Josh Koehn

Everyone seeking elected office leans into a narrative to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a>’s reelection campaign message could be especially difficult: convincing people San Francisco is on the upswing.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

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Everyone seeking elected office leans into a narrative to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a>’s reelection campaign message could be especially difficult: convincing people San Francisco is on the upswing.

Inside a packed auditorium at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/05/inside-black-san-franciscos-struggle-over-the-soul-of-the-fillmore-district/">The Fillmore</a> on Saturday—campaign officials reported approximately 750 people in attendance—Breed strutted onto the stage to “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child in a wedding day-white embroidered jumper. She argued that the city’s challenges may be daunting, but San Francisco has already shown what it can achieve in recent months.

Inside Black San Francisco&#8217;s struggle over the soul of the Fillmore District

Inside a packed auditorium at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/05/inside-black-san-franciscos-struggle-over-the-soul-of-the-fillmore-district/">The Fillmore</a> on Saturday—campaign officials reported approximately 750 people in attendance—Breed strutted onto the stage to “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child in a wedding day-white embroidered jumper. She argued that the city’s challenges may be daunting, but San Francisco has already shown what it can achieve in recent months.

“People want you to think that things aren’t turning around,” Breed said. “People want you to think that all of a sudden we cleaned up the city for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/mayor-london-breed-defends-san-francisco-apec-cleanup/">APEC</a>, or we cleaned up the city for an election. You don’t just snap your fingers and black magic happens.”

Watch: San Francisco mayor defends APEC cleanup efforts

“People want you to think that things aren’t turning around,” Breed said. “People want you to think that all of a sudden we cleaned up the city for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/mayor-london-breed-defends-san-francisco-apec-cleanup/">APEC</a>, or we cleaned up the city for an election. You don’t just snap your fingers and black magic happens.”

Hundreds attend Mayor London Breed’s official kick off for her bid for re-election as Mayor of San Francisco inside The Fillmore venue in the Fillmore District of San Francisco on Saturday, May 18, 2024.  Breed will face a crowded field, including Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safai, who could potentially take her position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/breedcampaign-39.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd of joyful people, many wearing yellow hats, holds up signs supporting Mayor London Breed, in a well-lit indoor setting." class="wp-image-276685"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">More than a hundred Asian seniors attended Mayor London Breed’s official reelection campaign kickoff, waving signs and giving standing ovations at times.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/breedcampaign-39.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd of joyful people, many wearing yellow hats, holds up signs supporting Mayor London Breed, in a well-lit indoor setting." class="wp-image-276685"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">More than a hundred Asian seniors attended Mayor London Breed’s official reelection campaign kickoff, waving signs and giving standing ovations at times.</figcaption></figure>

The history books—or, more likely, the Wikipedias of the future—will note that Breed also led San Francisco through the global pandemic, locking the city down before any other place in the country to curtail the deadly spread of Covid.&nbsp;

The history books—or, more likely, the Wikipedias of the future—will note that Breed also led San Francisco through the global pandemic, locking the city down before any other place in the country to curtail the deadly spread of Covid.&nbsp;

“Those guys that are running against me, they want you to believe that this city is messed up. … Their whole message is predicated on what’s bad and making us feel bad about ourselves, and saying that this city has lost its way,” Breed said. “That whole message is to speak down on San Francisco. And while they’re speaking down on San Francisco, I’m lifting San Francisco up!”

“Those guys that are running against me, they want you to believe that this city is messed up. … Their whole message is predicated on what’s bad and making us feel bad about ourselves, and saying that this city has lost its way,” Breed said. “That whole message is to speak down on San Francisco. And while they’re speaking down on San Francisco, I’m lifting San Francisco up!”

The twists and turns that led Breed to the Mayor’s Office required a unique coalition that bridged gaps in race and political priorities, and Saturday’s crowd reflected that eclectic support on top of a diverse cast of speakers that preceded Breed on stage as former San Francisco Giants announcer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/11/05/renel-brooks-moon-remarkable-voice-oracle-park-the-san-francisco-giants/">Renel Brooks-Moon</a> emceed.

Meet Renel Brooks-Moon, the remarkable voice of Oracle Park and the San Francisco Giants

The twists and turns that led Breed to the Mayor’s Office required a unique coalition that bridged gaps in race and political priorities, and Saturday’s crowd reflected that eclectic support on top of a diverse cast of speakers that preceded Breed on stage as former San Francisco Giants announcer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/11/05/renel-brooks-moon-remarkable-voice-oracle-park-the-san-francisco-giants/">Renel Brooks-Moon</a> emceed.

Off to the side of the chandeliered ballroom, guests snacked on donuts and coffee while Breed’s campaign gave out buttons and distributed “London Breed” T-shirts in exchange for $25 campaign donations.

Off to the side of the chandeliered ballroom, guests snacked on donuts and coffee while Breed’s campaign gave out buttons and distributed “London Breed” T-shirts in exchange for $25 campaign donations.

Cris Azzola, right, and Matt Adams, field director, left, volunteer handing out merch at Mayor London Breed’ s official kick off for her bid for re-election as Mayor of San Francisco inside The Fillmore venue in the Fillmore District of San Francisco on Saturday, May 18, 2024.  Breed will face a crowded field, including Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safai, who could potentially take her position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/breedcampaign-59.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people behind a stall handing out yellow stickers and t-shirts with &quot;Mayor London Breed&quot; printed on them to visitors." class="wp-image-276691"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Matt Adams, left, and Cris Azzola hand out merchandise at Mayor London Breed’s official reelection campaign kickoff at The Fillmore.</figcaption></figure>

Rousing speeches included passionate words from actor Danny Glover, local artist and influencer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jasmincorley/">Jasmin Corley</a>, NorCal carpenters union boss Jay Bradshaw and Valerie Tulier-Laiwa of the Latino Task Force. The list of elected officials in attendance included former Mayor Willie Brown, state Sen. Scott Wiener, San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto and Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Joel Engardio and Matt Dorsey.

Rousing speeches included passionate words from actor Danny Glover, local artist and influencer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jasmincorley/">Jasmin Corley</a>, NorCal carpenters union boss Jay Bradshaw and Valerie Tulier-Laiwa of the Latino Task Force. The list of elected officials in attendance included former Mayor Willie Brown, state Sen. Scott Wiener, San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto and Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Joel Engardio and Matt Dorsey.

Most of the speakers focused their remarks on Breed’s unique backstory, as well as her administration’s work in the early days of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Most of the speakers focused their remarks on Breed’s unique backstory, as well as her administration’s work in the early days of the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We had to close the city,” said Larry Yee, a city police commissioner who also directly spoke to more than 100 Chinese American elders in the crowd in their native tongue. “It was a very tough decision, but it saved lives.”

“We had to close the city,” said Larry Yee, a city police commissioner who also directly spoke to more than 100 Chinese American elders in the crowd in their native tongue. “It was a very tough decision, but it saved lives.”

Winning a special election in 2018, almost seven months after the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/911-audio-reveals-moments-after-mayor-ed-lee-s-heart-attack/article_1f1942c0-ce32-575e-9c16-eac40221d984.html">unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee</a>, Breed has now been in office roughly six years. She officially won a first term in 2019 and then saw a ballot measure kick the mayor’s race from 2023 to this year.

Winning a special election in 2018, almost seven months after the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/911-audio-reveals-moments-after-mayor-ed-lee-s-heart-attack/article_1f1942c0-ce32-575e-9c16-eac40221d984.html">unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee</a>, Breed has now been in office roughly six years. She officially won a first term in 2019 and then saw a ballot measure kick the mayor’s race from 2023 to this year.

This extended time in office has opened the door for an onslaught of criticism against Breed. Concerns about public safety—from property crime and street-level drug use to dangerous intersections and attacks on Asian seniors—have become top of mind for many voters, while solving the issues of housing and homelessness remain as daunting as ever.

This extended time in office has opened the door for an onslaught of criticism against Breed. Concerns about public safety—from property crime and street-level drug use to dangerous intersections and attacks on Asian seniors—have become top of mind for many voters, while solving the issues of housing and homelessness remain as daunting as ever.

Mayor London Breed speaks to a crowd of hundreds to announce her re-election campaign inside The Fillmore venue in the Fillmore District of San Francisco on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Mayor London Breed officially kicks off her bid for re-election as Mayor of San Francisco. She will face a crowded field, including Supervisors Aaron Peskin,
Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safai, who could potentially take her position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/breedcampaign-23.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor London Breed in a white patterned dress jumper into a microphone, passionately raising her fist, with festive gold and blue balloons in the background." class="wp-image-276696"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed spoke proudly about growing up in public housing in San Francisco and touted her record in office during the Covid pandemic.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor noted that violent crime, retail theft and car break-ins have all come down “significantly” this year, but she took a moment to acknowledge—perhaps with the arguments of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/08/chesa-boudin-ousted-by-coalition-asians-wealthy-whites/">recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin</a> in mind—that the data doesn’t matter to victims.

Boudin ousted by coalition of Asian voters from all income levels and wealthy whites

The mayor noted that violent crime, retail theft and car break-ins have all come down “significantly” this year, but she took a moment to acknowledge—perhaps with the arguments of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/08/chesa-boudin-ousted-by-coalition-asians-wealthy-whites/">recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin</a> in mind—that the data doesn’t matter to victims.

“Hey, look, I understand if it happens to you, numbers don’t matter,” Breed said. “And that’s why we’re going to continue to invest in making sure that we have not only community ambassadors and people helping to keep the streets safe, we’re going to continue to invest to have a fully staffed police department in San Francisco.”

“Hey, look, I understand if it happens to you, numbers don’t matter,” Breed said. “And that’s why we’re going to continue to invest in making sure that we have not only community ambassadors and people helping to keep the streets safe, we’re going to continue to invest to have a fully staffed police department in San Francisco.”

Stormy Henry, a Black woman who grew up in the same public housing as Breed, said she has been inspired by the mayor’s “resilience,” from coming into office after Lee’s unexpected death to managing the pandemic.

Stormy Henry, a Black woman who grew up in the same public housing as Breed, said she has been inspired by the mayor’s “resilience,” from coming into office after Lee’s unexpected death to managing the pandemic.

“She’s risen to the occasion every time,” Henry said, adding that the pandemic forced the mayor to shelve other policy priorities. “When you have six-year-old problems that were before her time, you cannot blame Breed.”

“She’s risen to the occasion every time,” Henry said, adding that the pandemic forced the mayor to shelve other policy priorities. “When you have six-year-old problems that were before her time, you cannot blame Breed.”

The mayor’s ability to make progress in the coming months—whether it be real or simply perceived—will be vital to securing a second term. Perhaps chief among the challenges will be showing progress on the downtown recovery, which has moved at the speed of molasses compared to the other major cities as corruption scandals at City Hall continue at a steady drip.

The mayor’s ability to make progress in the coming months—whether it be real or simply perceived—will be vital to securing a second term. Perhaps chief among the challenges will be showing progress on the downtown recovery, which has moved at the speed of molasses compared to the other major cities as corruption scandals at City Hall continue at a steady drip.

Breed championed her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">30&#215;30 plan</a>, which seeks to bring 30,000 new residents and students downtown by 2030 through a combination of new college campuses and converting commercial towers into residential buildings.

&#8216;Tired of the negativity&#8217;: Breed hits back at doubters in State of the City speech

Breed championed her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">30x30 plan</a>, which seeks to bring 30,000 new residents and students downtown by 2030 through a combination of new college campuses and converting commercial towers into residential buildings.

Breed championed her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">30&#215;30 plan</a>, which seeks to bring 30,000 new residents and students downtown by 2030 through a combination of new college campuses and converting commercial towers into residential buildings.

“We don’t have time for the foolery,” Breed said. “We don’t have time for folks who have no idea what it means to actually run a city.”

“We don’t have time for the foolery,” Breed said. “We don’t have time for folks who have no idea what it means to actually run a city.”

Mayor Breed kicks off reelection campaign, drop-kicks foes

Han Li

San Francisco’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community will be thrust into the global spotlight as the city celebrates <a href="https://apasf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAPI Heritage Month</a> in May and prepares for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisc-to-host-apec-summit-in-2023/">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)</a> summit in November.

San Francisco’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community will be thrust into the global spotlight as the city celebrates <a href="https://apasf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAPI Heritage Month</a> in May and prepares for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisc-to-host-apec-summit-in-2023/">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)</a> summit in November.

This year is the 45th anniversary of the AAPI heritage celebration at a national scale, although San Francisco has only recognized it since 2005. Dozens of nonprofits and city departments will collaborate to host events citywide during the month, including the film festival <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/asian-american-cinema-has-never-been-bigger-see-the-next-smash-hit-at-this-festival/">CAAMFest</a> (May 11-21). That series of top-tier screenings highlights the community’s cinematic contributions at a time when the success of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Always Be My Maybe” mean Asian American films have never been so prominent.

This year is the 45th anniversary of the AAPI heritage celebration at a national scale, although San Francisco has only recognized it since 2005. Dozens of nonprofits and city departments will collaborate to host events citywide during the month, including the film festival <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/asian-american-cinema-has-never-been-bigger-see-the-next-smash-hit-at-this-festival/">CAAMFest</a> (May 11-21). That series of top-tier screenings highlights the community’s cinematic contributions at a time when the success of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Always Be My Maybe” mean Asian American films have never been so prominent.

“We need to take the opportunity to strengthen ourselves,” said Claudine Cheng, the organizer of the celebration and founder of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Foundation. “We may have different cultures, history, heritage, but you know, we have one API community.”

“We need to take the opportunity to strengthen ourselves,” said Claudine Cheng, the organizer of the celebration and founder of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Foundation. “We may have different cultures, history, heritage, but you know, we have one API community.”

Three local Asian community-based nonprofits will be honored during this year&#8217;s heritage month for achieving milestones, including the Asian Pacific Fund (30th anniversary), Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (40th anniversary) and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (50th).

Three local Asian community-based nonprofits will be honored during this year's heritage month for achieving milestones, including the Asian Pacific Fund (30th anniversary), Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (40th anniversary) and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (50th).

Three local Asian community-based nonprofits will be honored during this year&#8217;s heritage month for achieving milestones, including the Asian Pacific Fund (30th anniversary), Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (40th anniversary) and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (50th).

Pacific Islanders are often overshadowed by the Bay Area’s far larger East Asian populations. Last year, San Francisco established the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/new-cultural-district-to-honor-pacific-islanders/">Pacific Islander Cultural District</a> in Visitacion Valley, and that community will also present different events, including a kickoff event this Saturday hosted by the Samoan Community Development Center.

Pacific Islanders are often overshadowed by the Bay Area’s far larger East Asian populations. Last year, San Francisco established the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/new-cultural-district-to-honor-pacific-islanders/">Pacific Islander Cultural District</a> in Visitacion Valley, and that community will also present different events, including a kickoff event this Saturday hosted by the Samoan Community Development Center.

San Francisco established the Pacific Islander Cultural District in 2022 and members of the Samoan Community Development Center attends the City Hall press conference on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. | Han Li/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED_AAPIMonth-042623-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153817"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of the Samoan Community Development Center attend a City Hall press conference on AAPI Month on Wednesday. | Han Li/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Looking ahead, in November, San Francisco will host this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, an annual gathering of world leaders from around the Pacific Rim—including Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping—to discuss trade policies and other initiatives. The conference has never taken place in California before.

Looking ahead, in November, San Francisco will host this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, an annual gathering of world leaders from around the Pacific Rim—including Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping—to discuss trade policies and other initiatives. The conference has never taken place in California before.

Mayor London Breed and other city officials gathered in City Hall Wednesday, vowing to revive the city’s image during the forum.

Mayor London Breed and other city officials gathered in City Hall Wednesday, vowing to revive the city’s image during the forum.

“No other event on an international scale has existed in San Francisco since 1945, when the United Nations was created right here,” Breed said. “This will be an opportunity to showcase San Francisco like never before.”

“No other event on an international scale has existed in San Francisco since 1945, when the United Nations was created right here,” Breed said. “This will be an opportunity to showcase San Francisco like never before.”

Breed added that, as many San Franciscans are Asian immigrants, the community will “be on full display” during November, and she hoped to display its diversity on a global stage.&nbsp;

Breed added that, as many San Franciscans are Asian immigrants, the community will “be on full display” during November, and she hoped to display its diversity on a global stage.&nbsp;

May’s diverse celebration events include the food related “<a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2023/05/13/celebration-chow-fun" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chow Fun</a>,” which features cooking demos; the <a href="https://friendsofindonesiasf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indonesian Bazaar</a>, a curated food and art bazaar at La Cocina Marketplace; Japanese <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2023/05/31/performance-japanese-taiko-drumming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taiko drumming</a> performance in Chinatown, etc. CAAMFest will open with the highly anticipated Asian American comedy film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyI-AM5VXDo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joy Ride</a> at the Castro Theatre.

May’s diverse celebration events include the food related “<a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2023/05/13/celebration-chow-fun" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chow Fun</a>,” which features cooking demos; the <a href="https://friendsofindonesiasf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indonesian Bazaar</a>, a curated food and art bazaar at La Cocina Marketplace; Japanese <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2023/05/31/performance-japanese-taiko-drumming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taiko drumming</a> performance in Chinatown, etc. CAAMFest will open with the highly anticipated Asian American comedy film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyI-AM5VXDo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joy Ride</a> at the Castro Theatre.

From art bazaars to joy rides, San Francisco puts Asian heritage front and center

A vulgar tweet in which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a> riffed on famous rap lyrics and suggested San Francisco&#8217;s progressive-leaning supervisors could “die slow” has resulted in two of the elected officials filing police reports against the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/san-francisco-politics-y-combinator-ceo-garry-tan/">influential tech leader</a> and a third saying he intends to go to the police.

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s war on San Francisco politics has only just begun

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan is organizing San Francisco&#8217;s moderate political agenda

A vulgar tweet in which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a> riffed on famous rap lyrics and suggested San Francisco's progressive-leaning supervisors could “die slow” has resulted in two of the elected officials filing police reports against the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/san-francisco-politics-y-combinator-ceo-garry-tan/">influential tech leader</a> and a third saying he intends to go to the police.

A vulgar tweet in which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a> riffed on famous rap lyrics and suggested San Francisco&#8217;s progressive-leaning supervisors could “die slow” has resulted in two of the elected officials filing police reports against the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/san-francisco-politics-y-combinator-ceo-garry-tan/">influential tech leader</a> and a third saying he intends to go to the police.

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan confirmed to The Standard they have already filed police reports, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí announced during Tuesday&#8217;s Board of Supervisors meeting that he will be going to law enforcement after learning of a death threat sent to Supervisor Dean Preston’s home.

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan confirmed to The Standard they have already filed police reports, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí announced during Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting that he will be going to law enforcement after learning of a death threat sent to Supervisor Dean Preston’s home.

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan confirmed to The Standard they have already filed police reports, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí announced during Tuesday&#8217;s Board of Supervisors meeting that he will be going to law enforcement after learning of a death threat sent to Supervisor Dean Preston’s home.

Later in the evening Tuesday, Peskin told The Standard he received the same message in the mail.

Later in the evening Tuesday, Peskin told The Standard he received the same message in the mail.

Tan is well known on X for his aggressive tweets, but the Y Combinator CEO stepped over the line just after midnight Saturday when he sent a post mimicking 2Pac’s famous diss track “Hit ’Em Up.” The late-night rant replaced 2Pac’s expletive-laced references to the Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records with the names of Supervisors Chan, Peskin, Safaí, Dean Preston, Shamann Walton, Myrna Melgar and Hillary Ronen.

Tan is well known on X for his aggressive tweets, but the Y Combinator CEO stepped over the line just after midnight Saturday when he sent a post mimicking 2Pac’s famous diss track “Hit ’Em Up.” The late-night rant replaced 2Pac’s expletive-laced references to the Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records with the names of Supervisors Chan, Peskin, Safaí, Dean Preston, Shamann Walton, Myrna Melgar and Hillary Ronen.

A vulgar tweet by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, which has been deleted, referenced lyrics from a Tupac Shakur song. The tweet is now the subject of police reports by two San Francisco supervisors.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garry-tan-tweet.jpeg?w=1080" alt="A screenshot of a Garry Tan tweet" class="wp-image-244306"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vulgar tweet by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, which has been deleted, referenced lyrics from a song by 2Pac aka Tupac Shakur. The tweet is now the subject of police reports by two San Francisco supervisors.</figcaption></figure>

Tan later deleted the post and apologized, saying there’s “no place, no excuse and no reason for this type of speech and charged language in the discourse.”

Tan later deleted the post and apologized, saying there’s “no place, no excuse and no reason for this type of speech and charged language in the discourse.”

However, it appears that his post inspired someone to send threatening messages to at least two supervisors: Preston and Peskin. The letter included a screenshot of Tan’s deleted tweet and a message that reads, “I WISH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”

However, it appears that his post inspired someone to send threatening messages to at least two supervisors: Preston and Peskin. The letter included a screenshot of Tan’s deleted tweet and a message that reads, “I WISH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”

This message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin after Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan sent out an expletive-filled tweet that has since been deleted.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_0113.jpg?w=1696" alt="A threatening message with an image of Garry Tan's deleted tweet," class="wp-image-244437"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin after Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan sent out an expletive-filled tweet that has since been deleted.</figcaption></figure>

“I’ve been a champion for free speech in these chambers … and for any individual’s right to express themselves,” Peskin said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I’ve tolerated borderline hate speech on social media.”

“I’ve been a champion for free speech in these chambers … and for any individual’s right to express themselves,” Peskin said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I’ve tolerated borderline hate speech on social media.”

However, Peskin said, it’s important “to draw the line on … incitements to violence and death.”

However, Peskin said, it’s important “to draw the line on … incitements to violence and death.”

The message sent to Peskin also featured an image of Tan on the envelope, the supervisor told The Standard.

The message sent to Peskin also featured an image of Tan on the envelope, the supervisor told The Standard.

An envelop with a photo of Garry Tan and a threatening message was sent to at least two San Francisco supervisors.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_0115_563e57.png?w=2500" alt="An envelope with Garry Tan's image." class="wp-image-244440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An envelope with a photo of Garry Tan and a threatening message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin.</figcaption></figure>

Chan said she was motivated to file her own police report, in part, because of Tan’s support for Marjan Philhour, a supervisor candidate who is challenging Chan in November.&nbsp;

Chan said she was motivated to file her own police report, in part, because of Tan’s support for Marjan Philhour, a supervisor candidate who is challenging Chan in November.&nbsp;

Chan provided The Standard with <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24397939-connie-chan-police-incident-report">a police incident report</a> that not only noted Tan’s support for Philhour’s candidacy, but also referenced a 2023 police report the supervisor filed against Forrest Liu, who is noted as a paid Philhour campaign staffer. Chan accused Liu of physically threatening her on two occasions.

Chan provided The Standard with <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24397939-connie-chan-police-incident-report">a police incident report</a> that not only noted Tan’s support for Philhour’s candidacy, but also referenced a 2023 police report the supervisor filed against Forrest Liu, who is noted as a paid Philhour campaign staffer. Chan accused Liu of physically threatening her on two occasions.

According to the incident report, Chan told police that after Tan’s tweet it “dawned on me that these unhinged individuals who now have wished me death online as well as physically threaten me are connected, it became alarming to me that the threats are potentially violent and imminent.”&nbsp;

According to the incident report, Chan told police that after Tan’s tweet it “dawned on me that these unhinged individuals who now have wished me death online as well as physically threaten me are connected, it became alarming to me that the threats are potentially violent and imminent.”&nbsp;

Chan said she filed a police report against Liu in October after two unprovoked confrontations with him—one at an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/09/outside-lands-2023-guide/">Outside Lands</a> community meeting on Aug. 9 and another at the <a href="https://richmondsf.org/event/wineandwhiskey/">Wine on the Westside gala</a> on Oct. 12.

Outside Lands 2023: A guide to San Francisco’s biggest music festival

Chan said she filed a police report against Liu in October after two unprovoked confrontations with him—one at an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/09/outside-lands-2023-guide/">Outside Lands</a> community meeting on Aug. 9 and another at the <a href="https://richmondsf.org/event/wineandwhiskey/">Wine on the Westside gala</a> on Oct. 12.

Chan said she was shocked when Liu allegedly challenged her to a fight at the meeting for the music festival. Months later, Liu allegedly threatened her while standing “an inch away from my face.&#8221;

Chan said she was shocked when Liu allegedly challenged her to a fight at the meeting for the music festival. Months later, Liu allegedly threatened her while standing “an inch away from my face."

Chan said she was shocked when Liu allegedly challenged her to a fight at the meeting for the music festival. Months later, Liu allegedly threatened her while standing “an inch away from my face.&#8221;

“I saw this individual at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> [working for the Mayor’s Office of Protocol], and it was alarming to me,” Chan said. “Luckily for me, I didn&#8217;t have an interaction with that individual at that time.”

“I saw this individual at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> [working for the Mayor’s Office of Protocol], and it was alarming to me,” Chan said. “Luckily for me, I didn't have an interaction with that individual at that time.”

“I saw this individual at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> [working for the Mayor’s Office of Protocol], and it was alarming to me,” Chan said. “Luckily for me, I didn&#8217;t have an interaction with that individual at that time.”

Philhour confirmed to The Standard that Liu works for her campaign, but she said she is “not aware of anyone on my campaign team being involved in any crime.”

Philhour confirmed to The Standard that Liu works for her campaign, but she said she is “not aware of anyone on my campaign team being involved in any crime.”

“I would trust that any suspected crime including threats would be promptly and properly reported to the police and the police would investigate,” Philhour said in a text message.

“I would trust that any suspected crime including threats would be promptly and properly reported to the police and the police would investigate,” Philhour said in a text message.

Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Tuesday, Peskin asked City Attorney David Chiu to draft legislation that would require candidates who receive campaign contributions from “purveyors of hate and violence” to disclose this money in some fashion.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Peskin asked City Attorney David Chiu to draft legislation that would require candidates who receive campaign contributions from “purveyors of hate and violence” to disclose this money in some fashion.&nbsp;

Sam Singer, a public relations consultant and spokesperson for Tan, dismissed the supervisors’ police reports as a form of political theater.

Sam Singer, a public relations consultant and spokesperson for Tan, dismissed the supervisors’ police reports as a form of political theater.

“I’ve never heard of anybody filing a police report against rap lyrics,” Singer said. “It was wrong of Garry to post that, he knows that and he immediately withdrew it and apologized to the Board of Supervisors.”

“I’ve never heard of anybody filing a police report against rap lyrics,” Singer said. “It was wrong of Garry to post that, he knows that and he immediately withdrew it and apologized to the Board of Supervisors.”

Safaí said during Tuesday’s meeting that he plans to file a police report and was particularly alarmed by Tan’s statements given the 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall. He noted that Preston received a note at home saying Tan’s tweet was right.

Safaí said during Tuesday’s meeting that he plans to file a police report and was particularly alarmed by Tan’s statements given the 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall. He noted that Preston received a note at home saying Tan’s tweet was right.

Preston, who did not respond to a request for comment, seemed to receive a similar message sent to Peskin, based on reporting by the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-garry-tan-x-threatening-peskin-police-report-18637813.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

Preston, who did not respond to a request for comment, seemed to receive a similar message sent to Peskin, based on reporting by the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-garry-tan-x-threatening-peskin-police-report-18637813.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

“Even if you weren’t named [in the tweet],” Safaí said, “they’re coming for all of us.”

“Even if you weren’t named [in the tweet],” Safaí said, “they’re coming for all of us.”

Josh Ram contributed to this story.

Josh Ram contributed to this story.

Garry Tan’s vulgar tweet prompts police reports by San Francisco supervisors

Astrid Kane

San Francisco, it’s fair to say, has a lot of quirks. First-time visitors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">arriving for next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference</a> may be left scratching their heads that Golden Gate Park is more than two miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Or that North Beach doesn’t have a beach. Or that Mission Dolores isn’t really in the Mission District.

APEC San Francisco: Everything to know about security, traffic and transit in 10 maps

San Francisco, it’s fair to say, has a lot of quirks. First-time visitors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">arriving for next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference</a> may be left scratching their heads that Golden Gate Park is more than two miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Or that North Beach doesn’t have a beach. Or that Mission Dolores isn’t really in the Mission District.

In a city whose namesake football team plays an hour away and where 69 Uranus St. is a real-life, actual address, The Standard has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">some helpful pointers for navigating around town</a>—both geographically and culturally.

In a city whose namesake football team plays an hour away and where 69 Uranus St. is a real-life, actual address, The Standard has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">some helpful pointers for navigating around town</a>—both geographically and culturally.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-street-grid-is-weird">The Street Grid Is Weird</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-street-grid-is-weird">The Street Grid Is Weird</h2>

This is not Manhattan, where the predictable numbered streets and avenues run north-south, east-west and make for easy navigation even for the first-time visitor. San Francisco has a curious pivot point in the armpit of SoMa—that’s what we call the neighborhood south of Market Street—in the vicinity of the city’s only Costco, where the numbered streets go from a northwest-southeast orientation Downtown to running east-west in the Mission.

This is not Manhattan, where the predictable numbered streets and avenues run north-south, east-west and make for easy navigation even for the first-time visitor. San Francisco has a curious pivot point in the armpit of SoMa—that’s what we call the neighborhood south of Market Street—in the vicinity of the city’s only Costco, where the numbered streets go from a northwest-southeast orientation Downtown to running east-west in the Mission.

Also, Third Street somehow intersects with 16th Street near the fancy new basketball arena. Just roll with it. Adding to the confusion, there’s a whole other set of numbered avenues on the West Side—and you should eat there, if you have the chance (although a beautiful sunset is not always guaranteed in the foggy Sunset District).&nbsp;

Also, Third Street somehow intersects with 16th Street near the fancy new basketball arena. Just roll with it. Adding to the confusion, there’s a whole other set of numbered avenues on the West Side—and you should eat there, if you have the chance (although a beautiful sunset is not always guaranteed in the foggy Sunset District).&nbsp;

Our Big Fight Is About Planters Right Now

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-big-fight-is-about-planters-right-now">Our Big Fight Is About Planters Right Now</h2>

More often than not, San Francisco is in the middle of a citywide, existentially pitched battle over something that will likely strike outsiders as relatively inconsequential. A few years back, it was $4 toast. Later, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/04/fnnch-is-still-here-making-and-supporting-street-art-whether-you-like-him-or-not/">it was honeybear murals</a>. Right now, it’s about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homelessness-planters-wa/">galvanized metal sidewalk planters</a> from Nebraska. You can see them on Van Ness Avenue, in SoMa and around other parts of town.

The artist behind San Francisco’s honey bears shares the wealth with Alamo Square Mural Project

How planters shipped from 1,600 miles away are changing San Francisco&#8217;s homelessness debate

More often than not, San Francisco is in the middle of a citywide, existentially pitched battle over something that will likely strike outsiders as relatively inconsequential. A few years back, it was $4 toast. Later, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/04/fnnch-is-still-here-making-and-supporting-street-art-whether-you-like-him-or-not/">it was honeybear murals</a>. Right now, it’s about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homelessness-planters-wa/">galvanized metal sidewalk planters</a> from Nebraska. You can see them on Van Ness Avenue, in SoMa and around other parts of town.

The admitted reason people install them is to deter unhoused people from pitching tents. Critics refer to them as “hostile architecture.” Defenders reply that both those words are inaccurate. Critics fire back that they’re inevitably going to become de facto garbage cans, and it’s uncertain whether anyone will actually water the plants. Defenders insist that having flowers on their street is a good thing, full stop.

The admitted reason people install them is to deter unhoused people from pitching tents. Critics refer to them as “hostile architecture.” Defenders reply that both those words are inaccurate. Critics fire back that they’re inevitably going to become de facto garbage cans, and it’s uncertain whether anyone will actually water the plants. Defenders insist that having flowers on their street is a good thing, full stop.

Please excuse us, as we’re all fighting right now. If the whole meshugas feels tedious and you’d rather skip ahead to San Francisco’s next civil war, the topic is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/no-turn-on-red-san-francisco-moves-to-expand-the-ban-citywide/">quite likely to be No Right Turn on Red</a>.&nbsp;

No turn on red: San Francisco moves to expand the ban citywide

Please excuse us, as we’re all fighting right now. If the whole meshugas feels tedious and you’d rather skip ahead to San Francisco’s next civil war, the topic is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/no-turn-on-red-san-francisco-moves-to-expand-the-ban-citywide/">quite likely to be No Right Turn on Red</a>.&nbsp;

Bikers and walkers utilize Clay St., which is one of the city’s Slow Streets, on Jan. 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SlowStreets.jpg?w=2500" alt="A pedestrian crosses a city street near a &quot;Slow Streets&quot; sign." class="wp-image-96622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco&#8217;s disconnected network of Slow Streets is one element of our quirky city that may leave first-time visitors confused.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SlowStreets.jpg?w=2500" alt="A pedestrian crosses a city street near a &quot;Slow Streets&quot; sign." class="wp-image-96622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco's disconnected network of Slow Streets is one element of our quirky city that may leave first-time visitors confused.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SlowStreets.jpg?w=2500" alt="A pedestrian crosses a city street near a &quot;Slow Streets&quot; sign." class="wp-image-96622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco&#8217;s disconnected network of Slow Streets is one element of our quirky city that may leave first-time visitors confused.</figcaption></figure>

Also, We Have ‘Slow Streets.’ You Can Probably Ignore Them

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-also-we-have-slow-streets-you-can-probably-ignore-them">Also, We Have ‘Slow Streets.’ You Can Probably Ignore Them</h2>

During the pandemic, San Francisco transit authorities implemented a patchy network of “<a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe, comfortable, low-vehicle traffic</a>” Slow Streets to give a Covid-weary city a bit of space to breathe and safely congregate outdoors. You might see their signs around town, but the thing is, Slow Streets don’t actually have lower speed limits.&nbsp;

During the pandemic, San Francisco transit authorities implemented a patchy network of “<a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe, comfortable, low-vehicle traffic</a>” Slow Streets to give a Covid-weary city a bit of space to breathe and safely congregate outdoors. You might see their signs around town, but the thing is, Slow Streets don’t actually have lower speed limits.&nbsp;

In contrast to cities like Barcelona and Paris, which reclaimed central thoroughfares and pedestrianized them to great success, San Francisco quasi-converted a disconnected set of residential streets, occasionally installing some flimsy traffic bollards that are almost as thin as a butterfly proboscis or laboratory pipette.&nbsp;

In contrast to cities like Barcelona and Paris, which reclaimed central thoroughfares and pedestrianized them to great success, San Francisco quasi-converted a disconnected set of residential streets, occasionally installing some flimsy traffic bollards that are almost as thin as a butterfly proboscis or laboratory pipette.&nbsp;

Some Slow Streets are loved, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/29/ambitious-peoples-slow-streets-proposal-calls-for-changes-to-100-miles-of-sf-roadways/">while others are hated</a>—but confusingly, you can still drive on them. Which means you can mostly ignore the signs—everyone else does!

Ambitious &#8216;People&#8217;s Slow Streets&#8217; proposal calls for changes to 100 miles of SF roadways

Some Slow Streets are loved, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/29/ambitious-peoples-slow-streets-proposal-calls-for-changes-to-100-miles-of-sf-roadways/">while others are hated</a>—but confusingly, you can still drive on them. Which means you can mostly ignore the signs—everyone else does!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-don-t-really-have-an-accent-but">We Don’t Really Have an Accent, But…</h2>

Does San Francisco have a distinct accent? It’s true <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrLH-uN6OtY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">we butcher Spanish words and place names daily</a>—San Rafael is “san ruff-FELL,” and locals will tell you Arguello is “arr-GWELL-oh.” But beyond that, the answer is debatable.

Does San Francisco have a distinct accent? It’s true <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrLH-uN6OtY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">we butcher Spanish words and place names daily</a>—San Rafael is “san ruff-FELL,” and locals will tell you Arguello is “arr-GWELL-oh.” But beyond that, the answer is debatable.

What we do have are peculiar definitions for a few common terms that outsiders could have trouble deciphering. In Northern California vernacular English, “Yeah, no” means no and “No, yeah” means yes. “Yeah, no, yeah” means “don’t worry, it’s OK,” while “No, yeah, no” means “absolutely out of the question.”&nbsp;

What we do have are peculiar definitions for a few common terms that outsiders could have trouble deciphering. In Northern California vernacular English, “Yeah, no” means no and “No, yeah” means yes. “Yeah, no, yeah” means “don’t worry, it’s OK,” while “No, yeah, no” means “absolutely out of the question.”&nbsp;

More importantly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/08/san-francisco-apec-events-parties-food-nightlife/">during this party-filled week</a>, visitors should know that when a San Francisco resident RSVPs with a “maybe,” that means they’re not coming.

Forget boring, exclusive APEC meetings. Here&#8217;s where the fun parties will be in San Francisco

More importantly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/08/san-francisco-apec-events-parties-food-nightlife/">during this party-filled week</a>, visitors should know that when a San Francisco resident RSVPs with a “maybe,” that means they’re not coming.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lastly-this-is-not-a-late-night-town">Lastly, This Is Not a Late-Night Town</h2>

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Search Results for: apec

Mayor Breed kicks off reelection campaign, drop-kicks foes

From art bazaars to joy rides, San Francisco puts Asian heritage front and center

Garry Tan’s vulgar tweet prompts police reports by San Francisco supervisors

Welcome to San Francisco, APEC visitors! Here are some quirks you should know about our city

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