Han Li

The sentencing of a man who stabbed a 94-year-old Asian woman in San Francisco has stirred not only a political uproar but also angry clashes between street protesters.

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The sentencing of a man who stabbed a 94-year-old Asian woman in San Francisco has stirred not only a political uproar but also angry clashes between street protesters.

Dozens of Asian American activists, elected officials and political candidates held a rally outside the Hall of Justice Friday morning to protest a judge’s sentencing of Daniel Cauich, who stabbed Anh &#8220;Peng&#8221; Taylor in 2021 and received five years&#8217; probation and mandatory intensive treatment programs.

Dozens of Asian American activists, elected officials and political candidates held a rally outside the Hall of Justice Friday morning to protest a judge’s sentencing of Daniel Cauich, who stabbed Anh "Peng" Taylor in 2021 and received five years' probation and mandatory intensive treatment programs.

Dozens of Asian American activists, elected officials and political candidates held a rally outside the Hall of Justice Friday morning to protest a judge’s sentencing of Daniel Cauich, who stabbed Anh &#8220;Peng&#8221; Taylor in 2021 and received five years&#8217; probation and mandatory intensive treatment programs.

The ruling outraged District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and many in the Asian American community, who argued that the sentence was too lenient.

The ruling outraged District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and many in the Asian American community, who argued that the sentence was too lenient.

“There is no one more vulnerable than a 94-year-old woman,” Jenkins said in the rally. “If there is no accountability for the people who attack them, if we don&#8217;t have adequate consequences for that behavior, it will continue.”

“There is no one more vulnerable than a 94-year-old woman,” Jenkins said in the rally. “If there is no accountability for the people who attack them, if we don't have adequate consequences for that behavior, it will continue.”

“There is no one more vulnerable than a 94-year-old woman,” Jenkins said in the rally. “If there is no accountability for the people who attack them, if we don&#8217;t have adequate consequences for that behavior, it will continue.”

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/sfs_project_version-00_02_40_16-still001.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240322-94yearoldupdate_inline_vdeo.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters rally outside of the Hall of Justice as District Attorney Brooke Jenkins speaks about the sentencing of an offender who attacked a 94-year-old Asian woman. He was sentenced to probation programs.</figcaption></figure>

Jenkins’ prosecutor had asked the court to sentence Cauich to 12 years in prison, but the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/15/san-francisco-asian-94-year-old-grandma-stabbing-attack/">judge sided with Cauich’s defense attorney</a>.

Man who stabbed 94-year-old woman gets probation despite prosecutor’s protests

Jenkins’ prosecutor had asked the court to sentence Cauich to 12 years in prison, but the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/15/san-francisco-asian-94-year-old-grandma-stabbing-attack/">judge sided with Cauich’s defense attorney</a>.

Amy Lee, an Asian American activist, attended the rally and issued a joint statement with other young activists after the event to urge elected leaders to act and protect Asian seniors.

Amy Lee, an Asian American activist, attended the rally and issued a joint statement with other young activists after the event to urge elected leaders to act and protect Asian seniors.

“There remains no clear deterrent to anti-Asian violence in our criminal justice system,” the statement said. “Despite any crisis a person or persons may be facing, there is simply no excuse to attack an Asian elder.”

“There remains no clear deterrent to anti-Asian violence in our criminal justice system,” the statement said. “Despite any crisis a person or persons may be facing, there is simply no excuse to attack an Asian elder.”

A defendant will be sentenced on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 for stabbing 94-year-old, Anh 'Peng' Taylor in 2021. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is asking 12 years jail time but the judge may order a probation, which means no jail time.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-14-at-4-24-30-pm.jpg?w=1154" alt="A tight portrait of an older woman smiling." class="wp-image-231197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anh &#8220;&#8216;Peng&#8221; Taylor was stabbed in San Francisco in 2021. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins asked for 12 years of prison time for the attacker, but the judge ordered probation.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-14-at-4-24-30-pm.jpg?w=1154" alt="A tight portrait of an older woman smiling." class="wp-image-231197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anh "'Peng" Taylor was stabbed in San Francisco in 2021. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins asked for 12 years of prison time for the attacker, but the judge ordered probation.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-14-at-4-24-30-pm.jpg?w=1154" alt="A tight portrait of an older woman smiling." class="wp-image-231197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anh &#8220;&#8216;Peng&#8221; Taylor was stabbed in San Francisco in 2021. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins asked for 12 years of prison time for the attacker, but the judge ordered probation.</figcaption></figure>

A handful of criminal defense attorneys showed up to counterprotest, holding signs reading “Brooke Stop Lying” and chanting “Tell the truth” during Jenkins’ speech, leading to a shouting match between protesters.

A handful of criminal defense attorneys showed up to counterprotest, holding signs reading “Brooke Stop Lying” and chanting “Tell the truth” during Jenkins’ speech, leading to a shouting match between protesters.

The chaotic scene prompted multiple sheriff deputies to come out to the rally to separate the angry crowds.

The chaotic scene prompted multiple sheriff deputies to come out to the rally to separate the angry crowds.

“She is rousing up this bloodlust because she&#8217;s sucking up every Asian vote that she needs,” said private attorney Rebecca Young, who organized the counterprotest. “Every decision that Brooke Jenkins makes about any high profile case is a political decision.”

“She is rousing up this bloodlust because she's sucking up every Asian vote that she needs,” said private attorney Rebecca Young, who organized the counterprotest. “Every decision that Brooke Jenkins makes about any high profile case is a political decision.”

“She is rousing up this bloodlust because she&#8217;s sucking up every Asian vote that she needs,” said private attorney Rebecca Young, who organized the counterprotest. “Every decision that Brooke Jenkins makes about any high profile case is a political decision.”

Young, who worked in both the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office before she was fired by Jenkins, accused Jenkins of politicizing criminal justice issues as she is running for reelection. At one point during the protests, Young asked a sheriff to arrest someone who she felt was threatening her.&nbsp;

Young, who worked in both the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office before she was fired by Jenkins, accused Jenkins of politicizing criminal justice issues as she is running for reelection. At one point during the protests, Young asked a sheriff to arrest someone who she felt was threatening her.&nbsp;

Young said putting Cauich in prison for a couple of years and then releasing him on the street won’t make the city safer, and that a treatment program is the right solution.

Young said putting Cauich in prison for a couple of years and then releasing him on the street won’t make the city safer, and that a treatment program is the right solution.

Lee and her fellow activists disagreed, emphasizing that it’s important to send a strong message that violence against Asian elders should never be tolerated.

Lee and her fellow activists disagreed, emphasizing that it’s important to send a strong message that violence against Asian elders should never be tolerated.

Taylor survived the attack and is now 97 and living in assisted senior housing, according to her family.

Taylor survived the attack and is now 97 and living in assisted senior housing, according to her family.

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

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_1705.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people holding protest signs, one reads &quot;SAFETY IS A HUMAN RIGHT&quot;." class="wp-image-261771"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidates Mark Farrell, center, and Daniel Lurie, upper right, attend the rally.</figcaption></figure>

Former interim mayor Mark Farrell and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, both of whom are running to replace Mayor London Breed and are courting support in the Asian American community, were present.

Former interim mayor Mark Farrell and philanthropist Daniel Lurie, both of whom are running to replace Mayor London Breed and are courting support in the Asian American community, were present.

Multiple candidates for supervisor, such as Bilal Mahmood, Danny Sauter, Moe Jamil and JConr B Ortega participated in the rally along with Supervisor Matt Dorsey.&nbsp;

Multiple candidates for supervisor, such as Bilal Mahmood, Danny Sauter, Moe Jamil and JConr B Ortega participated in the rally along with Supervisor Matt Dorsey.&nbsp;

Both Cauich’s defense attorney and Judge Kay Tsenin appeared on Zoom on Friday and decided to postpone the hearing to April to further discuss Cauich’s sentencing.

Both Cauich’s defense attorney and Judge Kay Tsenin appeared on Zoom on Friday and decided to postpone the hearing to April to further discuss Cauich’s sentencing.

Prison or probation? Protesters clash over sentencing of man who stabbed  Asian woman

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

California politicians visiting Chicago for the Democratic National Committee blew off steam Tuesday night in lavish style: They dined on wagyu beef sliders and sushi and sipped champagne under the green-tinted lights of the Tao nightclub in the River North neighborhood.

California politicians visiting Chicago for the Democratic National Committee blew off steam Tuesday night in lavish style: They dined on wagyu beef sliders and sushi and sipped champagne under the green-tinted lights of the Tao nightclub in the River North neighborhood.

California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lighftoot danced with gusto to a performance by the Killers, who played hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” Minutes before introducing the band, San Francisco Mayor London Breed spoke to the crowd of Democrats, touting her city’s comeback.

California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lighftoot danced with gusto to a performance by the Killers, who played hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” Minutes before introducing the band, San Francisco Mayor London Breed spoke to the crowd of Democrats, touting her city’s comeback.

“Tonight is a time to talk about everything that San Francisco represents … because, you know, Republicans are trying to turn San Francisco into a bad word,” Breed said.

“Tonight is a time to talk about everything that San Francisco represents … because, you know, Republicans are trying to turn San Francisco into a bad word,” Breed said.

It was a shining moment for a beleaguered mayor during the highest-profile Democratic gathering of the year. And all of it — the stage from which Breed spoke, the food, the booze, the band — was paid for by billionaire Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen. Now that&#8217;s providing the fodder for the latest in a seemingly endless series of ethics accusations in the mayoral race.

It was a shining moment for a beleaguered mayor during the highest-profile Democratic gathering of the year. And all of it — the stage from which Breed spoke, the food, the booze, the band — was paid for by billionaire Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen. Now that's providing the fodder for the latest in a seemingly endless series of ethics accusations in the mayoral race.

It was a shining moment for a beleaguered mayor during the highest-profile Democratic gathering of the year. And all of it — the stage from which Breed spoke, the food, the booze, the band — was paid for by billionaire Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen. Now that&#8217;s providing the fodder for the latest in a seemingly endless series of ethics accusations in the mayoral race.

Because Larsen is one of Breed&#8217;s biggest financial backers, the party may have violated ethics rules, alleges Mark Farrell, the former mayor and supervisor who is running to unseat Breed in November. Larsen showered $400,000 on a committee backing Breed’s reelection bid, “Forward Action SF, Supporting London Breed for Mayor 2024.” Independent campaign committees can raise such large sums of money because they are purportedly independent of the candidates themselves. Candidate committees, by contrast, can raise money only in $500 increments.

Because Larsen is one of Breed's biggest financial backers, the party may have violated ethics rules, alleges Mark Farrell, the former mayor and supervisor who is running to unseat Breed in November. Larsen showered $400,000 on a committee backing Breed’s reelection bid, “Forward Action SF, Supporting London Breed for Mayor 2024.” Independent campaign committees can raise such large sums of money because they are purportedly independent of the candidates themselves. Candidate committees, by contrast, can raise money only in $500 increments.

Because Larsen is one of Breed&#8217;s biggest financial backers, the party may have violated ethics rules, alleges Mark Farrell, the former mayor and supervisor who is running to unseat Breed in November. Larsen showered $400,000 on a committee backing Breed’s reelection bid, “Forward Action SF, Supporting London Breed for Mayor 2024.” Independent campaign committees can raise such large sums of money because they are purportedly independent of the candidates themselves. Candidate committees, by contrast, can raise money only in $500 increments.

Independent committees are barred by law from talking strategy with the candidate. Larsen and Breed chatted at length during Tuesday’s party, though the topic of conversation is not known.

Independent committees are barred by law from talking strategy with the candidate. Larsen and Breed chatted at length during Tuesday’s party, though the topic of conversation is not known.

“It should raise eyebrows that Mayor Breed attended a lavish party hosted by and spent hours in a VIP only room talking all night with Chris Larsen, who is the largest contributor to her independent expenditure committee,” Farrell campaign manager Jade Tu said in a statement. “How do voters know and trust that they didn’t talk about her campaign or strategy at all?”

“It should raise eyebrows that Mayor Breed attended a lavish party hosted by and spent hours in a VIP only room talking all night with Chris Larsen, who is the largest contributor to her independent expenditure committee,” Farrell campaign manager Jade Tu said in a statement. “How do voters know and trust that they didn’t talk about her campaign or strategy at all?”

Chris Larson, left, and Mayor London Breed at a Democratic National Convention (DNC) party in Chicago, IL on Tuesday August 21, 2024. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taochicago082024-credit-nate-gowdy-020.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man and a woman are engaging in conversation. The man wears a suit while the woman, holding a drink, is in a vibrant red and black dress. They are in a dimly lit, brick-walled setting." class="wp-image-303602"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen and Mayor London Breed have a conversation during the party.</figcaption></figure>

Larsen’s spokesperson declined to comment. Breed’s camp denied the accusation.

Larsen’s spokesperson declined to comment. Breed’s camp denied the accusation.

“Instead of promoting our city as a wonderful place, Mark Farrell’s entire campaign is centered on his Doom Loop talking points tearing down San Francisco for his own benefit,” Breed campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said in a statement.

“Instead of promoting our city as a wonderful place, Mark Farrell’s entire campaign is centered on his Doom Loop talking points tearing down San Francisco for his own benefit,” Breed campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said in a statement.

Larsen has spent more than $3.6 million on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">Democratic causes in San Francisco</a> over the last decade, and $750,000 to support two of Breed’s ballot measures in March.

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

Larsen has spent more than $3.6 million on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">Democratic causes in San Francisco</a> over the last decade, and $750,000 to support two of Breed’s ballot measures in March.

Paul Melbostad, a former chair of the San Francisco Ethics Commission, said the Chicago party didn’t cross the line. <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_campaign/0-0-0-47779">The law specifically makes an exception for appearances</a> — potentially like Breed’s attendance at Larsen’s party — provided there is no discussion about campaign expenditures.

Paul Melbostad, a former chair of the San Francisco Ethics Commission, said the Chicago party didn’t cross the line. <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_campaign/0-0-0-47779">The law specifically makes an exception for appearances</a> — potentially like Breed’s attendance at Larsen’s party — provided there is no discussion about campaign expenditures.

“It was hard to believe there was no discussion between him and London Breed or an agent of her campaign about the benefit of attending this event,” Melbostad said. Still, despite any suspicions, there’s no evidence such a discussion took place.

“It was hard to believe there was no discussion between him and London Breed or an agent of her campaign about the benefit of attending this event,” Melbostad said. Still, despite any suspicions, there’s no evidence such a discussion took place.

Sean McMorris of <a href="https://www.commoncause.org/">Common Cause</a>, a nonpartisan organization working for government accountability, agreed with Melbostad’s assessment.

Sean McMorris of <a href="https://www.commoncause.org/">Common Cause</a>, a nonpartisan organization working for government accountability, agreed with Melbostad’s assessment.

But he said federal campaign finance laws allow many actions that could be regarded as suspicious, as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates for corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money to support candidates.

But he said federal campaign finance laws allow many actions that could be regarded as suspicious, as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates for corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money to support candidates.

The law against coordination is broken only in the case of explicit discussions about campaign spending between an independent committee and a candidate or their agent; McMorris said this is a nearly impossible burden of proof.

The law against coordination is broken only in the case of explicit discussions about campaign spending between an independent committee and a candidate or their agent; McMorris said this is a nearly impossible burden of proof.

“Really, coordination is only proved if you have a whistleblower,” McMorris said. “A quid pro quo doesn&#8217;t typically happen with a handshake and an explicit ask; it happens with a wink and a nod more often. It happens more subtly. People who are engaged daily in influence peddling, they know the game.”

“Really, coordination is only proved if you have a whistleblower,” McMorris said. “A quid pro quo doesn't typically happen with a handshake and an explicit ask; it happens with a wink and a nod more often. It happens more subtly. People who are engaged daily in influence peddling, they know the game.”

“Really, coordination is only proved if you have a whistleblower,” McMorris said. “A quid pro quo doesn&#8217;t typically happen with a handshake and an explicit ask; it happens with a wink and a nod more often. It happens more subtly. People who are engaged daily in influence peddling, they know the game.”

Accusations of questionable ethics have permeated the San Francisco mayor’s race. Farrell allegedly illegally used $24,000 from a ballot measure committee toward his campaign. Such accusations go back as far as Farrell’s 2010 supervisor campaign, when an opponent, Janet Reilly, <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/supe-farrell-may-settle-191k-ethics-fine-for-25k/article_cc808a6d-1267-5be7-81a4-ea0fc9599a91.html">accused his campaign</a> of illegally coordinating with another group to send out hit pieces against her. Farrell initially faced a $191,000 fine but was cleared in the matter; his campaign manager took the heat instead.

Accusations of questionable ethics have permeated the San Francisco mayor’s race. Farrell allegedly illegally used $24,000 from a ballot measure committee toward his campaign. Such accusations go back as far as Farrell’s 2010 supervisor campaign, when an opponent, Janet Reilly, <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/supe-farrell-may-settle-191k-ethics-fine-for-25k/article_cc808a6d-1267-5be7-81a4-ea0fc9599a91.html">accused his campaign</a> of illegally coordinating with another group to send out hit pieces against her. Farrell initially faced a $191,000 fine but was cleared in the matter; his campaign manager took the heat instead.

Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple, sits for a portrait in the rooftop garden of Ripple’s headquarters in San Francisco on Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2024. Larsen is a crypto billionaire who has drawn comparisons to the fictional Batman character Bruce Wayne for his aggressive approach to public safety in San Francisco and is viewed by some as an interloper intent on creating a surveillance state that mostly serves to advance his ambitions for greater wealth and control, while Larsen's supporters have called him a benevolent force for good in a city that has gone off the rails.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/featured-20240401-chrislarsen-16_3617bf.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-261939"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple, has showered $400,000 on a committee backing Breed’s reelection bid.</figcaption></figure>

Larsen also has had his own run-ins with the rules. Ripple Labs was reportedly <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/ripple-ordered-pay-125-million-penalty-improperly-selling-xrp-tokens-2024-08-08/">ordered to pay $125 million in penalties to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> this month over improper sales of cryptocurrency. The SEC later dismissed the claims.

Larsen also has had his own run-ins with the rules. Ripple Labs was reportedly <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/ripple-ordered-pay-125-million-penalty-improperly-selling-xrp-tokens-2024-08-08/">ordered to pay $125 million in penalties to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> this month over improper sales of cryptocurrency. The SEC later dismissed the claims.

Another candidate for San Francisco mayor, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, blasted Breed for appearing onstage at a Larsen-funded event and for not owning up to her role in creating San Francisco’s “doom loop” narrative.

Another candidate for San Francisco mayor, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, blasted Breed for appearing onstage at a Larsen-funded event and for not owning up to her role in creating San Francisco’s “doom loop” narrative.

&#8220;At the DNC, Breed said that ‘Republicans are trying to turn San Francisco into a bad word.’ She should look in the mirror and remember that she already did Republicans’ work for them. It was Breed who talked about ‘all the bullshit that has destroyed our city.’ It was Breed who talked about the ‘reign of criminals’ and said ‘Downtown is never coming back,’” Peskin said in a statement.

"At the DNC, Breed said that ‘Republicans are trying to turn San Francisco into a bad word.’ She should look in the mirror and remember that she already did Republicans’ work for them. It was Breed who talked about ‘all the bullshit that has destroyed our city.’ It was Breed who talked about the ‘reign of criminals’ and said ‘Downtown is never coming back,’” Peskin said in a statement.

&#8220;At the DNC, Breed said that ‘Republicans are trying to turn San Francisco into a bad word.’ She should look in the mirror and remember that she already did Republicans’ work for them. It was Breed who talked about ‘all the bullshit that has destroyed our city.’ It was Breed who talked about the ‘reign of criminals’ and said ‘Downtown is never coming back,’” Peskin said in a statement.

He added, “Our own mayor turned her back on our city and trash-talked it until her job was on the line. And now she is partying with crypto-billionaires who have been investigated for fraud, pretending it never happened.”

He added, “Our own mayor turned her back on our city and trash-talked it until her job was on the line. And now she is partying with crypto-billionaires who have been investigated for fraud, pretending it never happened.”

Breed rival says her swanky, crypto-funded DNC party crossed ethical lines

With public safety top of mind for San Francisco voters, the controversial police union has emerged as a sought-after endorsement for some moderates looking to burnish their crime-fighting bona fides.

With public safety top of mind for San Francisco voters, the controversial police union has emerged as a sought-after endorsement for some moderates looking to burnish their crime-fighting bona fides.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file law enforcement officers, has been giving out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">political endorsements</a> this year and spent more than $100,000 during the March election in support of its preferred local candidates and ballot measures, according to finance disclosures.

Police union wades back into San Francisco politics after years of sitting on the sidelines

The San Francisco Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file law enforcement officers, has been giving out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">political endorsements</a> this year and spent more than $100,000 during the March election in support of its preferred local candidates and ballot measures, according to finance disclosures.

Some of that spending appears to have paid off. Candidates and ballot measures related to public safety and police have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">prevailed in recent elections</a>, and two moderate frontrunners in the November mayoral races are actively competing for the union’s endorsement.&nbsp;

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

Some of that spending appears to have paid off. Candidates and ballot measures related to public safety and police have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">prevailed in recent elections</a>, and two moderate frontrunners in the November mayoral races are actively competing for the union’s endorsement.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m very much interested, for sure,&#8221; Mayor London Breed said Tuesday in Golden Gate Park during a National Night Out event, which aims to promote engagement between police and communities.&nbsp;

"I'm very much interested, for sure," Mayor London Breed said Tuesday in Golden Gate Park during a National Night Out event, which aims to promote engagement between police and communities.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m very much interested, for sure,&#8221; Mayor London Breed said Tuesday in Golden Gate Park during a National Night Out event, which aims to promote engagement between police and communities.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed, left, and Chief of Police Bill Scott, right, sit together on stage at the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) promotional ceremony in the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Wednesday July 24, 2024. The San Francisco Police Department is currently celebrating the promotion of several officers to high ranks within the force. This joyous occasion comes at a time when the department is grappling with a shortage of staff and overall resources in the city of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240723-breedpolice-tv0247.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red suit and a man in a San Francisco police uniform sit side by side, both looking forward with serious expressions." class="wp-image-294952"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed and Chief of Police Bill Scott sit together at a July police officer promotional ceremony at Scottish Rite Masonic Center.</figcaption></figure>

Breed spent the evening hopping around National Night Out events across the city, chatting up law enforcement officers, snapping photos with locals and strengthening her police-friendly image.

Breed spent the evening hopping around National Night Out events across the city, chatting up law enforcement officers, snapping photos with locals and strengthening her police-friendly image.

Breed had closer ties with the SFPOA early in her career, but the union did not endorse her first mayoral bid in 2018 because of her advocacy for police reform. Now, she said, things have changed.

Breed had closer ties with the SFPOA early in her career, but the union did not endorse her first mayoral bid in 2018 because of her advocacy for police reform. Now, she said, things have changed.

&#8220;I think a lot of it has to do with [the union&#8217;s] leadership,&#8221; Breed said of SFPOA President Tracy McCray. &#8220;She&#8217;s really turned things around a lot.&#8221;&nbsp;

"I think a lot of it has to do with [the union's] leadership," Breed said of SFPOA President Tracy McCray. "She's really turned things around a lot."&nbsp;

&#8220;I think a lot of it has to do with [the union&#8217;s] leadership,&#8221; Breed said of SFPOA President Tracy McCray. &#8220;She&#8217;s really turned things around a lot.&#8221;&nbsp;

Breed praised McCray’s deep ties in the community, saying she is a respected member of the department who serves as &#8220;a bridge builder.&#8221;

Breed praised McCray’s deep ties in the community, saying she is a respected member of the department who serves as "a bridge builder."

Breed praised McCray’s deep ties in the community, saying she is a respected member of the department who serves as &#8220;a bridge builder.&#8221;

San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray poses for a portrait after the ‘No on B’ press conference she helped host in the San Francisco Police Officers Association in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, and Stop Crime SF Board Member Lily Ho hosted a news conference to preview new “No on B” advertisements and highlight misrepresentations by the “Yes on B” campaign, which claims its “cop tax” is a public safety measure.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20241502_noonb-15.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a police uniform stands solemnly before a memorial wall honoring fallen San Francisco officers." class="wp-image-259705"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray said that the union has been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates.</figcaption></figure>

After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, Breed <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-budget-announcement-defund-sfpd-the-police-london-breed-press-conference/6345069/">briefly joining the call to defund the police</a>. In the years since, as concerns about public safety came to the forefront, Breed has taken more pro-police positions and worked to increase the department’s budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, Breed <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-budget-announcement-defund-sfpd-the-police-london-breed-press-conference/6345069/">briefly joining the call to defund the police</a>. In the years since, as concerns about public safety came to the forefront, Breed has taken more pro-police positions and worked to increase the department’s budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCray couldn&#8217;t be reached for comment but wrote in a defiant June blog post that the SFPOA had been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates — a reversal from its political standing in 2020. The union hasn&#8217;t made any decision on who it will endorse for mayor.

McCray couldn't be reached for comment but wrote in a defiant June blog post that the SFPOA had been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates — a reversal from its political standing in 2020. The union hasn't made any decision on who it will endorse for mayor.

McCray couldn&#8217;t be reached for comment but wrote in a defiant June blog post that the SFPOA had been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates — a reversal from its political standing in 2020. The union hasn&#8217;t made any decision on who it will endorse for mayor.

&#8220;Bluntly put, no one came knocking at our door for an endorsement back in 2020 or even before that time,&#8221; <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1642">McCray wrote</a> in June. &#8220;Some in this city hated our guts.&#8221;

"Bluntly put, no one came knocking at our door for an endorsement back in 2020 or even before that time," <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1642">McCray wrote</a> in June. "Some in this city hated our guts."

&#8220;Bluntly put, no one came knocking at our door for an endorsement back in 2020 or even before that time,&#8221; <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1642">McCray wrote</a> in June. &#8220;Some in this city hated our guts.&#8221;

McCray emphasized that she won&#8217;t be &#8220;handing out those endorsements like candy at Halloween time,&#8221; and the decision-making process should be a thoughtful and measured review of all candidates.

McCray emphasized that she won't be "handing out those endorsements like candy at Halloween time," and the decision-making process should be a thoughtful and measured review of all candidates.

McCray emphasized that she won&#8217;t be &#8220;handing out those endorsements like candy at Halloween time,&#8221; and the decision-making process should be a thoughtful and measured review of all candidates.

Mark Farrell, who is running against Breed and campaigning on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">public safety issues</a>, is also seeking the police union&#8217;s support.

Mark Farrell vows to fire police chief, clear homeless camps as mayor

Mark Farrell, who is running against Breed and campaigning on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">public safety issues</a>, is also seeking the police union's support.

Mark Farrell, who is running against Breed and campaigning on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">public safety issues</a>, is also seeking the police union&#8217;s support.

&#8220;I am proud to have been endorsed by the POA in all my campaigns for elected office,&#8221; Farrell said in a statement. &#8220;We have been building significant support among the rank and file and are actively working to earn the POA&#8217;s endorsement.&#8221;

"I am proud to have been endorsed by the POA in all my campaigns for elected office," Farrell said in a statement. "We have been building significant support among the rank and file and are actively working to earn the POA's endorsement."

&#8220;I am proud to have been endorsed by the POA in all my campaigns for elected office,&#8221; Farrell said in a statement. &#8220;We have been building significant support among the rank and file and are actively working to earn the POA&#8217;s endorsement.&#8221;

Mark Farrell listens to the other candidates at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/featured02_20240725-farrell50kintern.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is seated, looking to his left. He is wearing a microphone and appears attentive. A blurred U.S. flag is visible in the background." class="wp-image-294611"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell said his campaign is actively working to earn the police union&#8217;s endorsement.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/featured02_20240725-farrell50kintern.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is seated, looking to his left. He is wearing a microphone and appears attentive. A blurred U.S. flag is visible in the background." class="wp-image-294611"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell said his campaign is actively working to earn the police union's endorsement.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/featured02_20240725-farrell50kintern.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is seated, looking to his left. He is wearing a microphone and appears attentive. A blurred U.S. flag is visible in the background." class="wp-image-294611"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell said his campaign is actively working to earn the police union&#8217;s endorsement.</figcaption></figure>

However, Farrell has had a tumultuous relationship with the union. It supported him for supervisor in 2014 but blasted him <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">during contract negotiations</a> when he was interim mayor in 2018.

However, Farrell has had a tumultuous relationship with the union. It supported him for supervisor in 2014 but blasted him <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">during contract negotiations</a> when he was interim mayor in 2018.

Daniel Lurie, another moderate candidate for mayor, has no apparent ties with the SFPOA but is believed to be working on getting a ranked-choice endorsement.

Daniel Lurie, another moderate candidate for mayor, has no apparent ties with the SFPOA but is believed to be working on getting a ranked-choice endorsement.

&#8220;Daniel looks forward to working with the POA to turn around the morale and staffing crisis created by Mayors Breed and Farrell,&#8221; his campaign said in a statement.

"Daniel looks forward to working with the POA to turn around the morale and staffing crisis created by Mayors Breed and Farrell," his campaign said in a statement.

&#8220;Daniel looks forward to working with the POA to turn around the morale and staffing crisis created by Mayors Breed and Farrell,&#8221; his campaign said in a statement.

Board President Aaron Peskin, a progressive mayoral candidate who is unlikely to receive the SFPOA&#8217;s support, expressed a surprisingly friendly attitude toward the union.

Board President Aaron Peskin, a progressive mayoral candidate who is unlikely to receive the SFPOA's support, expressed a surprisingly friendly attitude toward the union.

Board President Aaron Peskin, a progressive mayoral candidate who is unlikely to receive the SFPOA&#8217;s support, expressed a surprisingly friendly attitude toward the union.

Peskin said he supports culturally and linguistically sensitive community policing and believes that holding police accountable is good for public safety and for officers themselves.

Peskin said he supports culturally and linguistically sensitive community policing and believes that holding police accountable is good for public safety and for officers themselves.

“If my work on public safety resonates with the members of the POA,” Peskin said, “we would welcome their endorsement.&#8221;

“If my work on public safety resonates with the members of the POA,” Peskin said, “we would welcome their endorsement."

“If my work on public safety resonates with the members of the POA,” Peskin said, “we would welcome their endorsement.&#8221;

core/quote

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-back-with-money">Back with money</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-back-with-money">Back with money</h2>

In 2019, after spending almost $700,000 against the progressive Chesa Boudin, who went on to be elected as San Francisco district attorney, the police union went quiet and stayed out of local political races. But in the past 10 months, its political spending has ramped up.&nbsp;

In 2019, after spending almost $700,000 against the progressive Chesa Boudin, who went on to be elected as San Francisco district attorney, the police union went quiet and stayed out of local political races. But in the past 10 months, its political spending has ramped up.&nbsp;

According to state filings, the SFPOA’s political campaign committee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/ron-conway-chris-larsen-police-union-london-breed-public-safety-measure-prop-e/">donated $50,000 to support Proposition E, a March ballot measure intended to empower the police</a>, which was passed by voters. It also spent $45,000 to support two tough-on-crime San Francisco Superior Court candidates, who both lost to incumbent judges.

Who is pouring $400K into San Francisco ballot measure empowering cops?

According to state filings, the SFPOA’s political campaign committee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/ron-conway-chris-larsen-police-union-london-breed-public-safety-measure-prop-e/">donated $50,000 to support Proposition E, a March ballot measure intended to empower the police</a>, which was passed by voters. It also spent $45,000 to support two tough-on-crime San Francisco Superior Court candidates, who both lost to incumbent judges.

Other donations included $10,000 for Marjan Philhour&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee campaign and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">$500 for her Board of Supervisors race</a>.

Other donations included $10,000 for Marjan Philhour's Democratic County Central Committee campaign and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">$500 for her Board of Supervisors race</a>.

Other donations included $10,000 for Marjan Philhour&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee campaign and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">$500 for her Board of Supervisors race</a>.

Philhour, who&#8217;s running to unseat Supervisor Connie Chan in the Richmond, has noticed the change in the political tide as the SFPOA gains popularity but argued that it’s because the progressive agenda on policing is failing.

Philhour, who's running to unseat Supervisor Connie Chan in the Richmond, has noticed the change in the political tide as the SFPOA gains popularity but argued that it’s because the progressive agenda on policing is failing.

Philhour, who&#8217;s running to unseat Supervisor Connie Chan in the Richmond, has noticed the change in the political tide as the SFPOA gains popularity but argued that it’s because the progressive agenda on policing is failing.

D1 Supervisor candidate Marjan Philhour makes a speech  at Anina in Hayes Valley, where GrowSF hosts an election night party on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-60.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman is speaking into a microphone, smiling, with colorful political campaign posters in the background." class="wp-image-256497"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marjan Philhour, who&#8217;s running for Board of Supervisors, has received donations from the police union.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-60.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman is speaking into a microphone, smiling, with colorful political campaign posters in the background." class="wp-image-256497"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marjan Philhour, who's running for Board of Supervisors, has received donations from the police union.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-60.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman is speaking into a microphone, smiling, with colorful political campaign posters in the background." class="wp-image-256497"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marjan Philhour, who&#8217;s running for Board of Supervisors, has received donations from the police union.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;What we are seeing is a collective realization that getting back to core city services is more important than the out-of-touch virtue signaling,&#8221; Philhour said in a statement.

"What we are seeing is a collective realization that getting back to core city services is more important than the out-of-touch virtue signaling," Philhour said in a statement.

&#8220;What we are seeing is a collective realization that getting back to core city services is more important than the out-of-touch virtue signaling,&#8221; Philhour said in a statement.

However, Chan, a progressive, is largely dismissive of the police union’s endorsement.

However, Chan, a progressive, is largely dismissive of the police union’s endorsement.

&#8220;Connie Chan is focused on doing what&#8217;s best for [her district], including pushing the Breed administration for more public safety and prevention resources,&#8221; her campaign said in a statement. “She&#8217;ll keep doing that regardless of any political endorsements because it&#8217;s the right thing to do.&#8221;

"Connie Chan is focused on doing what's best for [her district], including pushing the Breed administration for more public safety and prevention resources," her campaign said in a statement. “She'll keep doing that regardless of any political endorsements because it's the right thing to do."

&#8220;Connie Chan is focused on doing what&#8217;s best for [her district], including pushing the Breed administration for more public safety and prevention resources,&#8221; her campaign said in a statement. “She&#8217;ll keep doing that regardless of any political endorsements because it&#8217;s the right thing to do.&#8221;

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