Karl Olson

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie is getting plenty of advice as he prepares to take over City Hall in January. Here’s some unsolicited advice from a supporter: When it comes to transparency, don’t be like your predecessor.&nbsp;

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Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie is getting plenty of advice as he prepares to take over City Hall in January. Here’s some unsolicited advice from a supporter: When it comes to transparency, don’t be like your predecessor.&nbsp;

Don’t try to avoid scrutiny by conducting much of your government business via texts, then quickly deleting them, as Mayor London Breed was<a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/09/mayor-breed-is-deleting-texts-legal-experts-say-thats-a-problem/"> found to have done</a>. Adhere to both the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance, so the public can see whether you’re following through on your promise of accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Don’t try to avoid scrutiny by conducting much of your government business via texts, then quickly deleting them, as Mayor London Breed was<a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/09/mayor-breed-is-deleting-texts-legal-experts-say-thats-a-problem/"> found to have done</a>. Adhere to both the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance, so the public can see whether you’re following through on your promise of accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To put it more bluntly: Don’t just pay lip service to transparency. Embrace the command for sunshine found in those two laws. They are vital to reestablishing the people’s faith in local government.

To put it more bluntly: Don’t just pay lip service to transparency. Embrace the command for sunshine found in those two laws. They are vital to reestablishing the people’s faith in local government.

Doing so would not only advance good government and adhere to the law — always a good idea — but might be good politics, too. After all, one of the reasons Lurie will take the reins at City Hall is his promise to clear up the stench of corruption, sleaze, and scandal that enveloped the Breed administration. As I <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/09/20/why-breed-illegally-deletes-texts/">opined before the election</a>, Breed’s communications practices were inconsistent with both the spirit and the letter of open-government laws.

Why does London Breed keep illegally deleting her text messages?

Doing so would not only advance good government and adhere to the law — always a good idea — but might be good politics, too. After all, one of the reasons Lurie will take the reins at City Hall is his promise to clear up the stench of corruption, sleaze, and scandal that enveloped the Breed administration. As I <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/09/20/why-breed-illegally-deletes-texts/">opined before the election</a>, Breed’s communications practices were inconsistent with both the spirit and the letter of open-government laws.

Opinion: Why does London Breed keep illegally deleting her text messages?

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Lurie should not emulate Breed’s penchant for secrecy, especially after he ran his campaign as an outsider who wasn’t part of the corrupt City Hall establishment. It’s too early to tell whether he will deliver on his promises to shake up an old-school political system that has delivered a bloated bureaucracy and little else.

Lurie should not emulate Breed’s penchant for secrecy, especially after he ran his campaign as an outsider who wasn’t part of the corrupt City Hall establishment. It’s too early to tell whether he will deliver on his promises to shake up an old-school political system that has delivered a bloated bureaucracy and little else.

But the unveiling of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sam-altman-mayor-daniel-lurie-san-francisco/">his transition team </a>this week may offer cause for concern or, at least, vigilance.&nbsp;

Sam Altman tapped for Lurie&#8217;s transition team

But the unveiling of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sam-altman-mayor-daniel-lurie-san-francisco/">his transition team </a>this week may offer cause for concern or, at least, vigilance.&nbsp;

One of the members is former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, who won national renown as an advocate for a universal basic income. A former Stockton city manager charged that Tubbs had him fired in an effort to avoid severance obligations. The city and Tubbs resisted disclosing text messages on the subject, and a judge ultimately found that Stockton had violated the CPRA, in part because of Tubbs’ actions. (Lurie had no involvement.)

One of the members is former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, who won national renown as an advocate for a universal basic income. A former Stockton city manager charged that Tubbs had him fired in an effort to avoid severance obligations. The city and Tubbs resisted disclosing text messages on the subject, and a judge ultimately found that Stockton had violated the CPRA, in part because of Tubbs’ actions. (Lurie had no involvement.)

Another cause for concern may be Lurie’s appointment of Open AI’s Sam Altman to a key role on the transition team. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/19/openai-sam-altman-daniel-lurie-san-francisco/">Open AI lobbied City Hall for a tax break</a> while Breed was mayor. The appointment of someone who leads a company that may seek favors or influence raises a red flag, as one independent ethics expert told The Standard.

OpenAI’s Altman is lobbying City Hall — and advising its new boss

Another cause for concern may be Lurie’s appointment of Open AI’s Sam Altman to a key role on the transition team. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/19/openai-sam-altman-daniel-lurie-san-francisco/">Open AI lobbied City Hall for a tax break</a> while Breed was mayor. The appointment of someone who leads a company that may seek favors or influence raises a red flag, as one independent ethics expert told The Standard.

Lurie has never served in elected office, something voters saw as a good thing, so he hasn’t had to deal with local open-government laws. But his wife, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/daniel-lurie-becca-prowda-wife-19913807.php">Becca Prowda</a>, has spent her highly acclaimed career working for Gavin Newsom, as an aide when he was San Francisco mayor and now as the governor’s chief of protocol. Prowda should know the open-government drill. As governor, Newsom has never been a beacon of transparency, and California under his leadership has routinely resisted CPRA requests, although no evidence exists that Prowda was involved in this resistance.

Lurie has never served in elected office, something voters saw as a good thing, so he hasn’t had to deal with local open-government laws. But his wife, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/daniel-lurie-becca-prowda-wife-19913807.php">Becca Prowda</a>, has spent her highly acclaimed career working for Gavin Newsom, as an aide when he was San Francisco mayor and now as the governor’s chief of protocol. Prowda should know the open-government drill. As governor, Newsom has never been a beacon of transparency, and California under his leadership has routinely resisted CPRA requests, although no evidence exists that Prowda was involved in this resistance.

Why does this matter when many voters, both nationally and in San Francisco, are more concerned about inflation, the job market, and housing than about government transparency?&nbsp; Lurie’s first priorities will no doubt be homelessness and the fentanyl crisis, and he’s expected to tap his deep network of nonprofit leaders and corporate executives to help fund his programs addressing these issues. The public will need to know whom City Hall is shoveling money toward, what kinds of connections they have with the mayor, and how they stand to benefit from taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;

Why does this matter when many voters, both nationally and in San Francisco, are more concerned about inflation, the job market, and housing than about government transparency?&nbsp; Lurie’s first priorities will no doubt be homelessness and the fentanyl crisis, and he’s expected to tap his deep network of nonprofit leaders and corporate executives to help fund his programs addressing these issues. The public will need to know whom City Hall is shoveling money toward, what kinds of connections they have with the mayor, and how they stand to benefit from taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;

Just as we did under Breed, San Franciscans need a check on organizations that attempt to exert influence on government decisions. The new mayor, after praiseworthy pledges to curb corruption and ensure accountability, should take seriously those laws — which the Legislature has called “fundamental and necessary rights of every person in this state” — and not hide or delete texts and other communications dealing with the people’s business.

Just as we did under Breed, San Franciscans need a check on organizations that attempt to exert influence on government decisions. The new mayor, after praiseworthy pledges to curb corruption and ensure accountability, should take seriously those laws — which the Legislature has called “fundamental and necessary rights of every person in this state” — and not hide or delete texts and other communications dealing with the people’s business.

Karl Olson is a San Francisco lawyer who successfully argued two Public Records Act cases before the California Supreme Court. He was not involved in Lurie’s campaign, although his law firm represents the city manager in the case involving former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs

Karl Olson is a San Francisco lawyer who successfully argued two Public Records Act cases before the California Supreme Court. He was not involved in Lurie’s campaign, although his law firm represents the city manager in the case involving former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs

To restore trust in City Hall, Daniel Lurie needs to let the sunshine in

Opinion: To restore trust in City Hall, Daniel Lurie needs to let the sunshine in

Josh Koehn

The first time Melissa Nieto laid eyes on Kung Yuen Chiu and his work van outside of her home on Crescent Avenue, she had no inkling of how much trouble he would end up causing her.&nbsp;

The first time Melissa Nieto laid eyes on Kung Yuen Chiu and his work van outside of her home on Crescent Avenue, she had no inkling of how much trouble he would end up causing her.&nbsp;

“He just looked like an older guy with money,” she recalled. “He looked like he should be retired.”

“He just looked like an older guy with money,” she recalled. “He looked like he should be retired.”

Nieto had hired a contractor in the spring of 2024 to replace a retaining wall and install a door on the back of her house, and this man had enlisted Chiu — who goes by K.Y. Chiu or simply Mr. Chiu — to oversee the planning. The work would be a bit complicated, as the rear of Nieto’s home is on one of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/the-standards-food-editor-eats-her-way-through-her-favorite-hood/">Bernal Heights</a>’ signature slopes, but Chiu was there to make sure the project ran smoothly.&nbsp;

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Nieto had hired a contractor in the spring of 2024 to replace a retaining wall and install a door on the back of her house, and this man had enlisted Chiu — who goes by K.Y. Chiu or simply Mr. Chiu — to oversee the planning. The work would be a bit complicated, as the rear of Nieto’s home is on one of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/07/the-standards-food-editor-eats-her-way-through-her-favorite-hood/">Bernal Heights</a>’ signature slopes, but Chiu was there to make sure the project ran smoothly.&nbsp;

Over time, though, Nieto sensed that something was off. Costs kept adding up, and Chiu demanded an extra $5,000 payment to complete the plans, she said.&nbsp;

Over time, though, Nieto sensed that something was off. Costs kept adding up, and Chiu demanded an extra $5,000 payment to complete the plans, she said.&nbsp;

“He said he wouldn’t finish the project, and I thought, ‘Oh, great,’” Nieto said. “Thinking back on it, I should have gotten somebody else right then.”

“He said he wouldn’t finish the project, and I thought, ‘Oh, great,’” Nieto said. “Thinking back on it, I should have gotten somebody else right then.”

Chiu eventually finished the plans, got city approval and the project was completed in early August. Nieto figured that Chiu’s fee had been money well spent. Far too many San Franciscans have seen permit snafus drag out projects for months, if not years.

Chiu eventually finished the plans, got city approval and the project was completed in early August. Nieto figured that Chiu’s fee had been money well spent. Far too many San Franciscans have seen permit snafus drag out projects for months, if not years.

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So, Nieto was shocked when city officials in November mailed her a notice of violation, ordering her to submit new plans for the project and begin the permitting process from scratch — all because of her permit expediter.&nbsp;

So, Nieto was shocked when city officials in November mailed her a notice of violation, ordering her to submit new plans for the project and begin the permitting process from scratch — all because of her permit expediter.&nbsp;

“Everything was fine; they came and did the final inspection, and then they hit me with him not having a license,” Nieto said. “And now I have to pay for the permit, which is $2,500 more.”

“Everything was fine; they came and did the final inspection, and then they hit me with him not having a license,” Nieto said. “And now I have to pay for the permit, which is $2,500 more.”

In March, the Department of Building Inspection <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25951732-k-y-chiu-staff-report/">flagged Chiu’s work</a> and quietly added his name to its <a href="https://www.sf.gov/reports--may-2024--expanded-compliance-control-program">Expanded Compliance Control list</a>. The list was created in the wake of corruption scandals that came to light in 2020 and is informally known among city staff as the “bad actors” of San Francisco permit expediters. Chiu was found to have fraudulently used the stamp of Himatlal B. Dagli, an engineer who’d <a href="https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/public/c--28801_dec885.pdf">had his license suspended</a> by the California Department of Consumer Affairs in 2010, according to documents The Standard obtained via a public records request.

In March, the Department of Building Inspection <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25951732-k-y-chiu-staff-report/">flagged Chiu’s work</a> and quietly added his name to its <a href="https://www.sf.gov/reports--may-2024--expanded-compliance-control-program">Expanded Compliance Control list</a>. The list was created in the wake of corruption scandals that came to light in 2020 and is informally known among city staff as the “bad actors” of San Francisco permit expediters. Chiu was found to have fraudulently used the stamp of Himatlal B. Dagli, an engineer who’d <a href="https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/public/c--28801_dec885.pdf">had his license suspended</a> by the California Department of Consumer Affairs in 2010, according to documents The Standard obtained via a public records request.

Leaving no room for doubt of Chiu’s foul intent, city officials noted it was “implausible” he would not have known he was acting in a fraudulent manner, as the stipulation agreement for Dagli’s 2010 suspension also called out Chiu for working without an engineering license.&nbsp;

Leaving no room for doubt of Chiu’s foul intent, city officials noted it was “implausible” he would not have known he was acting in a fraudulent manner, as the stipulation agreement for Dagli’s 2010 suspension also called out Chiu for working without an engineering license.&nbsp;

Consequently, plans for Nieto’s project and two other homes Chiu worked on in the Sunset — 1671 45th Ave. and 1754 27th Ave. — were deemed “invalid and fraudulent” because there was no valid engineer of record.

Consequently, plans for Nieto’s project and two other homes Chiu worked on in the Sunset — 1671 45th Ave. and 1754 27th Ave. — were deemed “invalid and fraudulent” because there was no valid engineer of record.

“I had to pay several thousand dollars to this asshole who wasn’t an engineer to begin with,” Nieto said. “Then I had to get another engineer to do the work, which I&#8217;m going through now to get the plans approved a second time.”

“I had to pay several thousand dollars to this asshole who wasn’t an engineer to begin with,” Nieto said. “Then I had to get another engineer to do the work, which I'm going through now to get the plans approved a second time.”

“I had to pay several thousand dollars to this asshole who wasn’t an engineer to begin with,” Nieto said. “Then I had to get another engineer to do the work, which I&#8217;m going through now to get the plans approved a second time.”

A construction area near Broadway and Baker streets in San Francisco on Saturday March 8, 2025. Billionaire’s row is a construction site. What are the rich building?

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8642037906_billionariesrow-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="A building facade covered with scaffolding is shown, featuring intricate stonework and a small balcony. Leaves from a tree partially frame the top left." class="wp-image-378229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Home renovations can suffer serious delays and inflated expenses if plans don&#8217;t receive the blessing of the Department of Building Inspection.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8642037906_billionariesrow-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="A building facade covered with scaffolding is shown, featuring intricate stonework and a small balcony. Leaves from a tree partially frame the top left." class="wp-image-378229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Home renovations can suffer serious delays and inflated expenses if plans don't receive the blessing of the Department of Building Inspection.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8642037906_billionariesrow-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="A building facade covered with scaffolding is shown, featuring intricate stonework and a small balcony. Leaves from a tree partially frame the top left." class="wp-image-378229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Home renovations can suffer serious delays and inflated expenses if plans don&#8217;t receive the blessing of the Department of Building Inspection.</figcaption></figure>

While city officials erred in initially approving permits for three of Chiu’s projects last fall, the bad actors list appears to be serving its purpose. In April, officials added another permit consultant, <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25951735-victor-ngoon-staff-report/">Victor Ngoon</a>, who seemed to be working with Chiu in some capacity. Both were found to be using the same suspended engineer’s stamp to get approval for their permit applications.

While city officials erred in initially approving permits for three of Chiu’s projects last fall, the bad actors list appears to be serving its purpose. In April, officials added another permit consultant, <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25951735-victor-ngoon-staff-report/">Victor Ngoon</a>, who seemed to be working with Chiu in some capacity. Both were found to be using the same suspended engineer’s stamp to get approval for their permit applications.

“By submitting plans with Mr. Dagli&#8217;s stamp affixed, Mr. Ngoon acted with either willful fraud or a failure to exercise the minimum standards of due diligence expected under the circumstances,” city officials wrote.

“By submitting plans with Mr. Dagli's stamp affixed, Mr. Ngoon acted with either willful fraud or a failure to exercise the minimum standards of due diligence expected under the circumstances,” city officials wrote.

“By submitting plans with Mr. Dagli&#8217;s stamp affixed, Mr. Ngoon acted with either willful fraud or a failure to exercise the minimum standards of due diligence expected under the circumstances,” city officials wrote.

The report detailing three notices of violation against Chiu over one week in November 2024 raises the question of whether the incidents were just the tip of the iceberg. Nieto’s contractor, Rafael Chahuayo, told The Standard he has heard of more than half a dozen other properties having issues with Chiu. Another source who declined to be named said Chiu’s violations could stem back as far as a decade.

The report detailing three notices of violation against Chiu over one week in November 2024 raises the question of whether the incidents were just the tip of the iceberg. Nieto’s contractor, Rafael Chahuayo, told The Standard he has heard of more than half a dozen other properties having issues with Chiu. Another source who declined to be named said Chiu’s violations could stem back as far as a decade.

Patrick Hannan, a spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, confirmed via email that officials have alerted the district attorney&#8217;s office about Chiu’s violations. Hannan added that building inspection officials have not done a deeper dive into his work and do not have the legal authority to ban permit expediters, which is why Chiu’s name is merely a red flag in the system.&nbsp;

Patrick Hannan, a spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, confirmed via email that officials have alerted the district attorney's office about Chiu’s violations. Hannan added that building inspection officials have not done a deeper dive into his work and do not have the legal authority to ban permit expediters, which is why Chiu’s name is merely a red flag in the system.&nbsp;

Patrick Hannan, a spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, confirmed via email that officials have alerted the district attorney&#8217;s office about Chiu’s violations. Hannan added that building inspection officials have not done a deeper dive into his work and do not have the legal authority to ban permit expediters, which is why Chiu’s name is merely a red flag in the system.&nbsp;

“The Expanded Compliance Control process empowers DBI to invest staff time and resources in monitoring people who consistently misrepresent their work, violate the building codes and rip off unsuspecting property owners,” Hannan wrote in an email.

“The Expanded Compliance Control process empowers DBI to invest staff time and resources in monitoring people who consistently misrepresent their work, violate the building codes and rip off unsuspecting property owners,” Hannan wrote in an email.

Chiu did not respond to requests for comment. Ngoon declined to comment Thursday, and attempts to reach Dagli were unsuccessful.

Chiu did not respond to requests for comment. Ngoon declined to comment Thursday, and attempts to reach Dagli were unsuccessful.

There are seven people on the Expanded Compliance Control list, starting with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/21/rodrigo-santos-wife-troubled-contractor-list-san-francisco/">Rodrigo Santos</a>, who was convicted for multiple crimes, including trying to influence a city building inspector. Whenever someone on the list is named on a project seeking city permits, the Department of Building Inspection alerts agencies across the city and state. The list of departments that could be contacted include the California Contractors State License Board; the state Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists; the California Architects Board; and — if officials suspect illegal acts have been committed — the San Francisco district attorney’s office.

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There are seven people on the Expanded Compliance Control list, starting with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/21/rodrigo-santos-wife-troubled-contractor-list-san-francisco/">Rodrigo Santos</a>, who was convicted for multiple crimes, including trying to influence a city building inspector. Whenever someone on the list is named on a project seeking city permits, the Department of Building Inspection alerts agencies across the city and state. The list of departments that could be contacted include the California Contractors State License Board; the state Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists; the California Architects Board; and — if officials suspect illegal acts have been committed — the San Francisco district attorney’s office.

Rodrigo Santos exits the Phillip Burton Federal Building courts after his sentencing in San Francisco on Friday August, 25, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4149-1.jpg?w=1622" alt="A man walks out of a court building." class="wp-image-195831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rodrigo Santos was convicted for multiple crimes, including trying to influence a city building inspector, and sentenced to 2.5 years in prison.</figcaption></figure>

Randy Quezada, a spokesperson for the DA, declined to comment on Chiu’s violations being referred to prosecutors. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on the existence or non-existence of possible criminal investigations,” Quezada wrote in an email.

Randy Quezada, a spokesperson for the DA, declined to comment on Chiu’s violations being referred to prosecutors. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on the existence or non-existence of possible criminal investigations,” Quezada wrote in an email.

An official for the state Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists confirmed to The Standard that it is a misdemeanor for anyone to use an expired, suspended, surrendered, or revoked certificate or license.

An official for the state Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists confirmed to The Standard that it is a misdemeanor for anyone to use an expired, suspended, surrendered, or revoked certificate or license.

Little information could be found online about Chiu, but <a href="https://marquistopengineers.com/2022/05/20/kung-yuen-chiu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">a bio</a> on “The Marquis Who’s Who Top Professionals” website states that he has dedicated his life to helping the community.

Little information could be found online about Chiu, but <a href="https://marquistopengineers.com/2022/05/20/kung-yuen-chiu/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">a bio</a> on “The Marquis Who’s Who Top Professionals” website states that he has dedicated his life to helping the community.

“Mr. Chiu attributes his success to his desire to improve human lives,” the bio states. “As part of the 30th generation of the Sung Dynasty from China, he decided to pursue his career because he was inspired by his heritage.”

“Mr. Chiu attributes his success to his desire to improve human lives,” the bio states. “As part of the 30th generation of the Sung Dynasty from China, he decided to pursue his career because he was inspired by his heritage.”

Nieto said the costs for her project ballooned from around $35,000 to $50,000, partly because of Chiu’s actions. However, she noted that the plans he submitted were found to be acceptable, aside from the stamp. She is still waiting for the city to approve her plans a second time and hopes prosecutors pursue a case against Chiu.

Nieto said the costs for her project ballooned from around $35,000 to $50,000, partly because of Chiu’s actions. However, she noted that the plans he submitted were found to be acceptable, aside from the stamp. She is still waiting for the city to approve her plans a second time and hopes prosecutors pursue a case against Chiu.

“I hope they take everything he’s got,” Nieto said. “It’s pretty rotten what he did.”

“I hope they take everything he’s got,” Nieto said. “It’s pretty rotten what he did.”

How a notorious permit fraudster became one homeowner’s nightmare

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin’s relationship with tech is about as strong as a dial-up internet connection.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin’s relationship with tech is about as strong as a dial-up internet connection.

He has <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/groundbreaking-deal-between-peskin-uber-lyft-would-create-per-ride-ride-hail-tax/article_4e443aa3-2571-54dc-8d99-84fd896f9927.html">taxed</a> Uber and Lyft rides. He has clashed with <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Ed-Lee-s-big-bucks-ally-police-union-target-6554659.php">billionaire angel investors</a>. He has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/19/sf-cracks-down-on-e-scooters-but-some-riders-say-theyre-uneasy-about-rolling-alongside-cars/">urged regulators</a> to kick e-scooters off sidewalks. He engaged in “<a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/11/waymo-rebuffed-by-sfo-sf-guerilla-warfare-vs-robotaxis-is-on/">legislative guerilla warfare</a>” against Waymo. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan was so enraged by Peskin’s policies he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">once tweeted</a> that the supervisor should “die slow.”

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He has <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/groundbreaking-deal-between-peskin-uber-lyft-would-create-per-ride-ride-hail-tax/article_4e443aa3-2571-54dc-8d99-84fd896f9927.html">taxed</a> Uber and Lyft rides. He has clashed with <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Ed-Lee-s-big-bucks-ally-police-union-target-6554659.php">billionaire angel investors</a>. He has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/19/sf-cracks-down-on-e-scooters-but-some-riders-say-theyre-uneasy-about-rolling-alongside-cars/">urged regulators</a> to kick e-scooters off sidewalks. He engaged in “<a href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/11/waymo-rebuffed-by-sfo-sf-guerilla-warfare-vs-robotaxis-is-on/">legislative guerilla warfare</a>” against Waymo. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan was so enraged by Peskin’s policies he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">once tweeted</a> that the supervisor should “die slow.”

In a new interview, however, Peskin struck a more conciliatory tone toward the industry he has so often butted heads with.

In a new interview, however, Peskin struck a more conciliatory tone toward the industry he has so often butted heads with.

SF mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on October 1, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1402" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_aaron_peskin_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with gray hair and glasses in a blue suit and tie is speaking on a news show about the San Francisco mayoral race. The text identifies him as Aaron Peskin." class="wp-image-317861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin during an ABC interview Tuesday with The Standard&#8217;s Annie Gaus.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_aaron_peskin_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with gray hair and glasses in a blue suit and tie is speaking on a news show about the San Francisco mayoral race. The text identifies him as Aaron Peskin." class="wp-image-317861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin during an ABC interview Tuesday with The Standard's Annie Gaus.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_aaron_peskin_2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with gray hair and glasses in a blue suit and tie is speaking on a news show about the San Francisco mayoral race. The text identifies him as Aaron Peskin." class="wp-image-317861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin during an ABC interview Tuesday with The Standard&#8217;s Annie Gaus.</figcaption></figure>

“I think San Francisco should actually embrace tech,” Peskin said.

“I think San Francisco should actually embrace tech,” Peskin said.

Peskin’s remarks came in a wide-ranging interview with The Standard, media partner ABC7, and Kara Swisher, author and host of the &#8220;On with Kara Swisher&#8221; podcast. The journalists interviewed major mayoral candidates about the issues facing the city, like crime, homelessness, the economy, tourism, and downtown recovery.

Peskin’s remarks came in a wide-ranging interview with The Standard, media partner ABC7, and Kara Swisher, author and host of the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast. The journalists interviewed major mayoral candidates about the issues facing the city, like crime, homelessness, the economy, tourism, and downtown recovery.

Peskin’s remarks came in a wide-ranging interview with The Standard, media partner ABC7, and Kara Swisher, author and host of the &#8220;On with Kara Swisher&#8221; podcast. The journalists interviewed major mayoral candidates about the issues facing the city, like crime, homelessness, the economy, tourism, and downtown recovery.

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The divisions between the tech sector and other residents over displacement should be addressed by creating an “International Center for Tech Diplomacy,” Peskin said, which would convene diplomats, civic leaders, and private-sector actors to research and negotiate the ethical development of emerging technologies across the world. Efforts to bridge divides shouldn’t prevent city regulations of robotaxis, he added.

The divisions between the tech sector and other residents over displacement should be addressed by creating an “International Center for Tech Diplomacy,” Peskin said, which would convene diplomats, civic leaders, and private-sector actors to research and negotiate the ethical development of emerging technologies across the world. Efforts to bridge divides shouldn’t prevent city regulations of robotaxis, he added.

“It doesn’t mean that we abdicate our responsibility as a government,” he said. But tech should be embraced because of “the jobs that it brings, the change it creates.”

“It doesn’t mean that we abdicate our responsibility as a government,” he said. But tech should be embraced because of “the jobs that it brings, the change it creates.”

When the interviewers pushed him on his positions on regulating driverless rideshares like Waymo, Peskin said he had never ridden in one.

When the interviewers pushed him on his positions on regulating driverless rideshares like Waymo, Peskin said he had never ridden in one.

Swisher asked, “Would you do it?”

He also touched on his plans to tackle city corruption, defended his record on housing and small business, and addressed his recovery from alcohol abuse.

He also touched on his plans to tackle city corruption, defended his record on housing and small business, and addressed his recovery from alcohol abuse.

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Watch: San Francisco should ‘embrace tech,’ Aaron Peskin says

Jeanne Kuang

Both sides billed the high-profile California fast food deal last year as a resolution to two years of&nbsp;escalating political tensions.&nbsp;

Both sides billed the high-profile California fast food deal last year as a resolution to two years of&nbsp;escalating political tensions.&nbsp;

One of&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2023/09/california-labor-legislature/">workers’ biggest wins in the Legislature</a>&nbsp;during “hot labor summer,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2023/09/california-fast-food-deal/">agreement in the session’s final week resulted</a>&nbsp;in a minimum wage hike for employees and some guarantees for companies. In exchange, the industry agreed to stop fighting the issue at the ballot box, and lawmakers backed off on even stricter regulations.

One of&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2023/09/california-labor-legislature/">workers’ biggest wins in the Legislature</a>&nbsp;during “hot labor summer,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2023/09/california-fast-food-deal/">agreement in the session’s final week resulted</a>&nbsp;in a minimum wage hike for employees and some guarantees for companies. In exchange, the industry agreed to stop fighting the issue at the ballot box, and lawmakers backed off on even stricter regulations.

But a month before the new wage—$20 an hour for workers at fast food chains with 60 or more locations nationally—goes into effect, the temporary truce is unraveling.&nbsp;

But a month before the new wage—$20 an hour for workers at fast food chains with 60 or more locations nationally—goes into effect, the temporary truce is unraveling.&nbsp;

As the Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pushes through a bill</a>&nbsp;exempting fast food restaurants in airports, hotels and convention centers, Republican lawmakers who had vehemently pushed back on the wage hike&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletter/proposition-1-newsom-voters/#wm-story-1">are calling for the deal to be investigated</a>, after Bloomberg reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed for a bakery exemption that benefited a donor who owns two dozen Panera locations in California.&nbsp;

As the Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pushes through a bill</a>&nbsp;exempting fast food restaurants in airports, hotels and convention centers, Republican lawmakers who had vehemently pushed back on the wage hike&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletter/proposition-1-newsom-voters/#wm-story-1">are calling for the deal to be investigated</a>, after Bloomberg reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed for a bakery exemption that benefited a donor who owns two dozen Panera locations in California.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Newsom’s office denied the story and said their lawyers believe Panera and other chain bakeries aren’t actually exempt—a decision that could lead numerous additional businesses to scramble to prepare for a wage hike. In a Bloomberg story Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/billionaire-flynn-says-he-met-newsom-staff-in-lobbying-effort-against-wage-bill/ar-BB1jbt8c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billionaire Greg Flynn says</a>&nbsp;he did not seek a special exemption, though he met with the governor’s staff along with other restaurant owners to suggest a carve-out for “fast casual” restaurants.&nbsp;On Saturday, the California Restaurant Association weighed in, saying there was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CalRestaurants/status/1764009596455407826?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">never any discussion of any brand seeking an exemption</a>, including Panera. And in an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JWheelertv/status/1764113769737896371?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview with KNBC aired Sunday</a>, Newsom, himself, called the report “absurd.”

On Thursday, Newsom’s office denied the story and said their lawyers believe Panera and other chain bakeries aren’t actually exempt—a decision that could lead numerous additional businesses to scramble to prepare for a wage hike. In a Bloomberg story Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/billionaire-flynn-says-he-met-newsom-staff-in-lobbying-effort-against-wage-bill/ar-BB1jbt8c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billionaire Greg Flynn says</a>&nbsp;he did not seek a special exemption, though he met with the governor’s staff along with other restaurant owners to suggest a carve-out for “fast casual” restaurants.&nbsp;On Saturday, the California Restaurant Association weighed in, saying there was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CalRestaurants/status/1764009596455407826?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">never any discussion of any brand seeking an exemption</a>, including Panera. And in an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JWheelertv/status/1764113769737896371?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview with KNBC aired Sunday</a>, Newsom, himself, called the report “absurd.”

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The Service Employees International Union, which pushed for the legislation, said it agreed with Newsom’s reasoning. Senate Republican leader&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/brian-jones-1968/">Brian Jones</a>&nbsp;called for scrapping the fast food agreement altogether.

The Service Employees International Union, which pushed for the legislation, said it agreed with Newsom’s reasoning. Senate Republican leader&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/brian-jones-1968/">Brian Jones</a>&nbsp;called for scrapping the fast food agreement altogether.

The renewed fights have moved to the local level, too.&nbsp;

The renewed fights have moved to the local level, too.&nbsp;

Some franchise owners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-fast-act-18678650.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are cutting jobs</a>&nbsp;in advance of the minimum wage increase, while workers have begun pushing for additional benefits in San Jose and Los Angeles, prompting businesses to gear up to lobby back.

Some franchise owners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-fast-act-18678650.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are cutting jobs</a>&nbsp;in advance of the minimum wage increase, while workers have begun pushing for additional benefits in San Jose and Los Angeles, prompting businesses to gear up to lobby back.

Worker advocates are also pledging to push for job security measures once a&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2024/01/california-fast-food-council-2/">first-in-the-nation fast food regulatory council</a>&nbsp;(another part of the deal) is in place. On Friday, Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/03/01/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-3-1-24/">announced his seven appointees</a>&nbsp;to the council, including Chairperson Nicholas Hardeman, chief of staff to state Senate leader emeritus Toni Atkins. The governor’s other picks are a mix of franchisees, workers and others.

Worker advocates are also pledging to push for job security measures once a&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2024/01/california-fast-food-council-2/">first-in-the-nation fast food regulatory council</a>&nbsp;(another part of the deal) is in place. On Friday, Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/03/01/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-3-1-24/">announced his seven appointees</a>&nbsp;to the council, including Chairperson Nicholas Hardeman, chief of staff to state Senate leader emeritus Toni Atkins. The governor’s other picks are a mix of franchisees, workers and others.

Some McDonald’s franchise owners, who have complained they were frozen out from last year’s deal-making, are retaliating against state lawmakers who supported it as they seek other public offices in Tuesday’s primary. The new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caafob.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Alliance of Family Owned Businesses</a>&nbsp;PAC formed earlier this year as an offshoot of prior lobbying by owners of local McDonald’s restaurants.

Some McDonald’s franchise owners, who have complained they were frozen out from last year’s deal-making, are retaliating against state lawmakers who supported it as they seek other public offices in Tuesday’s primary. The new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caafob.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Alliance of Family Owned Businesses</a>&nbsp;PAC formed earlier this year as an offshoot of prior lobbying by owners of local McDonald’s restaurants.

Its opening salvo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article285712731.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attack mailers</a>&nbsp;against Assemblymembers&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/chris-holden-1960/">Chris Holden</a>, a Pasadena Democrat running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/kevin-mccarty-1972/">Kevin McCarty</a>, a Sacramento Democrat running in a crowded primary for mayor.&nbsp;

Its opening salvo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article285712731.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attack mailers</a>&nbsp;against Assemblymembers&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/chris-holden-1960/">Chris Holden</a>, a Pasadena Democrat running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/kevin-mccarty-1972/">Kevin McCarty</a>, a Sacramento Democrat running in a crowded primary for mayor.&nbsp;

“In order to protect our family businesses in California now and into the future, it has become clear that we must more actively engage in politics across the state,” Kerri Harper-Howie, an alliance board member and a McDonald’s owner in Los Angeles County, said in a statement. “Politicians should know that if they agree to carry water for those who threaten our businesses, they will be opposed.”

“In order to protect our family businesses in California now and into the future, it has become clear that we must more actively engage in politics across the state,” Kerri Harper-Howie, an alliance board member and a McDonald’s owner in Los Angeles County, said in a statement. “Politicians should know that if they agree to carry water for those who threaten our businesses, they will be opposed.”

Holden authored the bill forming a fast food council and mandating the wage hike, while McCarty was one of many Democrats who voted for it. The PAC has spent more than $300,000 against each. McCarty’s campaign manager Andrew Acosta said business owners are “trying to punish him for standing up for workers rights and higher wages.”

Holden authored the bill forming a fast food council and mandating the wage hike, while McCarty was one of many Democrats who voted for it. The PAC has spent more than $300,000 against each. McCarty’s campaign manager Andrew Acosta said business owners are “trying to punish him for standing up for workers rights and higher wages.”

The PAC is also spending in an Inland Empire Assembly primary and in favor of Assemblymember&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/tim-grayson-1967/">Tim Grayson</a>’s bid for the state Senate. Grayson, a Concord Democrat, voted in favor of the fast food deal last year.

The PAC is also spending in an Inland Empire Assembly primary and in favor of Assemblymember&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/tim-grayson-1967/">Tim Grayson</a>’s bid for the state Senate. Grayson, a Concord Democrat, voted in favor of the fast food deal last year.

The franchisee committee has spent more than $1.8 million so far this year. That’s not much compared with the tens of millions of dollars fast food giants such as McDonald’s and national industry groups poured into a&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2022/12/california-elections-industries-laws/">campaign account for the effort to repeal</a>&nbsp;the 2022 fast food law. The referendum was ultimately&nbsp;pulled from the ballot in last year’s deal. But it indicates the increasing activity of franchise owners in state and local politics.&nbsp;

The franchisee committee has spent more than $1.8 million so far this year. That’s not much compared with the tens of millions of dollars fast food giants such as McDonald’s and national industry groups poured into a&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2022/12/california-elections-industries-laws/">campaign account for the effort to repeal</a>&nbsp;the 2022 fast food law. The referendum was ultimately&nbsp;pulled from the ballot in last year’s deal. But it indicates the increasing activity of franchise owners in state and local politics.&nbsp;

Marisol Sanchez, who owns 14 McDonald’s restaurants in the High Desert north of San Bernardino and helps run her family’s larger franchise business, said she never got involved in politics before last year. But when SEIU pushed a bill forcing fast food corporations to share liability for labor violations with franchise owners, Sanchez saw “the destruction of the franchise model, and basically … the destruction of my livelihood.”&nbsp;

Marisol Sanchez, who owns 14 McDonald’s restaurants in the High Desert north of San Bernardino and helps run her family’s larger franchise business, said she never got involved in politics before last year. But when SEIU pushed a bill forcing fast food corporations to share liability for labor violations with franchise owners, Sanchez saw “the destruction of the franchise model, and basically … the destruction of my livelihood.”&nbsp;

“It was a quick jumping into action,” she said, which involved meeting with lawmakers and now, contributing to the PAC.&nbsp;

“It was a quick jumping into action,” she said, which involved meeting with lawmakers and now, contributing to the PAC.&nbsp;

The joint liability bill ultimately became a bargaining chip to force a deal on the $20 wage. Sanchez said franchise owners were the “collateral damage.”&nbsp;She attributes that in part to a prior lack of political organizing by franchise owners.

The joint liability bill ultimately became a bargaining chip to force a deal on the $20 wage. Sanchez said franchise owners were the “collateral damage.”&nbsp;She attributes that in part to a prior lack of political organizing by franchise owners.

“We weren’t communicating and organizing,” she said. “I think we took for granted that the community understood that we were not all corporate-owned restaurants.”

“We weren’t communicating and organizing,” she said. “I think we took for granted that the community understood that we were not all corporate-owned restaurants.”

She said she’s always tried to offer starting wages of $1 more than the minimum wage, and had been in the middle of an expansion in recent years, buoyed in part by more Californians moving inland during the Covid pandemic. But she’s cutting back in advance of the wage hike, putting off a drive-thru remodel and slowing down hiring.&nbsp;

She said she’s always tried to offer starting wages of $1 more than the minimum wage, and had been in the middle of an expansion in recent years, buoyed in part by more Californians moving inland during the Covid pandemic. But she’s cutting back in advance of the wage hike, putting off a drive-thru remodel and slowing down hiring.&nbsp;

The union that pushed for the deal criticized the new PAC but said it would be unsuccessful.

The union that pushed for the deal criticized the new PAC but said it would be unsuccessful.

“It’s shameful for these multibillion dollar corporations to attack these pro-worker champions—and voters are going to see right through it,” Arnulfo De La Cruz, president of SEIU Local 2015, said in a statement.

“It’s shameful for these multibillion dollar corporations to attack these pro-worker champions—and voters are going to see right through it,” Arnulfo De La Cruz, president of SEIU Local 2015, said in a statement.

Restaurant giants and a handful of local franchise owners have also registered this year to lobby in San Jose, where the new&nbsp;<a href="https://californiafastfoodworkersunion.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fast Food Workers Union</a>&nbsp;is pursuing a city ordinance mandating employers provide paid time off, predictable scheduling and “know your rights” training.

Restaurant giants and a handful of local franchise owners have also registered this year to lobby in San Jose, where the new&nbsp;<a href="https://californiafastfoodworkersunion.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fast Food Workers Union</a>&nbsp;is pursuing a city ordinance mandating employers provide paid time off, predictable scheduling and “know your rights” training.

The union in recent weeks accused one city council member, David Cohen, of reconsidering his support in response to industry influence. Several franchise owners this month contributed to a new PAC whose main spending so far has been to send $18,000 to another political action committee that has bought ads against Cohen’s opponent in his reelection bid.&nbsp;

The union in recent weeks accused one city council member, David Cohen, of reconsidering his support in response to industry influence. Several franchise owners this month contributed to a new PAC whose main spending so far has been to send $18,000 to another political action committee that has bought ads against Cohen’s opponent in his reelection bid.&nbsp;

The contributions were&nbsp;<a href="https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-fast-food-restaurant-union-workers-question-city-council-officials-david-cohen-support/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first reported</a>&nbsp;by San Jose Spotlight. Cohen’s office did not respond to a request for comment, but he told Spotlight he hadn’t withdrawn any support and was only considering if the proposed ordinance would work.&nbsp;

The contributions were&nbsp;<a href="https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-fast-food-restaurant-union-workers-question-city-council-officials-david-cohen-support/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first reported</a>&nbsp;by San Jose Spotlight. Cohen’s office did not respond to a request for comment, but he told Spotlight he hadn’t withdrawn any support and was only considering if the proposed ordinance would work.&nbsp;

Celeste Perez, a Burger King shift leader in San Jose who has been advocating for the ordinance, said she wants a firm commitment from council members and accused Cohen of shutting workers like her out after meeting with industry lobbyists.&nbsp;

Celeste Perez, a Burger King shift leader in San Jose who has been advocating for the ordinance, said she wants a firm commitment from council members and accused Cohen of shutting workers like her out after meeting with industry lobbyists.&nbsp;

Perez, 43, makes $17.75 an hour and said the wage hike to $20 in April was supposed to&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/09/minimum-wage-california/">help her keep up with inflation</a>. This year, the restaurant cut her hours by five a week due to the upcoming wage increase and slow sales at the beginning of the year, she said, but she still has the same amount of work to do and often deals with threatening customers.&nbsp;

Perez, 43, makes $17.75 an hour and said the wage hike to $20 in April was supposed to&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/09/minimum-wage-california/">help her keep up with inflation</a>. This year, the restaurant cut her hours by five a week due to the upcoming wage increase and slow sales at the beginning of the year, she said, but she still has the same amount of work to do and often deals with threatening customers.&nbsp;

She wants to afford to take a family vacation for the first time in seven or eight years, or at least attend her son’s soccer games, she said. “It’s really important for us to keep [moving] forward, not backward,” she said. “I think $20 is only one step.”&nbsp;

She wants to afford to take a family vacation for the first time in seven or eight years, or at least attend her son’s soccer games, she said. “It’s really important for us to keep [moving] forward, not backward,” she said. “I think $20 is only one step.”&nbsp;

On Friday, the union called for a similar proposal in Los Angeles. Neither ordinance has been formally introduced yet.&nbsp;

On Friday, the union called for a similar proposal in Los Angeles. Neither ordinance has been formally introduced yet.&nbsp;

As part of last year’s deal, the state’s new fast food council is prohibited from enacting new policies on time off and scheduling—and the deal prohibited cities from raising fast food wages beyond the new statewide minimum. But there’s nothing to stop local governments from pursuing other regulations, which would further&nbsp;raise costs for operators.

As part of last year’s deal, the state’s new fast food council is prohibited from enacting new policies on time off and scheduling—and the deal prohibited cities from raising fast food wages beyond the new statewide minimum. But there’s nothing to stop local governments from pursuing other regulations, which would further&nbsp;raise costs for operators.

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