Gabe Greschler

Just over a month after his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/06/aaron-peskin-mayoral-campaign-launch/">entrance</a> into the hotly contested mayor’s race, Board President Aaron Peskin has spun up the progressive fundraising wheels.

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco&#8217;s &#8216;recovery&#8217; in mayoral campaign kickoff

core/paragraph

Just over a month after his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/06/aaron-peskin-mayoral-campaign-launch/">entrance</a> into the hotly contested mayor’s race, Board President Aaron Peskin has spun up the progressive fundraising wheels.

Will it be enough to compete in a field of moderates backed by big tech and philanthropic moguls?&nbsp;

Will it be enough to compete in a field of moderates backed by big tech and philanthropic moguls?&nbsp;

Since announcing his campaign in April, Peskin has pulled in about $150,000 in donations, according to figures shared by the campaign with The Standard on Monday.

Since announcing his campaign in April, Peskin has pulled in about $150,000 in donations, according to figures shared by the campaign with The Standard on Monday.

Peskin&#8217;s spokesperson Kaitlyn Conway said the money comes from roughly 550 contributors, averaging between $200 and $250. The donation cap is set at $500 for candidate campaigns.

Peskin's spokesperson Kaitlyn Conway said the money comes from roughly 550 contributors, averaging between $200 and $250. The donation cap is set at $500 for candidate campaigns.

Peskin&#8217;s spokesperson Kaitlyn Conway said the money comes from roughly 550 contributors, averaging between $200 and $250. The donation cap is set at $500 for candidate campaigns.

Conway did not share the percentage of donations from San Francisco residents. However, she said the campaign intends to receive public financing, which is partially determined by local contributions. Public financing would allow Peskin to get over $1 million in extra cash. Qualifying mayoral candidates can receive an initial $300,000 in public financing before matching funds kick in based on donations.

Conway did not share the percentage of donations from San Francisco residents. However, she said the campaign intends to receive public financing, which is partially determined by local contributions. Public financing would allow Peskin to get over $1 million in extra cash. Qualifying mayoral candidates can receive an initial $300,000 in public financing before matching funds kick in based on donations.

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

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man makes an announcement behind a podium." class="wp-image-265546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board President Aaron Peskin speaks during his campaign kickoff last month.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man makes an announcement behind a podium." class="wp-image-265546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board President Aaron Peskin speaks during his campaign kickoff last month.</figcaption></figure>

Peskin’s campaign will also likely be buoyed by an independent committee, which isn’t hampered by donation caps, a model that has already pushed big pools of cash toward Peskin’s opponents.&nbsp;

Peskin’s campaign will also likely be buoyed by an independent committee, which isn’t hampered by donation caps, a model that has already pushed big pools of cash toward Peskin’s opponents.&nbsp;

Conway described the fundraising strategy as a grassroots effort targeting smaller donors.&nbsp;

Conway described the fundraising strategy as a grassroots effort targeting smaller donors.&nbsp;

“We are just trying to reach out to everyday San Franciscans to make sure their voices are getting heard,” she said. “Whether it is $25 or $50, every dollar helps at this point.”&nbsp;

“We are just trying to reach out to everyday San Franciscans to make sure their voices are getting heard,” she said. “Whether it is $25 or $50, every dollar helps at this point.”&nbsp;

The campaign’s fundraising strategy is in many ways reflective of Peskin’s rhetorical arguments for why he should win in a field of moderates at a time when voters are frustrated with the direction of the city.&nbsp;

The campaign’s fundraising strategy is in many ways reflective of Peskin’s rhetorical arguments for why he should win in a field of moderates at a time when voters are frustrated with the direction of the city.&nbsp;

Since entering the race, Peskin has cast himself as rejecting the influence of big-money donors, whether it be crypto billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">Chris Larsen’s</a> support for Mayor London Breed or nonprofit leader and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">wealthy background</a>. Critics, however, have painted Peskin as having crafted policy that has made it more difficult to make progress on issues like housing, thus benefiting the city’s landowners.

Crypto billionaire Chris Larsen showers cash on London Breed—and scorn on her foes

Daniel Lurie may be the richest person to ever run for mayor of SF. What does he own?

Since entering the race, Peskin has cast himself as rejecting the influence of big-money donors, whether it be crypto billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">Chris Larsen’s</a> support for Mayor London Breed or nonprofit leader and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">wealthy background</a>. Critics, however, have painted Peskin as having crafted policy that has made it more difficult to make progress on issues like housing, thus benefiting the city’s landowners.

Former interim mayor Mark Farrell, center, and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, up from the right, attend the rally.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_1705.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people holding protest signs, one reads &quot;SAFETY IS A HUMAN RIGHT&quot;." class="wp-image-261771"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, center, and nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, up from the right, have both raised considerable sums in their campaigns for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

Although Peskin’s figures are comparatively smaller than some of his moderate rivals, political experts said it is in line with what they expect from his supporters, who they described as part of a more working- to middle-class coalition of San Franciscans.

Although Peskin’s figures are comparatively smaller than some of his moderate rivals, political experts said it is in line with what they expect from his supporters, who they described as part of a more working- to middle-class coalition of San Franciscans.

Since jumping into the race last year, Lurie saw a quick injection of about $230,000 in under two weeks, according to announcements at the time from his campaign. Sixty-one percent of the 635 donations were from San Francisco residents, the campaign said.

Since jumping into the race last year, Lurie saw a quick injection of about $230,000 in under two weeks, according to announcements at the time from his campaign. Sixty-one percent of the 635 donations were from San Francisco residents, the campaign said.

Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who has carved out a lane as a pro-business, tough-on-crime candidate, was able to haul in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/13/san-francisco-mayor-election-mark-farrell-fundraising/">over $350,000</a> within a month of his candidacy being announced in February. The money came from about 1,000 donors, 70% of whom were San Franciscans.&nbsp;

Over $350K flows to Mark Farrell in San Francisco mayor’s race

Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who has carved out a lane as a pro-business, tough-on-crime candidate, was able to haul in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/13/san-francisco-mayor-election-mark-farrell-fundraising/">over $350,000</a> within a month of his candidacy being announced in February. The money came from about 1,000 donors, 70% of whom were San Franciscans.&nbsp;

While no week-to-week or month-to-month figures were immediately available for Breed’s campaign, the sitting mayor brought in about $200,000 in the second half of 2023, according to the latest campaign filings.&nbsp;

While no week-to-week or month-to-month figures were immediately available for Breed’s campaign, the sitting mayor brought in about $200,000 in the second half of 2023, according to the latest campaign filings.&nbsp;

Breed’s official campaign kickoff will be held on May 18, and campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said he expects the mayor’s donations to ramp up then. The mayor is already set to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in public matching, <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2024/03/campaign-finance-public-funds-november-5-2024.html">according</a> to the Ethics Commission.

Breed’s official campaign kickoff will be held on May 18, and campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said he expects the mayor’s donations to ramp up then. The mayor is already set to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in public matching, <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2024/03/campaign-finance-public-funds-november-5-2024.html">according</a> to the Ethics Commission.

Mayor London Breed smiles while at AA Bakery & Cafe on Stockton Street in San Francisco on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.Two days after returning from China, San Francisco Mayor London Breed immediately paid a visit to Chinatown to share the good news with the Chinese American community.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/featured_20240424-breedglobalpolitics.jpg?w=1459" alt="A smiling woman in blue foreground with people in a sunny, bustling street background." class="wp-image-270339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed&#8217;s campaign kickoff is scheduled for May 18 and is expected to come with a bump in donations.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/featured_20240424-breedglobalpolitics.jpg?w=1459" alt="A smiling woman in blue foreground with people in a sunny, bustling street background." class="wp-image-270339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed's campaign kickoff is scheduled for May 18 and is expected to come with a bump in donations.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/featured_20240424-breedglobalpolitics.jpg?w=1459" alt="A smiling woman in blue foreground with people in a sunny, bustling street background." class="wp-image-270339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed&#8217;s campaign kickoff is scheduled for May 18 and is expected to come with a bump in donations.</figcaption></figure>

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí raised about $184,000 between July and December 2023.

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí raised about $184,000 between July and December 2023.

“When you have Lurie and Farrell who are competing against each other for Mayor of the Marina, you would expect them to raise lots of money from people who have lots of money,” said longtime political consultant Jim Ross. “I think that [if] you consider Aaron and his base is much more progressive,&nbsp;… raising that much money in a month is a pretty strong showing. It shows he has a real base of support.”

“When you have Lurie and Farrell who are competing against each other for Mayor of the Marina, you would expect them to raise lots of money from people who have lots of money,” said longtime political consultant Jim Ross. “I think that [if] you consider Aaron and his base is much more progressive,&nbsp;… raising that much money in a month is a pretty strong showing. It shows he has a real base of support.”

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor from San Francisco State University, agreed.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor from San Francisco State University, agreed.

“While resources are important, when you add <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=public+financing+sf&amp;oq=public+financing+sf&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhAMgYIAhBFGD3SAQg2MDIyajBqNKgCALACAQ&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">public matching</a> into this and other ways of getting the message out, … I would not have a serious concern about him having the resources necessary to get his message out to voters,” he said. “The only thing to my mind that makes this an issue of concern is if the three other major contenders coordinate against Peskin. As of now, I think that’s not an area of concern.”

“While resources are important, when you add <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=public+financing+sf&amp;oq=public+financing+sf&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhAMgYIAhBFGD3SAQg2MDIyajBqNKgCALACAQ&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">public matching</a> into this and other ways of getting the message out, … I would not have a serious concern about him having the resources necessary to get his message out to voters,” he said. “The only thing to my mind that makes this an issue of concern is if the three other major contenders coordinate against Peskin. As of now, I think that’s not an area of concern.”

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

Matthew Kupfer

A group of over 1,000 tech professionals, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, are sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and calling for a pause on the training of powerful AI models.

A group of over 1,000 tech professionals, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, are sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and calling for a pause on the training of powerful AI models.

AI systems that feature “human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity,” they said in an <a href="https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/">open letter</a> published by the Future of Life Institute. The letter cited risks that machines could spread misinformation, take fulfilling jobs from people and eventually outsmart human minds.

AI systems that feature “human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity,” they said in an <a href="https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/">open letter</a> published by the Future of Life Institute. The letter cited risks that machines could spread misinformation, take fulfilling jobs from people and eventually outsmart human minds.

“Therefore, we call on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than [OpenAI’s] GPT-4,” the letter states. “This pause should be public and verifiable, and include all key actors. If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.”

“Therefore, we call on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than [OpenAI’s] GPT-4,” the letter states. “This pause should be public and verifiable, and include all key actors. If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.”

That pause should be used to develop protocols to ensure that AI’s future development is safe and beneficial to society, the technologists said.

That pause should be used to develop protocols to ensure that AI’s future development is safe and beneficial to society, the technologists said.

The letter comes at a time when AI’s development has reached a fever pitch, with new products and applications of the technology rolling out constantly.

The letter comes at a time when AI’s development has reached a fever pitch, with new products and applications of the technology rolling out constantly.

It also represents an unusual call for government intervention in a tech industry often known for its libertarian ethos.

It also represents an unusual call for government intervention in a tech industry often known for its libertarian ethos.

Beyond a six-month moratorium on training <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/techies-swarm-san-franciscos-first-ever-generative-ai-conference-as-industry-booms/">powerful new AI systems</a>, the letter urged developers and policymakers to work together to create a robust regulatory framework for AI. Those regulations should help the public distinguish “real from synthetic,” ensure the technology’s safety, and hold people or organizations liable for AI-caused harm.

Beyond a six-month moratorium on training <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/techies-swarm-san-franciscos-first-ever-generative-ai-conference-as-industry-booms/">powerful new AI systems</a>, the letter urged developers and policymakers to work together to create a robust regulatory framework for AI. Those regulations should help the public distinguish “real from synthetic,” ensure the technology’s safety, and hold people or organizations liable for AI-caused harm.

The signatories also call for “well-resourced institutions for coping with the dramatic economic and political disruptions (especially to democracy) that AI will cause.”

The signatories also call for “well-resourced institutions for coping with the dramatic economic and political disruptions (especially to democracy) that AI will cause.”

Concern about the potential danger of artificial intelligence is nothing new. Researchers have long discussed the risks of AI becoming “misaligned” with its creators’ goals, a development that <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/20/in-san-francisco-some-people-wonder-when-ai-will-kill-us-all-.html">some worry could lead to the destruction of humanity</a>.

Concern about the potential danger of artificial intelligence is nothing new. Researchers have long discussed the risks of AI becoming “misaligned” with its creators’ goals, a development that <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/20/in-san-francisco-some-people-wonder-when-ai-will-kill-us-all-.html">some worry could lead to the destruction of humanity</a>.

Many discussions of the “alignment problem” have focused on theoretical risks. The Future of Life letter is not entirely different.

Many discussions of the “alignment problem” have focused on theoretical risks. The Future of Life letter is not entirely different.

It describes AI labs as “locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one – not even their creators – can understand, predict, or reliably control.”

It describes AI labs as “locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one – not even their creators – can understand, predict, or reliably control.”

But it also highlights more immediate dangers familiar to the average person: misinformation, job loss and the lack of regulation governing AI.

But it also highlights more immediate dangers familiar to the average person: misinformation, job loss and the lack of regulation governing AI.

Beyond Musk and Wozniak, other signatories to the letter include politician Andrew Yang, Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, author Yuval Noah Harari and a large number of AI professionals, academics and researchers.

Beyond Musk and Wozniak, other signatories to the letter include politician Andrew Yang, Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, author Yuval Noah Harari and a large number of AI professionals, academics and researchers.

Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, tech leaders call for 6-month pause on AI development, citing dangers to society

Josh Koehn

San Francisco spared no expense on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">President Joe Biden’s party at the Exploratorium</a> during November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, spending almost $8 million to wine-and-dine a who’s-who of Democratic Party and foreign leaders before a Gwen Stefani concert and massive fireworks show.

Joe Biden parties with Gavin Newsom, Steve Kerr and Gwen Stefani in San Francisco

San Francisco spared no expense on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">President Joe Biden’s party at the Exploratorium</a> during November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, spending almost $8 million to wine-and-dine a who’s-who of Democratic Party and foreign leaders before a Gwen Stefani concert and massive fireworks show.

Stefani, a pop superstar whose top hits include “Hollaback Girl” and “The Sweet Escape,” commanded a $1.1 million fee to perform a small set of songs for the Nov. 15 event, according to a rough breakdown of costs the city provided to The Standard. The tab for food and drinks ran to $300,000, while the pyrotechnics and fireworks show cost $167,000.&nbsp;

Stefani, a pop superstar whose top hits include “Hollaback Girl” and “The Sweet Escape,” commanded a $1.1 million fee to perform a small set of songs for the Nov. 15 event, according to a rough breakdown of costs the city provided to The Standard. The tab for food and drinks ran to $300,000, while the pyrotechnics and fireworks show cost $167,000.&nbsp;

All of these bills were paid by a special nonprofit created for APEC, which raised more than $20 million from private donors that included Graton Casino and Resort, Ripple, Salesforce, Apple and others.

All of these bills were paid by a special nonprofit created for APEC, which raised more than $20 million from private donors that included Graton Casino and Resort, Ripple, Salesforce, Apple and others.

Maryam Muduroglu, the city’s chief of protocol, said in a statement that the president’s party and other events during APEC were designed to “help San Francisco shine on a global stage.”

Maryam Muduroglu, the city’s chief of protocol, said in a statement that the president’s party and other events during APEC were designed to “help San Francisco shine on a global stage.”

“As host city of this historic international event, the State Department and the White House tasked us with specific requests to make sure we welcome these dignitaries and their delegations in the most hospitable and memorable way, specifically with the Welcome Reception,” Muduroglu said.

“As host city of this historic international event, the State Department and the White House tasked us with specific requests to make sure we welcome these dignitaries and their delegations in the most hospitable and memorable way, specifically with the Welcome Reception,” Muduroglu said.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-apec-summit-spent-millions-host-world-leaders/">San Francisco Spent More Than $11M on Staff Overtime, Nearly $8M for Parties During APEC&nbsp;</a>

San Francisco spent more than $11M on staff overtime, $7M for parties during APEC

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-apec-summit-spent-millions-host-world-leaders/">San Francisco Spent More Than $11M on Staff Overtime, Nearly $8M for Parties During APEC&nbsp;</a>

Other expenses for the president’s $8 million party included:

Other expenses for the president’s $8 million party included:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)</li>



<li>$1.7 million on union/vendor Labor</li>



<li>$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”</li>



<li>$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,</li>



<li>$415,000 on video and digital app production</li>



<li>$235,000 for the dance group Bandaloop</li>
</ul>

$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)

core/list-item

<li>$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)</li>

<li>$1.7 million on union/vendor Labor</li>

$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”

<li>$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”</li>

$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,

<li>$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,</li>

$415,000 on video and digital app production

<li>$415,000 on video and digital app production</li>

<li>$235,000 for the dance group Bandaloop</li>

core/list

<ul><li>$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)</li><li>$1.7 million on union/vendor Labor</li><li>$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”</li><li>$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,</li><li>$415,000 on video and digital app production</li><li>$235,000 for the dance group Bandaloop</li></ul>

President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up after watching Gwen Stefani’s performance at his welcome party at Exploratorium during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gwen_08.jpg?w=2500" alt="President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up." class="wp-image-222671"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up after watching Gwen Stefani’s performance at the Exploratorium during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on Nov. 15. </figcaption></figure>

The party’s guest list not only included foreign leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while prominent members of the Democratic Party mingled with local officials and business leaders.

The party’s guest list not only included foreign leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while prominent members of the Democratic Party mingled with local officials and business leaders.

President Biden and First Lady <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/jill-biden-spotted-san-francisco-soul-cycle/">Jill Biden</a> were billed as hosts, and they were preceded on stage at the end of the evening by Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor London Breed.

Jill Biden spotted leaving workout class in San Francisco

President Biden and First Lady <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/jill-biden-spotted-san-francisco-soul-cycle/">Jill Biden</a> were billed as hosts, and they were preceded on stage at the end of the evening by Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor London Breed.

Other notable figures in attendance included Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who introduced Biden, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen</a>, Yelp CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/27/yelp-ceo-jeremy-stoppelman-on-why-hes-been-a-yimby-since-day-one/">Jeremy Stoppelman</a> and Y Combinator CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Garry Tan</a>, all of whom have become deeply involved in San Francisco’s political scene. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/openai-sam-altman-fired-apec-talk/">Sam Altman</a>, CEO of OpenAI, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/uber-doordash-drivers-tip-holidays/">Uber</a> CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also were spotted at the party.

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Other notable figures in attendance included Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who introduced Biden, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen</a>, Yelp CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/27/yelp-ceo-jeremy-stoppelman-on-why-hes-been-a-yimby-since-day-one/">Jeremy Stoppelman</a> and Y Combinator CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Garry Tan</a>, all of whom have become deeply involved in San Francisco’s political scene. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/openai-sam-altman-fired-apec-talk/">Sam Altman</a>, CEO of OpenAI, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/uber-doordash-drivers-tip-holidays/">Uber</a> CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also were spotted at the party.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who attended the early part of the event before leaving to celebrate his wedding anniversary, said he thought the event was nice but was blown away by the total price.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who attended the early part of the event before leaving to celebrate his wedding anniversary, said he thought the event was nice but was blown away by the total price.

“It sounds like a bunch of rich people spend too much money on a nice party. It wasn’t an $8 million party from my scant review of things,” Peskin said. “I mean, the hors d&#8217;oeuvres were nice, I guess. But I mean, $8 million? Shit, they could have built affordable housing with that money.”

“It sounds like a bunch of rich people spend too much money on a nice party. It wasn’t an $8 million party from my scant review of things,” Peskin said. “I mean, the hors d'oeuvres were nice, I guess. But I mean, $8 million? Shit, they could have built affordable housing with that money.”

“It sounds like a bunch of rich people spend too much money on a nice party. It wasn’t an $8 million party from my scant review of things,” Peskin said. “I mean, the hors d&#8217;oeuvres were nice, I guess. But I mean, $8 million? Shit, they could have built affordable housing with that money.”

He added: “Some number of individuals and organizations are laughing all the way to the bank.”

He added: “Some number of individuals and organizations are laughing all the way to the bank.”

First Lady Jill Biden, left, and President Joe Biden welcome guest after a performance by Gwen Stefani, right, at President Joe Biden’s welcome party at Exploratorium during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gwen_05.jpg?w=2500" alt="First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden stand by Gwen Stefani." class="wp-image-222669"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">First Lady Jill Biden, left, and President Joe Biden deliver remarks after Gwen Stefani performed at the Exploratorium in San Francisco on Nov. 15. </figcaption></figure>

City officials said they received high marks for their handling of APEC, which required more than $11 million in overtime costs to mobilize San Francisco police and other departments for the weeklong geopolitical summit.&nbsp;

City officials said they received high marks for their handling of APEC, which required more than $11 million in overtime costs to mobilize San Francisco police and other departments for the weeklong geopolitical summit.&nbsp;

“We are extremely pleased with APEC’s success,” Muduroglu said. “Our goal was to highlight the creativity, vibrancy, beauty, and diversity San Francisco represents to the 21 heads of state from APEC member economies and their delegations. We are thrilled to report that we received overwhelmingly excellent feedback from dignitaries, their staff, journalists, and event attendees.”

“We are extremely pleased with APEC’s success,” Muduroglu said. “Our goal was to highlight the creativity, vibrancy, beauty, and diversity San Francisco represents to the 21 heads of state from APEC member economies and their delegations. We are thrilled to report that we received overwhelmingly excellent feedback from dignitaries, their staff, journalists, and event attendees.”

San Francisco spent $1.1M on Gwen Stefani for Biden’s $8 million APEC bash

Michael Barba

An <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">embattled anti-crime nonprofit</a> entrusted with millions of taxpayer dollars from San Francisco police coffers fired its executive director Wednesday morning and is temporarily shutting down after finding a lack of funds in its bank accounts and discovering possible check forgery, officials told The Standard.

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

An <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">embattled anti-crime nonprofit</a> entrusted with millions of taxpayer dollars from San Francisco police coffers fired its executive director Wednesday morning and is temporarily shutting down after finding a lack of funds in its bank accounts and discovering possible check forgery, officials told The Standard.

Kyra Worthy, the executive director of San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit arm of the San Francisco Police Department, was dismissed from her duties by the board of directors for the charity Wednesday morning, according to an attorney for the nonprofit, Dylan Hackett. The nonprofit is also “ceasing operations for the time being,” Hackett said.

Kyra Worthy, the executive director of San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit arm of the San Francisco Police Department, was dismissed from her duties by the board of directors for the charity Wednesday morning, according to an attorney for the nonprofit, Dylan Hackett. The nonprofit is also “ceasing operations for the time being,” Hackett said.

The decision comes on the heels of revelations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">SF SAFE improperly billed SFPD for at least $79,000 in expenses</a>—including luxury gift boxes, valet parking and a Lake Tahoe trip—and is also allegedly in debt by at least $1.2 million to various vendors who performed work for the organization.

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

The decision comes on the heels of revelations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">SF SAFE improperly billed SFPD for at least $79,000 in expenses</a>—including luxury gift boxes, valet parking and a Lake Tahoe trip—and is also allegedly in debt by at least $1.2 million to various vendors who performed work for the organization.

SF SAFE’s board of directors initially voted Tuesday night to put Worthy on paid leave, according to Hackett and the president of the board, Dan Lawson. However, the board decided to temporarily shut down operations and fire Worthy on Wednesday morning in light of “new information,” Hackett said.

SF SAFE’s board of directors initially voted Tuesday night to put Worthy on paid leave, according to Hackett and the president of the board, Dan Lawson. However, the board decided to temporarily shut down operations and fire Worthy on Wednesday morning in light of “new information,” Hackett said.

While Lawson and Hackett initially declined to provide details about that new information, Lawson confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they were investigating possible check forgery and insufficient funds in bank accounts that were supposed to be used to pay staff.

While Lawson and Hackett initially declined to provide details about that new information, Lawson confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they were investigating possible check forgery and insufficient funds in bank accounts that were supposed to be used to pay staff.

&#8220;We found what looked like there was a lack of funds, and so that’s why we had to stop operations,&#8221; Lawson said.

"We found what looked like there was a lack of funds, and so that’s why we had to stop operations," Lawson said.

&#8220;We found what looked like there was a lack of funds, and so that’s why we had to stop operations,&#8221; Lawson said.

While all checks over $5,000 by the nonprofit need to be signed by both Worthy and the treasurer of the nonprofit, Hackett said one check was signed only by Worthy.

While all checks over $5,000 by the nonprofit need to be signed by both Worthy and the treasurer of the nonprofit, Hackett said one check was signed only by Worthy.

Lawson said the nonprofit had reported the discrepancies to SFPD and would cooperate with law enforcement.

Lawson said the nonprofit had reported the discrepancies to SFPD and would cooperate with law enforcement.

Lawson said he was “very concerned and disappointed” about the situation.

Lawson said he was “very concerned and disappointed” about the situation.

“We all were committed to the community and building trust in the community to help prevent crime, and here we are, engulfed in distrust,” Lawson said.

“We all were committed to the community and building trust in the community to help prevent crime, and here we are, engulfed in distrust,” Lawson said.

Lawson asked for the public to have patience and understand that SF SAFE “generally speaking has served the community well.”

Lawson asked for the public to have patience and understand that SF SAFE “generally speaking has served the community well.”

He said he hoped the nonprofit would reorganize soon.

He said he hoped the nonprofit would reorganize soon.

An attempt to reach Worthy for comment was not successful.

An attempt to reach Worthy for comment was not successful.

Donor Raises Alarm About How Funds Were Spent

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-donor-raises-alarm-about-how-funds-were-spent">Donor Raises Alarm About How Funds Were Spent</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-donor-raises-alarm-about-how-funds-were-spent">Donor Raises Alarm About How Funds Were Spent</h2>

Worthy’s tenure was first called into question last Thursday when the Controller’s Office released a report finding that the nonprofit had spent police dollars in ways that it shouldn’t have, including on the nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe and on parking and ride-hailing expenses for Worthy.&nbsp;

Worthy’s tenure was first called into question last Thursday when the Controller’s Office released a report finding that the nonprofit had spent police dollars in ways that it shouldn’t have, including on the nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe and on parking and ride-hailing expenses for Worthy.&nbsp;

While the report identified at least $79,000 in expenses wrongly reimbursed by San Francisco police, the controller projected that the total amount of improper or excessive spending by SF SAFE was “likely significantly higher.”

While the report identified at least $79,000 in expenses wrongly reimbursed by San Francisco police, the controller projected that the total amount of improper or excessive spending by SF SAFE was “likely significantly higher.”

The report also knocked the SFPD for dispersing some $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed SF SAFE for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023 without checking for receipts. The funding was mostly for “crime prevention education services,” according to the report.

The report also knocked the SFPD for dispersing some $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed SF SAFE for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023 without checking for receipts. The funding was mostly for “crime prevention education services,” according to the report.

The scathing report was followed by revelations Tuesday by The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen also had concerns about how SF SAFE spent as much as $1 million of the $1.8 million</a> in grant funds that he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city.

The scathing report was followed by revelations Tuesday by The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen also had concerns about how SF SAFE spent as much as $1 million of the $1.8 million</a> in grant funds that he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city.

A company that SF SAFE hired to install and maintain the cameras, Applied Video Solutions, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed the firm between $600,000 and $1 million, approximately, for past work.

A company that SF SAFE hired to install and maintain the cameras, Applied Video Solutions, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed the firm between $600,000 and $1 million, approximately, for past work.

But the problems at SF SAFE did not end there.

But the problems at SF SAFE did not end there.

Alex Tourk, principal at Ground Floor Public Affairs, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed his firm $80,000 for his work advising it.

Alex Tourk, principal at Ground Floor Public Affairs, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed his firm $80,000 for his work advising it.

The SF Latino Task Force, a group of more than three dozen community organizations, is also alleging that <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/01/sfpd-contractor-accused-of-stiffing-mission-nonprofit-625/">SF SAFE failed to pay its contractors some $625,000 for training Spanish-speaking community ambassadors</a>, Mission Local reported Tuesday. This is despite the nonprofit allegedly receiving this amount from the city to pay for the completed work.

The SF Latino Task Force, a group of more than three dozen community organizations, is also alleging that <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/01/sfpd-contractor-accused-of-stiffing-mission-nonprofit-625/">SF SAFE failed to pay its contractors some $625,000 for training Spanish-speaking community ambassadors</a>, Mission Local reported Tuesday. This is despite the nonprofit allegedly receiving this amount from the city to pay for the completed work.

The issues at SF SAFE have spurred calls for separate hearings at the Board of Supervisors and Police Commission by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Police Commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone.

The issues at SF SAFE have spurred calls for separate hearings at the Board of Supervisors and Police Commission by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Police Commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone.

&#8220;The alleged malfeasance raises serious questions about who knew what and when at SFPD,&#8221; Carter-Oberstone said. &#8220;The commission needs to hear directly from the controller to ascertain the relevant facts.&#8221;

"The alleged malfeasance raises serious questions about who knew what and when at SFPD," Carter-Oberstone said. "The commission needs to hear directly from the controller to ascertain the relevant facts."

&#8220;The alleged malfeasance raises serious questions about who knew what and when at SFPD,&#8221; Carter-Oberstone said. &#8220;The commission needs to hear directly from the controller to ascertain the relevant facts.&#8221;

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Search Results for: chris larsen

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