Annie Gaus

The approval of two bills this week marked a turning point in housing policy statewide, though any effect on San Francisco’s housing landscape is likely to be slow.

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The approval of two bills this week marked a turning point in housing policy statewide, though any effect on San Francisco’s housing landscape is likely to be slow.

The California State Assembly passed two high-profile housing bills this week, SB 9 and SB 10, that will together make it easier to build multi-unit housing on more swaths of land in the state.&nbsp;

The California State Assembly passed two high-profile housing bills this week, SB 9 and SB 10, that will together make it easier to build multi-unit housing on more swaths of land in the state.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9">SB 9</a>, which will advance to the State Senate for final approval in September, effectively ends restrictive single-family zoning in the state by allowing duplexes on lots otherwise reserved for single homes. That bill also allows owners to subdivide their lots if they meet a certain size threshold, making it possible to build four units on a single lot.&nbsp;

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9">SB 9</a>, which will advance to the State Senate for final approval in September, effectively ends restrictive single-family zoning in the state by allowing duplexes on lots otherwise reserved for single homes. That bill also allows owners to subdivide their lots if they meet a certain size threshold, making it possible to build four units on a single lot.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, the average prototypical lot is around 2500 square feet. You’d be legally allowed to split it in two, meaning you could have two duplexes or four total units,” said Todd David, executive director of Housing Action Coalition. 

“In San Francisco, the average prototypical lot is around 2500 square feet. You’d be legally allowed to split it in two, meaning you could have two duplexes or four total units,” said Todd David, executive director of Housing Action Coalition.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB10">SB 10</a> would let local governments rezone parcels up to 10 units with no environmental review. Local governments must opt into the law, but those that do will be able to quickly rezone swaths of land without triggering long and costly reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act by default (CEQA).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB10">SB 10</a> would let local governments rezone parcels up to 10 units with no environmental review. Local governments must opt into the law, but those that do will be able to quickly rezone swaths of land without triggering long and costly reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act by default (CEQA).&nbsp;

“It will give the Mayor and Board of Supervisors much more flexibility in rezoning for small multi-unit housing,” said Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who introduced SB 10. “Those rezonings could take many years, so it could be a very powerful tool for any effort to rezone broader swaths of San Francisco.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It will give the Mayor and Board of Supervisors much more flexibility in rezoning for small multi-unit housing,” said Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who introduced SB 10. “Those rezonings could take many years, so it could be a very powerful tool for any effort to rezone broader swaths of San Francisco.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

If Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately signs both bills, they would be enacted next January alongside efforts by local policymakers to pave the way for more housing, particularly in areas of the city with few apartments.&nbsp;

If Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately signs both bills, they would be enacted next January alongside efforts by local policymakers to pave the way for more housing, particularly in areas of the city with few apartments.&nbsp;

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Neither SB 9 nor SB 10 are likely, by themselves, to produce a major groundswell of housing production.&nbsp;

Neither SB 9 nor SB 10 are likely, by themselves, to produce a major groundswell of housing production.&nbsp;

According to the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, San Francisco has about <a href="https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SB-9-Brief-July-2021-Final.pdf">6,500 housing parcels</a> for which SB 9 could increase the number of “market-feasible” units. However, feasibility does not guarantee that any future development would take place, and researchers at the Terner Center concluded that the bill is unlikely to result in much demolition of existing housing stock.

According to the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, San Francisco has about <a href="https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SB-9-Brief-July-2021-Final.pdf">6,500 housing parcels</a> for which SB 9 could increase the number of “market-feasible” units. However, feasibility does not guarantee that any future development would take place, and researchers at the Terner Center concluded that the bill is unlikely to result in much demolition of existing housing stock.

“The question really becomes how many empty lots are there,” added David. “There is no reason for someone not to split an empty lot, and I think it would be in the city’s interest to encourage that.”

“The question really becomes how many empty lots are there,” added David. “There is no reason for someone not to split an empty lot, and I think it would be in the city’s interest to encourage that.”

If the city were to opt into SB 10, it could much more easily rezone chunks of land for denser housing. The Board of Supervisors may instead opt to advance their own proposals for housing production, at least for the immediate future.&nbsp;

If the city were to opt into SB 10, it could much more easily rezone chunks of land for denser housing. The Board of Supervisors may instead opt to advance their own proposals for housing production, at least for the immediate future.&nbsp;

Under a state mandate called the <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/housing/rhna-regional-housing-needs-allocation">Regional Housing Needs Allocation</a> (RHNA), San Francisco will likely be required <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/ABAG_2023-2031_Draft_RHNA_Plan.pdf">to build about 82,000</a> new housing units between 2023 and 2031. That’s a significant increase compared to the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">pace of housing production</a> in recent years.&nbsp;

Under a state mandate called the <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/housing/rhna-regional-housing-needs-allocation">Regional Housing Needs Allocation</a> (RHNA), San Francisco will likely be required <a href="https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/ABAG_2023-2031_Draft_RHNA_Plan.pdf">to build about 82,000</a> new housing units between 2023 and 2031. That’s a significant increase compared to the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">pace of housing production</a> in recent years.&nbsp;

The Planning Department is tasked with writing a so-called Housing Element, or a citywide plan to meet the expected mandate of 82,000 housing units by 2031. The department kicked off that process <a href="https://www.sfhousingelement.org/summary-draft-needs-assessment-housing-element-2022-update">in April</a>, and will produce a final plan next year.

The Planning Department is tasked with writing a so-called Housing Element, or a citywide plan to meet the expected mandate of 82,000 housing units by 2031. The department kicked off that process <a href="https://www.sfhousingelement.org/summary-draft-needs-assessment-housing-element-2022-update">in April</a>, and will produce a final plan next year.

“Rezoning is planting seeds for the future—it’s not immediate production, but it’s creating the foundation,” added Wiener. “Over an eight-year cycle, if the Board of Supervisors were to do a rezoning now, it would help in terms of RHNA.”&nbsp;

“Rezoning is planting seeds for the future—it’s not immediate production, but it’s creating the foundation,” added Wiener. “Over an eight-year cycle, if the Board of Supervisors were to do a rezoning now, it would help in terms of RHNA.”&nbsp;

In the coming months, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a handful of new ordinances intended to boost housing capacity.&nbsp;

In the coming months, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a handful of new ordinances intended to boost housing capacity.&nbsp;

In July, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced a proposal that would allow the construction of fourplexes citywide. It’s an amped-up version of an earlier proposal by Mandelman to allow fourplex construction on corner lots, but the newer plan could facilitate more “equitable” distribution of multifamily housing across the city, according to Mandelman.&nbsp;

In July, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced a proposal that would allow the construction of fourplexes citywide. It’s an amped-up version of an earlier proposal by Mandelman to allow fourplex construction on corner lots, but the newer plan could facilitate more “equitable” distribution of multifamily housing across the city, according to Mandelman.&nbsp;

Fourplexes are “a small piece” of San Francisco’s broader housing needs, Mandelman added.

Fourplexes are “a small piece” of San Francisco’s broader housing needs, Mandelman added.

“By the standards of the past, this is a relatively significant upzoning,” he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">told Here/Say</a> in July. “Compared to what the moves that we’re going to need to make to meet our obligation…it’s relatively modest.”

“By the standards of the past, this is a relatively significant upzoning,” he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/supervisors-to-consider-citywide-fourplex-expansion-next-year/">told Here/Say</a> in July. “Compared to what the moves that we’re going to need to make to meet our obligation…it’s relatively modest.”

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Astrid Kane

Most candidates for local office would be ecstatic to receive the endorsement of a labor union or a neighborhood political club. But on Monday, two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda—or, rather, her eponymous climate PAC—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/jane-fonda-endorses-honey-mahogany-for-supervisor/">parachuted into a race</a> for San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, declaring her support for Honey Mahogany, a social worker, small-business owner, chief of staff for former Sup. Matt Haney, and caftan-clad RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor who is vying to represent District 6 on the board.

Most candidates for local office would be ecstatic to receive the endorsement of a labor union or a neighborhood political club. But on Monday, two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda—or, rather, her eponymous climate PAC—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/jane-fonda-endorses-honey-mahogany-for-supervisor/">parachuted into a race</a> for San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, declaring her support for Honey Mahogany, a social worker, small-business owner, chief of staff for former Sup. Matt Haney, and caftan-clad RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor who is vying to represent District 6 on the board.

As endorsements go, it was hardly the most unusual. (Remember when 50 Cent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jan/20/popandrock">backed George W. Bush</a>?) Whether glamorous or cringe, the fact that Hollywood’s ultimate liberal weighed in suggests that a contest to represent one-eleventh of America’s 17th-largest city is as consequential as the fight for a Georgia Senate seat.

As endorsements go, it was hardly the most unusual. (Remember when 50 Cent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jan/20/popandrock">backed George W. Bush</a>?) Whether glamorous or cringe, the fact that Hollywood’s ultimate liberal weighed in suggests that a contest to represent one-eleventh of America’s 17th-largest city is as consequential as the fight for a Georgia Senate seat.

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait outside OASIS Nightclub, where she used to perform, in San Francisco on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84872"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait outside OASIS Nightclub, where she used to perform, in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84872"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait outside OASIS Nightclub, where she used to perform, in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">Newly redistricted</a> to cover SoMa, Mission Bay, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island, half of the Financial District and a jagged fragment of Civic Center, D6 may not be the keystone to an evenly divided America or even control of the board. But it is San Francisco in microcosm, encompassing incomparable tech wealth and unhoused encampments, shiny medical campuses and dilapidated SROs, overpasses from all three of the city’s freeways (along with everything that transpires beneath them) plus restaurants with 15 Michelin stars all told.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">Newly redistricted</a> to cover SoMa, Mission Bay, the Design District, Rincon Hill, Treasure Island, half of the Financial District and a jagged fragment of Civic Center, D6 may not be the keystone to an evenly divided America or even control of the board. But it is San Francisco in microcosm, encompassing incomparable tech wealth and unhoused encampments, shiny medical campuses and dilapidated SROs, overpasses from all three of the city’s freeways (along with everything that transpires beneath them) plus restaurants with 15 Michelin stars all told.

As a Black transgender woman whose family arrived decades ago as Ethiopian refugees, Honey Mahogany, 38, is at once an unlikely candidate for office and, in her backers’ eyes, the right person at the right time. A native of the Sunset District and a lauded drag performer, her chief opponent is the incumbent, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a cisgender gay white man living with HIV whose struggle with substance abuse gives him a compelling narrative of his own.&nbsp;

As a Black transgender woman whose family arrived decades ago as Ethiopian refugees, Honey Mahogany, 38, is at once an unlikely candidate for office and, in her backers’ eyes, the right person at the right time. A native of the Sunset District and a lauded drag performer, her chief opponent is the incumbent, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a cisgender gay white man living with HIV whose struggle with substance abuse gives him a compelling narrative of his own.&nbsp;

The contest is technically a four-way affair, with Dorsey fending off challenges from two other Black women: labor leader Cherelle Jackson and longtime transgender and homeless advocate Ms. Billie Cooper. Given all this, a reliance on checklist-style identity politics may not propel anyone’s campaign over the finish line.&nbsp;

The contest is technically a four-way affair, with Dorsey fending off challenges from two other Black women: labor leader Cherelle Jackson and longtime transgender and homeless advocate Ms. Billie Cooper. Given all this, a reliance on checklist-style identity politics may not propel anyone’s campaign over the finish line.&nbsp;

With polling at local levels all but nonexistent, the race is widely perceived as a race between Dorsey and Mahogany, two LGBTQ-identified renters in SoMa with little daylight between their positions on housing, safe drug consumption and public safety. But many of Mahogany’s supporters—Fonda among them—see a candidate whose lived experience informs her stances in a way that transcends City Hall’s persistent and frequently petty divisions. To them, she is a harbinger of a new San Francisco politics. 

With polling at local levels all but nonexistent, the race is widely perceived as a race between Dorsey and Mahogany, two LGBTQ-identified renters in SoMa with little daylight between their positions on housing, safe drug consumption and public safety. But many of Mahogany’s supporters—Fonda among them—see a candidate whose lived experience informs her stances in a way that transcends City Hall’s persistent and frequently petty divisions. To them, she is a harbinger of a new San Francisco politics.

Candidates for Distict 6 supervisor gather to debate at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. From left to right are Ms. Billie Cooper, Cherelle Jackson, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Honey Mohogany. Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED02-2500x1584.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84875"/><figcaption>Candidates for Distict 6 supervisor gather to debate at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. From left to right are Ms. Billie Cooper, Cherelle Jackson, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Honey Mohogany. Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Many challengers take up the mantle of the outsider, crusading to deliver needed change. Mahogany, however, comes close to outflanking Supervisor Dorsey as a savvy insider, one whose political experience buttresses her quasi-unicorn status as a San Francisco native.

Many challengers take up the mantle of the outsider, crusading to deliver needed change. Mahogany, however, comes close to outflanking Supervisor Dorsey as a savvy insider, one whose political experience buttresses her quasi-unicorn status as a San Francisco native.

“Generally, in San Francisco, people are relatively close together politically, and it is really splitting hairs,” she told me as the Blue Angels practiced sorties overhead. “I think the key difference between us is that I definitely have that on-the-ground experience as a social worker and small-business owner, and as someone who has done the work of legislating and performed the functions as a legislative aide and chief of staff.”

“Generally, in San Francisco, people are relatively close together politically, and it is really splitting hairs,” she told me as the Blue Angels practiced sorties overhead. “I think the key difference between us is that I definitely have that on-the-ground experience as a social worker and small-business owner, and as someone who has done the work of legislating and performed the functions as a legislative aide and chief of staff.”

Mahogany grew up in a four-story building along the Taraval corridor—“They exist!” she insists—and went to St. Ignatius. After receiving her master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, she worked at Tenderloin LGBTQ+ nonprofit Larkin Street Youth Services and later the Rainbow Community Center in Concord as its first full-time employee, revamping the youth program before returning to the city, where she cofounded the Transgender District with two other Black trans women, Aria Sa’id and Janetta Johnson.&nbsp;

Mahogany grew up in a four-story building along the Taraval corridor—“They exist!” she insists—and went to St. Ignatius. After receiving her master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, she worked at Tenderloin LGBTQ+ nonprofit Larkin Street Youth Services and later the Rainbow Community Center in Concord as its first full-time employee, revamping the youth program before returning to the city, where she cofounded the Transgender District with two other Black trans women, Aria Sa’id and Janetta Johnson.&nbsp;

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany crosses the street on her way to Bearrison Street Fair on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED03-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84878"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany on her way to the second annual Bearrison Street Fair on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is a co-owner of The Stud, a 55-year-old LGBTQ+ bar whose previous home was within the festival’s footprint. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The cultural district, which covers a small part of the Tenderloin and some of SoMa’s Sixth Street corridor, is like a progressive’s dream come true. But it gave Mahogany particular insights into how the city’s most marginalized residents view their safety.

The cultural district, which covers a small part of the Tenderloin and some of SoMa’s Sixth Street corridor, is like a progressive’s dream come true. But it gave Mahogany particular insights into how the city’s most marginalized residents view their safety.

“As someone who has worked with trans women of color and low-income trans people, I can tell people that all of them have asked, ‘Where are the police, and why aren’t they doing their jobs?’,” she said. “Anyone who has worked in D6 knows that police are part of the solution, and the people most impacted by crime are low-income—and they are asking for more police.”&nbsp;

“As someone who has worked with trans women of color and low-income trans people, I can tell people that all of them have asked, ‘Where are the police, and why aren’t they doing their jobs?’,” she said. “Anyone who has worked in D6 knows that police are part of the solution, and the people most impacted by crime are low-income—and they are asking for more police.”&nbsp;

Her role in the city’s nightlife—specifically, as part of the 18-member collective that owns The Stud—may be an even better lens to analyze her political development. San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene entered the Covid pandemic in a state of free fall, with venue after venue closing. The constellation of nightlife luminaries who in 2016 had <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/feature-culture/how-the-stud-was-saved/">purchased The Stud</a>, long the most freewheeling queer space in SoMa, shuttered it mere months into lockdown.&nbsp;

Her role in the city’s nightlife—specifically, as part of the 18-member collective that owns The Stud—may be an even better lens to analyze her political development. San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene entered the Covid pandemic in a state of free fall, with venue after venue closing. The constellation of nightlife luminaries who in 2016 had <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/feature-culture/how-the-stud-was-saved/">purchased The Stud</a>, long the most freewheeling queer space in SoMa, shuttered it mere months into lockdown.&nbsp;

(Left to right ) Mark Leno, senator Scott Wiener, Oasis host Heklina, and Honey Mahogany comment as a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4am is reintroduced at San Francisco Eagle bar on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, in San Francisco, Calif. | Liz Hafalia/The SF Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED04-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84881"/><figcaption>From left, then-state Sen. Mark Leno, then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, drag legend Heklina and Honey Mahogany at the San Francisco Eagle, commenting on the reintroduction of a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. | Liz Hafalia/The SF Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Honey Mahogany (center) speaks as Jose 'Jojo' Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discusses The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ Community on the Michelle Meow Show at the Commonwealth Club, San Francisco on January 31 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED05-2500x1553.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84884"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, center, speaks as Jose &#8216;Jojo&#8217; Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discussing The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ+ community on “The Michelle Meow Show” at the Commonwealth Club on Jan. 31, 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED05-2500x1553.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84884"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, center, speaks as Jose 'Jojo' Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discussing The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ+ community on “The Michelle Meow Show” at the Commonwealth Club on Jan. 31, 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED05-2500x1553.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84884"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, center, speaks as Jose &#8216;Jojo&#8217; Ty (left) and Jessy Ruiz (right) listen during a panel discussing The 2020 Census and the LGBTQ+ community on “The Michelle Meow Show” at the Commonwealth Club on Jan. 31, 2020. | HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images </figcaption></figure>

Since then, the club has existed in suspended animation, its vacated, ramshackle former home at Harrison and Ninth streets the <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/07/20/artists-lose-lawsuit-over-erased-murals-at-san-francisco-gay-bar">occasional target of grumbling and graffiti</a>. (The collective is in preliminary talks to obtain another space, but members would not specify its location on the record.) If elected, Mahogany would likely have to sell her share.

Since then, the club has existed in suspended animation, its vacated, ramshackle former home at Harrison and Ninth streets the <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/07/20/artists-lose-lawsuit-over-erased-murals-at-san-francisco-gay-bar">occasional target of grumbling and graffiti</a>. (The collective is in preliminary talks to obtain another space, but members would not specify its location on the record.) If elected, Mahogany would likely have to sell her share.

“I own very little of The Stud outright,” she insisted. “It holds such a huge piece of my heart; I would hate to let it go, but we pass the torch when we can.”

“I own very little of The Stud outright,” she insisted. “It holds such a huge piece of my heart; I would hate to let it go, but we pass the torch when we can.”

This is how the city’s queer communities know her best. And it’s not so much Mahogany’s intersectional identities (Black, trans, somewhat famous) as the perceived qualities that those identities endow (empathy, quiet authority, showing up) that form the backbone of her support.&nbsp;

This is how the city’s queer communities know her best. And it’s not so much Mahogany’s intersectional identities (Black, trans, somewhat famous) as the perceived qualities that those identities endow (empathy, quiet authority, showing up) that form the backbone of her support.&nbsp;

Asked what the main difference between Dorsey and Mahogany is, supporter after supporter cited her connection to “the community.” It’s the fuzziest of buzzwords, but few aspirants to local office unseat incumbents without convincing stakeholders of their bona fides.&nbsp;

Asked what the main difference between Dorsey and Mahogany is, supporter after supporter cited her connection to “the community.” It’s the fuzziest of buzzwords, but few aspirants to local office unseat incumbents without convincing stakeholders of their bona fides.&nbsp;

“To me, she’s the people’s candidate and will bring a heart and soul and true SF values about inclusion and diversity, and people feeling seen and respected and cared for,” said Sister Roma, probably the best-known Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, who co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s Main Stage with Mahogany for several years.&nbsp;

“To me, she’s the people’s candidate and will bring a heart and soul and true SF values about inclusion and diversity, and people feeling seen and respected and cared for,” said Sister Roma, probably the best-known Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, who co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s Main Stage with Mahogany for several years.&nbsp;

“She’s done quite a bit from the DCCC [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]. More than I’ve seen in San Francisco, at least from the time I’ve been paying attention to politics,” said Sophia Andary, who sits on the SF Commission on the Status of Women. “She did the resolution standing up for solidarity for women in Iran and one for women Afghan refugees. She’s not thinking about the negative political consequences. She’s thinking about what’s needed.”

“She’s done quite a bit from the DCCC [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee]. More than I’ve seen in San Francisco, at least from the time I’ve been paying attention to politics,” said Sophia Andary, who sits on the SF Commission on the Status of Women. “She did the resolution standing up for solidarity for women in Iran and one for women Afghan refugees. She’s not thinking about the negative political consequences. She’s thinking about what’s needed.”

Even Supervisor Dorsey may agree. Asked what the fairest criticism of Mahogany is, he takes a long pause and offers up the mildest barb: that she was a latecomer to SB 50, state Senator Scott Wiener’s controversial bill to streamline housing production.&nbsp;

Even Supervisor Dorsey may agree. Asked what the fairest criticism of Mahogany is, he takes a long pause and offers up the mildest barb: that she was a latecomer to SB 50, state Senator Scott Wiener’s controversial bill to streamline housing production.&nbsp;

“This isn’t a classic kind of progressive-moderate thing,” he says of their contest. “Let’s hope these are how these SF races are moving forward—with nuance.”

“This isn’t a classic kind of progressive-moderate thing,” he says of their contest. “Let’s hope these are how these SF races are moving forward—with nuance.”

Or, as Mahogany put it, “The most important difference between Dorsey and myself is the independence. I’m going to be an independent voice and not always defer to the mayor.”

Or, as Mahogany put it, “The most important difference between Dorsey and myself is the independence. I’m going to be an independent voice and not always defer to the mayor.”

San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany speaks with union workers holding a 24-hour rally for an increase in living wages in front of the offices of Tenderloin Housing Clinic on Turk Street in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Employees are citing the low wages as the impetus for staffer burnout, and high turnover.  | Don Feria for the Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED07-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84890"/><figcaption>San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Honey Mahogany speaks with union workers holding a 24-hour rally for an increase in living wages in front of the offices of Tenderloin Housing Clinic on Turk Street on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Employees are citing the low wages as the impetus for staff burnout and high turnover. | Don Feria for the Standard</figcaption></figure>

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany, center right, greets Stud Collective member Neven Samara, right, and his partner Ben Stilp, left, at Bearrison Street Fair on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED06-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84887"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany, center right, greets Stud Collective member Neven Samara, right, and his partner Ben Stilp, left, at Bearrison Street Fair on Oct. 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

South of Market is, in the words of Assemblymember Matt Haney, who held the District 6 supervisor seat until this spring, the “most shitted-on neighborhood” in San Francisco. Yet, as the cinematic cliche goes, the D6 race is quiet—a little too quiet. Meanwhile, over in the normally sleepy Sunset District where Mahogany grew up, mild-mannered incumbent Gordon Mar has been smeared as a “<a href="https://twitter.com/d4gordonmar/status/1549621969842163717">communist pedophile</a>” in his bid for reelection.&nbsp;

South of Market is, in the words of Assemblymember Matt Haney, who held the District 6 supervisor seat until this spring, the “most shitted-on neighborhood” in San Francisco. Yet, as the cinematic cliche goes, the D6 race is quiet—a little too quiet. Meanwhile, over in the normally sleepy Sunset District where Mahogany grew up, mild-mannered incumbent Gordon Mar has been smeared as a “<a href="https://twitter.com/d4gordonmar/status/1549621969842163717">communist pedophile</a>” in his bid for reelection.&nbsp;

This might have something to do with Mahogany’s manner. For a performer who has co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s main stage and been on reality TV, she’s somewhat low-key—even conflict-averse. At the candidate forum hosted by The Standard in early October, Mahogany fanned herself on a stool while enduring occasional jabs from Cooper, who felt she was receiving favorable treatment.

This might have something to do with Mahogany’s manner. For a performer who has co-hosted San Francisco Pride’s main stage and been on reality TV, she’s somewhat low-key—even conflict-averse. At the candidate forum hosted by The Standard in early October, Mahogany fanned herself on a stool while enduring occasional jabs from Cooper, who felt she was receiving favorable treatment.

Mahogany refrained from chucking any javelins in return. Instead, she took an almost technocratic stance on issues surrounding addiction and homelessness. Hammering home the point that the Department of Public Health’s treatment beds are useless without adequate staff, she called for a “Crisis Workers Hiring Act.”

Mahogany refrained from chucking any javelins in return. Instead, she took an almost technocratic stance on issues surrounding addiction and homelessness. Hammering home the point that the Department of Public Health’s treatment beds are useless without adequate staff, she called for a “Crisis Workers Hiring Act.”

“I’m an outreach counselor, and here’s what I can tell you,” she said then. “There’s tons of money sitting at the DPH going unused, because we haven’t hired for the positions we have open, and that’s because we’re not paying people a living wage. Nurses and other health-care workers cannot afford to live in San Francisco.&#8221;

“I’m an outreach counselor, and here’s what I can tell you,” she said then. “There’s tons of money sitting at the DPH going unused, because we haven’t hired for the positions we have open, and that’s because we’re not paying people a living wage. Nurses and other health-care workers cannot afford to live in San Francisco."

“I’m an outreach counselor, and here’s what I can tell you,” she said then. “There’s tons of money sitting at the DPH going unused, because we haven’t hired for the positions we have open, and that’s because we’re not paying people a living wage. Nurses and other health-care workers cannot afford to live in San Francisco.&#8221;

Dorsey, for his part, touted his work with colleagues on a program called “San Francisco Recovers.” It quickly became clear that he and Mahogany not only agree on several hot-button issues, but they also defy certain political orthodoxies together. They support safe consumption. They want to upzone low-density neighborhoods. With qualifications, they back <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/for-supervisor-rafael-mandelman-conservatorship-is-personal/">conservatorship</a>. Both believe that the San Francisco Police Department must be part of any discussion about public safety. And both have endorsed Proposition D, a charter amendment to streamline multifamily housing approvals.&nbsp;

Dorsey, for his part, touted his work with colleagues on a program called “San Francisco Recovers.” It quickly became clear that he and Mahogany not only agree on several hot-button issues, but they also defy certain political orthodoxies together. They support safe consumption. They want to upzone low-density neighborhoods. With qualifications, they back <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/for-supervisor-rafael-mandelman-conservatorship-is-personal/">conservatorship</a>. Both believe that the San Francisco Police Department must be part of any discussion about public safety. And both have endorsed Proposition D, a charter amendment to streamline multifamily housing approvals.&nbsp;

Many <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/this-is-whos-spending-money-on-sf-housing-propositions/">left-leaning organizations oppose that measure</a>—including the same SF Democratic Party whose central committee is chaired by Honey Mahogany.&nbsp;

Many <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/this-is-whos-spending-money-on-sf-housing-propositions/">left-leaning organizations oppose that measure</a>—including the same SF Democratic Party whose central committee is chaired by Honey Mahogany.&nbsp;

Supporters of Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidate Honey Mohogany listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED08-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84893"/><figcaption>Supporters of Supervisor Matt Dorsey and candidate Honey Mahogany listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Honey Mohogany, and San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in San Francisco. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED09-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84897"/><figcaption>Honey Mahogany, and San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey listen during a debate for District 6 supervisor candidates at The San Francisco Standard offices on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

A specter is haunting District 6: the specter of Yes In My Backyard.&nbsp;

A specter is haunting District 6: the specter of Yes In My Backyard.&nbsp;

In the four years since Matt Haney defeated arch-YIMBY Sonja Trauss to represent D6, public sentiment has shifted in a build-baby-build direction. While it might be a stretch to say “We Are All YIMBYs now,” Haney successfully made an issue of David Campos’ opposition to a 495-unit project in SoMa during their several contests for an Assembly seat this year. If bland, market-rate condos are what it takes to get some affordable units around here, this line of thinking goes, then so be it.&nbsp;

In the four years since Matt Haney defeated arch-YIMBY Sonja Trauss to represent D6, public sentiment has shifted in a build-baby-build direction. While it might be a stretch to say “We Are All YIMBYs now,” Haney successfully made an issue of David Campos’ opposition to a 495-unit project in SoMa during their several contests for an Assembly seat this year. If bland, market-rate condos are what it takes to get some affordable units around here, this line of thinking goes, then so be it.&nbsp;

“Thirty members of my family lived in San Francisco at one point,” Mahogany said during The Standard’s debate. “Now that’s down to two. The lack of affordability is why I got involved in housing.”

“Thirty members of my family lived in San Francisco at one point,” Mahogany said during The Standard’s debate. “Now that’s down to two. The lack of affordability is why I got involved in housing.”

An overwhelming proportion of new construction in San Francisco during the 2010s took place in SoMa and Mission Bay. Consequently, District 6’s population growth relative to the other districts introduced a distortion into the city’s political map. Its contours were always going to change after the 2020 Census, but this spring’s redistricting fight struck some observers as unnecessarily protracted. While insisting that Mahogany would emerge victorious from any version of the district that emerged, Haney believes that redistricting was undertaken specifically to torpedo progressive-aligned campaigns.

An overwhelming proportion of new construction in San Francisco during the 2010s took place in SoMa and Mission Bay. Consequently, District 6’s population growth relative to the other districts introduced a distortion into the city’s political map. Its contours were always going to change after the 2020 Census, but this spring’s redistricting fight struck some observers as unnecessarily protracted. While insisting that Mahogany would emerge victorious from any version of the district that emerged, Haney believes that redistricting was undertaken specifically to torpedo progressive-aligned campaigns.

District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait on 11th St. in San Francisco on October 15, 2022. Mahogany is running against current District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed in May. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED10-1667x2500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84900"/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany poses for a portrait on 11th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Since Danica Roem won a 2017 upset for a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates, transgender lawmakers have become more common around the country. 

Since Danica Roem won a 2017 upset for a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates, transgender lawmakers have become more common around the country.

Maebe A. Girl, a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles who is currently challenging Rep. Adam Schiff for a seat in Congress, says that while her politics are antithetical to that of the former president, she believes that his presidency had one unexpected effect. It’s counterintuitive, maybe even perverse, but Donald Trump essentially “redefined who people could picture in office,” and gender-variant people are among the groups who have benefited from that shift. Still, she says, simply running for office as a nonbinary trans woman presents complications.

Maebe A. Girl, a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles who is currently challenging Rep. Adam Schiff for a seat in Congress, says that while her politics are antithetical to that of the former president, she believes that his presidency had one unexpected effect. It’s counterintuitive, maybe even perverse, but Donald Trump essentially “redefined who people could picture in office,” and gender-variant people are among the groups who have benefited from that shift. Still, she says, simply running for office as a nonbinary trans woman presents complications.

“If I underdress or don’t wear makeup, I get misgendered, and if I do too much, it’s like, ‘Oh, look at this drag queen,’” Girl said of the campaign trail. “I have to find this strange balance.”

“If I underdress or don’t wear makeup, I get misgendered, and if I do too much, it’s like, ‘Oh, look at this drag queen,’” Girl said of the campaign trail. “I have to find this strange balance.”

In her run against Schiff, whose involvement in Trump’s impeachments brought him national media exposure, Girl laments how hard it has been to garner media attention.

In her run against Schiff, whose involvement in Trump’s impeachments brought him national media exposure, Girl laments how hard it has been to garner media attention.

“I’m the first trans or nonbinary person to advance to a top-two race for the House of Representatives,” she said. “I thought that would make a good story.”

“I’m the first trans or nonbinary person to advance to a top-two race for the House of Representatives,” she said. “I thought that would make a good story.”

California activist and politician Maebe A. Girl. | Silver Lake Neighborhood Council/Wikimedia/Creative Commons

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HoneyMahoganyD6_10132022_INLINED11-2500x2165.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84904"/><figcaption>California activist and politician Maebe A. Girl. | Silver Lake Neighborhood Council/Wikimedia/Creative Commons</figcaption></figure>

Visibility cuts both ways, though. In September, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, often considered to be among the Board of Supervisors’ more left-leaning members, dismissed Mahogany as an ego-driven arriviste and declared his support for Dorsey and other candidates who “are real people and who are human.”&nbsp;

Visibility cuts both ways, though. In September, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, often considered to be among the Board of Supervisors’ more left-leaning members, dismissed Mahogany as an ego-driven arriviste and declared his support for Dorsey and other candidates who “are real people and who are human.”&nbsp;

Peskin, who is 58 and serving his fourth term on the board, apologized for his remarks, which were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/transgender-rights-san-francisco-17489539.php">inartful at best and transphobic at worst</a>. But it may have revealed a new political fracture in the city—not so much between left and right, but young and old.

Peskin, who is 58 and serving his fourth term on the board, apologized for his remarks, which were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/transgender-rights-san-francisco-17489539.php">inartful at best and transphobic at worst</a>. But it may have revealed a new political fracture in the city—not so much between left and right, but young and old.

“The idea that Aaron Peskin represents what a progressive is is fucking nonsense, and I don’t believe it,” said Nate Allbee, Mahogany’s campaign strategist. “How is he more progressive than Matt Haney if you look at what they say and do? The one difference is that Matt and Honey are openly willing to say that building housing at all levels is the right tactic to do right now.”

“The idea that Aaron Peskin represents what a progressive is is fucking nonsense, and I don’t believe it,” said Nate Allbee, Mahogany’s campaign strategist. “How is he more progressive than Matt Haney if you look at what they say and do? The one difference is that Matt and Honey are openly willing to say that building housing at all levels is the right tactic to do right now.”

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/p4lnk2oQHbCGnmTVf6qrKAxxLJ-DZCfQEkgJqpr-iUZf3-sRRod7HaSq199EsY5PgGS2Oyt4q8OlVSerwiKD7er1uJK0dFr1zkEda76iR7MCN4RGFfD9Bcn9meIO9s2p8SwX_zh-2L4h6WsF5I3q6vZzbb35hSQxoxb1zDoMMdJULz9xCmwPkvGm7g" alt=""/><figcaption>District 6 Candidate Honey Mahogany watches the Leather Pride Flag raising at Bearrison Street Fair in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2022. | Kori Suzuki for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

If an openness to new construction disqualifies someone as a progressive, Allbee continued, then progressivism is in a heap of trouble. And the record indicates that a measure of pragmatism has been a boon to people looking to make history, even when they had to struggle to do it. Harvey Milk fought his way to becoming the first gay person on the Board of Supervisors almost half a century ago with soaring, “You gotta give ’em hope” oratory combined with a crusade against that most mundane of issues: dog poop. If you assumed that the first Black trans woman with a credible shot at following Milk would succeed simply by veering to the left of the left, you would be wrong.

If an openness to new construction disqualifies someone as a progressive, Allbee continued, then progressivism is in a heap of trouble. And the record indicates that a measure of pragmatism has been a boon to people looking to make history, even when they had to struggle to do it. Harvey Milk fought his way to becoming the first gay person on the Board of Supervisors almost half a century ago with soaring, “You gotta give ’em hope” oratory combined with a crusade against that most mundane of issues: dog poop. If you assumed that the first Black trans woman with a credible shot at following Milk would succeed simply by veering to the left of the left, you would be wrong.

“There’s a diversity of opinions there,” Mahogany said, “but it’s the No. 1 thing: a complete failure of accountability and a failure to implement practical solutions. We can’t allow people to suffer and die in the streets and call that progress.”

“There’s a diversity of opinions there,” Mahogany said, “but it’s the No. 1 thing: a complete failure of accountability and a failure to implement practical solutions. We can’t allow people to suffer and die in the streets and call that progress.”

Honey Mahogany’s supporters see her as the harbinger of a new kind of San Francisco politics

Han Li

When San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston ran for reelection in 2020, he changed his name on the ballot—not his English one, but his Chinese identity.

When San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston ran for reelection in 2020, he changed his name on the ballot—not his English one, but his Chinese identity.

Preston, who is of German descent, requested to appear on the ballot as “潘正義,” which means “Justice Pan” in Chinese. Previously, he was “<a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/2019%E5%B9%B411%E6%9C%885%E6%97%A5%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E7%B5%90%E6%9E%9C-%E6%91%98%E8%A6%81%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">迪恩‧普瑞斯頓</a>” on the ballot, a long and transliteration-based Chinese name.

Preston, who is of German descent, requested to appear on the ballot as “潘正義,” which means “Justice Pan” in Chinese. Previously, he was “<a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/2019%E5%B9%B411%E6%9C%885%E6%97%A5%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E7%B5%90%E6%9E%9C-%E6%91%98%E8%A6%81%E5%A0%B1%E5%91%8A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">迪恩‧普瑞斯頓</a>” on the ballot, a long and transliteration-based Chinese name.

An outspoken advocate for tenants’ rights and other progressive-leaning causes, Preston’s choice of “Justice” as his name was perhaps obvious—if a bit superhero-esque. “Pan,” on the other hand, is simply a Chinese surname that starts with the letter P.

An outspoken advocate for tenants’ rights and other progressive-leaning causes, Preston’s choice of “Justice” as his name was perhaps obvious—if a bit superhero-esque. “Pan,” on the other hand, is simply a Chinese surname that starts with the letter P.

“I think that [my Chinese name’s] relevance has increased,” Preston told The Standard. “There are a lot of Asian residents in my district now.”

“I think that [my Chinese name’s] relevance has increased,” Preston told The Standard. “There are a lot of Asian residents in my district now.”

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-politics/">Since redistricting drew the Tenderloin into Preston’s district</a> in 2022, approximately 20% of his constituents are Asian American. Citywide, Chinese Americans comprise approximately one-fourth of the population. This demographic fact leads to local election ballots being, by default, bilingual in English and Chinese and <a href="https://webbie1.sfpl.org/multimedia/pdf/elections/November2_1999short.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starting from 1999</a>, candidates will appear with Chinese names.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sf-politics/">Since redistricting drew the Tenderloin into Preston’s district</a> in 2022, approximately 20% of his constituents are Asian American. Citywide, Chinese Americans comprise approximately one-fourth of the population. This demographic fact leads to local election ballots being, by default, bilingual in English and Chinese and <a href="https://webbie1.sfpl.org/multimedia/pdf/elections/November2_1999short.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starting from 1999</a>, candidates will appear with Chinese names.&nbsp;

Traditionally, political candidates who are not of Chinese ancestry have appeared on the ballot with a Chinese name based on their English names’ phonetic transliteration—many of these could be a long and awkward moniker of five, six or more characters, written with a dot between the given name and surname (something never done with typical Chinese names).

Traditionally, political candidates who are not of Chinese ancestry have appeared on the ballot with a Chinese name based on their English names’ phonetic transliteration—many of these could be a long and awkward moniker of five, six or more characters, written with a dot between the given name and surname (something never done with typical Chinese names).

Supervisor Dean Preston, alongside members of Glide’s Center for Social Justice,  speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing and housing justice in San Francisco Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED01_ChineseNames-050923-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158641"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Dean Preston, alongside members of Glide’s Center for Social Justice, speaks at a rally outside City Hall advocating for affordable housing on Nov. 15, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

But now, aspiring officeholders are being much more deliberate about selecting an “authentic” Chinese name—normally three characters, with a Chinese surname first, and two characters as given name.&nbsp;

But now, aspiring officeholders are being much more deliberate about selecting an “authentic” Chinese name—normally three characters, with a Chinese surname first, and two characters as given name.&nbsp;

For monolingual Chinese voters, a three-character Chinese name can be easier to remember than a longer, transliterated name. Having a Chinese name that rolls off the tongue can help a candidate boost their name recognition in Chinese media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For monolingual Chinese voters, a three-character Chinese name can be easier to remember than a longer, transliterated name. Having a Chinese name that rolls off the tongue can help a candidate boost their name recognition in Chinese media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everybody-s-doing-it">Everybody’s Doing It</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-everybody-s-doing-it">Everybody’s Doing It</h2>

Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be one of the first to start this trend when she first ran for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, according to Chinese-language media. Harris ditched the transliteration-based name 哈里斯 (“ha lay si”) and chose 賀錦麗 (“ho gum lai”) instead. To Cantonese speakers’ ears, the new appellation had a more celebratory and positive ring (the surname Ho, 賀, means “celebrate”), while Gum-Lai has a feminine quality (錦麗 means “beautiful”). 

Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be one of the first to start this trend when she first ran for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, according to Chinese-language media. Harris ditched the transliteration-based name 哈里斯 (“ha lay si”) and chose 賀錦麗 (“ho gum lai”) instead. To Cantonese speakers’ ears, the new appellation had a more celebratory and positive ring (the surname Ho, 賀, means “celebrate”), while Gum-Lai has a feminine quality (錦麗 means “beautiful”).

Candidates for San Francisco’s school board, City College board and the BART board are no exception—having a three-character Chinese name is now the norm.&nbsp;

Candidates for San Francisco’s school board, City College board and the BART board are no exception—having a three-character Chinese name is now the norm.&nbsp;

It&#8217;s hard to measure the actual impact of an “authentic” Chinese name on the ballot, because there is no official data on how many Chinese-reading voters call San Francisco home. But according to U.S. Census data, about 184,000 people of Chinese descent live in San Francisco, and among them, 118,000 are foreign-born. Presumably, a large number of those immigrants can read Chinese—and some American-born Chinese can, too.

It's hard to measure the actual impact of an “authentic” Chinese name on the ballot, because there is no official data on how many Chinese-reading voters call San Francisco home. But according to U.S. Census data, about 184,000 people of Chinese descent live in San Francisco, and among them, 118,000 are foreign-born. Presumably, a large number of those immigrants can read Chinese—and some American-born Chinese can, too.

It&#8217;s hard to measure the actual impact of an “authentic” Chinese name on the ballot, because there is no official data on how many Chinese-reading voters call San Francisco home. But according to U.S. Census data, about 184,000 people of Chinese descent live in San Francisco, and among them, 118,000 are foreign-born. Presumably, a large number of those immigrants can read Chinese—and some American-born Chinese can, too.

Department of Elections data shows that 95% of San Francisco voters receive the English and Chinese bilingual ballot. The other 5% requested non-English, non-Chinese language ballots like Spanish or Tagalog. About 30,000 voters requested the Chinese-language Voter Information Pamphlet (選民資料手冊), about 6% of total voters.

Department of Elections data shows that 95% of San Francisco voters receive the English and Chinese bilingual ballot. The other 5% requested non-English, non-Chinese language ballots like Spanish or Tagalog. About 30,000 voters requested the Chinese-language Voter Information Pamphlet (選民資料手冊), about 6% of total voters.

A composite image of a variety of political campaign placards that all include both English and Chinese names for City officials (from top left clockwise) District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and Supervisor Joel Engardio.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_ChineseNames-050923.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158644"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows a variety of political campaign placards that all include both English and Chinese names for city officials. | The Standard/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Honey Mahogany’s supporters see her as the harbinger of a new kind of San Francisco politics

To court SF voters, politicians give themselves flowery Chinese names

How the San Francisco Republican Party died

Opinion: Let’s topple the housing monuments of our racist past, starting with St. Francis Wood

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Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Honey Mahogany’s supporters see her as the harbinger of a new kind of San Francisco politics

To court SF voters, politicians give themselves flowery Chinese names

How the San Francisco Republican Party died

Opinion: Let’s topple the housing monuments of our racist past, starting with St. Francis Wood