Josh Koehn

Less than three weeks after his promotion to executive director of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ethics%20commission">San Francisco Ethics Commission</a>, Patrick Ford is itchy to get to work—and he already has his sights set on one massive loophole being exploited for the March 5 primary election.

core/paragraph

Less than three weeks after his promotion to executive director of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ethics%20commission">San Francisco Ethics Commission</a>, Patrick Ford is itchy to get to work—and he already has his sights set on one massive loophole being exploited for the March 5 primary election.

Campaign contributions for mayor and supervisor candidates in San Francisco are capped by local law at $500 per election cycle, but people running for a seat on the local <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC)</a>—the group that decides priorities and endorsements for the local party—can accept contributions of any denomination, leading to contributions in the thousands if not tens of thousands. As a result, the campaigns to serve on the relatively obscure political board have combined to raise more than $1.6 million.

Fight brewing among San Francisco Democrats for control of powerful board

Campaign contributions for mayor and supervisor candidates in San Francisco are capped by local law at $500 per election cycle, but people running for a seat on the local <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC)</a>—the group that decides priorities and endorsements for the local party—can accept contributions of any denomination, leading to contributions in the thousands if not tens of thousands. As a result, the campaigns to serve on the relatively obscure political board have combined to raise more than $1.6 million.

“I think this is one of the single biggest problems that we have,” Ford told The Standard in an interview last week.

“I think this is one of the single biggest problems that we have,” Ford told The Standard in an interview last week.

As the new leader of the Ethics Commission, Ford has one of the most important roles in the city, especially in an election year. The commission is tasked with processing and publishing a huge volume of campaign records, investigating reports of violations, proposing improvements in local ethics laws and rooting out corruption.&nbsp;

As the new leader of the Ethics Commission, Ford has one of the most important roles in the city, especially in an election year. The commission is tasked with processing and publishing a huge volume of campaign records, investigating reports of violations, proposing improvements in local ethics laws and rooting out corruption.&nbsp;

Patrick Ford, San Francisco's Ethics Commission's new Executive Director, in an office at the Ethics Commission in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Patrick Ford previously served as the Commission's Director of Enforcement and was appointed as Executive Director of the Ethics Commission on January 29, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240212_ethicschief_-0411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-247998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford oversaw the San Francisco Ethics Commission&#8217;s enforcement division before being appointed to lead the agency in January.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240212_ethicschief_-0411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-247998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford oversaw the San Francisco Ethics Commission's enforcement division before being appointed to lead the agency in January.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240212_ethicschief_-0411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-247998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford oversaw the San Francisco Ethics Commission&#8217;s enforcement division before being appointed to lead the agency in January.</figcaption></figure>

Ford has his hands full with the DCCC race, where some candidates for the little-known body are raising six-figure sums. Several DCCC candidates are also elected supervisors or are running to join the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=board%20of%20supervisors">Board of Supervisors</a>, and they have been accepting substantial chunks of money from developers, labor unions, wealthy tech execs and other special interests to pay for campaigns that could help raise their name ID among voters, whether it’s for November’s election or other races in the future.

Ford has his hands full with the DCCC race, where some candidates for the little-known body are raising six-figure sums. Several DCCC candidates are also elected supervisors or are running to join the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=board%20of%20supervisors">Board of Supervisors</a>, and they have been accepting substantial chunks of money from developers, labor unions, wealthy tech execs and other special interests to pay for campaigns that could help raise their name ID among voters, whether it’s for November’s election or other races in the future.

Examples of the massive contributions to DCCC races include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/29/fight-for-san-francisco-crypto-strip-club-ballot-measures/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a> giving $50,000 to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/01/marjan-philhour-campaign-richmond-supervisor-san-francisco-november-2024-election/">Marjan Philhour</a>, who is challenging Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=connie%20chan">Connie Chan</a> in District 1. Tech entrepreneur <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/tech-exec-challenges-san-francisco-democratic-socialist-supervisor-dean-preston/">Bilal Mahmood</a>, who is running against Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=dean%20preston">Dean Preston</a> in District 5, also received $20,000 from Larsen for his DCCC bid.

Crypto billionaire, strip club owner team up to &#8216;Fight for San Francisco&#8217;

Third time’s the charm? Marjan Philhour runs for Richmond supervisor again

Tech exec challenges San Francisco’s lone Democratic Socialist supervisor

Examples of the massive contributions to DCCC races include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/29/fight-for-san-francisco-crypto-strip-club-ballot-measures/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a> giving $50,000 to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/01/marjan-philhour-campaign-richmond-supervisor-san-francisco-november-2024-election/">Marjan Philhour</a>, who is challenging Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=connie%20chan">Connie Chan</a> in District 1. Tech entrepreneur <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/tech-exec-challenges-san-francisco-democratic-socialist-supervisor-dean-preston/">Bilal Mahmood</a>, who is running against Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=dean%20preston">Dean Preston</a> in District 5, also received $20,000 from Larsen for his DCCC bid.

Money is the name of the game in political campaigns, but the huge sums for DCCC campaigns are raising eyebrows. For example, Mahmood has raised $225,000, while Philhour’s war chest is over $195,000, according to the Ethics Commission’s campaign fundraising dashboard.

Money is the name of the game in political campaigns, but the huge sums for DCCC campaigns are raising eyebrows. For example, Mahmood has raised $225,000, while Philhour’s war chest is over $195,000, according to the Ethics Commission’s campaign fundraising dashboard.

“I have run for office three times, and I have lost each time,” Philhour told The Standard. “Something is keeping me going, and it’s not money. I am committed to the future of our city.”

“I have run for office three times, and I have lost each time,” Philhour told The Standard. “Something is keeping me going, and it’s not money. I am committed to the future of our city.”

Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple Labs, and former E-Loan co-founder listen to people speak at his office in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1664" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240212_ethicschief_larsen.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chris Larsen." class="wp-image-247999"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple Labs, has made huge contributions to candidates running to serve on San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240212_ethicschief_larsen.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chris Larsen." class="wp-image-247999"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple Labs, has made huge contributions to candidates running to serve on San Francisco's Democratic County Central Committee.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240212_ethicschief_larsen.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chris Larsen." class="wp-image-247999"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple Labs, has made huge contributions to candidates running to serve on San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee.</figcaption></figure>

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=matt%20dorsey">Matt Dorsey</a>—whose district includes the South of Market area—has accepted $5,000 from One Vassar LLC, a developer of multiple high-rise buildings on Harrison and Second streets, as well as $5,000 from strip club impresario Joe Carouba. Dorsey isn’t up for reelection until 2026, but the fundraising is far outside the norm of what would be allowed in a race for supervisor.

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=matt%20dorsey">Matt Dorsey</a>—whose district includes the South of Market area—has accepted $5,000 from One Vassar LLC, a developer of multiple high-rise buildings on Harrison and Second streets, as well as $5,000 from strip club impresario Joe Carouba. Dorsey isn’t up for reelection until 2026, but the fundraising is far outside the norm of what would be allowed in a race for supervisor.

Neither Mahmood nor Dorsey responded to requests for comment for this story.

Neither Mahmood nor Dorsey responded to requests for comment for this story.

Making matters more complicated, Ford said, winning candidates for DCCC can funnel any leftover campaign funds into officeholder accounts that can be used for official Democratic Party business, which could lead to people using the money as personal piggy banks for meals, hotels and flights, a la disgraced former Congressman <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/santos-target-watchdog-complaint-alleging-misuse-campaign-funds/story?id=96419585">George Santos</a>.

Making matters more complicated, Ford said, winning candidates for DCCC can funnel any leftover campaign funds into officeholder accounts that can be used for official Democratic Party business, which could lead to people using the money as personal piggy banks for meals, hotels and flights, a la disgraced former Congressman <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/santos-target-watchdog-complaint-alleging-misuse-campaign-funds/story?id=96419585">George Santos</a>.

Ford, who has been with the Ethics Commission since 2017 and most recently served as the lead of the enforcement division, said he raised the issue of unlimited DCCC fundraising in San Francisco with the Fair Political Practices Commission—the state’s political watchdog—but he was told that the city’s “hands are tied by state law.”

Ford, who has been with the Ethics Commission since 2017 and most recently served as the lead of the enforcement division, said he raised the issue of unlimited DCCC fundraising in San Francisco with the Fair Political Practices Commission—the state’s political watchdog—but he was told that the city’s “hands are tied by state law.”

“I think it is a huge problem,” Ford said of the unlimited contributions to DCCC candidates who are also running for supervisor.&nbsp;

“I think it is a huge problem,” Ford said of the unlimited contributions to DCCC candidates who are also running for supervisor.&nbsp;

The unlimited sums of money give these candidates the ability to run simultaneous ad campaigns that can make an impression for November’s election.&nbsp;

The unlimited sums of money give these candidates the ability to run simultaneous ad campaigns that can make an impression for November’s election.&nbsp;

“The law is just not matching reality here,” Ford said, “and it&#8217;s undermining the very purposes of these rules.”

“The law is just not matching reality here,” Ford said, “and it's undermining the very purposes of these rules.”

“The law is just not matching reality here,” Ford said, “and it&#8217;s undermining the very purposes of these rules.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240212_ethicschief_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-248000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford attempted to get the state&#8217;s Fair Political Practices Commission to take a look at &#8220;one of the single biggest problems&#8221; regarding local campaign fundraising. The state refused, he said.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240212_ethicschief_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-248000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford attempted to get the state's Fair Political Practices Commission to take a look at "one of the single biggest problems" regarding local campaign fundraising. The state refused, he said.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240212_ethicschief_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-248000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford attempted to get the state&#8217;s Fair Political Practices Commission to take a look at &#8220;one of the single biggest problems&#8221; regarding local campaign fundraising. The state refused, he said.</figcaption></figure>

As far as first impressions go, Ford comes across as polite and unassuming. Inside the Ethics Commission’s headquarters on Van Ness Avenue, he has a small office with bare walls and a small window overlooking a nondescript alleyway.

As far as first impressions go, Ford comes across as polite and unassuming. Inside the Ethics Commission’s headquarters on Van Ness Avenue, he has a small office with bare walls and a small window overlooking a nondescript alleyway.

On the note of San Francisco being a city rife with corruption, Ford said it’s “not a baseless&#8221; impression.

On the note of San Francisco being a city rife with corruption, Ford said it’s “not a baseless" impression.

On the note of San Francisco being a city rife with corruption, Ford said it’s “not a baseless&#8221; impression.

“I think that the vast majority of people who work here for the city government are ethical,” Ford said. “But, unfortunately, incidents do happen. And luckily, some of them do get caught and come to the public light. The downside of that is that it creates a really bad connotation for city government. That makes it harder to do our jobs. It makes it really hard when people don&#8217;t trust us.”

“I think that the vast majority of people who work here for the city government are ethical,” Ford said. “But, unfortunately, incidents do happen. And luckily, some of them do get caught and come to the public light. The downside of that is that it creates a really bad connotation for city government. That makes it harder to do our jobs. It makes it really hard when people don't trust us.”

“I think that the vast majority of people who work here for the city government are ethical,” Ford said. “But, unfortunately, incidents do happen. And luckily, some of them do get caught and come to the public light. The downside of that is that it creates a really bad connotation for city government. That makes it harder to do our jobs. It makes it really hard when people don&#8217;t trust us.”

While the office has a basic administrative function, the enforcement side of operations appears to be something Ford—who joined the office in 2017 after working in corporate law—will push forward now that he’s in charge. The Ethics Commission does have subpoena power,

While the office has a basic administrative function, the enforcement side of operations appears to be something Ford—who joined the office in 2017 after working in corporate law—will push forward now that he’s in charge. The Ethics Commission does have subpoena power,

“There have been many instances where reporting in The Standard, or other publications, breaks the story and we follow up on those,” Ford said. “We can initiate our own cases. We don&#8217;t have to wait to get a complaint from members of the public. So, if we see a journalist who says, ‘Hey, I have found something here,’ and they write about it, we look into it. Absolutely.”

“There have been many instances where reporting in The Standard, or other publications, breaks the story and we follow up on those,” Ford said. “We can initiate our own cases. We don't have to wait to get a complaint from members of the public. So, if we see a journalist who says, ‘Hey, I have found something here,’ and they write about it, we look into it. Absolutely.”

“There have been many instances where reporting in The Standard, or other publications, breaks the story and we follow up on those,” Ford said. “We can initiate our own cases. We don&#8217;t have to wait to get a complaint from members of the public. So, if we see a journalist who says, ‘Hey, I have found something here,’ and they write about it, we look into it. Absolutely.”

For those having trouble reading between the lines: Send tips.

For those having trouble reading between the lines: Send tips.

Donors have funneled $1.6M into an obscure March race. That’s a big problem, says watchdog

Gabe Greschler

Annie Gaus

As Tuesday night’s primary results trickled in, politicians, activists and city officials started to chalk up their wins and losses on San Francisco’s political scoreboard.&nbsp;

As Tuesday night’s primary results trickled in, politicians, activists and city officials started to chalk up their wins and losses on San Francisco’s political scoreboard.&nbsp;

But remember, this is really just the playoffs. Why? Many of Tuesday&#8217;s outcomes will determine the battleground for the city’s political Super Bowl: November’s race for the mayoral seat and contested supervisor districts.

But remember, this is really just the playoffs. Why? Many of Tuesday's outcomes will determine the battleground for the city’s political Super Bowl: November’s race for the mayoral seat and contested supervisor districts.

But remember, this is really just the playoffs. Why? Many of Tuesday&#8217;s outcomes will determine the battleground for the city’s political Super Bowl: November’s race for the mayoral seat and contested supervisor districts.

Based on early results, here is who came out on top—and who may need an extra nightcap to fall asleep soundly.

Based on early results, here is who came out on top—and who may need an extra nightcap to fall asleep soundly.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-mayor-london-breed">Winner: Mayor London Breed</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-mayor-london-breed">Winner: Mayor London Breed</h2>

Breed gets the gold. Props. C, E and F—all measures she put on the ballot—were either trending in the right direction or had succeeded. Breed declared victory on Prop. E and Prop. F—outcomes that offer her certain momentum in the mayor’s race and cement her as an elected official with her finger on the pulse of what the city’s voters want.&nbsp;

Breed gets the gold. Props. C, E and F—all measures she put on the ballot—were either trending in the right direction or had succeeded. Breed declared victory on Prop. E and Prop. F—outcomes that offer her certain momentum in the mayor’s race and cement her as an elected official with her finger on the pulse of what the city’s voters want.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed arrives at Anina in Hayes Valley, where GrowSF hosts an election night party on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cctext-01.jpg?w=2208" alt="A woman in a red blazer is smiling and shaking hands with someone in a beige jacket at a crowded indoor event." class="wp-image-256251"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed arrives at Anina in Hayes Valley, where GrowSF is hosting an election night party on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

The results also serve as a counterweight: Breed is on shaky ground in her reelection bid as voters have questioned her track record on homelessness and the city’s post-Covid economic recovery.

The results also serve as a counterweight: Breed is on shaky ground in her reelection bid as voters have questioned her track record on homelessness and the city’s post-Covid economic recovery.

“To see the initial, promising results is incredible,” Breed said while working the room at Anina, where a crowd of moderate Democrats gathered to celebrate their election wins.&nbsp;

“To see the initial, promising results is incredible,” Breed said while working the room at Anina, where a crowd of moderate Democrats gathered to celebrate their election wins.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loser-supervisor-ahsha-safai">Loser: Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</h2>

Safaí, who joined up with city labor unions in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">promoting Prop. B</a>, pitched the measure as a more fiscally responsible way to fund public safety. It would have set police staffing minimums, but only if voters approved a new tax. Despite the backing of Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21’s PAC, voters weren&#8217;t buying it.

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

Safaí, who joined up with city labor unions in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">promoting Prop. B</a>, pitched the measure as a more fiscally responsible way to fund public safety. It would have set police staffing minimums, but only if voters approved a new tax. Despite the backing of Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21’s PAC, voters weren't buying it.

Safaí, who joined up with city labor unions in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">promoting Prop. B</a>, pitched the measure as a more fiscally responsible way to fund public safety. It would have set police staffing minimums, but only if voters approved a new tax. Despite the backing of Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21’s PAC, voters weren&#8217;t buying it.

&#8220;What we did was change the conversation about [police] recruitment. &#8230; I guarantee that will be a top priority for everyone,&#8221; said Safaí at an election party at District Six, an outdoor event space in SoMa.

"What we did was change the conversation about [police] recruitment. ... I guarantee that will be a top priority for everyone," said Safaí at an election party at District Six, an outdoor event space in SoMa.

&#8220;What we did was change the conversation about [police] recruitment. &#8230; I guarantee that will be a top priority for everyone,&#8221; said Safaí at an election party at District Six, an outdoor event space in SoMa.

Supervisors Ahsha Safaí (L) and Matt Dorsey stand during a meeting held at UN Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Mayor London Breed held the meeting at the plaza to address city issues including the Fentanyl epidemic. UN Plaza is an area known for open drug use. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propbprewrite-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men in suits are standing together, one looking to the side and the other straight ahead." class="wp-image-255196"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors Ahsha Safaí and Matt Dorsey were fiercely at odds over Prop. B, which promised police staffing if voters approved a tax. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240220propbprewrite-09.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men in suits are standing together, one looking to the side and the other straight ahead." class="wp-image-255196"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors Ahsha Safaí and Matt Dorsey were fiercely at odds over Prop. B, which promised police staffing if voters approved a tax. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-supervisor-matt-dorsey">Winner: Supervisor Matt Dorsey</h2>

Dorsey spent the past several weeks convincing voters to reject Prop. B, and his efforts paid off: The measure was defeated Tuesday night. Donors collectively spent over $1.3 million to stop the proposition from passing. They included tech executive Chris Larsen, the city’s police union and the big-money Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy organization.

Dorsey spent the past several weeks convincing voters to reject Prop. B, and his efforts paid off: The measure was defeated Tuesday night. Donors collectively spent over $1.3 million to stop the proposition from passing. They included tech executive Chris Larsen, the city’s police union and the big-money Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy organization.

“We told the truth, we won, and we sent a message to City Hall: Stop playing games with public safety,” said a jubilant Dorsey after Breed hauled him onstage at Anina. 

“We told the truth, we won, and we sent a message to City Hall: Stop playing games with public safety,” said a jubilant Dorsey after Breed hauled him onstage at Anina.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-san-francisco-police">Winner: San Francisco police</h2>

San Francisco police scored a political win in Prop. E. With the ballot measure passing, cops will have more latitude to use drones and other technology and chase suspects; the measure is also intended to reduce paperwork for officers. Perhaps even more significantly, Prop. E may be a sign that the political winds around policing have shifted. The Police Officers Association, which was viewed as a pariah for years, has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">reemerged as a political player</a>. Prop. E&#8217;s victory could embolden the union further.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police union wades back into San Francisco politics after years of sitting on the sidelines

San Francisco police scored a political win in Prop. E. With the ballot measure passing, cops will have more latitude to use drones and other technology and chase suspects; the measure is also intended to reduce paperwork for officers. Perhaps even more significantly, Prop. E may be a sign that the political winds around policing have shifted. The Police Officers Association, which was viewed as a pariah for years, has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">reemerged as a political player</a>. Prop. E's victory could embolden the union further.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Francisco police scored a political win in Prop. E. With the ballot measure passing, cops will have more latitude to use drones and other technology and chase suspects; the measure is also intended to reduce paperwork for officers. Perhaps even more significantly, Prop. E may be a sign that the political winds around policing have shifted. The Police Officers Association, which was viewed as a pariah for years, has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">reemerged as a political player</a>. Prop. E&#8217;s victory could embolden the union further.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tracy McCray, the President of the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) in an advertisement financed and produced by the CEO of Ripple Chris Larsen in collaboration with San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) encouraging individuals to apply to the San Francisco Police Department.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED1_SFPDPRCampaign040123.jpg?w=1978" alt="A person is in a car's passenger seat, looking to the side, with street view behind them." class="wp-image-144282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tracy McCray is the president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association. The police union has waded back into the political fray this year.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loser-the-police-commission">Loser: The Police Commission</h2>

The Police Commission, which serves as the watchdog for the department, will have to jump through extra hoops to enact changes to policy under Prop. E. The measure requires that any department policy changes be put through a long list of community hearings at every police district station. Privacy advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union, which funded the campaign against Prop. E, apparently failed to persuade voters against handing over more invasive technologies to law enforcement.

The Police Commission, which serves as the watchdog for the department, will have to jump through extra hoops to enact changes to policy under Prop. E. The measure requires that any department policy changes be put through a long list of community hearings at every police district station. Privacy advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union, which funded the campaign against Prop. E, apparently failed to persuade voters against handing over more invasive technologies to law enforcement.

&#8220;Of course we want crime down. Of course we want people to pay for their crimes,&#8221; said Supervisor Shamann Walton about Prop. E. &#8220;But I think having police officers chase people willy-nilly is going to have a lot of unintended consequences.&#8221;

"Of course we want crime down. Of course we want people to pay for their crimes," said Supervisor Shamann Walton about Prop. E. "But I think having police officers chase people willy-nilly is going to have a lot of unintended consequences."

&#8220;Of course we want crime down. Of course we want people to pay for their crimes,&#8221; said Supervisor Shamann Walton about Prop. E. &#8220;But I think having police officers chase people willy-nilly is going to have a lot of unintended consequences.&#8221;

Winners: Tech titans Chris Larsen, Ron Conway

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winners-tech-titans-chris-larsen-ron-conway">Winners: Tech titans Chris Larsen, Ron Conway</h2>

Larsen and Conway both donated big bucks to help support Prop. F. Tuesday’s results suggest that many voters, frustrated with what they perceive as overly permissive drug policies, think the city is not doing enough to push drug users into treatment.&nbsp;

Larsen and Conway both donated big bucks to help support Prop. F. Tuesday’s results suggest that many voters, frustrated with what they perceive as overly permissive drug policies, think the city is not doing enough to push drug users into treatment.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losers-homeless-advocates">Losers: Homeless advocates</h2>

Advocates like the Coalition on Homelessness&#8217; Jennifer Friedenbach, who has fought back against the city taking a harder stance against those living on the streets and has spoken out against <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Prop. F</a>. Her organization’s lawsuit against the city, which accused San Francisco of illegally destroying homeless people’s property, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">was temporarily put on hold</a> by a federal magistrate judge until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on the issue.

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

Judge pauses San Francisco homelessness lawsuit pending Supreme Court ruling

Advocates like the Coalition on Homelessness' Jennifer Friedenbach, who has fought back against the city taking a harder stance against those living on the streets and has spoken out against <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Prop. F</a>. Her organization’s lawsuit against the city, which accused San Francisco of illegally destroying homeless people’s property, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">was temporarily put on hold</a> by a federal magistrate judge until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on the issue.

Advocates like the Coalition on Homelessness&#8217; Jennifer Friedenbach, who has fought back against the city taking a harder stance against those living on the streets and has spoken out against <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Prop. F</a>. Her organization’s lawsuit against the city, which accused San Francisco of illegally destroying homeless people’s property, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">was temporarily put on hold</a> by a federal magistrate judge until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on the issue.

&#8220;Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics,” Friedenbach said in a statement after Tuesday&#8217;s results.

"Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics,” Friedenbach said in a statement after Tuesday's results.

&#8220;Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics,” Friedenbach said in a statement after Tuesday&#8217;s results.

San Francisco District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani speaks at a press event held by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, not pictured, and State Senator Scott Wiener, not pictured, to announce new state legislation addressing car break-ins while outside of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The San Francisco Bay Area has seen an increase in auto break-ins and smash-and-grabs in recent months and City Hall and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) have been criticized for not responding quickly and effectively to the uptick in property crime.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240305-ad19stefanilee-01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium with microphones, flanked by a man, outdoors with trees in the background." class="wp-image-255285"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Catherine Stefani was leading by a wide margin in early returns in her state Assembly primary.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240305-ad19stefanilee-01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium with microphones, flanked by a man, outdoors with trees in the background." class="wp-image-255285"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Catherine Stefani was leading by a wide margin in early returns in her state Assembly primary.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-supervisor-catherine-stefani">Winner: Supervisor Catherine Stefani</h2>

After six years on the Board of Supervisors, it looks like Stefani might be headed to greener pastures. The Marina District supervisor was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-assembly-19-ting-stefani-lee/">leading by a wide margin in her primary contest for state Assembly</a>, leading her main challenger and fellow Democrat, David Lee, with 57% of votes in early returns Tuesday—more than the three other candidates combined.

Stefani, Lee lead in race to replace Ting in state Assembly

After six years on the Board of Supervisors, it looks like Stefani might be headed to greener pastures. The Marina District supervisor was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-assembly-19-ting-stefani-lee/">leading by a wide margin in her primary contest for state Assembly</a>, leading her main challenger and fellow Democrat, David Lee, with 57% of votes in early returns Tuesday—more than the three other candidates combined.

“I&#8217;m very excited that our message has resonated with both San Mateo and San Francisco,” Stefani said at an election night party. “It’s given me more momentum to go into the general.”

“I'm very excited that our message has resonated with both San Mateo and San Francisco,” Stefani said at an election night party. “It’s given me more momentum to go into the general.”

“I&#8217;m very excited that our message has resonated with both San Mateo and San Francisco,” Stefani said at an election night party. “It’s given me more momentum to go into the general.”

If she wins in November, Stefani—a moderate known for her work on public safety—will have a platform to work on priorities like gun control at the state level. Someone waiting in the wings to take her board seat could be a winner, too: If Stefani is elected, Breed or whoever wins the mayor’s race will get to appoint her successor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If she wins in November, Stefani—a moderate known for her work on public safety—will have a platform to work on priorities like gun control at the state level. Someone waiting in the wings to take her board seat could be a winner, too: If Stefani is elected, Breed or whoever wins the mayor’s race will get to appoint her successor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Election night winners and losers: Who came out on top in Tuesday’s voting?

Returns Tuesday night showed San Francisco voters approving Prop. E, a ballot measure that would give San Francisco’s Police Department expanded surveillance powers.&nbsp;

Returns Tuesday night showed San Francisco voters approving Prop. E, a ballot measure that would give San Francisco’s Police Department expanded surveillance powers.&nbsp;

The proposition—which was placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed—needed a simple majority to pass. As of Friday at 4 p.m., the measure was winning with 54.6% of the vote and roughly 37,500 votes still left to count.

The proposition—which was placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed—needed a simple majority to pass. As of Friday at 4 p.m., the measure was winning with 54.6% of the vote and roughly 37,500 votes still left to count.

The contentious ballot measure saw huge injections of cash come its way. Its supporters claimed police officers have been stymied in their efforts to fight crime, while opponents said it will roll back hard-fought reforms.

The contentious ballot measure saw huge injections of cash come its way. Its supporters claimed police officers have been stymied in their efforts to fight crime, while opponents said it will roll back hard-fought reforms.

core/html

The proposition would allow the city’s police department to use drones, license plate readers and more cameras, while also offering officers more latitude when it comes to car chases.&nbsp;

The proposition would allow the city’s police department to use drones, license plate readers and more cameras, while also offering officers more latitude when it comes to car chases.&nbsp;

It also would require that any new rules imposed on officers proposed by the Police Commission, the department’s watchdog, first go through a community feedback process. The measure also tasks the department and commission with finding ways to cut down the time police spend filling out paperwork.

It also would require that any new rules imposed on officers proposed by the Police Commission, the department’s watchdog, first go through a community feedback process. The measure also tasks the department and commission with finding ways to cut down the time police spend filling out paperwork.

Over $1.6 million in support came from a variety of moderate funders, including tech executive Chris Larsen and Ari Lurie, the brother of mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union, raised a little over $200,000.

Over $1.6 million in support came from a variety of moderate funders, including tech executive Chris Larsen and Ari Lurie, the brother of mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union, raised a little over $200,000.

“I am grateful to the voters for their passage of Proposition E, which will allow us to build on the progress we are delivering on public safety in San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said in a statement Tuesday night.

“I am grateful to the voters for their passage of Proposition E, which will allow us to build on the progress we are delivering on public safety in San Francisco," Breed said in a statement Tuesday night.

“I am grateful to the voters for their passage of Proposition E, which will allow us to build on the progress we are delivering on public safety in San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said in a statement Tuesday night.

&#8220;By supporting the work of our police officers, expanding our use of technology and getting officers out from behind their desks and onto our streets, we will&nbsp;continue in our mission to make San Francisco a safer city.”&nbsp;

"By supporting the work of our police officers, expanding our use of technology and getting officers out from behind their desks and onto our streets, we will&nbsp;continue in our mission to make San Francisco a safer city.”&nbsp;

&#8220;By supporting the work of our police officers, expanding our use of technology and getting officers out from behind their desks and onto our streets, we will&nbsp;continue in our mission to make San Francisco a safer city.”&nbsp;

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1764440875688743021
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Prop. E is all about policing in San Francisco. Here’s how it could change the way SFPD operates in the city.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFStandard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFStandard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanFrancisco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanFrancisco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Election?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Election</a> <a href="https://t.co/VyjeQnxifo">pic.twitter.com/VyjeQnxifo</a>&mdash; The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1764440875688743021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

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

San Francisco voters on Tuesday approved Proposition F, a controversial measure to tie San Francisco welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.&nbsp;

San Francisco voters on Tuesday approved Proposition F, a controversial measure to tie San Francisco welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.&nbsp;

The measure needed a simple majority and was put on the ballot by Mayor London Breed.

The measure needed a simple majority and was put on the ballot by Mayor London Breed.

Supporters said the measure could help push back against the wave of drug-related overdose deaths that have roiled the city, while opponents said it could take away vital monetary assistance from low-income people.

Supporters said the measure could help push back against the wave of drug-related overdose deaths that have roiled the city, while opponents said it could take away vital monetary assistance from low-income people.

Prop. F will affect single adults with no children who are recipients of County Adult Assistance Programs, a cash program known as CAAP. If an individual is suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs, they will be required to undergo drug screening and agree to some form of treatment as a condition of continuing to receive benefits.&nbsp;

Prop. F will affect single adults with no children who are recipients of County Adult Assistance Programs, a cash program known as CAAP. If an individual is suspected of being addicted to illegal drugs, they will be required to undergo drug screening and agree to some form of treatment as a condition of continuing to receive benefits.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1764804306572874162
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Prop. F is a controversial one. Here’s what you should know before you cast your vote. For more information about the upcoming election, head to the link in our bio.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFStandard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFStandard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanFrancisco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanFrancisco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Election?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Election</a> <a href="https://t.co/GTTO5khnUf">pic.twitter.com/GTTO5khnUf</a>&mdash; The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1764804306572874162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The measure saw an influx of cash from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">including Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>, collectively raising over $600,000. Opponents—including Service Employees International Union Local 1021—raised a comparatively small $37,491.

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

The measure saw an influx of cash from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">including Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>, collectively raising over $600,000. Opponents—including Service Employees International Union Local 1021—raised a comparatively small $37,491.

In a letter to the City Attorney’s Office, an attorney for the SEIU argued that Prop. F could adversely affect working conditions and that the city should have met with the union before placing it on the ballot. The union said that it may pursue legal action if voters passed the measure.&nbsp;

In a letter to the City Attorney’s Office, an attorney for the SEIU argued that Prop. F could adversely affect working conditions and that the city should have met with the union before placing it on the ballot. The union said that it may pursue legal action if voters passed the measure.&nbsp;

Opponents of the proposition warned the measure could backfire.

Opponents of the proposition warned the measure could backfire.

“It is deeply disturbing that in the middle of an unprecedented overdose epidemic, voters got a misleading and performative ballot issue that demonizes welfare recipients rather than helps them,”&nbsp;Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, said in a statement. “San Francisco deserves better. Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics.”

“It is deeply disturbing that in the middle of an unprecedented overdose epidemic, voters got a misleading and performative ballot issue that demonizes welfare recipients rather than helps them,”&nbsp;Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, said in a statement. “San Francisco deserves better. Those suffering from addiction deserve actual solutions and real opportunities for treatment, not false promises and election-year politics.”

“This was an exceptionally low voter turnout election and we know that low turnout electorates skew conservative,”&nbsp;Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, said in a statement. “It’s difficult to say that this electorate was representative of San Francisco. What’s unfortunate is that residents are likely to see an increase in the unhoused population in the city if Measure F is implemented as described by supporters of the measure.”

“This was an exceptionally low voter turnout election and we know that low turnout electorates skew conservative,”&nbsp;Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, said in a statement. “It’s difficult to say that this electorate was representative of San Francisco. What’s unfortunate is that residents are likely to see an increase in the unhoused population in the city if Measure F is implemented as described by supporters of the measure.”

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

Jennifer Wadsworth

Ripple Labs ponied up the biggest single donation so far to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, organizers confirmed Saturday.

Ripple Labs ponied up the biggest single donation so far to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, organizers confirmed Saturday.

Search Results for: chris larsen

Donors have funneled $1.6M into an obscure March race. That’s a big problem, says watchdog

Election night winners and losers: Who came out on top in Tuesday’s voting?

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

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

Crypto firm pledges $2M to help San Francisco cover APEC summit costs