Margaux MacColl

For five years, investors and founders across Silicon Valley have been on an unrelenting campaign: get the U.S. government to ban DJI, the behemoth drone manufacturer headquartered in Shenzhen, China. “Every single one of those drones is a potential surveillance platform by the Chinese Communist Party,” investor Marc Andreessen said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ZB7O_9hlQ">on a podcast in late 2024</a>.&nbsp;

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For five years, investors and founders across Silicon Valley have been on an unrelenting campaign: get the U.S. government to ban DJI, the behemoth drone manufacturer headquartered in Shenzhen, China. “Every single one of those drones is a potential surveillance platform by the Chinese Communist Party,” investor Marc Andreessen said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ZB7O_9hlQ">on a podcast in late 2024</a>.&nbsp;

The rallying cry is a moral stance, as well as a profitable one. Investors have tried for years to diminish China’s dominance of the U.S. drone industry, where it holds more than <a href="https://www.auvsi.org/sites/default/files/AUVSI-Partnership-for-Drone-Competitiveness-One-Pager.pdf">90% of the markets for both consumers and public-safety agencies,</a> most of that from DJI. Andreessen Horowitz has backed San Mateo-based Skydio, a drone-maker valued at $2.2 billion, while Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital have thrown millions at other U.S. upstarts, including Brinc Drones and Neros Technologies.&nbsp;

The rallying cry is a moral stance, as well as a profitable one. Investors have tried for years to diminish China’s dominance of the U.S. drone industry, where it holds more than <a href="https://www.auvsi.org/sites/default/files/AUVSI-Partnership-for-Drone-Competitiveness-One-Pager.pdf">90% of the markets for both consumers and public-safety agencies,</a> most of that from DJI. Andreessen Horowitz has backed San Mateo-based Skydio, a drone-maker valued at $2.2 billion, while Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital have thrown millions at other U.S. upstarts, including Brinc Drones and Neros Technologies.&nbsp;

Still, DJI drones have remained cheaper, easier to use, and largely preferred by law enforcement and emergency services when lives are on the line. Nine of every 10 drones used by public-safety agencies are made by DJI, according to research from Bard College.

Still, DJI drones have remained cheaper, easier to use, and largely preferred by law enforcement and emergency services when lives are on the line. Nine of every 10 drones used by public-safety agencies are made by DJI, according to research from Bard College.

To seed a homegrown drone industry, Silicon Valley technocrats have adopted a two-pronged strategy: pressure Washington to ban DJI, then make U.S.-made replacements unavoidable, by donating investor-backed drones to local agencies and locking them in early.

To seed a homegrown drone industry, Silicon Valley technocrats have adopted a two-pronged strategy: pressure Washington to ban DJI, then make U.S.-made replacements unavoidable, by donating investor-backed drones to local agencies and locking them in early.

Last week should have been a victory lap for this plan — before politics intervened. Industry executives expected President Donald Trump to accelerate a ban of DJI and other Chinese drone companies through executive order. A draft version of the order viewed by The Standard explicitly mandated that a national security agency vet DJI’s technology and determine if Chinese drone companies should be banned within 45 days.&nbsp;

Last week should have been a victory lap for this plan — before politics intervened. Industry executives expected President Donald Trump to accelerate a ban of DJI and other Chinese drone companies through executive order. A draft version of the order viewed by The Standard explicitly mandated that a national security agency vet DJI’s technology and determine if Chinese drone companies should be banned within 45 days.&nbsp;

But what Trump ended up signing&nbsp;was <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty/">far more tepid</a> and makes no mention of China. The scaled-back orders came a day after he spoke on the phone with President Xi Jinping — a 90-minute call that Trump <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKhfO9_s451/?hl=en">categorized</a> as “very good.”&nbsp;

But what Trump ended up signing&nbsp;was <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty/">far more tepid</a> and makes no mention of China. The scaled-back orders came a day after he spoke on the phone with President Xi Jinping — a 90-minute call that Trump <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKhfO9_s451/?hl=en">categorized</a> as “very good.”&nbsp;

Screenshot from San Francisco Police Department video on capabilities of their new drones.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1407" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sfpd_drone_screenshot_3.jpg?w=2500" alt="A drone is flying in front of a densely packed urban area with numerous tall buildings, possibly in San Francisco, as suggested by a visible police badge." class="wp-image-299086"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Police Department has made drones the cornerstone of its Real Time Investigation Center, which uses surveillance technology to monitor crime.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sfpd_drone_screenshot_3.jpg?w=2500" alt="A drone is flying in front of a densely packed urban area with numerous tall buildings, possibly in San Francisco, as suggested by a visible police badge." class="wp-image-299086"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Police Department has made drones the cornerstone of its Real Time Investigation Center, which uses surveillance technology to monitor crime.</figcaption></figure>

Two drone industry executives said they suspect Trump backed off to avoid heightening tensions with China. The White House declined to give a statement. A DJI spokesperson said the company “welcomes and embraces” the chance to thoroughly “demonstrate our privacy controls and security features.”&nbsp;

Two drone industry executives said they suspect Trump backed off to avoid heightening tensions with China. The White House declined to give a statement. A DJI spokesperson said the company “welcomes and embraces” the chance to thoroughly “demonstrate our privacy controls and security features.”&nbsp;

DJI has gone from a Silicon Valley darling to a national security target. The Army has prohibited service members from using DJI drones, and<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/01/china-funding-drones-dji-us-regulators/"> reporting has found links</a> between the company and the Chinese government. (DJI has denied the allegations.)

DJI has gone from a Silicon Valley darling to a national security target. The Army has prohibited service members from using DJI drones, and<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/01/china-funding-drones-dji-us-regulators/"> reporting has found links</a> between the company and the Chinese government. (DJI has denied the allegations.)

A legislative effort to block the import of new DJI models led to a requirement that the company receive security clearance from a government agency by December or risk a ban.

A legislative effort to block the import of new DJI models led to a requirement that the company receive security clearance from a government agency by December or risk a ban.

Meanwhile, U.S. drone companies and DJI have been battling it out in Washington. Last year, Skydio spent $680,000 on lobbying efforts, Teal Drones spent $80,000, and Brinc Drones spent $240,000, according to Open Secrets.

Meanwhile, U.S. drone companies and DJI have been battling it out in Washington. Last year, Skydio spent $680,000 on lobbying efforts, Teal Drones spent $80,000, and Brinc Drones spent $240,000, according to Open Secrets.

DJI invested more than <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/summary?id=D000069779">&nbsp;$1.4 million</a> in lobbying over the same period, and, according to a source, had “over 100 meetings on the Hill” to try and prevent the ban. Congress didn’t specify which national security agency had to audit the company, and so far, no one has volunteered to be the deciding vote in a geopolitical maelstrom.

DJI invested more than <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/summary?id=D000069779">&nbsp;$1.4 million</a> in lobbying over the same period, and, according to a source, had “over 100 meetings on the Hill” to try and prevent the ban. Congress didn’t specify which national security agency had to audit the company, and so far, no one has volunteered to be the deciding vote in a geopolitical maelstrom.

With Trump’s executive order failing to expedite the prohibition on Chinese drones, DJI has more than six months to get an agency to audit its technology. Meanwhile, billionaires have found their own way to encourage U.S.-made drone adoption: giving them away for free.&nbsp;

With Trump’s executive order failing to expedite the prohibition on Chinese drones, DJI has more than six months to get an agency to audit its technology. Meanwhile, billionaires have found their own way to encourage U.S.-made drone adoption: giving them away for free.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drone-donors-nbsp">Drone donors&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drone-donors-nbsp">Drone donors&nbsp;</h2>

Last week, crypto billionaire Chris Larsen <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/were-going-to-be-covering-the-entire-city-with-drones-billionaires-donation-to-sfpd-accepted/">donated $9.4 million</a> to expand the San Francisco Police Department’s drone program and fund its Real Time Investigation Center, which uses surveillance technology to monitor crime.

Last week, crypto billionaire Chris Larsen <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/were-going-to-be-covering-the-entire-city-with-drones-billionaires-donation-to-sfpd-accepted/">donated $9.4 million</a> to expand the San Francisco Police Department’s drone program and fund its Real Time Investigation Center, which uses surveillance technology to monitor crime.

“We’re going to be covering the entire city with drones,” SFPD Captain Thomas MacGuire said of the donation at last week’s Police Commission meeting.&nbsp;

“We’re going to be covering the entire city with drones,” SFPD Captain Thomas MacGuire said of the donation at last week’s Police Commission meeting.&nbsp;

The SFPD first got drones in 2024, after the city passed Proposition E, which widened the array of surveillance technology the department could use. The drones have helped police track suspects, catch criminals committing burglary, and manage crowds. “I cannot overstate how valuable drones are for our department,” then-Chief Bill Scott said in a video announcing the fleet. As of <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/news/san-francisco-police-department-real-time-investigation">April</a>, the SFPD had made at least 43 arrests using drones.

The SFPD first got drones in 2024, after the city passed Proposition E, which widened the array of surveillance technology the department could use. The drones have helped police track suspects, catch criminals committing burglary, and manage crowds. “I cannot overstate how valuable drones are for our department,” then-Chief Bill Scott said in a video announcing the fleet. As of <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/news/san-francisco-police-department-real-time-investigation">April</a>, the SFPD had made at least 43 arrests using drones.

During its first year of drone operation, the department was clear about its brand loyalty: <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/SFPD_AB481AnnualReport_Year2024_20250122.pdf">It purchased</a> 63 DJI drones, versus renting seven Skydio drones.&nbsp;

During its first year of drone operation, the department was clear about its brand loyalty: <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/SFPD_AB481AnnualReport_Year2024_20250122.pdf">It purchased</a> 63 DJI drones, versus renting seven Skydio drones.&nbsp;

But this year, flush with Larsen’s donation, the department is opting for U.S.-made drones. According to a spokesperson for Larsen, the donation will go toward 12 drones and docks, half from Flock Safety and half from Skydio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But this year, flush with Larsen’s donation, the department is opting for U.S.-made drones. According to a spokesperson for Larsen, the donation will go toward 12 drones and docks, half from Flock Safety and half from Skydio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple, sits for a portrait in the rooftop garden of Ripple’s headquarters in San Francisco on Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2024. Larsen is a crypto billionaire who has drawn comparisons to the fictional Batman character Bruce Wayne for his aggressive approach to public safety in San Francisco and is viewed by some as an interloper intent on creating a surveillance state that mostly serves to advance his ambitions for greater wealth and control, while Larsen's supporters have called him a benevolent force for good in a city that has gone off the rails.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/featured-20240401-chrislarsen-16_3617bf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a black jacket stands outside, with skyscrapers and clear blue sky featuring wispy clouds in the background. Green foliage is in the foreground." class="wp-image-261939"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, the billionaire founder of crypto company Ripple, made a $9.4 million donation to the SFPD to improve its surveillance technology.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/featured-20240401-chrislarsen-16_3617bf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a black jacket stands outside, with skyscrapers and clear blue sky featuring wispy clouds in the background. Green foliage is in the foreground." class="wp-image-261939"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, the billionaire founder of crypto company Ripple, made a $9.4 million donation to the SFPD to improve its surveillance technology.</figcaption></figure>

Investor Ben Horowitz employed a similar tactic in Las Vegas, where he lives. In 2023, he donated at least $7.6 million to the <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/08/ben-horowitzs-cozy-relationship-with-the-las-vegas-police-department-aided-a16z-portfolio-company-skydio/">city’s police department</a>, with much of it going toward products from Andreessen Horowitz portfolio companies like Flock Safety and Skydio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investor Ben Horowitz employed a similar tactic in Las Vegas, where he lives. In 2023, he donated at least $7.6 million to the <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/08/ben-horowitzs-cozy-relationship-with-the-las-vegas-police-department-aided-a16z-portfolio-company-skydio/">city’s police department</a>, with much of it going toward products from Andreessen Horowitz portfolio companies like Flock Safety and Skydio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s a familiar strategy. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-04/lapd-police-foundation-private-funding-arm">Target donated</a> money to the Los Angeles Police Department that was used to buy Palantir software, and<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/15/baltimore-surveillance-john-laura-arnold-billionaires"> billionaires quietly</a> funded surveillance technology used by the Baltimore Police Department before the payments came to light and were ruled unconstitutional. These types of contributions have become more popular since the &#8220;Defund the Police&#8221; movement put increased scrutiny on public funding of law enforcement.

It’s a familiar strategy. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-04/lapd-police-foundation-private-funding-arm">Target donated</a> money to the Los Angeles Police Department that was used to buy Palantir software, and<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/15/baltimore-surveillance-john-laura-arnold-billionaires"> billionaires quietly</a> funded surveillance technology used by the Baltimore Police Department before the payments came to light and were ruled unconstitutional. These types of contributions have become more popular since the "Defund the Police" movement put increased scrutiny on public funding of law enforcement.

It’s a familiar strategy. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-04/lapd-police-foundation-private-funding-arm">Target donated</a> money to the Los Angeles Police Department that was used to buy Palantir software, and<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/15/baltimore-surveillance-john-laura-arnold-billionaires"> billionaires quietly</a> funded surveillance technology used by the Baltimore Police Department before the payments came to light and were ruled unconstitutional. These types of contributions have become more popular since the &#8220;Defund the Police&#8221; movement put increased scrutiny on public funding of law enforcement.

To critics, the donations amount to a private subsidy for surveillance — with no public oversight. “Billionaires should not be allowed to buy access and influence with law enforcement,” Evan Feeney, former senior director of the nonprofit civil rights organization Color of Change, told TechCrunch.&nbsp;

To critics, the donations amount to a private subsidy for surveillance — with no public oversight. “Billionaires should not be allowed to buy access and influence with law enforcement,” Evan Feeney, former senior director of the nonprofit civil rights organization Color of Change, told TechCrunch.&nbsp;

That influence is sometimes shockingly direct. For example, when Horowitz asked over email which Skydio drones the Las Vegas Police Department wanted, the chief of staff wrote back, “Whatever you want, Ben.”

That influence is sometimes shockingly direct. For example, when Horowitz asked over email which Skydio drones the Las Vegas Police Department wanted, the chief of staff wrote back, “Whatever you want, Ben.”

The handouts can position companies to secure ongoing, lucrative contracts with police departments. “They can then try to both sell the [police] on a follow-up contract but also then use the fact that [police] are deploying a technology for advertising,” Albert Fox Cahn, founder and executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, told TechCrunch.&nbsp;

The handouts can position companies to secure ongoing, lucrative contracts with police departments. “They can then try to both sell the [police] on a follow-up contract but also then use the fact that [police] are deploying a technology for advertising,” Albert Fox Cahn, founder and executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, told TechCrunch.&nbsp;

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At the same time, private donations mean cities get easier and more affordable access to the cutting edge of police technology — especially until the cost of American drones goes down.&nbsp;

At the same time, private donations mean cities get easier and more affordable access to the cutting edge of police technology — especially until the cost of American drones goes down.&nbsp;

“In a massive budget deficit in San Francisco, we are forced to both do more with less and prioritize private/public partnerships,” Larsen said in a statement. “Mayor Lurie&#8217;s leadership has embraced this approach and we are excited and confident it will bring tangible value and help keep San Franciscans safe.&#8221;

“In a massive budget deficit in San Francisco, we are forced to both do more with less and prioritize private/public partnerships,” Larsen said in a statement. “Mayor Lurie's leadership has embraced this approach and we are excited and confident it will bring tangible value and help keep San Franciscans safe."

“In a massive budget deficit in San Francisco, we are forced to both do more with less and prioritize private/public partnerships,” Larsen said in a statement. “Mayor Lurie&#8217;s leadership has embraced this approach and we are excited and confident it will bring tangible value and help keep San Franciscans safe.&#8221;

Whether the ban comes from Congress or the market, the result may be the same: American drones surveilling American streets, with the help of Silicon Valley billionaires.

Whether the ban comes from Congress or the market, the result may be the same: American drones surveilling American streets, with the help of Silicon Valley billionaires.

Silicon Valley wants to ban Chinese drones while ‘covering’ San Francisco in their own

Michael Barba

Alleged misspending by the city-funded nonprofit San Francisco SAFE has cost the troubled charity one of its biggest financial backers: the San Francisco Police Department.

Alleged misspending by the city-funded nonprofit San Francisco SAFE has cost the troubled charity one of its biggest financial backers: the San Francisco Police Department.

In a letter Thursday, Police Chief Bill Scott informed the board of the recently shuttered nonprofit that he was pulling the plug on a grant agreement under which SF SAFE was expected to receive more than $1 million annually from the department for up to five years.

In a letter Thursday, Police Chief Bill Scott informed the board of the recently shuttered nonprofit that he was pulling the plug on a grant agreement under which SF SAFE was expected to receive more than $1 million annually from the department for up to five years.

Though the nonprofit recently closed, the decision to cancel the agreement formally marks the end of the long-standing relationship between the police department and SF SAFE.

Though the nonprofit recently closed, the decision to cancel the agreement formally marks the end of the long-standing relationship between the police department and SF SAFE.

The chief canceled the agreement as criminal investigators from the District Attorney’s Office continue to probe the murky finances of the nonprofit, which is accused of misspending at least $79,000 from the SFPD as well as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">up to $1 million in grant funding given by crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a>.

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The chief canceled the agreement as criminal investigators from the District Attorney’s Office continue to probe the murky finances of the nonprofit, which is accused of misspending at least $79,000 from the SFPD as well as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">up to $1 million in grant funding given by crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a>.

The nonprofit board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">fired its director</a>, Kyra Worthy, and closed up shop Jan. 24 on the heels of a report by the Controller’s Office that first found that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the nonprofit improperly charged SFPD</a> for a Lake Tahoe staff trip, valet parking and expensive luxury gift boxes. The report also found that SFPD failed to check receipts for $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it disbursed to the nonprofit between July 2018 and March 2023.

Troubled San Francisco nonprofit SF SAFE fires director, reports possible check forgery to police

Limo rides, a Tahoe trip and luxury gifts: San Francisco police wrongly paid for it all

The nonprofit board <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/san-francisco-nonprofit-sf-safe-kyra-worthy-fired/">fired its director</a>, Kyra Worthy, and closed up shop Jan. 24 on the heels of a report by the Controller’s Office that first found that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">the nonprofit improperly charged SFPD</a> for a Lake Tahoe staff trip, valet parking and expensive luxury gift boxes. The report also found that SFPD failed to check receipts for $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it disbursed to the nonprofit between July 2018 and March 2023.

Scott said he was canceling the agreement because the nonprofit had since failed to turn over supporting documentation for invoices submitted by SF SAFE between 2018 and 2024.

Scott said he was canceling the agreement because the nonprofit had since failed to turn over supporting documentation for invoices submitted by SF SAFE between 2018 and 2024.

“Because SFPD cannot make any further payments without the requested documentation, and since SFPD is aware SF SAFE has suspended all operations, it has become clear that the grant agreement is no longer useful for defining the relationship, activities, and funds associated with SF SAFE&#8217;s work on behalf of SFPD,” Scott wrote. “Therefore, we are officially terminating the grant agreement.”

“Because SFPD cannot make any further payments without the requested documentation, and since SFPD is aware SF SAFE has suspended all operations, it has become clear that the grant agreement is no longer useful for defining the relationship, activities, and funds associated with SF SAFE's work on behalf of SFPD,” Scott wrote. “Therefore, we are officially terminating the grant agreement.”

“Because SFPD cannot make any further payments without the requested documentation, and since SFPD is aware SF SAFE has suspended all operations, it has become clear that the grant agreement is no longer useful for defining the relationship, activities, and funds associated with SF SAFE&#8217;s work on behalf of SFPD,” Scott wrote. “Therefore, we are officially terminating the grant agreement.”

Dan Lawson, the president of the board, did not respond to a request for comment.

Dan Lawson, the president of the board, did not respond to a request for comment.

SF SAFE was created by the San Francisco Police Department as long ago as the 1970s and has worked side-by-side with police to hold community meetings and organize neighborhood watch groups. More recently, it has expanded its operations and begun to run security cameras funded in part with $1.8 million in grant money from Chris Larsen, the co-founder of crypto firm Ripple.

SF SAFE was created by the San Francisco Police Department as long ago as the 1970s and has worked side-by-side with police to hold community meetings and organize neighborhood watch groups. More recently, it has expanded its operations and begun to run security cameras funded in part with $1.8 million in grant money from Chris Larsen, the co-founder of crypto firm Ripple.

After the troubles at SF SAFE came to light, The Standard learned of Worthy&#8217;s checkered past, which included allegations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/sf-safe-east-bay-instructors-kyra-worthy-richmond/">she stiffed instructors who signed up to teach needy students</a> during a summer program in Richmond.

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After the troubles at SF SAFE came to light, The Standard learned of Worthy's checkered past, which included allegations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/sf-safe-east-bay-instructors-kyra-worthy-richmond/">she stiffed instructors who signed up to teach needy students</a> during a summer program in Richmond.

After the troubles at SF SAFE came to light, The Standard learned of Worthy&#8217;s checkered past, which included allegations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/sf-safe-east-bay-instructors-kyra-worthy-richmond/">she stiffed instructors who signed up to teach needy students</a> during a summer program in Richmond.

Scott had previously signaled that the department’s work with the nonprofit could come to an end. In a department-wide email Jan. 24, Scott told officers the SFPD had “suspended all operations” with SF SAFE and Worthy effective immediately.

Scott had previously signaled that the department’s work with the nonprofit could come to an end. In a department-wide email Jan. 24, Scott told officers the SFPD had “suspended all operations” with SF SAFE and Worthy effective immediately.

“The SFPD is working with the Controller’s Office to take a more expansive look into the financial records of our grant agreement with SF SAFE to ensure the highest degree of accountability,” he wrote. “We are also convening with other city agencies and stakeholders to establish a path forward.”

“The SFPD is working with the Controller’s Office to take a more expansive look into the financial records of our grant agreement with SF SAFE to ensure the highest degree of accountability,” he wrote. “We are also convening with other city agencies and stakeholders to establish a path forward.”

San Francisco police cancel up to $5.4M contract with troubled nonprofit SF SAFE

Adam Lashinsky

Allies of Mayor Daniel Lurie on Tuesday announced the formation of the San Francisco Downtown Development Corp., a private nonprofit group that aims to raise money from wealthy individuals to revitalize the city’s beleaguered central business district.

Allies of Mayor Daniel Lurie on Tuesday announced the formation of the San Francisco Downtown Development Corp., a private nonprofit group that aims to raise money from wealthy individuals to revitalize the city’s beleaguered central business district.

It sports a bold-faced list of philanthropists and civic leaders for its initial board members, including Bob Fisher, a scion of the Gap retail fortune; Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay and Hewlett-Packard; and crypto billionaire Chris Larsen.

It sports a bold-faced list of philanthropists and civic leaders for its initial board members, including Bob Fisher, a scion of the Gap retail fortune; Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay and Hewlett-Packard; and crypto billionaire Chris Larsen.

The new group is the second entity to emerge under Lurie’s “open for business” campaign to repair a downtown area smacked down by the pandemic’s shift to remote work and chronic public safety challenges that have scared off shoppers, tourists, and conventioneers. The other new civic group, Partnership for San Francisco, is a collection of high-powered CEOs and other corporate leaders who intend to work with City Hall on policies supported by the business community. The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">reported the existence</a> of both outfits three weeks ago.

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The new group is the second entity to emerge under Lurie’s “open for business” campaign to repair a downtown area smacked down by the pandemic’s shift to remote work and chronic public safety challenges that have scared off shoppers, tourists, and conventioneers. The other new civic group, Partnership for San Francisco, is a collection of high-powered CEOs and other corporate leaders who intend to work with City Hall on policies supported by the business community. The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">reported the existence</a> of both outfits three weeks ago.

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The Downtown Development Corp. intends to raise an unspecified amount of money it can quickly deploy for projects like planting trees, lending money for small-merchant capital projects, and providing bridge loans to retailers and others who want to open businesses downtown.&nbsp;

The Downtown Development Corp. intends to raise an unspecified amount of money it can quickly deploy for projects like planting trees, lending money for small-merchant capital projects, and providing bridge loans to retailers and others who want to open businesses downtown.&nbsp;

Its chief organizer and board chair, David Stiepleman, said in an interview that speed is of the essence in securing and deploying the money needed to get the project off the ground. While future efforts will require new legislation and other measures, “this is the ‘Let’s move now’ initiative,” he said.

Its chief organizer and board chair, David Stiepleman, said in an interview that speed is of the essence in securing and deploying the money needed to get the project off the ground. While future efforts will require new legislation and other measures, “this is the ‘Let’s move now’ initiative,” he said.

He said the group plans to quickly establish a fund that could be used, for example, to secure heaters for outdoor seating at restaurants or provide loans for downtown office or retail tenants that might not otherwise have the creditworthiness to qualify.

He said the group plans to quickly establish a fund that could be used, for example, to secure heaters for outdoor seating at restaurants or provide loans for downtown office or retail tenants that might not otherwise have the creditworthiness to qualify.

Stiepleman, co-president of the investment firm Sixth Street, which recently purchased a stake in the San Francisco Giants, said the new group&#8217;s goal is to coordinate and centralize some of the activities being performed by a collection of community business districts in and around downtown. Such groups act as hyper-local taxing authorities, while the Downtown Development Corp. will solicit tax-deductible donations.

Stiepleman, co-president of the investment firm Sixth Street, which recently purchased a stake in the San Francisco Giants, said the new group's goal is to coordinate and centralize some of the activities being performed by a collection of community business districts in and around downtown. Such groups act as hyper-local taxing authorities, while the Downtown Development Corp. will solicit tax-deductible donations.

Stiepleman, co-president of the investment firm Sixth Street, which recently purchased a stake in the San Francisco Giants, said the new group&#8217;s goal is to coordinate and centralize some of the activities being performed by a collection of community business districts in and around downtown. Such groups act as hyper-local taxing authorities, while the Downtown Development Corp. will solicit tax-deductible donations.

Lurie, like his predecessor London Breed, has championed the re-emergence of downtown as critical to the city’s success. Stiepleman said downtown comprises 4% of the city’s land mass and “45-ish percent of its tax revenue, which should be higher.”

Lurie, like his predecessor London Breed, has championed the re-emergence of downtown as critical to the city’s success. Stiepleman said downtown comprises 4% of the city’s land mass and “45-ish percent of its tax revenue, which should be higher.”

The question facing the new group is whether it will be able to attract donors who haven’t previously given money to philanthropic causes in San Francisco. Fisher, as chair of the board of trustees of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, represents a link to establishment arts benefactors. Larsen has donated generously to public safety causes and was an outspoken backer of Breed.

The question facing the new group is whether it will be able to attract donors who haven’t previously given money to philanthropic causes in San Francisco. Fisher, as chair of the board of trustees of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, represents a link to establishment arts benefactors. Larsen has donated generously to public safety causes and was an outspoken backer of Breed.

Whitman, a onetime Republican candidate for governor of California, recently stepped down as U.S. ambassador to Kenya. In a statement through a spokesman, she said: “I believe San Francisco is a sleeping giant that’s in the process of reawakening in a big way. I’m excited to play a part in this comeback story.”

Whitman, a onetime Republican candidate for governor of California, recently stepped down as U.S. ambassador to Kenya. In a statement through a spokesman, she said: “I believe San Francisco is a sleeping giant that’s in the process of reawakening in a big way. I’m excited to play a part in this comeback story.”

The other members of the new entity’s board offer clues to where it will reach for funding and the coalitions it plans to build while deciding what to finance. They are Sam Cobbs, CEO of Tipping Point Community, the anti-poverty organization Lurie founded that has relationships with the philanthropists who fund it; Rebecca Foster, CEO of the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, which also is involved with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/28/exclusive-inside-luries-100m-plan-to-get-private-donors-to-pay-for-homeless-beds/">an initiative to raise money for interim housing for homeless people</a>; and Olga Miranda, president of the Service Employees International Union Local 87, which represents many of the janitors who work in downtown office buildings.&nbsp;

Exclusive: Inside Lurie’s $100M plan to get private donors to pay for homeless beds

The other members of the new entity’s board offer clues to where it will reach for funding and the coalitions it plans to build while deciding what to finance. They are Sam Cobbs, CEO of Tipping Point Community, the anti-poverty organization Lurie founded that has relationships with the philanthropists who fund it; Rebecca Foster, CEO of the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, which also is involved with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/28/exclusive-inside-luries-100m-plan-to-get-private-donors-to-pay-for-homeless-beds/">an initiative to raise money for interim housing for homeless people</a>; and Olga Miranda, president of the Service Employees International Union Local 87, which represents many of the janitors who work in downtown office buildings.&nbsp;

Stiepleman, who, along with Larsen, is also a member of Partnership for San Francisco, said the Downtown Development Corp. has not yet begun fundraising. He declined to name a target for how much it seeks to raise. However, he said initial conversations with donors have been encouraging.

Stiepleman, who, along with Larsen, is also a member of Partnership for San Francisco, said the Downtown Development Corp. has not yet begun fundraising. He declined to name a target for how much it seeks to raise. However, he said initial conversations with donors have been encouraging.

“They are saying, ‘How can I help, and when can I write a check?’” Stiepleman said.

“They are saying, ‘How can I help, and when can I write a check?’” Stiepleman said.

The answer to the latter question, at least, is clear: now.

The answer to the latter question, at least, is clear: now.

Gabe Greschler

San Francisco voters rejected Proposition B, a ballot measure that would have established minimum staffing for the San Francisco Police Department contingent on a future tax increase, returns Tuesday night showed.

San Francisco voters rejected Proposition B, a ballot measure that would have established minimum staffing for the San Francisco Police Department contingent on a future tax increase, returns Tuesday night showed.

The measure sparked heated debate among elected officials and required a simple majority to pass.&nbsp;

The measure sparked heated debate among elected officials and required a simple majority to pass.&nbsp;

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The ballot measure was originally <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/dorsey-revives-police-hiring-law/">proposed last year by Supervisor Matt Dorsey</a> to increase police staffing by about 100 officers through signing bonuses until enough officers have filled the ranks. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/06/san-francisco-cop-tax-police-staffing-debate-city-hall/">That plan was found to be expensive</a>, with the Controller’s Office estimating a cost of up to $300 million over five years.

San Francisco lawmaker revives push to staff up police force

San Francisco &#8216;cop tax&#8217; debated at tense city hall meeting

The ballot measure was originally <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/31/dorsey-revives-police-hiring-law/">proposed last year by Supervisor Matt Dorsey</a> to increase police staffing by about 100 officers through signing bonuses until enough officers have filled the ranks. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/06/san-francisco-cop-tax-police-staffing-debate-city-hall/">That plan was found to be expensive</a>, with the Controller’s Office estimating a cost of up to $300 million over five years.

In November, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí changed the proposition to make it contingent on a future tax—a move that led Dorsey, who called it a “hostile amendment,” to withdraw support. The measure was eventually <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/28/san-francisco-cop-tax-ballot-measure-march-2024-election/">approved by the Board of Supervisors in a 6-5 vote</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco voters to decide on controversial public safety funding in March 2024

In November, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí changed the proposition to make it contingent on a future tax—a move that led Dorsey, who called it a “hostile amendment,” to withdraw support. The measure was eventually <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/28/san-francisco-cop-tax-ballot-measure-march-2024-election/">approved by the Board of Supervisors in a 6-5 vote</a>.&nbsp;

Safaí, along with labor allies, argued that a new tax would help boost public safety hiring across the board and not just for police officers. Opponents of Prop. B argued that the city should be able to fund police staffing through existing revenues.&nbsp;

Safaí, along with labor allies, argued that a new tax would help boost public safety hiring across the board and not just for police officers. Opponents of Prop. B argued that the city should be able to fund police staffing through existing revenues.&nbsp;

The measure drew heavy spending, with opponents that include the moderate-leaning PAC Neighbors for a Better San Francisco and tech executive Chris Larsen pouring in over $1.3 million to defeat the proposition.

The measure drew heavy spending, with opponents that include the moderate-leaning PAC Neighbors for a Better San Francisco and tech executive Chris Larsen pouring in over $1.3 million to defeat the proposition.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">You’ve probably heard people calling Prop. B a “cop tax.” Here’s why.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFStandard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFStandard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanFrancisco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanFrancisco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Election?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Election</a> <a href="https://t.co/1OxPlgTwrh">pic.twitter.com/1OxPlgTwrh</a>&mdash; The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) <a href="https://twitter.com/sfstandard/status/1764102394068234732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The campaign in support of Prop. B raised over $600,000 and was largely funded by labor unions such as Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and Local 21’s PAC.

The campaign in support of Prop. B raised over $600,000 and was largely funded by labor unions such as Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and Local 21’s PAC.

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

The San Francisco Department of Elections will count all vote-by-mail ballots received with valid postmarks delivered by mail by March 12. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted.

Voters reject Prop. B, measure to fund San Francisco cops through tax

Tomoki Chien

Han Li

As San Francisco’s mayoral race heats up, Daniel Lurie is spending big on his own campaign — but his wealthy donors are spending bigger.

As San Francisco’s mayoral race heats up, Daniel Lurie is spending big on his own campaign — but his wealthy donors are spending bigger.

An independent campaign committee backing Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, raised more than $1.9 million from January to June, campaign finance disclosures filed Wednesday night show.

An independent campaign committee backing Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, raised more than $1.9 million from January to June, campaign finance disclosures filed Wednesday night show.

The haul was powered by seven donors who gave $100,000 each, including <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211827319">Jonathan Gans</a>, CEO of Ironwood Capital Management; <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211730944">Parker Harris</a>, co-founder of Salesforce; and <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211826408">Michelle Boyers</a>, CEO of Give Forward Foundation.

The haul was powered by seven donors who gave $100,000 each, including <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211827319">Jonathan Gans</a>, CEO of Ironwood Capital Management; <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211730944">Parker Harris</a>, co-founder of Salesforce; and <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211826408">Michelle Boyers</a>, CEO of Give Forward Foundation.

The donations allowed the committee — Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024 — to spend a whopping $1.6 million on ads in the first six months of the year, nearly three times as much as the independent committee supporting Mayor London Breed raised in that period. Much of the funding went toward an <a href="https://sfist.com/2024/04/29/daniel-lurie-pac-already-spending-gigantic-sums-to-clog-your-mailbox-with-november-election-mailers/">unrelenting billboard and mailer campaign</a>.

The donations allowed the committee — Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024 — to spend a whopping $1.6 million on ads in the first six months of the year, nearly three times as much as the independent committee supporting Mayor London Breed raised in that period. Much of the funding went toward an <a href="https://sfist.com/2024/04/29/daniel-lurie-pac-already-spending-gigantic-sums-to-clog-your-mailbox-with-november-election-mailers/">unrelenting billboard and mailer campaign</a>.

Daniel Lurie addresses the crowd at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie speaks at a mayoral debate" class="wp-image-284220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An independent committee supporting Daniel Lurie&#8217;s campaign spent $1.6 million on ads from January to June.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie speaks at a mayoral debate" class="wp-image-284220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An independent committee supporting Daniel Lurie's campaign spent $1.6 million on ads from January to June.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie speaks at a mayoral debate" class="wp-image-284220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An independent committee supporting Daniel Lurie&#8217;s campaign spent $1.6 million on ads from January to June.</figcaption></figure>

Meanwhile, Lurie gave $590,000 of his own money to his candidate committee during the latest filing period, bringing its total haul to $1.4 million, according to a campaign press release.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lurie gave $590,000 of his own money to his candidate committee during the latest filing period, bringing its total haul to $1.4 million, according to a campaign press release.&nbsp;

The campaign is separate from the independent committee, which is considered an outside spending group that cannot have official ties with Lurie.

The campaign is separate from the independent committee, which is considered an outside spending group that cannot have official ties with Lurie.

Last year, Believe in SF raised $3.3 million in just over three months after Lurie announced his candidacy, bringing its fundraising total to $5 million. It had half of that stockpiled at the end of June, according to the filings.

Last year, Believe in SF raised $3.3 million in just over three months after Lurie announced his candidacy, bringing its fundraising total to $5 million. It had half of that stockpiled at the end of June, according to the filings.

The committee’s big dollars garnered <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">considerable media attention</a> this year when it was revealed that Lurie’s mother, Miriam “Mimi” Haas, donated $1 million. WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum and biotech investor Oleg Nodelman were quick to contribute $250,000 each in that first haul.

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

The committee’s big dollars garnered <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">considerable media attention</a> this year when it was revealed that Lurie’s mother, Miriam “Mimi” Haas, donated $1 million. WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum and biotech investor Oleg Nodelman were quick to contribute $250,000 each in that first haul.

None of the three donated again during the latest filing period.

None of the three donated again during the latest filing period.

Notably, Gordon Getty, a philanthropist from the oil tycoon family, <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211826635">donated $10,000</a> to the committee in June, according to disclosure documents. All individuals who donate&nbsp;$10,000 or more&nbsp;are considered major donors and are required to file a separate disclosure form.

Notably, Gordon Getty, a philanthropist from the oil tycoon family, <a href="https://netfile.com/Connect2/api/public/image/211826635">donated $10,000</a> to the committee in June, according to disclosure documents. All individuals who donate&nbsp;$10,000 or more&nbsp;are considered major donors and are required to file a separate disclosure form.

According to San Francisco Ethics Commission <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">data</a>, 73% of the donations to Lurie’s committee last year were from San Francisco donors, and 98% were from California donors.

According to San Francisco Ethics Commission <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">data</a>, 73% of the donations to Lurie’s committee last year were from San Francisco donors, and 98% were from California donors.

The only other major independent committee in the race is Breed’s&nbsp;—&nbsp;backed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a> —&nbsp;which has raised about $700,000.

Crypto billionaire Chris Larsen showers cash on London Breed—and scorn on her foes

The only other major independent committee in the race is Breed’s&nbsp;—&nbsp;backed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a> —&nbsp;which has raised about $700,000.

Search Results for: chris larsen

Silicon Valley wants to ban Chinese drones while ‘covering’ San Francisco in their own

San Francisco police cancel up to $5.4M contract with troubled nonprofit SF SAFE

Lurie backers launch new nonprofit to funnel private dollars into downtown SF

Voters reject Prop. B, measure to fund San Francisco cops through tax

Daniel Lurie’s bid for mayor fueled by ultra-wealthy elites — including himself