Gabe Greschler

The Golden State’s Democratic majority has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/donald-trump-california-lawsuit-rob-bonta-attorney-general/">promised</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/san-francisco-politics-mayor-daniel-lurie-donald-trump/">to</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/18/san-francisco-immigration-donald-trump-deportation/">be</a> a fortress for liberal values during the second Donald Trump administration.&nbsp;

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The Golden State’s Democratic majority has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/donald-trump-california-lawsuit-rob-bonta-attorney-general/">promised</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/02/san-francisco-politics-mayor-daniel-lurie-donald-trump/">to</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/18/san-francisco-immigration-donald-trump-deportation/">be</a> a fortress for liberal values during the second Donald Trump administration.&nbsp;

Now, those defensive lines are being built. State Sen. Scott Wiener announced legislation Thursday aimed at bolstering the privacy of transgender Californians.

Now, those defensive lines are being built. State Sen. Scott Wiener announced legislation Thursday aimed at bolstering the privacy of transgender Californians.

The Transgender Privacy Act, or SB 59, would automatically seal all court records related to a person’s transition. The documents would include those related to the person’s previous name, gender, or sex change.&nbsp;

The Transgender Privacy Act, or SB 59, would automatically seal all court records related to a person’s transition. The documents would include those related to the person’s previous name, gender, or sex change.&nbsp;

“The incoming Trump administration and Republican congressional leadership have made clear that targeting and erasing trans people is among their highest policy priorities, and California must have our trans community members’ backs,” Wiener said in a statement. “Making this personal identifying information public after someone transitions, including a person’s dead name, as well as the basic fact that they’re trans or nonbinary, pointlessly exposes trans and nonbinary Californians to harassment and potential violence.”

“The incoming Trump administration and Republican congressional leadership have made clear that targeting and erasing trans people is among their highest policy priorities, and California must have our trans community members’ backs,” Wiener said in a statement. “Making this personal identifying information public after someone transitions, including a person’s dead name, as well as the basic fact that they’re trans or nonbinary, pointlessly exposes trans and nonbinary Californians to harassment and potential violence.”

State Senator Scott Weiner rights on a post-it about how he plans to resist during a post-election vigil hosted by the Harvey Milk Democratic Club at Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The vigil included an open mic, where people discussed their grief and braced for a future under a second Trump presidency.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241106-lgbtqia-post-election-gathering_aar_13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in glasses and a quilted jacket writes with a green pen at a nighttime street event. Rainbow flags and festive lights adorn the background." class="wp-image-330315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wiener is part of a group of California lawmakers who are girding up for the second Trump administration.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241106-lgbtqia-post-election-gathering_aar_13.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in glasses and a quilted jacket writes with a green pen at a nighttime street event. Rainbow flags and festive lights adorn the background." class="wp-image-330315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wiener is part of a group of California lawmakers who are girding up for the second Trump administration.</figcaption></figure>

The law builds on the 2023 Transgender Youth Privacy Act, drafted by Assemblymember Chris Ward of San Diego, which shields petitions for children&#8217;s name or gender changes.&nbsp;

The law builds on the 2023 Transgender Youth Privacy Act, drafted by Assemblymember Chris Ward of San Diego, which shields petitions for children's name or gender changes.&nbsp;

The law builds on the 2023 Transgender Youth Privacy Act, drafted by Assemblymember Chris Ward of San Diego, which shields petitions for children&#8217;s name or gender changes.&nbsp;

It follows a precedent <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/gender-identity-privacy-ruling-19874612.php">set last year by the 5th District Court of Appeals</a> in Fresno that relaxed the rules around such court records being held by the public. The petitioner in that case was a transgender woman who said she had been outed and harassed by anonymous social media users.&nbsp;

It follows a precedent <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/gender-identity-privacy-ruling-19874612.php">set last year by the 5th District Court of Appeals</a> in Fresno that relaxed the rules around such court records being held by the public. The petitioner in that case was a transgender woman who said she had been outed and harassed by anonymous social media users.&nbsp;

Wiener’s bill would apply to Californians over 18&nbsp;and would retroactively seal records currently held by the court.

Wiener’s bill would apply to Californians over 18&nbsp;and would retroactively seal records currently held by the court.

According to the California Department of Public Health, the state has approximately 220,000 transgender and nonbinary residents.

According to the California Department of Public Health, the state has approximately 220,000 transgender and nonbinary residents.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign rally at Suburban Collection Showplace on October 26, 2024 in Novi, Michigan. Trump is scheduled to hold rallies in Michigan and Pennsylvania on Saturday before closing out the weekend with a rally on Sunday at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trump-president-02.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue suit and red tie stands confidently in front of a large American flag, with a cheering crowd holding signs in the background." class="wp-image-329615"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">While on the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump suggested making it the official policy of the federal government that there are only two genders.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trump-president-02.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue suit and red tie stands confidently in front of a large American flag, with a cheering crowd holding signs in the background." class="wp-image-329615"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">While on the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump suggested making it the official policy of the federal government that there are only two genders.</figcaption></figure>

Other states have created similar privacy laws. Oregon passed its privacy legislation in 2017, while New York’s 2021 law focused on transgender residents who are at risk of violence or intimidation. Washington passed a law in 2023 that automatically seals documents after a judge approves a gender and name change.&nbsp;

Other states have created similar privacy laws. Oregon passed its privacy legislation in 2017, while New York’s 2021 law focused on transgender residents who are at risk of violence or intimidation. Washington passed a law in 2023 that automatically seals documents after a judge approves a gender and name change.&nbsp;

Democrats have long decried Trump’s stance toward the transgender community.

Democrats have long decried Trump’s stance toward the transgender community.

SF braces for Trump’s return: ‘It’s a little triggering’

sf-standard/related-post

Pouting about state transgender law, Elon Musk says X will leave San Francisco for Austin

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During his campaign, the president-elect spoke out against transgender athletes participating in girls and women’s sports. <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241223-trump-vows-to-stop-transgender-lunacy-as-a-top-priority">At an event last month in Phoenix</a>, Trump vowed to “stop the transgender lunacy” during his presidency and pledged to make it the official policy of the federal government that there are only two genders.

During his campaign, the president-elect spoke out against transgender athletes participating in girls and women’s sports. <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241223-trump-vows-to-stop-transgender-lunacy-as-a-top-priority">At an event last month in Phoenix</a>, Trump vowed to “stop the transgender lunacy” during his presidency and pledged to make it the official policy of the federal government that there are only two genders.

“Having accurate identity documents is critical to allowing transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang said in a statement about Wiener’s bill. “As the incoming Trump administration prepares to wage unprecedented attacks on the transgender community, California must do everything it can to protect the safety and well-being of transgender people.”

“Having accurate identity documents is critical to allowing transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang said in a statement about Wiener’s bill. “As the incoming Trump administration prepares to wage unprecedented attacks on the transgender community, California must do everything it can to protect the safety and well-being of transgender people.”

Trans Californians may have court records sealed under second Trump term

Annie Gaus

San Francisco Mayor London Breed said Tuesday that she opposes Senate Bill 1047, a controversial artificial intelligence safety bill that has infuriated many in tech and venture capital.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed said Tuesday that she opposes Senate Bill 1047, a controversial artificial intelligence safety bill that has infuriated many in tech and venture capital.

Breed said <a href="https://twitter.com/martin_casado/status/1828467847720509652">in a letter</a> that while she supports the goal of ensuring the technology is used safely, &#8220;more work needs to be done to bring together industry, government, and community stakeholders before moving forward with a legislative solution that doesn’t add unnecessary bureaucracy.&#8221;

Breed said <a href="https://twitter.com/martin_casado/status/1828467847720509652">in a letter</a> that while she supports the goal of ensuring the technology is used safely, "more work needs to be done to bring together industry, government, and community stakeholders before moving forward with a legislative solution that doesn’t add unnecessary bureaucracy."

Breed said <a href="https://twitter.com/martin_casado/status/1828467847720509652">in a letter</a> that while she supports the goal of ensuring the technology is used safely, &#8220;more work needs to be done to bring together industry, government, and community stakeholders before moving forward with a legislative solution that doesn’t add unnecessary bureaucracy.&#8221;

Breed joins a list of elected officials, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and other California members of Congress, who have voiced opposition to SB 1047, which was authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener with the intent to add safeguards against the misuse of AI tools.

Breed joins a list of elected officials, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and other California members of Congress, who have voiced opposition to SB 1047, which was authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener with the intent to add safeguards against the misuse of AI tools.

Breed&#8217;s opposition is significant considering San Francisco is largely seen as the beating heart of the AI industry. Additionally, the mayor is a close ally of Wiener and has worked often with the state senator on policy related to housing and other issues.

Breed's opposition is significant considering San Francisco is largely seen as the beating heart of the AI industry. Additionally, the mayor is a close ally of Wiener and has worked often with the state senator on policy related to housing and other issues.

Breed&#8217;s opposition is significant considering San Francisco is largely seen as the beating heart of the AI industry. Additionally, the mayor is a close ally of Wiener and has worked often with the state senator on policy related to housing and other issues.

Breed did not take a position on SB 1047 when The Standard asked her about it last week.

Breed did not take a position on SB 1047 when The Standard asked her about it last week.

Silicon Valley says this AI bill will kill tech in SF. Some mayoral candidates agree

&#8220;I share your desire that AI develops in a safe and sustainable way, and I agree with the overall intention of your legislation,&#8221; a letter from Breed to Wiener states. &#8220;With additional time and collaboration, I am confident we can find a solution that addresses many of the concerns raised in recent months, while still enabling this emerging field to grow in a safe and sustainable way.&#8221;

"I share your desire that AI develops in a safe and sustainable way, and I agree with the overall intention of your legislation," a letter from Breed to Wiener states. "With additional time and collaboration, I am confident we can find a solution that addresses many of the concerns raised in recent months, while still enabling this emerging field to grow in a safe and sustainable way."

&#8220;I share your desire that AI develops in a safe and sustainable way, and I agree with the overall intention of your legislation,&#8221; a letter from Breed to Wiener states. &#8220;With additional time and collaboration, I am confident we can find a solution that addresses many of the concerns raised in recent months, while still enabling this emerging field to grow in a safe and sustainable way.&#8221;

In a statement Tuesday, a Breed spokesperson added that the mayor &#8220;has tremendous respect for Senator Wiener and his work, and she believes that there is more work to do.&#8221;

In a statement Tuesday, a Breed spokesperson added that the mayor "has tremendous respect for Senator Wiener and his work, and she believes that there is more work to do."

In a statement Tuesday, a Breed spokesperson added that the mayor &#8220;has tremendous respect for Senator Wiener and his work, and she believes that there is more work to do.&#8221;

SB 1047, which is slated for a floor vote this week in the Legislature, has drawn the ire of Andreessen Horowitz and other heavy hitters in venture capital, who believe the legislation will stifle innovation in AI. In a social media post, Andreessen partner Martin Casado, who has openly feuded with Wiener over the bill, hailed Breed&#8217;s position as &#8220;sensible.&#8221;

SB 1047, which is slated for a floor vote this week in the Legislature, has drawn the ire of Andreessen Horowitz and other heavy hitters in venture capital, who believe the legislation will stifle innovation in AI. In a social media post, Andreessen partner Martin Casado, who has openly feuded with Wiener over the bill, hailed Breed's position as "sensible."

SB 1047, which is slated for a floor vote this week in the Legislature, has drawn the ire of Andreessen Horowitz and other heavy hitters in venture capital, who believe the legislation will stifle innovation in AI. In a social media post, Andreessen partner Martin Casado, who has openly feuded with Wiener over the bill, hailed Breed&#8217;s position as &#8220;sensible.&#8221;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">London Breed comes out in opposition to SB 1047! Incredibly sensible guidance. &quot;more work needs to be done to bring together industry, government, and community stakeholders before moving forward with a legislative solution that doesn’t add unnecessary bureaucracy.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nSOYQvZIZm">pic.twitter.com/nSOYQvZIZm</a>&mdash; martin_casado (@martin_casado) <a href="https://twitter.com/martin_casado/status/1828467847720509652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

SB 1047 has also attracted one particularly high-profile supporter: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/26/elon-musk-openai-scott-wiener-sb1046/">Elon Musk</a>, who posted Monday on X that it was a &#8220;tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered,&#8221; the bill should pass.

Elon Musk says state should &#8216;probably pass&#8217; AI regulations maligned by Silicon Valley

SB 1047 has also attracted one particularly high-profile supporter: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/26/elon-musk-openai-scott-wiener-sb1046/">Elon Musk</a>, who posted Monday on X that it was a "tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered," the bill should pass.

SB 1047 has also attracted one particularly high-profile supporter: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/26/elon-musk-openai-scott-wiener-sb1046/">Elon Musk</a>, who posted Monday on X that it was a &#8220;tough call and will make some people upset, but, all things considered,&#8221; the bill should pass.

On Tuesday, Wiener said he &#8220;respectfully&#8221; disagrees with the mayor on the AI bill.

On Tuesday, Wiener said he "respectfully" disagrees with the mayor on the AI bill.

On Tuesday, Wiener said he &#8220;respectfully&#8221; disagrees with the mayor on the AI bill.

&#8220;The great thing about democracy is that we can agree to disagree on an issue while working together on other issues,&#8221; Wiener wrote in a statement. &#8220;That’s what we’ll do here.”

"The great thing about democracy is that we can agree to disagree on an issue while working together on other issues," Wiener wrote in a statement. "That’s what we’ll do here.”

&#8220;The great thing about democracy is that we can agree to disagree on an issue while working together on other issues,&#8221; Wiener wrote in a statement. &#8220;That’s what we’ll do here.”

At a press conference this week, Wiener described the dangers posed by AI as “not made-up science fiction risks&#8221; and asserted that California needs to lead in safeguarding the burgeoning technology.

At a press conference this week, Wiener described the dangers posed by AI as “not made-up science fiction risks" and asserted that California needs to lead in safeguarding the burgeoning technology.

At a press conference this week, Wiener described the dangers posed by AI as “not made-up science fiction risks&#8221; and asserted that California needs to lead in safeguarding the burgeoning technology.

In a letter, Reps. Anna Eshoo, Ro Khanna, and Zoe Lofgren asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto the bill if it passes the Legislature. The three noted that it is unusual for members of Congress to weigh in on state legislation but argued that SB 1047 could hurt California&#8217;s economy.

In a letter, Reps. Anna Eshoo, Ro Khanna, and Zoe Lofgren asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto the bill if it passes the Legislature. The three noted that it is unusual for members of Congress to weigh in on state legislation but argued that SB 1047 could hurt California's economy.

In a letter, Reps. Anna Eshoo, Ro Khanna, and Zoe Lofgren asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto the bill if it passes the Legislature. The three noted that it is unusual for members of Congress to weigh in on state legislation but argued that SB 1047 could hurt California&#8217;s economy.

If the bill passes in the Legislature, Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto it.

If the bill passes in the Legislature, Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto it.

London Breed comes out against ally Scott Wiener’s controversial AI safety bill

David Crane

So long as California is synonymous with poor governance by Democrats, the party will struggle to regain credibility — not to mention the White House. State Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco has an important opportunity to pioneer a new mode of competent Democratic governance with a bill he has introduced in Sacramento.

So long as California is synonymous with poor governance by Democrats, the party will struggle to regain credibility — not to mention the White House. State Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco has an important opportunity to pioneer a new mode of competent Democratic governance with a bill he has introduced in Sacramento.

Senate Bill 63 proposes a new half-cent sales tax to bail out Bay Area transit systems. (The tax could be double that in San Francisco, Wiener proposes, “to provide additional support for MUNI.”) Advocates argue that the tax is needed to offset declines in revenue caused by lower ridership and cuts in federal funding. But in the case of BART, those are only two of the reasons for its $1 billion deficit. The third is excessive spending on employees.

Senate Bill 63 proposes a new half-cent sales tax to bail out Bay Area transit systems. (The tax could be double that in San Francisco, Wiener proposes, “to provide additional support for MUNI.”) Advocates argue that the tax is needed to offset declines in revenue caused by lower ridership and cuts in federal funding. But in the case of BART, those are only two of the reasons for its $1 billion deficit. The third is excessive spending on employees.

In 2015, BART spent $409 million on employees; the same year, it hosted 135 million rides, an employee cost of $3 per ride. <a href="https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/1.%20BART%20Annual%20Comprehensive%20Financial%20Report%20%28002%29.pdf">By 2024, BART was spending $734 million</a> on employees while hosting only 55 million rides, an employee cost of $13 per ride. (Despite the plummeting ridership, BART’s workforce also rose 28%, from 3,354 to 4,292 employees, in that time.)&nbsp;

In 2015, BART spent $409 million on employees; the same year, it hosted 135 million rides, an employee cost of $3 per ride. <a href="https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/1.%20BART%20Annual%20Comprehensive%20Financial%20Report%20%28002%29.pdf">By 2024, BART was spending $734 million</a> on employees while hosting only 55 million rides, an employee cost of $13 per ride. (Despite the plummeting ridership, BART’s workforce also rose 28%, from 3,354 to 4,292 employees, in that time.)&nbsp;

If BART had hosted the same number of boardings in 2024 as it did in 2015, the employee cost of each ride would have “only” been $2 more. So what’s to blame for the actual $10 increase? It’s not lower ridership. It’s a 79% increase in spending on employees.&nbsp;

If BART had hosted the same number of boardings in 2024 as it did in 2015, the employee cost of each ride would have “only” been $2 more. So what’s to blame for the actual $10 increase? It’s not lower ridership. It’s a 79% increase in spending on employees.&nbsp;

Why would BART boost its headcount 28% despite a 59% decrease in boardings? Why would it spend an average of $171,000 per employee?&nbsp;

Why would BART boost its headcount 28% despite a 59% decrease in boardings? Why would it spend an average of $171,000 per employee?&nbsp;

BART is governed by a board of directors who negotiate labor contracts with <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/jobs/cba">five government unions</a> that make political contributions to candidates for the transit agency’s board. For example, the <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1296948&amp;view=expenditures&amp;session=2023">political action committee</a> of one of those five unions provided <a href="https://public.netfile.com/Pub2/Default.aspx?focus=SearchName&amp;aid=COA">10 percent</a> of the funding raised in 2024 by three candidates for BART’s board. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1073520&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Another union</a> provided 15 percent of one candidate’s funding and 10 percent of another’s. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1413748&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Still another union</a> provided the same allotments. This kind of political giving inevitably leads to conflicts of interest, with directors becoming more responsive to the demands of employees and their unions than to demands for financial efficiency from taxpayers.&nbsp;

BART is governed by a board of directors who negotiate labor contracts with <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/jobs/cba">five government unions</a> that make political contributions to candidates for the transit agency’s board. For example, the <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1296948&amp;view=expenditures&amp;session=2023">political action committee</a> of one of those five unions provided <a href="https://public.netfile.com/Pub2/Default.aspx?focus=SearchName&amp;aid=COA">10 percent</a> of the funding raised in 2024 by three candidates for BART’s board. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1073520&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Another union</a> provided 15 percent of one candidate’s funding and 10 percent of another’s. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1413748&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Still another union</a> provided the same allotments. This kind of political giving inevitably leads to conflicts of interest, with directors becoming more responsive to the demands of employees and their unions than to demands for financial efficiency from taxpayers.&nbsp;

Opinion: Newsom is busting California’s budget as he does the bidding of special interests

Opinion: Bursting the balloon of Ezra Klein’s ‘Abundance’ theory

Before taxpayers are asked to provide BART with more money, this dynamic needs to change. If not, voters should know in whose pockets the lion’s share of the new revenue will end up: the unions.

Before taxpayers are asked to provide BART with more money, this dynamic needs to change. If not, voters should know in whose pockets the lion’s share of the new revenue will end up: the unions.

Wiener has proposed that BART <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/senators-wiener-and-arreguin-announce-bill-authorize-bay-area-public-transit-funding-measure#:~:text=SACRAMENTO%20%E2%80%93%20Senators%20Scott%20Wiener%20(D,AC%20Transit%2C%20and%20other%20systems.">take certain steps</a> to improve efficiency, but his prescriptions are not enough. So long as BART’s board is in thrall to public employee unions, taxpayers will not be safe. BART’s governing structure must be changed.

Wiener has proposed that BART <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/senators-wiener-and-arreguin-announce-bill-authorize-bay-area-public-transit-funding-measure#:~:text=SACRAMENTO%20%E2%80%93%20Senators%20Scott%20Wiener%20(D,AC%20Transit%2C%20and%20other%20systems.">take certain steps</a> to improve efficiency, but his prescriptions are not enough. So long as BART’s board is in thrall to public employee unions, taxpayers will not be safe. BART’s governing structure must be changed.

One option would be to have board members appointed by the mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and San Jose, a method that would provide a layer of accountability. Government unions can also contribute to those political officials, obviously, but mayors are much more visible to voters, who are already accustomed to holding them responsible for local transit systems.

One option would be to have board members appointed by the mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and San Jose, a method that would provide a layer of accountability. Government unions can also contribute to those political officials, obviously, but mayors are much more visible to voters, who are already accustomed to holding them responsible for local transit systems.

In no event should taxpayers provide more revenue to BART while its board is more responsive to employees than taxpayers. With all due respect to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/26/bursting-the-balloon-of-ezra-kleins-abundance-theory/">Ezra Klein’s theory of abundance</a>, it’s not enough for California to demonstrate that it can build infrastructure — it must also demonstrate that it can manage infrastructure for the benefit of taxpayers who fund it.

Bursting the balloon of Ezra Klein&#8217;s ‘Abundance’ theory

In no event should taxpayers provide more revenue to BART while its board is more responsive to employees than taxpayers. With all due respect to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/26/bursting-the-balloon-of-ezra-kleins-abundance-theory/">Ezra Klein’s theory of abundance</a>, it’s not enough for California to demonstrate that it can build infrastructure — it must also demonstrate that it can manage infrastructure for the benefit of taxpayers who fund it.

Stop this train. Scott Wiener’s public transit bailout should be halted in its tracks

Opinion: Stop this train. Scott Wiener’s public transit bailout should be halted in its tracks

Sen. Scott Wiener

As I watched Mark Zuckerberg announce Meta’s new policies on hate speech and misinformation in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbhQbJyjRj8">viral video</a> this week, my stomach dropped. As a gay, Jewish state legislator, I’ve been a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/scott-wiener-right-wing-hatred-17880318.php">longtime target of harassment and death threats from extremists</a>. I know firsthand the toxic results of removing protections against misinformation and hate speech. Over the past four years, two people have been convicted of threatening my life online, and I’ve received thousands more threats.

As I watched Mark Zuckerberg announce Meta’s new policies on hate speech and misinformation in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbhQbJyjRj8">viral video</a> this week, my stomach dropped. As a gay, Jewish state legislator, I’ve been a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/scott-wiener-right-wing-hatred-17880318.php">longtime target of harassment and death threats from extremists</a>. I know firsthand the toxic results of removing protections against misinformation and hate speech. Over the past four years, two people have been convicted of threatening my life online, and I’ve received thousands more threats.

The changes implemented by Elon Musk have made X virtually unusable — spammy, vitriolic, and full of lies and bullying. Now Meta is following the same dangerous path. It’s bad enough to replace professional fact-checkers with fact-checking by popular vote, and to allow insults and hate speech against entire groups of people, as X has done. But Meta went beyond rolling back basics of online civility in its craven attempt to bow lower than any other company for President-elect Donald Trump.

The changes implemented by Elon Musk have made X virtually unusable — spammy, vitriolic, and full of lies and bullying. Now Meta is following the same dangerous path. It’s bad enough to replace professional fact-checkers with fact-checking by popular vote, and to allow insults and hate speech against entire groups of people, as X has done. But Meta went beyond rolling back basics of online civility in its craven attempt to bow lower than any other company for President-elect Donald Trump.

Meta is inviting attacks against LGBTQ people. Several of the hate speech prohibitions the company did retain have specific exceptions that allow for attacks against LGBTQ people and no other group.

Meta is inviting attacks against LGBTQ people. Several of the hate speech prohibitions the company did retain have specific exceptions that allow for attacks against LGBTQ people and no other group.

<a href="https://transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/hateful-conduct/">The company’s official new policy</a> reads: “We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like ‘weird,’” (“Transgenderism” is a word frequently used by right-wing extremists to portray transgender people as some sort of cult.)

<a href="https://transparency.meta.com/policies/community-standards/hateful-conduct/">The company’s official new policy</a> reads: “We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like ‘weird,’” (“Transgenderism” is a word frequently used by right-wing extremists to portray transgender people as some sort of cult.)

In other words, you can’t falsely call someone mentally ill on Instagram and Facebook unless they’re LGBTQ. You can’t call for entire groups of people to be excluded from a space unless they’re LGBTQ. You can’t call someone “it” unless they’re LGBTQ.

In other words, you can’t falsely call someone mentally ill on Instagram and Facebook unless they’re LGBTQ. You can’t call for entire groups of people to be excluded from a space unless they’re LGBTQ. You can’t call someone “it” unless they’re LGBTQ.

Putting a target on LGBTQ people is wrong. It’s a concerning sign of how willing some large companies are to scapegoat minorities in order to gain favor with authoritarian leaders.

Putting a target on LGBTQ people is wrong. It’s a concerning sign of how willing some large companies are to scapegoat minorities in order to gain favor with authoritarian leaders.

The real-world impacts of these policy changes will be enormous. When I was first targeted in 2020, the avalanche of QAnon-fueled death threats and abuse was intense. Many of them came through YouTube, which has limited content moderation. To a lesser extent, the threats came through Facebook and Instagram, which made greater efforts to moderate content.

The real-world impacts of these policy changes will be enormous. When I was first targeted in 2020, the avalanche of QAnon-fueled death threats and abuse was intense. Many of them came through YouTube, which has limited content moderation. To a lesser extent, the threats came through Facebook and Instagram, which made greater efforts to moderate content.

Back in 2020, I had the best experience on Twitter. At the time, abusive comments were quickly removed, and death threats were swiftly addressed. That intervention made the tone of the platform relatively friendly and professional, letting me engage with constituents, share information, and debate ideas.

Back in 2020, I had the best experience on Twitter. At the time, abusive comments were quickly removed, and death threats were swiftly addressed. That intervention made the tone of the platform relatively friendly and professional, letting me engage with constituents, share information, and debate ideas.

Things changed when Elon Musk purchased the platform and let bullying, intimidation, and threatening behavior become the norm. Twitter (now X), fired the team that previously dealt with these issues. Far-right trolls like Libs of TikTok, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Gays Against Groomers began targeting me, and there was no one to stop them. For months, homophobic slogans like “groomer” and “pedo” would overrun the replies on my posts. The slurs were often accompanied by death threats, such as suggesting feeding me to a wood chipper.

Things changed when Elon Musk purchased the platform and let bullying, intimidation, and threatening behavior become the norm. Twitter (now X), fired the team that previously dealt with these issues. Far-right trolls like Libs of TikTok, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Gays Against Groomers began targeting me, and there was no one to stop them. For months, homophobic slogans like “groomer” and “pedo” would overrun the replies on my posts. The slurs were often accompanied by death threats, such as suggesting feeding me to a wood chipper.

These posts also triggered real-world attacks, including bomb threats against my home. Flagging the comments to X did nothing, and people learned that the comment sections on my posts were toxic cesspools. I became depressingly used to the automated X message that an obvious threat of violence didn’t meet the platform’s standard for death threats. 

These posts also triggered real-world attacks, including bomb threats against my home. Flagging the comments to X did nothing, and people learned that the comment sections on my posts were toxic cesspools. I became depressingly used to the automated X message that an obvious threat of violence didn’t meet the platform’s standard for death threats.

Engagement with everyone but the trolls plummeted.

Engagement with everyone but the trolls plummeted.

As a state elected official, I have some resources to deal with this onslaught. But other LGBTQ people do not. Think of the student-athletes<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/02/11/utah-transgender-error-natalie-cline/"> who need police protection</a> after right-wing officials accuse them of being transgender (whether or not they’re actually transgender), or the queer school board member who <a href="https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/12/transgender-school-board-member-resigns-months-harassment-hate-group/">decides to step down</a> rather than deal with threats against her life. Think of transgender people everywhere, who have never before faced so many emboldened bigots threatening them at every turn.

As a state elected official, I have some resources to deal with this onslaught. But other LGBTQ people do not. Think of the student-athletes<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/02/11/utah-transgender-error-natalie-cline/"> who need police protection</a> after right-wing officials accuse them of being transgender (whether or not they’re actually transgender), or the queer school board member who <a href="https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/12/transgender-school-board-member-resigns-months-harassment-hate-group/">decides to step down</a> rather than deal with threats against her life. Think of transgender people everywhere, who have never before faced so many emboldened bigots threatening them at every turn.

It would be a mistake for all progressives to abandon these platforms because of this policy change. These platforms are inhabited by the very people we most need to reach — we are all worse off when we recede into our own bubbles.&nbsp;

It would be a mistake for all progressives to abandon these platforms because of this policy change. These platforms are inhabited by the very people we most need to reach — we are all worse off when we recede into our own bubbles.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, many people will be forced off Instagram and Facebook to protect their safety and mental health. This is a real loss. Since its inception, the internet has been a haven for LGBTQ people. It’s where many of us built community when we felt most alone, and found families when it felt impossible. Those connections have saved lives.

Nevertheless, many people will be forced off Instagram and Facebook to protect their safety and mental health. This is a real loss. Since its inception, the internet has been a haven for LGBTQ people. It’s where many of us built community when we felt most alone, and found families when it felt impossible. Those connections have saved lives.

It’s heartbreaking to see Meta turn its social media platforms into worldwide school playgrounds that all but celebrate bigotry, bullying, and threatening behavior. While the LGBTQ community may be particularly exposed, many other groups — from the Jewish community to immigrants to family members of mass shooting victims — will also face toxic hate. More people will be drawn to more remote corners of the internet where they are able to live openly. Instagram and Facebook will be the poorer for it.

It’s heartbreaking to see Meta turn its social media platforms into worldwide school playgrounds that all but celebrate bigotry, bullying, and threatening behavior. While the LGBTQ community may be particularly exposed, many other groups — from the Jewish community to immigrants to family members of mass shooting victims — will also face toxic hate. More people will be drawn to more remote corners of the internet where they are able to live openly. Instagram and Facebook will be the poorer for it.

Scott Wiener represents San Francisco and northern San Mateo County in the California State Senate, where he chairs the Senate Budget Committee.

Scott Wiener represents San Francisco and northern San Mateo County in the California State Senate, where he chairs the Senate Budget Committee.

No truth? No problem! Meta’s embrace of misinformation will cause real-world harm

Opinion: No truth? No problem! Meta’s embrace of misinformation will cause real-world harm

The glacial pace and headache-inducing maze that has long defined housing permitting in San Francisco may be nearing its end after the city failed to meet its state-mandated development goals and a new state law kicked in Friday.

The glacial pace and headache-inducing maze that has long defined housing permitting in San Francisco may be nearing its end after the city failed to meet its state-mandated development goals and a new state law kicked in Friday.

Senate Bill 423, which was authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener and clears the way for housing projects to sail through the city’s approval bureaucracy, is projected to reduce the time it takes for a permit to be granted from around two years—the longest in the state—to just six months, officials said Monday.&nbsp;

Senate Bill 423, which was authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener and clears the way for housing projects to sail through the city’s approval bureaucracy, is projected to reduce the time it takes for a permit to be granted from around two years—the longest in the state—to just six months, officials said Monday.&nbsp;

“No discretionary hearings, no <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/23/the-story-behind-ceqa-breaking-down-the-lefts-love-hate-relationship-with-californias-pioneering-environmental-law/">CEQA lawsuits</a>, none of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/san-francisco-breed-peskin-housing-waterfront-density/">politics</a> at the Board of Supervisors, you just get your damn permit,” said Sen. Wiener at a press conference on Monday at the Planning Department’s headquarters. “Period.”&nbsp;

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“No discretionary hearings, no <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/23/the-story-behind-ceqa-breaking-down-the-lefts-love-hate-relationship-with-californias-pioneering-environmental-law/">CEQA lawsuits</a>, none of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/san-francisco-breed-peskin-housing-waterfront-density/">politics</a> at the Board of Supervisors, you just get your damn permit,” said Sen. Wiener at a press conference on Monday at the Planning Department’s headquarters. “Period.”&nbsp;

The city is now under the thumb of SB 423 after it didn’t reach its yearly benchmark of eventually <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/23/what-to-know-about-sfs-plan-to-create-82000-new-homes/">reaching 82,000 new units by 2031</a>. San Francisco is on a much tighter leash than other cities after Wiener <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/15/san-francisco-singled-out-in-state-housing-bill-that-speeds-up-development/">added an amendment</a> to the bill that subjects it to yearly reviews of its housing goals. Other cities get a check-up halfway through the eight-year housing cycle under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA.

What to know about SF&#8217;s plan to create 82,000 new homes

San Francisco housing crisis: New state bill may force city to build faster

The city is now under the thumb of SB 423 after it didn’t reach its yearly benchmark of eventually <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/23/what-to-know-about-sfs-plan-to-create-82000-new-homes/">reaching 82,000 new units by 2031</a>. San Francisco is on a much tighter leash than other cities after Wiener <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/15/san-francisco-singled-out-in-state-housing-bill-that-speeds-up-development/">added an amendment</a> to the bill that subjects it to yearly reviews of its housing goals. Other cities get a check-up halfway through the eight-year housing cycle under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA.

San Francisco has authorized just 831 new units this year, according to the Planning Department. To reach its state-mandated goals, the city needs to allow for 10,000 a year.

San Francisco has authorized just 831 new units this year, according to the Planning Department. To reach its state-mandated goals, the city needs to allow for 10,000 a year.

Mayor London Breed (left) and Senator Scott Wiener (right) hold a pair of big scissors to a red ribbon at the San Francisco Permit Center on Monday, July 1, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240701-sfhousing-tv1922-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people in formal attire are smiling while cutting a red ribbon with oversized blue scissors, surrounded by construction workers wearing yellow vests and helmets." class="wp-image-287701"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed (left) and Senator Scott Wiener (right) hold a pair of big scissors to a red ribbon at the San Francisco Permit Center on Monday, July 1, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240701-sfhousing-tv1922-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people in formal attire are smiling while cutting a red ribbon with oversized blue scissors, surrounded by construction workers wearing yellow vests and helmets." class="wp-image-287701"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed (left) and Senator Scott Wiener (right) hold a pair of big scissors to a red ribbon at the San Francisco Permit Center on Monday, July 1, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

Wiener’s bill is an extension of one of his previous pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 35, which streamlined affordable housing. Officials said the new law impacts a much broader swath of projects: roughly three-fourths of permitting applications.

Wiener’s bill is an extension of one of his previous pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 35, which streamlined affordable housing. Officials said the new law impacts a much broader swath of projects: roughly three-fourths of permitting applications.

The new rules are a major win for the city’s YIMBYs, who have complained for years about the bureaucratic barriers in getting projects through the arduous permitting process, which can include additional review by critics of a particular project, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/san-francisco-permit-expediters/">mechanism</a> known as discretionary review.

Why are permit expediters needed to cut San Francisco&#8217;s red tape?

The new rules are a major win for the city’s YIMBYs, who have complained for years about the bureaucratic barriers in getting projects through the arduous permitting process, which can include additional review by critics of a particular project, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/san-francisco-permit-expediters/">mechanism</a> known as discretionary review.

Wiener made a specific reference on Monday to Board President Aaron Peskin, a longtime foe of housing advocates who criticize his record. The issue has also become a major political battle in the run-up to the November mayor’s race, with Peskin <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">competing to unseat Breed</a>.

Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin

Wiener made a specific reference on Monday to Board President Aaron Peskin, a longtime foe of housing advocates who criticize his record. The issue has also become a major political battle in the run-up to the November mayor’s race, with Peskin <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">competing to unseat Breed</a>.

Wiener likened Peskin to a City Hall “patron saint” for NIMBYs.

Wiener likened Peskin to a City Hall “patron saint” for NIMBYs.

“Their goal is to shut down and stop housing production,” said the state senator. “It&#8217;s classic NIMBYism. They do not want new homes near where they live.”

“Their goal is to shut down and stop housing production,” said the state senator. “It's classic NIMBYism. They do not want new homes near where they live.”

“Their goal is to shut down and stop housing production,” said the state senator. “It&#8217;s classic NIMBYism. They do not want new homes near where they live.”

In response to the state senator&#8217;s comments, Peskin said Wiener&#8217;s legislation will &#8220;be a boon for speculators and developers who will build expensive units out of reach for most San Franciscans&#8221; and further gentrification and displacement.

In response to the state senator's comments, Peskin said Wiener's legislation will "be a boon for speculators and developers who will build expensive units out of reach for most San Franciscans" and further gentrification and displacement.

In response to the state senator&#8217;s comments, Peskin said Wiener&#8217;s legislation will &#8220;be a boon for speculators and developers who will build expensive units out of reach for most San Franciscans&#8221; and further gentrification and displacement.

The bill still doesn’t address certain impediments to building more housing in the city, such as eye-popping construction and materials costs. Other barriers are the high interest rates that are out of the city’s control. However, officials maintained Monday that SB 423 helps to chip away at the housing crisis.&nbsp;

The bill still doesn’t address certain impediments to building more housing in the city, such as eye-popping construction and materials costs. Other barriers are the high interest rates that are out of the city’s control. However, officials maintained Monday that SB 423 helps to chip away at the housing crisis.&nbsp;

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“San Francisco is not a museum that should be stuck in time,” Breed said on Monday. “It is a city with actual people and opportunities for people to live here.”

“San Francisco is not a museum that should be stuck in time,” Breed said on Monday. “It is a city with actual people and opportunities for people to live here.”

Freeing up the permitting pipeline also promises to give more time to the Planning Department’s staff. Planning Director Rich Hillis said his agency will now devote more resources to rezoning and building strategies to address sea level rise. Hillis also said the bill could help prevent corruption in the permitting world, since long waits have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/san-francisco-permit-expediters/">led to the rise of permitting expediters</a> involved in major scandals.&nbsp;

Freeing up the permitting pipeline also promises to give more time to the Planning Department’s staff. Planning Director Rich Hillis said his agency will now devote more resources to rezoning and building strategies to address sea level rise. Hillis also said the bill could help prevent corruption in the permitting world, since long waits have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/04/san-francisco-permit-expediters/">led to the rise of permitting expediters</a> involved in major scandals.&nbsp;

“There’s going to be less of a need for attorneys and expediters,” Hillis told the Standard about getting a housing permit.

“There’s going to be less of a need for attorneys and expediters,” Hillis told the Standard about getting a housing permit.

YIMBY dreams come true as state bill eliminates housing red tape

You're invited to an exclusive, hands-on cocktail class at Lower Nob Hill’s stylish DACHA, where you’ll shake, stir, sip, and show off.

Summer Cocktail Class

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today.

In the early 1980s, a Bay Area picker stumbled upon something incredible: a plastic garbage bag filled with 2,042 processed 35mm color slides and 102 rolls of carefully labeled black-and-white film. The images — all 8,417 of them — captured a seminal moment in San Francisco counterculture, from 1966 through the 1967 Summer of Love to 1970.

The photographer remains unknown, and most of the photos have gone unseen — until now.

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today. Based on a story by San Francisco Standard culture reporter Sam Mondros.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco's Past
Tuesday, May 20
6pm-8:30pm
Four One Nine
419 Tenth Street
San Francisco

Complimentary wine and bites. 
Invitation only for guests 21 and over.

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YIMBY dreams come true as state bill eliminates housing red tape