David Sjostedt

California’s redistricting could have major implications for next year’s District 17 State Assembly (AD-17) race, potentially reshaping which local candidates have a shot at representing roughly half of San Francisco’s population over the next decade.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

California’s redistricting could have major implications for next year’s District 17 State Assembly (AD-17) race, potentially reshaping which local candidates have a shot at representing roughly half of San Francisco’s population over the next decade.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the state’s redistricting commission released <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/map_viewer">a new draft map</a> of AD-17 that turns what used to be the eastern half of San Francisco into a carve-out of eastern and western neighborhoods that eliminates Bayview and swaths of the Mission while adding the Presidio, Marina and Seacliff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the state’s redistricting commission released <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/map_viewer">a new draft map</a> of AD-17 that turns what used to be the eastern half of San Francisco into a carve-out of eastern and western neighborhoods that eliminates Bayview and swaths of the Mission while adding the Presidio, Marina and Seacliff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Redistricting-LAYERED-map.png" alt="" class="wp-image-14750"/><figcaption>A visualization shows the difference between the current map and the proposed changes. Districts drawn using 2010 census data are outlined in green. The most recent draft from the California redistricting commission is in blue. </figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Redistricting-LAYERED-map.png" alt="" class="wp-image-14750"/><figcaption>A visualization shows the difference between the current map and the proposed changes. Districts drawn using 2010 census data are outlined in green. The most recent draft from the California redistricting commission is in blue. </figcaption></figure>

The draft map sparked rancor among some political observers, who charged that it could disenfranchise voters of color clustered in the southeastern part of the city. Jim Ross, a longtime political consultant, said that the changes could lead to more politically moderate candidates competing for the seat in the assembly primary next June.&nbsp;

The draft map sparked rancor among some political observers, who charged that it could disenfranchise voters of color clustered in the southeastern part of the city. Jim Ross, a longtime political consultant, said that the changes could lead to more politically moderate candidates competing for the seat in the assembly primary next June.&nbsp;

“In ideology, the candidates running for the race right now are not dramatically different,” Ross said. “It&#8217;s very possible that a candidate could run in the new district, but not run for the special [election] and be successful.”

“In ideology, the candidates running for the race right now are not dramatically different,” Ross said. “It's very possible that a candidate could run in the new district, but not run for the special [election] and be successful.”

“In ideology, the candidates running for the race right now are not dramatically different,” Ross said. “It&#8217;s very possible that a candidate could run in the new district, but not run for the special [election] and be successful.”

Currently, the four candidates for the AD-17 assembly seat include David Campos, who formerly represented District 9, which includes the Mission; District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney; entrepreneur and scientist Bilal Mahmood; and Thea Selby, a member of the City College Board of Trustees. The seat was vacated by David Chiu, who had served in the seat since 2014 and was recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">sworn in as City Attorney</a>.

Currently, the four candidates for the AD-17 assembly seat include David Campos, who formerly represented District 9, which includes the Mission; District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney; entrepreneur and scientist Bilal Mahmood; and Thea Selby, a member of the City College Board of Trustees. The seat was vacated by David Chiu, who had served in the seat since 2014 and was recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">sworn in as City Attorney</a>.

Given the timing of the vacancy, candidates for the seat must navigate a sequence of elections that will include up to four races and a redistricting change that takes effect next year.

Given the timing of the vacancy, candidates for the seat must navigate a sequence of elections that will include up to four races and a redistricting change that takes effect next year.

Chiu’s vacancy spurred the process of two distinct elections for the seat: a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/special-election-to-replace-david-chiu-in-state-assembly-set-for-april-2022/">special election to replace Chiu</a>, followed by a regularly scheduled statewide primary that includes a contest for the same seat. A special primary election, which is scheduled for April 2022 with a primary in February, will use the current AD-17 map. A subsequent general election, scheduled for November 2022 with a primary in June, will use the new map. The redistricting commission plans to finalize the map on Dec. 27.&nbsp;

Chiu’s vacancy spurred the process of two distinct elections for the seat: a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/special-election-to-replace-david-chiu-in-state-assembly-set-for-april-2022/">special election to replace Chiu</a>, followed by a regularly scheduled statewide primary that includes a contest for the same seat. A special primary election, which is scheduled for April 2022 with a primary in February, will use the current AD-17 map. A subsequent general election, scheduled for November 2022 with a primary in June, will use the new map. The redistricting commission plans to finalize the map on Dec. 27.&nbsp;

Campos voiced concerns that the proposed changes to the assembly district would muffle voices of historically disenfranchised groups of voters.&nbsp;

Campos voiced concerns that the proposed changes to the assembly district would muffle voices of historically disenfranchised groups of voters.&nbsp;

“The visualizations really harm communities of color, and they raise a lot of concern about diluting the voting power of these communities,” Campos told Here/Say in an interview. “My hope is that this is so bad that this outcome won’t be accepted. Hopefully, more people will be weighing in to keep that from happening.”

“The visualizations really harm communities of color, and they raise a lot of concern about diluting the voting power of these communities,” Campos told Here/Say in an interview. “My hope is that this is so bad that this outcome won’t be accepted. Hopefully, more people will be weighing in to keep that from happening.”

The state’s redistricting commission redraws district lines every ten years based upon changes to the census. The process is subject to changes in district populations, as well as demographics and community characteristics, designed to give populations the ability to elect representatives of their choice.&nbsp;

The state’s redistricting commission redraws district lines every ten years based upon changes to the census. The process is subject to changes in district populations, as well as demographics and community characteristics, designed to give populations the ability to elect representatives of their choice.&nbsp;

Fredy Ceja, a spokesperson for the redistricting commission, stressed that while public opinion is an important barometer in adjusting the maps, commissioners must also account for how the entire state will shift as a result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fredy Ceja, a spokesperson for the redistricting commission, stressed that while public opinion is an important barometer in adjusting the maps, commissioners must also account for how the entire state will shift as a result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to come back and restructure certain parts of the state,” Ceja said. “But once you start editing one part of the state, it has a ripple effect to the other parts&#8230;It’s just a jigsaw puzzle that’s never ending.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to come back and restructure certain parts of the state,” Ceja said. “But once you start editing one part of the state, it has a ripple effect to the other parts...It’s just a jigsaw puzzle that’s never ending.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to come back and restructure certain parts of the state,” Ceja said. “But once you start editing one part of the state, it has a ripple effect to the other parts&#8230;It’s just a jigsaw puzzle that’s never ending.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The commission allows for public input on the drafts until Dec. 27., and accepts comments either through an online form or by attending a <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/meetings">public input meeting</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The commission allows for public input on the drafts until Dec. 27., and accepts comments either through an online form or by attending a <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/meetings">public input meeting</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ross said he imagines that the district map will change before the comment period has expired, and that it could reshape what types of local candidates are most viable in AD-17 for the next decade. While it may not have much impact on the state’s overall political landscape, a changing AD-17 could open up new pathways for San Francisco politicians.&nbsp;

Ross said he imagines that the district map will change before the comment period has expired, and that it could reshape what types of local candidates are most viable in AD-17 for the next decade. While it may not have much impact on the state’s overall political landscape, a changing AD-17 could open up new pathways for San Francisco politicians.&nbsp;

“Based on that map, there’s a real path for a much more moderate candidate, but that’s by San Francisco’s standards,” Ross said. “The way it would impact the assembly wouldn’t be that different, but it would be a big difference for San Francisco politics.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Based on that map, there’s a real path for a much more moderate candidate, but that’s by San Francisco’s standards,” Ross said. “The way it would impact the assembly wouldn’t be that different, but it would be a big difference for San Francisco politics.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

California’s redistricting poised to shake up dynamics of AD-17 race

Mike Ege

San Francisco voters face up to four separate elections this year. The first one on Feb. 15 is the result of three separate political moves:&nbsp;

San Francisco voters face up to four separate elections this year. The first one on Feb. 15 is the result of three separate political moves:&nbsp;

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The recall of three sitting members of the Board of Education over controversies regarding a return to in-person classes during the pandemic, the school district’s collapsing finances, and ideologically based decisions on renaming schools;&nbsp;</li></ul>

core/list

<ul><li>The recall of three sitting members of the Board of Education over controversies regarding a return to in-person classes during the pandemic, the school district’s collapsing finances, and ideologically based decisions on renaming schools;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The appointment by Mayor Breed of former Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu as city administrator;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>The appointment by Mayor Breed of former Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu as city administrator;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>And Mayor London Breed’s appointment of District 17 Assemblymember David Chiu as city attorney.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<ul><li>And Mayor London Breed’s appointment of District 17 Assemblymember David Chiu as city attorney.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Voters will decide whether to approve the recall of the three school board members, to elect the appointed replacement assessor-recorder to that office, and to choose a new assemblymember for the 17th District, which has just been given new borders. It’s a short but complicated ballot, so let’s break it down.&nbsp;

Voters will decide whether to approve the recall of the three school board members, to elect the appointed replacement assessor-recorder to that office, and to choose a new assemblymember for the 17th District, which has just been given new borders. It’s a short but complicated ballot, so let’s break it down.&nbsp;

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECALLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECALLS

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/citing-gross-malfeasance-sf-parent-group-supports-recall-of-two-school-board-members/">issues and politics behind the SF Board of Education recalls</a> have been extensively reported by The Standard.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/citing-gross-malfeasance-sf-parent-group-supports-recall-of-two-school-board-members/">issues and politics behind the SF Board of Education recalls</a> have been extensively reported by The Standard.

How will the recall process actually work?

How will the recall process actually work?

The recall votes are handled as if they were ballot measures. They each have their own letter:

The recall votes are handled as if they were ballot measures. They each have their own letter:

So not all of the recalls could pass or fail together?&nbsp;

So not all of the recalls could pass or fail together?&nbsp;

No. There could be a mixed result, which may result in a political boost for any survivors. Commissioner <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/facing-recall-school-board-member-faauuga-moliga-goes-it-alone/">Faauuga Moliga</a> has distanced himself from the other two members facing recall.

No. There could be a mixed result, which may result in a political boost for any survivors. Commissioner <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/facing-recall-school-board-member-faauuga-moliga-goes-it-alone/">Faauuga Moliga</a> has distanced himself from the other two members facing recall.

How many votes are needed for each recall to pass? What happens with the resulting vacancies?

How many votes are needed for each recall to pass? What happens with the resulting vacancies?

A simple majority (50% plus 1 vote) is required for recall. Any vacancies due to recall are filled by mayoral appointment. Those appointments will serve until the next regularly scheduled election after the appointment has served in office 120 days. The appointed person is able to run as a candidate in that election to be elected in their own right.&nbsp;

A simple majority (50% plus 1 vote) is required for recall. Any vacancies due to recall are filled by mayoral appointment. Those appointments will serve until the next regularly scheduled election after the appointment has served in office 120 days. The appointed person is able to run as a candidate in that election to be elected in their own right.&nbsp;

ASSESSOR-RECORDER

What exactly does the Assessor-Recorder do?&nbsp;

What exactly does the Assessor-Recorder do?&nbsp;

The Office of Assessor-Recorder deals with two big portfolios in city and county government: maintenance of the property tax base and&nbsp; public records. You go to this office to pay your property tax bill, and they’re in charge of reassessing your property tax liability as necessary. The assessor-recorder is also in charge of maintaining public records, such as marriage licenses. The office also engages in other activities related to these areas for the public benefit, such as <a href="https://sunnysideassociation.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/sf-assessor-online-family-wealth-forum-on-july-18/">financial health education</a> and <a href="https://sfassessor.org/news/racial-equity-work-assessor-torres-urges-governor-newsom-sign-ab-1466-erase-racist-covenants">tax equity</a> advocacy in Sacramento.&nbsp;

The Office of Assessor-Recorder deals with two big portfolios in city and county government: maintenance of the property tax base and&nbsp; public records. You go to this office to pay your property tax bill, and they’re in charge of reassessing your property tax liability as necessary. The assessor-recorder is also in charge of maintaining public records, such as marriage licenses. The office also engages in other activities related to these areas for the public benefit, such as <a href="https://sunnysideassociation.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/sf-assessor-online-family-wealth-forum-on-july-18/">financial health education</a> and <a href="https://sfassessor.org/news/racial-equity-work-assessor-torres-urges-governor-newsom-sign-ab-1466-erase-racist-covenants">tax equity</a> advocacy in Sacramento.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.spur.org/about/board/joaquin-torres">Joaquin Torres</a>, formerly head of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, was sworn in as assessor-recorder by Mayor Breed last February, as the office was vacated by incumbent Carmen Chu to accept the mayor’s appointment as city administrator.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.spur.org/about/board/joaquin-torres">Joaquin Torres</a>, formerly head of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, was sworn in as assessor-recorder by Mayor Breed last February, as the office was vacated by incumbent Carmen Chu to accept the mayor’s appointment as city administrator.&nbsp;

Why are we voting for this position now instead of in June or November?&nbsp;

Why are we voting for this position now instead of in June or November?&nbsp;

Actually, the regular election for this position is in November, and we will be voting for it (again) at that time. But it’s also up for a vote in February because of local laws governing replacement appointments.&nbsp;

Actually, the regular election for this position is in November, and we will be voting for it (again) at that time. But it’s also up for a vote in February because of local laws governing replacement appointments.&nbsp;

Is anyone running against Joaquin Torres?

Is anyone running against Joaquin Torres?

It’s possible but highly unlikely. Most of the relevant deadlines to enter the race have passed, although it’s still possible to enter as a write-in candidate assuming a person submits all the proper paperwork by Feb. 1. Additionally, anyone running for the job must be a qualified appraiser certified by the state.&nbsp;

It’s possible but highly unlikely. Most of the relevant deadlines to enter the race have passed, although it’s still possible to enter as a write-in candidate assuming a person submits all the proper paperwork by Feb. 1. Additionally, anyone running for the job must be a qualified appraiser certified by the state.&nbsp;

Is Torres bothering to campaign at all?&nbsp;

Is Torres bothering to campaign at all?&nbsp;

A check with the <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/11/campaign-finance-dashboards-february-15-2022.html">Ethics Commission</a>’s campaign finance dashboards shows Torres has garnered around $120,000 in contributions. Torres’ campaign manager, Maggie Muir, told The Standard that he “will be reaching out to voters to introduce himself and talk about the impact of his office on everyday people.”

A check with the <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/11/campaign-finance-dashboards-february-15-2022.html">Ethics Commission</a>’s campaign finance dashboards shows Torres has garnered around $120,000 in contributions. Torres’ campaign manager, Maggie Muir, told The Standard that he “will be reaching out to voters to introduce himself and talk about the impact of his office on everyday people.”

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 17

The AD17 seat is currently vacant as the incumbent, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">David Chiu</a>, accepted Mayor Breed’s appointment as city attorney last November. It’s likely that residents on the east side of town will be voting for this race up to four times this year, due to a double whammy of state election laws and local circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The AD17 seat is currently vacant as the incumbent, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">David Chiu</a>, accepted Mayor Breed’s appointment as city attorney last November. It’s likely that residents on the east side of town will be voting for this race up to four times this year, due to a double whammy of state election laws and local circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

San Francisco had no local election last year, so Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11890455/david-chius-seat-in-california-assembly-already-has-candidates-lining-up-for-special-election">special election</a> for the vacancy on April 19, with the primary for that election scheduled for Feb. 15. Meanwhile, the regular election cycle for this seat is also this year, in June and November.&nbsp;

San Francisco had no local election last year, so Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11890455/david-chius-seat-in-california-assembly-already-has-candidates-lining-up-for-special-election">special election</a> for the vacancy on April 19, with the primary for that election scheduled for Feb. 15. Meanwhile, the regular election cycle for this seat is also this year, in June and November.&nbsp;

The Standard has more on the politics behind this race <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/the-race-to-replace-david-chiu-explained/">here</a>.&nbsp;

The Standard has more on the politics behind this race <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/the-race-to-replace-david-chiu-explained/">here</a>.&nbsp;

So who’s running in this race?&nbsp;

So who’s running in this race?&nbsp;

Candidates for the seat include District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney and former District 9 Supervisor and former District 9 Supervisor&nbsp;David Campos, currently on leave from his job as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin. These two are the acknowledged frontrunners, and they’re running close enough that the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club—one of the city’s major political entities—has chosen not to endorse anyone in the race.

Candidates for the seat include District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney and former District 9 Supervisor and former District 9 Supervisor&nbsp;David Campos, currently on leave from his job as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin. These two are the acknowledged frontrunners, and they’re running close enough that the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club—one of the city’s major political entities—has chosen not to endorse anyone in the race.

Other candidates include City College Trustee Thea Selby and former Obama administration policy analyst and tech entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood. According to an <a href="https://48hills.org/2021/12/campos-has-lead-over-haney-but-race-is-very-close-new-poll-shows/">internal poll</a> by the Campos campaign, Mahmood rated surprisingly high at 14%.&nbsp;

Other candidates include City College Trustee Thea Selby and former Obama administration policy analyst and tech entrepreneur Bilal Mahmood. According to an <a href="https://48hills.org/2021/12/campos-has-lead-over-haney-but-race-is-very-close-new-poll-shows/">internal poll</a> by the Campos campaign, Mahmood rated surprisingly high at 14%.&nbsp;

You can hear more from the candidates at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/elections/election-season-kickoff-the-race-for-sfs-assembly-district-17/">Election Season Kickoff: The Race for SF’s Assembly District 17</a>.&nbsp;

You can hear more from the candidates at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/elections/election-season-kickoff-the-race-for-sfs-assembly-district-17/">Election Season Kickoff: The Race for SF’s Assembly District 17</a>.&nbsp;

Does everyone get to vote in this race?

Does everyone get to vote in this race?

Only voters in the 17th Assembly District, broadly the eastern side of San Francisco, will vote in this race. On top of this, the district lines were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Redistricting-commission-scraps-plan-to-create-a-16673538.php">recently redrawn</a> in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/state-redistricting-proposal-splitting-chinatown-north-beach-characterized-as-insane-by-angry-residents/">fairly controversial</a> process, so you will want to check if you’re still in the district.

Only voters in the 17th Assembly District, broadly the eastern side of San Francisco, will vote in this race. On top of this, the district lines were <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Redistricting-commission-scraps-plan-to-create-a-16673538.php">recently redrawn</a> in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/state-redistricting-proposal-splitting-chinatown-north-beach-characterized-as-insane-by-angry-residents/">fairly controversial</a> process, so you will want to check if you’re still in the district.

Will we really have to vote four times?&nbsp;

Will we really have to vote four times?&nbsp;

It depends. The two election cycles differ in nature. The earlier special election cycle is a standard primary and runoff, where <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/11/15/there-could-be-four-elections-for-this-same-d-17-state-assembly-seat-in-2022/">it might</a> be possible to avoid the April runoff should a candidate in February garner a majority of votes rather than a plurality. Given that there are four candidates with at least three apparently polling in the double digits, that’s highly unlikely.&nbsp;

It depends. The two election cycles differ in nature. The earlier special election cycle is a standard primary and runoff, where <a href="https://sfist.com/2021/11/15/there-could-be-four-elections-for-this-same-d-17-state-assembly-seat-in-2022/">it might</a> be possible to avoid the April runoff should a candidate in February garner a majority of votes rather than a plurality. Given that there are four candidates with at least three apparently polling in the double digits, that’s highly unlikely.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the regular election cycle in June and November is California’s infamous “Jungle Primary” process, where the top two winners go to a November general election regardless of what percentage of the vote they get.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the regular election cycle in June and November is California’s infamous “Jungle Primary” process, where the top two winners go to a November general election regardless of what percentage of the vote they get.&nbsp;

Moreover, the June/November cycle will likely feature a mostly different cast of candidates, with only the winner of the February/April cycle moving on to the next round. If you think this is starting to resemble Mortal Kombat, you’re not alone.&nbsp;

Moreover, the June/November cycle will likely feature a mostly different cast of candidates, with only the winner of the February/April cycle moving on to the next round. If you think this is starting to resemble Mortal Kombat, you’re not alone.&nbsp;

This story has been updated to note that David Campos is currently on leave from his position as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

This story has been updated to note that David Campos is currently on leave from his position as chief of staff for District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Explainer: Breaking down San Francisco’s bizarre Feb. 15 special election

Han Li

Scott Shafer

This story was produced as part of a partnership between KQED and The San Francisco Standard.

This story was produced as part of a partnership between KQED and The San Francisco Standard.

It’s no secret that successful political campaigns in San Francisco rely heavily on support from Chinese American voters—and at a time when the city is politically polarized, election results are often decided by razor-thin margins.

It’s no secret that successful political campaigns in San Francisco rely heavily on support from Chinese American voters—and at a time when the city is politically polarized, election results are often decided by razor-thin margins.

The current campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Unified School District Board is attempting to court this vital demographic by investing in television ads in both Mandarin and Cantonese. The ads emphasize the related issues many people in the Chinese American community care about most, including <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11867599/censured-sf-school-board-member-alison-collins-sues-district-colleagues-for-constitutional-rights-violations">a controversial tweet</a> from one of the targeted school board members, as well as changes to the merit-based admissions policy at Lowell High School.

The current campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Unified School District Board is attempting to court this vital demographic by investing in television ads in both Mandarin and Cantonese. The ads emphasize the related issues many people in the Chinese American community care about most, including <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11867599/censured-sf-school-board-member-alison-collins-sues-district-colleagues-for-constitutional-rights-violations">a controversial tweet</a> from one of the targeted school board members, as well as changes to the merit-based admissions policy at Lowell High School.

Tuesday’s special election board recall is the first recall in San Francisco in nearly 40 years in San Francisco—the last one was a failed attempt to recall then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein in 1983. Chinese American parents and residents have come out in large numbers to help collect signatures to place the recall of San Francisco Board of Education commissioners Alison Collins, Gabriela Lopez and Faauuga Moliga on Tuesday’s ballot.

Tuesday’s special election board recall is the first recall in San Francisco in nearly 40 years in San Francisco—the last one was a failed attempt to recall then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein in 1983. Chinese American parents and residents have come out in large numbers to help collect signatures to place the recall of San Francisco Board of Education commissioners Alison Collins, Gabriela Lopez and Faauuga Moliga on Tuesday’s ballot.

Spending reports filed with the city detail the pro-recall campaign’s emphasis on reaching Chinese audiences. One campaign committee spent $42,840 to air ads on the Chinese TV station KTSF, along with $11,013 to purchase print ads in the Sing Tao Daily and World Journal newspapers. While not an enormous amount, especially given that overall donations are approaching $2 million, it does signal who the campaign has identified as a key bloc of voters.

Spending reports filed with the city detail the pro-recall campaign’s emphasis on reaching Chinese audiences. One campaign committee spent $42,840 to air ads on the Chinese TV station KTSF, along with $11,013 to purchase print ads in the Sing Tao Daily and World Journal newspapers. While not an enormous amount, especially given that overall donations are approaching $2 million, it does signal who the campaign has identified as a key bloc of voters.

An analysis of ads in the race by The San Francisco Standard and KQED found that the messages, while similar to ads in English, reflect the issues that seem to have driven a high level of political engagement from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/on-the-bay-recall-draws-first-time-chinese-american-voters/">some segments of the city’s Chinese community</a>: the school board’s failures to more quickly reopen schools and time spent discussing the renaming of schools.

An analysis of ads in the race by The San Francisco Standard and KQED found that the messages, while similar to ads in English, reflect the issues that seem to have driven a high level of political engagement from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/on-the-bay-recall-draws-first-time-chinese-american-voters/">some segments of the city’s Chinese community</a>: the school board’s failures to more quickly reopen schools and time spent discussing the renaming of schools.

But some content is tailor-made for Chinese audiences.

But some content is tailor-made for Chinese audiences.

The “Concerned Parents Supporting the Recall of Collins, Lopez, and Moliga” group has released <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp5-6MZ73hTFLB0gm7lY-fA">a series of video ads</a> in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

The “Concerned Parents Supporting the Recall of Collins, Lopez, and Moliga” group has released <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp5-6MZ73hTFLB0gm7lY-fA">a series of video ads</a> in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

The English versions mainly feature school parents and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhUm5fmXWUo">city leaders</a> trying to persuade people to vote “yes,” with reasons including delays in reopening schools, the district’s budget deficit and the school renaming controversies. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6tSWAan98o">Spanish</a> version, featuring a Mexican immigrant parent, delivers a similar message.

The English versions mainly feature school parents and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhUm5fmXWUo">city leaders</a> trying to persuade people to vote “yes,” with reasons including delays in reopening schools, the district’s budget deficit and the school renaming controversies. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6tSWAan98o">Spanish</a> version, featuring a Mexican immigrant parent, delivers a similar message.

But the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lscfKPVLkOU">Chinese-Mandarin video</a>, featuring Chinese American immigrant and public school parent Ann Hsu, specifically mentions the controversial tweets by Alison Collins and the Lowell High School admissions policy change.

But the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lscfKPVLkOU">Chinese-Mandarin video</a>, featuring Chinese American immigrant and public school parent Ann Hsu, specifically mentions the controversial tweets by Alison Collins and the Lowell High School admissions policy change.

Still of a Chinese-language ad citing a March 2021 SFGATE article. The ad reads “Alison Collins’ tweet refers [to] Asians as ‘Black house slaves.’" | Screenshot

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-07-at-12.38.56-PM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35729"/><figcaption>Still of a Chinese-language ad citing a March 2021 SFGATE article. The ad reads “Alison Collins’ tweet refers [to] Asians as ‘Black house slaves.’&#8221; | Screenshot from YouTube</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-07-at-12.38.56-PM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35729"/><figcaption>Still of a Chinese-language ad citing a March 2021 SFGATE article. The ad reads “Alison Collins’ tweet refers [to] Asians as ‘Black house slaves.’" | Screenshot from YouTube</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-07-at-12.38.56-PM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35729"/><figcaption>Still of a Chinese-language ad citing a March 2021 SFGATE article. The ad reads “Alison Collins’ tweet refers [to] Asians as ‘Black house slaves.’&#8221; | Screenshot from YouTube</figcaption></figure>

“All these are making me extremely angry!” Hsu said in the ads, with a picture of Collins and the translated racial slur that the board member tweeted in 2016—before she was elected—to describe Asian Americans’ efforts to assimilate and get ahead. The background of the ad is the iconic Chinatown gate.

“All these are making me extremely angry!” Hsu said in the ads, with a picture of Collins and the translated racial slur that the board member tweeted in 2016—before she was elected—to describe Asian Americans’ efforts to assimilate and get ahead. The background of the ad is the iconic Chinatown gate.

Hsu, who is fluent in both English and Mandarin, also appeared in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLgNdU53qJQ">an English-language ad</a>, but the criticism in this message focuses on the reopening and renaming of schools, not the controversial tweets or Lowell.

Hsu, who is fluent in both English and Mandarin, also appeared in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLgNdU53qJQ">an English-language ad</a>, but the criticism in this message focuses on the reopening and renaming of schools, not the controversial tweets or Lowell.

The <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ngsofgsnvkkdle1/Parent-Cantonese-30-s1v5-ChineseSubs-DigitalKMM.mp4?dl=0">Cantonese video ad</a> is also different from the Mandarin version. Kit Lam, an outspoken public school father from Hong Kong who was caught on video trying to stop the alleged theft of recall petitions, is featured in the Cantonese ad. In the video, he expresses his anger about the pandemic closures and renaming of schools.

The <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ngsofgsnvkkdle1/Parent-Cantonese-30-s1v5-ChineseSubs-DigitalKMM.mp4?dl=0">Cantonese video ad</a> is also different from the Mandarin version. Kit Lam, an outspoken public school father from Hong Kong who was caught on video trying to stop the alleged theft of recall petitions, is featured in the Cantonese ad. In the video, he expresses his anger about the pandemic closures and renaming of schools.

School parent Kit Lam in the Cantonese ad supporting the school board recall. | Screenshot 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-3.14.48-PM-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35702"/><figcaption>School parent Kit Lam in the Cantonese ad supporting the school board recall. | Screenshot </figcaption></figure>

The official recall campaign, “Recall School Board Members Lopez, Collins &amp; Moliga,” has released three Cantonese radio ads airing on local Chinese radio stations.

The official recall campaign, “Recall School Board Members Lopez, Collins &amp; Moliga,” has released three Cantonese radio ads airing on local Chinese radio stations.

Among the three, one focuses on Lowell, one emphasizes the financial crisis faced by the school district, and the other asks eligible voters to register. The ads note they were paid for by the committee with the main sources of the funding coming from venture capitalist David Sacks and businessman Arthur Rock. The latter is a vocal supporter of charter schools.

Among the three, one focuses on Lowell, one emphasizes the financial crisis faced by the school district, and the other asks eligible voters to register. The ads note they were paid for by the committee with the main sources of the funding coming from venture capitalist David Sacks and businessman Arthur Rock. The latter is a vocal supporter of charter schools.

core/audio

<figure class="wp-block-audio"><audio controls src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/T9356.mp3"></audio><figcaption>A Cantonese radio ad supporting the recall. | <meta charset="utf-8">Recall School Board Members Lopez, Collins &amp; Moliga campaign</figcaption></figure>

On Jan. 18, 2022, a print ad supporting the recall appeared in the World Journal, a major Chinese-language newspaper in the Bay Area.

On Jan. 18, 2022, a print ad supporting the recall appeared in the World Journal, a major Chinese-language newspaper in the Bay Area.

Newspaper ad supporting the recall. | Screenshot from World Journal newspaper

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jan18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35738"/><figcaption>Newspaper ad supporting the recall. | Screenshot from World Journal newspaper</figcaption></figure>

The ad, placed by “Concerned Parents Supporting the Recall of Collins, Lopez, and Moliga,” features an upset child in front of a laptop—the reference is remote learning during the school closures. The ad also mentions Collins’ tweet, the $87 million lawsuit she filed against the school district and her board colleagues, Lowell High School and the financial crisis.

The ad, placed by “Concerned Parents Supporting the Recall of Collins, Lopez, and Moliga,” features an upset child in front of a laptop—the reference is remote learning during the school closures. The ad also mentions Collins’ tweet, the $87 million lawsuit she filed against the school district and her board colleagues, Lowell High School and the financial crisis.

On Feb. 11, days before the election, the Chinese American Democratic Club also purchased ad space in World Journal supporting the recall. They used a photo of a “Stop Asian Hate” march in Chinatown and reminded the voters of the difference between signing the petition for the recall and actually voting for the recall.

On Feb. 11, days before the election, the Chinese American Democratic Club also purchased ad space in World Journal supporting the recall. They used a photo of a “Stop Asian Hate” march in Chinatown and reminded the voters of the difference between signing the petition for the recall and actually voting for the recall.

An ad supporting the recall used a photo of a “Stop Asian Hate” march in Chinatown. | Screenshot from World Journal newspaper

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CADC-ad.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35747"/><figcaption>An ad supporting the recall used a photo of a “Stop Asian Hate” march in Chinatown. | Screenshot from World Journal newspaper</figcaption></figure>

“Silence is not gold. The ballot is power,” the ad reads.

“Silence is not gold. The ballot is power,” the ad reads.

In the same ad, they made dual endorsements of Matt Haney and Bilal Mahmood for the state <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/tracking-sf-assembly-district-17-race-campaign-money/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Assembly District 17</a> race and Joaquin Torres for Assessor-Recorder.

In the same ad, they made dual endorsements of Matt Haney and Bilal Mahmood for the state <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/tracking-sf-assembly-district-17-race-campaign-money/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Assembly District 17</a> race and Joaquin Torres for Assessor-Recorder.

Ads Opposing the Recall

An ad funded by the campaigns against the recall is much smaller and vastly different from the well-funded supporter side. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/mapping-the-school-board-recall/">With limited resources</a>, the opposition has few Chinese language ads.

An ad funded by the campaigns against the recall is much smaller and vastly different from the well-funded supporter side. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/mapping-the-school-board-recall/">With limited resources</a>, the opposition has few Chinese language ads.

The door hangers against the recall, paid for by the committee of “No On Recalls of School Board Commissioners Lopez, Collins and Moliga,” are widely distributed in San Francisco and have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NoSBRecalls/posts/121730550381476">Chinese-language version</a>.

The door hangers against the recall, paid for by the committee of “No On Recalls of School Board Commissioners Lopez, Collins and Moliga,” are widely distributed in San Francisco and have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NoSBRecalls/posts/121730550381476">Chinese-language version</a>.

Door hanger in Chinese language against the school board recall. | Facebook photo of No School Board Recall

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ads.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-35711"/><figcaption>Door hanger in Chinese language against the school board recall. | Facebook photo of No School Board Recall</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfberniecrats.com/about/">San Francisco Berniecrats</a>, a political club formed in 2016, placed an ad in the Chinese-language newspaper in mid-January, opposing the recall of the three members.

<a href="https://sfberniecrats.com/about/">San Francisco Berniecrats</a>, a political club formed in 2016, placed an ad in the Chinese-language newspaper in mid-January, opposing the recall of the three members.

SF Berniecrats placed an ad on Chinese newspaper against the recall. | Screenshot from World Journal newspaper

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jan17-2022.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35720"/><figcaption>SF Berniecrats placed an ad on Chinese newspaper against the recall. | Screenshot from World Journal newspaper</figcaption></figure>

Two headlines on the right column read “Oppose the Recall, Support the Democracy” and “Recall wastes public dollars, attacks public education.” The first paragraph compares the school board recall to the attempted recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021. The ad blames the school board recall on a campaign that hired signatures gatherer with good pay—as much as $22 per signature.

Two headlines on the right column read “Oppose the Recall, Support the Democracy” and “Recall wastes public dollars, attacks public education.” The first paragraph compares the school board recall to the attempted recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021. The ad blames the school board recall on a campaign that hired signatures gatherer with good pay—as much as $22 per signature.

The second paragraph says that if the recall is successful, Mayor London Breed will appoint the replacements: “This is not real democracy!”

The second paragraph says that if the recall is successful, Mayor London Breed will appoint the replacements: “This is not real democracy!”

In the same ad, the group also endorses David Campos for the state Assembly race.

In the same ad, the group also endorses David Campos for the state Assembly race.

Moliga, who ran his own campaign against the recall,&nbsp;said his campaign has been speaking directly with Chinese and AAPI communities, without using paid ads.

Moliga, who ran his own campaign against the recall,&nbsp;said his campaign has been speaking directly with Chinese and AAPI communities, without using paid ads.

“Our campaign is fortunate to have these long-standing relationships in the AAPI community that are helping us fight this attempt to recall me,” Moliga said.

“Our campaign is fortunate to have these long-standing relationships in the AAPI community that are helping us fight this attempt to recall me,” Moliga said.

SF school board recall election ads target the Chinese-speaking community

Annie Gaus

David Chiu (D-San Francisco), who represents the eastern half of San Francisco in the California State Assembly, has been appointed by Mayor London Breed to serve as City Attorney.

David Chiu (D-San Francisco), who represents the eastern half of San Francisco in the California State Assembly, has been appointed by Mayor London Breed to serve as City Attorney.

Search Results for: bilal mahmood

California’s redistricting poised to shake up dynamics of AD-17 race

Explainer: Breaking down San Francisco’s bizarre Feb. 15 special election

SF school board recall election ads target the Chinese-speaking community

Assemblymember David Chiu named San Francisco city attorney