Mike Ege

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faces a debate over a law that bans doing business with companies from a majority of U.S. states and will once again attempt to hold a major nonprofit&#8217;s feet to the fire for blocking collective bargaining.

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On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faces a debate over a law that bans doing business with companies from a majority of U.S. states and will once again attempt to hold a major nonprofit's feet to the fire for blocking collective bargaining.

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faces a debate over a law that bans doing business with companies from a majority of U.S. states and will once again attempt to hold a major nonprofit&#8217;s feet to the fire for blocking collective bargaining.

They will also reexamine governance for a long-troubled affordable housing community and receive a homework assignment.&nbsp;

They will also reexamine governance for a long-troubled affordable housing community and receive a homework assignment.&nbsp;

As always, wonks can seek out the rest in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag042523_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.&nbsp;

As always, wonks can seek out the rest in this week’s <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag042523_agenda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agenda</a>.&nbsp;

Debate Over the City’s &#8216;No-Fly Law&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debate-over-the-city-s-no-fly-law">Debate Over the City’s &#8216;No-Fly Law&#8217;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-debate-over-the-city-s-no-fly-law">Debate Over the City’s 'No-Fly Law'</h2>

<h2 id="h-debate-over-the-city-s-no-fly-law">Debate Over the City’s &#8216;No-Fly Law&#8217;</h2>

If supervisors accept a modular bathroom donation, a new public restroom could be installed at the Noe Valley Town Square. | Maryann Jones Thompson/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/noe-valley-farmers-market-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58672"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors recently accepted a modular bathroom donation so a new public restroom could be installed at the Noe Valley Town Square. The donation was from a company based in Nevada and required a waiver of city law to accept. | Maryann Jones Thompson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/noe-valley-farmers-market-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58672"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors recently accepted a modular bathroom donation so a new public restroom could be installed at the Noe Valley Town Square. The donation was from a company based in Nevada and required a waiver of city law to accept. | Maryann Jones Thompson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Section 12X of the city’s Administrative Code prohibits city government entities from doing business with companies based in states with laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons, restrict access to abortion or make it difficult to vote.&nbsp;

Section 12X of the city’s Administrative Code prohibits city government entities from doing business with companies based in states with laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons, restrict access to abortion or make it difficult to vote.&nbsp;

After successfully co-sponsoring a bill to exempt public works contracts from 12X, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has been working to pass a general repeal of the law.&nbsp;

After successfully co-sponsoring a bill to exempt public works contracts from 12X, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has been working to pass a general repeal of the law.&nbsp;

Six supervisors are co-sponsors, and the dialogue over the repeal has been long enough to make passage likely. But expect four votes in opposition, led by Supervisor Shamann Walton, who opposed the bill in committee. Reflecting pushback from labor and other advocacy groups, the proposed repeal will likely spark a long conversation.&nbsp;

Six supervisors are co-sponsors, and the dialogue over the repeal has been long enough to make passage likely. But expect four votes in opposition, led by Supervisor Shamann Walton, who opposed the bill in committee. Reflecting pushback from labor and other advocacy groups, the proposed repeal will likely spark a long conversation.&nbsp;

The law passed in late 2016 amid growing reactionary fervor nationwide: Around that time, states began passing laws denying LGBTQ+ persons access to medical care, a Georgia Congressman read <a href="https://rollcall.com/2016/05/26/homosexuals-worthy-of-death-bible-verse-read-before-key-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Bible verse</a> into the record calling for the death of homosexuals, and a gunman killed 50 at the Pulse nightclub in Florida.&nbsp;

The law passed in late 2016 amid growing reactionary fervor nationwide: Around that time, states began passing laws denying LGBTQ+ persons access to medical care, a Georgia Congressman read <a href="https://rollcall.com/2016/05/26/homosexuals-worthy-of-death-bible-verse-read-before-key-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Bible verse</a> into the record calling for the death of homosexuals, and a gunman killed 50 at the Pulse nightclub in Florida.&nbsp;

Authored by then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, 12X was meant to rally other progressive communities to leverage their economic power against states whose legislatures were passing discriminatory laws.

Authored by then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, 12X was meant to rally other progressive communities to leverage their economic power against states whose legislatures were passing discriminatory laws.

But recent economic pressures have led policymakers to reconsider whether it’s working. In one recent example, the law played into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">the costs of installing public restrooms in parks</a>.&nbsp;

But recent economic pressures have led policymakers to reconsider whether it’s working. In one recent example, the law played into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-most-controversial-bathroom-lgbtq-rights/">the costs of installing public restrooms in parks</a>.&nbsp;

Moreover, a recent report from the supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office found that the law is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=6b85b2be0a&amp;e=3cefed07b4">poorly enforced</a>.&nbsp;

Moreover, a recent report from the supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office found that the law is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=6b85b2be0a&amp;e=3cefed07b4">poorly enforced</a>.&nbsp;

Moreover, a recent report from the supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office found that the law is <a href="https://sfstandard.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=50fb12e8d6fcc1c2439de9265&amp;id=6b85b2be0a&amp;e=3cefed07b4">poorly enforced</a>.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-complex">Saving the Complex</h2>

<h2 id="h-saving-the-complex">Saving the Complex</h2>

Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing and a stop to gentrification in San Francisco Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/HCDLetter120122_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-104025"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing and a stop to gentrification in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Midtown Park is a 139-unit cooperative housing complex in the Western Addition that the city inherited from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1968.&nbsp;

Midtown Park is a 139-unit cooperative housing complex in the Western Addition that the city inherited from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1968.&nbsp;

Since that time, <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/the-complex-the-city-falls-into-a-housing-paradox/article_c03139a6-284d-50c5-a594-58f3bb839e58.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its unique status and governance</a> had prompted successive administrations to let it run itself, with mixed results. In 2014, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development transferred management to the nonprofit Mercy Housing.&nbsp;

Since that time, <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/the-complex-the-city-falls-into-a-housing-paradox/article_c03139a6-284d-50c5-a594-58f3bb839e58.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its unique status and governance</a> had prompted successive administrations to let it run itself, with mixed results. In 2014, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development transferred management to the nonprofit Mercy Housing.&nbsp;

Many residents were decidedly unhappy with the arrangement, as Mercy proceeded to impose means-tested rent hikes on some residents who assumed they were under rent control. 

Many residents were decidedly unhappy with the arrangement, as Mercy proceeded to impose means-tested rent hikes on some residents who assumed they were under rent control.

A rent strike ensued, and supervisors stepped in to restore rent control in 2020, by which time Mercy Housing had withdrawn from management.

A rent strike ensued, and supervisors stepped in to restore rent control in 2020, by which time Mercy Housing had withdrawn from management.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents Midtown Park, has moved to ask the Local Agency Formation Commission to explore new management options for the complex. In the past, the city has used that commission to explore options like public power and banking.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents Midtown Park, has moved to ask the Local Agency Formation Commission to explore new management options for the complex. In the past, the city has used that commission to explore options like public power and banking.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-felton-institute-under-the-microscope">Felton Institute Under the Microscope</h2>

<h2 id="h-felton-institute-under-the-microscope">Felton Institute Under the Microscope</h2>

Supervisor Myrna Melgar during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/022723BOSRoundup-37-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-132318"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Myrna Melgar during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Supervisors will hold a special hearing at 3 p.m. Tuesday to examine worker grievances at the Felton Institute, a nonprofit that San Francisco contracts with for a range of behavioral health and other services.&nbsp;

Supervisors will hold a special hearing at 3 p.m. Tuesday to examine worker grievances at the Felton Institute, a nonprofit that San Francisco contracts with for a range of behavioral health and other services.&nbsp;

Employees have complained for years about low pay and overwork, as well as attempts by the nonprofit to <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11940014/inside-the-long-uphill-battle-to-unionize-workers-at-one-bay-area-nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block union organizing</a>. Supervisor Myrna Melgar has been attempting to craft a labor peace deal with the nonprofit, which refused to answer questions at a prior hearing.

Employees have complained for years about low pay and overwork, as well as attempts by the nonprofit to <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11940014/inside-the-long-uphill-battle-to-unionize-workers-at-one-bay-area-nonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block union organizing</a>. Supervisor Myrna Melgar has been attempting to craft a labor peace deal with the nonprofit, which refused to answer questions at a prior hearing.

Ronen: Have Some Homework To Go With Your Homework

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ronen-have-some-homework-to-go-with-your-homework">Ronen: Have Some Homework To Go With Your Homework</h2>

<h2 id="h-ronen-have-some-homework-to-go-with-your-homework">Ronen: Have Some Homework To Go With Your Homework</h2>

Supervisor Hillary Ronen wants her colleagues and board staffers to prepare for what promises to be a very testy budget season with some not-so-light reading.&nbsp;

Supervisor Hillary Ronen wants her colleagues and board staffers to prepare for what promises to be a very testy budget season with some not-so-light reading.&nbsp;

To that end, she introduced a resolution last week to buy 20 copies of the new book <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-matthew-desmond.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poverty, by America, by sociologist Matthew Desmond</a>.&nbsp;

To that end, she introduced a resolution last week to buy 20 copies of the new book <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-matthew-desmond.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poverty, by America, by sociologist Matthew Desmond</a>.&nbsp;

In his book, Desmond argues that the reason that America has so much poverty when compared with other developed nations is that so many Americans now benefit from the exploitation of poor people and that maintaining poverty has become a policy choice.&nbsp;

In his book, Desmond argues that the reason that America has so much poverty when compared with other developed nations is that so many Americans now benefit from the exploitation of poor people and that maintaining poverty has become a policy choice.&nbsp;

Hillary Ronen in San Francisco, California, on Monday, June 10, 2019. | Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Forms-700s.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59647"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hillary Ronen speaks in San Francisco on June 10, 2019. | Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

In introducing the resolution last week, Ronen, who served as budget chair last cycle,&nbsp; admonished her colleagues that “ending poverty needs to be at the forefront of priorities” for the next two fiscal cycles. The city is facing an estimated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">$780 million deficit</a> over the next two fiscal years.&nbsp;

In introducing the resolution last week, Ronen, who served as budget chair last cycle,&nbsp; admonished her colleagues that “ending poverty needs to be at the forefront of priorities” for the next two fiscal cycles. The city is facing an estimated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">$780 million deficit</a> over the next two fiscal years.&nbsp;

The assignment appears to be unprecedented. A quick search of past legislation for assignments to read like-minded authors like Thomas Piketty or David Graeber yielded no hits.&nbsp;

The assignment appears to be unprecedented. A quick search of past legislation for assignments to read like-minded authors like Thomas Piketty or David Graeber yielded no hits.&nbsp;

But the real question is: Will there be a quiz?

But the real question is: Will there be a quiz?

San Francisco supervisors could repeal law that boycotts most U.S. states

Josh Koehn

John Hickey, one half of a San Francisco developer couple attempting to build <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/05/sunset-skyscraper-50-stories-680-apartments-at-san-franciscos-ocean-beach/">a 50-story tower in the Sunset</a>, has a reputation for proposing audacious projects that never come to fruition. He also has a history as a con man.

Sunset skyscraper: 50 stories, 680 apartments at San Francisco&#8217;s Ocean Beach

John Hickey, one half of a San Francisco developer couple attempting to build <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/05/sunset-skyscraper-50-stories-680-apartments-at-san-franciscos-ocean-beach/">a 50-story tower in the Sunset</a>, has a reputation for proposing audacious projects that never come to fruition. He also has a history as a con man.

In 2004, Hickey was promoting plans for <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-India-Basin-proposal-would-add-3-2634826.php?fromRichie=1&amp;app=__Platform__&amp;v=__Version__&amp;method=__AllAccessEntitlementSource__" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a billion-dollar project</a> that would erect three towers in India Basin and dramatically alter the city’s eastern waterfront. The ambitious development proposal—dismissed as “crazy” by a former city planning director—would have created the largest residential towers in all of California.&nbsp;

In 2004, Hickey was promoting plans for <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-India-Basin-proposal-would-add-3-2634826.php?fromRichie=1&amp;app=__Platform__&amp;v=__Version__&amp;method=__AllAccessEntitlementSource__" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a billion-dollar project</a> that would erect three towers in India Basin and dramatically alter the city’s eastern waterfront. The ambitious development proposal—dismissed as “crazy” by a former city planning director—would have created the largest residential towers in all of California.&nbsp;

At the time, few people knew Hickey had already been indicted seven years earlier for a <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23872701-hickey-appeal-05-10004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ponzi scheme</a> to develop land in Napa and Sonoma counties. Hickey and a co-conspirator bilked 700-plus investors out of roughly $20 million, according to court records. Some of the money went to pay off early investors; some of it went to personal use. Hickey spent 15 years ensnared in civil and criminal investigations and was eventually sentenced to <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Prison-term-for-developer-who-defrauded-investors-2501829.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">97 months in prison</a>.

At the time, few people knew Hickey had already been indicted seven years earlier for a <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23872701-hickey-appeal-05-10004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ponzi scheme</a> to develop land in Napa and Sonoma counties. Hickey and a co-conspirator bilked 700-plus investors out of roughly $20 million, according to court records. Some of the money went to pay off early investors; some of it went to personal use. Hickey spent 15 years ensnared in civil and criminal investigations and was eventually sentenced to <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Prison-term-for-developer-who-defrauded-investors-2501829.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">97 months in prison</a>.

As of 2016, three years after his release from prison, Hickey had paid just $5,150 toward the $17 million-plus he still owed in restitution to his victims.

As of 2016, three years after his release from prison, Hickey had paid just $5,150 toward the $17 million-plus he still owed in restitution to his victims.

The project Hickey and his wife, Raelynn, are now hawking in the Sunset—a tower that would stand out like a 589-foot sore thumb in the sleepy beach neighborhood—bears an eerie resemblance to the fanciful towers he boasted he would build two decades ago. It’s unclear how this new project would be financed. And pinning down the true motivations behind the project, which has become a lightning rod on both sides of the local housing debate, has proven difficult.

The project Hickey and his wife, Raelynn, are now hawking in the Sunset—a tower that would stand out like a 589-foot sore thumb in the sleepy beach neighborhood—bears an eerie resemblance to the fanciful towers he boasted he would build two decades ago. It’s unclear how this new project would be financed. And pinning down the true motivations behind the project, which has become a lightning rod on both sides of the local housing debate, has proven difficult.

On Wednesday, Raelynn Hickey answered the door at the couple’s two-story home in the Sunset, where a gold Cadillac Escalade was parked askew in the driveway. At first, she lied and said the couple wasn’t home. Then, she admitted her identity and abruptly declined an interview.

On Wednesday, Raelynn Hickey answered the door at the couple’s two-story home in the Sunset, where a gold Cadillac Escalade was parked askew in the driveway. At first, she lied and said the couple wasn’t home. Then, she admitted her identity and abruptly declined an interview.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tower-of-power">Tower of Power</h2>

A plant nursery currently occupies the proposed site of the tower: 2700 Sloat Blvd., which is just three blocks from Ocean Beach. Across the street from Sloat Garden Center is a five-story building—the most imposing structure in the neighborhood. The proposed tower would dwarf everything in its vicinity.

A plant nursery currently occupies the proposed site of the tower: 2700 Sloat Blvd., which is just three blocks from Ocean Beach. Across the street from Sloat Garden Center is a five-story building—the most imposing structure in the neighborhood. The proposed tower would dwarf everything in its vicinity.

An exterior view of Sloat Garden Center, seen on July 12, 2023, is the proposed site for a 50-story tower in the Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OceanBeachTower071323_FEATURE.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-181416"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sloat Garden Center is located at the proposed site for a 50-story tower in the Sunset neighborhood in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

The latest plans for the tower—after multiple, incomplete proposals for the site, according to city officials—were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/skyscraper-plans-revealed-for-san-franciscos-ocean-beach-712-homes-50-stories/">filed April 11</a> by CH Planning, a Reno-based company incorporated in 2021 and managed by Raelynn Hickey. In May 2022, the Planning Department notified the developer of multiple issues with the more modest proposal for a 12-13 story project. Three months ago, CH Planning came back with a plan four times taller.&nbsp;

Skyscraper plans revealed for San Francisco&#8217;s Ocean Beach: 712 homes, 50 stories

The latest plans for the tower—after multiple, incomplete proposals for the site, according to city officials—were <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/13/skyscraper-plans-revealed-for-san-franciscos-ocean-beach-712-homes-50-stories/">filed April 11</a> by CH Planning, a Reno-based company incorporated in 2021 and managed by Raelynn Hickey. In May 2022, the Planning Department notified the developer of multiple issues with the more modest proposal for a 12-13 story project. Three months ago, CH Planning came back with a plan four times taller.&nbsp;

In the most recent revision, the proposed tower would include 680 condominiums along with 100,000 square feet of retail space, a wellness spa and a basement garage to fit 212 cars. The scale of the project has left some leading developers in the city befuddled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the most recent revision, the proposed tower would include 680 condominiums along with 100,000 square feet of retail space, a wellness spa and a basement garage to fit 212 cars. The scale of the project has left some leading developers in the city befuddled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I have many friends in the development community, and none of us can comprehend this project,” Oz Erickson, principal at developer Emerald Fund, told The Standard. “To the best of our experienced knowledge, none of us could remotely make this project work economically, much less understand how it would fit contextually in that neighborhood.”

“I have many friends in the development community, and none of us can comprehend this project,” Oz Erickson, principal at developer Emerald Fund, told The Standard. “To the best of our experienced knowledge, none of us could remotely make this project work economically, much less understand how it would fit contextually in that neighborhood.”

The Planning Department rejected the most recent design, which was originally scheduled for a May hearing at the city’s Board of Appeals. But at the developers’ request, it’s been repeatedly postponed. A new hearing is now scheduled for July 26.

The Planning Department rejected the most recent design, which was originally scheduled for a May hearing at the city’s Board of Appeals. But at the developers’ request, it’s been repeatedly postponed. A new hearing is now scheduled for July 26.

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP: Power Play is The Standard&#8217;s insider email newsletter covering City Hall and politics. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/sfstandard/powerplay_signup/">here</a>.

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CH Planning’s revised plans cited California’s Density Bonus Law, which allows developers to tack on more height in exchange for including affordable housing. On the books since 1979, the law has been significantly expanded by legislation written to combat the state’s housing crunch.&nbsp;

CH Planning’s revised plans cited California’s Density Bonus Law, which allows developers to tack on more height in exchange for including affordable housing. On the books since 1979, the law has been significantly expanded by legislation written to combat the state’s housing crunch.&nbsp;

John Hickey has taken the lead in discussions with the city, with CH Planning contending that the state’s Density Bonus Law should allow 2700 Sloat to proceed, in part because of the unique design of the tower: It includes four narrow, separate towers attached together on one base structure to skirt local rules on individual buildings.

John Hickey has taken the lead in discussions with the city, with CH Planning contending that the state’s Density Bonus Law should allow 2700 Sloat to proceed, in part because of the unique design of the tower: It includes four narrow, separate towers attached together on one base structure to skirt local rules on individual buildings.

Thousands of people have signed a petition opposing the project, and the city’s Planning Department summarily scoffed at the design, calling it “categorically out of compliance with both state and local laws.”

Thousands of people have signed a petition opposing the project, and the city’s Planning Department summarily scoffed at the design, calling it “categorically out of compliance with both state and local laws.”

An exterior view of Sloat Garden Center, located at 2700 Sloat Blvd., on July 12, 2023. A 50-story tower is being proposed for the site in the Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OceanBeachTower071323_SOCIAL.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-181419"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sloat Garden Center is located at 2700 Sloat Blvd., where a 50-story tower is being proposed in the Sunset neighborhood in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Nonetheless, Our Neighborhood Voices—a political group planning a ballot measure to undo state housing reforms—has seized upon the 2700 Sloat project, <a href="https://twitter.com/OurVoicesCA/status/1678871485677723649" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using the tower</a> as a symbol of all that is wrong with legislation intended to accelerate housing production.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, Our Neighborhood Voices—a political group planning a ballot measure to undo state housing reforms—has seized upon the 2700 Sloat project, <a href="https://twitter.com/OurVoicesCA/status/1678871485677723649" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using the tower</a> as a symbol of all that is wrong with legislation intended to accelerate housing production.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, YIMBYs and lawmakers who support denser housing seem to be of two minds when it comes to the proposed tower.

Meanwhile, YIMBYs and lawmakers who support denser housing seem to be of two minds when it comes to the proposed tower.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distraction-or-real-deal">Distraction or Real Deal?</h2>

The outlandish size of the 2700 Sloat project—and some of the arguments for and against it—have created a caricature of an otherwise serious issue. San Francisco is required to make room for 82,000 new units of housing by 2031. But a down market and impediments via local law and neighborhood opposition are making that target look more illusory by the day.

The outlandish size of the 2700 Sloat project—and some of the arguments for and against it—have created a caricature of an otherwise serious issue. San Francisco is required to make room for 82,000 new units of housing by 2031. But a down market and impediments via local law and neighborhood opposition are making that target look more illusory by the day.

“This project has always seemed like a distraction to me,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener, whose bill SB 423 would extend and expand rules to streamline the creation of denser housing.

“This project has always seemed like a distraction to me,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener, whose bill SB 423 would extend and expand rules to streamline the creation of denser housing.

Opponents of the 2700 Sloat project have cast the tower as a symbol of what could happen in California if Wiener’s legislation is signed into law. Wiener said those arguments are not being made in “good faith.”

Opponents of the 2700 Sloat project have cast the tower as a symbol of what could happen in California if Wiener’s legislation is signed into law. Wiener said those arguments are not being made in “good faith.”

“We need more housing in all parts of San Francisco, including the west side,” he said. “Some of us are trying to work in the world of reality to make that happen.”&nbsp;

“We need more housing in all parts of San Francisco, including the west side,” he said. “Some of us are trying to work in the world of reality to make that happen.”&nbsp;

Senator Scott Wiener speaks outside Glide memorial Church during a press conference in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Stand

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SafeConsumptionGlide-52.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-97095"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">State Sen. Scott Wiener | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Jane Natoli, the organizing director of YIMBY Action and a former financial crimes investigator, told The Standard that she supports the 2700 Sloat project because the city has steadfastly resisted housing in all shapes and sizes for decades. However, she called John Hickey&#8217;s past projects and Ponzi scheme “red flags.”

Jane Natoli, the organizing director of YIMBY Action and a former financial crimes investigator, told The Standard that she supports the 2700 Sloat project because the city has steadfastly resisted housing in all shapes and sizes for decades. However, she called John Hickey's past projects and Ponzi scheme “red flags.”

Jane Natoli, the organizing director of YIMBY Action and a former financial crimes investigator, told The Standard that she supports the 2700 Sloat project because the city has steadfastly resisted housing in all shapes and sizes for decades. However, she called John Hickey&#8217;s past projects and Ponzi scheme “red flags.”

“That deserves a lot of scrutiny, but that should be separate as to whether or not something like this [project] can even exist on paper,” Natoli said.

“That deserves a lot of scrutiny, but that should be separate as to whether or not something like this [project] can even exist on paper,” Natoli said.

Erickson estimated that the all-in costs per unit for the 2700 Sloat project “would probably exceed $1.5 million per apartment,” putting the total cost of the project above $1 billion. This would likely require rents significantly above current market rates.&nbsp;

Erickson estimated that the all-in costs per unit for the 2700 Sloat project “would probably exceed $1.5 million per apartment,” putting the total cost of the project above $1 billion. This would likely require rents significantly above current market rates.&nbsp;

“I am not aware of any lender who would seriously contemplate financing a billion-dollar project in that neighborhood,” Erickson said.&nbsp;

“I am not aware of any lender who would seriously contemplate financing a billion-dollar project in that neighborhood,” Erickson said.&nbsp;

Caryn Mason, a 22-year resident of the Sunset who was shopping Wednesday at the nursery where the tower is being proposed, had never heard of the project until she was shown a rendering of the structure.

Caryn Mason, a 22-year resident of the Sunset who was shopping Wednesday at the nursery where the tower is being proposed, had never heard of the project until she was shown a rendering of the structure.

“Put me down for ‘no,’” she said. “The picture that you’re showing me doesn’t fit in our neighborhood.”

“Put me down for ‘no,’” she said. “The picture that you’re showing me doesn’t fit in our neighborhood.”

And yet, all of the consternation over 2700 Sloat could wind up being all for nothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And yet, all of the consternation over 2700 Sloat could wind up being all for nothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hickeys’ requests for delays—along with the context of John Hickey’s past crimes—have given some the impression that the grandiose project was never meant to be realized. If true, that would be a ruse some cynics might call history repeating itself.

The Hickeys’ requests for delays—along with the context of John Hickey’s past crimes—have given some the impression that the grandiose project was never meant to be realized. If true, that would be a ruse some cynics might call history repeating itself.

Man behind the massive Ocean Beach Tower went to prison for a Ponzi scheme

Annie Gaus

San Francisco’s inability to agree on housing policy is nothing new. But with a state mandate looming, the city’s parochial squabbles over new housing development may do more than just frustrate pro-housing activists. They could also land the city in legal trouble.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s inability to agree on housing policy is nothing new. But with a state mandate looming, the city’s parochial squabbles over new housing development may do more than just frustrate pro-housing activists. They could also land the city in legal trouble.&nbsp;

That’s according to State Sen. Scott Wiener, who called the Board of Supervisors’ recent actions on housing policy “frustrating.” In June, the board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplex-bill-passes-but-it-wont-create-much-more-housing/">passed a fourplex bill </a>so laden with caveats that Mayor London Breed vetoed it on grounds that it could actually hurt, not help housing development. Last week, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/hed-controversial-housing-amendment-heads-to-ballot-lawsuit-likely/">board voted</a> to send a charter amendment to the ballot that Wiener described as a “Trojan horse”—designed to confuse voters and sabotage another, more viable plan to build housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That’s according to State Sen. Scott Wiener, who called the Board of Supervisors’ recent actions on housing policy “frustrating.” In June, the board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/fourplex-bill-passes-but-it-wont-create-much-more-housing/">passed a fourplex bill </a>so laden with caveats that Mayor London Breed vetoed it on grounds that it could actually hurt, not help housing development. Last week, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/hed-controversial-housing-amendment-heads-to-ballot-lawsuit-likely/">board voted</a> to send a charter amendment to the ballot that Wiener described as a “Trojan horse”—designed to confuse voters and sabotage another, more viable plan to build housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“San Francisco&#8217;s entire housing system is rotten to the core,” Wiener said in an interview. “It needs to be dramatically changed to prioritize the creation of new housing, which is what state law requires.”

“San Francisco's entire housing system is rotten to the core,” Wiener said in an interview. “It needs to be dramatically changed to prioritize the creation of new housing, which is what state law requires.”

“San Francisco&#8217;s entire housing system is rotten to the core,” Wiener said in an interview. “It needs to be dramatically changed to prioritize the creation of new housing, which is what state law requires.”

core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ROTTENCORE-1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>State Senator Scott Wiener discusses San Francisco’s housing policies in comparison to California state law on July 29, 2022 | The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Wiener, who has authored influential state housing bills like Senate Bill 9, which effectively ended single-family zoning statewide, told The Standard that San Francisco had skirted state housing laws for years by “ignoring” the state’s density bonus law, among other rules, and by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">blocking projects like 469 Stevenson</a> on spurious grounds.&nbsp;

Wiener, who has authored influential state housing bills like Senate Bill 9, which effectively ended single-family zoning statewide, told The Standard that San Francisco had skirted state housing laws for years by “ignoring” the state’s density bonus law, among other rules, and by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/supervisors-under-fire-vote-against-proposed-soma-apartment-building-sparks-furor-may-violate-state-law/">blocking projects like 469 Stevenson</a> on spurious grounds.&nbsp;

“My view is that the state should sue San Francisco to enforce the housing model,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

“My view is that the state should sue San Francisco to enforce the housing model,” Wiener said.&nbsp;

Indeed, state housing regulators have been showing more teeth in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">run-up to the Housing Element,</a> a draft housing plan that San Francisco and other counties must produce every eight years. San Francisco needs to submit a compliant plan to build about 82,000 new units—a sharp increase over the current pace of housing production—by the beginning of next year.

Indeed, state housing regulators have been showing more teeth in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">run-up to the Housing Element,</a> a draft housing plan that San Francisco and other counties must produce every eight years. San Francisco needs to submit a compliant plan to build about 82,000 new units—a sharp increase over the current pace of housing production—by the beginning of next year.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ILLEGAL.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Senator Wiener discusses the possibility of California suing San Francisco over alleged disregard for housing requirements on July 29, 2022 | The Standard</figcaption></figure>

In November, the state Department of Housing and Community Development <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/state-housing-officials-slam-san-francisco-over-housing-delays/">wrote a letter </a>slamming the Board of Supervisors’s decision to delay more than 800 new units of housing, including those at the Stevenson site. The same agency <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/SF-Statement-072122.pdf">publicly applauded</a> Mayor London Breed’s veto of the board’s fourplex bill last week, a move Wiener called “extraordinary.”&nbsp;

In November, the state Department of Housing and Community Development <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/state-housing-officials-slam-san-francisco-over-housing-delays/">wrote a letter </a>slamming the Board of Supervisors’s decision to delay more than 800 new units of housing, including those at the Stevenson site. The same agency <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/SF-Statement-072122.pdf">publicly applauded</a> Mayor London Breed’s veto of the board’s fourplex bill last week, a move Wiener called “extraordinary.”&nbsp;

Tougher talk from that state authority, combined with a <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/about/newsroom/docs/hau.press.release.pdf">beefed-up enforcement arm</a>, could set the stage for lawsuits either by the state or by individual developers whose projects are unduly delayed.&nbsp;

Tougher talk from that state authority, combined with a <a href="https://www.hcd.ca.gov/about/newsroom/docs/hau.press.release.pdf">beefed-up enforcement arm</a>, could set the stage for lawsuits either by the state or by individual developers whose projects are unduly delayed.&nbsp;

“The attorneys general can sue the city on specific projects or on the entire system, and that has happened before,” explained Wiener. “The other thing that can happen is a developer can sue the city for illegally rejecting a project and the state can intervene [and] support the lawsuit.”

“The attorneys general can sue the city on specific projects or on the entire system, and that has happened before,” explained Wiener. “The other thing that can happen is a developer can sue the city for illegally rejecting a project and the state can intervene [and] support the lawsuit.”

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ENFORCEMENT.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Senator Wiener compares San Francisco's housing efforts to Los Angeles, and discusses how the state laws can be legally enforced on July 29, 2022 | The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFS_G_W_ENFORCEMENT.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Senator Wiener compares San Francisco&#8217;s housing efforts to Los Angeles, and discusses how the state laws can be legally enforced on July 29, 2022 | The Standard </figcaption></figure>

In the meantime, there’s still no consensus at the Board of Supervisors on how to build a meaningful amount of new housing in the city.&nbsp;

In the meantime, there’s still no consensus at the Board of Supervisors on how to build a meaningful amount of new housing in the city.&nbsp;

With one fourplex bill dead, the board may consider an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/with-one-fourplex-bill-dead-another-rises-from-the-ashes/">alternative proposal,</a> authored by Supervisor Ahsha Safai, that was previously tabled. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the vetoed fourplex bill, may also reintroduce another version later this year.&nbsp;

With one fourplex bill dead, the board may consider an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/with-one-fourplex-bill-dead-another-rises-from-the-ashes/">alternative proposal,</a> authored by Supervisor Ahsha Safai, that was previously tabled. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who authored the vetoed fourplex bill, may also reintroduce another version later this year.&nbsp;

Two other ballot measures related to housing production are slated for the November 8 ballot. One, backed by Mayor London Breed and pro-housing advocates, seeks to streamline housing projects that meet a certain threshold of affordability. The other, introduced by Supervisor Connie Chan, describes similar goals but tacks on additional requirements; pro-housing group Housing Action Coalition has threatened to<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/housing-fight-could-wind-up-in-court-with-advocates-planning-to-sue-over-ballot-measure/"> sue to block the measure</a>.&nbsp;

Two other ballot measures related to housing production are slated for the November 8 ballot. One, backed by Mayor London Breed and pro-housing advocates, seeks to streamline housing projects that meet a certain threshold of affordability. The other, introduced by Supervisor Connie Chan, describes similar goals but tacks on additional requirements; pro-housing group Housing Action Coalition has threatened to<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/housing-fight-could-wind-up-in-court-with-advocates-planning-to-sue-over-ballot-measure/"> sue to block the measure</a>.&nbsp;

‘Rotten to the core’: San Francisco could get sued over housing gridlock, says legislator

Michael Barba

Matt Smith

Less than a year after joining the San Francisco Police Department in 2014, Rodger Ponce De Leon heard out of the blue from a teenager. They became Facebook friends, swapped nude photos and ultimately wound up in Ponce De Leon’s car, where he snorted cocaine, she smoked meth and they had sex.

Less than a year after joining the San Francisco Police Department in 2014, Rodger Ponce De Leon heard out of the blue from a teenager. They became Facebook friends, swapped nude photos and ultimately wound up in Ponce De Leon’s car, where he snorted cocaine, she smoked meth and they had sex.

This is the version of events SFPD heard from the teenager herself, Jasmine Abuslin, as a scandal unfolded around her in summer 2016. Abuslin alleged that she had sexual encounters with more than two dozen law enforcement officers from around the Bay Area, including at times when she was underage. She told SFPD that she had sex with Ponce De Leon on three occasions after her 18th birthday.

This is the version of events SFPD heard from the teenager herself, Jasmine Abuslin, as a scandal unfolded around her in summer 2016. Abuslin alleged that she had sexual encounters with more than two dozen law enforcement officers from around the Bay Area, including at times when she was underage. She told SFPD that she had sex with Ponce De Leon on three occasions after her 18th birthday.

Ponce De Leon was stripped of his badge and his gun while awaiting discipline over the allegations, which are detailed here for the first time after The Standard won an extended legal battle to unseal court records.

Ponce De Leon was stripped of his badge and his gun while awaiting discipline over the allegations, which are detailed here for the first time after The Standard won an extended legal battle to unseal court records.

Instead SFPD assigned Ponce De Leon to a windowless room in Potrero Hill performing menial tasks with a morose group of officers who also have troubled pasts. He’s been there for more than six years earning a hefty salary that peaked in 2020 at nearly $240,000 for a combined total of about $1.2 million including benefits, according to city payroll records.

Instead SFPD assigned Ponce De Leon to a windowless room in Potrero Hill performing menial tasks with a morose group of officers who also have troubled pasts. He’s been there for more than six years earning a hefty salary that peaked in 2020 at nearly $240,000 for a combined total of about $1.2 million including benefits, according to city payroll records.

Together with 56 other officers sent by police brass to the windowless room since the beginning of 2016 and late 2022, Ponce De Leon and his colleagues have cost San Francisco an estimated $17 million, The Standard has found.&nbsp;

Together with 56 other officers sent by police brass to the windowless room since the beginning of 2016 and late 2022, Ponce De Leon and his colleagues have cost San Francisco an estimated $17 million, The Standard has found.&nbsp;

This kind of transfer, known as a “chief’s order,” is often but not always an indicator that an officer got into trouble, insiders say.

This kind of transfer, known as a “chief’s order,” is often but not always an indicator that an officer got into trouble, insiders say.

Ponce De Leon and his peers are stuck in a sort of purgatory that The Standard is exploring in a series of stories this week. SFPD spends millions paying them while asking for millions more to hire new recruits.

Ponce De Leon and his peers are stuck in a sort of purgatory that The Standard is exploring in a series of stories this week. SFPD spends millions paying them while asking for millions more to hire new recruits.

San Francisco supervisors could repeal law that boycotts most U.S. states

Man behind the massive Ocean Beach Tower went to prison for a Ponzi scheme

‘Rotten to the core’: San Francisco could get sued over housing gridlock, says legislator

Teen says SF cop used drugs, had sex with her. He got a $240K salary anyway

Supervisors play kick the can on sanctuary, sex work, other controversies

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San Francisco supervisors could repeal law that boycotts most U.S. states

Man behind the massive Ocean Beach Tower went to prison for a Ponzi scheme

‘Rotten to the core’: San Francisco could get sued over housing gridlock, says legislator

Teen says SF cop used drugs, had sex with her. He got a $240K salary anyway

Supervisors play kick the can on sanctuary, sex work, other controversies