Mike Ege

While Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting brought neither fireworks nor much progress on the issues, there were some developments on Covid protocols, Great Highway plans and Recology reform, among other topics worth noting. (Wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag011122_agenda.pdf">check out the meeting’s full agenda here</a>.)

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While Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting brought neither fireworks nor much progress on the issues, there were some developments on Covid protocols, Great Highway plans and Recology reform, among other topics worth noting. (Wonks looking for the full kit and caboodle can <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag011122_agenda.pdf">check out the meeting’s full agenda here</a>.)

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-pandemic">😷 On the pandemic</h4>

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<h4 id="h-on-the-pandemic">😷 On the pandemic</h4>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Mayor London Breed’s opening remarks centered on Covid response updates. She said the Department of Public Health doubled capacity and was administering about 10,000 tests a day, but the city needs more help from private partners. The mayor reiterated her order requiring private healthcare facilities to provide testing. The city will now compel providers to report on testing, with fines as a possible penalty.</li></ul>

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<ul><li>Mayor London Breed’s opening remarks centered on Covid response updates. She said the Department of Public Health doubled capacity and was administering about 10,000 tests a day, but the city needs more help from private partners. The mayor reiterated her order requiring private healthcare facilities to provide testing. The city will now compel providers to report on testing, with fines as a possible penalty.</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Later in the meeting, during roll call, ​​District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai called for a new Covid Command Center, saying the Omicron variant has put the city back in emergency mode. He cited the recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/covid-19-testing-shortages-color/">failures at the Color testing centers</a> and unlicensed testing centers as urgent problems to be addressed. District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan requested a hearing of the whole board to determine how the dueling crisis of the Omicron and Tenderloin emergencies will be balanced—both fiscally and in terms of implementation. If the Committee of the Whole hearing is scheduled, watch for it after the MLK Day holiday. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Later in the meeting, during roll call, ​​District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai called for a new Covid Command Center, saying the Omicron variant has put the city back in emergency mode. He cited the recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/covid-19-testing-shortages-color/">failures at the Color testing centers</a> and unlicensed testing centers as urgent problems to be addressed. District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan requested a hearing of the whole board to determine how the dueling crisis of the Omicron and Tenderloin emergencies will be balanced—both fiscally and in terms of implementation. If the Committee of the Whole hearing is scheduled, watch for it after the MLK Day holiday. </li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen voiced concerns on continued funding for the Right to Recovery program, which provides income support for workers forced to quarantine. The administration has promised to find the money to keep the program going, but if they&#8217;re not fast enough, Ronen will introduce a supplemental appropriation.</li></ul>

<ul><li>District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen voiced concerns on continued funding for the Right to Recovery program, which provides income support for workers forced to quarantine. The administration has promised to find the money to keep the program going, but if they're not fast enough, Ronen will introduce a supplemental appropriation.</li></ul>

<ul><li>District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen voiced concerns on continued funding for the Right to Recovery program, which provides income support for workers forced to quarantine. The administration has promised to find the money to keep the program going, but if they&#8217;re not fast enough, Ronen will introduce a supplemental appropriation.</li></ul>

⛔️ On Great Highway, JFK Drive and Slow Streets

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-great-highway-jfk-drive-and-slow-streets">⛔️ On Great Highway, JFK Drive and Slow Streets</h4>

<h4 id="h-on-great-highway-jfk-drive-and-slow-streets">⛔️ On Great Highway, JFK Drive and Slow Streets</h4>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Chan and Breed briefly went head-to-head over transportation issues, with Chan—who clearly wanted to fire a warning shot on the Slow Streets measures, especially the closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park to car traffic—pressing the mayor for answers on progress. &#8220;Car Free JFK,&#8221; along with the closure of Great Highway to cars, is opposed by a highly vocal community of older &#8220;residentialist&#8221; westside San Franciscans as well as the museums in Golden Gate Park. Meanwhile, the other side is generally understood to be comprised of equally vocal &#8220;urbanist&#8221; constituents accustomed to navigating the city without cars. Despite the theatrics, the exchange basically went nowhere with Breed shutting down Chan in short order. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Chan and Breed briefly went head-to-head over transportation issues, with Chan—who clearly wanted to fire a warning shot on the Slow Streets measures, especially the closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park to car traffic—pressing the mayor for answers on progress. "Car Free JFK," along with the closure of Great Highway to cars, is opposed by a highly vocal community of older "residentialist" westside San Franciscans as well as the museums in Golden Gate Park. Meanwhile, the other side is generally understood to be comprised of equally vocal "urbanist" constituents accustomed to navigating the city without cars. Despite the theatrics, the exchange basically went nowhere with Breed shutting down Chan in short order. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Chan and Breed briefly went head-to-head over transportation issues, with Chan—who clearly wanted to fire a warning shot on the Slow Streets measures, especially the closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park to car traffic—pressing the mayor for answers on progress. &#8220;Car Free JFK,&#8221; along with the closure of Great Highway to cars, is opposed by a highly vocal community of older &#8220;residentialist&#8221; westside San Franciscans as well as the museums in Golden Gate Park. Meanwhile, the other side is generally understood to be comprised of equally vocal &#8220;urbanist&#8221; constituents accustomed to navigating the city without cars. Despite the theatrics, the exchange basically went nowhere with Breed shutting down Chan in short order. </li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The issue was litigated again by callers during the public comment period, during which there appeared to be a deadlock in numbers—maybe a slight advantage to the pro-car folks—as accusations of bad faith flew on both sides.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>The issue was litigated again by callers during the public comment period, during which there appeared to be a deadlock in numbers—maybe a slight advantage to the pro-car folks—as accusations of bad faith flew on both sides.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The agencies involved— the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Recreation and Parks Department—are working on choosing a final configuration for JFK Drive with internally developed alternatives based on public feedback. These plans will be submitted to the supervisors sometime in the spring. Meanwhile, the Supervisors voted to approve a different plan submitted by Chan last September, a &#8220;Beach-to-Bay&#8221; car-free connection that would still allow for more vehicular access to the museums. The Great Highway, after being full closed to vehicles for much of the pandemic, is now only closed to cars on weekends as a part of a <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1555/The-Great-Highway-Project">pilot program</a>. </li></ul>

<ul><li>The agencies involved— the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Recreation and Parks Department—are working on choosing a final configuration for JFK Drive with internally developed alternatives based on public feedback. These plans will be submitted to the supervisors sometime in the spring. Meanwhile, the Supervisors voted to approve a different plan submitted by Chan last September, a "Beach-to-Bay" car-free connection that would still allow for more vehicular access to the museums. The Great Highway, after being full closed to vehicles for much of the pandemic, is now only closed to cars on weekends as a part of a <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1555/The-Great-Highway-Project">pilot program</a>. </li></ul>

<ul><li>The agencies involved— the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Recreation and Parks Department—are working on choosing a final configuration for JFK Drive with internally developed alternatives based on public feedback. These plans will be submitted to the supervisors sometime in the spring. Meanwhile, the Supervisors voted to approve a different plan submitted by Chan last September, a &#8220;Beach-to-Bay&#8221; car-free connection that would still allow for more vehicular access to the museums. The Great Highway, after being full closed to vehicles for much of the pandemic, is now only closed to cars on weekends as a part of a <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1555/The-Great-Highway-Project">pilot program</a>. </li></ul>

🗑 On Reforming the Rate-Setting Process for Trash Collection

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-reforming-the-rate-setting-process-for-trash-collection">🗑 On Reforming the Rate-Setting Process for Trash Collection</h4>

<h4 id="h-on-reforming-the-rate-setting-process-for-trash-collection">🗑 On Reforming the Rate-Setting Process for Trash Collection</h4>

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/recology-seeks-to-end-run-effort-to-police-its-tainted-trash-hauling-monopoly/">two refuse contracting reform ballot measures</a> in the wake of the growing Recology <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">overbilling scandal</a>. One is co-sponsored by Mayor Breed and is supported by most supervisors; the other, which wasn&#8217;t mentioned but will appear Friday on a Legislation Introduced memo, is sponsored by Peskin alone and is much more strict. Recology has a &#8220;reform&#8221; measure of its own in the works as well.

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/recology-seeks-to-end-run-effort-to-police-its-tainted-trash-hauling-monopoly/">two refuse contracting reform ballot measures</a> in the wake of the growing Recology <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">overbilling scandal</a>. One is co-sponsored by Mayor Breed and is supported by most supervisors; the other, which wasn't mentioned but will appear Friday on a Legislation Introduced memo, is sponsored by Peskin alone and is much more strict. Recology has a "reform" measure of its own in the works as well.

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/recology-seeks-to-end-run-effort-to-police-its-tainted-trash-hauling-monopoly/">two refuse contracting reform ballot measures</a> in the wake of the growing Recology <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/sf-investigates-recology-for-more-overbilling-after-95-million-payout-tied-to-corruption-scandal/">overbilling scandal</a>. One is co-sponsored by Mayor Breed and is supported by most supervisors; the other, which wasn&#8217;t mentioned but will appear Friday on a Legislation Introduced memo, is sponsored by Peskin alone and is much more strict. Recology has a &#8220;reform&#8221; measure of its own in the works as well.

SF Board of Supes in 3 mins: What went down at Tuesday’s meeting

Josh Koehn

The cost of running for elected office has skyrocketed in the years since the Supreme Court essentially ruled that political spending and free speech are synonymous with the <a href="https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/citizens-united-v-fec/">Citizens United</a> decision.

The cost of running for elected office has skyrocketed in the years since the Supreme Court essentially ruled that political spending and free speech are synonymous with the <a href="https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/citizens-united-v-fec/">Citizens United</a> decision.

But here in San Francisco, it’s not just <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/wealthy-individuals-stock-recall-da-chesa-boudin/">the investor class</a>, labor unions and other special interests that have been picking up the tab. City records show that taxpayers in San Francisco have increasingly been bankrolling the political aspirations of a growing number of candidates in recent years.

But here in San Francisco, it’s not just <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/wealthy-individuals-stock-recall-da-chesa-boudin/">the investor class</a>, labor unions and other special interests that have been picking up the tab. City records show that taxpayers in San Francisco have increasingly been bankrolling the political aspirations of a growing number of candidates in recent years.

San Francisco has spent more than $12.1 million over the last decade to bankroll the campaigns of candidates running for mayor and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/politics/city-hall/board-of-supervisors/">Board of Supervisors</a>, according to records held by the San Francisco Ethics Commission.

San Francisco has spent more than $12.1 million over the last decade to bankroll the campaigns of candidates running for mayor and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/category/politics/city-hall/board-of-supervisors/">Board of Supervisors</a>, according to records held by the San Francisco Ethics Commission.

The goal of San Francisco’s public financing program, which was voted in and launched in 2002, is to level the playing field for candidates without big money connections. Ostensibly, candidates could then focus on running issue-driven campaigns and not be beholden to contributors and special interests. In its first year, the system provided just over $40,000 to supervisor candidates who met a threshold for supporters and money raised or spent.

The goal of San Francisco’s public financing program, which was voted in and launched in 2002, is to level the playing field for candidates without big money connections. Ostensibly, candidates could then focus on running issue-driven campaigns and not be beholden to contributors and special interests. In its first year, the system provided just over $40,000 to supervisor candidates who met a threshold for supporters and money raised or spent.

Since that time the costs have ballooned to a level few would have expected.

Since that time the costs have ballooned to a level few would have expected.

The city spent $1.2 million on public matching funds in 2012 and $1.5 million in 2016. In 2018, that amount blew up to nearly $4.2 million, and the city spent more than $3.4 million to prop up individuals’ political campaigns in the 2020 election cycle. So far, the city has spent $950,000 this election cycle.

The city spent $1.2 million on public matching funds in 2012 and $1.5 million in 2016. In 2018, that amount blew up to nearly $4.2 million, and the city spent more than $3.4 million to prop up individuals’ political campaigns in the 2020 election cycle. So far, the city has spent $950,000 this election cycle.

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Ann Ravel, the former chair of the Federal Election Commission and the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, said that San Francisco’s system deserves credit for encouraging nontraditional candidates to run for office while helping them remain independent of special interests.

Ann Ravel, the former chair of the Federal Election Commission and the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, said that San Francisco’s system deserves credit for encouraging nontraditional candidates to run for office while helping them remain independent of special interests.

But she added, “I’m just kind of stunned at the dollar amounts.”&nbsp;

But she added, “I’m just kind of stunned at the dollar amounts.”&nbsp;

No one has benefited from this system more often over the last decade than Joel Engardio, a journalist and founder of Stop Crime SF. He is currently campaigning for a seat on the Board of Supervisors for the fourth time in a decade, having lost his previous three races.

No one has benefited from this system more often over the last decade than Joel Engardio, a journalist and founder of Stop Crime SF. He is currently campaigning for a seat on the Board of Supervisors for the fourth time in a decade, having lost his previous three races.

Taxpayers have funded Engardio’s dogged political aspirations to the tune of nearly $665,000 over a 10-year period.

Taxpayers have funded Engardio’s dogged political aspirations to the tune of nearly $665,000 over a 10-year period.

“If you see my vote totals, each time I ran, I won more votes,” Engardio told The Standard. “I’m just gaining more support.”

“If you see my vote totals, each time I ran, I won more votes,” Engardio told The Standard. “I’m just gaining more support.”

This time, he’s squaring off against incumbent Gordon Mar in the District 4 supervisor race—after the spring redistricting process saw Engardio’s home moved from District 7, where he lost a 2020 election to Supervisor Myrna Melgar. Engardio has taken in $255,000 in taxpayer money for the race while Mar has also used the match-funding method for this election campaign, so far taking in nearly $196,000.

This time, he’s squaring off against incumbent Gordon Mar in the District 4 supervisor race—after the spring redistricting process saw Engardio’s home moved from District 7, where he lost a 2020 election to Supervisor Myrna Melgar. Engardio has taken in $255,000 in taxpayer money for the race while Mar has also used the match-funding method for this election campaign, so far taking in nearly $196,000.

“If corporations are funneling a million dollars into a PAC to elect a supervisor, they expect a return on that investment,” Mar said. “If everyday people, through public financing, are able to fund campaigns to elect grassroots candidates, they expect returns on those investments, too.”

“If corporations are funneling a million dollars into a PAC to elect a supervisor, they expect a return on that investment,” Mar said. “If everyday people, through public financing, are able to fund campaigns to elect grassroots candidates, they expect returns on those investments, too.”

Engardio, to his credit, had more first-place votes than Melgar in 2020 but lost in the ranked-choice vote. Others, however, have utilized the public campaign matching system to far greater success.

Engardio, to his credit, had more first-place votes than Melgar in 2020 but lost in the ranked-choice vote. Others, however, have utilized the public campaign matching system to far greater success.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed at Presidio Middle School on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Political-Welfare-092122_INLINED2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80765"/><figcaption>San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at Presidio Middle School on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. Campaign records show she has received $1.1 million in public matching funds. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Political-Welfare-092122_INLINED2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80765"/><figcaption>San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at Presidio Middle School on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. Campaign records show she has received $1.1 million in public matching funds. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard.</figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed has been the biggest benefactor of public matching funds in recent years, hauling in more than $1.1 million of taxpayer money to fund her races—almost all of which went toward her 2019 mayoral campaign.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed has been the biggest benefactor of public matching funds in recent years, hauling in more than $1.1 million of taxpayer money to fund her races—almost all of which went toward her 2019 mayoral campaign.&nbsp;

Her challengers in that race, Mark Leno ($975,000) and Jane Kim ($708,000), placed second and third, respectively, when it comes to receiving public campaign financing over the last decade. Engardio came in fourth and Supervisor Dean Preston came in fifth with more than $550,000.&nbsp;

Her challengers in that race, Mark Leno ($975,000) and Jane Kim ($708,000), placed second and third, respectively, when it comes to receiving public campaign financing over the last decade. Engardio came in fourth and Supervisor Dean Preston came in fifth with more than $550,000.&nbsp;

Attempts to interview Breed, Leno and Kim about their use of the public campaign financing system were unsuccessful.

Attempts to interview Breed, Leno and Kim about their use of the public campaign financing system were unsuccessful.

Changes to the system have been made over the years, but the process for matching funding essentially works as follows: Incumbent candidates must raise $15,000 from at least 150 individuals to qualify, while challengers need to raise $10,000 from at least 100 individuals. If a person donates $150 to a candidate, the city will then match that amount up to six times, meaning a candidate could receive $900 from the city plus the original $150, totaling $1,050.&nbsp;

Changes to the system have been made over the years, but the process for matching funding essentially works as follows: Incumbent candidates must raise $15,000 from at least 150 individuals to qualify, while challengers need to raise $10,000 from at least 100 individuals. If a person donates $150 to a candidate, the city will then match that amount up to six times, meaning a candidate could receive $900 from the city plus the original $150, totaling $1,050.&nbsp;

Basically, the rules give small donors a bigger bang for their buck if a candidate qualifies for matching funds. The cap in matching funds is $255,000 for challengers and $250,000 for incumbents.&nbsp;

Basically, the rules give small donors a bigger bang for their buck if a candidate qualifies for matching funds. The cap in matching funds is $255,000 for challengers and $250,000 for incumbents.&nbsp;

While it&#8217;s rare in the Bay Area, San Francisco isn’t the only city to match campaign money for political candidates. <a href="https://www.nyccfb.info/program/how-it-works">New York</a> and <a href="https://ethics.lacity.org/publications/matching-funds-faq/">Los Angeles</a> also offer qualifying candidates city funds to help run their races, and Seattle has a Democracy Voucher Program in which voters are given the ability to distribute city funds to their preferred candidates. The program costs Seattle residents $3 million per year, or around $8 per homeowner from property taxes, according to <a href="https://www.seattle.gov/democracyvoucher/about-the-program">Seattle’s voucher program website</a>.&nbsp;

While it's rare in the Bay Area, San Francisco isn’t the only city to match campaign money for political candidates. <a href="https://www.nyccfb.info/program/how-it-works">New York</a> and <a href="https://ethics.lacity.org/publications/matching-funds-faq/">Los Angeles</a> also offer qualifying candidates city funds to help run their races, and Seattle has a Democracy Voucher Program in which voters are given the ability to distribute city funds to their preferred candidates. The program costs Seattle residents $3 million per year, or around $8 per homeowner from property taxes, according to <a href="https://www.seattle.gov/democracyvoucher/about-the-program">Seattle’s voucher program website</a>.&nbsp;

While it&#8217;s rare in the Bay Area, San Francisco isn’t the only city to match campaign money for political candidates. <a href="https://www.nyccfb.info/program/how-it-works">New York</a> and <a href="https://ethics.lacity.org/publications/matching-funds-faq/">Los Angeles</a> also offer qualifying candidates city funds to help run their races, and Seattle has a Democracy Voucher Program in which voters are given the ability to distribute city funds to their preferred candidates. The program costs Seattle residents $3 million per year, or around $8 per homeowner from property taxes, according to <a href="https://www.seattle.gov/democracyvoucher/about-the-program">Seattle’s voucher program website</a>.&nbsp;

“I think, generally, the idea of public financing is a good one, especially what they’ve done in Seattle,” Ravel said.&nbsp;

“I think, generally, the idea of public financing is a good one, especially what they’ve done in Seattle,” Ravel said.&nbsp;

Bevan Dufty, a BART director who initially sought matching funds for his successful supervisor race in 2002 before opting not to take public money, said that the city’s program is crucial to reducing the role of special interests.

Bevan Dufty, a BART director who initially sought matching funds for his successful supervisor race in 2002 before opting not to take public money, said that the city’s program is crucial to reducing the role of special interests.

“The unrestricted flow of money in American politics has reached obscene levels,” Dufty said, adding that the total cost of the program should be seen in the context of a longer period of time. “When you spread it out, to me, it’s reasonable and worthwhile to enable candidates to run for races.”

“The unrestricted flow of money in American politics has reached obscene levels,” Dufty said, adding that the total cost of the program should be seen in the context of a longer period of time. “When you spread it out, to me, it’s reasonable and worthwhile to enable candidates to run for races.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outside-money">Outside Money</h2>

<h2 id="h-outside-money">Outside Money</h2>

Just how much the city’s matching of campaign funds reduces the role of outside special interests is debatable. Supervisor candidates who receive matching funds are restricted from spending more than $350,000 total on their campaigns, but they can exceed that amount if the Ethics Commission decides that outside spending is reaching a level that could impact the race.&nbsp;

Just how much the city’s matching of campaign funds reduces the role of outside special interests is debatable. Supervisor candidates who receive matching funds are restricted from spending more than $350,000 total on their campaigns, but they can exceed that amount if the Ethics Commission decides that outside spending is reaching a level that could impact the race.&nbsp;

In 2016, this very scenario played out in unprecedented fashion.

In 2016, this very scenario played out in unprecedented fashion.

Supervisor Dean Preston shares a laugh in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco on July 11, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Political-Welfare-092122_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80769"/><figcaption>Supervisor Dean Preston—seen in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, Calif. on Monday, July 11, 2022—has received more than $550,000 in public matching funds for his campaign. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The individual expenditure ceiling (IEC) for the District 1 supervisor race was raised to more than $1 million after the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Kennedy-family-says-club-violates-RFK-s-memory-10791871.php">Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club</a> plunked down a half-million dollars to support Marjan Philhour’s District 1 run. She ended up losing to Sandra Lee Fewer.

The individual expenditure ceiling (IEC) for the District 1 supervisor race was raised to more than $1 million after the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Kennedy-family-says-club-violates-RFK-s-memory-10791871.php">Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club</a> plunked down a half-million dollars to support Marjan Philhour’s District 1 run. She ended up losing to Sandra Lee Fewer.

“The spirit of our campaign public financing program is well-intentioned, as it ostensibly levels the playing field and makes space for candidates outside the political machine to participate in political discourse with the same size megaphone as more prolific fundraisers,” Philhour said.

“The spirit of our campaign public financing program is well-intentioned, as it ostensibly levels the playing field and makes space for candidates outside the political machine to participate in political discourse with the same size megaphone as more prolific fundraisers,” Philhour said.

In 2016, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco and an aligned committee called SF Workforce Housing Alliance PAC 2020 spent roughly $600,000 in the 2020 supervisor races. The biggest chunks thrown down included $120,000 to oppose Supervisor Connie Chan and nearly $186,000 to defeat Supervisor Dean Preston. Smaller increments went to supporting other candidates, such as Supervisor Ahsha Safai ($4,000) and Philhour ($29,441).

In 2016, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco and an aligned committee called SF Workforce Housing Alliance PAC 2020 spent roughly $600,000 in the 2020 supervisor races. The biggest chunks thrown down included $120,000 to oppose Supervisor Connie Chan and nearly $186,000 to defeat Supervisor Dean Preston. Smaller increments went to supporting other candidates, such as Supervisor Ahsha Safai ($4,000) and Philhour ($29,441).

Meanwhile, San Francisco Tenants and Families for Affordable Housing, a group sponsored by community and labor organizations, dropped large chunks of its own in support and opposition of candidates: almost $31,000 to support Chan; nearly $15,000 to support Philhour; $10,000 to oppose Preston’s opponent Vallie Brown in District 5; and $10,000 to oppose Engardio in his District 7 race while also supporting Vilaska Nguyen with $16,000 in spending.

Meanwhile, San Francisco Tenants and Families for Affordable Housing, a group sponsored by community and labor organizations, dropped large chunks of its own in support and opposition of candidates: almost $31,000 to support Chan; nearly $15,000 to support Philhour; $10,000 to oppose Preston’s opponent Vallie Brown in District 5; and $10,000 to oppose Engardio in his District 7 race while also supporting Vilaska Nguyen with $16,000 in spending.

Committee spending on supervisor races this year has been relatively calm to date, with the San Francisco Labor Council tossing in $22,000 to support Supervisor Mar while a moderate-leaning PAC sponsored by Grow SF has reported spending $50,000 this year to oppose Mar’s re-election.

Committee spending on supervisor races this year has been relatively calm to date, with the San Francisco Labor Council tossing in $22,000 to support Supervisor Mar while a moderate-leaning PAC sponsored by Grow SF has reported spending $50,000 this year to oppose Mar’s re-election.

While this spending has been tracked in campaign forms, the city is lagging in its duty to audit all campaigns that receive taxpayer money. The backlog presents serious issues, as candidates have to meet paperwork requirements but there are few requirements when it comes to running an organized and ethical campaign.

While this spending has been tracked in campaign forms, the city is lagging in its duty to audit all campaigns that receive taxpayer money. The backlog presents serious issues, as candidates have to meet paperwork requirements but there are few requirements when it comes to running an organized and ethical campaign.

“One potential risk of the program is that a spoiler candidate, or a candidate who might not otherwise be able to translate their vision into campaign resources, can run what seems like a viable and well-funded but unsuccessful campaign,” Philhour said. “This can result in tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars going towards campaign services and bookkeeping instead of enriching the political discourse.”&nbsp;

“One potential risk of the program is that a spoiler candidate, or a candidate who might not otherwise be able to translate their vision into campaign resources, can run what seems like a viable and well-funded but unsuccessful campaign,” Philhour said. “This can result in tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars going towards campaign services and bookkeeping instead of enriching the political discourse.”&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-audit-backlog">Audit Backlog</h2>

<h2 id="h-audit-backlog">Audit Backlog</h2>

Every campaign that receives public matching funds is required to be audited by the San Francisco Ethics Commission. A spokesperson for the agency told The Standard in an email that audits have commenced for only two of the 14 candidates who received matched funds in 2020’s election.

Every campaign that receives public matching funds is required to be audited by the San Francisco Ethics Commission. A spokesperson for the agency told The Standard in an email that audits have commenced for only two of the 14 candidates who received matched funds in 2020’s election.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who has received nearly $359,000 in public campaign funds over the last decade, putting him in ninth place overall, said the city’s matching system has been successful for the most part. But, he added, that isn’t to say the city is fulfilling its obligations in making sure this taxpayer money is being monitored.&nbsp;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who has received nearly $359,000 in public campaign funds over the last decade, putting him in ninth place overall, said the city’s matching system has been successful for the most part. But, he added, that isn’t to say the city is fulfilling its obligations in making sure this taxpayer money is being monitored.&nbsp;

“You would think an Ethics Commission would want to be publicly accountable,” Peskin said. “They don’t even have an audit schedule. It’s mind-boggling.”

“You would think an Ethics Commission would want to be publicly accountable,” Peskin said. “They don’t even have an audit schedule. It’s mind-boggling.”

Peskin has nearly $40,000 in excess funds from his 2020 campaign, and he said he would like to return this money to the city but the Ethics Commission’s delays in auditing his campaign has given him pause in returning the money.

Peskin has nearly $40,000 in excess funds from his 2020 campaign, and he said he would like to return this money to the city but the Ethics Commission’s delays in auditing his campaign has given him pause in returning the money.

LeeAnn Pelham, director of The Ethics Commission, told The Standard in an email that her office is in the process of acquiring assistance from external auditors starting in 2023, and the 2020 election review is underway. Auditors started with candidates who received the most public financing and are working their way down.

LeeAnn Pelham, director of The Ethics Commission, told The Standard in an email that her office is in the process of acquiring assistance from external auditors starting in 2023, and the 2020 election review is underway. Auditors started with candidates who received the most public financing and are working their way down.

SF will pay for your political campaign: Meet the candidates who got the most taxpayer money

David Sjostedt

The Budget and Finance committee unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday to purchase two contiguous properties in the Tenderloin, which, pending legal guidance from the City Attorney and the approval of the full Board of Supervisors, would house the state’s first locally sanctioned safe consumption site.

The Budget and Finance committee unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday to purchase two contiguous properties in the Tenderloin, which, pending legal guidance from the City Attorney and the approval of the full Board of Supervisors, would house the state’s first locally sanctioned safe consumption site.

If the full Board of Supervisors passes the motion next week, the city’s Director of Property will purchase 822 Geary Street and 629 Hyde Street for $6.3 million. Under the current plan, 70 percent of the properties would be used as a crisis intervention unit; the remainder would be allotted for a safe consumption site, where people could use drugs without fear of arrest and under the supervision of medical professionals trained in reversing overdoses.&nbsp;

If the full Board of Supervisors passes the motion next week, the city’s Director of Property will purchase 822 Geary Street and 629 Hyde Street for $6.3 million. Under the current plan, 70 percent of the properties would be used as a crisis intervention unit; the remainder would be allotted for a safe consumption site, where people could use drugs without fear of arrest and under the supervision of medical professionals trained in reversing overdoses.&nbsp;

Such sites are illegal under federal and state law, and are opposed by some who contend they encourage drug use. But many public health officials believe they are a key means of addressing an epidemic of overdose deaths: New York last week became the first city in the country to implement a safe consumption site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Such sites are illegal under federal and state law, and are opposed by some who contend they encourage drug use. But many public health officials believe they are a key means of addressing an epidemic of overdose deaths: New York last week became the first city in the country to implement a safe consumption site.&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Francisco recorded 511 overdose deaths between January and September of this year, according to the Medical Examiner’s office. The safe consumption site, even if it receives final approval, would not open until September of next year.

San Francisco recorded 511 overdose deaths between January and September of this year, according to the Medical Examiner’s office. The safe consumption site, even if it receives final approval, would not open until September of next year.

An empty lot at 629 Hyde Street may serve as part of the city's first safe consumption site. | James Wyatt

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DSC_8557-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18686"/><figcaption>An empty lot at 629 Hyde Street may serve as part of the city&#8217;s first safe consumption site. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DSC_8557-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18686"/><figcaption>An empty lot at 629 Hyde Street may serve as part of the city's first safe consumption site. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DSC_8557-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18686"/><figcaption>An empty lot at 629 Hyde Street may serve as part of the city&#8217;s first safe consumption site. | James Wyatt</figcaption></figure>

Supervisor Matt Haney, who said he lives a block from the proposed SF site, supported the project but voiced concerns about moving forward with purchasing the property before its intended uses are solidified and the community has been fully engaged on the plans.&nbsp;

Supervisor Matt Haney, who said he lives a block from the proposed SF site, supported the project but voiced concerns about moving forward with purchasing the property before its intended uses are solidified and the community has been fully engaged on the plans.&nbsp;

“It feels like a somewhat unusual situation because we are buying a property, we are broadcasting what it is likely to be used for, but we&#8217;re not yet committed to that,” Haney said. “I certainly have heard from some people in the neighborhood who have asked for more community engagement before we purchase it.”

“It feels like a somewhat unusual situation because we are buying a property, we are broadcasting what it is likely to be used for, but we're not yet committed to that,” Haney said. “I certainly have heard from some people in the neighborhood who have asked for more community engagement before we purchase it.”

“It feels like a somewhat unusual situation because we are buying a property, we are broadcasting what it is likely to be used for, but we&#8217;re not yet committed to that,” Haney said. “I certainly have heard from some people in the neighborhood who have asked for more community engagement before we purchase it.”

While the legality of a safe consumption site in San Francisco is contingent on the governor’s ruling on Senate Bill 57 in January, the city is following in New York’s lead by moving forward with the program regardless.&nbsp;

While the legality of a safe consumption site in San Francisco is contingent on the governor’s ruling on Senate Bill 57 in January, the city is following in New York’s lead by moving forward with the program regardless.&nbsp;

During Wednesday’s meeting, DPH health commissioner Dr. David Pating emphasized the need to move quickly in purchasing the properties.&nbsp;

During Wednesday’s meeting, DPH health commissioner Dr. David Pating emphasized the need to move quickly in purchasing the properties.&nbsp;

Pating and the department of public health’s coordinator Eighleen Loughran cited the building’s proximity to a high density of drug users and a nexus of surrounding services.&nbsp;

Pating and the department of public health’s coordinator Eighleen Loughran cited the building’s proximity to a high density of drug users and a nexus of surrounding services.&nbsp;

“Our understanding was that there were other offers on this building and so the city is moving quickly,” Pating said.&nbsp; “The evidence is that this greatly improves the neighborhood and the neighborhood’s safety.”

“Our understanding was that there were other offers on this building and so the city is moving quickly,” Pating said.&nbsp; “The evidence is that this greatly improves the neighborhood and the neighborhood’s safety.”

Supervisor Ahsha Safai voiced concerns about placing the site in an already highly concentrated area of services, though he ultimately voted in favor of the proposition.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai voiced concerns about placing the site in an already highly concentrated area of services, though he ultimately voted in favor of the proposition.

“I mean, I understand obviously there&#8217;s a concentration of need in this part of town,” Safai said.&nbsp;

“I mean, I understand obviously there's a concentration of need in this part of town,” Safai said.&nbsp;

“I mean, I understand obviously there&#8217;s a concentration of need in this part of town,” Safai said.&nbsp;

Safai and Haney both voiced a need for future sites to be spread out across the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Safai and Haney both voiced a need for future sites to be spread out across the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haney, whose district the proposed site would fall under, joked that the next site should go in Supervisor Safai’s district 11.&nbsp;

Haney, whose district the proposed site would fall under, joked that the next site should go in Supervisor Safai’s district 11.&nbsp;

“I appreciate Supervisor Safai’s commitment to helping us ensure that these services are all over the city,” Haney said. “So the next one of these will be in district 11, you heard it here first.”

“I appreciate Supervisor Safai’s commitment to helping us ensure that these services are all over the city,” Haney said. “So the next one of these will be in district 11, you heard it here first.”

To which Safai responded, “actually, I think District 4 is ready. It’s their turn. Go ahead supervisor Mar.”&nbsp;

To which Safai responded, “actually, I think District 4 is ready. It’s their turn. Go ahead supervisor Mar.”&nbsp;

Over an hour of public comments revealed a seemingly overwhelming amount of community support for the project. Many callers cited a desperate need for advanced services in an area that frequently sees people overdosing on the street.  

Over an hour of public comments revealed a seemingly overwhelming amount of community support for the project. Many callers cited a desperate need for advanced services in an area that frequently sees people overdosing on the street.

Update: On Dec. 13, Zoe Harris at the Department of Public Health told the SF Standard that there is no current timeline for opening of the safe consumption site.

Update: On Dec. 13, Zoe Harris at the Department of Public Health told the SF Standard that there is no current timeline for opening of the safe consumption site.

SF moves one step closer to opening state’s first safe consumption site for drug use

This week’s Board of Supervisors meeting was short but included a number of significant actions. The supes unanimously confirmed a new police commissioner and made at least two decisions that could change the face of Chinatown and Golden Gate Park. They also engaged in what appeared to be some unspoken drama on the redistricting brouhaha. 

This week’s Board of Supervisors meeting was short but included a number of significant actions. The supes unanimously confirmed a new police commissioner and made at least two decisions that could change the face of Chinatown and Golden Gate Park. They also engaged in what appeared to be some unspoken drama on the redistricting brouhaha.

One of the stranger events at Tuesday’s meeting was Mayor London Breed’s appearance before the board, which is required once a month and was supposed to happen today. Except that it didn’t.&nbsp;

One of the stranger events at Tuesday’s meeting was Mayor London Breed’s appearance before the board, which is required once a month and was supposed to happen today. Except that it didn’t.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The appearance is intended mainly as an opportunity for supervisors to ask the mayor questions—usually softballs crafted to call attention to recently introduced legislation. However, question time with no questions is common enough; in these instances, the mayor usually discusses a topic of her own choosing for about five minutes.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The appearance is intended mainly as an opportunity for supervisors to ask the mayor questions—usually softballs crafted to call attention to recently introduced legislation. However, question time with no questions is common enough; in these instances, the mayor usually discusses a topic of her own choosing for about five minutes.</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>This time Mayor Breed wasn’t called on at all. Normally, the appearance is first on the agenda, around 2 p.m. But this Tuesday, Board President Shamann Walton called the item over an hour later. An aide to Breed appeared remotely and explained that while the mayor had been ready to appear at 2 p.m., she left after waiting 15 minutes for the call that never came.</li><li>A source inside City Hall told us that Walton explained to staff that he simply forgot to call on her.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>This time Mayor Breed wasn’t called on at all. Normally, the appearance is first on the agenda, around 2 p.m. But this Tuesday, Board President Shamann Walton called the item over an hour later. An aide to Breed appeared remotely and explained that while the mayor had been ready to appear at 2 p.m., she left after waiting 15 minutes for the call that never came.</li><li>A source inside City Hall told us that Walton explained to staff that he simply forgot to call on her.&nbsp;</li></ul>

It’s certainly possible that the board president’s lapse of memory was due to many of today’s agenda items being heard out of order. It’s also possible that it was due to tensions from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/take-three-minutes-to-finally-understand-redistricting/">the ongoing redistricting process</a>.&nbsp;

It’s certainly possible that the board president’s lapse of memory was due to many of today’s agenda items being heard out of order. It’s also possible that it was due to tensions from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/take-three-minutes-to-finally-understand-redistricting/">the ongoing redistricting process</a>.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The Redistricting Task Force recently adopted a draft map which would remove the Potrero Hill neighborhood from Walton’s district, replacing it with the Portola neighborhood. It’s been implied by opponents of the current map that the move would split Walton’s political base, possibly denying him a second term.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>The Redistricting Task Force recently adopted a draft map which would remove the Potrero Hill neighborhood from Walton’s district, replacing it with the Portola neighborhood. It’s been implied by opponents of the current map that the move would split Walton’s political base, possibly denying him a second term.&nbsp;</li></ul>

One hallmark of the current board president’s term is that Walton likes to adjourn meetings with a quote. We present you with this week’s quote to judge for yourself. It’s from the science fiction writer Paolo Bacigalupi:&nbsp;

One hallmark of the current board president’s term is that Walton likes to adjourn meetings with a quote. We present you with this week’s quote to judge for yourself. It’s from the science fiction writer Paolo Bacigalupi:&nbsp;

“It only takes a few politicians to stoke division, or a few demagogues encouraging hatred to set your kind upon one another. And then before you know it, you have a whole nation biting on its own tail, going round and round until there is nothing left but the snapping of teeth.”

“It only takes a few politicians to stoke division, or a few demagogues encouraging hatred to set your kind upon one another. And then before you know it, you have a whole nation biting on its own tail, going round and round until there is nothing left but the snapping of teeth.”

Board Plans to Have a ‘CoW’ Over JFK

Board Plans to Have a ‘CoW’ Over JFK

The board voted to hold a “CoW Hearing,” or committee of the whole hearing, of both the Board of Supervisors and the governing board of San Francisco’s County Transportation Authority—both of which comprise the same 11 members—to consider new legislation by Supervisor Connie Chan to partially reopen John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to car traffic.&nbsp;

The board voted to hold a “CoW Hearing,” or committee of the whole hearing, of both the Board of Supervisors and the governing board of San Francisco’s County Transportation Authority—both of which comprise the same 11 members—to consider new legislation by Supervisor Connie Chan to partially reopen John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to car traffic.&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>One of the two ordinances, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/chan-proposes-cars-back-on-jfk-drive-heading-east-only/">both introduced last week</a>, would bring cars back to JFK Drive.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>One of the two ordinances, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/chan-proposes-cars-back-on-jfk-drive-heading-east-only/">both introduced last week</a>, would bring cars back to JFK Drive.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Last month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/car-free-jfk-drive-moves-closer-to-permanence-despite-efforts-of-opposition%EF%BF%BC/">the mayor introduced a plan to keep cars out of JFK for good</a>. Breed’s proposal is supported by both the Municipal Transportation Agency and the Recreation and Parks Department, along with a large and vocal group of park users. Proponents say closing JFK to through traffic will make the park safer and more usable for pedestrians and cyclists. At least four members of the board support the mayor’s plan.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>Last month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/car-free-jfk-drive-moves-closer-to-permanence-despite-efforts-of-opposition%EF%BF%BC/">the mayor introduced a plan to keep cars out of JFK for good</a>. Breed’s proposal is supported by both the Municipal Transportation Agency and the Recreation and Parks Department, along with a large and vocal group of park users. Proponents say closing JFK to through traffic will make the park safer and more usable for pedestrians and cyclists. At least four members of the board support the mayor’s plan.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Chan’s legislation, based on concerns about access to the museums and certain other attractions in the park for seniors and disabled persons as well as nearby neighborhood residents, dovetails with a public engagement playbook run by lobbyists for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/war-jfk-drive-de-young-museum-san-francisco-kids-safe-fine-arts-museum/">Fine Arts Museums</a>, which have seen a significant decline in attendance during the pandemic and see any attempt to remove car access or surface parking near the museums as a serious threat to attendance, especially by regional visitors.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Chan’s legislation, based on concerns about access to the museums and certain other attractions in the park for seniors and disabled persons as well as nearby neighborhood residents, dovetails with a public engagement playbook run by lobbyists for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/war-jfk-drive-de-young-museum-san-francisco-kids-safe-fine-arts-museum/">Fine Arts Museums</a>, which have seen a significant decline in attendance during the pandemic and see any attempt to remove car access or surface parking near the museums as a serious threat to attendance, especially by regional visitors.</li></ul>

<h2 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading">Other Items of Note</h2>

<h2 class="has-medium-font-size">Other Items of Note</h2>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The board unanimously confirmed the appointment of attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/reform-minded-attorney-john-hamasaki-sf-police-commission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Michael Benedicto</a> to the Police Commission. Benedicto, a business litigation attorney, had served as counsel on a blue ribbon panel investigating racist text messages by SFPD officers and helped revise the department’s use of force policy. Benedicto will replace outspoken criminal defense lawyer John Hamasaki.</li><li>Mary Kate Bacalao, the Policy Director at nonprofit Compass Family Services, was appointed to the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. The appointment was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/local-homeless-coordinating-board-appointee-raises-concerns-about-oversight-of-sf-homeless-policy/">questioned earlier</a> by members of the board’s Rules Committee over apparent conflicts of interest as Bacalao’s nonprofit receives funding from the Coordinating Board. </li></ul>

<ul><li>The board unanimously confirmed the appointment of attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/reform-minded-attorney-john-hamasaki-sf-police-commission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Michael Benedicto</a> to the Police Commission. Benedicto, a business litigation attorney, had served as counsel on a blue ribbon panel investigating racist text messages by SFPD officers and helped revise the department’s use of force policy. Benedicto will replace outspoken criminal defense lawyer John Hamasaki.</li><li>Mary Kate Bacalao, the Policy Director at nonprofit Compass Family Services, was appointed to the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. The appointment was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/homelessness/local-homeless-coordinating-board-appointee-raises-concerns-about-oversight-of-sf-homeless-policy/">questioned earlier</a> by members of the board’s Rules Committee over apparent conflicts of interest as Bacalao’s nonprofit receives funding from the Coordinating Board. </li></ul>

SF Board of Supes in 3 mins: What went down at Tuesday’s meeting

SF will pay for your political campaign: Meet the candidates who got the most taxpayer money

SF moves one step closer to opening state’s first safe consumption site for drug use

Board of Supervisors in 4 minutes: No call, no show, a new police commissioner and having a ‘CoW’ over JFK

Board of Supervisors in 4 minutes: Suspense, frustration and honors

Search Results for: ahsha safaí

SF Board of Supes in 3 mins: What went down at Tuesday’s meeting

SF will pay for your political campaign: Meet the candidates who got the most taxpayer money

SF moves one step closer to opening state’s first safe consumption site for drug use

Board of Supervisors in 4 minutes: No call, no show, a new police commissioner and having a ‘CoW’ over JFK

Board of Supervisors in 4 minutes: Suspense, frustration and honors