Annie Gaus

Josh Koehn

Gabe Greschler

Jon Jacobo, a former rising star in San Francisco politics and director at a powerful affordable housing nonprofit, resigned from his job Tuesday after multiple women accused him of sex crimes and abuse.

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Jon Jacobo, a former rising star in San Francisco politics and director at a powerful affordable housing nonprofit, resigned from his job Tuesday after multiple women accused him of sex crimes and abuse.

The allegations, published in an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">investigation by The Standard,</a> ranged from stalking, harassment and threats to domestic violence, strangulation, sexual assault and rape. Some of the allegations formed the basis for police reports.

Women accused a rising SF political star of rape and abuse—and met a wall of silence

The allegations, published in an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">investigation by The Standard,</a> ranged from stalking, harassment and threats to domestic violence, strangulation, sexual assault and rape. Some of the allegations formed the basis for police reports.

Jacobo, a political organizer and director of community development at TODCO, an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">influential affordable housing organization</a> that has received millions in government grants, resigned following The Standard&#8217;s report.

SF housing nonprofit spends big on politics. Tenants deal with infestations, overdoses

Jacobo, a political organizer and director of community development at TODCO, an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">influential affordable housing organization</a> that has received millions in government grants, resigned following The Standard's report.

Jacobo, a political organizer and director of community development at TODCO, an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">influential affordable housing organization</a> that has received millions in government grants, resigned following The Standard&#8217;s report.

&#8220;After initial allegations were made against Jon, we conducted an internal review of his work with our organization and we found no issues. We were not aware of the issues raised today,&#8221; TODCO CEO Anna Yee said in a statement. &#8220;When it comes to these allegations the reality is a social&nbsp;justice nonprofit like ours is not qualified to investigate potentially criminal acts and that responsibility rests with law enforcement.&nbsp; &#8220;We can, and do, believe in two deeply held convictions equally; we must listen and hear the voices of women when they speak out and we must remember everyone deserves due process,&#8221; Yee added.&nbsp; The Standard interviewed three women, all of whom worked at high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco, about their experiences with Jacobo. They came forward with their stories about Jacobo after Sasha Perigo, a housing activist, publicly accused Jacobo of rape in 2021.

"After initial allegations were made against Jon, we conducted an internal review of his work with our organization and we found no issues. We were not aware of the issues raised today," TODCO CEO Anna Yee said in a statement. "When it comes to these allegations the reality is a social&nbsp;justice nonprofit like ours is not qualified to investigate potentially criminal acts and that responsibility rests with law enforcement.&nbsp; "We can, and do, believe in two deeply held convictions equally; we must listen and hear the voices of women when they speak out and we must remember everyone deserves due process," Yee added.&nbsp; The Standard interviewed three women, all of whom worked at high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco, about their experiences with Jacobo. They came forward with their stories about Jacobo after Sasha Perigo, a housing activist, publicly accused Jacobo of rape in 2021.

&#8220;After initial allegations were made against Jon, we conducted an internal review of his work with our organization and we found no issues. We were not aware of the issues raised today,&#8221; TODCO CEO Anna Yee said in a statement. &#8220;When it comes to these allegations the reality is a social&nbsp;justice nonprofit like ours is not qualified to investigate potentially criminal acts and that responsibility rests with law enforcement.&nbsp; &#8220;We can, and do, believe in two deeply held convictions equally; we must listen and hear the voices of women when they speak out and we must remember everyone deserves due process,&#8221; Yee added.&nbsp; The Standard interviewed three women, all of whom worked at high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco, about their experiences with Jacobo. They came forward with their stories about Jacobo after Sasha Perigo, a housing activist, publicly accused Jacobo of rape in 2021.

The investigations of Jacobo, while open, appear to have languished. In a social media post Tuesday, Police Chief Bill Scott wrote that the police department is &#8220;working diligently on these open investigations. We take sexual assault cases very seriously and we work closely with our victims.&#8221;

The investigations of Jacobo, while open, appear to have languished. In a social media post Tuesday, Police Chief Bill Scott wrote that the police department is "working diligently on these open investigations. We take sexual assault cases very seriously and we work closely with our victims."

The investigations of Jacobo, while open, appear to have languished. In a social media post Tuesday, Police Chief Bill Scott wrote that the police department is &#8220;working diligently on these open investigations. We take sexual assault cases very seriously and we work closely with our victims.&#8221;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The SFPD is working diligently on these open investigations. We take sexual assault cases very seriously and we work closely with our victims. We urge anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report your case to the SFPD. (1/4)<a href="https://t.co/Em8IViYVY0">https://t.co/Em8IViYVY0</a>&mdash; SFPD Chief Scott (@SFPDChief) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFPDChief/status/1780324633792946453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In response to The Standard&#8217;s reporting, Supervisor Hillary Ronen on Tuesday called for a hearing to investigate how the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

In response to The Standard's reporting, Supervisor Hillary Ronen on Tuesday called for a hearing to investigate how the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

In response to The Standard&#8217;s reporting, Supervisor Hillary Ronen on Tuesday called for a hearing to investigate how the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

&#8220;This morning, after reading an incredibly concerning article about allegations of sexual assault, I contacted my female colleagues on the board, and we all had the same pit in our stomachs and decided to call a hearing together,&#8221; said Ronen during Tuesday&#8217;s public board meeting.

"This morning, after reading an incredibly concerning article about allegations of sexual assault, I contacted my female colleagues on the board, and we all had the same pit in our stomachs and decided to call a hearing together," said Ronen during Tuesday's public board meeting.

&#8220;This morning, after reading an incredibly concerning article about allegations of sexual assault, I contacted my female colleagues on the board, and we all had the same pit in our stomachs and decided to call a hearing together,&#8221; said Ronen during Tuesday&#8217;s public board meeting.

“I’m sitting in bed and reading this article and thinking about what women have to endure in our city,” Supervisor Catherine Stefani added. “In what we think is a progressive city. It just makes me sick.&#8221;

“I’m sitting in bed and reading this article and thinking about what women have to endure in our city,” Supervisor Catherine Stefani added. “In what we think is a progressive city. It just makes me sick."

“I’m sitting in bed and reading this article and thinking about what women have to endure in our city,” Supervisor Catherine Stefani added. “In what we think is a progressive city. It just makes me sick.&#8221;

Supervisor Hillary Ronen at the Board of Supervisors meeting in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED02_BOSExpenses10182023.jpg?w=1908" alt="A side profile of a woman in a light sweater sitting in front of a dais with an open laptop." class="wp-image-212455"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen has called for a hearing to investigate how the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED02_BOSExpenses10182023.jpg?w=1908" alt="A side profile of a woman in a light sweater sitting in front of a dais with an open laptop." class="wp-image-212455"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen has called for a hearing to investigate how the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment. </figcaption></figure>

Ronen said she wants to specifically look into how sexual assault allegations are handled by San Francisco Police Department and how they engage with survivors. She added that how the District Attorney&#8217;s Office approaches the issue should also be investigated, along with the efficacy of a program called SHARP, or Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention, an office Ronen created to combat sexual assault and harassment.

Ronen said she wants to specifically look into how sexual assault allegations are handled by San Francisco Police Department and how they engage with survivors. She added that how the District Attorney's Office approaches the issue should also be investigated, along with the efficacy of a program called SHARP, or Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention, an office Ronen created to combat sexual assault and harassment.

Ronen said she wants to specifically look into how sexual assault allegations are handled by San Francisco Police Department and how they engage with survivors. She added that how the District Attorney&#8217;s Office approaches the issue should also be investigated, along with the efficacy of a program called SHARP, or Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention, an office Ronen created to combat sexual assault and harassment.

&#8220;What we need to know is how many complaints are made to SHARP annually, how many of those complaints get resolved, what outreach and follow-up with complainants looks like, what their outreach strategies look like, and what the uptake is from survivors for additional services,&#8221; Ronen said. &#8220;We will also look into what policy recommendations the department has made to improve the city handling of sexual assault complaints.&#8221;

"What we need to know is how many complaints are made to SHARP annually, how many of those complaints get resolved, what outreach and follow-up with complainants looks like, what their outreach strategies look like, and what the uptake is from survivors for additional services," Ronen said. "We will also look into what policy recommendations the department has made to improve the city handling of sexual assault complaints."

&#8220;What we need to know is how many complaints are made to SHARP annually, how many of those complaints get resolved, what outreach and follow-up with complainants looks like, what their outreach strategies look like, and what the uptake is from survivors for additional services,&#8221; Ronen said. &#8220;We will also look into what policy recommendations the department has made to improve the city handling of sexual assault complaints.&#8221;

Jon Jacobo resigns after Standard reports sex-crime allegations; lawmaker calls for hearings

The first time Sasha Perigo met Jon Jacobo, she couldn’t help but feel impressed.&nbsp;

The first time Sasha Perigo met Jon Jacobo, she couldn’t help but feel impressed.&nbsp;

As a young journalist who supported his stances on social justice in addition to his work as a director of an affordable housing nonprofit, Perigo had heard of Jacobo and knew he was a rising star in San Francisco’s political scene.

As a young journalist who supported his stances on social justice in addition to his work as a director of an affordable housing nonprofit, Perigo had heard of Jacobo and knew he was a rising star in San Francisco’s political scene.

But what started as a friendship after Perigo interviewed Jacobo’s boss at the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO)</a> soon turned into a nightmare that she said would traumatize her body, psyche and bank account. An invitation to come over to Jacobo’s house one night in April 2021 led to a terrifying incident, Perigo said, in which she repeatedly tried to resist Jacobo’s sexual advances before eventually being raped.

But what started as a friendship after Perigo interviewed Jacobo’s boss at the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO)</a> soon turned into a nightmare that she said would traumatize her body, psyche and bank account. An invitation to come over to Jacobo’s house one night in April 2021 led to a terrifying incident, Perigo said, in which she repeatedly tried to resist Jacobo’s sexual advances before eventually being raped.

“I cannot emphasize how much this was not a misunderstanding,” Perigo said. “He looked me in my eyes when I said ‘no’ and took off my pants. It was so clearly intentional. He was not drunk. There was no mistaking. I was not laughing. I was not being playful about it. Like, there was just no way.”

“I cannot emphasize how much this was not a misunderstanding,” Perigo said. “He looked me in my eyes when I said ‘no’ and took off my pants. It was so clearly intentional. He was not drunk. There was no mistaking. I was not laughing. I was not being playful about it. Like, there was just no way.”

Months would go by before Perigo publicly came forward in a letter posted to Twitter and an interview with the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Jon-Jacobo-rising-San-Francisco-political-star-16371828.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.&nbsp;

Months would go by before Perigo publicly came forward in a letter posted to Twitter and an interview with the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Jon-Jacobo-rising-San-Francisco-political-star-16371828.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">(TW: sexual assault) I&#39;m heartbroken to share that the man who raped me in April is <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Jacobo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jon_Jacobo</a>. Prior to my rape, I considered Jon a great friend and a great person, which is why it&#39;s so important for me to come forward. Please RT and share widely!<a href="https://t.co/rKatrJkCuk">https://t.co/rKatrJkCuk</a>&mdash; Sasha Perigo (@sashaperigo) <a href="https://twitter.com/sashaperigo/status/1423674978948435973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jacobo denied the allegations, saying his “memory of these events is different.” In a text message to The Standard last week, he referred back to his statement.

Jacobo denied the allegations, saying his “memory of these events is different.” In a text message to The Standard last week, he referred back to his statement.

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While the fallout was swift, it was hardly severe.&nbsp;

While the fallout was swift, it was hardly severe.&nbsp;

Police launched an investigation for potential charges, but no case moved forward. Perigo declined to work with law enforcement because of her deep distrust of police. Jacobo resigned from his seat on the Building Inspection Commission, and his political allies at City Hall distanced themselves from him.

Police launched an investigation for potential charges, but no case moved forward. Perigo declined to work with law enforcement because of her deep distrust of police. Jacobo resigned from his seat on the Building Inspection Commission, and his political allies at City Hall distanced themselves from him.

In the 19 months since the rape allegations surfaced, Jacobo has mostly operated in the background as the TODCO’s director of community development, working to renovate three of the organization’s buildings. But in interviews with his boss, TODCO President John Elberling, and nonprofit and political officials, it’s clear that Jacobo’s career is far from canceled. Rather, it appears the alleged rapist’s career trajectory is once again on the ascent.

In the 19 months since the rape allegations surfaced, Jacobo has mostly operated in the background as the TODCO’s director of community development, working to renovate three of the organization’s buildings. But in interviews with his boss, TODCO President John Elberling, and nonprofit and political officials, it’s clear that Jacobo’s career is far from canceled. Rather, it appears the alleged rapist’s career trajectory is once again on the ascent.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-to-power">Transition to Power</h2>

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<h2 id="h-transition-to-power">Transition to Power</h2>

Serving in a top role at TODCO puts Jacobo in a uniquely powerful position.

Serving in a top role at TODCO puts Jacobo in a uniquely powerful position.

Few nonprofits in the city have more political clout than TODCO, an affordable housing nonprofit that makes no attempt to build more housing on its own. Instead, the organization has leveraged its eight properties in the South of Market area to benefit from city and federal subsidies on top of a refinancing scheme that has created a piggy bank worth millions.

Few nonprofits in the city have more political clout than TODCO, an affordable housing nonprofit that makes no attempt to build more housing on its own. Instead, the organization has leveraged its eight properties in the South of Market area to benefit from city and federal subsidies on top of a refinancing scheme that has created a piggy bank worth millions.

A recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">investigation by The Standard</a> found that TODCO has dramatically increased spending on lobbying, political campaigns, salaries for executives and grants to other political groups over the last decade. Meanwhile, the organization steadily decreased the share of revenue it spends on its low-income, elderly, disabled and formerly homeless tenants, some of whom complained of rampant rodent infestations and drug overdoses in its buildings due to a lack of resident services.

A recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">investigation by The Standard</a> found that TODCO has dramatically increased spending on lobbying, political campaigns, salaries for executives and grants to other political groups over the last decade. Meanwhile, the organization steadily decreased the share of revenue it spends on its low-income, elderly, disabled and formerly homeless tenants, some of whom complained of rampant rodent infestations and drug overdoses in its buildings due to a lack of resident services.

Sasha Perigo, a tenants' rights activist, at her home in San Francisco on March 10, 2023. In 2021, Perigo accused Jon Jacobo, a director for affordable housing nonprofit TODCO, of sexually assaulting her. | Shelby Knowles for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FEATURED_TodcoPartThree03072023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137984"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sasha Perigo, a tenants rights activist, sits at her home in San Francisco on March 10, 2023. In 2021, Perigo accused Jon Jacobo, a director for affordable housing nonprofit TODCO, of sexually assaulting her. | Shelby Knowles for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

In a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-housing-todco-amazon-tax-prop-k-guaranteed-income/">two-hour interview last August</a>, Elberling told The Standard that he was starting to near retirement. The TODCO boss said newly installed CEO Anna Yee, who declined interview requests, would play a major role in future operations, and the organization was also grooming Jacobo to help oversee financial operations.

In a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-housing-todco-amazon-tax-prop-k-guaranteed-income/">two-hour interview last August</a>, Elberling told The Standard that he was starting to near retirement. The TODCO boss said newly installed CEO Anna Yee, who declined interview requests, would play a major role in future operations, and the organization was also grooming Jacobo to help oversee financial operations.

“He’s transitioning. We need someone to pick up our housing development work, the renovations and [refinancing],” Elberling said. “He’s now going through development courses on how to be a nonprofit affordable housing developer. And we’re also going to bring on an outside consultant to work with him.”

“He’s transitioning. We need someone to pick up our housing development work, the renovations and [refinancing],” Elberling said. “He’s now going through development courses on how to be a nonprofit affordable housing developer. And we’re also going to bring on an outside consultant to work with him.”

Before the rape allegations, Elberling previously saw Jacobo as a promising candidate to run for the Board of Supervisors. TODCO had once counted former Supervisor Jane Kim amongst its allies on the board, and Jacobo worked in her office near the end of her final term.

Before the rape allegations, Elberling previously saw Jacobo as a promising candidate to run for the Board of Supervisors. TODCO had once counted former Supervisor Jane Kim amongst its allies on the board, and Jacobo worked in her office near the end of her final term.

Kim, who has been prominently featured in TODCO&#8217;s political mailers, was forced to apologize after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-s-Jane-Kim-apologizes-for-bringing-man-16543560.php">bringing Jacobo to a political event</a> just weeks after the rape allegations became public. She declined comment for this story.

Kim, who has been prominently featured in TODCO's political mailers, was forced to apologize after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-s-Jane-Kim-apologizes-for-bringing-man-16543560.php">bringing Jacobo to a political event</a> just weeks after the rape allegations became public. She declined comment for this story.

Kim, who has been prominently featured in TODCO&#8217;s political mailers, was forced to apologize after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-s-Jane-Kim-apologizes-for-bringing-man-16543560.php">bringing Jacobo to a political event</a> just weeks after the rape allegations became public. She declined comment for this story.

TODCO paid for this 2016 political mailer to support Proposition C while also prominently featuring then-Supervisor Jane Kim, who was running for state Senate that year. | Courtesy photo

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TODCO-Mailer-2-2500x1406.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-135879"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">TODCO paid for this 2016 political mailer to support Proposition C while also prominently featuring then-Supervisor Jane Kim, who was running for state Senate that year. | Courtesy photo</figcaption></figure>

As Jacobo’s star rose and talk grew of him running for supervisor, Jacobo offered TODCO’s boss an opportunity to have an ally overseeing the Mission and, perhaps in time, a progressively aligned mayor.&nbsp;

As Jacobo’s star rose and talk grew of him running for supervisor, Jacobo offered TODCO’s boss an opportunity to have an ally overseeing the Mission and, perhaps in time, a progressively aligned mayor.&nbsp;

“Not now,” Elberling said last summer, declining comment on the rape allegations against Jacobo.

“Not now,” Elberling said last summer, declining comment on the rape allegations against Jacobo.

However, multiple people involved in local political campaigns told The Standard that they have been hearing talk of Jacobo once again running for supervisor after Hillary Ronen terms out of the District 9 seat at the beginning of 2025.

However, multiple people involved in local political campaigns told The Standard that they have been hearing talk of Jacobo once again running for supervisor after Hillary Ronen terms out of the District 9 seat at the beginning of 2025.

The idea of Jacobo serving in elected office or having a prominent role in leading TODCO into the future is alarming to many people in San Francisco’s political and nonprofit circles.

The idea of Jacobo serving in elected office or having a prominent role in leading TODCO into the future is alarming to many people in San Francisco’s political and nonprofit circles.

State Sen. Scott Wiener called the possibility of Jacobo leading TODCO into the future “deeply concerning.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener called the possibility of Jacobo leading TODCO into the future “deeply concerning.”

Sonja Trauss, a housing activist and executive director of YIMBY Law, said the grooming of Jacobo to help lead TODCO into the future fits a pattern for Elberling.

Sonja Trauss, a housing activist and executive director of YIMBY Law, said the grooming of Jacobo to help lead TODCO into the future fits a pattern for Elberling.

“He&#8217;s not one of these people in politics who’s a coalition builder,” she said. “I guess if you want to continue that brand, Jon Jacobo is a good choice.”

“He's not one of these people in politics who’s a coalition builder,” she said. “I guess if you want to continue that brand, Jon Jacobo is a good choice.”

“He&#8217;s not one of these people in politics who’s a coalition builder,” she said. “I guess if you want to continue that brand, Jon Jacobo is a good choice.”

Jacobo declined an interview about the rape allegations and his career.

Jacobo declined an interview about the rape allegations and his career.

“For the last year,” he said in a text message, “I&#8217;ve worked with TODCO&#8217;s director of housing development on TODCO&#8217;s three on-going property rehabilitation projects, and will continue that for the long term.”

“For the last year,” he said in a text message, “I've worked with TODCO's director of housing development on TODCO's three on-going property rehabilitation projects, and will continue that for the long term.”

“For the last year,” he said in a text message, “I&#8217;ve worked with TODCO&#8217;s director of housing development on TODCO&#8217;s three on-going property rehabilitation projects, and will continue that for the long term.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ticket-to-city-hall">Ticket to City Hall</h2>

<h2 id="h-ticket-to-city-hall">Ticket to City Hall</h2>

Sasha Perigo and Jacobo were having drinks after midnight at his house, she said, but it wasn’t anything excessive. It got late, and he offered to let her stay. Perigo had a boyfriend at the time, and while she and Jacobo had hooked up before, she told him she had no intention of doing so again.

Sasha Perigo and Jacobo were having drinks after midnight at his house, she said, but it wasn’t anything excessive. It got late, and he offered to let her stay. Perigo had a boyfriend at the time, and while she and Jacobo had hooked up before, she told him she had no intention of doing so again.

As they laid in bed, Jacobo allegedly became aggressive.

As they laid in bed, Jacobo allegedly became aggressive.

“I wasn&#8217;t like screaming at him or punching him, but I definitely was pushing him off of me and said ‘no’ dozens of times,” Perigo told The Standard. “He&#8217;s like, ‘Oh, you&#8217;ve never cheated before? It would be so hot to be your first.’”

“I wasn't like screaming at him or punching him, but I definitely was pushing him off of me and said ‘no’ dozens of times,” Perigo told The Standard. “He's like, ‘Oh, you've never cheated before? It would be so hot to be your first.’”

“I wasn&#8217;t like screaming at him or punching him, but I definitely was pushing him off of me and said ‘no’ dozens of times,” Perigo told The Standard. “He&#8217;s like, ‘Oh, you&#8217;ve never cheated before? It would be so hot to be your first.’”

Eventually, Perigo said, Jacobo stopped, and they fell asleep. But in the morning, he allegedly pounced and raped her.

Eventually, Perigo said, Jacobo stopped, and they fell asleep. But in the morning, he allegedly pounced and raped her.

Records show Perigo went to the hospital for a rape kit, and she started telling friends and family almost immediately after the alleged attack. About two to three weeks after the alleged rape, Perigo said, she and Jacobo met, as word of the incident was getting around amongst people they knew.

Records show Perigo went to the hospital for a rape kit, and she started telling friends and family almost immediately after the alleged attack. About two to three weeks after the alleged rape, Perigo said, she and Jacobo met, as word of the incident was getting around amongst people they knew.

Sasha Perigo, in a protrait at her home in San Francisco on March 10, 2023, said she received an outpouring of support after coming forward with allegations that she was raped by Jon Jacobo. | Shelby Knowles for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED2_TodcoPartThree03072023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-137991"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sasha Perigo, seen in a portrait at her home in San Francisco on March 10, 2023, said she received an outpouring of support after coming forward with allegations that she was raped by Jon Jacobo. | Shelby Knowles for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“He told me that at the time he thought it was consensual,” Perigo said. “But after he heard my explanation and my friends’ explanation, he agreed that it was rape. He told me that to my face. He was crying.”

“He told me that at the time he thought it was consensual,” Perigo said. “But after he heard my explanation and my friends’ explanation, he agreed that it was rape. He told me that to my face. He was crying.”

Jacobo told her he had started therapy and stopped drinking, she said.

Jacobo told her he had started therapy and stopped drinking, she said.

“My intention was never to come forward,” said Perigo, who couldn’t focus and lost contracts for work because of the trauma she was experiencing. “My intention was like, OK, I just want to forget about it.”

“My intention was never to come forward,” said Perigo, who couldn’t focus and lost contracts for work because of the trauma she was experiencing. “My intention was like, OK, I just want to forget about it.”

Months would go by, Perigo said, before she learned that Jacobo had been in a serious relationship at the time of the alleged attack. She not only worried about this woman’s well-being, but also felt “anger” about the trauma she had quietly endured. Within hours, she drafted a letter and posted it to Twitter the next morning.&nbsp;

Months would go by, Perigo said, before she learned that Jacobo had been in a serious relationship at the time of the alleged attack. She not only worried about this woman’s well-being, but also felt “anger” about the trauma she had quietly endured. Within hours, she drafted a letter and posted it to Twitter the next morning.&nbsp;

Friends, family, nonprofit colleagues and city supervisors all reached out to her to offer support. Perigo included her email address in her letter, and she said other women reached out to her with their own stories of uncomfortable encounters with Jacobo. Thanks to her time as a journalist, she had collected more documentation than most survivors do, which gave her a fair amount of credibility.

Friends, family, nonprofit colleagues and city supervisors all reached out to her to offer support. Perigo included her email address in her letter, and she said other women reached out to her with their own stories of uncomfortable encounters with Jacobo. Thanks to her time as a journalist, she had collected more documentation than most survivors do, which gave her a fair amount of credibility.

“I was really lucky,” Perigo said. “I was met with a lot more support than most people get.”

“I was really lucky,” Perigo said. “I was met with a lot more support than most people get.”

But in the nearly two years that have passed since the alleged rape, Perigo said, she has seen nothing come close to any sense of “restorative justice.” Jacobo continues to deny her allegations, and he is now being elevated at TODCO, reestablishing himself on social media and attending events for affordable housing—a space in which they both now work.

But in the nearly two years that have passed since the alleged rape, Perigo said, she has seen nothing come close to any sense of “restorative justice.” Jacobo continues to deny her allegations, and he is now being elevated at TODCO, reestablishing himself on social media and attending events for affordable housing—a space in which they both now work.

“If you don&#8217;t believe me, frankly, I wonder what survivors you would believe,” Perigo said. “And if you do believe me and you don&#8217;t care, what does that say about this organization and these enablers of Jon?”

“If you don't believe me, frankly, I wonder what survivors you would believe,” Perigo said. “And if you do believe me and you don't care, what does that say about this organization and these enablers of Jon?”

“If you don&#8217;t believe me, frankly, I wonder what survivors you would believe,” Perigo said. “And if you do believe me and you don&#8217;t care, what does that say about this organization and these enablers of Jon?”

Perigo has also heard the rumors of Jacobo’s resurrection as a potential political candidate.

Perigo has also heard the rumors of Jacobo’s resurrection as a potential political candidate.

“It&#8217;s like [Elberling] wants the ticket to City Hall,” she said, “and he thinks Jon’s still better than nothing.”

“It's like [Elberling] wants the ticket to City Hall,” she said, “and he thinks Jon’s still better than nothing.”

“It&#8217;s like [Elberling] wants the ticket to City Hall,” she said, “and he thinks Jon’s still better than nothing.”

TODCO exec resumes climb to power after rape accusation

Anyone in San Francisco who was worried that Thursday’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">sexual violence</a> hearing at City Hall would turn overtly political can rest easy.&nbsp;

San Francisco Democrats are having a #MeToo moment as women share stories of rape, abuse

Anyone in San Francisco who was worried that Thursday’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">sexual violence</a> hearing at City Hall would turn overtly political can rest easy.&nbsp;

Supervisors, law enforcement and leaders of the <a href="https://www.sharp-sf.org/">Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)</a>—an agency that seems to have failed in its mission after six years—eschewed partisan digs and hard questions about dysfunction to instead spend the bulk of the two-hour public safety meeting thanking one another for their commitment to do better.

Supervisors, law enforcement and leaders of the <a href="https://www.sharp-sf.org/">Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)</a>—an agency that seems to have failed in its mission after six years—eschewed partisan digs and hard questions about dysfunction to instead spend the bulk of the two-hour public safety meeting thanking one another for their commitment to do better.

Following The Standard’s report on disturbing allegations of sexual violence and abuse against once-rising political star <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">Jon Jacobo</a>—as well as survivors’ concerns that law enforcement and powerful allies had failed to hold him accountable—Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for the hearing to get a status update on SHARP, an agency she created after <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/survivors-say-sf-makes-a-mockery-of-sexual-assault-cases/article_48cb844f-c666-593a-bacd-f21048dc1444.html">a hearing on sexual assault in 2018</a>.

Following The Standard’s report on disturbing allegations of sexual violence and abuse against once-rising political star <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">Jon Jacobo</a>—as well as survivors’ concerns that law enforcement and powerful allies had failed to hold him accountable—Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for the hearing to get a status update on SHARP, an agency she created after <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/survivors-say-sf-makes-a-mockery-of-sexual-assault-cases/article_48cb844f-c666-593a-bacd-f21048dc1444.html">a hearing on sexual assault in 2018</a>.

Ronen noted Thursday that SHARP was formed because many sexual assault survivors had expressed “very unfriendly” interactions with city departments, including police and prosecutors.&nbsp;

Ronen noted Thursday that SHARP was formed because many sexual assault survivors had expressed “very unfriendly” interactions with city departments, including police and prosecutors.&nbsp;

District 9 supervisor Hillary Ronen listens during a hearing at San Francisco City Hall on Thursday, May 9, 2024. San Francisco supervisors held a hearing Thursday in response to a story by The Standard that included allegations of sexual assault and abuse by a prominent political figure, and the key findings appear to be that an office designed to help survivors has never met since it San Francisco supervisors held a hearing to address allegations of sexual assault and abuse.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="Hillary Ronen in a blazer listens as people talk in a room with an American flag in the background." class="wp-image-274337"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for Thursday&#8217;s hearing six years after she held a public meeting that led to the creation of the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP).</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="Hillary Ronen in a blazer listens as people talk in a room with an American flag in the background." class="wp-image-274337"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for Thursday's hearing six years after she held a public meeting that led to the creation of the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP).</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="Hillary Ronen in a blazer listens as people talk in a room with an American flag in the background." class="wp-image-274337"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for Thursday&#8217;s hearing six years after she held a public meeting that led to the creation of the Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP).</figcaption></figure>

SHARP was designed to help sexual assault victims navigate the path to justice, from acting as a liaison for services to working with departments when they are deemed to be unhelpful or violating rules. But since that time, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12915151&amp;GUID=E7C56EA2-4885-4DB3-AD91-C878551F6A4D">SHARP officials reported</a> receiving just 67 direct complaints and initiating 33 investigations, most of which involved simply connecting people to services outside of City Hall.&nbsp;

SHARP was designed to help sexual assault victims navigate the path to justice, from acting as a liaison for services to working with departments when they are deemed to be unhelpful or violating rules. But since that time, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12915151&amp;GUID=E7C56EA2-4885-4DB3-AD91-C878551F6A4D">SHARP officials reported</a> receiving just 67 direct complaints and initiating 33 investigations, most of which involved simply connecting people to services outside of City Hall.&nbsp;

Rather than coordinate with police, prosecutors, hospital staff and department heads to facilitate a smoother experience for victims, SHARP seems to have barely met with other city agencies in the last six years. The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sf-sharp-sex-assault-response-19429042.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a> first reported issues around the agency earlier this week.

Rather than coordinate with police, prosecutors, hospital staff and department heads to facilitate a smoother experience for victims, SHARP seems to have barely met with other city agencies in the last six years. The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sf-sharp-sex-assault-response-19429042.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a> first reported issues around the agency earlier this week.

Officials noted that SHARP developed training with the Office of Transgender Initiatives, and of the four examples they provided Thursday regarding coordination with other departments, this work seemed to be the most appreciated by the community members who spoke at the hearing.

Officials noted that SHARP developed training with the Office of Transgender Initiatives, and of the four examples they provided Thursday regarding coordination with other departments, this work seemed to be the most appreciated by the community members who spoke at the hearing.

Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s <a href="https://www.sf.gov/departments/human-rights-commission">Human Rights Commission</a>, which oversees SHARP, broke down in tears as she acknowledged “shortcomings” on behalf of her two-person team, who received a combined $365,000 in salary and benefits in 2022, according to Transparent California.

Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s <a href="https://www.sf.gov/departments/human-rights-commission">Human Rights Commission</a>, which oversees SHARP, broke down in tears as she acknowledged “shortcomings” on behalf of her two-person team, who received a combined $365,000 in salary and benefits in 2022, according to Transparent California.

“We all want to do better,” Davis said. “We are apologetic and [have regrets], but we are also committed to doing better.”

“We all want to do better,” Davis said. “We are apologetic and [have regrets], but we are also committed to doing better.”

Alexa O&#8217;Brien, captain of the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, said she was unsure if police had ever had a phone call with SHARP officials but she was certain no meetings had ever taken place in the agency’s six-year existence.&nbsp;

Alexa O'Brien, captain of the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, said she was unsure if police had ever had a phone call with SHARP officials but she was certain no meetings had ever taken place in the agency’s six-year existence.&nbsp;

Alexa O&#8217;Brien, captain of the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, said she was unsure if police had ever had a phone call with SHARP officials but she was certain no meetings had ever taken place in the agency’s six-year existence.&nbsp;

Audience members react as San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Special Victims Unit captain Alexa O'Brien speaks during a hearing at San Francisco City Hall on Thursday, May 9, 2024. San Francisco supervisors held the hearing on Thursday in response to a story by The Standard that included allegations of sexual assault and abuse by a prominent political figure, and the key findings appear to be that an office designed to help survivors has never met since it San Francisco supervisors held a hearing to address allegations of sexual assault and abuse. Responding to Supervisor Ronin’s question what SFPD could do to encourage survivors of sexual crimes to report violations against them, Captain O’Brien said schools should emphasize teaching teenagers about consent to avoid “deviant” behavior.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined02-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="An audience of women listen—one holds her hands over her mouth—as a police captain speaks at a podium about sexual assault." class="wp-image-274335"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audience members react as Alexa O’Brien, a captain for the San Francisco Police Department&#8217;s Special Victims Unit, talks about sexual assault cases in the city.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined02-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="An audience of women listen—one holds her hands over her mouth—as a police captain speaks at a podium about sexual assault." class="wp-image-274335"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audience members react as Alexa O’Brien, a captain for the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit, talks about sexual assault cases in the city.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined02-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="An audience of women listen—one holds her hands over her mouth—as a police captain speaks at a podium about sexual assault." class="wp-image-274335"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audience members react as Alexa O’Brien, a captain for the San Francisco Police Department&#8217;s Special Victims Unit, talks about sexual assault cases in the city.</figcaption></figure>

In the <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12912024&amp;GUID=DFED6FEE-ABB8-477E-9C60-6FD2496E5AA0">police presentation</a>, O’Brien noted that 81% of women and 43% of men in San Francisco have reported experiencing sexual assault and/or harassment. She noted that the Special Victims Unit has 32 investigators—a drop from previous years—and deals with a variety of crimes on top of rape and sexual assault.&nbsp;

In the <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12912024&amp;GUID=DFED6FEE-ABB8-477E-9C60-6FD2496E5AA0">police presentation</a>, O’Brien noted that 81% of women and 43% of men in San Francisco have reported experiencing sexual assault and/or harassment. She noted that the Special Victims Unit has 32 investigators—a drop from previous years—and deals with a variety of crimes on top of rape and sexual assault.&nbsp;

The number of sexual assault cases in San Francisco was above 1,000 in each of the last two years, but less than 10% of these cases led to an arrest, according to the police department. Stats provided by Monifa Willis, chief of staff in the District Attorney&#8217;s Office, showed that <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12912992&amp;GUID=F80D7652-BD92-48F2-9EDA-20C73B89F175">prosecutors filed charges for 79% of sex offense cases</a> last year, which was a noticeably higher rate than that of DA Brooke Jenkins’ predecessor, Chesa Boudin.

The number of sexual assault cases in San Francisco was above 1,000 in each of the last two years, but less than 10% of these cases led to an arrest, according to the police department. Stats provided by Monifa Willis, chief of staff in the District Attorney's Office, showed that <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12912992&amp;GUID=F80D7652-BD92-48F2-9EDA-20C73B89F175">prosecutors filed charges for 79% of sex offense cases</a> last year, which was a noticeably higher rate than that of DA Brooke Jenkins’ predecessor, Chesa Boudin.

The number of sexual assault cases in San Francisco was above 1,000 in each of the last two years, but less than 10% of these cases led to an arrest, according to the police department. Stats provided by Monifa Willis, chief of staff in the District Attorney&#8217;s Office, showed that <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12912992&amp;GUID=F80D7652-BD92-48F2-9EDA-20C73B89F175">prosecutors filed charges for 79% of sex offense cases</a> last year, which was a noticeably higher rate than that of DA Brooke Jenkins’ predecessor, Chesa Boudin.

Ronen said that an “extremely small number” of sexual assault cases are being resolved and asked O’Brien if the police have any public information campaigns “aside from Denim Day, which I think is great.” O’Brien’s presentation included a slide featuring two group pictures of cops wearing denim to raise awareness about sexual assault.

Ronen said that an “extremely small number” of sexual assault cases are being resolved and asked O’Brien if the police have any public information campaigns “aside from Denim Day, which I think is great.” O’Brien’s presentation included a slide featuring two group pictures of cops wearing denim to raise awareness about sexual assault.

“We don’t,” O’Brien said, before adding that schools could do more to address “deviant” behavior with students before they become adults.&nbsp;

“We don’t,” O’Brien said, before adding that schools could do more to address “deviant” behavior with students before they become adults.&nbsp;

O’Brien said that she and police spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky have been “campaigning” to fight back against a media narrative that police are not supportive of victims.

O’Brien said that she and police spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky have been “campaigning” to fight back against a media narrative that police are not supportive of victims.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar added that she also has been “frustrated” with press coverage by mostly male reporters, saying that it was not prioritizing the victims.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar added that she also has been “frustrated” with press coverage by mostly male reporters, saying that it was not prioritizing the victims.

Supervisors Melgar (left), Stefani are seen during a hearing at San Francisco City Hall on Thursday, May 9, 2024. San Francisco supervisors held a hearing Thursday in response to a story by The Standard that included allegations of sexual assault and abuse by a prominent political figure, and the key findings appear to be that an office designed to help survivors has never met since it San Francisco supervisors held a hearing to address allegations of sexual assault and abuse.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined05-20240509sexassaulthearing.jpg?w=2500" alt="Myrna Melgar cast a serious expression while she sits in front of a laptop and listens intently." class="wp-image-274334"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Myrna Melgar, left, focused more of her ire on the media’s reporting of sexual assault allegations than on SHARP officials, who didn’t meet with police a single time in six years to discuss helping victims.</figcaption></figure>

Melgar then went on to champion the work of former Supervisor Jane Kim—a former boss of Jacobo who also brought him to a political event just weeks after he was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/todco-affordable-housing-nonprofit-jon-jacobo-rape-accusation/">publicly accused of rape in 2021</a>—by pointing out that Kim attempted to create a group focused on sexual assaults, though it never got off the ground.

Melgar then went on to champion the work of former Supervisor Jane Kim—a former boss of Jacobo who also brought him to a political event just weeks after he was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/todco-affordable-housing-nonprofit-jon-jacobo-rape-accusation/">publicly accused of rape in 2021</a>—by pointing out that Kim attempted to create a group focused on sexual assaults, though it never got off the ground.

A half-dozen members of the public championed the work of SHARP during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying that its outreach to the transgender community was particularly needed.

A half-dozen members of the public championed the work of SHARP during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying that its outreach to the transgender community was particularly needed.

Luis Gutierrez-Mock, a director at UCSF hospitals, attempted to humanize the issue of sexual assault in public comments. He took issue with the police presentation calling people “deviants,” before turning the focus back on supervisors who were once political allies of Jacobo.

Luis Gutierrez-Mock, a director at UCSF hospitals, attempted to humanize the issue of sexual assault in public comments. He took issue with the police presentation calling people “deviants,” before turning the focus back on supervisors who were once political allies of Jacobo.

“The people who commit sexual assault are our community members,” Gutierrez-Mock said. “We had prior history and knowledge of Jon Jacobo, and he was mentored by many of the sitting supervisors here. And what was done to hold him accountable?”

“The people who commit sexual assault are our community members,” Gutierrez-Mock said. “We had prior history and knowledge of Jon Jacobo, and he was mentored by many of the sitting supervisors here. And what was done to hold him accountable?”

Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who serves as chair of the Public Safety Committee, said the results of Thursday’s hearing show that “we have to have systems in place that protect [victims] and help them through probably one of the worst times in their lives. And we’re not doing it.”

Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who serves as chair of the Public Safety Committee, said the results of Thursday’s hearing show that “we have to have systems in place that protect [victims] and help them through probably one of the worst times in their lives. And we’re not doing it.”

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