Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Running as the lone progressive Democratic candidate in one of the nation’s most progressive cities arguably should make you a shoo-in for any office.

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Running as the lone progressive Democratic candidate in one of the nation’s most progressive cities arguably should make you a shoo-in for any office.

But Supervisor Aaron Peskin has had an easier time <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronpeskin2024/reel/C_tjUdHSewc/">swimming the briny bay from Alcatraz to shore</a> than he has building a winning coalition for San Francisco mayor.

But Supervisor Aaron Peskin has had an easier time <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronpeskin2024/reel/C_tjUdHSewc/">swimming the briny bay from Alcatraz to shore</a> than he has building a winning coalition for San Francisco mayor.

Peskin hasn’t consistently cracked the top two vote-getters in polls this entire election season. Only now, as moderate Democrat candidates <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/sf-progressives-see-mayoral-chance-amid-moderate-infighting/article_7816b3be-9582-11ef-8676-3bcbd3e547ee.html">barrage each other in a siege of attack ads</a>, has Peskin nudged toward the top three choices in recent polls.

Peskin hasn’t consistently cracked the top two vote-getters in polls this entire election season. Only now, as moderate Democrat candidates <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/sf-progressives-see-mayoral-chance-amid-moderate-infighting/article_7816b3be-9582-11ef-8676-3bcbd3e547ee.html">barrage each other in a siege of attack ads</a>, has Peskin nudged toward the top three choices in recent polls.

So what are the chains holding Peskin down?

So what are the chains holding Peskin down?

Is he being buried in an avalanche of billionaire money? <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">They’re trying</a>. Has his years-old, salacious reputation for bullying hung like an albatross around his neck? <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/aaron-peskin-mayoral-race-19628544.php">His high negative rating</a> in polls shows there’s some truth to that. Or is it just plain tough for an older white guy to light up progressives when Vice President Kamala Harris, a multiracial woman of color, is top of the ticket? OK, maybe that too.

Is he being buried in an avalanche of billionaire money? <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">They’re trying</a>. Has his years-old, salacious reputation for bullying hung like an albatross around his neck? <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/aaron-peskin-mayoral-race-19628544.php">His high negative rating</a> in polls shows there’s some truth to that. Or is it just plain tough for an older white guy to light up progressives when Vice President Kamala Harris, a multiracial woman of color, is top of the ticket? OK, maybe that too.

Still, all of those challenges may have been surmountable if Peskin wrapped his hands around the right message. Instead, one of Peskin’s key issues is frozen in time: protecting renters.

Still, all of those challenges may have been surmountable if Peskin wrapped his hands around the right message. Instead, one of Peskin’s key issues is frozen in time: protecting renters.

Tenant organizers, former lawmakers, and housing production advocates told The Standard that Peskin may be missing the mark touting rent control and “responsible density” as residents <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/san-francisco-city-poll-19628724.php">cite affordability as one of their top concerns</a> and as the tenants movement itself is in a downswing. Let’s draw a distinction here: It isn’t that tenant protections aren’t needed or that Peskin’s work won’t help people. This is about what message is top of San Franciscans’ minds.

Tenant organizers, former lawmakers, and housing production advocates told The Standard that Peskin may be missing the mark touting rent control and “responsible density” as residents <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/san-francisco-city-poll-19628724.php">cite affordability as one of their top concerns</a> and as the tenants movement itself is in a downswing. Let’s draw a distinction here: It isn’t that tenant protections aren’t needed or that Peskin’s work won’t help people. This is about what message is top of San Franciscans’ minds.

Peskin is campaigning on his tenant protection record — which is admittedly quite extensive — but it hasn’t launched him to the front of the pack.

Peskin is campaigning on his tenant protection record — which is admittedly quite extensive — but it hasn’t launched him to the front of the pack.

One of his signature successes, rent control, is an easy example of a message that may have lost its shine. What help is preventing rent increases when you already pay half your salary just to hang onto your apartment?

One of his signature successes, rent control, is an easy example of a message that may have lost its shine. What help is preventing rent increases when you already pay half your salary just to hang onto your apartment?

Peskin’s political compass was forged in the fires of the first dot-com boom’s red-hot rental market. In 1999, a single phrase could send chills down a San Franciscan’s spine: Ellis Act eviction.

Peskin’s political compass was forged in the fires of the first dot-com boom’s red-hot rental market. In 1999, a single phrase could send chills down a San Franciscan’s spine: Ellis Act eviction.

In a city that has mostly constrained landlords’ ability to evict tenants who pay their rent on time and who play by the rules, the state Ellis Act allows landlords to pull their apartment buildings off the market, often to sell them as condos. When tech workers first bum-rushed the gold in San Francisco’s hills, many landlords saw dollar signs in their eyes.

In a city that has mostly constrained landlords’ ability to evict tenants who pay their rent on time and who play by the rules, the state Ellis Act allows landlords to pull their apartment buildings off the market, often to sell them as condos. When tech workers first bum-rushed the gold in San Francisco’s hills, many landlords saw dollar signs in their eyes.

Aaron Peskin, the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 3, is speaks during a rally announcing his run for mayor of San Francisco on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd at a political rally with &quot;AARON&quot; signs, listening to a speaker at a podium." class="wp-image-265545"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin, San Francisco Board of Supervisors president representing District 3, speaks during a rally announcing his run for mayor of San Francisco on April 6, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd at a political rally with &quot;AARON&quot; signs, listening to a speaker at a podium." class="wp-image-265545"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin, San Francisco Board of Supervisors president representing District 3, speaks during a rally announcing his run for mayor of San Francisco on April 6, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

In San Francisco, tech booms are eviction booms. Rent board data shows evictions nearly doubling the year before each of Peskin’s most hard-fought elections, first in 2000, then again in 2015.

In San Francisco, tech booms are eviction booms. Rent board data shows evictions nearly doubling the year before each of Peskin’s most hard-fought elections, first in 2000, then again in 2015.

“There was this incredible consciousness that affected the politics of the city around protecting tenants during those years, and that is not true today,” said Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.

“There was this incredible consciousness that affected the politics of the city around protecting tenants during those years, and that is not true today,” said Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.

In those years, evictions were like a bat-signal, and Peskin was a vigilante swooping down to “BAM!” “ZAP!” “POW!” scurrilous landlords.

In those years, evictions were like a bat-signal, and Peskin was a vigilante swooping down to “BAM!” “ZAP!” “POW!” scurrilous landlords.

A quarter century ago, when Peskin’s hair was still jet black, the then-president of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers protected the area around a special hill known for wild parrots and stunning views. That led the burgeoning firebrand to rally alongside Asian American civil rights and housing groups — like the Asian Law Caucus and the Chinatown Community Development Center — to protect tenants of 1345 Grant Ave. against an infamous, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/ELDERLY-TENANTS-BATTLE-EVICTION-3059249.php">headline-grabbing Ellis Act eviction</a>. Kwong Choy, a 65-year-old gardener, feared his family might be evicted not only from their apartment, but from the city altogether.

A quarter century ago, when Peskin’s hair was still jet black, the then-president of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers protected the area around a special hill known for wild parrots and stunning views. That led the burgeoning firebrand to rally alongside Asian American civil rights and housing groups — like the Asian Law Caucus and the Chinatown Community Development Center — to protect tenants of 1345 Grant Ave. against an infamous, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/ELDERLY-TENANTS-BATTLE-EVICTION-3059249.php">headline-grabbing Ellis Act eviction</a>. Kwong Choy, a 65-year-old gardener, feared his family might be evicted not only from their apartment, but from the city altogether.

Peskin and the alliance of Asian American groups won. During his first campaign for supervisor, Peskin seized that momentum.

Peskin and the alliance of Asian American groups won. During his first campaign for supervisor, Peskin seized that momentum.

Peskin’s flyers dubbed him “the renter’s choice.”

Peskin’s flyers dubbed him “the renter’s choice.”

Aaron Peskin for District 3 supervisor flyer

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/a-peskin-renters-choice-2048x1750-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="An old flyer shows Aaron Peskin with black hair on the left, and reads &quot;Aaron Peskin for District 3 Supervisor, the renter's choice.&quot;" class="wp-image-324330"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin for District 3 supervisor flyer</figcaption></figure>

“He’s the candidate who really got involved in the community. Who understands the community’s need for housing, quality of life,” said Wing Hoo Leung, president of the Community Tenants Association, who remembers Peskin’s long-defense of Chinese renters.

“He’s the candidate who really got involved in the community. Who understands the community’s need for housing, quality of life,” said Wing Hoo Leung, president of the Community Tenants Association, who remembers Peskin’s long-defense of Chinese renters.

And make no bones about it: When he won, Peskin continued delivering for renters.

And make no bones about it: When he won, Peskin continued delivering for renters.

He cosponsored more than a dozen laws to protect tenants in his first two terms in office, many of which were successful: codifying tenants’ rights to distribute communications to other tenants to organize, limiting the amount of construction costs landlords could pass through to tenants, requiring tenants be paid when evicted under the Ellis Act, and more.

He cosponsored more than a dozen laws to protect tenants in his first two terms in office, many of which were successful: codifying tenants’ rights to distribute communications to other tenants to organize, limiting the amount of construction costs landlords could pass through to tenants, requiring tenants be paid when evicted under the Ellis Act, and more.

Peskin was the chief author of most of those laws. His competitors in the mayor’s race? Their legislative histories for tenants’ rights are as thin as an eviction slip.

Peskin was the chief author of most of those laws. His competitors in the mayor’s race? Their legislative histories for tenants’ rights are as thin as an eviction slip.

But there’s a flip side to that record. And how San Franciscans view it would slowly shift over time.

But there’s a flip side to that record. And how San Franciscans view it would slowly shift over time.

In 1999, fighting developers — and the homes they would build — was broadly seen as anti-gentrification. Defending the little guy. The now-defunct progressive newspaper, the <a href="https://www.abebooks.it/riviste-giornali/San-Francisco-Bay-Guardian-Vol-September/31439127323/bd#&amp;gid=1&amp;pid=1">San Francisco Bay Guardian</a> (may she rest in peace), even coined a word for the specter of towering developments: Manhattanization.

In 1999, fighting developers — and the homes they would build — was broadly seen as anti-gentrification. Defending the little guy. The now-defunct progressive newspaper, the <a href="https://www.abebooks.it/riviste-giornali/San-Francisco-Bay-Guardian-Vol-September/31439127323/bd#&amp;gid=1&amp;pid=1">San Francisco Bay Guardian</a> (may she rest in peace), even coined a word for the specter of towering developments: Manhattanization.

If Manhattanization was the villain, Peskin was King Kong.

If Manhattanization was the villain, Peskin was King Kong.

In 1999, Peskin was president of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, a neighborhood group swatting back development. In its newsletter, “<a href="https://archive.org/details/thesemaphore1999winter150/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater">Semaphore</a>,” Peskin touted the group’s latest win that year. “We saved the Colombo Building (at 1 Columbus Ave.) from the wrecker’s ball,” he wrote, preventing the construction of a condominium project. He trumpeted the Dwellers’ success enacting nearby 40-foot height limits to prevent dense development.

In 1999, Peskin was president of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, a neighborhood group swatting back development. In its newsletter, “<a href="https://archive.org/details/thesemaphore1999winter150/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater">Semaphore</a>,” Peskin touted the group’s latest win that year. “We saved the Colombo Building (at 1 Columbus Ave.) from the wrecker’s ball,” he wrote, preventing the construction of a condominium project. He trumpeted the Dwellers’ success enacting nearby 40-foot height limits to prevent dense development.

Grant Ave Mr Choy Ellis Act eviction 1999 dotcom fight

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/grant-ave-building-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo of an apartment building with protest signs hanging out of it reading &quot;save our homes!&quot; " class="wp-image-324333"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tenants of a Grant Avenue home protest their landlord&#8217;s proposed Ellis Act eviction in 1999.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/grant-ave-building-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo of an apartment building with protest signs hanging out of it reading &quot;save our homes!&quot; " class="wp-image-324333"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tenants of a Grant Avenue home protest their landlord's proposed Ellis Act eviction in 1999.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/grant-ave-building-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo of an apartment building with protest signs hanging out of it reading &quot;save our homes!&quot; " class="wp-image-324333"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tenants of a Grant Avenue home protest their landlord&#8217;s proposed Ellis Act eviction in 1999.</figcaption></figure>

As supervisor, Peskin co-sponsored 2002’s Proposition D, which stripped some Planning Commission appointments from the mayor’s office, and gave them to the Board of Supervisors. It’s perhaps one of the most transformative moments in the city’s housing history, helping progressives pump the brakes on approvals for new home developments for the sake of public input. Then-Mayor Willie Brown clocked the measure as a choke point throttling new housing construction.

As supervisor, Peskin co-sponsored 2002’s Proposition D, which stripped some Planning Commission appointments from the mayor’s office, and gave them to the Board of Supervisors. It’s perhaps one of the most transformative moments in the city’s housing history, helping progressives pump the brakes on approvals for new home developments for the sake of public input. Then-Mayor Willie Brown clocked the measure as a choke point throttling new housing construction.

Brown called voters “<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/At-meeting-Brown-calls-S-F-voters-2768017.php">ass-backward”</a> for supporting the change. They had sided with Peskin.

Brown called voters “<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/At-meeting-Brown-calls-S-F-voters-2768017.php">ass-backward”</a> for supporting the change. They had sided with Peskin.

Decades later, studies would show San Francisco takes as long as 34 months to approve new housing that other cities move forward automatically. California government would <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11965492/san-francisco-takes-forever-to-approve-new-housing-california-officials-are-forcing-change">call out the ability</a> for a single San Franciscan to stall the construction of new housing.

Decades later, studies would show San Francisco takes as long as 34 months to approve new housing that other cities move forward automatically. California government would <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11965492/san-francisco-takes-forever-to-approve-new-housing-california-officials-are-forcing-change">call out the ability</a> for a single San Franciscan to stall the construction of new housing.

The housing affordability crisis flipped the anti-development conversation on its head.

The housing affordability crisis flipped the anti-development conversation on its head.

As rent soared higher than the tilting Millennium Tower, affordability became the issue on tenants’ lips. San Francisco YIMBY harnessed that frustration (yes, aided by <a href="https://inthesetimes.com/features/yimbys_activists_san_francisco_housing_crisis.html">heaps of cash spent by developers</a>) to promote a simple message: Build more housing and rental prices will drop. San Francisco YIMBY Organizing Director Jane Natoli noted Peskin never shifted his messaging to meet that new reality.

As rent soared higher than the tilting Millennium Tower, affordability became the issue on tenants’ lips. San Francisco YIMBY harnessed that frustration (yes, aided by <a href="https://inthesetimes.com/features/yimbys_activists_san_francisco_housing_crisis.html">heaps of cash spent by developers</a>) to promote a simple message: Build more housing and rental prices will drop. San Francisco YIMBY Organizing Director Jane Natoli noted Peskin never shifted his messaging to meet that new reality.

“I think that’s one of the challenges Peskin faces, right? He’s been around a long time. He knows a lot of people, so he’s shaped a lot [of politics], but those forces have also shaped him. And that makes it harder to cast yourself in a different light,” Natoli said.

“I think that’s one of the challenges Peskin faces, right? He’s been around a long time. He knows a lot of people, so he’s shaped a lot [of politics], but those forces have also shaped him. And that makes it harder to cast yourself in a different light,” Natoli said.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/grant-ave-protest-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A 1990's photograph of an elderly woman speaking from a microphone outside a home with protesters and Aaron Peskin standing around her." class="wp-image-324334"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin, left, in 1999 stands in solidarity with tenants under threat of Ellis Act eviction on Grant Avenue.</figcaption></figure>

Now, fighting developers isn’t seen as anti-gentrification by a broad swath of the electorate. Voters have — <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Scott_Wiener">in large numbers</a> — elected state Sen. Scott Wiener and Mayor London Breed on a message of housing production. Whether you agree with the argument or not, many voters now view fighting development as a backwards move that keeps rental prices high.

Now, fighting developers isn’t seen as anti-gentrification by a broad swath of the electorate. Voters have — <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Scott_Wiener">in large numbers</a> — elected state Sen. Scott Wiener and Mayor London Breed on a message of housing production. Whether you agree with the argument or not, many voters now view fighting development as a backwards move that keeps rental prices high.

And today, not enough renters feel threatened by evictions to make Peskin’s renter-friendly record resonate.

And today, not enough renters feel threatened by evictions to make Peskin’s renter-friendly record resonate.

Again, rent board data points the way. Evictions are far lower than they were during the twin dot-com booms that twice propelled Peskin to office — in fact, they’re down by roughly two-thirds. Since the pandemic, the rental market has largely cooled. There are fewer landlord-leery headlines, spurring fewer rallying activists to hoist “AARON FOR MAYOR!” signs.

Again, rent board data points the way. Evictions are far lower than they were during the twin dot-com booms that twice propelled Peskin to office — in fact, they’re down by roughly two-thirds. Since the pandemic, the rental market has largely cooled. There are fewer landlord-leery headlines, spurring fewer rallying activists to hoist “AARON FOR MAYOR!” signs.

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California Working Party State Director Jane Kim, a former San Francisco supervisor and Peskin ally, wonders if progressives succeeded to their own political detriment. Is 2024 simply a cooler economic moment? Or did progressive Democrats write so many tenant protection laws that folks are not as energized to fight developers?

California Working Party State Director Jane Kim, a former San Francisco supervisor and Peskin ally, wonders if progressives succeeded to their own political detriment. Is 2024 simply a cooler economic moment? Or did progressive Democrats write so many tenant protection laws that folks are not as energized to fight developers?

“I’ve been asking myself that question the last two years,” Kim said. On the issue of housing, “did we win everything that the voters had an appetite for on the progressive agenda?”

“I’ve been asking myself that question the last two years,” Kim said. On the issue of housing, “did we win everything that the voters had an appetite for on the progressive agenda?”

Whatever the reason, the current simmer in the tenants’ movement can be seen with your own eyeballs.

Whatever the reason, the current simmer in the tenants’ movement can be seen with your own eyeballs.

Just a few weeks ago in the Board of Supervisors’ ornate City Hall chambers, Peskin advanced legislation that may expand rent control from housing constructed through 1979 to housing constructed through 1994.

Just a few weeks ago in the Board of Supervisors’ ornate City Hall chambers, Peskin advanced legislation that may expand rent control from housing constructed through 1979 to housing constructed through 1994.

If the legislation were on the docket at the start of Peskin’s rise at the turn of the millennium, tenants would have packed the house. Activists would have overflowed into the hallways, blowing whistles and waggling picket signs.

If the legislation were on the docket at the start of Peskin’s rise at the turn of the millennium, tenants would have packed the house. Activists would have overflowed into the hallways, blowing whistles and waggling picket signs.

Instead, tenant organizations sent supportive emails. Ten people sparsely dotted the pew-like benches in the Board of Supervisors’ legislative chamber.

Instead, tenant organizations sent supportive emails. Ten people sparsely dotted the pew-like benches in the Board of Supervisors’ legislative chamber.

After much political teeth-gnashing and an amendment to shrink its scope, the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/09/new-law-would-expand-san-francisco-rent-control-but-theres-a-big-catch/">voted to back Peskin’s legislation unanimously</a>, 11-0.

New law would expand San Francisco rent control, but there’s a big catch

After much political teeth-gnashing and an amendment to shrink its scope, the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/09/new-law-would-expand-san-francisco-rent-control-but-theres-a-big-catch/">voted to back Peskin’s legislation unanimously</a>, 11-0.

Ultimately, if California voters approve rent control reform, Peskin’s legislation may expand rent control to 16,000 more San Francisco tenants. It may be the most sweeping rental protection Peskin has authored — out of dozens of such protections — in 24 years.

Ultimately, if California voters approve rent control reform, Peskin’s legislation may expand rent control to 16,000 more San Francisco tenants. It may be the most sweeping rental protection Peskin has authored — out of dozens of such protections — in 24 years.

Not a single tenant spoke on the effort’s behalf.

Not a single tenant spoke on the effort’s behalf.

The silence speaks more to Peskin’s troubles than any poll shows.

The silence speaks more to Peskin’s troubles than any poll shows.

Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50 the "More HOMES Act" on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif.  | Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A headshot of Scott Wiener and a protest sign held by someone else reading I LOVE MORE HOMES!" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50 the &#8220;More HOMES Act&#8221; on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A headshot of Scott Wiener and a protest sign held by someone else reading I LOVE MORE HOMES!" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50 the "More HOMES Act" on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1204665476-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A headshot of Scott Wiener and a protest sign held by someone else reading I LOVE MORE HOMES!" class="wp-image-69586"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Senator Scott Wiener, right, speaks during a press conference announcing revisions to Senate Bill 50 the &#8220;More HOMES Act&#8221; on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Oakland, Calif. | Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Peskin himself acknowledges the rental dynamics that have been the wind at progressives’ backs.

Peskin himself acknowledges the rental dynamics that have been the wind at progressives’ backs.

“When people see their neighbors, who are part of their community, getting literally put out on the curb, it’s very immediate and it’s very visceral and it’s very real. And there’s less of that happening at this moment,” Peskin told The Standard.

“When people see their neighbors, who are part of their community, getting literally put out on the curb, it’s very immediate and it’s very visceral and it’s very real. And there’s less of that happening at this moment,” Peskin told The Standard.

But he contends the outsize political spending against him is juicing fear in the electorate, adding, “there are no billionaires spending millions of dollars telling everybody that they’re about to be evicted, but there are billionaires who are spending millions of dollars telling people that they’re not safe.”

But he contends the outsize political spending against him is juicing fear in the electorate, adding, “there are no billionaires spending millions of dollars telling everybody that they’re about to be evicted, but there are billionaires who are spending millions of dollars telling people that they’re not safe.”

Despite <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">billionaire opposition</a>, Peskin is as laser-focused on keeping tenants housed as ever. His tenant protection positions have hardly budged a single city block. As if to underscore that point, just last week, one of Peskin’s latest mayoral election mailers hit this reporter’s mailbox.

Despite <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">billionaire opposition</a>, Peskin is as laser-focused on keeping tenants housed as ever. His tenant protection positions have hardly budged a single city block. As if to underscore that point, just last week, one of Peskin’s latest mayoral election mailers hit this reporter’s mailbox.

“RENTER’S CHOICE” was splashed across the glossy page — the same slogan he touted in his first race, 24 years ago.

“RENTER’S CHOICE” was splashed across the glossy page — the same slogan he touted in his first race, 24 years ago.

Mayoral candidate and supervisor Aaron Peskin bills himself as a progressive standard bearer. But from his support to police to his positive view toward conservatorship, Peskin doesn't fit the mold of progressive stalwarts, nationally or locally. So what's so progressive about Peskin anyway? His anti-corporate stances and tenant protections are at the heart of his allyship with SF progressives. We explore how that may not be enough to help his campaign make its landing. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-peskinprogressive_inline.png?w=2500" alt="A modern flyer for Peskin's mayoral candidacy reading &quot;renter's choice.&quot;" class="wp-image-327205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A flyer touting Supervisor Aaron Peskin&#8217;s mayoral campaign echoes his messaging from his Board of Supervisors campaign in 2000. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-peskinprogressive_inline.png?w=2500" alt="A modern flyer for Peskin's mayoral candidacy reading &quot;renter's choice.&quot;" class="wp-image-327205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A flyer touting Supervisor Aaron Peskin's mayoral campaign echoes his messaging from his Board of Supervisors campaign in 2000. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241009-peskinprogressive_inline.png?w=2500" alt="A modern flyer for Peskin's mayoral candidacy reading &quot;renter's choice.&quot;" class="wp-image-327205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A flyer touting Supervisor Aaron Peskin&#8217;s mayoral campaign echoes his messaging from his Board of Supervisors campaign in 2000. </figcaption></figure>

Why Aaron Peskin’s progressive cred may not be enough to win

Adam Lashinsky

If you want to know how Aaron Peskin would run San Francisco if elected mayor this November, ask him about Bob&#8217;s Donuts.&nbsp;

If you want to know how Aaron Peskin would run San Francisco if elected mayor this November, ask him about Bob's Donuts.&nbsp;

If you want to know how Aaron Peskin would run San Francisco if elected mayor this November, ask him about Bob&#8217;s Donuts.&nbsp;

I did just that on a stunning Saturday morning in late June, when the two of us sat down at an outdoor table at Caffe Trieste in North Beach. Peskin was in his element here, greeting passersby and their dogs, making chit chat with the regulars. Because we only had a short time together, I got him down to business quickly.

I did just that on a stunning Saturday morning in late June, when the two of us sat down at an outdoor table at Caffe Trieste in North Beach. Peskin was in his element here, greeting passersby and their dogs, making chit chat with the regulars. Because we only had a short time together, I got him down to business quickly.

Why had Peskin, the Board of Supervisors president, mayoral candidate and leader of the city&#8217;s progressive wing, recently<a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/PRESS_RELEASE-Aaron_Peskin_Moves_Bob%27s_Donuts_Forward.pdf"> written and passed a bill</a> that benefited a single business in his district: Bob’s Donuts?&nbsp;

Why had Peskin, the Board of Supervisors president, mayoral candidate and leader of the city's progressive wing, recently<a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/PRESS_RELEASE-Aaron_Peskin_Moves_Bob%27s_Donuts_Forward.pdf"> written and passed a bill</a> that benefited a single business in his district: Bob’s Donuts?&nbsp;

Why had Peskin, the Board of Supervisors president, mayoral candidate and leader of the city&#8217;s progressive wing, recently<a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/PRESS_RELEASE-Aaron_Peskin_Moves_Bob%27s_Donuts_Forward.pdf"> written and passed a bill</a> that benefited a single business in his district: Bob’s Donuts?&nbsp;

Some background: The donut shop, owned by the Ahn family since 1977, wanted to expand this spring to a new location across Polk St. But they were prevented from relocating because of a law Peskin himself had written seven years ago. After hearing their pleas for assistance, Peskin decided to wave his legislative wand and introduced a new bill—with ultra-specific language that applied only to Bob’s Donuts—that would allow the shop to change addresses.&nbsp;

Some background: The donut shop, owned by the Ahn family since 1977, wanted to expand this spring to a new location across Polk St. But they were prevented from relocating because of a law Peskin himself had written seven years ago. After hearing their pleas for assistance, Peskin decided to wave his legislative wand and introduced a new bill—with ultra-specific language that applied only to Bob’s Donuts—that would allow the shop to change addresses.&nbsp;

Peskin is known for not mincing words, so I decided not to either: This is a rotten way to govern, I suggested. Making one-off changes to the planning code to benefit a single donut shop is a recipe for dysfunction, the kind of bureaucratic sludge that has made it a mess to get anything done in this city. Surprisingly, even disarmingly, Peskin initially seemed to agree.&nbsp;

Peskin is known for not mincing words, so I decided not to either: This is a rotten way to govern, I suggested. Making one-off changes to the planning code to benefit a single donut shop is a recipe for dysfunction, the kind of bureaucratic sludge that has made it a mess to get anything done in this city. Surprisingly, even disarmingly, Peskin initially seemed to agree.&nbsp;

People walk by Bob's Donuts at 1621 Polk Street in San Francisco North Beach neighborhood.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/img_5017.jpeg?w=828" alt="The image shows a storefront with a blue awning that reads &quot;Bob's Donuts Pastries&quot; along with a phone number, 776-3141. Two people are walking past the shop." class="wp-image-289315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bob&#8217;s Donuts on Polk Street</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/img_5017.jpeg?w=828" alt="The image shows a storefront with a blue awning that reads &quot;Bob's Donuts Pastries&quot; along with a phone number, 776-3141. Two people are walking past the shop." class="wp-image-289315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bob's Donuts on Polk Street</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/img_5017.jpeg?w=828" alt="The image shows a storefront with a blue awning that reads &quot;Bob's Donuts Pastries&quot; along with a phone number, 776-3141. Two people are walking past the shop." class="wp-image-289315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bob&#8217;s Donuts on Polk Street</figcaption></figure>

“It’s a rarity,” he allowed. “Legislation—whether it is land use or public health legislation or the public works code, you name it—on balance does what it is designed to do. But sometimes, it catches a couple of fish in its net that it wasn&#8217;t designed to catch. And then you’ve got to go in there by hand and get that porpoise out of the tuna net.”&nbsp;

“It’s a rarity,” he allowed. “Legislation—whether it is land use or public health legislation or the public works code, you name it—on balance does what it is designed to do. But sometimes, it catches a couple of fish in its net that it wasn't designed to catch. And then you’ve got to go in there by hand and get that porpoise out of the tuna net.”&nbsp;

“It’s a rarity,” he allowed. “Legislation—whether it is land use or public health legislation or the public works code, you name it—on balance does what it is designed to do. But sometimes, it catches a couple of fish in its net that it wasn&#8217;t designed to catch. And then you’ve got to go in there by hand and get that porpoise out of the tuna net.”&nbsp;

But there are some funny things about Peskin’s fishing methods. When he passed the 2017 law that necessitated the new ordinance for Bob’s Donuts, Peskin was taking aim at other entities that he wanted to keep out of his backyard—namely national chains and other “formula retail.” However, the legislation was written so broadly it would inevitably affect other local businesses. Peskin claims innocence here, but savvy operator that he is, he had to know that there would be innocent bycatch.&nbsp;

But there are some funny things about Peskin’s fishing methods. When he passed the 2017 law that necessitated the new ordinance for Bob’s Donuts, Peskin was taking aim at other entities that he wanted to keep out of his backyard—namely national chains and other “formula retail.” However, the legislation was written so broadly it would inevitably affect other local businesses. Peskin claims innocence here, but savvy operator that he is, he had to know that there would be innocent bycatch.&nbsp;

Another thigh-slapper is Peskin’s assertion that maneuvers like these are an exception to the rule. In fact, he deploys them regularly, whether to benefit a single business (see his previous law-tweaking on behalf of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/bi-rite-market-russian-hill-grocery-san-francisco/">Bi-Rite Market </a>and <a href="https://sfist.com/2022/04/06/el-farolito-is-coming-to-north-beach-after-all/">El Farolito </a>taqueria) or to opt his district out of citywide ordinances—as he did late last year when he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/28/despite-housing-crisis-san-francisco-made-it-harder-to-build-homes-in-some-neighborhoods/">insisted on an exemption</a> for the historic areas of the Northern Waterfront from new, citywide building rules.

Bi-Rite Market to open new location in San Francisco next spring

Despite housing crisis, San Francisco just made it harder to build in some neighborhoods

Another thigh-slapper is Peskin’s assertion that maneuvers like these are an exception to the rule. In fact, he deploys them regularly, whether to benefit a single business (see his previous law-tweaking on behalf of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/bi-rite-market-russian-hill-grocery-san-francisco/">Bi-Rite Market </a>and <a href="https://sfist.com/2022/04/06/el-farolito-is-coming-to-north-beach-after-all/">El Farolito </a>taqueria) or to opt his district out of citywide ordinances—as he did late last year when he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/28/despite-housing-crisis-san-francisco-made-it-harder-to-build-homes-in-some-neighborhoods/">insisted on an exemption</a> for the historic areas of the Northern Waterfront from new, citywide building rules.

Because he is far better than any of his current colleagues at manipulating the levers of city government—hell, he might be the best ever, the GOAT—Peskin has set up a shadow planning process that puts one man in charge of deciding which businesses get to operate and which don’t in his corner of San Francisco. This, to me, is a troubling feature of Peskin’s style of leadership—and a warning to voters who would elect him mayor.&nbsp;

Because he is far better than any of his current colleagues at manipulating the levers of city government—hell, he might be the best ever, the GOAT—Peskin has set up a shadow planning process that puts one man in charge of deciding which businesses get to operate and which don’t in his corner of San Francisco. This, to me, is a troubling feature of Peskin’s style of leadership—and a warning to voters who would elect him mayor.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin walks into the Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The Board of Supervisors are expected to pass Peskin's housing legislation again after a veto from Mayor Breed earlier this month.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240326-mayorveto_eg_0011-edited.jpg" alt="A bearded man in a suit stands at a wooden podium in an ornate room with chandeliers, flags, and seated individuals in the background, indicating a formal setting." class="wp-image-289308"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Peskin on March 26, when the Board passed legislation to exclude part of his district from citywide building rules.</figcaption></figure>

‘I don&#8217;t make unilateral decisions’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-don-t-make-unilateral-decisions">‘I don&#8217;t make unilateral decisions’</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-don-t-make-unilateral-decisions">‘I don't make unilateral decisions’</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-don-t-make-unilateral-decisions">‘I don&#8217;t make unilateral decisions’</h2>

The specifics of how Peskin handles situations like the Bob’s Donuts Affair are worth studying.&nbsp;

The specifics of how Peskin handles situations like the Bob’s Donuts Affair are worth studying.&nbsp;

The goal of his original 2017 legislation was to preserve the character of the Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District by prohibiting storefront “mergers” and requiring special permits for businesses to exceed a certain size. The “net” was cast to keep out one of Peskin’s longtime bugaboos: chain stores. Peskin famously wants quaint neighborhoods in his district to stay the way they are. So he wrote bespoke regulation at odds with the city planning code to make it so.&nbsp;

The goal of his original 2017 legislation was to preserve the character of the Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District by prohibiting storefront “mergers” and requiring special permits for businesses to exceed a certain size. The “net” was cast to keep out one of Peskin’s longtime bugaboos: chain stores. Peskin famously wants quaint neighborhoods in his district to stay the way they are. So he wrote bespoke regulation at odds with the city planning code to make it so.&nbsp;

The 2024 legislation, which doesn’t mention Bob’s by name, amends the planning code Peskin wrote seven years ago, “to create an exception to allow storefront mergers and large uses for certain Limited Restaurant Uses designated as Legacy Businesses.”&nbsp;

The 2024 legislation, which doesn’t mention Bob’s by name, amends the planning code Peskin wrote seven years ago, “to create an exception to allow storefront mergers and large uses for certain Limited Restaurant Uses designated as Legacy Businesses.”&nbsp;

Though Bob’s has been around since the 1950s, it wasn’t officially designated a <a href="https://www.sf.gov/legacy-business-program">legacy business</a> until June, when Peskin fast-tracked its application. Once Bob’s was deemed historic, it was allowed to pack up and move down the street. Simple, really.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Though Bob’s has been around since the 1950s, it wasn’t officially designated a <a href="https://www.sf.gov/legacy-business-program">legacy business</a> until June, when Peskin fast-tracked its application. Once Bob’s was deemed historic, it was allowed to pack up and move down the street. Simple, really.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Peskin sees his machinations not as evidence of his being a fickle neighborhood potentate, ruling from on high about every picayune planning permit, but as the epitome of “constituent service.” Indeed, the store’s general manager, Rebeka Ahn, whose parents own Bob’s, appeared at Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors committee hearings to thank Peskin profusely by name.

Peskin sees his machinations not as evidence of his being a fickle neighborhood potentate, ruling from on high about every picayune planning permit, but as the epitome of “constituent service.” Indeed, the store’s general manager, Rebeka Ahn, whose parents own Bob’s, appeared at Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors committee hearings to thank Peskin profusely by name.

“I have long believed in neighbors and businesses having a modicum of say over the future of the neighborhoods where they live and work,” Peskin said to me over coffee. “I don&#8217;t make unilateral decisions on their behalf. I do it in consultation with them.”&nbsp;

“I have long believed in neighbors and businesses having a modicum of say over the future of the neighborhoods where they live and work,” Peskin said to me over coffee. “I don't make unilateral decisions on their behalf. I do it in consultation with them.”&nbsp;

“I have long believed in neighbors and businesses having a modicum of say over the future of the neighborhoods where they live and work,” Peskin said to me over coffee. “I don&#8217;t make unilateral decisions on their behalf. I do it in consultation with them.”&nbsp;

However, Peskin’s detractors find such an explanation far-fetched, believing that he has worked these long years to position himself as the ultimate decider of planning matters both large and donut-hole small. I asked him what he makes of these critics and their objections.&nbsp;

However, Peskin’s detractors find such an explanation far-fetched, believing that he has worked these long years to position himself as the ultimate decider of planning matters both large and donut-hole small. I asked him what he makes of these critics and their objections.&nbsp;

For a moment, the voluble pol was speechless. He scrunched up his shoulders and contorted his face into a strained smile, which I read as a version of “Screw them!” I invited him to put words to his gesticulations, and what emerged was a finely distilled example of the Peskin Doctrine.

For a moment, the voluble pol was speechless. He scrunched up his shoulders and contorted his face into a strained smile, which I read as a version of “Screw them!” I invited him to put words to his gesticulations, and what emerged was a finely distilled example of the Peskin Doctrine.

“Chatterers will chatter,” he began, but “listening to and working with and negotiating with your constituents is an effective form of democracy. Because I&#8217;ve been reelected by them five times. There&#8217;s my answer.”

“Chatterers will chatter,” he began, but “listening to and working with and negotiating with your constituents is an effective form of democracy. Because I've been reelected by them five times. There's my answer.”

“Chatterers will chatter,” he began, but “listening to and working with and negotiating with your constituents is an effective form of democracy. Because I&#8217;ve been reelected by them five times. There&#8217;s my answer.”

Unsurprisingly, the city’s planning apparatchiks see things a bit differently.&nbsp;

Unsurprisingly, the city’s planning apparatchiks see things a bit differently.&nbsp;

In a dry but nevertheless <a href="https://citypln-m-extnl.sfgov.org/Commissions/CPC/6_13_2024/Commission%20Packet/2024-003930PCA.pdf">scathing report</a> on the proposed Bob’s Donuts legislation, the staff of the Planning Department reviewed the other instances Peskin has written special legislation to benefit one business in his district, including Bi-Rite’s move onto Polk Street and a similar provision for The Jug Shop, a liquor store.

In a dry but nevertheless <a href="https://citypln-m-extnl.sfgov.org/Commissions/CPC/6_13_2024/Commission%20Packet/2024-003930PCA.pdf">scathing report</a> on the proposed Bob’s Donuts legislation, the staff of the Planning Department reviewed the other instances Peskin has written special legislation to benefit one business in his district, including Bi-Rite’s move onto Polk Street and a similar provision for The Jug Shop, a liquor store.

Planning staffers recommended approving the Bob’s Donuts move, avowing that it prefers what San Francisco calls “fine-grained” retail over “formula” stores. But it also recommended removing the restrictions that forced Bob’s Donuts to seek out Peskin’s help in the first place.&nbsp;

Planning staffers recommended approving the Bob’s Donuts move, avowing that it prefers what San Francisco calls “fine-grained” retail over “formula” stores. But it also recommended removing the restrictions that forced Bob’s Donuts to seek out Peskin’s help in the first place.&nbsp;

“We need to make it simple for local businesses to open and thrive in our neighborhoods,” said Rich Hillis, the city’s director of planning, “which is why our recommendations would have allowed a small retailer or restaurant, such as Bob’s, to obtain permits over-the-counter.”

“We need to make it simple for local businesses to open and thrive in our neighborhoods,” said Rich Hillis, the city’s director of planning, “which is why our recommendations would have allowed a small retailer or restaurant, such as Bob’s, to obtain permits over-the-counter.”

Sue Diamond, the chairwoman of the Planning Commission, is also for the Bob’s Donuts expansion–but against how it went down. As planners, she told me, it’s important to “make this about the uses we are approving, not the users. What I am not supportive of is that it only applies to Bob&#8217;s Donuts.&#8221;

Sue Diamond, the chairwoman of the Planning Commission, is also for the Bob’s Donuts expansion–but against how it went down. As planners, she told me, it’s important to “make this about the uses we are approving, not the users. What I am not supportive of is that it only applies to Bob's Donuts."

Sue Diamond, the chairwoman of the Planning Commission, is also for the Bob’s Donuts expansion–but against how it went down. As planners, she told me, it’s important to “make this about the uses we are approving, not the users. What I am not supportive of is that it only applies to Bob&#8217;s Donuts.&#8221;

Peskin’s response to Planning’s suggestions? He ignored them. The Board of Supervisors passed his legislation as written. When I asked what he thought of the recommendations by the city’s appointed planners, he had only a wan response. “We live in a complex city with different needs and different geographies and different communities. I don&#8217;t think that we live in a one-size-fits all world,” he said.

Peskin’s response to Planning’s suggestions? He ignored them. The Board of Supervisors passed his legislation as written. When I asked what he thought of the recommendations by the city’s appointed planners, he had only a wan response. “We live in a complex city with different needs and different geographies and different communities. I don't think that we live in a one-size-fits all world,” he said.

Peskin’s response to Planning’s suggestions? He ignored them. The Board of Supervisors passed his legislation as written. When I asked what he thought of the recommendations by the city’s appointed planners, he had only a wan response. “We live in a complex city with different needs and different geographies and different communities. I don&#8217;t think that we live in a one-size-fits all world,” he said.

That is a perfectly sensible thing to say. However, it belies the fact that the city actually has two planning regimes: one for the people who live or run businesses in Peskin’s district, and one for the rest of us.

That is a perfectly sensible thing to say. However, it belies the fact that the city actually has two planning regimes: one for the people who live or run businesses in Peskin’s district, and one for the rest of us.

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin during the SF Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Thousands of people lined Market Street to celebrate the SF Pride Parade.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240626-pridemarch_-0856-edited.jpg" alt="A joyous man leads a colorful street parade, holding large foam letters. Behind him, people wave signs and march along a sunny, vibrant city street." class="wp-image-289310"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin during the SF Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30.</figcaption></figure>

‘Anything you want, short of a bordello’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-you-want-short-of-a-bordello">‘Anything you want, short of a bordello’</h2>

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Search Results for: aaron peskin

Why Aaron Peskin’s progressive cred may not be enough to win

Opinion: What would it look like for Aaron Peskin to be mayor? Ask Bob’s Donuts

We got our hands on Aaron Peskin’s campaign haul. (It’s small)

‘Godfather of Silicon Valley’ spends big to crush progressive mayoral hopeful

The Standard and Kara Swisher grill SF mayoral candidates; watch the clips