Gabe Greschler

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has raised over $350,000 since announcing his candidacy a month ago, according to his campaign, a sizable haul that shows the former supervisor will be a formidable force in the November election.

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<p>Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has raised over $350,000 since announcing his candidacy a month ago, according to his campaign, a sizable haul that shows the former supervisor will be a formidable force in the November election.</p>

A businessman who briefly held the mayor’s seat after Ed Lee’s death in 2018, Farrell has carved out a tough-on-crime approach that is likely to galvanize a significant chunk of voters fed up with quality-of-life issues in the city.

<p>A businessman who briefly held the mayor’s seat after Ed Lee’s death in 2018, Farrell has carved out a tough-on-crime approach that is likely to galvanize a significant chunk of voters fed up with quality-of-life issues in the city.</p>

On Tuesday, Farrell <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/12/san-francisco-mayoral-candidate-mark-farrell/">announced a slew of public safety-oriented policies</a>, which include a street vending ban and bringing retired cops back to the streets. He has also said that he would fire Police Chief Bill Scott on his first day if elected mayor and try to create stricter rules around gathering at U.N. Plaza, which has become a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">hotbed of drug dealing and overdoses</a>.

Farrell wants citywide street vending ban, and retired cops back on the beat

24 hours at SF&#8217;s worst drug corner: The city&#8217;s struggle to control Seventh and Market

<p>On Tuesday, Farrell <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/12/san-francisco-mayoral-candidate-mark-farrell/">announced a slew of public safety-oriented policies</a>, which include a street vending ban and bringing retired cops back to the streets. He has also said that he would fire Police Chief Bill Scott on his first day if elected mayor and try to create stricter rules around gathering at U.N. Plaza, which has become a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">hotbed of drug dealing and overdoses</a>.</p>

Farrell’s campaign manager, Jade Tu, said the campaign has already qualified for public financing with 70% of roughly 1,000 contributions coming from San Francisco residents. Public financing allows Farrell to receive over $1 million in extra monetary support.

<p>Farrell’s campaign manager, Jade Tu, said the campaign has already qualified for public financing with 70% of roughly 1,000 contributions coming from San Francisco residents. Public financing allows Farrell to receive over $1 million in extra monetary support.</p>

A composite image of Mayor London Breed, clockwise from top left, Supervisor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safai, and Daniel Lurie who will be the Mayors biggest challengers this November.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mayorsrace_ecbf06.jpeg?w=1200" alt="Four individuals are shown giving speeches; two men are in suits, and one woman is in a red blazer. All appear engaged and expressive." class="wp-image-255442"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is squaring off against former Supervisor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Levi&#8217;s heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mayorsrace_ecbf06.jpeg?w=1200" alt="Four individuals are shown giving speeches; two men are in suits, and one woman is in a red blazer. All appear engaged and expressive." class="wp-image-255442"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is squaring off against former Supervisor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Levi's heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mayorsrace_ecbf06.jpeg?w=1200" alt="Four individuals are shown giving speeches; two men are in suits, and one woman is in a red blazer. All appear engaged and expressive." class="wp-image-255442"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is squaring off against former Supervisor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Levi&#8217;s heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie.</figcaption></figure>

“The tremendous early support demonstrates the momentum building for Mayor Farrell’s vision and new detailed policies that will get San Francisco back on track and make it the best City in the world for families,” Tu wrote in a statement.

<p>“The tremendous early support demonstrates the momentum building for Mayor Farrell’s vision and new detailed policies that will get San Francisco back on track and make it the best City in the world for families,” Tu wrote in a statement.</p>

The reported funding figures, which stretch from Farrell’s entrance into the race on Feb. 13 until March 13, would put him neck-and-neck with his moderate opponents, who include Mayor London Breed, Levi’s heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. Board President <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/aaron-peskin-san-francisco-mayor-race/">Aaron Peskin</a>, who would carve out a progressive lane in the race, is also expected to announce his candidacy.

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

<p>The reported funding figures, which stretch from Farrell’s entrance into the race on Feb. 13 until March 13, would put him neck-and-neck with his moderate opponents, who include Mayor London Breed, Levi’s heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. Board President <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/aaron-peskin-san-francisco-mayor-race/">Aaron Peskin</a>, who would carve out a progressive lane in the race, is also expected to announce his candidacy.</p>

The latest campaign filings show Breed raised $407,672 last year and spent a little over a third of her funds. Lurie brought in $520,462 during 2023—but he spent three-quarters of that war chest. Safaí raised $333,176 last year but spent a similarly significant portion of his money.

<p>The latest campaign filings show Breed raised $407,672 last year and spent a little over a third of her funds. Lurie brought in $520,462 during 2023—but he spent three-quarters of that war chest. Safaí raised $333,176 last year but spent a similarly significant portion of his money.</p>

“You can’t spin it any other way,” said longtime San Francisco political consultant Jim Ross about Farrell’s fundraising efforts. “That it is good for his campaign and a really good showing.”

<p>“You can’t spin it any other way,” said longtime San Francisco political consultant Jim Ross about Farrell’s fundraising efforts. “That it is good for his campaign and a really good showing.”</p>

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sf-standard/related-posts-container

The figures represent fundraising for the candidate campaign efforts that are capped at $500 per donation—and don’t include any money raised by independent expenditure committees that allow for larger contributions. Lurie has the backing of an independent committee that has raised millions from his family and friends, while Breed also has a committee that received $200,000 from former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Supporters of Farrell are expected to form an independent committee backing his candidacy at some point in the race.

<p>The figures represent fundraising for the candidate campaign efforts that are capped at $500 per donation—and don’t include any money raised by independent expenditure committees that allow for larger contributions. Lurie has the backing of an independent committee that has raised millions from his family and friends, while Breed also has a committee that received $200,000 from former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Supporters of Farrell are expected to form an independent committee backing his candidacy at some point in the race.</p>

Farrell’s fundraising success comes as the city’s primary election last week showed a victory for moderate messaging in San Francisco.&nbsp;

<p>Farrell’s fundraising success comes as the city’s primary election last week showed a victory for moderate messaging in San Francisco.&nbsp;</p>

Breed’s propositions on police and drug use passed, and moderates were able to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/march-2024-live-election-results-san-francisco/">capture seats on the Democratic County Central Committee</a>, which offers crucial endorsements in November.

San Francisco election: Moderates dominate local Democratic Party elections

<p>Breed’s propositions on police and drug use passed, and moderates were able to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/march-2024-live-election-results-san-francisco/">capture seats on the Democratic County Central Committee</a>, which offers crucial endorsements in November.</p>

Over $350K flows to Mark Farrell in San Francisco mayor’s race

Tomoki Chien

A new free grocery store held an opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the Bayview neighborhood, where low-income residents can soon fill their pantries without spending a penny.

<p>A new free grocery store held an opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the Bayview neighborhood, where low-income residents can soon fill their pantries without spending a penny.</p>

The market officially opens its doors to serve the community on Wednesday, a press release from the Mayor&#8217;s Office said.

<p>The market officially opens its doors to serve the community on Wednesday, a press release from the Mayor's Office said.</p>

<p>The market officially opens its doors to serve the community on Wednesday, a press release from the Mayor&#8217;s Office said.</p>

The store, dubbed the District 10 Community Market, is the first of its kind in San Francisco. Free grocery centers, like food banks, usually only offer food in pre-bagged kits or a farmers market-style setting.&nbsp;

<p>The store, dubbed the District 10 Community Market, is the first of its kind in San Francisco. Free grocery centers, like food banks, usually only offer food in pre-bagged kits or a farmers market-style setting.&nbsp;</p>

Geoffrea Morris speaks at the opening of the District 10 Community Market in the Bayview neighborhood on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240603-communityfoodmarket-tv0213-1.jpg?w=2048" alt="A person with short, braided hair and large, round glasses is speaking into a microphone. They are wearing a dark button-up shirt, possibly a uniform, in a brightly lit indoor space." class="wp-image-280972"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Geoffrea Morris, who founded the market with Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, says her goal is to serve 6,000 residents every month eventually at the new market.</figcaption></figure>


Here, shoppers can choose what they put in their carts as they peruse long aisles stocked with the same groceries as any other market. The only difference is that they don&#8217;t pay for their haul.

<p>Here, shoppers can choose what they put in their carts as they peruse long aisles stocked with the same groceries as any other market. The only difference is that they don't pay for their haul.</p>

<p>Here, shoppers can choose what they put in their carts as they peruse long aisles stocked with the same groceries as any other market. The only difference is that they don&#8217;t pay for their haul.</p>

“This is the first one,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who spearheaded the legislation behind the market. “We’re going to continue to do more across San Francisco.”

<p>“This is the first one,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who spearheaded the legislation behind the market. “We’re going to continue to do more across San Francisco.”</p>

Around 150 people packed into the store for the ceremony: neighborhood residents, city officials, nonprofit staffers, store workers, and contractors who built the market for free or reduced fees.

<p>Around 150 people packed into the store for the ceremony: neighborhood residents, city officials, nonprofit staffers, store workers, and contractors who built the market for free or reduced fees.</p>

The market features four aisles stocked with groceries you’d find at any other store: milk, eggs, fresh produce, tortilla chips, and canned beans.

<p>The market features four aisles stocked with groceries you’d find at any other store: milk, eggs, fresh produce, tortilla chips, and canned beans.</p>

Fresh produce lines the shelves of the District 10 Community Market in the Bayview neighborhood on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inline-01-20240603-communityfoodmarket-tv0426.jpg?w=2048" alt="A grocery store produce section with neatly stacked vegetables, including carrots, turnips, radishes, and greens, on shelves under bright lighting." class="wp-image-280929"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The market, located at 5030 Third St., features four aisles stocked with groceries you’d find at any other store: milk, eggs, fresh produce, tortilla chips and canned beans.</figcaption></figure>


The market will serve community members who are low-income and meet all of the following criteria:

<p>The market will serve community members who are low-income and meet all of the following criteria:</p>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Be a resident of 94124, 94107, or 94134 ZIP codes</li>



<li>Receive public assistance, including programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs; or earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level —$45,180 for a single adult, or $93,600 for a four-person family</li>



<li>Have children in the household or have a diet-related illness</li>



<li>Be referred by a community organization in the market’s referral network</li>
</ul>


Be a resident of 94124, 94107, or 94134 ZIP codes

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<li>Be a resident of 94124, 94107, or 94134 ZIP codes</li>

Receive public assistance, including programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs; or earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level —$45,180 for a single adult, or $93,600 for a four-person family

<li>Receive public assistance, including programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs; or earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level —$45,180 for a single adult, or $93,600 for a four-person family</li>

Have children in the household or have a diet-related illness

<li>Have children in the household or have a diet-related illness</li>

Be referred by a community organization in the market’s referral network

<li>Be referred by a community organization in the market’s referral network</li>

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<ul><li>Be a resident of 94124, 94107, or 94134 ZIP codes</li><li>Receive public assistance, including programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs; or earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level —$45,180 for a single adult, or $93,600 for a four-person family</li><li>Have children in the household or have a diet-related illness</li><li>Be referred by a community organization in the market’s referral network</li></ul>

Shoppers must obtain a grocery card—similar to a Costco card—from one of the market’s partnering nonprofits. Geoffrea Morris, who founded the market with Safaí, said the store is still nailing down its logistics but will likely be open on Wednesdays and Fridays for now. Shoppers will be able to visit every two weeks.<br><br>The city&#8217;s Human Services Agency sets the food weight in pounds each shopper can take. The market’s aisles are stocked exclusively with food—no baby formula, medicine, household supplies, or alcohol are available. The Bayview Senior Services nonprofit will oversee the market operation.

<p>Shoppers must obtain a grocery card—similar to a Costco card—from one of the market’s partnering nonprofits. Geoffrea Morris, who founded the market with Safaí, said the store is still nailing down its logistics but will likely be open on Wednesdays and Fridays for now. Shoppers will be able to visit every two weeks.<br><br>The city's Human Services Agency sets the food weight in pounds each shopper can take. The market’s aisles are stocked exclusively with food—no baby formula, medicine, household supplies, or alcohol are available. The Bayview Senior Services nonprofit will oversee the market operation.</p>

<p>Shoppers must obtain a grocery card—similar to a Costco card—from one of the market’s partnering nonprofits. Geoffrea Morris, who founded the market with Safaí, said the store is still nailing down its logistics but will likely be open on Wednesdays and Fridays for now. Shoppers will be able to visit every two weeks.<br><br>The city&#8217;s Human Services Agency sets the food weight in pounds each shopper can take. The market’s aisles are stocked exclusively with food—no baby formula, medicine, household supplies, or alcohol are available. The Bayview Senior Services nonprofit will oversee the market operation.</p>

Mayor London Breed speaks about her personal connection to food insecurity at the opening of the District 10 Community Market in the Bayview neighborhood on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240603-communityfoodmarket-tv0104.jpg?w=1590" alt="A woman in a blue suit speaks into a microphone in front of a grocery store shelf while people in the foreground watch and record her with a smartphone." class="wp-image-280958"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about her personal connection to food insecurity at the opening of the opening of District 10 Community Market in the Bayview.</figcaption></figure>


The market has been billed as a much-needed addition to the Bayview neighborhood, which the federal government classifies as a food desert—meaning most residents don’t have easy access to fresh food.

<p>The market has been billed as a much-needed addition to the Bayview neighborhood, which the federal government classifies as a food desert—meaning most residents don’t have easy access to fresh food.</p>

“This is not a leisure market,” Morris said, who added that the market will have both Spanish- and Cantonese-speaking staff members.

<p>“This is not a leisure market,” Morris said, who added that the market will have both Spanish- and Cantonese-speaking staff members.</p>

It&#8217;s also the latest effort in a recent push to bring more groceries to the neighborhood. In April, the owners of the Mi Rancho Supermarket chain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/bayview-hunters-point-grocery-mi-rancho-duc-loi/">said they plan to open</a> an outpost in the neighborhood. And in 2022, Lucky Bayview <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/26/lucky-bayview-opens-pledging-neighborhood-focus-and-staying-power/">opened to much fanfare</a>.

New grocery store coming to this San Francisco neighborhood

Lucky Bayview opens, pledging neighborhood focus and staying power

<p>It's also the latest effort in a recent push to bring more groceries to the neighborhood. In April, the owners of the Mi Rancho Supermarket chain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/bayview-hunters-point-grocery-mi-rancho-duc-loi/">said they plan to open</a> an outpost in the neighborhood. And in 2022, Lucky Bayview <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/26/lucky-bayview-opens-pledging-neighborhood-focus-and-staying-power/">opened to much fanfare</a>.</p>

<p>It&#8217;s also the latest effort in a recent push to bring more groceries to the neighborhood. In April, the owners of the Mi Rancho Supermarket chain <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/bayview-hunters-point-grocery-mi-rancho-duc-loi/">said they plan to open</a> an outpost in the neighborhood. And in 2022, Lucky Bayview <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/26/lucky-bayview-opens-pledging-neighborhood-focus-and-staying-power/">opened to much fanfare</a>.</p>

Currently, the new market has 400 registered customers, though Morris says she expects that number to skyrocket in the coming weeks. She said her goal is to serve 6,000 residents every month eventually.

<p>Currently, the new market has 400 registered customers, though Morris says she expects that number to skyrocket in the coming weeks. She said her goal is to serve 6,000 residents every month eventually.</p>

Nancy Gonzalez Pineda claps with her child leaning against her during the opening of the District 10 Community Market in the Bayview neighborhood on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240603-communityfoodmarket-tv0258.jpg?w=2048" alt="A woman and child are sitting in a store, clapping and smiling. The background shows shelves stocked with various products, including boxes and cans." class="wp-image-280954"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nancy Gonzalez Pineda and her child listen to speakers during a news conference for the opening of the Bayview market.</figcaption></figure>


Morris said it was important to stock the market with healthy foods, given the surrounding community’s high rate of diabetes and other diet-related illnesses.

<p>Morris said it was important to stock the market with healthy foods, given the surrounding community’s high rate of diabetes and other diet-related illnesses.</p>

“We have some of the sickest people here because of poor-quality food,” she said. “Fast choice, fast food options. So we’re being very intentional about the health and welfare of our residents.”

<p>“We have some of the sickest people here because of poor-quality food,” she said. “Fast choice, fast food options. So we’re being very intentional about the health and welfare of our residents.”</p>

The store will stock most of its staples from donations from stores like Lucky Bayview but purchase its fresh food directly.

<p>The store will stock most of its staples from donations from stores like Lucky Bayview but purchase its fresh food directly.</p>

“Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you don’t have class—that you don’t like presentation,” Morris said.

<p>“Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you don’t have class—that you don’t like presentation,” Morris said.</p>

‘This is the first one’: Completely free grocery store set to open in the Bayview

Kevin V. Nguyen

Rya Jetha

Mayor London Breed believes downtown is forever changed by the shift to remote work, and San Francisco needs to adapt rather than attempt to turn back the clock. But Mark Farrell — one of her leading challengers in the mayoral race — believes the story might’ve been different had someone else been in charge.

<p>Mayor London Breed believes downtown is forever changed by the shift to remote work, and San Francisco needs to adapt rather than attempt to turn back the clock. But Mark Farrell — one of her leading challengers in the mayoral race — believes the story might’ve been different had someone else been in charge.</p>

“The blame lies squarely with Mayor Breed,” Farrell said in an October interview of the candidates conducted by The Standard and ABC7 News. “Her scattershot, &#8216;throw spaghetti at the wall&#8217; approach to downtown recovery is not only embarrassing, but it also makes our city look unserious on the global stage.”&nbsp;

<p>“The blame lies squarely with Mayor Breed,” Farrell said in an October interview of the candidates conducted by The Standard and ABC7 News. “Her scattershot, 'throw spaghetti at the wall' approach to downtown recovery is not only embarrassing, but it also makes our city look unserious on the global stage.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The blame lies squarely with Mayor Breed,” Farrell said in an October interview of the candidates conducted by The Standard and ABC7 News. “Her scattershot, &#8216;throw spaghetti at the wall&#8217; approach to downtown recovery is not only embarrassing, but it also makes our city look unserious on the global stage.”&nbsp;</p>

Four years after the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">wide-scale retreat of the largest employers</a>, San Francisco still lags behind nearly every other major city in terms of in-person office recovery.&nbsp;

Corporate retreat: Big Tech has slashed its office presence in San Francisco by half

<p>Four years after the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">wide-scale retreat of the largest employers</a>, San Francisco still lags behind nearly every other major city in terms of in-person office recovery.&nbsp;</p>

People walk through Salesforce Park in San Francisco, on September 30, 2024. Salesforce is among a number of tech companies setting hard deadlines for employees to return to working in office this week.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20240927-rtoisgtfo_aar_5.jpg?w=2500" alt="A diverse group of people are walking on a sunny, tree-lined path with a tall, modern skyscraper in the background, under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-317487"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salesforce is among a number of tech companies setting hard deadlines for employees to return to the office this month.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20240927-rtoisgtfo_aar_5.jpg?w=2500" alt="A diverse group of people are walking on a sunny, tree-lined path with a tall, modern skyscraper in the background, under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-317487"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salesforce is among a number of tech companies setting hard deadlines for employees to return to the office this month.</figcaption></figure>

Office attendance this year in San Francisco averages 43% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. That&nbsp;figure has barely inched up from 2023. The stalled return of workers has had cascading effects on restaurants, retailers, and transit agencies.

<p>Office attendance this year in San Francisco averages 43% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. That&nbsp;figure has barely inched up from 2023. The stalled return of workers has had cascading effects on restaurants, retailers, and transit agencies.</p>

The issue has become a key topic in the mayoral race as the candidates debate the best path to reviving a languishing downtown core.

<p>The issue has become a key topic in the mayoral race as the candidates debate the best path to reviving a languishing downtown core.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-breed">London Breed</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-breed">London Breed</h2>

Breed argues that because hybrid work is here to stay, the best strategy is to make downtown a place that everyone — not just office workers — wants to frequent.

<p>Breed argues that because hybrid work is here to stay, the best strategy is to make downtown a place that everyone — not just office workers — wants to frequent.</p>

“Downtown needs to evolve into a 24/7 nightlife- and entertainment-focused neighborhood,” Joe Arellano, the mayor’s campaign spokesperson, told The Standard. “The best way to incentivize workers to come back to the office is to make our downtown more enticing and fun, so workers choose that over working remotely from home.”&nbsp;

<p>“Downtown needs to evolve into a 24/7 nightlife- and entertainment-focused neighborhood,” Joe Arellano, the mayor’s campaign spokesperson, told The Standard. “The best way to incentivize workers to come back to the office is to make our downtown more enticing and fun, so workers choose that over working remotely from home.”&nbsp;</p>

That includes making the area safer and cleaner, according to Breed’s team. They point to more visible law enforcement, community ambassadors, and street programming as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/mid-market-will-thrive-once-san-francisco-solves-its-drug-crisis/">evidence of progress</a>.

Desperate emails reveal pressure on officials to clean up Mid-Market

<p>That includes making the area safer and cleaner, according to Breed’s team. They point to more visible law enforcement, community ambassadors, and street programming as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/mid-market-will-thrive-once-san-francisco-solves-its-drug-crisis/">evidence of progress</a>.</p>

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Speaking at the interview with The Standard and ABC7 News, Breed highlighted the need for wider tax reform to make the city more business-friendly. Asked if city employees should be in the office five days a week, Breed said, “Definitely, and that’s something we have consistently tried to work on.” But she admitted that employee recruiting and retention have been issues for&nbsp; some city departments.

<p>Speaking at the interview with The Standard and ABC7 News, Breed highlighted the need for wider tax reform to make the city more business-friendly. Asked if city employees should be in the office five days a week, Breed said, “Definitely, and that’s something we have consistently tried to work on.” But she admitted that employee recruiting and retention have been issues for&nbsp; some city departments.</p>

About three-quarters of city workers are currently back in the office, according to a spokesperson for the city administrator.&nbsp;

<p>About three-quarters of city workers are currently back in the office, according to a spokesperson for the city administrator.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mark-farrell">Mark Farrell</h2>


There’s no <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/07/the-nasty-decade-long-feud-making-the-mayors-race-a-grudge-match/">love lost</a> between Breed and Farrell when it comes to blame for the city’s slow post-pandemic recovery.&nbsp;

The long, ugly feud that&#8217;s making the mayor&#8217;s race so nasty

<p>There’s no <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/07/the-nasty-decade-long-feud-making-the-mayors-race-a-grudge-match/">love lost</a> between Breed and Farrell when it comes to blame for the city’s slow post-pandemic recovery.&nbsp;</p>

Take our quiz: Which SF mayoral candidates do you agree with?

“Public safety and clean streets are non-negotiable,” Farrell said. “Employers repeatedly tell me the biggest barrier to them coming back is the unsafe and unsanitary conditions downtown.”&nbsp;

<p>“Public safety and clean streets are non-negotiable,” Farrell said. “Employers repeatedly tell me the biggest barrier to them coming back is the unsafe and unsanitary conditions downtown.”&nbsp;</p>

Step one if he’s elected, he said, will be calling city employees back into the office five days a week, although he’ll likely face pushback from some public-sector unions on a universal mandate.&nbsp;

<p>Step one if he’s elected, he said, will be calling city employees back into the office five days a week, although he’ll likely face pushback from some public-sector unions on a universal mandate.&nbsp;</p>

For private employers, Farrell said, he would introduce a tax credit for employers willing to relocate to the Financial District, Mid-Market, SoMa, and Union Square and another for those who bring in workers at least four days a week.&nbsp;

<p>For private employers, Farrell said, he would introduce a tax credit for employers willing to relocate to the Financial District, Mid-Market, SoMa, and Union Square and another for those who bring in workers at least four days a week.&nbsp;</p>

How to enforce that requirement is an open question. In the interview, Farrell said badge swipes are the likely way to measure compliance, but his priority is getting legislation passed to offer employers incentives.&nbsp;

<p>How to enforce that requirement is an open question. In the interview, Farrell said badge swipes are the likely way to measure compliance, but his priority is getting legislation passed to offer employers incentives.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ahsha-safai">Ahsha Safaí</h2>


Supervisor Ahsha Safaí agreed that the city should lead by example if it’s going to ask private employers to return downtown. 

<p>Supervisor Ahsha Safaí agreed that the city should lead by example if it’s going to ask private employers to return downtown. </p>

Pedestrians walk down Sutter St. in Downtown San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Tech sector companies in downtown San Francisco have begun to require staff and employees to return to work in their Downtown San Francisco office after working remote for many years during the Covid pandemic.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED02_DowntownSFRTO092123-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bustling city street scene with pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. Traffic signs include a walking signal and speed limit. Vans and storefronts line the street." class="wp-image-204766"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Downtown San Francisco stands to benefit from more in-person jobs.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED02_DowntownSFRTO092123-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bustling city street scene with pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. Traffic signs include a walking signal and speed limit. Vans and storefronts line the street." class="wp-image-204766"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Downtown San Francisco stands to benefit from more in-person jobs.</figcaption></figure>

He said that, if elected, he would personally negotiate with unions and ask them to target a return to office of five days a week, but with greater flexibility within that structure.

<p>He said that, if elected, he would personally negotiate with unions and ask them to target a return to office of five days a week, but with greater flexibility within that structure.</p>

“I understand there&#8217;s a lot of people that are caring for family members or children, so having a flexible schedule, I think, is the right way to start,” Safaí said.&nbsp;

<p>“I understand there's a lot of people that are caring for family members or children, so having a flexible schedule, I think, is the right way to start,” Safaí said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I understand there&#8217;s a lot of people that are caring for family members or children, so having a flexible schedule, I think, is the right way to start,” Safaí said.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aaron-peskin">Aaron Peskin</h2>


Supervisor Aaron Peskin said he strongly encourages businesses to bring their employees back to the office and is doing his best to attract companies to the city. He touted his efforts to ease <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/01/inside-humboldt-building-office-conversion/">conversions of vacant office buildings into housing</a> and a policy to use public financing to kickstart stalled housing developments.&nbsp;

How SF’s first post-pandemic office conversion finally came together

<p>Supervisor Aaron Peskin said he strongly encourages businesses to bring their employees back to the office and is doing his best to attract companies to the city. He touted his efforts to ease <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/01/inside-humboldt-building-office-conversion/">conversions of vacant office buildings into housing</a> and a policy to use public financing to kickstart stalled housing developments.&nbsp;</p>

However, he is against Farrell’s idea of tax breaks for companies that mandate a return to the office, saying the city “can’t afford” the policy in its current economic state. 

<p>However, he is against Farrell’s idea of tax breaks for companies that mandate a return to the office, saying the city “can’t afford” the policy in its current economic state. </p>

Peskin teamed up with Breed and several business-friendly interest groups to put Proposition M on the November ballot. The measure would cut taxes on small businesses and put more of an emphasis on sales in determining a company’s tax bill.

<p>Peskin teamed up with Breed and several business-friendly interest groups to put Proposition M on the November ballot. The measure would cut taxes on small businesses and put more of an emphasis on sales in determining a company’s tax bill.</p>

Proponents of Prop. M say the current system, which heavily weighs the portion of a company’s workforce located in the city, effectively deters employers from bringing workers back to the office and may even incentivize&nbsp; them to relocate to other cities.

<p>Proponents of Prop. M say the current system, which heavily weighs the portion of a company’s workforce located in the city, effectively deters employers from bringing workers back to the office and may even incentivize&nbsp; them to relocate to other cities.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daniel-lurie-nbsp">Daniel Lurie&nbsp;</h2>


Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, along with Peskin, did not specify whether he would aim to require city employees to come back to work five days a week.&nbsp;

<p>Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, along with Peskin, did not specify whether he would aim to require city employees to come back to work five days a week.&nbsp;</p>

“The key to getting people back to in-person work is making them want to return, not trying to force them,” Lurie said. “That means making our streets safe and clean, closing the drug markets, supporting our small businesses, and setting the conditions for arts and cultural events to flourish downtown.”

<p>“The key to getting people back to in-person work is making them want to return, not trying to force them,” Lurie said. “That means making our streets safe and clean, closing the drug markets, supporting our small businesses, and setting the conditions for arts and cultural events to flourish downtown.”</p>

Employees of Tipping Point Community, the anti-poverty nonprofit Lurie founded and makes up the bulk of his professional experience, work under a hybrid schedule, with three days a week in the office.

<p>Employees of Tipping Point Community, the anti-poverty nonprofit Lurie founded and makes up the bulk of his professional experience, work under a hybrid schedule, with three days a week in the office.</p>

Could a new mayor bring SF’s workers back to the office?

Jennifer Wadsworth

Michael McLaughlin

A child was seriously wounded by an accidental shooting while&nbsp;in her San Francisco home, according to a city supervisor.

<p>A child was seriously wounded by an accidental shooting while&nbsp;in her San Francisco home, according to a city supervisor.</p>

Contrary to initial claims from the girl&#8217;s father — who told news outlets that a stray bullet entered the house and struck his child Friday — it appears she was shot from inside the home, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí told The Standard.

<p>Contrary to initial claims from the girl's father — who told news outlets that a stray bullet entered the house and struck his child Friday — it appears she was shot from inside the home, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí told The Standard.</p>

<p>Contrary to initial claims from the girl&#8217;s father — who told news outlets that a stray bullet entered the house and struck his child Friday — it appears she was shot from inside the home, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí told The Standard.</p>

&#8220;All signs point to an accidental shooting,&#8221; Safaí said by phone Wednesday. &#8220;The young girl was home with the siblings and the siblings&#8217; friends. There was a loaded gun in the house. If there was any evidence of it coming from outside the home, there would be evidence of a drive-by shooting.&#8221;

<p>"All signs point to an accidental shooting," Safaí said by phone Wednesday. "The young girl was home with the siblings and the siblings' friends. There was a loaded gun in the house. If there was any evidence of it coming from outside the home, there would be evidence of a drive-by shooting."</p>

<p>&#8220;All signs point to an accidental shooting,&#8221; Safaí said by phone Wednesday. &#8220;The young girl was home with the siblings and the siblings&#8217; friends. There was a loaded gun in the house. If there was any evidence of it coming from outside the home, there would be evidence of a drive-by shooting.&#8221;</p>

He said there&#8217;s no video evidence suggesting the bullet was fired from outdoors.

<p>He said there's no video evidence suggesting the bullet was fired from outdoors.</p>

<p>He said there&#8217;s no video evidence suggesting the bullet was fired from outdoors.</p>

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