Gabe Greschler

Standing at the back of the brick-walled cocktail bar Swig on Geary Boulevard on Wednesday evening, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí took stock of his most loyal supporters, some of whom had traveled all the way from the outskirts of his district in the southernmost part of the city.

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Standing at the back of the brick-walled cocktail bar Swig on Geary Boulevard on Wednesday evening, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí took stock of his most loyal supporters, some of whom had traveled all the way from the outskirts of his district in the southernmost part of the city.

His district’s proximity to downtown—approximately a 25-minute car ride to the watering hole that was chosen for his 100th campaign event—is in many ways a fitting analogy for his fight to nab the city’s top job.&nbsp;

His district’s proximity to downtown—approximately a 25-minute car ride to the watering hole that was chosen for his 100th campaign event—is in many ways a fitting analogy for his fight to nab the city’s top job.&nbsp;

He’s not quite at the center of the mayoral race—he’s trailing badly in polls, and some may even forget he’s in the running—but Safaí maintains that things are A-OK.&nbsp;

He’s not quite at the center of the mayoral race—he’s trailing badly in polls, and some may even forget he’s in the running—but Safaí maintains that things are A-OK.&nbsp;

“I do not feel discouraged,” he told The Standard. “I feel very hopeful.”

“I do not feel discouraged,” he told The Standard. “I feel very hopeful.”

Ahsha Safai speaks to supporters during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday, May. 15, 2024. Supervisor Ahsha Safai is running for reelection this November for City Supervisor and is currently trailing in the polls.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-531_472599.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks into a microphone in a bar with attentive listeners, brick walls, a lit bar shelf, and hanging menu signs." class="wp-image-276234" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahsha Safaí speaks to supporters during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-531_472599.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks into a microphone in a bar with attentive listeners, brick walls, a lit bar shelf, and hanging menu signs." class="wp-image-276234" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahsha Safaí speaks to supporters during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

A supervisor in District 11 since 2017, Safaí <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/22/ahsha-safai-mayor-progressive/">has walked an ideological tightrope</a> since entering into the mayoral race about a year ago and is selling himself as the guy who knows the intricacies of City Hall’s byzantine bureaucracy like the back of his hand.

As center lane in mayor&#8217;s race gets crowded, one candidate tacks to the left

A supervisor in District 11 since 2017, Safaí <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/22/ahsha-safai-mayor-progressive/">has walked an ideological tightrope</a> since entering into the mayoral race about a year ago and is selling himself as the guy who knows the intricacies of City Hall’s byzantine bureaucracy like the back of his hand.

It’s a similar pitch to that of Board President Aaron Peskin, who’s known for his political acumen, but Safaí would probably tell you the difference is he’s not the dramatic type who will go around playing the blame game with his challengers.&nbsp;

It’s a similar pitch to that of Board President Aaron Peskin, who’s known for his political acumen, but Safaí would probably tell you the difference is he’s not the dramatic type who will go around playing the blame game with his challengers.&nbsp;

Sure, Safaí is an insider who’s been working in City Hall since the Willie Brown days—but he’s trying to convince voters he’s not an insider-insider, like some of his opponents, including Peskin, Mayor London Breed and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who led the city for a short stint.&nbsp;

Sure, Safaí is an insider who’s been working in City Hall since the Willie Brown days—but he’s trying to convince voters he’s not an insider-insider, like some of his opponents, including Peskin, Mayor London Breed and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, who led the city for a short stint.&nbsp;

Brenda Barros, of Antioch, holds a sign supporting Ahsha Safai during a campaign event for Safai at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday, May. 15, 2024. Supervisor Ahsha Safai is running for reelection this November for City Supervisor and is currently trailing in the polls.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-594.jpg?w=2500" alt="An individual holds a campaign sign reading &quot;Ahsha for Mayor&quot;, expressing a serious demeanor. They wear glasses and a brown sweater." class="wp-image-276233"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brenda Barros, of Antioch, shows her support for Ahsha Safai during a campaign event on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

Ahsha Safai (center) talks with supporters during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday, May. 15, 2024. Supervisor Ahsha Safai is running for reelection this November for City Supervisor and is currently trailing in the polls.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-5081.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three men share a conversation at a social event, one gesturing animatedly while holding a wine glass. They are dressed in business casual attire." class="wp-image-276232" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahsha Safaí, center, talks with supporters during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

He’s the everyday man, unlike that fancy rich guy, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-mayor-finances-breed-peskin-safai-farrell-lurie/">nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie</a> with his Levi’s jeans fortune, Safaí will tell you.

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He’s the everyday man, unlike that fancy rich guy, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-mayor-finances-breed-peskin-safai-farrell-lurie/">nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie</a> with his Levi’s jeans fortune, Safaí will tell you.

“Everything that I have heard over the last year is people are ready for change,” Safaí told the crowd of roughly 50 supporters at Swig. “They want to see the new leadership in the Mayor&#8217;s Office. They want someone that&#8217;s going to bring the city together, that&#8217;s going to fight for everyone. And that&#8217;s not going to continuously point fingers at everyone else.”

“Everything that I have heard over the last year is people are ready for change,” Safaí told the crowd of roughly 50 supporters at Swig. “They want to see the new leadership in the Mayor's Office. They want someone that's going to bring the city together, that's going to fight for everyone. And that's not going to continuously point fingers at everyone else.”

“Everything that I have heard over the last year is people are ready for change,” Safaí told the crowd of roughly 50 supporters at Swig. “They want to see the new leadership in the Mayor&#8217;s Office. They want someone that&#8217;s going to bring the city together, that&#8217;s going to fight for everyone. And that&#8217;s not going to continuously point fingers at everyone else.”

But Safaí’s optimism may need to face a reality check.&nbsp;

But Safaí’s optimism may need to face a reality check.&nbsp;

The polls aren’t looking so good for him: On Sunday, moderate-leaning political group GrowSF released figures showing Safaí polling dead last, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">with a mere 9.5% of the vote</a> in a simulated ranked-choice contest. That comes after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2024/sf-mayor-poll-takeaways/">a San Francisco Chronicle poll</a> released in February resulted in similar figures.

Breed is unpopular—but could still win reelection, new poll shows

The polls aren’t looking so good for him: On Sunday, moderate-leaning political group GrowSF released figures showing Safaí polling dead last, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">with a mere 9.5% of the vote</a> in a simulated ranked-choice contest. That comes after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2024/sf-mayor-poll-takeaways/">a San Francisco Chronicle poll</a> released in February resulted in similar figures.

Despite the numbers, Safaí’s campaign manager, Lauren Chung, was adamant that he’s staying in the race.

Despite the numbers, Safaí’s campaign manager, Lauren Chung, was adamant that he’s staying in the race.

“In San Francisco, I’ve seen enough races to know that five months, six months, is a long way to go,” she said. Between fundraising and public financing, Chung said the campaign has brought in roughly $900,000.

“In San Francisco, I’ve seen enough races to know that five months, six months, is a long way to go,” she said. Between fundraising and public financing, Chung said the campaign has brought in roughly $900,000.

So why drive half an hour to a bar in the Tenderloin on a Wednesday night to see a candidate presumably in last place?

So why drive half an hour to a bar in the Tenderloin on a Wednesday night to see a candidate presumably in last place?

“Today is about name ID,” said Safaí supporter Susan Horsfall, responding to the latest polls. “That’s all it is.”&nbsp;

“Today is about name ID,” said Safaí supporter Susan Horsfall, responding to the latest polls. “That’s all it is.”&nbsp;

Susan Horfall holds a sign supporting Ahsha Safai at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday, May. 15, 2024. Supervisor Ahsha Safai is running for reelection this November for City Supervisor and is currently trailing in the polls.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-607.jpg?w=2500" alt="An elderly woman in a bar holds a menu with Japanese characters, smiling while interacting with someone off-camera; drinks and soft lighting in the background." class="wp-image-276188" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Susan Horsfall holds a sign supporting Ahsha Safaí at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

Supporters of Ahsha Safai listen as Safai speaks during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday, May. 15, 2024. Supervisor Ahsha Safai is running for reelection this November for City Supervisor and is currently trailing in the polls.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-624.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group listens attentively to a speaker at a bar, illuminated by ambient lighting and a backlit shelf of bottles." class="wp-image-276189"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supporters of Ahsha Safaí listen as he speaks during a campaign event at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

Horsfall wasn’t the only one to point out that at least one of the candidates, namely Lurie and his independent expenditure committee, has spent gobs of money trying to get his relatively unknown name out there. That’s skewing the current polling, they claim, but once voters get to the ballot box, Safaí stands a chance.&nbsp;

Horsfall wasn’t the only one to point out that at least one of the candidates, namely Lurie and his independent expenditure committee, has spent gobs of money trying to get his relatively unknown name out there. That’s skewing the current polling, they claim, but once voters get to the ballot box, Safaí stands a chance.&nbsp;

Many also felt the type of contest could end up with a win for Safaí.

Many also felt the type of contest could end up with a win for Safaí.

“It’s ranked-choice voting … who knows how that will end up,” said David Strother, who has known Safaí since the late 2000s. “I&#8217;ll support him anyway because I know who he is,” said Monica Vivanco, sitting next to Strother.&nbsp;

“It’s ranked-choice voting … who knows how that will end up,” said David Strother, who has known Safaí since the late 2000s. “I'll support him anyway because I know who he is,” said Monica Vivanco, sitting next to Strother.&nbsp;

“It’s ranked-choice voting … who knows how that will end up,” said David Strother, who has known Safaí since the late 2000s. “I&#8217;ll support him anyway because I know who he is,” said Monica Vivanco, sitting next to Strother.&nbsp;

“They said the same thing about [former District 10 Supervisor] Malia Cohen,” said city employee Brenda Barros, <a href="https://fairvote.org/report/understanding-the-rcv-election-results-in-district-1/">referring to Cohen’s win in a ranked-choice contest</a> back in 2010. “It’s about the work you put in and the contact you do with the people.”

“They said the same thing about [former District 10 Supervisor] Malia Cohen,” said city employee Brenda Barros, <a href="https://fairvote.org/report/understanding-the-rcv-election-results-in-district-1/">referring to Cohen’s win in a ranked-choice contest</a> back in 2010. “It’s about the work you put in and the contact you do with the people.”

Barros said she initially supported Breed but turned to Safaí after what she saw as the sitting mayor’s lack of support for the city’s nurses, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-general-hospital-nurses-understaffing-assaults/">who are currently in contract negotiations</a>. “He&#8217;s compassionate about issues that I care for as a Black person,” she added.

Nurses say they&#8217;re assaulted constantly at San Francisco public hospitals

Barros said she initially supported Breed but turned to Safaí after what she saw as the sitting mayor’s lack of support for the city’s nurses, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-general-hospital-nurses-understaffing-assaults/">who are currently in contract negotiations</a>. “He's compassionate about issues that I care for as a Black person,” she added.

Barros said she initially supported Breed but turned to Safaí after what she saw as the sitting mayor’s lack of support for the city’s nurses, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-general-hospital-nurses-understaffing-assaults/">who are currently in contract negotiations</a>. “He&#8217;s compassionate about issues that I care for as a Black person,” she added.

Ahsha Safai stands for a portrait during a campaign event for Ahsha Safai at Swig in San Francisco on Wednesday, May. 15, 2024. Supervisor Ahsha Safai is running for reelection this November for City Supervisor and is currently trailing in the polls.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-564.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a business suit smiles broadly, looking off to the side; background suggests an indoor setting with subtle decor." class="wp-image-276235"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahsha Safaí told The Standard he remained &#8220;hopeful&#8221; despite training badly in polls.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-564.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a business suit smiles broadly, looking off to the side; background suggests an indoor setting with subtle decor." class="wp-image-276235"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahsha Safaí told The Standard he remained "hopeful" despite training badly in polls.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/junghokim-20240515-564.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a business suit smiles broadly, looking off to the side; background suggests an indoor setting with subtle decor." class="wp-image-276235"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ahsha Safaí told The Standard he remained &#8220;hopeful&#8221; despite training badly in polls.</figcaption></figure>

Just around the corner from Barros, at a high-top bar, sat two more of Safaí’s supporters, Richard Alexander and Mike Fitzgerald. The two said they felt that Safaí was one of the first to “really advocate” for scrutinizing city contracts with social services nonprofits before a swirl of scandals regarding <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-homelessness-scandal-providence-foundation/">misused funding</a>.

Homelessness nonprofit accused of nepotism, swindling from the city

Just around the corner from Barros, at a high-top bar, sat two more of Safaí’s supporters, Richard Alexander and Mike Fitzgerald. The two said they felt that Safaí was one of the first to “really advocate” for scrutinizing city contracts with social services nonprofits before a swirl of scandals regarding <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-homelessness-scandal-providence-foundation/">misused funding</a>.

Some remain skeptical about a Safaí win, or at least say there’s an uphill battle for him.

Some remain skeptical about a Safaí win, or at least say there’s an uphill battle for him.

“He&#8217;s definitely going to have to get himself out there and get people to know him the way I know him,” Joe Guglielmi said. “If they did it, he&#8217;d have a lot of support behind them. It’s a difficult race with so many candidates. And so I don&#8217;t know, via marketing efforts, how he&#8217;s going to accomplish that, but no question a challenge.”

“He's definitely going to have to get himself out there and get people to know him the way I know him,” Joe Guglielmi said. “If they did it, he'd have a lot of support behind them. It’s a difficult race with so many candidates. And so I don't know, via marketing efforts, how he's going to accomplish that, but no question a challenge.”

“He&#8217;s definitely going to have to get himself out there and get people to know him the way I know him,” Joe Guglielmi said. “If they did it, he&#8217;d have a lot of support behind them. It’s a difficult race with so many candidates. And so I don&#8217;t know, via marketing efforts, how he&#8217;s going to accomplish that, but no question a challenge.”

Last in the mayor’s race, Ahsha Safaí says don’t count him out

Astrid Kane

In less than two weeks, San Francisco voters will decide on Proposition E, a measure that could increase surveillance measures and give the San Francisco Police Department more latitude in pursuing suspects in high-speed chases. Backed by members of the city’s political establishment and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">largely funded by wealthy tech leaders</a>, it has become one of the most high-profile items on the March 5 ballot.

This San Francisco ballot measure would boost police surveillance. It&#8217;s raised $1M

In less than two weeks, San Francisco voters will decide on Proposition E, a measure that could increase surveillance measures and give the San Francisco Police Department more latitude in pursuing suspects in high-speed chases. Backed by members of the city’s political establishment and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/22/london-breed-prop-e-san-francisco-police-fundraising/">largely funded by wealthy tech leaders</a>, it has become one of the most high-profile items on the March 5 ballot.

Some detractors have characterized Prop. E as bad policy, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California claiming it will reduce transparency around police use of force and weaken law enforcement oversight. At a Thursday rally outside the Dogpatch headquarters of startup accelerator Y Combinator, a small coalition of activists and community leaders voiced strong opposition to Prop. E as a cynical measure that won’t effectively address voters&#8217; concerns about public safety.

Some detractors have characterized Prop. E as bad policy, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California claiming it will reduce transparency around police use of force and weaken law enforcement oversight. At a Thursday rally outside the Dogpatch headquarters of startup accelerator Y Combinator, a small coalition of activists and community leaders voiced strong opposition to Prop. E as a cynical measure that won’t effectively address voters' concerns about public safety.

Some detractors have characterized Prop. E as bad policy, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California claiming it will reduce transparency around police use of force and weaken law enforcement oversight. At a Thursday rally outside the Dogpatch headquarters of startup accelerator Y Combinator, a small coalition of activists and community leaders voiced strong opposition to Prop. E as a cynical measure that won’t effectively address voters&#8217; concerns about public safety.

Among the speakers was Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is also running for mayor. Surrounded by representatives of groups like SF Black Wall Street, the San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club and the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Safaí emphasized his credentials as a labor organizer and sharply criticized Prop. E for anticipated harm to the city’s communities of color.

Among the speakers was Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is also running for mayor. Surrounded by representatives of groups like SF Black Wall Street, the San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club and the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Safaí emphasized his credentials as a labor organizer and sharply criticized Prop. E for anticipated harm to the city’s communities of color.

“This measure is one of the most racist measures we’ve seen put on the ballot in a very long time,” he said. “And all of a sudden, we’re going to have high-speed chases, and fatalities will happen. Innocent bystanders get hurt, and lawlessness prevails.”

“This measure is one of the most racist measures we’ve seen put on the ballot in a very long time,” he said. “And all of a sudden, we’re going to have high-speed chases, and fatalities will happen. Innocent bystanders get hurt, and lawlessness prevails.”

However, polling <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-election-poll-prop-e-police-march-ballot/">indicates strong support for Prop. E</a>, with 61% of voters in favor in a recent survey from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Notably, all three of Safaí’s major rivals—Mayor London Breed, nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie and former Supervisor and Interim Mayor Mark Farrell—have backed it as well.

San Francisco voters want more police powers, new poll shows

However, polling <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-election-poll-prop-e-police-march-ballot/">indicates strong support for Prop. E</a>, with 61% of voters in favor in a recent survey from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Notably, all three of Safaí’s major rivals—Mayor London Breed, nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie and former Supervisor and Interim Mayor Mark Farrell—have backed it as well.

Supervisor Dean Preston, often considered to be the most left-leaning voice on the Board of Supervisors, was expected to show but did not attend. Both Preston and Safaí were among the officials name-checked in a deleted tweet by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">that was widely interpreted as a death threat</a>.

Garry Tan’s vulgar tweet prompts police reports by San Francisco supervisors

Supervisor Dean Preston, often considered to be the most left-leaning voice on the Board of Supervisors, was expected to show but did not attend. Both Preston and Safaí were among the officials name-checked in a deleted tweet by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">that was widely interpreted as a death threat</a>.

Long considered a moderate supervisor, Safaí has represented southern neighborhoods like the Excelsior and Oceanview since 2017. Having announced his bid to unseat Breed last May, Safaí has seen the moderate “lane” of the race grow increasingly crowded with well-funded competitors with considerable name recognition citywide.

Long considered a moderate supervisor, Safaí has represented southern neighborhoods like the Excelsior and Oceanview since 2017. Having announced his bid to unseat Breed last May, Safaí has seen the moderate “lane” of the race grow increasingly crowded with well-funded competitors with considerable name recognition citywide.

At present, there is no self-identified progressive candidate in the mayor’s race. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the termed-out president of the Board of Supervisors, has been widely expected to throw his hat in, but told The Standard in January that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/26/san-francisco-progressive-supervisor-aaron-peskin-not-running-mayor/">he was more afraid of winning than of losing</a>.&nbsp;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin says he’s definitely not running for mayor: ‘I’m afraid of winning’

At present, there is no self-identified progressive candidate in the mayor’s race. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the termed-out president of the Board of Supervisors, has been widely expected to throw his hat in, but told The Standard in January that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/26/san-francisco-progressive-supervisor-aaron-peskin-not-running-mayor/">he was more afraid of winning than of losing</a>.&nbsp;

Nature abhors a vacuum, as they say. Asked if he was making a deliberate play for progressive voters’ support by criticizing Prop. E, Safaí said he was following his conscience on the issue, then threw another jab at the incumbent.

Nature abhors a vacuum, as they say. Asked if he was making a deliberate play for progressive voters’ support by criticizing Prop. E, Safaí said he was following his conscience on the issue, then threw another jab at the incumbent.

“It’s a hodgepodge of ideas that the mayor threw together at the last minute,” he said. “I’ve been a strong voice for progressive values for a long time. If you look at my track record, [opposing Prop. E is] in line with what I’ve been doing my entire career.”

“It’s a hodgepodge of ideas that the mayor threw together at the last minute,” he said. “I’ve been a strong voice for progressive values for a long time. If you look at my track record, [opposing Prop. E is] in line with what I’ve been doing my entire career.”

Still, would Safaí encourage self-identified progressives to support his campaign?

Still, would Safaí encourage self-identified progressives to support his campaign?

Notably, Safaí is the force behind another issue on the March 5 ballot that pertains to policing. Proposition B, which emerged from the legislative process as an item that ties staffing in the department to future funding, has been called a “cop tax.” The ACLU has come out against that measure as well.

Notably, Safaí is the force behind another issue on the March 5 ballot that pertains to policing. Proposition B, which emerged from the legislative process as an item that ties staffing in the department to future funding, has been called a “cop tax.” The ACLU has come out against that measure as well.

As center lane in mayor’s race gets crowded, one candidate tacks to the left

Mike Ege

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

Michael Barba

One of the leading candidates for San Francisco mayor has collaborated over the past decade on a series of construction projects with a cadre of people who are now embroiled in the city&#8217;s corruption scandal.

One of the leading candidates for San Francisco mayor has collaborated over the past decade on a series of construction projects with a cadre of people who are now embroiled in the city's corruption scandal.

One of the leading candidates for San Francisco mayor has collaborated over the past decade on a series of construction projects with a cadre of people who are now embroiled in the city&#8217;s corruption scandal.

On one project, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí partnered with a who&#8217;s who of the scandal, including developer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/14/san-francisco-corruption-scandal-who-is-the-immensely-wealthy-developer/">Sia Tahbazof</a> and engineer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/25/san-francisco-corruption-ex-official-prison/">Rodrigo Santos</a>, who were both accused of arranging illegal payments for a disgraced building inspector. On two others, Safaí invested in properties with companies managed by Bahman Ghassemzadeh, Tahbazof’s nephew and an engineer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-corruption-sia-tahbazof-charged-bribery-bernie-curran-scandal/">who allegedly bribed the same inspector</a>. Most recently, Safaí remodeled his home with help from Tahbazof&#8217;s design firm, Sia Consulting.

Who is the &#8216;immensely wealthy&#8217; developer tied to San Francisco&#8217;s corruption scandal?

Ex-San Francisco official gets 2.5 years in prison for stealing $1.5M, other crimes

Prominent San Francisco developer paid bribes to building inspection employees, Feds say

On one project, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí partnered with a who's who of the scandal, including developer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/14/san-francisco-corruption-scandal-who-is-the-immensely-wealthy-developer/">Sia Tahbazof</a> and engineer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/25/san-francisco-corruption-ex-official-prison/">Rodrigo Santos</a>, who were both accused of arranging illegal payments for a disgraced building inspector. On two others, Safaí invested in properties with companies managed by Bahman Ghassemzadeh, Tahbazof’s nephew and an engineer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-corruption-sia-tahbazof-charged-bribery-bernie-curran-scandal/">who allegedly bribed the same inspector</a>. Most recently, Safaí remodeled his home with help from Tahbazof's design firm, Sia Consulting.

On one project, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí partnered with a who&#8217;s who of the scandal, including developer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/14/san-francisco-corruption-scandal-who-is-the-immensely-wealthy-developer/">Sia Tahbazof</a> and engineer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/25/san-francisco-corruption-ex-official-prison/">Rodrigo Santos</a>, who were both accused of arranging illegal payments for a disgraced building inspector. On two others, Safaí invested in properties with companies managed by Bahman Ghassemzadeh, Tahbazof’s nephew and an engineer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-corruption-sia-tahbazof-charged-bribery-bernie-curran-scandal/">who allegedly bribed the same inspector</a>. Most recently, Safaí remodeled his home with help from Tahbazof&#8217;s design firm, Sia Consulting.

Safaí, who ran a public affairs firm specializing in urban planning and labor before he was elected as supervisor in 2016, has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing. But he is now facing tough questions about his associations with people who have come under federal charges as he campaigns to unseat Mayor London Breed next November.

Safaí, who ran a public affairs firm specializing in urban planning and labor before he was elected as supervisor in 2016, has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing. But he is now facing tough questions about his associations with people who have come under federal charges as he campaigns to unseat Mayor London Breed next November.

“City Hall has become fertile ground for corruption,” Max Szabo, a campaign consultant for another mayoral hopeful, Daniel Lurie, said in a statement Tuesday targeting both Breed and Safaí. “This administration has failed to reform a bureaucracy that’s enabling those who bribe, cheat, and corrupt our public servants.” 

“City Hall has become fertile ground for corruption,” Max Szabo, a campaign consultant for another mayoral hopeful, Daniel Lurie, said in a statement Tuesday targeting both Breed and Safaí. “This administration has failed to reform a bureaucracy that’s enabling those who bribe, cheat, and corrupt our public servants.”

Many of Safaí’s questionable connections center on Tahbazof, 72, an engineer, philanthropist and the patriarch of a powerful real estate family who once described Safaí as a family friend.

Many of Safaí’s questionable connections center on Tahbazof, 72, an engineer, philanthropist and the patriarch of a powerful real estate family who once described Safaí as a family friend.

Tahbazof or his associates worked on five properties that Safaí owned in San Francisco since 2014, according to a review of property filings and building inspection records by The Standard. Safaí also received political contributions from Tahbazof and members of his family over the years and passed legislation while in office to support a Tahbazof project.

Tahbazof or his associates worked on five properties that Safaí owned in San Francisco since 2014, according to a review of property filings and building inspection records by The Standard. Safaí also received political contributions from Tahbazof and members of his family over the years and passed legislation while in office to support a Tahbazof project.

Sia Tahbazof, left, and Sami Tahbazof, right. Federal prosecutors in the City Hall corruption scandal have hinted that the unnamed developer who gave a building inspector an illegal loan could soon face criminal charges. Records suggest that developer is Sia Tahbazof, of Sia Consulting and other companies.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED02_DeveloperOne080723.jpg?w=1572" alt="Sia Tahbazof" class="wp-image-190718"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sia Tahbazof, left, poses with his wife, Sami Tahbazof, right.</figcaption></figure>

Tahbazof, who founded the design firm Sia Consulting and the development company SST Investments, was charged Thursday alongside his business partner, Reza Khoshnevisan, the CEO of Sia Consulting, and his nephew who also worked at the design firm, Ghassemzadeh, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-corruption-sia-tahbazof-charged-bribery-bernie-curran-scandal/">for allegedly bribing employees at the Department of Building Inspection</a>.

Tahbazof, who founded the design firm Sia Consulting and the development company SST Investments, was charged Thursday alongside his business partner, Reza Khoshnevisan, the CEO of Sia Consulting, and his nephew who also worked at the design firm, Ghassemzadeh, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-corruption-sia-tahbazof-charged-bribery-bernie-curran-scandal/">for allegedly bribing employees at the Department of Building Inspection</a>.

Among the allegations against them is that Tahbazof and Ghassemzadeh each paid a building inspector, Bernie Curran, $1,500 to conduct inspections.

Among the allegations against them is that Tahbazof and Ghassemzadeh each paid a building inspector, Bernie Curran, $1,500 to conduct inspections.

Curran conducted the final inspection for the project Safaí worked on with Santos, Tahbazof, Ghassemzadeh and Khoshnevisan, building inspection records show. The project called for the construction of a single-family house on a vacant hillside in Bernal Heights owned by Safaí and his father-in-law.

Curran conducted the final inspection for the project Safaí worked on with Santos, Tahbazof, Ghassemzadeh and Khoshnevisan, building inspection records show. The project called for the construction of a single-family house on a vacant hillside in Bernal Heights owned by Safaí and his father-in-law.

Last in the mayor’s race, Ahsha Safaí says don’t count him out

As center lane in mayor’s race gets crowded, one candidate tacks to the left

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

SF mayoral hopeful Ahsha Safaí developed property with execs charged in bribery scandal

Why next year’s race for a relatively sleepy San Francisco district is heating up fast

Search Results for: ahsha safaí

Last in the mayor’s race, Ahsha Safaí says don’t count him out

As center lane in mayor’s race gets crowded, one candidate tacks to the left

Get to know the longshots running for San Francisco mayor

SF mayoral hopeful Ahsha Safaí developed property with execs charged in bribery scandal

Why next year’s race for a relatively sleepy San Francisco district is heating up fast