Josh Koehn

The fallout from The Standard’s report in which three women made <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">allegations of violence and sexual assault</a> against San Francisco political organizer Jon Jacobo was swift, but it appears to be far from over.

Women accused a rising SF political star of rape and abuse—and met a wall of silence

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The fallout from The Standard’s report in which three women made <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">allegations of violence and sexual assault</a> against San Francisco political organizer Jon Jacobo was swift, but it appears to be far from over.

Less than 10 hours after the report’s publication Tuesday, officials for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">TODCO</a>—one of the most politically powerful affordable housing nonprofits in the city—confirmed that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/jon-jacobo-san-francisco-todco-resigns/">Jacobo had resigned</a> from his director position. Meanwhile, Police Chief Bill Scott posted on social media that investigators were working “diligently” on the women’s cases, and Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for a public hearing to understand how thoroughly the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

SF housing nonprofit spends big on politics. Tenants deal with infestations, overdoses

Jon Jacobo resigns after Standard reports sex-crime allegations; lawmaker calls for hearings

Less than 10 hours after the report’s publication Tuesday, officials for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">TODCO</a>—one of the most politically powerful affordable housing nonprofits in the city—confirmed that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/jon-jacobo-san-francisco-todco-resigns/">Jacobo had resigned</a> from his director position. Meanwhile, Police Chief Bill Scott posted on social media that investigators were working “diligently” on the women’s cases, and Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for a public hearing to understand how thoroughly the city responds to allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

The Standard has since learned that special crimes investigators called and emailed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/todco-affordable-housing-nonprofit-jon-jacobo-rape-accusation/">Sasha Perigo</a>—a woman who publicly accused Jacobo of rape in 2021—and she intends to meet with police to discuss pressing charges against Jacobo.&nbsp;

TODCO exec resumes climb to power after rape accusation

The Standard has since learned that special crimes investigators called and emailed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/todco-affordable-housing-nonprofit-jon-jacobo-rape-accusation/">Sasha Perigo</a>—a woman who publicly accused Jacobo of rape in 2021—and she intends to meet with police to discuss pressing charges against Jacobo.&nbsp;

Perigo resisted working with law enforcement three years ago—in part because of her distrust of police but also because she was uncertain if her experience was an isolated incident or part of a pattern of predatory behavior by Jacobo, who was a former commissioner, City Hall aide and rising star in progressive politics.

Perigo resisted working with law enforcement three years ago—in part because of her distrust of police but also because she was uncertain if her experience was an isolated incident or part of a pattern of predatory behavior by Jacobo, who was a former commissioner, City Hall aide and rising star in progressive politics.

The allegations in Tuesday’s report, which included witness accounts, disturbing audio recordings and text messages, made it clear that allegations of abuse and sexual violence by Jacobo date back as far as 2015.

The allegations in Tuesday’s report, which included witness accounts, disturbing audio recordings and text messages, made it clear that allegations of abuse and sexual violence by Jacobo date back as far as 2015.

Survivors using the alias “B2”, left, “B1”, center, and “B3” stand for anonymous portraits. Community Activist Jon Jacobo, who works for the Latino Task Force, was a rising star in San Francisco politics until 2021 when a woman accused him of raping her. The Standard has since spoken to three more women who filed police reports against him, and the allegations range from domestic violence, harassment and stalking to attempted rape and rape.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined02_jacobo10172023.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three women seen from the back against colorful backgrounds: red, window-lit beige, and blue." class="wp-image-267071" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three women who have worked in high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco filed police reports against Jon Jacobo, with allegations ranging from domestic violence and threats to sexual assault and rape.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined02_jacobo10172023.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three women seen from the back against colorful backgrounds: red, window-lit beige, and blue." class="wp-image-267071" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three women who have worked in high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco filed police reports against Jon Jacobo, with allegations ranging from domestic violence and threats to sexual assault and rape.</figcaption></figure>

One potential difficulty in the investigation into Jacobo could be the need for San Francisco police to work with law enforcement in South San Francisco and Oakland, where some of the alleged incidents occurred. None of the three women who came forward this week said they have been contacted by police since Tuesday’s story was published.

One potential difficulty in the investigation into Jacobo could be the need for San Francisco police to work with law enforcement in South San Francisco and Oakland, where some of the alleged incidents occurred. None of the three women who came forward this week said they have been contacted by police since Tuesday’s story was published.

Evan Sernoffsky, a San Francisco police spokesperson, said the department could not discuss reports filed against Jacobo due to confidentiality laws. However, he noted that in &#8220;all cases involving outside jurisdictions, we contact law enforcement in those areas and alert them.”

Evan Sernoffsky, a San Francisco police spokesperson, said the department could not discuss reports filed against Jacobo due to confidentiality laws. However, he noted that in "all cases involving outside jurisdictions, we contact law enforcement in those areas and alert them.”

Evan Sernoffsky, a San Francisco police spokesperson, said the department could not discuss reports filed against Jacobo due to confidentiality laws. However, he noted that in &#8220;all cases involving outside jurisdictions, we contact law enforcement in those areas and alert them.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reckoning-and-recriminations">Reckoning and recriminations</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reckoning-and-recriminations">Reckoning and recriminations</h2>

One of the women who came forward with allegations against Jacobo said that watching the reactions to Tuesday’s story was a “mixed bag.”

One of the women who came forward with allegations against Jacobo said that watching the reactions to Tuesday’s story was a “mixed bag.”

She said she received many calls and texts of support but has heard nothing from Jacobo’s progressive allies and Mission District community groups like Calle 24, where Jacobo served as vice president. He resigned from that position Tuesday.

She said she received many calls and texts of support but has heard nothing from Jacobo’s progressive allies and Mission District community groups like Calle 24, where Jacobo served as vice president. He resigned from that position Tuesday.

“A lot of us were self-identified progressive activists,” said the woman, who dated Jacobo for years and accused him of choking her and making death threats. “That was the community we were born out of, and those are the people we really wanted to hear from the most.”

“A lot of us were self-identified progressive activists,” said the woman, who dated Jacobo for years and accused him of choking her and making death threats. “That was the community we were born out of, and those are the people we really wanted to hear from the most.”

She added, “Not hearing from some key players has been disheartening, and some of that has probably been them reckoning with the facts.”

She added, “Not hearing from some key players has been disheartening, and some of that has probably been them reckoning with the facts.”

Now, pressure is mounting as city officials decide whether San Francisco should continue to give millions to TODCO, which has accumulated political clout by redirecting money from services for its low-income tenants to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">polling and ballot measures in support of progressive causes</a>.

Now, pressure is mounting as city officials decide whether San Francisco should continue to give millions to TODCO, which has accumulated political clout by redirecting money from services for its low-income tenants to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">polling and ballot measures in support of progressive causes</a>.

John Elberling, the president of TODCO, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.&nbsp;

John Elberling, the president of TODCO, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.&nbsp;

John Elberling poses for a portrait outside his long-time home, an apartment complex he helped develop decades ago, in the SoMa district of San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 29, 2022. Elberling is the Vice President of TODCO—a SoMA-based affordable housing group that exercises significant political power in the City. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PropKScrewup082622-20-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="John Elberling in a denim jacket stands on a sunny street with red-leafed trees and buildings behind him." class="wp-image-72299"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Elberling, the head of TODCO, was grooming Jon Jacobo to take over the financials of the nonprofit housing organization as recently as 2022.</figcaption></figure>

The city&#8217;s SF Open Book website, which provides contracts for organizations doing business with San Francisco, shows TODCO has two open grants that have awarded the organization more than $3.2 million since 2018. The total remaining money in those contracts could pay the organization more than $5.4 million.

The city's SF Open Book website, which provides contracts for organizations doing business with San Francisco, shows TODCO has two open grants that have awarded the organization more than $3.2 million since 2018. The total remaining money in those contracts could pay the organization more than $5.4 million.

The city&#8217;s SF Open Book website, which provides contracts for organizations doing business with San Francisco, shows TODCO has two open grants that have awarded the organization more than $3.2 million since 2018. The total remaining money in those contracts could pay the organization more than $5.4 million.

Anna Yee, CEO of TODCO, said in an email Tuesday that the organization was “not aware of the issues raised” in The Standard’s report. However, Nadia Rahman—a former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee—posted a screenshot of an email sent to Elberling and Yee on March 14, 2023, alerting the nonprofit execs of three other women “who were either raped or abused” by Jacobo.&nbsp;

Anna Yee, CEO of TODCO, said in an email Tuesday that the organization was “not aware of the issues raised” in The Standard’s report. However, Nadia Rahman—a former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee—posted a screenshot of an email sent to Elberling and Yee on March 14, 2023, alerting the nonprofit execs of three other women “who were either raped or abused” by Jacobo.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">How dare Yee lie &amp; claim TODCO wasn’t aware “of the issues raised today” &#8211; that’s a lie. Both Yee &amp; Elberling of TODCO were aware that there were multiple women who made allegations of abuse &amp; rape against Jacobo. Receipts: I sent them the email below on March 14, 2023. <a href="https://t.co/v1qwpfRPbV">https://t.co/v1qwpfRPbV</a> <a href="https://t.co/vHbkBGmLRr">pic.twitter.com/vHbkBGmLRr</a>&mdash; Nadia Rahman 駱雯 (@nadiarahmansf) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadiarahmansf/status/1780356342508585116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayoral-candidates-react-to-allegations">Mayoral candidates react to allegations</h2>

Candidates for mayor called TODCO&#8217;s support of Jacobo unsettling.

Candidates for mayor called TODCO's support of Jacobo unsettling.

Candidates for mayor called TODCO&#8217;s support of Jacobo unsettling.

Mark Farrell, a former mayor and supervisor who <a href="https://medium.com/@MarkFarrellSF/supervisor-farrell-calls-for-federal-investigation-into-real-estate-developer-todco-group-yerba-a35afe4aa2de">called for a federal investigation into TODCO</a> in 2016, said, “It is past time for the city to get serious about holding TODCO accountable.

Mark Farrell, a former mayor and supervisor who <a href="https://medium.com/@MarkFarrellSF/supervisor-farrell-calls-for-federal-investigation-into-real-estate-developer-todco-group-yerba-a35afe4aa2de">called for a federal investigation into TODCO</a> in 2016, said, “It is past time for the city to get serious about holding TODCO accountable.

“It is well known that TODCO funds polls, bankrolls ballot initiatives and candidates, and shakes down developers for their support on projects in SoMA and elsewhere,” Farrell said. “TODCO hasn’t developed any new housing in years, while the conditions of some of their buildings are in dire need of tenant improvements and services.”

“It is well known that TODCO funds polls, bankrolls ballot initiatives and candidates, and shakes down developers for their support on projects in SoMA and elsewhere,” Farrell said. “TODCO hasn’t developed any new housing in years, while the conditions of some of their buildings are in dire need of tenant improvements and services.”

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí said he has “serious questions surrounding the organization’s leadership and handling of these allegations.” He added that it is “clear that the SFPD has not done enough to investigate these accusations.”

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí said he has “serious questions surrounding the organization’s leadership and handling of these allegations.” He added that it is “clear that the SFPD has not done enough to investigate these accusations.”

Jon Jacobo, left, chair of Latino Task Force health committee, talks with colleagues as they work at the Latino Task Force Resource Hub in San Francisco on Thursday, November 5, 2020.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined11_jacobo10172023.jpg?w=1427" alt="Jon Jacobo in a mask holding a coffee stands next to his bike, talking to an out-of-focus person." class="wp-image-267080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New allegations of sexual assault and abuse have put political organizer Jon Jacobo back in the spotlight after he was publicly accused of rape in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who is also running for mayor, said he was concerned the women coming forward have “had to publicly relive this trauma after seeing no action or movement of their cases. That is not the message that we should be sending victims, and I support my women colleagues on the board in their sexual assault hearing.”

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who is also running for mayor, said he was concerned the women coming forward have “had to publicly relive this trauma after seeing no action or movement of their cases. That is not the message that we should be sending victims, and I support my women colleagues on the board in their sexual assault hearing.”

Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, said it is imperative that women have support when coming forward with allegations of abuse and sexual assault.

Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, said it is imperative that women have support when coming forward with allegations of abuse and sexual assault.

“That any of these women feared there would not be consequences due to San Francisco’s toxic politics is deeply concerning,” Lurie said. “People must be held accountable, and so too must any system that harbors and enables a predator.”

“That any of these women feared there would not be consequences due to San Francisco’s toxic politics is deeply concerning,” Lurie said. “People must be held accountable, and so too must any system that harbors and enables a predator.”

Joe Arellano, a campaign spokesperson for Mayor London Breed, who is currently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-london-breed-china-shenzhen-yimby/">in China</a>, called the allegations against Jacobo “serious and reprehensible.”

‘Love all the really tall buildings!’ Breed’s YIMBY quip goes viral in China

Joe Arellano, a campaign spokesperson for Mayor London Breed, who is currently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-london-breed-china-shenzhen-yimby/">in China</a>, called the allegations against Jacobo “serious and reprehensible.”

He added, “The mayor is confident that SFPD is investigating these cases and that the district attorney will prosecute, if the investigation leads to that.”

He added, “The mayor is confident that SFPD is investigating these cases and that the district attorney will prosecute, if the investigation leads to that.”

Jon Jacobo: Pressure mounts on San Francisco police to investigate rape, abuse allegations

Sasha Perigo dropped a political atom bomb on San Francisco in the summer of 2021 when she accused <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/todco-affordable-housing-nonprofit-jon-jacobo-rape-accusation/">Jon Jacobo</a> of raping her months earlier at his apartment.&nbsp;

Sasha Perigo dropped a political atom bomb on San Francisco in the summer of 2021 when she accused <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/todco-affordable-housing-nonprofit-jon-jacobo-rape-accusation/">Jon Jacobo</a> of raping her months earlier at his apartment.&nbsp;

Jacobo was a director for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">TODCO</a>, one of the most politically powerful housing nonprofits in the city, and a rising star in the local Democratic Party’s progressive wing. If things had gone according to plan, Jacobo would be campaigning right now to become a San Francisco supervisor.&nbsp;

Jacobo was a director for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/09/sf-housing-nonprofit-todco-politics-tenants-infestations-drug-overdose/">TODCO</a>, one of the most politically powerful housing nonprofits in the city, and a rising star in the local Democratic Party’s progressive wing. If things had gone according to plan, Jacobo would be campaigning right now to become a San Francisco supervisor.&nbsp;

But in a social media post, Perigo, who also works on affordable housing, linked to a <a href="https://twitter.com/sashaperigo/status/1423674978948435973?lang=en">seven-page document</a> laying out details of the incident, including what she said were test results from her rape kit and screenshots of text messages she sent Jacobo. One read: “you literally looked me in the eye and took my pants off AS I WAS TELLING YOU NO.”

But in a social media post, Perigo, who also works on affordable housing, linked to a <a href="https://twitter.com/sashaperigo/status/1423674978948435973?lang=en">seven-page document</a> laying out details of the incident, including what she said were test results from her rape kit and screenshots of text messages she sent Jacobo. One read: “you literally looked me in the eye and took my pants off AS I WAS TELLING YOU NO.”

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Jacobo denied the accusations and said the encounter was consensual. The allegations would fracture San Francisco’s political community. Elected officials and community organizers were forced into an uncomfortable position: remain loyal to an ascending political figure or prove their professed support for the <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/one-year-of-metoo#">#MeToo movement</a> was more than lip service. Most officials ended up awkwardly straddling the fence by saying they supported women as well as due process.&nbsp;

Jacobo denied the accusations and said the encounter was consensual. The allegations would fracture San Francisco’s political community. Elected officials and community organizers were forced into an uncomfortable position: remain loyal to an ascending political figure or prove their professed support for the <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/one-year-of-metoo#">#MeToo movement</a> was more than lip service. Most officials ended up awkwardly straddling the fence by saying they supported women as well as due process.&nbsp;

Perigo declined to press charges against Jacobo, citing her distrust in the criminal justice system, but she wanted him to be held accountable. She said she decided to go public after learning he “not only pushed boundaries with other women in the past, but was continuing to do so.”

Perigo declined to press charges against Jacobo, citing her distrust in the criminal justice system, but she wanted him to be held accountable. She said she decided to go public after learning he “not only pushed boundaries with other women in the past, but was continuing to do so.”

A survivor using the alias “B1” stands for a portrait in her home on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Community Activist Jon Jacobo, who works for the Latino Task Force, was a rising star in San Francisco politics until 2021 when a woman accused him of raping her. The Standard has since spoken to three more women who filed police reports against him, and the allegations range from domestic violence, harassment and stalking to attempted rape and rape.

The Standard has since learned that three women filed police reports against Jacobo in the months following Perigo’s public rape accusation. In a series of interviews, the women detailed disturbing allegations against Jacobo that range from stalking, harassment and threats to domestic violence, strangulation, sexual assault and rape, which formed the basis for their police reports.

The Standard has since learned that three women filed police reports against Jacobo in the months following Perigo’s public rape accusation. In a series of interviews, the women detailed disturbing allegations against Jacobo that range from stalking, harassment and threats to domestic violence, strangulation, sexual assault and rape, which formed the basis for their police reports.

“As time went on, he would threaten to kill me constantly,” said a woman who was in a relationship with Jacobo for years. “It started off as jokes and later escalated to direct, repeated threats. And that was terrifying.”

“As time went on, he would threaten to kill me constantly,” said a woman who was in a relationship with Jacobo for years. “It started off as jokes and later escalated to direct, repeated threats. And that was terrifying.”

The women shared audio recordings, text messages, photos and other evidence with The Standard to support their allegations, some of which they also shared with the SFPD. It’s unclear how thoroughly law enforcement attempted to investigate the women’s allegations against Jacobo, and the cases, while open, appear to be languishing. Jacobo did not respond to multiple calls, a text and an email with questions from the Standard.

The women shared audio recordings, text messages, photos and other evidence with The Standard to support their allegations, some of which they also shared with the SFPD. It’s unclear how thoroughly law enforcement attempted to investigate the women’s allegations against Jacobo, and the cases, while open, appear to be languishing. Jacobo did not respond to multiple calls, a text and an email with questions from the Standard.

One of the women who filed a police report said her phone calls to police went unreturned, while the two others said they felt discouraged by their interactions with officers. Friends and colleagues of the women who learned of the incidents contemporaneously told The Standard that they have never been contacted by police.

One of the women who filed a police report said her phone calls to police went unreturned, while the two others said they felt discouraged by their interactions with officers. Friends and colleagues of the women who learned of the incidents contemporaneously told The Standard that they have never been contacted by police.

Evan Sernoffsky, a police spokesperson, said the department takes sexual assault cases seriously and works “tirelessly” to stay in constant communication with victims through the entire process of an investigation.

Evan Sernoffsky, a police spokesperson, said the department takes sexual assault cases seriously and works “tirelessly” to stay in constant communication with victims through the entire process of an investigation.

Sasha Perigo at her home in San Francisco on March 10, 2023.  In 2021, Perigo, a tenants rights advocate, accused Jon Jacobo—the policy director of TODCO— of sexually assaulting her.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined01_jacobo10172023.jpg?w=1667" alt="Sasha Perigo sits by a window, sunlight casting shadows, in thoughtful pose, wearing a black top and hooped earrings." class="wp-image-267070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sasha Perigo accused Jon Jacobo, a director for affordable housing nonprofit TODCO, of raping her in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

“We urge anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report your case to the SFPD,” Sernoffsky said.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report your case to the SFPD,” Sernoffsky said.

All three of the women have worked at high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco, and spoke to The Standard on the condition they not be named publicly for fear of jeopardizing their political careers and perhaps their safety. They felt brushed aside in attempting to inform TODCO officials and former Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/18/former-supervisor-jane-kim-targeted-in-ethics-complaint-over-controversial-stevenson-street-project/">Jane Kim</a>—who hired Jacobo during her time at City Hall after he worked on her 2018 campaign for mayor—of their experiences with Jacobo.

Former supervisor Jane Kim targeted in ethics complaint over Stevenson Street housing project

All three of the women have worked at high levels of local government and public policy in San Francisco, and spoke to The Standard on the condition they not be named publicly for fear of jeopardizing their political careers and perhaps their safety. They felt brushed aside in attempting to inform TODCO officials and former Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/18/former-supervisor-jane-kim-targeted-in-ethics-complaint-over-controversial-stevenson-street-project/">Jane Kim</a>—who hired Jacobo during her time at City Hall after he worked on her 2018 campaign for mayor—of their experiences with Jacobo.

John Manly, a longtime attorney for victims of sexual assault who was lead counsel on the sexual abuse case against ex-USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, told The Standard that it’s especially important for police to thoroughly investigate cases with allegations coming from multiple women.

John Manly, a longtime attorney for victims of sexual assault who was lead counsel on the sexual abuse case against ex-USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, told The Standard that it’s especially important for police to thoroughly investigate cases with allegations coming from multiple women.

“To allow somebody in a position of authority and trust to go uninvestigated—as it appears to me here—is profoundly dangerous and unfair to the alleged victims,” Manly said. “Such an investigation may show a basis to charge him criminally or exonerate [Jacobo], but either way it’s important.”

“To allow somebody in a position of authority and trust to go uninvestigated—as it appears to me here—is profoundly dangerous and unfair to the alleged victims,” Manly said. “Such an investigation may show a basis to charge him criminally or exonerate [Jacobo], but either way it’s important.”

He added, “San Francisco law enforcement and political leaders can’t claim to be progressive on all issues, like women’s rights, and then drop the ball here.”

He added, “San Francisco law enforcement and political leaders can’t claim to be progressive on all issues, like women’s rights, and then drop the ball here.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-prince-of-progressive-politics">The prince of progressive politics</h2>

The first woman to go to police with allegations against Jacobo dated him for approximately three-and-a-half years, starting in 2015, when both were active in San Francisco’s political scene. The woman said her first impression of Jacobo was one of a charming and driven activist, but over time, she saw a darker side.

The first woman to go to police with allegations against Jacobo dated him for approximately three-and-a-half years, starting in 2015, when both were active in San Francisco’s political scene. The woman said her first impression of Jacobo was one of a charming and driven activist, but over time, she saw a darker side.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screenshot-2024-04-15-at-5-15-20-pm.png" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jacobo10172023_break_door_down_video.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jon Jacobo is heard pounding on a door and threatening to break it down in a recorded audio clip.</figcaption></figure>

“Jon described himself as a very calculating person,” she said. “He would talk about how he sought out friends or work associates, viewing his relationships like a chessboard. He would brag about using people to gain positions or leverage someone to get in another political circle.”

“Jon described himself as a very calculating person,” she said. “He would talk about how he sought out friends or work associates, viewing his relationships like a chessboard. He would brag about using people to gain positions or leverage someone to get in another political circle.”

Jacobo began physically abusing her during the first year of their relationship, she said. The woman said Jacobo choked her multiple times, frequently trapped her in their South San Francisco home, pointed a gun and knives at her, and repeatedly threatened to kill her and family members.

Jacobo began physically abusing her during the first year of their relationship, she said. The woman said Jacobo choked her multiple times, frequently trapped her in their South San Francisco home, pointed a gun and knives at her, and repeatedly threatened to kill her and family members.

Jon Jacobo speaks at a press conference, held by the Mission Street Vendor Association, protesting a ban on street vending, at the 24th and Mission BART station on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Three women have filed police reports against him and the allegations include rape, attempted rape, domestic violence, harassment and stalking.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined03_jacobo10172023.jpg?w=2407" alt="Jon Jacobo is speaking at a press conference with microphones in front, and onlookers behind him." class="wp-image-267072"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jon Jacobo returned to the spotlight in late 2023 when he took up the role of spokesperson for the Mission Street Vendor Association, which has been protesting a ban on street vending.</figcaption></figure>

In drunken fits of rage, she said, Jacobo destroyed furniture, her laptop and a watch, and broke the hinges off a door in their home. He also stalked and harassed her at work, she said.

In drunken fits of rage, she said, Jacobo destroyed furniture, her laptop and a watch, and broke the hinges off a door in their home. He also stalked and harassed her at work, she said.

“The more I understood the way that Jon’s mind works, the more disturbing it was,” she said.

“The more I understood the way that Jon’s mind works, the more disturbing it was,” she said.

The woman shared text messages with The Standard that show his temper and indicate Jacobo pressured her into lending him money; she said he often never paid her back.

The woman shared text messages with The Standard that show his temper and indicate Jacobo pressured her into lending him money; she said he often never paid her back.

Her memories of a vacation they took to Costa Rica in 2016 included locking herself in an Airbnb bathroom as Jacobo accessed her personal computer, took her passport and threatened to leave her stranded abroad without her belongings. In voice recordings obtained by the Standard, Jacobo can be heard bragging about being able to track her movements—even when her phone was turned off.

Her memories of a vacation they took to Costa Rica in 2016 included locking herself in an Airbnb bathroom as Jacobo accessed her personal computer, took her passport and threatened to leave her stranded abroad without her belongings. In voice recordings obtained by the Standard, Jacobo can be heard bragging about being able to track her movements—even when her phone was turned off.

The woman told police that during a 2017 hotel stay in Santa Cruz, Jacobo strangled her on the bed after the two attended her work event.

The woman told police that during a 2017 hotel stay in Santa Cruz, Jacobo strangled her on the bed after the two attended her work event.

A screenshot of a inflammatory text exchange between Jon Jacobo and a former girlfriend about water damage sustained to a Jacobo’s book The Portable Machiavelli. Jacobo demanded that she purchase a new book immediately.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined06_jacobo10172023.jpg?w=833" alt="The image displays a heated text conversation where Jon Jacobo threatens to damage property and the other offers to fix it, ending with a book title." class="wp-image-267075"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screenshot of a text exchange in which Jon Jacobo threatens to destroy property after his favorite book, The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, was damaged.</figcaption></figure>

The woman considered seeking help from community leaders in the Mission, where she worked, but believed none would aid her because of Jacobo’s many ties to local organizations. In addition to working at City Hall, he was the co-founder of the Latino Task Force, co-president of the Latin@ Young Democrats of San Francisco and vice president of the nonprofit Calle 24.

The woman considered seeking help from community leaders in the Mission, where she worked, but believed none would aid her because of Jacobo’s many ties to local organizations. In addition to working at City Hall, he was the co-founder of the Latino Task Force, co-president of the Latin@ Young Democrats of San Francisco and vice president of the nonprofit Calle 24.

Adding to her fears, she said, Jacobo frequently talked about being acquainted with Norteño gang members. An <a href="https://abc7news.com/juvenile-hall-san-francisco-close-closing/5240943/">ABC7 report in 2019</a> documented Jacobo hanging out with Fernando Madrigal, who claimed to be a reformed gang member. Madrigal later pleaded guilty to killing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/san-francisco-gang-member-reformed-sentenced-madrigal/">a 15-year-old boy</a> in 2019.

A San Francisco Norteño said he’d left gang life behind. He just got 33 years for killings

Adding to her fears, she said, Jacobo frequently talked about being acquainted with Norteño gang members. An <a href="https://abc7news.com/juvenile-hall-san-francisco-close-closing/5240943/">ABC7 report in 2019</a> documented Jacobo hanging out with Fernando Madrigal, who claimed to be a reformed gang member. Madrigal later pleaded guilty to killing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/san-francisco-gang-member-reformed-sentenced-madrigal/">a 15-year-old boy</a> in 2019.

Jacobo’s connections acted as a “silencing factor,” she said.&nbsp;

Jacobo’s connections acted as a “silencing factor,” she said.&nbsp;

Finally, in 2019, the woman started a new job at Oakland City Hall and managed to move out of the home she shared with Jacobo. Her fear of Jacobo drove her to live in hotels for months. She kept a suitcase packed with clothes in her trunk, stopped posting on social media accounts, bought a burner phone and avoided interacting with their friend groups, she said.&nbsp;

Finally, in 2019, the woman started a new job at Oakland City Hall and managed to move out of the home she shared with Jacobo. Her fear of Jacobo drove her to live in hotels for months. She kept a suitcase packed with clothes in her trunk, stopped posting on social media accounts, bought a burner phone and avoided interacting with their friend groups, she said.&nbsp;

“It got so bad,” she said, “that I literally thought about moving to another country just to escape him.”

“It got so bad,” she said, “that I literally thought about moving to another country just to escape him.”

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screenshot-2024-04-15-at-5-15-08-pm.png" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jacobo10172023_voicemail_video.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jon Jacobo is heard threatening a woman he dated in a phone call.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-you-do-when-it-s-survival">‘What you do when it’s survival’</h2>

In December 2018, Cynthia Wang—a San Francisco entertainment commissioner and former assistant city attorney in the Bay Area—received a phone call from a close friend who had worked for years in San Francisco public policy and at City Hall. Wang could immediately tell her friend was upset.

In December 2018, Cynthia Wang—a San Francisco entertainment commissioner and former assistant city attorney in the Bay Area—received a phone call from a close friend who had worked for years in San Francisco public policy and at City Hall. Wang could immediately tell her friend was upset.

“Something happened to me last night with Jon,” the woman told her. “He was really pushing aggressively … and I was scared.”

“Something happened to me last night with Jon,” the woman told her. “He was really pushing aggressively … and I was scared.”

The woman had invited Jacobo over to her apartment after flirting for weeks by text. She suspected he was in a long-term relationship—he was, in fact, still living with the first woman to come forward in this story—but she didn’t know for sure. He was a smooth talker, she said, to the point that she couldn’t tell if he was genuine. Jacobo had told her on a previous date that he and his girlfriend had separated, but she was still living in their South San Francisco home.

The woman had invited Jacobo over to her apartment after flirting for weeks by text. She suspected he was in a long-term relationship—he was, in fact, still living with the first woman to come forward in this story—but she didn’t know for sure. He was a smooth talker, she said, to the point that she couldn’t tell if he was genuine. Jacobo had told her on a previous date that he and his girlfriend had separated, but she was still living in their South San Francisco home.

The night Jacobo came to her apartment, the woman knew he had been drinking, but they had agreed to just hang out and talk.

The night Jacobo came to her apartment, the woman knew he had been drinking, but they had agreed to just hang out and talk.

“From there, it just completely escalated,” she told The Standard.

“From there, it just completely escalated,” she told The Standard.

Shortly after arriving, she said, Jacobo threw her onto her bed and got on top of her. She said she struggled as he tried to remove her pants, telling him “no” multiple times, but then a moment of fear gripped her.&nbsp;

Shortly after arriving, she said, Jacobo threw her onto her bed and got on top of her. She said she struggled as he tried to remove her pants, telling him “no” multiple times, but then a moment of fear gripped her.&nbsp;

“I had heard stuff in the past—even from some of his own friends—that he can become very violent,” the woman recalled.

“I had heard stuff in the past—even from some of his own friends—that he can become very violent,” the woman recalled.

A survivor using the alias “B2” poses for a portrait on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Community Activist Jon Jacobo, who works for the Latino Task Force, was a rising star in San Francisco politics until 2021 when a woman accused him of raping her. The Standard has since spoken to three more women who filed police reports against him, and the allegations range from domestic violence, harassment and stalking to attempted rape and rape.

She continued to resist Jacobo until realizing he wasn’t going to stop, she said. She finally gave up and told him to at least put on a condom.&nbsp;

She continued to resist Jacobo until realizing he wasn’t going to stop, she said. She finally gave up and told him to at least put on a condom.&nbsp;

“When you’re in a state of shock, you just have to think about what&#8217;s the best way to protect yourself,” the woman said. “I had to do what you do when it’s survival.”

“When you’re in a state of shock, you just have to think about what's the best way to protect yourself,” the woman said. “I had to do what you do when it’s survival.”

“When you’re in a state of shock, you just have to think about what&#8217;s the best way to protect yourself,” the woman said. “I had to do what you do when it’s survival.”

Months went by, and she repeatedly broke down in tears during her and Wang’s conversations about the incident. The woman said she started going to therapy and only later realized that what she had experienced was rape.

Months went by, and she repeatedly broke down in tears during her and Wang’s conversations about the incident. The woman said she started going to therapy and only later realized that what she had experienced was rape.

Then, in 2021, she learned of Perigo’s accusation against Jacobo. The details of Perigo’s account brought back all the trauma of her own experience.&nbsp;

Then, in 2021, she learned of Perigo’s accusation against Jacobo. The details of Perigo’s account brought back all the trauma of her own experience.&nbsp;

“The way she described it, I just felt completely numb,” the woman said.

“The way she described it, I just felt completely numb,” the woman said.

The woman said she spoke with close associates of Jane Kim—the former supervisor who had hired Jacobo as a staffer and now runs the California chapter of the Working Families Party— and shared details of her encounter with Jacobo.

The woman said she spoke with close associates of Jane Kim—the former supervisor who had hired Jacobo as a staffer and now runs the California chapter of the Working Families Party— and shared details of her encounter with Jacobo.

People the woman contacted included April Veneracion Ang, a legislative aide who now serves on TODCO’s board, and Bobbi López, Kim’s legislative director who went on to work with TODCO before joining San Francisco’s Department of Public Health to work on victim services. The woman said that Ang and López assured her that they would tell Kim there were other victims. Neither Ang nor López responded to requests for comment.

People the woman contacted included April Veneracion Ang, a legislative aide who now serves on TODCO’s board, and Bobbi López, Kim’s legislative director who went on to work with TODCO before joining San Francisco’s Department of Public Health to work on victim services. The woman said that Ang and López assured her that they would tell Kim there were other victims. Neither Ang nor López responded to requests for comment.

In late October 2021, the woman filed a report with San Francisco police.

In late October 2021, the woman filed a report with San Francisco police.

“When sharing the story with police, I wasn’t even sure if the officers were going to believe me,” she said.

“When sharing the story with police, I wasn’t even sure if the officers were going to believe me,” she said.

In 2022, the woman decided to leave San Francisco. She found a job outside the area that would help her avoid Jacobo and the city’s “toxic” political scene.&nbsp;

In 2022, the woman decided to leave San Francisco. She found a job outside the area that would help her avoid Jacobo and the city’s “toxic” political scene.&nbsp;

“I had to make a decision to leave the community that I worked so hard for, because people weren’t backing me up,” she said. “It wasn’t for a lack of trying.”

“I had to make a decision to leave the community that I worked so hard for, because people weren’t backing me up,” she said. “It wasn’t for a lack of trying.”

Shortly after Perigo’s rape allegations in 2021, Kim <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/After-rape-accusation-S-F-women-s-group-says-16525771.php">brought Jacobo to a Rose Pak Community Fund fundraising gala</a>. The SF Women’s Political Committee, which issued two statements in support of Perigo, said it was <a href="https://sfwpc.org/call-to-action-addressing-the-abuse-of-women-in-san-francisco-politics/">“shameful and unacceptable”</a> for people to be ushering Jacobo back into the political world.

Shortly after Perigo’s rape allegations in 2021, Kim <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/After-rape-accusation-S-F-women-s-group-says-16525771.php">brought Jacobo to a Rose Pak Community Fund fundraising gala</a>. The SF Women’s Political Committee, which issued two statements in support of Perigo, said it was <a href="https://sfwpc.org/call-to-action-addressing-the-abuse-of-women-in-san-francisco-politics/">“shameful and unacceptable”</a> for people to be ushering Jacobo back into the political world.

Meanwhile, Kim was also trying to help Jacobo find an attorney, according to a source who told The Standard that Kim asked them for help.

Meanwhile, Kim was also trying to help Jacobo find an attorney, according to a source who told The Standard that Kim asked them for help.

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Jon Jacobo: Pressure mounts on San Francisco police to investigate rape, abuse allegations

Women accused a rising SF political star of rape and abuse—and met a wall of silence

Political activist Jon Jacobo, facing rape and abuse charges, released by judge

Jon Jacobo, San Francisco political operative, charged with rape and domestic violence

Former rising political star Jon Jacobo pleads not guilty to rape, abuse charges