Rachel Scheier

From blues clubs in Bayview Hunters-Point to the dim sum joints of Clement Street, San Francisco’s small merchants are getting $2 million in grants to “help fight the city’s retail challenges.”&nbsp;

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From blues clubs in Bayview Hunters-Point to the dim sum joints of Clement Street, San Francisco’s small merchants are getting $2 million in grants to “help fight the city’s retail challenges.”&nbsp;

The grants to 50 neighborhood and small business groups across the city come from tech billionaire Chris Larsen, who two years ago gave $1.7 million in pandemic recovery aid to neighborhood groups through his nonprofit, Avenue Greenlight.&nbsp;

The grants to 50 neighborhood and small business groups across the city come from tech billionaire Chris Larsen, who two years ago gave $1.7 million in pandemic recovery aid to neighborhood groups through his nonprofit, Avenue Greenlight.&nbsp;

The money aims to boost neighborhood businesses that have struggled to stay afloat since 2020 as remote work and petty crime have triggered a string of retail shutdowns. While conditions have improved in the city since the first two years of the pandemic, when more businesses closed than opened, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-businesses-are-coming-back-to-life-at-least-in-some-neighborhoods/">some areas</a> are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">still hurting</a>, <a href="http://www.bayareaeconomy.org/bay-watch-business-openings-and-closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particularly Downtown</a>.&nbsp;

The money aims to boost neighborhood businesses that have struggled to stay afloat since 2020 as remote work and petty crime have triggered a string of retail shutdowns. While conditions have improved in the city since the first two years of the pandemic, when more businesses closed than opened, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-businesses-are-coming-back-to-life-at-least-in-some-neighborhoods/">some areas</a> are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">still hurting</a>, <a href="http://www.bayareaeconomy.org/bay-watch-business-openings-and-closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particularly Downtown</a>.&nbsp;

Larsen, a San Francisco native, said he believes that giving to local groups is the most efficient way to help the city recover.

Larsen, a San Francisco native, said he believes that giving to local groups is the most efficient way to help the city recover.

“This is an incredibly diverse city—and these groups know their neighborhoods and what they need, and they can make a buck go a long way,” Larsen said.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly diverse city—and these groups know their neighborhoods and what they need, and they can make a buck go a long way,” Larsen said.&nbsp;

The Pride Flag flies over Castro Street Fair attendees. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CastroStreetFair-07-square.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-151452"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pride Flag flies over Castro Street Fair attendees. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CastroStreetFair-07-square.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-151452"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pride Flag flies over Castro Street Fair attendees. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Some of the money will seek to beautify Downtown blocks that have been hit particularly hard by dwindling foot traffic and mounting concerns about car break-ins and open-air drug sales. A group of residents and local businesses called the Friends of Jessie Street plans to install streetlights on a dead-end alley in SoMa, and similar improvements are planned to improve safety for commuters, operagoers, tourists and residents around Jackson Square on Grove Street near the Civic Center.&nbsp;

Some of the money will seek to beautify Downtown blocks that have been hit particularly hard by dwindling foot traffic and mounting concerns about car break-ins and open-air drug sales. A group of residents and local businesses called the Friends of Jessie Street plans to install streetlights on a dead-end alley in SoMa, and similar improvements are planned to improve safety for commuters, operagoers, tourists and residents around Jackson Square on Grove Street near the Civic Center.&nbsp;

The grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 will also go to fund community events such as outdoor movie nights in Bernal Heights, art walks in the Castro, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and car-free Halloween trick-or-treating along the Great Highway.&nbsp;

The grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 will also go to fund community events such as outdoor movie nights in Bernal Heights, art walks in the Castro, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and car-free Halloween trick-or-treating along the Great Highway.&nbsp;

Larsen, who lives with his family in Russian Hill, is the co-founder of the payments firm Ripple as well as E-Loan, the first online mortgage lender. He founded Avenue Greenlight in 2021 to support local businesses hurting during the pandemic. Mom-and-pop shops that saw their customers evaporate overnight after the shutdown also had to cope with rampant vandalism and petty theft.&nbsp;

Larsen, who lives with his family in Russian Hill, is the co-founder of the payments firm Ripple as well as E-Loan, the first online mortgage lender. He founded Avenue Greenlight in 2021 to support local businesses hurting during the pandemic. Mom-and-pop shops that saw their customers evaporate overnight after the shutdown also had to cope with rampant vandalism and petty theft.&nbsp;

Avenue Greenlight gave San Francisco’s 34 merchant associations $50,000 each to improve public safety, beautify streets and finance events like concerts and block parties. A group in the Castro District used the money to replace the neighborhood’s iconic rainbow flag, while another grant paid for a new crab sign in Fisherman’s Wharf.&nbsp;

Avenue Greenlight gave San Francisco’s 34 merchant associations $50,000 each to improve public safety, beautify streets and finance events like concerts and block parties. A group in the Castro District used the money to replace the neighborhood’s iconic rainbow flag, while another grant paid for a new crab sign in Fisherman’s Wharf.&nbsp;

Larsen hopes the latest round of grants will push other members of the city’s business and tech community to fund neighborhood concerns.&nbsp;

Larsen hopes the latest round of grants will push other members of the city’s business and tech community to fund neighborhood concerns.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to get the message out there that this really works,” he said.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to get the message out there that this really works,” he said.&nbsp;

Crypto boss gives $2M to light up, activate San Francisco neighborhoods

Gabe Greschler

A bill introduced Monday could see San Francisco welfare recipients being paid if they steer clear of illicit substances.

A bill introduced Monday could see San Francisco welfare recipients being paid if they steer clear of illicit substances.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey proposed the “Cash Not Drugs” pilot program Monday as a compliment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a>, a ballot measure from March that requires drug screening and treatment for welfare recipients if they are to continue receiving monetary assistance.

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

Supervisor Matt Dorsey proposed the “Cash Not Drugs” pilot program Monday as a compliment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a>, a ballot measure from March that requires drug screening and treatment for welfare recipients if they are to continue receiving monetary assistance.

For those who test negative for drugs, Dorsey’s plan would provide an extra $400 a month. Recipients who will be affected by Proposition F — single adults without children — currently receive $712 per month through the County Adult Assistance Program. Under Dorsey’s bill, those people would now receive up to $1,112 when they test negative for drug use. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the pilot would go into effect for three years, with its effectiveness overseen by an independent academic researcher.&nbsp;

For those who test negative for drugs, Dorsey’s plan would provide an extra $400 a month. Recipients who will be affected by Proposition F — single adults without children — currently receive $712 per month through the County Adult Assistance Program. Under Dorsey’s bill, those people would now receive up to $1,112 when they test negative for drug use. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the pilot would go into effect for three years, with its effectiveness overseen by an independent academic researcher.&nbsp;

“This is more carrot than stick,” said Dorsey, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">who himself is a recovering drug user</a>. “It’s a pretty promising approach.”&nbsp;

Recovering addict Matt Dorsey sells SF on how to solve its drug crisis

“This is more carrot than stick,” said Dorsey, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">who himself is a recovering drug user</a>. “It’s a pretty promising approach.”&nbsp;

Dorsey’s program has the backing of Mayor London Breed, who placed Prop. F on the ballot.&nbsp;

Dorsey’s program has the backing of Mayor London Breed, who placed Prop. F on the ballot.&nbsp;

A woman who did not want to use her name injects fentanyl into her arm on a curb in the Tenderloin District on Monday, July 4, 2022. Fentanyl and other opioids are common the Tenderloin neighborhood. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey&#8217;s program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey's program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey&#8217;s program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor’s ballot measure — which will go into effect Jan. 1 — passed by a hefty margin this spring, with 58% of voters in support.&nbsp;

The mayor’s ballot measure — which will go into effect Jan. 1 — passed by a hefty margin this spring, with 58% of voters in support.&nbsp;

The bill saw a deluge of cash to help it pass, with its advocates raising more than half a million dollars, including from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">such as Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>. Those opposed to the measure, who argued it would take away vital assistance from the city’s most vulnerable, raised around $37,000.&nbsp;

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

The bill saw a deluge of cash to help it pass, with its advocates raising more than half a million dollars, including from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">such as Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>. Those opposed to the measure, who argued it would take away vital assistance from the city’s most vulnerable, raised around $37,000.&nbsp;

The bill’s passage comes amid skepticism over the city’s plan to combat the drug-related overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans over the last five years. Some leaders, including the mayor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">have taken a swing at more progressive drug treatment strategies</a>, including “harm reduction,” an approach that tries to lessen the adverse effects of drug usage through needle exchanges or safe consumption sites.

Breed blames harm reduction strategy for surging drug overdose deaths

The bill’s passage comes amid skepticism over the city’s plan to combat the drug-related overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans over the last five years. Some leaders, including the mayor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">have taken a swing at more progressive drug treatment strategies</a>, including “harm reduction,” an approach that tries to lessen the adverse effects of drug usage through needle exchanges or safe consumption sites.

The plan Dorsey announced Monday is part of a drug treatment strategy known as “contingency management,” which rewards individuals for positive behavior as a reinforcement mechanism. The San Francisco Department of Public Health oversees several similar programs on a small scale. Dorsey said the costs of the program could be reimbursable through Medi-Cal.

The plan Dorsey announced Monday is part of a drug treatment strategy known as “contingency management,” which rewards individuals for positive behavior as a reinforcement mechanism. The San Francisco Department of Public Health oversees several similar programs on a small scale. Dorsey said the costs of the program could be reimbursable through Medi-Cal.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said there is evidence that the contingency management approach can make an impact.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said there is evidence that the contingency management approach can make an impact.

“It has been done all over the country,” Humphreys wrote in a text message. “There are over 150 clinical trials supported by the National Institute of Health that have shown positive effects.”

“It has been done all over the country,” Humphreys wrote in a text message. “There are over 150 clinical trials supported by the National Institute of Health that have shown positive effects.”

The city’s welfare program, known as the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), has about 5,700 recipients. Homeless residents can also receive cash assistance, though they are paid a reduced rate of $109 a month.

The city’s welfare program, known as the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), has about 5,700 recipients. Homeless residents can also receive cash assistance, though they are paid a reduced rate of $109 a month.

Dorsey told The Standard that the financial impact of his program was not immediately apparent. Dorsey said the payment of $400 a month is not set in stone, and he is instructing the city to experiment with increasing weekly payments tied to successive negative drug tests. He said if the program is successful, he could see it being expanded to more CAAP recipients as a preventative measure rather than merely a treatment strategy. If every person in CAAP succeeded in Dorsey’s plan with the $400 payout, it would equal roughly $27 million in extra costs for the city, though the likely price tag is much smaller.

Dorsey told The Standard that the financial impact of his program was not immediately apparent. Dorsey said the payment of $400 a month is not set in stone, and he is instructing the city to experiment with increasing weekly payments tied to successive negative drug tests. He said if the program is successful, he could see it being expanded to more CAAP recipients as a preventative measure rather than merely a treatment strategy. If every person in CAAP succeeded in Dorsey’s plan with the $400 payout, it would equal roughly $27 million in extra costs for the city, though the likely price tag is much smaller.

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let&#8217;s get it right first.”

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let's get it right first.”

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let&#8217;s get it right first.”

Stay sober, earn cash: New bill gives welfare recipients extra $400 for avoiding drugs 

A joint investigation by the San Francisco City Attorney and Controller&#8217;s Offices has revealed that a nonprofit allegedly defrauded the city in a scheme that involved submitting false invoices, double billing and seeking reimbursements for items like alcohol, cigars and motorcycle rentals amounting to at least $100,000.

A joint investigation by the San Francisco City Attorney and Controller's Offices has revealed that a nonprofit allegedly defrauded the city in a scheme that involved submitting false invoices, double billing and seeking reimbursements for items like alcohol, cigars and motorcycle rentals amounting to at least $100,000.

A joint investigation by the San Francisco City Attorney and Controller&#8217;s Offices has revealed that a nonprofit allegedly defrauded the city in a scheme that involved submitting false invoices, double billing and seeking reimbursements for items like alcohol, cigars and motorcycle rentals amounting to at least $100,000.

The nonprofit J&amp;J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth and is overseen by Drew Jenkins, will be prevented from bidding on and receiving future grants from the city, according to City Attorney David Chiu. The city has also sanctioned the nonprofit&#8217;s Chief Financial Officer Susan Murphy.

The nonprofit J&amp;J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth and is overseen by Drew Jenkins, will be prevented from bidding on and receiving future grants from the city, according to City Attorney David Chiu. The city has also sanctioned the nonprofit's Chief Financial Officer Susan Murphy.

The nonprofit J&amp;J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth and is overseen by Drew Jenkins, will be prevented from bidding on and receiving future grants from the city, according to City Attorney David Chiu. The city has also sanctioned the nonprofit&#8217;s Chief Financial Officer Susan Murphy.

“Drew Jenkins carried out an egregious and intentional scheme to defraud the City and its taxpayers,” said Chiu in a statement on Tuesday morning. “Let this be a warning to all bad actors seeking to take advantage of our public resources. We will find out about your misdeeds, cut off your funding, and hold you accountable. I appreciate the partnership of the Controller’s Office on these matters, and the many City and nonprofit employees who spoke up about the wrongdoing they were seeing.”

“Drew Jenkins carried out an egregious and intentional scheme to defraud the City and its taxpayers,” said Chiu in a statement on Tuesday morning. “Let this be a warning to all bad actors seeking to take advantage of our public resources. We will find out about your misdeeds, cut off your funding, and hold you accountable. I appreciate the partnership of the Controller’s Office on these matters, and the many City and nonprofit employees who spoke up about the wrongdoing they were seeing.”

A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom's Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/screenshot-2024-02-27-at-11-29-09-am.png?w=1220" alt="The image shows part of a reservation document for Rolling Freedom Motorcycles with pickup and dropoff dates, personal details, location info, and a total cost of $3,335.35." class="wp-image-253283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom&#8217;s Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/screenshot-2024-02-27-at-11-29-09-am.png?w=1220" alt="The image shows part of a reservation document for Rolling Freedom Motorcycles with pickup and dropoff dates, personal details, location info, and a total cost of $3,335.35." class="wp-image-253283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom's Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/screenshot-2024-02-27-at-11-29-09-am.png?w=1220" alt="The image shows part of a reservation document for Rolling Freedom Motorcycles with pickup and dropoff dates, personal details, location info, and a total cost of $3,335.35." class="wp-image-253283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom&#8217;s Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.</figcaption></figure>

Jenkins&#8217; nonprofit was established by him and his late mother in 2018, according to the city. Investigators say the scheme began in 2021 and that the organization received grants as either a sole grantee or subcontractor from four different departments: the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Economic Workforce Development.

Jenkins' nonprofit was established by him and his late mother in 2018, according to the city. Investigators say the scheme began in 2021 and that the organization received grants as either a sole grantee or subcontractor from four different departments: the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Economic Workforce Development.

Jenkins&#8217; nonprofit was established by him and his late mother in 2018, according to the city. Investigators say the scheme began in 2021 and that the organization received grants as either a sole grantee or subcontractor from four different departments: the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Economic Workforce Development.

Attempts to reach Jenkins were not immediately successful.

Attempts to reach Jenkins were not immediately successful.

The investigation by the city reveals a web of alleged wrongdoing by Jenkins in his role as a former employee of Mercy Housing, a San Francisco-based affordable housing nonprofit, and Jenkins&#8217; colleague Murphy, who used to work at the nonprofit Family and Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), which provides access to child care.

The investigation by the city reveals a web of alleged wrongdoing by Jenkins in his role as a former employee of Mercy Housing, a San Francisco-based affordable housing nonprofit, and Jenkins' colleague Murphy, who used to work at the nonprofit Family and Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), which provides access to child care.

The investigation by the city reveals a web of alleged wrongdoing by Jenkins in his role as a former employee of Mercy Housing, a San Francisco-based affordable housing nonprofit, and Jenkins&#8217; colleague Murphy, who used to work at the nonprofit Family and Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), which provides access to child care.

In one instance, investigators say Jenkins submitted fake invoices to FACES SF under a Department of Public Health Covid grant, and Murphy subsequently approved them. The city attorney says Jenkins&#8217; organization unlawfully received $81,111 through the health department&#8217;s grant.

In one instance, investigators say Jenkins submitted fake invoices to FACES SF under a Department of Public Health Covid grant, and Murphy subsequently approved them. The city attorney says Jenkins' organization unlawfully received $81,111 through the health department's grant.

In one instance, investigators say Jenkins submitted fake invoices to FACES SF under a Department of Public Health Covid grant, and Murphy subsequently approved them. The city attorney says Jenkins&#8217; organization unlawfully received $81,111 through the health department&#8217;s grant.

In another case, Jenkins reportedly submitted reimbursement for expenses that were specifically excluded as part of a grant through the Human Rights Commission. Investigators say Jenkins sought to get paid back for a bottle of bourbon and cigars from an Atlanta liquor store during a college tour trip. The reimbursements also included motorcycle rentals in Lake Tahoe.

In another case, Jenkins reportedly submitted reimbursement for expenses that were specifically excluded as part of a grant through the Human Rights Commission. Investigators say Jenkins sought to get paid back for a bottle of bourbon and cigars from an Atlanta liquor store during a college tour trip. The reimbursements also included motorcycle rentals in Lake Tahoe.

Chiu&#8217;s action against the nonprofit is an official debarment, which permits the city to block organizations from applying for or receiving grants for five years under circumstances of &#8220;willful misconduct.&#8221; The city attorney has also submitted an order of suspension, which blocks the nonprofit from funding—an action that will be in place until the debarment is resolved.

Chiu's action against the nonprofit is an official debarment, which permits the city to block organizations from applying for or receiving grants for five years under circumstances of "willful misconduct." The city attorney has also submitted an order of suspension, which blocks the nonprofit from funding—an action that will be in place until the debarment is resolved.

Chiu&#8217;s action against the nonprofit is an official debarment, which permits the city to block organizations from applying for or receiving grants for five years under circumstances of &#8220;willful misconduct.&#8221; The city attorney has also submitted an order of suspension, which blocks the nonprofit from funding—an action that will be in place until the debarment is resolved.

“Contractors who willfully disregard regulations are a blight on public service and should not have the same opportunities as those who abide by the rules of fair conduct,” said&nbsp;City Controller Ben Rosenfield in a statement. “For every individual trying to rig the system, there are many more hardworking people doing good work—whose willingness to call out bad actors has been both invaluable, and an indication of government working.”

“Contractors who willfully disregard regulations are a blight on public service and should not have the same opportunities as those who abide by the rules of fair conduct,” said&nbsp;City Controller Ben Rosenfield in a statement. “For every individual trying to rig the system, there are many more hardworking people doing good work—whose willingness to call out bad actors has been both invaluable, and an indication of government working.”

The city&#8217;s actions on Tuesday follow a slew of scandals involving San Francisco nonprofits.

The city's actions on Tuesday follow a slew of scandals involving San Francisco nonprofits.

The city&#8217;s actions on Tuesday follow a slew of scandals involving San Francisco nonprofits.

On Friday, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-police-cancel-sf-safe-nonprofit-contract/">informed the Board of Supervisors that it was canceling a grant for SF SAFE</a>, a nonprofit that recently closed and is under investigation by the District Attorney&#8217;s Office after it allegedly misspent $79,000 from the police department and up to $1 million from tech executive Chris Larsen.

San Francisco police cancel up to $5.4M contract with troubled nonprofit SF SAFE

On Friday, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-police-cancel-sf-safe-nonprofit-contract/">informed the Board of Supervisors that it was canceling a grant for SF SAFE</a>, a nonprofit that recently closed and is under investigation by the District Attorney's Office after it allegedly misspent $79,000 from the police department and up to $1 million from tech executive Chris Larsen.

On Friday, the San Francisco Police Department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-police-cancel-sf-safe-nonprofit-contract/">informed the Board of Supervisors that it was canceling a grant for SF SAFE</a>, a nonprofit that recently closed and is under investigation by the District Attorney&#8217;s Office after it allegedly misspent $79,000 from the police department and up to $1 million from tech executive Chris Larsen.

Cigars, booze and motorcycles: Nonprofit accused of swindling city in $100K scheme

Michael Barba

The District Attorney&#8217;s Office confirmed for the first time Friday that it is criminally investigating <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-kyra-worthy-for-richmond/">the troubled nonprofit San Francisco SAFE</a>, which collapsed last week under questions of financial mismanagement.

Before SF SAFE hired Kyra Worthy, misspending questions dogged her East Bay nonprofit

The District Attorney's Office confirmed for the first time Friday that it is criminally investigating <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-kyra-worthy-for-richmond/">the troubled nonprofit San Francisco SAFE</a>, which collapsed last week under questions of financial mismanagement.

The District Attorney&#8217;s Office confirmed for the first time Friday that it is criminally investigating <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-kyra-worthy-for-richmond/">the troubled nonprofit San Francisco SAFE</a>, which collapsed last week under questions of financial mismanagement.

Matthew McCarthy, chief of the White Collar Crime Division at the office, took the unusual step of confirming the active criminal investigation in letters to both the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission.

Matthew McCarthy, chief of the White Collar Crime Division at the office, took the unusual step of confirming the active criminal investigation in letters to both the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission.

&#8220;We are currently conducting an investigation of potential criminal wrongdoing in connection with SF SAFE&#8217;s finances,&#8221; McCarthy wrote.

"We are currently conducting an investigation of potential criminal wrongdoing in connection with SF SAFE's finances," McCarthy wrote.

&#8220;We are currently conducting an investigation of potential criminal wrongdoing in connection with SF SAFE&#8217;s finances,&#8221; McCarthy wrote.

McCarthy wrote the letters to ask both of the bodies to delay hearings they had scheduled later this month to examine the issues at SF SAFE. He argued that the hearings could potentially compromise the ongoing criminal investigation into the nonprofit.

McCarthy wrote the letters to ask both of the bodies to delay hearings they had scheduled later this month to examine the issues at SF SAFE. He argued that the hearings could potentially compromise the ongoing criminal investigation into the nonprofit.

The news comes after SF SAFE, the longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">fired its executive director</a>, Kyra Worthy, last Wednesday and temporarily ceased operations over possible misspending.

Troubled San Francisco nonprofit SF SAFE fires director, reports possible check forgery to police

The news comes after SF SAFE, the longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">fired its executive director</a>, Kyra Worthy, last Wednesday and temporarily ceased operations over possible misspending.

The problems at SF SAFE first emerged when the Controller&#8217;s Office released a scathing report Jan. 18, finding that SFPD reimbursed the nonprofit for at least $79,000 in improper expenses, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">luxury gift boxes and a Lake Tahoe trip</a>. The report also found that SFPD did not have supporting documentation from SF SAFE for $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed the nonprofit for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023.

Limo rides, a Tahoe trip and luxury gifts: San Francisco police wrongly paid for it all

The problems at SF SAFE first emerged when the Controller's Office released a scathing report Jan. 18, finding that SFPD reimbursed the nonprofit for at least $79,000 in improper expenses, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">luxury gift boxes and a Lake Tahoe trip</a>. The report also found that SFPD did not have supporting documentation from SF SAFE for $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed the nonprofit for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023.

The problems at SF SAFE first emerged when the Controller&#8217;s Office released a scathing report Jan. 18, finding that SFPD reimbursed the nonprofit for at least $79,000 in improper expenses, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">luxury gift boxes and a Lake Tahoe trip</a>. The report also found that SFPD did not have supporting documentation from SF SAFE for $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed the nonprofit for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023.

Days later, The Standard learned that crypto billionaire Chris Larsen had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">called for an investigation</a> into how as much as $1 million of the $1.8 million he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city was spent.

Crypto boss who gave $1.8M to San Francisco crime nonprofit wants audit of &#8216;discrepancies&#8217;

Days later, The Standard learned that crypto billionaire Chris Larsen had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">called for an investigation</a> into how as much as $1 million of the $1.8 million he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city was spent.

The nonprofit is also facing allegations that it stiffed vendors for at least $1.2 million worth of work, including for installing and maintaining security cameras, and that it left its longtime partner, the Castro Community on Patrol, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-safe-castro-community-on-patrol-missing-funds/">saddled with $11,000 in debts it could not pay</a> when SF SAFE abruptly cut ties with the group in November.

Funds for Castro patrol go missing at embattled nonprofit SF SAFE, group says

The nonprofit is also facing allegations that it stiffed vendors for at least $1.2 million worth of work, including for installing and maintaining security cameras, and that it left its longtime partner, the Castro Community on Patrol, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-safe-castro-community-on-patrol-missing-funds/">saddled with $11,000 in debts it could not pay</a> when SF SAFE abruptly cut ties with the group in November.

Worthy did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

Worthy did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

She was hired by the nonprofit&#8217;s board of directors in 2018 despite leading another nonprofit in the East Bay that faced questions about its spending.

She was hired by the nonprofit's board of directors in 2018 despite leading another nonprofit in the East Bay that faced questions about its spending.

She was hired by the nonprofit&#8217;s board of directors in 2018 despite leading another nonprofit in the East Bay that faced questions about its spending.

In 2017, the West Contra Costa Unified School District demanded that her prior nonprofit, For Richmond, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-kyra-worthy-for-richmond/">repay nearly $235,000 in funding</a> to the district after an investigation found the nonprofit had filed false invoices and failed to complete services that it was paid for under contracts benefiting Black students.

In 2017, the West Contra Costa Unified School District demanded that her prior nonprofit, For Richmond, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-kyra-worthy-for-richmond/">repay nearly $235,000 in funding</a> to the district after an investigation found the nonprofit had filed false invoices and failed to complete services that it was paid for under contracts benefiting Black students.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who called for the hearing at the Board of Supervisors, said he would consult with the City Attorney&#8217;s Office about whether to postpone the hearing, while noting that the District Attorney&#8217;s Office &#8220;is not authorized to issue legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors or anyone else.&#8221;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who called for the hearing at the Board of Supervisors, said he would consult with the City Attorney's Office about whether to postpone the hearing, while noting that the District Attorney's Office "is not authorized to issue legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors or anyone else."

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who called for the hearing at the Board of Supervisors, said he would consult with the City Attorney&#8217;s Office about whether to postpone the hearing, while noting that the District Attorney&#8217;s Office &#8220;is not authorized to issue legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors or anyone else.&#8221;

&#8220;Of course public hearings (or civil cases for that matter) can proceed during a criminal investigation,&#8221; Peskin said in a text message.

"Of course public hearings (or civil cases for that matter) can proceed during a criminal investigation," Peskin said in a text message.

&#8220;Of course public hearings (or civil cases for that matter) can proceed during a criminal investigation,&#8221; Peskin said in a text message.

He also questioned whether District Attorney Brooke Jenkins would &#8220;investigate her own office&#8217;s potential involvement.&#8221;

He also questioned whether District Attorney Brooke Jenkins would "investigate her own office's potential involvement."

He also questioned whether District Attorney Brooke Jenkins would &#8220;investigate her own office&#8217;s potential involvement.&#8221;

&#8220;I think she should consider asking the State Attorney General to take this case,&#8221; Peskin said.

"I think she should consider asking the State Attorney General to take this case," Peskin said.

&#8220;I think she should consider asking the State Attorney General to take this case,&#8221; Peskin said.

Among those Peskin asked to speak about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the Controller&#8217;s Office report</a> are the controller, SFPD and the SF SAFE board of directors. The hearing is currently set to take place on Feb. 15.

Among those Peskin asked to speak about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the Controller's Office report</a> are the controller, SFPD and the SF SAFE board of directors. The hearing is currently set to take place on Feb. 15.

Among those Peskin asked to speak about <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the Controller&#8217;s Office report</a> are the controller, SFPD and the SF SAFE board of directors. The hearing is currently set to take place on Feb. 15.

Police Commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone, who called for the other hearing scheduled for Wednesday, said he believed his hearing should go forward, but that the decision was ultimately up to Police Commission President Cindy Elias.

Police Commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone, who called for the other hearing scheduled for Wednesday, said he believed his hearing should go forward, but that the decision was ultimately up to Police Commission President Cindy Elias.

&#8220;There is nothing stopping us from holding a public hearing on an issue just because that issue also happens to separately be the subject of a criminal investigation,&#8221; Carter-Oberstone said.

"There is nothing stopping us from holding a public hearing on an issue just because that issue also happens to separately be the subject of a criminal investigation," Carter-Oberstone said.

&#8220;There is nothing stopping us from holding a public hearing on an issue just because that issue also happens to separately be the subject of a criminal investigation,&#8221; Carter-Oberstone said.

Representatives for the Controller&#8217;s Office and SFPD who speak at the hearing could decline to answer questions as necessary, he said.

Representatives for the Controller's Office and SFPD who speak at the hearing could decline to answer questions as necessary, he said.

Representatives for the Controller&#8217;s Office and SFPD who speak at the hearing could decline to answer questions as necessary, he said.

Elias did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Elias did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DA confirms criminal probe into troubled nonprofit SF SAFE

This summer has been a political whirlwind. But if there’s one certainty we can offer you, it’s that the San Francisco mayor’s race in November will be steeped in seriously big bucks.

This summer has been a political whirlwind. But if there’s one certainty we can offer you, it’s that the San Francisco mayor’s race in November will be steeped in seriously big bucks.

On Thursday, campaigns reported their latest fundraising figures in a contest pitting incumbent Mayor London Breed against four challengers.

On Thursday, campaigns reported their latest fundraising figures in a contest pitting incumbent Mayor London Breed against four challengers.

The five major candidates — Breed, Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí — have collectively raised over $3 million. And that’s not counting independent committees, public financing and cash that candidates contribute from their own bank accounts, which will add millions more.&nbsp;

The five major candidates — Breed, Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí — have collectively raised over $3 million. And that’s not counting independent committees, public financing and cash that candidates contribute from their own bank accounts, which will add millions more.&nbsp;

Here are three key takeaways from the latest campaign finance disclosure documents, which show figures through June 30.&nbsp;

Here are three key takeaways from the latest campaign finance disclosure documents, which show figures through June 30.&nbsp;

How much has each SF mayoral candidate raised?

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

Farrell and Lurie are raising tons of money

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farrell-and-lurie-are-raising-tons-of-money">Farrell and Lurie are raising tons of money</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farrell-and-lurie-are-raising-tons-of-money">Farrell and Lurie are raising tons of money</h2>

Both former Supervisor Farrell and nonprofit leader Lurie are raking in serious dough — and each have reasons to be happy with their results.&nbsp;

Both former Supervisor Farrell and nonprofit leader Lurie are raking in serious dough — and each have reasons to be happy with their results.&nbsp;

Farrell started his campaign in February, a bit later than his moderate challengers. Since then, he has raised $654,082 from 1,879 contributors. For candidate-controlled campaigns, the contribution limit is $500 a person.

Farrell started his campaign in February, a bit later than his moderate challengers. Since then, he has raised $654,082 from 1,879 contributors. For candidate-controlled campaigns, the contribution limit is $500 a person.

According to Farrell’s campaign, the average donation is $314, and over 74% comes from donors within the city. He has also received $179,000 in public financing. Farrell is angling for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/18/san-francisco-mayor-firefighters-endorsement/">firefighter union’s endorsement</a>, which could pack an extra $1 million in support.&nbsp;

Mayoral candidates court the hottest endorsement in town: firefighters

According to Farrell’s campaign, the average donation is $314, and over 74% comes from donors within the city. He has also received $179,000 in public financing. Farrell is angling for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/18/san-francisco-mayor-firefighters-endorsement/">firefighter union’s endorsement</a>, which could pack an extra $1 million in support.&nbsp;

Farrell has also set up an independent committee supporting a ballot measure that promises to reform local government. That entity, which has raised $985,140 from the likes of real estate power couple Linda and Thomas Coates, can be used to boost Farrell’s name recognition, as long as it doesn’t explicitly mention his mayoral campaign.&nbsp;

Farrell has also set up an independent committee supporting a ballot measure that promises to reform local government. That entity, which has raised $985,140 from the likes of real estate power couple Linda and Thomas Coates, can be used to boost Farrell’s name recognition, as long as it doesn’t explicitly mention his mayoral campaign.&nbsp;

Lurie has also had fundraising success — impressive as he was relatively unknown as a political figure before launching his campaign in the fall. However, some of his haul came from his own pocket.

Lurie has also had fundraising success — impressive as he was relatively unknown as a political figure before launching his campaign in the fall. However, some of his haul came from his own pocket.

Lurie has raised $823,000 from 2,641 donors, more than 66% of them in San Francisco, and has spent $590,000 himself. He is not taking public financing dollars.&nbsp;

Lurie has raised $823,000 from 2,641 donors, more than 66% of them in San Francisco, and has spent $590,000 himself. He is not taking public financing dollars.&nbsp;

Apart from the campaign committee, Lurie is backed by an independent expenditure committee that has raised $1.9 million this year — much of it from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/01/daniel-lurie-campaign-finance-believe-in-sf/">ultra-wealthy donors</a>, such as WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, philanthropist Gordon Getty and Lurie’s mother, Miriam “Mimi” Haas.&nbsp;

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s bid for mayor fueled by ultra-wealthy elites — including himself

Apart from the campaign committee, Lurie is backed by an independent expenditure committee that has raised $1.9 million this year — much of it from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/01/daniel-lurie-campaign-finance-believe-in-sf/">ultra-wealthy donors</a>, such as WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, philanthropist Gordon Getty and Lurie’s mother, Miriam “Mimi” Haas.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Farrell and Lurie sparred on X over who is the better fundraiser.

On Thursday, Farrell and Lurie sparred on X over who is the better fundraiser.

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https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1819043584567607599
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🤔 <a href="https://t.co/8fJ58XOMzm">https://t.co/8fJ58XOMzm</a> <a href="https://t.co/mUfa3sUywo">pic.twitter.com/mUfa3sUywo</a>&mdash; Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 (@DanielLurie) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie/status/1819043584567607599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Breed has raised the most — and has a key endorsement&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-has-raised-the-most-and-has-a-key-endorsement-nbsp">Breed has raised the most — and has a key endorsement&nbsp;</h2>

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