Kevin Truong

Two of the most storied franchises in NBA history are going head-to-head in pursuit of the league’s ultimate prize.

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<p>Two of the most storied franchises in NBA history are going head-to-head in pursuit of the league’s ultimate prize.</p>

On one end is the Boston Celtics, centered around a trio of young stars looking to lead their team to a record-breaking 18th championship.

<p>On one end is the Boston Celtics, centered around a trio of young stars looking to lead their team to a record-breaking 18th championship.</p>

On the other is a Golden State Warriors team that has made postseason appearances a near-annual tradition over the past decade. Their exuberant playing style has won them fans around the world as they’ve gone from plucky upstarts to the game’s elder statesmen.

<p>On the other is a Golden State Warriors team that has made postseason appearances a near-annual tradition over the past decade. Their exuberant playing style has won them fans around the world as they’ve gone from plucky upstarts to the game’s elder statesmen.</p>

In the weeks leading up to this moment, we’ve put together a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/a-bandwagon-jumpers-starter-pack-for-the-golden-state-warriors-steph-curry/">bandwagon jumper’s starter pack</a> for readers who aren’t up on sportsball and brought you the perspective of a lifelong San Franciscan, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/warriors-past-and-future-chase-center-still-a-great-night-out/">who shared her thoughts</a> on the team’s recent move from Oracle Arena in Oakland to Chase Center in Mission Bay.&nbsp;

<p>In the weeks leading up to this moment, we’ve put together a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/a-bandwagon-jumpers-starter-pack-for-the-golden-state-warriors-steph-curry/">bandwagon jumper’s starter pack</a> for readers who aren’t up on sportsball and brought you the perspective of a lifelong San Franciscan, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/warriors-past-and-future-chase-center-still-a-great-night-out/">who shared her thoughts</a> on the team’s recent move from Oracle Arena in Oakland to Chase Center in Mission Bay.&nbsp;</p>

Now it’s time to drill down and nerd out. Here’s what hoop heads will be looking for in the series ahead.<br>

<p>Now it’s time to drill down and nerd out. Here’s what hoop heads will be looking for in the series ahead.<br></p>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Key Matchups</mark>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-key-matchups"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Key Matchups</mark></h2>


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<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="h-key-matchups"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Key Matchups</mark></h2>

Andrew Wiggins (#22) vs. Jayson Tatum (#0)&nbsp;


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Andrew Wiggins (#22) vs. Jayson Tatum (#0)&nbsp;</h3>


<h3>Andrew Wiggins (#22) vs. Jayson Tatum (#0)&nbsp;</h3>

Andrew Wiggins has emerged as the Warriors’ defensive ace in the hole during these playoffs taking on the monumental test of guarding Luka Doncic during the team’s Western Conference Finals series. This time he’ll be going head to head with another one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Some nights, Jayson Tatum looks like a bona fide superstar out on the court, but he’s also had a problem with turnovers and no-showed in key moments. Regardless of which Tatum we see, it will be up to Wiggins length, athleticism and grit to contain him. While generally not one of the team’s primary scorers, Wiggins 3-point shooting has been critical to the team’s ability to overwhelm opponents offensively.&nbsp;

<p>Andrew Wiggins has emerged as the Warriors’ defensive ace in the hole during these playoffs taking on the monumental test of guarding Luka Doncic during the team’s Western Conference Finals series. This time he’ll be going head to head with another one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Some nights, Jayson Tatum looks like a bona fide superstar out on the court, but he’s also had a problem with turnovers and no-showed in key moments. Regardless of which Tatum we see, it will be up to Wiggins length, athleticism and grit to contain him. While generally not one of the team’s primary scorers, Wiggins 3-point shooting has been critical to the team’s ability to overwhelm opponents offensively.&nbsp;</p>

Klay Thompson (#11) vs. Jaylen Brown (#7)&nbsp;


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Klay Thompson (#11) vs. Jaylen Brown (#7)&nbsp;</h3>


<h3>Klay Thompson (#11) vs. Jaylen Brown (#7)&nbsp;</h3>

After two full seasons on the sidelines rehabbing from injuries, Klay Thompson appears to be hitting his stride just as the Warriors are facing their toughest challenge yet. Thompson’s status as an elite defender has taken a hit from his lower leg injuries and the Celtics could use that fact to exploit and target him with their second-best offensive player. However, if Thompson has the ability to get in rhythm, he’s as deadly of a perimeter shooter as ever. Games and series have a tendency to swing on these secondary matchups, so this may be a critical head to head to keep an eye on.&nbsp;

<p>After two full seasons on the sidelines rehabbing from injuries, Klay Thompson appears to be hitting his stride just as the Warriors are facing their toughest challenge yet. Thompson’s status as an elite defender has taken a hit from his lower leg injuries and the Celtics could use that fact to exploit and target him with their second-best offensive player. However, if Thompson has the ability to get in rhythm, he’s as deadly of a perimeter shooter as ever. Games and series have a tendency to swing on these secondary matchups, so this may be a critical head to head to keep an eye on.&nbsp;</p>

Steph Curry (#30) vs. Marcus Smart (#36)&nbsp;


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Steph Curry (#30) vs. Marcus Smart (#36)&nbsp;</h3>


<h3>Steph Curry (#30) vs. Marcus Smart (#36)&nbsp;</h3>

Marcus Smart, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has dealt with nagging injuries throughout the playoffs, but has always posed a challenge to one of the league’s most dazzling offensive talents. The Celtics are sure to throw in traps, double teams and other defensive wrinkles, such as a box-and-one, but it’s nothing that Steph Curry hasn’t seen before and managed to overcome. It’s impossible for any player to truly stop Curry. The question is whether Smart has the legs to slow him down.&nbsp;

<p>Marcus Smart, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has dealt with nagging injuries throughout the playoffs, but has always posed a challenge to one of the league’s most dazzling offensive talents. The Celtics are sure to throw in traps, double teams and other defensive wrinkles, such as a box-and-one, but it’s nothing that Steph Curry hasn’t seen before and managed to overcome. It’s impossible for any player to truly stop Curry. The question is whether Smart has the legs to slow him down.&nbsp;</p>

Draymond Green (#23) vs. Al Horford (#42)&nbsp;


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Draymond Green (#23) vs. Al Horford (#42)&nbsp;</h3>


<h3>Draymond Green (#23) vs. Al Horford (#42)&nbsp;</h3>

Al Horford spent the second half of last season sitting at home while on the Oklahoma City Thunder and has spent much of these playoffs reminding fans that he’s not washed yet. Horford’s help defense, rebounding and timely ability to hit shots has elevated the Celtics, but he faces a major challenge with Draymond Green as one of the most tenacious defenders and personalities in the game. If Green finds his shot from the outside, the Warriors are nearly unbeatable, although it will be up to him to stay out of foul trouble—and keep his cool—as the key cog in the Warriors&#8217; defense.&nbsp;

<p>Al Horford spent the second half of last season sitting at home while on the Oklahoma City Thunder and has spent much of these playoffs reminding fans that he’s not washed yet. Horford’s help defense, rebounding and timely ability to hit shots has elevated the Celtics, but he faces a major challenge with Draymond Green as one of the most tenacious defenders and personalities in the game. If Green finds his shot from the outside, the Warriors are nearly unbeatable, although it will be up to him to stay out of foul trouble—and keep his cool—as the key cog in the Warriors' defense.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Al Horford spent the second half of last season sitting at home while on the Oklahoma City Thunder and has spent much of these playoffs reminding fans that he’s not washed yet. Horford’s help defense, rebounding and timely ability to hit shots has elevated the Celtics, but he faces a major challenge with Draymond Green as one of the most tenacious defenders and personalities in the game. If Green finds his shot from the outside, the Warriors are nearly unbeatable, although it will be up to him to stay out of foul trouble—and keep his cool—as the key cog in the Warriors&#8217; defense.&nbsp;</p>

Kevon Looney (#5) vs. Robert Williams III (#44)


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kevon Looney (#5) vs. Robert Williams III (#44)</h3>


<h3>Kevon Looney (#5) vs. Robert Williams III (#44)</h3>

The centerpiece of the Celtics interior presence during the playoffs, Robert Williams has been dealing with knee issues over the past few weeks and is currently listed as questionable for Game 1. Kevon Looney has been a consistent member of the Warriors championship roster who feasted against an undersized Mavericks team. If Looney is able to dominate inside with offensive rebounds and second-chance points, the Celtics may struggle to enact their game plan effectively.

<p>The centerpiece of the Celtics interior presence during the playoffs, Robert Williams has been dealing with knee issues over the past few weeks and is currently listed as questionable for Game 1. Kevon Looney has been a consistent member of the Warriors championship roster who feasted against an undersized Mavericks team. If Looney is able to dominate inside with offensive rebounds and second-chance points, the Celtics may struggle to enact their game plan effectively.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics competes for a loose ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DubsCeltsAnalysis_Inlined-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52794"/><figcaption><em>Grant Williams, right, of the Boston Celtics competes for a loose ball against Draymond Green, left, of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco. | Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images</em></figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DubsCeltsAnalysis_Inlined-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52794"/><figcaption><em>Grant Williams, right, of the Boston Celtics competes for a loose ball against Draymond Green, left, of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco. | Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images</em></figcaption></figure>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Key Storylines</mark>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-key-storylines"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Key Storylines</mark></h2>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="h-key-storylines"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Key Storylines</mark></h2>

Warriors Offense vs. Celtics Defense&nbsp;


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Warriors Offense vs. Celtics Defense&nbsp;</h3>


<h3>Warriors Offense vs. Celtics Defense&nbsp;</h3>

It’s a bit of a cliché that defense wins championships, particularly as the NBA has evolved into an offense-dominated league. But the idea will really be put to the test in this series. The Warriors have the highest offensive rating of all the teams to make this year’s playoffs, while Boston is considered to have the best defense in the NBA. It’s important to note that the Warriors also boast an impressive defensive rating and that Boston’s stars have been known to sink some incredible shots. The teams split their regular-season series 1-1, but the Celtics have played the team well over the Warriors&#8217; dynastic run. In fact, the Celts are one of the only NBA teams with a winning record against the Warriors since their 2015 Championship run. Like the Warriors championship teams of yore, look for Steph and the crew to try and run circles around Boston in transition, while Boston will hope its defensive stoppers, whole have the ability to switch off and guard multiple positions, can slow the game down and keep the Warriors off the glass.&nbsp;

<p>It’s a bit of a cliché that defense wins championships, particularly as the NBA has evolved into an offense-dominated league. But the idea will really be put to the test in this series. The Warriors have the highest offensive rating of all the teams to make this year’s playoffs, while Boston is considered to have the best defense in the NBA. It’s important to note that the Warriors also boast an impressive defensive rating and that Boston’s stars have been known to sink some incredible shots. The teams split their regular-season series 1-1, but the Celtics have played the team well over the Warriors' dynastic run. In fact, the Celts are one of the only NBA teams with a winning record against the Warriors since their 2015 Championship run. Like the Warriors championship teams of yore, look for Steph and the crew to try and run circles around Boston in transition, while Boston will hope its defensive stoppers, whole have the ability to switch off and guard multiple positions, can slow the game down and keep the Warriors off the glass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It’s a bit of a cliché that defense wins championships, particularly as the NBA has evolved into an offense-dominated league. But the idea will really be put to the test in this series. The Warriors have the highest offensive rating of all the teams to make this year’s playoffs, while Boston is considered to have the best defense in the NBA. It’s important to note that the Warriors also boast an impressive defensive rating and that Boston’s stars have been known to sink some incredible shots. The teams split their regular-season series 1-1, but the Celtics have played the team well over the Warriors&#8217; dynastic run. In fact, the Celts are one of the only NBA teams with a winning record against the Warriors since their 2015 Championship run. Like the Warriors championship teams of yore, look for Steph and the crew to try and run circles around Boston in transition, while Boston will hope its defensive stoppers, whole have the ability to switch off and guard multiple positions, can slow the game down and keep the Warriors off the glass.&nbsp;</p>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Experience Rules&nbsp;</h3>


Let’s just take the coaching matchup as an example. Steve Kerr as a player has won five championships across stints with the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs, and three more rings as the Warriors&#8217; head coach. Ime Udoka, on the other hand, is a rookie head coach who has only been on the bench for 18 total playoff games. Then there’s the teams themselves. Golden State has five players who have won multiple championships—Curry, Green, Thompson, Looney and Andre Iguodala. None of the Celtics have even made the Finals. In fact, Horford previously had the most playoff appearances without ever making the Finals.&nbsp;

<p>Let’s just take the coaching matchup as an example. Steve Kerr as a player has won five championships across stints with the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs, and three more rings as the Warriors' head coach. Ime Udoka, on the other hand, is a rookie head coach who has only been on the bench for 18 total playoff games. Then there’s the teams themselves. Golden State has five players who have won multiple championships—Curry, Green, Thompson, Looney and Andre Iguodala. None of the Celtics have even made the Finals. In fact, Horford previously had the most playoff appearances without ever making the Finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Let’s just take the coaching matchup as an example. Steve Kerr as a player has won five championships across stints with the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs, and three more rings as the Warriors&#8217; head coach. Ime Udoka, on the other hand, is a rookie head coach who has only been on the bench for 18 total playoff games. Then there’s the teams themselves. Golden State has five players who have won multiple championships—Curry, Green, Thompson, Looney and Andre Iguodala. None of the Celtics have even made the Finals. In fact, Horford previously had the most playoff appearances without ever making the Finals.&nbsp;</p>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Curry Watch</h3>


The Warriors’ baby-faced assassin has one glaring gap in his Hall of Fame resume: an NBA Finals MVP. He’s currently the odds on favorite to win the award from a bookmaker’s perspective, and an MVP trophy would add legacy points in the debate over who is the best point guard in league history.

<p>The Warriors’ baby-faced assassin has one glaring gap in his Hall of Fame resume: an NBA Finals MVP. He’s currently the odds on favorite to win the award from a bookmaker’s perspective, and an MVP trophy would add legacy points in the debate over who is the best point guard in league history.</p>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Home Truth&nbsp;</h3>


Advantage: Warriors. Excluding the aberrant 2020 bubble playoffs in Florida, teams with home-court advantage in the Finals have won the Championship 71% of the time. This year’s playoffs have underscored the advantage of playing at home—particularly for the Warriors. The team is a perfect 9-0 at home during the playoffs, which bodes well for their chances against the Celtics, who have been a surprisingly bad home team with a 5-4 record at TD Garden.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Advantage: Warriors. Excluding the aberrant 2020 bubble playoffs in Florida, teams with home-court advantage in the Finals have won the Championship 71% of the time. This year’s playoffs have underscored the advantage of playing at home—particularly for the Warriors. The team is a perfect 9-0 at home during the playoffs, which bodes well for their chances against the Celtics, who have been a surprisingly bad home team with a 5-4 record at TD Garden.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Where to Watch the Game</mark> 


<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-watch-the-game"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Where to Watch the Game</mark> </h2>


<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="h-where-to-watch-the-game"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-thb-accent-color">Where to Watch the Game</mark> </h2>

On TV and Streaming: <a href="https://www.nba.com/schedule?bc=ABC&amp;pd=false&amp;region=1">ABC</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.espn.com/">ESPN</a>

<p>On TV and Streaming: <a href="https://www.nba.com/schedule?bc=ABC&amp;pd=false&amp;region=1">ABC</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.espn.com/">ESPN</a></p>

If it’s camaraderie you seek, head to Thrive City, the esplanade outside the Chase Center, to watch the game on a 3,108-square-foot screen. You could also head to a local bar, pub or community space. We put together a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-to-watch-the-warriors-in-san-francisco-sports-bars-restaurants-pubs/">list of places to watch the games</a> over drinks and food.

<p>If it’s camaraderie you seek, head to Thrive City, the esplanade outside the Chase Center, to watch the game on a 3,108-square-foot screen. You could also head to a local bar, pub or community space. We put together a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-to-watch-the-warriors-in-san-francisco-sports-bars-restaurants-pubs/">list of places to watch the games</a> over drinks and food.</p>

Warriors-Celtics cheat sheet: The NBA Finals breakdown you didn’t know you needed

Josh Koehn

The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

<p>The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;</p>

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

<p>She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.</p>

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

<p>“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”</p>

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

<p>Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

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<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div>

core/columns

<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div></div>

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

<p>Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.</p>

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

<p>Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

<p>San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.</p>

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

<p>Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.</p>

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

<p>More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;</p>

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

<p>Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

<p>Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.</p>

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

<p>However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;</p>

Mayor London Breed speaks during a press conference about the state of smalls businesses in the SoMa district of San Francisco, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED1_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022" class="wp-image-171134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

<p>The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.</p>

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

<p>“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”</p>

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

<p>A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.</p>

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

<p>This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.</p>

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

<p>“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”</p>

Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-i-you-can-t-mess-with-her">Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’</h2>


<p>“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 
</p>
<p class="quote-attribution"> — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission</p>

core/html

<div class="quote-container">
<p>“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story." 
</p>
<p class="quote-attribution"> — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission</p>
</div>

<div class="quote-container">
<p>“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 
</p>
<p class="quote-attribution"> — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission</p>
</div>

The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

<p>The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.</p>

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

<p>Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.</p>

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

<p>“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”</p>

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

<p>Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.</p>

A booklet entitled “The New Western Addition Is a Good Place to Live” published in 1971, outlines new housing developments, apartments and public spaces as part of the larger Western Addition redevelopment project. London Breed was raised in the Western Addition’s Yerba Buena Plaza East housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

<p>“If you were not Black or didn't live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn't walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”</p>

<p>“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”</p>

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

<p>At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.</p>

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

<p>The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.</p>

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

<p>“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don't want the police to be brutalizing them.”</p>

<p>“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”</p>

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

<p>Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.</p>

“She was a church lady,” said Rev. Arnold Townsend, who was present at Breed’s baptism and helped officiate the funerals of the mayor’s grandmother and sister. “And in the Black community, that means a certain thing—very, very stern and can be quite severe when necessary.”

<p>“She was a church lady,” said Rev. Arnold Townsend, who was present at Breed’s baptism and helped officiate the funerals of the mayor’s grandmother and sister. “And in the Black community, that means a certain thing—very, very stern and can be quite severe when necessary.”</p>

Under her grandmother’s watch, Breed and her siblings were required to cook and clean, make their beds and go to school, or get out of the house. Miss Brown handed out whoopings and flushed her grandson’s drugs down the toilet. She scolded Breed when she felt embarrassed about buying groceries with food stamps, telling her granddaughter to hold her head high and focus on survival until the next step.

<p>Under her grandmother’s watch, Breed and her siblings were required to cook and clean, make their beds and go to school, or get out of the house. Miss Brown handed out whoopings and flushed her grandson’s drugs down the toilet. She scolded Breed when she felt embarrassed about buying groceries with food stamps, telling her granddaughter to hold her head high and focus on survival until the next step.</p>

A composite image of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, left, and a portrait of London Breed as a baby, right, that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | Courtesy London Breed


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED3_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A composite image shows a picture of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, and a photo of London Breed as a baby that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook." class="wp-image-170713"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows a picture of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, and a photo of London Breed as a baby that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | Courtesy London Breed</figcaption></figure>


“Miss Brown was everybody’s mother and everybody’s grandmother in the community,” said Shawn Richard, a neighbor of Breed’s in Plaza East and the city’s first Black cannabis dispensary owner. “We respected that, and [Breed] was raised with values. You know, they had to go to church on Sundays, and the rest of us would go to church with them because Miss Brown demanded that.”

<p>“Miss Brown was everybody’s mother and everybody’s grandmother in the community,” said Shawn Richard, a neighbor of Breed’s in Plaza East and the city’s first Black cannabis dispensary owner. “We respected that, and [Breed] was raised with values. You know, they had to go to church on Sundays, and the rest of us would go to church with them because Miss Brown demanded that.”</p>

These roots—and a community that saw something in Breed, insulated her and raised her like their own—kept her grounded.&nbsp;

<p>These roots—and a community that saw something in Breed, insulated her and raised her like their own—kept her grounded.&nbsp;</p>

“It was always like, ‘No, you can&#8217;t mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

<p>“It was always like, ‘No, you can't mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”</p>

<p>“It was always like, ‘No, you can&#8217;t mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-ii-a-raw-ball-of-talent">Chapter II: ‘A Raw Ball of Talent’</h2>


<div class="quote-container">
<p>“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” </p>
<p class="quote-attribution"> — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco</p>
</div>

<div class="wp-block-column"><div class="quote-container">
<p>“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” </p>
<p class="quote-attribution"> — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco</p>
</div></div>

<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><div class="quote-container">
<p>“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” </p>
<p class="quote-attribution"> — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco</p>
</div></div></div>

From an early age, Breed caught the attention of mentors, including Gloria Davis, a political activist who championed low-income students of color, and Minyon McGriff, an administrator for the Family School, a Western Addition nonprofit that assists impoverished families.

<p>From an early age, Breed caught the attention of mentors, including Gloria Davis, a political activist who championed low-income students of color, and Minyon McGriff, an administrator for the Family School, a Western Addition nonprofit that assists impoverished families.</p>

Breed was rough around the edges but showed promise, excelling in school, playing in the band and participating in student government. She also had an innate ability to connect with people.

<p>Breed was rough around the edges but showed promise, excelling in school, playing in the band and participating in student government. She also had an innate ability to connect with people.</p>

“She has jokes. She’s funny,” Richard said. “Her second career would have been a professional comedian.”

<p>“She has jokes. She’s funny,” Richard said. “Her second career would have been a professional comedian.”</p>

At Galileo High, Breed served as the girls’ vice president of her senior class and was voted “most likely to succeed,” graduating with honors in 1992. One of her after-school haunts was Marcus Books on Fillmore Street—the <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Marcus_Books,_the_Nation%E2%80%99s_Oldest_Black_Bookstore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oldest Black bookstore in the country</a> until its closure in 2014—but Breed wasn’t just a bookworm.

<p>At Galileo High, Breed served as the girls’ vice president of her senior class and was voted “most likely to succeed,” graduating with honors in 1992. One of her after-school haunts was Marcus Books on Fillmore Street—the <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Marcus_Books,_the_Nation%E2%80%99s_Oldest_Black_Bookstore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oldest Black bookstore in the country</a> until its closure in 2014—but Breed wasn’t just a bookworm.</p>

“I stayed out late and got in trouble,” she said with a laugh. “But I didn&#8217;t do anything that crossed the line.”

<p>“I stayed out late and got in trouble,” she said with a laugh. “But I didn't do anything that crossed the line.”</p>

<p>“I stayed out late and got in trouble,” she said with a laugh. “But I didn&#8217;t do anything that crossed the line.”</p>

She considered attending Spelman College, a historic Black women’s college in Atlanta, but chose to enroll at the University of California, Davis to stay close to her ailing grandmother, who had dementia in her later years. Breed initially majored in chemistry but switched to political science after two summer internships at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

<p>She considered attending Spelman College, a historic Black women’s college in Atlanta, but chose to enroll at the University of California, Davis to stay close to her ailing grandmother, who had dementia in her later years. Breed initially majored in chemistry but switched to political science after two summer internships at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab.</p>

“I would never imagine her being a scientist, to be honest,” said Bettie Grinnell, a secretary at Galileo High for the last 50 years. “I mean, she just seemed to have too much energy and people skills for that.”&nbsp;

<p>“I would never imagine her being a scientist, to be honest,” said Bettie Grinnell, a secretary at Galileo High for the last 50 years. “I mean, she just seemed to have too much energy and people skills for that.”&nbsp;</p>

A composite image of photos of London Breed as a graduating Senior from published in 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED4_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A composite image shows photos of London Breed in her senior year in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook." class="wp-image-170716"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows photos of London Breed in her senior year in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | The Standard</figcaption></figure>


While still in college, Breed worked on Willie Brown’s 1995 campaign for mayor, helping the former speaker of the California Assembly—no relation to her grandmother—edge out incumbent Frank Jordan. She later interned in the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, getting her first taste for power by giving marching orders to departments under the authority of the Mayor’s Office, such as when a pothole needed fixing.

<p>While still in college, Breed worked on Willie Brown’s 1995 campaign for mayor, helping the former speaker of the California Assembly—no relation to her grandmother—edge out incumbent Frank Jordan. She later interned in the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, getting her first taste for power by giving marching orders to departments under the authority of the Mayor’s Office, such as when a pothole needed fixing.</p>

Breed babysat and cleaned houses throughout her time at UC Davis. She planned to head back to San Francisco after college but hadn&#8217;t yet mapped out a career.

<p>Breed babysat and cleaned houses throughout her time at UC Davis. She planned to head back to San Francisco after college but hadn't yet mapped out a career.</p>

<p>Breed babysat and cleaned houses throughout her time at UC Davis. She planned to head back to San Francisco after college but hadn&#8217;t yet mapped out a career.</p>

“I just didn’t want to be poor,” Breed said about her ambitions after college. “And I felt frustrated that my grandmother had to struggle so much.”

<p>“I just didn’t want to be poor,” Breed said about her ambitions after college. “And I felt frustrated that my grandmother had to struggle so much.”</p>

In 1999, two years after Breed graduated from UC Davis—whose business school now teaches a leadership course on her life and career—Brown helped place her in a job with the Treasure Island Development Authority.

<p>In 1999, two years after Breed graduated from UC Davis—whose business school now teaches a leadership course on her life and career—Brown helped place her in a job with the Treasure Island Development Authority.</p>

“I was interviewing some assistants, and a young London Breed came bounding through the door with that 1,000-watt smile,” said Annemarie Conroy, a former San Francisco supervisor who now works as a federal attorney. “She was a raw ball of talent.”

<p>“I was interviewing some assistants, and a young London Breed came bounding through the door with that 1,000-watt smile,” said Annemarie Conroy, a former San Francisco supervisor who now works as a federal attorney. “She was a raw ball of talent.”</p>

Breed was soon promoted to secretary of the Treasure Island authority, which helped her form stronger connections at City Hall. In 2002, as Brown was in his second term as mayor, he orchestrated Breed’s takeover of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/black-organizations-making-change-san-francisco/">African American Art and Culture Complex</a>, a nonprofit in the Western Addition.

<p>Breed was soon promoted to secretary of the Treasure Island authority, which helped her form stronger connections at City Hall. In 2002, as Brown was in his second term as mayor, he orchestrated Breed’s takeover of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/black-organizations-making-change-san-francisco/">African American Art and Culture Complex</a>, a nonprofit in the Western Addition.</p>

With no expectation of seeking elected office again, Brown shifted some of his leftover campaign money to the nonprofit to give Breed a running start. By all accounts, she took the baton and never looked back.

<p>With no expectation of seeking elected office again, Brown shifted some of his leftover campaign money to the nonprofit to give Breed a running start. By all accounts, she took the baton and never looked back.</p>

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