Han Li

On a chilly January morning in the Tenderloin, Matt Haney decided to get some early exercise. In a dress shirt and jeans—and in front of Chinese media cameras—the district supervisor<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUilMYx9dEE&amp;t=412s"> waved his arms and moved around with a dozen Chinese American seniors</a> before chatting with them.

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On a chilly January morning in the Tenderloin, Matt Haney decided to get some early exercise. In a dress shirt and jeans—and in front of Chinese media cameras—the district supervisor<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUilMYx9dEE&amp;t=412s"> waved his arms and moved around with a dozen Chinese American seniors</a> before chatting with them.

Haney, who is facing David Campos in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/election-season-kickoff-the-race-for-sfs-assembly-district-17/">San Francisco’s state Assembly runoff election</a> for District 17, knows the importance of a healthy daily routine. But this is campaign season, and both candidates have acknowledged that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) will likely determine who wins.

Haney, who is facing David Campos in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/election-season-kickoff-the-race-for-sfs-assembly-district-17/">San Francisco’s state Assembly runoff election</a> for District 17, knows the importance of a healthy daily routine. But this is campaign season, and both candidates have acknowledged that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) will likely determine who wins.

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<figure class="wp-block-video aligncenter"><video autoplay controls loop src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Haney1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption>Supervisor Matt Haney exercises with Chinese seniors in mid-January, 2022. | Video Courtesy of Sing Tao Daily</figcaption></figure>

“From day one on this campaign, we made reaching Chinese residents a focus,” Haney said after narrowly winning the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/state-assembly-race-could-crown-new-top-dogs-of-sf-politics/">special election primary</a> in February. Haney finished on top of the four-person field with 36.4% of the votes, while Campos followed closely behind at 35.7%.

“From day one on this campaign, we made reaching Chinese residents a focus,” Haney said after narrowly winning the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/state-assembly-race-could-crown-new-top-dogs-of-sf-politics/">special election primary</a> in February. Haney finished on top of the four-person field with 36.4% of the votes, while Campos followed closely behind at 35.7%.

David Chiu’s decision to vacate the AD 17 seat after Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/assemblymember-david-chiu-named-san-francisco-city-attorney/">appointed him to become city attorney</a> created the election, which will give the winner the job only through the end of this year. Since there is no Chinese American candidate in the race, the large pool of Asian American voters on the east side of the city, including people in Chinatown, Portola and Visitacion Valley, are being seen as up for grabs.

David Chiu’s decision to vacate the AD 17 seat after Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/assemblymember-david-chiu-named-san-francisco-city-attorney/">appointed him to become city attorney</a> created the election, which will give the winner the job only through the end of this year. Since there is no Chinese American candidate in the race, the large pool of Asian American voters on the east side of the city, including people in Chinatown, Portola and Visitacion Valley, are being seen as up for grabs.

Asian Americans are playing an increasingly large role in elections across the country. Various factors have made the community more engaged, but the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/atlanta-spa-shootings-asian-american-women-sf-rally-on-national-day-of-remembrance/">Stop Asian Hate movement</a> seems to have triggered many people who were fed up with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/san-francisco-response-to-anti-asian-violence/">rise in hate crimes</a> during the pandemic.

Asian Americans are playing an increasingly large role in elections across the country. Various factors have made the community more engaged, but the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/atlanta-spa-shootings-asian-american-women-sf-rally-on-national-day-of-remembrance/">Stop Asian Hate movement</a> seems to have triggered many people who were fed up with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/san-francisco-response-to-anti-asian-violence/">rise in hate crimes</a> during the pandemic.

Like Haney, Campos, who previously ran for the AD 17 seat and lost to Chiu in 2014, has focused much of this campaign courting Asian American votes. As an immigrant born and raised in Guatemala, Campos said he has deep ties with many voters who are first or second-generation immigrants.

Like Haney, Campos, who previously ran for the AD 17 seat and lost to Chiu in 2014, has focused much of this campaign courting Asian American votes. As an immigrant born and raised in Guatemala, Campos said he has deep ties with many voters who are first or second-generation immigrants.

“I have a special connection to the AAPI community,” Campos said, adding that his experience as an immigrant and person of color makes him better equipped to understand many Asian Americans’ experiences with racism and discrimination. Campos’ <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/supervisor-david-campos-marries-his-longtime-partner/">husband, Phil Hwang, is Korean American</a>, so the challenges faced by Asian Americans are “personal” to him.

“I have a special connection to the AAPI community,” Campos said, adding that his experience as an immigrant and person of color makes him better equipped to understand many Asian Americans’ experiences with racism and discrimination. Campos’ <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/supervisor-david-campos-marries-his-longtime-partner/">husband, Phil Hwang, is Korean American</a>, so the challenges faced by Asian Americans are “personal” to him.

Former and current Chinese American elected officials back David Campos for AD 17 race. | Photo Courtesy of Campos Campaign

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FEcMYw9VQAA5LSZ.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-43919"/><figcaption>Former and current Chinese American elected officials are backing David Campos in the AD 17 race. | Photo Courtesy of Campos Campaign</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FEcMYw9VQAA5LSZ.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-43919"/><figcaption>Former and current Chinese American elected officials are backing David Campos in the AD 17 race. | Photo Courtesy of Campos Campaign</figcaption></figure>

Campos, a former supervisor who is currently on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/david-campos-takes-leave-of-absence-from-district-attorneys-office/">leave from his job</a> as chief to staff of District Attorney Chesa Boudin, has lined up an impressive <a href="https://www.ktsf.com/2021/11/18/david-campos-runs-for-state-seat/">list of endorsements from Chinese American leaders</a>. Both of San Francisco’s current Chinese American supervisors, Connie Chan and Gordon Mar, as well as two recently retired Chinese American supervisors, Sandra Lee Fewer and Norman Yee, are all standing behind Campos in the race. Phil Ting, the city’s other assemblymember who represents the western half of San Francisco, is also backing Campos.

Campos, a former supervisor who is currently on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/david-campos-takes-leave-of-absence-from-district-attorneys-office/">leave from his job</a> as chief to staff of District Attorney Chesa Boudin, has lined up an impressive <a href="https://www.ktsf.com/2021/11/18/david-campos-runs-for-state-seat/">list of endorsements from Chinese American leaders</a>. Both of San Francisco’s current Chinese American supervisors, Connie Chan and Gordon Mar, as well as two recently retired Chinese American supervisors, Sandra Lee Fewer and Norman Yee, are all standing behind Campos in the race. Phil Ting, the city’s other assemblymember who represents the western half of San Francisco, is also backing Campos.

However, Asian American voters’ preferences don’t always align with their representatives, as seen with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/asian-community-activists-mobilize-to-support-school-board-recall-but-elected-officials-are-not-on-their-side/">recent school board recall</a>.&nbsp;

However, Asian American voters’ preferences don’t always align with their representatives, as seen with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall/asian-community-activists-mobilize-to-support-school-board-recall-but-elected-officials-are-not-on-their-side/">recent school board recall</a>.&nbsp;

Haney, who <a href="https://windnewspaper.com/article/supervisor-matt-haney-announces-in-chinatown-running-for-state-assembly-district-17">announced his candidacy in Chinatown</a>, fundraised in Chinatown and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-dqZ581wO0&amp;t=544s">cast his vote in Chinatown with a parade of Chinese seniors</a>, got the most Asian American votes in February’s primary election. Many precincts with large Chinese populations, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/hover-over-our-interactive-maps-to-see-how-each-precinct-voted-in-the-special-election/">Chinatown</a>, turned out for Haney, even though that district’s supervisor, Aaron Peskin, is on Campos’ side. According to the <a href="https://electionmapsf.com/correlations/#">Election Map SF</a>, precincts with higher percentages of Asian American voters are showing more support for Haney.

Haney, who <a href="https://windnewspaper.com/article/supervisor-matt-haney-announces-in-chinatown-running-for-state-assembly-district-17">announced his candidacy in Chinatown</a>, fundraised in Chinatown and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-dqZ581wO0&amp;t=544s">cast his vote in Chinatown with a parade of Chinese seniors</a>, got the most Asian American votes in February’s primary election. Many precincts with large Chinese populations, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/hover-over-our-interactive-maps-to-see-how-each-precinct-voted-in-the-special-election/">Chinatown</a>, turned out for Haney, even though that district’s supervisor, Aaron Peskin, is on Campos’ side. According to the <a href="https://electionmapsf.com/correlations/#">Election Map SF</a>, precincts with higher percentages of Asian American voters are showing more support for Haney.

“We won in the Chinese community because Chinese voters want someone who has a track record of delivering results and fighting for them,” Haney said in a statement to The Standard.

“We won in the Chinese community because Chinese voters want someone who has a track record of delivering results and fighting for them,” Haney said in a statement to The Standard.

The poster of "API Leaders Fundraiser" for Matt Haney. | Courtesy Photo

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/256601017_413546643758127_3232006714734521355_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-43916"/><figcaption>Asian American community leaders in San Francisco are supporting Matt Haney, as this poster for an &#8220;API Leaders Fundraiser&#8221; attests. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/256601017_413546643758127_3232006714734521355_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-43916"/><figcaption>Asian American community leaders in San Francisco are supporting Matt Haney, as this poster for an "API Leaders Fundraiser" attests. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/256601017_413546643758127_3232006714734521355_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-43916"/><figcaption>Asian American community leaders in San Francisco are supporting Matt Haney, as this poster for an &#8220;API Leaders Fundraiser&#8221; attests. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

Despite not having a single local Asian American elected leader’s endorsement, Haney has received support from lots of city commissioners. A November fundraising event in Chinatown titled “API Leaders Fundraiser,” featured powerful Chinese community members as well as API Council director Cally Wong, Chinese Chamber of Commerce Vice President Donald Luu, Muni board member Sharon Lai, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Vanita Louie, Entertainment Commissioner Steven Lee, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Lydia So.

Despite not having a single local Asian American elected leader’s endorsement, Haney has received support from lots of city commissioners. A November fundraising event in Chinatown titled “API Leaders Fundraiser,” featured powerful Chinese community members as well as API Council director Cally Wong, Chinese Chamber of Commerce Vice President Donald Luu, Muni board member Sharon Lai, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Vanita Louie, Entertainment Commissioner Steven Lee, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Lydia So.

In San Francisco’s Chinese-speaking world, news coverage of Campos and Haney campaigning for Chinese votes is everywhere. On a rainy day, <a href="https://www.singtaousa.com/2021-12-13/%e5%b7%9e%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e8%a3%9c%e9%81%b8%e6%88%b0%e4%ba%8b%e8%bf%91%e7%94%98%e5%a4%a7%e7%82%ba%e8%b5%b0%e8%a8%aa%e8%88%8a%e8%a1%97%e5%9d%8a/3814478">Campos and Supervisor Chan participated in a merchant walk</a> on San Bruno Avenue, where they talked to Chinese business owners. A month later, <a href="https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121368/6037204">Haney and Police Commissioner Larry Yee</a> were handing out masks in the same area.

In San Francisco’s Chinese-speaking world, news coverage of Campos and Haney campaigning for Chinese votes is everywhere. On a rainy day, <a href="https://www.singtaousa.com/2021-12-13/%e5%b7%9e%e8%ad%b0%e5%93%a1%e8%a3%9c%e9%81%b8%e6%88%b0%e4%ba%8b%e8%bf%91%e7%94%98%e5%a4%a7%e7%82%ba%e8%b5%b0%e8%a8%aa%e8%88%8a%e8%a1%97%e5%9d%8a/3814478">Campos and Supervisor Chan participated in a merchant walk</a> on San Bruno Avenue, where they talked to Chinese business owners. A month later, <a href="https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121368/6037204">Haney and Police Commissioner Larry Yee</a> were handing out masks in the same area.

Voting has already started in the April 19 special election, with ballots landing in voters’ mailboxes this month. Both candidates have authentic Chinese names printed right next to their English names. Haney is a “馳馬,” which means “racing horse,” while Campos has “大為” to denote “big accomplishments.”

Voting has already started in the April 19 special election, with ballots landing in voters’ mailboxes this month. Both candidates have authentic Chinese names printed right next to their English names. Haney is a “馳馬,” which means “racing horse,” while Campos has “大為” to denote “big accomplishments.”

Both David Campos and Matt Haney have "authentic" Chinese names printed right next to their English names on the ballot. | Han Li

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FOf3mhcVUAE1MxN-2500x1485.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-43922"/><figcaption>Both David Campos and Matt Haney have &#8220;authentic&#8221; Chinese names printed right next to their English names on the ballot. | Han Li</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FOf3mhcVUAE1MxN-2500x1485.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-43922"/><figcaption>Both David Campos and Matt Haney have "authentic" Chinese names printed right next to their English names on the ballot. | Han Li</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FOf3mhcVUAE1MxN-2500x1485.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-43922"/><figcaption>Both David Campos and Matt Haney have &#8220;authentic&#8221; Chinese names printed right next to their English names on the ballot. | Han Li</figcaption></figure>

“I do think that the AAPI vote is the swing vote,” said Campos, who is confident that as the campaign progresses over the next three weeks, more Chinese votes will come in for him.

“I do think that the AAPI vote is the swing vote,” said Campos, who is confident that as the campaign progresses over the next three weeks, more Chinese votes will come in for him.

But Haney seems undeterred. His campaign’s polling suggests he has a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CocOwAt7eBNMg7CjO0i8PX3-2JUDVxA-/view?usp=sharing">big advantage in the Chinese community</a>, and the endorsement he received from Bilal Mahmood—a Pakistani American tech executive who finished third in the primary with <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/february-15-2022-election-results-summary">22% of the vote</a>—could be the bump that makes the major difference.

But Haney seems undeterred. His campaign’s polling suggests he has a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CocOwAt7eBNMg7CjO0i8PX3-2JUDVxA-/view?usp=sharing">big advantage in the Chinese community</a>, and the endorsement he received from Bilal Mahmood—a Pakistani American tech executive who finished third in the primary with <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/february-15-2022-election-results-summary">22% of the vote</a>—could be the bump that makes the major difference.

Campos, Haney see Asian American voters as key to victory in SF’s Assembly race

Editor’s Note: The story contains references to the ethnic group Roma or Romani using the word &#8220;gypsy,&#8221; which is a derogatory and racist term that Bay City News would not otherwise use. After discussion, the editors have decided that, in this context and for accuracy and the reader&#8217;s information, it was appropriate to include the term where it appears in the title of Ramona Mayon&#8217;s writing and in quoting an explanation from an organization that seeks to provide information about the culture and lore of the people.

Editor’s Note: The story contains references to the ethnic group Roma or Romani using the word "gypsy," which is a derogatory and racist term that Bay City News would not otherwise use. After discussion, the editors have decided that, in this context and for accuracy and the reader's information, it was appropriate to include the term where it appears in the title of Ramona Mayon's writing and in quoting an explanation from an organization that seeks to provide information about the culture and lore of the people.

Editor’s Note: The story contains references to the ethnic group Roma or Romani using the word &#8220;gypsy,&#8221; which is a derogatory and racist term that Bay City News would not otherwise use. After discussion, the editors have decided that, in this context and for accuracy and the reader&#8217;s information, it was appropriate to include the term where it appears in the title of Ramona Mayon&#8217;s writing and in quoting an explanation from an organization that seeks to provide information about the culture and lore of the people.

One night in March, while an extreme weather event exploded over San Francisco—a &#8220;bomb cyclone,&#8221; as the climatologists called it—Ramona Mayon was texting with a journalist.

One night in March, while an extreme weather event exploded over San Francisco—a "bomb cyclone," as the climatologists called it—Ramona Mayon was texting with a journalist.

One night in March, while an extreme weather event exploded over San Francisco—a &#8220;bomb cyclone,&#8221; as the climatologists called it—Ramona Mayon was texting with a journalist.

The journalist was in a warm and comfortable home office. Mayon was not.

The journalist was in a warm and comfortable home office. Mayon was not.

She texted from a broken-down RV under surveillance cameras and behind security fencing in the back of the former Candlestick Park. There was no electrical connection, and she was carefully watching the battery on the phone she had charged earlier in the day from a small solar panel.

She texted from a broken-down RV under surveillance cameras and behind security fencing in the back of the former Candlestick Park. There was no electrical connection, and she was carefully watching the battery on the phone she had charged earlier in the day from a small solar panel.

Her RV—a 27-foot Gulfstream that was also 27 years old—sat in a &#8220;safe parking&#8221; site that bore a name only a career bureaucrat could have produced: the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center.

Her RV—a 27-foot Gulfstream that was also 27 years old—sat in a "safe parking" site that bore a name only a career bureaucrat could have produced: the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center.

Her RV—a 27-foot Gulfstream that was also 27 years old—sat in a &#8220;safe parking&#8221; site that bore a name only a career bureaucrat could have produced: the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/stanford-professor-san-franciscos-most-impossible-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Professor Accepts One of San Francisco’s Most Impossible Jobs</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/stanford-professor-san-franciscos-most-impossible-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Professor Accepts One of San Francisco’s Most Impossible Jobs</a>

The center was located next to a federal Superfund site on land with a rich history of accommodating the unregulated disposal of industrial chemicals. The potential health impacts of the location would be concerning for anyone, but were especially so for Mayon.

The center was located next to a federal Superfund site on land with a rich history of accommodating the unregulated disposal of industrial chemicals. The potential health impacts of the location would be concerning for anyone, but were especially so for Mayon.

She came to the site with breast cancer, and it had now reached stage 4. She was receiving weekly hospice care, though she said the hospice wanted to drop her because she had outlived her doctor&#8217;s expectations.

She came to the site with breast cancer, and it had now reached stage 4. She was receiving weekly hospice care, though she said the hospice wanted to drop her because she had outlived her doctor's expectations.

She came to the site with breast cancer, and it had now reached stage 4. She was receiving weekly hospice care, though she said the hospice wanted to drop her because she had outlived her doctor&#8217;s expectations.

On this night, Mayon was one of the roughly 1,000 people living in their vehicles in San Francisco who were &#8220;experiencing homelessness,&#8221; as city officials called it.

On this night, Mayon was one of the roughly 1,000 people living in their vehicles in San Francisco who were "experiencing homelessness," as city officials called it.

On this night, Mayon was one of the roughly 1,000 people living in their vehicles in San Francisco who were &#8220;experiencing homelessness,&#8221; as city officials called it.

Mayon despised the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center—she called it an internment camp—and she had been trying desperately to get her RV repaired so she could leave—so she could escape—San Francisco and get someplace where she could die in peace.

Mayon despised the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center—she called it an internment camp—and she had been trying desperately to get her RV repaired so she could leave—so she could escape—San Francisco and get someplace where she could die in peace.

Yet for all the grimness of her circumstances, Mayon&#8217;s texts displayed an aggressive good humor and positivity that might have been taken as cheer but which were better read as purpose.

Yet for all the grimness of her circumstances, Mayon's texts displayed an aggressive good humor and positivity that might have been taken as cheer but which were better read as purpose.

Yet for all the grimness of her circumstances, Mayon&#8217;s texts displayed an aggressive good humor and positivity that might have been taken as cheer but which were better read as purpose.

She was telling a powerful story, one that explained how she came to be living—actually dying—in that vehicle triage center—and why San Francisco, self-described as the most accepting and generous big city in the country, was something very different if you were a person who lived in your vehicle.

She was telling a powerful story, one that explained how she came to be living—actually dying—in that vehicle triage center—and why San Francisco, self-described as the most accepting and generous big city in the country, was something very different if you were a person who lived in your vehicle.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ramona-the-traveller">Ramona the Traveller</h2>

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<h2 id="h-ramona-the-traveller">Ramona the Traveller</h2>

Ramona Mayon stands by her 27’ Gulfstream RV near Ocean Hwy in San Francisco Calif. on Aug. 9, 2022. The RV was to be towed across San Francisco to the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center, a “Safe Parking” facility. (Ramona
Mayon via Bay City News)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BCN-20230420-MANYON-03-1949x2500.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-158041"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ramona Mayon stands by her 27-foot Gulfstream RV near the Great Highway in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2022. The RV was to be towed across San Francisco to the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center, a “safe parking” facility. | Courtesy Ramona Mayon via Bay City News</figcaption></figure>

Mayon is 62, with abundant hair—a trifecta of blonde, white and gray—spilling long and straight over her jacket. With the cancer, she is frequently cold, and like any real San Franciscan, she dresses in layers. She has steely eyes, a long serious face and the steady noncommittal expression of a judge.

Mayon is 62, with abundant hair—a trifecta of blonde, white and gray—spilling long and straight over her jacket. With the cancer, she is frequently cold, and like any real San Franciscan, she dresses in layers. She has steely eyes, a long serious face and the steady noncommittal expression of a judge.

Mayon is litigious, not judicious—and definitely not shy and retiring.

Mayon is litigious, not judicious—and definitely not shy and retiring.

She describes herself as flamboyant. In May 2018, she managed to get herself registered with the Federal Election Commission as a candidate for president of the United States. It was political theater, of course, but if tomorrow she were miraculously awarded the post, she would already know the first three things she wanted to do.

She describes herself as flamboyant. In May 2018, she managed to get herself registered with the Federal Election Commission as a candidate for president of the United States. It was political theater, of course, but if tomorrow she were miraculously awarded the post, she would already know the first three things she wanted to do.

Mayon is not beholden to other people&#8217;s opinions. She has not lived a conventional life and doesn&#8217;t care what people think about it.

Mayon is not beholden to other people's opinions. She has not lived a conventional life and doesn't care what people think about it.

Mayon is not beholden to other people&#8217;s opinions. She has not lived a conventional life and doesn&#8217;t care what people think about it.

She was born in Louisiana in 1960. Her father was in the oil business, not a tycoon but a skilled pipeline engineer—she claims he is in the Pipeliners Hall of Fame—who worked on oil projects all over the world. Growing up, she traveled with her mother and father as he moved from job to job—most of the time in Europe, but there were stints in Latin America and the Middle East.

She was born in Louisiana in 1960. Her father was in the oil business, not a tycoon but a skilled pipeline engineer—she claims he is in the Pipeliners Hall of Fame—who worked on oil projects all over the world. Growing up, she traveled with her mother and father as he moved from job to job—most of the time in Europe, but there were stints in Latin America and the Middle East.

By the time she was 17, she had lived in 17 countries.

By the time she was 17, she had lived in 17 countries.

Her father&#8217;s family came from Scotland. They were &#8220;Travellers&#8221; (mostly spelled with two &#8220;ll&#8217;s&#8221;), a nomadic group not well known in the United States, but well known in many parts of Europe.

Her father's family came from Scotland. They were "Travellers" (mostly spelled with two "ll's"), a nomadic group not well known in the United States, but well known in many parts of Europe.

Her father&#8217;s family came from Scotland. They were &#8220;Travellers&#8221; (mostly spelled with two &#8220;ll&#8217;s&#8221;), a nomadic group not well known in the United States, but well known in many parts of Europe.

Travellers come from many backgrounds. According to the Gypsy Lore Society, self-described as &#8220;an international association of persons interested in Gypsy and Traveler Studies,&#8221; Travellers include &#8220;Cale, Hungarian-Slovak, Ludar, Rom, Romnichel or Sinti Gypsy or American (Roader), English, German, Irish or Scotch Traveler.&#8221;

Travellers come from many backgrounds. According to the Gypsy Lore Society, self-described as "an international association of persons interested in Gypsy and Traveler Studies," Travellers include "Cale, Hungarian-Slovak, Ludar, Rom, Romnichel or Sinti Gypsy or American (Roader), English, German, Irish or Scotch Traveler."

Travellers come from many backgrounds. According to the Gypsy Lore Society, self-described as &#8220;an international association of persons interested in Gypsy and Traveler Studies,&#8221; Travellers include &#8220;Cale, Hungarian-Slovak, Ludar, Rom, Romnichel or Sinti Gypsy or American (Roader), English, German, Irish or Scotch Traveler.&#8221;

Mayon&#8217;s ancestry, she says, is from the Scotch Traveller group.

Mayon's ancestry, she says, is from the Scotch Traveller group.

Mayon&#8217;s ancestry, she says, is from the Scotch Traveller group.

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The society writes that to come from this background &#8220;is something special, something to be treasured along with the language, customs, and cultural values embodied in a unique way of life.&#8221;

The society writes that to come from this background "is something special, something to be treasured along with the language, customs, and cultural values embodied in a unique way of life."

The society writes that to come from this background &#8220;is something special, something to be treasured along with the language, customs, and cultural values embodied in a unique way of life.&#8221;

A unique way of life, but not an easy one.

A unique way of life, but not an easy one.

Mayon is excruciatingly aware of that fact.

Mayon is excruciatingly aware of that fact.

In her 1,918-page work My Big Fat Book of Gypsy Traveller Lies, Hate &amp; Bigotry, published on the Academia research platform and directed to scholars, ethnographers, activists, lawyers and judges, Mayon collected more than half a million words spoken, written and texted about Travellers and the other nomadic groups that are frequently placed beneath that umbrella.

In her 1,918-page work My Big Fat Book of Gypsy Traveller Lies, Hate &amp; Bigotry, published on the Academia research platform and directed to scholars, ethnographers, activists, lawyers and judges, Mayon collected more than half a million words spoken, written and texted about Travellers and the other nomadic groups that are frequently placed beneath that umbrella.

Collected from November 2011 through April 2012, Mayon calls her work &#8220;an exhaustive archive of hate.&#8221;

Collected from November 2011 through April 2012, Mayon calls her work "an exhaustive archive of hate."

Collected from November 2011 through April 2012, Mayon calls her work &#8220;an exhaustive archive of hate.&#8221;

She describes it as &#8220;a quasi-scholarly attempt, to use the words of the &#8216;public&#8217; to show how the Settled (those in &#8216;real&#8217; houses) are committing [&#8230;] a planned campaign of persecution [&#8230;] against an ethnic group, the Nomadic group.&#8221;

She describes it as "a quasi-scholarly attempt, to use the words of the 'public' to show how the Settled (those in 'real' houses) are committing [...] a planned campaign of persecution [...] against an ethnic group, the Nomadic group."

She describes it as &#8220;a quasi-scholarly attempt, to use the words of the &#8216;public&#8217; to show how the Settled (those in &#8216;real&#8217; houses) are committing [&#8230;] a planned campaign of persecution [&#8230;] against an ethnic group, the Nomadic group.&#8221;

Mayon doesn&#8217;t claim to be a scholar of the traditional sort, but she has written and self-published half a dozen works that she sells on Amazon. All of the books deal with her life and learning as a nomad; many deal with the problems she has encountered living in the world of the people she calls &#8220;Settled.&#8221;

Mayon doesn't claim to be a scholar of the traditional sort, but she has written and self-published half a dozen works that she sells on Amazon. All of the books deal with her life and learning as a nomad; many deal with the problems she has encountered living in the world of the people she calls "Settled."

Mayon doesn&#8217;t claim to be a scholar of the traditional sort, but she has written and self-published half a dozen works that she sells on Amazon. All of the books deal with her life and learning as a nomad; many deal with the problems she has encountered living in the world of the people she calls &#8220;Settled.&#8221;

She is highly literate, but her schooling was not conventional. Her father made a good income, and she sometimes had tutors in Europe as the family traveled. Other times, she went to schools on American military bases. She learned enough while bouncing around Europe to get a GED diploma in the States. Then, she had a few years of community college in Houston, studying first psychology, then ceramics, before leaving to study midwifery. It was a hodge-podge.

She is highly literate, but her schooling was not conventional. Her father made a good income, and she sometimes had tutors in Europe as the family traveled. Other times, she went to schools on American military bases. She learned enough while bouncing around Europe to get a GED diploma in the States. Then, she had a few years of community college in Houston, studying first psychology, then ceramics, before leaving to study midwifery. It was a hodge-podge.

But Mayon&#8217;s research and study never ended.

But Mayon's research and study never ended.

But Mayon&#8217;s research and study never ended.

In part out of necessity, she came to love the study of law—she claims to read Supreme Court briefs for relaxation—and has spent thousands of hours schooling herself on the American legal system, where Mayon has fought, and sometimes—she would say frequently—come out on top in a lifetime&#8217;s worth of battles with the Settled.

In part out of necessity, she came to love the study of law—she claims to read Supreme Court briefs for relaxation—and has spent thousands of hours schooling herself on the American legal system, where Mayon has fought, and sometimes—she would say frequently—come out on top in a lifetime's worth of battles with the Settled.

In part out of necessity, she came to love the study of law—she claims to read Supreme Court briefs for relaxation—and has spent thousands of hours schooling herself on the American legal system, where Mayon has fought, and sometimes—she would say frequently—come out on top in a lifetime&#8217;s worth of battles with the Settled.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-thin-line-between-love-and-haight">A Thin Line Between Love and Haight</h2>

<h2 id="h-a-thin-line-between-love-and-haight">A Thin Line Between Love and Haight</h2>

The problem, she says, was the hippies.

In the long-ago days before the internet, the nation&#8217;s youth were slow to get the message that the Summer of Love ended in 1967.

In the long-ago days before the internet, the nation's youth were slow to get the message that the Summer of Love ended in 1967.

In the long-ago days before the internet, the nation&#8217;s youth were slow to get the message that the Summer of Love ended in 1967.

In the years that immediately followed, long-hairs and self-declared freaks kept coming to San Francisco from all over the country. They traveled any way they could—by plane, by car, by thumb and especially by bus. Greyhound was cool, but what was particularly cool was to arrive in a converted school bus, painted with Day-Glo, fresh from an epic adventure across the United States.

In the years that immediately followed, long-hairs and self-declared freaks kept coming to San Francisco from all over the country. They traveled any way they could—by plane, by car, by thumb and especially by bus. Greyhound was cool, but what was particularly cool was to arrive in a converted school bus, painted with Day-Glo, fresh from an epic adventure across the United States.

Those hippie buses, stuffed with tie-dye, headbands, furry boas, hash pipes and speakers booming music inside and out, all headed to the same place: the roughly eight-block stretch of psychedelia called The Haight.

Those hippie buses, stuffed with tie-dye, headbands, furry boas, hash pipes and speakers booming music inside and out, all headed to the same place: the roughly eight-block stretch of psychedelia called The Haight.

There was one immediate problem: where to park?

There was one immediate problem: where to park?

San Francisco was no bigger in those days, still a 7-by-7-mile fist at the end of the Peninsula&#8217;s forearm. The streets were no bigger, and while the city was not as dense and riddled with cars as today, it was still dense and riddled with cars.

San Francisco was no bigger in those days, still a 7-by-7-mile fist at the end of the Peninsula's forearm. The streets were no bigger, and while the city was not as dense and riddled with cars as today, it was still dense and riddled with cars.

San Francisco was no bigger in those days, still a 7-by-7-mile fist at the end of the Peninsula&#8217;s forearm. The streets were no bigger, and while the city was not as dense and riddled with cars as today, it was still dense and riddled with cars.

You could squeeze in a few buses, dozens maybe, but no way could the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood absorb the incoming hundreds, maybe thousands, of painted Blue Bird school buses, much less the converted milk trucks, post office step vans, Ford Econolines and VW buses that arrived every day.

You could squeeze in a few buses, dozens maybe, but no way could the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood absorb the incoming hundreds, maybe thousands, of painted Blue Bird school buses, much less the converted milk trucks, post office step vans, Ford Econolines and VW buses that arrived every day.

Fortunately, there was a solution. The Haight dead-ended at Golden Gate Park; Hippie Hill was the finish line of the hippie westward migration. There was plenty of parking on the streets in the park.

Fortunately, there was a solution. The Haight dead-ended at Golden Gate Park; Hippie Hill was the finish line of the hippie westward migration. There was plenty of parking on the streets in the park.

But not everyone in San Francisco was enthralled with the idea that the city&#8217;s jewel box should become a place to store the nation&#8217;s dilapidated school buses, particularly when so many of them were full of weird kids living without bathrooms, without running water and with the most crude arrangements for cooking.

But not everyone in San Francisco was enthralled with the idea that the city's jewel box should become a place to store the nation's dilapidated school buses, particularly when so many of them were full of weird kids living without bathrooms, without running water and with the most crude arrangements for cooking.

But not everyone in San Francisco was enthralled with the idea that the city&#8217;s jewel box should become a place to store the nation&#8217;s dilapidated school buses, particularly when so many of them were full of weird kids living without bathrooms, without running water and with the most crude arrangements for cooking.

Something had to be done, and San Francisco Ordinance 77-71—passed by the Board of Supervisors on April 2, 1971—and codified in Section 97 of the city&#8217;s police code, was the solution.

Something had to be done, and San Francisco Ordinance 77-71—passed by the Board of Supervisors on April 2, 1971—and codified in Section 97 of the city's police code, was the solution.

Something had to be done, and San Francisco Ordinance 77-71—passed by the Board of Supervisors on April 2, 1971—and codified in Section 97 of the city&#8217;s police code, was the solution.

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On its face, the ordinance was straightforward: Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., no person shall use or occupy any &#8220;house car, camper or trailer coach for human habitation&#8221; on any &#8220;street, park, beach, square, avenue, alley or public way&#8221; within the city of San Francisco.

On its face, the ordinance was straightforward: Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., no person shall use or occupy any "house car, camper or trailer coach for human habitation" on any "street, park, beach, square, avenue, alley or public way" within the city of San Francisco.

On its face, the ordinance was straightforward: Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., no person shall use or occupy any &#8220;house car, camper or trailer coach for human habitation&#8221; on any &#8220;street, park, beach, square, avenue, alley or public way&#8221; within the city of San Francisco.

The ordinance added a few details that made clear that the quaint term &#8220;house car&#8221; included RVs, buses and vans, and that &#8220;human habitation&#8221; included &#8220;sleeping, eating or resting,&#8221; regardless of whether those acts were performed &#8220;singly or in groups.&#8221;

The ordinance added a few details that made clear that the quaint term "house car" included RVs, buses and vans, and that "human habitation" included "sleeping, eating or resting," regardless of whether those acts were performed "singly or in groups."

The ordinance added a few details that made clear that the quaint term &#8220;house car&#8221; included RVs, buses and vans, and that &#8220;human habitation&#8221; included &#8220;sleeping, eating or resting,&#8221; regardless of whether those acts were performed &#8220;singly or in groups.&#8221;

The ordinance also spelled out consequences: a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months or both.

The ordinance also spelled out consequences: a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months or both.

But despite being straightforward, it was hard to put your finger on exactly what problem the ordinance was getting at. It wasn&#8217;t parking; the law didn&#8217;t forbid parking an empty hippie bus at night. It wasn&#8217;t sleeping in a bus; that apparently was also fine—except at night, when most people slept.

But despite being straightforward, it was hard to put your finger on exactly what problem the ordinance was getting at. It wasn't parking; the law didn't forbid parking an empty hippie bus at night. It wasn't sleeping in a bus; that apparently was also fine—except at night, when most people slept.

But despite being straightforward, it was hard to put your finger on exactly what problem the ordinance was getting at. It wasn&#8217;t parking; the law didn&#8217;t forbid parking an empty hippie bus at night. It wasn&#8217;t sleeping in a bus; that apparently was also fine—except at night, when most people slept.

The real crime was the troublesome—heretical—act of living in a vehicle, rather than having what the law calls a &#8220;fixed place of abode.&#8221;

The real crime was the troublesome—heretical—act of living in a vehicle, rather than having what the law calls a "fixed place of abode."

The real crime was the troublesome—heretical—act of living in a vehicle, rather than having what the law calls a &#8220;fixed place of abode.&#8221;

Mayon says it more directly: Ordinance 77-71 was then and remains today a law that allows the city to treat those who live in vehicles as criminals. Because. &#8230; Just because.

Mayon says it more directly: Ordinance 77-71 was then and remains today a law that allows the city to treat those who live in vehicles as criminals. Because. ... Just because.

Mayon says it more directly: Ordinance 77-71 was then and remains today a law that allows the city to treat those who live in vehicles as criminals. Because. &#8230; Just because.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-nomadic-life">A Nomadic Life</h2>

<h2 id="h-a-nomadic-life">A Nomadic Life</h2>

A 32-foot Blue Bird school bus in an undated photo that Greg and Ramona Mayon salvaged from a Louisiana swamp and later painted black because they were not allowed to keep it yellow. | Ramona Mayon via Bay City News

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BCN-20230420-MANYON-19.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-158074"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greg and Ramona Mayon salvaged a 32-foot Blue Bird school bus, seen in an undated photo, from a Louisiana swamp and later painted it black because they were not allowed to keep it yellow. | Courtesy Ramona Mayon via Bay City News</figcaption></figure>

Ramona Mayon came to San Francisco to get married. She had been living out of a purple convertible Cadillac with a pack of kids and two animals that she says were not dogs but actually wolves, staying in campgrounds throughout the South when she met Greg Mayon. He was a sometimes tugboat captain, sometimes oil patch roughneck who drank a lot.

Ramona Mayon came to San Francisco to get married. She had been living out of a purple convertible Cadillac with a pack of kids and two animals that she says were not dogs but actually wolves, staying in campgrounds throughout the South when she met Greg Mayon. He was a sometimes tugboat captain, sometimes oil patch roughneck who drank a lot.

They connected, even though Greg came from a world where people sleep in beds located in rooms with walls and a roof.

They connected, even though Greg came from a world where people sleep in beds located in rooms with walls and a roof.

They left Louisiana in August 1996, 20 years after hippies first made the pilgrimage to San Francisco to hear Quicksilver and the Dead and the Airplane. But some of those old ideals died hard.

They left Louisiana in August 1996, 20 years after hippies first made the pilgrimage to San Francisco to hear Quicksilver and the Dead and the Airplane. But some of those old ideals died hard.

Greg had been to Woodstock and thought getting married in Golden Gate Park would be the perfect way to celebrate their profound bond.

Greg had been to Woodstock and thought getting married in Golden Gate Park would be the perfect way to celebrate their profound bond.

Ramona was no hippie—she had a conservative, self-reliant, badass streak and saw herself more as an outlaw than a peace-and-love type—but she went along with the idea because Greg had made the ultimate gesture of love: He had agreed to leave the world of the Settled and join her nomadic lifestyle. It was the only way their relationship could have worked; she would never have gone back to what Travellers refer to as &#8220;box living.&#8221;

Ramona was no hippie—she had a conservative, self-reliant, badass streak and saw herself more as an outlaw than a peace-and-love type—but she went along with the idea because Greg had made the ultimate gesture of love: He had agreed to leave the world of the Settled and join her nomadic lifestyle. It was the only way their relationship could have worked; she would never have gone back to what Travellers refer to as "box living."

Ramona was no hippie—she had a conservative, self-reliant, badass streak and saw herself more as an outlaw than a peace-and-love type—but she went along with the idea because Greg had made the ultimate gesture of love: He had agreed to leave the world of the Settled and join her nomadic lifestyle. It was the only way their relationship could have worked; she would never have gone back to what Travellers refer to as &#8220;box living.&#8221;

She was also very interested in the rumored possibility that San Francisco would legalize marijuana for those with medical needs—she had a powerful need in the form of major migraine headaches. That rumor that came true on Nov. 5, 1996, when the state&#8217;s voters approved Proposition 215.

She was also very interested in the rumored possibility that San Francisco would legalize marijuana for those with medical needs—she had a powerful need in the form of major migraine headaches. That rumor that came true on Nov. 5, 1996, when the state's voters approved Proposition 215.

She was also very interested in the rumored possibility that San Francisco would legalize marijuana for those with medical needs—she had a powerful need in the form of major migraine headaches. That rumor that came true on Nov. 5, 1996, when the state&#8217;s voters approved Proposition 215.

Ramona and Greg each brought plenty of baggage to the marriage.

Ramona and Greg each brought plenty of baggage to the marriage.

He&#8217;d been a hard-living drinker and wasn&#8217;t keen to quit.

He'd been a hard-living drinker and wasn't keen to quit.

He&#8217;d been a hard-living drinker and wasn&#8217;t keen to quit.

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In San Francisco and across California, people with severe mental illness languish untreated in jails, hospitals

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