging she posed as a volunteer for the recall of her predecessor Chesa Boudin while actually netting a six-figure salary for her labor.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is the target of a new ethics complaint alleging she posed as a volunteer for the recall of her predecessor Chesa Boudin while actually netting a six-figure salary for her labor.

The complaint, filed anonymously this week with the city’s Ethics Commission and state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, accuses Jenkins of failing to register as a campaign consultant—an alleged violation of San Francisco law that could rise to the level of a misdemeanor.

The complaint, filed anonymously this week with the city’s Ethics Commission and state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, accuses Jenkins of failing to register as a campaign consultant—an alleged violation of San Francisco law that could rise to the level of a misdemeanor.

The Standard was first to report that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jenkins earned a substantial salary from</a> three nonprofits closely tied to the Boudin recall, while the campaign to oust her reform-minded predecessor repeatedly cast her as an unpaid volunteer.

The Standard was first to report that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jenkins earned a substantial salary from</a> three nonprofits closely tied to the Boudin recall, while the campaign to oust her reform-minded predecessor repeatedly cast her as an unpaid volunteer.

Since disclosing the payments, Jenkins has maintained that her volunteer service on the recall had nothing to do with the nonprofits paying her to work as a consultant. But the anonymous complainant alleges otherwise.

Since disclosing the payments, Jenkins has maintained that her volunteer service on the recall had nothing to do with the nonprofits paying her to work as a consultant. But the anonymous complainant alleges otherwise.

The complaint is not likely to result in any answers by the time voters decide on Nov. 8 if Jenkins should keep the job Mayor London Breed appointed her to in July. However, the complaint could open the door for two agencies with subpoena power to obtain records Jenkins has declined to provide.

The complaint is not likely to result in any answers by the time voters decide on Nov. 8 if Jenkins should keep the job Mayor London Breed appointed her to in July. However, the complaint could open the door for two agencies with subpoena power to obtain records Jenkins has declined to provide.

The complaint asks the Ethics Commission to investigate whether Jenkins should have registered as a campaign consultant. It also alleges campaign finance violations by the recall campaign and one of the nonprofits.

The complaint asks the Ethics Commission to investigate whether Jenkins should have registered as a campaign consultant. It also alleges campaign finance violations by the recall campaign and one of the nonprofits.

The anonymous person who filed the complaint did not respond to questions about their identity but provided receipts showing they submitted the document to both agencies Tuesday. Neither agency independently confirmed its filing, as Ethics Commission complaints are confidential and FPPC complaints are not immediately available to the public.

The anonymous person who filed the complaint did not respond to questions about their identity but provided receipts showing they submitted the document to both agencies Tuesday. Neither agency independently confirmed its filing, as Ethics Commission complaints are confidential and FPPC complaints are not immediately available to the public.

The anonymous person indicated that they did not intend to influence the upcoming election but rather sought to prevent organizations in future races from setting up pay structures such as the one alleged in the complaint.

The anonymous person indicated that they did not intend to influence the upcoming election but rather sought to prevent organizations in future races from setting up pay structures such as the one alleged in the complaint.

Representatives for Jenkins and the two organizations named in the complaint dismissed the allegations against them in separate statements, while declining to answer questions.

Representatives for Jenkins and the two organizations named in the complaint dismissed the allegations against them in separate statements, while declining to answer questions.

Jenkins’ campaign consultant, Maggie Muir, called the complaint a distraction.

Jenkins’ campaign consultant, Maggie Muir, called the complaint a distraction.

“The District Attorney is focused on making more progress and advancing solutions on the issues that voters care most about, and not anonymous complaints that have no merit,” Muir said in a statement.

“The District Attorney is focused on making more progress and advancing solutions on the issues that voters care most about, and not anonymous complaints that have no merit,” Muir said in a statement.

The complaint focuses on the $153,000 salary Jenkins reportedly earned from one of the three nonprofits: Neighbors for a Better San Francisco.

The complaint focuses on the $153,000 salary Jenkins reportedly earned from one of the three nonprofits: Neighbors for a Better San Francisco.

The nonprofit, which is registered as a nonpartisan 501c3, shares the same address and a nearly identical name as the main organization that bankrolled the recall: Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy.

The nonprofit, which is registered as a nonpartisan 501c3, shares the same address and a nearly identical name as the main organization that bankrolled the recall: Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy.

Jenkins declined to answer detailed questions about her compensation after The Standard first reported on her income, but she told The Chronicle that Neighbors for a Better San Francisco paid her to analyze the impact of an old ballot measure, Proposition 47, on property crimes.

Jenkins declined to answer detailed questions about her compensation after The Standard first reported on her income, but she told The Chronicle that Neighbors for a Better San Francisco paid her to analyze the impact of an old ballot measure, Proposition 47, on property crimes.

The complaint alleges that Jenkins should have registered as a campaign consultant because she appears to have provided her paid research on Prop. 47 to the recall campaign, in addition to acting as its spokesperson.

The complaint alleges that Jenkins should have registered as a campaign consultant because she appears to have provided her paid research on Prop. 47 to the recall campaign, in addition to acting as its spokesperson.

The complaint says the theft offenses reclassified by Prop. 47 “appear to have played a major role” in the case against Boudin. It points to the recall website <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220517153640/https://caseagainstchesa.tiiny.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">featuring data on these crimes</a>—largely drawn from news articles—as evidence. (The campaign website recently went down, but <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220818035133/https://www.safersfwithoutboudin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still exists online</a>.)

The complaint says the theft offenses reclassified by Prop. 47 “appear to have played a major role” in the case against Boudin. It points to the recall website <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220517153640/https://caseagainstchesa.tiiny.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">featuring data on these crimes</a>—largely drawn from news articles—as evidence. (The campaign website recently went down, but <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220818035133/https://www.safersfwithoutboudin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still exists online</a>.)

The complaint also outlines the tangled web of connections tying all three of the nonprofits to the recall through Mary Jung, a former real estate lobbyist and erstwhile head of the local Democratic Party.

The complaint also outlines the tangled web of connections tying all three of the nonprofits to the recall through Mary Jung, a former real estate lobbyist and erstwhile head of the local Democratic Party.

“Ms. Jenkins certainly should have known that her work would be used to support the recall effort—especially given how involved she was with the same individuals on that recall effort,” the complaint reads.

“Ms. Jenkins certainly should have known that her work would be used to support the recall effort—especially given how involved she was with the same individuals on that recall effort,” the complaint reads.

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