Michael Barba

San Francisco mayoral hopeful Ahsha Safaí is distancing himself from two convicted felons with ties to the construction industry who were advertised as the hosts for a Thursday fundraiser benefiting his campaign.

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San Francisco mayoral hopeful Ahsha Safaí is distancing himself from two convicted felons with ties to the construction industry who were advertised as the hosts for a Thursday fundraiser benefiting his campaign.

Contractor John Pollard and his romantic partner, Annabel McClellan, were listed as the headliners on an invitation seen by The Standard. Pollard pleaded guilty to tax fraud in 2013, while McClellan pleaded guilty to obstructing an investigation into an insider trading scheme in 2011.

Contractor John Pollard and his romantic partner, Annabel McClellan, were listed as the headliners on an invitation seen by The Standard. Pollard pleaded guilty to tax fraud in 2013, while McClellan pleaded guilty to obstructing an investigation into an insider trading scheme in 2011.

But a consultant for the supervisor’s campaign, which is sponsoring the event and listed the couple as hosts on its fundraising page, said their names were “erroneously” included on the invite because of a misunderstanding.

But a consultant for the supervisor’s campaign, which is sponsoring the event and listed the couple as hosts on its fundraising page, said their names were “erroneously” included on the invite because of a misunderstanding.

The consultant, Derek Jansen, said Safaí and his team coordinated with the couple via email to throw the fundraiser at the Church of 8 Wheels, a roller skating rink inside an abandoned church that Pollard owns on Fillmore Street.

The consultant, Derek Jansen, said Safaí and his team coordinated with the couple via email to throw the fundraiser at the Church of 8 Wheels, a roller skating rink inside an abandoned church that Pollard owns on Fillmore Street.

“There was a mistaken understanding that they were also hosting, but they were simply coordinating the space,” Jansen said.

“There was a mistaken understanding that they were also hosting, but they were simply coordinating the space,” Jansen said.

The campaign removed their names from the invite after learning about the error, Jansen confirmed Tuesday.&nbsp;

The campaign removed their names from the invite after learning about the error, Jansen confirmed Tuesday.&nbsp;

Side-by-side comparisons show the revised fundraiser invitation after Pollard and McClellan's names were removed.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-3.49.33-PM.png?w=2134" alt="" class="wp-image-185295"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">These screenshots show an online invitation for the fundraiser before and after it was edited to remove Pollard and McClellan&#8217;s names.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-3.49.33-PM.png?w=2134" alt="" class="wp-image-185295"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">These screenshots show an online invitation for the fundraiser before and after it was edited to remove Pollard and McClellan's names.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-25-at-3.49.33-PM.png?w=2134" alt="" class="wp-image-185295"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">These screenshots show an online invitation for the fundraiser before and after it was edited to remove Pollard and McClellan&#8217;s names.</figcaption></figure>

Jansen blamed the campaign’s fundraising staffer for the error. He had no further explanation for how the venue owner and his partner were listed as hosts.

Jansen blamed the campaign’s fundraising staffer for the error. He had no further explanation for how the venue owner and his partner were listed as hosts.

Jansen said Safaí &#8220;does not know Pollard well&#8221; but did not have more details about their relationship. Safaí deferred to Jansen for comment.

Jansen said Safaí "does not know Pollard well" but did not have more details about their relationship. Safaí deferred to Jansen for comment.

Jansen said Safaí &#8220;does not know Pollard well&#8221; but did not have more details about their relationship. Safaí deferred to Jansen for comment.

A fundraiser hosted by two people convicted of white-collar crimes could create perception problems for Safaí, who represents the Excelsior on the Board of Supervisors and faces an uphill race against Mayor London Breed in 2024. Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/17/daniel-lurie-nonprofit-founder-heir-to-levi-fortune-to-challenge-mayor-breed-2024/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1690336906802910&amp;usg=AOvVaw3viSfwxsXESK_Y3w1b5HWO">also laying the groundwork for a campaign</a>.

A fundraiser hosted by two people convicted of white-collar crimes could create perception problems for Safaí, who represents the Excelsior on the Board of Supervisors and faces an uphill race against Mayor London Breed in 2024. Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/17/daniel-lurie-nonprofit-founder-heir-to-levi-fortune-to-challenge-mayor-breed-2024/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1690336906802910&amp;usg=AOvVaw3viSfwxsXESK_Y3w1b5HWO">also laying the groundwork for a campaign</a>.

Jim Ross, a local political consultant who does not have a client in the race, said campaigns are under intense pressure to fundraise. But Ross said having an event hosted by two people with felony records was “probably a mistake.”

Jim Ross, a local political consultant who does not have a client in the race, said campaigns are under intense pressure to fundraise. But Ross said having an event hosted by two people with felony records was “probably a mistake.”

“The big issue that [Safaí] has is people don’t know who he is,” Ross said. “Now there is going to be a group of people who are going to be introduced to Ahsha Safaí through a story about him associating with convicted felons.”

“The big issue that [Safaí] has is people don’t know who he is,” Ross said. “Now there is going to be a group of people who are going to be introduced to Ahsha Safaí through a story about him associating with convicted felons.”

Ross said any ties to the couple dilute the chances that Safaí can successfully attack Breed for her connections to people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/01/san-francisco-city-hall-corruption-scandal-nuru/">entangled in a long-running FBI investigation</a> into corruption at City Hall.

Bribes, bling and trash: Breaking down the key players in San Francisco&#8217;s corruption scandal

Ross said any ties to the couple dilute the chances that Safaí can successfully attack Breed for her connections to people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/01/san-francisco-city-hall-corruption-scandal-nuru/">entangled in a long-running FBI investigation</a> into corruption at City Hall.

The mayor dated the central figure in the controversy, former Public Works head Mohammed Nuru, and celebrated her birthday with real estate mogul Victor Makras shortly before he was charged with bank fraud in 2021.

The mayor dated the central figure in the controversy, former Public Works head Mohammed Nuru, and celebrated her birthday with real estate mogul Victor Makras shortly before he was charged with bank fraud in 2021.

“If you say London Breed has corruption issues, she is going to say, ‘Well, what about yours?’” Ross said. “So it all gets muddied.”

“If you say London Breed has corruption issues, she is going to say, ‘Well, what about yours?’” Ross said. “So it all gets muddied.”

A consultant for Breed’s campaign declined to comment.

A consultant for Breed’s campaign declined to comment.

Safaí would not be the first person whom Pollard supported for public office. Records show he has made various political contributions over the years, including to earlier campaigns by Breed and Safaí. He has also donated to Supervisor Aaron Peskin and other officials in the progressive faction.

Safaí would not be the first person whom Pollard supported for public office. Records show he has made various political contributions over the years, including to earlier campaigns by Breed and Safaí. He has also donated to Supervisor Aaron Peskin and other officials in the progressive faction.

Pollard declined to speak with The Standard, but said in a text message that he and McClellan were not the hosts of the event.

Pollard declined to speak with The Standard, but said in a text message that he and McClellan were not the hosts of the event.

“Safaí is renting our Hall this Thursday but we are forbidden from donating as we have active projects with the City,” Pollard said.

“Safaí is renting our Hall this Thursday but we are forbidden from donating as we have active projects with the City,” Pollard said.

Pollard said he had “no idea” how he and McClellan ended up on the invite.

Pollard said he had “no idea” how he and McClellan ended up on the invite.

&#8220;I own the church and rent to all who ask,&#8221; he said.

"I own the church and rent to all who ask," he said.

&#8220;I own the church and rent to all who ask,&#8221; he said.

Attempts to reach McClellan were unsuccessful.

Attempts to reach McClellan were unsuccessful.

A screenshot of a surveillance video of John Pollard getting served papers on Thurs. July 17, 2021. John Pollard and his romantic partner, Annabel McClellan will be hosting a fundraiser for San Francisco mayoral and City Supervisor Ahsha Safai on at House of 8 Wheels in San Francisco on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/INLINED2_SafaiFundraiser072423.jpg?w=1156" alt="" class="wp-image-185188"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Pollard is the founder of SF Garage Company. | Courtesy photo</figcaption></figure>

Pollard has started various companies in San Francisco including SF Garage Company, a construction firm that specializes in garage installation and retrofitting. He had close ties to the Department of Building Inspection, which was tarnished by the corruption scandal through multiple cases.

Pollard has started various companies in San Francisco including SF Garage Company, a construction firm that specializes in garage installation and retrofitting. He had close ties to the Department of Building Inspection, which was tarnished by the corruption scandal through multiple cases.

In 2020, Pollard was at the center of a lawsuit filed against the city by former Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards. The lawsuit alleged that DBI retaliated against Richards because he publicly criticized the agency for turning a “blind eye” to problems with excavation work performed by Pollard, who is close personal friends with former DBI Deputy Director Ed Sweeney.

In 2020, Pollard was at the center of a lawsuit filed against the city by former Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards. The lawsuit alleged that DBI retaliated against Richards because he publicly criticized the agency for turning a “blind eye” to problems with excavation work performed by Pollard, who is close personal friends with former DBI Deputy Director Ed Sweeney.

The city settled the lawsuit and agreed to pay Richards $1.8 million.

The city settled the lawsuit and agreed to pay Richards $1.8 million.

Pollard’s 2013 conviction stems from some $173,000 in unpaid taxes owed by his garage installation and retrofitting firm, SF Garage Company.

Pollard’s 2013 conviction stems from some $173,000 in unpaid taxes owed by his garage installation and retrofitting firm, SF Garage Company.

He also was accused of check kiting, or cashing fake employee paychecks. Prosecutors said that practice amounted to “check fraud” on two occasions.

He also was accused of check kiting, or cashing fake employee paychecks. Prosecutors said that practice amounted to “check fraud” on two occasions.

However, Pollard was never charged for the alleged check fraud. In court filings, he described the unpaid taxes as a mistake.

However, Pollard was never charged for the alleged check fraud. In court filings, he described the unpaid taxes as a mistake.

“Mr. Pollard is not a scofflaw, but rather an honorable person who simply never was schooled in compliance,” his defense attorneys wrote in 2014. He did not serve time but was sentenced to probation.&nbsp;

“Mr. Pollard is not a scofflaw, but rather an honorable person who simply never was schooled in compliance,” his defense attorneys wrote in 2014. He did not serve time but was sentenced to probation.&nbsp;

Pollard had not completed his probation in the case when San Francisco police arrested him in 2016 on suspicion of a felony hit-and-run.

Pollard had not completed his probation in the case when San Francisco police arrested him in 2016 on suspicion of a felony hit-and-run.

While he was not charged in the crash, federal prosecutors in the tax fraud case sought to revoke his probation over the incident.

While he was not charged in the crash, federal prosecutors in the tax fraud case sought to revoke his probation over the incident.

Prosecutors said Pollard crashed his car into a vehicle driven by one of his employees. While Pollard told police the crash was an accident, prosecutors said his statement was contradicted by video of the incident.

Prosecutors said Pollard crashed his car into a vehicle driven by one of his employees. While Pollard told police the crash was an accident, prosecutors said his statement was contradicted by video of the incident.

“This incident shows another side to Pollard, of violence and deception,” prosecutors said. “That Pollard tried to minimize the incident as a mistake with minimal damage to the vehicles evidences deception and lack of respect for the law. Without the videos, Pollard may have succeeded.”

“This incident shows another side to Pollard, of violence and deception,” prosecutors said. “That Pollard tried to minimize the incident as a mistake with minimal damage to the vehicles evidences deception and lack of respect for the law. Without the videos, Pollard may have succeeded.”

Ultimately, Pollard was ordered to take anger management classes and remained on probation until 2018. He was not sentenced to prison.

Ultimately, Pollard was ordered to take anger management classes and remained on probation until 2018. He was not sentenced to prison.

In May 2022, Pollard faced a new round of troubles. State authorities filed a disciplinary complaint against him and his firm, SF Garage Company, seeking to suspend the company’s contractor license.

In May 2022, Pollard faced a new round of troubles. State authorities filed a disciplinary complaint against him and his firm, SF Garage Company, seeking to suspend the company’s contractor license.

Investigators found that the company was paid about $422,000 for a structural upgrade project that it abandoned, leaving much of the work incomplete at the property on Lombard Street in the city.

Investigators found that the company was paid about $422,000 for a structural upgrade project that it abandoned, leaving much of the work incomplete at the property on Lombard Street in the city.

The disciplinary action is pending.

McClellan, meanwhile, was accused of participating in an insider trading scheme with her sister and brother-in-law, who lived in London.

McClellan, meanwhile, was accused of participating in an insider trading scheme with her sister and brother-in-law, who lived in London.

McClellan, who was previously married to a partner at a major accounting firm, admitted in court records to passing confidential information about upcoming acquisitions to her relatives overseas after overhearing her then-husband discussing those details in business calls.

McClellan, who was previously married to a partner at a major accounting firm, admitted in court records to passing confidential information about upcoming acquisitions to her relatives overseas after overhearing her then-husband discussing those details in business calls.

Prosecutors said her brother-in-law then traded stock based on the tips.

Prosecutors said her brother-in-law then traded stock based on the tips.

McClellan also admitted to lying to Securities and Exchange Commission&nbsp; investigators about the scheme. Prosecutors said she falsely denied passing on the information.

McClellan also admitted to lying to Securities and Exchange Commission&nbsp; investigators about the scheme. Prosecutors said she falsely denied passing on the information.

“McClellan betrayed her husband for years in a duplicitous and destructive manner,” prosecutors said. “She stole highly confidential, material, non-public information; she tipped her sister and brother-in-law in order to illegally benefit her family; and she lied repeatedly about it under oath to the SEC.”

“McClellan betrayed her husband for years in a duplicitous and destructive manner,” prosecutors said. “She stole highly confidential, material, non-public information; she tipped her sister and brother-in-law in order to illegally benefit her family; and she lied repeatedly about it under oath to the SEC.”

The SEC inquiry found the scheme netted some $3 million in illegal profits.

The SEC inquiry found the scheme netted some $3 million in illegal profits.

McClellan denied receiving profits from the trades and said she apologized to both the SEC investigators and her then-husband. She agreed to pay a $1 million fine to the SEC and was sentenced to 11 months in prison.

McClellan denied receiving profits from the trades and said she apologized to both the SEC investigators and her then-husband. She agreed to pay a $1 million fine to the SEC and was sentenced to 11 months in prison.

Editor&#8217;s note: The timeline of Pollard&#8217;s connections to the Department of Building Inspection has been clarified.

Editor's note: The timeline of Pollard's connections to the Department of Building Inspection has been clarified.

Editor&#8217;s note: The timeline of Pollard&#8217;s connections to the Department of Building Inspection has been clarified.

SF mayoral hopeful invites supporters to roller rink fundraiser hosted by convicted felons, then backtracks

Josh Koehn

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=mark%20farrell">Mark Farrell</a>’s last stint as a public official concluded with a victory lap fit for a king.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=mark%20farrell">Mark Farrell</a>’s last stint as a public official concluded with a victory lap fit for a king.

During his final year as a supervisor, Farrell spent thousands of dollars in campaign donors’ cash to frequent some of San Francisco’s swankiest bars and restaurants, treating money raised for an already-concluded Democratic Party race in a manner that ethics experts likened to a slush fund. Farrell also appears to have used a legal loophole while interim mayor to accept large chunks of money from special interest groups that would have been otherwise barred.

During his final year as a supervisor, Farrell spent thousands of dollars in campaign donors’ cash to frequent some of San Francisco’s swankiest bars and restaurants, treating money raised for an already-concluded Democratic Party race in a manner that ethics experts likened to a slush fund. Farrell also appears to have used a legal loophole while interim mayor to accept large chunks of money from special interest groups that would have been otherwise barred.

The Standard’s investigation into old campaign records filed by Farrell—who is now running to reclaim the Mayor’s Office—found that he used leftover money from a 2016 Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) campaign to wine and dine unnamed constituents at more than three dozen meetings for meals. After being appointed mayor in early 2018, Farrell continued to tap into the campaign account while also using it to accept thousands of dollars from trash giant Recology and a friend’s restaurant—both of which had business with the city. Farrell then gave out coveted commission appointments to the restaurant owner and a Recology exec who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-corruption-paul-giusti-sandra-zuniga-sentencing/">pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme</a>.

Why 2 defendants in San Francisco corruption probe avoided prison time

The Standard’s investigation into old campaign records filed by Farrell—who is now running to reclaim the Mayor’s Office—found that he used leftover money from a 2016 Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) campaign to wine and dine unnamed constituents at more than three dozen meetings for meals. After being appointed mayor in early 2018, Farrell continued to tap into the campaign account while also using it to accept thousands of dollars from trash giant Recology and a friend’s restaurant—both of which had business with the city. Farrell then gave out coveted commission appointments to the restaurant owner and a Recology exec who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-corruption-paul-giusti-sandra-zuniga-sentencing/">pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme</a>.

Multiple campaign ethics experts contacted for this story said they were surprised by the number of gastronomic outings Farrell took and the opaqueness around who attended, especially given his past ethics issues. In 2016, Farrell paid a record fine of $25,000 after his first supervisor campaign was found to have <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SF-Ethics-Commission-slashes-fine-for-Farrell-9981935.php">illegally coordinated with a committee</a> funded by real estate magnate Thomas Coates and socialite and philanthropist Dede Wilsey.

Multiple campaign ethics experts contacted for this story said they were surprised by the number of gastronomic outings Farrell took and the opaqueness around who attended, especially given his past ethics issues. In 2016, Farrell paid a record fine of $25,000 after his first supervisor campaign was found to have <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SF-Ethics-Commission-slashes-fine-for-Farrell-9981935.php">illegally coordinated with a committee</a> funded by real estate magnate Thomas Coates and socialite and philanthropist Dede Wilsey.

“Given that history, it is rational for the public and the press to scrutinize his record,” said Sean McMorris, an expert on campaign ethics and transparency for California Common Cause. “Who were these people [at the meals]? Was their business campaign-related?”&nbsp;

“Given that history, it is rational for the public and the press to scrutinize his record,” said Sean McMorris, an expert on campaign ethics and transparency for California Common Cause. “Who were these people [at the meals]? Was their business campaign-related?”&nbsp;

Lawmaker spent $75K in campaign cash on 49ers, Giants, Warriors tix

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Several active members of the DCCC told The Standard that leftover campaign funds for a seat on the local party are generally used to help pay off debts to staff, fund travel for Democratic Party functions and pay for civic events and organizations.

Several active members of the DCCC told The Standard that leftover campaign funds for a seat on the local party are generally used to help pay off debts to staff, fund travel for Democratic Party functions and pay for civic events and organizations.

In contrast, from late 2016 through March 2018, Farrell’s DCCC campaign picked up more than $7,400 in tabs for meals and drinks at Spruce, Swig, Bix, Novela, Balboa Cafe, The Beer Hall, Bob’s Steak &amp; Chop House, Izzy’s Steak &amp; Chop House, Fat Angel Food &amp; Libation—the list goes on for more than three-dozen meetings with “DCCC constituents” whom Farrell has declined to identify.&nbsp;

In contrast, from late 2016 through March 2018, Farrell’s DCCC campaign picked up more than $7,400 in tabs for meals and drinks at Spruce, Swig, Bix, Novela, Balboa Cafe, The Beer Hall, Bob’s Steak &amp; Chop House, Izzy’s Steak &amp; Chop House, Fat Angel Food &amp; Libation—the list goes on for more than three-dozen meetings with “DCCC constituents” whom Farrell has declined to identify.&nbsp;

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell addresses the crowd at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-461.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is giving a speech, gesturing with one hand up. A flag is seen in the background, and a presentation slide is partially visible." class="wp-image-284212"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell declined to identify who he met with for more than three dozen meals while using money from his Democratic Party campaign account.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-461.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is giving a speech, gesturing with one hand up. A flag is seen in the background, and a presentation slide is partially visible." class="wp-image-284212"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell declined to identify who he met with for more than three dozen meals while using money from his Democratic Party campaign account.</figcaption></figure>

Many of the restaurants and bars Farrell frequented have closed since the start of the pandemic, but The Standard obtained an itemized receipt from a $1,511.62 dinner Farrell held at Michelin-starred restaurant The Progress to thank DCCC volunteers. According to the receipt, the dinner occurred the night of Dec. 14, 2017—a year and a half after his DCCC victory and just two days after the death of Mayor Ed Lee, which eventually led to Farrell’s appointment as mayor.

Many of the restaurants and bars Farrell frequented have closed since the start of the pandemic, but The Standard obtained an itemized receipt from a $1,511.62 dinner Farrell held at Michelin-starred restaurant The Progress to thank DCCC volunteers. According to the receipt, the dinner occurred the night of Dec. 14, 2017—a year and a half after his DCCC victory and just two days after the death of Mayor Ed Lee, which eventually led to Farrell’s appointment as mayor.

Items Farrell and company ordered at The Progress included: two bottles of Tassin Champagne; two bottles of heritage blend from Bedrock winery in Sonoma; one bottle of chardonnay from Massican Hyde Vineyard in Napa; eight tasting menus at $78 apiece; two cappuccinos; and one sparkling water. The receipt noted eight meals were served while Farrell’s campaign report said the party featured the candidate and 11 unnamed guests.

Items Farrell and company ordered at The Progress included: two bottles of Tassin Champagne; two bottles of heritage blend from Bedrock winery in Sonoma; one bottle of chardonnay from Massican Hyde Vineyard in Napa; eight tasting menus at $78 apiece; two cappuccinos; and one sparkling water. The receipt noted eight meals were served while Farrell’s campaign report said the party featured the candidate and 11 unnamed guests.

It’s unclear if Farrell was paying for the table or only himself on other occasions, as Farrell began reimbursing himself directly starting with a meal charged on Christmas Eve 2017, according to campaign filings. He did not report the location of almost a third of his expensed meals, which totaled more than $1,900 in charges.

It’s unclear if Farrell was paying for the table or only himself on other occasions, as Farrell began reimbursing himself directly starting with a meal charged on Christmas Eve 2017, according to campaign filings. He did not report the location of almost a third of his expensed meals, which totaled more than $1,900 in charges.

Additional charges for Farrell’s DCCC campaign committee, which had more than $56,000 in remaining funds at the start of 2017, show that he kept the account open to: reimburse his wife, Liz, for $440 in office expenses; purchase more than $1,200 of office supplies from Walgreens in just two purchases; buy more than $1,000 worth of office furniture; and rack up a $195 bill at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond in a transaction inexplicably labeled as a meeting.

Additional charges for Farrell’s DCCC campaign committee, which had more than $56,000 in remaining funds at the start of 2017, show that he kept the account open to: reimburse his wife, Liz, for $440 in office expenses; purchase more than $1,200 of office supplies from Walgreens in just two purchases; buy more than $1,000 worth of office furniture; and rack up a $195 bill at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond in a transaction inexplicably labeled as a meeting.

Farrell’s campaign told The Standard that he did not recall who attended all of the meals and he does not have a calendar documenting the meetings. Farrell’s spokesperson said the furniture was used in his supervisor office.

Farrell’s campaign told The Standard that he did not recall who attended all of the meals and he does not have a calendar documenting the meetings. Farrell’s spokesperson said the furniture was used in his supervisor office.

Mark Farrell, a former San Francisco mayor and supervisor, formally announce his candidacy at the San Francisco Baseball Academy at 3010 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Mark Farrell will challenge London Breed and other candidates in the November 2024 mayoral election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240205farrellmayor012.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mark Farrell, wearing a suit and tie, smiles at a podium with microphones as his wife holds &quot;Mark Farrell for Mayor&quot; sign behind him." class="wp-image-249204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell used campaign money to reimburse himself for thousands of dollars worth of meals while also giving his wife, Liz, money for unknown office expenses.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240205farrellmayor012.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mark Farrell, wearing a suit and tie, smiles at a podium with microphones as his wife holds &quot;Mark Farrell for Mayor&quot; sign behind him." class="wp-image-249204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell used campaign money to reimburse himself for thousands of dollars worth of meals while also giving his wife, Liz, money for unknown office expenses.</figcaption></figure>

Farrell’s $1,245 in charges for two Walgreens visits and a $440 reimbursement to his wife were likely for thank-you notes, envelopes, stamps and other supplies, according to campaign officials.

Farrell’s $1,245 in charges for two Walgreens visits and a $440 reimbursement to his wife were likely for thank-you notes, envelopes, stamps and other supplies, according to campaign officials.

“I followed the law around fundraising and spending at all times,” Farrell said in a statement. “All of the fundraising and expenses that I submitted were legitimate, vetted and approved by counsel.”

“I followed the law around fundraising and spending at all times,” Farrell said in a statement. “All of the fundraising and expenses that I submitted were legitimate, vetted and approved by counsel.”

A spokesperson for the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) declined to comment for this story, instead pointing The Standard to state law on campaign funds being used to purchase meals. A local campaign committee can charge up to $200 for food and drinks as long as the charge is reasonably related to a political, legislative or governmental purpose. However, if the charge exceeds $200, “the expense must be directly related to one of these purposes,” such as a campaign fundraiser or a meeting to discuss a change in city policy.

A spokesperson for the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) declined to comment for this story, instead pointing The Standard to state law on campaign funds being used to purchase meals. A local campaign committee can charge up to $200 for food and drinks as long as the charge is reasonably related to a political, legislative or governmental purpose. However, if the charge exceeds $200, “the expense must be directly related to one of these purposes,” such as a campaign fundraiser or a meeting to discuss a change in city policy.

David Campos, a former chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, said that when people have money left over in their officeholder accounts, they are normally asked to donate money to the party to help with voter registration. Campos said he did not recall Farrell donating money or furniture to the Democratic Party following the 2016 election.

David Campos, a former chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, said that when people have money left over in their officeholder accounts, they are normally asked to donate money to the party to help with voter registration. Campos said he did not recall Farrell donating money or furniture to the Democratic Party following the 2016 election.

“I would hope the FPPC takes a look at all of the things you’re reporting on in terms of campaign expenditures,” Campos said.

“I would hope the FPPC takes a look at all of the things you’re reporting on in terms of campaign expenditures,” Campos said.

The statute of limitations on Farrell’s DCCC campaign spending has expired at this point. However, in narrow circumstances, the statute of limitations can be extended if a candidate or officeholder is found to have concealed a campaign violation.

The statute of limitations on Farrell’s DCCC campaign spending has expired at this point. However, in narrow circumstances, the statute of limitations can be extended if a candidate or officeholder is found to have concealed a campaign violation.

Peter Gallotta, a member of the DCCC since 2017, said that Farrell’s spending appears to be a “clear abuse” of his officeholder account.

Peter Gallotta, a member of the DCCC since 2017, said that Farrell’s spending appears to be a “clear abuse” of his officeholder account.

“They’re not personalized ATM accounts for people,” Gallotta said. “I think it’s shameful to raise money and then use that money for wining and dining. It erodes public trust.”

“They’re not personalized ATM accounts for people,” Gallotta said. “I think it’s shameful to raise money and then use that money for wining and dining. It erodes public trust.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oysters-and-trash-money">Oysters and trash money</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oysters-and-trash-money">Oysters and trash money</h2>

By keeping his DCCC campaign account active after the 2016 election, Farrell was able to continue accepting money from restricted sources that could give well above the $500 contribution limit for supervisor and mayor campaigns.

By keeping his DCCC campaign account active after the 2016 election, Farrell was able to continue accepting money from restricted sources that could give well above the $500 contribution limit for supervisor and mayor campaigns.

Near the end of March 2018, Farrell accepted a $5,000 contribution from a political action committee for the city’s trash company, Recology, and a $2,500 payment from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/10/san-francisco-nightlife-meet-citys-bar-crawl-king/">Mayes Oyster House</a>, one of San Francisco’s oldest restaurants. Mayes Oyster House had business before the Planning Commission about a week before making the contribution.

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Near the end of March 2018, Farrell accepted a $5,000 contribution from a political action committee for the city’s trash company, Recology, and a $2,500 payment from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/10/san-francisco-nightlife-meet-citys-bar-crawl-king/">Mayes Oyster House</a>, one of San Francisco’s oldest restaurants. Mayes Oyster House had business before the Planning Commission about a week before making the contribution.

Farrell’s campaign said he did not solicit contributions from Recology and Mayes Oyster House, and he had no role in the Planning Commission’s unanimous vote to allow the restaurant to remain open every night until 2 a.m. That same week, Farrell stepped down from the DCCC.

Farrell’s campaign said he did not solicit contributions from Recology and Mayes Oyster House, and he had no role in the Planning Commission’s unanimous vote to allow the restaurant to remain open every night until 2 a.m. That same week, Farrell stepped down from the DCCC.

However, in one of Farrell’s final acts as mayor in June 2018, he appointed one of the restaurant’s owners, Matt Corvi, to a seat on the city’s Small Business Commission. The two men now serve on the board of the Olympic Club Foundation, which is connected to the private golf and social club that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens.

However, in one of Farrell’s final acts as mayor in June 2018, he appointed one of the restaurant’s owners, Matt Corvi, to a seat on the city’s Small Business Commission. The two men now serve on the board of the Olympic Club Foundation, which is connected to the private golf and social club that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens.

Corvi told The Standard in a phone interview that he runs the operations at Oyster Mayes House and had no idea the business had given money to the campaign of Farrell, whom he called a friend.

Corvi told The Standard in a phone interview that he runs the operations at Oyster Mayes House and had no idea the business had given money to the campaign of Farrell, whom he called a friend.

“Honestly, I was not in charge of finances at that time,” Corvi said. “I had two partners and I never wrote checks.”

“Honestly, I was not in charge of finances at that time,” Corvi said. “I had two partners and I never wrote checks.”

Owner Matt Corvi poses for a portrait outside of Mayes Oyster House in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, August 12, 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/RestaurantHaveNots-169.jpg?w=2500" alt="Matt Corvi man in a grey jacket stands with arms crossed in front of Mayes Oyster House restaurant, featuring a red facade and vintage neon sign." class="wp-image-68102"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayes Oyster House owner Matt Corvi received an appointment to the city’s Small Business Commission in June 2018, three months after his business gave $2,500 to Mark Farrell&#8217;s Democratic Party campaign account</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/RestaurantHaveNots-169.jpg?w=2500" alt="Matt Corvi man in a grey jacket stands with arms crossed in front of Mayes Oyster House restaurant, featuring a red facade and vintage neon sign." class="wp-image-68102"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayes Oyster House owner Matt Corvi received an appointment to the city’s Small Business Commission in June 2018, three months after his business gave $2,500 to Mark Farrell's Democratic Party campaign account</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/RestaurantHaveNots-169.jpg?w=2500" alt="Matt Corvi man in a grey jacket stands with arms crossed in front of Mayes Oyster House restaurant, featuring a red facade and vintage neon sign." class="wp-image-68102"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayes Oyster House owner Matt Corvi received an appointment to the city’s Small Business Commission in June 2018, three months after his business gave $2,500 to Mark Farrell&#8217;s Democratic Party campaign account</figcaption></figure>

David Latterman, a longtime political analyst in San Francisco, suggested that Recology’s contribution to Farrell deserves even more scrutiny after the company was found to be deeply enmeshed in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">City Hall corruption scandal</a> that led to numerous arrests and Recology being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/11/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">fined $100 million</a> in a rate-hike scheme.

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David Latterman, a longtime political analyst in San Francisco, suggested that Recology’s contribution to Farrell deserves even more scrutiny after the company was found to be deeply enmeshed in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/players-in-san-francisco-corruption-scandal-mohammed-nuru/">City Hall corruption scandal</a> that led to numerous arrests and Recology being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/11/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">fined $100 million</a> in a rate-hike scheme.

Records show that when Farrell was mayor, he nominated Paul Giusti—a former Recology exec who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-corruption-paul-giusti-sandra-zuniga-sentencing/">admitted to arranging more than $1 million in bribes</a>—for a reappointment to the Treasure Island Development Authority a little more than a week after the $5,000 contribution went into Farrell’s DCCC campaign account.

Records show that when Farrell was mayor, he nominated Paul Giusti—a former Recology exec who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-corruption-paul-giusti-sandra-zuniga-sentencing/">admitted to arranging more than $1 million in bribes</a>—for a reappointment to the Treasure Island Development Authority a little more than a week after the $5,000 contribution went into Farrell’s DCCC campaign account.

“That needs to be looked at,” Latterman said. “It certainly raises eyebrows. Recology has been a thorn in the side of the city ethics-wise for years.”

“That needs to be looked at,” Latterman said. “It certainly raises eyebrows. Recology has been a thorn in the side of the city ethics-wise for years.”

A <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24784441-city-ethics-commission-study-of-mark-farrells-behested-payments_dated-november-9-2020">report by the city’s Ethics Commission</a> in 2020 found that Farrell acted as an intermediary for $882,500 in “behested payments,” which are donations from private entities that Farrell passed along to the Parks Alliance, a nonprofit that disgraced former Public Works director Mohammed Nuru used as a slush fund in the City Hall corruption scandal. Farrell’s wife served as the chair of the Parks Alliance’s board of trustees during his time as a supervisor, and records show that Farrell helped with $35,000 in behested payments on behalf of Recology.

A <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24784441-city-ethics-commission-study-of-mark-farrells-behested-payments_dated-november-9-2020">report by the city’s Ethics Commission</a> in 2020 found that Farrell acted as an intermediary for $882,500 in “behested payments,” which are donations from private entities that Farrell passed along to the Parks Alliance, a nonprofit that disgraced former Public Works director Mohammed Nuru used as a slush fund in the City Hall corruption scandal. Farrell’s wife served as the chair of the Parks Alliance’s board of trustees during his time as a supervisor, and records show that Farrell helped with $35,000 in behested payments on behalf of Recology.

The Ethics Commission report from 2020 noted that some of the behested payments Farrell made were timed closely to lobbyist contacts he had with AT&amp;T, Facebook and the San Francisco Realtors Association. In the case of AT&amp;T, Farrell introduced legislation that would have benefited the telecoms giant by preventing landlords from interfering with a tenant’s choice of internet service providers.

The Ethics Commission report from 2020 noted that some of the behested payments Farrell made were timed closely to lobbyist contacts he had with AT&amp;T, Facebook and the San Francisco Realtors Association. In the case of AT&amp;T, Farrell introduced legislation that would have benefited the telecoms giant by preventing landlords from interfering with a tenant’s choice of internet service providers.

In response to emailed questions about behested payments and the $5,000 contribution to Farrell’s DCCC campaign, Recology issued a statement saying the company “instituted a robust set of compliance practices” in the wake of the corruption scandal and no longer makes behested payments or contributes to elected officials’ campaigns in San Francisco.

In response to emailed questions about behested payments and the $5,000 contribution to Farrell’s DCCC campaign, Recology issued a statement saying the company “instituted a robust set of compliance practices” in the wake of the corruption scandal and no longer makes behested payments or contributes to elected officials’ campaigns in San Francisco.

“A lot has changed at Recology in five years,” Recology spokesperson Robert Reed wrote in an email to The Standard. “We have a new CEO, a new leadership team, and new management at our San Francisco operations.”

“A lot has changed at Recology in five years,” Recology spokesperson Robert Reed wrote in an email to The Standard. “We have a new CEO, a new leadership team, and new management at our San Francisco operations.”

A screen capture of Recology Executive Paul Giusti talking at the Commission on the Environment in San Francisco on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Paul Giusti cooperated with the Federal Government in the Mohammed Nuru case.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231212-guistizunigapreview-006.jpg?w=882" alt="Paul Giusti, a bald man in a pink shirt, speaks into a microphone in a room filled with seated people. Some attendees are paying attention, while others are focused on their own activities." class="wp-image-229963"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paul Giusti, a former Recology executive who pleaded guilty for a bribery scandal, was nominated for a reappointment to the Treasure Island Development Authority after the trash company gave Mark Farrell’s Democratic Party campaign $5,000.</figcaption></figure>

Farrell’s campaign opponents said his unorthodox use of his DCCC account deserved scrutiny from voters.

Farrell’s campaign opponents said his unorthodox use of his DCCC account deserved scrutiny from voters.

“Mark’s growing list of ethics scandals is catching up to him and exposing why San Francisco can’t afford to give him another shot,” said Tyler Law, a consultant for the campaign of mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. “Mark is literally invested in keeping the status quo.”

“Mark’s growing list of ethics scandals is catching up to him and exposing why San Francisco can’t afford to give him another shot,” said Tyler Law, a consultant for the campaign of mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. “Mark is literally invested in keeping the status quo.”

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who is also running for mayor, said that Farrell’s liberal spending on meals and drinks with unknown individuals—as well as expenses Farrell paid directly to himself while taking money from special interests like Recology—should be thoroughly examined.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who is also running for mayor, said that Farrell’s liberal spending on meals and drinks with unknown individuals—as well as expenses Farrell paid directly to himself while taking money from special interests like Recology—should be thoroughly examined.

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