Gabe Greschler

Josh Koehn

After spending a whopping $3 million to put two charter reform measures on the November ballot, political group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=togethersf">TogetherSF Action</a> announced that it is dropping an effort to strengthen the mayor’s powers due to uncertainty around who will be elected.

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After spending a whopping $3 million to put two charter reform measures on the November ballot, political group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=togethersf">TogetherSF Action</a> announced that it is dropping an effort to strengthen the mayor’s powers due to uncertainty around who will be elected.

Kanishka Cheng, the head of TogetherSF Action, said the group was hitting the pause button to avoid wasting more resources because of a “lack of clarity in voters’ mind around who is going to be mayor.”&nbsp;

Kanishka Cheng, the head of TogetherSF Action, said the group was hitting the pause button to avoid wasting more resources because of a “lack of clarity in voters’ mind around who is going to be mayor.”&nbsp;

The group’s committee has already spent more money on potential ballot measures than any other efforts for the fall, with $1 million going out the door just between mid-March and mid-April. The <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/togethersf-action-drops-ballot-effort-to-strengthen-sf-mayor/article_37109c26-0758-11ef-b9b6-4bbc2cade3d9.html">San Francisco Examiner</a> was first to report the abandoned ballot measure.

The group’s committee has already spent more money on potential ballot measures than any other efforts for the fall, with $1 million going out the door just between mid-March and mid-April. The <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/togethersf-action-drops-ballot-effort-to-strengthen-sf-mayor/article_37109c26-0758-11ef-b9b6-4bbc2cade3d9.html">San Francisco Examiner</a> was first to report the abandoned ballot measure.

TogetherSF Action receives funding from Michael Moritz, who is also the chairman of The Standard.

TogetherSF Action receives funding from Michael Moritz, who is also the chairman of The Standard.

The organization has stumbled since first announcing it intended to go to voters to reform the charter, which requires a petition with more than 50,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify. In December, a proposal to slash the number of city commissions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/plan-to-fix-broken-san-franicisco-blows-up/">had to be withdrawn</a> and resubmitted to the Department of Elections due to flawed language.

Plan to fix ‘broken’ San Francisco blows up in 2 weeks

The organization has stumbled since first announcing it intended to go to voters to reform the charter, which requires a petition with more than 50,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify. In December, a proposal to slash the number of city commissions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/plan-to-fix-broken-san-franicisco-blows-up/">had to be withdrawn</a> and resubmitted to the Department of Elections due to flawed language.

Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco at an event in San Francisco on November 8, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, attend a recent event together in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, attend a recent event together in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

While Cheng did not say what specifically influenced the decision to drop <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the strong mayor proposal</a>, which included the creation of deputy mayor positions while giving the mayor more control over commission appointments and department heads, political observers suggested the contest’s newest candidate, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, could have been a determining factor.

Does San Francisco’s mayor need more power? This group says yes

While Cheng did not say what specifically influenced the decision to drop <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the strong mayor proposal</a>, which included the creation of deputy mayor positions while giving the mayor more control over commission appointments and department heads, political observers suggested the contest’s newest candidate, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, could have been a determining factor.

Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, has cast himself as the progressive choice and spoken out vociferously against the city’s moderate groups, which he has accused of being controlled by big-money interests.&nbsp;

Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, has cast himself as the progressive choice and spoken out vociferously against the city’s moderate groups, which he has accused of being controlled by big-money interests.&nbsp;

“It’s either a legal issue, and we’re not privy to the details, or they saw something that Peskin has a real shot of winning, and they don’t want him to have that power,” said David Latterman, a longtime San Francisco political consultant.

“It’s either a legal issue, and we’re not privy to the details, or they saw something that Peskin has a real shot of winning, and they don’t want him to have that power,” said David Latterman, a longtime San Francisco political consultant.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Peskin slammed TogetherSF’s reform proposals as “no way to do public policy or run a government.”

In a phone interview Wednesday, Peskin slammed TogetherSF’s reform proposals as “no way to do public policy or run a government.”

He added, “What they have revealed is that this is an exercise for them to consolidate power for their intended candidate. It is actually quite frightening. The only thing I can take from this is that, apparently, I must be polling quite well.”&nbsp;

He added, “What they have revealed is that this is an exercise for them to consolidate power for their intended candidate. It is actually quite frightening. The only thing I can take from this is that, apparently, I must be polling quite well.”&nbsp;

Cheng said that TogetherSF is still “moving full steam ahead” on its other ballot initiative that would cut back on the number of city commissions, an effort that moderates claim will help fight back against unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. Cheng also said the group intends to bring back the mayoral powers ballot item in a future election cycle.

Cheng said that TogetherSF is still “moving full steam ahead” on its other ballot initiative that would cut back on the number of city commissions, an effort that moderates claim will help fight back against unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. Cheng also said the group intends to bring back the mayoral powers ballot item in a future election cycle.

The group’s abandoned ballot initiative also has implications for mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who formed a committee in support of TogetherSF’s initiatives as he challenges Mayor London Breed.

The group’s abandoned ballot initiative also has implications for mayoral candidate and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who formed a committee in support of TogetherSF’s initiatives as he challenges Mayor London Breed.

In an interview Wednesday, Farrell brushed off any notion that TogetherSF Action’s decision would drastically change the goals of his committee.

In an interview Wednesday, Farrell brushed off any notion that TogetherSF Action’s decision would drastically change the goals of his committee.

“I am fully behind the bold reform of our commission structure inside of City Hall,” said Farrell, whose committee has raised about $140,000. “And I will continue to do everything in my power to help improve it.”

“I am fully behind the bold reform of our commission structure inside of City Hall,” said Farrell, whose committee has raised about $140,000. “And I will continue to do everything in my power to help improve it.”

Jim Ross, a political consultant in San Francisco who is not working on any local races, questioned the argument TogetherSF Action made when putting together the strong mayor charter reform proposal.

Jim Ross, a political consultant in San Francisco who is not working on any local races, questioned the argument TogetherSF Action made when putting together the strong mayor charter reform proposal.

TogetherSF’s effort to change the charter came in response to criticisms that San Francisco’s complex governance—the mayor cannot directly choose certain department heads, for example—makes it difficult to tackle the city’s issues effectively.&nbsp;

TogetherSF’s effort to change the charter came in response to criticisms that San Francisco’s complex governance—the mayor cannot directly choose certain department heads, for example—makes it difficult to tackle the city’s issues effectively.&nbsp;

“The only reason we don’t have a strong mayor system in San Francisco is because we don’t have a strong mayor,” Ross said. “San Francisco’s mayor has as much or more power as any mayor in the country as long as they are able to work the levers of power that they have.”

“The only reason we don’t have a strong mayor system in San Francisco is because we don’t have a strong mayor,” Ross said. “San Francisco’s mayor has as much or more power as any mayor in the country as long as they are able to work the levers of power that they have.”

The abandoned ballot measure is a costly lesson for TogetherSF Action. Ross said that petition gathering across California currently costs about $8 to $12 per signature, and any charter reform measure in San Francisco would need more than 50,000 valid signatures to qualify for November.

The abandoned ballot measure is a costly lesson for TogetherSF Action. Ross said that petition gathering across California currently costs about $8 to $12 per signature, and any charter reform measure in San Francisco would need more than 50,000 valid signatures to qualify for November.

TogetherSF Action’s decision comes as its moderate ally, the political action committee Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, faced scrutiny this week over a potentially inappropriate relationship with the Farrell campaign.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action’s decision comes as its moderate ally, the political action committee Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, faced scrutiny this week over a potentially inappropriate relationship with the Farrell campaign.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Text messages</a> show Jay Cheng, who leads Neighbors and is married to TogetherSF’s director, attempted to help the Farrell campaign with hiring—a move that has raised questions about how much independent committees and candidate campaigns can legally coordinate.

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

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Text messages</a> show Jay Cheng, who leads Neighbors and is married to TogetherSF’s director, attempted to help the Farrell campaign with hiring—a move that has raised questions about how much independent committees and candidate campaigns can legally coordinate.

After spending millions, San Francisco political group abandons push to empower mayor

In an embarrassing blunder, a moderate political group in San Francisco withdrew <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-could-vote-on-drastic-reforms-to-city-hall-next-year/">a ballot measure intended to cut bureaucracy</a> at City Hall just two weeks after it announced the ordinance in a press conference.

San Francisco residents could vote on drastic reforms to City Hall next year

In an embarrassing blunder, a moderate political group in San Francisco withdrew <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-could-vote-on-drastic-reforms-to-city-hall-next-year/">a ballot measure intended to cut bureaucracy</a> at City Hall just two weeks after it announced the ordinance in a press conference.

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group&#8217;s goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group's goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group&#8217;s goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor&#8217;s Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor's Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor&#8217;s Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

Earlier this month, TogetherSF Action announced it was introducing two ballot measures to reform the city charter—one to give the mayor more power and the other to cut the number of city commissions in half. The group contends that giving the mayor more authority is key to making progress on public safety and the housing, homelessness and drug crises.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, TogetherSF Action announced it was introducing two ballot measures to reform the city charter—one to give the mayor more power and the other to cut the number of city commissions in half. The group contends that giving the mayor more authority is key to making progress on public safety and the housing, homelessness and drug crises.&nbsp;

But the proposal to eliminate commissions contained a fatal flaw, according to multiple sources in and around City Hall: Eliminating certain commissions would kick oversight responsibilities over to the Board of Supervisors, a group Mayor London Breed has repeatedly criticized as being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/07/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">“obstructionist”</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/29/mayor-breed-hits-back-at-sf-progressives-touts-conservatorship-in-jon-stewart-interview/">tone-deaf on the issues</a> many San Franciscans are facing.

Mayor Breed pushes $27M police overtime bill, slams &#8216;obstructionist&#8217; board

Mayor Breed hits back at SF progressives, touts conservatorship in Jon Stewart interview

But the proposal to eliminate commissions contained a fatal flaw, according to multiple sources in and around City Hall: Eliminating certain commissions would kick oversight responsibilities over to the Board of Supervisors, a group Mayor London Breed has repeatedly criticized as being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/07/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">“obstructionist”</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/29/mayor-breed-hits-back-at-sf-progressives-touts-conservatorship-in-jon-stewart-interview/">tone-deaf on the issues</a> many San Franciscans are facing.

Multiple sources in and around City Hall suggested the errors in TogetherSF Action’s proposed measure came from a DIY approach and a failure to consult with experts until concerns arose. One source, who is familiar with the issues but was not authorized to speak publicly, called the proposal “sloppy.”

Multiple sources in and around City Hall suggested the errors in TogetherSF Action’s proposed measure came from a DIY approach and a failure to consult with experts until concerns arose. One source, who is familiar with the issues but was not authorized to speak publicly, called the proposal “sloppy.”

Kanishka Cheng, the head of the nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action, said in a statement Monday that the ballot measure to eliminate commissions—known as the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a>—was being updated to change the “status quo” on city operations.

Kanishka Cheng, the head of the nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action, said in a statement Monday that the ballot measure to eliminate commissions—known as the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a>—was being updated to change the “status quo” on city operations.

“San Francisco’s governance structure is broken and we are committed to advancing bold reforms at the ballot this November to ensure city government is better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our city,” Cheng said. “We are making updates to our reform measure that will make the initiative stronger and clarify authority and responsibilities between the executive and legislative branches. Voters deserve to know who is responsible for the city government’s decisions and to hold them accountable.”&nbsp;

“San Francisco’s governance structure is broken and we are committed to advancing bold reforms at the ballot this November to ensure city government is better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our city,” Cheng said. “We are making updates to our reform measure that will make the initiative stronger and clarify authority and responsibilities between the executive and legislative branches. Voters deserve to know who is responsible for the city government’s decisions and to hold them accountable.”&nbsp;

Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action.

Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action.

The second proposed ballot measure—known as the “We Need SF To Work Initiative”—would give the mayor sole discretion to hire and fire department heads, strengthen the mayor’s ability to control commissions, and allow for the creation of deputy mayor positions.

The second proposed ballot measure—known as the “We Need SF To Work Initiative”—would give the mayor sole discretion to hire and fire department heads, strengthen the mayor’s ability to control commissions, and allow for the creation of deputy mayor positions.

Under city rules, any voter-led ballot initiative must first be submitted to the Department of Elections. After a 15-day review period by the City Attorney’s Office, the proposal receives a title and summary, and advocates can proceed to collect petition signatures. Sources suggested it would take four to five months to collect the almost 50,000 petition signatures required by July 8 to <a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/cscal_nov24/">qualify for the November 2024 ballot</a>. That 15-day period was to expire Tuesday.

Under city rules, any voter-led ballot initiative must first be submitted to the Department of Elections. After a 15-day review period by the City Attorney’s Office, the proposal receives a title and summary, and advocates can proceed to collect petition signatures. Sources suggested it would take four to five months to collect the almost 50,000 petition signatures required by July 8 to <a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/cscal_nov24/">qualify for the November 2024 ballot</a>. That 15-day period was to expire Tuesday.

Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-to-cut-commissions-in-san-francisco">Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-to-cut-commissions-in-san-francisco">Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco</h2>

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a> proposed creating a task force to review commissions in the city and suggest which ones were redundant and ripe for elimination. As of this summer, San Francisco had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">53 departments, 56 boards and commissions and 74 other advisory bodies</a>.

Only 1 person at SF City Hall knows the answer to this simple question

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a> proposed creating a task force to review commissions in the city and suggest which ones were redundant and ripe for elimination. As of this summer, San Francisco had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">53 departments, 56 boards and commissions and 74 other advisory bodies</a>.

TogetherSF Action’s original plan suggested the number of commissions be capped at 65.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action’s original plan suggested the number of commissions be capped at 65.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action said the revised version will seek to keep bodies such as the Board of Appeals, Police Commission, Fire Commission and Planning Commission while allowing the mayor and supervisors the ability to hire and fire commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission, the Fine Arts Commissions, the War Memorial Board and the Airport Commission.

TogetherSF Action said the revised version will seek to keep bodies such as the Board of Appeals, Police Commission, Fire Commission and Planning Commission while allowing the mayor and supervisors the ability to hire and fire commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission, the Fine Arts Commissions, the War Memorial Board and the Airport Commission.

Permitting appeals would go to the Board of Appeals instead of supervisors. For commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Airport Commission and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor would be able to appoint a supermajority of commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Permitting appeals would go to the Board of Appeals instead of supervisors. For commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Airport Commission and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor would be able to appoint a supermajority of commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, said the mistakes should be seen as a “teachable moment.” He suggested the group should have worked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also introduced a charter reform measure</a> that had some overlapping goals with TogetherSF Action’s proposal.&nbsp;

San Francisco lawmaker floats plan to bolster power of mayor&#8217;s office

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, said the mistakes should be seen as a “teachable moment.” He suggested the group should have worked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also introduced a charter reform measure</a> that had some overlapping goals with TogetherSF Action’s proposal.&nbsp;

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin answers a reporter’s question at a press conference, calling for an end to politicizing the city’s judiciary system, outside of City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action&#8217;s proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action's proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action&#8217;s proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

“We can have a discussion about what the best public policy is, but if it’s not what they intended, it shows this organization and its members don’t know what they’re doing,” Peskin said. “When you’re tinkering with your constitution, it should be tinkered with in public.”

“We can have a discussion about what the best public policy is, but if it’s not what they intended, it shows this organization and its members don’t know what they’re doing,” Peskin said. “When you’re tinkering with your constitution, it should be tinkered with in public.”

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

The Department of Elections received <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/20231218_Withdrawal%20Letter.pdf">a letter from Cheng</a> requesting that the ballot measure be withdrawn Monday afternoon. She added that she plans to submit a revised version “in the coming days.” Once resubmitted, another 15-day review process would start before any signatures could be gathered.&nbsp;

The Department of Elections received <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/20231218_Withdrawal%20Letter.pdf">a letter from Cheng</a> requesting that the ballot measure be withdrawn Monday afternoon. She added that she plans to submit a revised version “in the coming days.” Once resubmitted, another 15-day review process would start before any signatures could be gathered.&nbsp;

Mandelman said he has not seen TogetherSF Action’s ballot measures, but he and the group have been talking about ways to improve the city through charter reform. He indicated his ballot measure, which also suggests the creation of deputy mayors, would be more incremental with an eye on continuing to reform the city charter in 2026.

Mandelman said he has not seen TogetherSF Action’s ballot measures, but he and the group have been talking about ways to improve the city through charter reform. He indicated his ballot measure, which also suggests the creation of deputy mayors, would be more incremental with an eye on continuing to reform the city charter in 2026.

“To their credit, they are motivated by a sincere desire to fix problems in San Francisco city governance. In my experience, that’s not easy,” Mandelman said. “It’s hard to fault them for trying to come up with some structural solutions.”

“To their credit, they are motivated by a sincere desire to fix problems in San Francisco city governance. In my experience, that’s not easy,” Mandelman said. “It’s hard to fault them for trying to come up with some structural solutions.”

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don't think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That's to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations," vowing to "stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that's his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn't come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

Why Aaron Peskin’s progressive cred may not be enough to win

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Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

But, he admitted, it’s the push and pull between Democrats of all stripes that sparks the ideas that make San Francisco a national trailblazer.

But, he admitted, it’s the push and pull between Democrats of all stripes that sparks the ideas that make San Francisco a national trailblazer.

“I do believe the progressive movement, in the big picture, is the beating heart of the city,” he said.

“I do believe the progressive movement, in the big picture, is the beating heart of the city,” he said.

And Peskin aims to ensure it stays that way.

And Peskin aims to ensure it stays that way.

He lost the mayor’s race, but Aaron Peskin isn’t going anywhere

How close is too close in the famously incestuous world of San Francisco politics?

How close is too close in the famously incestuous world of San Francisco politics?

One political operative is testing those boundaries.

One political operative is testing those boundaries.

Jay Cheng, the executive director of the moderate political action committee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/09/da-jenkins-pocketed-six-figures-as-consultant-for-nonprofit-linked-to-boudin-recall-backers/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, apparently spent time earlier this year moonlighting as a recruiter for the mayoral campaign of Mark Farrell.

DA Jenkins pocketed six figures as consultant for nonprofit linked to Boudin recall backers

Jay Cheng, the executive director of the moderate political action committee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/09/da-jenkins-pocketed-six-figures-as-consultant-for-nonprofit-linked-to-boudin-recall-backers/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, apparently spent time earlier this year moonlighting as a recruiter for the mayoral campaign of Mark Farrell.

Text messages shared with The Standard—first reported in a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/moderate-groups-influence-election-2024-19416954.php">San Francisco Chronicle story</a> on moderate political influence in the city—show that Cheng attempted to facilitate the hiring of a Farrell campaign staffer for a tidy $15,000 a month salary about two weeks after Farrell declared his candidacy.

Text messages shared with The Standard—first reported in a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/moderate-groups-influence-election-2024-19416954.php">San Francisco Chronicle story</a> on moderate political influence in the city—show that Cheng attempted to facilitate the hiring of a Farrell campaign staffer for a tidy $15,000 a month salary about two weeks after Farrell declared his candidacy.

“The offer is open!” Cheng wrote. “We’ll hold the position for you as long as you need.”

“The offer is open!” Cheng wrote. “We’ll hold the position for you as long as you need.”

The job never materialized, but the exchange is raising questions about the propriety of such an “offer” and how it squares with laws that bar cooperation between PACs and candidate campaigns. The answers could very well depend on what Cheng meant by the word “we”—was he speaking for Farrell’s campaign or simply for his PAC?

The job never materialized, but the exchange is raising questions about the propriety of such an “offer” and how it squares with laws that bar cooperation between PACs and candidate campaigns. The answers could very well depend on what Cheng meant by the word “we”—was he speaking for Farrell’s campaign or simply for his PAC?

Neighbors does not appear to have spent any funds on the November mayor’s race, but having insider information and access to the Farrell campaign could end up barring the political heavyweight from taking part in one of the most consequential San Francisco mayoral races in years.

Neighbors does not appear to have spent any funds on the November mayor’s race, but having insider information and access to the Farrell campaign could end up barring the political heavyweight from taking part in one of the most consequential San Francisco mayoral races in years.

Since the beginning of 2022, Neighbors has spent by far the most money of any group on local elections, totaling almost $9 million on everything from the recall of three school board members and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/07/recall-election-sf-district-attorney-chesa-boudin/">former District Attorney Chesa Boudin</a> to supporting and opposing ballot measures.

The rise and fall of Chesa Boudin: Why a progressive DA lost in deep-blue San Francisco

Since the beginning of 2022, Neighbors has spent by far the most money of any group on local elections, totaling almost $9 million on everything from the recall of three school board members and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/07/recall-election-sf-district-attorney-chesa-boudin/">former District Attorney Chesa Boudin</a> to supporting and opposing ballot measures.

The group dropped almost $1 million on the March primary and has been funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/plan-to-fix-broken-san-franicisco-blows-up/">efforts to reform the City Charter</a> with TogetherSF Action, a fellow moderate group led by Cheng’s wife, Kanishka Cheng.&nbsp;

The group dropped almost $1 million on the March primary and has been funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/plan-to-fix-broken-san-franicisco-blows-up/">efforts to reform the City Charter</a> with TogetherSF Action, a fellow moderate group led by Cheng’s wife, Kanishka Cheng.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco political power couple Kanishka and Jay Cheng have close ties to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell.</figcaption></figure>

Neighbors and TogetherSF Action have not taken a formal position on the November mayor’s race, but Jay Cheng’s close proximity to the Farrell campaign has left some political observers wondering if the clique might be getting too cozy.

Neighbors and TogetherSF Action have not taken a formal position on the November mayor’s race, but Jay Cheng’s close proximity to the Farrell campaign has left some political observers wondering if the clique might be getting too cozy.

TogetherSF Action has received substantial funding from Michael Moritz, who is also chairman of The Standard.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action has received substantial funding from Michael Moritz, who is also chairman of The Standard.&nbsp;

Farrell’s campaign staff has numerous links to the staff of TogetherSF Action’s nonprofit arm. Kanishka Cheng is a former staffer for Farrell, while his campaign manager, Jade Tu, used to work as chief of staff for the nonprofit. Margaux Kelly, the nonprofit’s chief community officer, took a leave of absence to work on the campaign. Jess Montejano, a former Farrell staffer, serves as campaign spokesperson while his firm, Riff City Strategies, continues to handle communications for TogetherSF Action.

Farrell’s campaign staff has numerous links to the staff of TogetherSF Action’s nonprofit arm. Kanishka Cheng is a former staffer for Farrell, while his campaign manager, Jade Tu, used to work as chief of staff for the nonprofit. Margaux Kelly, the nonprofit’s chief community officer, took a leave of absence to work on the campaign. Jess Montejano, a former Farrell staffer, serves as campaign spokesperson while his firm, Riff City Strategies, continues to handle communications for TogetherSF Action.

Sean McMorris, an ethics expert at the government transparency nonprofit California Common Cause, said there are many instances in which campaigns and independent committees will engage in “wink and nod coordination” with one another that doesn’t explicitly break ethics rules.

Sean McMorris, an ethics expert at the government transparency nonprofit California Common Cause, said there are many instances in which campaigns and independent committees will engage in “wink and nod coordination” with one another that doesn’t explicitly break ethics rules.

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