Kevin Truong

In a bid to revitalize San Francisco&#8217;s beleaguered Mid-Market neighborhood, city leaders are looking for inspiration in one of Canada&#8217;s premier entertainment districts, Downtown Montreal&#8217;s Quartier des Spectacles.

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In a bid to revitalize San Francisco's beleaguered Mid-Market neighborhood, city leaders are looking for inspiration in one of Canada's premier entertainment districts, Downtown Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles.

In a bid to revitalize San Francisco&#8217;s beleaguered Mid-Market neighborhood, city leaders are looking for inspiration in one of Canada&#8217;s premier entertainment districts, Downtown Montreal&#8217;s Quartier des Spectacles.

The Mid-Market Business Association and Foundation is leaning on the area’s long history as a theater and arts district to combat serious challenges that have emerged due to remote work, high vacancies and challenging street conditions.&nbsp;

The Mid-Market Business Association and Foundation is leaning on the area’s long history as a theater and arts district to combat serious challenges that have emerged due to remote work, high vacancies and challenging street conditions.&nbsp;

To steer a turnaround of the troubled area of Market Street between Fifth Street and Van Ness Avenue, the organization is kicking off a <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/604d509b0633472cafdc339a/t/64ee20c3163aab6398c0db5d/1693327557402/Market+Street+Arts_Recovery+Plan+Document_8.29.2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiyear arts-based recovery plan</a> dubbed Market Street Arts that will fund artists and entrepreneurs with a mix of public and private dollars to fill vacant storefront spaces and enliven public spaces.

To steer a turnaround of the troubled area of Market Street between Fifth Street and Van Ness Avenue, the organization is kicking off a <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/604d509b0633472cafdc339a/t/64ee20c3163aab6398c0db5d/1693327557402/Market+Street+Arts_Recovery+Plan+Document_8.29.2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiyear arts-based recovery plan</a> dubbed Market Street Arts that will fund artists and entrepreneurs with a mix of public and private dollars to fill vacant storefront spaces and enliven public spaces.

“We’ll measure success by the change in the experience of walking down Market Street,” said Steve Gibson, executive director of the Mid-Market Business Association and Foundation. “But we’re not naive with where we are, where we’re going and the challenges and difficulties in getting there.”

“We’ll measure success by the change in the experience of walking down Market Street,” said Steve Gibson, executive director of the Mid-Market Business Association and Foundation. “But we’re not naive with where we are, where we’re going and the challenges and difficulties in getting there.”

Although the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">grand opening of Ikea last week</a> provided a rare bit of sunshine, much of the recent news around the neighborhood has been relatively bleak. Major <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/24/as-twitter-goes-so-goes-a-revival-of-the-neighborhood-it-helped-transform/">corporate tenants like Block, Reddit and Uber</a> have fled the neighborhood, Whole Foods <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=whole+foods+mid+market+sf+standard&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=whole+foods+mid+market+sf+standard&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDYzMDhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shuttered its store</a> after just a year and longtime small businesses <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/littlejohns-candies-closing-san-francisco-location/3274645/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">like Littlejohn&#8217;s Candies</a> have closed their doors.

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Although the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">grand opening of Ikea last week</a> provided a rare bit of sunshine, much of the recent news around the neighborhood has been relatively bleak. Major <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/24/as-twitter-goes-so-goes-a-revival-of-the-neighborhood-it-helped-transform/">corporate tenants like Block, Reddit and Uber</a> have fled the neighborhood, Whole Foods <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=whole+foods+mid+market+sf+standard&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=whole+foods+mid+market+sf+standard&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDYzMDhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shuttered its store</a> after just a year and longtime small businesses <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/littlejohns-candies-closing-san-francisco-location/3274645/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">like Littlejohn's Candies</a> have closed their doors.

Although the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-ikea-opens-huge-line-furniture-meatballs-plant-balls/">grand opening of Ikea last week</a> provided a rare bit of sunshine, much of the recent news around the neighborhood has been relatively bleak. Major <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/24/as-twitter-goes-so-goes-a-revival-of-the-neighborhood-it-helped-transform/">corporate tenants like Block, Reddit and Uber</a> have fled the neighborhood, Whole Foods <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=whole+foods+mid+market+sf+standard&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=whole+foods+mid+market+sf+standard&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDYzMDhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shuttered its store</a> after just a year and longtime small businesses <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/littlejohns-candies-closing-san-francisco-location/3274645/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">like Littlejohn&#8217;s Candies</a> have closed their doors.

Elon Musk’s X Corp.—perhaps the most prominent remaining company—has been in the headlines for blinding neighbors via a hastily constructed (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/giant-x-sign-dismantled-twitter-hq-san-francisco/">and dismantled</a>) sign.&nbsp;

Giant X sign dismantled on Twitter HQ&#8217;s downtown San Francisco offices

Elon Musk’s X Corp.—perhaps the most prominent remaining company—has been in the headlines for blinding neighbors via a hastily constructed (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/giant-x-sign-dismantled-twitter-hq-san-francisco/">and dismantled</a>) sign.&nbsp;

People congregate in U.N. Plaza, located in MidMarket near San Francisco’s City Hall on May 11, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED1_MidMarketArtsDistrict.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-196062"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People congregate in United Nations Plaza, located in MidMarket near San Francisco’s City Hall on May 11, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED1_MidMarketArtsDistrict.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-196062"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People congregate in United Nations Plaza, located in MidMarket near San Francisco’s City Hall on May 11, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

The ideas floated by the association to turn the neighborhood into an arts and culture destination resemble San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">larger strategy for Downtown recovery</a>: matching 15 local arts organizations with vacant storefronts and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/28/with-office-workers-gone-can-fun-save-downtown-san-francisco/">launching public events</a> like concerts and live mural paintings.&nbsp;

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The ideas floated by the association to turn the neighborhood into an arts and culture destination resemble San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/san-francisco-mayor-optimistic-says-downtown-is-primed-for-comeback/">larger strategy for Downtown recovery</a>: matching 15 local arts organizations with vacant storefronts and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/28/with-office-workers-gone-can-fun-save-downtown-san-francisco/">launching public events</a> like concerts and live mural paintings.&nbsp;

Another Planet Entertainment, the Strand Theater, Counterpulse, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, the Asian Art Museum are among the arts organizations enlisted by the association as partners.

Another Planet Entertainment, the Strand Theater, Counterpulse, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, the Asian Art Museum are among the arts organizations enlisted by the association as partners.

Public events will start this week with some limited lunchtime entertainment and live music. While he noted that the history of Mid-Market has been one of ups and downs for the neighborhood, Gibson pointed to a period of revitalization in the neighborhood after the <a href="https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2019/mid-market/city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">so-called Twitter Tax Break</a> in 2011.

Public events will start this week with some limited lunchtime entertainment and live music. While he noted that the history of Mid-Market has been one of ups and downs for the neighborhood, Gibson pointed to a period of revitalization in the neighborhood after the <a href="https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2019/mid-market/city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">so-called Twitter Tax Break</a> in 2011.

Gibson remained tight-lipped on financial investment for the plan, except to say that the group has had around twice as much in public dollars as private pledges and is seeking more of both. A planning document shows the organization is seeking a $15 million budget over the next two years.&nbsp;

Gibson remained tight-lipped on financial investment for the plan, except to say that the group has had around twice as much in public dollars as private pledges and is seeking more of both. A planning document shows the organization is seeking a $15 million budget over the next two years.&nbsp;

“Market Street Arts grounds the community&#8217;s long-term vision for economic revitalization and recovery and helps build on strategies that strengthen arts and entertainment and our local business community,” Sarah Dennis Phillips, executive director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

“Market Street Arts grounds the community's long-term vision for economic revitalization and recovery and helps build on strategies that strengthen arts and entertainment and our local business community,” Sarah Dennis Phillips, executive director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

“Market Street Arts grounds the community&#8217;s long-term vision for economic revitalization and recovery and helps build on strategies that strengthen arts and entertainment and our local business community,” Sarah Dennis Phillips, executive director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

In contrast to the short-term pop-ups in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/24/vacant-to-vibrant-downtown-storefronts-open/">city’s Vacant to Vibrant program</a>, Gibson said the neighborhood’s 15 “Creative Hubs” are hoping to have a minimum of one year of presence with the opportunity for long-term tenancy.&nbsp;

17 new pop-up shops to open in empty downtown San Francisco storefronts

In contrast to the short-term pop-ups in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/24/vacant-to-vibrant-downtown-storefronts-open/">city’s Vacant to Vibrant program</a>, Gibson said the neighborhood’s 15 “Creative Hubs” are hoping to have a minimum of one year of presence with the opportunity for long-term tenancy.&nbsp;

Gibson said the organization is in the midst of negotiations with property owners and expects the first hubs to open in the late fall. Over the next year, he said four or five are expected to open with various themes like literary work or makers’ space.&nbsp;

Gibson said the organization is in the midst of negotiations with property owners and expects the first hubs to open in the late fall. Over the next year, he said four or five are expected to open with various themes like literary work or makers’ space.&nbsp;

“This program is not based on employees coming back in the numbers they were here before the pandemic,” Gibson said. “If that happens, then it’s gravy, but we’re not holding our breath.”

“This program is not based on employees coming back in the numbers they were here before the pandemic,” Gibson said. “If that happens, then it’s gravy, but we’re not holding our breath.”

People gather in Quartier des Spectacles near Place des Arts during the 2018 Montreal International Jazz Festival in Montreal, Quebec.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED2_MidMarketArtsDistrict.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-196063"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People gather in Quartier des Spectacles near Place des Arts during the 2018 Montreal International Jazz Festival in Montreal, Quebec.</figcaption></figure>

Gibson is also the president of Urban Place Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in helping cities revitalize downtown spaces. The company was responsible for designing the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/12/28/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">orange-attired Welcome Ambassador program</a> that helps greet and guide tourists visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround.&nbsp;

Meet the &#8216;orange people&#8217; who are helping visitors and buffing SF&#8217;s battered image

Gibson is also the president of Urban Place Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in helping cities revitalize downtown spaces. The company was responsible for designing the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/12/28/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">orange-attired Welcome Ambassador program</a> that helps greet and guide tourists visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround.&nbsp;

Urban Place has been working with the business association since 2019 with an initial focus on public safety. The organization works in partnership with Urban Alchemy to provide additional security in the neighborhood

Urban Place has been working with the business association since 2019 with an initial focus on public safety. The organization works in partnership with Urban Alchemy to provide additional security in the neighborhood

“One of the things we recognized early on is that it doesn’t do a lot of good to just have Urban Alchemy practitioners guarding empty storefronts,” Gibson said. “You need both: a community presence and community activity.”

“One of the things we recognized early on is that it doesn’t do a lot of good to just have Urban Alchemy practitioners guarding empty storefronts,” Gibson said. “You need both: a community presence and community activity.”

Part of the Market Street Arts plan’s pitch is predicated on the argument that leaving the neighborhood to languish could have cascading impacts for the city, its economy and its reputation.

Part of the Market Street Arts plan’s pitch is predicated on the argument that leaving the neighborhood to languish could have cascading impacts for the city, its economy and its reputation.

“Should there be no investment in this recovery plan–moreover, no investment to realize this recovery plan–Mid-Market will suffer and nosedive. The neighborhood stands a chance if we act today,” the document states.

“Should there be no investment in this recovery plan–moreover, no investment to realize this recovery plan–Mid-Market will suffer and nosedive. The neighborhood stands a chance if we act today,” the document states.

San Francisco group seeks $15M to turn Mid-Market into ‘world-class’ arts hub

Sarah Wright

A little-known committee tasked with setting San Francisco’s inclusionary housing rate—an affordability minimum often criticized by developers—is reassembling this year, with potentially big implications.

A little-known committee tasked with setting San Francisco’s inclusionary housing rate—an affordability minimum often criticized by developers—is reassembling this year, with potentially big implications.

Now, two newly appointed members to the board are raising eyebrows for their previous stances on housing development.&nbsp;

Now, two newly appointed members to the board are raising eyebrows for their previous stances on housing development.&nbsp;

Fernando Martí and Peter Cohen, former leaders at the progressive Council of Community Housing Organizations, were appointed to the board. But it was not without opposition from some members.&nbsp;

Fernando Martí and Peter Cohen, former leaders at the progressive Council of Community Housing Organizations, were appointed to the board. But it was not without opposition from some members.&nbsp;

Supervisors Myrna Melgar, Matt Dorsey, Catherine Stefani and Ahsha Safaí voted against Cohen. That was after Melgar tried to send Cohen’s nomination back to committee, saying she wants a more qualified local candidate with a collaborative spirit.&nbsp;

Supervisors Myrna Melgar, Matt Dorsey, Catherine Stefani and Ahsha Safaí voted against Cohen. That was after Melgar tried to send Cohen’s nomination back to committee, saying she wants a more qualified local candidate with a collaborative spirit.&nbsp;

But she was overruled by her colleagues in a 7-4 vote.&nbsp;

But she was overruled by her colleagues in a 7-4 vote.&nbsp;

“I don&#8217;t want to give a leadership position to someone who won&#8217;t be welcoming to the voices of others,” Melgar said

“I don't want to give a leadership position to someone who won't be welcoming to the voices of others,” Melgar said

“I don&#8217;t want to give a leadership position to someone who won&#8217;t be welcoming to the voices of others,” Melgar said

Dorsey, who voted against Cohen but in favor of Martí, cited the pair’s opposition to <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:1e85ec3c-3e7b-4578-9cec-9ff8ee32216c">legislation like SB 35</a>—a state law that fast-tracked certain housing developments—as damning.

Dorsey, who voted against Cohen but in favor of Martí, cited the pair’s opposition to <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:1e85ec3c-3e7b-4578-9cec-9ff8ee32216c">legislation like SB 35</a>—a state law that fast-tracked certain housing developments—as damning.

“Right now, the stakes of failure on housing production are too high to risk returning to the kind of advocacy that has too often stymied housing production in San Francisco,” Dorsey said.

“Right now, the stakes of failure on housing production are too high to risk returning to the kind of advocacy that has too often stymied housing production in San Francisco,” Dorsey said.

Whitney Jones and Shannon Way were unanimously appointed to the eight-member committee on Tuesday. Mayor London Breed made four additional appointments this week, naming Sarah Dennis-Phillips, Rebecca Foster, Eric Tao and Jesse Blout.

Whitney Jones and Shannon Way were unanimously appointed to the eight-member committee on Tuesday. Mayor London Breed made four additional appointments this week, naming Sarah Dennis-Phillips, Rebecca Foster, Eric Tao and Jesse Blout.

The city’s “inclusionary housing” rate determines the portion of units a developer must set aside for below-market-rate housing in any project larger than 10 units. A committee revisits that rate every three years, though it hasn’t convened since 2018 due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

The city’s “inclusionary housing” rate determines the portion of units a developer must set aside for below-market-rate housing in any project larger than 10 units. A committee revisits that rate every three years, though it hasn’t convened since 2018 due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

The city’s rising inclusionary housing rate has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/">a major pain point for developers</a> trying to make new housing projects worth their while in the city.

The city’s rising inclusionary housing rate has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/how-san-francisco-makes-it-insanely-hard-to-build-housing/">a major pain point for developers</a> trying to make new housing projects worth their while in the city.

When piled on top of rising labor and materials costs, the city’s numerous and growing fees are an oft-cited factor driving developers out to other Bay Area cities and slowing San Francisco’s housing pipeline, which is projected to produce <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/despite-reforms-san-francisco-is-building-fewer-homes-now-than-before/">under 3,000 new units this year </a>as new permits reach just half the 10-year average all while the city faces a mandate to make room for 82,000 new homes by 2031.&nbsp;

When piled on top of rising labor and materials costs, the city’s numerous and growing fees are an oft-cited factor driving developers out to other Bay Area cities and slowing San Francisco’s housing pipeline, which is projected to produce <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/despite-reforms-san-francisco-is-building-fewer-homes-now-than-before/">under 3,000 new units this year </a>as new permits reach just half the 10-year average all while the city faces a mandate to make room for 82,000 new homes by 2031.&nbsp;

In late 2017, the committee tweaked the rate to its current level—which ranges from 14.5% to 27% based on the size of the project, where it is located and whether the units are rented or sold. Developers also have an option to pay an “in lieu” fee at about $230 per square foot of the building’s residential area, also set by the committee, intended to help build affordable homes at a different location. 

In late 2017, the committee tweaked the rate to its current level—which ranges from 14.5% to 27% based on the size of the project, where it is located and whether the units are rented or sold. Developers also have an option to pay an “in lieu” fee at about $230 per square foot of the building’s residential area, also set by the committee, intended to help build affordable homes at a different location.

The work feels especially urgent this time, Way said.&nbsp;

The work feels especially urgent this time, Way said.&nbsp;

“To some degree, I wish we had started the conversation a bit earlier,” she said. “I think we are already falling a little bit behind the mark.”

“To some degree, I wish we had started the conversation a bit earlier,” she said. “I think we are already falling a little bit behind the mark.”

In 2018, the Controller’s Office tapped economic consultants for guidance in setting the new rate. But the process will undoubtedly be political, especially once it reaches discussion at the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

In 2018, the Controller’s Office tapped economic consultants for guidance in setting the new rate. But the process will undoubtedly be political, especially once it reaches discussion at the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

“It is not a purely technical question,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said. “There are values embedded into it.”

“It is not a purely technical question,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said. “There are values embedded into it.”

The city’s housing debate is dominated by competing factions that believe in bolstering affordable housing requirements versus those who argue that strict mandates kill projects, worsening the housing shortage. They also differ on how flexible the rate should be and whether it should be linked to an economic indicator like interest rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The city’s housing debate is dominated by competing factions that believe in bolstering affordable housing requirements versus those who argue that strict mandates kill projects, worsening the housing shortage. They also differ on how flexible the rate should be and whether it should be linked to an economic indicator like interest rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If it can be driven by math and data instead of politics,” Housing Action Coalition Executive Director Corey Smith said, “that would be the best outcome.”

“If it can be driven by math and data instead of politics,” Housing Action Coalition Executive Director Corey Smith said, “that would be the best outcome.”

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the current inclusionary rate for onsite affordable housing development and the date when it was last changed.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the current inclusionary rate for onsite affordable housing development and the date when it was last changed.

An obscure committee could change SF’s housing rules. Here’s why it matters

Josh Koehn

The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

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<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div>

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<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div></div>

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks during a press conference about the state of smalls businesses in the SoMa district of San Francisco, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED1_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022" class="wp-image-171134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-i-you-can-t-mess-with-her">Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-i-you-can-t-mess-with-her">Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’</h2>

“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission

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<div class="quote-container">
“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story." 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
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<div class="quote-container">
“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
</div>

The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

A booklet entitled “The New Western Addition Is a Good Place to Live” published in 1971, outlines new housing developments, apartments and public spaces as part of the larger Western Addition redevelopment project. London Breed was raised in the Western Addition’s Yerba Buena Plaza East housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

“If you were not Black or didn't live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn't walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don't want the police to be brutalizing them.”

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

“She was a church lady,” said Rev. Arnold Townsend, who was present at Breed’s baptism and helped officiate the funerals of the mayor’s grandmother and sister. “And in the Black community, that means a certain thing—very, very stern and can be quite severe when necessary.”

“She was a church lady,” said Rev. Arnold Townsend, who was present at Breed’s baptism and helped officiate the funerals of the mayor’s grandmother and sister. “And in the Black community, that means a certain thing—very, very stern and can be quite severe when necessary.”

Under her grandmother’s watch, Breed and her siblings were required to cook and clean, make their beds and go to school, or get out of the house. Miss Brown handed out whoopings and flushed her grandson’s drugs down the toilet. She scolded Breed when she felt embarrassed about buying groceries with food stamps, telling her granddaughter to hold her head high and focus on survival until the next step.

Under her grandmother’s watch, Breed and her siblings were required to cook and clean, make their beds and go to school, or get out of the house. Miss Brown handed out whoopings and flushed her grandson’s drugs down the toilet. She scolded Breed when she felt embarrassed about buying groceries with food stamps, telling her granddaughter to hold her head high and focus on survival until the next step.

A composite image of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, left, and a portrait of London Breed as a baby, right, that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | Courtesy London Breed

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED3_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A composite image shows a picture of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, and a photo of London Breed as a baby that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook." class="wp-image-170713"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows a picture of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, and a photo of London Breed as a baby that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | Courtesy London Breed</figcaption></figure>

“Miss Brown was everybody’s mother and everybody’s grandmother in the community,” said Shawn Richard, a neighbor of Breed’s in Plaza East and the city’s first Black cannabis dispensary owner. “We respected that, and [Breed] was raised with values. You know, they had to go to church on Sundays, and the rest of us would go to church with them because Miss Brown demanded that.”

“Miss Brown was everybody’s mother and everybody’s grandmother in the community,” said Shawn Richard, a neighbor of Breed’s in Plaza East and the city’s first Black cannabis dispensary owner. “We respected that, and [Breed] was raised with values. You know, they had to go to church on Sundays, and the rest of us would go to church with them because Miss Brown demanded that.”

These roots—and a community that saw something in Breed, insulated her and raised her like their own—kept her grounded.&nbsp;

These roots—and a community that saw something in Breed, insulated her and raised her like their own—kept her grounded.&nbsp;

“It was always like, ‘No, you can&#8217;t mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

“It was always like, ‘No, you can't mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

“It was always like, ‘No, you can&#8217;t mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-ii-a-raw-ball-of-talent">Chapter II: ‘A Raw Ball of Talent’</h2>

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“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” 
 — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco
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<div class="wp-block-column"><div class="quote-container">
“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” 
 — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><div class="quote-container">
“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” 
 — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco
</div></div></div>

From an early age, Breed caught the attention of mentors, including Gloria Davis, a political activist who championed low-income students of color, and Minyon McGriff, an administrator for the Family School, a Western Addition nonprofit that assists impoverished families.

From an early age, Breed caught the attention of mentors, including Gloria Davis, a political activist who championed low-income students of color, and Minyon McGriff, an administrator for the Family School, a Western Addition nonprofit that assists impoverished families.

Breed was rough around the edges but showed promise, excelling in school, playing in the band and participating in student government. She also had an innate ability to connect with people.

Breed was rough around the edges but showed promise, excelling in school, playing in the band and participating in student government. She also had an innate ability to connect with people.

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