Annie Gaus

The approval of two bills this week marked a turning point in housing policy statewide, though any effect on San Francisco’s housing landscape is likely to be slow.

core/paragraph

The approval of two bills this week marked a turning point in housing policy statewide, though any effect on San Francisco’s housing landscape is likely to be slow.

The California State Assembly passed two high-profile housing bills this week, SB 9 and SB 10, that will together make it easier to build multi-unit housing on more swaths of land in the state.&nbsp;

The California State Assembly passed two high-profile housing bills this week, SB 9 and SB 10, that will together make it easier to build multi-unit housing on more swaths of land in the state.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9">SB 9</a>, which will advance to the State Senate for final approval in September, effectively ends restrictive single-family zoning in the state by allowing duplexes on lots otherwise reserved for single homes. That bill also allows owners to subdivide their lots if they meet a certain size threshold, making it possible to build four units on a single lot.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9">SB 9</a>, which will advance to the State Senate for final approval in September, effectively ends restrictive single-family zoning in the state by allowing duplexes on lots otherwise reserved for single homes. That bill also allows owners to subdivide their lots if they meet a certain size threshold, making it possible to build four units on a single lot.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, the average prototypical lot is around 2500 square feet. You’d be legally allowed to split it in two, meaning you could have two duplexes or four total units,” said Todd David, executive director of Housing Action Coalition. 

“In San Francisco, the average prototypical lot is around 2500 square feet. You’d be legally allowed to split it in two, meaning you could have two duplexes or four total units,” said Todd David, executive director of Housing Action Coalition.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB10">SB 10</a> would let local governments rezone parcels up to 10 units with no environmental review. Local governments must opt into the law, but those that do will be able to quickly rezone swaths of land without triggering long and costly reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act by default (CEQA).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB10">SB 10</a> would let local governments rezone parcels up to 10 units with no environmental review. Local governments must opt into the law, but those that do will be able to quickly rezone swaths of land without triggering long and costly reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act by default (CEQA).&nbsp;

“It will give the Mayor and Board of Supervisors much more flexibility in rezoning for small multi-unit housing,” said Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who introduced SB 10. “Those rezonings could take many years, so it could be a very powerful tool for any effort to rezone broader swaths of San Francisco.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It will give the Mayor and Board of Supervisors much more flexibility in rezoning for small multi-unit housing,” said Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who introduced SB 10. “Those rezonings could take many years, so it could be a very powerful tool for any effort to rezone broader swaths of San Francisco.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

If Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately signs both bills, they would be enacted next January alongside efforts by local policymakers to pave the way for more housing, particularly in areas of the city with few apartments.&nbsp;

If Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately signs both bills, they would be enacted next January alongside efforts by local policymakers to pave the way for more housing, particularly in areas of the city with few apartments.&nbsp;

core/html

Neither SB 9 nor SB 10 are likely, by themselves, to produce a major groundswell of housing production.&nbsp;

Neither SB 9 nor SB 10 are likely, by themselves, to produce a major groundswell of housing production.&nbsp;

According to the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, San Francisco has about <a href="https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SB-9-Brief-July-2021-Final.pdf">6,500 housing parcels</a> for which SB 9 could increase the number of “market-feasible” units. However, feasibility does not guarantee that any future development would take place, and researchers at the Terner Center concluded that the bill is unlikely to result in much demolition of existing housing stock.

According to the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, San Francisco has about <a href="https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SB-9-Brief-July-2021-Final.pdf">6,500 housing parcels</a> for which SB 9 could increase the number of “market-feasible” units. However, feasibility does not guarantee that any future development would take place, and researchers at the Terner Center concluded that the bill is unlikely to result in much demolition of existing housing stock.

“The question really becomes how many empty lots are there,” added David. “There is no reason for someone not to split an empty lot, and I think it would be in the city’s interest to encourage that.”

“The question really becomes how many empty lots are there,” added David. “There is no reason for someone not to split an empty lot, and I think it would be in the city’s interest to encourage that.”

If the city were to opt into SB 10, it could much more easily rezone chunks of land for denser housing. The Board of Supervisors may instead opt to advance their own proposals for housing production, at least for the immediate future.&nbsp;

If the city were to opt into SB 10, it could much more easily rezone chunks of land for denser housing. The Board of Supervisors may instead opt to advance their own proposals for housing production, at least for the immediate future.&nbsp;

Under a state mandate called the <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/housing/rhna-regional-housing-needs-allocation">Regional Housing Needs Allocation</a> (RHNA), San Francisco will likely be required <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/ABAG_2023-2031_Draft_RHNA_Plan.pdf">to build about 82,000</a> new housing units between 2023 and 2031. That’s a significant increase compared to the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">pace of housing production</a> in recent years.&nbsp;

Under a state mandate called the <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/housing/rhna-regional-housing-needs-allocation">Regional Housing Needs Allocation</a> (RHNA), San Francisco will likely be required <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/ABAG_2023-2031_Draft_RHNA_Plan.pdf">to build about 82,000</a> new housing units between 2023 and 2031. That’s a significant increase compared to the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">pace of housing production</a> in recent years.&nbsp;

The Planning Department is tasked with writing a so-called Housing Element, or a citywide plan to meet the expected mandate of 82,000 housing units by 2031. The department kicked off that process <a href="https://www.sfhousingelement.org/summary-draft-needs-assessment-housing-element-2022-update">in April</a>, and will produce a final plan next year.

The Planning Department is tasked with writing a so-called Housing Element, or a citywide plan to meet the expected mandate of 82,000 housing units by 2031. The department kicked off that process <a href="https://www.sfhousingelement.org/summary-draft-needs-assessment-housing-element-2022-update">in April</a>, and will produce a final plan next year.

“Rezoning is planting seeds for the future—it’s not immediate production, but it’s creating the foundation,” added Wiener. “Over an eight-year cycle, if the Board of Supervisors were to do a rezoning now, it would help in terms of RHNA.”&nbsp;

“Rezoning is planting seeds for the future—it’s not immediate production, but it’s creating the foundation,” added Wiener. “Over an eight-year cycle, if the Board of Supervisors were to do a rezoning now, it would help in terms of RHNA.”&nbsp;

In the coming months, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a handful of new ordinances intended to boost housing capacity.&nbsp;

In the coming months, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a handful of new ordinances intended to boost housing capacity.&nbsp;

In July, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced a proposal that would allow the construction of fourplexes citywide. It’s an amped-up version of an earlier proposal by Mandelman to allow fourplex construction on corner lots, but the newer plan could facilitate more “equitable” distribution of multifamily housing across the city, according to Mandelman.&nbsp;

In July, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced a proposal that would allow the construction of fourplexes citywide. It’s an amped-up version of an earlier proposal by Mandelman to allow fourplex construction on corner lots, but the newer plan could facilitate more “equitable” distribution of multifamily housing across the city, according to Mandelman.&nbsp;

Fourplexes are “a small piece” of San Francisco’s broader housing needs, Mandelman added.

Fourplexes are “a small piece” of San Francisco’s broader housing needs, Mandelman added.

“By the standards of the past, this is a relatively significant upzoning,” he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">told Here/Say</a> in July. “Compared to what the moves that we’re going to need to make to meet our obligation…it’s relatively modest.”

“By the standards of the past, this is a relatively significant upzoning,” he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">told Here/Say</a> in July. “Compared to what the moves that we’re going to need to make to meet our obligation…it’s relatively modest.”

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Josh Koehn

In the run-up to his reelection as governor of California, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=gavin%20newsom">Gavin Newsom</a> swore up and down that he had no interest in running for president of the United States.&nbsp;

In the run-up to his reelection as governor of California, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=gavin%20newsom">Gavin Newsom</a> swore up and down that he had no interest in running for president of the United States.&nbsp;

We could take him at his word. We could be wary of presuming what lurks in the mind of a slick career politician. Or, we could choose to live in reality.&nbsp;

We could take him at his word. We could be wary of presuming what lurks in the mind of a slick career politician. Or, we could choose to live in reality.&nbsp;

At this point, it doesn’t seem to be a question of whether Newsom will run for president—it’s a question of when. Fears of a “red tsunami” in which Democrats would be bounced out of Congress in Tuesday’s election were greatly overblown, giving President Biden some cover. He said on Wednesday he <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/11/09/remarks-by-president-biden-in-press-conference-8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expects to make a decision on running in 2024 early next year</a>. But speculation on Newsom’s future is already well underway.&nbsp;

At this point, it doesn’t seem to be a question of whether Newsom will run for president—it’s a question of when. Fears of a “red tsunami” in which Democrats would be bounced out of Congress in Tuesday’s election were greatly overblown, giving President Biden some cover. He said on Wednesday he <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/11/09/remarks-by-president-biden-in-press-conference-8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expects to make a decision on running in 2024 early next year</a>. But speculation on Newsom’s future is already well underway.&nbsp;

To better understand what kind of presidential candidate and—gulp—actual president Newsom could be in the future, The Standard interviewed almost a dozen people who have worked with and against him during his time as mayor of San Francisco and governor of California. While the odds of Newsom actually winning a presidential election might seem slim at the moment, the odds of him running—either in 2024 or 2028—most certainly are not.

To better understand what kind of presidential candidate and—gulp—actual president Newsom could be in the future, The Standard interviewed almost a dozen people who have worked with and against him during his time as mayor of San Francisco and governor of California. While the odds of Newsom actually winning a presidential election might seem slim at the moment, the odds of him running—either in 2024 or 2028—most certainly are not.

Newsom’s office did not respond to an interview request or emailed questions for comment for this story, but conversations with campaign consultants, current and former elected officials, and City Hall and state Capitol insiders—most of whom agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity—reveal Newsom to be many things:

Newsom’s office did not respond to an interview request or emailed questions for comment for this story, but conversations with campaign consultants, current and former elected officials, and City Hall and state Capitol insiders—most of whom agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity—reveal Newsom to be many things:

A dogged student of the game whose dyslexia gave him fits in school but made him a savant at retaining policy and reciting stats. An aloof colleague who stiff-arms anything beyond surface-level relationships. An orator prone to dropping $10 words when a dime would do. And a calculated gambler who reads the political tea leaves better than most.

A dogged student of the game whose dyslexia gave him fits in school but made him a savant at retaining policy and reciting stats. An aloof colleague who stiff-arms anything beyond surface-level relationships. An orator prone to dropping $10 words when a dime would do. And a calculated gambler who reads the political tea leaves better than most.

If there is a consensus to be found on Newsom, it’s that no one seems to know the real Newsom. His true character and motivations remain distant, apart, enveloped in a fog that traces back to San Francisco.

If there is a consensus to be found on Newsom, it’s that no one seems to know the real Newsom. His true character and motivations remain distant, apart, enveloped in a fog that traces back to San Francisco.

In one of his first acts as San Francisco's mayor, Gavin Newsom visits Hunters Point with department heads to talk about improving conditions of the housing projects on Jan. 23, 2005. | Photo By Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle by Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE2_NewsomPrez10242022-2500x1669.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92166"/><figcaption>In one of his first acts as San Francisco&#8217;s mayor, Gavin Newsom visits Hunters Point with department heads to talk about improving conditions of the housing projects on Jan. 23, 2005. | Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE2_NewsomPrez10242022-2500x1669.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92166"/><figcaption>In one of his first acts as San Francisco's mayor, Gavin Newsom visits Hunters Point with department heads to talk about improving conditions of the housing projects on Jan. 23, 2005. | Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE2_NewsomPrez10242022-2500x1669.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92166"/><figcaption>In one of his first acts as San Francisco&#8217;s mayor, Gavin Newsom visits Hunters Point with department heads to talk about improving conditions of the housing projects on Jan. 23, 2005. | Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

A Vision Without Direction

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-vision-without-direction">A Vision Without Direction</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-a-vision-without-direction">A Vision Without Direction</h2>

It’s not difficult to see how a handsome 36-year-old mayor of San Francisco—the youngest person to hold the office going back a century—would have an ego.

It’s not difficult to see how a handsome 36-year-old mayor of San Francisco—the youngest person to hold the office going back a century—would have an ego.

After winning his first mayor’s race in 2003, Newsom handed out copies of Malcolm Gladwell’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tipping Point</a> to some of his supporters—along with a note telling them to go through his press department if they wanted an audience in the future. The distribution of pseudoscience reading material accompanied by passive-aggressive notes was a harbinger of the image-obsessed mayor Newsom would soon become.

After winning his first mayor’s race in 2003, Newsom handed out copies of Malcolm Gladwell’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tipping Point</a> to some of his supporters—along with a note telling them to go through his press department if they wanted an audience in the future. The distribution of pseudoscience reading material accompanied by passive-aggressive notes was a harbinger of the image-obsessed mayor Newsom would soon become.

Newsom cultivated his brand around being “aspirational” and always in pursuit of a <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2018/10/gavin-newsom-profile-california-governor-election/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“big, hairy audacious goal.”</a> But this bombast—along with broken political promises and 11th-hour budget cuts—often rubbed city departments and progressive colleagues on the Board of Supervisors the wrong way.&nbsp;

Newsom cultivated his brand around being “aspirational” and always in pursuit of a <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2018/10/gavin-newsom-profile-california-governor-election/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“big, hairy audacious goal.”</a> But this bombast—along with broken political promises and 11th-hour budget cuts—often rubbed city departments and progressive colleagues on the Board of Supervisors the wrong way.&nbsp;

“It’s great to have a vision and express that vision, but at the end of the day, you gotta talk to people who work for you,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who was serving his first stint on the board when he started clashing with Newsom. “And he didn&#8217;t do the latter part of that.”

“It’s great to have a vision and express that vision, but at the end of the day, you gotta talk to people who work for you,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who was serving his first stint on the board when he started clashing with Newsom. “And he didn't do the latter part of that.”

“It’s great to have a vision and express that vision, but at the end of the day, you gotta talk to people who work for you,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who was serving his first stint on the board when he started clashing with Newsom. “And he didn&#8217;t do the latter part of that.”

Mayor Willie Brown, who appointed Newsom to the Parking and Traffic Commission in 1996 and then elevated him to supervisor a year later, had an even more blunt assessment of Newsom’s struggles to build consensus, and how that might affect his ability to work with Congress.

Mayor Willie Brown, who appointed Newsom to the Parking and Traffic Commission in 1996 and then elevated him to supervisor a year later, had an even more blunt assessment of Newsom’s struggles to build consensus, and how that might affect his ability to work with Congress.

“Gavin doesn&#8217;t exactly cultivate friendships,” he said.

“Gavin doesn't exactly cultivate friendships,” he said.

“Gavin doesn&#8217;t exactly cultivate friendships,” he said.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom listens to his iPOD during some downtime in his City Hall office on Jan. 23, 2005. | Photo By Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle by Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE7_NewsomPrez10242022_jpg-2500x1669.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92183"/><figcaption>San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom listens to his iPod during some downtime in his City Hall office on Jan. 23, 2005. | Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

In his first year as mayor, Newsom made a calculated play to allow same-sex marriages at City Hall while it was still illegal under state law. Many who worked with the straight, white mayor were concerned the move would hurt him politically, not to mention risk progress for the equality movement. Others in the city considered Newsom’s actions craven.

In his first year as mayor, Newsom made a calculated play to allow same-sex marriages at City Hall while it was still illegal under state law. Many who worked with the straight, white mayor were concerned the move would hurt him politically, not to mention risk progress for the equality movement. Others in the city considered Newsom’s actions craven.

“I really think he stood on the shoulders of a lot of people who had suffered and died,” Tom Ammiano, an openly gay former supervisor and assemblyman, told the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-gavin-newsom-gay-marriage-20180515-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Times</a>. “It really wasn’t all about him, but he made it all about him.”

“I really think he stood on the shoulders of a lot of people who had suffered and died,” Tom Ammiano, an openly gay former supervisor and assemblyman, told the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-gavin-newsom-gay-marriage-20180515-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Times</a>. “It really wasn’t all about him, but he made it all about him.”

Regardless, Newsom cemented his image as an LGBTQ+ ally. The cliff notes of that moment would play well nationally on the heels of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/roe-v-wade-sf-reacts-swiftly-harshly-to-supreme-court-draft-decision-overturning-landmark-abortion-rights-case/">LGBTQ+ rights seemingly next on the chopping block</a>.

Regardless, Newsom cemented his image as an LGBTQ+ ally. The cliff notes of that moment would play well nationally on the heels of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/roe-v-wade-sf-reacts-swiftly-harshly-to-supreme-court-draft-decision-overturning-landmark-abortion-rights-case/">LGBTQ+ rights seemingly next on the chopping block</a>.

A common criticism of Newsom’s time as mayor was his lack of attention span or the desire to focus on the basic tasks of governing. He absorbed input from staff but preferred to go big, such as when he floated an idea to install turbines under the Golden Gate Bridge as a city-controlled energy source. A study found it would produce just two megawatts of power—enough to keep the lights on in fewer than 2,000 homes—but Newsom vowed: “I am going to find a way to make it happen.”&nbsp;

A common criticism of Newsom’s time as mayor was his lack of attention span or the desire to focus on the basic tasks of governing. He absorbed input from staff but preferred to go big, such as when he floated an idea to install turbines under the Golden Gate Bridge as a city-controlled energy source. A study found it would produce just two megawatts of power—enough to keep the lights on in fewer than 2,000 homes—but Newsom vowed: “I am going to find a way to make it happen.”&nbsp;

Undeterred, Newsom set out on a path to brand himself as a leader in promoting new energy sources, a popular rallying cry in the face of climate change. During a climate change event last month atop the Presidio Tunnel Tops park, Newsom effectively gave a stump speech in which he slammed Vladimir Putin, “petro-dictators” and Fox News’ Tucker Carlson.

Undeterred, Newsom set out on a path to brand himself as a leader in promoting new energy sources, a popular rallying cry in the face of climate change. During a climate change event last month atop the Presidio Tunnel Tops park, Newsom effectively gave a stump speech in which he slammed Vladimir Putin, “petro-dictators” and Fox News’ Tucker Carlson.

core/video

In 2008, Newsom rolled out Healthy San Francisco, a public healthcare plan that went a long way toward helping tens of thousands of the city’s poorest residents get free medical treatment. He has advocated in the past for a single-payer healthcare system—something impossible to do at a state level—and he could certainly make this part of a presidential platform.

In 2008, Newsom rolled out Healthy San Francisco, a public healthcare plan that went a long way toward helping tens of thousands of the city’s poorest residents get free medical treatment. He has advocated in the past for a single-payer healthcare system—something impossible to do at a state level—and he could certainly make this part of a presidential platform.

But the boldest policy Newsom championed in San Francisco started during his time as a supervisor in 2002. It would not only propel him to the Mayor’s Office but become his signature achievement as he sought a statewide office.&nbsp;

But the boldest policy Newsom championed in San Francisco started during his time as a supervisor in 2002. It would not only propel him to the Mayor’s Office but become his signature achievement as he sought a statewide office.&nbsp;

Newsom and Trent Rhorer, executive director of the city’s Human Services Agency, designed the Care Not Cash program to reduce direct cash payments to low-income and homeless residents and instead require these individuals to seek out city-provided shelter. As a result, people who qualified would receive greatly reduced monthly stipends, and the city would save millions.&nbsp;

Newsom and Trent Rhorer, executive director of the city’s Human Services Agency, designed the Care Not Cash program to reduce direct cash payments to low-income and homeless residents and instead require these individuals to seek out city-provided shelter. As a result, people who qualified would receive greatly reduced monthly stipends, and the city would save millions.&nbsp;

Supervisors pushed back on the plan and homeless advocates slammed it as a shell game that dispassionately moved around people in need of housing. Peskin said the supervisors were about to pass Care Not Cash, but Newsom pulled it before supervisors could cast a vote because he wanted the name recognition and credit by taking the measure to the ballot himself.

Supervisors pushed back on the plan and homeless advocates slammed it as a shell game that dispassionately moved around people in need of housing. Peskin said the supervisors were about to pass Care Not Cash, but Newsom pulled it before supervisors could cast a vote because he wanted the name recognition and credit by taking the measure to the ballot himself.

Voters passed Care Not Cash, aka Proposition N, with 60% in favor, and Newsom spent the next year going to roughly 1,000 events—almost three a day—as he ran for mayor, according to his then-campaign manager, Jim Ross.&nbsp;

Voters passed Care Not Cash, aka Proposition N, with 60% in favor, and Newsom spent the next year going to roughly 1,000 events—almost three a day—as he ran for mayor, according to his then-campaign manager, Jim Ross.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Gavin Newsom, a mayoral candidate, speaks at a rally on May 13, 2003 in San Francisco. Newsom ran on a platform promoting his Care Not Cash entitlement program. | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE1_NewsomPrez10242022-2500x1576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92163"/><figcaption>Supervisor Gavin Newsom, a mayoral candidate, speaks at a rally on May 13, 2003, in San Francisco. Newsom ran on a platform promoting his Care Not Cash entitlement program. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

An audit found the Care Not Cash program turned out to be a success in getting thousands of people into services and saving the city money. However, many San Franciscans were under the impression it would help solve homelessness. This was certainly not the case.&nbsp;

An audit found the Care Not Cash program turned out to be a success in getting thousands of people into services and saving the city money. However, many San Franciscans were under the impression it would help solve homelessness. This was certainly not the case.&nbsp;

In 2005, a year after Newsom took over as mayor, the city’s annual homelessness count found <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/San_Francisco_Homeless_Count_2005_Final_Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2,655 people were living on city streets</a>. That number is now estimated at more than 7,700.

In 2005, a year after Newsom took over as mayor, the city’s annual homelessness count found <a href="https://hsh.sfgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/San_Francisco_Homeless_Count_2005_Final_Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2,655 people were living on city streets</a>. That number is now estimated at more than 7,700.

“He got us all to sign on to Care Not Cash,” Brown said. “And then he got out of town before the debt became due.”

“He got us all to sign on to Care Not Cash,” Brown said. “And then he got out of town before the debt became due.”

Newsom has many of the signature traits of a leading statesman, but over time, they can become off-putting.&nbsp;

Newsom has many of the signature traits of a leading statesman, but over time, they can become off-putting.&nbsp;

A polling expert told The Standard that Republicans would love to see Newsom run for president in 2024 not only because of San Francisco and California’s national reputation as a hellscape beyond repair (thanks, Fox News!), but also because Newsom’s approval ratings go down dramatically after a polished first impression.&nbsp;

A polling expert told The Standard that Republicans would love to see Newsom run for president in 2024 not only because of San Francisco and California’s national reputation as a hellscape beyond repair (thanks, Fox News!), but also because Newsom’s approval ratings go down dramatically after a polished first impression.&nbsp;

He has the statistical recall of a card counter, but too often the laundry list of numbers begins to feel like navel-gazing. He speaks in a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/our_sections/forum/newsom-s-voice-gives-him-away/article_3dc9672f-e947-58a4-8889-edf817641bef.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chewed gravel voice</a> that suggests he might once have been a pack-a-day smoker, but it’s more likely he’s just <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlRH01ZvjRI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">channeling his inner Batman</a>. And then there’s the rakish good looks and angular suits of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Bateman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Bateman</a> clone.

He has the statistical recall of a card counter, but too often the laundry list of numbers begins to feel like navel-gazing. He speaks in a <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/our_sections/forum/newsom-s-voice-gives-him-away/article_3dc9672f-e947-58a4-8889-edf817641bef.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chewed gravel voice</a> that suggests he might once have been a pack-a-day smoker, but it’s more likely he’s just <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlRH01ZvjRI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">channeling his inner Batman</a>. And then there’s the rakish good looks and angular suits of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Bateman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Bateman</a> clone.

In 2001, while still on the Board of Supervisors, Newsom married Kimberly Guilfoyle—then a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office. Three years later, the gods blessed the internet for eternity with a Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot in which the couple finger-locked on an opulent rug in the Getty mansion.

In 2001, while still on the Board of Supervisors, Newsom married Kimberly Guilfoyle—then a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office. Three years later, the gods blessed the internet for eternity with a Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot in which the couple finger-locked on an opulent rug in the Getty mansion.

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/tanyachen/status/1298074651256553473?s=20&amp;t=u-8NX6rMt7rk6ZYfMQcQbA
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I recently learned of this photo of kim guilfoyle and gavin newsom when they were married and I&#39;ve just been finding any reason to share it <a href="https://t.co/kCvbuGxoL1">pic.twitter.com/kCvbuGxoL1</a>&mdash; tanya chen (same handle on bluesky) (@tanyachen) <a href="https://twitter.com/tanyachen/status/1298074651256553473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The marriage would crumble after four years, setting off what could be called Newsom’s wild days.

The marriage would crumble after four years, setting off what could be called Newsom’s wild days.

“Mayor McHottie” made waves when he started <a href="https://www.kltv.com/story/5557162/mayor-mchotties-new-girlfriend-half-his-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dating a 19-year-old woman</a>, who was half his age. But the low point in Newsom’s personal and professional life came in 2007 when word leaked of an affair involving Ruby Rippey-Tourk, the wife of Newsom’s deputy chief of staff, Alex Tourk.&nbsp;

“Mayor McHottie” made waves when he started <a href="https://www.kltv.com/story/5557162/mayor-mchotties-new-girlfriend-half-his-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dating a 19-year-old woman</a>, who was half his age. But the low point in Newsom’s personal and professional life came in 2007 when word leaked of an affair involving Ruby Rippey-Tourk, the wife of Newsom’s deputy chief of staff, Alex Tourk.&nbsp;

“I can tell you,” said Joseph Cotchett, an attorney and longtime friend of the Newsom family, “it&#8217;s a piece of his life that he&#8217;d like to throw away.”

“I can tell you,” said Joseph Cotchett, an attorney and longtime friend of the Newsom family, “it's a piece of his life that he'd like to throw away.”

“I can tell you,” said Joseph Cotchett, an attorney and longtime friend of the Newsom family, “it&#8217;s a piece of his life that he&#8217;d like to throw away.”

The mayor immediately confessed to the affair to a room full of reporters before checking into rehab for alcohol. It’s unclear if alcohol was just a convenient excuse for the sex scandal, as Newsom has acknowledged he still drinks in moderation.

The mayor immediately confessed to the affair to a room full of reporters before checking into rehab for alcohol. It’s unclear if alcohol was just a convenient excuse for the sex scandal, as Newsom has acknowledged he still drinks in moderation.

Tourk declined to comment for this story.

Tourk declined to comment for this story.

The mayor’s world became decidedly more insular after the affair, and his critics felt more emboldened to slam him in the press. Meanwhile, Newsom’s relationship with the media deteriorated to the point that he stormed out of an interview after he took a secret trip to Hawaii.

The mayor’s world became decidedly more insular after the affair, and his critics felt more emboldened to slam him in the press. Meanwhile, Newsom’s relationship with the media deteriorated to the point that he stormed out of an interview after he took a secret trip to Hawaii.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssAy0Cvfddg
</div></figure>

Newsom no longer sees much utility in working with the press except on his terms. His relationship with the media—much like with his colleagues—is transactional, and he prefers to only grant access to national outlets. Anyone expecting him to consistently face the music in the White House briefing room is kidding themselves.

Newsom no longer sees much utility in working with the press except on his terms. His relationship with the media—much like with his colleagues—is transactional, and he prefers to only grant access to national outlets. Anyone expecting him to consistently face the music in the White House briefing room is kidding themselves.

After the affair came to light, many of Newsom’s allies in San Francisco—people who also counted Tourk as a friend—were furious, but the people of San Francisco seemed to care little. Newsom was reelected in late 2007 with more than 73% of the vote.&nbsp;

After the affair came to light, many of Newsom’s allies in San Francisco—people who also counted Tourk as a friend—were furious, but the people of San Francisco seemed to care little. Newsom was reelected in late 2007 with more than 73% of the vote.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-pains">Growing Pains</h2>

<h2 id="h-growing-pains">Growing Pains</h2>

Newsom’s ascension of the political totem pole hit a rare snag in 2009 when it became obvious Jerry Brown intended to reclaim his role as governor.&nbsp;

Newsom’s ascension of the political totem pole hit a rare snag in 2009 when it became obvious Jerry Brown intended to reclaim his role as governor.&nbsp;

The ambitious mayor of the nation’s most progressive city—despite getting remarried in 2008 to actress and documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel—still had an image problem after the affair. And the institutional powers were aligning with Jerry Brown, a much safer bet.

The ambitious mayor of the nation’s most progressive city—despite getting remarried in 2008 to actress and documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel—still had an image problem after the affair. And the institutional powers were aligning with Jerry Brown, a much safer bet.

Newsom bowed out of the race and easily secured the position of lieutenant governor. He resented the job, calling it <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-called-job-dull-but-lieutenant-13272318.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dull because it has “no real authority and no real portfolio”</a> beyond serving in the governor’s stead when out of state.

Newsom bowed out of the race and easily secured the position of lieutenant governor. He resented the job, calling it <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-called-job-dull-but-lieutenant-13272318.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dull because it has “no real authority and no real portfolio”</a> beyond serving in the governor’s stead when out of state.

But in many ways, this time out of the spotlight served Newsom well.&nbsp;

But in many ways, this time out of the spotlight served Newsom well.&nbsp;

During two terms as lieutenant governor, he built new bridges at the Capitol to replace the ones he burned on his way out of San Francisco. He had time to meet with tech entrepreneurs, pick their brains and then put forward bold policy proposals—proposals, it’s worth noting, that went mostly ignored by Gov. Brown.

During two terms as lieutenant governor, he built new bridges at the Capitol to replace the ones he burned on his way out of San Francisco. He had time to meet with tech entrepreneurs, pick their brains and then put forward bold policy proposals—proposals, it’s worth noting, that went mostly ignored by Gov. Brown.

Meanwhile, Newsom and his wife grew their family to four children. He hit the books and wrote one of his own, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Citizenville-Square-Digital-Reinvent-Government/dp/0143124471">Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government.</a>” The call-to-action tome was lauded by some while it elicited eye rolls from others. Regardless, the book certainly spoke to the ambition of someone preparing for his next job.

Meanwhile, Newsom and his wife grew their family to four children. He hit the books and wrote one of his own, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Citizenville-Square-Digital-Reinvent-Government/dp/0143124471">Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government.</a>” The call-to-action tome was lauded by some while it elicited eye rolls from others. Regardless, the book certainly spoke to the ambition of someone preparing for his next job.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom waves to supporters and holds his son, 2-year-old Dutch and 7-year-old Hunter, while his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom and 9-year-old daughter Montana, join him at an election night event on Nov. 6, 2018 in Los Angeles. Newsom defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox. | Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE3_NewsomPrez10242022-2500x1744.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92170"/><figcaption>Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom waves to supporters and holds his 2-year-old son Dutch while his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, 7-year-old son Hunter and 9-year-old daughter Montana also join him at an election night event on Nov. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. | Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

“I&#8217;m genuine when I say: A wife and kids have matured that guy so much. He&#8217;s completely different,” said a City Hall source. “The emotional maturity is so much more than what it was when he was mayor.”

“I'm genuine when I say: A wife and kids have matured that guy so much. He's completely different,” said a City Hall source. “The emotional maturity is so much more than what it was when he was mayor.”

“I&#8217;m genuine when I say: A wife and kids have matured that guy so much. He&#8217;s completely different,” said a City Hall source. “The emotional maturity is so much more than what it was when he was mayor.”

By the end of these two terms, voters were comfortable promoting Newsom to governor of the most populous state in the union—and by extension, making him CEO of the fifth largest economy in the world.

By the end of these two terms, voters were comfortable promoting Newsom to governor of the most populous state in the union—and by extension, making him CEO of the fifth largest economy in the world.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-man-of-the-house">Man of the House</h2>

<h2 id="h-man-of-the-house">Man of the House</h2>

Newsom spent his first year in office focusing on core issues that resonate with California’s Democratic base: funding <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/08/08/in-los-angeles-governor-newsom-highlights-investments-in-early-childhood-including-child-care-and-preschool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early childhood education</a> and addressing homelessness. He didn’t make much, if any, progress on his <a href="https://medium.com/@GavinNewsom/the-california-dream-starts-at-home-9dbb38c51cae" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal of building 3.5 million homes in the state by 2025</a>, but he certainly signed plenty of legislation and said the right things. The pandemic interrupted much of this work.

Newsom spent his first year in office focusing on core issues that resonate with California’s Democratic base: funding <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/08/08/in-los-angeles-governor-newsom-highlights-investments-in-early-childhood-including-child-care-and-preschool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early childhood education</a> and addressing homelessness. He didn’t make much, if any, progress on his <a href="https://medium.com/@GavinNewsom/the-california-dream-starts-at-home-9dbb38c51cae" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal of building 3.5 million homes in the state by 2025</a>, but he certainly signed plenty of legislation and said the right things. The pandemic interrupted much of this work.

But of the many actions Newsom has taken as governor this year, the one that signaled his greatest intent to run for president came from something he didn’t do.

But of the many actions Newsom has taken as governor this year, the one that signaled his greatest intent to run for president came from something he didn’t do.

In August, Newsom vetoed SB 57, a bill from state Sen. Scott Wiener that would have created a pilot program for safe-consumption sites in Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco. Newsom had previously expressed support for the idea, which studies have shown can save lives, but he cited concerns about an unlimited number of facilities popping up.&nbsp;

In August, Newsom vetoed SB 57, a bill from state Sen. Scott Wiener that would have created a pilot program for safe-consumption sites in Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco. Newsom had previously expressed support for the idea, which studies have shown can save lives, but he cited concerns about an unlimited number of facilities popping up.&nbsp;

Political observers knew better—Republicans would have used the legislation as red meat to accuse Newsom of essentially legalizing drug dens across California.

Political observers knew better—Republicans would have used the legislation as red meat to accuse Newsom of essentially legalizing drug dens across California.

Jeannette Zanipatin, California’s director for the Drug Policy Alliance, told <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/23/newsom-safe-injection-sites-california-00053349">Politico</a> after the veto that Newsom’s decision “definitely signals that he was concerned about how this might play out in the media, as well as the political arena.”

Jeannette Zanipatin, California’s director for the Drug Policy Alliance, told <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/23/newsom-safe-injection-sites-california-00053349">Politico</a> after the veto that Newsom’s decision “definitely signals that he was concerned about how this might play out in the media, as well as the political arena.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener speaks  on Aug. 11, 2022, outside of Glide Memorial Church during a press conference about safe-consumption sites. Gov. Gavin Newsom would veto Wiener's bill, signaling to many political observers that he was interested in running for president. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE4_NewsomPrez10242022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92173"/><figcaption>State Sen. Scott Wiener speaks on Aug. 11, 2022, outside of Glide Memorial Church during a press conference about safe-consumption sites. Gov. Gavin Newsom would veto Wiener&#8217;s bill, signaling to many political observers that he was interested in running for president. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE4_NewsomPrez10242022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92173"/><figcaption>State Sen. Scott Wiener speaks on Aug. 11, 2022, outside of Glide Memorial Church during a press conference about safe-consumption sites. Gov. Gavin Newsom would veto Wiener's bill, signaling to many political observers that he was interested in running for president. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/INLINE4_NewsomPrez10242022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92173"/><figcaption>State Sen. Scott Wiener speaks on Aug. 11, 2022, outside of Glide Memorial Church during a press conference about safe-consumption sites. Gov. Gavin Newsom would veto Wiener&#8217;s bill, signaling to many political observers that he was interested in running for president. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Any presidential campaign of Newsom’s is sure to be met with attack ads showing the squalor in San Francisco’s Tenderloin and Los Angeles’ Skid Row, both of which are not only dealing with a drug overdose crisis but also rampant homelessness.&nbsp;

Any presidential campaign of Newsom’s is sure to be met with attack ads showing the squalor in San Francisco’s Tenderloin and Los Angeles’ Skid Row, both of which are not only dealing with a drug overdose crisis but also rampant homelessness.&nbsp;

But many say that to his credit, Newsom creatively responded during the first year of the pandemic with two projects to help the homeless: <a href="https://www.chcs.org/resource/californias-project-roomkey-a-homelessness-and-covid-19-innovation-snapshot/">Roomkey</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/09/16/governor-newsom-announces-76-million-in-first-round-of-homekey-awards/">Homekey</a>. The former took advantage of suddenly empty hotels by using federal funds to usher in people who had nowhere to go and faced a severe risk of infection, while the latter allowed the state to buy and convert hotels and vacant apartments into permanent housing.

But many say that to his credit, Newsom creatively responded during the first year of the pandemic with two projects to help the homeless: <a href="https://www.chcs.org/resource/californias-project-roomkey-a-homelessness-and-covid-19-innovation-snapshot/">Roomkey</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/09/16/governor-newsom-announces-76-million-in-first-round-of-homekey-awards/">Homekey</a>. The former took advantage of suddenly empty hotels by using federal funds to usher in people who had nowhere to go and faced a severe risk of infection, while the latter allowed the state to buy and convert hotels and vacant apartments into permanent housing.

None of this, of course, has solved the state’s housing crisis—and the high cost of living, rampant homelessness, and residents and businesses fleeing for other states will be politically weaponized for any California candidate who runs for president.

None of this, of course, has solved the state’s housing crisis—and the high cost of living, rampant homelessness, and residents and businesses fleeing for other states will be politically weaponized for any California candidate who runs for president.

“The one thing he hasn’t focused on and came kind of Johnny-come-lately to is the whole housing issue,” a political consultant said. “To me, that should have been his No. 1 focus from Day One in office.”

“The one thing he hasn’t focused on and came kind of Johnny-come-lately to is the whole housing issue,” a political consultant said. “To me, that should have been his No. 1 focus from Day One in office.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gavin-goes-to-dinner">Gavin Goes to Dinner</h2>

<h2 id="h-gavin-goes-to-dinner">Gavin Goes to Dinner</h2>

Despite his inability to connect with colleagues, Newsom has always looked comfortable on camera. Throughout the first year of the pandemic, he often joined health officials in delivering daily updates. The reports were lengthy and full of Newsomisms—recalling for many in San Francisco the <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Mayor-Newsom-s-longest-speech-3259598.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infamous State of the City speech Newsom gave in 2008</a>, which ran more than seven hours and was split into 10 webisodes on YouTube.&nbsp;

Despite his inability to connect with colleagues, Newsom has always looked comfortable on camera. Throughout the first year of the pandemic, he often joined health officials in delivering daily updates. The reports were lengthy and full of Newsomisms—recalling for many in San Francisco the <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Mayor-Newsom-s-longest-speech-3259598.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infamous State of the City speech Newsom gave in 2008</a>, which ran more than seven hours and was split into 10 webisodes on YouTube.&nbsp;

“To give him some credit, he’s willing to push the boundaries,” a political consultant said. “But I think five minutes after he starts talking, you’re like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He uses 10 words when he could use one. As president, you’re speaking in sound bites and snippets.”

“To give him some credit, he’s willing to push the boundaries,” a political consultant said. “But I think five minutes after he starts talking, you’re like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He uses 10 words when he could use one. As president, you’re speaking in sound bites and snippets.”

Near the end of 2020, Californians were antsy but buoyed by talk of a vaccine being on the way. And then Newsom went to dinner.

Near the end of 2020, Californians were antsy but buoyed by talk of a vaccine being on the way. And then Newsom went to dinner.

Newsom was photographed sitting maskless in a group at the swank French Laundry restaurant, giving talking heads, quarantining conservatives and Republican governors all ammunition they needed to deride Newsom as a coastal elite.

Newsom was photographed sitting maskless in a group at the swank French Laundry restaurant, giving talking heads, quarantining conservatives and Republican governors all ammunition they needed to deride Newsom as a coastal elite.

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Does Gov. Gavin Newsom have what it takes to be president?

With more enforcement power than ever, state relies on housing activists to enforce duplex law

Election live blog: DA Jenkins ‘thrilled’ with early results; Dorsey, Engardio lead supervisor races

Mayor Breed pushes homes over cars in proposed legislation

Search Results for: bill scott

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Does Gov. Gavin Newsom have what it takes to be president?

With more enforcement power than ever, state relies on housing activists to enforce duplex law

Election live blog: DA Jenkins ‘thrilled’ with early results; Dorsey, Engardio lead supervisor races

Mayor Breed pushes homes over cars in proposed legislation