Ida Mojadad

Across the nation, schools have repeatedly hidden instances of teacher misconduct that, in some cases, allow educators to inflict the same behaviors on more students.&nbsp;

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Across the nation, schools have repeatedly hidden instances of teacher misconduct that, in some cases, allow educators to inflict the same behaviors on more students.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s public school district has entered into resignation agreements with 19 employees accused of sexual misconduct since 2017, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/they-were-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-sf-schools-let-them-quietly-resign/">The Standard previously revealed</a>. One of those teachers had left another Bay Area school <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/teacher-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-was-allowed-to-quietly-leave-two-bay-area-schools/">under separate sexual misconduct allegations 20 years prior</a>, unbeknown to administrators.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s public school district has entered into resignation agreements with 19 employees accused of sexual misconduct since 2017, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/they-were-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-sf-schools-let-them-quietly-resign/">The Standard previously revealed</a>. One of those teachers had left another Bay Area school <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/teacher-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-was-allowed-to-quietly-leave-two-bay-area-schools/">under separate sexual misconduct allegations 20 years prior</a>, unbeknown to administrators.&nbsp;

To prevent schools from unwittingly hiring teachers credibly accused of sexual misconduct, federal education officials want states to tighten regulations. Though criminal background checks are required for most school staff across the nation, the U.S. Education Department warned it creates a false sense of security. <a href="https://blog.ed.gov/2022/06/new-ed-commissioned-study-on-esea-provisions-that-protect-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In a July 2022 report</a>, the department called on states to enact more protections.

To prevent schools from unwittingly hiring teachers credibly accused of sexual misconduct, federal education officials want states to tighten regulations. Though criminal background checks are required for most school staff across the nation, the U.S. Education Department warned it creates a false sense of security. <a href="https://blog.ed.gov/2022/06/new-ed-commissioned-study-on-esea-provisions-that-protect-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In a July 2022 report</a>, the department called on states to enact more protections.

California is <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2022-06-03/feds-call-on-states-to-stop-shielding-teachers-accused-of-sex-misconduct-with-students" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of many states that does not explicitly prohibit the suppression of information about employee misconduct</a>. And, nearly one year after the federal report, state leaders have made little progress in assessing what needs to be done. Gaps also remain when it comes to tracking non-credentialed school staff accused of misconduct, and in tracking records of staff from out of state.

California is <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2022-06-03/feds-call-on-states-to-stop-shielding-teachers-accused-of-sex-misconduct-with-students" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of many states that does not explicitly prohibit the suppression of information about employee misconduct</a>. And, nearly one year after the federal report, state leaders have made little progress in assessing what needs to be done. Gaps also remain when it comes to tracking non-credentialed school staff accused of misconduct, and in tracking records of staff from out of state.

In response to questions regarding potential new practices, the California Department of Education said, it “has, by statute and regulations, a limited role in local matters with public schools. Any change to this oversight would require legislative action.”

In response to questions regarding potential new practices, the California Department of Education said, it “has, by statute and regulations, a limited role in local matters with public schools. Any change to this oversight would require legislative action.”

Further, The Standard repeatedly reached out to several lawmakers with responsibility in this area, to no avail. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who chairs the Assembly’s Education Committee, declined multiple requests for comment. Representatives for committee Vice Chair Assemblymember Megan Dahle, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney did not provide responses.

Further, The Standard repeatedly reached out to several lawmakers with responsibility in this area, to no avail. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who chairs the Assembly’s Education Committee, declined multiple requests for comment. Representatives for committee Vice Chair Assemblymember Megan Dahle, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Matt Haney did not provide responses.

The silence from Sacramento doesn’t surprise Joel Levin, co-founder of the Stop Sexual Assault in Schools nonprofit. Oftentimes, he said action on this issue comes out of disturbing cases made public.&nbsp;

The silence from Sacramento doesn’t surprise Joel Levin, co-founder of the Stop Sexual Assault in Schools nonprofit. Oftentimes, he said action on this issue comes out of disturbing cases made public.&nbsp;

“There is not enough outcry that the status quo is insufficient,” Levin said. “It just takes some sort of horrific case to get people&#8217;s attention to make change, unfortunately. People’s eyes aren’t really open to it because schools try to cover it up.”

“There is not enough outcry that the status quo is insufficient,” Levin said. “It just takes some sort of horrific case to get people's attention to make change, unfortunately. People’s eyes aren’t really open to it because schools try to cover it up.”

“There is not enough outcry that the status quo is insufficient,” Levin said. “It just takes some sort of horrific case to get people&#8217;s attention to make change, unfortunately. People’s eyes aren’t really open to it because schools try to cover it up.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decade-old-push">Decade-Old Push</h2>

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<h2 id="h-decade-old-push">Decade-Old Push</h2>

California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) oversees educators and requires schools to report when a teacher’s employment status changes due to allegations of misconduct. The commission then investigates and makes a final determination, which is then viewable on a public database as an “adverse action.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) oversees educators and requires schools to report when a teacher’s employment status changes due to allegations of misconduct. The commission then investigates and makes a final determination, which is then viewable on a public database as an “adverse action.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last major bill to change how schools respond to sexual assault, AB 215, was in 2013. That bill, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-gov-brown-signs-bill-to-speed-firing-teachers-for-egregious-conduct-20140625-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">done in response to a sex abuse case at LA’s Miramonte Elementary School the year prior</a>, largely functioned to speed up the process to dismiss teachers for egregious conduct.

The last major bill to change how schools respond to sexual assault, AB 215, was in 2013. That bill, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-gov-brown-signs-bill-to-speed-firing-teachers-for-egregious-conduct-20140625-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">done in response to a sex abuse case at LA’s Miramonte Elementary School the year prior</a>, largely functioned to speed up the process to dismiss teachers for egregious conduct.

Under AB 215, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is required, upon inquiry, to disclose reports of egregious misconduct to a school district, county office or charter school. And since 1986, the commission creates a bulletin of updates to credentials for all public and private schools for review, allowing them to check if one of their employees is listed.&nbsp;

Under AB 215, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is required, upon inquiry, to disclose reports of egregious misconduct to a school district, county office or charter school. And since 1986, the commission creates a bulletin of updates to credentials for all public and private schools for review, allowing them to check if one of their employees is listed.&nbsp;

“The CTC is aware of the [U.S. Department of Education’s July 2022] report and will participate in any efforts undertaken by the department to collect information regarding the statutory framework and procedures that guide California’s work in this area,” the commission said in a statement.

“The CTC is aware of the [U.S. Department of Education’s July 2022] report and will participate in any efforts undertaken by the department to collect information regarding the statutory framework and procedures that guide California’s work in this area,” the commission said in a statement.

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona talks with bus drivers from RSU21 at their bus garage in Kennebunk on Monday, April 11, 2022. | Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED00_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150628"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with bus drivers on April 11, 2022. | Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED00_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150628"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks with bus drivers on April 11, 2022. | Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

But the system shows some cracks. For example, the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">hired a San Bruno teacher while he was under investigation by the credentialing commission in 1999</a>, two years before it resulted in a public reprimand that went on his record.&nbsp;

But the system shows some cracks. For example, the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">hired a San Bruno teacher while he was under investigation by the credentialing commission in 1999</a>, two years before it resulted in a public reprimand that went on his record.&nbsp;

In 2019, school officials investigated the same teacher for allegations of improper conduct with San Francisco students buttressed by a former San Bruno student attesting to him kissing and groping her in the 1990s. It ultimately took four rounds of student complaints and investigations in two school districts for the teacher to lose his teaching credential in 2021, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">The Standard detailed in previous reporting</a>.&nbsp;

In 2019, school officials investigated the same teacher for allegations of improper conduct with San Francisco students buttressed by a former San Bruno student attesting to him kissing and groping her in the 1990s. It ultimately took four rounds of student complaints and investigations in two school districts for the teacher to lose his teaching credential in 2021, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/new-details-of-alleged-sexual-misconduct-by-a-teacher-in-late-90s-beg-the-question-are-bay-area-schools-doing-any-better-now/">The Standard detailed in previous reporting</a>.&nbsp;

In Connecticut, education officials may not enter into any agreement that “<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/act/pa/pdf/2016PA-00067-R00HB-05400-PA.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has the effect of suppressing information</a>” relating to an investigation of sexual misconduct by current or former employees. Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington and New Jersey are among a handful of states with similar statutes. In other words, these states have gone beyond what California has done.

In Connecticut, education officials may not enter into any agreement that “<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/act/pa/pdf/2016PA-00067-R00HB-05400-PA.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has the effect of suppressing information</a>” relating to an investigation of sexual misconduct by current or former employees. Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington and New Jersey are among a handful of states with similar statutes. In other words, these states have gone beyond what California has done.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-another-level-of-secrecy">Another Level of Secrecy</h2>

<h2 id="h-another-level-of-secrecy">Another Level of Secrecy</h2>

Another gap in the oversight system is the lack of oversight of “classified staff,” a category of school employees that include paraeducators, clerical staff and custodians.&nbsp;

Another gap in the oversight system is the lack of oversight of “classified staff,” a category of school employees that include paraeducators, clerical staff and custodians.&nbsp;

Accomplishing that may require a separate commission, which may pose a funding challenge. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is self-sustaining based on fees paid by educators who become credentialed. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/what-are-paraeducators-and-why-does-sf-pay-them-barely-more-than-minimum-wage/">Classified staff, on the other hand, are notoriously low paid</a>.&nbsp;

Accomplishing that may require a separate commission, which may pose a funding challenge. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is self-sustaining based on fees paid by educators who become credentialed. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/what-are-paraeducators-and-why-does-sf-pay-them-barely-more-than-minimum-wage/">Classified staff, on the other hand, are notoriously low paid</a>.&nbsp;

But the lack of a commission dedicated to classified staff may be an even bigger issue. Of the 17 settlement agreements The Standard uncovered, five involved alleged inappropriate sexual contact with students, while some did not involve touching students. But seven cases did not include information about what the employees—all classified staff—were accused of.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the lack of a commission dedicated to classified staff may be an even bigger issue. Of the 17 settlement agreements The Standard uncovered, five involved alleged inappropriate sexual contact with students, while some did not involve touching students. But seven cases did not include information about what the employees—all classified staff—were accused of.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s no space for it to go,” said Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. “If [teachers] violated the terms of their credential, there’s space for that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s no space for it to go,” said Cassondra Curiel, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. “If [teachers] violated the terms of their credential, there’s space for that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks during the 90th Winter Meeting of USCM on January 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. | Alex Wong/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED02_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150647"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks at a conference in Washington, D.C. | Alex Wong/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED02_MisconductStateAction031023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-150647"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks at a conference in Washington, D.C. | Alex Wong/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Even with proper oversight for every school employee in California, resignation agreements can remain a vehicle for secrecy. It took The Standard multiple records requests with the assistance of an attorney to unseal records in San Francisco and San Mateo County schools.&nbsp;

Even with proper oversight for every school employee in California, resignation agreements can remain a vehicle for secrecy. It took The Standard multiple records requests with the assistance of an attorney to unseal records in San Francisco and San Mateo County schools.&nbsp;

“We support any efforts to strengthen the processes to prevent hiring staff with a history of sexual misconduct,” the San Francisco Unified School District previously told The Standard.&nbsp;

“We support any efforts to strengthen the processes to prevent hiring staff with a history of sexual misconduct,” the San Francisco Unified School District previously told The Standard.&nbsp;

California may be slow to respond, but Levin sees the federal demand for action as a source of hope. In response to a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCRA8tRh54U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS report on sexual abuse cover-up</a> in Southern California, the Department of Education said it is working toward tracking teacher sexual abuse in public schools nationwide.

California may be slow to respond, but Levin sees the federal demand for action as a source of hope. In response to a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCRA8tRh54U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS report on sexual abuse cover-up</a> in Southern California, the Department of Education said it is working toward tracking teacher sexual abuse in public schools nationwide.

“I don’t know how in other states how transparent they are for teachers dismissed for sexual misconduct,” Levin said. “It sounds like at least on the federal level they’re trying to do something about it.”

“I don’t know how in other states how transparent they are for teachers dismissed for sexual misconduct,” Levin said. “It sounds like at least on the federal level they’re trying to do something about it.”

Feds demand action on school sexual misconduct. Will California heed the call?

Mike Ege

Some say everyone in the world is connected by no more than <a href="https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0108149/?ref_=tt_mv_desc">six degrees of separation</a>—meaning for better or for worse, you’re closer than you think to someone making headlines half a world away.&nbsp;

Some say everyone in the world is connected by no more than <a href="https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0108149/?ref_=tt_mv_desc">six degrees of separation</a>—meaning for better or for worse, you’re closer than you think to someone making headlines half a world away.&nbsp;

Take, for instance, San Francisco&#8217;s only individual donors to the endlessly embarrassing&nbsp;Republican Congressman George Santos.

Take, for instance, San Francisco's only individual donors to the endlessly embarrassing&nbsp;Republican Congressman George Santos.

Take, for instance, San Francisco&#8217;s only individual donors to the endlessly embarrassing&nbsp;Republican Congressman George Santos.

Hedge fund manager Bill Duhamel and his wife, arts producer Kate Duhamel, <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?committee_id=C00721365&amp;contributor_city=San+Francisco">donated a total of $11,600 to Santos’ successful 2022 campaign</a>, according to Federal Election Commission records. They each donated $2,900 to Santos last August and again in September.

Hedge fund manager Bill Duhamel and his wife, arts producer Kate Duhamel, <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?committee_id=C00721365&amp;contributor_city=San+Francisco">donated a total of $11,600 to Santos’ successful 2022 campaign</a>, according to Federal Election Commission records. They each donated $2,900 to Santos last August and again in September.

“We are fiscally conservative, we worry about the size of the deficit and so we do lean Republican; but we have supported moderates from both parties,” the Duhamels wrote in an email to The Standard. “Mr. Santos should resign. We feel cheated, but surely not as cheated as the voters in his congressional district.”

“We are fiscally conservative, we worry about the size of the deficit and so we do lean Republican; but we have supported moderates from both parties,” the Duhamels wrote in an email to The Standard. “Mr. Santos should resign. We feel cheated, but surely not as cheated as the voters in his congressional district.”

The New York congressman was elected on a litany of lies about his background, the unraveling of which has become a national spectacle.

The New York congressman was elected on a litany of lies about his background, the unraveling of which has become a national spectacle.

Recent allegations include his alleged <a href="https://patch.com/new-york/oysterbay/disabled-veteran-george-santos-took-3k-dying-dogs-gofundme">embezzlement of $3,000 in GoFundMe proceeds</a> meant for critical surgery for a disabled, homeless veteran’s service dog, which later died from a painful tumor.

Recent allegations include his alleged <a href="https://patch.com/new-york/oysterbay/disabled-veteran-george-santos-took-3k-dying-dogs-gofundme">embezzlement of $3,000 in GoFundMe proceeds</a> meant for critical surgery for a disabled, homeless veteran’s service dog, which later died from a painful tumor.

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is seen in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, January 12, 2023. | Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115202"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is seen in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 12, 2023. | Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115202"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is seen in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 12, 2023. | Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

The GoFundMe for the dog was arranged by Friends of Pets United, a purported charity set up by Santos that he leveraged in his runs for Congress in 2020 and 2022. No such organization is registered as a tax-exempt charity, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The GoFundMe for the dog was arranged by Friends of Pets United, a purported charity set up by Santos that he leveraged in his runs for Congress in 2020 and 2022. No such organization is registered as a tax-exempt charity, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

That’s just one in a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html">baffling array of yarns about Santos&#8217; personal background,</a> academic and career credentials—as well as a steep and largely unexplained rise in personal wealth.

That’s just one in a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html">baffling array of yarns about Santos' personal background,</a> academic and career credentials—as well as a steep and largely unexplained rise in personal wealth.

That’s just one in a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html">baffling array of yarns about Santos&#8217; personal background,</a> academic and career credentials—as well as a steep and largely unexplained rise in personal wealth.

Santos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Santos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Among other bizarre claims, Santos said he <a href="https://www.politico.com/video/2022/12/29/jew-ish-santos-evolving-claims-of-jewish-heritage-805523">was Jewish and the descendent of Holocaust survivors</a>—only to later dub himself “Jew-ish” when called out.&nbsp;

Among other bizarre claims, Santos said he <a href="https://www.politico.com/video/2022/12/29/jew-ish-santos-evolving-claims-of-jewish-heritage-805523">was Jewish and the descendent of Holocaust survivors</a>—only to later dub himself “Jew-ish” when called out.&nbsp;

Another was his illustrious, but nonexistent stint at Baruch College that included <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/01/17/santos-claims-he-played-on-baruch-volleyball-team-in-2020-interview/">a star turn on the school’s volleyball team</a>, where he claimed to have been instrumental in “slaying” both Harvard and Yale during a championship season.&nbsp;

Another was his illustrious, but nonexistent stint at Baruch College that included <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/01/17/santos-claims-he-played-on-baruch-volleyball-team-in-2020-interview/">a star turn on the school’s volleyball team</a>, where he claimed to have been instrumental in “slaying” both Harvard and Yale during a championship season.&nbsp;

In reality, not only did Santos not attend Baruch, but also its volleyball team never played Yale that season.&nbsp;

In reality, not only did Santos not attend Baruch, but also its volleyball team never played Yale that season.&nbsp;

Further revelations about Santos are still uglier, and include <a href="https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/news/2022/12/13/long-island-congressman-hobnobs-with-extremists-at-young-republicans-gala/">connections to extreme right-wing groups and figures</a>, and work for an alleged Ponzi scheme with connections to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theleaderonline.com/single-post/op-ed-was-george-santos-groomed-to-be-a-russian-agent">Russian oligarch</a>.&nbsp;

Further revelations about Santos are still uglier, and include <a href="https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/news/2022/12/13/long-island-congressman-hobnobs-with-extremists-at-young-republicans-gala/">connections to extreme right-wing groups and figures</a>, and work for an alleged Ponzi scheme with connections to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theleaderonline.com/single-post/op-ed-was-george-santos-groomed-to-be-a-russian-agent">Russian oligarch</a>.&nbsp;

“We were advised by a friend that Mr. Santos was a moderate Republican—the son of immigrants—from the private sector—who focused primarily on economic issues,” said the Duhamels.

“We were advised by a friend that Mr. Santos was a moderate Republican—the son of immigrants—from the private sector—who focused primarily on economic issues,” said the Duhamels.

Bill Duhamel is a partner at Route One Investment Company, a fund management firm with an address at the Presidio. According to the investing guide <a href="https://wallmine.com/adviser/244571/route-one-investment-company-l-p">Wallmine</a>, Route One manages over $5 billion of assets for four client accounts.

Bill Duhamel is a partner at Route One Investment Company, a fund management firm with an address at the Presidio. According to the investing guide <a href="https://wallmine.com/adviser/244571/route-one-investment-company-l-p">Wallmine</a>, Route One manages over $5 billion of assets for four client accounts.

Duhamel was one of a number of partners <a href="https://www.pionline.com/article/20101227/PRINT/312279981/farallon-receives-mixed-messages">who peeled away from Tom Steyer’s Farallon Capital in 2010</a> to form Route One. Another was Jason Moment, also an active political donor who gave $50,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whos-spending-money-museum-patrons-back-return-of-cars-to-jfk/">to the campaign to reopen JFK Drive and the Great Highway</a> to car traffic.

Duhamel was one of a number of partners <a href="https://www.pionline.com/article/20101227/PRINT/312279981/farallon-receives-mixed-messages">who peeled away from Tom Steyer’s Farallon Capital in 2010</a> to form Route One. Another was Jason Moment, also an active political donor who gave $50,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whos-spending-money-museum-patrons-back-return-of-cars-to-jfk/">to the campaign to reopen JFK Drive and the Great Highway</a> to car traffic.

Both Duhamel and Moment were major contributors to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall-campaigns-sprint-to-signature-gathering-deadlines/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, part of the more successful of two campaigns to gather signatures for the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

Both Duhamel and Moment were major contributors to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall-campaigns-sprint-to-signature-gathering-deadlines/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, part of the more successful of two campaigns to gather signatures for the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play RED BALL GALA at Gotham Hall on May 25, 2010 in New York City. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play&#8217;s &#8220;Red Ball Gala&#8221; at Gotham Hall in New York City on May 25, 2010. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play's "Red Ball Gala" at Gotham Hall in New York City on May 25, 2010. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play&#8217;s &#8220;Red Ball Gala&#8221; at Gotham Hall in New York City on May 25, 2010. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Meanwhile, <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">Kate Duhamel</a> has made a name for herself as a filmmaker and producer. She is currently director of CandyBomber Productions, which stages multimedia live concerts. Before that she was an independent filmmaker, making documentaries focused on dance.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">Kate Duhamel</a> has made a name for herself as a filmmaker and producer. She is currently director of CandyBomber Productions, which stages multimedia live concerts. Before that she was an independent filmmaker, making documentaries focused on dance.&nbsp;

Kate Duhamel’s work has been featured on a number of community media outlets, including <a href="https://www.kalw.org/show/open-air/2019-01-30/king-of-the-yees-fury-edward-albees-seascape-mostly-british-film-festival">KALW</a> radio and <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/sf/2018/09/11/mad-max-themed-concert-ballet-fury-looks-impressive-intense/">Broke-Ass Stuart</a>. She serves on the board of the SFJAZZ Center.&nbsp;

Kate Duhamel’s work has been featured on a number of community media outlets, including <a href="https://www.kalw.org/show/open-air/2019-01-30/king-of-the-yees-fury-edward-albees-seascape-mostly-british-film-festival">KALW</a> radio and <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/sf/2018/09/11/mad-max-themed-concert-ballet-fury-looks-impressive-intense/">Broke-Ass Stuart</a>. She serves on the board of the SFJAZZ Center.&nbsp;

Both the Duhamels are Stanford graduates, having both attended the business school in the 1980s. Ms. Duhamel <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">was elected to the Stanford Board of Trustees</a> in 2020.&nbsp;

Both the Duhamels are Stanford graduates, having both attended the business school in the 1980s. Ms. Duhamel <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">was elected to the Stanford Board of Trustees</a> in 2020.&nbsp;

According to FEC filings, the Duhamels have donated to a large number of congressional and Senate campaigns, giving mostly but not all to Republican candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to FEC filings, the Duhamels have donated to a large number of congressional and Senate campaigns, giving mostly but not all to Republican candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These include the campaigns of Republicans like <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-billionaire-donations-17323003.php">South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott,</a> along with others such as New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer and Arizona independent Kyrsten Sinema.&nbsp;

These include the campaigns of Republicans like <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-billionaire-donations-17323003.php">South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott,</a> along with others such as New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer and Arizona independent Kyrsten Sinema.&nbsp;

SF power couple gave George Santos thousands. Now they feel cheated

Sarah Wright

Now that it looks like Proposition D has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/props-d-e-election-night/">failed</a> at the ballot box, housing activists are looking to the state to fix San Francisco’s housing shortage.

Now that it looks like Proposition D has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/props-d-e-election-night/">failed</a> at the ballot box, housing activists are looking to the state to fix San Francisco’s housing shortage.

Next up for debate is the Housing Element—or an eight-year plan to build drastically more housing in the city—which is the subject of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/gimme-shelter-supervisors-to-scrutinize-housing-plan/">hearing at City Hall on Tuesday</a>. But even if that plan passes the board, those advocates aren’t confident that the 82,000 new housing units required by the state by 2031 will materialize after the failure of Prop. D.

Next up for debate is the Housing Element—or an eight-year plan to build drastically more housing in the city—which is the subject of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/gimme-shelter-supervisors-to-scrutinize-housing-plan/">hearing at City Hall on Tuesday</a>. But even if that plan passes the board, those advocates aren’t confident that the 82,000 new housing units required by the state by 2031 will materialize after the failure of Prop. D.

“It’s a massive missed opportunity,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener.&nbsp;

“It’s a massive missed opportunity,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener.&nbsp;

The latest election <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/november-2022-election-results/">results</a> show Prop. D, which sought to cut out red tape for certain housing projects, losing by about 5,000 votes. Its rival, Prop. E—put forth by the city’s progressives—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/election-update-prop-e-loses-district-4-and-prop-d-races-remain-too-close-to-call/">has also failed</a>, sending the city back to the drawing board on housing with weeks to go before a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">key state deadline</a>.&nbsp;

The latest election <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/november-2022-election-results/">results</a> show Prop. D, which sought to cut out red tape for certain housing projects, losing by about 5,000 votes. Its rival, Prop. E—put forth by the city’s progressives—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/election-update-prop-e-loses-district-4-and-prop-d-races-remain-too-close-to-call/">has also failed</a>, sending the city back to the drawing board on housing with weeks to go before a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">key state deadline</a>.&nbsp;

“Proposition D was never going to be a panacea,” said Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition. “We woke up today, and the affordability and displacement crisis still exists […] At the end of the day, I’m not going to be discouraged or throw my hands up in overall defeat.”&nbsp;

“Proposition D was never going to be a panacea,” said Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition. “We woke up today, and the affordability and displacement crisis still exists […] At the end of the day, I’m not going to be discouraged or throw my hands up in overall defeat.”&nbsp;

Smith chalked up the loss to the competition from Prop. E, which he says killed Prop. D’s chances. Prop. E failed more decisively, losing by around 20,000 votes after the first week of election returns.&nbsp;

Smith chalked up the loss to the competition from Prop. E, which he says killed Prop. D’s chances. Prop. E failed more decisively, losing by around 20,000 votes after the first week of election returns.&nbsp;

Corey Smith with Housing Action Coalition attends a press conference at City Hall on Oct. 26, 2022, promoting affordable housing and proposition D. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/YIMBYNextMove111422_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93384"/><figcaption>Corey Smith with Housing Action Coalition attends a press conference at City Hall on Oct. 26. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Prop. D’s failure is a big setback for the YIMBY movement, which has been successful in the state and wider Bay Area but has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/yimbyism-ate-the-entire-world-except-its-own-backyard/">barely made headway in its home turf in San Francisco</a>. The housing-supply advocates and their allies <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whos-spending-breed-backed-housing-measure-still-a-money-monster/">raised millions in favor of Prop. D.</a>&nbsp;

Prop. D’s failure is a big setback for the YIMBY movement, which has been successful in the state and wider Bay Area but has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/yimbyism-ate-the-entire-world-except-its-own-backyard/">barely made headway in its home turf in San Francisco</a>. The housing-supply advocates and their allies <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whos-spending-breed-backed-housing-measure-still-a-money-monster/">raised millions in favor of Prop. D.</a>&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener said although voters may have been confused as to which ballot measure would have the greatest effect on making it easier to build affordable housing, together they attracted a clear majority.&nbsp;

State Sen. Scott Wiener said although voters may have been confused as to which ballot measure would have the greatest effect on making it easier to build affordable housing, together they attracted a clear majority.&nbsp;

“Almost 80% of San Franciscans supported some version of housing streamlining, and that is the silver lining here,” Wiener said.

“Almost 80% of San Franciscans supported some version of housing streamlining, and that is the silver lining here,” Wiener said.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman sees the Housing Element Update, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sfs-last-chance-to-prove-it-will-build-82k-homes-just-dropped-heres-what-could-go-wrong/">up for discussion at the board tomorrow,</a> as City Hall’s main opportunity to fix San Francisco’s housing process and to plan its growth.&nbsp;

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman sees the Housing Element Update, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sfs-last-chance-to-prove-it-will-build-82k-homes-just-dropped-heres-what-could-go-wrong/">up for discussion at the board tomorrow,</a> as City Hall’s main opportunity to fix San Francisco’s housing process and to plan its growth.&nbsp;

The stakes are higher this year than in the past: The city is facing elevated housing targets—nearly three times as high as the last cycle’s—and worse penalties, too. And if the city fails to certify its plan by the end of January, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">“builder’s remedy”</a> will kick in, stripping San Francisco of its control over its own zoning-based housing approvals.

The stakes are higher this year than in the past: The city is facing elevated housing targets—nearly three times as high as the last cycle’s—and worse penalties, too. And if the city fails to certify its plan by the end of January, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/state-housing-probe-begins-as-sf-races-to-meet-key-deadline/">“builder’s remedy”</a> will kick in, stripping San Francisco of its control over its own zoning-based housing approvals.

Meanwhile, the state has initiated an investigation into the city’s housing policies and practices and is expected to release its first round of preliminary findings in January before a final report in July.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the state has initiated an investigation into the city’s housing policies and practices and is expected to release its first round of preliminary findings in January before a final report in July.&nbsp;

“The voters have not solved this problem for us, and we need to do the work,” Mandelman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The voters have not solved this problem for us, and we need to do the work,” Mandelman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Without the streamlining for affordable housing projects that Prop. D would have guaranteed, Wiener and Smith aren’t sure much housing will actually get built in the next eight years, as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/">cost of building has skyrocketed.</a>&nbsp;

Without the streamlining for affordable housing projects that Prop. D would have guaranteed, Wiener and Smith aren’t sure much housing will actually get built in the next eight years, as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/">cost of building has skyrocketed.</a>&nbsp;

“I think that Prop. D passing would have made it much easier to get those numbers,” Smith said. “Now that [the board] allows affordable housing projects to continue to be sued, what’s the plan?”

“I think that Prop. D passing would have made it much easier to get those numbers,” Smith said. “Now that [the board] allows affordable housing projects to continue to be sued, what’s the plan?”

There is a fail-safe baked in state law, however, Wiener said.&nbsp;

There is a fail-safe baked in state law, however, Wiener said.&nbsp;

If the city is still behind on its state housing targets in four years, Senate Bill 35 would kick in, allowing all permits for new housing construction to be approved automatically.

If the city is still behind on its state housing targets in four years, Senate Bill 35 would kick in, allowing all permits for new housing construction to be approved automatically.

As for Wiener’s plans to take on the city’s permitting woes from his seat at the state Senate, he says to stay tuned.&nbsp;

As for Wiener’s plans to take on the city’s permitting woes from his seat at the state Senate, he says to stay tuned.&nbsp;

Housing activists plot their next move as ballot measure fails

Annie Gaus

Swimmers at a rally to save Aquatic Park Pier. | Annie Gaus/The Standard

City and state officials were among the speakers at the rally for Aquatic Park Pier on Saturday in San Francisco. | Annie Gaus/The Standard

Some demonstrators took to the water via boat as supporters of Aquatic Park Pier rallied the federal government to rebuild the historic asset on Saturday. | Annie Gaus/The Standard

Supervisor Aaron Peskin was among the swimmers who took a dip at the rally for Aquatic Park Pier on Saturday despite the cold, drizzly weather. | Annie Gaus/The Standard

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A crowd of swimmers, boaters and fishermen gathered on Saturday to rally the federal government to rebuild Aquatic Park Pier, a historic landmark adjoining Fisherman’s Wharf that was closed indefinitely after the National Park Service deemed it structurally unsound.

A crowd of swimmers, boaters and fishermen gathered on Saturday to rally the federal government to rebuild Aquatic Park Pier, a historic landmark adjoining Fisherman’s Wharf that was closed indefinitely after the National Park Service deemed it structurally unsound.

Joined by Supervisor Catherine Stefani, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, state Sen. Scott Wiener and others, the crowd—some braving the chilly, drizzly weather in costumes and swimwear—urged the federal government to prioritize rebuilding the pier, which acts as both a recreational space and a critical piece of infrastructure. 

Joined by Supervisor Catherine Stefani, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, state Sen. Scott Wiener and others, the crowd—some braving the chilly, drizzly weather in costumes and swimwear—urged the federal government to prioritize rebuilding the pier, which acts as both a recreational space and a critical piece of infrastructure.

“This is the last straw before the pier dies a final death,” said Fran Hegeler of the <a href="https://aquaticparkpier.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquatic Park &amp; Pier Project</a>, adding that Saturday’s rally would be the first of several “pier pressure” events until the city secures a funding commitment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-aquatic-park-pier-rally-federal-funds/">repair the crumbling pier</a>.

“This is the last straw before the pier dies a final death,” said Fran Hegeler of the <a href="https://aquaticparkpier.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquatic Park &amp; Pier Project</a>, adding that Saturday’s rally would be the first of several “pier pressure” events until the city secures a funding commitment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-aquatic-park-pier-rally-federal-funds/">repair the crumbling pier</a>.

Built in the early 1930s, Aquatic Park Pier created a protected cove where San Franciscans could safely swim and paddle. The curved pier, part of a national historic district that includes the San Francisco Maritime Museum, serves as a ​​breakwater, partially absorbing tides and pacifying the water in the cove.&nbsp;

Built in the early 1930s, Aquatic Park Pier created a protected cove where San Franciscans could safely swim and paddle. The curved pier, part of a national historic district that includes the San Francisco Maritime Museum, serves as a ​​breakwater, partially absorbing tides and pacifying the water in the cove.&nbsp;

Since then, the pier and cove have become a major draw for tourists, fishermen, boaters and brave souls who swim in the chilly bay waters. The pier draws about 4.2 million visitors per year, said Peskin.&nbsp;

Since then, the pier and cove have become a major draw for tourists, fishermen, boaters and brave souls who swim in the chilly bay waters. The pier draws about 4.2 million visitors per year, said Peskin.&nbsp;

Last month, the National Park Service closed Aquatic Park Pier permanently after an earthquake rendered it structurally unsound.&nbsp;

Last month, the National Park Service closed Aquatic Park Pier permanently after an earthquake rendered it structurally unsound.&nbsp;

“This is a national asset,” said Peskin before taking a plunge in the bay.&nbsp; “It s our imperative to make noise. […] This is not our thing; this is the federal government’s thing.”&nbsp;

“This is a national asset,” said Peskin before taking a plunge in the bay.&nbsp; “It s our imperative to make noise. […] This is not our thing; this is the federal government’s thing.”&nbsp;

According to the National Park Service, the pier cannot be repaired and must be replaced entirely—a project that’s expected to cost more than $100 million.&nbsp;

According to the National Park Service, the pier cannot be repaired and must be replaced entirely—a project that’s expected to cost more than $100 million.&nbsp;

As part of the Great American Outdoors Act, a $9 billion federal bill passed in 2020, the National Park Service has proposed using about $100 million to rehabilitate the nearby Hyde Street Pier and National Historic Landmark Eureka Ferryboat.

As part of the Great American Outdoors Act, a $9 billion federal bill passed in 2020, the National Park Service has proposed using about $100 million to rehabilitate the nearby Hyde Street Pier and National Historic Landmark Eureka Ferryboat.

No funding to rebuild Aquatic Park Pier has been secured so far, although Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) has requested $15 million to get started on its restoration.&nbsp;

No funding to rebuild Aquatic Park Pier has been secured so far, although Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) has requested $15 million to get started on its restoration.&nbsp;

According to the National Park Service, if the pier collapses, the tidal forces of the bay could endanger the Aquatic Park promenade and the historic ships docked in the area, both popular tourist attractions.&nbsp;

According to the National Park Service, if the pier collapses, the tidal forces of the bay could endanger the Aquatic Park promenade and the historic ships docked in the area, both popular tourist attractions.&nbsp;

“It protects the beach; it protects the northern waterfront from flooding. And look at it—it’s beautiful,” said Stefani.

“It protects the beach; it protects the northern waterfront from flooding. And look at it—it’s beautiful,” said Stefani.

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Feds demand action on school sexual misconduct. Will California heed the call?

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