Josh Koehn

A Republican billionaire, a real estate developer, a venture capitalist, a famed investor’s wife and a lawyer huddled last week to decide whether Jay Cheng—the head of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>—should continue to serve as the leader of the city’s most powerful political group.

Hello, Neighbors: Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign gets cozy with rich political group

core/paragraph

A Republican billionaire, a real estate developer, a venture capitalist, a famed investor’s wife and a lawyer huddled last week to decide whether Jay Cheng—the head of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>—should continue to serve as the leader of the city’s most powerful political group.

After spending millions to dominate local politics over the past four years, Neighbors was suddenly in the midst of a crisis.&nbsp;

After spending millions to dominate local politics over the past four years, Neighbors was suddenly in the midst of a crisis.&nbsp;

Media outlets were reporting that Cheng had attempted to help hire staff for Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign, raising questions about improper coordination between the Neighbors political committee and a candidate committee. More disturbingly, old reports of Cheng being <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/17/uc-student-regent-accused-of-sex-assault-resigns/">accused of sexual battery</a> by an ex-partner in 2010 were resurfacing.

Media outlets were reporting that Cheng had attempted to help hire staff for Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign, raising questions about improper coordination between the Neighbors political committee and a candidate committee. More disturbingly, old reports of Cheng being <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/17/uc-student-regent-accused-of-sex-assault-resigns/">accused of sexual battery</a> by an ex-partner in 2010 were resurfacing.

Casting doubt on his claims of innocence then and today, Cheng had confessed in multiple emails—under duress, he said—to sexually assaulting the woman.&nbsp;

Casting doubt on his claims of innocence then and today, Cheng had confessed in multiple emails—under duress, he said—to sexually assaulting the woman.&nbsp;

“I am sorry for sexually assaulting you,” Cheng wrote. “I tried to rape you and I thank you everyday for not letting me do that to you.”

“I am sorry for sexually assaulting you,” Cheng wrote. “I tried to rape you and I thank you everyday for not letting me do that to you.”

If there was any doubt that Neighbors officials sensed that their leader was under siege, the organization hired political consultant Sam Singer, the Bay Area’s preeminent crisis communications manager. After the board meeting, Neighbors circled the wagons and launched a coordinated PR campaign.&nbsp;

If there was any doubt that Neighbors officials sensed that their leader was under siege, the organization hired political consultant Sam Singer, the Bay Area’s preeminent crisis communications manager. After the board meeting, Neighbors circled the wagons and launched a coordinated PR campaign.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the board sent <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixProjNow/status/1786084825193144581/photo/1">a letter to rattled donors</a> to reassure them that Cheng was innocent of any wrongdoing politically as well as criminally. The letter said that Cheng was ordered by the board to not have any interactions with mayoral candidates or campaigns, and the sexual assault allegations were “behind him” as no criminal or civil charges were ever filed.

On Wednesday, the board sent <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixProjNow/status/1786084825193144581/photo/1">a letter to rattled donors</a> to reassure them that Cheng was innocent of any wrongdoing politically as well as criminally. The letter said that Cheng was ordered by the board to not have any interactions with mayoral candidates or campaigns, and the sexual assault allegations were “behind him” as no criminal or civil charges were ever filed.

The next day, Cheng sent a letter defending himself against the allegations of sexual assault to Nancy Tung, the new chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, which was hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">a hearing on predatory sexual behavior and harassment</a> in local politics. Cheng was the latest prominent figure to come under the spotlight after The Standard reported disturbing allegations 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>.

Local Democratic leader on leave after sexual misconduct allegations emerge

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

The next day, Cheng sent a letter defending himself against the allegations of sexual assault to Nancy Tung, the new chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, which was hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">a hearing on predatory sexual behavior and harassment</a> in local politics. Cheng was the latest prominent figure to come under the spotlight after The Standard reported disturbing allegations 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>.

San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (SFDCCC) chair Nancy Tung begins a special hearing on sexual assault and harassment in the San Francisco political community at the Milton Marks Auditorium in San Francisco on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Tung created the committee in response to accusations of sexual assault against housing nonprofit director Jon Jacobo, but at the beginning of the meeting recused herself from the chair position after discussion with her office on whether or not her participation is compatible.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502metoomoment_jy_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="Nancy Tung speaks into a microphone. She looks focused, has long dark hair and wears a tweed blazer." class="wp-image-272564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng wrote a letter to Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, before party officials held a hearing Thursday to discuss sexual assault and harassment in local politics.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502metoomoment_jy_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="Nancy Tung speaks into a microphone. She looks focused, has long dark hair and wears a tweed blazer." class="wp-image-272564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng wrote a letter to Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, before party officials held a hearing Thursday to discuss sexual assault and harassment in local politics.</figcaption></figure>

In a phone interview, Cheng told The Standard that he had nothing to hide but stuck mostly to talking points he has repeated since he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery in 2010. Cheng said he was pressured into the confession because his ex-girlfriend was harassing him, calling him 50 times a day and demanding he admit he assaulted her.

In a phone interview, Cheng told The Standard that he had nothing to hide but stuck mostly to talking points he has repeated since he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery in 2010. Cheng said he was pressured into the confession because his ex-girlfriend was harassing him, calling him 50 times a day and demanding he admit he assaulted her.

“I regret lying to her in those emails,” Cheng said. “It was absolutely a mistake to capitulate, just so that she would stop calling me to try and move forward.”

“I regret lying to her in those emails,” Cheng said. “It was absolutely a mistake to capitulate, just so that she would stop calling me to try and move forward.”

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Cheng, citing a lack of evidence.

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Cheng, citing a lack of evidence.

On top of discomfort that Cheng may have been improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign—which ruffled feathers among supporters of Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">#MeToo moment</a> appears to be taking place in San Francisco as local Democrats demand accountability for those who have enabled harassment and sexual violence.

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

On top of discomfort that Cheng may have been improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign—which ruffled feathers among supporters of Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">#MeToo moment</a> appears to be taking place in San Francisco as local Democrats demand accountability for those who have enabled harassment and sexual violence.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party&#8217;s moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party's moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party&#8217;s moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-all-very-cutthroat">‘It’s all very cutthroat’</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-all-very-cutthroat">‘It’s all very cutthroat’</h2>

No political organization in San Francisco wields a fatter checkbook than Neighbors.

No political organization in San Francisco wields a fatter checkbook than Neighbors.

The group has spent almost $9 million on an array of successful ballot measures and political candidates since 2020, with conservative hedge fund billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/10/wealthy-individuals-stock-recall-da-chesa-boudin/">William Oberndorf</a>, venture capitalist Steven Merrill and Cheng exerting the most influence on where the money is directed, according to sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations.

Tax-free stock from wealthy individuals helps fuel recall of DA Chesa Boudin

The group has spent almost $9 million on an array of successful ballot measures and political candidates since 2020, with conservative hedge fund billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/10/wealthy-individuals-stock-recall-da-chesa-boudin/">William Oberndorf</a>, venture capitalist Steven Merrill and Cheng exerting the most influence on where the money is directed, according to sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations.

Neighbors’ donors list apparently numbers in the hundreds, with retirees giving relatively modest sums along with real estate CEOs and tech entrepreneurs cutting six-figure checks or transferring over hundreds of thousands of dollars in stock.

Neighbors’ donors list apparently numbers in the hundreds, with retirees giving relatively modest sums along with real estate CEOs and tech entrepreneurs cutting six-figure checks or transferring over hundreds of thousands of dollars in stock.

The group has pinned pelts to the wall in the form of two successful recall elections: One ousted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/16/school-board-recall-successful/">three school board members</a> who were seen as too woke, and another sidelined progressive District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/07/recall-election-sf-district-attorney-chesa-boudin/">Chesa Boudin</a> to a bench far outside of any courtroom.

Education spotlight shifts to Breed as city asserts more control after the ousting of 3 school board members in recall

The rise and fall of Chesa Boudin: Why a progressive DA lost in deep-blue San Francisco

The group has pinned pelts to the wall in the form of two successful recall elections: One ousted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/16/school-board-recall-successful/">three school board members</a> who were seen as too woke, and another sidelined progressive District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/07/recall-election-sf-district-attorney-chesa-boudin/">Chesa Boudin</a> to a bench far outside of any courtroom.

DA Chesa Boudin addresses is supporters at The Ramp on Terry A Francois Blvd in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. June 7, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NEW-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chesa Boudin stands before a crowd, facing bright lights, holding a microphone." class="wp-image-53709"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco led the multimillion-dollar effort to recall former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations told The Standard that even before the tumultuous last two weeks, the organization’s board was split on Cheng’s future. Some of his allies have been slow to speak up in support of him. Sources said that relationships have become strained as moderate political groups are competing for the same pot of money in an election year.&nbsp;

Sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations told The Standard that even before the tumultuous last two weeks, the organization’s board was split on Cheng’s future. Some of his allies have been slow to speak up in support of him. Sources said that relationships have become strained as moderate political groups are competing for the same pot of money in an election year.&nbsp;

Just weeks before the March primary election, housing advocates were dumbfounded by a Mission Local report that found Cheng had signed off on giving <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/02/neighbors-for-a-better-san-francisco-takeactionsf-prop-a-breed/">$110,000 to a slate mail&nbsp;organization that opposed an affordable housing bond measure</a>, Proposition A, which was widely supported in the city’s political community. Neighbors, at its core, specializes in slate mailers.

Just weeks before the March primary election, housing advocates were dumbfounded by a Mission Local report that found Cheng had signed off on giving <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/02/neighbors-for-a-better-san-francisco-takeactionsf-prop-a-breed/">$110,000 to a slate mail&nbsp;organization that opposed an affordable housing bond measure</a>, Proposition A, which was widely supported in the city’s political community. Neighbors, at its core, specializes in slate mailers.

“When he made an excuse about his PAC supporting an organization that didn’t support the affordable housing bond—that was unacceptable,” said a source who works on housing in San Francisco.

“When he made an excuse about his PAC supporting an organization that didn’t support the affordable housing bond—that was unacceptable,” said a source who works on housing in San Francisco.

Winning causes that Neighbors supported in the March primary included Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/california-election-proposition-1/">Proposition 1</a> and Breed’s public safety measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Proposition E</a>. The group also helped to defeat Proposition B, a measure derided <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">as a &#8220;cop tax.&#8221;</a>

California Prop. 1, a $6.4B mental health initiative, is passing—but only by 25,000 votes

Voters approve Prop. E, giving more powers to San Francisco police

Voters reject Prop. B, measure to fund San Francisco cops through tax

Winning causes that Neighbors supported in the March primary included Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/california-election-proposition-1/">Proposition 1</a> and Breed’s public safety measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Proposition E</a>. The group also helped to defeat Proposition B, a measure derided <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">as a "cop tax."</a>

Winning causes that Neighbors supported in the March primary included Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/california-election-proposition-1/">Proposition 1</a> and Breed’s public safety measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Proposition E</a>. The group also helped to defeat Proposition B, a measure derided <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">as a &#8220;cop tax.&#8221;</a>

Within the city&#8217;s pro-development YIMBY coalition, tensions have emerged over Cheng&#8217;s role in Neighbors. The Standard obtained screenshots of a Slack channel used by members of YIMBY, where several people raised concerns about the allegations of sexual assault and political impropriety against Cheng.&nbsp;

Within the city's pro-development YIMBY coalition, tensions have emerged over Cheng's role in Neighbors. The Standard obtained screenshots of a Slack channel used by members of YIMBY, where several people raised concerns about the allegations of sexual assault and political impropriety against Cheng.&nbsp;

Within the city&#8217;s pro-development YIMBY coalition, tensions have emerged over Cheng&#8217;s role in Neighbors. The Standard obtained screenshots of a Slack channel used by members of YIMBY, where several people raised concerns about the allegations of sexual assault and political impropriety against Cheng.&nbsp;

The conversation quickly turned confrontational when Cheng’s wife—Kanishka Cheng, the head of another powerful moderate political group, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">TogetherSF Action</a>—responded that people were treating reports about her husband as “fun gossip.”&nbsp;

After spending millions, San Francisco political group abandons push to empower mayor

The conversation quickly turned confrontational when Cheng’s wife—Kanishka Cheng, the head of another powerful moderate political group, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">TogetherSF Action</a>—responded that people were treating reports about her husband as “fun gossip.”&nbsp;

Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco at an event in San Francisco on November 8, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-2311081.jpg?w=2041" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng both smile while seated at a festive table with dinnerware, both dressed semi-formally." class="wp-image-270462" style="width:669px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka and Jay Cheng have become a political power couple in San Francisco, but both have come under the spotlight for their organizations’ close ties to Mark Farrell&#8217;s mayoral campaign.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-2311081.jpg?w=2041" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng both smile while seated at a festive table with dinnerware, both dressed semi-formally." class="wp-image-270462" style="width:669px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka and Jay Cheng have become a political power couple in San Francisco, but both have come under the spotlight for their organizations’ close ties to Mark Farrell's mayoral campaign.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-2311081.jpg?w=2041" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng both smile while seated at a festive table with dinnerware, both dressed semi-formally." class="wp-image-270462" style="width:669px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka and Jay Cheng have become a political power couple in San Francisco, but both have come under the spotlight for their organizations’ close ties to Mark Farrell&#8217;s mayoral campaign.</figcaption></figure>

“If people want to ‘hold him accountable’ they should feel free to have those conversations,” Kanishka Cheng wrote. “You opining about it and alluding to things is what makes it gossip.”

“If people want to ‘hold him accountable’ they should feel free to have those conversations,” Kanishka Cheng wrote. “You opining about it and alluding to things is what makes it gossip.”

TogetherSF Action and Neighbors have received funding from Michael Moritz, The Standard’s chairman.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action and Neighbors have received funding from Michael Moritz, The Standard’s chairman.&nbsp;

Jay Cheng’s political acumen has generally been widely praised, but his decision to send text messages about a job offer for Farrell’s mayoral campaign was seen as stunningly naive, if not an ethical breach that should disqualify Neighbors from trying to influence the mayor’s race.

Jay Cheng’s political acumen has generally been widely praised, but his decision to send text messages about a job offer for Farrell’s mayoral campaign was seen as stunningly naive, if not an ethical breach that should disqualify Neighbors from trying to influence the mayor’s race.

“In this town, if you open your mouth to one person, you might as well put it on a billboard on Van Ness,” said a longtime San Francisco political consultant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid upsetting Neighbors.

“In this town, if you open your mouth to one person, you might as well put it on a billboard on Van Ness,” said a longtime San Francisco political consultant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid upsetting Neighbors.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/15/theyre-like-hillarys-emails-powerhouse-behind-boudin-recall-dismisses-ethics-concerns-over-brooke-jenkins/">Mary Jung</a>, the former chair of the local Democratic Party and Cheng’s predecessor as the executive director of Neighbors, said in an interview that criticism of Cheng is motivated by progressive forces looking to derail the moderate agenda.&nbsp;

&#8216;They&#8217;re like Hillary&#8217;s emails&#8217;: Powerhouse behind Boudin recall dismisses ethics concerns over Brooke Jenkins

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/15/theyre-like-hillarys-emails-powerhouse-behind-boudin-recall-dismisses-ethics-concerns-over-brooke-jenkins/">Mary Jung</a>, the former chair of the local Democratic Party and Cheng’s predecessor as the executive director of Neighbors, said in an interview that criticism of Cheng is motivated by progressive forces looking to derail the moderate agenda.&nbsp;

“It’s all very cutthroat, and this is part of the progressive playbook to stop us from having any victories in November, but I really disagree with the way people are going about it,” Jung said. “Maybe it’s because I’m older, but politics should be about the issues—not jeopardizing someone’s livelihood because they’re smart enough to figure out how to win.”&nbsp;

“It’s all very cutthroat, and this is part of the progressive playbook to stop us from having any victories in November, but I really disagree with the way people are going about it,” Jung said. “Maybe it’s because I’m older, but politics should be about the issues—not jeopardizing someone’s livelihood because they’re smart enough to figure out how to win.”&nbsp;

Mary Jung, chairperson of the Safer SF Without Boudin campaign speaks at Portsmouth Square on Friday, May 28, 2021, in San Francisco, Calif. Paul Kuroda for The Standard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/JenkinsConflicts_INLINED2-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mary Jung speaks into a microphone at a podium with signs urging to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin." class="wp-image-71080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mary Jung mentored Jay Cheng when he first arrived in San Francisco to work on former Mayor Ed Lee’s 2011 campaign. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard.</figcaption></figure>

Cheng said repeatedly he has shown “humility” in the way he conducts himself personally and professionally.

Cheng said repeatedly he has shown “humility” in the way he conducts himself personally and professionally.

“My son is 3 years old,” Cheng told The Standard. “I don’t want him to grow up with this question there. I don’t want him to grow up with gossip or rumors like this flying around. So that’s why I decided to kind of be very straightforward in all of this.”

“My son is 3 years old,” Cheng told The Standard. “I don’t want him to grow up with this question there. I don’t want him to grow up with gossip or rumors like this flying around. So that’s why I decided to kind of be very straightforward in all of this.”

While he may be able to weather doubts about his allegiance in the mayor’s race—Neighbors officials said they have not taken a stance on the race at this point—the sexual assault allegations could prove harder to overcome.&nbsp;

While he may be able to weather doubts about his allegiance in the mayor’s race—Neighbors officials said they have not taken a stance on the race at this point—the sexual assault allegations could prove harder to overcome.&nbsp;

Ryan Khojasteh, a San Francisco prosecutor who is challenging <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/29/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins</a> in November’s election, called for Cheng to be removed as the head of Neighbors in a statement to The Standard.

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

Ryan Khojasteh, a San Francisco prosecutor who is challenging <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/29/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins</a> in November’s election, called for Cheng to be removed as the head of Neighbors in a statement to The Standard.

“Standing up for victims and survivors should not be a left or right issue—or within San Francisco’s political culture, a moderate or progressive issue,” Khojasteh said. “Accountability needs to supersede political alliance.”

“Standing up for victims and survivors should not be a left or right issue—or within San Francisco’s political culture, a moderate or progressive issue,” Khojasteh said. “Accountability needs to supersede political alliance.”

Nadia Rahman, the former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, questioned the decision to keep Cheng in a position of such influence in San Francisco politics.&nbsp;

Nadia Rahman, the former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, questioned the decision to keep Cheng in a position of such influence in San Francisco politics.&nbsp;

“It is possible for someone to move on with their life after allegations like this without having an extremely influential role in shaping political power,” Rahman said. “This is one of the issues that is making survivors uncomfortable about this specific case—it sends a message on who is allowed to be the gatekeeper of power despite their past.”

“It is possible for someone to move on with their life after allegations like this without having an extremely influential role in shaping political power,” Rahman said. “This is one of the issues that is making survivors uncomfortable about this specific case—it sends a message on who is allowed to be the gatekeeper of power despite their past.”

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Mayor London Breed is a perennial gold medalist in the most important event for any City Hall political athlete: scandal hurdles.

Mayor London Breed is a perennial gold medalist in the most important event for any City Hall political athlete: scandal hurdles.

When former public works director Mohammed Nuru was arrested by the FBI in 2020 for taking bribes, San Franciscans didn’t bat an eyelash. No matter that Nuru was Breed’s former paramour, who paid to fix her broken-down jalopy.

When former public works director Mohammed Nuru was arrested by the FBI in 2020 for taking bribes, San Franciscans didn’t bat an eyelash. No matter that Nuru was Breed’s former paramour, who paid to fix her broken-down jalopy.

After all, Covid struck just weeks after Nuru&#8217;s impropriety surfaced, recasting the mayor as a life-saving hero.

After all, Covid struck just weeks after Nuru's impropriety surfaced, recasting the mayor as a life-saving hero.

After all, Covid struck just weeks after Nuru&#8217;s impropriety surfaced, recasting the mayor as a life-saving hero.

Later that same year, the FBI arrested former Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly. The bribery accusations also implicated his wife, former City Administrator Naomi Kelly.

Later that same year, the FBI arrested former Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly. The bribery accusations also implicated his wife, former City Administrator Naomi Kelly.

The story was much the same: They were longtime Breed confidants. In any given week, Kelly may have pocketed those bribes on a Monday and met with Breed to talk city matters on a Tuesday.

The story was much the same: They were longtime Breed confidants. In any given week, Kelly may have pocketed those bribes on a Monday and met with Breed to talk city matters on a Tuesday.

Breed sailed with the grace of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/g-s1-16076/sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-400m-hurdles-world-record-olympic-gold">Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone</a> far above any critiques.

Breed sailed with the grace of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/g-s1-16076/sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-400m-hurdles-world-record-olympic-gold">Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone</a> far above any critiques.

This time she may not be so lucky. Fast-forward to 2024, and Breed is running for reelection. Last week’s latest City Hall scandal gives her opponents ample chance to raise those hurdles higher than she can soar.

This time she may not be so lucky. Fast-forward to 2024, and Breed is running for reelection. Last week’s latest City Hall scandal gives her opponents ample chance to raise those hurdles higher than she can soar.

An investigation by The Standard revealed that Sheryl Davis, head of the Human Rights Commission, approved <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">$1.5 million in contracts with a local nonprofit</a>, Collective Impact, run by a man she has a close personal relationship with; the two shared a home address and a car. Rules require her to disclose such a relationship, though she allegedly has done no such thing.

City official on leave after signing off on $1.5M in grants to man she shared home with

An investigation by The Standard revealed that Sheryl Davis, head of the Human Rights Commission, approved <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">$1.5 million in contracts with a local nonprofit</a>, Collective Impact, run by a man she has a close personal relationship with; the two shared a home address and a car. Rules require her to disclose such a relationship, though she allegedly has done no such thing.

The San Francisco Chronicle also <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">raised questions</a> about Davis’ financial dealings through the commission. Davis was subsequently placed on administrative leave on Thursday and resigned Friday.

The San Francisco Chronicle also <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">raised questions</a> about Davis’ financial dealings through the commission. Davis was subsequently placed on administrative leave on Thursday and resigned Friday.

Former political consultant David Latterman, who worked on campaigns for state Sen. Scott Wiener, said Breed may face especially intense scrutiny because she has more direct ties to Davis’ program than she did to Nuru’s department in 2020.

Former political consultant David Latterman, who worked on campaigns for state Sen. Scott Wiener, said Breed may face especially intense scrutiny because she has more direct ties to Davis’ program than she did to Nuru’s department in 2020.

“Harlan&#8217;s a grown-up and made his own decisions. Mohammed is a grown-up and made his own decisions. The connection was never there,” Latterman said.

“Harlan's a grown-up and made his own decisions. Mohammed is a grown-up and made his own decisions. The connection was never there,” Latterman said.

“Harlan&#8217;s a grown-up and made his own decisions. Mohammed is a grown-up and made his own decisions. The connection was never there,” Latterman said.

This time, however, Davis awarded the questionable contracts under the Dream Keeper Initiative, <a href="https://www.dreamkeepersf.org/history">and that was Breed’s project</a>.

This time, however, Davis awarded the questionable contracts under the Dream Keeper Initiative, <a href="https://www.dreamkeepersf.org/history">and that was Breed’s project</a>.

She conceived of it. She championed it. And now, she may own its political pitfalls.

She conceived of it. She championed it. And now, she may own its political pitfalls.

Already, her mayoral opponents have seized on the moment. On Thursday, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin called for an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/aaron-peskin-investigation-dream-keeper-initiative/">investigation into Davis’ conduct.</a> Mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for a federal investigation into the mayor’s role in the Dream Keeper Initiative. He also challenged the mayor to fire Davis.

Lawmaker calls for investigation into embattled Human Rights Commission

Already, her mayoral opponents have seized on the moment. On Thursday, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin called for an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/aaron-peskin-investigation-dream-keeper-initiative/">investigation into Davis’ conduct.</a> Mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for a federal investigation into the mayor’s role in the Dream Keeper Initiative. He also challenged the mayor to fire Davis.

Hammering on ethics allegations may ultimately benefit Peskin’s and Farrell’s campaigns. Yet that may be a perilous political path.

Hammering on ethics allegations may ultimately benefit Peskin’s and Farrell’s campaigns. Yet that may be a perilous political path.

Latterman warned that the scrutiny may cause voters to look into Farrell’s own <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/mark-farrell-campaign-money-san-francisco-restaurants-bars/">alleged ethical lapses</a> — including questionable campaign donations from Recology, a trash company with its own unscrupulous role in Nuru’s scandal — or into the skeletons in Peskin’s closet.

Mark Farrell lived large on campaign cash while mayor, supervisor

Latterman warned that the scrutiny may cause voters to look into Farrell’s own <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/mark-farrell-campaign-money-san-francisco-restaurants-bars/">alleged ethical lapses</a> — including questionable campaign donations from Recology, a trash company with its own unscrupulous role in Nuru’s scandal — or into the skeletons in Peskin’s closet.

Already, another candidate, nonprofit founder and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, has <a href="https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/1834617816546480327">started to point fingers at Farrell</a> for alleged questionable ethics related to Recology. He seized on recent scandals to buttress his campaign’s narrative of the disruptor seeking to dethrone crooked City Hall insiders.

Already, another candidate, nonprofit founder and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, has <a href="https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/1834617816546480327">started to point fingers at Farrell</a> for alleged questionable ethics related to Recology. He seized on recent scandals to buttress his campaign’s narrative of the disruptor seeking to dethrone crooked City Hall insiders.

Lurie has the largest campaign war chest, which could easily up its spending, spreading its message of Lurie as an incorruptible force for change.

Lurie has the largest campaign war chest, which could easily up its spending, spreading its message of Lurie as an incorruptible force for change.

However, Latterman argued, voters may tune out altogether if Breed’s competitors push too hard. And that, perversely, could benefit the mayor.

However, Latterman argued, voters may tune out altogether if Breed’s competitors push too hard. And that, perversely, could benefit the mayor.

“Clearly this is a hand, but how do you want to play it?” Latterman said. “If they drag it into the mud and things get ugly, that favors an incumbent. People get tired of it, they get less interested.”

“Clearly this is a hand, but how do you want to play it?” Latterman said. “If they drag it into the mud and things get ugly, that favors an incumbent. People get tired of it, they get less interested.”

For now, Breed is playing defense.

Reporters from The Standard caught up with her at a Financial District political event. Standing under the soft light of opulent chandeliers in the Julia Morgan Ballroom, reporters asked if she knew about Davis’ relationship with the man she awarded $1.5 million in contracts to.

Reporters from The Standard caught up with her at a Financial District political event. Standing under the soft light of opulent chandeliers in the Julia Morgan Ballroom, reporters asked if she knew about Davis’ relationship with the man she awarded $1.5 million in contracts to.

“Not right now, not right now,” Breed said.

“Not right now, not right now,” Breed said.

Absent Breed’s explanations, her opponents will fill in the blanks for voters. The story they tell may make her campaign fall flat on its face. Or, maybe, the hurdling champion will soar again.

Absent Breed’s explanations, her opponents will fill in the blanks for voters. The story they tell may make her campaign fall flat on its face. Or, maybe, the hurdling champion will soar again.

Reporter Gabe Greschler contributed to this story.

Reporter Gabe Greschler contributed to this story.

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

Han Li

As election season heats up and candidates eagerly seek exposure, Mayor London Breed has been and will continue to be notably absent from political debates around San Francisco.

As election season heats up and candidates eagerly seek exposure, Mayor London Breed has been and will continue to be notably absent from political debates around San Francisco.

Breed confirmed that she will not be attending Wednesday night’s mayoral debate hosted by KPIX, the San Francisco Examiner, and KCBS. This follows <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/sf-mayoral-candidates-take-citys-hot-button-issues-debate-thursday">her absence from last week’s District 8 neighborhood groups debate</a>. Breed has also declined invitations to face off with her challengers at multiple other events.

Breed confirmed that she will not be attending Wednesday night’s mayoral debate hosted by KPIX, the San Francisco Examiner, and KCBS. This follows <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/sf-mayoral-candidates-take-citys-hot-button-issues-debate-thursday">her absence from last week’s District 8 neighborhood groups debate</a>. Breed has also declined invitations to face off with her challengers at multiple other events.

Breed spokesperson Joe Arellano said in a statement that the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters as she seeks reelection in November.

Breed spokesperson Joe Arellano said in a statement that the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters as she seeks reelection in November.

“She wants to escape the bubble of city insiders and go straight to the people, meeting them as they live their daily lives,” Arellano said. “That’s why she has multiple house parties with voters every night of the week.”

“She wants to escape the bubble of city insiders and go straight to the people, meeting them as they live their daily lives,” Arellano said. “That’s why she has multiple house parties with voters every night of the week.”

Mayor London Breed participates in the debate hosted by Manny Yekutiel and Heather Knight at Sydney Goldstein Theater in Hayes Valley in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate23.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals stand at podiums on a dimly lit stage. The woman in the middle speaks with a hand raised, while the two men on either side listen intently." class="wp-image-283247"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spokesperson for Breed says the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel said Breed may be making a strategic bet, as she is mostly leading in recent polls. Her presence could give her opponents the opportunity to make attention-grabbing viral moments.

San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel said Breed may be making a strategic bet, as she is mostly leading in recent polls. Her presence could give her opponents the opportunity to make attention-grabbing viral moments.

“These events can break through in ways other kinds of campaign events don&#8217;t,” McDaniel said.

“These events can break through in ways other kinds of campaign events don't,” McDaniel said.

“These events can break through in ways other kinds of campaign events don&#8217;t,” McDaniel said.

Breed has little to gain politically by engaging in the debates.&nbsp;Still, that may deprive voters of a chance to learn more about her.

Breed has little to gain politically by engaging in the debates.&nbsp;Still, that may deprive voters of a chance to learn more about her.

National politics are deeply polarized, so Tuesday’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump may have been watched by many voters with their minds already made up, McDaniel said.&nbsp;

National politics are deeply polarized, so Tuesday’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump may have been watched by many voters with their minds already made up, McDaniel said.&nbsp;

While local debates are sometimes attended by voters who are already engaged, they may be more open-minded to shifting positions since the candidates are from the same party, he said.&nbsp;

While local debates are sometimes attended by voters who are already engaged, they may be more open-minded to shifting positions since the candidates are from the same party, he said.&nbsp;

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/SovernNation/status/1833906583207804961
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I&#39;m moderating a debate tonight on the SF Mayor&#39;s race. Unfortunately, Mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LondonBreed</a> has backed out of our <a href="https://twitter.com/KCBSRadio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KCBSRadio</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KPIXtv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KPIXtv</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/sfexaminer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sfexaminer</a> debate at the 11th hour. We will go forward with the 4 challengers: <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanielLurie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkFarrellSF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkFarrellSF</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronPeskin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AaronPeskin</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahsha_Safai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ahsha_Safai</a>. 6pm on PIX&mdash; Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/SovernNation/status/1833906583207804961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Whatever the potential cost, Breed’s opponents are using her repeated absences as an opportunity to criticize her.

Whatever the potential cost, Breed’s opponents are using her repeated absences as an opportunity to criticize her.

Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said in a press release Wednesday morning that Breed &#8220;can&#8217;t defend her record, and it appears she&#8217;s given up trying.&#8221;

Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said in a press release Wednesday morning that Breed "can't defend her record, and it appears she's given up trying."

Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said in a press release Wednesday morning that Breed &#8220;can&#8217;t defend her record, and it appears she&#8217;s given up trying.&#8221;

Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, another mayoral hopeful, <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1833895533477511295">posted on X</a>: &#8220;Mayor Breed is ducking debates because she doesn&#8217;t want to defend her failed leadership &amp; is just offering more of the same for SF&#8217;s future.&#8221;

Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, another mayoral hopeful, <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1833895533477511295">posted on X</a>: "Mayor Breed is ducking debates because she doesn't want to defend her failed leadership &amp; is just offering more of the same for SF's future."

Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, another mayoral hopeful, <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1833895533477511295">posted on X</a>: &#8220;Mayor Breed is ducking debates because she doesn&#8217;t want to defend her failed leadership &amp; is just offering more of the same for SF&#8217;s future.&#8221;

Supervisor Ahsha Safai <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1833913592774885741">compared Breed&#8217;s absences to Trump’s</a> reluctance to debate Harris again. Supervisor Aaron Peskin declined to comment.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1833913592774885741">compared Breed's absences to Trump’s</a> reluctance to debate Harris again. Supervisor Aaron Peskin declined to comment.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1833913592774885741">compared Breed&#8217;s absences to Trump’s</a> reluctance to debate Harris again. Supervisor Aaron Peskin declined to comment.

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

Mayor London Breed is skipping a debate, again, inviting criticism

‘Turning this into a political football’: 49er rookie’s shooting kicks off an an old game

Sky’s the limit as Daniel Lurie will use his deep pockets for mayor’s race

Search Results for: mark farrell

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

Mayor London Breed is skipping a debate, again, inviting criticism

‘Turning this into a political football’: 49er rookie’s shooting kicks off an an old game

Sky’s the limit as Daniel Lurie will use his deep pockets for mayor’s race