Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

The San Francisco Unified School District will announce school closures in a week, and there’s nothing to be done. The schools can’t be saved.

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The San Francisco Unified School District will announce school closures in a week, and there’s nothing to be done. The schools can’t be saved.

That’s according to the major candidates running for San Francisco mayor, save one.

That’s according to the major candidates running for San Francisco mayor, save one.

They weighed in on the impending closures Thursday at a candidate forum at the Randall Museum that was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzPmV_g-LS8&amp;t=3102s">hosted by a bevy of District 8 neighborhood groups</a> and moderated by this reporter.

They weighed in on the impending closures Thursday at a candidate forum at the Randall Museum that was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzPmV_g-LS8&amp;t=3102s">hosted by a bevy of District 8 neighborhood groups</a> and moderated by this reporter.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin was the lone candidate to say that, if elected, he would help the district reconsider the need for closing schools.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin was the lone candidate to say that, if elected, he would help the district reconsider the need for closing schools.

“I would exert leadership,” Peskin told the crowd, adding that he would “help them balance their budget, I would help them pay their teachers on time, and I would help them figure out if they need to close any schools.”

“I would exert leadership,” Peskin told the crowd, adding that he would “help them balance their budget, I would help them pay their teachers on time, and I would help them figure out if they need to close any schools.”

More than 4,000 students have left San Francisco’s school system <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative/resource-alignment-initiative-frequently-asked-questions-faqs">since 2012</a>, and 4,600 more departures are anticipated by 2032, according to SFUSD. That drop has blown a hole in the district’s budget, since the state funds schools on a per-pupil basis. While shuttering schools has been discussed as a cost-saving measure, by the district’s own admission, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/will-sf-public-school-closures-save-money-not-much-and-not-quickly/">it may not save much money.</a>

More than 4,000 students have left San Francisco’s school system <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative/resource-alignment-initiative-frequently-asked-questions-faqs">since 2012</a>, and 4,600 more departures are anticipated by 2032, according to SFUSD. That drop has blown a hole in the district’s budget, since the state funds schools on a per-pupil basis. While shuttering schools has been discussed as a cost-saving measure, by the district’s own admission, <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/will-sf-public-school-closures-save-money-not-much-and-not-quickly/">it may not save much money.</a>

The list of proposed closures <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-09-05-sfusd-announce-2025-26-school-closures-mergers-or-co-locations-sept-18">is set to be released</a> Sept. 18. Families <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/12/sfusd-closures-parents-students/">fear the worst</a>. Parent Gaelan Spor previously told The Standard she was “terrified” because her daughter’s school is “clearly on the chopping block.”

‘Terrified&#8217;: Parents freak out over coming school closures

The list of proposed closures <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-09-05-sfusd-announce-2025-26-school-closures-mergers-or-co-locations-sept-18">is set to be released</a> Sept. 18. Families <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/12/sfusd-closures-parents-students/">fear the worst</a>. Parent Gaelan Spor previously told The Standard she was “terrified” because her daughter’s school is “clearly on the chopping block.”

The district has said it will also reorganize its central office and explore generating revenue from its properties in an effort <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative">to cover its budget gap</a>.

The district has said it will also reorganize its central office and explore generating revenue from its properties in an effort <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative">to cover its budget gap</a>.

The San Francisco government has no control over the school district, which is a state-run entity with an independent board. But mayors and the Board of Supervisors have played a role in advocating on behalf of parents. City government also has given the district <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-15-million-new-funding-support-san-francisco-unified-school">funding in times of need</a>.

The San Francisco government has no control over the school district, which is a state-run entity with an independent board. But mayors and the Board of Supervisors have played a role in advocating on behalf of parents. City government also has given the district <a href="https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-15-million-new-funding-support-san-francisco-unified-school">funding in times of need</a>.

At Thursday’s forum, other candidates sounded a more dire note on SFUSD’s financial spiral.

At Thursday’s forum, other candidates sounded a more dire note on SFUSD’s financial spiral.

Former Mayor Mark Farrell told the audience, “this is a school board thing; we have no control over it. I’ve gone through the financials with a number of school board members, gone through the financials with parents. It’s going to have to happen.”

Former Mayor Mark Farrell told the audience, “this is a school board thing; we have no control over it. I’ve gone through the financials with a number of school board members, gone through the financials with parents. It’s going to have to happen.”

“School closures are just going to be a reality,” said nonprofit CEO and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie. “It’s unfortunate. Those families that have schools closed, they should have the first option of a neighborhood school.”

“School closures are just going to be a reality,” said nonprofit CEO and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie. “It’s unfortunate. Those families that have schools closed, they should have the first option of a neighborhood school.”

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí added, “I want them to do everything they can to reorganize and keep as many of them open, but unfortunately, as Mark said, the state is coming in and having very difficult conversations about receivership.”

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí added, “I want them to do everything they can to reorganize and keep as many of them open, but unfortunately, as Mark said, the state is coming in and having very difficult conversations about receivership.”

Mayor London Breed did not attend the forum, but she touted the success of her appointments to the school board in a statement to The Standard.

Mayor London Breed did not attend the forum, but she touted the success of her appointments to the school board in a statement to The Standard.

“My appointees have stabilized the district and helped put SFUSD on a path to more sustainable financial footing. Tough decisions will need to be made,” Breed said.

“My appointees have stabilized the district and helped put SFUSD on a path to more sustainable financial footing. Tough decisions will need to be made,” Breed said.

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In response to the district’s poor budget rating, the state <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/?itm_source=parsely-api">has begun subjecting hiring for vacant positions to a review and approval process</a>.

In San Francisco’s broken school system, even hiring a teacher requires state permission

In response to the district’s poor budget rating, the state <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/state-control-sfusd-hiring/?itm_source=parsely-api">has begun subjecting hiring for vacant positions to a review and approval process</a>.

United Educators of San Francisco President Cassondra Curiel said she hopes the mayoral candidates make sure they’re “educated on the subject” of the financial crisis. The union has dually endorsed Peskin and Safaí.

United Educators of San Francisco President Cassondra Curiel said she hopes the mayoral candidates make sure they’re “educated on the subject” of the financial crisis. The union has dually endorsed Peskin and Safaí.

“Aaron is spot on. The others aren&#8217;t wrong, but I think that there&#8217;s a great deal of misinformation that&#8217;s being bandied about,” Curiel said.

“Aaron is spot on. The others aren't wrong, but I think that there's a great deal of misinformation that's being bandied about,” Curiel said.

“Aaron is spot on. The others aren&#8217;t wrong, but I think that there&#8217;s a great deal of misinformation that&#8217;s being bandied about,” Curiel said.

Meredith Willa Dodson, executive director of the <a href="https://sfparents.org/who-we-are/">San Francisco Parent Coalition</a>, said the school district has avoided “making the hard decisions” to fix its budget.

Meredith Willa Dodson, executive director of the <a href="https://sfparents.org/who-we-are/">San Francisco Parent Coalition</a>, said the school district has avoided “making the hard decisions” to fix its budget.

Anyone running for mayor should ground their school stances “in our reality,” she said — “not just saying what they think needs to be said to appeal to constituents, but what is actually grounded in the reality of what we’re facing as a district and what we need from the broader city.”

Anyone running for mayor should ground their school stances “in our reality,” she said — “not just saying what they think needs to be said to appeal to constituents, but what is actually grounded in the reality of what we’re facing as a district and what we need from the broader city.”

The San Francisco Parent Coalition’s political action committee is not making endorsements in the mayor’s race, she said. The group is hosting <a href="https://sfparents.org/save-the-date-mayoral-candidates-on-public-education-9-16/">a forum to hear candidates’ take on education</a> Monday at George Washington High School on 32nd Avenue.

The San Francisco Parent Coalition’s political action committee is not making endorsements in the mayor’s race, she said. The group is hosting <a href="https://sfparents.org/save-the-date-mayoral-candidates-on-public-education-9-16/">a forum to hear candidates’ take on education</a> Monday at George Washington High School on 32nd Avenue.

Mayoral candidates agree school closures ‘have to happen’ — except for Peskin

Priya Anand

In some ways, Y Combinator president and CEO Garry Tan has already assumed the position of mayor of San Francisco&#8217;s tech world.

In some ways, Y Combinator president and CEO Garry Tan has already assumed the position of mayor of San Francisco's tech world.

In some ways, Y Combinator president and CEO Garry Tan has already assumed the position of mayor of San Francisco&#8217;s tech world.

Since taking the top job at the startup accelerator last year, he has consistently acted as a cheerleader for the city, urging founders to move to San Francisco and base their companies here — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/30/y-combinator-gen-z-founders-garry-tan/">with some success.</a>

Y Combinator’s Gen Z founders are coming back and learning to love San Francisco

Since taking the top job at the startup accelerator last year, he has consistently acted as a cheerleader for the city, urging founders to move to San Francisco and base their companies here — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/30/y-combinator-gen-z-founders-garry-tan/">with some success.</a>

Tan — who has sought to use his clout and wealth to influence local campaigns, particularly going into the November election, has been subject to questions about his own future in politics.

Tan — who has sought to use his clout and wealth to influence local campaigns, particularly going into the November election, has been subject to questions about his own future in politics.

On Thursday, he was asked onstage during the Reboot 2024 conference at Fort Mason when he would throw his hat in the ring for the job of the city&#8217;s chief executive.

On Thursday, he was asked onstage during the Reboot 2024 conference at Fort Mason when he would throw his hat in the ring for the job of the city's chief executive.

On Thursday, he was asked onstage during the Reboot 2024 conference at Fort Mason when he would throw his hat in the ring for the job of the city&#8217;s chief executive.

&#8220;Never, or 20 years from now,&#8221; he replied.

"Never, or 20 years from now," he replied.

&#8220;Never, or 20 years from now,&#8221; he replied.

Tan weighed in on this year&#8217;s mayoral race and, though he was mum on who has his vote, described both Mayor London Breed and Mark Farrell as candidates &#8220;who I really like.&#8221;

Tan weighed in on this year's mayoral race and, though he was mum on who has his vote, described both Mayor London Breed and Mark Farrell as candidates "who I really like."

Tan weighed in on this year&#8217;s mayoral race and, though he was mum on who has his vote, described both Mayor London Breed and Mark Farrell as candidates &#8220;who I really like.&#8221;

He said voters should look into the advisers and staff surrounding the candidates. For example, while Tan thinks Daniel Lurie &#8220;is fantastic,&#8221; he is choosing not to support the candidate because campaign spokesman Max Szabo backed former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. (Szabo said in a statement that he&#8217;s a former law enforcement official himself and called Tan &#8220;an unhinged keyboard warrior&#8221; who has an &#8220;uninformed obsession&#8221; with him.)

He said voters should look into the advisers and staff surrounding the candidates. For example, while Tan thinks Daniel Lurie "is fantastic," he is choosing not to support the candidate because campaign spokesman Max Szabo backed former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. (Szabo said in a statement that he's a former law enforcement official himself and called Tan "an unhinged keyboard warrior" who has an "uninformed obsession" with him.)

He said voters should look into the advisers and staff surrounding the candidates. For example, while Tan thinks Daniel Lurie &#8220;is fantastic,&#8221; he is choosing not to support the candidate because campaign spokesman Max Szabo backed former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. (Szabo said in a statement that he&#8217;s a former law enforcement official himself and called Tan &#8220;an unhinged keyboard warrior&#8221; who has an &#8220;uninformed obsession&#8221; with him.)

Reboot, hosted by the Foundation for American Innovation, a nonprofit focused on tech and public policy, was organized under the theme of a &#8220;new reality,&#8221; positing a theory of wide-scale disruption of incumbents in media, politics, and global affairs.

Reboot, hosted by the Foundation for American Innovation, a nonprofit focused on tech and public policy, was organized under the theme of a "new reality," positing a theory of wide-scale disruption of incumbents in media, politics, and global affairs.

Reboot, hosted by the Foundation for American Innovation, a nonprofit focused on tech and public policy, was organized under the theme of a &#8220;new reality,&#8221; positing a theory of wide-scale disruption of incumbents in media, politics, and global affairs.

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan is organizing San Francisco’s moderate political agenda

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The organization has come under criticism — protesters rallied outside the conference venue — for <a href="https://www.heritage.org/press/project-2025-reaches-100-coalition-partners-continues-grow-preparation-next-president">its ties</a> to Project 2025, a strategy by the conservative Heritage Foundation to reshape the federal government and the executive branch under Donald Trump. Among the Project 2025 proposals are withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market and abolishing the federal Department of Education.

The organization has come under criticism — protesters rallied outside the conference venue — for <a href="https://www.heritage.org/press/project-2025-reaches-100-coalition-partners-continues-grow-preparation-next-president">its ties</a> to Project 2025, a strategy by the conservative Heritage Foundation to reshape the federal government and the executive branch under Donald Trump. Among the Project 2025 proposals are withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market and abolishing the federal Department of Education.

The vibe of the conference was decidedly irreverent. One panel, focused on the &#8220;fracturing of a shared reality,&#8221; hosted academics to discuss <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/394283/confidence-institutions-down-average-new-low.aspx">decreasing trust in institutions</a>. Others focused on Silicon Valley and the crypto industry&#8217;s political ambitions.

The vibe of the conference was decidedly irreverent. One panel, focused on the "fracturing of a shared reality," hosted academics to discuss <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/394283/confidence-institutions-down-average-new-low.aspx">decreasing trust in institutions</a>. Others focused on Silicon Valley and the crypto industry's political ambitions.

The vibe of the conference was decidedly irreverent. One panel, focused on the &#8220;fracturing of a shared reality,&#8221; hosted academics to discuss <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/394283/confidence-institutions-down-average-new-low.aspx">decreasing trust in institutions</a>. Others focused on Silicon Valley and the crypto industry&#8217;s political ambitions.

Interviewing Tan on stage was Mike Solana, the Founders Fund marketing executive who runs the website Pirate Wires, which describes itself as a voice that attempts to find the truth amid the noise of the Internet and corporate media institutions.

Interviewing Tan on stage was Mike Solana, the Founders Fund marketing executive who runs the website Pirate Wires, which describes itself as a voice that attempts to find the truth amid the noise of the Internet and corporate media institutions.

The conversation spanned a number of topics, from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Tan&#8217;s controversial political efforts</a> to his views on tech regulation. Tan referred to his political work as a &#8220;side quest&#8221; to his day job.

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s war on San Francisco politics has only just begun

The conversation spanned a number of topics, from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Tan's controversial political efforts</a> to his views on tech regulation. Tan referred to his political work as a "side quest" to his day job.

The conversation spanned a number of topics, from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Tan&#8217;s controversial political efforts</a> to his views on tech regulation. Tan referred to his political work as a &#8220;side quest&#8221; to his day job.

&#8220;My main duty is to Y Combinator and founders who go through that program,&#8221; he said.

"My main duty is to Y Combinator and founders who go through that program," he said.

&#8220;My main duty is to Y Combinator and founders who go through that program,&#8221; he said.

That doesn&#8217;t mean he doesn&#8217;t have opinions. Tan called SB 1047, the AI safety bill <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/sb-1047-ai-safety-bill-scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi/">introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener</a>, a bad move for the growing industry and said he hopes Gov. Gavin Newsom will quash it.

State lawmakers send controversial AI safety bill dividing local leaders to Newsom&#8217;s desk

That doesn't mean he doesn't have opinions. Tan called SB 1047, the AI safety bill <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/sb-1047-ai-safety-bill-scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi/">introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener</a>, a bad move for the growing industry and said he hopes Gov. Gavin Newsom will quash it.

That doesn&#8217;t mean he doesn&#8217;t have opinions. Tan called SB 1047, the AI safety bill <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/sb-1047-ai-safety-bill-scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi/">introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener</a>, a bad move for the growing industry and said he hopes Gov. Gavin Newsom will quash it.

&#8220;I hope Newsom doesn’t sign it. I hope he vetoes it,&#8221; Tan said onstage, adding that he has no inside knowledge of the governor&#8217;s intentions. &#8220;If we want California to continue to be this magnet for the world, we don’t pass things like this.&#8221;

"I hope Newsom doesn’t sign it. I hope he vetoes it," Tan said onstage, adding that he has no inside knowledge of the governor's intentions. "If we want California to continue to be this magnet for the world, we don’t pass things like this."

&#8220;I hope Newsom doesn’t sign it. I hope he vetoes it,&#8221; Tan said onstage, adding that he has no inside knowledge of the governor&#8217;s intentions. &#8220;If we want California to continue to be this magnet for the world, we don’t pass things like this.&#8221;

Tan noted that he has found himself in a surprising alliance with Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan on the topic of how to support startups so they develop competitive environments and combat the ability of big tech companies to create unfair monopolies.

Tan noted that he has found himself in a surprising alliance with Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan on the topic of how to support startups so they develop competitive environments and combat the ability of big tech companies to create unfair monopolies.

&#8220;She and I are very aligned on this idea of &#8216;How do we make a thousand flowers bloom?&#8217; &#8221; Tan said. &#8220;There is a role for government to try to open these markets and allow tiny startups to get a chance at surviving.&#8221;

"She and I are very aligned on this idea of 'How do we make a thousand flowers bloom?' " Tan said. "There is a role for government to try to open these markets and allow tiny startups to get a chance at surviving."

&#8220;She and I are very aligned on this idea of &#8216;How do we make a thousand flowers bloom?&#8217; &#8221; Tan said. &#8220;There is a role for government to try to open these markets and allow tiny startups to get a chance at surviving.&#8221;

When founders ask how they can improve San Francisco, Tan urges them to vote and join local advocacy groups such as Grow SF, he said. But the most important thing people can give is their attention: &#8220;All we have to do is, at dinner, when something happens, talk about it.&#8221;

When founders ask how they can improve San Francisco, Tan urges them to vote and join local advocacy groups such as Grow SF, he said. But the most important thing people can give is their attention: "All we have to do is, at dinner, when something happens, talk about it."

When founders ask how they can improve San Francisco, Tan urges them to vote and join local advocacy groups such as Grow SF, he said. But the most important thing people can give is their attention: &#8220;All we have to do is, at dinner, when something happens, talk about it.&#8221;

The tech industry, he concluded, is a beacon of hope for the city.

The tech industry, he concluded, is a beacon of hope for the city.

&#8220;I&#8217;m thankful for people to continue coming to San Francisco despite all the problems,&#8221; Tan said. &#8220;The money is here. The talent is here.&#8221;

"I'm thankful for people to continue coming to San Francisco despite all the problems," Tan said. "The money is here. The talent is here."

&#8220;I&#8217;m thankful for people to continue coming to San Francisco despite all the problems,&#8221; Tan said. &#8220;The money is here. The talent is here.&#8221;

This story was updated to include comment from Max Szabo.

This story was updated to include comment from Max Szabo.

Garry Tan for mayor? ‘Never, or 20 years from now,’ Y Combinator chief says

Gabe Greschler

San Francisco mayoral candidates will square off Wednesday in their <a href="https://www.cityarts.net/event/san-franciscos-next-mayor/">first</a> public debate, and one likely topic will be new polling that suggests a moderate could unseat Mayor London Breed.

San Francisco mayoral candidates will square off Wednesday in their <a href="https://www.cityarts.net/event/san-franciscos-next-mayor/">first</a> public debate, and one likely topic will be new polling that suggests a moderate could unseat Mayor London Breed.

Mark Farrell’s campaign released results from a new poll showing the former supervisor and mayor coming in first in a ranked-choice-vote simulation—nabbing 57% of the electorate—while Breed finished in second with 43%.&nbsp;

Mark Farrell’s campaign released results from a new poll showing the former supervisor and mayor coming in first in a ranked-choice-vote simulation—nabbing 57% of the electorate—while Breed finished in second with 43%.&nbsp;

<a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/impact-memo-farrell-bench-june-2024-final.pdf">Farrell’s poll</a> is the first to be released by one of the five major candidates since Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin entered the race at the beginning of April. The results, which were limited to a one-page press release, found him starting with 23% of the vote in the first round. Breed received 21% of first-place votes, nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie got 20%, Peskin landed 17% and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí secured 4%.

<a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/impact-memo-farrell-bench-june-2024-final.pdf">Farrell’s poll</a> is the first to be released by one of the five major candidates since Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin entered the race at the beginning of April. The results, which were limited to a one-page press release, found him starting with 23% of the vote in the first round. Breed received 21% of first-place votes, nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie got 20%, Peskin landed 17% and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí secured 4%.

The poll’s release could project strength for Farrell’s campaign, as candidates don’t always release polling data to the public due to concerns that the findings may show weaknesses or have a candidate coming out on the losing end.&nbsp;

The poll’s release could project strength for Farrell’s campaign, as candidates don’t always release polling data to the public due to concerns that the findings may show weaknesses or have a candidate coming out on the losing end.&nbsp;

However, the poll’s margin of error (4.5%), a sizable share of undecided voters (11%), and nearly five months until Election Day mean the race’s outcome could look very different come November.&nbsp;

However, the poll’s margin of error (4.5%), a sizable share of undecided voters (11%), and nearly five months until Election Day mean the race’s outcome could look very different come November.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed looks away while listening to other guest speakers at the District 10 Community Market in the Bayview neighborhood on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240603-communityfoodmarket-tv0069.jpg?w=2048" alt="A woman with a serious expression stands in focus, surrounded by blurred figures in the foreground, against a backdrop of store shelves." class="wp-image-280957"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed came in second in a poll released Wednesday by the Mark Farrell campaign.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240603-communityfoodmarket-tv0069.jpg?w=2048" alt="A woman with a serious expression stands in focus, surrounded by blurred figures in the foreground, against a backdrop of store shelves." class="wp-image-280957"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed came in second in a poll released Wednesday by the Mark Farrell campaign.</figcaption></figure>

“San Franciscans want an effective, experienced leader as their next mayor who can help get our city back on track,” Farrell said in a statement. “I understand the challenges our city faces and have the vision and bold policies to create a safer, cleaner, and stronger San Francisco.”

“San Franciscans want an effective, experienced leader as their next mayor who can help get our city back on track,” Farrell said in a statement. “I understand the challenges our city faces and have the vision and bold policies to create a safer, cleaner, and stronger San Francisco.”

A ranked-choice contest allows San Francisco voters to choose multiple candidates on their ballot. If a candidate wins a majority of votes after the first round of counting, the election is over. If no majority is reached, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and the votes are redistributed based on voter preference until a contender achieves a majority. Supporters of the method argue it leads to more victories for grassroots candidates and less negative campaigning, while critics say it’s confusing for voters.

A ranked-choice contest allows San Francisco voters to choose multiple candidates on their ballot. If a candidate wins a majority of votes after the first round of counting, the election is over. If no majority is reached, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and the votes are redistributed based on voter preference until a contender achieves a majority. Supporters of the method argue it leads to more victories for grassroots candidates and less negative campaigning, while critics say it’s confusing for voters.

In Farrell’s poll, 5% of people surveyed didn’t choose from the five candidates. The poll sampled 500 likely San Francisco voters between June 1 and 6.

In Farrell’s poll, 5% of people surveyed didn’t choose from the five candidates. The poll sampled 500 likely San Francisco voters between June 1 and 6.

The analysis also measured favorability, with Lurie taking the top spot at 39%. Approval ratings followed, with Farrell at 36%, Breed at 32%, Peskin at 26%, and Safaí at 17%. Breed had the highest unfavorable figures at 61%, with Peskin coming in second at 50%. The poll was based on phone and web survey results in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

The analysis also measured favorability, with Lurie taking the top spot at 39%. Approval ratings followed, with Farrell at 36%, Breed at 32%, Peskin at 26%, and Safaí at 17%. Breed had the highest unfavorable figures at 61%, with Peskin coming in second at 50%. The poll was based on phone and web survey results in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Impact Research conducted the Farrell poll with results that reflect findings from another ranked-choice simulation released in mid-May, which found Breed scraping by with a slim lead and Farrell close behind. Moderate-leaning political group GrowSF commissioned the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">poll</a> and also found a large share of undecideds.

Breed is unpopular—but could still win reelection, new poll shows

Impact Research conducted the Farrell poll with results that reflect findings from another ranked-choice simulation released in mid-May, which found Breed scraping by with a slim lead and Farrell close behind. Moderate-leaning political group GrowSF commissioned the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">poll</a> and also found a large share of undecideds.

Matt Dickinson votes inside City Hall’s Department of Elections on Election Day in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Early data from the city’s Department of Elections indicates that a sizable chunk of the roughly half-million registered voters in San Francisco are not showing up to the polls for this March primary contest.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-22.jpg?w=2500" alt="A row of people is seated in partitioned booths, casting votes. The dividers feature an American flag and &quot;VOTE&quot; text. Signs in multiple languages are visible above them." class="wp-image-256080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters will gain insight into each campaign&#8217;s financial performance at the end of July after candidates are required to file fundraising figures.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-22.jpg?w=2500" alt="A row of people is seated in partitioned booths, casting votes. The dividers feature an American flag and &quot;VOTE&quot; text. Signs in multiple languages are visible above them." class="wp-image-256080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters will gain insight into each campaign's financial performance at the end of July after candidates are required to file fundraising figures.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240304-electionday_photo_cc-22.jpg?w=2500" alt="A row of people is seated in partitioned booths, casting votes. The dividers feature an American flag and &quot;VOTE&quot; text. Signs in multiple languages are visible above them." class="wp-image-256080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters will gain insight into each campaign&#8217;s financial performance at the end of July after candidates are required to file fundraising figures.</figcaption></figure>

Impact Research is <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/">rated</a> as the No. 166th best pollster by FiveThirtyEight, a website that tracks the reputability of various polling companies. The San Francisco Chronicle also <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;oq=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBhAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgYIBxBFGDzSAQg2NzE1ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">released</a> a poll in February which found the sitting mayor facing re-election trouble.&nbsp;

Impact Research is <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/">rated</a> as the No. 166th best pollster by FiveThirtyEight, a website that tracks the reputability of various polling companies. The San Francisco Chronicle also <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;oq=mayor+poll+sf+chronicle&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMg0IBhAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgYIBxBFGDzSAQg2NzE1ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">released</a> a poll in February which found the sitting mayor facing re-election trouble.&nbsp;

On the campaign trail, Farrell and Breed have presented two diverging messages about the state of San Francisco, despite both being considered moderate Democrats. Farrell has taken a conservative turn when it comes to public safety policy, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/farrell-calls-for-armed-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-to-fight-fentanyl/">suggesting</a> armed National Guard should police neighborhoods like the Tenderloin. The former supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/13/san-francisco-mayor-election-mark-farrell-fundraising/">raised</a> $350,000 within a month of announcing his candidacy and has been highly critical of the sitting mayor’s track record while trying to capitalize on the deep dissatisfaction with City Hall.&nbsp;

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On the campaign trail, Farrell and Breed have presented two diverging messages about the state of San Francisco, despite both being considered moderate Democrats. Farrell has taken a conservative turn when it comes to public safety policy, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/farrell-calls-for-armed-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-to-fight-fentanyl/">suggesting</a> armed National Guard should police neighborhoods like the Tenderloin. The former supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/13/san-francisco-mayor-election-mark-farrell-fundraising/">raised</a> $350,000 within a month of announcing his candidacy and has been highly critical of the sitting mayor’s track record while trying to capitalize on the deep dissatisfaction with City Hall.&nbsp;

With four opponents and money against her reelection mounting, Breed has found herself in a bit of a defensive position while staking her hopes on residents feeling that the city is turning the corner. The mayor recently pointed to police <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">data</a> that shows falling crime figures and a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/02/skrillex-rave-civic-center/">reinvigorated</a> downtown, including concerts featuring <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/02/skrillex-rave-civic-center/">Skrillex</a> booming out tunes for 25,000 people.

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With four opponents and money against her reelection mounting, Breed has found herself in a bit of a defensive position while staking her hopes on residents feeling that the city is turning the corner. The mayor recently pointed to police <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">data</a> that shows falling crime figures and a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/02/skrillex-rave-civic-center/">reinvigorated</a> downtown, including concerts featuring <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/02/skrillex-rave-civic-center/">Skrillex</a> booming out tunes for 25,000 people.

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Impact Research’s poll found that just 16% of voters think the city is on the right track, while 46% think San Francisco is going in the wrong direction. Another 34% feel mixed on the issue, while 56% “agree that things in San Francisco are going poorly, and we need a drastic change to get back on track.”

Impact Research’s poll found that just 16% of voters think the city is on the right track, while 46% think San Francisco is going in the wrong direction. Another 34% feel mixed on the issue, while 56% “agree that things in San Francisco are going poorly, and we need a drastic change to get back on track.”

Molly Murphy, president of Impact Research, said that Farrell is in a “strong position” to win November’s election. An influx of spending by candidates such as Farrell and Lurie might be skewing polling, according to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/17/ahsha-safai-mayors-race-san-francisco/">supporters of other candidates</a>, since a large amount of money has been spent on their names being pushed in front of San Francisco voters.

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Molly Murphy, president of Impact Research, said that Farrell is in a “strong position” to win November’s election. An influx of spending by candidates such as Farrell and Lurie might be skewing polling, according to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/17/ahsha-safai-mayors-race-san-francisco/">supporters of other candidates</a>, since a large amount of money has been spent on their names being pushed in front of San Francisco voters.

The next major insight into each campaign&#8217;s performance will come at the end of July, when candidates are required to file financial records for the first half of the year.&nbsp;

The next major insight into each campaign's performance will come at the end of July, when candidates are required to file financial records for the first half of the year.&nbsp;

The next major insight into each campaign&#8217;s performance will come at the end of July, when candidates are required to file financial records for the first half of the year.&nbsp;

New poll, new mayor? Latest survey suggests challenger beating Breed

Josh Koehn

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-transportation-board-loses-another-member/">Manny Yekutiel</a> has spent the past five years cultivating San Francisco&#8217;s preeminent political salon in the Mission District, the eponymous institution Manny’s. But the 34-year-old entrepreneur and political organizer now has aspirations that extend well beyond the role of playing good host.

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<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-transportation-board-loses-another-member/">Manny Yekutiel</a> has spent the past five years cultivating San Francisco's preeminent political salon in the Mission District, the eponymous institution Manny’s. But the 34-year-old entrepreneur and political organizer now has aspirations that extend well beyond the role of playing good host.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-transportation-board-loses-another-member/">Manny Yekutiel</a> has spent the past five years cultivating San Francisco&#8217;s preeminent political salon in the Mission District, the eponymous institution Manny’s. But the 34-year-old entrepreneur and political organizer now has aspirations that extend well beyond the role of playing good host.

In a phone interview Thursday with The Standard, Yekutiel confirmed that he is considering a challenge to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> in next year’s election. His interest was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

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In a phone interview Thursday with The Standard, Yekutiel confirmed that he is considering a challenge to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> in next year’s election. His interest was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

“I’m going to be having conversations over the next few weeks with people close to me and people in the communities I&#8217;m a part of and folks that know a lot more than I do about politics to make this decision,” Yekutiel said. “But I&#8217;ll make my final decision by Jan. 1.”

“I’m going to be having conversations over the next few weeks with people close to me and people in the communities I'm a part of and folks that know a lot more than I do about politics to make this decision,” Yekutiel said. “But I'll make my final decision by Jan. 1.”

“I’m going to be having conversations over the next few weeks with people close to me and people in the communities I&#8217;m a part of and folks that know a lot more than I do about politics to make this decision,” Yekutiel said. “But I&#8217;ll make my final decision by Jan. 1.”

Yekutiel’s decision to publicly announce his interest in running for mayor has come as a bit of a shock to the local political community. He recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-transportation-board-loses-another-member/">stepped down from his post</a> as a commissioner for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and many suspected he might run for a district supervisor seat. A trip to visit family in Israel just before the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas had a profound effect on him.

Yekutiel’s decision to publicly announce his interest in running for mayor has come as a bit of a shock to the local political community. He recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-transportation-board-loses-another-member/">stepped down from his post</a> as a commissioner for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and many suspected he might run for a district supervisor seat. A trip to visit family in Israel just before the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas had a profound effect on him.

“There was a moment where I had to exit my car on the streets in Tel Aviv and go find shelter from an incoming missile attack,” Yekutiel said. “That was the moment I decided to leave the MTA board. … I then started embarking on a series of conversations all over the city with neighborhood leaders and policymakers and folks with expertise in different issue areas—journalists, artists, drag queens—about, frankly, what I should do next and how the city is going.”

“There was a moment where I had to exit my car on the streets in Tel Aviv and go find shelter from an incoming missile attack,” Yekutiel said. “That was the moment I decided to leave the MTA board. … I then started embarking on a series of conversations all over the city with neighborhood leaders and policymakers and folks with expertise in different issue areas—journalists, artists, drag queens—about, frankly, what I should do next and how the city is going.”

Those conversations led him to explore running for mayor, Yekutiel said.&nbsp;

Those conversations led him to explore running for mayor, Yekutiel said.&nbsp;

Manny Yekutiel introduces US Presidential candidate Tom Steyer during Steyer's appearance at Manny's in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1298782072-edited.jpg?w=2093" alt="Manny Yekutiel hosts an event at his eponymous political salon, Manny's, in San Francisco’s Mission District." class="wp-image-166440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel hosts an event at his eponymous political salon, Manny&#8217;s, in San Francisco’s Mission District.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1298782072-edited.jpg?w=2093" alt="Manny Yekutiel hosts an event at his eponymous political salon, Manny's, in San Francisco’s Mission District." class="wp-image-166440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel hosts an event at his eponymous political salon, Manny's, in San Francisco’s Mission District.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1298782072-edited.jpg?w=2093" alt="Manny Yekutiel hosts an event at his eponymous political salon, Manny's, in San Francisco’s Mission District." class="wp-image-166440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel hosts an event at his eponymous political salon, Manny&#8217;s, in San Francisco’s Mission District.</figcaption></figure>

Yekutiel declined to speak on specific issues—such as the homelessness and drug crises—or his opinion of Breed’s performance as mayor, but he did note that the status quo in San Francisco is unacceptable.

Yekutiel declined to speak on specific issues—such as the homelessness and drug crises—or his opinion of Breed’s performance as mayor, but he did note that the status quo in San Francisco is unacceptable.

“I’ve been frustrated at how long it’s taken or the lack of progress on some of these issues,” Yekutiel said. “And then I think a set of things happened over the last few months, including being in Israel during the attacks, that just taught me that life is short and you don’t have forever. And I wasn’t willing to wait much longer to try to make a difference in San Francisco to try to bring people together to solve these problems in our city.”

“I’ve been frustrated at how long it’s taken or the lack of progress on some of these issues,” Yekutiel said. “And then I think a set of things happened over the last few months, including being in Israel during the attacks, that just taught me that life is short and you don’t have forever. And I wasn’t willing to wait much longer to try to make a difference in San Francisco to try to bring people together to solve these problems in our city.”

A resident of San Francisco since 2012, Yekutiel, who is openly gay, was raised in a modern Orthodox Jewish family in Los Angeles.&nbsp; His father is from Afghanistan and worked as a helicopter mechanic, while his mother is from Brooklyn.

A resident of San Francisco since 2012, Yekutiel, who is openly gay, was raised in a modern Orthodox Jewish family in Los Angeles.&nbsp; His father is from Afghanistan and worked as a helicopter mechanic, while his mother is from Brooklyn.

If he does follow through on running for mayor, Yekutiel said he would remove himself from all of Manny’s operations to make sure the political gathering spot continues without any undue influence to help his campaign. While he has never held elected office, Yekutiel worked on presidential campaigns for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and his time on the SFMTA board gave him an inside view of how the city works.

If he does follow through on running for mayor, Yekutiel said he would remove himself from all of Manny’s operations to make sure the political gathering spot continues without any undue influence to help his campaign. While he has never held elected office, Yekutiel worked on presidential campaigns for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and his time on the SFMTA board gave him an inside view of how the city works.

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