Josh Koehn

San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

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San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

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Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

The mayor’s path to victory will become even more complicated in the next two weeks, as another moderate challenger—former San Francisco Mayor and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/former-san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-will-challege-london-breed/">Mark Farrell</a>—is expected to announce his candidacy, making it a four-person race with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a> announcing his candidacy last year. A more progressive candidate also seems likely to emerge.

Mark Farrell will run to be San Francisco’s mayor again, sources say

San Francisco mayor’s race: London Breed challenger raises $149K, campaign says

The mayor’s path to victory will become even more complicated in the next two weeks, as another moderate challenger—former San Francisco Mayor and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/former-san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-will-challege-london-breed/">Mark Farrell</a>—is expected to announce his candidacy, making it a four-person race with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a> announcing his candidacy last year. A more progressive candidate also seems likely to emerge.

But aside from polling, deficits and a crowded field, one of the biggest issues Breed’s reelection campaign faces between now and November could come down to something as simple as dollars and cents. At the moment, the mayor is looking a bit short on both. And her challengers appear poised to kick off a fundraising arms race unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen.&nbsp;

But aside from polling, deficits and a crowded field, one of the biggest issues Breed’s reelection campaign faces between now and November could come down to something as simple as dollars and cents. At the moment, the mayor is looking a bit short on both. And her challengers appear poised to kick off a fundraising arms race unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-falls-behind-on-fundraising">Breed Falls Behind on Fundraising</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-falls-behind-on-fundraising">Breed Falls Behind on Fundraising</h2>

Following the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, Breed won the 2018 special election for mayor, which also turned out to be the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Money-spent-on-San-Francisco-s-elections-13715699.php">most expensive mayoral race in San Francisco history</a> with more than $8.4 million spent.

Following the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, Breed won the 2018 special election for mayor, which also turned out to be the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Money-spent-on-San-Francisco-s-elections-13715699.php">most expensive mayoral race in San Francisco history</a> with more than $8.4 million spent.

Still nine months out to this November’s election, mayoral campaigns and committees supporting 2024 candidates have already raised more than $4.8 million. And much of that money is not going toward San Francisco’s current mayor.

Still nine months out to this November’s election, mayoral campaigns and committees supporting 2024 candidates have already raised more than $4.8 million. And much of that money is not going toward San Francisco’s current mayor.

Breed’s personal reelection campaign raised almost $408,000 last year and an independent committee supporting Breed raised more than $265,120, according to filings with the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Combined, those totals are about a sixth of what Lurie’s campaign and a committee supporting his run for mayor have raised since late September.

Breed’s personal reelection campaign raised almost $408,000 last year and an independent committee supporting Breed raised more than $265,120, according to filings with the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Combined, those totals are about a sixth of what Lurie’s campaign and a committee supporting his run for mayor have raised since late September.

A closer look at the independent committee supporting the mayor’s reelection shows that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/michael-bloomberg-breed-san-francisco-mayor-campaign/">$200,000 came from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg</a>, which might have been a little payback for Breed’s endorsement of his ill-fated presidential run. The remaining $65,000 to the pro-Breed committee came mostly from real estate interests, which also supported a local firefighters committee backing Breed in 2018.

Billionaire ex-mayor of NYC drops big money into San Francisco mayoral race

A closer look at the independent committee supporting the mayor’s reelection shows that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/michael-bloomberg-breed-san-francisco-mayor-campaign/">$200,000 came from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg</a>, which might have been a little payback for Breed’s endorsement of his ill-fated presidential run. The remaining $65,000 to the pro-Breed committee came mostly from real estate interests, which also supported a local firefighters committee backing Breed in 2018.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed addresses the media at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 during a press conference about the upcoming APEC summit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1APECGraton10242023-12.jpg?w=2072" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, dressed in a purple speaks to the media during a press conference in City Hall. She sands behind a podium that reads &quot;APEC 2023 UNITED STATES&quot; in a wood paneled room." class="wp-image-214726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed placed three measures on the March ballot to address housing, public safety and the drug crisis.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1APECGraton10242023-12.jpg?w=2072" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, dressed in a purple speaks to the media during a press conference in City Hall. She sands behind a podium that reads &quot;APEC 2023 UNITED STATES&quot; in a wood paneled room." class="wp-image-214726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed placed three measures on the March ballot to address housing, public safety and the drug crisis.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor also put forward Propositions C, E and F on the March ballot to reform policies on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, respectively. The measures—with almost $1.07 million in combined support, including big chunks from billionaires Chris Larsen and Ron Conway—are designed to shape city policy and can’t mention Breed’s reelection campaign. In reality, though, they should be seen as vehicles to solidify the mayor’s messaging ahead of November, potentially giving her momentum if at least two out of three propositions pass.&nbsp;

The mayor also put forward Propositions C, E and F on the March ballot to reform policies on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, respectively. The measures—with almost $1.07 million in combined support, including big chunks from billionaires Chris Larsen and Ron Conway—are designed to shape city policy and can’t mention Breed’s reelection campaign. In reality, though, they should be seen as vehicles to solidify the mayor’s messaging ahead of November, potentially giving her momentum if at least two out of three propositions pass.&nbsp;

“Her March ballot measures will deliver even more change and progress, giving police the tools they need, bringing accountability to those who are doing lethal drugs, and creating a thriving new neighborhood Downtown,” said Maggie Muir, the mayor’s campaign manager.

“Her March ballot measures will deliver even more change and progress, giving police the tools they need, bringing accountability to those who are doing lethal drugs, and creating a thriving new neighborhood Downtown,” said Maggie Muir, the mayor’s campaign manager.

But even when accounting for all of these different Breed-aligned committees, the mayor is still being outraised almost three to one by Lurie-aligned groups.

But even when accounting for all of these different Breed-aligned committees, the mayor is still being outraised almost three to one by Lurie-aligned groups.

Lurie’s mayoral campaign, an independent committee backing his run for mayor and a pro-Prop. E committee he formed to reframe the measure as an indictment of Breed’s leadership have combined to raise $4.46 million, according to the most recently available campaign filings with the Ethics Commission.&nbsp;

Lurie’s mayoral campaign, an independent committee backing his run for mayor and a pro-Prop. E committee he formed to reframe the measure as an indictment of Breed’s leadership have combined to raise $4.46 million, according to the most recently available campaign filings with the Ethics Commission.&nbsp;

“That’s an impressive amount of money,” said Larry Gerston, professor emeritus for San Jose State University’s political science department and a political analyst for NBC Bay Area. “Clearly, people are not happy with the mayor.”

“That’s an impressive amount of money,” said Larry Gerston, professor emeritus for San Jose State University’s political science department and a political analyst for NBC Bay Area. “Clearly, people are not happy with the mayor.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayor-s-challengers-tap-into-big-money">Mayor’s Challengers Tap Into Big Money</h2>

A huge chunk of the pro-Lurie money is coming directly from his own family. His mother, Mimi Haas—the widow of Peter Haas, who was the great-grandnephew of Levi Strauss—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">gave $1 million</a> to a group called “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024.”&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s mother spends $1 million to help him win San Francisco mayor’s race

A huge chunk of the pro-Lurie money is coming directly from his own family. His mother, Mimi Haas—the widow of Peter Haas, who was the great-grandnephew of Levi Strauss—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">gave $1 million</a> to a group called “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, his brother Ari Lurie has given $350,000 across two committees, and a mix of San Francisco bluebloods and new money venture capitalists are cutting massive checks in support of Lurie’s bid for mayor.

Meanwhile, his brother Ari Lurie has given $350,000 across two committees, and a mix of San Francisco bluebloods and new money venture capitalists are cutting massive checks in support of Lurie’s bid for mayor.

Daniel Lurie files paperwork officially announcing his candidacy for mayor with the Department of Elections at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Lurie, is challenging Mayor London Breed for the position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LurieForMayor09262023__0040.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie smiles." class="wp-image-204612"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is getting strong financial support from family and friends in his run for mayor of San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LurieForMayor09262023__0040.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie smiles." class="wp-image-204612"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is getting strong financial support from family and friends in his run for mayor of San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Trishala Vinnakota, Lurie’s campaign manager, issued a statement saying that his coalition of support comes from him being “the only candidate running to replace City Hall insiders with new ideas and accountable leadership.”

Trishala Vinnakota, Lurie’s campaign manager, issued a statement saying that his coalition of support comes from him being “the only candidate running to replace City Hall insiders with new ideas and accountable leadership.”

Campaign records show Lurie will likely have the loudest voice when it’s all said and done on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">Prop. E</a>, which would increase police surveillance tools and place restrictions on how the Police Commission passes new policies. His committee has already raised $660,000 in support of the measure, which was roughly $35,000 more than the mayor’s committee as of Sunday.&nbsp;

This San Francisco ballot measure would boost police surveillance. It&#8217;s raised $1M

Campaign records show Lurie will likely have the loudest voice when it’s all said and done on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">Prop. E</a>, which would increase police surveillance tools and place restrictions on how the Police Commission passes new policies. His committee has already raised $660,000 in support of the measure, which was roughly $35,000 more than the mayor’s committee as of Sunday.&nbsp;

A closer look at Lurie’s pro-Prop. E committee filings shows that his committee reported $805,000 in outstanding debts, which means his committee still expects to pick up at least another $145,000 in contributions to break even. That certainly won’t be hard if Lurie keeps getting six-figure contributions like the $100,000 he received from venture capitalist Nellie Levchin on Jan. 22.&nbsp;

A closer look at Lurie’s pro-Prop. E committee filings shows that his committee reported $805,000 in outstanding debts, which means his committee still expects to pick up at least another $145,000 in contributions to break even. That certainly won’t be hard if Lurie keeps getting six-figure contributions like the $100,000 he received from venture capitalist Nellie Levchin on Jan. 22.&nbsp;

Prop. E is essentially an avenue for Lurie to increase his name recognition on the road to November, as almost all San Francisco voters are aware of Breed. Whether their opinion of the mayor is favorable is another story.

Prop. E is essentially an avenue for Lurie to increase his name recognition on the road to November, as almost all San Francisco voters are aware of Breed. Whether their opinion of the mayor is favorable is another story.

Gerston cautioned against “automatically equating money and victory,” but he noted that pro-Lurie money could give the mayor fits if the campaign finance trends persist.

Gerston cautioned against “automatically equating money and victory,” but he noted that pro-Lurie money could give the mayor fits if the campaign finance trends persist.

“Presumably, Breed has some capital that goes beyond dollars just by virtue of her incumbency and the network she&#8217;s established,” Gerston said. “Whether that&#8217;s enough to keep a challenger like Lurie from winning, that’s the question.”

“Presumably, Breed has some capital that goes beyond dollars just by virtue of her incumbency and the network she's established,” Gerston said. “Whether that's enough to keep a challenger like Lurie from winning, that’s the question.”

“Presumably, Breed has some capital that goes beyond dollars just by virtue of her incumbency and the network she&#8217;s established,” Gerston said. “Whether that&#8217;s enough to keep a challenger like Lurie from winning, that’s the question.”

Acting San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell speaks at a rally for clean energy in San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018. California stands in "complete opposition" to a Trump administration plan to scrap a policy slashing climate-changing emissions from power plants, its top air official said Wednesday at a U.S. hearing in a state helping lead the fight against global warming.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/featured-mayor-mark-farrell.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mark Farrell speaks at a press conference." class="wp-image-245445"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell, a former San Francisco mayor and supervisor, is expected to join the race in mid-February, which would likely shake up supporters and fundraising.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/featured-mayor-mark-farrell.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mark Farrell speaks at a press conference." class="wp-image-245445"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell, a former San Francisco mayor and supervisor, is expected to join the race in mid-February, which would likely shake up supporters and fundraising.</figcaption></figure>

The expected candidacy of Farrell—a native San Franciscan who also has close ties to many in the investor class—could lead to a splintering of support for Lurie-aligned committees. Officials linked to Farrell’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but his base of supporters is believed to have a fair amount of overlap with Lurie’s. However, the financial reservoirs for potential benefactors are not at risk of running dry.

The expected candidacy of Farrell—a native San Franciscan who also has close ties to many in the investor class—could lead to a splintering of support for Lurie-aligned committees. Officials linked to Farrell’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but his base of supporters is believed to have a fair amount of overlap with Lurie’s. However, the financial reservoirs for potential benefactors are not at risk of running dry.

It’s possible that voters could sour on the staggering amount of money going into the mayor’s race, which is where San Francisco’s public financing program for campaigns could come into play.

It’s possible that voters could sour on the staggering amount of money going into the mayor’s race, which is where San Francisco’s public financing program for campaigns could come into play.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-huge-bill-for-taxpayers">A Huge Bill for Taxpayers?</h2>

Safaí, the District 11 supervisor who represents the Excelsior and other neighborhoods on the south side of the city, raised more than $333,000 last year, and no outside committee supporting his run for mayor currently exists. However, he expects to hit the threshold to unlock <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">public matching funds</a>, which can climb as high as $1.2 million for mayoral candidates.

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

Safaí, the District 11 supervisor who represents the Excelsior and other neighborhoods on the south side of the city, raised more than $333,000 last year, and no outside committee supporting his run for mayor currently exists. However, he expects to hit the threshold to unlock <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">public matching funds</a>, which can climb as high as $1.2 million for mayoral candidates.

District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai during the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday July 11, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1SupervisorsChambersPhotos07062023-23.jpg?w=2350" alt="A man in a suit sits attentively, hands folded, in a chamber with ornate wood paneling." class="wp-image-185328"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí does not expect to have major financial support outside of his own campaign for mayor, which will likely receive public matching funds.</figcaption></figure>

“Ahsha doesn’t have any billionaires bankrolling his campaign like Mayor Breed or Daniel Lurie, and over a quarter of his contributions are $100 or less,” said Derek Jansen, Safaí’s campaign manager. “The strength of our grassroots fundraising underscores the city’s desire for change, while affirming that regular, working people trust Ahsha to deliver for them. People will decide this election, not money.”

“Ahsha doesn’t have any billionaires bankrolling his campaign like Mayor Breed or Daniel Lurie, and over a quarter of his contributions are $100 or less,” said Derek Jansen, Safaí’s campaign manager. “The strength of our grassroots fundraising underscores the city’s desire for change, while affirming that regular, working people trust Ahsha to deliver for them. People will decide this election, not money.”

It’s likely that all of the major candidates for mayor will hit the necessary fundraising thresholds to accept public matching funds, putting city taxpayers on the hook for $4.8 million in spending across just four candidates—and perhaps even $6 million if someone like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Supervisor Aaron Peskin</a> were to join the fray. Meanwhile, outside committees seem certain to raise the race’s price tag to unprecedented levels.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin says people want him to run for mayor

It’s likely that all of the major candidates for mayor will hit the necessary fundraising thresholds to accept public matching funds, putting city taxpayers on the hook for $4.8 million in spending across just four candidates—and perhaps even $6 million if someone like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Supervisor Aaron Peskin</a> were to join the fray. Meanwhile, outside committees seem certain to raise the race’s price tag to unprecedented levels.&nbsp;

There are some things money can’t buy. Time will tell if the San Francisco Mayor’s Office is one of them.

There are some things money can’t buy. Time will tell if the San Francisco Mayor’s Office is one of them.

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

Michael Barba

San Francisco police have quietly begun using real-time camera footage to arrest suspected fentanyl dealers, records obtained by The Standard show.

San Francisco police have quietly begun using real-time camera footage to arrest suspected fentanyl dealers, records obtained by The Standard show.

Police brass gave officers permission to use privately owned security cameras to monitor the public on four different occasions since City Hall greenlit the new surveillance program in a contentious decision late last year, according to police records obtained through a public records request.

Police brass gave officers permission to use privately owned security cameras to monitor the public on four different occasions since City Hall greenlit the new surveillance program in a contentious decision late last year, according to police records obtained through a public records request.

Officers used real-time camera monitoring to investigate fentanyl dealing and stolen goods fencing, the records show. Two of the operations targeted fentanyl dealers in the South of Market neighborhood, resulting in a pair of narcotics arrests as well as felony charges filed by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

Officers used real-time camera monitoring to investigate fentanyl dealing and stolen goods fencing, the records show. Two of the operations targeted fentanyl dealers in the South of Market neighborhood, resulting in a pair of narcotics arrests as well as felony charges filed by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

A narcotics lieutenant who sought permission to live-monitor the cameras wrote in his requests to higher-ups that SFPD needed the tool to “stem the tide of fentanyl fatalities” and “address the plague known as fentanyl.”

A narcotics lieutenant who sought permission to live-monitor the cameras wrote in his requests to higher-ups that SFPD needed the tool to “stem the tide of fentanyl fatalities” and “address the plague known as fentanyl.”

“The use of the cameras will assist in investigations that identify and arrest fentanyl dealers, thus stopping the fentanyl emergency crisis,” he wrote.

“The use of the cameras will assist in investigations that identify and arrest fentanyl dealers, thus stopping the fentanyl emergency crisis,” he wrote.

San Francisco recorded 268 accidental overdose deaths in the first four months of 2023—a 37% increase over the prior year, according to the <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/2023%2005_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most recent preliminary data</a> released by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. Of those deaths, the preliminary data shows that 211 involved fentanyl.

San Francisco recorded 268 accidental overdose deaths in the first four months of 2023—a 37% increase over the prior year, according to the <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/2023%2005_OCME%20Overdose%20Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most recent preliminary data</a> released by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. Of those deaths, the preliminary data shows that 211 involved fentanyl.

The records obtained by The Standard offer a first look at how SFPD will actually use its newfound live surveillance powers following a heated battle at City Hall over the extent to which police should be allowed to watch security cameras in real time to monitor public streets in San Francisco.

The records obtained by The Standard offer a first look at how SFPD will actually use its newfound live surveillance powers following a heated battle at City Hall over the extent to which police should be allowed to watch security cameras in real time to monitor public streets in San Francisco.

The debate pitted those concerned about government overreach and mass surveillance against proponents who saw the potential benefits of live monitoring for everything from combating stunt-driving sideshows to responding to mass shootings.

The debate pitted those concerned about government overreach and mass surveillance against proponents who saw the potential benefits of live monitoring for everything from combating stunt-driving sideshows to responding to mass shootings.

Police Commissioner Kevin Benedicto, who has expressed trepidation about expanding police surveillance, said he was open to creative solutions for stemming the fentanyl crisis but uncertain how live-monitoring will help.

Police Commissioner Kevin Benedicto, who has expressed trepidation about expanding police surveillance, said he was open to creative solutions for stemming the fentanyl crisis but uncertain how live-monitoring will help.

“I think it’s too early to tell what role this will play in addressing the fentanyl crisis,” Benedicto told The Standard on Wednesday. “It’s not something we can purely police our way out of.”

“I think it’s too early to tell what role this will play in addressing the fentanyl crisis,” Benedicto told The Standard on Wednesday. “It’s not something we can purely police our way out of.”

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) patrol United Nations (UN) Plaza in San Francisco on Monday, December 5, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED1_SFPDFentanylSurveillance051523.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160451"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police patrol U.N. Plaza in San Francisco. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

While the department has used cameras to live-monitor the public in the past, including to watch the San Francisco Pride Parade and other large-scale events, its surveillance practices <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/judge-sides-with-sfpd-in-lawsuit-alleging-cops-spied-on-george-floyd-protesters/">drew a lawsuit from civil liberties groups</a>.

While the department has used cameras to live-monitor the public in the past, including to watch the San Francisco Pride Parade and other large-scale events, its surveillance practices <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/judge-sides-with-sfpd-in-lawsuit-alleging-cops-spied-on-george-floyd-protesters/">drew a lawsuit from civil liberties groups</a>.

Those legal troubles led the department to formally seek approval from the Board of Supervisors to use live-monitoring during criminal investigations or life-threatening emergencies and to deploy officers during big events.

Those legal troubles led the department to formally seek approval from the Board of Supervisors to use live-monitoring during criminal investigations or life-threatening emergencies and to deploy officers during big events.

SFPD won early support for the new tool from Mayor London Breed, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/breed-backs-more-cops-more-surveillance-as-public-safety-concerns-reach-fever-pitch/">pushed for live surveillance and hiring more police</a> in a nationally watched speech calling for an end to all the “bullshit” on the streets.

SFPD won early support for the new tool from Mayor London Breed, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/breed-backs-more-cops-more-surveillance-as-public-safety-concerns-reach-fever-pitch/">pushed for live surveillance and hiring more police</a> in a nationally watched speech calling for an end to all the “bullshit” on the streets.

The department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/new-police-spying-rules-pass-but-not-without-a-fight-supes-roundup/">ultimately got the go-ahead</a> for a 15-month pilot program last October with a 7-4 vote from the Board of Supervisors.

The department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/new-police-spying-rules-pass-but-not-without-a-fight-supes-roundup/">ultimately got the go-ahead</a> for a 15-month pilot program last October with a 7-4 vote from the Board of Supervisors.

While police can now live-monitor any security camera with permission from the owner and for the approved reasons, SFPD is expected to lean heavily on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/how-sf-is-about-to-take-police-surveillance-to-the-next-level/">the growing networks of security cameras set up in commercial districts around the city</a> with funding from crypto executive Chris Larsen.

While police can now live-monitor any security camera with permission from the owner and for the approved reasons, SFPD is expected to lean heavily on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/how-sf-is-about-to-take-police-surveillance-to-the-next-level/">the growing networks of security cameras set up in commercial districts around the city</a> with funding from crypto executive Chris Larsen.

It’s unclear who owned the cameras used by SFPD thus far.

It’s unclear who owned the cameras used by SFPD thus far.

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officers patrol the area around the Orpheum Theater is located outside the Civic Center Muni and Bart station in San Francisco on Wednesday, December 15, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED2_SFPDFentanylSurveillance051523.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160454"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officers on patrol in San Francisco. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

SFPD used live surveillance for the first time under the new rules on April 19, when a sergeant monitored camera footage “intermittently” from 12:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., according to the newly released records.

SFPD used live surveillance for the first time under the new rules on April 19, when a sergeant monitored camera footage “intermittently” from 12:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., according to the newly released records.

The sergeant live monitored an undisclosed area to address “citizen complaints of fencing of stolen property,” the records show.

The sergeant live monitored an undisclosed area to address “citizen complaints of fencing of stolen property,” the records show.

The operation did not result in an arrest.

The operation did not result in an arrest.

The following week, on April 24, a narcotics lieutenant asked for permission to conduct the first of three live monitoring operations into fentanyl dealing.

The following week, on April 24, a narcotics lieutenant asked for permission to conduct the first of three live monitoring operations into fentanyl dealing.

The investigation resulted in an arrest and the seizure of 30 grams of methamphetamine, 90 grams of fentanyl and 11 grams of heroin. An officer and sergeant watched live footage for an hour and five minutes.&nbsp;

The investigation resulted in an arrest and the seizure of 30 grams of methamphetamine, 90 grams of fentanyl and 11 grams of heroin. An officer and sergeant watched live footage for an hour and five minutes.&nbsp;

A 27-year-old man was booked and charged with three drug-dealing-related felonies, court records show.

A 27-year-old man was booked and charged with three drug-dealing-related felonies, court records show.

A police spokesperson said officers saw him “make several transactions of possible narcotics sales with other people” in public near Seventh and Mission streets—an area known for drug dealing.

A police spokesperson said officers saw him “make several transactions of possible narcotics sales with other people” in public near Seventh and Mission streets—an area known for drug dealing.

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The second live-monitoring investigation into fentanyl dealing happened on April 28, when records show that an officer and sergeant watched camera footage for 40 minutes and made an arrest. They seized 30 grams of fentanyl, 10 grams of methamphetamine and four grams of cocaine base.

The second live-monitoring investigation into fentanyl dealing happened on April 28, when records show that an officer and sergeant watched camera footage for 40 minutes and made an arrest. They seized 30 grams of fentanyl, 10 grams of methamphetamine and four grams of cocaine base.

Officers arrested a 23-year-old woman from San Francisco after they saw her make “several transactions with other people” in public, according to the police spokesperson.

Officers arrested a 23-year-old woman from San Francisco after they saw her make “several transactions with other people” in public, according to the police spokesperson.

Prosecutors have since filed felony drug-dealing charges against the woman, who was out on bail on another narcotics case from a month earlier when police arrested her, court records show.

Prosecutors have since filed felony drug-dealing charges against the woman, who was out on bail on another narcotics case from a month earlier when police arrested her, court records show.

The most recent time police brass gave officers permission to use live surveillance was for a fentanyl dealing investigation on May 5, although it’s unclear from the police records whether the real-time monitoring occurred.

The most recent time police brass gave officers permission to use live surveillance was for a fentanyl dealing investigation on May 5, although it’s unclear from the police records whether the real-time monitoring occurred.

At the Police Commission last week, Police Chief Bill Scott acknowledged that the department had started using live monitoring to make arrests.

At the Police Commission last week, Police Chief Bill Scott acknowledged that the department had started using live monitoring to make arrests.

“This hasn’t really taken off yet in volume,” Scott said. “But we’ve been thoughtful in what we are doing.”

“This hasn’t really taken off yet in volume,” Scott said. “But we’ve been thoughtful in what we are doing.”

Sf police now watch private cameras in real time to arrest suspected fentanyl dealers

Hope Williams

Nathan Sheard

Nestor Reyes

The authors are community activists who helped organize and participated in protests against police violence in San Francisco after the murder of George Floyd. A hearing in their lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department over surveillance of Union Square protests (see photo), originally scheduled for Friday, has been postponed until Jan. 21. This Perspective follows<a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/"> last week’s piece from Chris Larsen</a> supporting surveillance cameras and criticizing that lawsuit.

The authors are community activists who helped organize and participated in protests against police violence in San Francisco after the murder of George Floyd. A hearing in their lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department over surveillance of Union Square protests (see photo), originally scheduled for Friday, has been postponed until Jan. 21. This Perspective follows<a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/"> last week’s piece from Chris Larsen</a> supporting surveillance cameras and criticizing that lawsuit.

A year and a half ago, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">illegally spied on us</a> and thousands of other Bay Area residents as we marched against racist police violence and the murder of George Floyd. Aided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU of Northern California, we have <a href="https://www.eff.org/cases/williams-v-san-francisco">taken the SFPD to court</a>.

A year and a half ago, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">illegally spied on us</a> and thousands of other Bay Area residents as we marched against racist police violence and the murder of George Floyd. Aided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU of Northern California, we have <a href="https://www.eff.org/cases/williams-v-san-francisco">taken the SFPD to court</a>.

Our lawsuit defends our right to organize protests against police violence without fear of illegal police surveillance. After the police murdered George Floyd, we coordinated mass actions and legal support and spent our days leading the community in chants, marches and protests demanding an end to policing systems that stalk and kill Black and Brown people with impunity.

Our lawsuit defends our right to organize protests against police violence without fear of illegal police surveillance. After the police murdered George Floyd, we coordinated mass actions and legal support and spent our days leading the community in chants, marches and protests demanding an end to policing systems that stalk and kill Black and Brown people with impunity.

Our voice is more important than ever as the mayor and Chris Larsen, the billionaire tech executive funding camera networks across San Francisco, push a false narrative about our lawsuit and the law that the SFPD violated.&nbsp;

Our voice is more important than ever as the mayor and Chris Larsen, the billionaire tech executive funding camera networks across San Francisco, push a false narrative about our lawsuit and the law that the SFPD violated.&nbsp;

In 2019, the city passed a <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-47320">landmark ordinance</a> that bans the SFPD and other city agencies from using facial recognition and requires them to get approval from the Board of Supervisors for other surveillance technologies. This transparent process sets up guardrails, allows for public input and empowers communities to say “no” to more police surveillance on our streets.&nbsp;

In 2019, the city passed a <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_admin/0-0-0-47320">landmark ordinance</a> that bans the SFPD and other city agencies from using facial recognition and requires them to get approval from the Board of Supervisors for other surveillance technologies. This transparent process sets up guardrails, allows for public input and empowers communities to say “no” to more police surveillance on our streets.&nbsp;

But the police refuse to play by the rules. EFF <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">uncovered documents</a> showing that the SFPD violated the 2019 law and illegally tapped into a network of more than 300 video cameras in the Union Square area to surveil us and our fellow protesters. Additional documents and testimony in our case revealed that an SFPD officer <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/09/eff-court-stop-sfpd-spying-protestors-black-lives">repeatedly viewed the live camera feed</a>, which directly contradicts the SFPD’s prior statements to the public and the city’s Board of Supervisors that <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7223143-Response-Letter-to-Sup-Peskin-Re-SFPD-Use-of.html">“the feed was not monitored.”</a>

But the police refuse to play by the rules. EFF <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/san-francisco-police-accessed-business-district-camera-network-spy-protestors">uncovered documents</a> showing that the SFPD violated the 2019 law and illegally tapped into a network of more than 300 video cameras in the Union Square area to surveil us and our fellow protesters. Additional documents and testimony in our case revealed that an SFPD officer <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/09/eff-court-stop-sfpd-spying-protestors-black-lives">repeatedly viewed the live camera feed</a>, which directly contradicts the SFPD’s prior statements to the public and the city’s Board of Supervisors that <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7223143-Response-Letter-to-Sup-Peskin-Re-SFPD-Use-of.html">“the feed was not monitored.”</a>

Larsen has also backpedaled. Referencing the network, he previously claimed that <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/anti-racism-police-protest/2020/10/sf-tech-moguls-funded-the-cameras-cops-used-them-to-spy-on-protesters/">“the police can’t monitor it live.”</a> Now, Larsen is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/">advocating for live surveillance</a> and criticizing us for defending our right under city law to be free from unfettered police spying. He even suggests that we are to blame for <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics-op-eds/article/San-Francisco-retail-theft-Chesa-Boudin-crime-16716651.php">recent high-profile retail thefts</a> at San Francisco’s luxury stores.&nbsp;

Larsen has also backpedaled. Referencing the network, he previously claimed that <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/anti-racism-police-protest/2020/10/sf-tech-moguls-funded-the-cameras-cops-used-them-to-spy-on-protesters/">“the police can’t monitor it live.”</a> Now, Larsen is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/perspectives/perspective-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-are-both-crucial-to-fixing-san-francisco/">advocating for live surveillance</a> and criticizing us for defending our right under city law to be free from unfettered police spying. He even suggests that we are to blame for <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics-op-eds/article/San-Francisco-retail-theft-Chesa-Boudin-crime-16716651.php">recent high-profile retail thefts</a> at San Francisco’s luxury stores.&nbsp;

As Black and Latinx activists, we are outraged—but not surprised—by rich and powerful people supporting illegal police surveillance. They are not the ones targeted by the police and won’t pay the price if the city rolls back hard-won civil rights protections.&nbsp;

As Black and Latinx activists, we are outraged—but not surprised—by rich and powerful people supporting illegal police surveillance. They are not the ones targeted by the police and won’t pay the price if the city rolls back hard-won civil rights protections.&nbsp;

Secret surveillance will not protect the public. What will actually make us safer is to shift funding away from the police and toward housing, healthcare, violence interruption programs and other services necessary for <a href="https://www.oaklandrising.org/sf-chronicle-no-oakland-didnt-defund-the-police-op-ed-by-cat-brooks/">racial justice in the Bay Area</a>. Strong and well-resourced communities are far more likely to be safe than they would be with ever-increasing surveillance.

Secret surveillance will not protect the public. What will actually make us safer is to shift funding away from the police and toward housing, healthcare, violence interruption programs and other services necessary for <a href="https://www.oaklandrising.org/sf-chronicle-no-oakland-didnt-defund-the-police-op-ed-by-cat-brooks/">racial justice in the Bay Area</a>. Strong and well-resourced communities are far more likely to be safe than they would be with ever-increasing surveillance.

As members of communities that are already overpoliced and underserved we know&nbsp;that surveillance is a trigger that <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/location-tracking/san-francisco-woman-pulled-out-car-gunpoint-because">sets our most violent and unjust systems in motion</a>. Before the police kill a Black person, deport an immigrant, or imprison a young adult for a crime driven by poverty, chances are the police surveilled them first.

As members of communities that are already overpoliced and underserved we know&nbsp;that surveillance is a trigger that <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/location-tracking/san-francisco-woman-pulled-out-car-gunpoint-because">sets our most violent and unjust systems in motion</a>. Before the police kill a Black person, deport an immigrant, or imprison a young adult for a crime driven by poverty, chances are the police surveilled them first.

That is why we support democratic control over police spying and oppose the surveillance infrastructure that Larsen is building in our communities. We joined organizations like the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club in a <a href="https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_news/305767">successful campaign</a> against Larsen’s plan to fund more than 125 cameras in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. And we made the decision to join forces with the EFF and the ACLU to defend our rights in court after we found out the SFPD spied on us and our movement.

That is why we support democratic control over police spying and oppose the surveillance infrastructure that Larsen is building in our communities. We joined organizations like the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club in a <a href="https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_news/305767">successful campaign</a> against Larsen’s plan to fund more than 125 cameras in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. And we made the decision to join forces with the EFF and the ACLU to defend our rights in court after we found out the SFPD spied on us and our movement.

Tomorrow, we will be in court to put a stop to the SFPD’s illegal spying and evasion of democratic oversight. We won’t let the police or their rich and powerful supporters intimidate activists into silence or undermine our social movements.

Tomorrow, we will be in court to put a stop to the SFPD’s illegal spying and evasion of democratic oversight. We won’t let the police or their rich and powerful supporters intimidate activists into silence or undermine our social movements.

San Francisco police illegally used surveillance cameras at the George Floyd protests. The courts must stop them

Opinion: San Francisco police illegally used surveillance cameras at the George Floyd protests. The courts must stop them

Stunt drivers burning rubber in the dead of night as throngs of onlookers stand dangerously close. An 84-year-old Thai grandfather forcefully pushed to his death while enjoying a morning walk. A group of teens beating a 70-year-old Asian woman in the lobby of her apartment building.&nbsp;

Stunt drivers burning rubber in the dead of night as throngs of onlookers stand dangerously close. An 84-year-old Thai grandfather forcefully pushed to his death while enjoying a morning walk. A group of teens beating a 70-year-old Asian woman in the lobby of her apartment building.&nbsp;

San Francisco police are citing such attention-grabbing crimes as reasons why City Hall should boost law enforcement access to privately owned surveillance cameras popping up around town.

San Francisco police are citing such attention-grabbing crimes as reasons why City Hall should boost law enforcement access to privately owned surveillance cameras popping up around town.

But lost in the conversation so far, with a consequential vote on the proposal looming at the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, is the growing size of the camera networks that SFPD wants to access in real time—and the willingness of their owners to let police use them.

But lost in the conversation so far, with a consequential vote on the proposal looming at the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, is the growing size of the camera networks that SFPD wants to access in real time—and the willingness of their owners to let police use them.

New reporting by The Standard shows how the plan could unlock hundreds of cameras for live monitoring by SFPD. The cameras are run by five local property owner groups, known as community benefit districts or CBDs, and largely funded by one person: cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen.

New reporting by The Standard shows how the plan could unlock hundreds of cameras for live monitoring by SFPD. The cameras are run by five local property owner groups, known as community benefit districts or CBDs, and largely funded by one person: cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen.

The business districts operate close to 1,000 cameras, depending on how they’re counted. Some of the high-tech cameras include multiple sensors within a single dome that each provide a different view.

The business districts operate close to 1,000 cameras, depending on how they’re counted. Some of the high-tech cameras include multiple sensors within a single dome that each provide a different view.

Police already access footage from these cameras to help solve crimes after they occur, but are not typically allowed to view the footage in real time.

Police already access footage from these cameras to help solve crimes after they occur, but are not typically allowed to view the footage in real time.

The proposal would let police live monitor these video feeds <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11246033&amp;GUID=045FD4E1-FC1E-4009-8829-871342E68EB9">for three reasons</a>: during a life-threatening emergency, to redeploy officers during a mass event and during a criminal investigation with written approval from a captain.

The proposal would let police live monitor these video feeds <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11246033&amp;GUID=045FD4E1-FC1E-4009-8829-871342E68EB9">for three reasons</a>: during a life-threatening emergency, to redeploy officers during a mass event and during a criminal investigation with written approval from a captain.

All police would need is the camera owner’s consent.

All police would need is the camera owner’s consent.

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

Sf police now watch private cameras in real time to arrest suspected fentanyl dealers

Opinion: San Francisco police illegally used surveillance cameras at the George Floyd protests. The courts must stop them

How SF is about to take police surveillance to the ‘next level’

Supervisors preview: Translation for crime victims, watching CBDs and a tall order for sanitation commissioners

Search Results for: chris larsen

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

Sf police now watch private cameras in real time to arrest suspected fentanyl dealers

Opinion: San Francisco police illegally used surveillance cameras at the George Floyd protests. The courts must stop them

How SF is about to take police surveillance to the ‘next level’

Supervisors preview: Translation for crime victims, watching CBDs and a tall order for sanitation commissioners