Josh Koehn

In an embarrassing blunder, a moderate political group in San Francisco withdrew <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-could-vote-on-drastic-reforms-to-city-hall-next-year/">a ballot measure intended to cut bureaucracy</a> at City Hall just two weeks after it announced the ordinance in a press conference.

San Francisco residents could vote on drastic reforms to City Hall next year

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In an embarrassing blunder, a moderate political group in San Francisco withdrew <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/05/san-francisco-could-vote-on-drastic-reforms-to-city-hall-next-year/">a ballot measure intended to cut bureaucracy</a> at City Hall just two weeks after it announced the ordinance in a press conference.

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group&#8217;s goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Does San Francisco’s mayor need more power? This group says yes

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group's goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action confirmed to The Standard on Monday that it was pulling one of two proposed ballot measures to reform the city charter because, contrary to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">the group&#8217;s goal of empowering the mayor</a> to make more decisions, it would actually hand more authority to the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor&#8217;s Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor's Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

The group decided to scrap the measure before a Tuesday deadline after huddling with officials in the Mayor&#8217;s Office last week. TogetherSF Action plans to revise it and submit a new version to the Department of Elections.

Earlier this month, TogetherSF Action announced it was introducing two ballot measures to reform the city charter—one to give the mayor more power and the other to cut the number of city commissions in half. The group contends that giving the mayor more authority is key to making progress on public safety and the housing, homelessness and drug crises.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, TogetherSF Action announced it was introducing two ballot measures to reform the city charter—one to give the mayor more power and the other to cut the number of city commissions in half. The group contends that giving the mayor more authority is key to making progress on public safety and the housing, homelessness and drug crises.&nbsp;

But the proposal to eliminate commissions contained a fatal flaw, according to multiple sources in and around City Hall: Eliminating certain commissions would kick oversight responsibilities over to the Board of Supervisors, a group Mayor London Breed has repeatedly criticized as being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/07/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">“obstructionist”</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/29/mayor-breed-hits-back-at-sf-progressives-touts-conservatorship-in-jon-stewart-interview/">tone-deaf on the issues</a> many San Franciscans are facing.

Mayor Breed pushes $27M police overtime bill, slams &#8216;obstructionist&#8217; board

Mayor Breed hits back at SF progressives, touts conservatorship in Jon Stewart interview

But the proposal to eliminate commissions contained a fatal flaw, according to multiple sources in and around City Hall: Eliminating certain commissions would kick oversight responsibilities over to the Board of Supervisors, a group Mayor London Breed has repeatedly criticized as being <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/07/mayor-breed-pushes-27m-police-overtime-bill-slams-obstructionist-board/">“obstructionist”</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/29/mayor-breed-hits-back-at-sf-progressives-touts-conservatorship-in-jon-stewart-interview/">tone-deaf on the issues</a> many San Franciscans are facing.

Multiple sources in and around City Hall suggested the errors in TogetherSF Action’s proposed measure came from a DIY approach and a failure to consult with experts until concerns arose. One source, who is familiar with the issues but was not authorized to speak publicly, called the proposal “sloppy.”

Multiple sources in and around City Hall suggested the errors in TogetherSF Action’s proposed measure came from a DIY approach and a failure to consult with experts until concerns arose. One source, who is familiar with the issues but was not authorized to speak publicly, called the proposal “sloppy.”

Kanishka Cheng, the head of the nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action, said in a statement Monday that the ballot measure to eliminate commissions—known as the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a>—was being updated to change the “status quo” on city operations.

Kanishka Cheng, the head of the nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action, said in a statement Monday that the ballot measure to eliminate commissions—known as the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a>—was being updated to change the “status quo” on city operations.

“San Francisco’s governance structure is broken and we are committed to advancing bold reforms at the ballot this November to ensure city government is better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our city,” Cheng said. “We are making updates to our reform measure that will make the initiative stronger and clarify authority and responsibilities between the executive and legislative branches. Voters deserve to know who is responsible for the city government’s decisions and to hold them accountable.”&nbsp;

“San Francisco’s governance structure is broken and we are committed to advancing bold reforms at the ballot this November to ensure city government is better positioned to tackle the challenges facing our city,” Cheng said. “We are making updates to our reform measure that will make the initiative stronger and clarify authority and responsibilities between the executive and legislative branches. Voters deserve to know who is responsible for the city government’s decisions and to hold them accountable.”&nbsp;

Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action.

Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action.

The second proposed ballot measure—known as the “We Need SF To Work Initiative”—would give the mayor sole discretion to hire and fire department heads, strengthen the mayor’s ability to control commissions, and allow for the creation of deputy mayor positions.

The second proposed ballot measure—known as the “We Need SF To Work Initiative”—would give the mayor sole discretion to hire and fire department heads, strengthen the mayor’s ability to control commissions, and allow for the creation of deputy mayor positions.

Under city rules, any voter-led ballot initiative must first be submitted to the Department of Elections. After a 15-day review period by the City Attorney’s Office, the proposal receives a title and summary, and advocates can proceed to collect petition signatures. Sources suggested it would take four to five months to collect the almost 50,000 petition signatures required by July 8 to <a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/cscal_nov24/">qualify for the November 2024 ballot</a>. That 15-day period was to expire Tuesday.

Under city rules, any voter-led ballot initiative must first be submitted to the Department of Elections. After a 15-day review period by the City Attorney’s Office, the proposal receives a title and summary, and advocates can proceed to collect petition signatures. Sources suggested it would take four to five months to collect the almost 50,000 petition signatures required by July 8 to <a href="https://sfelections.org/tools/cscal_nov24/">qualify for the November 2024 ballot</a>. That 15-day period was to expire Tuesday.

Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-to-cut-commissions-in-san-francisco">Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-to-cut-commissions-in-san-francisco">Plan to Cut Commissions in San Francisco</h2>

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a> proposed creating a task force to review commissions in the city and suggest which ones were redundant and ripe for elimination. As of this summer, San Francisco had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">53 departments, 56 boards and commissions and 74 other advisory bodies</a>.

Only 1 person at SF City Hall knows the answer to this simple question

The <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24229164-20231204_cutthedysfunctionalbureaucracy_text">“Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative”</a> proposed creating a task force to review commissions in the city and suggest which ones were redundant and ripe for elimination. As of this summer, San Francisco had <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">53 departments, 56 boards and commissions and 74 other advisory bodies</a>.

TogetherSF Action’s original plan suggested the number of commissions be capped at 65.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action’s original plan suggested the number of commissions be capped at 65.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action said the revised version will seek to keep bodies such as the Board of Appeals, Police Commission, Fire Commission and Planning Commission while allowing the mayor and supervisors the ability to hire and fire commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission, the Fine Arts Commissions, the War Memorial Board and the Airport Commission.

TogetherSF Action said the revised version will seek to keep bodies such as the Board of Appeals, Police Commission, Fire Commission and Planning Commission while allowing the mayor and supervisors the ability to hire and fire commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission, the Fine Arts Commissions, the War Memorial Board and the Airport Commission.

Permitting appeals would go to the Board of Appeals instead of supervisors. For commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Airport Commission and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor would be able to appoint a supermajority of commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Permitting appeals would go to the Board of Appeals instead of supervisors. For commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission, the Airport Commission and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor would be able to appoint a supermajority of commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, said the mistakes should be seen as a “teachable moment.” He suggested the group should have worked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also introduced a charter reform measure</a> that had some overlapping goals with TogetherSF Action’s proposal.&nbsp;

San Francisco lawmaker floats plan to bolster power of mayor&#8217;s office

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, said the mistakes should be seen as a “teachable moment.” He suggested the group should have worked with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also introduced a charter reform measure</a> that had some overlapping goals with TogetherSF Action’s proposal.&nbsp;

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin answers a reporter’s question at a press conference, calling for an end to politicizing the city’s judiciary system, outside of City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action&#8217;s proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action's proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231109_detentiondrugdealers-37.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man gesticulates and speaks with 1 hand extended out next to a podium with a gilded facade in the background." class="wp-image-219949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin criticized TogetherSF Action&#8217;s proposed ballot measure as ill-conceived. </figcaption></figure>

“We can have a discussion about what the best public policy is, but if it’s not what they intended, it shows this organization and its members don’t know what they’re doing,” Peskin said. “When you’re tinkering with your constitution, it should be tinkered with in public.”

“We can have a discussion about what the best public policy is, but if it’s not what they intended, it shows this organization and its members don’t know what they’re doing,” Peskin said. “When you’re tinkering with your constitution, it should be tinkered with in public.”

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

The Mayor’s Office declined to comment.

The Department of Elections received <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/20231218_Withdrawal%20Letter.pdf">a letter from Cheng</a> requesting that the ballot measure be withdrawn Monday afternoon. She added that she plans to submit a revised version “in the coming days.” Once resubmitted, another 15-day review process would start before any signatures could be gathered.&nbsp;

The Department of Elections received <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/20231218_Withdrawal%20Letter.pdf">a letter from Cheng</a> requesting that the ballot measure be withdrawn Monday afternoon. She added that she plans to submit a revised version “in the coming days.” Once resubmitted, another 15-day review process would start before any signatures could be gathered.&nbsp;

Mandelman said he has not seen TogetherSF Action’s ballot measures, but he and the group have been talking about ways to improve the city through charter reform. He indicated his ballot measure, which also suggests the creation of deputy mayors, would be more incremental with an eye on continuing to reform the city charter in 2026.

Mandelman said he has not seen TogetherSF Action’s ballot measures, but he and the group have been talking about ways to improve the city through charter reform. He indicated his ballot measure, which also suggests the creation of deputy mayors, would be more incremental with an eye on continuing to reform the city charter in 2026.

“To their credit, they are motivated by a sincere desire to fix problems in San Francisco city governance. In my experience, that’s not easy,” Mandelman said. “It’s hard to fault them for trying to come up with some structural solutions.”

“To their credit, they are motivated by a sincere desire to fix problems in San Francisco city governance. In my experience, that’s not easy,” Mandelman said. “It’s hard to fault them for trying to come up with some structural solutions.”

Plan to fix ‘broken’ San Francisco blows up in 2 weeks

Mayor London Breed faces a daunting decision heading into November’s election: Duke it out with her “moderate” Democrat challengers for the local party’s endorsement or work with her opponents to ensure an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/aaron-peskin-san-francisco-mayor-race/">arch-nemesis</a> doesn’t slip in the back door.

Aaron Peskin sees ‘a lane’ to winning San Francisco mayor’s race

Mayor London Breed faces a daunting decision heading into November’s election: Duke it out with her “moderate” Democrat challengers for the local party’s endorsement or work with her opponents to ensure an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/aaron-peskin-san-francisco-mayor-race/">arch-nemesis</a> doesn’t slip in the back door.

Last week’s election results show a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-liberal-bastion/">moderate political wave is ripping through San Francisco</a>, and moderate Democrats now hold a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/march-2024-live-election-results-san-francisco/">virtual lock</a> on the Democratic County Central Committee, which will hand out key party endorsements&nbsp;for November.

Voters empower cops, reform welfare: Is San Francisco still a liberal bastion?

San Francisco election: Moderates dominate local Democratic Party elections

Last week’s election results show a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-liberal-bastion/">moderate political wave is ripping through San Francisco</a>, and moderate Democrats now hold a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/march-2024-live-election-results-san-francisco/">virtual lock</a> on the Democratic County Central Committee, which will hand out key party endorsements&nbsp;for November.

Most of the moderate political groups in the city—Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, TogetherSF Action and GrowSF—are telling soon-to-be-installed DCCC members to support a moderate slate for mayor, whether it be dual endorsements for Breed and former Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">Mark Farrell</a> or a ranked-choice option that also includes nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">Daniel Lurie</a>, according to sources who spoke to The Standard.

Mark Farrell vows to fire police chief, clear homeless camps as mayor

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s mother spends $1 million to help him win San Francisco mayor’s race

Most of the moderate political groups in the city—Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, TogetherSF Action and GrowSF—are telling soon-to-be-installed DCCC members to support a moderate slate for mayor, whether it be dual endorsements for Breed and former Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">Mark Farrell</a> or a ranked-choice option that also includes nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">Daniel Lurie</a>, according to sources who spoke to The Standard.

The strategy has less to do with any of the moderate candidates and more to do with blocking Aaron Peskin, the progressive president of the Board of Supervisors, who is expected to announce his candidacy at any moment.

The strategy has less to do with any of the moderate candidates and more to do with blocking Aaron Peskin, the progressive president of the Board of Supervisors, who is expected to announce his candidacy at any moment.

But one notable candidate for mayor is less than keen on that strategy: the mayor.

But one notable candidate for mayor is less than keen on that strategy: the mayor.

Power couple Jay and Kanishka Cheng, who operate the groups Neighbors for a Better San Francisco and TogetherSF Action, respectively, have been among those advancing the ranked-choice strategy, rankling Breed’s camp.

Power couple Jay and Kanishka Cheng, who operate the groups Neighbors for a Better San Francisco and TogetherSF Action, respectively, have been among those advancing the ranked-choice strategy, rankling Breed’s camp.

Key members of TogetherSF Action’s staff worked for Farrell when he was a supervisor and are now assisting his campaign. Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to TogetherSF Action and its 501(c)(3) nonprofit, TogetherSF.

Key members of TogetherSF Action’s staff worked for Farrell when he was a supervisor and are now assisting his campaign. Michael Moritz, who is chairman of The Standard, has provided funding to TogetherSF Action and its 501(c)(3) nonprofit, TogetherSF.

Mark Farrell, a former San Francisco mayor and supervisor, formally announce his candidacy at the San Francisco Baseball Academy at 3010 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Mark Farrell will challenge London Breed and other candidates in the November 2024 mayoral election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240205farrellmayor020.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is speaking at a podium with microphones, gesturing with a raised fist, showing enthusiasm or making a point." class="wp-image-249207"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell, a former San Francisco supervisor and mayor, could benefit from a ranked-choice endorsement by the local Democratic party.</figcaption></figure>

Maggie Muir, the mayor’s political consultant, said that Breed has no interest in a dual or ranked-choice endorsement.

Maggie Muir, the mayor’s political consultant, said that Breed has no interest in a dual or ranked-choice endorsement.

“It’s pretty obvious to everyone involved at this level of politics that all of those folks who either worked for Mark Farrell and are with these other organizations are now backing him and his campaign as well,” Muir said.

“It’s pretty obvious to everyone involved at this level of politics that all of those folks who either worked for Mark Farrell and are with these other organizations are now backing him and his campaign as well,” Muir said.

Both of the Chengs said their groups have not made any decision on the mayor’s race, but Jay Cheng—whose group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco spent almost a million dollars on the March primary, continuing the trend of being the biggest contributor in recent elections—said it’s “critical for moderate and responsible candidates to work together in this race.”&nbsp;

Both of the Chengs said their groups have not made any decision on the mayor’s race, but Jay Cheng—whose group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco spent almost a million dollars on the March primary, continuing the trend of being the biggest contributor in recent elections—said it’s “critical for moderate and responsible candidates to work together in this race.”&nbsp;

Peskin, a longtime foe of moderates, particularly on housing, recently said he’s “warming up” to running for mayor, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí—who’s been tacking left of late—announced his campaign last year.

Peskin, a longtime foe of moderates, particularly on housing, recently said he’s “warming up” to running for mayor, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí—who’s been tacking left of late—announced his campaign last year.

Kanishka Cheng said her organization, which is circulating petitions on two charter reform measures for November’s election, has not made any decision on whom to endorse.

Kanishka Cheng said her organization, which is circulating petitions on two charter reform measures for November’s election, has not made any decision on whom to endorse.

“We will give our community the opportunity to hear from all the candidates and are planning a mayoral forum where the candidates can present their vision and plans for San Francisco,” she said.

“We will give our community the opportunity to hear from all the candidates and are planning a mayoral forum where the candidates can present their vision and plans for San Francisco,” she said.

Having wrested control of the DCCC away from progressives in the March 5 election, moderate Democrats not only want to retain the mayor’s office in November but also secure a majority on the 11-member Board of Supervisors while also strengthening the powers of the mayor through charter reform in November.

Having wrested control of the DCCC away from progressives in the March 5 election, moderate Democrats not only want to retain the mayor’s office in November but also secure a majority on the 11-member Board of Supervisors while also strengthening the powers of the mayor through charter reform in November.

While the stated goal is to create a more functional city, key steps in this process would include cutting down the number of commissions and giving the mayor more power to hire and fire department heads.

While the stated goal is to create a more functional city, key steps in this process would include cutting down the number of commissions and giving the mayor more power to hire and fire department heads.

Mayoral Candidate Daniel Lurie speaks with a supporter while visiting merchants in Chinatown while campaigning in San Francisco on Friday, January, 2024. Lurie, the founder of anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point and an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is one of the most prominent challengers to Mayor London Breed in this year’s election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240229-splitchinesemoderate.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man converses with someone in a street lined with red lanterns and festive flags." class="wp-image-253741"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie has criticized Mayor London Breed and former Mayor Mark Farrell as ineffective City Hall insiders. </figcaption></figure>

Lurie seems unlikely to get a whiff of consideration from the DCCC, which is expected to roll out its endorsement in late May or early June. Unlike Breed and Farrell, he chose to stay out of endorsing the moderates’ Democrats for Change DCCC slate. In a statement, Lurie made it clear he doesn’t see his moderate opponents as allies.

Lurie seems unlikely to get a whiff of consideration from the DCCC, which is expected to roll out its endorsement in late May or early June. Unlike Breed and Farrell, he chose to stay out of endorsing the moderates’ Democrats for Change DCCC slate. In a statement, Lurie made it clear he doesn’t see his moderate opponents as allies.

“San Franciscans are hungry for the type of full-scale change that we know won’t come from any of the City Hall insiders who’ve managed the decline of our city,” Lurie said in a statement.

“San Franciscans are hungry for the type of full-scale change that we know won’t come from any of the City Hall insiders who’ve managed the decline of our city,” Lurie said in a statement.

Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager and a newly elected DCCC member, said that if Breed will not cooperate on some kind of ranked-choice endorsement for mayor, that could lead to a Peskin victory—similar to how Chesa Boudin, a far-left progressive, emerged from a crowded field to become district attorney in 2019.

Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager and a newly elected DCCC member, said that if Breed will not cooperate on some kind of ranked-choice endorsement for mayor, that could lead to a Peskin victory—similar to how Chesa Boudin, a far-left progressive, emerged from a crowded field to become district attorney in 2019.

“The only way a moderate mayor wins in 2024 is through a ranked-choice-vote strategy,” Tu said in a statement. “Otherwise, Mayor Breed is only strengthening the chances of a Mayor Aaron Peskin.”

“The only way a moderate mayor wins in 2024 is through a ranked-choice-vote strategy,” Tu said in a statement. “Otherwise, Mayor Breed is only strengthening the chances of a Mayor Aaron Peskin.”

San Francisco mayor’s race is getting ugly as fight for endorsements heats up

Mike Ege

The very structure of San Francisco’s government could be a major issue in next year’s elections, as up to four ballot measures aimed at making drastic reforms to City Hall are in the works for the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;

The very structure of San Francisco’s government could be a major issue in next year’s elections, as up to four ballot measures aimed at making drastic reforms to City Hall are in the works for the November 2024 ballot.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action, a moderate political advocacy group, held a press conference at its Mission District headquarters Monday to announce a campaign for two of the measures, one that would give the mayor more authority over hiring and firing of department heads, among other changes, and another that would dramatically decrease the number of city commissions.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action, a moderate political advocacy group, held a press conference at its Mission District headquarters Monday to announce a campaign for two of the measures, one that would give the mayor more authority over hiring and firing of department heads, among other changes, and another that would dramatically decrease the number of city commissions.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action Executive Director Kanishka Cheng cited issues such as the city’s drug dealing and overdose epidemics, along with public safety and housing affordability, as driving the need for “bold reforms” in the way the city makes and implements policies.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action Executive Director Kanishka Cheng cited issues such as the city’s drug dealing and overdose epidemics, along with public safety and housing affordability, as driving the need for “bold reforms” in the way the city makes and implements policies.&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a common but often overlooked thread that&#8217;s holding San Francisco back from making the type of progress that we all expect and deserve,” Cheng told reporters at the press conference. “Our outdated city charter and overtly politically driven measures over the years have caused excessive bureaucracy and impeded progress on our top challenges. … It&#8217;s been acknowledged across political lines that something must be done.”

“There's a common but often overlooked thread that's holding San Francisco back from making the type of progress that we all expect and deserve,” Cheng told reporters at the press conference. “Our outdated city charter and overtly politically driven measures over the years have caused excessive bureaucracy and impeded progress on our top challenges. … It's been acknowledged across political lines that something must be done.”

“There&#8217;s a common but often overlooked thread that&#8217;s holding San Francisco back from making the type of progress that we all expect and deserve,” Cheng told reporters at the press conference. “Our outdated city charter and overtly politically driven measures over the years have caused excessive bureaucracy and impeded progress on our top challenges. … It&#8217;s been acknowledged across political lines that something must be done.”

Max Young, a business owner and member of San Francisco’s Open Air Drug Dealing Task Force, spoke in support of the measure.&nbsp;

Max Young, a business owner and member of San Francisco’s Open Air Drug Dealing Task Force, spoke in support of the measure.&nbsp;

Max Young, owner of Mr. Smith's, a bar in SoMa which closed in 2019 due to the drug dealing scene, and member of San Francisco’s Open Air Drug Dealing Task Force, speaking at the TogetherSF Action press conference, December 4 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_0042.jpg?w=2500" alt="Max Young, a bar owner, stands behind a podium next to a women with a sign reading &quot;get it together SF.&quot;" class="wp-image-227414" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Max Young, a SoMa bar owner, is among a group of residents advocating for sweeping reforms to City Hall in 2024.</figcaption></figure>

“We find ourselves in a place where our city&#8217;s policies are hindering the growth and sustainability of businesses of all sizes,” Young said. “My bar, Mr Smith’s, had to shut down because drug dealers took over my corner. I spent almost two years on the task force, and five years later, my corner is still a mess every night.”&nbsp;

“We find ourselves in a place where our city's policies are hindering the growth and sustainability of businesses of all sizes,” Young said. “My bar, Mr Smith’s, had to shut down because drug dealers took over my corner. I spent almost two years on the task force, and five years later, my corner is still a mess every night.”&nbsp;

“We find ourselves in a place where our city&#8217;s policies are hindering the growth and sustainability of businesses of all sizes,” Young said. “My bar, Mr Smith’s, had to shut down because drug dealers took over my corner. I spent almost two years on the task force, and five years later, my corner is still a mess every night.”&nbsp;

“We&#8217;ve got a governance structure that&#8217;s outlived its usefulness,” added Bill Maggs, a tech executive who is also a 25-year resident and parent. “It hasn&#8217;t been adjusted for a while and needs to be adjusted now. As somebody who&#8217;s trying to solve problems for myself as a homeowner, I&#8217;ve been astounded to learn that there are four commissions responsible for homelessness.”

“We've got a governance structure that's outlived its usefulness,” added Bill Maggs, a tech executive who is also a 25-year resident and parent. “It hasn't been adjusted for a while and needs to be adjusted now. As somebody who's trying to solve problems for myself as a homeowner, I've been astounded to learn that there are four commissions responsible for homelessness.”

“We&#8217;ve got a governance structure that&#8217;s outlived its usefulness,” added Bill Maggs, a tech executive who is also a 25-year resident and parent. “It hasn&#8217;t been adjusted for a while and needs to be adjusted now. As somebody who&#8217;s trying to solve problems for myself as a homeowner, I&#8217;ve been astounded to learn that there are four commissions responsible for homelessness.”

Some of the goals of TogetherSF’s ballot measures overlap heavily with a separate measure, also proposed for the November ballot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman</a>. Mandelman’s version also wants to grant the mayor more authority over department heads and commission appointments but would additionally remove the ability of the mayor or four or more supervisors to directly place measures on the ballot.&nbsp;

Some of the goals of TogetherSF’s ballot measures overlap heavily with a separate measure, also proposed for the November ballot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/san-francisco-city-hall-ballot-measure-reforms-rafael-mandelman/">by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman</a>. Mandelman’s version also wants to grant the mayor more authority over department heads and commission appointments but would additionally remove the ability of the mayor or four or more supervisors to directly place measures on the ballot.&nbsp;

When reached by The Standard, Mandelman said that he wanted to “more carefully digest” what TogetherSF is proposing before commenting on its plans. He’s hoping to get the support of a majority of his board colleagues to put his reform measure on the ballot—reflecting hopes for what he called a “meaningful consensus.” TogetherSF plans to place its measure on the ballot through voter petition, requiring them to gather signatures from around 50,000 registered voters by July 8 to qualify.&nbsp;

When reached by The Standard, Mandelman said that he wanted to “more carefully digest” what TogetherSF is proposing before commenting on its plans. He’s hoping to get the support of a majority of his board colleagues to put his reform measure on the ballot—reflecting hopes for what he called a “meaningful consensus.” TogetherSF plans to place its measure on the ballot through voter petition, requiring them to gather signatures from around 50,000 registered voters by July 8 to qualify.&nbsp;

TogetherSF’s proposed reforms piggyback on <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23921679-tsfrosereport23report">a report</a> the group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">published in August</a>, which identified various inefficiencies within City Hall that impede its “ability to meet current challenges.” In particular, it noted a “large, complex, and burdensome” commission system—San Francisco has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">183 different boards, commissions and advisory bodies</a>—along with “procedural rules and norms” that allow groups and individuals to block decision-making.&nbsp;

TogetherSF’s proposed reforms piggyback on <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23921679-tsfrosereport23report">a report</a> the group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">published in August</a>, which identified various inefficiencies within City Hall that impede its “ability to meet current challenges.” In particular, it noted a “large, complex, and burdensome” commission system—San Francisco has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">183 different boards, commissions and advisory bodies</a>—along with “procedural rules and norms” that allow groups and individuals to block decision-making.&nbsp;

The report also identified the current structure of the Board of Supervisors as problematic, recommending alternative plans for electing supervisors, including a hybrid scheme that includes some district and some at-large supervisors. That was not included in either of TogetherSF’s measures, however.&nbsp;

The report also identified the current structure of the Board of Supervisors as problematic, recommending alternative plans for electing supervisors, including a hybrid scheme that includes some district and some at-large supervisors. That was not included in either of TogetherSF’s measures, however.&nbsp;

“We did explore dealing with the idea of changing the structure of the Board of Supervisors,” Cheng said. “We chose not to proceed with that measure at this time and just advance these two because we feel like these two will have the biggest impact most immediately.”

“We did explore dealing with the idea of changing the structure of the Board of Supervisors,” Cheng said. “We chose not to proceed with that measure at this time and just advance these two because we feel like these two will have the biggest impact most immediately.”

TogetherSF and Mandelman aren’t the only ones looking to put major governance changes before voters next year.&nbsp;

TogetherSF and Mandelman aren’t the only ones looking to put major governance changes before voters next year.&nbsp;

Another voter initiative, supported by former state Sen. Quentin Kopp, could <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/33567157.531/aHR0cHM6Ly9zZnN0YW5kYXJkLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzE5L3BvbGl0aWNhbC12ZXRlcmFuLXdhbnRzLXRvLWNoYW5nZS1ob3ctc2FuLWZyYW5jaXNjby12b3Rlcy8_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNGK1N0YW5kYXJkK1Bvd2VyK1BsYXkmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9cC10ZXh0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1TRitTdGFuZGFyZA/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7Bffd68b92">enable voters citywide to select each district supervisor</a> if proponents are successful in gathering sufficient signatures.&nbsp;

Another voter initiative, supported by former state Sen. Quentin Kopp, could <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/33567157.531/aHR0cHM6Ly9zZnN0YW5kYXJkLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA5LzE5L3BvbGl0aWNhbC12ZXRlcmFuLXdhbnRzLXRvLWNoYW5nZS1ob3ctc2FuLWZyYW5jaXNjby12b3Rlcy8_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNGK1N0YW5kYXJkK1Bvd2VyK1BsYXkmdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9cC10ZXh0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1TRitTdGFuZGFyZA/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7Bffd68b92">enable voters citywide to select each district supervisor</a> if proponents are successful in gathering sufficient signatures.&nbsp;

San Francisco last made major one-time reforms to the city charter in 1995, when voters passed <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Prop-E-Would-Rewrite-S-F-City-Charter-3021185.php">Proposition E</a>. That measure, which was based on the recommendations of a special commission, gave more power to both the mayor and the Board of Supervisors while lessening the power of commissions and department heads.

San Francisco last made major one-time reforms to the city charter in 1995, when voters passed <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Prop-E-Would-Rewrite-S-F-City-Charter-3021185.php">Proposition E</a>. That measure, which was based on the recommendations of a special commission, gave more power to both the mayor and the Board of Supervisors while lessening the power of commissions and department heads.

“In San Francisco, there’s always going to be a tension between efficiency and oversight in government,” Mark Mosher, a political consultant who worked on the Proposition E campaign, said in an interview. “It’s a conflict between the desire to get things done and stopping priorities that San Franciscans are conflicted or uncomfortable about.”&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, there’s always going to be a tension between efficiency and oversight in government,” Mark Mosher, a political consultant who worked on the Proposition E campaign, said in an interview. “It’s a conflict between the desire to get things done and stopping priorities that San Franciscans are conflicted or uncomfortable about.”&nbsp;

Kingmakers come and go, but the speed with which San Francisco’s political hierarchy has shifted since November’s election is stunning — even by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/25/biggest-san-francisco-political-scandals-sex-bribes-murder/">this city’s cutthroat standards</a>.

A history of San Francisco scandals: Sex, bribes, and murder

Kingmakers come and go, but the speed with which San Francisco’s political hierarchy has shifted since November’s election is stunning — even by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/25/biggest-san-francisco-political-scandals-sex-bribes-murder/">this city’s cutthroat standards</a>.

Moderate Democratic organizations <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-neighbors-powerful-political-group-crisis/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">TogetherSF</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">GrowSF</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/20/tech-families-abundant-sf-millions-housing-transportation-education/">Abundant SF</a> all rose to prominence in the last five years by cultivating wealthy and influential donor networks that have shaped public policy and altered the outcome of elections. The groups combined to spend more than $14 million last year and scored important victories: wresting control of the local Democratic party from progressives, gaining a slim majority of the Board of Supervisors, and keeping the mayor’s office in moderate hands.

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Moderate Democratic organizations <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-neighbors-powerful-political-group-crisis/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">TogetherSF</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">GrowSF</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/20/tech-families-abundant-sf-millions-housing-transportation-education/">Abundant SF</a> all rose to prominence in the last five years by cultivating wealthy and influential donor networks that have shaped public policy and altered the outcome of elections. The groups combined to spend more than $14 million last year and scored important victories: wresting control of the local Democratic party from progressives, gaining a slim majority of the Board of Supervisors, and keeping the mayor’s office in moderate hands.

But since Daniel Lurie won the mayor’s race, a stark change has occurred in the “Big Four” power rankings. His victory not only upended a San Francisco tradition of elected officials methodically making their way up the ladder to the mayor’s office; it also profoundly disrupted the plans of orbiting political organizations.&nbsp;

But since Daniel Lurie won the mayor’s race, a stark change has occurred in the “Big Four” power rankings. His victory not only upended a San Francisco tradition of elected officials methodically making their way up the ladder to the mayor’s office; it also profoundly disrupted the plans of orbiting political organizations.&nbsp;

8365661659_GrowSF: Steven Buss Bacio, left, and Sachin Agarwal of GrowSF poses for a portrait at City Hall San Francisco on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. GrowSF maintained a moderate approach to achieve significant victories and increase its influence, playing a major role in the San Francisco elections.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_020_f74424.jpg?w=1668" alt="Two people stand on an ornate balcony in a grand building with large columns and decorative windows." class="wp-image-363945"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steven Buss Bacio, left, and Sachin Agarwal of GrowSF achieved significant victories in last year&#8217;s elections and will likely play a a major role in next year&#8217;s races in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_020_f74424.jpg?w=1668" alt="Two people stand on an ornate balcony in a grand building with large columns and decorative windows." class="wp-image-363945"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steven Buss Bacio, left, and Sachin Agarwal of GrowSF achieved significant victories in last year's elections and will likely play a a major role in next year's races in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_020_f74424.jpg?w=1668" alt="Two people stand on an ornate balcony in a grand building with large columns and decorative windows." class="wp-image-363945"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steven Buss Bacio, left, and Sachin Agarwal of GrowSF achieved significant victories in last year&#8217;s elections and will likely play a a major role in next year&#8217;s races in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

GrowSF has unexpectedly risen to the top of the pecking order as it cozies up to Lurie. Abundant and Neighbors are licking their wounds after ruining their relationships with the new mayor. And now just a few months after the dust settled on election night, TogetherSF is dust in the wind.

GrowSF has unexpectedly risen to the top of the pecking order as it cozies up to Lurie. Abundant and Neighbors are licking their wounds after ruining their relationships with the new mayor. And now just a few months after the dust settled on election night, TogetherSF is dust in the wind.

Ahead of next year’s elections, the struggle to maintain or regain power and influence is already playing out in weird and unexpected ways. Welcome to the new season of “Game of Thrones: San Francisco Edition™.”

Ahead of next year’s elections, the struggle to maintain or regain power and influence is already playing out in weird and unexpected ways. Welcome to the new season of “Game of Thrones: San Francisco Edition™.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growsf-plays-it-safe-on-way-to-power">GrowSF plays it safe on way to power</h2>

In less than five years, GrowSF directors Sachin Agarwal and Steven Buss Bacio — former tech workers who pivoted to launch an organization focused on public safety and the local economy — have built the city’s largest and most influential moderate voter guide.

In less than five years, GrowSF directors Sachin Agarwal and Steven Buss Bacio — former tech workers who pivoted to launch an organization focused on public safety and the local economy — have built the city’s largest and most influential moderate voter guide.

The savviest move the group made this past election cycle was perhaps its blandest. Instead of backing one candidate for mayor, Grow gave an open endorsement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/san-francisco-mayor-race-moderate-endorsements/">to the three moderates</a>: Lurie, Mark Farrell, and incumbent London Breed.&nbsp;

San Francisco mayor&#8217;s race is getting ugly as fight for endorsements heats up

The savviest move the group made this past election cycle was perhaps its blandest. Instead of backing one candidate for mayor, Grow gave an open endorsement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/san-francisco-mayor-race-moderate-endorsements/">to the three moderates</a>: Lurie, Mark Farrell, and incumbent London Breed.&nbsp;

Turns out risk aversion has its rewards.

Last week, Grow officials announced the equivalent of a Series D round of funding: In its fourth election cycle, the group aims to “significantly exceed” the roughly $5 million it raised for 2024, Agarwal told The Standard. Adding oomph to those efforts, Grow has brought on as a senior adviser Tyler Law, who served as Lurie’s consultant during the mayor’s race and continues in a consigliere role.

Last week, Grow officials announced the equivalent of a Series D round of funding: In its fourth election cycle, the group aims to “significantly exceed” the roughly $5 million it raised for 2024, Agarwal told The Standard. Adding oomph to those efforts, Grow has brought on as a senior adviser Tyler Law, who served as Lurie’s consultant during the mayor’s race and continues in a consigliere role.

core/column

<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_003_6ceac5.jpg?w=1668" alt="A man in a teal button-up shirt stands indoors before a large glass door labeled &quot;North Light Court.&quot; The area is softly lit with warm ceiling lights." class="wp-image-363972"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bacio says Lurie takes a collaborative approach to working with outside political groups.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_007_7d69e3.jpg?w=1668" alt="A man in a light blue shirt leans on a decorative railing inside an ornate building with high ceilings and elegant arches." class="wp-image-363967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Agarwal says GrowSF expects to raise far more than the $5 million it put together for last year&#8217;s election.</figcaption></figure></div>

core/columns

<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_003_6ceac5.jpg?w=1668" alt="A man in a teal button-up shirt stands indoors before a large glass door labeled &quot;North Light Court.&quot; The area is softly lit with warm ceiling lights." class="wp-image-363972"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bacio says Lurie takes a collaborative approach to working with outside political groups.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_007_7d69e3.jpg?w=1668" alt="A man in a light blue shirt leans on a decorative railing inside an ornate building with high ceilings and elegant arches." class="wp-image-363967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Agarwal says GrowSF expects to raise far more than the $5 million it put together for last year&#8217;s election.</figcaption></figure></div></div>

core/group

<div class="wp-block-group alignwide"><div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_003_6ceac5.jpg?w=1668" alt="A man in a teal button-up shirt stands indoors before a large glass door labeled &quot;North Light Court.&quot; The area is softly lit with warm ceiling lights." class="wp-image-363972"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bacio says Lurie takes a collaborative approach to working with outside political groups.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8365661659_growsf_aar_007_7d69e3.jpg?w=1668" alt="A man in a light blue shirt leans on a decorative railing inside an ornate building with high ceilings and elegant arches." class="wp-image-363967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Agarwal says GrowSF expects to raise far more than the $5 million it put together for last year&#8217;s election.</figcaption></figure></div></div></div>

There is little doubt that Grow, which to this point has focused on elections over public policy work, will have an open-door policy with the Lurie administration.

There is little doubt that Grow, which to this point has focused on elections over public policy work, will have an open-door policy with the Lurie administration.

“Every time we met with Mayor Lurie before the election, he always started a conversation by asking a question. He didn’t start it by talking at you,” Bacio said. “He would just ask something like: ‘What can I do for you? How can I help? What&#8217;s on your mind?’ And I think that is probably a core part of his personality, so I expect that to remain true during his tenure as mayor.”

“Every time we met with Mayor Lurie before the election, he always started a conversation by asking a question. He didn’t start it by talking at you,” Bacio said. “He would just ask something like: ‘What can I do for you? How can I help? What's on your mind?’ And I think that is probably a core part of his personality, so I expect that to remain true during his tenure as mayor.”

“Every time we met with Mayor Lurie before the election, he always started a conversation by asking a question. He didn’t start it by talking at you,” Bacio said. “He would just ask something like: ‘What can I do for you? How can I help? What&#8217;s on your mind?’ And I think that is probably a core part of his personality, so I expect that to remain true during his tenure as mayor.”

The risk now for Grow is that its top-dog status makes it a target for rivals that will be jostling for the support of deep-pocketed donors.

The risk now for Grow is that its top-dog status makes it a target for rivals that will be jostling for the support of deep-pocketed donors.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundant-sf-burns-bridges-sees-inroads">Abundant SF burns bridges, sees inroads</h2>

Political observers have suspected that Abundant SF — a pro-urbanist organization that spent $1.8 million on supervisor and local Democratic Party races last year — is on the outs with Lurie because it supported Breed’s campaign. The truth is much messier.

Political observers have suspected that Abundant SF — a pro-urbanist organization that spent $1.8 million on supervisor and local Democratic Party races last year — is on the outs with Lurie because it supported Breed’s campaign. The truth is much messier.

Todd David, the group’s political director, burned a bridge in October when he called out Lurie over his stance on Israel, sources told The Standard. In a WhatsApp group thread for Jewish leaders in Noe Valley, David blasted Lurie for not coming out more strongly in defense of Israel a year after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, as well as for accepting the endorsement of Nadia Rahman, a former president of the San Francisco Women&#8217;s Political Committee and vocal critic of the Israel government.

Todd David, the group’s political director, burned a bridge in October when he called out Lurie over his stance on Israel, sources told The Standard. In a WhatsApp group thread for Jewish leaders in Noe Valley, David blasted Lurie for not coming out more strongly in defense of Israel a year after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, as well as for accepting the endorsement of Nadia Rahman, a former president of the San Francisco Women's Political Committee and vocal critic of the Israel government.

Todd David, the group’s political director, burned a bridge in October when he called out Lurie over his stance on Israel, sources told The Standard. In a WhatsApp group thread for Jewish leaders in Noe Valley, David blasted Lurie for not coming out more strongly in defense of Israel a year after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, as well as for accepting the endorsement of Nadia Rahman, a former president of the San Francisco Women&#8217;s Political Committee and vocal critic of the Israel government.

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Search Results for: togethersf

Plan to fix ‘broken’ San Francisco blows up in 2 weeks

San Francisco mayor’s race is getting ugly as fight for endorsements heats up

San Francisco residents could vote on drastic reforms to City Hall next year

SF political power rankings: Who has Daniel Lurie’s ear?

Brace yourself, San Francisco: November’s ballot will be massive