Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Mark Farrell&#8217;s campaign for San Francisco mayor is breaking the law, according to former mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan.

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Mark Farrell's campaign for San Francisco mayor is breaking the law, according to former mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan.

Mark Farrell&#8217;s campaign for San Francisco mayor is breaking the law, according to former mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan.

They joined other signatories in a joint letter Monday calling on California Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to investigate Farrell for allegedly misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds.

They joined other signatories in a joint letter Monday calling on California Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to investigate Farrell for allegedly misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds.

San Francisco attorney John Keker sent the letter on behalf of the former mayors, as well as former city attorney Louise Renne, former state Sen. Mark Leno, retired Superior Court judge Quentin Kopp, former supervisor Angela Alioto, and criminal defense attorney Randy Knox. <a href="https://dailyjournal.com/articles/349804-keker-van-nest-peters-celebrates-40-years">Keker has represented</a> celebrities like Lance Armstrong and George Lucas, as well as a former Enron executive.

San Francisco attorney John Keker sent the letter on behalf of the former mayors, as well as former city attorney Louise Renne, former state Sen. Mark Leno, retired Superior Court judge Quentin Kopp, former supervisor Angela Alioto, and criminal defense attorney Randy Knox. <a href="https://dailyjournal.com/articles/349804-keker-van-nest-peters-celebrates-40-years">Keker has represented</a> celebrities like Lance Armstrong and George Lucas, as well as a former Enron executive.

The long, ugly feud that’s making the mayor’s race so nasty

sf-standard/related-post

Mayor’s race gets petty as Mark Farrell tells supporters to snub London Breed

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Candidates are limited to accepting $500 per donor in their campaign committees. Ballot measure committees, on the other hand, face no such restrictions. The letter accuses Farrell of using funds from a committee formed to promote Proposition D to prop up his own campaign.

Candidates are limited to accepting $500 per donor in their campaign committees. Ballot measure committees, on the other hand, face no such restrictions. The letter accuses Farrell of using funds from a committee formed to promote Proposition D to prop up his own campaign.

&#8220;Mark Farrell appears to be laundering significant sums of money&#8221; through the campaign committee, the former mayors wrote.

"Mark Farrell appears to be laundering significant sums of money" through the campaign committee, the former mayors wrote.

&#8220;Mark Farrell appears to be laundering significant sums of money&#8221; through the campaign committee, the former mayors wrote.

In a statement, Farrell dismissed the allegation as a &#8220;blatant coordinated attempt by my political opponents.&#8221;

In a statement, Farrell dismissed the allegation as a "blatant coordinated attempt by my political opponents."

In a statement, Farrell dismissed the allegation as a &#8220;blatant coordinated attempt by my political opponents.&#8221;

&#8220;Each of these former Mayors has endorsed one of my political opponents in this race, and this is nothing but pure political tactics, and it is shameful,&#8221; Farrell said.

"Each of these former Mayors has endorsed one of my political opponents in this race, and this is nothing but pure political tactics, and it is shameful," Farrell said.

&#8220;Each of these former Mayors has endorsed one of my political opponents in this race, and this is nothing but pure political tactics, and it is shameful,&#8221; Farrell said.

Some of the signatories support Farrell&#8217;s opponents. Jordan has endorsed Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, while Agnos has endorsed Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. Brown is a long-time confidant of&nbsp;Mayor London Breed.

Some of the signatories support Farrell's opponents. Jordan has endorsed Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, while Agnos has endorsed Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. Brown is a long-time confidant of&nbsp;Mayor London Breed.

Some of the signatories support Farrell&#8217;s opponents. Jordan has endorsed Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, while Agnos has endorsed Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. Brown is a long-time confidant of&nbsp;Mayor London Breed.

According to ethics commission data, the ballot measure committee &#8220;Mayor Mark Farrell for Yes on Prop. D&#8221; has raised $2.3 million, including a $500,000 donation last month from The Standard&#8217;s chairman, Michael Moritz. The campaign committee &#8220;Mark Farrell for Mayor 2024&#8221; has brought in $1.8 million.

According to ethics commission data, the ballot measure committee "Mayor Mark Farrell for Yes on Prop. D" has raised $2.3 million, including a $500,000 donation last month from The Standard's chairman, Michael Moritz. The campaign committee "Mark Farrell for Mayor 2024" has brought in $1.8 million.

According to ethics commission data, the ballot measure committee &#8220;Mayor Mark Farrell for Yes on Prop. D&#8221; has raised $2.3 million, including a $500,000 donation last month from The Standard&#8217;s chairman, Michael Moritz. The campaign committee &#8220;Mark Farrell for Mayor 2024&#8221; has brought in $1.8 million.

In July, Farrell defended sharing costs between the ballot committee and his campaign in a letter from law firm Herrera Arellano. The letter called it a &#8220;legally sound&#8221; best practice to consolidate resources as long as the committees do not subsidize each others&#8217; campaign activities.

In July, Farrell defended sharing costs between the ballot committee and his campaign in a letter from law firm Herrera Arellano. The letter called it a "legally sound" best practice to consolidate resources as long as the committees do not subsidize each others' campaign activities.

In July, Farrell defended sharing costs between the ballot committee and his campaign in a letter from law firm Herrera Arellano. The letter called it a &#8220;legally sound&#8221; best practice to consolidate resources as long as the committees do not subsidize each others&#8217; campaign activities.

&#8220;I lead both campaigns and make no apologies about it. I have disclosed everything from the beginning,&#8221; said Farrell. &#8220;Every penny for our shared expenses has been accounted for and disclosed.&#8221;

"I lead both campaigns and make no apologies about it. I have disclosed everything from the beginning," said Farrell. "Every penny for our shared expenses has been accounted for and disclosed."

&#8220;I lead both campaigns and make no apologies about it. I have disclosed everything from the beginning,&#8221; said Farrell. &#8220;Every penny for our shared expenses has been accounted for and disclosed.&#8221;

In their joint letter, the San Francisco officials claim the Herrera Arellano attorneys are not licensed to practice law in California.

In their joint letter, the San Francisco officials claim the Herrera Arellano attorneys are not licensed to practice law in California.

The officials urged the attorney general and district attorney to take action before the November election.

The officials urged the attorney general and district attorney to take action before the November election.

&#8220;If you fail to act promptly, Mark Farrell will have exploited inaction by ethics officials and law enforcement authorities alike to unlawfully funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars into his campaign for mayor,&#8221; they said, &#8220;and perhaps prevail as a result.&#8221;

"If you fail to act promptly, Mark Farrell will have exploited inaction by ethics officials and law enforcement authorities alike to unlawfully funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars into his campaign for mayor," they said, "and perhaps prevail as a result."

&#8220;If you fail to act promptly, Mark Farrell will have exploited inaction by ethics officials and law enforcement authorities alike to unlawfully funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars into his campaign for mayor,&#8221; they said, &#8220;and perhaps prevail as a result.&#8221;

In a statement, the San Francisco District Attorney&#8217;s Office acknowledged they received the letter, adding &#8220;as a matter of policy, we do not comment on the existence or non-existence of possible criminal investigations.&#8221;

In a statement, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office acknowledged they received the letter, adding "as a matter of policy, we do not comment on the existence or non-existence of possible criminal investigations."

In a statement, the San Francisco District Attorney&#8217;s Office acknowledged they received the letter, adding &#8220;as a matter of policy, we do not comment on the existence or non-existence of possible criminal investigations.&#8221;

The attorney general&#8217;s office acknowledged they received the letter but did not offer additional comment.

The attorney general's office acknowledged they received the letter but did not offer additional comment.

The attorney general&#8217;s office acknowledged they received the letter but did not offer additional comment.

Additional reporting was contributed by The Standard&#8217;s Gabe Greschler.

Additional reporting was contributed by The Standard's Gabe Greschler.

Additional reporting was contributed by The Standard&#8217;s Gabe Greschler.

Former SF mayors call for criminal probe of Mark Farrell’s campaign

Gabe Greschler

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is set to pay the largest settlement in San Francisco Ethics Commission history for alleged election-season misdeeds.

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is set to pay the largest settlement in San Francisco Ethics Commission history for alleged election-season misdeeds.

Farrell will pay $108,179 in a settlement over campaign finance snafus the ethics commission called “significant” violations of the law.

Farrell will pay $108,179 in a settlement over campaign finance snafus the ethics commission called “significant” violations of the law.

The commission alleges Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and giving them to his own campaign. PACs are allowed to rake in donations of unlimited amounts, whereas campaign committees are limited to $500 donations. The Standard’s chairman, Michael Moritz, has given money to Farrell’s Prop. D committee, the PAC in question.

The commission alleges Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and giving them to his own campaign. PACs are allowed to rake in donations of unlimited amounts, whereas campaign committees are limited to $500 donations. The Standard’s chairman, Michael Moritz, has given money to Farrell’s Prop. D committee, the PAC in question.

Farrell&#8217;s own campaign and the Prop. D committee are restricted in how they can exchange resources, and the ethics commission accused the groups of illegally commingling funds — a major campaign no-no. Olabisi Matthews, the Ethics Commission enforcement director, said Farrell <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024.11.08-Agenda-Item-6-24-817-Farrell-Herrera-and-Committees-Final-Setttlement-Agreement-Signed.pdf">violated ethics laws</a> eight separate times.

Farrell's own campaign and the Prop. D committee are restricted in how they can exchange resources, and the ethics commission accused the groups of illegally commingling funds — a major campaign no-no. Olabisi Matthews, the Ethics Commission enforcement director, said Farrell <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024.11.08-Agenda-Item-6-24-817-Farrell-Herrera-and-Committees-Final-Setttlement-Agreement-Signed.pdf">violated ethics laws</a> eight separate times.

Farrell&#8217;s own campaign and the Prop. D committee are restricted in how they can exchange resources, and the ethics commission accused the groups of illegally commingling funds — a major campaign no-no. Olabisi Matthews, the Ethics Commission enforcement director, said Farrell <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024.11.08-Agenda-Item-6-24-817-Farrell-Herrera-and-Committees-Final-Setttlement-Agreement-Signed.pdf">violated ethics laws</a> eight separate times.

&#8220;If approved, this case represents the largest penalty issued in the history of the San Francisco Ethics Commission,&#8221; Matthews said in a statement. &#8220;This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the public’s right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco. It also reflects the severity of violating the $500 contribution limit, which is one of the most basic rules that all candidates have to follow.&#8221;

"If approved, this case represents the largest penalty issued in the history of the San Francisco Ethics Commission," Matthews said in a statement. "This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the public’s right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco. It also reflects the severity of violating the $500 contribution limit, which is one of the most basic rules that all candidates have to follow."

&#8220;If approved, this case represents the largest penalty issued in the history of the San Francisco Ethics Commission,&#8221; Matthews said in a statement. &#8220;This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the public’s right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco. It also reflects the severity of violating the $500 contribution limit, which is one of the most basic rules that all candidates have to follow.&#8221;

Some of the allegedly improper contributions were already refunded by Farrell&#8217;s campaign, the Ethics Commission noted.

Some of the allegedly improper contributions were already refunded by Farrell's campaign, the Ethics Commission noted.

Some of the allegedly improper contributions were already refunded by Farrell&#8217;s campaign, the Ethics Commission noted.

The settlement follows a series of reports suggesting that Farrell&#8217;s campaign ran afoul of campaign finance rules this election season. Farrell&#8217;s competitors and news agencies dug up substantial allegations against him and his campaign, including that he inappropriately asked Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/19/mark-farrell-home-permits-san-francisco/">to speed up home renovation permits</a>, that he failed to disclose a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/mark-farrell-loan-disclosure-house-19808908.php">$675,000 home loan in campaign documents</a>, and that high-level staffers at PACs <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">were improperly helping his campaign</a>.

Mark Farrell asked for special favor to rush his home renovation permits, mayor says

Hello, Neighbors: Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign gets cozy with rich political group

The settlement follows a series of reports suggesting that Farrell's campaign ran afoul of campaign finance rules this election season. Farrell's competitors and news agencies dug up substantial allegations against him and his campaign, including that he inappropriately asked Mayor London Breed's office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/19/mark-farrell-home-permits-san-francisco/">to speed up home renovation permits</a>, that he failed to disclose a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/mark-farrell-loan-disclosure-house-19808908.php">$675,000 home loan in campaign documents</a>, and that high-level staffers at PACs <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">were improperly helping his campaign</a>.

The settlement follows a series of reports suggesting that Farrell&#8217;s campaign ran afoul of campaign finance rules this election season. Farrell&#8217;s competitors and news agencies dug up substantial allegations against him and his campaign, including that he inappropriately asked Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/19/mark-farrell-home-permits-san-francisco/">to speed up home renovation permits</a>, that he failed to disclose a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/mark-farrell-loan-disclosure-house-19808908.php">$675,000 home loan in campaign documents</a>, and that high-level staffers at PACs <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">were improperly helping his campaign</a>.

The allegations reached a fever pitch when former Mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan penned a joint letter with other former officials to call on the attorney general and district attorney to open a criminal probe into Farrell&#8217;s campaign, voicing concern about some of the very same allegations the Ethics Commission levied.

The allegations reached a fever pitch when former Mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan penned a joint letter with other former officials to call on the attorney general and district attorney to open a criminal probe into Farrell's campaign, voicing concern about some of the very same allegations the Ethics Commission levied.

The allegations reached a fever pitch when former Mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan penned a joint letter with other former officials to call on the attorney general and district attorney to open a criminal probe into Farrell&#8217;s campaign, voicing concern about some of the very same allegations the Ethics Commission levied.

The ethics commission said Farrell&#8217;s ballot measure committee and mayoral campaign had intended to split their expenses 50/50. For months, however, the ballot committee partially reimbursed the mayoral committee for staff they shared, the office they both occupied, and other joint expenses. That&#8217;s all allowed. But when payments between committees exceed expenses, they are considered illegal contributions.

The ethics commission said Farrell's ballot measure committee and mayoral campaign had intended to split their expenses 50/50. For months, however, the ballot committee partially reimbursed the mayoral committee for staff they shared, the office they both occupied, and other joint expenses. That's all allowed. But when payments between committees exceed expenses, they are considered illegal contributions.

The ethics commission said Farrell&#8217;s ballot measure committee and mayoral campaign had intended to split their expenses 50/50. For months, however, the ballot committee partially reimbursed the mayoral committee for staff they shared, the office they both occupied, and other joint expenses. That&#8217;s all allowed. But when payments between committees exceed expenses, they are considered illegal contributions.

The ethics commission alleges the Farrell campaign also erred when they reversed these errant transactions, instead of paying them as fines to the ethics commission itself.

The ethics commission alleges the Farrell campaign also erred when they reversed these errant transactions, instead of paying them as fines to the ethics commission itself.

&#8220;The potential harm in a reversed transaction of this size is that it serves as an interest-free loan to the mayoral committee,&#8221; the ethics commission wrote in its findings.

"The potential harm in a reversed transaction of this size is that it serves as an interest-free loan to the mayoral committee," the ethics commission wrote in its findings.

&#8220;The potential harm in a reversed transaction of this size is that it serves as an interest-free loan to the mayoral committee,&#8221; the ethics commission wrote in its findings.

In a statement, Farrell called the campaign finance issues a misunderstanding.

In a statement, Farrell called the campaign finance issues a misunderstanding.

“We agreed to a settlement for an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, and over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign, which led us to terminate our prior legal counsel for this matter,&#8221; Farrell wrote. &#8220;As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues—this is [the] kind of accountability I am modeling for my children.&#8221;

“We agreed to a settlement for an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, and over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign, which led us to terminate our prior legal counsel for this matter," Farrell wrote. "As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues—this is [the] kind of accountability I am modeling for my children."

“We agreed to a settlement for an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, and over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign, which led us to terminate our prior legal counsel for this matter,&#8221; Farrell wrote. &#8220;As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues—this is [the] kind of accountability I am modeling for my children.&#8221;

The commission countered Farrell&#8217;s claim in its stipulation, noting it had obtained more than 100 communications from both Farrell and his staff showing the campaign finance mixing was intentional.

The commission countered Farrell's claim in its stipulation, noting it had obtained more than 100 communications from both Farrell and his staff showing the campaign finance mixing was intentional.

The commission countered Farrell&#8217;s claim in its stipulation, noting it had obtained more than 100 communications from both Farrell and his staff showing the campaign finance mixing was intentional.

Some of those communications told donors that donations to Farrell’s Prop. D committee are &#8220;one of the most significant ways you could impact the campaign.&#8221;

Some of those communications told donors that donations to Farrell’s Prop. D committee are "one of the most significant ways you could impact the campaign."

Some of those communications told donors that donations to Farrell’s Prop. D committee are &#8220;one of the most significant ways you could impact the campaign.&#8221;

In a statement issued through the Farrell campaign, Anthony Quinn, former member of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, called out the San Francisco Ethics Commission for rushing its findings.

In a statement issued through the Farrell campaign, Anthony Quinn, former member of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, called out the San Francisco Ethics Commission for rushing its findings.

“Given the public nature of the allegations and their use by political opponents in a contested election, the Ethics Commission should have followed its standard procedures and timelines and avoided any appearance of taking sides in a political controversy,&#8221; Quinn said. &#8220;The voters should be free to elect who they wish without undue influence from a public agency.”

“Given the public nature of the allegations and their use by political opponents in a contested election, the Ethics Commission should have followed its standard procedures and timelines and avoided any appearance of taking sides in a political controversy," Quinn said. "The voters should be free to elect who they wish without undue influence from a public agency.”

“Given the public nature of the allegations and their use by political opponents in a contested election, the Ethics Commission should have followed its standard procedures and timelines and avoided any appearance of taking sides in a political controversy,&#8221; Quinn said. &#8220;The voters should be free to elect who they wish without undue influence from a public agency.”

The commission has come under fire for years for its slow response to campaign violations. Paul Melbostad, who served on the Ethics Commission from 1995 to 2003, said investigations regarding campaign finance violations usually take one to two years.

The commission has come under fire for years for its slow response to campaign violations. Paul Melbostad, who served on the Ethics Commission from 1995 to 2003, said investigations regarding campaign finance violations usually take one to two years.

While he was surprised by how fast this inquiry resulted in a penalty, considering Farrell launched his bid for mayor less than a year ago, Mebostad said it is important for voters to know whether campaigns are breaking the rules.

While he was surprised by how fast this inquiry resulted in a penalty, considering Farrell launched his bid for mayor less than a year ago, Mebostad said it is important for voters to know whether campaigns are breaking the rules.

&#8220;That is the most blatant in history use of a ballot measure committee to support a candidate — or the defeat of a candidate,&#8221; said Melbostad. &#8220;I’m pleased that the [Ethics Commission] staff was smart enough to get it.&#8221;

"That is the most blatant in history use of a ballot measure committee to support a candidate — or the defeat of a candidate," said Melbostad. "I’m pleased that the [Ethics Commission] staff was smart enough to get it."

&#8220;That is the most blatant in history use of a ballot measure committee to support a candidate — or the defeat of a candidate,&#8221; said Melbostad. &#8220;I’m pleased that the [Ethics Commission] staff was smart enough to get it.&#8221;

Matthews, the commission’s enforcement director, said the agency&#8217;s desire to resolve this case prior to Election Day was aimed at giving the public information about campaign violations &#8220;when it matters most.&#8221;

Matthews, the commission’s enforcement director, said the agency's desire to resolve this case prior to Election Day was aimed at giving the public information about campaign violations "when it matters most."

Matthews, the commission’s enforcement director, said the agency&#8217;s desire to resolve this case prior to Election Day was aimed at giving the public information about campaign violations &#8220;when it matters most.&#8221;

Opponents are already seizing on Farrell&#8217;s fumble.

Opponents are already seizing on Farrell's fumble.

Opponents are already seizing on Farrell&#8217;s fumble.

&#8220;Mark Farrell&#8217;s ethics violation only confirms what many have suspected — he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor,&#8221; said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

"Mark Farrell's ethics violation only confirms what many have suspected — he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor," said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

&#8220;Mark Farrell&#8217;s ethics violation only confirms what many have suspected — he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor,&#8221; said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

“It’s time for a new era of accountable leadership,” said Levi Strauss heir and mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie.

“It’s time for a new era of accountable leadership,” said Levi Strauss heir and mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie.

The district attorney and attorney general have not yet said whether they&#8217;re conducting a criminal probe.

The district attorney and attorney general have not yet said whether they're conducting a criminal probe.

The district attorney and attorney general have not yet said whether they&#8217;re conducting a criminal probe.

Farrell to pay largest ethics penalty in SF history over alleged campaign violations

It was all fire and flames Thursday as the five mayoral candidates jabbed and jeered one another in their scramble to take hold of the Holy Grail of San Francisco political endorsements: Local 798, the firefighters union.&nbsp;

It was all fire and flames Thursday as the five mayoral candidates jabbed and jeered one another in their scramble to take hold of the Holy Grail of San Francisco political endorsements: Local 798, the firefighters union.&nbsp;

Six years ago, the group gave its nod to Mayor London Breed. But a lot has happened since then, and pretty much everyone agrees that this year, the endorsement is up for grabs.&nbsp;

Six years ago, the group gave its nod to Mayor London Breed. But a lot has happened since then, and pretty much everyone agrees that this year, the endorsement is up for grabs.&nbsp;

Why is the firefighters’ endorsement so coveted? Journalist Phil Matier, the moderator of Thursday’s debate, summed it up like this:&nbsp;What do cops and firefighters have in common? They all want to be firefighters.&nbsp;

Why is the firefighters’ endorsement so coveted? Journalist Phil Matier, the moderator of Thursday’s debate, summed it up like this:&nbsp;What do cops and firefighters have in common? They all want to be firefighters.&nbsp;

SFFD employees attend a mayoral debate at the Local 798 Union Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The endorsement of the Fire Union in the Mayor’s race is significant for the candidates.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_003-edited.jpg" alt="Several people, including uniformed firefighters, sit and listen attentively in a firehouse. A red fire engine and a &quot;San Francisco&quot; sign are visible in the background." class="wp-image-292561"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of Local 798 will be voting for three days starting Thursday on a mayoral endorsement. Results are expected Aug. 8.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_003-edited.jpg" alt="Several people, including uniformed firefighters, sit and listen attentively in a firehouse. A red fire engine and a &quot;San Francisco&quot; sign are visible in the background." class="wp-image-292561"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of Local 798 will be voting for three days starting Thursday on a mayoral endorsement. Results are expected Aug. 8.</figcaption></figure>

The endorsement by the union could come with considerable financial support — along with a small army of smiling firefighters armed with campaign literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The endorsement by the union could come with considerable financial support — along with a small army of smiling firefighters armed with campaign literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During Breed’s first bid for mayor in 2018, Local 798 directed $1 million&nbsp;to her campaign through an independent expenditure committee. The union also enlisted members to drop door-hangers in the city. Union President Floyd Rollins said a ground game and an independent expenditure committee are being considered for this year.

During Breed’s first bid for mayor in 2018, Local 798 directed $1 million&nbsp;to her campaign through an independent expenditure committee. The union also enlisted members to drop door-hangers in the city. Union President Floyd Rollins said a ground game and an independent expenditure committee are being considered for this year.

The candidates standing before Local 798’s members on Thursday were so eager to woo the hottest endorsement in town that we shouldn’t be surprised if one dresses as a firefighter&nbsp;this Halloween.

The candidates standing before Local 798’s members on Thursday were so eager to woo the hottest endorsement in town that we shouldn’t be surprised if one dresses as a firefighter&nbsp;this Halloween.

The union members&nbsp;had a swirl of pressing questions for the contenders. How would they handle homeless encampments, since firefighters usually respond to them during emergency calls? What about the pension reform effort that will likely appear on the ballot this November? Will the firefighters who refused to take the Covid vaccine be rehired to the force?

The union members&nbsp;had a swirl of pressing questions for the contenders. How would they handle homeless encampments, since firefighters usually respond to them during emergency calls? What about the pension reform effort that will likely appear on the ballot this November? Will the firefighters who refused to take the Covid vaccine be rehired to the force?

Former Mayor Mark Farrell speaks during a mayoral debate at the Local 798 Union Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The candidates debated to compete for the Fire Union’s endorsement in the race.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_021-edited-1.jpg" alt="A man in a suit speaks passionately at a podium, with a large, bright &quot;Fire Fighters Local 798 San Francisco&quot; sign and firefighter logos behind him." class="wp-image-292567"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Supervisor Mark Farrell was a fan favorite at Thursday’s debate.</figcaption></figure>

That’s where Breed and former Supervisor Mark Farrell went on the attack against each other. The most tense moment came when candidates were asked who their second pick would be under ranked-choice voting.

That’s where Breed and former Supervisor Mark Farrell went on the attack against each other. The most tense moment came when candidates were asked who their second pick would be under ranked-choice voting.

“Mine won’t be Farrell,” said Breed, adding that&nbsp;she’s undecided. (Farrell chose Supervisor Ahsha Safaí; Safai chose Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin; Peskin chose Safaí and Breed; and Daniel Lurie said he didn’t have a pick yet.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Mine won’t be Farrell,” said Breed, adding that&nbsp;she’s undecided. (Farrell chose Supervisor Ahsha Safaí; Safai chose Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin; Peskin chose Safaí and Breed; and Daniel Lurie said he didn’t have a pick yet.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed was on the defensive for much of the debate. She defended her record on homelessness and told the crowd that the city would soon take a “very aggressive” stance toward encampments after the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that allows for stricter policies.

Breed was on the defensive for much of the debate. She defended her record on homelessness and told the crowd that the city would soon take a “very aggressive” stance toward encampments after the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that allows for stricter policies.

But she chose not to take a position on the likely ballot measure item that will lower the retirement age for firefighters, a stance that produced grumbles from the crowd. And on the vaccine refusers, Breed said it was up to Chief Jeanine Nicholson whether the employees should be rehired. (“That’s not a good answer,” one firefighter murmured in response.)

But she chose not to take a position on the likely ballot measure item that will lower the retirement age for firefighters, a stance that produced grumbles from the crowd. And on the vaccine refusers, Breed said it was up to Chief Jeanine Nicholson whether the employees should be rehired. (“That’s not a good answer,” one firefighter murmured in response.)

Mayor London Breed listens to other candidates’ answers during a mayoral debate to gain the Fire Union’s endorsement at the Local 798 Union Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The endorsement of the Fire Union is highly coveted for mayoral candidates.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in an orange outfit stands at a podium with &quot;San Francisco Firefighters Local 798&quot; logos behind and a &quot;Fire Fighters Local Union No. 798 San Francisco&quot; sign above." class="wp-image-292398"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed was mostly on the defensive during the debate, having to defend her record on homelessness and vaccine mandates for firefighters during the pandemic.</figcaption></figure>

And that’s where Farrell swooped in. Having taken the most conservative stance among the five candidates — he has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/farrell-calls-for-armed-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-to-fight-fentanyl/">called</a> for armed National Guard troops in the Tenderloin — Farrell pumped up the crowd by asking why Breed hasn’t acted faster to clear encampments since the Supreme Court’s June ruling paved the way for stricter anti-camping rules.

Farrell calls for armed National Guard troops in San Francisco to fight fentanyl

And that’s where Farrell swooped in. Having taken the most conservative stance among the five candidates — he has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/farrell-calls-for-armed-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-to-fight-fentanyl/">called</a> for armed National Guard troops in the Tenderloin — Farrell pumped up the crowd by asking why Breed hasn’t acted faster to clear encampments since the Supreme Court’s June ruling paved the way for stricter anti-camping rules.

Farrell also offered a full-throated endorsement of the pension ballot initiative, which would lower the retirement age from 58 to 55, and said he would bring all vaccine refusers back to the department. Critics of the ballot initiative say the pension item is fiscally irresponsible.

Farrell also offered a full-throated endorsement of the pension ballot initiative, which would lower the retirement age from 58 to 55, and said he would bring all vaccine refusers back to the department. Critics of the ballot initiative say the pension item is fiscally irresponsible.

Farrell’s answers were enough to garner roaring applause from many attendees of Thursday’s debate.&nbsp;

Farrell’s answers were enough to garner roaring applause from many attendees of Thursday’s debate.&nbsp;

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin participates in a mayoral debate at the Local 798 Union Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The mayoral candidates are seeking the big and highly coveted endorsement of the Fire Union.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_048-edited.jpg" alt="A bearded man holding a mic, in a gray suit and blue tie, is smiling widely at a clear podium with firefighter emblems in the background." class="wp-image-292564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board President Aaron Peskin addressed a controversial 2018 encounter with firefighters in North Beach during his opening remarks.</figcaption></figure>

“I’m sick and tired of excuses,” said Farrell after Breed’s answer on the vaccine refusers. “We just need results. One hundred percent will reinstate them right away.”&nbsp;

“I’m sick and tired of excuses,” said Farrell after Breed’s answer on the vaccine refusers. “We just need results. One hundred percent will reinstate them right away.”&nbsp;

Will that pledge be enough to earn Farrell an endorsement from Local 798? About half a dozen firefighters on Thursday told The Standard he was their man. Adam Wood, the union’s secretary, thought so too.

Will that pledge be enough to earn Farrell an endorsement from Local 798? About half a dozen firefighters on Thursday told The Standard he was their man. Adam Wood, the union’s secretary, thought so too.

“I&#8217;m anticipating that Mark Farrell will have a substantial amount of support from these members,” he said. “He’s done a lot of outreach.”

“I'm anticipating that Mark Farrell will have a substantial amount of support from these members,” he said. “He’s done a lot of outreach.”

“I&#8217;m anticipating that Mark Farrell will have a substantial amount of support from these members,” he said. “He’s done a lot of outreach.”

But Clem Howard, a Local 798 employee currently on medical leave, pointed out that it was convenient for the candidates to attack Breed’s record.

But Clem Howard, a Local 798 employee currently on medical leave, pointed out that it was convenient for the candidates to attack Breed’s record.

A signed poster of mayoral candidates competing for the Fire Union’s endorsement at the Local 798 Union Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The endorsement of the Fire Union is highly coveted for mayoral candidates.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_001-edited.jpg" alt="The image depicts a cartoonish drawing of five smiling people with signatures above them and red text saying &quot;The Great Debate 2024&quot; at the top." class="wp-image-292565"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed was endorsed by the firefighters in 2018. Their support brought $1 million her way through an independent expenditure committee.</figcaption></figure>

“I think [Breed] deserves consideration,” she said. “It&#8217;s one thing to be the executive of the city. It&#8217;s another thing to be a candidate.”&nbsp;

“I think [Breed] deserves consideration,” she said. “It's one thing to be the executive of the city. It's another thing to be a candidate.”&nbsp;

“I think [Breed] deserves consideration,” she said. “It&#8217;s one thing to be the executive of the city. It&#8217;s another thing to be a candidate.”&nbsp;

The other three candidates at the debate — Peskin, Safaí and Lurie — didn’t produce quite as many sparks as Farrell and the incumbent. But one notable moment came when Peskin, in his opening statement, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Supervisor-Peskin-wasn-t-drunk-at-fire-scene-12813955.php">addressed</a> a controversy from 2018, when he berated fire officials during a blaze in North Beach.

The other three candidates at the debate — Peskin, Safaí and Lurie — didn’t produce quite as many sparks as Farrell and the incumbent. But one notable moment came when Peskin, in his opening statement, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Supervisor-Peskin-wasn-t-drunk-at-fire-scene-12813955.php">addressed</a> a controversy from 2018, when he berated fire officials during a blaze in North Beach.

“I have taken accountability and responsibility and have worked to make myself, with many of your help, a better person every day,” he told the crowd.&nbsp;

“I have taken accountability and responsibility and have worked to make myself, with many of your help, a better person every day,” he told the crowd.&nbsp;

Local 798 members will vote on the endorsement for three days starting Thursday. The decision is expected to be announced at the union’s Aug. 8 meeting.

Local 798 members will vote on the endorsement for three days starting Thursday. The decision is expected to be announced at the union’s Aug. 8 meeting.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Clem Howard&#8217;s title.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Clem Howard's title.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Clem Howard&#8217;s title.

Mayoral candidates court the hottest endorsement in town: firefighters

The elected leaders thronging the steps of City Hall one day last October were officially there to honor the recent death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. But every gathering of politicians is on some level a pageant, a performance of status.

The elected leaders thronging the steps of City Hall one day last October were officially there to honor the recent death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. But every gathering of politicians is on some level a pageant, a performance of status.

Vice President Kamala Harris saluted Feinstein’s unflappable nature. National stars like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sat centerstage alongside Mayor London Breed. Former mayors, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Willie Brown, mourned <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/05/archives/san-francisco-supervisors-pick-mrs-feinstein-as-acting-mayor.html">one of their own</a> from the front row of the audience.

Vice President Kamala Harris saluted Feinstein’s unflappable nature. National stars like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sat centerstage alongside Mayor London Breed. Former mayors, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Willie Brown, mourned <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/05/archives/san-francisco-supervisors-pick-mrs-feinstein-as-acting-mayor.html">one of their own</a> from the front row of the audience.

But one former mayor was conspicuously absent: Mark Farrell. Breed hadn’t invited him.

But one former mayor was conspicuously absent: Mark Farrell. Breed hadn’t invited him.

Farrell’s allies considered it a slight. “Classless,” they called it. Breed’s office pointed the finger at Feinstein’s people, saying they had led on the invites. The details of what really went down matter less than the deep vein of feeling exposed by the sniping, one that runs from the beginning of Breed and Farrell’s relationship all the way through this campaign season.

Farrell’s allies considered it a slight. “Classless,” they called it. Breed’s office pointed the finger at Feinstein’s people, saying they had led on the invites. The details of what really went down matter less than the deep vein of feeling exposed by the sniping, one that runs from the beginning of Breed and Farrell’s relationship all the way through this campaign season.

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