Josh Koehn

In the second event of The Standard’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/politics/elections/">election</a> debate series, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidates Honey Mahogany, Cherelle Jackson and Ms. Billie Cooper will face off Wednesday evening to discuss the key issues affecting District 6 and the city at large. Below are live updates.

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In the second event of The Standard’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/politics/elections/">election</a> debate series, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidates Honey Mahogany, Cherelle Jackson and Ms. Billie Cooper will face off Wednesday evening to discuss the key issues affecting District 6 and the city at large. Below are live updates.

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The Standard’s second general election debate, which is being held at our dapper headquarters on Division Street, has welcomed several dozen guests to listen to the four District 6 candidates discuss the issues. Our Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Weber will be moderating. The format will start with short introductions by the candidates and then questions in which candidates can respond, followed by rebuttals. The candidates will also be allowed to pose questions to one another and then the public will have its own chance to grill the candidates. Let&#8217;s go!

The Standard’s second general election debate, which is being held at our dapper headquarters on Division Street, has welcomed several dozen guests to listen to the four District 6 candidates discuss the issues. Our Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Weber will be moderating. The format will start with short introductions by the candidates and then questions in which candidates can respond, followed by rebuttals. The candidates will also be allowed to pose questions to one another and then the public will have its own chance to grill the candidates. Let's go!

The Standard’s second general election debate, which is being held at our dapper headquarters on Division Street, has welcomed several dozen guests to listen to the four District 6 candidates discuss the issues. Our Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Weber will be moderating. The format will start with short introductions by the candidates and then questions in which candidates can respond, followed by rebuttals. The candidates will also be allowed to pose questions to one another and then the public will have its own chance to grill the candidates. Let&#8217;s go!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6:15 p.m. Meet the candidates.</h2>

Honey Mahogany, a social worker who has previously served as a staffer in District 6, opened the introduction period of the debate by saying the city needs to hire more nurses and social workers to help the thousands of people in need on San Francisco’s streets. “It is a simple matter of prioritization,” she said.

Honey Mahogany, a social worker who has previously served as a staffer in District 6, opened the introduction period of the debate by saying the city needs to hire more nurses and social workers to help the thousands of people in need on San Francisco’s streets. “It is a simple matter of prioritization,” she said.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">received an appointment</a> after Matt Haney relinquished his post to take a seat in the state Assembly, said one of his top priorities if elected would be to institute a plan called San Francisco Recovers. He created the plan to address the city&#8217;s drug crisis with colleagues Catherine Stefani and Rafael Mandelman.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">received an appointment</a> after Matt Haney relinquished his post to take a seat in the state Assembly, said one of his top priorities if elected would be to institute a plan called San Francisco Recovers. He created the plan to address the city's drug crisis with colleagues Catherine Stefani and Rafael Mandelman.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-taps-matt-dorsey-a-police-spokesperson-and-longtime-civil-servant-to-lead-district-6/">received an appointment</a> after Matt Haney relinquished his post to take a seat in the state Assembly, said one of his top priorities if elected would be to institute a plan called San Francisco Recovers. He created the plan to address the city&#8217;s drug crisis with colleagues Catherine Stefani and Rafael Mandelman.

Cherelle Jackson, president of the Black Voices and Allies Leadership Committee, noted that, as an essential worker, she has seen firsthand how the city needs to provide more funding for treatment programs. “This is about making sure they have the resources they need,” she said.

Cherelle Jackson, president of the Black Voices and Allies Leadership Committee, noted that, as an essential worker, she has seen firsthand how the city needs to provide more funding for treatment programs. “This is about making sure they have the resources they need,” she said.

Ms. Billie Cooper, a social worker who like Mahogany is a transgender woman, said that as a person in recovery, she feels the city needs to make sure it is diagnosing people properly. This would apply to those addicted to drugs or dealing with mental health issues.

Ms. Billie Cooper, a social worker who like Mahogany is a transgender woman, said that as a person in recovery, she feels the city needs to make sure it is diagnosing people properly. This would apply to those addicted to drugs or dealing with mental health issues.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80595"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey lists off his priorities during the District 6 debate at The Standard&#8217;s offices Wednesday evening. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80595"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey lists off his priorities during the District 6 debate at The Standard's offices Wednesday evening. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dorsey-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80595"/><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Dorsey lists off his priorities during the District 6 debate at The Standard&#8217;s offices Wednesday evening. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

6:18 p.m. Does the city have enough money to fix its crises?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6:18 p.m. Does the city have enough money to fix its crises?</h2>

<h2>6:18 p.m. Does the city have enough money to fix its crises?</h2>

Dorsey pointed to spending money from the city attorney’s lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies. Mahogany, who is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mahogany-leads-in-fundraising-as-money-pours-into-two-key-supervisors-races/">leading in campaign fundraising</a>, noted that she spent four years working in City Hall and knows “how the sausage gets made.” She added that the city has plenty of money to fill needed positions. Jackson said that San Francisco needs to make sure current programs are properly funded. And Ms. Cooper, whose voice is booming over the other candidates, said it’s time for elected officials to roll up their sleeves and help those who are marginalized.

Dorsey pointed to spending money from the city attorney’s lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies. Mahogany, who is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mahogany-leads-in-fundraising-as-money-pours-into-two-key-supervisors-races/">leading in campaign fundraising</a>, noted that she spent four years working in City Hall and knows “how the sausage gets made.” She added that the city has plenty of money to fill needed positions. Jackson said that San Francisco needs to make sure current programs are properly funded. And Ms. Cooper, whose voice is booming over the other candidates, said it’s time for elected officials to roll up their sleeves and help those who are marginalized.

6:24 p.m. Candidates getting a little feisty.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6:24 p.m. Candidates getting a little feisty.</h2>

<h2>6:24 p.m. Candidates getting a little feisty.</h2>

Candidates were asked to answer questions with a simple answer of “yes” or “no,” but the segment went a bit off the rails when Ms. Cooper told Mahogany to “close your mouth” after the latter questioned if she could answer with a full answer—as others did—or needed to limit herself to a one-word answer. Weber was able to restore order. We’re having fun!

Candidates were asked to answer questions with a simple answer of “yes” or “no,” but the segment went a bit off the rails when Ms. Cooper told Mahogany to “close your mouth” after the latter questioned if she could answer with a full answer—as others did—or needed to limit herself to a one-word answer. Weber was able to restore order. We’re having fun!

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Honey-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80576"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany speaks during the District 6 debate at The Standard&#8217;s offices Wednesday evening. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Honey-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80576"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany speaks during the District 6 debate at The Standard's offices Wednesday evening. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Honey-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80576"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany speaks during the District 6 debate at The Standard&#8217;s offices Wednesday evening. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

6:28 p.m. Conservatorships and citing drug users.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6:28 p.m. Conservatorships and citing drug users. </h2>

<h2>6:28 p.m. Conservatorships and citing drug users. </h2>

Should people clearly suffering from mental illness be forced into conservatorships? <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/drug-users-san-francisco-police-crackdown-possession/">Should people addicted to drugs be cited</a> when police come across them using in the street? These are real questions San Francisco is trying to answer, and many people are divided on what is a compassionate approach and what leads to lawlessness and unsafe streets.

Should people clearly suffering from mental illness be forced into conservatorships? <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/drug-users-san-francisco-police-crackdown-possession/">Should people addicted to drugs be cited</a> when police come across them using in the street? These are real questions San Francisco is trying to answer, and many people are divided on what is a compassionate approach and what leads to lawlessness and unsafe streets.

Below is a rundown of the yes/no answers from the candidates:

Below is a rundown of the yes/no answers from the candidates:

Jackson &#8211; yes Dorsey &#8211; yes Mahogany &#8211; yes Cooper &#8211; no&nbsp;

Jackson - yes Dorsey - yes Mahogany - yes Cooper - no&nbsp;

Jackson &#8211; yes Dorsey &#8211; yes Mahogany &#8211; yes Cooper &#8211; no&nbsp;

Should drug users be cited?

Should drug users be cited?

Jackson &#8211; yes Dorsey &#8211; yes Mahogany &#8211; yes Cooper &#8211; no

Jackson - yes Dorsey - yes Mahogany - yes Cooper - no

Jackson &#8211; yes Dorsey &#8211; yes Mahogany &#8211; yes Cooper &#8211; no

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Jackson-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80584"/><figcaption>Cherelle Jackson speaks to the issues facing District 6 residents during Wednesday’s debate at The Standard. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard </figcaption></figure>

6:36 p.m. What priorities do the candidates have on housing?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6:36 p.m. What priorities do the candidates have on housing?</h2>

<h2>6:36 p.m. What priorities do the candidates have on housing?</h2>

Mahogany said she would introduce legislation that would require each district to come up with a plan to up-zone every neighborhood. Dorsey said that people want density, and we have to build housing because of a mandate from the state Legislature. Cooper said there’s plenty of mid- and high-income housing, but they’re largely empty. She suggested we need more affordable housing. Jackson said we need to make sure there is enough housing for the thousands of homeless people living on the streets, in addition to creating more middle-class housing.

Mahogany said she would introduce legislation that would require each district to come up with a plan to up-zone every neighborhood. Dorsey said that people want density, and we have to build housing because of a mandate from the state Legislature. Cooper said there’s plenty of mid- and high-income housing, but they’re largely empty. She suggested we need more affordable housing. Jackson said we need to make sure there is enough housing for the thousands of homeless people living on the streets, in addition to creating more middle-class housing.

6:44 p.m. Tech workers are gone. Will they come back? Should they come back?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6:44 p.m. Tech workers are gone. Will they come back? Should they come back?</h2>

<h2>6:44 p.m. Tech workers are gone. Will they come back? Should they come back?</h2>

The pandemic drove thousands of workers out of the city, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-techies-fueled-boom-and-bust-of-sf-office-work/">they haven&#8217;t returned</a> despite a relative return to normalcy. Dorsey said the city should encourage tech workers to come back, but we need to “be thoughtful and diversify our workforce.” Mahogany said the city has no mechanism to force tech companies to require workers to go into the office, so the city should focus on making it safe for families and creating a mixed-use district.&nbsp;Jackson said the city needs to give tax incentives to different industries to bring a more diverse workforce to San Francisco&#8217;s downtown.

The pandemic drove thousands of workers out of the city, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-techies-fueled-boom-and-bust-of-sf-office-work/">they haven't returned</a> despite a relative return to normalcy. Dorsey said the city should encourage tech workers to come back, but we need to “be thoughtful and diversify our workforce.” Mahogany said the city has no mechanism to force tech companies to require workers to go into the office, so the city should focus on making it safe for families and creating a mixed-use district.&nbsp;Jackson said the city needs to give tax incentives to different industries to bring a more diverse workforce to San Francisco's downtown.

The pandemic drove thousands of workers out of the city, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-techies-fueled-boom-and-bust-of-sf-office-work/">they haven&#8217;t returned</a> despite a relative return to normalcy. Dorsey said the city should encourage tech workers to come back, but we need to “be thoughtful and diversify our workforce.” Mahogany said the city has no mechanism to force tech companies to require workers to go into the office, so the city should focus on making it safe for families and creating a mixed-use district.&nbsp;Jackson said the city needs to give tax incentives to different industries to bring a more diverse workforce to San Francisco&#8217;s downtown.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Coop-1-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80592"/><figcaption>The Standard’s Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Weber, left, addresses the panel as Ms. Billie Cooper raises her arm during Wednesday&#8217;s District 6 debate at The Standard&#8217;s offices. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Coop-1-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80592"/><figcaption>The Standard’s Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Weber, left, addresses the panel as Ms. Billie Cooper raises her arm during Wednesday's District 6 debate at The Standard's offices. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Coop-1-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80592"/><figcaption>The Standard’s Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Weber, left, addresses the panel as Ms. Billie Cooper raises her arm during Wednesday&#8217;s District 6 debate at The Standard&#8217;s offices. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

7:01 p.m. Candidates can now question one another. What could go wrong?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7:01 p.m. Candidates can now question one another. What could go wrong?</h2>

<h2>7:01 p.m. Candidates can now question one another. What could go wrong?</h2>

Groans and laughter broke out in the crowd when Weber announced we have entered the portion of the debate when candidates can ask each other questions. Ms. Cooper has repeatedly gone after Mahogany and The Standard’s moderator for what she feels is preferential treatment in questions. She threatened to have her mic removed to walk off the panel, but cooler heads prevailed. Dorsey asked Ms. Cooper what she thought it would mean to have an HIV-positive supervisor such as himself elected to serve District 6. Ms. Cooper, who is also HIV positive, said she appreciated the question and told a story about her own health issues and losing an eye due to a lack of treatment. She then noted that District 6’s poorest residents need better access to health care.

Groans and laughter broke out in the crowd when Weber announced we have entered the portion of the debate when candidates can ask each other questions. Ms. Cooper has repeatedly gone after Mahogany and The Standard’s moderator for what she feels is preferential treatment in questions. She threatened to have her mic removed to walk off the panel, but cooler heads prevailed. Dorsey asked Ms. Cooper what she thought it would mean to have an HIV-positive supervisor such as himself elected to serve District 6. Ms. Cooper, who is also HIV positive, said she appreciated the question and told a story about her own health issues and losing an eye due to a lack of treatment. She then noted that District 6’s poorest residents need better access to health care.

7:09 p.m. How can Dorsey represent District 6’s BIPOC community?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7:09 p.m. How can Dorsey represent District 6’s BIPOC community?</h2>

<h2>7:09 p.m. How can Dorsey represent District 6’s BIPOC community?</h2>

Jackson used the candidate-question segment to ask the supervisor how he intends to address the needs of the Black, Indigenous and people of color in the district. Dorsey, a white man and the only non-person of color on the panel, said this issue always comes back to housing and trying to right the wrongs of past generations. He also cited his work with SF Police Chief Bill Scott and how the department responded after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

Jackson used the candidate-question segment to ask the supervisor how he intends to address the needs of the Black, Indigenous and people of color in the district. Dorsey, a white man and the only non-person of color on the panel, said this issue always comes back to housing and trying to right the wrongs of past generations. He also cited his work with SF Police Chief Bill Scott and how the department responded after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Crowd-1-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80605"/><figcaption>City residents listen to candidates debate the issues during Wednesday&#8217;s debate at The Standard’s offices. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Crowd-1-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80605"/><figcaption>City residents listen to candidates debate the issues during Wednesday's debate at The Standard’s offices. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Crowd-1-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80605"/><figcaption>City residents listen to candidates debate the issues during Wednesday&#8217;s debate at The Standard’s offices. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

7:16 p.m. Audience member grills Dorsey on war on drugs.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7:16 p.m. Audience member grills Dorsey on war on drugs.</h2>

<h2>7:16 p.m. Audience member grills Dorsey on war on drugs.</h2>

One person quoted Dorsey as saying the city is waging a war against drug addicts, before asking how he can be trusted to handle the issue. The supervisor responded by saying that the current status quo in the city equates to a war on those suffering from addiction. Dorsey added that more people have died of fentanyl than U.S. soldiers who perished in the Afghanistan war. He ended by saying he is uniquely positioned to find solutions to the drug crisis as a former drug addict.

One person quoted Dorsey as saying the city is waging a war against drug addicts, before asking how he can be trusted to handle the issue. The supervisor responded by saying that the current status quo in the city equates to a war on those suffering from addiction. Dorsey added that more people have died of fentanyl than U.S. soldiers who perished in the Afghanistan war. He ended by saying he is uniquely positioned to find solutions to the drug crisis as a former drug addict.

7:27 p.m. So, why can’t San Francisco get it right?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7:27 p.m. So, why can’t San Francisco get it right?</h2>

<h2>7:27 p.m. So, why can’t San Francisco get it right?</h2>

One audience member asked why there is such a long waitlist for treatment. Jackson hammered the point home that the city has not made the proper investments going back many, many years. Dorsey said that the city has on-demand assessment but lacks on-demand treatment, and, in a rare show of agreement with Mahogany, he noted that they both know the issues well after working with the team at HealthRIGHT 360.

One audience member asked why there is such a long waitlist for treatment. Jackson hammered the point home that the city has not made the proper investments going back many, many years. Dorsey said that the city has on-demand assessment but lacks on-demand treatment, and, in a rare show of agreement with Mahogany, he noted that they both know the issues well after working with the team at HealthRIGHT 360.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Out-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80626"/><figcaption>A guest enters The Standard&#8217;s offices for the District 6 supervisor debate. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Out-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80626"/><figcaption>A guest enters The Standard's offices for the District 6 supervisor debate. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Out-2500x1663.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-80626"/><figcaption>A guest enters The Standard&#8217;s offices for the District 6 supervisor debate. I Photo by Noah Berger/Special to The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7:34 p.m. Closing Arguments.</h2>

In final statements, each of the candidates gave impassioned speeches on why they should be the District 6 supervisor.

In final statements, each of the candidates gave impassioned speeches on why they should be the District 6 supervisor.

Ms. Cooper got the microphone first and said the person who gets the job should have lived experience. “This is the face of District 6, and this is the face of San Francisco,” she said.

Ms. Cooper got the microphone first and said the person who gets the job should have lived experience. “This is the face of District 6, and this is the face of San Francisco,” she said.

Jackson said that marginalized communities should not feel hopeless. “We can get this done together,” she said. “It&#8217;s important for you to see someone in that street who can represent you the most.”

Jackson said that marginalized communities should not feel hopeless. “We can get this done together,” she said. “It's important for you to see someone in that street who can represent you the most.”

Jackson said that marginalized communities should not feel hopeless. “We can get this done together,” she said. “It&#8217;s important for you to see someone in that street who can represent you the most.”

Dorsey talked about asking Mayor London Breed for the appointment and why this job isn’t about money, but instead is personal to him. He noted how the overdose crisis overlaps with his own journey in recovery. “This is the obligation of my survival,” he said.

Dorsey talked about asking Mayor London Breed for the appointment and why this job isn’t about money, but instead is personal to him. He noted how the overdose crisis overlaps with his own journey in recovery. “This is the obligation of my survival,” he said.

And in final comments, Mahogany gave a rousing speech in which she noted how the community banded together during the pandemic. “I have been fighting my entire life because I love San Francisco,” she said. “That’s why I have the support of all the people who clean the city’s biggest messes.”

And in final comments, Mahogany gave a rousing speech in which she noted how the community banded together during the pandemic. “I have been fighting my entire life because I love San Francisco,” she said. “That’s why I have the support of all the people who clean the city’s biggest messes.”

Live blog: SF Standard’s District 6 supervisor debate

Mike Ege

San Francisco voters face up to four separate elections this year. The first one on Feb. 15 is the result of three separate political moves:&nbsp;

San Francisco voters face up to four separate elections this year. The first one on Feb. 15 is the result of three separate political moves:&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The recall of three sitting members of the Board of Education over controversies regarding a return to in-person classes during the pandemic, the school district’s collapsing finances, and ideologically based decisions on renaming schools;&nbsp;</li></ul>

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<ul><li>The recall of three sitting members of the Board of Education over controversies regarding a return to in-person classes during the pandemic, the school district’s collapsing finances, and ideologically based decisions on renaming schools;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The appointment by Mayor Breed of former Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu as city administrator;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>The appointment by Mayor Breed of former Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu as city administrator;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>And Mayor London Breed’s appointment of District 17 Assemblymember David Chiu as city attorney.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>And Mayor London Breed’s appointment of District 17 Assemblymember David Chiu as city attorney.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Voters will decide whether to approve the recall of the three school board members, to elect the appointed replacement assessor-recorder to that office, and to choose a new assemblymember for the 17th District, which has just been given new borders. It’s a short but complicated ballot, so let’s break it down.&nbsp;

Voters will decide whether to approve the recall of the three school board members, to elect the appointed replacement assessor-recorder to that office, and to choose a new assemblymember for the 17th District, which has just been given new borders. It’s a short but complicated ballot, so let’s break it down.&nbsp;

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECALLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECALLS

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/citing-gross-malfeasance-sf-parent-group-supports-recall-of-two-school-board-members/">issues and politics behind the SF Board of Education recalls</a> have been extensively reported by The Standard.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/citing-gross-malfeasance-sf-parent-group-supports-recall-of-two-school-board-members/">issues and politics behind the SF Board of Education recalls</a> have been extensively reported by The Standard.

How will the recall process actually work?

How will the recall process actually work?

The recall votes are handled as if they were ballot measures. They each have their own letter:

The recall votes are handled as if they were ballot measures. They each have their own letter:

So not all of the recalls could pass or fail together?&nbsp;

So not all of the recalls could pass or fail together?&nbsp;

No. There could be a mixed result, which may result in a political boost for any survivors. Commissioner <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/facing-recall-school-board-member-faauuga-moliga-goes-it-alone/">Faauuga Moliga</a> has distanced himself from the other two members facing recall.

No. There could be a mixed result, which may result in a political boost for any survivors. Commissioner <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/facing-recall-school-board-member-faauuga-moliga-goes-it-alone/">Faauuga Moliga</a> has distanced himself from the other two members facing recall.

How many votes are needed for each recall to pass? What happens with the resulting vacancies?

How many votes are needed for each recall to pass? What happens with the resulting vacancies?

A simple majority (50% plus 1 vote) is required for recall. Any vacancies due to recall are filled by mayoral appointment. Those appointments will serve until the next regularly scheduled election after the appointment has served in office 120 days. The appointed person is able to run as a candidate in that election to be elected in their own right.&nbsp;

A simple majority (50% plus 1 vote) is required for recall. Any vacancies due to recall are filled by mayoral appointment. Those appointments will serve until the next regularly scheduled election after the appointment has served in office 120 days. The appointed person is able to run as a candidate in that election to be elected in their own right.&nbsp;

ASSESSOR-RECORDER

What exactly does the Assessor-Recorder do?&nbsp;

What exactly does the Assessor-Recorder do?&nbsp;

The Office of Assessor-Recorder deals with two big portfolios in city and county government: maintenance of the property tax base and&nbsp; public records. You go to this office to pay your property tax bill, and they’re in charge of reassessing your property tax liability as necessary. The assessor-recorder is also in charge of maintaining public records, such as marriage licenses. The office also engages in other activities related to these areas for the public benefit, such as <a href="https://sunnysideassociation.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/sf-assessor-online-family-wealth-forum-on-july-18/">financial health education</a> and <a href="https://sfassessor.org/news/racial-equity-work-assessor-torres-urges-governor-newsom-sign-ab-1466-erase-racist-covenants">tax equity</a> advocacy in Sacramento.&nbsp;

The Office of Assessor-Recorder deals with two big portfolios in city and county government: maintenance of the property tax base and&nbsp; public records. You go to this office to pay your property tax bill, and they’re in charge of reassessing your property tax liability as necessary. The assessor-recorder is also in charge of maintaining public records, such as marriage licenses. The office also engages in other activities related to these areas for the public benefit, such as <a href="https://sunnysideassociation.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/sf-assessor-online-family-wealth-forum-on-july-18/">financial health education</a> and <a href="https://sfassessor.org/news/racial-equity-work-assessor-torres-urges-governor-newsom-sign-ab-1466-erase-racist-covenants">tax equity</a> advocacy in Sacramento.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.spur.org/about/board/joaquin-torres">Joaquin Torres</a>, formerly head of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, was sworn in as assessor-recorder by Mayor Breed last February, as the office was vacated by incumbent Carmen Chu to accept the mayor’s appointment as city administrator.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.spur.org/about/board/joaquin-torres">Joaquin Torres</a>, formerly head of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, was sworn in as assessor-recorder by Mayor Breed last February, as the office was vacated by incumbent Carmen Chu to accept the mayor’s appointment as city administrator.&nbsp;

Why are we voting for this position now instead of in June or November?&nbsp;

Why are we voting for this position now instead of in June or November?&nbsp;

Actually, the regular election for this position is in November, and we will be voting for it (again) at that time. But it’s also up for a vote in February because of local laws governing replacement appointments.&nbsp;

Actually, the regular election for this position is in November, and we will be voting for it (again) at that time. But it’s also up for a vote in February because of local laws governing replacement appointments.&nbsp;

Is anyone running against Joaquin Torres?

Is anyone running against Joaquin Torres?

It’s possible but highly unlikely. Most of the relevant deadlines to enter the race have passed, although it’s still possible to enter as a write-in candidate assuming a person submits all the proper paperwork by Feb. 1. Additionally, anyone running for the job must be a qualified appraiser certified by the state.&nbsp;

It’s possible but highly unlikely. Most of the relevant deadlines to enter the race have passed, although it’s still possible to enter as a write-in candidate assuming a person submits all the proper paperwork by Feb. 1. Additionally, anyone running for the job must be a qualified appraiser certified by the state.&nbsp;

Is Torres bothering to campaign at all?&nbsp;

Is Torres bothering to campaign at all?&nbsp;

A check with the <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/11/campaign-finance-dashboards-february-15-2022.html">Ethics Commission</a>’s campaign finance dashboards shows Torres has garnered around $120,000 in contributions. Torres’ campaign manager, Maggie Muir, told The Standard that he “will be reaching out to voters to introduce himself and talk about the impact of his office on everyday people.”

A check with the <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/11/campaign-finance-dashboards-february-15-2022.html">Ethics Commission</a>’s campaign finance dashboards shows Torres has garnered around $120,000 in contributions. Torres’ campaign manager, Maggie Muir, told The Standard that he “will be reaching out to voters to introduce himself and talk about the impact of his office on everyday people.”

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 17

The AD17 seat is currently vacant as the incumbent, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">David Chiu</a>, accepted Mayor Breed’s appointment as city attorney last November. It’s likely that residents on the east side of town will be voting for this race up to four times this year, due to a double whammy of state election laws and local circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The AD17 seat is currently vacant as the incumbent, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">David Chiu</a>, accepted Mayor Breed’s appointment as city attorney last November. It’s likely that residents on the east side of town will be voting for this race up to four times this year, due to a double whammy of state election laws and local circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Francisco had no local election last year, so Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11890455/david-chius-seat-in-california-assembly-already-has-candidates-lining-up-for-special-election">special election</a> for the vacancy on April 19, with the primary for that election scheduled for Feb. 15. Meanwhile, the regular election cycle for this seat is also this year, in June and November.&nbsp;

San Francisco had no local election last year, so Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11890455/david-chius-seat-in-california-assembly-already-has-candidates-lining-up-for-special-election">special election</a> for the vacancy on April 19, with the primary for that election scheduled for Feb. 15. Meanwhile, the regular election cycle for this seat is also this year, in June and November.&nbsp;

The Standard has more on the politics behind this race <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/the-race-to-replace-david-chiu-explained/">here</a>.&nbsp;

The Standard has more on the politics behind this race <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/the-race-to-replace-david-chiu-explained/">here</a>.&nbsp;

So who’s running in this race?&nbsp;

So who’s running in this race?&nbsp;

Candidates for the seat include District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney and former District 9 Supervisor and former District 9 Supervisor&nbsp;David Campos, currently on leave from his job as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin. These two are the acknowledged frontrunners, and they’re running close enough that the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club—one of the city’s major political entities—has chosen not to endorse anyone in the race.

Candidates for the seat include District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney and former District 9 Supervisor and former District 9 Supervisor&nbsp;David Campos, currently on leave from his job as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin. These two are the acknowledged frontrunners, and they’re running close enough that the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club—one of the city’s major political entities—has chosen not to endorse anyone in the race.

Other candidates include City College Trustee Thea Selby and former Obama administration policy analyst and tech entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood. According to an <a href="https://48hills.org/2021/12/campos-has-lead-over-haney-but-race-is-very-close-new-poll-shows/">internal poll</a> by the Campos campaign, Mahmood rated surprisingly high at 14%.&nbsp;

Other candidates include City College Trustee Thea Selby and former Obama administration policy analyst and tech entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood. According to an <a href="https://48hills.org/2021/12/campos-has-lead-over-haney-but-race-is-very-close-new-poll-shows/">internal poll</a> by the Campos campaign, Mahmood rated surprisingly high at 14%.&nbsp;

You can hear more from the candidates at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/elections/election-season-kickoff-the-race-for-sfs-assembly-district-17/">Election Season Kickoff: The Race for SF’s Assembly District 17</a>.&nbsp;

You can hear more from the candidates at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/elections/election-season-kickoff-the-race-for-sfs-assembly-district-17/">Election Season Kickoff: The Race for SF’s Assembly District 17</a>.&nbsp;

Does everyone get to vote in this race?

Does everyone get to vote in this race?

Only voters in the 17th Assembly District, broadly the eastern side of San Francisco, will vote in this race. On top of this, the district lines were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Redistricting-commission-scraps-plan-to-create-a-16673538.php">recently redrawn</a> in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/state-redistricting-proposal-splitting-chinatown-north-beach-characterized-as-insane-by-angry-residents/">fairly controversial</a> process, so you will want to check if you’re still in the district.

Only voters in the 17th Assembly District, broadly the eastern side of San Francisco, will vote in this race. On top of this, the district lines were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Redistricting-commission-scraps-plan-to-create-a-16673538.php">recently redrawn</a> in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/state-redistricting-proposal-splitting-chinatown-north-beach-characterized-as-insane-by-angry-residents/">fairly controversial</a> process, so you will want to check if you’re still in the district.

Will we really have to vote four times?&nbsp;

Will we really have to vote four times?&nbsp;

It depends. The two election cycles differ in nature. The earlier special election cycle is a standard primary and runoff, where <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/11/15/there-could-be-four-elections-for-this-same-d-17-state-assembly-seat-in-2022/">it might</a> be possible to avoid the April runoff should a candidate in February garner a majority of votes rather than a plurality. Given that there are four candidates with at least three apparently polling in the double digits, that’s highly unlikely.&nbsp;

It depends. The two election cycles differ in nature. The earlier special election cycle is a standard primary and runoff, where <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/11/15/there-could-be-four-elections-for-this-same-d-17-state-assembly-seat-in-2022/">it might</a> be possible to avoid the April runoff should a candidate in February garner a majority of votes rather than a plurality. Given that there are four candidates with at least three apparently polling in the double digits, that’s highly unlikely.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the regular election cycle in June and November is California’s infamous “Jungle Primary” process, where the top two winners go to a November general election regardless of what percentage of the vote they get.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the regular election cycle in June and November is California’s infamous “Jungle Primary” process, where the top two winners go to a November general election regardless of what percentage of the vote they get.&nbsp;

Moreover, the June/November cycle will likely feature a mostly different cast of candidates, with only the winner of the February/April cycle moving on to the next round. If you think this is starting to resemble Mortal Kombat, you’re not alone.&nbsp;

Moreover, the June/November cycle will likely feature a mostly different cast of candidates, with only the winner of the February/April cycle moving on to the next round. If you think this is starting to resemble Mortal Kombat, you’re not alone.&nbsp;

This story has been updated to note that David Campos is currently on leave from his position as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

This story has been updated to note that David Campos is currently on leave from his position as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Explainer: Breaking down San Francisco’s bizarre Feb. 15 special election

Matthew Kupfer

When you’re trying to build housing in San Francisco, the city is a jungle. Its overgrown regulation, astronomical costs and myriad reasons to say ‘no’ have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/">killed many a development project</a>.

When you’re trying to build housing in San Francisco, the city is a jungle. Its overgrown regulation, astronomical costs and myriad reasons to say ‘no’ have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/">killed many a development project</a>.

Despite all of that, some projects somehow still get built.&nbsp;

Despite all of that, some projects somehow still get built.&nbsp;

The average San Francisco building cost clocks in at an astronomical $440 per square foot, the highest in the world, according to <a href="https://cbreemail.com/rv/ff019c9050e5e959ddee96391147a04f8280126c">data research group CBRE</a>.&nbsp;

The average San Francisco building cost clocks in at an astronomical $440 per square foot, the highest in the world, according to <a href="https://cbreemail.com/rv/ff019c9050e5e959ddee96391147a04f8280126c">data research group CBRE</a>.&nbsp;

Labor costs are also sky-high. A multitude of fees—some citywide, others neighborhood-specific — erode the profitability of housing projects, dollar by dollar.&nbsp;

Labor costs are also sky-high. A multitude of fees—some citywide, others neighborhood-specific — erode the profitability of housing projects, dollar by dollar.&nbsp;

The city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affordable housing rules</a> require developers to either pay a massive fee or make 20% to 33% of units below market-rate in any development larger than 10 units—though political or community groups often push for more. And the Board of Supervisors can still deny a project, even if it meets all the other requirements.&nbsp;

The city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affordable housing rules</a> require developers to either pay a massive fee or make 20% to 33% of units below market-rate in any development larger than 10 units—though political or community groups often push for more. And the Board of Supervisors can still deny a project, even if it meets all the other requirements.&nbsp;

The Standard analyzed SF Planning’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">housing</a> pipeline data from Q1 2022, and had a look at the largest developments that made it through the crazy system.

The Standard analyzed SF Planning’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">housing</a> pipeline data from Q1 2022, and had a look at the largest developments that made it through the crazy system.

The top five are located in SoMA or nearby. But other, smaller projects stretch across much of the city.

The top five are located in SoMA or nearby. But other, smaller projects stretch across much of the city.

The data paints a stark picture of the city’s struggle to increase its housing stock and create affordable units. When all the projects listed in the Q1 data are complete, they will add just 4,150 new units to the city—2,098 of them will be affordable.

The data paints a stark picture of the city’s struggle to increase its housing stock and create affordable units. When all the projects listed in the Q1 data are complete, they will add just 4,150 new units to the city—2,098 of them will be affordable.

Live blog: SF Standard’s District 6 supervisor debate

Explainer: Breaking down San Francisco’s bizarre Feb. 15 special election

San Francisco real estate: 5 huge housing projects that beat insane city rules to get built

Police Chief Scott talks community policing, safety at annual National Night Out event

This weekend: Ebenezer Scrooge, movies and, of course, Christmas

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Live blog: SF Standard’s District 6 supervisor debate

Explainer: Breaking down San Francisco’s bizarre Feb. 15 special election

San Francisco real estate: 5 huge housing projects that beat insane city rules to get built

Police Chief Scott talks community policing, safety at annual National Night Out event

This weekend: Ebenezer Scrooge, movies and, of course, Christmas