Emily Shugerman

Early last month, as Time&#8217;s editorial leaders rushed to defend their choice of Donald Trump as “Person of the Year,” the president-elect appeared at the New York Stock Exchange alongside a grinning Jessica Sibley, the CEO of the magazine.&nbsp;

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<p>Early last month, as Time's editorial leaders rushed to defend their choice of Donald Trump as “Person of the Year,” the president-elect appeared at the New York Stock Exchange alongside a grinning Jessica Sibley, the CEO of the magazine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Early last month, as Time&#8217;s editorial leaders rushed to defend their choice of Donald Trump as “Person of the Year,” the president-elect appeared at the New York Stock Exchange alongside a grinning Jessica Sibley, the CEO of the magazine.&nbsp;</p>

Flanked by Trump’s relatives and incoming Vice President J.D. Vance, Sibley joined in chants of “USA! USA!” as the president-elect rang the opening bell. Later, in a speech delivered in front of a giant image of Trump’s magazine cover, Sibley said Time was “honored” to be there with him and thanked the magazine’s owners, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne, for their support. Marc later posted a video of the moment on X, congratulating Trump for the recognition and writing that it marked “a time of great promise for our nation.”

<p>Flanked by Trump’s relatives and incoming Vice President J.D. Vance, Sibley joined in chants of “USA! USA!” as the president-elect rang the opening bell. Later, in a speech delivered in front of a giant image of Trump’s magazine cover, Sibley said Time was “honored” to be there with him and thanked the magazine’s owners, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne, for their support. Marc later posted a video of the moment on X, congratulating Trump for the recognition and writing that it marked “a time of great promise for our nation.”</p>

Back at their soon-shuttered offices in Manhattan’s Salesforce Tower, Time staffers watched the spectacle with mounting horror.&nbsp;

<p>Back at their soon-shuttered offices in Manhattan’s Salesforce Tower, Time staffers watched the spectacle with mounting horror.&nbsp;</p>

“The line that people above us give is that Person of the Year is not an award — it&#8217;s a marking of a moment,” said one employee. “But to have our CEO standing next to him, and Marc&#8217;s tweets about it — how could it not look like an honor?”

<p>“The line that people above us give is that Person of the Year is not an award — it's a marking of a moment,” said one employee. “But to have our CEO standing next to him, and Marc's tweets about it — how could it not look like an honor?”</p>

<p>“The line that people above us give is that Person of the Year is not an award — it&#8217;s a marking of a moment,” said one employee. “But to have our CEO standing next to him, and Marc&#8217;s tweets about it — how could it not look like an honor?”</p>

In recent months, Time staffers have grown increasingly unhappy about their owners’ public embrace of the incoming president and worried about its effects on the publication’s integrity. But these are only the latest in a growing list of concerns with Marc Benioff and his stewardship of the 101-year-old publication. Interviews with a dozen current and former staffers reveal a dramatic overhaul of the business over several years — one focused more on forging connections with powerful people by handing out &#8220;accolades,&#8221; and throwing events for corporate sponsors, than on breaking major news through original reporting or strengthening the newsroom.&nbsp;

<p>In recent months, Time staffers have grown increasingly unhappy about their owners’ public embrace of the incoming president and worried about its effects on the publication’s integrity. But these are only the latest in a growing list of concerns with Marc Benioff and his stewardship of the 101-year-old publication. Interviews with a dozen current and former staffers reveal a dramatic overhaul of the business over several years — one focused more on forging connections with powerful people by handing out "accolades," and throwing events for corporate sponsors, than on breaking major news through original reporting or strengthening the newsroom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent months, Time staffers have grown increasingly unhappy about their owners’ public embrace of the incoming president and worried about its effects on the publication’s integrity. But these are only the latest in a growing list of concerns with Marc Benioff and his stewardship of the 101-year-old publication. Interviews with a dozen current and former staffers reveal a dramatic overhaul of the business over several years — one focused more on forging connections with powerful people by handing out &#8220;accolades,&#8221; and throwing events for corporate sponsors, than on breaking major news through original reporting or strengthening the newsroom.&nbsp;</p>

“When you&#8217;re inside, it&#8217;s pretty clear that … their subscription model is in complete shambles,” said a former Time reporter who left last year. “And one thing that is very clear is that it&#8217;s no longer a journalism outlet. It&#8217;s just sort of a glorified corporate brochure.”

<p>“When you're inside, it's pretty clear that … their subscription model is in complete shambles,” said a former Time reporter who left last year. “And one thing that is very clear is that it's no longer a journalism outlet. It's just sort of a glorified corporate brochure.”</p>

<p>“When you&#8217;re inside, it&#8217;s pretty clear that … their subscription model is in complete shambles,” said a former Time reporter who left last year. “And one thing that is very clear is that it&#8217;s no longer a journalism outlet. It&#8217;s just sort of a glorified corporate brochure.”</p>

Never was the internal grumbling more pronounced than after the Person of the Year ordeal, which saw Benioff rejoicing — and staffers recoiling.&nbsp;

<p>Never was the internal grumbling more pronounced than after the Person of the Year ordeal, which saw Benioff rejoicing — and staffers recoiling.&nbsp;</p>

“It was this realization of [Benioff] using our branding to voice his opinions,” said a veteran staffer. “And nobody can do anything about it.”

<p>“It was this realization of [Benioff] using our branding to voice his opinions,” said a veteran staffer. “And nobody can do anything about it.”</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Alternate crop) President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a reception at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) after being named TIME's "Person of the Year" for the second time on December 12, 2024 in New York City. Trump followed the event by ringing the opening bell on the trading floor. 


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-2188916940.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium, flanked by others, in front of a projected magazine cover featuring himself titled &quot;Person of the Year.&quot;" class="wp-image-350001"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President-elect Donald Trump speaks at the New York Stock Exchange on Dec. 12 after being named Time&#8217;s Person of the Year.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-2188916940.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium, flanked by others, in front of a projected magazine cover featuring himself titled &quot;Person of the Year.&quot;" class="wp-image-350001"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President-elect Donald Trump speaks at the New York Stock Exchange on Dec. 12 after being named Time's Person of the Year.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-2188916940.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium, flanked by others, in front of a projected magazine cover featuring himself titled &quot;Person of the Year.&quot;" class="wp-image-350001"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President-elect Donald Trump speaks at the New York Stock Exchange on Dec. 12 after being named Time&#8217;s Person of the Year.</figcaption></figure>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-steward-of-trust">A &#8216;steward of trust&#8217;</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-steward-of-trust">A 'steward of trust'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-steward-of-trust">A &#8216;steward of trust&#8217;</h2>

When the Benioffs purchased Time in 2018, Marc promised to be a hands-off leader who would stay out of editorial decisions and make the magazine a “steward of trust.” Staffers were relieved: Benioff, widely seen as one of Silicon Valley’s more progressive billionaires, was a much better fit than the conservative Koch brothers, who’d helped finance Meredith Corp.’s acquisition of the company eight months earlier. In 2020, Benioff even <a href="https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/3/21162629/marc-benioff-political-donations-endorsements-democrats-california-primary">swore off making political donations</a> in order to preserve Time’s neutrality.&nbsp;

<p>When the Benioffs purchased Time in 2018, Marc promised to be a hands-off leader who would stay out of editorial decisions and make the magazine a “steward of trust.” Staffers were relieved: Benioff, widely seen as one of Silicon Valley’s more progressive billionaires, was a much better fit than the conservative Koch brothers, who’d helped finance Meredith Corp.’s acquisition of the company eight months earlier. In 2020, Benioff even <a href="https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/3/21162629/marc-benioff-political-donations-endorsements-democrats-california-primary">swore off making political donations</a> in order to preserve Time’s neutrality.&nbsp;</p>

But at the dawn of a second Trump presidency, Benioff — like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/musk-andreessen-horowitz-tech-silicon-valley-trump-biden/">so many other tech titans</a> — seems to have decided that bending the knee to the former reality star is simply the cost of doing business. (Salesforce, with a current market cap of $332.9 billion, has quadrupled its software contracts with U.S. government agencies since the last Trump presidency.)

A running list of Silicon Valley figures who have gone full MAGA

<p>But at the dawn of a second Trump presidency, Benioff — like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/musk-andreessen-horowitz-tech-silicon-valley-trump-biden/">so many other tech titans</a> — seems to have decided that bending the knee to the former reality star is simply the cost of doing business. (Salesforce, with a current market cap of $332.9 billion, has quadrupled its software contracts with U.S. government agencies since the last Trump presidency.) </p>

Based Benioff? Woke-ish Salesforce billionaire takes a right turn

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And unlike many of his fellow billionaires, Benioff has an easy way to win the president-elect’s good graces: through a magazine that Trump is so obsessed with, he once had a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/a-time-magazine-with-trump-on-the-cover-hangs-in-his-golf-clubs-its-fake/2017/06/27/0adf96de-5850-11e7-ba90-f5875b7d1876_story.html">fake cover of himself made</a> and hung at one of his golf courses.

<p>And unlike many of his fellow billionaires, Benioff has an easy way to win the president-elect’s good graces: through a magazine that Trump is so obsessed with, he once had a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/a-time-magazine-with-trump-on-the-cover-hangs-in-his-golf-clubs-its-fake/2017/06/27/0adf96de-5850-11e7-ba90-f5875b7d1876_story.html">fake cover of himself made</a> and hung at one of his golf courses.</p>

Time staffers have been concerned about Benioff’s embrace of Trump since at least October, when the magazine published a <a href="https://time.com/7081350/kamala-harris-presidential-platform-policies/">lengthy profile</a> of Vice President Kamala Harris. The story noted that Harris declined to sit for an interview, in contrast with President Joe Biden and Trump, who had both been interviewed by the magazine multiple times.&nbsp;

<p>Time staffers have been concerned about Benioff’s embrace of Trump since at least October, when the magazine published a <a href="https://time.com/7081350/kamala-harris-presidential-platform-policies/">lengthy profile</a> of Vice President Kamala Harris. The story noted that Harris declined to sit for an interview, in contrast with President Joe Biden and Trump, who had both been interviewed by the magazine multiple times.&nbsp;</p>

Benioff — who donated to Harris’s previous presidential run in 2020 — seized on the line, firing off a storm of tweets about the vice president and creating a <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1845887537703014546?lang=en">mock Time cover</a> with that sentence as the headline. “We believe in transparency and publish each interview in full,” he posted. “Why isn’t the Vice President engaging with the public on the same level? #TrustMatters #TransparencyMatters #Leadership.”&nbsp;

<p>Benioff — who donated to Harris’s previous presidential run in 2020 — seized on the line, firing off a storm of tweets about the vice president and creating a <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1845887537703014546?lang=en">mock Time cover</a> with that sentence as the headline. “We believe in transparency and publish each interview in full,” he posted. “Why isn’t the Vice President engaging with the public on the same level? #TrustMatters #TransparencyMatters #Leadership.”&nbsp;</p>

In November, he posted a <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1853168023995342997">second fake Time cover</a>, this one featuring a pet squirrel named P’Nut who had become a MAGA-world icon. The day Trump won the election, Benioff <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1854324219418677255?lang=en">tweeted a <em>real</em> Time cover</a> featuring a photo taken at Trump’s victory speech and congratulated him on the “remarkable achievement.”

<p>In November, he posted a <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1853168023995342997">second fake Time cover</a>, this one featuring a pet squirrel named P’Nut who had become a MAGA-world icon. The day Trump won the election, Benioff <a href="https://x.com/Benioff/status/1854324219418677255?lang=en">tweeted a <em>real</em> Time cover</a> featuring a photo taken at Trump’s victory speech and congratulated him on the “remarkable achievement.”</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/1854324219418677255?lang=en
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and his Family on your remarkable achievement. This has now become a time of great promise for our nation, and we look forward to working together to drive American success and prosperity for all. May Gd Bless The United States of… <a href="https://t.co/KVDRnOuBNC">pic.twitter.com/KVDRnOuBNC</a></p>&mdash; Marc Benioff (@Benioff) <a href="https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/1854324219418677255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reporters at Time were not happy. Numerous employees, who would only speak to The Standard anonymously so as not to harm their job prospects, said they were deeply concerned that casual observers would mistake all the fake covers — tweeted from the verified account of the magazine’s owner — for the real thing, and Benioff’s personal statements as the viewpoints of Time.&nbsp;

<p>Reporters at Time were not happy. Numerous employees, who would only speak to The Standard anonymously so as not to harm their job prospects, said they were deeply concerned that casual observers would mistake all the fake covers — tweeted from the verified account of the magazine’s owner — for the real thing, and Benioff’s personal statements as the viewpoints of Time.&nbsp;</p>

“It&#8217;s not the owner&#8217;s place to be congratulating the incoming president — we’re supposed to be objective,” said one staffer, who said “almost everyone” in the newsroom was concerned by the tweets. “It impacts how people view our journalism. It makes it look like we’re taking a side.”&nbsp;

<p>“It's not the owner's place to be congratulating the incoming president — we’re supposed to be objective,” said one staffer, who said “almost everyone” in the newsroom was concerned by the tweets. “It impacts how people view our journalism. It makes it look like we’re taking a side.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It&#8217;s not the owner&#8217;s place to be congratulating the incoming president — we’re supposed to be objective,” said one staffer, who said “almost everyone” in the newsroom was concerned by the tweets. “It impacts how people view our journalism. It makes it look like we’re taking a side.”&nbsp;</p>

Added another: “How are we as journalists supposed to do our jobs when that is the look he&#8217;s putting out there?”&nbsp;

<p>Added another: “How are we as journalists supposed to do our jobs when that is the look he's putting out there?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Added another: “How are we as journalists supposed to do our jobs when that is the look he&#8217;s putting out there?”&nbsp;</p>

Current and former employees said the Person of the Year label has always been intended as recognition of someone’s impact on the world, not as an honor or prize. Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Vladimir Putin have all been named Person of the Year in the past. But Benioff showered Trump with congratulations on X, writing that he “look[ed] forward to working together to drive American success and prosperity for all.”&nbsp;

<p>Current and former employees said the Person of the Year label has always been intended as recognition of someone’s impact on the world, not as an honor or prize. Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Vladimir Putin have all been named Person of the Year in the past. But Benioff showered Trump with congratulations on X, writing that he “look[ed] forward to working together to drive American success and prosperity for all.”&nbsp;</p>

Later, he posted and deleted a meme juxtaposing Trump’s mug shot with Time’s Person of the Year cover. “How it started, how it’s going,” the meme read.

<p>Later, he posted and deleted a meme juxtaposing Trump’s mug shot with Time’s Person of the Year cover. “How it started, how it’s going,” the meme read.</p>

In a now-deleted post, Benioff boosted Donald Trump's mugshot with a red heart emoji. 


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screenshot-2024-12-17-at-3-06-51-pm.png?w=1182" alt="The image compares two photos: a stern mugshot on the left and a confident portrait on a magazine cover labeled &quot;Person of the Year&quot; on the right." class="wp-image-345694"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In a now-deleted post, Benioff boosted Donald Trump&#8217;s mugshot with a red heart emoji. </figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screenshot-2024-12-17-at-3-06-51-pm.png?w=1182" alt="The image compares two photos: a stern mugshot on the left and a confident portrait on a magazine cover labeled &quot;Person of the Year&quot; on the right." class="wp-image-345694"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In a now-deleted post, Benioff boosted Donald Trump's mugshot with a red heart emoji. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screenshot-2024-12-17-at-3-06-51-pm.png?w=1182" alt="The image compares two photos: a stern mugshot on the left and a confident portrait on a magazine cover labeled &quot;Person of the Year&quot; on the right." class="wp-image-345694"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In a now-deleted post, Benioff boosted Donald Trump&#8217;s mugshot with a red heart emoji. </figcaption></figure>

Rick Stengel, a former Time managing editor, was puzzled by the barrage of tweets. “I must have said a million times as editor that the person of the year is not an honor. It’s a recognition that some newsmaker had a profound influence on the culture, for better or for worse,” he said. “So all the congratulations that were out there — I would congratulate someone on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, not on winning Time Person of the Year.”

<p>Rick Stengel, a former Time managing editor, was puzzled by the barrage of tweets. “I must have said a million times as editor that the person of the year is not an honor. It’s a recognition that some newsmaker had a profound influence on the culture, for better or for worse,” he said. “So all the congratulations that were out there — I would congratulate someone on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, not on winning Time Person of the Year.”</p>

Current Time staffers were more than confused; they were furious — especially when Trump showed up at the stock exchange with Sibley.

<p>Current Time staffers were more than confused; they were furious — especially when Trump showed up at the stock exchange with Sibley.</p>

“If Benioff wants to support Trump, that&#8217;s his business,” said one staffer. “But where it becomes problematic is when he is drawing Time’s name and image into that, and conflating our coverage with his political beliefs.”<strong>&nbsp;</strong>

<p>“If Benioff wants to support Trump, that's his business,” said one staffer. “But where it becomes problematic is when he is drawing Time’s name and image into that, and conflating our coverage with his political beliefs.”<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>“If Benioff wants to support Trump, that&#8217;s his business,” said one staffer. “But where it becomes problematic is when he is drawing Time’s name and image into that, and conflating our coverage with his political beliefs.”<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

Staff members say they have brought their concerns to editorial leaders, including Time editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs, in both meetings and private messages. But the response they heard was consistent: editorial leadership has no control over Benioff&#8217;s tweets. As one person involved in conversations on the subject recalled: “It was very much, ‘What do you expect our leaders to do? Our hands are tied.’”

<p>Staff members say they have brought their concerns to editorial leaders, including Time editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs, in both meetings and private messages. But the response they heard was consistent: editorial leadership has no control over Benioff's tweets. As one person involved in conversations on the subject recalled: “It was very much, ‘What do you expect our leaders to do? Our hands are tied.’”</p>

<p>Staff members say they have brought their concerns to editorial leaders, including Time editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs, in both meetings and private messages. But the response they heard was consistent: editorial leadership has no control over Benioff&#8217;s tweets. As one person involved in conversations on the subject recalled: “It was very much, ‘What do you expect our leaders to do? Our hands are tied.’”</p>

Benioff, Sibley, and&nbsp;Jacobs did not respond to The Standard&#8217;s request for comment.&nbsp;A Time spokesperson provided a statement defending the magazine&#8217;s journalism but declined to comment on Benioff’s tweets or Time leaders’ response.

<p>Benioff, Sibley, and&nbsp;Jacobs did not respond to The Standard's request for comment.&nbsp;A Time spokesperson provided a statement defending the magazine's journalism but declined to comment on Benioff’s tweets or Time leaders’ response.</p>

<p>Benioff, Sibley, and&nbsp;Jacobs did not respond to The Standard&#8217;s request for comment.&nbsp;A Time spokesperson provided a statement defending the magazine&#8217;s journalism but declined to comment on Benioff’s tweets or Time leaders’ response.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: President-elect Donald Trump rings the opening bell on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on December 12, 2024 in New York City. Trump was invited to the Exchange after being named TIME’s “Person of the Year” for the second time. 


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gettyimages-2189594675.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people are standing on a balcony at the New York Stock Exchange. They're smiling and applauding, with a large &quot;Time Person of the Year&quot; display behind them." class="wp-image-350002"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trump rings the opening bell on the trading floor of the NYSE.</figcaption></figure>


Current and former employees have also been frustrated by editorial changes in recent years, many of which they say top leadership attributed to the Benioffs’ desire to eke out a profit after years of losses. Editors at the magazine told a number of employees in recent years that Time was losing money and needed to reverse course. Four people said they were told that pressure came directly from Marc Benioff, who is rumored to be courting a sale of the company. CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/01/marc-benioff-in-talks-to-sell-time-inc-to-antenna-group.html">reported in November</a> that Benioff was in early talks with Greek media company Antenna Group, but the billionaire <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/12/18/salesforces-benioff-says-no-deal-to-sell-time-magazine/">said last month</a> there was “no deal on the table” to sell Time.&nbsp;

<p>Current and former employees have also been frustrated by editorial changes in recent years, many of which they say top leadership attributed to the Benioffs’ desire to eke out a profit after years of losses. Editors at the magazine told a number of employees in recent years that Time was losing money and needed to reverse course. Four people said they were told that pressure came directly from Marc Benioff, who is rumored to be courting a sale of the company. CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/01/marc-benioff-in-talks-to-sell-time-inc-to-antenna-group.html">reported in November</a> that Benioff was in early talks with Greek media company Antenna Group, but the billionaire <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/12/18/salesforces-benioff-says-no-deal-to-sell-time-magazine/">said last month</a> there was “no deal on the table” to sell Time.&nbsp;</p>

In a statement to The Standard, a Time spokesperson said the company’s goal is to “provide trusted journalism and build a sustainable business.”

<p>In a statement to The Standard, a Time spokesperson said the company’s goal is to “provide trusted journalism and build a sustainable business.”</p>

“For over 100 years, TIME&#8217;s journalism has been supported by advertising, and the interests of those commercial partners do not influence our editorial decisions or coverage,” the statement said. “We&#8217;re grateful to Marc and Lynne Benioff, who have been generous champions of TIME since becoming owners in 2018.”

<p>“For over 100 years, TIME's journalism has been supported by advertising, and the interests of those commercial partners do not influence our editorial decisions or coverage,” the statement said. “We're grateful to Marc and Lynne Benioff, who have been generous champions of TIME since becoming owners in 2018.”</p>

<p>“For over 100 years, TIME&#8217;s journalism has been supported by advertising, and the interests of those commercial partners do not influence our editorial decisions or coverage,” the statement said. “We&#8217;re grateful to Marc and Lynne Benioff, who have been generous champions of TIME since becoming owners in 2018.”</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-have-to-get-profitable">&#8216;We have to get profitable&#8217;</h2>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-have-to-get-profitable">'We have to get profitable'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-have-to-get-profitable">&#8216;We have to get profitable&#8217;</h2>

When longtime CEO Edward Felsenthal stepped down in 2022, Benioff tapped Sibley, the former Forbes COO, whom staffers say brought a singular focus on getting the company out of the red. Sibley has said as much in <a href="https://time.com/7177787/times-b2b-revenue-strategy-drives-milestone-growth-in-2024/">public memos to staff</a>, calling it their “shared priority” to be “cash flow positive” in 2025 and create “a sustainable way to continue our mission of producing and delivering trusted journalism.”

<p>When longtime CEO Edward Felsenthal stepped down in 2022, Benioff tapped Sibley, the former Forbes COO, whom staffers say brought a singular focus on getting the company out of the red. Sibley has said as much in <a href="https://time.com/7177787/times-b2b-revenue-strategy-drives-milestone-growth-in-2024/">public memos to staff</a>, calling it their “shared priority” to be “cash flow positive” in 2025 and create “a sustainable way to continue our mission of producing and delivering trusted journalism.”</p>

This mission meant cost-cutting: The publication enacted two rounds of layoffs last year, discharging more than 50 people, including more than 15% of the magazine’s unionized staff. Time leadership also announced late last year that the magazine would be vacating its offices at Salesforce Tower across from manicured Bryant Park in December in favor of something smaller and cheaper, according to an email reviewed by The Standard.&nbsp;

<p>This mission meant cost-cutting: The publication enacted two rounds of layoffs last year, discharging more than 50 people, including more than 15% of the magazine’s unionized staff. Time leadership also announced late last year that the magazine would be vacating its offices at Salesforce Tower across from manicured Bryant Park in December in favor of something smaller and cheaper, according to an email reviewed by The Standard.&nbsp;</p>

There was also a shift in editorial priorities. In 2023, the publication moved a number of junior staffers to a new, quick-turn “news desk,” where they were given a monthly quota of stories to file and discouraged from pursuing original reporting. At least one reporter was fired in part for not meeting her quota, according to three former staffers.&nbsp;

<p>There was also a shift in editorial priorities. In 2023, the publication moved a number of junior staffers to a new, quick-turn “news desk,” where they were given a monthly quota of stories to file and discouraged from pursuing original reporting. At least one reporter was fired in part for not meeting her quota, according to three former staffers.&nbsp;</p>

When employees complained about the change, they were told the decision was the result of pressure from on high. “What we were being told was that it was all coming from the top,” a former staffer said. “Benioff was putting a lot of pressure on the company as a whole to make money and make profit.”&nbsp;

<p>When employees complained about the change, they were told the decision was the result of pressure from on high. “What we were being told was that it was all coming from the top,” a former staffer said. “Benioff was putting a lot of pressure on the company as a whole to make money and make profit.”&nbsp;</p>

The publication also began heavily prioritizing “accolades,” or its annual lists of impactful people and companies. The magazine is well known for its “Time 100” list of the most influential people in the world, but has in recent years rolled out more franchises, including “Time 100 Climate” and “Time 100 AI.” At least two reporters were moved off their beats and onto the accolades team without warning, staffers said, and one wound up quitting in response.

<p>The publication also began heavily prioritizing “accolades,” or its annual lists of impactful people and companies. The magazine is well known for its “Time 100” list of the most influential people in the world, but has in recent years rolled out more franchises, including “Time 100 Climate” and “Time 100 AI.” At least two reporters were moved off their beats and onto the accolades team without warning, staffers said, and one wound up quitting in response.</p>

Staffers said the hope is that those included on the lists will attend corresponding events hosted by Time, like the 2024 Earth Awards and 2024 Women of the Year Awards. These red-carpet galas are heavily funded by corporate sponsors, whose branding is displayed prominently and which&nbsp;often receive shoutouts from the stage and on social media. (Benioff’s Salesforce is a frequent sponsor.) Sibley told a <a href="https://pressgazette.co.uk/north-america/time-ceo-jessica-sibley-says-b2b-shift-is-working-for-101-year-old-brand/">New York media conference</a> last month that the company has gone from seven such events a year to more than 30.

<p>Staffers said the hope is that those included on the lists will attend corresponding events hosted by Time, like the 2024 Earth Awards and 2024 Women of the Year Awards. These red-carpet galas are heavily funded by corporate sponsors, whose branding is displayed prominently and which&nbsp;often receive shoutouts from the stage and on social media. (Benioff’s Salesforce is a frequent sponsor.) Sibley told a <a href="https://pressgazette.co.uk/north-america/time-ceo-jessica-sibley-says-b2b-shift-is-working-for-101-year-old-brand/">New York media conference</a> last month that the company has gone from seven such events a year to more than 30.</p>

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Sibley has boasted about the revenue from these corporate-sponsored lists and events, telling <a href="https://digiday.com/podcasts/amid-layoffs-and-cost-cutting-time-ceo-jessica-sibley-is-expecting-a-very-strong-second-half/">Digiday</a> this summer — just days after the second round of layoffs — that she was expecting a “very strong second half” as a result of the company’s pivot to a B2B business model that emphasized “strategic partnerships” over traditional advertising. At the media conference, she said B2B advertising revenue was up 18% last year, with events making up 28% of the total.

<p>Sibley has boasted about the revenue from these corporate-sponsored lists and events, telling <a href="https://digiday.com/podcasts/amid-layoffs-and-cost-cutting-time-ceo-jessica-sibley-is-expecting-a-very-strong-second-half/">Digiday</a> this summer — just days after the second round of layoffs — that she was expecting a “very strong second half” as a result of the company’s pivot to a B2B business model that emphasized “strategic partnerships” over traditional advertising. At the media conference, she said B2B advertising revenue was up 18% last year, with events making up 28% of the total.</p>

Time staffers, however, complain that the lists were less an opportunity for impactful reporting and more a way to genuflect before corporate sponsors and powerful people. Sibley herself has described the lists as a way to offer “commercial partners” an “association with the high-profile people who feature on the lists.”&nbsp;

<p>Time staffers, however, complain that the lists were less an opportunity for impactful reporting and more a way to genuflect before corporate sponsors and powerful people. Sibley herself has described the lists as a way to offer “commercial partners” an “association with the high-profile people who feature on the lists.”&nbsp;</p>

Three former staffers recalled being troubled by events sponsored by the governments of Rwanda and United Arab Emirates, wondering whether such partnerships would prevent Time from reporting critically on the human rights abuses in those countries. The publication has since posted sponsored content in partnership with a Saudi real estate initiative launched by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.&nbsp;

<p>Three former staffers recalled being troubled by events sponsored by the governments of Rwanda and United Arab Emirates, wondering whether such partnerships would prevent Time from reporting critically on the human rights abuses in those countries. The publication has since posted sponsored content in partnership with a Saudi real estate initiative launched by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.&nbsp;</p>

Another former employee recalled Time taking down a corporate-sponsored “Next Generation Leaders” social media post because the sponsor did not want to be associated with the honoree in question: a Palestinian poet. The publication later put the video back up without the sponsor’s branding.&nbsp;

<p>Another former employee recalled Time taking down a corporate-sponsored “Next Generation Leaders” social media post because the sponsor did not want to be associated with the honoree in question: a Palestinian poet. The publication later put the video back up without the sponsor’s branding.&nbsp;</p>

Concerns over the recent editorial changes and Benioff’s political antics have caused at least three employees to leave Time within the last year. The Time Union has met with management repeatedly about problems with editorial standards, but members say they’ve received little in the way of answers.

<p>Concerns over the recent editorial changes and Benioff’s political antics have caused at least three employees to leave Time within the last year. The Time Union has met with management repeatedly about problems with editorial standards, but members say they’ve received little in the way of answers.</p>

“I had the sense that they wanted to manage our complaints, not to address them,” said a former staffer who was present at some of these meetings. “It was a lot of, ‘We hear your concerns,’ but they didn’t really offer a way forward.’”&nbsp;

<p>“I had the sense that they wanted to manage our complaints, not to address them,” said a former staffer who was present at some of these meetings. “It was a lot of, ‘We hear your concerns,’ but they didn’t really offer a way forward.’”&nbsp;</p>

This person added: “The thing we heard from management again and again was: ‘We have to get profitable. The Benioffs want us to get profitable.’”

<p>This person added: “The thing we heard from management again and again was: ‘We have to get profitable. The Benioffs want us to get profitable.’”</p>

Marc Benioff’s embrace of Trump has Time staffers freaking out

Mike Ege

Storm clouds are gathering at San Francisco City Hall as 2024 brings with it two momentous elections.&nbsp;

<p>Storm clouds are gathering at San Francisco City Hall as 2024 brings with it two momentous elections.&nbsp;</p>

Mayor London Breed faces uncertainty as dissatisfaction with City Hall opens the door for challengers, including Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and philanthropist Daniel Lurie. But Safaí and Lurie lack Breed’s name recognition and have yet to make much traction in their bids to take over Room 200. Political insiders are grasping for alternatives, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin</a> or <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">former Mayor Mark Farrell</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin says people want him to run for mayor

Mark Farrell, ex-San Francisco mayor, could challenge London Breed in 2024

<p>Mayor London Breed faces uncertainty as dissatisfaction with City Hall opens the door for challengers, including Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and philanthropist Daniel Lurie. But Safaí and Lurie lack Breed’s name recognition and have yet to make much traction in their bids to take over Room 200. Political insiders are grasping for alternatives, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin</a> or <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">former Mayor Mark Farrell</a>.&nbsp;</p>

But while star political players will weather the biggest political storms, they’re far from the only ones angling for the Mayor’s Office this November.&nbsp;

<p>But while star political players will weather the biggest political storms, they’re far from the only ones angling for the Mayor’s Office this November.&nbsp;</p>

Over 30 people have “pulled papers,” or declared their intent to run, for mayor this year. Declaring intent to run doesn’t guarantee you’ll be on the final ballot. In 2019, for example, 33 people pulled papers but only two candidates stuck it out to the final ballot: Breed and <a href="https://goldengatexpress.org/90182/city/former-sf-state-instructor-runs-for-mayor-with-pro-trump-agenda/">archconservative Ellen Lee Zhou</a>. Candidates have until May 15 to submit either a $7,020 filing fee or 14,040 signatures from local voters to get on the ballot.&nbsp;

<p>Over 30 people have “pulled papers,” or declared their intent to run, for mayor this year. Declaring intent to run doesn’t guarantee you’ll be on the final ballot. In 2019, for example, 33 people pulled papers but only two candidates stuck it out to the final ballot: Breed and <a href="https://goldengatexpress.org/90182/city/former-sf-state-instructor-runs-for-mayor-with-pro-trump-agenda/">archconservative Ellen Lee Zhou</a>. Candidates have until May 15 to submit either a $7,020 filing fee or 14,040 signatures from local voters to get on the ballot.&nbsp;</p>

The overwhelming majority of people who have pulled papers for the mayor’s race can best be described as outliers. They range from people like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronikafimbres/">Veronika Fimbres</a>, a clinical assistant manager at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and trans rights activist, to Shahram Shariati, a transportation engineer at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency inspired to “bring common sense back to the city” from his experiences dealing with its bureaucracy.&nbsp;

<p>The overwhelming majority of people who have pulled papers for the mayor’s race can best be described as outliers. They range from people like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronikafimbres/">Veronika Fimbres</a>, a clinical assistant manager at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and trans rights activist, to Shahram Shariati, a transportation engineer at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency inspired to “bring common sense back to the city” from his experiences dealing with its bureaucracy.&nbsp;</p>

San Francisco Mayor London Breed listens to a journalist during an interview inter office at City Hall in San Francisco on June 1, 2023,


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined01_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red outfit sits solemnly in an ornate wood-paneled room with flags and a fireplace." class="wp-image-239385"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed listens to a question during an interview at City Hall in San Francisco in June 2023.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined01_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red outfit sits solemnly in an ornate wood-paneled room with flags and a fireplace." class="wp-image-239385"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed listens to a question during an interview at City Hall in San Francisco in June 2023.</figcaption></figure>

On <a href="https://www.sfmayor2025.com/who-we-are">his website</a>, Shariati relates his ordeal of dealing with vandalism and other issues at his Mission Street apartment complex. He was eventually able to get local laws changed to help with his graffiti problem, but he told The Standard that “what should have been a no-brainer took so many years.” He’s in the race for the long haul, telling The Standard he already has his $7,020 filing fee saved up.&nbsp;

<p>On <a href="https://www.sfmayor2025.com/who-we-are">his website</a>, Shariati relates his ordeal of dealing with vandalism and other issues at his Mission Street apartment complex. He was eventually able to get local laws changed to help with his graffiti problem, but he told The Standard that “what should have been a no-brainer took so many years.” He’s in the race for the long haul, telling The Standard he already has his $7,020 filing fee saved up.&nbsp;</p>

If no one is able to unseat Breed in November, the lower end of the mayoral ballot could be seen as another kind of contest—for the title of Lord of the Gadflies. They may have no chance of winning, but they all have something to say. Here’s a closer look at some of the more interesting contenders.

<p>If no one is able to unseat Breed in November, the lower end of the mayoral ballot could be seen as another kind of contest—for the title of Lord of the Gadflies. They may have no chance of winning, but they all have something to say. Here’s a closer look at some of the more interesting contenders.</p>

San Francisco mayoral candidates Ellen Lee Zhou speaks to journalists in San Francisco on Sept. 10, 2019.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined02_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with short black hair, wearing a red blouse and dark blazer, gestures while speaking to someone off-camera." class="wp-image-239387"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou speaks to journalists in San Francisco in 2019.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined02_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with short black hair, wearing a red blouse and dark blazer, gestures while speaking to someone off-camera." class="wp-image-239387"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou speaks to journalists in San Francisco in 2019.</figcaption></figure>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ellen-lee-zhou-jan-6-participant">Ellen Lee Zhou, Jan. 6 Participant</h2>


Zhou’s 2019 campaign became notorious for a series of billboards that were eventually found to have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/28/spending-on-political-billboard-ads-violated-sf-election-laws-watchdog-says/">violated campaign finance laws</a>; they were also called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">hurtful and racist</a> by detractors, including Breed.&nbsp;

Spending on political billboard ads violated SF election laws, watchdog says

<p>Zhou’s 2019 campaign became notorious for a series of billboards that were eventually found to have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/28/spending-on-political-billboard-ads-violated-sf-election-laws-watchdog-says/">violated campaign finance laws</a>; they were also called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">hurtful and racist</a> by detractors, including Breed.&nbsp;</p>

Zhou, a trained social worker, also brandished a pistol and a rifle at a press conference encouraging Asian Americans <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-chinese-group-promotes-gun-ownership-after-community-crime-scare/article_57426987-2426-54eb-8fd3-ba968290f703.html">to arm themselves</a> in response to reports of rising crime. She also used her spotlight to burnish her MAGA credentials, as a protagonist in multiple stories <a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/focus/ellen-lee-zhou">in the Epoch Times</a> and, in a Trumpist hat trick, by participating in the <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/01/07/sf-mayoral-candidate-ellen-lee-zhou-was-at-the-trump-rally-slash-insurrection/">Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot</a>. When Election Day came, Zhou garnered a distant second place with about 14% of the vote.&nbsp;

<p>Zhou, a trained social worker, also brandished a pistol and a rifle at a press conference encouraging Asian Americans <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-chinese-group-promotes-gun-ownership-after-community-crime-scare/article_57426987-2426-54eb-8fd3-ba968290f703.html">to arm themselves</a> in response to reports of rising crime. She also used her spotlight to burnish her MAGA credentials, as a protagonist in multiple stories <a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/focus/ellen-lee-zhou">in the Epoch Times</a> and, in a Trumpist hat trick, by participating in the <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/01/07/sf-mayoral-candidate-ellen-lee-zhou-was-at-the-trump-rally-slash-insurrection/">Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot</a>. When Election Day came, Zhou garnered a distant second place with about 14% of the vote.&nbsp;</p>

It wasn’t her first run. Zhou also ran in a special mayoral election in June 2018, when Breed faced off against better-known candidates such as <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/05/san-francisco-mayor-jane-kim-mark-leno-ranked-choice-voting/561053/">former state Sen. Mark Leno and former Supervisor Jane Kim</a>. Zhou garnered not quite 4% of first-choice votes in that race. Her platform included a plan to <a href="https://www.sfpublicpress.org/spare-room-mayoral-challenger-zhou-says-you-could-help-homelessness-crisis/">entice city residents with spare rooms</a> to house the homeless.&nbsp;

<p>It wasn’t her first run. Zhou also ran in a special mayoral election in June 2018, when Breed faced off against better-known candidates such as <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/05/san-francisco-mayor-jane-kim-mark-leno-ranked-choice-voting/561053/">former state Sen. Mark Leno and former Supervisor Jane Kim</a>. Zhou garnered not quite 4% of first-choice votes in that race. Her platform included a plan to <a href="https://www.sfpublicpress.org/spare-room-mayoral-challenger-zhou-says-you-could-help-homelessness-crisis/">entice city residents with spare rooms</a> to house the homeless.&nbsp;</p>

Zhou is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Acting-on-a-teacher-s-request-2722281.php">originally from Taishan, China</a>, and moved to San Francisco when she was 16. She attended San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University. A behavioral health clinician, Zhou worked at the Department of Public Health until she was dismissed in September 2022 for refusing to get vaccinated for Covid. She filed suit against the city to get her job back last December.

<p>Zhou is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Acting-on-a-teacher-s-request-2722281.php">originally from Taishan, China</a>, and moved to San Francisco when she was 16. She attended San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University. A behavioral health clinician, Zhou worked at the Department of Public Health until she was dismissed in September 2022 for refusing to get vaccinated for Covid. She filed suit against the city to get her job back last December.</p>

Austin Hills attend de Gournay Celebrates Opening of New Boutique on March 1st 2017 at de Gournay Showroom in San Francisco.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined03_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit smirks while someone's hand makes a playful gesture near his face." class="wp-image-239388"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Austin Hills attends the opening of a boutique in 2017 in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-austin-hills-coffee-fortune-heir">Austin Hills: Coffee Fortune Heir</h2>


Pacific Heights resident, photographer, <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/sf-supercars-san-francisco">Supercar rental business</a> proprietor and socialite Austin Hills is obviously a man of many hats. In 2022, he pulled papers to run for district attorney, but couldn’t follow through due to an important technicality—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/12/son-of-coffee-dynasty-fails-san-francisco-district-attorney-run/">he wasn’t a lawyer</a>.&nbsp;

Scion of SF coffee dynasty attempts run for district attorney, realizes he needs to be an attorney to qualify

<p>Pacific Heights resident, photographer, <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/sf-supercars-san-francisco">Supercar rental business</a> proprietor and socialite Austin Hills is obviously a man of many hats. In 2022, he pulled papers to run for district attorney, but couldn’t follow through due to an important technicality—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/12/son-of-coffee-dynasty-fails-san-francisco-district-attorney-run/">he wasn’t a lawyer</a>.&nbsp;</p>

This year, Hills, a Libertarian, pulled papers to run for mayor, a job for which he’s more technically qualified. On top of that, he’s one of two genuine San Francisco bluebloods to enter the race. Hills pulled papers Sept. 20; Lurie, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-26/levi-strauss-heir-daniel-lurie-enters-san-francisco-mayoral-race">a scion of the Levi Strauss fortune</a>, pulled his on Sept. 26.&nbsp;

<p>This year, Hills, a Libertarian, pulled papers to run for mayor, a job for which he’s more technically qualified. On top of that, he’s one of two genuine San Francisco bluebloods to enter the race. Hills pulled papers Sept. 20; Lurie, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-26/levi-strauss-heir-daniel-lurie-enters-san-francisco-mayoral-race">a scion of the Levi Strauss fortune</a>, pulled his on Sept. 26.&nbsp;</p>

Before people made coffee from pods, Americans made their morning joe from ground coffee packaged in vacuum-sealed cans. Hills Bros., founded in San Francisco in 1878, was first out the gate with that product. The resulting fortune elevated the Hills family into the city’s socialite class, and their Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foxtrot_zulu_india/?hl=en">Hills’ Instagram</a>, titled “Austin Hills for Mayor,” clearly reflects his rarefied lifestyle, complete with expensive cars, hot air balloons and helicopters—as well as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CejOAgdpKln/?hl=en">a visit to Breed’s office</a>.

<p>Before people made coffee from pods, Americans made their morning joe from ground coffee packaged in vacuum-sealed cans. Hills Bros., founded in San Francisco in 1878, was first out the gate with that product. The resulting fortune elevated the Hills family into the city’s socialite class, and their Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foxtrot_zulu_india/?hl=en">Hills’ Instagram</a>, titled “Austin Hills for Mayor,” clearly reflects his rarefied lifestyle, complete with expensive cars, hot air balloons and helicopters—as well as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CejOAgdpKln/?hl=en">a visit to Breed’s office</a>.</p>

A screenshot of 2024 Candidate for SF Mayor Honest Charley Bodkin is interviewed by Aline Guetta Dinoia, not pictured, on French American TV on Oct. 13, 2023.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined04_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2012" alt="A man stands before a mic; &quot;Honest Charley Bodkin, Mayoral Candidate&quot; is captioned against a Golden Gate Bridge backdrop." class="wp-image-239389"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Honest Charley Bodkin, a 2024 candidate for San Francisco mayor, is interviewed on French American TV on Oct. 13, 2023.</figcaption></figure>


Honest Charley Bodkin: Yes, That’s His Real Name


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honest-charley-bodkin-yes-that-s-his-real-name">Honest Charley Bodkin: Yes, That’s His Real Name</h2>


The first thing to know about Honest Charley Bodkin is that “Honest” isn’t a nickname. That really is his first name; he’s named after his great-grandfather, which he explains in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz4eiC8Pg7I">this interview</a>. He sees his run as “a platform for positive change” and an opportunity to “inject a few good ideas into the discourse.”

<p>The first thing to know about Honest Charley Bodkin is that “Honest” isn’t a nickname. That really is his first name; he’s named after his great-grandfather, which he explains in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz4eiC8Pg7I">this interview</a>. He sees his run as “a platform for positive change” and an opportunity to “inject a few good ideas into the discourse.”</p>

Along with a name straight out of a James Fenimore Cooper novel, Bodkin, a software engineer currently working for a cybersecurity insurance startup, also has a plan. His “Bear Necessities Party” platform aims for a society where everyone can feel secure in having the bare necessities in life.&nbsp;

<p>Along with a name straight out of a James Fenimore Cooper novel, Bodkin, a software engineer currently working for a cybersecurity insurance startup, also has a plan. His “Bear Necessities Party” platform aims for a society where everyone can feel secure in having the bare necessities in life.&nbsp;</p>

“I had always been dreaming of moving to San Francisco. I made a scale model of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third grade,” Bodkin told The Standard in an interview. &#8220;My love of art, music, as well as technology, there were so many reasons that called me to San Francisco.”

<p>“I had always been dreaming of moving to San Francisco. I made a scale model of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third grade,” Bodkin told The Standard in an interview. "My love of art, music, as well as technology, there were so many reasons that called me to San Francisco.”</p>

<p>“I had always been dreaming of moving to San Francisco. I made a scale model of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third grade,” Bodkin told The Standard in an interview. &#8220;My love of art, music, as well as technology, there were so many reasons that called me to San Francisco.”</p>

Once Bodkin got here, he also discovered some things about the city he didn’t like so much— like its lack of affordability. He’s a proponent of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/business/georgism-land-tax-housing.html">the land value tax</a> to incentivize building more and cheaper housing.&nbsp;

<p>Once Bodkin got here, he also discovered some things about the city he didn’t like so much— like its lack of affordability. He’s a proponent of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/business/georgism-land-tax-housing.html">the land value tax</a> to incentivize building more and cheaper housing.&nbsp;</p>

“I believe <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/georgism/comments/18tichy/ama_a_land_value_tax_is_in_my_vision_for_my_city/">a land value tax</a> could radically change the calculus around property development right now. A parking lot next to the Salesforce Tower is taxed less, yet the Salesforce Tower offers a lot more value to the city,” he said. “So I would say, &#8216;Let&#8217;s increase the taxes on that parking lot so that folks don&#8217;t just sit on land and speculate on it and that they turn it into something more productive.&#8217;”

<p>“I believe <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/georgism/comments/18tichy/ama_a_land_value_tax_is_in_my_vision_for_my_city/">a land value tax</a> could radically change the calculus around property development right now. A parking lot next to the Salesforce Tower is taxed less, yet the Salesforce Tower offers a lot more value to the city,” he said. “So I would say, 'Let's increase the taxes on that parking lot so that folks don't just sit on land and speculate on it and that they turn it into something more productive.'”</p>

<p>“I believe <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/georgism/comments/18tichy/ama_a_land_value_tax_is_in_my_vision_for_my_city/">a land value tax</a> could radically change the calculus around property development right now. A parking lot next to the Salesforce Tower is taxed less, yet the Salesforce Tower offers a lot more value to the city,” he said. “So I would say, &#8216;Let&#8217;s increase the taxes on that parking lot so that folks don&#8217;t just sit on land and speculate on it and that they turn it into something more productive.&#8217;”</p>

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

Kevin Truong

Tech journalist Kara Swisher relishes her reputation as the grill master of the tech industry, noted for her ability to get leading CEOs to sit down in the hot seat and answer difficult questions. 

<p>Tech journalist Kara Swisher relishes her reputation as the grill master of the tech industry, noted for her ability to get leading CEOs to sit down in the hot seat and answer difficult questions. </p>

At the Upfront Summit on March 2, she tangled with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff on the company’s recent layoffs, its San Francisco tower and his relationship with Elon Musk.

<p>At the Upfront Summit on March 2, she tangled with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff on the company’s recent layoffs, its San Francisco tower and his relationship with Elon Musk.</p>

The interview was published Tuesday <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fxoy84zO3z3sIaEyIlIsU?si=kGBDJ9ZxSHiAXaOHM8e5PA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as part of Swisher’s podcast</a>—and Benioff had a lot to say about a recent round of layoffs, remote work, Elon Musk and Salesforce’s love-it-or-hate-it Downtown tower. 

<p>The interview was published Tuesday <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fxoy84zO3z3sIaEyIlIsU?si=kGBDJ9ZxSHiAXaOHM8e5PA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as part of Swisher’s podcast</a>—and Benioff had a lot to say about a recent round of layoffs, remote work, Elon Musk and Salesforce’s love-it-or-hate-it Downtown tower. </p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-salesforce-s-layoffs">On Salesforce’s Layoffs</h2>


<h2 id="h-on-salesforce-s-layoffs">On Salesforce’s Layoffs</h2>

Benioff said that 2021 “was the best year tech ever had.” Then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-the-tech-bubble-started-to-deflate-in-2022/">came the market correction</a> kicked off by federal rate hikes and inflation.&nbsp;

<p>Benioff said that 2021 “was the best year tech ever had.” Then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-the-tech-bubble-started-to-deflate-in-2022/">came the market correction</a> kicked off by federal rate hikes and inflation.&nbsp;</p>

Marc Benioff’s embrace of Trump has Time staffers freaking out

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

Marc Benioff is sorry about Salesforce Tower, explains how a drunk tweet led to a standoff with Mike Pence

Meta abandoned this downtown office tower. A new tenant got a great deal

Don’t read this article unless you agree to the Chatham House Rule

Search Results for: salesforce tower

Marc Benioff’s embrace of Trump has Time staffers freaking out

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

Marc Benioff is sorry about Salesforce Tower, explains how a drunk tweet led to a standoff with Mike Pence

Meta abandoned this downtown office tower. A new tenant got a great deal

Don’t read this article unless you agree to the Chatham House Rule