Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Gabe Greschler

Political circles are buzzing — have you heard about the “shadow campaign” between state Sen. Scott Wiener and the Pelosi dynasty?

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Political circles are buzzing — have you heard about the “shadow campaign” between state Sen. Scott Wiener and the Pelosi dynasty?

Some of Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s recent moves in San Francisco have been cast as an effort to derail Wiener&#8217;s quest for her House seat when she retires. Supposedly, the speaker emerita is clearing the way for her daughter, political strategist Christine Pelosi, to be her heir apparent.

Some of Nancy Pelosi's recent moves in San Francisco have been cast as an effort to derail Wiener's quest for her House seat when she retires. Supposedly, the speaker emerita is clearing the way for her daughter, political strategist Christine Pelosi, to be her heir apparent.

Some of Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s recent moves in San Francisco have been cast as an effort to derail Wiener&#8217;s quest for her House seat when she retires. Supposedly, the speaker emerita is clearing the way for her daughter, political strategist Christine Pelosi, to be her heir apparent.

From publicly spurning Wiener’s AI safety bill in the state Senate to endorsing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/24/nancy-pelosi-dccc-san-francisco-endorsement-supervisor-mayor/">progressives on the Board of Supervisors</a>, it’s all a game of 3D chess engineered by a Democrat so powerful she dissuaded a sitting president from seeking reelection, the whisperers say.

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From publicly spurning Wiener’s AI safety bill in the state Senate to endorsing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/24/nancy-pelosi-dccc-san-francisco-endorsement-supervisor-mayor/">progressives on the Board of Supervisors</a>, it’s all a game of 3D chess engineered by a Democrat so powerful she dissuaded a sitting president from seeking reelection, the whisperers say.

One person thinks that’s all bunk: Christine.

One person thinks that’s all bunk: Christine.

Deep in the bowels of the Milton Marks Conference Center during an otherwise routine meeting of the San Francisco Democratic Party on Wednesday night, the 58-year-old waited her turn to speak at the podium behind angry Sunset district neighbors advocating against changes to the roadway by Ocean Beach.

Deep in the bowels of the Milton Marks Conference Center during an otherwise routine meeting of the San Francisco Democratic Party on Wednesday night, the 58-year-old waited her turn to speak at the podium behind angry Sunset district neighbors advocating against changes to the roadway by Ocean Beach.

Christine Pelosi walks to speak at the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee meeting to endorse candidates for local public offices and local ballot measures at the Milton Marks building on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240827-dempartyendorse-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a black suit walks towards the front of a lecture hall, which has seated audience members and a clock on the wall. Other people stand nearby." class="wp-image-305796"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christine Pelosi hasn’t touched publicly on her rumored run for Congress.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240827-dempartyendorse-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a black suit walks towards the front of a lecture hall, which has seated audience members and a clock on the wall. Other people stand nearby." class="wp-image-305796"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christine Pelosi hasn’t touched publicly on her rumored run for Congress.</figcaption></figure>

Just before the peak of those residents’ <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/dems-endorse-great-highway-park/">bellicose testimony</a>, The Standard bluntly asked Christine Pelosi if there is a shadow campaign underway — one swaying her mother’s stance on Wiener’s AI bill or the opposition of other Democrats, like Mayor London Breed.

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Just before the peak of those residents’ <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/dems-endorse-great-highway-park/">bellicose testimony</a>, The Standard bluntly asked Christine Pelosi if there is a shadow campaign underway — one swaying her mother’s stance on Wiener’s AI bill or the opposition of other Democrats, like Mayor London Breed.

“No. I don’t know why Mayor London Breed opposed his AI bill. Maybe she’s running for Congress? I thought Scott was running for Senate. I thought Breed was running for mayor,” Pelosi said jokingly, seeming to wave away conspiratorial chatter.

“No. I don’t know why Mayor London Breed opposed his AI bill. Maybe she’s running for Congress? I thought Scott was running for Senate. I thought Breed was running for mayor,” Pelosi said jokingly, seeming to wave away conspiratorial chatter.

She said Vice President Kamala Harris&#8217; presidential run is her priority.

She said Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential run is her priority.

She said Vice President Kamala Harris&#8217; presidential run is her priority.

“We are just moving forward, one foot in front of the other, to November.”

“We are just moving forward, one foot in front of the other, to November.”

“I don’t know where he thinks my mind is. But nobody asks me.”

“I don’t know where he thinks my mind is. But nobody asks me.”

The younger Pelosi hasn’t touched publicly on her rumored run for Congress, perhaps in an effort not to fuel speculation. And while Wiener has declined to speak directly on any effort to maneuver him away from Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat, his allies have been more than willing to pipe up on his behalf.

The younger Pelosi hasn’t touched publicly on her rumored run for Congress, perhaps in an effort not to fuel speculation. And while Wiener has declined to speak directly on any effort to maneuver him away from Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat, his allies have been more than willing to pipe up on his behalf.

A spokesperson for the speaker emerita declined to comment, deferring to her Thursday interview on KQED’s Forum about her new book, “The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House.” <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906876/nancy-pelosi-explains-the-art-of-power">During the nearly hourlong discussion</a>, Pelosi rejected talk of any behind-the-scenes political machinations for her daughter. She said her opposition to Wiener’s AI legislation was based purely on her concerns with its implications.

A spokesperson for the speaker emerita declined to comment, deferring to her Thursday interview on KQED’s Forum about her new book, “The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House.” <a href="https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906876/nancy-pelosi-explains-the-art-of-power">During the nearly hourlong discussion</a>, Pelosi rejected talk of any behind-the-scenes political machinations for her daughter. She said her opposition to Wiener’s AI legislation was based purely on her concerns with its implications.

“They don’t know what they’re talking about,” Pelosi said. “I find it insulting that they would equate politics with policy for the AI bill.”

“They don’t know what they’re talking about,” Pelosi said. “I find it insulting that they would equate politics with policy for the AI bill.”

She added, “It has nothing to do with elections. And my daughter and I haven’t even spoken about [the AI bill], because we want to get through this [national] election now.”

She added, “It has nothing to do with elections. And my daughter and I haven’t even spoken about [the AI bill], because we want to get through this [national] election now.”

State lawmakers send controversial AI safety bill dividing local leaders to Newsom’s desk

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Pelosi did not address her daughter’s theorized bid for Congress during the KQED interview.

Pelosi did not address her daughter’s theorized bid for Congress during the KQED interview.

Todd David, a longtime adviser to Wiener, said it&#8217;s incomprehensible that Pelosi’s pushback against the AI bill wasn’t a political calculation to gather support for her daughter&#8217;s possible bid for Congress.

Todd David, a longtime adviser to Wiener, said it's incomprehensible that Pelosi’s pushback against the AI bill wasn’t a political calculation to gather support for her daughter's possible bid for Congress.

Todd David, a longtime adviser to Wiener, said it&#8217;s incomprehensible that Pelosi’s pushback against the AI bill wasn’t a political calculation to gather support for her daughter&#8217;s possible bid for Congress.

“It’s explicitly a move to get Andreessen Horowitz and Google to fund an independent expenditure committee for Christine,” David said. “The motivation is, from where I sit, a political motivation. Not a policy motivation.”

“It’s explicitly a move to get Andreessen Horowitz and Google to fund an independent expenditure committee for Christine,” David said. “The motivation is, from where I sit, a political motivation. Not a policy motivation.”

David pointed to other recent moves by the speaker emerita that he suspects are a way for her daughter to solidify a potential run. They include recent endorsements of progressives Dean Preston and Connie Chan in supervisors races in San Francisco, a group that David believes could present another potential source of support for Christine Pelosi.

David pointed to other recent moves by the speaker emerita that he suspects are a way for her daughter to solidify a potential run. They include recent endorsements of progressives Dean Preston and Connie Chan in supervisors races in San Francisco, a group that David believes could present another potential source of support for Christine Pelosi.

“It is this interesting coalition of tech libertarian and a lefty-labor coalition,” he said. “It is an interesting play. I think they’ll try to do that.”

“It is this interesting coalition of tech libertarian and a lefty-labor coalition,” he said. “It is an interesting play. I think they’ll try to do that.”

Asked to weigh in on the fracas, Wiener cited support for his AI bill from figures in the tech community, including attorney and open-source advocate Lawrence Lessig and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. Behind the scenes, billionaire Ron Conway, who’s considered an ally of Pelosi, lobbied hard against the bill.

Asked to weigh in on the fracas, Wiener cited support for his AI bill from figures in the tech community, including attorney and open-source advocate Lawrence Lessig and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. Behind the scenes, billionaire Ron Conway, who’s considered an ally of Pelosi, lobbied hard against the bill.

“With Congress gridlocked on tech policy — with the exception of banning Tik Tok, Congress has not passed any major tech regulation since the floppy disk era — it’s up to California to act,” Wiener wrote in a statement to The Standard.

“With Congress gridlocked on tech policy — with the exception of banning Tik Tok, Congress has not passed any major tech regulation since the floppy disk era — it’s up to California to act,” Wiener wrote in a statement to The Standard.

Wiener’s bill passed a second reading in the Senate on Thursday. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the legislation.

Wiener’s bill passed a second reading in the Senate on Thursday. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the legislation.

Christine Pelosi speaks at the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee meeting to endorse candidates for local public offices and local ballot measures at the Milton Marks building on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240827-dempartyendorse-10.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman, Christine Pelosi, is seen from her hips up, standing at a podium, gesturing with one hand in a point, speaking to a crowd. Theater style seating is behind her, filled with people in a dimly-lit auditorium. " class="wp-image-305797"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The younger Pelosi speaks Wednesday at the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee meeting.</figcaption></figure>

At the San Francisco Democratic Party board’s meeting, Christine Pelosi’s turn to speak at the podium finally arrived.

At the San Francisco Democratic Party board’s meeting, Christine Pelosi’s turn to speak at the podium finally arrived.

She thanked the local party for supporting her selection to the Democratic National Committee in the spring. That put her in a position to defend Harris’ right to appear on every ticket in Alabama and Ohio, where, she said, Republicans are “fooling around on the ballot.”

She thanked the local party for supporting her selection to the Democratic National Committee in the spring. That put her in a position to defend Harris’ right to appear on every ticket in Alabama and Ohio, where, she said, Republicans are “fooling around on the ballot.”

Then Christine Pelosi did address her run — but not the one you’d think.

Then Christine Pelosi did address her run — but not the one you’d think.

“I’m embarking on my next campaign, and I wanted to come here and ask for your support,” she said. The brief pause that followed saw some of the assembled Democrats lean in with bated breath, as if in anticipation that she would reveal a bid for her mother’s seat.

“I’m embarking on my next campaign, and I wanted to come here and ask for your support,” she said. The brief pause that followed saw some of the assembled Democrats lean in with bated breath, as if in anticipation that she would reveal a bid for her mother’s seat.

She continued, “I will be <a href="https://www.christinepelosi.com/">running for Democratic National Committee executive board</a>, and I hope to have your support.”

She continued, “I will be <a href="https://www.christinepelosi.com/">running for Democratic National Committee executive board</a>, and I hope to have your support.”

When The Standard approached her to ask when her next campaign would debut — you know, the one everyone’s speculating about? — she chided the timing of the discussion.

When The Standard approached her to ask when her next campaign would debut — you know, the one everyone’s speculating about? — she chided the timing of the discussion.

The vice president has a historic campaign to win, Pelosi said. And like every Democrat, she’s focusing exclusively on ensuring Harris is in the White House for years to come.

The vice president has a historic campaign to win, Pelosi said. And like every Democrat, she’s focusing exclusively on ensuring Harris is in the White House for years to come.

Christine Pelosi breaks her silence on the ‘shadow campaign’ against Scott Wiener

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

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 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

Josh Koehn

Speaker Emerita <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/21/nancy-pelosi-retirement-elections-san-francisco/">Nancy Pelosi</a> has given no indication she intends to relinquish the seat she’s held in Congress for the better part of four decades, and she continues to raise funds in the hopes of helping Democrats take back control of the House next year.

How Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s big retirement decision could change 2023

Speaker Emerita <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/21/nancy-pelosi-retirement-elections-san-francisco/">Nancy Pelosi</a> has given no indication she intends to relinquish the seat she’s held in Congress for the better part of four decades, and she continues to raise funds in the hopes of helping Democrats take back control of the House next year.

But the 2024 campaign season is already in full swing, and one potential successor is making moves.

But the 2024 campaign season is already in full swing, and one potential successor is making moves.

Scott Wiener, a fellow Democrat and state senator for San Francisco, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/02/scott-wiener-exploratory-committee-nancy-pelosis-congress/">started an exploratory committee</a> this spring to run for Congress in the event Pelosi retires. And it appears he hasn’t wasted time in building up a substantial campaign war chest.

Scott Wiener forms exploratory committee for Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s seat

Scott Wiener, a fellow Democrat and state senator for San Francisco, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/02/scott-wiener-exploratory-committee-nancy-pelosis-congress/">started an exploratory committee</a> this spring to run for Congress in the event Pelosi retires. And it appears he hasn’t wasted time in building up a substantial campaign war chest.

Speaker Emrita Nancy Pelosi (left) attends the San Francisco Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SundayPrideCoverage06212023-312-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-175480"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, left, rides on the back of a car with Rep. Adam Schiff during the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 25, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Officials for Wiener’s committee told The Standard that they raised more than $820,000 from 616 donors in the first half of this year. A good chunk of that money came from an event in June, when <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joegarofoli/article/scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi-18136421.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local women leaders hosted an event for Wiener</a> that raised more than $44,000 from 83 donors. Numbers are required to be officially reported by the end of this month.

Officials for Wiener’s committee told The Standard that they raised more than $820,000 from 616 donors in the first half of this year. A good chunk of that money came from an event in June, when <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/joegarofoli/article/scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi-18136421.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local women leaders hosted an event for Wiener</a> that raised more than $44,000 from 83 donors. Numbers are required to be officially reported by the end of this month.

The total money raised “blew my expectations out of the water,” Wiener said in a phone interview Wednesday. He noted that many people contributed without any promise of when the money would be spent, because Pelosi has not announced her plans beyond her current two-year term ending in 2024.

The total money raised “blew my expectations out of the water,” Wiener said in a phone interview Wednesday. He noted that many people contributed without any promise of when the money would be spent, because Pelosi has not announced her plans beyond her current two-year term ending in 2024.

“The speaker emerita has not said what she’s going to do. She could run again next year, and that’s entirely her prerogative,” Wiener said. “If she runs again next year, I’ll support her 1,000%, because I think she’s just truly amazing.”

“The speaker emerita has not said what she’s going to do. She could run again next year, and that’s entirely her prerogative,” Wiener said. “If she runs again next year, I’ll support her 1,000%, because I think she’s just truly amazing.”

California State Sen. Scott Wiener waves to people at the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 25, 2023. | Isaac Ceja/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SundayPrideCoverage06212023_020-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-175391"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">California state Sen. Scott Wiener waves to people at the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 25, 2023. | Isaac Ceja/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Since she stepped down as House speaker last November, Pelosi has been on an award tour, basking in praise for her historic career. She was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/14/on-valentines-day-supervisors-fete-pelosi-then-draw-lines-on-sf-controversies/">feted by the Board of Supervisors</a>, and the recent state Democratic Party convention was described as a <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-05-28/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention">“love fest.”</a>

On Valentine&#8217;s Day, supervisors fete Pelosi, then draw lines on SF controversies

Since she stepped down as House speaker last November, Pelosi has been on an award tour, basking in praise for her historic career. She was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/14/on-valentines-day-supervisors-fete-pelosi-then-draw-lines-on-sf-controversies/">feted by the Board of Supervisors</a>, and the recent state Democratic Party convention was described as a <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-05-28/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention">“love fest.”</a>

If Pelosi seeks a 20th term in office, Wiener’s campaign would simply put the exploratory committee on pause and wait until the next cycle, assuming Pelosi—now 83 years old—does not intend to remain in office the rest of her life. Calls have grown louder for her colleague U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein to retire due to failing health, but Pelosi herself has shown no signs of slowing down.

If Pelosi seeks a 20th term in office, Wiener’s campaign would simply put the exploratory committee on pause and wait until the next cycle, assuming Pelosi—now 83 years old—does not intend to remain in office the rest of her life. Calls have grown louder for her colleague U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein to retire due to failing health, but Pelosi herself has shown no signs of slowing down.

“In order to help win back the House for the Democrats, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has filed for re-election and is continuing her strong fundraising,” Aaron Bennett, a spokesperson for Pelosi, said in an email.

“In order to help win back the House for the Democrats, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has filed for re-election and is continuing her strong fundraising,” Aaron Bennett, a spokesperson for Pelosi, said in an email.

The speaker emerita certainly could play an important role in next year’s presidential elections, as she served as an effective thorn in Donald Trump’s side during his presidency. Many expect the former president to secure the Republican Party nomination in 2024 despite being <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/08/us/trump-indictment-documents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indicted for mishandling classified documents</a> and other charges.

The speaker emerita certainly could play an important role in next year’s presidential elections, as she served as an effective thorn in Donald Trump’s side during his presidency. Many expect the former president to secure the Republican Party nomination in 2024 despite being <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/08/us/trump-indictment-documents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indicted for mishandling classified documents</a> and other charges.

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