Gabe Greschler

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that&#8217;s raised major questions about the mayor&#8217;s flagship program supporting the Black community.

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

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In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that's raised major questions about the mayor's flagship program supporting the Black community.

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that&#8217;s raised major questions about the mayor&#8217;s flagship program supporting the Black community.

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha&#8217;s Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

Top official resigns in nonprofit scandal; Breed plays defense

City official on leave after signing off on $1.5M in grants to man she shared home with

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha's Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha&#8217;s Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative&#8217;s grantees.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative's grantees.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative&#8217;s grantees.

Sheryl Davis and James Spingola attended the SF Human Rights Commission Reception on October 6th, 2023, at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola's nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

In a statement on Tuesday, Breed weighed in on the relationship between Davis and Spingola for the first time, saying she was “appalled” by the news last week and that “any misuse” of taxpayer money is “unacceptable.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Breed weighed in on the relationship between Davis and Spingola for the first time, saying she was “appalled” by the news last week and that “any misuse” of taxpayer money is “unacceptable.”

“I was aware that Sheryl Davis and James Spingola were very close friends,” Breed told The Standard. “That’s why I made it clear to former Director Davis on multiple occasions that she needed to wall herself off from all decisions related to Collective Impact. While protective measures were put in place, they weren’t implemented soon enough or to the extent necessary. As mayor, I take full responsibility because the buck stops with me.”

“I was aware that Sheryl Davis and James Spingola were very close friends,” Breed told The Standard. “That’s why I made it clear to former Director Davis on multiple occasions that she needed to wall herself off from all decisions related to Collective Impact. While protective measures were put in place, they weren’t implemented soon enough or to the extent necessary. As mayor, I take full responsibility because the buck stops with me.”

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen &#8220;until further notice.&#8221; Additionally, the controller&#8217;s office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative &#8220;to preserve the integrity of the program.&#8221;

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen "until further notice." Additionally, the controller's office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative "to preserve the integrity of the program."

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen &#8220;until further notice.&#8221; Additionally, the controller&#8217;s office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative &#8220;to preserve the integrity of the program.&#8221;

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Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola&#8217;s Collective Impact.

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola's Collective Impact.

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola&#8217;s Collective Impact.

After signing off on three six-figure contracts for Collective Impact in 2021 and 2022, Davis informed the city that she was no longer going to be overseeing money being directed toward the nonprofit, citing her past employment there. However, Davis did not mention her relationship with Spingola in the disclosure form.

After signing off on three six-figure contracts for Collective Impact in 2021 and 2022, Davis informed the city that she was no longer going to be overseeing money being directed toward the nonprofit, citing her past employment there. However, Davis did not mention her relationship with Spingola in the disclosure form.

Candidates in the mayoral race running against Breed, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin, have called for federal investigations into the Human Rights Commission and Dream Keeper Initiative.

Candidates in the mayoral race running against Breed, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin, have called for federal investigations into the Human Rights Commission and Dream Keeper Initiative.

“Everything tells me this goes all the way to the top — to London Breed herself. And I don’t say that lightly,” Peskin said last week after Davis resigned.

“Everything tells me this goes all the way to the top — to London Breed herself. And I don’t say that lightly,” Peskin said last week after Davis resigned.

On Tuesday, Farrell criticized Breed for waiting to disclose her knowledge of Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship.

On Tuesday, Farrell criticized Breed for waiting to disclose her knowledge of Davis and Spingola's relationship.

On Tuesday, Farrell criticized Breed for waiting to disclose her knowledge of Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship.

&#8220;It speaks volumes that it took Mayor Breed nearly a week to acknowledge her awareness of the improper relationship and likely cronyism involving the head of her signature initiative,&#8221; Farrell said.

"It speaks volumes that it took Mayor Breed nearly a week to acknowledge her awareness of the improper relationship and likely cronyism involving the head of her signature initiative," Farrell said.

&#8220;It speaks volumes that it took Mayor Breed nearly a week to acknowledge her awareness of the improper relationship and likely cronyism involving the head of her signature initiative,&#8221; Farrell said.

&#8220;Supporting the Black community is critically important, and this corruption is not a victimless crime — it has the greatest impact on those most in need,&#8221; wrote mayoral candidate and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in a statement. &#8220;It&#8217;s all part of the same City Hall insider formula, grow the system and exploit it for your personal benefit.&#8221;

"Supporting the Black community is critically important, and this corruption is not a victimless crime — it has the greatest impact on those most in need," wrote mayoral candidate and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in a statement. "It's all part of the same City Hall insider formula, grow the system and exploit it for your personal benefit."

&#8220;Supporting the Black community is critically important, and this corruption is not a victimless crime — it has the greatest impact on those most in need,&#8221; wrote mayoral candidate and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in a statement. &#8220;It&#8217;s all part of the same City Hall insider formula, grow the system and exploit it for your personal benefit.&#8221;

Breed ‘appalled’ as crisis unfolds at her signature program

Josh Koehn

San Francisco’s mayor’s race still has more than eight months to go until the finish line, but it seems guaranteed to become the most expensive in city history now that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=mark%20farrell">Mark Farrell</a> has entered the chat.

San Francisco’s mayor’s race still has more than eight months to go until the finish line, but it seems guaranteed to become the most expensive in city history now that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=mark%20farrell">Mark Farrell</a> has entered the chat.

After formally announcing his candidacy on Tuesday, the former mayor and supervisor needed just 48 hours to raise $200,000, according to his campaign. Farrell reportedly pooled this money from almost 500 separate contributions, with 70% of donors residing in San Francisco.

After formally announcing his candidacy on Tuesday, the former mayor and supervisor needed just 48 hours to raise $200,000, according to his campaign. Farrell reportedly pooled this money from almost 500 separate contributions, with 70% of donors residing in San Francisco.

“This incredible showing of early support demonstrates that voters are inspired by his vision for a safer, cleaner and more vibrant San Francisco,” said Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager, in a statement.

“This incredible showing of early support demonstrates that voters are inspired by his vision for a safer, cleaner and more vibrant San Francisco,” said Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager, in a statement.

That $200,000 figure would bring the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/05/money-san-francisco-mayor-election-london-breed-daniel-lurie/">total fundraising by mayoral candidates and outside committees</a> to more than $5 million. Through its public matching program, the city is expected to inject another $4.8 million into the race. Mayoral candidates must meet certain thresholds to unlock up to $1.2 million in public financing, and all four major candidates—Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>, Farrell, Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ahsha%20safa%C3%AD">Ahsha Safaí</a> and nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=daniel%20lurie">Daniel Lurie</a>—appear likely to do so.&nbsp;

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

That $200,000 figure would bring the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/05/money-san-francisco-mayor-election-london-breed-daniel-lurie/">total fundraising by mayoral candidates and outside committees</a> to more than $5 million. Through its public matching program, the city is expected to inject another $4.8 million into the race. Mayoral candidates must meet certain thresholds to unlock up to $1.2 million in public financing, and all four major candidates—Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>, Farrell, Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ahsha%20safa%C3%AD">Ahsha Safaí</a> and nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=daniel%20lurie">Daniel Lurie</a>—appear likely to do so.&nbsp;

Combining the above figures and money reported in the most recently available campaign filings—and presuming all of this money gets spent—the total of $9.8 million would smash the record-setting $8.4 million spent in the 2018 special election Breed won.

Combining the above figures and money reported in the most recently available campaign filings—and presuming all of this money gets spent—the total of $9.8 million would smash the record-setting $8.4 million spent in the 2018 special election Breed won.

Of course, with all eyes focused on the March primary and several notable ballot measures, the money coming into the mayor’s race seems likely to jump substantially in the summertime.

Of course, with all eyes focused on the March primary and several notable ballot measures, the money coming into the mayor’s race seems likely to jump substantially in the summertime.

Farrell’s sprint out of the gates was expected, as he is a native San Franciscan who attended the prestigious—and politically connected—St. Ignatius College Preparatory School before launching a career as an attorney, venture capitalist and elected official. He served seven years as a supervisor for the Marina and surrounding neighborhoods before being appointed the city’s 44th mayor following the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December 2017. He served roughly six months in that role.

Farrell’s sprint out of the gates was expected, as he is a native San Franciscan who attended the prestigious—and politically connected—St. Ignatius College Preparatory School before launching a career as an attorney, venture capitalist and elected official. He served seven years as a supervisor for the Marina and surrounding neighborhoods before being appointed the city’s 44th mayor following the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December 2017. He served roughly six months in that role.

Early messaging coming out of the Farrell camp suggests he will tack right of Breed, beating the drum on public safety and framing the mayor’s approach to homelessness and the local economy as a failure. Farrell has said he would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">fire the police chief</a> in one of his first actions as mayor and clear all large homeless encampments within a year. He also said he would slash local business taxes and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/market-street-san-francisco-doom-loop-mark-farrell/">reopen Market Street to cars</a>.

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

Mayoral candidate calls for bringing cars back to Market Street

Early messaging coming out of the Farrell camp suggests he will tack right of Breed, beating the drum on public safety and framing the mayor’s approach to homelessness and the local economy as a failure. Farrell has said he would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">fire the police chief</a> in one of his first actions as mayor and clear all large homeless encampments within a year. He also said he would slash local business taxes and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/market-street-san-francisco-doom-loop-mark-farrell/">reopen Market Street to cars</a>.

The early fundraising totals for Farrell should dispel speculation that he and Lurie—an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune whose <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">friends and family have already raised millions in support of his mayoral bid</a>—will have trouble fundraising due to an overlap in supporters. There is clearly more than enough money to go around in San Francisco, especially with new polling showing that 72% of residents believe <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">the city is headed down the wrong track</a>.

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s mother spends $1 million to help him win San Francisco mayor’s race

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

The early fundraising totals for Farrell should dispel speculation that he and Lurie—an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune whose <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">friends and family have already raised millions in support of his mayoral bid</a>—will have trouble fundraising due to an overlap in supporters. There is clearly more than enough money to go around in San Francisco, especially with new polling showing that 72% of residents believe <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">the city is headed down the wrong track</a>.

Farrell’s campaign noted that it has also scheduled 85 house parties for the coming weeks and months to spread his message and, of course, collect a little cash.

Farrell’s campaign noted that it has also scheduled 85 house parties for the coming weeks and months to spread his message and, of course, collect a little cash.

Breed challenger hauls in $200K in first 2 days of campaign

Kevin Truong

On the eve of an incredibly tight <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/04/san-francisco-voters-turnout-election-trump-kamala/">November election</a> that will dictate her political future, Mayor London Breed took the podium to announce a new park on the Embarcadero.

These San Franciscans don&#8217;t give a rat&#8217;s ass about the election

On the eve of an incredibly tight <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/04/san-francisco-voters-turnout-election-trump-kamala/">November election</a> that will dictate her political future, Mayor London Breed took the podium to announce a new park on the Embarcadero.

Technically, it’s the creation of a public-private partnership to potentially enable the construction of a new park, but who’s counting?

Technically, it’s the creation of a public-private partnership to potentially enable the construction of a new park, but who’s counting?

Breed plans to introduce legislation on Tuesday to greenlight a partnership between the city, Salesforce Tower owner BXP Inc. (formerly Boston Properties), and the Downtown SF Partnership to redesign and upgrade the Embarcadero Plaza in front of the Ferry Building and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park.

Breed plans to introduce legislation on Tuesday to greenlight a partnership between the city, Salesforce Tower owner BXP Inc. (formerly Boston Properties), and the Downtown SF Partnership to redesign and upgrade the Embarcadero Plaza in front of the Ferry Building and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park.

“We are going to reimagine what Embarcadero Plaza will be for the future so that people who want to come here can enjoy it,” Breed said at the press conference, before listing a string of recent park projects that have been open to the public, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/05/bayfront-park-chase-center/">Bayfront Park</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/29/china-basin-park-opens/">China Basin Park</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/17/party-on-a-freeway-sfs-much-anticipated-tunnel-tops-park-opens-in-the-presidio/">Presidio Tunnel Tops</a>.&nbsp;

SF has been opening new parks at a furious clip—and the next one is almost here

China Basin revealed: How a &#8216;complicated land-use deal&#8217; yielded a new gem by the bay

Party on a freeway: SF’s much-anticipated Tunnel Tops Park opens in the Presidio

“We are going to reimagine what Embarcadero Plaza will be for the future so that people who want to come here can enjoy it,” Breed said at the press conference, before listing a string of recent park projects that have been open to the public, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/05/bayfront-park-chase-center/">Bayfront Park</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/29/china-basin-park-opens/">China Basin Park</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/17/party-on-a-freeway-sfs-much-anticipated-tunnel-tops-park-opens-in-the-presidio/">Presidio Tunnel Tops</a>.&nbsp;

“All these open public spaces every single weekend are packed with people. This is one step further to making a plaza like this come to life differently.”

“All these open public spaces every single weekend are packed with people. This is one step further to making a plaza like this come to life differently.”

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The resolution would call for BXP to spend $2.5 million on the design of the project, while the Recreation &amp; Parks Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development would commit to securing $15 million in public funds for the park.&nbsp;

The resolution would call for BXP to spend $2.5 million on the design of the project, while the Recreation &amp; Parks Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development would commit to securing $15 million in public funds for the park.&nbsp;

BXP and the Downtown SF Partnership would also be charged with working to secure an additional $10 million in private funding.&nbsp;

BXP and the Downtown SF Partnership would also be charged with working to secure an additional $10 million in private funding.&nbsp;

What exactly the project would consist of is still an open question and subject to community outreach, but ideas include entertainment venues, a new children’s playground, or a marketplace space with kiosks. Any potential renovation of the park would go through public hearings and review.&nbsp;

What exactly the project would consist of is still an open question and subject to community outreach, but ideas include entertainment venues, a new children’s playground, or a marketplace space with kiosks. Any potential renovation of the park would go through public hearings and review.&nbsp;

“San Francisco needs a world-class park in its downtown,” said Aaron Fenton, senior vice president of BXP, at the press conference. “This is such a prime piece of real estate with its iconic views and its access to public transportation”

“San Francisco needs a world-class park in its downtown,” said Aaron Fenton, senior vice president of BXP, at the press conference. “This is such a prime piece of real estate with its iconic views and its access to public transportation”

BXP has been working with the design firm HOK for about a year on a redesign of the plaza in a bid to better activate the area and make it an attractive amenity for its tenants. During that time, the city has tried to activate the area with programming like concerts, raves, and DJ sets.&nbsp;

BXP has been working with the design firm HOK for about a year on a redesign of the plaza in a bid to better activate the area and make it an attractive amenity for its tenants. During that time, the city has tried to activate the area with programming like concerts, raves, and DJ sets.&nbsp;

“As the front door to San Francisco, Embarcadero Plaza is arguably the most underutilized public space in the greater downtown area and prime to welcome residents and visitors downtown to experience a world-class waterfront park in a world-class city,” Robbie Silver, Downtown SF Partnership CEO and president, said in a statement.

“As the front door to San Francisco, Embarcadero Plaza is arguably the most underutilized public space in the greater downtown area and prime to welcome residents and visitors downtown to experience a world-class waterfront park in a world-class city,” Robbie Silver, Downtown SF Partnership CEO and president, said in a statement.

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The Ferry Building is hot again. Here’s how it happened

Initial renderings shared by the team show the removal of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/21/bono-vaillancourt-fountain-drained/">Vaillancourt Fountain</a>, perhaps one of the city’s most reviled pieces of public art.&nbsp;

The Bono fountain is broken. Is SF too broke to pay for its $3 million fix?

Initial renderings shared by the team show the removal of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/21/bono-vaillancourt-fountain-drained/">Vaillancourt Fountain</a>, perhaps one of the city’s most reviled pieces of public art.&nbsp;

The real estate developer, which also owns the adjacent Embarcadero Center, touted increased vitality from its planned revamp, including a publicly accessible bathroom at its property with an eye-popping $2.5 million price tag.

The real estate developer, which also owns the adjacent Embarcadero Center, touted increased vitality from its planned revamp, including a publicly accessible bathroom at its property with an eye-popping $2.5 million price tag.

Breed’s legislation is being put forward a few months after Mark Farrell — one of Breed’s leading competitors for mayor — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/mark-farrell-downtown-recovery-plan/">proposed his own version</a> of a new Embarcadero Plaza park as part of a larger downtown revitalization plan.

Breed’s legislation is being put forward a few months after Mark Farrell — one of Breed’s leading competitors for mayor — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/17/mark-farrell-downtown-recovery-plan/">proposed his own version</a> of a new Embarcadero Plaza park as part of a larger downtown revitalization plan.

At the time, a Breed campaign spokesman derided the plan as a “Chat-GPT” envisioned fantasy.&nbsp;

At the time, a Breed campaign spokesman derided the plan as a “Chat-GPT” envisioned fantasy.&nbsp;

A new park may come to SF’s Embarcadero with help from the Salesforce Tower owner

Noah Baustin

Board President Aaron Peskin has called for an investigation into a city department  following allegations about the Dream Keeper Initiative, a flagship project of San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s that has fallen under scrutiny in recent months.

Board President Aaron Peskin has called for an investigation into a city department following allegations about the Dream Keeper Initiative, a flagship project of San Francisco Mayor London Breed's that has fallen under scrutiny in recent months.

Board President Aaron Peskin has called for an investigation into a city department following allegations about the Dream Keeper Initiative, a flagship project of San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s that has fallen under scrutiny in recent months.

On Thursday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard published a story</a> revealing that the initiative&#8217;s top decision maker, Human Rights Commission executive director Sheryl Davis, approved $1.5 million in contracts to a nonprofit executive with whom she shared a house.

On Thursday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard published a story</a> revealing that the initiative's top decision maker, Human Rights Commission executive director Sheryl Davis, approved $1.5 million in contracts to a nonprofit executive with whom she shared a house.

On Thursday, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard published a story</a> revealing that the initiative&#8217;s top decision maker, Human Rights Commission executive director Sheryl Davis, approved $1.5 million in contracts to a nonprofit executive with whom she shared a house.

Davis is on leave as of Thursday, according to the mayor&#8217;s office. The mayor will appoint an interim leader for the Human Rights Commission.

Davis is on leave as of Thursday, according to the mayor's office. The mayor will appoint an interim leader for the Human Rights Commission.

Davis is on leave as of Thursday, according to the mayor&#8217;s office. The mayor will appoint an interim leader for the Human Rights Commission.

The Standard&#8217;s investigation found that Davis signed off on contracts for the nonprofit Collective Impact, run by James Spingola, without notifying City Hall about her relationship. In addition to sharing a home address, Davis co-owns a car with Spingola. The arrangement appears to run afoul of city rules around disclosing personal relationships with recipients of city funding.

The Standard's investigation found that Davis signed off on contracts for the nonprofit Collective Impact, run by James Spingola, without notifying City Hall about her relationship. In addition to sharing a home address, Davis co-owns a car with Spingola. The arrangement appears to run afoul of city rules around disclosing personal relationships with recipients of city funding.

The Standard&#8217;s investigation found that Davis signed off on contracts for the nonprofit Collective Impact, run by James Spingola, without notifying City Hall about her relationship. In addition to sharing a home address, Davis co-owns a car with Spingola. The arrangement appears to run afoul of city rules around disclosing personal relationships with recipients of city funding.

Davis did not respond to a request for comment about her leave.

Davis did not respond to a request for comment about her leave.

Peskin, a candidate in the November mayor&#8217;s race, isn&#8217;t the only one to call for an investigation. On Thursday, mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for Breed to fire Davis and for a federal investigation into the Dream Keeper Initiative and the mayor&#8217;s role in the program.

Peskin, a candidate in the November mayor's race, isn't the only one to call for an investigation. On Thursday, mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for Breed to fire Davis and for a federal investigation into the Dream Keeper Initiative and the mayor's role in the program.

Peskin, a candidate in the November mayor&#8217;s race, isn&#8217;t the only one to call for an investigation. On Thursday, mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell called for Breed to fire Davis and for a federal investigation into the Dream Keeper Initiative and the mayor&#8217;s role in the program.

In July 2020, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Shamann Walton and other city leaders <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-million-from-15447811.php">proposed</a>&nbsp;redirecting city funds from law enforcement to support economic and cultural development in San Francisco’s Black communities. In February 2021 <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Here-s-how-San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-15980236.php">introduced a more detailed plan</a>, dubbing it the Dream Keeper Initiative and calling for a $60 million annual investment. In total, city leaders have budgeted roughly $300 million for the program.

In July 2020, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Shamann Walton and other city leaders <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-million-from-15447811.php">proposed</a>&nbsp;redirecting city funds from law enforcement to support economic and cultural development in San Francisco’s Black communities. In February 2021 <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Here-s-how-San-Francisco-plans-to-redirect-120-15980236.php">introduced a more detailed plan</a>, dubbing it the Dream Keeper Initiative and calling for a $60 million annual investment. In total, city leaders have budgeted roughly $300 million for the program.

In recent months, however, the initiative has been dogged by questions of transparency and oversight of how funds are used. Human Rights Commission staffers have directed much of the initiative, though the money is distributed through various city departments. Records show that, in 2021 and 2022, Davis approved three contracts totaling $1.5 million directed towards for Collective Impact, Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

In recent months, however, the initiative has been dogged by questions of transparency and oversight of how funds are used. Human Rights Commission staffers have directed much of the initiative, though the money is distributed through various city departments. Records show that, in 2021 and 2022, Davis approved three contracts totaling $1.5 million directed towards for Collective Impact, Spingola's nonprofit, as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

In recent months, however, the initiative has been dogged by questions of transparency and oversight of how funds are used. Human Rights Commission staffers have directed much of the initiative, though the money is distributed through various city departments. Records show that, in 2021 and 2022, Davis approved three contracts totaling $1.5 million directed towards for Collective Impact, Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, as part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.

Mayoral candidate and nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie said Breed had &#8220;handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight.&#8221;

Mayoral candidate and nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie said Breed had "handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight."

Mayoral candidate and nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie said Breed had &#8220;handed a blank check to her closest allies with zero oversight.&#8221;

In a statement on Thursday, Breed said that she was &#8220;committed to ensuring the integrity of the program and continuing the good that it does with full transparency.&#8221;

In a statement on Thursday, Breed said that she was "committed to ensuring the integrity of the program and continuing the good that it does with full transparency."

In a statement on Thursday, Breed said that she was &#8220;committed to ensuring the integrity of the program and continuing the good that it does with full transparency.&#8221;

Breed said she has directed the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney&#8217;s office to investigate questions about the Dream Keeper Initiative. On Thursday, the Chronicle published a story that showed a &#8220;litany&#8221; of issues around Human Rights Commission spending, and questionable accounting practices.

Breed said she has directed the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney's office to investigate questions about the Dream Keeper Initiative. On Thursday, the Chronicle published a story that showed a "litany" of issues around Human Rights Commission spending, and questionable accounting practices.

Breed said she has directed the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney&#8217;s office to investigate questions about the Dream Keeper Initiative. On Thursday, the Chronicle published a story that showed a &#8220;litany&#8221; of issues around Human Rights Commission spending, and questionable accounting practices.

Peskin called the questions about Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship &#8220;very serious and deeply disturbing and can’t be brushed under the rug.&#8221;

Peskin called the questions about Davis and Spingola's relationship "very serious and deeply disturbing and can’t be brushed under the rug."

Peskin called the questions about Davis and Spingola&#8217;s relationship &#8220;very serious and deeply disturbing and can’t be brushed under the rug.&#8221;

&#8220;I will be utilizing the Board of Supervisors unlimited power of inquiry,&#8221; Peskin said in an interview with The Standard. &#8220;To call public hearings and bring forward the controller and other oversight authorities to fully report and tell us the status of what they know and how they’re going to thoroughly investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it and hold people accountable.&#8221;

"I will be utilizing the Board of Supervisors unlimited power of inquiry," Peskin said in an interview with The Standard. "To call public hearings and bring forward the controller and other oversight authorities to fully report and tell us the status of what they know and how they’re going to thoroughly investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it and hold people accountable."

&#8220;I will be utilizing the Board of Supervisors unlimited power of inquiry,&#8221; Peskin said in an interview with The Standard. &#8220;To call public hearings and bring forward the controller and other oversight authorities to fully report and tell us the status of what they know and how they’re going to thoroughly investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it and hold people accountable.&#8221;

Lawmaker calls for investigation into embattled Human Rights Commission

Despite facing an $800 million deficit over the next two years, Mayor London Breed is proposing that the city increase funding for its public safety agencies, a move that will almost certainly get pushback from progressive critics during budget deliberations in the coming weeks.

Despite facing an $800 million deficit over the next two years, Mayor London Breed is proposing that the city increase funding for its public safety agencies, a move that will almost certainly get pushback from progressive critics during budget deliberations in the coming weeks.

The bumps being suggested by Breed would flow toward the police, sheriff, district attorney, fire department, and the city’s emergency management agency.&nbsp;

The bumps being suggested by Breed would flow toward the police, sheriff, district attorney, fire department, and the city’s emergency management agency.&nbsp;

About $100 million in extra funding compared to last year’s budget allocation would be spread across all of the departments, with the police department receiving nearly half of that. The Sheriff’s Office would receive the highest percentage increase under the proposal.

About $100 million in extra funding compared to last year’s budget allocation would be spread across all of the departments, with the police department receiving nearly half of that. The Sheriff’s Office would receive the highest percentage increase under the proposal.

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

Breed is expected to release a complete budget proposal on Friday that will likely include cuts to other departments. In mid-April, the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/15/san-francisco-city-unions-labor-deal/">agreed to raise wages</a> for some employees over three years under new union contracts. Some of the mayor’s critics have already spoken out against expected trims to social services dollars.&nbsp;

San Francisco public employees get raises in new labor deal—despite $800M deficit

Breed is expected to release a complete budget proposal on Friday that will likely include cuts to other departments. In mid-April, the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/15/san-francisco-city-unions-labor-deal/">agreed to raise wages</a> for some employees over three years under new union contracts. Some of the mayor’s critics have already spoken out against expected trims to social services dollars.&nbsp;

The Board of Supervisors must approve the budget in July.

The Board of Supervisors must approve the budget in July.

Thursday morning’s recommendations from Breed continue the mayor’s tougher stance on crime in recent years as criticism over the city’s handling of public safety and the conditions of its streets has become a key political issue.&nbsp;

Thursday morning’s recommendations from Breed continue the mayor’s tougher stance on crime in recent years as criticism over the city’s handling of public safety and the conditions of its streets has become a key political issue.&nbsp;

The plan supplants Breed politically as a key supporter of the city’s law enforcement as she faces challengers from outside City Hall, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, who both have made public safety a major issue in November’s race.&nbsp;

The plan supplants Breed politically as a key supporter of the city’s law enforcement as she faces challengers from outside City Hall, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, who both have made public safety a major issue in November’s race.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks to a crowd of hundreds to announce her re-election campaign inside The Fillmore venue in the Fillmore District of San Francisco on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Mayor London Breed officially kicks off her bid for re-election as Mayor of San Francisco. She will face a crowded field, including Supervisors Aaron Peskin,
Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, and Ahsha Safai, who could potentially take her position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/breedcampaign-04.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor London Breed in a white dress is on stage at a political event under a spotlight, waving next to &quot;Mayor London Breed&quot; signs and balloons." class="wp-image-276675"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is expected to release a budget on Friday that will attempt to plug up an $800 million deficit over the next two years.</figcaption></figure>

Breed has capitalized on what appear to be falling crime figures since the start of the year, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">though questions remain over how much impact</a> it will have on voters and her reelection bid.

Crime is falling in San Francisco. Try telling that to voters

Breed has capitalized on what appear to be falling crime figures since the start of the year, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">though questions remain over how much impact</a> it will have on voters and her reelection bid.

“We have made real progress on public safety in San Francisco, but this is a moment to double down, not to let up,” said Breed in a statement on Thursday. “One of the core responsibilities of city government is to keep our residents, businesses, workers, and visitors safe, and my budget will deliver on that commitment.”

“We have made real progress on public safety in San Francisco, but this is a moment to double down, not to let up,” said Breed in a statement on Thursday. “One of the core responsibilities of city government is to keep our residents, businesses, workers, and visitors safe, and my budget will deliver on that commitment.”

This week, the mayor’s challengers in the November contest <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/29/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-budget/">lashed out at her budgetary record</a>, claiming she had squandered billions of dollars when the city was in an economic upswing. Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/10/ask-the-standard-why-did-san-franciscos-budget-roughly-double-in-10-years/">was able to avoid a large deficit</a> last year through the use of reserve funds and Covid-related reimbursements. But she had to quickly change gears last fall to warn that a hole in the budget was looming.

Breed’s budget nightmare: Plugging an $800 million deficit while fighting for her job

Why San Francisco&#8217;s budget soared past $14B in 10 years

This week, the mayor’s challengers in the November contest <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/29/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-budget/">lashed out at her budgetary record</a>, claiming she had squandered billions of dollars when the city was in an economic upswing. Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/10/ask-the-standard-why-did-san-franciscos-budget-roughly-double-in-10-years/">was able to avoid a large deficit</a> last year through the use of reserve funds and Covid-related reimbursements. But she had to quickly change gears last fall to warn that a hole in the budget was looming.

Various factors are currently squeezing the city&#8217;s coffers, including decreasing tax revenue streams sparked by work-from-home trends and difficulties in the commercial real estate market.

Various factors are currently squeezing the city's coffers, including decreasing tax revenue streams sparked by work-from-home trends and difficulties in the commercial real estate market.

Various factors are currently squeezing the city&#8217;s coffers, including decreasing tax revenue streams sparked by work-from-home trends and difficulties in the commercial real estate market.

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