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.

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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

It’s a topic most voters probably don’t think about too often—how many people live in San Francisco? What size will the future population be—and what should it be? Should city leaders be trying to attract families, tech workers, college kids–or all of the above?

It’s a topic most voters probably don’t think about too often—how many people live in San Francisco? What size will the future population be—and what should it be? Should city leaders be trying to attract families, tech workers, college kids–or all of the above?

We posed the question to all five mayoral contenders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/20/san-francisco-election-mayor-2024/">as part of our project bringing reader</a> questions on the issues they care most about to candidates in the November election.&nbsp;

San Francisco, there’s an election coming up. Tell us what’s on your minds

We posed the question to all five mayoral contenders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/20/san-francisco-election-mayor-2024/">as part of our project bringing reader</a> questions on the issues they care most about to candidates in the November election.&nbsp;

Reader Gregory Szorc asked: Relative to today, what should San Francisco’s population be in five, 15 and 25 years?

Reader Gregory Szorc asked: Relative to today, what should San Francisco’s population be in five, 15 and 25 years?

The question comes at a particularly important moment for San Francisco. The city’s population has dipped significantly in the last half-decade, falling from a high of 882,000 residents in 2019 to 808,000 San Franciscans in 2022 (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/population-growth-san-francisco-2023-census/">though recent figures show a modest rebound)</a>. San Francisco, however, isn’t alone. The population in other U.S. cities, <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-york-city-and-los-angeles-continued-to-lose-residents-last-year-but-its-not-all-bad-news-6b3eea67">like New York and Los Angeles</a>, has also declined.

California&#8217;s exodus continues, but San Francisco is growing again

The question comes at a particularly important moment for San Francisco. The city’s population has dipped significantly in the last half-decade, falling from a high of 882,000 residents in 2019 to 808,000 San Franciscans in 2022 (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/population-growth-san-francisco-2023-census/">though recent figures show a modest rebound)</a>. San Francisco, however, isn’t alone. The population in other U.S. cities, <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-york-city-and-los-angeles-continued-to-lose-residents-last-year-but-its-not-all-bad-news-6b3eea67">like New York and Los Angeles</a>, has also declined.

The trend speaks to a confluence of social and economic factors impacting San Francisco—work-from-home, high housing prices and cost-of-living, declining job prospects in the wake of tech layoffs, crime concerns, faltering schools and myriad other issues people weigh when choosing where to live. These topics have all become major themes in the November race.

The trend speaks to a confluence of social and economic factors impacting San Francisco—work-from-home, high housing prices and cost-of-living, declining job prospects in the wake of tech layoffs, crime concerns, faltering schools and myriad other issues people weigh when choosing where to live. These topics have all become major themes in the November race.

San Francisco population, 2000 to 2023

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On the campaign trail, Mayor London Breed has been the most outspoken of the five candidates calling for more people to move to the city.&nbsp;

On the campaign trail, Mayor London Breed has been the most outspoken of the five candidates calling for more people to move to the city.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">In her State of the City speech in March</a>, Breed called for 30,000 new San Franciscans by 2030, bringing the population up to roughly 840,000. Her plan focuses on students, with proposals swirling around City Hall to remake the city’s beleaguered downtown into a university hub.

&#8216;Tired of the negativity&#8217;: Breed hits back at doubters in State of the City speech

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">In her State of the City speech in March</a>, Breed called for 30,000 new San Franciscans by 2030, bringing the population up to roughly 840,000. Her plan focuses on students, with proposals swirling around City Hall to remake the city’s beleaguered downtown into a university hub.

The city’s incumbent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">is facing an uphill battle to convince voters</a> she should keep her job despite their concerns over homelessness, public safety and the post-Covid economic recovery. Breed has campaigned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">on falling crime figures</a> this year and a push to bring events downtown, like the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/29/civic-center-skrillex/">out-of-the-blue Skrillex concert</a> in front of City Hall last week.&nbsp;

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The city’s incumbent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">is facing an uphill battle to convince voters</a> she should keep her job despite their concerns over homelessness, public safety and the post-Covid economic recovery. Breed has campaigned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">on falling crime figures</a> this year and a push to bring events downtown, like the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/29/civic-center-skrillex/">out-of-the-blue Skrillex concert</a> in front of City Hall last week.&nbsp;

In the next 15 and 25 years, Breed said she would like to see the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/23/what-to-know-about-sfs-plan-to-create-82000-new-homes/">82,000 new housing units mandated by the state’s housing plan</a> finished (due by 2031)—and major infrastructure projects completed, like a sea wall along the Embarcadero and a high-speed rail connection.

What to know about SF&#8217;s plan to create 82,000 new homes

In the next 15 and 25 years, Breed said she would like to see the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/23/what-to-know-about-sfs-plan-to-create-82000-new-homes/">82,000 new housing units mandated by the state’s housing plan</a> finished (due by 2031)—and major infrastructure projects completed, like a sea wall along the Embarcadero and a high-speed rail connection.

“In all these scenarios, I would imagine slight increases in our population,” she wrote in a statement. “But because of the topography and limited land mass of our beautiful city, San Francisco has, and always will be, smaller than other major metropolitan areas.” A follow-up question asking to specify “slight increases” went unanswered by Breed’s campaign.

“In all these scenarios, I would imagine slight increases in our population,” she wrote in a statement. “But because of the topography and limited land mass of our beautiful city, San Francisco has, and always will be, smaller than other major metropolitan areas.” A follow-up question asking to specify “slight increases” went unanswered by Breed’s campaign.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin suggested more people should call San Francisco home by 2030 than Breed calls for in her proposal.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin suggested more people should call San Francisco home by 2030 than Breed calls for in her proposal.

In five years, Peskin believes the city should have 856,000 people. He sees a San Francisco with 916,000 residents by 2039 and 980,000 by 2049. In a statement, he called for building more affordable housing to encourage more healthcare workers, educators, government employees, emergency responders, and service workers to become San Franciscans.

In five years, Peskin believes the city should have 856,000 people. He sees a San Francisco with 916,000 residents by 2039 and 980,000 by 2049. In a statement, he called for building more affordable housing to encourage more healthcare workers, educators, government employees, emergency responders, and service workers to become San Franciscans.

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Former supervisor and interim mayor Mark Farrell, who has taken a more conservative tack in his campaign messaging, criticized the mayor for overseeing a population decline and said, &#8220;cities that don’t grow or evolve face many more challenges.”

Former supervisor and interim mayor Mark Farrell, who has taken a more conservative tack in his campaign messaging, criticized the mayor for overseeing a population decline and said, "cities that don’t grow or evolve face many more challenges.”

Former supervisor and interim mayor Mark Farrell, who has taken a more conservative tack in his campaign messaging, criticized the mayor for overseeing a population decline and said, &#8220;cities that don’t grow or evolve face many more challenges.”

Farrell said he would like to see “steady growth” of the population over the next five, 10 and 25 years in the “tens of thousands” and would focus on bringing more families and children into the city.&nbsp;

Farrell said he would like to see “steady growth” of the population over the next five, 10 and 25 years in the “tens of thousands” and would focus on bringing more families and children into the city.&nbsp;

“I want them to be a large part of our growth by making it easier to start and raise a family here,” he wrote.&nbsp;

“I want them to be a large part of our growth by making it easier to start and raise a family here,” he wrote.&nbsp;

Farrell’s family focus would seek to reverse a trend within a trend: According to city data, San Francisco’s child and young adult population declined between 2010 and 2020, even as the total number of residents grew, spurring the oft-heard joke that more dogs than kids call the city home.

Farrell’s family focus would seek to reverse a trend within a trend: According to city data, San Francisco’s child and young adult population declined between 2010 and 2020, even as the total number of residents grew, spurring the oft-heard joke that more dogs than kids call the city home.

Pedestrians transit Powell Street in San Francisco, on Friday, March 3, 2023. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/population-immigration-24-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a bustling city street with a steep hill in the background. People are crossing the street, cars and taxis are lined up, and a bus is on the right side." class="wp-image-161434"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco&#8217;s population has seen a decline over the last half-decade. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/population-immigration-24-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a bustling city street with a steep hill in the background. People are crossing the street, cars and taxis are lined up, and a bus is on the right side." class="wp-image-161434"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco's population has seen a decline over the last half-decade. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/population-immigration-24-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a bustling city street with a steep hill in the background. People are crossing the street, cars and taxis are lined up, and a bus is on the right side." class="wp-image-161434"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco&#8217;s population has seen a decline over the last half-decade. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Two candidates didn’t offer exact growth targets but instead focused on housing affordability and making San Francisco an immigrant-friendly city.

Two candidates didn’t offer exact growth targets but instead focused on housing affordability and making San Francisco an immigrant-friendly city.

“San Francisco’s population can and must grow, and it is up to all of us to plan for a sustainable San Francisco of the future where no one gets left behind,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is currently at the bottom of multiple polls.

“San Francisco’s population can and must grow, and it is up to all of us to plan for a sustainable San Francisco of the future where no one gets left behind,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is currently at the bottom of multiple polls.

Nonprofit leader and Levi’s scion Daniel Lurie said he didn’t see population as an important marker for the city’s well-being.

Nonprofit leader and Levi’s scion Daniel Lurie said he didn’t see population as an important marker for the city’s well-being.

“Success is not measured by how many people live here, but by how many can do so safely and affordably,” said Lurie. “This requires building more housing at all levels, ensuring families can afford to live where they work, providing a world-class education for our children, and fostering a vibrant arts, culture and nightlife scene that attracts young people from across the country.”

“Success is not measured by how many people live here, but by how many can do so safely and affordably,” said Lurie. “This requires building more housing at all levels, ensuring families can afford to live where they work, providing a world-class education for our children, and fostering a vibrant arts, culture and nightlife scene that attracts young people from across the country.”

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Board President Aaron Peskin&#8217;s population proposal.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Board President Aaron Peskin's population proposal.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Board President Aaron Peskin&#8217;s population proposal.

Which would-be mayor wants a population boom? You might be surprised

Josh Koehn

A new committee looking into accusations of sexual assault by prominent members of San Francisco’s Democratic Party is already facing an internal reckoning, as a former supervisor stepped down from her role after advocates pointed out her past support of a man convicted of domestic violence.&nbsp;

A new committee looking into accusations of sexual assault by prominent members of San Francisco’s Democratic Party is already facing an internal reckoning, as a former supervisor stepped down from her role after advocates pointed out her past support of a man convicted of domestic violence.&nbsp;

Michela Alioto-Pier, who served on the Board of Supervisors from 2004 to 2011 and is the granddaughter of former Mayor Joseph Alioto, left the committee because of a letter of support she wrote in 2021 for Nate Ballard, a former staffer for Gov. Gavin Newsom who was <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/nathan-ballard-former-newsom-political-aide-sentenced-in-domestic-abuse-case">convicted of domestic violence and child abuse</a>, The Standard has learned.

Michela Alioto-Pier, who served on the Board of Supervisors from 2004 to 2011 and is the granddaughter of former Mayor Joseph Alioto, left the committee because of a letter of support she wrote in 2021 for Nate Ballard, a former staffer for Gov. Gavin Newsom who was <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/nathan-ballard-former-newsom-political-aide-sentenced-in-domestic-abuse-case">convicted of domestic violence and child abuse</a>, The Standard has learned.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Alioto-Pier confirmed her decision to step down, saying she never intended to be a distraction.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Alioto-Pier confirmed her decision to step down, saying she never intended to be a distraction.

“I did not want to be a part of the story,” Alioto-Pier said. “This is about survivors and making sure these people feel they’re in a safe environment where they&#8217;re going to be heard. That’s the most important part right now.”

“I did not want to be a part of the story,” Alioto-Pier said. “This is about survivors and making sure these people feel they’re in a safe environment where they're going to be heard. That’s the most important part right now.”

“I did not want to be a part of the story,” Alioto-Pier said. “This is about survivors and making sure these people feel they’re in a safe environment where they&#8217;re going to be heard. That’s the most important part right now.”

Alioto-Pier said that, in retrospect, she would not write the letter defending Ballard again. Others in San Francisco politics wrote letters in defense of Ballard, including <a href="https://twitter.com/sf_mills/status/1757430357056770184/photo/1">mayoral candidate Mark Farrell</a>.

Alioto-Pier said that, in retrospect, she would not write the letter defending Ballard again. Others in San Francisco politics wrote letters in defense of Ballard, including <a href="https://twitter.com/sf_mills/status/1757430357056770184/photo/1">mayoral candidate Mark Farrell</a>.

Democratic leaders formed the committee after The Standard’s investigative report detailing disturbing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">allegations against once-rising political star Jon Jacobo</a>. The goal of the committee is to provide a platform for people to provide information about instances of sexual assault and harassment in San Francisco’s political community.

Women accused a rising SF political star of rape and abuse—and met a wall of silence

Democratic leaders formed the committee after The Standard’s investigative report detailing disturbing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">allegations against once-rising political star Jon Jacobo</a>. The goal of the committee is to provide a platform for people to provide information about instances of sexual assault and harassment in San Francisco’s political community.

After the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">committee was announced Friday</a>, the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee raised concerns about Alioto-Pier’s past actions in support of Ballard.

Local Democratic leader on leave after sexual misconduct allegations emerge

After the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">committee was announced Friday</a>, the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee raised concerns about Alioto-Pier’s past actions in support of Ballard.

Alondra Esquivel Garcia, president of the Women’s Political Committee, told The Standard in a statement that an “official ask” was made for Alioto-Pier to step down.

Alondra Esquivel Garcia, president of the Women’s Political Committee, told The Standard in a statement that an “official ask” was made for Alioto-Pier to step down.

“Michaela reached out to our organization and we spoke to her Monday,” Esquivel Garcia said. “She decided to step down from the committee following our meeting, and we appreciate her doing so to keep the work survivor-centered.&#8221;

“Michaela reached out to our organization and we spoke to her Monday,” Esquivel Garcia said. “She decided to step down from the committee following our meeting, and we appreciate her doing so to keep the work survivor-centered."

“Michaela reached out to our organization and we spoke to her Monday,” Esquivel Garcia said. “She decided to step down from the committee following our meeting, and we appreciate her doing so to keep the work survivor-centered.&#8221;

Nancy Tung, the chair of the Democratic County Central Committee, said in a text message that a replacement on the committee has not yet been chosen but the group should be able to move forward without adding anyone else.

Nancy Tung, the chair of the Democratic County Central Committee, said in a text message that a replacement on the committee has not yet been chosen but the group should be able to move forward without adding anyone else.

The committee will be chaired by Tung and include DCCC members Emma Heiken, Trevor Chandler, Bilal Mahmood, Lily Ho, Michael Nguyen and Carrie Barnes. The members will be <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c73920c9d41495645130c78/t/663048111b8be8417b8e50e6/1714440210771/050224+Sexual+Assault+and+Harrassment+Ad+Hoc+72+Hour+Meeting+Agenda.pdf">meeting</a> for the first time on Thursday.

The committee will be chaired by Tung and include DCCC members Emma Heiken, Trevor Chandler, Bilal Mahmood, Lily Ho, Michael Nguyen and Carrie Barnes. The members will be <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c73920c9d41495645130c78/t/663048111b8be8417b8e50e6/1714440210771/050224+Sexual+Assault+and+Harrassment+Ad+Hoc+72+Hour+Meeting+Agenda.pdf">meeting</a> for the first time on Thursday.

On Saturday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Democratic Party officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/27/pelosi-metoo-democrats-sexual-assault-allegations/">expressing her support for the new committee</a> looking into sexual assault and harassment allegations against local political leaders—one of whom, Kevin Ortiz, worked in her office as recently as two years ago.

Pelosi throws support behind San Francisco Democrats&#8217; sexual misconduct probe

On Saturday, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Democratic Party officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/27/pelosi-metoo-democrats-sexual-assault-allegations/">expressing her support for the new committee</a> looking into sexual assault and harassment allegations against local political leaders—one of whom, Kevin Ortiz, worked in her office as recently as two years ago.

In announcing the committee, Tung cited The Standard’s report on Jacobo and also referenced allegations of impropriety against the leader of a local Democratic club. Multiple sources confirmed this person to be Ortiz.

In announcing the committee, Tung cited The Standard’s report on Jacobo and also referenced allegations of impropriety against the leader of a local Democratic club. Multiple sources confirmed this person to be Ortiz.

The move to step down by Alioto-Pier comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the former supervisor’s political career. In late March, Alioto-Pier pulled papers for the 2026 race for the District 2 seat. In an interview, Alioto-Pier said she hasn’t made a final decision on whether she will run for the seat.

The move to step down by Alioto-Pier comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the former supervisor’s political career. In late March, Alioto-Pier pulled papers for the 2026 race for the District 2 seat. In an interview, Alioto-Pier said she hasn’t made a final decision on whether she will run for the seat.

Supervisor Catherine Stefani is the current District 2 supervisor, but she is the frontrunner to win the Assembly District 19 seat after the March primary election. Stefani would need to vacate her supervisor seat to move on to the Legislature, leaving an opportunity for Mayor London Breed to make an appointment that would last until 2026.

Supervisor Catherine Stefani is the current District 2 supervisor, but she is the frontrunner to win the Assembly District 19 seat after the March primary election. Stefani would need to vacate her supervisor seat to move on to the Legislature, leaving an opportunity for Mayor London Breed to make an appointment that would last until 2026.

On April 15, the same day The Standard’s story about Jacobo was published, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/jon-jacobo-san-francisco-todco-resigns/">Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for a hearing</a> to investigate how the city deals with sexual assault and harassment.

Jon Jacobo resigns after Standard reports sex-crime allegations; lawmaker calls for hearings

On April 15, the same day The Standard’s story about Jacobo was published, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/jon-jacobo-san-francisco-todco-resigns/">Supervisor Hillary Ronen called for a hearing</a> to investigate how the city deals with sexual assault and harassment.

Alioto-Pier comes from a storied San Francisco political family. Her grandfather served as mayor from 1968 to 1976 and was a gubernatorial candidate. Her aunt, former Supervisor Angela Alioto, served from 1988 to 1996 and also ran for mayor.&nbsp;

Alioto-Pier comes from a storied San Francisco political family. Her grandfather served as mayor from 1968 to 1976 and was a gubernatorial candidate. Her aunt, former Supervisor Angela Alioto, served from 1988 to 1996 and also ran for mayor.&nbsp;

Top Democrat quits sexual assault committee over support for disgraced Newsom aide

As San Francisco faces pressure to get a handle on deadly drug overdoses, federal prosecutors are turning to a strategy that’s revealing a rift between the candidates vying for the mayor’s seat.

As San Francisco faces pressure to get a handle on deadly drug overdoses, federal prosecutors are turning to a strategy that’s revealing a rift between the candidates vying for the mayor’s seat.

Since last year, prosecutors have charged more than 100 people, mainly undocumented immigrants, with dealing fentanyl and other illicit substances — offering defendants the choice between prison or pleading guilty and facing deportation proceedings, according to a report <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">by Bloomberg News</a>.&nbsp;

Since last year, prosecutors have charged more than 100 people, mainly undocumented immigrants, with dealing fentanyl and other illicit substances — offering defendants the choice between prison or pleading guilty and facing deportation proceedings, according to a report <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">by Bloomberg News</a>.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is reported to be in line with the federal crackdown as she has taken a stricter stance on drug dealing and is more frequently dispatching law enforcement to troubled neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed is reported to be in line with the federal crackdown as she has taken a stricter stance on drug dealing and is more frequently dispatching law enforcement to troubled neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin.&nbsp;

More than 1,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">drug dealers were arrested between May 2023 and August 2024</a>, according to the San Francisco Police Department, though the open-air markets appear to persist despite law enforcement intervention. Additionally, 1,500 users have been arrested.

Drug markets persist downtown despite thousands of arrests, police crackdown

More than 1,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/san-francisco-drug-markets-post-crackdown/">drug dealers were arrested between May 2023 and August 2024</a>, according to the San Francisco Police Department, though the open-air markets appear to persist despite law enforcement intervention. Additionally, 1,500 users have been arrested.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, center, during the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s biennial Point-in-Time Count of homeless and unhoused people on the street on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 8PM to midnight. According to Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the count covered all 47 square miles of San Francisco and used administrative data for people staying in City shelters, emergency shelters and transitional housing. The final report will include more detailed information about people experiencing homelessness including demographics, veteran status, and chronic homelessness.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240126_homelesscountwewent_-3058.jpg?w=1430" alt="A woman in a hooded jacket stands on a bustling city street at night, with illuminated buildings and tents in the background." class="wp-image-276469" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is supporting a federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants who are being charged for dealing drugs that include fentanyl.</figcaption></figure>

Officials are embracing the federal strategy despite San Francisco’s long-standing <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/sanctuary-city-ordinance">policy as a sanctuary city</a>. The guidelines were put in place with the idea that undocumented individuals would be able to interact with local officials — firefighters or police — without having to worry about being detained over their immigration status. Under the sanctuary city policy, city employees are generally prohibited from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.&nbsp;

Officials are embracing the federal strategy despite San Francisco’s long-standing <a href="https://www.sf.gov/information/sanctuary-city-ordinance">policy as a sanctuary city</a>. The guidelines were put in place with the idea that undocumented individuals would be able to interact with local officials — firefighters or police — without having to worry about being detained over their immigration status. Under the sanctuary city policy, city employees are generally prohibited from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.&nbsp;

Breed, along with moderate members of the Board of Supervisors, said the city can embrace its sanctuary status — saying immigrant populations should be “protected” and “supported” — while drawing the line at the sale of deadly substances.

Breed, along with moderate members of the Board of Supervisors, said the city can embrace its sanctuary status — saying immigrant populations should be “protected” and “supported” — while drawing the line at the sale of deadly substances.

“For people who are willing to sell poison that is killing people, there’s no protection for you. There’s no sanctuary for you,” Breed <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">told Bloomberg News</a> this month. “Fentanyl is such a deadly drug. It requires that we take more extreme measures.”

“For people who are willing to sell poison that is killing people, there’s no protection for you. There’s no sanctuary for you,” Breed <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/09/05/liberal-san-francisco-is-deporting-migrants-to-fight-fentanyl-crisis/">told Bloomberg News</a> this month. “Fentanyl is such a deadly drug. It requires that we take more extreme measures.”

But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who has taken the progressive track in the mayoral race, swiped at Breed for “pursuing headlines rather than meaningful solutions.”&nbsp;

But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who has taken the progressive track in the mayoral race, swiped at Breed for “pursuing headlines rather than meaningful solutions.”&nbsp;

In a statement to The Standard, Peskin said law enforcement has “long agreed” that sanctuary city policies increase public safety.

In a statement to The Standard, Peskin said law enforcement has “long agreed” that sanctuary city policies increase public safety.

“These deportations will split the community and undermine public safety without addressing the root cause of the fentanyl crisis we face,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

“These deportations will split the community and undermine public safety without addressing the root cause of the fentanyl crisis we face,” Peskin told The Standard.&nbsp;

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin is seen at a press conference where Mayor London Breed speaks in Portsmouth Square in Chinatown, San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Peskin, Breed, and other officials announced that more than 100 families have been able to move out of single room occupancy (SRO) housing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01_20240520-housingballotccdc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue plaid jacket intently listens to a woman in a teal outfit speaking at a podium. Several masked and unmasked people stand in the background." class="wp-image-277000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board President Aaron Peskin is pushing back against a drug dealing crackdown that includes the threat of deportation proceedings for undocumented immigrants.</figcaption></figure>

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