Michael Barba

The allegations of financial mismanagement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">piling up against a San Francisco nonprofit</a> that enjoys millions in taxpayer funding are nothing new for the charity&#8217;s freshly ousted executive director. Her tenure began on the heels of controversy.

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

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The allegations of financial mismanagement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">piling up against a San Francisco nonprofit</a> that enjoys millions in taxpayer funding are nothing new for the charity's freshly ousted executive director. Her tenure began on the heels of controversy.

The allegations of financial mismanagement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">piling up against a San Francisco nonprofit</a> that enjoys millions in taxpayer funding are nothing new for the charity&#8217;s freshly ousted executive director. Her tenure began on the heels of controversy.

Before getting hired to lead San Francisco SAFE six years ago, Kyra Worthy was the executive director of For Richmond, a now-defunct East Bay nonprofit that contracted with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to run educational programs for Black students.

Before getting hired to lead San Francisco SAFE six years ago, Kyra Worthy was the executive director of For Richmond, a now-defunct East Bay nonprofit that contracted with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to run educational programs for Black students.

What happened next raises questions about how effectively public entities monitor the nonprofits they fund and whether they have a responsibility to vet their leaders.

What happened next raises questions about how effectively public entities monitor the nonprofits they fund and whether they have a responsibility to vet their leaders.

In September 2017, an investigation by the school district found that For Richmond had &#8220;submitted false invoices and supporting documents,” according to a letter detailing its findings. The district ended its relationship with the nonprofit and demanded it return nearly $235,000.

In September 2017, an investigation by the school district found that For Richmond had "submitted false invoices and supporting documents,” according to a letter detailing its findings. The district ended its relationship with the nonprofit and demanded it return nearly $235,000.

In September 2017, an investigation by the school district found that For Richmond had &#8220;submitted false invoices and supporting documents,” according to a letter detailing its findings. The district ended its relationship with the nonprofit and demanded it return nearly $235,000.

&#8220;For Richmond failed to complete many services and, in some instances, did not perform them at all, despite receiving payment for such services from the district,&#8221; an associate superintendent for the district wrote in the letter to Worthy, which was obtained by The Standard.

"For Richmond failed to complete many services and, in some instances, did not perform them at all, despite receiving payment for such services from the district," an associate superintendent for the district wrote in the letter to Worthy, which was obtained by The Standard.

&#8220;For Richmond failed to complete many services and, in some instances, did not perform them at all, despite receiving payment for such services from the district,&#8221; an associate superintendent for the district wrote in the letter to Worthy, which was obtained by The Standard.

It was only months later that Worthy landed her job in January 2018 as the executive director of SF SAFE, a longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, which played a role in her hiring process, according to the president of the nonprofit’s board.

It was only months later that Worthy landed her job in January 2018 as the executive director of SF SAFE, a longtime nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Police Department, which played a role in her hiring process, according to the president of the nonprofit’s board.

The position, leading a nonprofit that seeks to build trust in the police, made Worthy a useful ally on public safety for Mayor London Breed. It put her in charge of an increasingly large budget funded by taxpayers and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">donors such as crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a>. And it let her enjoy an industrial-chic office in the Mission that made Police Chief Bill Scott “<a href="https://sfsafe.org/sf-safe-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-at-new-office/">jealous</a>,” he joked at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held for the new workspace.

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

The position, leading a nonprofit that seeks to build trust in the police, made Worthy a useful ally on public safety for Mayor London Breed. It put her in charge of an increasingly large budget funded by taxpayers and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">donors such as crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a>. And it let her enjoy an industrial-chic office in the Mission that made Police Chief Bill Scott “<a href="https://sfsafe.org/sf-safe-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-at-new-office/">jealous</a>,” he joked at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held for the new workspace.

But all that power was suddenly stripped away in a matter of days this week, when allegations of financial mismanagement at SF SAFE burst into public view and ultimately toppled Worthy.

But all that power was suddenly stripped away in a matter of days this week, when allegations of financial mismanagement at SF SAFE burst into public view and ultimately toppled Worthy.

First, a report by the Controller’s Office concluded that SF SAFE had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">improperly billed SFPD</a> for luxury gift boxes, valet parking at an exclusive club and limo rides on a trip to Lake Tahoe. Then, vendors who did business with the nonprofit came forward with allegations that SF SAFE stiffed them on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">at least $1.2 million worth of bills</a>. Finally, an internal investigation inside the nonprofit discovered depleted bank accounts—and indications of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">possible check forgery</a>.

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

First, a report by the Controller’s Office concluded that SF SAFE had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">improperly billed SFPD</a> for luxury gift boxes, valet parking at an exclusive club and limo rides on a trip to Lake Tahoe. Then, vendors who did business with the nonprofit came forward with allegations that SF SAFE stiffed them on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">at least $1.2 million worth of bills</a>. Finally, an internal investigation inside the nonprofit discovered depleted bank accounts—and indications of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">possible check forgery</a>.

Worthy <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">was fired on Wednesday morning</a>, and the nonprofit temporarily halted operations. She did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment.

Worthy <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">was fired on Wednesday morning</a>, and the nonprofit temporarily halted operations. She did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment.

The issues at SF SAFE have since spurred calls for hearings at both the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission to find out who knew what and when.

The issues at SF SAFE have since spurred calls for hearings at both the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission to find out who knew what and when.

“The controller’s audit is very clear—repeatedly—that the financial controls within the police department are severely lacking,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who called for one of the hearings. “The question then becomes, are they lacking because their accounting department sucks? Or is there an element here of the relationship between SF SAFE and the department was too cozy, and they looked the other way because it was ‘all in the family.’”

“The controller’s audit is very clear—repeatedly—that the financial controls within the police department are severely lacking,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who called for one of the hearings. “The question then becomes, are they lacking because their accounting department sucks? Or is there an element here of the relationship between SF SAFE and the department was too cozy, and they looked the other way because it was ‘all in the family.’”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-richmond">For Richmond</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-richmond">For Richmond</h2>

Worthy, 48, rose up in the Bay Area nonprofit world over the last two decades.

Worthy, 48, rose up in the Bay Area nonprofit world over the last two decades.

Her earliest job listed on her LinkedIn profile was as a director of program services at the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco in 2002. In the years that followed, she helped develop programs for youth in Bayview Hunters Point, first for the YMCA of San Francisco and later for the Edgewood Center for Children and Families, according to her LinkedIn account.

Her earliest job listed on her LinkedIn profile was as a director of program services at the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco in 2002. In the years that followed, she helped develop programs for youth in Bayview Hunters Point, first for the YMCA of San Francisco and later for the Edgewood Center for Children and Families, according to her LinkedIn account.

By 2013, Worthy was executive director at the Chevron-funded nonprofit For Richmond, which was <a href="https://richmondconfidential.org/2014/01/17/for-richmond-hosts-community-reception/">criticized as a tool of the massive oil company</a>.

By 2013, Worthy was executive director at the Chevron-funded nonprofit For Richmond, which was <a href="https://richmondconfidential.org/2014/01/17/for-richmond-hosts-community-reception/">criticized as a tool of the massive oil company</a>.

“I think we’re here to help the community help themselves,” Worthy told the news site Richmond Confidential in 2014.

“I think we’re here to help the community help themselves,” Worthy told the news site Richmond Confidential in 2014.

The nonprofit secured several contracts with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to provide various services.

The nonprofit secured several contracts with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to provide various services.

One program aimed at closing the achievement gap between Black students and their peers called for nonprofit staff to work full-time at school campuses, according to the now-defunct website for For Richmond. Under another program, the nonprofit said it sponsored high school students to attend summer college-prep programs at historically Black colleges and universities.

One program aimed at closing the achievement gap between Black students and their peers called for nonprofit staff to work full-time at school campuses, according to the now-defunct website for For Richmond. Under another program, the nonprofit said it sponsored high school students to attend summer college-prep programs at historically Black colleges and universities.

In May 2017, Worthy and her nonprofit <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Richmond-students-rise-above-on-a-private-jet-11174566.php">reportedly</a> flew at-risk students from Richmond to Los Angeles on a private jet in a trip meant to give them a broader perspective on the world.

In May 2017, Worthy and her nonprofit <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Richmond-students-rise-above-on-a-private-jet-11174566.php">reportedly</a> flew at-risk students from Richmond to Los Angeles on a private jet in a trip meant to give them a broader perspective on the world.

The issues with the West Contra Costa Unified School District came to a head soon after with the September 2017 letter.

The issues with the West Contra Costa Unified School District came to a head soon after with the September 2017 letter.

It’s unclear how the dispute was resolved. School district officials did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

It’s unclear how the dispute was resolved. School district officials did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-back-to-san-francisco">Journey Back to San Francisco</h2>

Worthy started working at SF SAFE in January 2018, according to her LinkedIn account.

Worthy started working at SF SAFE in January 2018, according to her LinkedIn account.

Dan Lawson, president of the nonprofit’s board, was a member of the board at the time. While Lawson was not involved in the selection process, he said that the board knew about the prior issues Worthy had at For Richmond when it decided to hire her.

Dan Lawson, president of the nonprofit’s board, was a member of the board at the time. While Lawson was not involved in the selection process, he said that the board knew about the prior issues Worthy had at For Richmond when it decided to hire her.

“From what I understand, the selection process was done well, and from what I understand, she was vetted through the police department,” Lawson said.

“From what I understand, the selection process was done well, and from what I understand, she was vetted through the police department,” Lawson said.

While Lawson said he was not aware of the letter obtained by The Standard, he said there was “some question” about her past at For Richmond at the time of her hiring.

While Lawson said he was not aware of the letter obtained by The Standard, he said there was “some question” about her past at For Richmond at the time of her hiring.

“As far as we know, there was no proof or nothing to substantiate,” Lawson said.

“As far as we know, there was no proof or nothing to substantiate,” Lawson said.

However, the SFPD pushed back on the extent of its role in her hiring.

However, the SFPD pushed back on the extent of its role in her hiring.

Evan Sernoffsky, a spokesperson for the department, said SFPD was not asked to conduct and did not conduct a background check on Worthy before she was hired.

Evan Sernoffsky, a spokesperson for the department, said SFPD was not asked to conduct and did not conduct a background check on Worthy before she was hired.

“SF SAFE had hired a separate recruiter, and we participated on a hiring panel, but ultimately the decision to hire Kyra Worthy was up to SF SAFE,” Sernoffsky said.

“SF SAFE had hired a separate recruiter, and we participated on a hiring panel, but ultimately the decision to hire Kyra Worthy was up to SF SAFE,” Sernoffsky said.

After the hiring, Sernoffsky said SF SAFE came to SFPD and said it had learned about the allegations out of Country Costa County.

After the hiring, Sernoffsky said SF SAFE came to SFPD and said it had learned about the allegations out of Country Costa County.

“We looked into it, and there were no criminal charges,” Sernoffsky said.

“We looked into it, and there were no criminal charges,” Sernoffsky said.

“SF SAFE’s Board could have fired their executive director at any point,” he added. “It’s their decision to fire their executive director.”

“SF SAFE’s Board could have fired their executive director at any point,” he added. “It’s their decision to fire their executive director.”

Worthy led the nonprofit as the amount of public support it received annually multiplied from around $940,000 in 2016 to $2.1 million in 2020, according to its tax filings.

Worthy led the nonprofit as the amount of public support it received annually multiplied from around $940,000 in 2016 to $2.1 million in 2020, according to its tax filings.

By 2020, Worthy’s salary topped $150,000—much higher than the roughly $100,000 that her predecessor made in her last full year as executive director in 2016.

By 2020, Worthy’s salary topped $150,000—much higher than the roughly $100,000 that her predecessor made in her last full year as executive director in 2016.

That didn’t stop her from getting reimbursed by SFPD for parking and transportation. Receipts obtained by the Controller’s Office showed ride-hailing trips from San Francisco to her home in Richmond.&nbsp;

That didn’t stop her from getting reimbursed by SFPD for parking and transportation. Receipts obtained by the Controller’s Office showed ride-hailing trips from San Francisco to her home in Richmond.&nbsp;

As to whether SF SAFE should have hired Worthy in the first place, Lawson said, “Hindsight is better than foresight.”

As to whether SF SAFE should have hired Worthy in the first place, Lawson said, “Hindsight is better than foresight.”

“It’s horrible that it’s had to come to this,” he said. “At this point, we are just trying to make sure we can get the organization up and running again.”

“It’s horrible that it’s had to come to this,” he said. “At this point, we are just trying to make sure we can get the organization up and running again.”

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

Josh Koehn

San Francisco political groups come and go, but a new clique of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/23/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">concerned residents</a> who want to save the city—but also kind of want to mingle and party—are coming together to take a seat at the table. And, preferably, that table will have good lighting to make the evening Insta-worthy.

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San Francisco political groups come and go, but a new clique of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/23/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">concerned residents</a> who want to save the city—but also kind of want to mingle and party—are coming together to take a seat at the table. And, preferably, that table will have good lighting to make the evening Insta-worthy.

<a href="https://www.wesanfrancisco.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WE San Francisco</a> started popping up on social media feeds last month as it began hosting summertime events in the city. The organization’s members appear to be a clean-cut group of young professionals, some of whom have sizable social media followings. While the group’s own <a href="https://www.instagram.com/we.sanfrancisco/">Instagram account</a> had fewer than 160 followers as of Monday, organizers say they have already recruited the support of 500 residents since June and have ambitions to grow to a “magic number” of 8,000 members.

<a href="https://www.wesanfrancisco.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WE San Francisco</a> started popping up on social media feeds last month as it began hosting summertime events in the city. The organization’s members appear to be a clean-cut group of young professionals, some of whom have sizable social media followings. While the group’s own <a href="https://www.instagram.com/we.sanfrancisco/">Instagram account</a> had fewer than 160 followers as of Monday, organizers say they have already recruited the support of 500 residents since June and have ambitions to grow to a “magic number” of 8,000 members.

“I like to create movements or to make things go viral,” said Ben Kaplan, the founder of WE San Francisco and the CEO of multiple marketing and PR companies. “And when we do that, we basically need 1% of the population to really buy in to something, get aligned, be kind of die-hard about a message, and it will spread in the whole population.”

“I like to create movements or to make things go viral,” said Ben Kaplan, the founder of WE San Francisco and the CEO of multiple marketing and PR companies. “And when we do that, we basically need 1% of the population to really buy in to something, get aligned, be kind of die-hard about a message, and it will spread in the whole population.”

It’s like a fever, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa9Zg6yGlQ4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the only prescription</a> is more elections.

It’s like a fever, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa9Zg6yGlQ4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the only prescription</a> is more elections.

Kaplan, who lives with his wife and children in the Lone Mountain neighborhood, has all the hallmarks of a born pitchman—on top of his companies, he started writing economic self-help books in his early 20s and has made himself available for thousands of interviews. The clips go all the way back to a grainy appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Kaplan, who lives with his wife and children in the Lone Mountain neighborhood, has all the hallmarks of a born pitchman—on top of his companies, he started writing economic self-help books in his early 20s and has made himself available for thousands of interviews. The clips go all the way back to a grainy appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

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But whether people will buy what Kaplan is selling with WE San Francisco is still an unanswered question.&nbsp;

But whether people will buy what Kaplan is selling with WE San Francisco is still an unanswered question.&nbsp;

The group, which Kaplan named with the algebraic slogan We&gt;Me in mind, cites high crime, homelessness, unclean streets, corruption at City Hall and unresponsive bureaucracy as signs that something is rotten in Denmark. The group also believes people will come together despite differences in how to approach problems, a notion Kaplan defended as “not naive.”

The group, which Kaplan named with the algebraic slogan We&gt;Me in mind, cites high crime, homelessness, unclean streets, corruption at City Hall and unresponsive bureaucracy as signs that something is rotten in Denmark. The group also believes people will come together despite differences in how to approach problems, a notion Kaplan defended as “not naive.”

Starting this month, WE San Francisco intends to survey up to 15,000 residents to fine-tune its positions. The strategy to start with polling is based on <a href="https://carnegieeurope.eu/2018/04/06/en-marche-from-movement-to-government-pub-75985" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a model used by the En Marche movement</a>, which propelled Emmanuel Macron to become president of France.&nbsp;

Starting this month, WE San Francisco intends to survey up to 15,000 residents to fine-tune its positions. The strategy to start with polling is based on <a href="https://carnegieeurope.eu/2018/04/06/en-marche-from-movement-to-government-pub-75985" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a model used by the En Marche movement</a>, which propelled Emmanuel Macron to become president of France.&nbsp;

Kaplan’s wife, Virginie Eskenazi, is a lawyer who was born in France and also serves as part of the new political group’s strategy team. Other leaders of WE San Francisco include Seema Sri, an outdoor adventure event planner and community volunteer in the East Cut, and Brandon Au, managing partner of financial planning firm Pacific Advisors.&nbsp;

Kaplan’s wife, Virginie Eskenazi, is a lawyer who was born in France and also serves as part of the new political group’s strategy team. Other leaders of WE San Francisco include Seema Sri, an outdoor adventure event planner and community volunteer in the East Cut, and Brandon Au, managing partner of financial planning firm Pacific Advisors.&nbsp;

Brandon Au, Ben Kaplan and Seema Sri address members of WE San Francisco during a recent event.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/We-SF-Courtesy-Jason-Martineau-8.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-197288"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brandon Au, Ben Kaplan and Seema Sri address members of WE San Francisco during a recent event.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/We-SF-Courtesy-Jason-Martineau-8.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-197288"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brandon Au, Ben Kaplan and Seema Sri address members of WE San Francisco during a recent event.</figcaption></figure>

Au’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandonau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affluent lifestyle posts on Instagram</a> have attracted 104,000 followers, and a recent WE San Francisco mixer welcomed <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/28/judge-releases-bay-area-man-who-advertised-cocaine-buffet-on-snapchat-after-attorney-argued-he-needs-help-not-prison/?clearUserState=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reformed drug dealer</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/29/anti-drug-activist-skips-through-tenderloin-homeless-encampment-trolling-sf-in-mr-rogers-parody/">activist videographer Ricci Wynne</a>—who has 80,000 followers on Instagram—looking bespoke as he straddled a poodle for a group photo.

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Au’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandonau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affluent lifestyle posts on Instagram</a> have attracted 104,000 followers, and a recent WE San Francisco mixer welcomed <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/28/judge-releases-bay-area-man-who-advertised-cocaine-buffet-on-snapchat-after-attorney-argued-he-needs-help-not-prison/?clearUserState=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reformed drug dealer</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/29/anti-drug-activist-skips-through-tenderloin-homeless-encampment-trolling-sf-in-mr-rogers-parody/">activist videographer Ricci Wynne</a>—who has 80,000 followers on Instagram—looking bespoke as he straddled a poodle for a group photo.

Once the community survey is completed, WE San Francisco intends to hold town hall meetings before formalizing operations by filing for nonprofit status and creating a political arm to get involved in next year’s elections and budget cycle, Kaplan said. A focus will be using community pressure to reshape city department priorities. Kaplan cited pro-vaccine education programs he led in Georgia during the pandemic as a successful model for pressuring lawmakers into action.

Once the community survey is completed, WE San Francisco intends to hold town hall meetings before formalizing operations by filing for nonprofit status and creating a political arm to get involved in next year’s elections and budget cycle, Kaplan said. A focus will be using community pressure to reshape city department priorities. Kaplan cited pro-vaccine education programs he led in Georgia during the pandemic as a successful model for pressuring lawmakers into action.

“I don’t think we have to wait for the mayor or a Board of Supervisors member or the head of some department to be like, ‘Here&#8217;s our plan,’” Kaplan said. “I think the community can do it. And that’s one of the big differences is we’re trying to, like, community-lead stuff. And the idea is that if we get enough of our community behind one voice, then politicians, elected leaders and others will follow it.”

“I don’t think we have to wait for the mayor or a Board of Supervisors member or the head of some department to be like, ‘Here's our plan,’” Kaplan said. “I think the community can do it. And that’s one of the big differences is we’re trying to, like, community-lead stuff. And the idea is that if we get enough of our community behind one voice, then politicians, elected leaders and others will follow it.”

“I don’t think we have to wait for the mayor or a Board of Supervisors member or the head of some department to be like, ‘Here&#8217;s our plan,’” Kaplan said. “I think the community can do it. And that’s one of the big differences is we’re trying to, like, community-lead stuff. And the idea is that if we get enough of our community behind one voice, then politicians, elected leaders and others will follow it.”

Those paying attention to the local political landscape might think WE San Francisco’s mission will overlap with moderate, public safety-focused policies being pushed by organizations like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">TogetherSF</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">Grow SF</a>—and they might be right! Podcast episodes for the fledgling political group feature interviews between Kaplan and billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/01/san-francisco-tech-mogul-chris-larsen-gives-million-grants/">Chris Larsen</a>, affordable housing developer Sam Moss and TogetherSF founder Kanishka Cheng.

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Those paying attention to the local political landscape might think WE San Francisco’s mission will overlap with moderate, public safety-focused policies being pushed by organizations like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">TogetherSF</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">Grow SF</a>—and they might be right! Podcast episodes for the fledgling political group feature interviews between Kaplan and billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/01/san-francisco-tech-mogul-chris-larsen-gives-million-grants/">Chris Larsen</a>, affordable housing developer Sam Moss and TogetherSF founder Kanishka Cheng.

But beyond a lack of deep-pocketed benefactors at the current moment, Kaplan said, there is one key difference that separates WE San Francisco from the rest of the political pack.

But beyond a lack of deep-pocketed benefactors at the current moment, Kaplan said, there is one key difference that separates WE San Francisco from the rest of the political pack.

“One aspect that is unique is that we want to change the city but, like, have incredible fun along the way doing it and bringing people together,” Kaplan said. “And that’s powerful.”

“One aspect that is unique is that we want to change the city but, like, have incredible fun along the way doing it and bringing people together,” Kaplan said. “And that’s powerful.”

Ben Kaplan, a published author and founder of multiple marketing and PR companies, poses for a photo at a recent WE San Francisco event.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/We-SF-Courtesy-Jason-Martineau-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-197281"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ben Kaplan, a published author and founder of multiple marketing and PR companies, poses for a photo at a recent WE San Francisco event.</figcaption></figure>

Jim Ross, a longtime political consultant in the city, was dubious about the new political group’s chances of making meaningful policy changes, but he appreciated the social angle, noting that “San Francisco politics have been kind of boring lately.”

Jim Ross, a longtime political consultant in the city, was dubious about the new political group’s chances of making meaningful policy changes, but he appreciated the social angle, noting that “San Francisco politics have been kind of boring lately.”

Ross formed a similar group more than two decades ago after <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Scavenged-ballot-box-lids-haunt-S-F-elections-3302604.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ballots were presumed missing in the 2001 election</a>—the lids of ballot boxes were found floating in the bay. He called the group “The Committee To Find the Lost Ballots,” and members allegedly attempted to hunt them down in local watering holes. Ross met his wife at one bar stop, but they never did track down those ballots.

Ross formed a similar group more than two decades ago after <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Scavenged-ballot-box-lids-haunt-S-F-elections-3302604.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ballots were presumed missing in the 2001 election</a>—the lids of ballot boxes were found floating in the bay. He called the group “The Committee To Find the Lost Ballots,” and members allegedly attempted to hunt them down in local watering holes. Ross met his wife at one bar stop, but they never did track down those ballots.

“The hard thing in politics, especially in San Francisco politics, is to translate things that are politically social into things that are politically effective,” Ross said. “It’s easy to get people to come have a drink and flirt with somebody who could be a potential partner, but it’s hard to get people to walk a precinct, host a party and make phone calls—the work that actually impacts elections.”

“The hard thing in politics, especially in San Francisco politics, is to translate things that are politically social into things that are politically effective,” Ross said. “It’s easy to get people to come have a drink and flirt with somebody who could be a potential partner, but it’s hard to get people to walk a precinct, host a party and make phone calls—the work that actually impacts elections.”

San Francisco’s glossiest new political group is ready to party

Gabe Greschler

The city’s March election is just 259 hours away. Yes, we’re counting that—along with the immense amount of money pouring into what many consider to be one of the most consequential election seasons in San Francisco in decades.&nbsp;

The city’s March election is just 259 hours away. Yes, we’re counting that—along with the immense amount of money pouring into what many consider to be one of the most consequential election seasons in San Francisco in decades.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of this month, donors have poured well over $1 million into a handful of local campaigns, making their last-ditch pitches to voters.&nbsp;The dollar figure does not capture some contributions that have not been reported yet this month.

Since the beginning of this month, donors have poured well over $1 million into a handful of local campaigns, making their last-ditch pitches to voters.&nbsp;The dollar figure does not capture some contributions that have not been reported yet this month.

There are two key battlegrounds on March 5. First are the seven propositions before voters, some of which could make drastic changes to rules surrounding policing and social services.&nbsp;

There are two key battlegrounds on March 5. First are the seven propositions before voters, some of which could make drastic changes to rules surrounding policing and social services.&nbsp;

Another is the Democratic County Central Committee, or the DCCC,&nbsp;where 24 open seats are up for grabs. Progressives and moderates are duking it out over control of the committee, which governs the local Democratic Party and will issue endorsements in fiercely contested November contests for mayor, Board of Supervisors and other positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another is the Democratic County Central Committee, or the DCCC,&nbsp;where 24 open seats are up for grabs. Progressives and moderates are duking it out over control of the committee, which governs the local Democratic Party and will issue endorsements in fiercely contested November contests for mayor, Board of Supervisors and other positions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Voters will also weigh in on a senate race and Prop. 1, a state ballot measure to fund mental health treatment, and decide whether to boot two Superior Court judges.

Voters will also weigh in on a senate race and Prop. 1, a state ballot measure to fund mental health treatment, and decide whether to boot two Superior Court judges.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cash-flowing-to-propositions-b-and-f">Cash flowing to Propositions B and F</h2>

Proposition B, which would establish and fund a minimum number of police officers contingent on a future tax, is attracting deep-pocketed opposition. This month alone, donors have poured more than $618,400 into a group calling itself the “Stop the Cop Tax” committee.

Proposition B, which would establish and fund a minimum number of police officers contingent on a future tax, is attracting deep-pocketed opposition. This month alone, donors have poured more than $618,400 into a group calling itself the “Stop the Cop Tax” committee.

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The ballot measure was originally conceived by Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who wanted to bolster police ranks by about 100 officers a year, in part through large signing bonuses. Skepticism grew after the Controller’s Office determined the effort could cost the city up to $300 million over five years.&nbsp;

The ballot measure was originally conceived by Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who wanted to bolster police ranks by about 100 officers a year, in part through large signing bonuses. Skepticism grew after the Controller’s Office determined the effort could cost the city up to $300 million over five years.&nbsp;

An amendment was then added by Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who made the staffing contingent on voters amending an existing tax or approving a new one at some point in the future. In response, Dorsey pulled his support from the revised measure and accused Safaí of throwing a “poison pill” into it.&nbsp;

An amendment was then added by Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who made the staffing contingent on voters amending an existing tax or approving a new one at some point in the future. In response, Dorsey pulled his support from the revised measure and accused Safaí of throwing a “poison pill” into it.&nbsp;

The Board of Supervisors approved the measure in November in a narrow 6-5 vote. Support is coming from the board’s president, Aaron Peskin, and unions like Service Employees International Union 1021 and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21’s PAC. They claim another stream of funding for police could open up more staffing opportunities for other first responders like firefighters and paramedics.

The Board of Supervisors approved the measure in November in a narrow 6-5 vote. Support is coming from the board’s president, Aaron Peskin, and unions like Service Employees International Union 1021 and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21’s PAC. They claim another stream of funding for police could open up more staffing opportunities for other first responders like firefighters and paramedics.

Major donations to the anti-Prop. B campaign include a whopping&nbsp;$618,400 from Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, $50,000 from tech executive Chris Larsen and $10,000 from the city’s police union. Since Feb. 1, the San Francisco Labor Council has given a relatively paltry $2,500 in support of Prop. B.

Major donations to the anti-Prop. B campaign include a whopping&nbsp;$618,400 from Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, $50,000 from tech executive Chris Larsen and $10,000 from the city’s police union. Since Feb. 1, the San Francisco Labor Council has given a relatively paltry $2,500 in support of Prop. B.

Police officers sit outside the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231214apecspending-023.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three police officers are sitting on a bench; two are on their phones, and one looks pensive. There's greenery behind them on a gray wall." class="wp-image-230379"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prop. B, which would set a police staffing mandate but require a future tax, is attracting deep-pocketed opposition.</figcaption></figure>

Overall, the top three measures that have attracted the most money are Prop. B with $1.77 million, Prop. E with $1.67 million and Prop. A with $648,554.&nbsp;

Overall, the top three measures that have attracted the most money are Prop. B with $1.77 million, Prop. E with $1.67 million and Prop. A with $648,554.&nbsp;

The other proposition seeing heavy cash flow this month is Prop. F, which would allow the city to screen welfare recipients for illicit drug use and require them to seek treatment as a condition of receiving cash benefits. Placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed, the measure comes in response to an overdose crisis that has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans. Recent surveys suggest that Prop. F <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-election-poll-prop-e-police-march-ballot/">is popular with voters,</a> with 61% in favor, according to recent polling conducted by the Chamber of Commerce.

San Francisco voters want more police powers, new poll shows

The other proposition seeing heavy cash flow this month is Prop. F, which would allow the city to screen welfare recipients for illicit drug use and require them to seek treatment as a condition of receiving cash benefits. Placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed, the measure comes in response to an overdose crisis that has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans. Recent surveys suggest that Prop. F <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-election-poll-prop-e-police-march-ballot/">is popular with voters,</a> with 61% in favor, according to recent polling conducted by the Chamber of Commerce.

A total of $288,400 has been pushed toward the measure’s approval this month, with $100,000 in funding coming from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/15/san-francisco-apec-summit-kevin-xu-mebo/">businessman Kevin Xu</a> and another $100,000 from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/08/war-jfk-drive-de-young-museum-san-francisco-kids-safe-fine-arts-museum/">conservative socialite Diane “Dede” Wilsey</a>. Opposition dollars are coming from the Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), along with SEIU Local 1021’s PAC, which have collectively contributed $25,000 since the start of the month.

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A total of $288,400 has been pushed toward the measure’s approval this month, with $100,000 in funding coming from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/15/san-francisco-apec-summit-kevin-xu-mebo/">businessman Kevin Xu</a> and another $100,000 from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/08/war-jfk-drive-de-young-museum-san-francisco-kids-safe-fine-arts-museum/">conservative socialite Diane “Dede” Wilsey</a>. Opposition dollars are coming from the Tenants and Owners Development Corporation (TODCO), along with SEIU Local 1021’s PAC, which have collectively contributed $25,000 since the start of the month.

“There is certainly a move by some toward more moderate, if not conservative, policies,” said Larry Gerston, San Jose State University political science professor emeritus. “And it really began with the recall of [former District Attorney Chesa] Boudin. That is when it started. And I think it continues in various ways, in particular with some of these ballot issues.”

“There is certainly a move by some toward more moderate, if not conservative, policies,” said Larry Gerston, San Jose State University political science professor emeritus. “And it really began with the recall of [former District Attorney Chesa] Boudin. That is when it started. And I think it continues in various ways, in particular with some of these ballot issues.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-moderates-take-over-the-dccc">Will moderates take over the DCCC?</h2>

The fight over the DCCC, or “D-trip” as it is known among political junkies, will play out over 14 seats representing the city’s east side (Assembly District 17) and 10 seats in the west (Assembly District 19).&nbsp;

The fight over the DCCC, or “D-trip” as it is known among political junkies, will play out over 14 seats representing the city’s east side (Assembly District 17) and 10 seats in the west (Assembly District 19).&nbsp;

The makeup of the current committee is roughly three-quarters progressive—and moderates are attempting to swing seats for one very important reason. The DCCC controls the official San Francisco Democratic Party endorsements for local races, which are promoted to hundreds of thousands of registered Democrats. The group also passes policy resolutions and helps to register voters.

The makeup of the current committee is roughly three-quarters progressive—and moderates are attempting to swing seats for one very important reason. The DCCC controls the official San Francisco Democratic Party endorsements for local races, which are promoted to hundreds of thousands of registered Democrats. The group also passes policy resolutions and helps to register voters.

Across both assembly districts, the top three candidates across both assembly districts raised are all moderates: Bilal Mahmood, Michael Lai and Dorsey on the east side, along with Marjan Philhour, Supervisor Catherine Stefani and Lanier Coles on the west. Each are running as part of the moderate-backed Democrats for Change slate.

Across both assembly districts, the top three candidates across both assembly districts raised are all moderates: Bilal Mahmood, Michael Lai and Dorsey on the east side, along with Marjan Philhour, Supervisor Catherine Stefani and Lanier Coles on the west. Each are running as part of the moderate-backed Democrats for Change slate.

Marjan Philhour smiles with emotion as she files for her candidacy for District 1 Supervisor at the Department of Elections in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Philhour joins the race for a third time to challenge incumbent Connie Chan in the Richmond District.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1101district1race_jy_007.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling woman in teal attire is foregrounded with onlookers behind her in an indoor setting." class="wp-image-217372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marjan Philhour, a candidate for DCCC and Board of Supervisors, has raised more than $200,000 for her DCCC campaign.</figcaption></figure>

Ben Kaplan, founder of the newly formed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/05/san-francisco-new-political-group-instagram-influencers/">moderate political group WE San Francisco</a>, said the DCCC candidates also running for other seats—such as Mahmood and Philhour, who are both running for the Board of Supervisors in November—hold an innate advantage. Mahmood and Philhour have both raised more than $200,000 for their DCCC campaigns, far outpacing most candidates for the committee.

Ben Kaplan, founder of the newly formed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/05/san-francisco-new-political-group-instagram-influencers/">moderate political group WE San Francisco</a>, said the DCCC candidates also running for other seats—such as Mahmood and Philhour, who are both running for the Board of Supervisors in November—hold an innate advantage. Mahmood and Philhour have both raised more than $200,000 for their DCCC campaigns, far outpacing most candidates for the committee.

“There are two ways people go about winning,” Kaplan said. “One theory, it&#8217;s purely name recognition. When you’re voting for so many people at once, it&#8217;s hard to break through. Some people win like that.”

“There are two ways people go about winning,” Kaplan said. “One theory, it's purely name recognition. When you’re voting for so many people at once, it's hard to break through. Some people win like that.”

“There are two ways people go about winning,” Kaplan said. “One theory, it&#8217;s purely name recognition. When you’re voting for so many people at once, it&#8217;s hard to break through. Some people win like that.”

This month, Mahmood, who is running for supervisor against progressive Supervisor Dean Preston, has nabbed $5,000 from venture capitalist Steven Merrill. Lai received $5,000 each from tech executive Josh Albrecht and Jared Friedman of Y Combinator, a startup incubator. That group’s founder, Garry Tan, has pushed $5,000 toward Lily Ho, another moderate candidate on the city’s east side.&nbsp;

This month, Mahmood, who is running for supervisor against progressive Supervisor Dean Preston, has nabbed $5,000 from venture capitalist Steven Merrill. Lai received $5,000 each from tech executive Josh Albrecht and Jared Friedman of Y Combinator, a startup incubator. That group’s founder, Garry Tan, has pushed $5,000 toward Lily Ho, another moderate candidate on the city’s east side.&nbsp;

Though progressives haven’t seen as much monetary support, a whopping $40,000 from SEIU’s Local 1021 PAC was contributed this month to Kristin Hardy, a medical records clerk. And Patrick Bell, a plumber with San Francisco’s Water District, got $10,000 from the progressive Labor and Working Families Slate.

Though progressives haven’t seen as much monetary support, a whopping $40,000 from SEIU’s Local 1021 PAC was contributed this month to Kristin Hardy, a medical records clerk. And Patrick Bell, a plumber with San Francisco’s Water District, got $10,000 from the progressive Labor and Working Families Slate.

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

San Francisco’s glossiest new political group is ready to party

Donors pour big bucks into campaign to stop police staffing measure

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

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