Sarah Wright

As the Bay Area braces for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/weather/mudslides-power-outages-heavy-winds-what-to-expect-from-upcoming-storm/">a deluge of rain that could prove deadly</a> this week, San Francisco officials warned of transit delays.

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As the Bay Area braces for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/weather/mudslides-power-outages-heavy-winds-what-to-expect-from-upcoming-storm/">a deluge of rain that could prove deadly</a> this week, San Francisco officials warned of transit delays.

“We do expect some delays with our public transportation system in light of the heavy rains,” Mayor London Breed said at a press conference on Tuesday. “Our hope is to continue to make sure our trains and our buses are running on time as much as possible, but there will be delays.”

“We do expect some delays with our public transportation system in light of the heavy rains,” Mayor London Breed said at a press conference on Tuesday. “Our hope is to continue to make sure our trains and our buses are running on time as much as possible, but there will be delays.”

In an email to The Standard, BART officials wrote that the agency is readying sandbags, checking on pumps and clearing storm drains in preparation for the potentially historic storm on Wednesday. The agency also said it plans to have staff standing by at the stations that are most prone to flooding.&nbsp;

In an email to The Standard, BART officials wrote that the agency is readying sandbags, checking on pumps and clearing storm drains in preparation for the potentially historic storm on Wednesday. The agency also said it plans to have staff standing by at the stations that are most prone to flooding.&nbsp;

BART also <a href="https://twitter.com/SFBART/status/1610058221615734784">posted a video on Twitter</a> advising riders to expect trains to run at slower speeds and to expect to wait longer in stations, also warning that stations may be more slippery than usual. Due to reduced acceleration and deceleration rates in wet weather, the system saw 20-minute delays on Tuesday.

BART also <a href="https://twitter.com/SFBART/status/1610058221615734784">posted a video on Twitter</a> advising riders to expect trains to run at slower speeds and to expect to wait longer in stations, also warning that stations may be more slippery than usual. Due to reduced acceleration and deceleration rates in wet weather, the system saw 20-minute delays on Tuesday.

“We don’t expect any station closures or changes to the schedule,” BART spokesperson James Allison wrote.&nbsp;

“We don’t expect any station closures or changes to the schedule,” BART spokesperson James Allison wrote.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, exits and elevators at several stations—including at Montgomery, Sansome and Sutter streets—were closed due to flooding amid major rain-related delays.

Over the weekend, exits and elevators at several stations—including at Montgomery, Sansome and Sutter streets—were closed due to flooding amid major rain-related delays.

The city’s water agency is also calling on residents to clear out storm drains in preparation for the wet weather and spent Tuesday afternoon deploying storm barriers at Folsom and 17th streets.

The city’s water agency is also calling on residents to clear out storm drains in preparation for the wet weather and spent Tuesday afternoon deploying storm barriers at Folsom and 17th streets.

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Heavy rain expected to cause delays in Bay Area transit

George Kelly

BART experienced major systemwide delays Monday morning after a train got stuck between Fruitvale and Coliseum stations in Oakland.

BART experienced major systemwide delays Monday morning after a train got stuck between Fruitvale and Coliseum stations in Oakland.

The transit agency first reported a 10-minute delay on the Berryessa Line at 7:21 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., delays had escalated to &#8220;major&#8221; status across the system.

The transit agency first reported a 10-minute delay on the Berryessa Line at 7:21 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., delays had escalated to "major" status across the system.

The transit agency first reported a 10-minute delay on the Berryessa Line at 7:21 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., delays had escalated to &#8220;major&#8221; status across the system.

In an email, BART spokesperson Jim Allison said the passengers on the disabled train were able to board another. Both trains were then taken to the Coliseum station, where the passengers continued on their trips.

In an email, BART spokesperson Jim Allison said the passengers on the disabled train were able to board another. Both trains were then taken to the Coliseum station, where the passengers continued on their trips.

&#8220;The disabled train has been towed to our Hayward maintenance facility where technicians will diagnose the issue and fix it,&#8221; Allison said.

"The disabled train has been towed to our Hayward maintenance facility where technicians will diagnose the issue and fix it," Allison said.

&#8220;The disabled train has been towed to our Hayward maintenance facility where technicians will diagnose the issue and fix it,&#8221; Allison said.

‘We don’t get much respect’: Life as a BART bathroom attendant

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BART officials announced limited Green Line service between Berryessa and Daly City at 8:29 a.m.

BART officials announced limited Green Line service between Berryessa and Daly City at 8:29 a.m.

Passengers traveling from San Francisco were advised to take Dublin/Pleasanton trains and transfer to Bayfair for Berryessa service. Those departing from Berryessa were directed to board Richmond trains and transfer at Bayfair for Daly City service.

Passengers traveling from San Francisco were advised to take Dublin/Pleasanton trains and transfer to Bayfair for Berryessa service. Those departing from Berryessa were directed to board Richmond trains and transfer at Bayfair for Daly City service.

As of 8:58 a.m., there was a 10-minute delay from downtown Oakland in all directions due to an equipment problem on the track between MacArthur and 19th St. stations.

As of 8:58 a.m., there was a 10-minute delay from downtown Oakland in all directions due to an equipment problem on the track between MacArthur and 19th St. stations.

The transit agency did not provide an estimated time for full restoration of service, but Allison told The Standard there were still a few residual delays around 9:30 a.m.

The transit agency did not provide an estimated time for full restoration of service, but Allison told The Standard there were still a few residual delays around 9:30 a.m.

Chaos on 3 BART lines as train gets stuck

Astrid Kane

As California <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/21/california-fire-season-2022-forecast-2023/">prepares for what might be a destructive fire season</a>, BART has added some new munching munitions to its mitigation menagerie: self-shearing sheep.

What will California’s mild fire season mean for 2023?

As California <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/21/california-fire-season-2022-forecast-2023/">prepares for what might be a destructive fire season</a>, BART has added some new munching munitions to its mitigation menagerie: self-shearing sheep.

The transit agency has long made use of goats and their voracious appetites to keep the grass trimmed along its rights-of-way—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/08/over-100-hungry-goats-storm-san-francisco-hillside-in-firefighting-effort/">as does Caltrain, its sister transportation system</a>. But now BART, which runs trains through numerous fire-prone landscapes across the region, revealed its new ovine weapons on Monday.&nbsp;

Over 100 hungry goats storm San Francisco hillside in firefighting effort

The transit agency has long made use of goats and their voracious appetites to keep the grass trimmed along its rights-of-way—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/08/over-100-hungry-goats-storm-san-francisco-hillside-in-firefighting-effort/">as does Caltrain, its sister transportation system</a>. But now BART, which runs trains through numerous fire-prone landscapes across the region, revealed its new ovine weapons on Monday.&nbsp;

Last winter’s intense rains caused hillsides to sprout large amounts of plant growth, which means more potential fuel for fires. In the past, agency staff had cleared the terrain with the use of heavy machinery, which emit pollution and could be loud and disruptive to residential neighbors. After two years of deploying goats to steep hillsides, it’s time for another tactic, the agency said in a press release.

Last winter’s intense rains caused hillsides to sprout large amounts of plant growth, which means more potential fuel for fires. In the past, agency staff had cleared the terrain with the use of heavy machinery, which emit pollution and could be loud and disruptive to residential neighbors. After two years of deploying goats to steep hillsides, it’s time for another tactic, the agency said in a press release.

A goat grazes around BART property to mitigate fire hazards in the East Bay and South Bay. After two years of service, the goats are gone and BART will use self-shearing sheep to help maintain the property. | Courtesy BART

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/unnamed-3.jpg?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-185025" width="670" height="446"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A goat grazes on BART property to mitigate fire hazards in the East Bay and South Bay. | Courtesy BART</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/unnamed-3.jpg?w=1200" alt="" class="wp-image-185025" width="670" height="446"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A goat grazes on BART property to mitigate fire hazards in the East Bay and South Bay. | Courtesy BART</figcaption></figure>

“BART has been using goats for a while now, meaning there’s more fine grasses and less brush now,” said Mike Canaday, owner of Living Systems Land Management, the Coalinga company from which BART sources its wooly workers. “The sheep graze the grasses, while the goats go for the coarser brittle.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“BART has been using goats for a while now, meaning there’s more fine grasses and less brush now,” said Mike Canaday, owner of Living Systems Land Management, the Coalinga company from which BART sources its wooly workers. “The sheep graze the grasses, while the goats go for the coarser brittle.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheep also consume vegetation at a faster pace than goats do, and don’t possess an ability to climb trees and cause mischief. There are now some 500 grazing ruminants working to prevent the grass fires that periodically interrupt train service during the hot, dry months. A human shepherd and a sheepdog help transport the flock from site to site.

The sheep also consume vegetation at a faster pace than goats do, and don’t possess an ability to climb trees and cause mischief. There are now some 500 grazing ruminants working to prevent the grass fires that periodically interrupt train service during the hot, dry months. A human shepherd and a sheepdog help transport the flock from site to site.

It’s unknown whether the sheep board BAAAHRT at Civic Center/Ewe-N Plaza, however.

It’s unknown whether the sheep board BAAAHRT at Civic Center/Ewe-N Plaza, however.

Goats graze around BART property to mitigate fire hazards in the East Bay and South Bay. After two years of service, the goats are gone and BART will use self-shearing sheep to help maintain the property. | Courtesy BART

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/unnamed-1-1.jpg?w=1000" alt="" class="wp-image-185023"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Goats graze around BART property to mitigate fire hazards in the East Bay and South Bay. After two years of service, the goats are gone and BART will use self-shearing sheep to help maintain the property. | Courtesy BART</figcaption></figure>

Although it did not supply specific figures, BART said the use of goats and sheep has helped the cash-strapped agency cut its fire-prevention costs in half.

Although it did not supply specific figures, BART said the use of goats and sheep has helped the cash-strapped agency cut its fire-prevention costs in half.

They began their work at a recently opened South Bay station, Berryessa/North San Jose, and will nibble their way north until they get to Pittsburg/Bay Point at the transit network’s northeastern extremity.

They began their work at a recently opened South Bay station, Berryessa/North San Jose, and will nibble their way north until they get to Pittsburg/Bay Point at the transit network’s northeastern extremity.

At least one BART employee still prefers goats to sheep, however. Josh Soltero, a fence and irrigation technician, simply likes their dispositions.

At least one BART employee still prefers goats to sheep, however. Josh Soltero, a fence and irrigation technician, simply likes their dispositions.

“The sheep look like fluffy goats,” he said. “But the goats are a little friendlier. They’ll come up to you and feel you out. The sheep are more standoffish.”&nbsp;

“The sheep look like fluffy goats,” he said. “But the goats are a little friendlier. They’ll come up to you and feel you out. The sheep are more standoffish.”&nbsp;

BART replaces goats with sheep in its fire prevention efforts

Alex Mullaney

Salesforce’s $110 million, 25-year deal to hang its cloud-shaped logos all over the Transbay Transit Center is a good deal for San Francisco — but the city might be leaving money on the table.

Salesforce’s $110 million, 25-year deal to hang its cloud-shaped logos all over the Transbay Transit Center is a good deal for San Francisco — but the city might be leaving money on the table.

The homegrown tech titan may owe the city up to $5 million in taxes for the exclusive naming and signage rights agreement with the Transbay Joint Powers Authority. But records appear to show the company’s brand takeover of the $4.5 billion, four-block-long bus and train hub has escaped city property tax rolls for the past few years.

The homegrown tech titan may owe the city up to $5 million in taxes for the exclusive naming and signage rights agreement with the Transbay Joint Powers Authority. But records appear to show the company’s brand takeover of the $4.5 billion, four-block-long bus and train hub has escaped city property tax rolls for the past few years.

“Salesforce gave millions to have their name on the Transbay [Transit Center],” said John Farrell, a former assistant assessor. “That&#8217;s subject to tax. They&#8217;re benefiting from having their name on a publicly owned building.”

“Salesforce gave millions to have their name on the Transbay [Transit Center],” said John Farrell, a former assistant assessor. “That's subject to tax. They're benefiting from having their name on a publicly owned building.”

“Salesforce gave millions to have their name on the Transbay [Transit Center],” said John Farrell, a former assistant assessor. “That&#8217;s subject to tax. They&#8217;re benefiting from having their name on a publicly owned building.”

Salesforce might be on the hook for “taxable possessory interest,” the property tax on the private beneficial use of publicly owned property. In other words, businesses that advertise on public property have to pay tax on the value they derive from it, on top of the fee they pay to rent it. Boaters with slips at Fisherman’s Wharf, concessionaires on the Embarcadero, and the Outside Lands music festival in Golden Gate Park all pay the tax — as do the businesses located in the transit center. But an assessment for the naming rights doesn’t appear on the property tax roll, a review of city records indicates.

Salesforce might be on the hook for “taxable possessory interest,” the property tax on the private beneficial use of publicly owned property. In other words, businesses that advertise on public property have to pay tax on the value they derive from it, on top of the fee they pay to rent it. Boaters with slips at Fisherman’s Wharf, concessionaires on the Embarcadero, and the Outside Lands music festival in Golden Gate Park all pay the tax — as do the businesses located in the transit center. But an assessment for the naming rights doesn’t appear on the property tax roll, a review of city records indicates.

Depending on the calculation used to determine the valuation, Salesforce, which made <a href="https://s23.q4cdn.com/574569502/files/doc_financials/2024/q4/CRM-Q4-FY24-Earnings-Press-Release-w-financials.pdf">$4.1 billion in profit</a> in its most recent fiscal year, might owe the city as much as $1.3 million per year, Farrell said. So far, that’s about $5 million for the past four years, but over the course of the 25-year contract, that could mean the city is leaving $32 million on the table. (If an assessment were levied, the company could appeal it and pay less.)

Depending on the calculation used to determine the valuation, Salesforce, which made <a href="https://s23.q4cdn.com/574569502/files/doc_financials/2024/q4/CRM-Q4-FY24-Earnings-Press-Release-w-financials.pdf">$4.1 billion in profit</a> in its most recent fiscal year, might owe the city as much as $1.3 million per year, Farrell said. So far, that’s about $5 million for the past four years, but over the course of the 25-year contract, that could mean the city is leaving $32 million on the table. (If an assessment were levied, the company could appeal it and pay less.)

Muni buses line up in the Salesforce Transit Center in the Financial District of San Francisco on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Though San Francisco offered complimentary bus tickets out of the city to members of its homeless population in a program called “Homeward Bound,” there are no records showing where the recipients of the tickets went.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240402_homewardboundnodata-1-edited.jpg" alt="The image shows city buses parked in a well-lit, modern bus terminal with orange accents. Two people are seen walking nearby, and one bus has its doors open." class="wp-image-312374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Salesforce Transit Center is, among other things, a very expensive billboard for the city&#8217;s biggest employer. But records show the city may be leaving money on the table.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240402_homewardboundnodata-1-edited.jpg" alt="The image shows city buses parked in a well-lit, modern bus terminal with orange accents. Two people are seen walking nearby, and one bus has its doors open." class="wp-image-312374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Salesforce Transit Center is, among other things, a very expensive billboard for the city's biggest employer. But records show the city may be leaving money on the table.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240402_homewardboundnodata-1-edited.jpg" alt="The image shows city buses parked in a well-lit, modern bus terminal with orange accents. Two people are seen walking nearby, and one bus has its doors open." class="wp-image-312374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Salesforce Transit Center is, among other things, a very expensive billboard for the city&#8217;s biggest employer. But records show the city may be leaving money on the table.</figcaption></figure>

It’s unclear whether San Francisco ever appraised the naming rights. If so, it may have determined the value was too low to add to the tax rolls. But that’s not clear from the records, and the assessor-recorder’s office said it can’t talk about it.

It’s unclear whether San Francisco ever appraised the naming rights. If so, it may have determined the value was too low to add to the tax rolls. But that’s not clear from the records, and the assessor-recorder’s office said it can’t talk about it.

Last year, Salesforce paid $3.47 million for the naming rights to Transbay Transit Center, and is expected to pay $3.59 million this year to the TJPA, a conglomeration of the City and County of San Francisco and several Bay Area transportation agencies. However, the naming rights are missing from the TJPA’s annual possessory interest report.

Last year, Salesforce paid $3.47 million for the naming rights to Transbay Transit Center, and is expected to pay $3.59 million this year to the TJPA, a conglomeration of the City and County of San Francisco and several Bay Area transportation agencies. However, the naming rights are missing from the TJPA’s annual possessory interest report.

The agency contends that only its leaseholders, such as restaurants, should be included.

The agency contends that only its leaseholders, such as restaurants, should be included.

“The naming rights agreement does not pertain to ‘possessory interest tax’ as Salesforce does not have private use of our facility,” TJPA spokesperson Lily Madjus Wu said. “All nonpublic rentals of any portion of the facility, including by Salesforce, are subject to the fees and requirements.” (Salesforce must pay for corporate events in the park and facilities separately — as any other user does.)

“The naming rights agreement does not pertain to ‘possessory interest tax’ as Salesforce does not have private use of our facility,” TJPA spokesperson Lily Madjus Wu said. “All nonpublic rentals of any portion of the facility, including by Salesforce, are subject to the fees and requirements.” (Salesforce must pay for corporate events in the park and facilities separately — as any other user does.)

Farrell doesn’t buy that Salesforce’s naming rights aren’t a private use.

Farrell doesn’t buy that Salesforce’s naming rights aren’t a private use.

“They have the private use of the naming rights,” Farrell said. “It’s like a billboard.”

“They have the private use of the naming rights,” Farrell said. “It’s like a billboard.”

Salesforce did not respond to a request for comment.

Salesforce did not respond to a request for comment.

Is the city aware that it might be leaving money on the table? The Standard reached out to SF’s assessor’s office, which is responsible for appraising properties for the purpose of tax collection.

Is the city aware that it might be leaving money on the table? The Standard reached out to SF’s assessor’s office, which is responsible for appraising properties for the purpose of tax collection.

Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres declined to be interviewed. In a statement, he said his office’s “duty is to fairly and accurately assess property in San Francisco as well as to protect confidential taxpayer information. … This generally requires that we withhold information about the treatment and assessed value of specific property interests that make up assessed value.”

Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres declined to be interviewed. In a statement, he said his office’s “duty is to fairly and accurately assess property in San Francisco as well as to protect confidential taxpayer information. … This generally requires that we withhold information about the treatment and assessed value of specific property interests that make up assessed value.”

Construction workers put together the facade for Dreamforce outside of the Moscone Center on Sept. 10, 2024. The multi-day technology conference is set to start on Sept. 17. Salesforce landed the naming rights for the Transbay Transit Center — now called the Salesforce Transit Center — for $110 million. But San Francisco hasn't taxed the deal.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240905salesforcenamingrights-es-52a.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the Moscone Center with a large banner that reads, &quot;Agentforce with humans and agents drive customer success together.&quot; Workers are setting up outside." class="wp-image-311218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As the Dreamforce conference gets started, Salesforce swag will turn the city blue. More permanent than the conference is the Salesforce Transit Center&#8217;s 25-year advertisement for the company.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240905salesforcenamingrights-es-52a.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the Moscone Center with a large banner that reads, &quot;Agentforce with humans and agents drive customer success together.&quot; Workers are setting up outside." class="wp-image-311218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As the Dreamforce conference gets started, Salesforce swag will turn the city blue. More permanent than the conference is the Salesforce Transit Center's 25-year advertisement for the company.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240905salesforcenamingrights-es-52a.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the Moscone Center with a large banner that reads, &quot;Agentforce with humans and agents drive customer success together.&quot; Workers are setting up outside." class="wp-image-311218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As the Dreamforce conference gets started, Salesforce swag will turn the city blue. More permanent than the conference is the Salesforce Transit Center&#8217;s 25-year advertisement for the company.</figcaption></figure>

Tax policy is baroque and confusing, but are there norms? The Standard interviewed half a dozen county assessors that work on naming rights — from Los Angeles, Alameda, and elsewhere. While none could speak about San Francisco specifically, they all echoed the sentiment of Santa Clara County Deputy Assessor Autumn Young. “There&#8217;s a private benefit to the company with the naming rights,&#8221; she said. &#8220;How that value is assessed is where the question is.”

Tax policy is baroque and confusing, but are there norms? The Standard interviewed half a dozen county assessors that work on naming rights — from Los Angeles, Alameda, and elsewhere. While none could speak about San Francisco specifically, they all echoed the sentiment of Santa Clara County Deputy Assessor Autumn Young. “There's a private benefit to the company with the naming rights," she said. "How that value is assessed is where the question is.”

Tax policy is baroque and confusing, but are there norms? The Standard interviewed half a dozen county assessors that work on naming rights — from Los Angeles, Alameda, and elsewhere. While none could speak about San Francisco specifically, they all echoed the sentiment of Santa Clara County Deputy Assessor Autumn Young. “There&#8217;s a private benefit to the company with the naming rights,&#8221; she said. &#8220;How that value is assessed is where the question is.”

One thing is for sure: Though the tax is a tiny percentage of the deal, when that deal is nine figures, even pocket change adds up.

One thing is for sure: Though the tax is a tiny percentage of the deal, when that deal is nine figures, even pocket change adds up.

Young should know. Her office worked to assess the San Francisco 49ers and Levi&#8217;s on the 30-year, $390 million naming rights deal for the city-owned stadium. In 2024, the assessed value was $88 million.

Young should know. Her office worked to assess the San Francisco 49ers and Levi's on the 30-year, $390 million naming rights deal for the city-owned stadium. In 2024, the assessed value was $88 million.

Young should know. Her office worked to assess the San Francisco 49ers and Levi&#8217;s on the 30-year, $390 million naming rights deal for the city-owned stadium. In 2024, the assessed value was $88 million.

If in fact Salesforce isn’t being charged the tax (or if the city’s not being transparent about it), that wouldn’t be unusual for San Francisco. Farrell, the former assistant assessor, specialized in possessory interest in the 1990s and chased down dozens of missing properties to send them a bill.

If in fact Salesforce isn’t being charged the tax (or if the city’s not being transparent about it), that wouldn’t be unusual for San Francisco. Farrell, the former assistant assessor, specialized in possessory interest in the 1990s and chased down dozens of missing properties to send them a bill.

“We were picking up hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said. “That&#8217;s about $10 billion in assessed value.”

“We were picking up hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said. “That's about $10 billion in assessed value.”

“We were picking up hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said. “That&#8217;s about $10 billion in assessed value.”

If the city seems shy about taxing its biggest private employer, that may be a case of not wanting to stir the pot.

If the city seems shy about taxing its biggest private employer, that may be a case of not wanting to stir the pot.

In 1993, Farrell found a file for <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-18-mn-15290-story.html">Gannett</a>, the company contracted to manage bus shelters across the city. The manila folder read “Do Not Assess; Too Political.” He assessed it anyway. Over the years, he found all kinds of businesses — shipping lines, stevedore services, concessions, and more — operating tax-free.

In 1993, Farrell found a file for <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-18-mn-15290-story.html">Gannett</a>, the company contracted to manage bus shelters across the city. The manila folder read “Do Not Assess; Too Political.” He assessed it anyway. Over the years, he found all kinds of businesses — shipping lines, stevedore services, concessions, and more — operating tax-free.

Farrell even worked on taxing the naming rights of Candlestick Park.

Farrell even worked on taxing the naming rights of Candlestick Park.

In 1995, San Francisco offered naming rights for the park to the 49ers. The team bristled at the tax burden, estimating the cost to be up to $150,000 annually for the four-year, $3.9 million deal. It was so contentious that lawmakers <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/City-sets-course-for-new-49er-stadium-3151684.php">amended the contract</a> to make sure the tax was paid to the city. As a result, the city brought in about $39,000 a year more.

In 1995, San Francisco offered naming rights for the park to the 49ers. The team bristled at the tax burden, estimating the cost to be up to $150,000 annually for the four-year, $3.9 million deal. It was so contentious that lawmakers <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/City-sets-course-for-new-49er-stadium-3151684.php">amended the contract</a> to make sure the tax was paid to the city. As a result, the city brought in about $39,000 a year more.

The idea of Salesforce’s naming rights going untaxed rankles Farrell.

The idea of Salesforce’s naming rights going untaxed rankles Farrell.

“The assessor’s office needs to audit to ensure that all properties subject to taxation are appraised accordingly, especially in these recession times,” Farrell said. “Everyone should pay their fair share.”

“The assessor’s office needs to audit to ensure that all properties subject to taxation are appraised accordingly, especially in these recession times,” Farrell said. “Everyone should pay their fair share.”

Is SF giving Salesforce a hidden sweetheart tax break?

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed BART&#8217;s assistant inspector general to head the Office of the Inspector General after her boss took early retirement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-watchdog-blasts-agency-saying-she-was-stymied-by-management-board-unions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amid clashes with transit agency officials</a>.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed BART's assistant inspector general to head the Office of the Inspector General after her boss took early retirement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-watchdog-blasts-agency-saying-she-was-stymied-by-management-board-unions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amid clashes with transit agency officials</a>.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed BART&#8217;s assistant inspector general to head the Office of the Inspector General after her boss took early retirement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-watchdog-blasts-agency-saying-she-was-stymied-by-management-board-unions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amid clashes with transit agency officials</a>.

Claudette Biemeret was named to a four-year term as inspector general, responsible for maintaining independent oversight of the agency&#8217;s finances and practices. She replaces Harriet Richardson, who left March 17, five months before her term was to end.

Claudette Biemeret was named to a four-year term as inspector general, responsible for maintaining independent oversight of the agency's finances and practices. She replaces Harriet Richardson, who left March 17, five months before her term was to end.

Claudette Biemeret was named to a four-year term as inspector general, responsible for maintaining independent oversight of the agency&#8217;s finances and practices. She replaces Harriet Richardson, who left March 17, five months before her term was to end.

The Office of the Inspector General has repeatedly battled with transit agency officials since its creation in 2018 and &#8220;is significantly underfunded and unable to fulfill its mission of uncovering waste, fraud and abuse,&#8221; according to an Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report published in September.

The Office of the Inspector General has repeatedly battled with transit agency officials since its creation in 2018 and "is significantly underfunded and unable to fulfill its mission of uncovering waste, fraud and abuse," according to an Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report published in September.

The Office of the Inspector General has repeatedly battled with transit agency officials since its creation in 2018 and &#8220;is significantly underfunded and unable to fulfill its mission of uncovering waste, fraud and abuse,&#8221; according to an Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report published in September.

BART said Biemeret&#8217;s name was one of three submitted to Newsom as a possible successor to Richardson, who was appointed the first inspector general in 2019.

BART said Biemeret's name was one of three submitted to Newsom as a possible successor to Richardson, who was appointed the first inspector general in 2019.

BART said Biemeret&#8217;s name was one of three submitted to Newsom as a possible successor to Richardson, who was appointed the first inspector general in 2019.

&#8220;We at BART are grateful to the governor for filling this vital position with a highly qualified professional so quickly,&#8221; BART General Manager Bob Powers said in a statement. &#8220;The inspector general plays a very important role in maintaining the integrity of government through preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.&#8221;

"We at BART are grateful to the governor for filling this vital position with a highly qualified professional so quickly," BART General Manager Bob Powers said in a statement. "The inspector general plays a very important role in maintaining the integrity of government through preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse."

&#8220;We at BART are grateful to the governor for filling this vital position with a highly qualified professional so quickly,&#8221; BART General Manager Bob Powers said in a statement. &#8220;The inspector general plays a very important role in maintaining the integrity of government through preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/east-bay-lawmaker-raises-stakes-on-bart-oversight-pushing-criminal-penalties-for-obstruction/">Lawmaker Pushes Criminal Penalties for Obstructing BART Oversight as Top Watchdog Quits</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/east-bay-lawmaker-raises-stakes-on-bart-oversight-pushing-criminal-penalties-for-obstruction/">Lawmaker Pushes Criminal Penalties for Obstructing BART Oversight as Top Watchdog Quits</a>

<a href="https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Sen. Steve Glazer</a>, D-Orinda, who resigned from a Senate committee on public transit in February in protest of BART&#8217;s fiscal oversight, said Biemeret must get more cooperation than her predecessor.

<a href="https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Sen. Steve Glazer</a>, D-Orinda, who resigned from a Senate committee on public transit in February in protest of BART's fiscal oversight, said Biemeret must get more cooperation than her predecessor.

<a href="https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Sen. Steve Glazer</a>, D-Orinda, who resigned from a Senate committee on public transit in February in protest of BART&#8217;s fiscal oversight, said Biemeret must get more cooperation than her predecessor.

&#8220;To be able to fulfill her duties, she must have the full power to root out waste and abuse,&#8221; Glazer said in a statement. &#8220;The previous inspector general resigned, in part, due to the refusal of BART to give full access to data and whistleblowers.&#8221;

"To be able to fulfill her duties, she must have the full power to root out waste and abuse," Glazer said in a statement. "The previous inspector general resigned, in part, due to the refusal of BART to give full access to data and whistleblowers."

&#8220;To be able to fulfill her duties, she must have the full power to root out waste and abuse,&#8221; Glazer said in a statement. &#8220;The previous inspector general resigned, in part, due to the refusal of BART to give full access to data and whistleblowers.&#8221;

Richardson declined to point to any specific reason for her early retirement, instead suggesting that the civil grand jury report and other publicly reported spats between her office and BART management provided sufficient evidence.

Richardson declined to point to any specific reason for her early retirement, instead suggesting that the civil grand jury report and other publicly reported spats between her office and BART management provided sufficient evidence.

Critics of BART&#8217;s financial management have repeatedly cited an Office of the Inspector General report from Feb. 3, which found that the agency spent some $350,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/end-of-the-line-bart-fiscal-disaster-homelessness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a homeless outreach program</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-probes-350k-homeless-contract-ethics-violations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that resulted in just one confirmed unsheltered resident</a> entering substance abuse treatment.

Critics of BART's financial management have repeatedly cited an Office of the Inspector General report from Feb. 3, which found that the agency spent some $350,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/end-of-the-line-bart-fiscal-disaster-homelessness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a homeless outreach program</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-probes-350k-homeless-contract-ethics-violations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that resulted in just one confirmed unsheltered resident</a> entering substance abuse treatment.

Critics of BART&#8217;s financial management have repeatedly cited an Office of the Inspector General report from Feb. 3, which found that the agency spent some $350,000 on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/end-of-the-line-bart-fiscal-disaster-homelessness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a homeless outreach program</a> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/bart-probes-350k-homeless-contract-ethics-violations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that resulted in just one confirmed unsheltered resident</a> entering substance abuse treatment.

The civil grand jury&#8217;s report compared the size of BART&#8217;s inspector general&#8217;s staff, with just three employees, to the inspector general&#8217;s offices at transit agencies in Los Angeles, which has almost 25 employees, and Washington, D.C., which has almost 45 employees.

The civil grand jury's report compared the size of BART's inspector general's staff, with just three employees, to the inspector general's offices at transit agencies in Los Angeles, which has almost 25 employees, and Washington, D.C., which has almost 45 employees.

The civil grand jury&#8217;s report compared the size of BART&#8217;s inspector general&#8217;s staff, with just three employees, to the inspector general&#8217;s offices at transit agencies in Los Angeles, which has almost 25 employees, and Washington, D.C., which has almost 45 employees.

Voters across the Bay Area created the Office of the Inspector General in 2018 when they approved Bay Area Regional Measure 3, which reserves $1 million in toll revenue each year to fund the office.

Voters across the Bay Area created the Office of the Inspector General in 2018 when they approved Bay Area Regional Measure 3, which reserves $1 million in toll revenue each year to fund the office.

In its official response to the grand jury report, BART disagreed with all six of its findings that the Office of the Inspector General was underfunded, understaffed and regularly impeded by BART management.

In its official response to the grand jury report, BART disagreed with all six of its findings that the Office of the Inspector General was underfunded, understaffed and regularly impeded by BART management.

Biemeret, of Santa Rosa, has been assistant inspector general at BART since 2020. The Governor&#8217;s Office said she served as audit manager for the City of Berkeley from 2014 to 2020.

Biemeret, of Santa Rosa, has been assistant inspector general at BART since 2020. The Governor's Office said she served as audit manager for the City of Berkeley from 2014 to 2020.

Biemeret, of Santa Rosa, has been assistant inspector general at BART since 2020. The Governor&#8217;s Office said she served as audit manager for the City of Berkeley from 2014 to 2020.

The BART inspector general supervises the independent oversight of all BART activities and operations, including independent audits and investigations. The Office of the Inspector General reports its findings to BART&#8217;s nine-member Board of Directors, the state Legislature and the public.

The BART inspector general supervises the independent oversight of all BART activities and operations, including independent audits and investigations. The Office of the Inspector General reports its findings to BART's nine-member Board of Directors, the state Legislature and the public.

The BART inspector general supervises the independent oversight of all BART activities and operations, including independent audits and investigations. The Office of the Inspector General reports its findings to BART&#8217;s nine-member Board of Directors, the state Legislature and the public.

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