Josh Koehn

City officials have spent the better part of this year scrambling to save <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/city-audit-finds-serious-problems-at-government-funded-homelessness-nonprofit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a nonprofit that allegedly mismanaged money to house homeless people</a> in one of San Francisco’s poorest neighborhoods after it received tens of millions of dollars in city and federal grants.

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City officials have spent the better part of this year scrambling to save <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/city-audit-finds-serious-problems-at-government-funded-homelessness-nonprofit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a nonprofit that allegedly mismanaged money to house homeless people</a> in one of San Francisco’s poorest neighborhoods after it received tens of millions of dollars in city and federal grants.

But there’s one big problem: The nonprofit suspected of financial misconduct, United Council of Human Services (UCHS), isn’t even a nonprofit.

But there’s one big problem: The nonprofit suspected of financial misconduct, United Council of Human Services (UCHS), isn’t even a nonprofit.

On Tuesday, the California Attorney General’s Office confirmed to The Standard that it suspended the nonprofit status of UCHS—a nearly four-decade-old organization formerly known as Mother Brown’s soup kitchen—earlier this summer after the Bayview-based organization failed to respond to multiple requests for financial documentation and filing fees going back to 2017.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the California Attorney General’s Office confirmed to The Standard that it suspended the nonprofit status of UCHS—a nearly four-decade-old organization formerly known as Mother Brown’s soup kitchen—earlier this summer after the Bayview-based organization failed to respond to multiple requests for financial documentation and filing fees going back to 2017.&nbsp;

The AG’s Office instituted a new system in the last two years to update the status of charities that were chronically delinquent. Since that time, the office has suspended more than 5,000 charities and revoked the nonprofit status of more than 20,000, officials said.

The AG’s Office instituted a new system in the last two years to update the status of charities that were chronically delinquent. Since that time, the office has suspended more than 5,000 charities and revoked the nonprofit status of more than 20,000, officials said.

An organization that has its nonprofit status suspended or revoked cannot solicit donations or operate as a charity in California, but the website for UCHS still identifies itself as a nonprofit and has a page set up for people to give donations.

An organization that has its nonprofit status suspended or revoked cannot solicit donations or operate as a charity in California, but the website for UCHS still identifies itself as a nonprofit and has a page set up for people to give donations.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-22-at-11.23.00-AM-2500x1289.png" alt="" class="wp-image-96762"/><figcaption>A screenshot taken Tuesday from the United Council of Human Services&#8217; website notes the organization still lists itself as a nonprofit despite having this status suspended in June. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-22-at-11.23.00-AM-2500x1289.png" alt="" class="wp-image-96762"/><figcaption>A screenshot taken Tuesday from the United Council of Human Services' website notes the organization still lists itself as a nonprofit despite having this status suspended in June. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-22-at-11.23.00-AM-2500x1289.png" alt="" class="wp-image-96762"/><figcaption>A screenshot taken Tuesday from the United Council of Human Services&#8217; website notes the organization still lists itself as a nonprofit despite having this status suspended in June. </figcaption></figure>

From April through October, officials in the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) were working to keep UCHS afloat by finding a new fiscal sponsor to help assist and manage the flow of millions in grants—all while the organization, which runs housing, shelter and drop-in services for homeless individuals, failed to do the bare minimum to come into compliance.

From April through October, officials in the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) were working to keep UCHS afloat by finding a new fiscal sponsor to help assist and manage the flow of millions in grants—all while the organization, which runs housing, shelter and drop-in services for homeless individuals, failed to do the bare minimum to come into compliance.

HSH officials were unaware that the Bayview organization—whose <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-homeless-nonprofit-housing-united-council-ceo-family-friends/">CEO admitted to prioritizing housing for around 20 of her family, friends and employees</a>—was no longer a nonprofit until contacted for comment for this story Tuesday morning.

HSH officials were unaware that the Bayview organization—whose <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-homeless-nonprofit-housing-united-council-ceo-family-friends/">CEO admitted to prioritizing housing for around 20 of her family, friends and employees</a>—was no longer a nonprofit until contacted for comment for this story Tuesday morning.

Emily Cohen, a spokesperson for the agency, said UCHS’s transparency has been a serious concern since April, which prompted the agency to ask the City Controller’s Office to conduct an audit.&nbsp;

Emily Cohen, a spokesperson for the agency, said UCHS’s transparency has been a serious concern since April, which prompted the agency to ask the City Controller’s Office to conduct an audit.&nbsp;

“I want to make it very clear that HSH noticed these problems,” she said.

“I want to make it very clear that HSH noticed these problems,” she said.

A report released last week found <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Auditing/HOM%20BVHPF-UCHS%20Grants%20Compliance%20Audit%20Report%2011.17.22%20Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a pattern of mismanagement and financial misconduct</a>, and City Controller Ben Rosenfield and City Attorney David Chiu wrote a letter to the FBI and District Attorney’s Office asking for criminal investigations because of financial impropriety.&nbsp;

A report released last week found <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Auditing/HOM%20BVHPF-UCHS%20Grants%20Compliance%20Audit%20Report%2011.17.22%20Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a pattern of mismanagement and financial misconduct</a>, and City Controller Ben Rosenfield and City Attorney David Chiu wrote a letter to the FBI and District Attorney’s Office asking for criminal investigations because of financial impropriety.&nbsp;

In a statement Tuesday, Cohen said that HSH wants to continue working with United Council and its new fiscal sponsor, the Felton Institute, to “bring them into compliance and ensure proper fiscal management.”&nbsp;

In a statement Tuesday, Cohen said that HSH wants to continue working with United Council and its new fiscal sponsor, the Felton Institute, to “bring them into compliance and ensure proper fiscal management.”&nbsp;

HSH officials noted that Black and Brown households—the groups predominantly served by UCHS—face extreme disparities in housing and homelessness in San Francisco. Latino households make up 30% of the homeless population while only representing about 16% of the city’s residents, while African Americans make up 35% of the homeless while only comprising about 6% of the city&#8217;s residents.

HSH officials noted that Black and Brown households—the groups predominantly served by UCHS—face extreme disparities in housing and homelessness in San Francisco. Latino households make up 30% of the homeless population while only representing about 16% of the city’s residents, while African Americans make up 35% of the homeless while only comprising about 6% of the city's residents.

HSH officials noted that Black and Brown households—the groups predominantly served by UCHS—face extreme disparities in housing and homelessness in San Francisco. Latino households make up 30% of the homeless population while only representing about 16% of the city’s residents, while African Americans make up 35% of the homeless while only comprising about 6% of the city&#8217;s residents.

“Ensuring that we have culturally relevant service providers is essential to successfully addressing homelessness and reducing the racial disparities of homelessness in all neighborhoods in our city,” HSH officials said.

“Ensuring that we have culturally relevant service providers is essential to successfully addressing homelessness and reducing the racial disparities of homelessness in all neighborhoods in our city,” HSH officials said.

Gwendolyn Westbrook, the Director of the United Council of Human Services ( Mother Brown's) smiles during a meeting with SF Mayor Ed Lee to give him a tour of the facilities. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee met with the staff at Mother Brown's Dining Room program, a homeless drop-in center and soup kitchen on Jennings Street, on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.  | Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE_UnitedCouncilTaxes11012022-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-96724"/><figcaption>Gwendolyn Westbrook, the CEO of the United Council of Human Services, on March 15, 2011, in San Francisco | Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Gwendolyn Westbrook, the CEO of UCHS, refused to answer questions by phone Monday on whether her organization was still in good standing as a nonprofit.&nbsp;

Gwendolyn Westbrook, the CEO of UCHS, refused to answer questions by phone Monday on whether her organization was still in good standing as a nonprofit.&nbsp;

“Look it up,” she said before abruptly hanging up.&nbsp;

“Look it up,” she said before abruptly hanging up.&nbsp;

UCHS has received $28 million in grants to manage shelters and housing that include: Hope House Consolidated, Hope House for Veterans, the Bayview Drop-in Resource Center, Jennings Safe Sleeping Village and a shelter-in-place site at Pier 94.

UCHS has received $28 million in grants to manage shelters and housing that include: Hope House Consolidated, Hope House for Veterans, the Bayview Drop-in Resource Center, Jennings Safe Sleeping Village and a shelter-in-place site at Pier 94.

DA spokesperson Randy Quezada said the agency is “declining to comment on current or potential investigations,” while an FBI official said the bureau was reviewing records related to the criminal investigation referral.

DA spokesperson Randy Quezada said the agency is “declining to comment on current or potential investigations,” while an FBI official said the bureau was reviewing records related to the criminal investigation referral.

UCHS ran into trouble in April, when its fiscal sponsor of just two months—the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation—alerted the city that it did not feel comfortable working with Westbrook due to missing records and shoddy bookkeeping. HSH officials pleaded with the foundation to stay on until a new fiscal sponsor could be found—Felton Institute took over this work in October—while also asking the City Controller’s Office to launch an investigation into UCHS.&nbsp;

UCHS ran into trouble in April, when its fiscal sponsor of just two months—the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation—alerted the city that it did not feel comfortable working with Westbrook due to missing records and shoddy bookkeeping. HSH officials pleaded with the foundation to stay on until a new fiscal sponsor could be found—Felton Institute took over this work in October—while also asking the City Controller’s Office to launch an investigation into UCHS.&nbsp;

In April, the city stopped asking the federal government for reimbursements over fears that money granted to UCHS might have been misused.

In April, the city stopped asking the federal government for reimbursements over fears that money granted to UCHS might have been misused.

Numerous city officials contacted for this story were dismayed that the city has bent over backwards to keep funding UCHS despite obvious financial issues—the organization also was the subject of a scathing audit back in 2017.

Numerous city officials contacted for this story were dismayed that the city has bent over backwards to keep funding UCHS despite obvious financial issues—the organization also was the subject of a scathing audit back in 2017.

“You can&#8217;t keep burying your heads in the sand and saying this is the only people we can do business with,” Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

“You can't keep burying your heads in the sand and saying this is the only people we can do business with,” Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

“You can&#8217;t keep burying your heads in the sand and saying this is the only people we can do business with,” Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-huge-red-flags">‘Huge Red Flags’</h2>

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<h2 id="h-huge-red-flags">‘Huge Red Flags’</h2>

In many ways, the warning signs of financial mismanagement should have been obvious if the city had done a cursory review of UCHS tax filings prior to February 2022, when the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation took over as a fiscal sponsor.

In many ways, the warning signs of financial mismanagement should have been obvious if the city had done a cursory review of UCHS tax filings prior to February 2022, when the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation took over as a fiscal sponsor.

The Standard reviewed the <a href="https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/942936270_201912_990_2021061518360788.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCHS 2019 tax returns</a>—the most recently available documents filed with the IRS—with two experienced tax attorneys in the city. They said the records show a stunning level of “incompetence” and raise “huge red flags.”

The Standard reviewed the <a href="https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/942936270_201912_990_2021061518360788.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCHS 2019 tax returns</a>—the most recently available documents filed with the IRS—with two experienced tax attorneys in the city. They said the records show a stunning level of “incompetence” and raise “huge red flags.”

Of the $5.6 million in expenses for that year, UCHS reported roughly $2.1 million under the ambiguous designation of “other.” The only detail explaining these “other” expenses was a note about Westbrook promoting her stepdaughter and niece to program director positions.

Of the $5.6 million in expenses for that year, UCHS reported roughly $2.1 million under the ambiguous designation of “other.” The only detail explaining these “other” expenses was a note about Westbrook promoting her stepdaughter and niece to program director positions.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-22-at-12.48.52-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-96749"/><figcaption>An IRS filing for United Council of Human Services notes that part of $2.1 million in &#8220;other&#8221; expenses went toward promoting the CEO&#8217;s family members.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-22-at-12.48.52-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-96749"/><figcaption>An IRS filing for United Council of Human Services notes that part of $2.1 million in "other" expenses went toward promoting the CEO's family members.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-22-at-12.48.52-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-96749"/><figcaption>An IRS filing for United Council of Human Services notes that part of $2.1 million in &#8220;other&#8221; expenses went toward promoting the CEO&#8217;s family members.</figcaption></figure>

One of the attorneys also noted a “mysterious” liability for $467,337 that was documented as an adjustment to the year’s beginning budget. Both attorneys agreed that a charge of $10,000 to $20,000 could be explained as an understandable mistake, but a half-million-dollar adjustment would be monumental. UCHS reported an ending net balance of negative $511,000, meaning it was deeply in debt in 2020 as it continued to receive millions from the city.

One of the attorneys also noted a “mysterious” liability for $467,337 that was documented as an adjustment to the year’s beginning budget. Both attorneys agreed that a charge of $10,000 to $20,000 could be explained as an understandable mistake, but a half-million-dollar adjustment would be monumental. UCHS reported an ending net balance of negative $511,000, meaning it was deeply in debt in 2020 as it continued to receive millions from the city.

“They’re running a professional deficit,” one attorney said, meaning they require timely ongoing funding to make sure they don’t default on their debts.&nbsp;

“They’re running a professional deficit,” one attorney said, meaning they require timely ongoing funding to make sure they don’t default on their debts.&nbsp;

Additional issues were identified in the math used to account for other expenses.&nbsp;

Additional issues were identified in the math used to account for other expenses.&nbsp;

Despite reporting that it spent nearly $200,000 on accounting fees in 2019, UCHS broke down its percentage of costs for program service, management and fundraising in exact 45-45-10 ratios, respectively, across the board. This exact split was recorded for salaries and wages, payroll taxes, accounting, office expenses and even insurance.

Despite reporting that it spent nearly $200,000 on accounting fees in 2019, UCHS broke down its percentage of costs for program service, management and fundraising in exact 45-45-10 ratios, respectively, across the board. This exact split was recorded for salaries and wages, payroll taxes, accounting, office expenses and even insurance.

“The insurance—that’s just nonsense,” one attorney said. “None of the insurance [expenses] goes to fundraising.”

“The insurance—that’s just nonsense,” one attorney said. “None of the insurance [expenses] goes to fundraising.”

Since the audit was released last week, supervisors Ahsha Safaí and Catherine Stefani have called for an inquiry into all nonprofits dealing with homelessness in the city. Voters in November passed Proposition C, which will create its own review mechanisms and a new body to oversee the HSH agency.

Since the audit was released last week, supervisors Ahsha Safaí and Catherine Stefani have called for an inquiry into all nonprofits dealing with homelessness in the city. Voters in November passed Proposition C, which will create its own review mechanisms and a new body to oversee the HSH agency.

Editor&#8217;s Note: The Attorney General&#8217;s Office clarified on Wednesday that the United Council of Human Services had its nonprofit status suspended in June, and a full revocation could occur after a year has passed.

Editor's Note: The Attorney General's Office clarified on Wednesday that the United Council of Human Services had its nonprofit status suspended in June, and a full revocation could occur after a year has passed.

Editor&#8217;s Note: The Attorney General&#8217;s Office clarified on Wednesday that the United Council of Human Services had its nonprofit status suspended in June, and a full revocation could occur after a year has passed.

City didn’t know SF homeless nonprofit referred for FBI probe isn’t even a nonprofit

Han Li

When San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston ran for reelection in 2020, he changed his name on the ballot—not his English one, but his Chinese identity.

When San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston ran for reelection in 2020, he changed his name on the ballot—not his English one, but his Chinese identity.

Preston, who is of German descent, requested to appear on the ballot as “潘正義,” which means “Justice Pan” in Chinese. Previously, he was “<a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/2019%E5%B9%B411%E6%9C%885%E6%97%A5%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E7%B5%90%E6%9E%9C-%E6%91%98%E8%A6%81%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">迪恩‧普瑞斯頓</a>” on the ballot, a long and transliteration-based Chinese name.

Preston, who is of German descent, requested to appear on the ballot as “潘正義,” which means “Justice Pan” in Chinese. Previously, he was “<a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/2019%E5%B9%B411%E6%9C%885%E6%97%A5%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E7%B5%90%E6%9E%9C-%E6%91%98%E8%A6%81%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">迪恩‧普瑞斯頓</a>” on the ballot, a long and transliteration-based Chinese name.

An outspoken advocate for tenants’ rights and other progressive-leaning causes, Preston’s choice of “Justice” as his name was perhaps obvious—if a bit superhero-esque. “Pan,” on the other hand, is simply a Chinese surname that starts with the letter P.

An outspoken advocate for tenants’ rights and other progressive-leaning causes, Preston’s choice of “Justice” as his name was perhaps obvious—if a bit superhero-esque. “Pan,” on the other hand, is simply a Chinese surname that starts with the letter P.

“I think that [my Chinese name’s] relevance has increased,” Preston told The Standard. “There are a lot of Asian residents in my district now.”

“I think that [my Chinese name’s] relevance has increased,” Preston told The Standard. “There are a lot of Asian residents in my district now.”

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-politics/">Since redistricting drew the Tenderloin into Preston’s district</a> in 2022, approximately 20% of his constituents are Asian American. Citywide, Chinese Americans comprise approximately one-fourth of the population. This demographic fact leads to local election ballots being, by default, bilingual in English and Chinese and <a href="https://webbie1.sfpl.org/multimedia/pdf/elections/November2_1999short.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starting from 1999</a>, candidates will appear with Chinese names.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-politics/">Since redistricting drew the Tenderloin into Preston’s district</a> in 2022, approximately 20% of his constituents are Asian American. Citywide, Chinese Americans comprise approximately one-fourth of the population. This demographic fact leads to local election ballots being, by default, bilingual in English and Chinese and <a href="https://webbie1.sfpl.org/multimedia/pdf/elections/November2_1999short.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starting from 1999</a>, candidates will appear with Chinese names.&nbsp;

Traditionally, political candidates who are not of Chinese ancestry have appeared on the ballot with a Chinese name based on their English names’ phonetic transliteration—many of these could be a long and awkward moniker of five, six or more characters, written with a dot between the given name and surname (something never done with typical Chinese names).

Traditionally, political candidates who are not of Chinese ancestry have appeared on the ballot with a Chinese name based on their English names’ phonetic transliteration—many of these could be a long and awkward moniker of five, six or more characters, written with a dot between the given name and surname (something never done with typical Chinese names).

Supervisor Dean Preston, alongside members of Glide’s Center for Social Justice,  speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing and housing justice in San Francisco Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED01_ChineseNames-050923-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158641"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston, alongside members of Glide’s Center for Social Justice, speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing on Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

But now, aspiring officeholders are being much more deliberate about selecting an “authentic” Chinese name—normally three characters, with a Chinese surname first, and two characters as given name.&nbsp;

But now, aspiring officeholders are being much more deliberate about selecting an “authentic” Chinese name—normally three characters, with a Chinese surname first, and two characters as given name.&nbsp;

For monolingual Chinese voters, a three-character Chinese name can be easier to remember than a longer, transliterated name. Having a Chinese name that rolls off the tongue can help a candidate boost their name recognition in Chinese media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For monolingual Chinese voters, a three-character Chinese name can be easier to remember than a longer, transliterated name. Having a Chinese name that rolls off the tongue can help a candidate boost their name recognition in Chinese media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everybody-s-doing-it">Everybody’s Doing It</h2>

<h2 id="h-everybody-s-doing-it">Everybody’s Doing It</h2>

Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be one of the first to start this trend when she first ran for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, according to Chinese-language media. Harris ditched the transliteration-based name 哈里斯 (“ha lay si”) and chose 賀錦麗 (“ho gum lai”) instead. To Cantonese speakers’ ears, the new appellation had a more celebratory and positive ring (the surname Ho, 賀, means “celebrate”), while Gum-Lai has a feminine quality (錦麗 means “beautiful”). 

Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be one of the first to start this trend when she first ran for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, according to Chinese-language media. Harris ditched the transliteration-based name 哈里斯 (“ha lay si”) and chose 賀錦麗 (“ho gum lai”) instead. To Cantonese speakers’ ears, the new appellation had a more celebratory and positive ring (the surname Ho, 賀, means “celebrate”), while Gum-Lai has a feminine quality (錦麗 means “beautiful”).

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Candidates for San Francisco’s school board, City College board and the BART board are no exception—having a three-character Chinese name is now the norm.&nbsp;

Candidates for San Francisco’s school board, City College board and the BART board are no exception—having a three-character Chinese name is now the norm.&nbsp;

It&#8217;s hard to measure the actual impact of an “authentic” Chinese name on the ballot, because there is no official data on how many Chinese-reading voters call San Francisco home. But according to U.S. Census data, about 184,000 people of Chinese descent live in San Francisco, and among them, 118,000 are foreign-born. Presumably, a large number of those immigrants can read Chinese—and some American-born Chinese can, too.

It's hard to measure the actual impact of an “authentic” Chinese name on the ballot, because there is no official data on how many Chinese-reading voters call San Francisco home. But according to U.S. Census data, about 184,000 people of Chinese descent live in San Francisco, and among them, 118,000 are foreign-born. Presumably, a large number of those immigrants can read Chinese—and some American-born Chinese can, too.

It&#8217;s hard to measure the actual impact of an “authentic” Chinese name on the ballot, because there is no official data on how many Chinese-reading voters call San Francisco home. But according to U.S. Census data, about 184,000 people of Chinese descent live in San Francisco, and among them, 118,000 are foreign-born. Presumably, a large number of those immigrants can read Chinese—and some American-born Chinese can, too.

Department of Elections data shows that 95% of San Francisco voters receive the English and Chinese bilingual ballot. The other 5% requested non-English, non-Chinese language ballots like Spanish or Tagalog. About 30,000 voters requested the Chinese-language Voter Information Pamphlet (選民資料手冊), about 6% of total voters.

Department of Elections data shows that 95% of San Francisco voters receive the English and Chinese bilingual ballot. The other 5% requested non-English, non-Chinese language ballots like Spanish or Tagalog. About 30,000 voters requested the Chinese-language Voter Information Pamphlet (選民資料手冊), about 6% of total voters.

A composite image of a variety of political campaign placards that all include both English and Chinese names for City officials (from top left clockwise) District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Supervisor Joel Engardio.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_ChineseNames-050923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158644"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows a variety of political campaign placards that all include both English and Chinese names for city officials. | The Standard/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Karen Gee, an immigrant from Guangzhou who lives in San Francisco’s Portola neighborhood, is the go-to name-giver for many progressive political candidates in the city.

Karen Gee, an immigrant from Guangzhou who lives in San Francisco’s Portola neighborhood, is the go-to name-giver for many progressive political candidates in the city.

She has bestowed Chinese names on elected officials including State Assemblyman Matt Haney and Supervisor Shamann Walton. Gee’s daughter, Natalie, is the chief of staff for Walton.

She has bestowed Chinese names on elected officials including State Assemblyman Matt Haney and Supervisor Shamann Walton. Gee’s daughter, Natalie, is the chief of staff for Walton.

Gee said that she loves Chinese literature, and selecting Chinese names for others is a way for her to share the beautiful Chinese language and culture.

Gee said that she loves Chinese literature, and selecting Chinese names for others is a way for her to share the beautiful Chinese language and culture.

Gee explained that she chose Haney’s Chinese name, 楊馳馬, because the second two characters mean “running horse,” hinting that he would run like a horse in the race and win. And, the pronunciation for horse is “ma,” which is close in sound to his first name, Matt.

Gee explained that she chose Haney’s Chinese name, 楊馳馬, because the second two characters mean “running horse,” hinting that he would run like a horse in the race and win. And, the pronunciation for horse is “ma,” which is close in sound to his first name, Matt.

Natalie Gee, who’s fluent in Chinese, has also given out some Chinese names as well. Preston’s “Justice Pan,” for example, was her creation.&nbsp;

Natalie Gee, who’s fluent in Chinese, has also given out some Chinese names as well. Preston’s “Justice Pan,” for example, was her creation.&nbsp;

Karen Gee and Natalie Gee are the go-to name-givers for many progressive political candidates in the city. | Han Li/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED03_ChineseNames-050923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158656"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Karen Gee and Natalie Gee are the go-to name-givers for many progressive political candidates in the city. | Han Li/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed doesn’t have an “authentic” Chinese name but a five-character, phonetic, transliteration-based name. She has two characters, 倫敦, that approximate the sound of “London” followed by three characters, 布里德, that come close to the sound of “Breed” or “bow lay dak.” This major difference is that this type of name doesn’t have a typical Chinese surname like Chan, Zhang or Ho.

Mayor London Breed doesn’t have an “authentic” Chinese name but a five-character, phonetic, transliteration-based name. She has two characters, 倫敦, that approximate the sound of “London” followed by three characters, 布里德, that come close to the sound of “Breed” or “bow lay dak.” This major difference is that this type of name doesn’t have a typical Chinese surname like Chan, Zhang or Ho.

Breed previously said that she grew up with Chinese American friends who speak Cantonese, and her high school friend gave her the name. Aaron Peskin, president of the Board of Supervisors, also has gone for a phonetic transliterated name, 佩斯金 (pui see gum).

Breed previously said that she grew up with Chinese American friends who speak Cantonese, and her high school friend gave her the name. Aaron Peskin, president of the Board of Supervisors, also has gone for a phonetic transliterated name, 佩斯金 (pui see gum).

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-election-rules">Election Rules</h2>

<h2 id="h-election-rules">Election Rules</h2>

When a candidate submits a form to run for office in San Francisco, they have to answer a question: Do you want the Department of Elections to make you a Chinese name, or do you have one already?

When a candidate submits a form to run for office in San Francisco, they have to answer a question: Do you want the Department of Elections to make you a Chinese name, or do you have one already?

Catherine Lee, a manager of the voter information division at the department, is the de facto gatekeeper, tasked with reviewing candidates’ submissions. An immigrant from Hong Kong and a former news anchor, Lee speaks fluent Cantonese.

Catherine Lee, a manager of the voter information division at the department, is the de facto gatekeeper, tasked with reviewing candidates’ submissions. An immigrant from Hong Kong and a former news anchor, Lee speaks fluent Cantonese.

She has a few rules. The submitted names have to be in traditional Chinese, which is used in Hong Kong, Taiwan and some overseas Chinese communities while mainland China uses simplified Chinese. They cannot be the same as historic figures or celebrities. They cannot lead to ambiguity or become too promotional.

She has a few rules. The submitted names have to be in traditional Chinese, which is used in Hong Kong, Taiwan and some overseas Chinese communities while mainland China uses simplified Chinese. They cannot be the same as historic figures or celebrities. They cannot lead to ambiguity or become too promotional.

Joe Alioto Veronese files paperwork with the San Francisco Department of Elections declaring his candidacy for District Attorney in San Francisco Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. Veronese’s grandfather, Joseph Alioto served as San Franciscos 36th Mayor. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED04_ChineseNames-050923-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158647"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joe Alioto Veronese files paperwork with the San Francisco Department of Elections declaring his candidacy for District Attorney on Aug. 11, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Lee added that she likes to ask candidates to provide some examples of Chinese media coverage showing the candidate’s Chinese name has been circulated by the press.

Lee added that she likes to ask candidates to provide some examples of Chinese media coverage showing the candidate’s Chinese name has been circulated by the press.

In 2022, when former police commissioner John Hamasaki ran for district attorney, he <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/HamasakiJohn_PublicFiles.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote his Chinese name on the filing forms</a> and attached an article from the Sing Tao Daily proving that&#8217;s how Chinese media referred to him.

In 2022, when former police commissioner John Hamasaki ran for district attorney, he <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/HamasakiJohn_PublicFiles.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote his Chinese name on the filing forms</a> and attached an article from the Sing Tao Daily proving that's how Chinese media referred to him.

In 2022, when former police commissioner John Hamasaki ran for district attorney, he <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/HamasakiJohn_PublicFiles.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote his Chinese name on the filing forms</a> and attached an article from the Sing Tao Daily proving that&#8217;s how Chinese media referred to him.

But in Preston’s case, his Chinese name initially met some challenges. When he ran for supervisor in 2019, the name “Justice Pan” was <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fum60Vuk-Ay-5i0zU4lVRMeJSxW-Qf-K/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rejected</a> on the grounds that it was too positive, and the department considered it unfair to his opponents. Plus, Preston had never used it before. However, Preston won the election and continued to use Justice Pan in the Chinese press, so election officials exempted him, and let him use it on the 2020 ballot.

But in Preston’s case, his Chinese name initially met some challenges. When he ran for supervisor in 2019, the name “Justice Pan” was <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fum60Vuk-Ay-5i0zU4lVRMeJSxW-Qf-K/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rejected</a> on the grounds that it was too positive, and the department considered it unfair to his opponents. Plus, Preston had never used it before. However, Preston won the election and continued to use Justice Pan in the Chinese press, so election officials exempted him, and let him use it on the 2020 ballot.

In 2019, Assemblymember Evan Low authored <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB57" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legislation</a> to regulate Chinese translations on California’s statewide ballots. The law mandates that candidates use transliteration-based names unless they can prove that they were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/chinese-name-on-the-ballot/">born with a character-based name</a> or have been using such an “authentic” style Chinese name for at least two years.

In 2019, Assemblymember Evan Low authored <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB57" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legislation</a> to regulate Chinese translations on California’s statewide ballots. The law mandates that candidates use transliteration-based names unless they can prove that they were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/chinese-name-on-the-ballot/">born with a character-based name</a> or have been using such an “authentic” style Chinese name for at least two years.

San Francisco’s Department of Elections <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_elections/0-0-0-138">has rules</a> that slightly differ from Low’s legislation and has insisted his law doesn’t apply to local races, which means candidates do not need to prove that two-year usage. The City Attorney&#8217;s Office didn&#8217;t respond to a request for comment.

San Francisco’s Department of Elections <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_elections/0-0-0-138">has rules</a> that slightly differ from Low’s legislation and has insisted his law doesn’t apply to local races, which means candidates do not need to prove that two-year usage. The City Attorney's Office didn't respond to a request for comment.

San Francisco’s Department of Elections <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_elections/0-0-0-138">has rules</a> that slightly differ from Low’s legislation and has insisted his law doesn’t apply to local races, which means candidates do not need to prove that two-year usage. The City Attorney&#8217;s Office didn&#8217;t respond to a request for comment.

Supervisor Connie Chan, an immigrant from Hong Kong, said she’s considering actions on the board to implement Low’s bill at the local level.

Supervisor Connie Chan, an immigrant from Hong Kong, said she’s considering actions on the board to implement Low’s bill at the local level.

“We need to recognize Asian heritage,” Chan said, “and a person&#8217;s name indicates who they are and their heritage.”

“We need to recognize Asian heritage,” Chan said, “and a person's name indicates who they are and their heritage.”

“We need to recognize Asian heritage,” Chan said, “and a person&#8217;s name indicates who they are and their heritage.”

Chan, as the only Chinese American supervisor on the board, slammed some candidates for trying to trick voters with their Chinese names.

Chan, as the only Chinese American supervisor on the board, slammed some candidates for trying to trick voters with their Chinese names.

“We see that there are times where candidates are using the Chinese name as a way to mislead voters to let them think that they are of Chinese descent,” she told The Standard.

“We see that there are times where candidates are using the Chinese name as a way to mislead voters to let them think that they are of Chinese descent,” she told The Standard.

Chalida Anusasananan, both SFUSD teacher/librarian, carry signs for Connie Chan as they cross Clement Street while volunteering on election day on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in San Francisco. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED05_ChineseNames-050923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158650"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chalida Anusasananan, an SFUSD teacher/librarian, carries a sign for Supervisor Connie Chan aross Clement Street while volunteering on Election Day. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voting-for-a-chinese-name">Voting for a Chinese Name?</h2>

<h2 id="h-voting-for-a-chinese-name">Voting for a Chinese Name?</h2>

Nevertheless, Chan has bestowed an “authentic” Chinese name on one of her colleagues: Supervisor Matt Dorsey, or 麥德誠. She cited Dorsey’s long history of public service as a communication expert and his connections with Chinese-language media as the reason she did it for him.

Nevertheless, Chan has bestowed an “authentic” Chinese name on one of her colleagues: Supervisor Matt Dorsey, or 麥德誠. She cited Dorsey’s long history of public service as a communication expert and his connections with Chinese-language media as the reason she did it for him.

Chinese American identity politics have become far more complicated in San Francisco politics in recent years. By unseating Supervisor Gordon Mar last year in a race that surprised many observers, Joel Engardio, a white man, also ended a long, unbroken chain of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-district-chinese-american-supervisors/">Chinese American supervisors in the Sunset District</a>. Many Chinese American voters said that they used to vote for whomever had an Asian name, but now <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/politics/asian-voters-democrats-warning/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they take other factors into consideration</a>.

Chinese American identity politics have become far more complicated in San Francisco politics in recent years. By unseating Supervisor Gordon Mar last year in a race that surprised many observers, Joel Engardio, a white man, also ended a long, unbroken chain of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-district-chinese-american-supervisors/">Chinese American supervisors in the Sunset District</a>. Many Chinese American voters said that they used to vote for whomever had an Asian name, but now <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/politics/asian-voters-democrats-warning/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they take other factors into consideration</a>.

Supporters for Supervisor District 4 candidate Joel Engardio serve themselves food at Noriega Teriyaki House in the Outer Sunset ahead of the election results on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. | Chris Victorio for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED06_ChineseNames-050923-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158653"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supporters for Supervisor District 4 candidate Joel Engardio serve themselves food at Noriega Teriyaki House in the Outer Sunset ahead of the election results on Nov. 8, 2022. | Chris Victorio for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Even so, many potential candidates have decided to pursue a Chinese name, too. Trevor Chandler, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/an-ex-employee-of-citizen-the-public-safety-app-is-running-for-sf-supervisor/">announced a run for District 9 supervisor in the 2024 election</a>, also got himself a brand-new Chinese name, 陳澤維, which is pronounced “chun zak wai” in Cantonese, picking the surname Chan because it’s similar to “Chandler” and “zak wai” because it’s close to “Trevor.”

Even so, many potential candidates have decided to pursue a Chinese name, too. Trevor Chandler, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/an-ex-employee-of-citizen-the-public-safety-app-is-running-for-sf-supervisor/">announced a run for District 9 supervisor in the 2024 election</a>, also got himself a brand-new Chinese name, 陳澤維, which is pronounced “chun zak wai” in Cantonese, picking the surname Chan because it’s similar to “Chandler” and “zak wai” because it’s close to “Trevor.”

Another potential candidate for that race, Roberto Hernandez, confirmed with The Standard that his new Chinese name is 何保行; the last two characters mean “protect walking.”

Another potential candidate for that race, Roberto Hernandez, confirmed with The Standard that his new Chinese name is 何保行; the last two characters mean “protect walking.”

Jackie Fielder, who has also mulled a run for District 9, said she’s had a Chinese name since 2020. That year, Fielder ran a high-profile campaign against state Sen. Scott Wiener, and the local election department at that time refused to print her submitted Chinese name, 福天亮 (fuk tin leung), because she hadn’t used it for two years for a state office race.

Jackie Fielder, who has also mulled a run for District 9, said she’s had a Chinese name since 2020. That year, Fielder ran a high-profile campaign against state Sen. Scott Wiener, and the local election department at that time refused to print her submitted Chinese name, 福天亮 (fuk tin leung), because she hadn’t used it for two years for a state office race.

But for 2024, she plans to submit that name again for the ballot, because the name connects to her Native American name, “<a href="https://dictionary.hidatsa.org/2017/08/14/hvo14196/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nagsháawi</a>.” An enrolled member of the federally recognized Three Affiliated Tribes, she is ethnically Hidatsa and chose to honor that heritage.

But for 2024, she plans to submit that name again for the ballot, because the name connects to her Native American name, “<a href="https://dictionary.hidatsa.org/2017/08/14/hvo14196/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nagsháawi</a>.” An enrolled member of the federally recognized Three Affiliated Tribes, she is ethnically Hidatsa and chose to honor that heritage.

“It means ‘dawn’ or ‘daybreak,’” Fielder said of both her native name and her Chinese name, 天亮. “It shows a big part of who I am.”

“It means ‘dawn’ or ‘daybreak,’” Fielder said of both her native name and her Chinese name, 天亮. “It shows a big part of who I am.”

To court SF voters, politicians give themselves flowery Chinese names

Mike Ege

Housing dominates this week’s agenda as the Board of Supervisors prepares to put vital business to bed before going on summer recess. On deck are a vote to override <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/mayor-breed-vetoed-the-board-of-supervisors-fourplex-legislation-so-now-what/">Mayor London Breed’s veto</a> of a recently passed “fourplex” bill, and votes to place two more controversial housing proposals on the ballot. Meanwhile, yet another try at allowing fourplexes on single-family home lots is getting new life.&nbsp;

Housing dominates this week’s agenda as the Board of Supervisors prepares to put vital business to bed before going on summer recess. On deck are a vote to override <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/mayor-breed-vetoed-the-board-of-supervisors-fourplex-legislation-so-now-what/">Mayor London Breed’s veto</a> of a recently passed “fourplex” bill, and votes to place two more controversial housing proposals on the ballot. Meanwhile, yet another try at allowing fourplexes on single-family home lots is getting new life.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fourplex-redux">Fourplex Redux</h2>

<h2 id="h-fourplex-redux">Fourplex Redux</h2>

After languishing in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/a-fourplex-on-each-lot-in-debate-over-upzoning-sfs-westside-one-proposal-emerges-as-the-strongest/">development hell</a> for months, a bill to allow four-unit buildings on single-family lots <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplex-bill-passes-but-it-wont-create-much-more-housing/">was finally passed in June</a>. Introduced by District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, it was originally drafted to allow for the development of four-unit buildings on all lots throughout the city, and six-unit buildings on corner lots. But in committee, supervisors tacked on amendments that placed restrictions on projects. By the end, even Mandelman admitted that the bill would have limited impact.&nbsp;

After languishing in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/a-fourplex-on-each-lot-in-debate-over-upzoning-sfs-westside-one-proposal-emerges-as-the-strongest/">development hell</a> for months, a bill to allow four-unit buildings on single-family lots <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplex-bill-passes-but-it-wont-create-much-more-housing/">was finally passed in June</a>. Introduced by District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, it was originally drafted to allow for the development of four-unit buildings on all lots throughout the city, and six-unit buildings on corner lots. But in committee, supervisors tacked on amendments that placed restrictions on projects. By the end, even Mandelman admitted that the bill would have limited impact.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>At this point, it appears unlikely to survive Breed’s veto, as eight votes are required to override it and the bill didn&#8217;t quite meet that high threshold in June. Breed, who is allied with pro-housing groups such as the Housing Action Coalition and SF YIMBY deemed the legislation an attempt to evade Senate Bill 9, a state law that essentially abolished single-family zoning restrictions.</li></ul>

core/list

<ul><li>At this point, it appears unlikely to survive Breed’s veto, as eight votes are required to override it and the bill didn't quite meet that high threshold in June. Breed, who is allied with pro-housing groups such as the Housing Action Coalition and SF YIMBY deemed the legislation an attempt to evade Senate Bill 9, a state law that essentially abolished single-family zoning restrictions.</li></ul>

<ul><li>At this point, it appears unlikely to survive Breed’s veto, as eight votes are required to override it and the bill didn&#8217;t quite meet that high threshold in June. Breed, who is allied with pro-housing groups such as the Housing Action Coalition and SF YIMBY deemed the legislation an attempt to evade Senate Bill 9, a state law that essentially abolished single-family zoning restrictions.</li></ul>

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