Gabe Greschler

In a much-needed jolt of energy for San Francisco's Democratic progressive wing, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders handed down an endorsement on Tuesday for Supervisor Dean Preston, who is running for reelection to keep his District 5 seat and facing multiple challengers.

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In a much-needed jolt of energy for San Francisco's Democratic progressive wing, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders handed down an endorsement on Tuesday for Supervisor Dean Preston, who is running for reelection to keep his District 5 seat and facing multiple challengers.

"Dean is part of a new generation of progressive leaders who are not only prepared to stand up to special interests, but also have the courage to address striking levels of wealth and income inequality at their core," Sanders said in a statement provided to the Standard. "We need leaders like Dean Preston in every state, at all levels of government."

"Dean is part of a new generation of progressive leaders who are not only prepared to stand up to special interests, but also have the courage to address striking levels of wealth and income inequality at their core," Sanders said in a statement provided to the Standard. "We need leaders like Dean Preston in every state, at all levels of government."

Dump Dean or embrace him? Sizing up the most polarizing man in city politics

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Preston and Sanders are both self-described Democratic Socialists—and the senator's endorsement comes as the sitting board supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/supervisor-dean-preston-reelection/">faces a litany of criticism from the city's moderates</a>, who have cast him as a symbol of progressivism run amok. The former tenant rights' attorney has even caught the ire of Elon Musk, who called for Preston <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/12/san-francisco-dean-preston-leaves-twitter-x-elon-musk/">to be imprisoned</a> and fired from his elected position.

San Francisco supervisor leaves X after Elon Musk calls for his imprisonment

Preston and Sanders are both self-described Democratic Socialists—and the senator's endorsement comes as the sitting board supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/supervisor-dean-preston-reelection/">faces a litany of criticism from the city's moderates</a>, who have cast him as a symbol of progressivism run amok. The former tenant rights' attorney has even caught the ire of Elon Musk, who called for Preston <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/12/san-francisco-dean-preston-leaves-twitter-x-elon-musk/">to be imprisoned</a> and fired from his elected position.

“I’m deeply honored to have Senator Sanders’ support as we continue our longstanding battle to ensure that the government serves the interests of everyday working people, not just the rich and powerful,” said Preston in a statement. Sanders' endorsement was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

“I’m deeply honored to have Senator Sanders’ support as we continue our longstanding battle to ensure that the government serves the interests of everyday working people, not just the rich and powerful,” said Preston in a statement. Sanders' endorsement was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

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https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1767578945241698421
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We need leaders like Dean Preston in every state, at all levels of government - leaders who not only stand up to special interests, but also have the courage to address striking levels of inequality at their core. That&#39;s why I&#39;m endorsing Dean for the SF Board of Supervisors.&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1767578945241698421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Preston is facing a challenge from Bilal Mahmood, a well-funded entrepreneur who recently secured a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee. On Monday, school board recall activist Autumn Looijen <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/11/autumn-looijen-supervisor-dean-preston/">launched her own campaign</a> for the supervisor seat. Prison reform activist Allen Jones is also running. The district covers the Western Addition, Tenderloin, Japantown, Hayes Valley and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods.

School board recall activist to challenge Dean Preston for supervisor

Preston is facing a challenge from Bilal Mahmood, a well-funded entrepreneur who recently secured a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee. On Monday, school board recall activist Autumn Looijen <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/11/autumn-looijen-supervisor-dean-preston/">launched her own campaign</a> for the supervisor seat. Prison reform activist Allen Jones is also running. The district covers the Western Addition, Tenderloin, Japantown, Hayes Valley and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods.

"I think it's interesting to see [Sanders] weighing in this early," said Daniel Anderson, a consultant for the progressive Labor and Working Families Slate. "I think it signals this is an important race. There’s a lot at stake here—it's a real clash of powers."

"I think it's interesting to see [Sanders] weighing in this early," said Daniel Anderson, a consultant for the progressive Labor and Working Families Slate. "I think it signals this is an important race. There’s a lot at stake here—it's a real clash of powers."

Last week, progressives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">were handed a bruising set of defeats</a> after moderates dominated the race for Democratic County Central Committee and voters passed several tough-on-crime propositions placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed.

Election night winners and losers: Who came out on top in Tuesday&#8217;s voting?

Last week, progressives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">were handed a bruising set of defeats</a> after moderates dominated the race for Democratic County Central Committee and voters passed several tough-on-crime propositions placed on the ballot by Mayor London Breed.

Sanders has also handed endorsements to other politicos in California, including Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, along with Assemblymembers Alex Lee and Ash Kalra.

Sanders has also handed endorsements to other politicos in California, including Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, along with Assemblymembers Alex Lee and Ash Kalra.

Bernie Sanders wades into San Francisco politics, endorsing Dean Preston’s reelection bid

Han Li

An activist who launched the successful movement to recall three San Francisco school board members during the pandemic will run for the Board of Supervisors this November.

An activist who launched the successful movement to recall three San Francisco school board members during the pandemic will run for the Board of Supervisors this November.

Autumn Looijen is expected to file paperwork to run for District 5 supervisor, challenging incumbent Dean Preston, on Monday morning. The district includes the Tenderloin, Hayes Valley, Japantown, Western Addition and Haight Ashbury.

Autumn Looijen is expected to file paperwork to run for District 5 supervisor, challenging incumbent Dean Preston, on Monday morning. The district includes the Tenderloin, Hayes Valley, Japantown, Western Addition and Haight Ashbury.

"We see a lot of things that are broken in the city," Looijen said. "I want to take a look at our problems, understand them from all different directions and come up with solutions."

"We see a lot of things that are broken in the city," Looijen said. "I want to take a look at our problems, understand them from all different directions and come up with solutions."

Autumn Looijen poses for a portrait on Haight Street in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Looijen, who with her partner Siva Raj spearheaded the 2021 campaign to recall San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school board members, is now running for District 5 supervisor, and is a proponent of Prop G, a measure to return to teaching Algebra 1 to eighth graders that is on the upcoming March ballot.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240306-autumnd5supervisor08.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling woman with glasses, wearing a patterned top, is leaning against a red brick wall." class="wp-image-257666"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Autumn Looijen poses for a portrait on Haight Street in February.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240306-autumnd5supervisor08.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling woman with glasses, wearing a patterned top, is leaning against a red brick wall." class="wp-image-257666"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Autumn Looijen poses for a portrait on Haight Street in February.</figcaption></figure>

She said San Francisco’s current system of government is not working, and she's in the process of talking to community members to better understand the issues, such as the drug addiction crisis in the Tenderloin.

She said San Francisco’s current system of government is not working, and she's in the process of talking to community members to better understand the issues, such as the drug addiction crisis in the Tenderloin.

Looijen, 46, a former tech worker and now a full-time political activist with SF Guardians, moved to San Francisco in late 2020 from South Bay and soon pulled paperwork <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/03/03/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">to start the historic school board recall campaign</a> because of her frustrations about the slow pace of reopening schools. San Francisco voters overwhelmingly supported the recall of three school board members in 2022.

Meet the parents behind an effort to recall three SF school board members

Looijen, 46, a former tech worker and now a full-time political activist with SF Guardians, moved to San Francisco in late 2020 from South Bay and soon pulled paperwork <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/03/03/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">to start the historic school board recall campaign</a> because of her frustrations about the slow pace of reopening schools. San Francisco voters overwhelmingly supported the recall of three school board members in 2022.

Looijen said she and her team had already trained many qualified candidates to run for school board, and she chose to run for supervisor because she needed a bigger platform.

Looijen said she and her team had already trained many qualified candidates to run for school board, and she chose to run for supervisor because she needed a bigger platform.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFygLmwNRCY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Autumn&nbsp;Looijen and&nbsp;Siva Raj explain their effort behind the school board recall.</figcaption></figure>

Bilal Mahmood, who lost a 2022 Assembly race but is poised to win a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee after last Tuesday’s election, is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/tech-exec-challenges-san-francisco-democratic-socialist-supervisor-dean-preston/">also running for District 5 supervisor</a>.

Tech exec challenges San Francisco’s lone Democratic Socialist supervisor

Bilal Mahmood, who lost a 2022 Assembly race but is poised to win a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee after last Tuesday’s election, is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/tech-exec-challenges-san-francisco-democratic-socialist-supervisor-dean-preston/">also running for District 5 supervisor</a>.

Both Mahmood and Looijen are considered more moderate than Preston. Looijen said she likes Mahmood a lot, but wants to provide voters a different option.

Both Mahmood and Looijen are considered more moderate than Preston. Looijen said she likes Mahmood a lot, but wants to provide voters a different option.

Preston, a Democratic Socialist and tenants' rights attorney, is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/supervisor-dean-preston-reelection/">most progressive voice on the Board of Supervisors</a>.&nbsp;

Preston, a Democratic Socialist and tenants' rights attorney, is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/supervisor-dean-preston-reelection/">most progressive voice on the Board of Supervisors</a>.&nbsp;

In a statement, Preston's campaign accused both Looijen and Mahmood of receiving money from tech executive Garry Tan, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">created controversy due to an angry tweet saying "die slow" to many city supervisors, including Preston</a>.

Garry Tan’s vulgar tweet prompts police reports by San Francisco supervisors

In a statement, Preston's campaign accused both Looijen and Mahmood of receiving money from tech executive Garry Tan, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">created controversy due to an angry tweet saying "die slow" to many city supervisors, including Preston</a>.

Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a press conference at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, with the goal of ending raciallybiased traffic stops by police in San Francisco. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SFPDTrafficStops011022-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in glasses and business attire speaks at a podium against a red curtain backdrop." class="wp-image-126533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a press conference at San Francisco City Hall in 2023.</figcaption></figure>

"Looijen and Mahmood have each taken thousands of dollars from Garry Tan," the statement said. "And neither has repudiated his death threats against seven supervisors."

"Looijen and Mahmood have each taken thousands of dollars from Garry Tan," the statement said. "And neither has repudiated his death threats against seven supervisors."

Tan donated $25,000 to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-g-eighth-grade-algebra-results/">the campaign for Proposition G</a> to urge the San Francisco public school district to offer algebra for eighth graders, a campaign that was led by Looijen and received overwhelming voter support. Mahmood also received $5,000 from Tan for his DCCC race.

San Francisco voters approve Prop. G, encouraging algebra in eighth grade

Tan donated $25,000 to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-g-eighth-grade-algebra-results/">the campaign for Proposition G</a> to urge the San Francisco public school district to offer algebra for eighth graders, a campaign that was led by Looijen and received overwhelming voter support. Mahmood also received $5,000 from Tan for his DCCC race.

Another candidate is Allen Jones, a Tenderloin resident and prison reform activist.

Another candidate is Allen Jones, a Tenderloin resident and prison reform activist.

Josh Koehn

Mike Ege

San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=board%20of%20supervisors">Board of Supervisors</a> could consider a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict this week, a lightning-rod issue that is increasingly dividing elected officials and their constituents across the country.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=board%20of%20supervisors">Board of Supervisors</a> could consider a resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict this week, a lightning-rod issue that is increasingly dividing elected officials and their constituents across the country.&nbsp;

Supervisor Dean Preston has been circulating a draft of the resolution to fellow supervisors, though exactly what language might be introduced remained unclear as of Friday.&nbsp;

Supervisor Dean Preston has been circulating a draft of the resolution to fellow supervisors, though exactly what language might be introduced remained unclear as of Friday.&nbsp;

“Our office is still in conversation with various stakeholders and colleagues on finalizing language for a ceasefire resolution,” Preston’s office said in an email. “The final text will be available at introduction.”

“Our office is still in conversation with various stakeholders and colleagues on finalizing language for a ceasefire resolution,” Preston’s office said in an email. “The final text will be available at introduction.”

Demonstrators rally in front of San Francisco City Hall on Dec. 2, 2023. The crowd of several hundred expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and called on San Francisco officials to take a stand on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_6346.jpg?w=2500" alt="Protesters wave Palestinian flags under a foggy sky outside San Francisco City Hall." class="wp-image-227228"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Demonstrators rally in front of San Francisco City Hall on Saturday. The crowd of several hundred expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and called on San Francisco officials to take a stand on the Israel-Hamas conflict.</figcaption></figure>

Multiple sources said Preston has been urged to introduce a resolution by fellow members of the Democratic Socialists of America’s local chapter, as well as Arab and Muslim groups in San Francisco. The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Bay Area chapter of the <a href="https://www.araborganizing.org/">Arab Resource and Organizing Center</a> issued a call for people to show up at Tuesday’s board meeting to publicly comment in support of the resolution.&nbsp;

Multiple sources said Preston has been urged to introduce a resolution by fellow members of the Democratic Socialists of America’s local chapter, as well as Arab and Muslim groups in San Francisco. The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Bay Area chapter of the <a href="https://www.araborganizing.org/">Arab Resource and Organizing Center</a> issued a call for people to show up at Tuesday’s board meeting to publicly comment in support of the resolution.&nbsp;

Dozens of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-protest-nancy-pelosi-cease-fire-gaza/">protesters gathered in front of Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home</a> on Sunday to demand that the former House speaker call for a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied at City Hall, speaking out on behalf of Palestinians.

San Francisco anti-war protesters call on Nancy Pelosi to support cease-fire in Gaza

Dozens of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-protest-nancy-pelosi-cease-fire-gaza/">protesters gathered in front of Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home</a> on Sunday to demand that the former House speaker call for a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied at City Hall, speaking out on behalf of Palestinians.

Since the war in Gaza started, arguments on all sides of the issue have done little to bring about consensus while inflaming tensions, leading to a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Oakland’s City Council held a volatile meeting last week in which <a href="https://oaklandside.org/2023/11/28/oakland-city-council-gaza-ceasefire-resolution/">a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza</a> was approved unanimously. However, councilmembers were criticized for not including language that condemned and called for the removal of Hamas.

Since the war in Gaza started, arguments on all sides of the issue have done little to bring about consensus while inflaming tensions, leading to a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Oakland’s City Council held a volatile meeting last week in which <a href="https://oaklandside.org/2023/11/28/oakland-city-council-gaza-ceasefire-resolution/">a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza</a> was approved unanimously. However, councilmembers were criticized for not including language that condemned and called for the removal of Hamas.

Whether San Francisco supervisors could come to a consensus on a resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza is unclear, although multiple supervisors suggested the discussion itself will likely ignite a firestorm that not only has no impact on the war but also distracts time and attention from the supervisors’ work here at home.

Whether San Francisco supervisors could come to a consensus on a resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza is unclear, although multiple supervisors suggested the discussion itself will likely ignite a firestorm that not only has no impact on the war but also distracts time and attention from the supervisors’ work here at home.

In addition to Preston, Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Myrna Melgar, Rafael Mandelman and Hillary Ronen are Jewish. <a href="https://www.storiedsf.com/episodes/s3e19-part-1-hillary-ronen-on-her-formative-years">Ronen’s father is from Israel</a> and served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces.&nbsp;

In addition to Preston, Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Myrna Melgar, Rafael Mandelman and Hillary Ronen are Jewish. <a href="https://www.storiedsf.com/episodes/s3e19-part-1-hillary-ronen-on-her-formative-years">Ronen’s father is from Israel</a> and served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces.&nbsp;

Melgar told The Standard that she is aware of the resolution and “absolutely nothing but hurt can come” from bringing it to the Board of Supervisors. Peskin said he received a draft copy of the resolution but was not working on it with Preston.

Melgar told The Standard that she is aware of the resolution and “absolutely nothing but hurt can come” from bringing it to the Board of Supervisors. Peskin said he received a draft copy of the resolution but was not working on it with Preston.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey confirmed the draft resolution was being circulated but was unable to share it.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey confirmed the draft resolution was being circulated but was unable to share it.

“At this point, I’m engaging in private conversations about it, doing some community outreach on the topic and reserving judgment,” Dorsey said.

“At this point, I’m engaging in private conversations about it, doing some community outreach on the topic and reserving judgment,” Dorsey said.

More than 14,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, including roughly 10,000 women and children, according to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-death-toll.html">New York Times</a>. A weeklong cease-fire started on Nov. 24, reportedly resulting in <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/01/1216333362/israel-hamas-ceasefire-combat-gaza-hostages">the release of 100 hostages</a> taken by Hamas and nearly 250 Palestinians from Israeli jails. But the truce in Gaza was broken Friday.

More than 14,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, including roughly 10,000 women and children, according to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-death-toll.html">New York Times</a>. A weeklong cease-fire started on Nov. 24, reportedly resulting in <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/01/1216333362/israel-hamas-ceasefire-combat-gaza-hostages">the release of 100 hostages</a> taken by Hamas and nearly 250 Palestinians from Israeli jails. But the truce in Gaza was broken Friday.

Numerous demonstrations have taken place across the Bay Area since the first days of the war, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/protesters-block-bay-bridge-san-francisco/">a shutdown of the Bay Bridge</a> during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that brought world leaders to San Francisco last month.

Photos: Bay Bridge fully reopens; 80 protesters arrested

Numerous demonstrations have taken place across the Bay Area since the first days of the war, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/protesters-block-bay-bridge-san-francisco/">a shutdown of the Bay Bridge</a> during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that brought world leaders to San Francisco last month.

On Oct. 9, two days after Hamas’ initial incursion into Israel, Preston released an <a href="https://www.deanprestonsf.com/statements/l48soxpyoz55zjxfojq54zakpop29e">official statement</a> stating that he was “heartbroken” by the violence and called Israel’s announcement of a “complete siege” of the Gaza strip “unconscionable.”&nbsp;

On Oct. 9, two days after Hamas’ initial incursion into Israel, Preston released an <a href="https://www.deanprestonsf.com/statements/l48soxpyoz55zjxfojq54zakpop29e">official statement</a> stating that he was “heartbroken” by the violence and called Israel’s announcement of a “complete siege” of the Gaza strip “unconscionable.”&nbsp;

He added that he stood “in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and an end to the occupation.” Preston then sent out a <a href="https://www.deanprestonsf.com/statements/statement-regarding-escalating-violence-in-the-middle-east">clarifying statement</a> condemning the Hamas attack and Israel’s response after being criticized by local Jewish leaders.

He added that he stood “in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and an end to the occupation.” Preston then sent out a <a href="https://www.deanprestonsf.com/statements/statement-regarding-escalating-violence-in-the-middle-east">clarifying statement</a> condemning the Hamas attack and Israel’s response after being criticized by local Jewish leaders.

On Friday, the Raoul Wallenberg Democratic Club sent a message to members, saying Preston was "working with the same antisemitic groups that brought shame and disgrace to other municipalities” to introduce a similar resolution in San Francisco.

On Friday, the Raoul Wallenberg Democratic Club sent a message to members, saying Preston was "working with the same antisemitic groups that brought shame and disgrace to other municipalities” to introduce a similar resolution in San Francisco.

The message urged club members to contact supervisors to express opposition to the resolution, which it said “will only further inflame tensions between already traumatized Muslim and Jewish communities and create a forum for hate.”

The message urged club members to contact supervisors to express opposition to the resolution, which it said “will only further inflame tensions between already traumatized Muslim and Jewish communities and create a forum for hate.”

San Francisco supervisors could wade into Israel-Hamas firestorm this week

David Sjostedt

Rene Colorado, executive director of the Tenderloin Merchants and Property Owners Association, informed The Standard that he plans to run for District 5 Supervisor in a bid to represent the embattled Tenderloin neighborhood on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Rene Colorado, executive director of the Tenderloin Merchants and Property Owners Association, informed The Standard that he plans to run for District 5 Supervisor in a bid to represent the embattled Tenderloin neighborhood on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Colorado, who was formerly homeless and assumed the role of executive director in 2019, said as supervisor, he would aim to increase accountability of city-funded nonprofits, facilitate relationships between police and social service workers, and boost funding for ambassador programs.&nbsp;

Colorado, who was formerly homeless and assumed the role of executive director in 2019, said as supervisor, he would aim to increase accountability of city-funded nonprofits, facilitate relationships between police and social service workers, and boost funding for ambassador programs.&nbsp;

Colorado will likely be running against incumbent supervisor Dean Preston, who found himself responsible for the Tenderloin after a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">highly politicized redistricting process in April 2022</a> placed the neighborhood in his district. District 5 also includes the Haight Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Japantown and Western Addition neighborhoods.

Colorado will likely be running against incumbent supervisor Dean Preston, who found himself responsible for the Tenderloin after a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">highly politicized redistricting process in April 2022</a> placed the neighborhood in his district. District 5 also includes the Haight Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Japantown and Western Addition neighborhoods.

“If you want to fix San Francisco, you have to fix the Tenderloin,” Colorado said. “Dean got thrust into the Tenderloin out of nowhere. … He’s been very supportive. … But nothing has happened.”&nbsp;

“If you want to fix San Francisco, you have to fix the Tenderloin,” Colorado said. “Dean got thrust into the Tenderloin out of nowhere. … He’s been very supportive. … But nothing has happened.”&nbsp;

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP: Power Play is The Standard's insider email newsletter covering City Hall and politics. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/sfstandard/powerplay_signup/">here</a>.

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP: Power Play is The Standard's insider email newsletter covering City Hall and politics. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/sfstandard/powerplay_signup/">here</a>.

The Tenderloin, a dense neighborhood near Downtown, has long suffered from social and economic ills. The district is home to many unhoused residents and drug activity; 18% of the city’s fatal overdoses this year occurred in the Tenderloin, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner's Office. Residents and business owners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/tenderloin-residents-demand-emergency-action/">petitioned the city</a> in 2021 to tackle what they called crisis levels of crime and violence.&nbsp;

The Tenderloin, a dense neighborhood near Downtown, has long suffered from social and economic ills. The district is home to many unhoused residents and drug activity; 18% of the city’s fatal overdoses this year occurred in the Tenderloin, according to preliminary data from the Chief Medical Examiner's Office. Residents and business owners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/tenderloin-residents-demand-emergency-action/">petitioned the city</a> in 2021 to tackle what they called crisis levels of crime and violence.&nbsp;

Often highlighted in national headlines as an epicenter of San Francisco’s problems, the neighborhood has consistently found itself in the middle of political fights and campaign promises.&nbsp;

Often highlighted in national headlines as an epicenter of San Francisco’s problems, the neighborhood has consistently found itself in the middle of political fights and campaign promises.&nbsp;

In April, Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/california/newsom-makes-unannounced-visit-to-san-franciscos-tenderloin-to-survey-fentanyl-crisis/">visited the neighborhood</a> and announced that the National Guard and California Highway Patrol <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">would assist local police</a> in combating open-air drug-dealing in the city. Mayor London Breed has also made <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/">vows</a> to solve the neighborhood’s issues over the past two years.&nbsp;

In April, Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/california/newsom-makes-unannounced-visit-to-san-franciscos-tenderloin-to-survey-fentanyl-crisis/">visited the neighborhood</a> and announced that the National Guard and California Highway Patrol <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">would assist local police</a> in combating open-air drug-dealing in the city. Mayor London Breed has also made <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/breed-declares-state-of-emergency-in-the-tenderloin/">vows</a> to solve the neighborhood’s issues over the past two years.&nbsp;

Preston, an ardent critic of the police, has pushed for the implementation of facilities—known as safe-consumption sites—where people can use drugs out of public view and under the supervision of people trained to perform overdose reversals.&nbsp;

Preston, an ardent critic of the police, has pushed for the implementation of facilities—known as safe-consumption sites—where people can use drugs out of public view and under the supervision of people trained to perform overdose reversals.&nbsp;

The Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/san-francisco-lawmakers-hash-out-14-billion-budget-deal/">passed a budget last week</a> that includes funding set aside for "wellness hubs," which may host supervised consumption services that aren’t funded by taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;

The Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s Office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/budget/san-francisco-lawmakers-hash-out-14-billion-budget-deal/">passed a budget last week</a> that includes funding set aside for "wellness hubs," which may host supervised consumption services that aren’t funded by taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;

Preston also attempted to pass a $10 million budget supplemental to fund more ambassador programs for the neighborhood, but the ordinance hasn’t made it in front of the full Board of Supervisors.

Preston also attempted to pass a $10 million budget supplemental to fund more ambassador programs for the neighborhood, but the ordinance hasn’t made it in front of the full Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a board meeting at the Supervisor's Chamber at City Hall in San Francisco, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05162023BOSRoundup-125-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at a board meeting at San Francisco City Hall on May 16, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard.</figcaption></figure>

Colorado, whose organization employs a group of ambassadors who assist with street conditions, said that he hopes to work with police to find solutions for the neighborhood.&nbsp;

Colorado, whose organization employs a group of ambassadors who assist with street conditions, said that he hopes to work with police to find solutions for the neighborhood.&nbsp;

In June, the Tenderloin Business Coalition <a href="https://www.tenderloinbusinesscoalition.com/response" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published a letter</a> accusing Preston of dismissing its view that law enforcement should be part of the neighborhood’s strategy to close open-air drug markets.&nbsp;

In June, the Tenderloin Business Coalition <a href="https://www.tenderloinbusinesscoalition.com/response" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published a letter</a> accusing Preston of dismissing its view that law enforcement should be part of the neighborhood’s strategy to close open-air drug markets.&nbsp;

“We asked you for alternative strategies and you provided none,” the letter reads.&nbsp;

“We asked you for alternative strategies and you provided none,” the letter reads.&nbsp;

Preston didn’t respond to a request for an interview by the time this story was published. But Del Seymour, who is sometimes referred to as the unofficial mayor of the Tenderloin, said he would support Preston in the election.&nbsp;

Preston didn’t respond to a request for an interview by the time this story was published. But Del Seymour, who is sometimes referred to as the unofficial mayor of the Tenderloin, said he would support Preston in the election.&nbsp;

Seymour said Preston has been a strong leader for the neighborhood, applauding his advocacy for non-police-related solutions to public safety issues.&nbsp;

Seymour said Preston has been a strong leader for the neighborhood, applauding his advocacy for non-police-related solutions to public safety issues.&nbsp;

Seymour accused the business coalition of touting views that aren’t backed by Tenderloin residents and criticized Colorado for outfitting his Tenderloin Merchants Ambassadors in intimidating attire that creates a barrier between them and the community.&nbsp;

Seymour accused the business coalition of touting views that aren’t backed by Tenderloin residents and criticized Colorado for outfitting his Tenderloin Merchants Ambassadors in intimidating attire that creates a barrier between them and the community.&nbsp;

“How are ambassadors going to look like a SWAT team? That’s completely ridiculous,” Seymour said. “I am backing Dean 100%. He has fought City Hall for our community.”&nbsp;

“How are ambassadors going to look like a SWAT team? That’s completely ridiculous,” Seymour said. “I am backing Dean 100%. He has fought City Hall for our community.”&nbsp;

Rene Colorado, left, the head of the Tenderloin Merchants Association, and his colleague Malik Ali are seen chatting with someone in front of the Phoenix Hotel on the corner of Larkin and Eddy  in San Francisco on Monday, May 16, 2022. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FentanylConvictionsBoudin_INLINED4-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50487"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rene Colorado, left, the head of the Tenderloin Merchants Association, and his colleague Malik Ali are seen chatting with someone in front of the Phoenix Hotel on the corner of Larkin and Eddy streets in San Francisco on May 16, 2022. | Nick Otto</figcaption></figure>

Neither Colorado nor Preston have filed their paperwork to run, and the election doesn’t take place until November 2024.

Neither Colorado nor Preston have filed their paperwork to run, and the election doesn’t take place until November 2024.

Colorado said he believes that his relationship with local businesses and his presence on the neighborhood’s streets would make him an effective leader for the neighborhood.&nbsp;

Colorado said he believes that his relationship with local businesses and his presence on the neighborhood’s streets would make him an effective leader for the neighborhood.&nbsp;

“In the Tenderloin, we really need an elected official who spends time on the ground,” Colorado said. “As corny as it sounds, I think it's my responsibility to run.”

“In the Tenderloin, we really need an elected official who spends time on the ground,” Colorado said. “As corny as it sounds, I think it's my responsibility to run.”

San Francisco’s only Democratic Socialist lawmaker now has a challenger

Elon Musk appears poised to put his money where his mouth is in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/28/elon-musk-calls-for-boycott-of-law-firm-involved-in-homelessness-lawsuit/">blame game of San Francisco politics</a>, as the CEO of X—formerly known as Twitter—wrote on the platform Friday morning that he will contribute $100,000 to defeat the city’s most progressive supervisor in the 2024 election.

Elon Musk calls for boycott of law firm involved in San Francisco homelessness lawsuit

Elon Musk appears poised to put his money where his mouth is in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/28/elon-musk-calls-for-boycott-of-law-firm-involved-in-homelessness-lawsuit/">blame game of San Francisco politics</a>, as the CEO of X—formerly known as Twitter—wrote on the platform Friday morning that he will contribute $100,000 to defeat the city’s most progressive supervisor in the 2024 election.

The tweet came in reply to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/11/were-going-to-win-garry-tan-implores-tech-leaders-to-get-involved-in-sf-politics/">Garry Tan, the equally outspoken CEO of Y Combinator</a>, who noted in a post that he contributed $50,000 to the “Dump Dean PAC,” a committee dedicated to defeating Supervisor Dean Preston, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/23/san-francisco-supervisor-dean-preston-democratic-socialists-news-website/">a democratic socialist</a>.&nbsp;

‘We’re going to win’: Y Combinator CEO implores tech leaders to get involved in San Francisco politics

Supervisor Dean Preston stars on shadowy &#8216;news&#8217; website created by his political group

The tweet came in reply to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/11/were-going-to-win-garry-tan-implores-tech-leaders-to-get-involved-in-sf-politics/">Garry Tan, the equally outspoken CEO of Y Combinator</a>, who noted in a post that he contributed $50,000 to the “Dump Dean PAC,” a committee dedicated to defeating Supervisor Dean Preston, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/23/san-francisco-supervisor-dean-preston-democratic-socialists-news-website/">a democratic socialist</a>.&nbsp;

Musk wrote: <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1705189205108748557?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“I will double that.”</a>

Musk wrote: <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1705189205108748557?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“I will double that.”</a>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1705189205108748557?s=20
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elon Musk on Friday wrote that he would "double" a $50,000 contribution by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan to defeat San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston in next year's election.</figcaption></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I will double that&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1705189205108748557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If the head of X, which is based in San Francisco, follows through on his pledge, the contribution would mark the first time Musk has contributed to a political campaign or committee in the city, according to a search of the San Francisco Ethics Commission database.

If the head of X, which is based in San Francisco, follows through on his pledge, the contribution would mark the first time Musk has contributed to a political campaign or committee in the city, according to a search of the San Francisco Ethics Commission database.

In a separate reply to the investor Joe Lonsdale, Musk wrote that Preston “is arguably the person most responsible for the destruction of San Francisco.”

In a separate reply to the investor Joe Lonsdale, Musk wrote that Preston “is arguably the person most responsible for the destruction of San Francisco.”

Preston has repeatedly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/san-francisco-mayor-defends-drug-arrests-in-testy-exchange-with-lawmaker/">butted heads with Mayor London Breed</a>, who defeated him in his first run for office, and his progressive positions on housing, public safety, the drug crisis and other issues in San Francisco have made him the top target of Grow SF, a moderate political group responsible for the “Dump Dean PAC.” The organization counts Tan as a board member.&nbsp;

Breed defends drug arrests, slams progressive lawmaker: &#8216;As if you&#8217;re the savior&#8217;

Preston has repeatedly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/san-francisco-mayor-defends-drug-arrests-in-testy-exchange-with-lawmaker/">butted heads with Mayor London Breed</a>, who defeated him in his first run for office, and his progressive positions on housing, public safety, the drug crisis and other issues in San Francisco have made him the top target of Grow SF, a moderate political group responsible for the “Dump Dean PAC.” The organization counts Tan as a board member.&nbsp;

Earlier this summer, Steven Buss, a co-founder of Grow SF, told The Standard that the organization had already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">raised $300,000 to oust Preston</a> in next year’s election.

‘Dump Dean PAC’ declares war on San Francisco’s Democratic Socialist Supervisor Dean Preston

Earlier this summer, Steven Buss, a co-founder of Grow SF, told The Standard that the organization had already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">raised $300,000 to oust Preston</a> in next year’s election.

Preston, a former tenants rights attorney, is the most progressive elected official in San Francisco and the first democratic socialist to sit on the Board of Supervisors going back three decades. His positions on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/04/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">the construction of more market-rate housing</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/supervisor-asks-for-10-million-for-non-police-tenderloin-safety-plan/">redirecting resources away from the police department</a> have made him a target.&nbsp;

Housing shell game: Supes&#8217; latest actions set to slow new housing as state mandates loom

Supervisor asks for $10 million for ‘non-police’ Tenderloin safety plan

Preston, a former tenants rights attorney, is the most progressive elected official in San Francisco and the first democratic socialist to sit on the Board of Supervisors going back three decades. His positions on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/04/04/housing-shell-game-supes-latest-actions-set-to-slow-new-housing-as-state-mandate-looms/">the construction of more market-rate housing</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/supervisor-asks-for-10-million-for-non-police-tenderloin-safety-plan/">redirecting resources away from the police department</a> have made him a target.&nbsp;

More recently, a post by Preston floated a massive messaging campaign <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanPreston/status/1704689172538347809">telling people not to leave items in their cars</a> as a solution for break-ins, eliciting hundreds of negative responses.&nbsp;

More recently, a post by Preston floated a massive messaging campaign <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanPreston/status/1704689172538347809">telling people not to leave items in their cars</a> as a solution for break-ins, eliciting hundreds of negative responses.&nbsp;

In a recent appearance at a local church, Preston called the forces working against his reelection part of a “billionaire backlash.” Musk’s foray into the fight is unlikely to quell that messaging.

In a recent appearance at a local church, Preston called the forces working against his reelection part of a “billionaire backlash.” Musk’s foray into the fight is unlikely to quell that messaging.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/eaEtF0OQk2Q?si=H4BaKIX7wGMxv5BW&amp;t=1411
</div></figure>

“Even worse than the billionaires like Musk are the wannabe billionaires. Like, they only have hundreds of millions,” Preston said. “Guys like Garry Tan and others, they’re very angry that they’re not yet billionaires, so they’re even more toxic.”

“Even worse than the billionaires like Musk are the wannabe billionaires. Like, they only have hundreds of millions,” Preston said. “Guys like Garry Tan and others, they’re very angry that they’re not yet billionaires, so they’re even more toxic.”

Preston did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Preston did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

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