CalMatters

George Kelly

Despite pledging to be the first California governor to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article223387350.html">release his tax returns</a>&nbsp;every year while in office, Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to make any filings public during his second term.

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Despite pledging to be the first California governor to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article223387350.html">release his tax returns</a>&nbsp;every year while in office, Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to make any filings public during his second term.

Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-business-california-gavin-newsom-personal-taxes-9087bf0f1165019b39e619a2bf490eec">last disclosed a tax return</a>&nbsp;in March 2022, as he was running for reelection. Under state law, signed by Newsom himself, that requires gubernatorial candidates to release their five most recent income tax returns, he shared filings through 2020, when he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, earned nearly $1.5 million and paid about $480,000 in taxes.

Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-business-california-gavin-newsom-personal-taxes-9087bf0f1165019b39e619a2bf490eec">last disclosed a tax return</a>&nbsp;in March 2022, as he was running for reelection. Under state law, signed by Newsom himself, that requires gubernatorial candidates to release their five most recent income tax returns, he shared filings through 2020, when he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, earned nearly $1.5 million and paid about $480,000 in taxes.

Newsom’s finances have come under increased scrutiny since&nbsp;The Standard broke the news Friday that the governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/15/gavin-newsom-buys-marin-mansion/">recently paid around $9 million</a>&nbsp;for a home in the posh Marin County town of Kentfield. The Newsoms revealed over the summer that they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/24/newsom-children-marin-county-schools-00164789">planned to move back to the Bay Area</a>&nbsp;from the Sacramento suburbs “to ensure continuity in their children&#8217;s education.”

Gavin Newsom family buys $9M mansion in posh Marin town

Newsom’s finances have come under increased scrutiny since&nbsp;The Standard broke the news Friday that the governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/15/gavin-newsom-buys-marin-mansion/">recently paid around $9 million</a>&nbsp;for a home in the posh Marin County town of Kentfield. The Newsoms revealed over the summer that they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/24/newsom-children-marin-county-schools-00164789">planned to move back to the Bay Area</a>&nbsp;from the Sacramento suburbs “to ensure continuity in their children's education.”

Newsom’s finances have come under increased scrutiny since&nbsp;The Standard broke the news Friday that the governor and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/15/gavin-newsom-buys-marin-mansion/">recently paid around $9 million</a>&nbsp;for a home in the posh Marin County town of Kentfield. The Newsoms revealed over the summer that they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/24/newsom-children-marin-county-schools-00164789">planned to move back to the Bay Area</a>&nbsp;from the Sacramento suburbs “to ensure continuity in their children&#8217;s education.”

Following publication of The Standard&#8217;s story, the governor’s office clarified that Siebel Newsom purchased the home through an LLC, and no “entities outside of the family” provided financial assistance.

Following publication of The Standard's story, the governor’s office clarified that Siebel Newsom purchased the home through an LLC, and no “entities outside of the family” provided financial assistance.

Following publication of The Standard&#8217;s story, the governor’s office clarified that Siebel Newsom purchased the home through an LLC, and no “entities outside of the family” provided financial assistance.

The home in Kentfield on Friday, November 15, 2024. Governor Gavin Newsom purchased a $9 million home in Marin.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dji_fly_20241115_165330_0074_1731718836444_photo.jpeg?w=480" alt="Aerial view of mansion." class="wp-image-333282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Newsom family purchased this $9 million home in Marin.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dji_fly_20241115_165330_0074_1731718836444_photo.jpeg?w=480" alt="Aerial view of mansion." class="wp-image-333282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Newsom family purchased this $9 million home in Marin.</figcaption></figure>

Newsom spokesperson Nathan Click declined to provide CalMatters with any of the governor&#8217;s tax returns since the 2020 filing.

Newsom spokesperson Nathan Click declined to provide CalMatters with any of the governor's tax returns since the 2020 filing.

Newsom spokesperson Nathan Click declined to provide CalMatters with any of the governor&#8217;s tax returns since the 2020 filing.

Click later told CalMatters the governor’s team would organize an opportunity for reporters to review the documents in a controlled setting, as it has in the past, but did not provide a date or respond to follow-up questions.

Click later told CalMatters the governor’s team would organize an opportunity for reporters to review the documents in a controlled setting, as it has in the past, but did not provide a date or respond to follow-up questions.

In an email Wednesday, Click told The Standard, &#8220;We will be releasing the next batch of returns in the coming weeks, in keeping with our typical practice.&#8221;&nbsp;

In an email Wednesday, Click told The Standard, "We will be releasing the next batch of returns in the coming weeks, in keeping with our typical practice."&nbsp;

In an email Wednesday, Click told The Standard, &#8220;We will be releasing the next batch of returns in the coming weeks, in keeping with our typical practice.&#8221;&nbsp;

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As governor, Newsom receives an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calhr.ca.gov/cccc/pages/cccc-salaries.aspx">annual salary</a>&nbsp;of $234,101. He continues to earn income from a wine and entertainment empire he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-putting-businesses-in-blind-trust-13482344.php">placed in a blind trust</a>&nbsp;before taking office in 2019. In their 2019 tax return, disclosed in 2021, the Newsoms revealed that they had not sold their previous home in Kentfield — which was initially on the market for nearly $6 million — and were&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/05/gavin-newsom-taxes/">renting it out for $20,000 per month</a>.

As governor, Newsom receives an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calhr.ca.gov/cccc/pages/cccc-salaries.aspx">annual salary</a>&nbsp;of $234,101. He continues to earn income from a wine and entertainment empire he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-putting-businesses-in-blind-trust-13482344.php">placed in a blind trust</a>&nbsp;before taking office in 2019. In their 2019 tax return, disclosed in 2021, the Newsoms revealed that they had not sold their previous home in Kentfield — which was initially on the market for nearly $6 million — and were&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/05/gavin-newsom-taxes/">renting it out for $20,000 per month</a>.

Newsom began&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article149406229.html">releasing his tax returns</a>&nbsp;in 2017 as he ran for his first term as governor. This resumed a tradition that had been abandoned by his predecessor, Gov. Jerry Brown, who resisted disclosing his returns, and was seen as a dig at then-President Donald Trump, whose refusal to make his tax filings public was an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/09/15/a-running-tally-of-trumps-many-excuses-for-why-he-wont-release-his-tax-returns/">enormous political controversy</a>&nbsp;at the time. Trump&#8217;s tax returns were later released after being <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/30/politics/donald-trump-tax-returns-released/index.html">obtained</a> by the Democratic-run House Ways and Means Committee.

Newsom began&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article149406229.html">releasing his tax returns</a>&nbsp;in 2017 as he ran for his first term as governor. This resumed a tradition that had been abandoned by his predecessor, Gov. Jerry Brown, who resisted disclosing his returns, and was seen as a dig at then-President Donald Trump, whose refusal to make his tax filings public was an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/09/15/a-running-tally-of-trumps-many-excuses-for-why-he-wont-release-his-tax-returns/">enormous political controversy</a>&nbsp;at the time. Trump's tax returns were later released after being <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/30/politics/donald-trump-tax-returns-released/index.html">obtained</a> by the Democratic-run House Ways and Means Committee.

Newsom began&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article149406229.html">releasing his tax returns</a>&nbsp;in 2017 as he ran for his first term as governor. This resumed a tradition that had been abandoned by his predecessor, Gov. Jerry Brown, who resisted disclosing his returns, and was seen as a dig at then-President Donald Trump, whose refusal to make his tax filings public was an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/09/15/a-running-tally-of-trumps-many-excuses-for-why-he-wont-release-his-tax-returns/">enormous political controversy</a>&nbsp;at the time. Trump&#8217;s tax returns were later released after being <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/30/politics/donald-trump-tax-returns-released/index.html">obtained</a> by the Democratic-run House Ways and Means Committee.

Two years later,&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2019/07/trump-tax-returns-newsom-agenda-jerry-brown/">Newsom signed a bill</a>&nbsp;— previously vetoed by Brown — to keep presidential candidates off the California primary ballot unless they release their tax returns. The California Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2019/11/california-trump-tax-return-law-struck-down/">struck down the law</a>&nbsp;as unconstitutional, though it did maintain a secondary provision that extends the same requirement to gubernatorial candidates in the state.

Two years later,&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2019/07/trump-tax-returns-newsom-agenda-jerry-brown/">Newsom signed a bill</a>&nbsp;— previously vetoed by Brown — to keep presidential candidates off the California primary ballot unless they release their tax returns. The California Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2019/11/california-trump-tax-return-law-struck-down/">struck down the law</a>&nbsp;as unconstitutional, though it did maintain a secondary provision that extends the same requirement to gubernatorial candidates in the state.

Nice house, Newsom — but where’s your tax return?

Cyrus Sanandaji

You’ve got to hand it to Supervisor Aaron Peskin. He knows how to blow up a movement.&nbsp;

You’ve got to hand it to Supervisor Aaron Peskin. He knows how to blow up a movement.&nbsp;

That’s just what he did with his latest move to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">limit residential development</a> in and around the Jackson Square and Northern Waterfront districts. He dealt a calculated blow to the city&#8217;s fragile, moderate, pro-housing coalition—widening the fracture between pro-housing centrists and radical elements of the YIMBY movement who want to build, build, build high-rises everywhere.

San Francisco mayor’s veto of controversial housing bill is overturned

That’s just what he did with his latest move to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">limit residential development</a> in and around the Jackson Square and Northern Waterfront districts. He dealt a calculated blow to the city's fragile, moderate, pro-housing coalition—widening the fracture between pro-housing centrists and radical elements of the YIMBY movement who want to build, build, build high-rises everywhere.

That’s just what he did with his latest move to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">limit residential development</a> in and around the Jackson Square and Northern Waterfront districts. He dealt a calculated blow to the city&#8217;s fragile, moderate, pro-housing coalition—widening the fracture between pro-housing centrists and radical elements of the YIMBY movement who want to build, build, build high-rises everywhere.

Everyone who wants more housing in San Francisco should pay heed because, like a camel&#8217;s back, the coalition won&#8217;t need much more straw to collapse.

Everyone who wants more housing in San Francisco should pay heed because, like a camel's back, the coalition won't need much more straw to collapse.

Everyone who wants more housing in San Francisco should pay heed because, like a camel&#8217;s back, the coalition won&#8217;t need much more straw to collapse.

Although Peskin&#8217;s bill blunts the effectiveness of state laws designed to allow more dense construction, he said, &#8220;This is not a policy discussion. This is a political discussion.&#8221; I agree. It was an absolute triumph of politics over good governance. Here are six implications of this debacle for the future of housing in San Francisco.

Although Peskin's bill blunts the effectiveness of state laws designed to allow more dense construction, he said, "This is not a policy discussion. This is a political discussion." I agree. It was an absolute triumph of politics over good governance. Here are six implications of this debacle for the future of housing in San Francisco.

Although Peskin&#8217;s bill blunts the effectiveness of state laws designed to allow more dense construction, he said, &#8220;This is not a policy discussion. This is a political discussion.&#8221; I agree. It was an absolute triumph of politics over good governance. Here are six implications of this debacle for the future of housing in San Francisco.

San Francisco is still not serious about building housing

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-san-francisco-is-still-not-serious-about-building-housing">San Francisco is still not serious about building housing</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-san-francisco-is-still-not-serious-about-building-housing">San Francisco is still not serious about building housing</h2>

This is a red flag for both the state and, more importantly, the capital markets. <a href="https://www.reubenlaw.com/board-of-supervisors-downzones-historic-districts-over-mayors-veto/">Peskin&#8217;s bill treats every parcel of land alike</a>, from legitimate historic sites to blighted parking structures. Meanwhile, the city already has standards to deal with demolition and major alterations of buildings in historic districts. Supervisor Catherine Stefani is working on legislation to add nuance in addressing density decontrols and height bonuses in this area, but the damage has been done. The anti-growth message sent by the vote will further deter investment in the market, compounding the housing crisis.

This is a red flag for both the state and, more importantly, the capital markets. <a href="https://www.reubenlaw.com/board-of-supervisors-downzones-historic-districts-over-mayors-veto/">Peskin's bill treats every parcel of land alike</a>, from legitimate historic sites to blighted parking structures. Meanwhile, the city already has standards to deal with demolition and major alterations of buildings in historic districts. Supervisor Catherine Stefani is working on legislation to add nuance in addressing density decontrols and height bonuses in this area, but the damage has been done. The anti-growth message sent by the vote will further deter investment in the market, compounding the housing crisis.

This is a red flag for both the state and, more importantly, the capital markets. <a href="https://www.reubenlaw.com/board-of-supervisors-downzones-historic-districts-over-mayors-veto/">Peskin&#8217;s bill treats every parcel of land alike</a>, from legitimate historic sites to blighted parking structures. Meanwhile, the city already has standards to deal with demolition and major alterations of buildings in historic districts. Supervisor Catherine Stefani is working on legislation to add nuance in addressing density decontrols and height bonuses in this area, but the damage has been done. The anti-growth message sent by the vote will further deter investment in the market, compounding the housing crisis.

Divisive politics threaten the moderate pro-housing coalition

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-divisive-politics-threaten-the-moderate-pro-housing-coalition">Divisive politics threaten the moderate pro-housing coalition</h2>

The unexpected support for overturning Mayor London Breed&#8217;s veto from Stefani and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to the housing debate. While the YIMBY movement has been effective, the “all or nothing” attitude of its radical wing needs to be replaced with a more flexible stance to avoid alienating centrists. The emphasis on wedge issues, from letting the state impose blanket construction rules, pushing for seemingly unlimited building heights, eliminating single-family zoning, repealing <a href="https://edsource.org/glossary/proposition-13">Proposition 13 property tax limits</a>, banning automobiles and trying to force zero parking on all projects, create unnecessary conflict and alienate would-be allies.&nbsp;

The unexpected support for overturning Mayor London Breed's veto from Stefani and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to the housing debate. While the YIMBY movement has been effective, the “all or nothing” attitude of its radical wing needs to be replaced with a more flexible stance to avoid alienating centrists. The emphasis on wedge issues, from letting the state impose blanket construction rules, pushing for seemingly unlimited building heights, eliminating single-family zoning, repealing <a href="https://edsource.org/glossary/proposition-13">Proposition 13 property tax limits</a>, banning automobiles and trying to force zero parking on all projects, create unnecessary conflict and alienate would-be allies.&nbsp;

The unexpected support for overturning Mayor London Breed&#8217;s veto from Stefani and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to the housing debate. While the YIMBY movement has been effective, the “all or nothing” attitude of its radical wing needs to be replaced with a more flexible stance to avoid alienating centrists. The emphasis on wedge issues, from letting the state impose blanket construction rules, pushing for seemingly unlimited building heights, eliminating single-family zoning, repealing <a href="https://edsource.org/glossary/proposition-13">Proposition 13 property tax limits</a>, banning automobiles and trying to force zero parking on all projects, create unnecessary conflict and alienate would-be allies.&nbsp;

Overly aggressive state-level maneuvers have also backfired. <a href="https://www.kqed.org/science/1991442/battle-over-san-franciscos-coastal-development-sparks-statewide-concerns">After opposition from the majority of supervisors</a>, Sen. Scott Wiener was forced to amend his <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20240119-senator-wiener-introduces-bill-exclude-urbanized-san-francisco-coastal-zone-clarify">bill</a> that would have otherwise <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20240119-senator-wiener-introduces-bill-exclude-urbanized-san-francisco-coastal-zone-clarify">limited the California Coastal Commission’s oversight</a> of San Francisco&#8217;s neighborhoods—a misguided attempt to boost development.

Overly aggressive state-level maneuvers have also backfired. <a href="https://www.kqed.org/science/1991442/battle-over-san-franciscos-coastal-development-sparks-statewide-concerns">After opposition from the majority of supervisors</a>, Sen. Scott Wiener was forced to amend his <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20240119-senator-wiener-introduces-bill-exclude-urbanized-san-francisco-coastal-zone-clarify">bill</a> that would have otherwise <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20240119-senator-wiener-introduces-bill-exclude-urbanized-san-francisco-coastal-zone-clarify">limited the California Coastal Commission’s oversight</a> of San Francisco's neighborhoods—a misguided attempt to boost development.

Overly aggressive state-level maneuvers have also backfired. <a href="https://www.kqed.org/science/1991442/battle-over-san-franciscos-coastal-development-sparks-statewide-concerns">After opposition from the majority of supervisors</a>, Sen. Scott Wiener was forced to amend his <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20240119-senator-wiener-introduces-bill-exclude-urbanized-san-francisco-coastal-zone-clarify">bill</a> that would have otherwise <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20240119-senator-wiener-introduces-bill-exclude-urbanized-san-francisco-coastal-zone-clarify">limited the California Coastal Commission’s oversight</a> of San Francisco&#8217;s neighborhoods—a misguided attempt to boost development.

Upzoning alone will not boost housing production

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upzoning-alone-will-not-boost-housing-production">Upzoning alone will not boost housing production</h2>

The true obstacles to new construction are a dysfunctional city permitting system, unnecessarily burdensome building codes and administrative policies born of decades of regressive legislation sponsored by anti-growth radicals, including Peskin and his allies.

The true obstacles to new construction are a dysfunctional city permitting system, unnecessarily burdensome building codes and administrative policies born of decades of regressive legislation sponsored by anti-growth radicals, including Peskin and his allies.

San Francisco has already approved the construction of <a href="https://sfplanning.org/project/pipeline-report#current-dashboard">68,632 housing units</a> that will not get built without tangible reforms such as eliminating transfer taxes, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-housing-fees-affordable-18258604.php">further reducing impact and permit fees</a>, property tax abatement, and streamlining planning approvals and permit issuance to less than six months. This is not sexy stuff. But our leaders should be engaged in this substantive work rather than headline-grabbing cheap shots and political grudge matches.

San Francisco has already approved the construction of <a href="https://sfplanning.org/project/pipeline-report#current-dashboard">68,632 housing units</a> that will not get built without tangible reforms such as eliminating transfer taxes, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-housing-fees-affordable-18258604.php">further reducing impact and permit fees</a>, property tax abatement, and streamlining planning approvals and permit issuance to less than six months. This is not sexy stuff. But our leaders should be engaged in this substantive work rather than headline-grabbing cheap shots and political grudge matches.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blow-to-breed">A blow to Breed</h2>

The vote effectively renders the mayor a lame duck in the eyes of many moderates. The votes of Stefani and Mandelman, once Breed allies, signal a profound shift in the city’s political alliances and Breed&#8217;s diminished capacity to effectively govern for the rest of the year. The loss of political capital is not just a personal defeat for Breed but a stark reminder of the challenges of San Francisco politics. Moderates seeking election in November must appeal to a broader voter base and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/mayor-london-breed-housing-element-california/">approach housing with more nuance</a>, as Breed is seemingly now starting to do.&nbsp;

Breed&#8217;s compromise: Are 6-story buildings the cure for housing shortage?

The vote effectively renders the mayor a lame duck in the eyes of many moderates. The votes of Stefani and Mandelman, once Breed allies, signal a profound shift in the city’s political alliances and Breed's diminished capacity to effectively govern for the rest of the year. The loss of political capital is not just a personal defeat for Breed but a stark reminder of the challenges of San Francisco politics. Moderates seeking election in November must appeal to a broader voter base and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/mayor-london-breed-housing-element-california/">approach housing with more nuance</a>, as Breed is seemingly now starting to do.&nbsp;

The vote effectively renders the mayor a lame duck in the eyes of many moderates. The votes of Stefani and Mandelman, once Breed allies, signal a profound shift in the city’s political alliances and Breed&#8217;s diminished capacity to effectively govern for the rest of the year. The loss of political capital is not just a personal defeat for Breed but a stark reminder of the challenges of San Francisco politics. Moderates seeking election in November must appeal to a broader voter base and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/mayor-london-breed-housing-element-california/">approach housing with more nuance</a>, as Breed is seemingly now starting to do.&nbsp;

Moderates must unite around bigger-picture goals

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moderates-must-unite-around-bigger-picture-goals">Moderates must unite around bigger-picture goals</h2>

Citizens should demand that candidates address the substantive issues facing our city: Creating clean and safe streets, reducing high business taxes, drug dealing, addressing mental health treatment and homelessness, and improving our public schools.

Citizens should demand that candidates address the substantive issues facing our city: Creating clean and safe streets, reducing high business taxes, drug dealing, addressing mental health treatment and homelessness, and improving our public schools.

These are all prerequisites to attracting investment to San Francisco to build housing, and tackling them requires both a moderate mayor and a moderate majority on the Board of Supervisors.

These are all prerequisites to attracting investment to San Francisco to build housing, and tackling them requires both a moderate mayor and a moderate majority on the Board of Supervisors.

Voters must reject the extreme hard-left ideology represented by people like Peskin and Supervisors Dean Preston, Connie Chan and Hillary Ronen, who have contributed to policies that hurt small businesses and blue-collar workers and led to thousands of layoffs.

Voters must reject the extreme hard-left ideology represented by people like Peskin and Supervisors Dean Preston, Connie Chan and Hillary Ronen, who have contributed to policies that hurt small businesses and blue-collar workers and led to thousands of layoffs.

Peskin could become mayor under ranked choice

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peskin-could-become-mayor-under-ranked-choice">Peskin could become mayor under ranked choice</h2>

Peskin&#8217;s cynical campaign to preserve a handful of blocks in Jackson Square and the Northeastern Waterfront was a devious trifecta. He created a flashy distraction from the tangible issues underlying the housing crisis, built momentum for a mayoral run and ensured that nothing will block the views from his multimillion-dollar home.

Peskin's cynical campaign to preserve a handful of blocks in Jackson Square and the Northeastern Waterfront was a devious trifecta. He created a flashy distraction from the tangible issues underlying the housing crisis, built momentum for a mayoral run and ensured that nothing will block the views from his multimillion-dollar home.

Peskin&#8217;s cynical campaign to preserve a handful of blocks in Jackson Square and the Northeastern Waterfront was a devious trifecta. He created a flashy distraction from the tangible issues underlying the housing crisis, built momentum for a mayoral run and ensured that nothing will block the views from his multimillion-dollar home.

Moderate candidates need to stop infighting and unite against Peskin. Citizens must understand how ranked choice voting works—a candidate with few initial votes could win if people don’t rank multiple additional candidates beyond their first choice.&nbsp;

Moderate candidates need to stop infighting and unite against Peskin. Citizens must understand how ranked choice voting works—a candidate with few initial votes could win if people don’t rank multiple additional candidates beyond their first choice.&nbsp;

This episode underscores the urgent need for new leadership and perspectives, and for extreme YIMBYs to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/california-builders-remedy-yimby-housing-law/">shift their tone</a>. If they don’t, the pendulum will swing back in favor of NIMBYs, and we won’t have a chance at the recovery required to stimulate housing development. We can’t allow Peskin and his allies to exploit this division.&nbsp;

California bill would rein in YIMBY housing law

This episode underscores the urgent need for new leadership and perspectives, and for extreme YIMBYs to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/california-builders-remedy-yimby-housing-law/">shift their tone</a>. If they don’t, the pendulum will swing back in favor of NIMBYs, and we won’t have a chance at the recovery required to stimulate housing development. We can’t allow Peskin and his allies to exploit this division.&nbsp;

Moderates’ messaging should be laser-focused on tangible, linchpin issues that will unlock housing production, with no antagonism and arrogance in the delivery. By building and maintaining a broad-based moderate coalition on housing development, we can avoid perpetuating a Doom Loop and accelerate a Boom Loop, ensuring a more prosperous future for all San Franciscans.

Moderates’ messaging should be laser-focused on tangible, linchpin issues that will unlock housing production, with no antagonism and arrogance in the delivery. By building and maintaining a broad-based moderate coalition on housing development, we can avoid perpetuating a Doom Loop and accelerate a Boom Loop, ensuring a more prosperous future for all San Franciscans.

Cyrus Sanandaji is the founder and managing principal of Presidio Bay Ventures, a San Francisco-based real estate investment and development firm that recently completed the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/housing-apartments-excelsior-development-18105343.php">largest Home-SF project</a>.

Cyrus Sanandaji is the founder and managing principal of Presidio Bay Ventures, a San Francisco-based real estate investment and development firm that recently completed the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/housing-apartments-excelsior-development-18105343.php">largest Home-SF project</a>.

YIMBYs are on their heels after supervisors’ override, imperiling housing progress

Opinion: YIMBYs are on their heels after supervisors’ override, imperiling housing progress

A grand estate known as the “Bay Area&#8217;s Western White House” is heading to auction, offering a rare opportunity to own a replica of one of the world&#8217;s most iconic buildings.

A grand estate known as the “Bay Area's Western White House” is heading to auction, offering a rare opportunity to own a replica of one of the world's most iconic buildings.

A grand estate known as the “Bay Area&#8217;s Western White House” is heading to auction, offering a rare opportunity to own a replica of one of the world&#8217;s most iconic buildings.

The 24,000-square-foot residence in Hillsborough—the posh San Mateo County enclave once home to <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/16/photos-elon-musk-sells-hillsborough-mansion-for-32-million/">Elon Musk</a>—was designed in 1930 to mirror the White House&#8217;s famous facade. It was the vision of tycoon George Hearst, the son of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, and acclaimed architect Julia Morgan.

The 24,000-square-foot residence in Hillsborough—the posh San Mateo County enclave once home to <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/16/photos-elon-musk-sells-hillsborough-mansion-for-32-million/">Elon Musk</a>—was designed in 1930 to mirror the White House's famous facade. It was the vision of tycoon George Hearst, the son of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, and acclaimed architect Julia Morgan.

The 24,000-square-foot residence in Hillsborough—the posh San Mateo County enclave once home to <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/11/16/photos-elon-musk-sells-hillsborough-mansion-for-32-million/">Elon Musk</a>—was designed in 1930 to mirror the White House&#8217;s famous facade. It was the vision of tycoon George Hearst, the son of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, and acclaimed architect Julia Morgan.

It will be auctioned by Concierge Auctions starting June 13, with the initial bid estimated to be between $10 million and $17 million. The recently renovated estate was last listed for $36.9 million.

It will be auctioned by Concierge Auctions starting June 13, with the initial bid estimated to be between $10 million and $17 million. The recently renovated estate was last listed for $36.9 million.

The Neoclassical Georgian structure features majestic columns and an impeccable horseshoe-shaped driveway that greets visitors to 401 El Cerrito Ave. rather than 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The Neoclassical Georgian structure features majestic columns and an impeccable horseshoe-shaped driveway that greets visitors to 401 El Cerrito Ave. rather than 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The interior design of the 11-bedroom, nine-bath (and five-half-bath!) home blends vintage accents like intricate crown molding with contemporary elements throughout its four floors.

The interior design of the 11-bedroom, nine-bath (and five-half-bath!) home blends vintage accents like intricate crown molding with contemporary elements throughout its four floors.

In the home&#8217;s lower-level “staff quarters,” a fitness room, wine cellar, living room and laundry center would likely take the sting out of hosting guests or family members for extended periods.

In the home's lower-level “staff quarters,” a fitness room, wine cellar, living room and laundry center would likely take the sting out of hosting guests or family members for extended periods.

In the home&#8217;s lower-level “staff quarters,” a fitness room, wine cellar, living room and laundry center would likely take the sting out of hosting guests or family members for extended periods.

Highlights include a wood-paneled “Oval Office,” a gourmet kitchen, a primary suite with dual bathrooms and dressing rooms, a pool pavilion and a home theater.

Highlights include a wood-paneled “Oval Office,” a gourmet kitchen, a primary suite with dual bathrooms and dressing rooms, a pool pavilion and a home theater.

“There&#8217;s nothing quite like being greeted by the majestic columns and a facade exuding such grandeur—a sight that is normally only available to the leader of the free world,” Alex Buljan of listing agency Compass said in a statement.

“There's nothing quite like being greeted by the majestic columns and a facade exuding such grandeur—a sight that is normally only available to the leader of the free world,” Alex Buljan of listing agency Compass said in a statement.

“There&#8217;s nothing quite like being greeted by the majestic columns and a facade exuding such grandeur—a sight that is normally only available to the leader of the free world,” Alex Buljan of listing agency Compass said in a statement.

The nearly 3-acre grounds boast a rose garden, mature trees and a fountain-adorned gazebo.

The nearly 3-acre grounds boast a rose garden, mature trees and a fountain-adorned gazebo.

The town of Hillsborough is known for its top-ranked schools, a private golf course and a strong sense of community.

The town of Hillsborough is known for its top-ranked schools, a private golf course and a strong sense of community.

The 'Western White House,' a Julia Morgan-designed estate on nearly 3 acres of land in Hillsborough, Calif., will go up for auction June 13.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california39.jpg?w=2500" alt="A grove of tall green trees surrounds a large white building seen from above" class="wp-image-275955"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The “Western White House” is pictured from above.</figcaption></figure>

inside A chandelier hangs over a wooden-floored interior atrium with a fireplacee 'Western White House,' a Julia Morgan-designed estate on nearly 3 acres of land in Hillsborough, Calif., will go up for auction June 13.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california04.jpg?w=2500" alt="A chandelier hangs over a wooden-floored interior atrium with a fireplace at an estate" class="wp-image-275948"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">That&#8217;s quite the chandelier, “Mr. President.”</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california04.jpg?w=2500" alt="A chandelier hangs over a wooden-floored interior atrium with a fireplace at an estate" class="wp-image-275948"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">That's quite the chandelier, “Mr. President.”</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california04.jpg?w=2500" alt="A chandelier hangs over a wooden-floored interior atrium with a fireplace at an estate" class="wp-image-275948"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">That&#8217;s quite the chandelier, “Mr. President.”</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california07.jpg?w=2500" alt="An estate room with a wood-lined, window-ringed interior looks out on a sunny tree-lined yard" class="wp-image-275949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Your very own Oval Office; imagine the classified documents you could stash in here?</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california11.jpg?w=2500" alt="Fancy chandeliers, deep cabinets and a marble-topped island adorn a kitchen within the 'Western White House'" class="wp-image-275951"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There is plenty of natural light in the kitchen &#8230; and an unnatural amount of fancy light fixtures.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california11.jpg?w=2500" alt="Fancy chandeliers, deep cabinets and a marble-topped island adorn a kitchen within the 'Western White House'" class="wp-image-275951"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There is plenty of natural light in the kitchen ... and an unnatural amount of fancy light fixtures.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california11.jpg?w=2500" alt="Fancy chandeliers, deep cabinets and a marble-topped island adorn a kitchen within the 'Western White House'" class="wp-image-275951"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There is plenty of natural light in the kitchen &#8230; and an unnatural amount of fancy light fixtures.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california28.jpg?w=2500" alt="A swimming pool shimmers in sunlight next to flowers, a small fountain and a line of trees" class="wp-image-275952"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The actual White House has two swimming pools, but not like this one.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california34.jpg?w=2500" alt="An ornate circular fountain burbles in front of a large white building at evening time" class="wp-image-275954" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You&#8217;d certainly feel like the commander-in-chief living here. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california34.jpg?w=2500" alt="An ornate circular fountain burbles in front of a large white building at evening time" class="wp-image-275954" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You'd certainly feel like the commander-in-chief living here. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/401-el-cerrito-avenue-hillsborough-california34.jpg?w=2500" alt="An ornate circular fountain burbles in front of a large white building at evening time" class="wp-image-275954" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You&#8217;d certainly feel like the commander-in-chief living here. </figcaption></figure>

Inside Hillsborough’s ‘Western White House’ as it goes on sale

Annie Gaus

In the latest bid to force San Francisco to approve more housing, California’s Department of Housing and Community Housing sent the Board of Supervisors a letter warning lawmakers to pass a key housing bill or risk falling out of compliance with state law.

In the latest bid to force San Francisco to approve more housing, California’s Department of Housing and Community Housing sent the Board of Supervisors a letter warning lawmakers to pass a key housing bill or risk falling out of compliance with state law.

The letter, dated Thursday, was sent to the supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee. It advised committee members that proposed amendments to the bill could put the city out of compliance with its Housing Element—a state-mandated plan to build more housing that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-housing-plan-passes-but-faces-tight-timeline-and-tough-road-to-implementation/">the board approved in January</a>.&nbsp;

SF housing plan passes, but faces tight timeline and tough road to implementation

The letter, dated Thursday, was sent to the supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee. It advised committee members that proposed amendments to the bill could put the city out of compliance with its Housing Element—a state-mandated plan to build more housing that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-housing-plan-passes-but-faces-tight-timeline-and-tough-road-to-implementation/">the board approved in January</a>.&nbsp;

Called the Constraints Reduction Ordinance and sponsored chiefly by Mayor London Breed, the bill in question is intended to slash red tape for housing approvals by eliminating mandatory meetings and other processes for many housing projects.&nbsp;

Called the Constraints Reduction Ordinance and sponsored chiefly by Mayor London Breed, the bill in question is intended to slash red tape for housing approvals by eliminating mandatory meetings and other processes for many housing projects.&nbsp;

At the land use committee, however, the bill has been subject to a number of proposed amendments. One of those amendments created a carve-out that would apply to much of the city’s west side, according to the letter.

At the land use committee, however, the bill has been subject to a number of proposed amendments. One of those amendments created a carve-out that would apply to much of the city’s west side, according to the letter.

An earlier piece of legislation, called the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/san-francisco-supervisors-rush-housing-legislation-before-recess/">Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District,</a> aimed to ease the replacement of single-family homes with small-scale apartment buildings, particularly in the city’s heavily residential western neighborhoods. Some proposed amendments to the Constraints Reduction Ordinance would exempt those areas from many of the bill’s provisions.&nbsp;

San Francisco slashes red tape blocking new multi-family homes

An earlier piece of legislation, called the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/san-francisco-supervisors-rush-housing-legislation-before-recess/">Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District,</a> aimed to ease the replacement of single-family homes with small-scale apartment buildings, particularly in the city’s heavily residential western neighborhoods. Some proposed amendments to the Constraints Reduction Ordinance would exempt those areas from many of the bill’s provisions.&nbsp;

The state housing department said it had “concerns” about those changes, writing that they “may be inconsistent with the City’s obligations under Housing Element Law.”&nbsp;

The state housing department said it had “concerns” about those changes, writing that they “may be inconsistent with the City’s obligations under Housing Element Law.”&nbsp;

“San Francisco’s adopted and compliant housing element does not contemplate this carve-out,” wrote Melinda Coy, a housing accountability officer at the state housing department. “To ensure consistency … [the department] encourages the City to adopt the Constraints Reduction Ordinance as originally proposed.”

“San Francisco’s adopted and compliant housing element does not contemplate this carve-out,” wrote Melinda Coy, a housing accountability officer at the state housing department. “To ensure consistency … [the department] encourages the City to adopt the Constraints Reduction Ordinance as originally proposed.”

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who chairs the board’s land use committee and was an author of the Family Housing Opportunity bill, pushed back on the letter and said its interpretation of the amendments was incorrect.&nbsp;

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who chairs the board’s land use committee and was an author of the Family Housing Opportunity bill, pushed back on the letter and said its interpretation of the amendments was incorrect.&nbsp;

Supervisor Myrna Melgar during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED2_YouthSafety050523-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-157670"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Myrna Melgar listens during a Board of Supervisors meeting at San Francisco City Hall. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“I appreciate the technical assistance from [the state housing department], but at some point it becomes unhelpful politically,” Melgar said. “It just adds to the political noise.”&nbsp;

“I appreciate the technical assistance from [the state housing department], but at some point it becomes unhelpful politically,” Melgar said. “It just adds to the political noise.”&nbsp;

Melgar said her bill was compliant with the Housing Element and that the committee is working with the City Attorney’s Office to clean up the legislation and help reconcile the two bills. The board’s land use committee is scheduled to discuss the mayor’s bill again at its Monday meeting.&nbsp;

Melgar said her bill was compliant with the Housing Element and that the committee is working with the City Attorney’s Office to clean up the legislation and help reconcile the two bills. The board’s land use committee is scheduled to discuss the mayor’s bill again at its Monday meeting.&nbsp;

“My job is to have legislation that is clear and easy to understand,” Melgar said, adding that the state’s letter was intended to be helpful.&nbsp;

“My job is to have legislation that is clear and easy to understand,” Melgar said, adding that the state’s letter was intended to be helpful.&nbsp;

Over the past couple of years, the state has tightened the screws on the city’s housing policies in an effort to kick-start construction.

Over the past couple of years, the state has tightened the screws on the city’s housing policies in an effort to kick-start construction.

Last year, it took an average of 523 days for a housing project to be entitled in San Francisco, according to the state housing department. That was almost 140 days longer than the next-slowest jurisdiction in the state.&nbsp;

Last year, it took an average of 523 days for a housing project to be entitled in San Francisco, according to the state housing department. That was almost 140 days longer than the next-slowest jurisdiction in the state.&nbsp;

This week, the housing department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/25/san-francisco-housing-crisis-audit-lose-local-control/">published a first-of-its-kind report</a> on San Francisco’s housing policies and dictated, among other things, that the Board of Supervisors pass the Constraints Reduction Ordinance within 30 days.&nbsp;

Clock ticking on San Francisco to take housing action or lose control

This week, the housing department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/25/san-francisco-housing-crisis-audit-lose-local-control/">published a first-of-its-kind report</a> on San Francisco’s housing policies and dictated, among other things, that the Board of Supervisors pass the Constraints Reduction Ordinance within 30 days.&nbsp;

The report contained 18 specific actions that the city must take to come into compliance with state housing laws or face the possibility of “enforcement action.”

The report contained 18 specific actions that the city must take to come into compliance with state housing laws or face the possibility of “enforcement action.”

Under state law, falling out of compliance with its Housing Element could put the city at risk of losing state funding for affordable housing and transit and even loss of local permitting authority.&nbsp;

Under state law, falling out of compliance with its Housing Element could put the city at risk of losing state funding for affordable housing and transit and even loss of local permitting authority.&nbsp;

Melgar, who chairs the board’s land use committee, said she plans to push back on the mandate to pass the ordinance within 30 days.&nbsp;

Melgar, who chairs the board’s land use committee, said she plans to push back on the mandate to pass the ordinance within 30 days.&nbsp;

“I have full confidence that we will get it out of committee in a way that makes sense for the people of San Francisco,” Melgar said. “I don’t know if it will happen within 30 days.”&nbsp;

“I have full confidence that we will get it out of committee in a way that makes sense for the people of San Francisco,” Melgar said. “I don’t know if it will happen within 30 days.”&nbsp;

Melgar added that the 30-day requirement “was never in the Housing Element or in the legislation. And I do intend to put that in our response letter.”

Melgar added that the 30-day requirement “was never in the Housing Element or in the legislation. And I do intend to put that in our response letter.”

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