Mike Ege

Storm clouds are gathering at San Francisco City Hall as 2024 brings with it two momentous elections.&nbsp;

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Storm clouds are gathering at San Francisco City Hall as 2024 brings with it two momentous elections.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed faces uncertainty as dissatisfaction with City Hall opens the door for challengers, including Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and philanthropist Daniel Lurie. But Safaí and Lurie lack Breed’s name recognition and have yet to make much traction in their bids to take over Room 200. Political insiders are grasping for alternatives, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin</a> or <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">former Mayor Mark Farrell</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin says people want him to run for mayor

Mark Farrell, ex-San Francisco mayor, could challenge London Breed in 2024

Mayor London Breed faces uncertainty as dissatisfaction with City Hall opens the door for challengers, including Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and philanthropist Daniel Lurie. But Safaí and Lurie lack Breed’s name recognition and have yet to make much traction in their bids to take over Room 200. Political insiders are grasping for alternatives, such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin</a> or <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">former Mayor Mark Farrell</a>.&nbsp;

But while star political players will weather the biggest political storms, they’re far from the only ones angling for the Mayor’s Office this November.&nbsp;

But while star political players will weather the biggest political storms, they’re far from the only ones angling for the Mayor’s Office this November.&nbsp;

Over 30 people have “pulled papers,” or declared their intent to run, for mayor this year. Declaring intent to run doesn’t guarantee you’ll be on the final ballot. In 2019, for example, 33 people pulled papers but only two candidates stuck it out to the final ballot: Breed and <a href="https://goldengatexpress.org/90182/city/former-sf-state-instructor-runs-for-mayor-with-pro-trump-agenda/">archconservative Ellen Lee Zhou</a>. Candidates have until May 15 to submit either a $7,020 filing fee or 14,040 signatures from local voters to get on the ballot.&nbsp;

Over 30 people have “pulled papers,” or declared their intent to run, for mayor this year. Declaring intent to run doesn’t guarantee you’ll be on the final ballot. In 2019, for example, 33 people pulled papers but only two candidates stuck it out to the final ballot: Breed and <a href="https://goldengatexpress.org/90182/city/former-sf-state-instructor-runs-for-mayor-with-pro-trump-agenda/">archconservative Ellen Lee Zhou</a>. Candidates have until May 15 to submit either a $7,020 filing fee or 14,040 signatures from local voters to get on the ballot.&nbsp;

The overwhelming majority of people who have pulled papers for the mayor’s race can best be described as outliers. They range from people like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronikafimbres/">Veronika Fimbres</a>, a clinical assistant manager at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and trans rights activist, to Shahram Shariati, a transportation engineer at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency inspired to “bring common sense back to the city” from his experiences dealing with its bureaucracy.&nbsp;

The overwhelming majority of people who have pulled papers for the mayor’s race can best be described as outliers. They range from people like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronikafimbres/">Veronika Fimbres</a>, a clinical assistant manager at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and trans rights activist, to Shahram Shariati, a transportation engineer at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency inspired to “bring common sense back to the city” from his experiences dealing with its bureaucracy.&nbsp;

San Francisco Mayor London Breed listens to a journalist during an interview inter office at City Hall in San Francisco on June 1, 2023,

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined01_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red outfit sits solemnly in an ornate wood-paneled room with flags and a fireplace." class="wp-image-239385"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed listens to a question during an interview at City Hall in San Francisco in June 2023.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined01_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red outfit sits solemnly in an ornate wood-paneled room with flags and a fireplace." class="wp-image-239385"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed listens to a question during an interview at City Hall in San Francisco in June 2023.</figcaption></figure>

On <a href="https://www.sfmayor2025.com/who-we-are">his website</a>, Shariati relates his ordeal of dealing with vandalism and other issues at his Mission Street apartment complex. He was eventually able to get local laws changed to help with his graffiti problem, but he told The Standard that “what should have been a no-brainer took so many years.” He’s in the race for the long haul, telling The Standard he already has his $7,020 filing fee saved up.&nbsp;

On <a href="https://www.sfmayor2025.com/who-we-are">his website</a>, Shariati relates his ordeal of dealing with vandalism and other issues at his Mission Street apartment complex. He was eventually able to get local laws changed to help with his graffiti problem, but he told The Standard that “what should have been a no-brainer took so many years.” He’s in the race for the long haul, telling The Standard he already has his $7,020 filing fee saved up.&nbsp;

If no one is able to unseat Breed in November, the lower end of the mayoral ballot could be seen as another kind of contest—for the title of Lord of the Gadflies. They may have no chance of winning, but they all have something to say. Here’s a closer look at some of the more interesting contenders.

If no one is able to unseat Breed in November, the lower end of the mayoral ballot could be seen as another kind of contest—for the title of Lord of the Gadflies. They may have no chance of winning, but they all have something to say. Here’s a closer look at some of the more interesting contenders.

San Francisco mayoral candidates Ellen Lee Zhou speaks to journalists in San Francisco on Sept. 10, 2019.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined02_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with short black hair, wearing a red blouse and dark blazer, gestures while speaking to someone off-camera." class="wp-image-239387"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou speaks to journalists in San Francisco in 2019.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ellen-lee-zhou-jan-6-participant">Ellen Lee Zhou, Jan. 6 Participant</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ellen-lee-zhou-jan-6-participant">Ellen Lee Zhou, Jan. 6 Participant</h2>

Zhou’s 2019 campaign became notorious for a series of billboards that were eventually found to have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/28/spending-on-political-billboard-ads-violated-sf-election-laws-watchdog-says/">violated campaign finance laws</a>; they were also called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">hurtful and racist</a> by detractors, including Breed.&nbsp;

Spending on political billboard ads violated SF election laws, watchdog says

Zhou’s 2019 campaign became notorious for a series of billboards that were eventually found to have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/28/spending-on-political-billboard-ads-violated-sf-election-laws-watchdog-says/">violated campaign finance laws</a>; they were also called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">hurtful and racist</a> by detractors, including Breed.&nbsp;

Zhou, a trained social worker, also brandished a pistol and a rifle at a press conference encouraging Asian Americans <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-chinese-group-promotes-gun-ownership-after-community-crime-scare/article_57426987-2426-54eb-8fd3-ba968290f703.html">to arm themselves</a> in response to reports of rising crime. She also used her spotlight to burnish her MAGA credentials, as a protagonist in multiple stories <a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/focus/ellen-lee-zhou">in the Epoch Times</a> and, in a Trumpist hat trick, by participating in the <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/01/07/sf-mayoral-candidate-ellen-lee-zhou-was-at-the-trump-rally-slash-insurrection/">Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot</a>. When Election Day came, Zhou garnered a distant second place with about 14% of the vote.&nbsp;

Zhou, a trained social worker, also brandished a pistol and a rifle at a press conference encouraging Asian Americans <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/sf-chinese-group-promotes-gun-ownership-after-community-crime-scare/article_57426987-2426-54eb-8fd3-ba968290f703.html">to arm themselves</a> in response to reports of rising crime. She also used her spotlight to burnish her MAGA credentials, as a protagonist in multiple stories <a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/focus/ellen-lee-zhou">in the Epoch Times</a> and, in a Trumpist hat trick, by participating in the <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/01/07/sf-mayoral-candidate-ellen-lee-zhou-was-at-the-trump-rally-slash-insurrection/">Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot</a>. When Election Day came, Zhou garnered a distant second place with about 14% of the vote.&nbsp;

It wasn’t her first run. Zhou also ran in a special mayoral election in June 2018, when Breed faced off against better-known candidates such as <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/05/san-francisco-mayor-jane-kim-mark-leno-ranked-choice-voting/561053/">former state Sen. Mark Leno and former Supervisor Jane Kim</a>. Zhou garnered not quite 4% of first-choice votes in that race. Her platform included a plan to <a href="https://www.sfpublicpress.org/spare-room-mayoral-challenger-zhou-says-you-could-help-homelessness-crisis/">entice city residents with spare rooms</a> to house the homeless.&nbsp;

It wasn’t her first run. Zhou also ran in a special mayoral election in June 2018, when Breed faced off against better-known candidates such as <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/05/san-francisco-mayor-jane-kim-mark-leno-ranked-choice-voting/561053/">former state Sen. Mark Leno and former Supervisor Jane Kim</a>. Zhou garnered not quite 4% of first-choice votes in that race. Her platform included a plan to <a href="https://www.sfpublicpress.org/spare-room-mayoral-challenger-zhou-says-you-could-help-homelessness-crisis/">entice city residents with spare rooms</a> to house the homeless.&nbsp;

Zhou is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Acting-on-a-teacher-s-request-2722281.php">originally from Taishan, China</a>, and moved to San Francisco when she was 16. She attended San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University. A behavioral health clinician, Zhou worked at the Department of Public Health until she was dismissed in September 2022 for refusing to get vaccinated for Covid. She filed suit against the city to get her job back last December.

Zhou is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Acting-on-a-teacher-s-request-2722281.php">originally from Taishan, China</a>, and moved to San Francisco when she was 16. She attended San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University. A behavioral health clinician, Zhou worked at the Department of Public Health until she was dismissed in September 2022 for refusing to get vaccinated for Covid. She filed suit against the city to get her job back last December.

Austin Hills attend de Gournay Celebrates Opening of New Boutique on March 1st 2017 at de Gournay Showroom in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined03_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit smirks while someone's hand makes a playful gesture near his face." class="wp-image-239388"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Austin Hills attends the opening of a boutique in 2017 in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-austin-hills-coffee-fortune-heir">Austin Hills: Coffee Fortune Heir</h2>

Pacific Heights resident, photographer, <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/sf-supercars-san-francisco">Supercar rental business</a> proprietor and socialite Austin Hills is obviously a man of many hats. In 2022, he pulled papers to run for district attorney, but couldn’t follow through due to an important technicality—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/12/son-of-coffee-dynasty-fails-san-francisco-district-attorney-run/">he wasn’t a lawyer</a>.&nbsp;

Scion of SF coffee dynasty attempts run for district attorney, realizes he needs to be an attorney to qualify

Pacific Heights resident, photographer, <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/sf-supercars-san-francisco">Supercar rental business</a> proprietor and socialite Austin Hills is obviously a man of many hats. In 2022, he pulled papers to run for district attorney, but couldn’t follow through due to an important technicality—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/12/son-of-coffee-dynasty-fails-san-francisco-district-attorney-run/">he wasn’t a lawyer</a>.&nbsp;

This year, Hills, a Libertarian, pulled papers to run for mayor, a job for which he’s more technically qualified. On top of that, he’s one of two genuine San Francisco bluebloods to enter the race. Hills pulled papers Sept. 20; Lurie, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-26/levi-strauss-heir-daniel-lurie-enters-san-francisco-mayoral-race">a scion of the Levi Strauss fortune</a>, pulled his on Sept. 26.&nbsp;

This year, Hills, a Libertarian, pulled papers to run for mayor, a job for which he’s more technically qualified. On top of that, he’s one of two genuine San Francisco bluebloods to enter the race. Hills pulled papers Sept. 20; Lurie, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-26/levi-strauss-heir-daniel-lurie-enters-san-francisco-mayoral-race">a scion of the Levi Strauss fortune</a>, pulled his on Sept. 26.&nbsp;

Before people made coffee from pods, Americans made their morning joe from ground coffee packaged in vacuum-sealed cans. Hills Bros., founded in San Francisco in 1878, was first out the gate with that product. The resulting fortune elevated the Hills family into the city’s socialite class, and their Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foxtrot_zulu_india/?hl=en">Hills’ Instagram</a>, titled “Austin Hills for Mayor,” clearly reflects his rarefied lifestyle, complete with expensive cars, hot air balloons and helicopters—as well as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CejOAgdpKln/?hl=en">a visit to Breed’s office</a>.

Before people made coffee from pods, Americans made their morning joe from ground coffee packaged in vacuum-sealed cans. Hills Bros., founded in San Francisco in 1878, was first out the gate with that product. The resulting fortune elevated the Hills family into the city’s socialite class, and their Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foxtrot_zulu_india/?hl=en">Hills’ Instagram</a>, titled “Austin Hills for Mayor,” clearly reflects his rarefied lifestyle, complete with expensive cars, hot air balloons and helicopters—as well as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CejOAgdpKln/?hl=en">a visit to Breed’s office</a>.

A screenshot of 2024 Candidate for SF Mayor Honest Charley Bodkin is interviewed by Aline Guetta Dinoia, not pictured, on French American TV on Oct. 13, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined04_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace.jpg?w=2012" alt="A man stands before a mic; &quot;Honest Charley Bodkin, Mayoral Candidate&quot; is captioned against a Golden Gate Bridge backdrop." class="wp-image-239389"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Honest Charley Bodkin, a 2024 candidate for San Francisco mayor, is interviewed on French American TV on Oct. 13, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Honest Charley Bodkin: Yes, That’s His Real Name

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honest-charley-bodkin-yes-that-s-his-real-name">Honest Charley Bodkin: Yes, That’s His Real Name</h2>

The first thing to know about Honest Charley Bodkin is that “Honest” isn’t a nickname. That really is his first name; he’s named after his great-grandfather, which he explains in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz4eiC8Pg7I">this interview</a>. He sees his run as “a platform for positive change” and an opportunity to “inject a few good ideas into the discourse.”

The first thing to know about Honest Charley Bodkin is that “Honest” isn’t a nickname. That really is his first name; he’s named after his great-grandfather, which he explains in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz4eiC8Pg7I">this interview</a>. He sees his run as “a platform for positive change” and an opportunity to “inject a few good ideas into the discourse.”

Along with a name straight out of a James Fenimore Cooper novel, Bodkin, a software engineer currently working for a cybersecurity insurance startup, also has a plan. His “Bear Necessities Party” platform aims for a society where everyone can feel secure in having the bare necessities in life.&nbsp;

Along with a name straight out of a James Fenimore Cooper novel, Bodkin, a software engineer currently working for a cybersecurity insurance startup, also has a plan. His “Bear Necessities Party” platform aims for a society where everyone can feel secure in having the bare necessities in life.&nbsp;

“I had always been dreaming of moving to San Francisco. I made a scale model of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third grade,” Bodkin told The Standard in an interview. &#8220;My love of art, music, as well as technology, there were so many reasons that called me to San Francisco.”

“I had always been dreaming of moving to San Francisco. I made a scale model of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third grade,” Bodkin told The Standard in an interview. "My love of art, music, as well as technology, there were so many reasons that called me to San Francisco.”

“I had always been dreaming of moving to San Francisco. I made a scale model of the Golden Gate Bridge in the third grade,” Bodkin told The Standard in an interview. &#8220;My love of art, music, as well as technology, there were so many reasons that called me to San Francisco.”

Once Bodkin got here, he also discovered some things about the city he didn’t like so much— like its lack of affordability. He’s a proponent of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/business/georgism-land-tax-housing.html">the land value tax</a> to incentivize building more and cheaper housing.&nbsp;

Once Bodkin got here, he also discovered some things about the city he didn’t like so much— like its lack of affordability. He’s a proponent of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/business/georgism-land-tax-housing.html">the land value tax</a> to incentivize building more and cheaper housing.&nbsp;

“I believe <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/georgism/comments/18tichy/ama_a_land_value_tax_is_in_my_vision_for_my_city/">a land value tax</a> could radically change the calculus around property development right now. A parking lot next to the Salesforce Tower is taxed less, yet the Salesforce Tower offers a lot more value to the city,” he said. “So I would say, &#8216;Let&#8217;s increase the taxes on that parking lot so that folks don&#8217;t just sit on land and speculate on it and that they turn it into something more productive.&#8217;”

“I believe <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/georgism/comments/18tichy/ama_a_land_value_tax_is_in_my_vision_for_my_city/">a land value tax</a> could radically change the calculus around property development right now. A parking lot next to the Salesforce Tower is taxed less, yet the Salesforce Tower offers a lot more value to the city,” he said. “So I would say, 'Let's increase the taxes on that parking lot so that folks don't just sit on land and speculate on it and that they turn it into something more productive.'”

“I believe <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/georgism/comments/18tichy/ama_a_land_value_tax_is_in_my_vision_for_my_city/">a land value tax</a> could radically change the calculus around property development right now. A parking lot next to the Salesforce Tower is taxed less, yet the Salesforce Tower offers a lot more value to the city,” he said. “So I would say, &#8216;Let&#8217;s increase the taxes on that parking lot so that folks don&#8217;t just sit on land and speculate on it and that they turn it into something more productive.&#8217;”

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

Han Li

Twenty-six candidates running for office in San Francisco in March won’t be able to use their preferred Chinese names on the city’s bilingual ballots, officials have decided.

Twenty-six candidates running for office in San Francisco in March won’t be able to use their preferred Chinese names on the city’s bilingual ballots, officials have decided.

The Department of Elections told The Standard that 26 candidates, most of whom are not ethnically Chinese, failed to provide adequate documentation to prove that they were either born with the name or have been using the name for at least two years—as required by state law.&nbsp;

The Department of Elections told The Standard that 26 candidates, most of whom are not ethnically Chinese, failed to provide adequate documentation to prove that they were either born with the name or have been using the name for at least two years—as required by state law.&nbsp;

The 2019 law, which San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-chinese-name-elections-rule/">recently decided to follow</a>, was intended to prevent candidates from choosing deceptive or grandiose names that might confuse voters or give the candidates an unfair advantage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citing cultural appropriation, San Francisco tightens rules on candidates’ Chinese names

The 2019 law, which San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-chinese-name-elections-rule/">recently decided to follow</a>, was intended to prevent candidates from choosing deceptive or grandiose names that might confuse voters or give the candidates an unfair advantage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Candidates who had their proposed Chinese names rejected “will be given a transliteration based on their English name,” the department said.

Candidates who had their proposed Chinese names rejected “will be given a transliteration based on their English name,” the department said.

Among them are sitting Superior Court Judge Michael Begert and his opponent, Albert &#8220;Chip&#8221; Zecher, state Senate candidate Yvette Corkrean, and more than a dozen candidates running for the Democratic and Republican county committees.

Among them are sitting Superior Court Judge Michael Begert and his opponent, Albert "Chip" Zecher, state Senate candidate Yvette Corkrean, and more than a dozen candidates running for the Democratic and Republican county committees.

Among them are sitting Superior Court Judge Michael Begert and his opponent, Albert &#8220;Chip&#8221; Zecher, state Senate candidate Yvette Corkrean, and more than a dozen candidates running for the Democratic and Republican county committees.

The rejections are the latest development in an ongoing political controversy after the city’s election officials fully adopted the state law.

The rejections are the latest development in an ongoing political controversy after the city’s election officials fully adopted the state law.

Why Do Chinese Names Matter?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-chinese-names-matter">Why Do Chinese Names Matter?</h2>

Because of San Francisco’s large Chinese-speaking population, local ballots are bilingual in Chinese and English. Political candidates have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/10/becoming-chinese-picking-the-right-name-on-san-francisco-ballots-is-serious-politics/">developed a tradition of seeking “authentic” Chinese names</a>, usually a two- or three-character name, rather than a long, wordy transliteration-based name with a separation dot assigned by the elections department. Such names can sound awkward to native Chinese speakers.

To court SF voters, politicians give themselves flowery Chinese names

Because of San Francisco’s large Chinese-speaking population, local ballots are bilingual in Chinese and English. Political candidates have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/10/becoming-chinese-picking-the-right-name-on-san-francisco-ballots-is-serious-politics/">developed a tradition of seeking “authentic” Chinese names</a>, usually a two- or three-character name, rather than a long, wordy transliteration-based name with a separation dot assigned by the elections department. Such names can sound awkward to native Chinese speakers.

For campaign and name recognition reasons, candidates who have an official Chinese name will be mentioned accordingly in Chinese-language media. Without one, Chinese-language media often use different transliteration-based names, which can lead to confusion.

For campaign and name recognition reasons, candidates who have an official Chinese name will be mentioned accordingly in Chinese-language media. Without one, Chinese-language media often use different transliteration-based names, which can lead to confusion.

For example, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, who’s not running for office and does not have an official Chinese name, is called by different Chinese names in three local Chinese newspapers—Sing Tao uses 施革, World Journal uses 史考特, and China Press uses 斯科特. The names are phonetically close to “Scott” in English but with different Chinese characters.

For example, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, who’s not running for office and does not have an official Chinese name, is called by different Chinese names in three local Chinese newspapers—Sing Tao uses 施革, World Journal uses 史考特, and China Press uses 斯科特. The names are phonetically close to “Scott” in English but with different Chinese characters.

However, for political candidates, inconsistent Chinese names can harm their name recognition.

However, for political candidates, inconsistent Chinese names can harm their name recognition.

Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, making his first foray into politics, recently named himself 羅瑞德, and the name is printed on campaign materials and widely publicized in the Chinese media. But if he can’t prove that he was born with the name or has been using it for two years, he will likely be assigned a five-character transliterated name, 丹尼爾·露里.

Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, making his first foray into politics, recently named himself 羅瑞德, and the name is printed on campaign materials and widely publicized in the Chinese media. But if he can’t prove that he was born with the name or has been using it for two years, he will likely be assigned a five-character transliterated name, 丹尼爾·露里.

Daniel Lurie speaks at a press conference at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House after filing paperwork officially announcing his candidacy for mayor of San Francisco on Sept. 26, 2023. Lurie is challenging Mayor London Breed for the position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LurieForMayor09262023__0668.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie speaks at a press conference at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House after filing paperwork officially announcing his candidacy for mayor of San Francisco on Sept. 26, 2023. Lurie is challenging Mayor London Breed for the position." class="wp-image-204929"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, with his Chinese name printed on the banner behind him, speaks at a press conference after filing paperwork announcing his candidacy for mayor of San Francisco on Sept. 26, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie’s chosen Chinese name means “auspicious” (瑞) and “virtue” (德), while the transliterated version name doesn’t have any meaning. It’s just an approximate pronunciation of his name in English: “DAN-knee-er LOO-lee.”

Lurie’s chosen Chinese name means “auspicious” (瑞) and “virtue” (德), while the transliterated version name doesn’t have any meaning. It’s just an approximate pronunciation of his name in English: “DAN-knee-er LOO-lee.”

Lurie told The Standard that he’s aware of the issue and his team is looking into it as they may need to change their campaign strategy in the Chinese community.

Lurie told The Standard that he’s aware of the issue and his team is looking into it as they may need to change their campaign strategy in the Chinese community.

“It’s my sincere hope that the Department of Elections sets a policy that serves the interest of the Chinese community, even if that presents a challenge for my campaign,” Lurie said in a statement. “It just means I have to work harder to make sure the Chinese community knows what I stand for, irrespective of the name provided to me by the city.”

“It’s my sincere hope that the Department of Elections sets a policy that serves the interest of the Chinese community, even if that presents a challenge for my campaign,” Lurie said in a statement. “It just means I have to work harder to make sure the Chinese community knows what I stand for, irrespective of the name provided to me by the city.”

Lurie&#8217;s declared opponents, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Ahsha Safai, as well as potential entrants Supervisor Aaron Peskin and former Mayor Mark Farrell—all have chosen Chinese names as they have well-established political careers and can easily prove they have used their Chinese names for two years.

Lurie's declared opponents, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Ahsha Safai, as well as potential entrants Supervisor Aaron Peskin and former Mayor Mark Farrell—all have chosen Chinese names as they have well-established political careers and can easily prove they have used their Chinese names for two years.

Lurie&#8217;s declared opponents, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Ahsha Safai, as well as potential entrants Supervisor Aaron Peskin and former Mayor Mark Farrell—all have chosen Chinese names as they have well-established political careers and can easily prove they have used their Chinese names for two years.

Hurting American-Born Chinese

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurting-american-born-chinese">Hurting American-Born Chinese</h2>

Authored by state Assemblyman Evan Low, the law, AB 57, mandates that candidates use transliteration-based names unless they can prove that they were born with a character-based name or have been using such an “authentic” style Chinese name for at least two years.

Authored by state Assemblyman Evan Low, the law, AB 57, mandates that candidates use transliteration-based names unless they can prove that they were born with a character-based name or have been using such an “authentic” style Chinese name for at least two years.

San Francisco previously had rules that slightly differ from Low’s legislation, but city officials have since determined that the state law overrides local law.

San Francisco previously had rules that slightly differ from Low’s legislation, but city officials have since determined that the state law overrides local law.

American-born Chinese candidates have been among those most affected by the change. Initially, San Francisco’s Department of Elections released <a href="https://twitter.com/lihanlihan/status/1735813366638366737">a list of 34 candidates</a> with their Chinese names challenged, meaning they needed to provide additional evidence to fulfill the requirement. About half a dozen were people of Chinese descent.

American-born Chinese candidates have been among those most affected by the change. Initially, San Francisco’s Department of Elections released <a href="https://twitter.com/lihanlihan/status/1735813366638366737">a list of 34 candidates</a> with their Chinese names challenged, meaning they needed to provide additional evidence to fulfill the requirement. About half a dozen were people of Chinese descent.

Unlike those <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/19/chinese-name-on-the-ballot/">born in Chinese-speaking regions with Chinese-language birth certificates</a>, American-born Chinese candidates <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/15/san-francisco-chinese-american-candidates-outraged-name-regulation/">were outraged</a> as they were scrambling to find evidence of their Chinese identity.

She was born in Hong Kong. Does she have to prove her right to put a Chinese name on the SF ballot?

Chinese American candidates in San Francisco outraged at ballot rule on Chinese names

Unlike those <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/19/chinese-name-on-the-ballot/">born in Chinese-speaking regions with Chinese-language birth certificates</a>, American-born Chinese candidates <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/15/san-francisco-chinese-american-candidates-outraged-name-regulation/">were outraged</a> as they were scrambling to find evidence of their Chinese identity.

After some candidates threatened a protest outside of the elections department, officials loosened up the rules a little bit, allowing family statements, under the penalty of perjury, to prove that the candidate was given that name early on, even if not on an official document.

After some candidates threatened a protest outside of the elections department, officials loosened up the rules a little bit, allowing family statements, under the penalty of perjury, to prove that the candidate was given that name early on, even if not on an official document.

Low’s office expressed concerns about the state law hurting American-born Chinese candidates and said it would look into the issue to “correct the injustice.”

Low’s office expressed concerns about the state law hurting American-born Chinese candidates and said it would look into the issue to “correct the injustice.”

Cultural Appropriation Controversy

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-appropriation-controversy">Cultural Appropriation Controversy</h2>

Even though the state law was passed in 2019, San Francisco wasn’t following it until Supervisor Connie Chan sent an official inquiry to the elections department in October, urging the agency to explain why the city hadn’t implemented the law.

Even though the state law was passed in 2019, San Francisco wasn’t following it until Supervisor Connie Chan sent an official inquiry to the elections department in October, urging the agency to explain why the city hadn’t implemented the law.

The inquiry, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6394211&amp;GUID=4594A6C5-0D23-48A6-B4F4-12D256EFE3F4">an action supported unanimously by the Board of Supervisors</a>, prompted the elections department to get into compliance with state law.

The inquiry, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6394211&amp;GUID=4594A6C5-0D23-48A6-B4F4-12D256EFE3F4">an action supported unanimously by the Board of Supervisors</a>, prompted the elections department to get into compliance with state law.

However, Chan, an outspoken progressive leader and the only Chinese American supervisor on the board, faced a backlash after the move began affecting American-born Chinese.

However, Chan, an outspoken progressive leader and the only Chinese American supervisor on the board, faced a backlash after the move began affecting American-born Chinese.

Supervisor Connie Chan during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED07_BOSExpenses10182023.jpg?w=2230" alt="Supervisor Connie Chan during the Board of Supervisors meeting within the Board of Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-212460"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Connie Chan attends the Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

In an interview Thursday, Chan said the recent drama has provided an opportunity for the Chinese community to think deeply about what Chinese ethnicity means and for non-Chinese to think about whether their chosen Chinese names amount to “cultural appropriation.”

In an interview Thursday, Chan said the recent drama has provided an opportunity for the Chinese community to think deeply about what Chinese ethnicity means and for non-Chinese to think about whether their chosen Chinese names amount to “cultural appropriation.”

“For those who are using Chinese names, they will have to justify and explain why they have this privilege of using Chinese names,” Chan said.

“For those who are using Chinese names, they will have to justify and explain why they have this privilege of using Chinese names,” Chan said.

Ironically, Chan gave Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a white man, his Chinese name. She explained that Dorsey, a longtime local public relations expert and city hall staffer, has a long track record of working with the Chinese community, so he asked for a Chinese name long before he ran for office. Many non-Chinese city employees who work closely with the Chinese community also have Chinese names.

Ironically, Chan gave Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a white man, his Chinese name. She explained that Dorsey, a longtime local public relations expert and city hall staffer, has a long track record of working with the Chinese community, so he asked for a Chinese name long before he ran for office. Many non-Chinese city employees who work closely with the Chinese community also have Chinese names.

Chan also criticized some American-born Chinese for not being proud of their Chinese heritage until they jumped into politics and struggled to establish their Chinese identity.

Chan also criticized some American-born Chinese for not being proud of their Chinese heritage until they jumped into politics and struggled to establish their Chinese identity.

“If our name and our ethnicity is so important, we need to find ways to honor it, and there will be evidence [to prove it],” she said.

“If our name and our ethnicity is so important, we need to find ways to honor it, and there will be evidence [to prove it],” she said.

San Francisco rejects 26 candidates’ Chinese names for March ballot

Standing on the sidewalk in front of his fire-damaged hardware store, Albert Chow wore the hardened scowl of a man who’s had enough.

Standing on the sidewalk in front of his fire-damaged hardware store, Albert Chow wore the hardened scowl of a man who’s had enough.

His store in the Sunset was burned down in August, then looted. But dozens of people who rallied outside it Wednesday morning were not there to mourn the loss of a neighborhood staple or demand a greater police presence to deter the wave of arson and burglary in the district.

His store in the Sunset was burned down in August, then looted. But dozens of people who rallied outside it Wednesday morning were not there to mourn the loss of a neighborhood staple or demand a greater police presence to deter the wave of arson and burglary in the district.

Instead, they were gathering to oppose Proposition K, a ballot measure that would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/15/reimagining-the-49-mile-scenic-drive-what-happens-if-voters-close-the-great-highway/">close a two-mile stretch of the Upper Great Highway</a>, a coastal drive facing sand erosion, to create a permanent, car-free recreation zone. It was the seventh such rally since July.

If voters close the Great Highway, will they also kill this historic drive?

Instead, they were gathering to oppose Proposition K, a ballot measure that would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/15/reimagining-the-49-mile-scenic-drive-what-happens-if-voters-close-the-great-highway/">close a two-mile stretch of the Upper Great Highway</a>, a coastal drive facing sand erosion, to create a permanent, car-free recreation zone. It was the seventh such rally since July.

“We are so united against this. This is a bad idea,” Chow said in front of news cameras. “I want you to trust us and vote no on K.”

“We are so united against this. This is a bad idea,” Chow said in front of news cameras. “I want you to trust us and vote no on K.”

Albert Chow speaks to attendees at McLaren Park on Sept. 18, 2024. He said this topic should have been discussed with district supervisors before making a proposition for the ballot. District 11 leaders and residents shared the negative impacts closing the Great Highway to cars would have on the community. They chose McLaren Park to gather because they are worried that closing the Great Highway to cars would set a precedent that would allow the city to close any park road.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240918-greathwytearapart-es-31.jpg?w=1667" alt="A man in a gray hoodie, speaking into a microphone with one hand raised, stands outdoors in front of a group. He is wearing sunglasses, and others hold &quot;No on K&quot; signs." class="wp-image-313544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albert Chow is one of the most vocal opponents of Proposition K.</figcaption></figure>

In a city mocked for lawlessness and government dysfunction, this seemingly nonpartisan land-use issue has become one of the nastiest political fights in this election season.

In a city mocked for lawlessness and government dysfunction, this seemingly nonpartisan land-use issue has become one of the nastiest political fights in this election season.

In an indication of how high tensions are running, rumors circulated that the fire at Chow’s store was started as revenge for his vocal opposition to Prop. K. The rumors, stoked on social media and <a href="https://www.ktsf.com/2024/09/26/sf-prop-k-great-wall-hardwares/">promoted by Chinese-language media</a>, traveled far enough that the San Francisco Police Department last week issued a statement <a href="https://x.com/sfpd/status/1839711046254375199">insisting</a> that there is “no evidence” the arson was politically motivated.

In an indication of how high tensions are running, rumors circulated that the fire at Chow’s store was started as revenge for his vocal opposition to Prop. K. The rumors, stoked on social media and <a href="https://www.ktsf.com/2024/09/26/sf-prop-k-great-wall-hardwares/">promoted by Chinese-language media</a>, traveled far enough that the San Francisco Police Department last week issued a statement <a href="https://x.com/sfpd/status/1839711046254375199">insisting</a> that there is “no evidence” the arson was politically motivated.

Supervisor Joel Engardio, who introduced Prop. K, has faced recall threats in July from infuriated constituents. Last month, when an angry bicyclist crashed an anti-Prop. K event, he was captured on video accusing the measure’s critics of <a href="https://x.com/openthegreathwy/status/1833557195650486749">killing children</a> and calling people <a href="https://x.com/openthegreathwy/status/1832829216385351911">“piece of shit.”</a>&nbsp;

Supervisor Joel Engardio, who introduced Prop. K, has faced recall threats in July from infuriated constituents. Last month, when an angry bicyclist crashed an anti-Prop. K event, he was captured on video accusing the measure’s critics of <a href="https://x.com/openthegreathwy/status/1833557195650486749">killing children</a> and calling people <a href="https://x.com/openthegreathwy/status/1832829216385351911">“piece of shit.”</a>&nbsp;

Indeed, the fight over Prop. K has become unusually vitriolic, sowing division along economic, racial, and generational lines.

Indeed, the fight over Prop. K has become unusually vitriolic, sowing division along economic, racial, and generational lines.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drivers-vs-park">Drivers vs. park</h2>

Upper Great Highway, between Ocean Beach and the Sunset, is part of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/15/reimagining-the-49-mile-scenic-drive-what-happens-if-voters-close-the-great-highway/">city&#8217;s famed scenic drive</a>. The southern part of the road connecting to Daly City is set to fully close to cars in the near future because of erosion, and the northern part in the Richmond will remain open.

Upper Great Highway, between Ocean Beach and the Sunset, is part of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/15/reimagining-the-49-mile-scenic-drive-what-happens-if-voters-close-the-great-highway/">city's famed scenic drive</a>. The southern part of the road connecting to Daly City is set to fully close to cars in the near future because of erosion, and the northern part in the Richmond will remain open.

Upper Great Highway, between Ocean Beach and the Sunset, is part of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/15/reimagining-the-49-mile-scenic-drive-what-happens-if-voters-close-the-great-highway/">city&#8217;s famed scenic drive</a>. The southern part of the road connecting to Daly City is set to fully close to cars in the near future because of erosion, and the northern part in the Richmond will remain open.

Prop. K would affect the middle portion of the highway, which is open to cars on weekdays only.

Prop. K would affect the middle portion of the highway, which is open to cars on weekdays only.

Chow, who drives to work, says that if the stretch of the Great Highway is shut down, tens of thousands of cars a day will be directed to the surrounding neighborhood, especially to already packed Sunset Boulevard and 19th Avenue. He believes the spillover traffic will make the neighborhood miserable and cause delays for residents who need to drive to get around.

Chow, who drives to work, says that if the stretch of the Great Highway is shut down, tens of thousands of cars a day will be directed to the surrounding neighborhood, especially to already packed Sunset Boulevard and 19th Avenue. He believes the spillover traffic will make the neighborhood miserable and cause delays for residents who need to drive to get around.

“I was tied up for a good 15, 20 minutes on 19th Avenue today,” Chow said. “Why are you making cars the enemy?&#8221;

“I was tied up for a good 15, 20 minutes on 19th Avenue today,” Chow said. “Why are you making cars the enemy?"

“I was tied up for a good 15, 20 minutes on 19th Avenue today,” Chow said. “Why are you making cars the enemy?&#8221;

Chow, a merchant association leader, worries that a Great Highway closure would hurt Sunset businesses, because worsening traffic would discourage shoppers&nbsp; from other neighborhoods.

Chow, a merchant association leader, worries that a Great Highway closure would hurt Sunset businesses, because worsening traffic would discourage shoppers&nbsp; from other neighborhoods.

Stuart Fong, a Sunset resident, said he feels increasingly restricted while driving in the city because of policy decisions that, in his view, have sidelined those who rely on cars.

Stuart Fong, a Sunset resident, said he feels increasingly restricted while driving in the city because of policy decisions that, in his view, have sidelined those who rely on cars.

He said &#8220;Slow Streets,&#8221; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/san-francisco-chinatown-bike-lane-breed-sfmta/">the city’s initiative for a bike-lane network</a>, as well as right-turn bans and the closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, have worsened traffic. The Great Highway closure would cut off another key artery, he said.

Breed pressures SFMTA to kill Chinatown bike lanes after backlash

He said "Slow Streets," <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/san-francisco-chinatown-bike-lane-breed-sfmta/">the city’s initiative for a bike-lane network</a>, as well as right-turn bans and the closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, have worsened traffic. The Great Highway closure would cut off another key artery, he said.

He said &#8220;Slow Streets,&#8221; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/san-francisco-chinatown-bike-lane-breed-sfmta/">the city’s initiative for a bike-lane network</a>, as well as right-turn bans and the closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, have worsened traffic. The Great Highway closure would cut off another key artery, he said.

&#8220;I don&#8217;t think the city is treating us properly,&#8221; Fong said. &#8220;We should be working together, not against one another.&#8221;

"I don't think the city is treating us properly," Fong said. "We should be working together, not against one another."

&#8220;I don&#8217;t think the city is treating us properly,&#8221; Fong said. &#8220;We should be working together, not against one another.&#8221;

State Senator Scott Wiener, District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston were among the supporters and volunteers at a ÒYes on KÓ event in the Panhandle on August 24, 2024. The ÒFriends of Great Highway ParkÓ 501c3 held a rally and neighborhood outreach event to pass out signs in support of Proposition K, which would turn a 2-mile stretch of Great Highway into a park.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240824_duelingrallies_-0490.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of enthusiastic people outdoors hold signs that say &quot;YES on K&quot; advocating for Ocean Beach Park, smiling and raising their hands in support." class="wp-image-304685"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elected officials, including State Sen. Scott Wiener, front row left, and volunteers gather in Golden Gate Park to support Proposition K.</figcaption></figure>

Supporters of Prop. K have rebranded the campaign to create an oceanfront park. Alyssa Cheung, a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition who supports Prop. K and the oceanfront park it would create, denied that there’s growing animus toward motorists.

Supporters of Prop. K have rebranded the campaign to create an oceanfront park. Alyssa Cheung, a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition who supports Prop. K and the oceanfront park it would create, denied that there’s growing animus toward motorists.

&#8220;The portrayal of cyclists setting a war on cars or hating cars is false and peddled by the opposition,&#8221; Cheung said. &#8220;I drive when I need to.&#8221;

"The portrayal of cyclists setting a war on cars or hating cars is false and peddled by the opposition," Cheung said. "I drive when I need to."

&#8220;The portrayal of cyclists setting a war on cars or hating cars is false and peddled by the opposition,&#8221; Cheung said. &#8220;I drive when I need to.&#8221;

Lucas Lux, the campaign manager supporting Prop. K, dismissed disgruntled motorists as “people who have gotten to use this public resource, our coast, in their preferred way of driving past our neighborhood for a long time,” suggesting they are not willing to share.

Lucas Lux, the campaign manager supporting Prop. K, dismissed disgruntled motorists as “people who have gotten to use this public resource, our coast, in their preferred way of driving past our neighborhood for a long time,” suggesting they are not willing to share.

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San Francisco rejects 26 candidates’ Chinese names for March ballot

The war over the Great Highway is tearing the Sunset apart

Crime drop is fake news, say businesses. They’re trying to help the cops prove it

Voters could remake San Francisco City Hall in 2024. Here’s how