Mark Farrell

Following the deadly crash in West Portal last weekend, the Standard asked the leading candidates for mayor what they would do to make city streets safer and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/breed-deadly-crash-safety/">Mayor London Breed</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/safai-deadly-crash-safety/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a>, former mayor and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/farrell-deadly-crash-safety/">supervisor Mark Farrell</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/">non-profit executive</a> Daniel Lurie</a> submitted responses.

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Following the deadly crash in West Portal last weekend, the Standard asked the leading candidates for mayor what they would do to make city streets safer and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/breed-deadly-crash-safety/">Mayor London Breed</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/safai-deadly-crash-safety/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a>, former mayor and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/21/farrell-deadly-crash-safety/">supervisor Mark Farrell</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/22/daniel-lurie-smarter-streets/">non-profit executive</a> Daniel Lurie</a> submitted responses.

In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by 2024. Although we have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/20/traffic-deaths-in-san-francisco-continue-despite-vision-zero/#">clearly fallen short</a> 10 years later, the goal and work to make Vision Zero a reality must remain.

San Francisco set out to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024. Why has it failed?

In 2014, San Francisco adopted <a href="https://www.visionzerosf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Zero</a>, an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths by 2024. Although we have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/20/traffic-deaths-in-san-francisco-continue-despite-vision-zero/#">clearly fallen short</a> 10 years later, the goal and work to make Vision Zero a reality must remain.

Last weekend, we had a devastating reminder of the work we still have left to do. Our city was shaken by a <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horrific crash</a> in West Portal caused by a driver allegedly speeding and going the wrong way, killing three members of a family and critically injuring their 2-month-old infant. The tragedy has caused enormous suffering and left a lasting mark on the community, a painful reminder that pedestrian <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette">fatalities</a> due to car collisions remain stubbornly high in San Francisco.

Last weekend, we had a devastating reminder of the work we still have left to do. Our city was shaken by a <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horrific crash</a> in West Portal caused by a driver allegedly speeding and going the wrong way, killing three members of a family and critically injuring their 2-month-old infant. The tragedy has caused enormous suffering and left a lasting mark on the community, a painful reminder that pedestrian <a href="https://underscoresf.com/san-francisco-records-its-fourth-pedestrian-death-for-2024/#google_vignette">fatalities</a> due to car collisions remain stubbornly high in San Francisco.

On average, <a href="https://walksf.org/news/for-reporters/press-releases/west-portal-pedestrians-killed-march-16-2024/#:~:text=Citywide%2C%20around%2030%20people%20are,50%25%20of%20these%20fatalities%20annually.&amp;text=Walk%20San%20Francisco%20('Walk%20SF,who%20walks%2C%20which%20is%20everyone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 people</a> are killed every year on San Francisco’s streets and over 500 are severely injured. This year, the city has seen more <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/west-portal-crash-arrest-three-dead-19201921.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic-related deaths</a> than average and is on track to surpass total traffic deaths in 2023. This is unacceptable. Our families deserve better.&nbsp;

On average, <a href="https://walksf.org/news/for-reporters/press-releases/west-portal-pedestrians-killed-march-16-2024/#:~:text=Citywide%2C%20around%2030%20people%20are,50%25%20of%20these%20fatalities%20annually.&amp;text=Walk%20San%20Francisco%20('Walk%20SF,who%20walks%2C%20which%20is%20everyone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 people</a> are killed every year on San Francisco’s streets and over 500 are severely injured. This year, the city has seen more <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/west-portal-crash-arrest-three-dead-19201921.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic-related deaths</a> than average and is on track to surpass total traffic deaths in 2023. This is unacceptable. Our families deserve better.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, much of this boils down to failed leadership. Mayor London Breed has bungled or abandoned one half-baked initiative after another and stalled critical projects that would improve road safety. This is all while allowing her San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to force ideological-driven streetscape initiatives on communities that don’t take unique neighborhood needs into account.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, much of this boils down to failed leadership. Mayor London Breed has bungled or abandoned one half-baked initiative after another and stalled critical projects that would improve road safety. This is all while allowing her San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to force ideological-driven streetscape initiatives on communities that don’t take unique neighborhood needs into account.&nbsp;

Our city’s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/better-market-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Better Market Street project</a>, which I consistently voted to support while in office, was intended to breathe new life into downtown, promising a safe Market Street for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Millions of dollars and countless hours went into the project. But Breed gutted the effort with no explanation. Not only did it never come to fruition, but her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">decision to ban cars</a> on Market Street has simultaneously failed to stop collisions there and caused nightmarish traffic on arterial streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Did car-free Market Street kill San Francisco’s most important boulevard?

Our city’s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/better-market-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Better Market Street project</a>, which I consistently voted to support while in office, was intended to breathe new life into downtown, promising a safe Market Street for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Millions of dollars and countless hours went into the project. But Breed gutted the effort with no explanation. Not only did it never come to fruition, but her <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-market-street-pandemic-big-plans-collapsed/">decision to ban cars</a> on Market Street has simultaneously failed to stop collisions there and caused nightmarish traffic on arterial streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This unfulfilled promise was soon followed by the contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">Valencia Street bike lane project</a>. After dedicating significant resources and undergoing two redesigns, Breed managed to upset neighbors, bicyclists and small businesses on the corridor, earning a rare trifecta of opposition. This is just the latest example of her inability to get any semblance of community support for streetscape projects and road use changes, which has prevented the city from making faster and real progress. Incidents along the corridor have only <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2024/02/21/cutting-through-the-newest-misinformation-on-valencias-center-running-bike-lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gotten worse</a> since then.

A bike lane moved, and this San Francisco neighborhood erupted

This unfulfilled promise was soon followed by the contentious <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">Valencia Street bike lane project</a>. After dedicating significant resources and undergoing two redesigns, Breed managed to upset neighbors, bicyclists and small businesses on the corridor, earning a rare trifecta of opposition. This is just the latest example of her inability to get any semblance of community support for streetscape projects and road use changes, which has prevented the city from making faster and real progress. Incidents along the corridor have only <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2024/02/21/cutting-through-the-newest-misinformation-on-valencias-center-running-bike-lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gotten worse</a> since then.

San Francisco cannot afford to keep putting lives in danger due to poor leadership. As mayor and District 2 supervisor, public safety was always my North Star, and it will continue to be my top priority. I helped advance thoughtful projects in my district, making improvements to Bay, Euclid and Lombard streets that balanced safety, convenience and neighborhood concerns. I helped install traffic calming measures, circles and stop signs across the city to slow down traffic on notorious unsafe streets. I even supported installing a new bike lane in front of my own home.&nbsp;

San Francisco cannot afford to keep putting lives in danger due to poor leadership. As mayor and District 2 supervisor, public safety was always my North Star, and it will continue to be my top priority. I helped advance thoughtful projects in my district, making improvements to Bay, Euclid and Lombard streets that balanced safety, convenience and neighborhood concerns. I helped install traffic calming measures, circles and stop signs across the city to slow down traffic on notorious unsafe streets. I even supported installing a new bike lane in front of my own home.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it&#8217;s too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it's too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

I’ve heard directly from residents who had raised safety concerns about the very intersection where the recent West Portal tragedy occurred, asking for streetlights and clearer pedestrian markers. Their concerns were ignored, and now, it&#8217;s too late. Breed has let SFMTA be distracted by pet projects and virtue signaling rather than the difficult and necessary work to make our streets safer.&nbsp;

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn&#8217;t wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

Woman arrested after 4-year-old girl killed in crash near San Francisco&#8217;s Oracle Park

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn't wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

We’ve seen this incredibly sad story play out before, as when a 4-year-old child in a stroller was killed by a motorist last year at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/juvenile-killed-couple-injured-in-car-wreck-by-san-franciscos-oracle-park/">Fourth and King Streets</a>. We shouldn&#8217;t wait to make road improvements until there is another tragic loss of life, but that is exactly what we expect to happen now in West Portal. We need a proactive, comprehensive citywide plan that constantly prioritizes safety and the well-being of all San Franciscans. I promise to work with communities, not at them.

As mayor, I will take bold, aggressive action to ensure all road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, are safe on our streets. I am committed to installing bollards on sidewalks at major intersections that have multiple modes and are near places like hospitals, parks and schools that are exposed to more vulnerable road users. These have the benefit of also being easy to remove and replace as traffic and neighborhood needs inevitably shift over time.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will take bold, aggressive action to ensure all road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, are safe on our streets. I am committed to installing bollards on sidewalks at major intersections that have multiple modes and are near places like hospitals, parks and schools that are exposed to more vulnerable road users. These have the benefit of also being easy to remove and replace as traffic and neighborhood needs inevitably shift over time.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will support the installation of more speed cameras. Speed is what kills, and we need more tools to deter speeding and enforce speed limits. I also support installing protected bike lanes on streets that are wide enough to support them and heavily used by cyclists. Some of the most famous promenades in the world in <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/08/commentary-the-paris-bike-boom-is-incroyable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris</a>, <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/10/18/cycling-through-covid-19-barcelona-and-seville-spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/31/commentary-the-shock-of-returning-to-the-bay-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rotterdam</a> have managed to balance and promote safety, public transit, bicycling, private vehicles and convenience for all road users, and so can we.&nbsp;

As mayor, I will support the installation of more speed cameras. Speed is what kills, and we need more tools to deter speeding and enforce speed limits. I also support installing protected bike lanes on streets that are wide enough to support them and heavily used by cyclists. Some of the most famous promenades in the world in <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/08/commentary-the-paris-bike-boom-is-incroyable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris</a>, <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/10/18/cycling-through-covid-19-barcelona-and-seville-spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2023/05/31/commentary-the-shock-of-returning-to-the-bay-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rotterdam</a> have managed to balance and promote safety, public transit, bicycling, private vehicles and convenience for all road users, and so can we.&nbsp;

We need to continue to strive for Vision Zero because one life lost is too many. But we need a change in leadership to drive the real change and progress San Francisco deserves.&nbsp;

We need to continue to strive for Vision Zero because one life lost is too many. But we need a change in leadership to drive the real change and progress San Francisco deserves.&nbsp;

Mark Farrell is the 44th mayor of San Francisco and a former District 2 supervisor and is running to be the 46th mayor of San Francisco.

Mark Farrell is the 44th mayor of San Francisco and a former District 2 supervisor and is running to be the 46th mayor of San Francisco.

West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Opinion: West Portal tragedy exposes Breed’s failed Vision Zero leadership

Han Li

Even for San Francisco political insiders, the city’s vast network of commissions and advisory boards — estimated at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/20/san-francisco-city-hall-commissions-grand-jury/">over 130</a> — can be bewildering.

SF has way too many commissions, and these 15 must die, grand jury says

Even for San Francisco political insiders, the city’s vast network of commissions and advisory boards — estimated at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/20/san-francisco-city-hall-commissions-grand-jury/">over 130</a> — can be bewildering.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year&#8217;s election.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year's election.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year&#8217;s election.

Measure D: Reduce city commissions, increase mayoral authority

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The measure failed to pass, with less than half of voters supporting the measure.

The measure failed to pass, with less than half of voters supporting the measure.

Backed by TogetherSF Action, Prop. D aimed to dramatically reduce the number of city commissions to a hard cap of 65, while expanding mayoral powers. The measure <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">attracted significant financial support</a>, with its campaign committee raising approximately $6.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million from a ballot committee tied to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. The Standard’s chairman Michael Mortiz is a major financial supporter of TogetherSF Action and donated to Farrell’s committee supporting Prop. D.

Backed by TogetherSF Action, Prop. D aimed to dramatically reduce the number of city commissions to a hard cap of 65, while expanding mayoral powers. The measure <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">attracted significant financial support</a>, with its campaign committee raising approximately $6.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million from a ballot committee tied to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. The Standard’s chairman Michael Mortiz is a major financial supporter of TogetherSF Action and donated to Farrell’s committee supporting Prop. D.

Prop. E, a similar but competing proposal introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, was put on the ballot as a “poison pill” to thwart Prop. D, according to its opponents. If both measures pass, the one with more votes will become law.

Prop. E, a similar but competing proposal introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, was put on the ballot as a “poison pill” to thwart Prop. D, according to its opponents. If both measures pass, the one with more votes will become law.

Prop. E was narrowly leading as of the latest returns.

Prop. E was narrowly leading as of the latest returns.

Measure E: Create a task force to consider reducing city commissions

Prop. E proposes a more gradual approach to commission reform: Rather than mandating immediate cuts, it would establish a task force to study the issue and make recommendations by early 2026.

Prop. E proposes a more gradual approach to commission reform: Rather than mandating immediate cuts, it would establish a task force to study the issue and make recommendations by early 2026.

Ed Harrington, a former city controller who’s leading the Prop. E campaign, said that Prop. D was the “wrong way” to reform because the public deserves an open process to discuss commission reform. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in city government by allowing citizen oversight.

Ed Harrington, a former city controller who’s leading the Prop. E campaign, said that Prop. D was the “wrong way” to reform because the public deserves an open process to discuss commission reform. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in city government by allowing citizen oversight.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D&#8217;s nearly $9 million war chest.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D's nearly $9 million war chest.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D&#8217;s nearly $9 million war chest.

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San Francisco laws are a tangled mess. Talk with our AI charter bot

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Both measures emerged amid growing concerns about San Francisco’s bureaucratic complexity, with a seeming consensus that the city may need fewer oversight bodies, not more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both measures emerged amid growing concerns about San Francisco’s bureaucratic complexity, with a seeming consensus that the city may need fewer oversight bodies, not more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another major difference between the two measures is mayoral authority. Prop. D sought to grant the mayor the new power to appoint and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/25/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/">remove commissioners</a> without Board of Supervisors approval, while also allowing direct firing of department heads. However, critics argued this concentration of power could undermine the purpose of having independent oversight commissions.

Mayor Breed to end practice of making appointees sign undated resignation letters

Another major difference between the two measures is mayoral authority. Prop. D sought to grant the mayor the new power to appoint and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/25/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/">remove commissioners</a> without Board of Supervisors approval, while also allowing direct firing of department heads. However, critics argued this concentration of power could undermine the purpose of having independent oversight commissions.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell&#8217;s campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure &#8220;tainted&#8221; in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

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

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell's campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure "tainted" in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell&#8217;s campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure &#8220;tainted&#8221; in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

Prop. D, SF’s most expensive ballot measure, fails to pass

Within San Francisco’s relatively narrow political spectrum, Michael Nohr, a Sunset District homeowner, thinks of himself as a moderate.

Within San Francisco’s relatively narrow political spectrum, Michael Nohr, a Sunset District homeowner, thinks of himself as a moderate.

He supported the recalls of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three progressive school board members in 2022 and prefers a more business-friendly environment. Most importantly, he wants a more cautious approach to building dense apartment buildings on the west side of the city.

He supported the recalls of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three progressive school board members in 2022 and prefers a more business-friendly environment. Most importantly, he wants a more cautious approach to building dense apartment buildings on the west side of the city.

In the upcoming mayoral election, Nohr is struggling over whether to vote for the most left-leaning candidate—Supervisor Aaron Peskin—because of his similar views on housing.

In the upcoming mayoral election, Nohr is struggling over whether to vote for the most left-leaning candidate—Supervisor Aaron Peskin—because of his similar views on housing.

Michael Norh, a moderate voter, stands on the beach in the Sunset district on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Norh says he is not sure who he will be voting for in the upcoming election because he believes that those who are running do not have substantial ideas or plans that will help the city.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he&#8217;s struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he's struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he&#8217;s struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

“It is truly a conundrum,” Nohr told The Standard. “Peskin and I are not in alignment on most policies, but he is the only candidate currently making sense on the issue of housing.”

“It is truly a conundrum,” Nohr told The Standard. “Peskin and I are not in alignment on most policies, but he is the only candidate currently making sense on the issue of housing.”

San Francisco’s west side, which generally refers to the area west of Twin Peaks, had been largely zoned for single-family homes, with multi-family buildings banned on most of the land. But as the city grapples with how to meet a state mandate to accommodate 82,000 new homes and city officials look to loosen zoning restrictions, the opposition is mounting on the west side as residents fear mega-projects that they believe would crowd streets and threaten neighborhood character.

San Francisco’s west side, which generally refers to the area west of Twin Peaks, had been largely zoned for single-family homes, with multi-family buildings banned on most of the land. But as the city grapples with how to meet a state mandate to accommodate 82,000 new homes and city officials look to loosen zoning restrictions, the opposition is mounting on the west side as residents fear mega-projects that they believe would crowd streets and threaten neighborhood character.

A paradox is emerging in the mayor’s race: Peskin, who’s considered progressive on most issues, has been outspoken about prioritizing neighborhood preservation instead of building market-rate housing. That seems to be resonating with homeowners on the west side, who are typically some of the city’s most moderate-conservative voters.

A paradox is emerging in the mayor’s race: Peskin, who’s considered progressive on most issues, has been outspoken about prioritizing neighborhood preservation instead of building market-rate housing. That seems to be resonating with homeowners on the west side, who are typically some of the city’s most moderate-conservative voters.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaigning-on-the-west-side">Campaigning on the west side</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaigning-on-the-west-side">Campaigning on the west side</h2>

In early June, Neighborhoods United SF, which is organizing against the city’s rezoning proposals, hosted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">a town hall meeting</a> on the west side of the city. In an area where progressive politicians typically get a cool reception, Peskin was the star of the show.

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In early June, Neighborhoods United SF, which is organizing against the city’s rezoning proposals, hosted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">a town hall meeting</a> on the west side of the city. In an area where progressive politicians typically get a cool reception, Peskin was the star of the show.

In his speech, Peskin said that San Francisco’s coastline and natural beauty are what makes it special. He won applause for his recent fight over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">building restrictions along the northern waterfront</a>.

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In his speech, Peskin said that San Francisco’s coastline and natural beauty are what makes it special. He won applause for his recent fight over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">building restrictions along the northern waterfront</a>.

“I need your help because it takes a lot of political courage to stand up to the well-funded organizations that are pushing this agenda,” Peskin said.

“I need your help because it takes a lot of political courage to stand up to the well-funded organizations that are pushing this agenda,” Peskin said.

Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-hl01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium labeled &quot;Town Hall Upzoning Impacts.&quot; Two men sit beside her, attentively listening in a room with a wooden floor and technical equipment in the background." class="wp-image-286504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.</figcaption></figure>

Lori Brooke, the event organizer and an outspoken critic of rezoning, said that the housing issue has become a priority for many moderate voters. They are looking to Peskin to stand up against rezoning, she said.

Lori Brooke, the event organizer and an outspoken critic of rezoning, said that the housing issue has become a priority for many moderate voters. They are looking to Peskin to stand up against rezoning, she said.

“If they were potentially a more moderate voter, this issue has opened their eyes to leadership that would actually fight for the neighborhoods,” Lori told The Standard.

“If they were potentially a more moderate voter, this issue has opened their eyes to leadership that would actually fight for the neighborhoods,” Lori told The Standard.

The process of rezoning and building new housing will take a long time. Lydia So, a planning commissioner, doesn’t expect zoning laws to change dramatically before the mayoral election. But the question remains as to whether the housing issue will override other concerns among moderate voters.

The process of rezoning and building new housing will take a long time. Lydia So, a planning commissioner, doesn’t expect zoning laws to change dramatically before the mayoral election. But the question remains as to whether the housing issue will override other concerns among moderate voters.

Matt Boschetto, a westside homeowner who’s running for District 7 supervisor, said that “extreme housing and planning policies” will drive many westside moderate voters to become “one-issue voters,” supporting a candidate that they agree with on housing but disagree with on almost every other topic.

Matt Boschetto, a westside homeowner who’s running for District 7 supervisor, said that “extreme housing and planning policies” will drive many westside moderate voters to become “one-issue voters,” supporting a candidate that they agree with on housing but disagree with on almost every other topic.

“In the face of a public safety, mental illness and addiction crisis, this would be tragic for the city,” Boschetto said.

“In the face of a public safety, mental illness and addiction crisis, this would be tragic for the city,” Boschetto said.

In a statement, Peskin’s campaign said it is gaining momentum on the west side of the city.

In a statement, Peskin’s campaign said it is gaining momentum on the west side of the city.

“We are finding strong support [on the westside] for Supervisor Peskin’s effective leadership and record of giving neighborhoods a voice at City Hall,” the statement said.

“We are finding strong support [on the westside] for Supervisor Peskin’s effective leadership and record of giving neighborhoods a voice at City Hall,” the statement said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nimby-or-not">NIMBY or not?</h2>

There&#8217;s a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

There's a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

There&#8217;s a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

In 1986, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Remember-Prop-M-SF-may-use-it-to-increase-12967248.php">a ballot measure to cap office building growth</a> in the city was considered one of the first battles that united the progressive anti-displacement activists and conservative homeowners, according to Jane Kim, a former city supervisor and progressive advocate.&nbsp;

In 1986, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Remember-Prop-M-SF-may-use-it-to-increase-12967248.php">a ballot measure to cap office building growth</a> in the city was considered one of the first battles that united the progressive anti-displacement activists and conservative homeowners, according to Jane Kim, a former city supervisor and progressive advocate.&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

“There's a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

“There&#8217;s a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

Rita O’Hara, a San Francisco native, stands in a doorway in the Evergreen Mortuary in the Richmond district on Thursday, June 27, 2024. O’Hara says she is leaning towards voting for Aaron Peskin even though she typically votes for Republican candidates.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv1514-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with gray hair in a ponytail, wearing a dark plaid blazer and a necklace, is standing indoors by a mirror with her reflection visible, surrounded by beige curtains." class="wp-image-286505"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rita O’Hara says Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell are her top two choices for San Francisco mayor.</figcaption></figure>

Rita O’Hara, a Richmond District homeowner who identifies as a moderate voter, said she’s torn between Peskin and Mark Farrell for mayor. Farrell, a businessman with a tough-on-crime message, is considered the most conservative of the top candidates.

Rita O’Hara, a Richmond District homeowner who identifies as a moderate voter, said she’s torn between Peskin and Mark Farrell for mayor. Farrell, a businessman with a tough-on-crime message, is considered the most conservative of the top candidates.

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What&#8217;s important is he&#8217;s all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What's important is he's all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What&#8217;s important is he&#8217;s all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

O’Hara and Nohr both rejected the “NIMBY” label, arguing that they support affordable housing and the city should focus on better utilizing existing vacant units.

O’Hara and Nohr both rejected the “NIMBY” label, arguing that they support affordable housing and the city should focus on better utilizing existing vacant units.

“I&#8217;m neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

“I'm neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

“I&#8217;m neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

Peskin has long been targeted by pro-housing groups as a NIMBY mastermind who has blocked and stalled new housing during his years in office. Peskin counters by saying he backs affordable housing instead of the “luxury towers that none of us can afford.” Breed is considered the most <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/yimbys-on-their-heels-after-lawmakers-kill-housing-veto/">pro-housing-development candidate</a>, while other leading candidates fall somewhere in between Peskin and Breed.

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Peskin has long been targeted by pro-housing groups as a NIMBY mastermind who has blocked and stalled new housing during his years in office. Peskin counters by saying he backs affordable housing instead of the “luxury towers that none of us can afford.” Breed is considered the most <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/yimbys-on-their-heels-after-lawmakers-kill-housing-veto/">pro-housing-development candidate</a>, while other leading candidates fall somewhere in between Peskin and Breed.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at the San Francisco State University, said many voters are not that politically engaged and don’t necessarily sort themselves by the same moderate or progressive labels that political insiders do.&nbsp;

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at the San Francisco State University, said many voters are not that politically engaged and don’t necessarily sort themselves by the same moderate or progressive labels that political insiders do.&nbsp;

“I’ve long said that Peskin is the progressive politician who very skillfully appeals to homeowners and he talks about communities, neighborhoods, protection and preservation.” McDaniel said. “He is trying to appeal to those portions of the electorate.”

“I’ve long said that Peskin is the progressive politician who very skillfully appeals to homeowners and he talks about communities, neighborhoods, protection and preservation.” McDaniel said. “He is trying to appeal to those portions of the electorate.”

McDaniel said the winner of the election will be the candidate who can build a broad base of support with second, third and fourth place votes in the city’s ranked-choice voting system. Peskin’s victory is possible if some of the moderate voters put Farrell or Breed as their top choice and Peskin as their second choice, he said.

McDaniel said the winner of the election will be the candidate who can build a broad base of support with second, third and fourth place votes in the city’s ranked-choice voting system. Peskin’s victory is possible if some of the moderate voters put Farrell or Breed as their top choice and Peskin as their second choice, he said.

“If you look at the progressive candidates in citywide elections for the last few elections, they usually get at least 30% to 35% of the [first choice] votes,” he said. “There&#8217;s a path for [Peskin] to win this election.”

“If you look at the progressive candidates in citywide elections for the last few elections, they usually get at least 30% to 35% of the [first choice] votes,” he said. “There's a path for [Peskin] to win this election.”

“If you look at the progressive candidates in citywide elections for the last few elections, they usually get at least 30% to 35% of the [first choice] votes,” he said. “There&#8217;s a path for [Peskin] to win this election.”

Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin

Joe Burn

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco&#8217;s school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

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Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco's school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco&#8217;s school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made &#8220;a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.&#8221;

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Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made "a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic."

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made &#8220;a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.&#8221;

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent&#8217;s ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent's ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent&#8217;s ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

&#8220;Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

"Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost," Breed said in a statement.

&#8220;Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

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In response to a request for comment, the district <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-doing-right-all-san-francisco-students">shared a letter</a> from Superintendent Matt Wayne standing by the plan.

In response to a request for comment, the district <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-doing-right-all-san-francisco-students">shared a letter</a> from Superintendent Matt Wayne standing by the plan.

&#8220;It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students,&#8221; Wayne said in the Tuesday note. &#8220;Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes.&#8221;

"It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students," Wayne said in the Tuesday note. "Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes."

&#8220;It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students,&#8221; Wayne said in the Tuesday note. &#8220;Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes.&#8221;

Titled &#8220;Doing Right by All San Francisco Students,&#8221; the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed&#8217;s statement.

Titled "Doing Right by All San Francisco Students," the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed's statement.

Titled &#8220;Doing Right by All San Francisco Students,&#8221; the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed&#8217;s statement.

The mayor&#8217;s opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The mayor's opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The mayor&#8217;s opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connie_chan_sf/p/DAmbwWpSQIq/">unanimously urging the district to reevaluate the closure plan</a>; President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1843818557291016617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most outspoken critic</a>. Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, also front-running mayoral candidates, signed a letter expressing concerns that the plan would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfairly target</a><a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/"> Asian American students and families</a>.

The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connie_chan_sf/p/DAmbwWpSQIq/">unanimously urging the district to reevaluate the closure plan</a>; President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1843818557291016617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most outspoken critic</a>. Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, also front-running mayoral candidates, signed a letter expressing concerns that the plan would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfairly target</a><a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/"> Asian American students and families</a>.

&#8220;I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools,&#8221; said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. &#8220;Because closing schools will not fix the district&#8217;s budget, but it will tear apart our communities.&#8221;

"I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools," said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. "Because closing schools will not fix the district's budget, but it will tear apart our communities."

&#8220;I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools,&#8221; said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. &#8220;Because closing schools will not fix the district&#8217;s budget, but it will tear apart our communities.&#8221;

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district&#8217;s budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

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Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district's budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district&#8217;s budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

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