Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

You would be forgiven for thinking billionaires Bill Oberndorf, the national Republican benefactor, and Michael Moritz, the venture capitalist and chairman of The Standard, are always at odds with Mayor London Breed.

core/paragraph

<p>You would be forgiven for thinking billionaires Bill Oberndorf, the national Republican benefactor, and Michael Moritz, the venture capitalist and chairman of The Standard, are always at odds with Mayor London Breed.</p>

After all, Oberndorf and Moritz were among the four biggest individual spenders in the November election, and that money went squarely against Breed’s candidacy. As recently as last year, however, the trio were allied, considering policy they thought would move the city forward.

<p>After all, Oberndorf and Moritz were among the four biggest individual spenders in the November election, and that money went squarely against Breed’s candidacy. As recently as last year, however, the trio were allied, considering policy they thought would move the city forward.</p>

It was during an early 2023 meeting at Oberndorf’s office on Front Street, overlooking grassy, dog-friendly Sydney G. Walton Square, that Breed began to lose them.

<p>It was during an early 2023 meeting at Oberndorf’s office on Front Street, overlooking grassy, dog-friendly Sydney G. Walton Square, that Breed began to lose them.</p>

The men were hot to reform San Francisco’s charter to give the mayor’s office more executive authority, particularly over commissions that were “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/23/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">driving her nuts</a>,” one attendee recalled. They would spend big to back such a measure at the ballot.

What’s really behind the mayor’s spat with her appointee? Influence over SFPD’s future leadership

<p>The men were hot to reform San Francisco’s charter to give the mayor’s office more executive authority, particularly over commissions that were “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/23/whats-really-behind-the-mayors-spat-with-her-appointee-influence-over-sfpds-future-leadership/">driving her nuts</a>,” one attendee recalled. They would spend big to back such a measure at the ballot.</p>

Breed wasn’t so sure. She suggested a smaller change, asking Oberndorf and Moritz to fund a tweak to city rules that would allow her to more easily declare a state of emergency. This would enable her to bypass byzantine rules to quickly address matters such as the fentanyl crisis.

<p>Breed wasn’t so sure. She suggested a smaller change, asking Oberndorf and Moritz to fund a tweak to city rules that would allow her to more easily declare a state of emergency. This would enable her to bypass byzantine rules to quickly address matters such as the fentanyl crisis.</p>

The billionaires didn’t think this would be enough to effect significant change in the mayor’s authority, one insider recalled. Breed said she’d stew on alternatives. It took weeks of cajoling to get her to follow up. It became a turning point.

<p>The billionaires didn’t think this would be enough to effect significant change in the mayor’s authority, one insider recalled. Breed said she’d stew on alternatives. It took weeks of cajoling to get her to follow up. It became a turning point.</p>

“I do like her. I don’t bear her animosity,” Moritz told The Standard. But, he said, “we expected her to come with more concrete ideas.”

<p>“I do like her. I don’t bear her animosity,” Moritz told The Standard. But, he said, “we expected her to come with more concrete ideas.”</p>

Oberndorf and Moritz began to drift from her, an insider said. His own shift was “gradual,” Moritz recalled — but Breed’s lack of follow-through from the meeting played a role.

<p>Oberndorf and Moritz began to drift from her, an insider said. His own shift was “gradual,” Moritz recalled — but Breed’s lack of follow-through from the meeting played a role.</p>

Breed concedes mayor’s race as frustrated voters seek change

sf-standard/related-post

Photos: London Breed’s rise and fall in San Francisco politics

sf-standard/related-posts-container

To explain Breed’s reelection loss last week to Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, a man with no governmental experience, observers are pointing to one of the mayor’s foundational mistakes: She mismanaged political relationships, to her detriment.

<p>To explain Breed’s reelection loss last week to Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, a man with no governmental experience, observers are pointing to one of the mayor’s foundational mistakes: She mismanaged political relationships, to her detriment.</p>

Political relationships are ineffable, unmeasurable things that can have effable, measurable consequences. Breed’s failure to cultivate Oberndorf and Moritz led them to spend a collective $4.3 million to back candidate Mark Farrell and Proposition D, a government reform initiative that had roots in last year’s discussions between the three.

<p>Political relationships are ineffable, unmeasurable things that can have effable, measurable consequences. Breed’s failure to cultivate Oberndorf and Moritz led them to spend a collective $4.3 million to back candidate Mark Farrell and Proposition D, a government reform initiative that had roots in last year’s discussions between the three.</p>

Farrell and Prop. D both failed. But the groups spending that money, TogetherSF and Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, initially had their proverbial cannons loaded to help Breed. As one insider told it, it was easy to imagine a scenario in which Breed redirected those power players toward large-scale changes that would benefit her.

<p>Farrell and Prop. D both failed. But the groups spending that money, TogetherSF and Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, initially had their proverbial cannons loaded to help Breed. As one insider told it, it was easy to imagine a scenario in which Breed redirected those power players toward large-scale changes that would benefit her.</p>

“I truly believe if she had played it differently, that she could&#8217;ve kept them inside the tent,” one source said.

<p>“I truly believe if she had played it differently, that she could've kept them inside the tent,” one source said.</p>

<p>“I truly believe if she had played it differently, that she could&#8217;ve kept them inside the tent,” one source said.</p>

And it’s not just the billionaires who fled the circus.

<p>And it’s not just the billionaires who fled the circus.</p>

Entities who backed Breed in her inaugural mayoral run, in 2018, either changed allegiances or were conspicuously absent this election: key unions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/18/san-francisco-mayor-firefighters-endorsement/">like SF Fire Fighters Local 798</a>, the building trades, and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association; campaign experts; influential Chinese community groups; wealthy and grassroots donors; and major endorsers.

Mayoral candidates court the hottest endorsement in town: firefighters

<p>Entities who backed Breed in her inaugural mayoral run, in 2018, either changed allegiances or were conspicuously absent this election: key unions <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/18/san-francisco-mayor-firefighters-endorsement/">like SF Fire Fighters Local 798</a>, the building trades, and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association; campaign experts; influential Chinese community groups; wealthy and grassroots donors; and major endorsers.</p>

Mayor London Breed greets a SFFD firefighter in front of The Castro Theater on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Mayoral candidates visited busy pedestrian areas in San Francisco on Election Day, hoping to turn out more voters in a tight race to win the city election.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11042024-cityhallmayorvotes_manuel-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a bright blue suit is shaking hands with a man in a navy blue hoodie and cap. They are standing outside a building with decorative tiles." class="wp-image-328563"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Breed greets a San Francisco firefighter on Election Day in front of the Castro Theater. She lost support of the firefighters&#8217; union in her reelection bid.</figcaption></figure>


core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11042024-cityhallmayorvotes_manuel-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a bright blue suit is shaking hands with a man in a navy blue hoodie and cap. They are standing outside a building with decorative tiles." class="wp-image-328563"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Breed greets a San Francisco firefighter on Election Day in front of the Castro Theater. She lost support of the firefighters' union in her reelection bid.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11042024-cityhallmayorvotes_manuel-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a bright blue suit is shaking hands with a man in a navy blue hoodie and cap. They are standing outside a building with decorative tiles." class="wp-image-328563"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Breed greets a San Francisco firefighter on Election Day in front of the Castro Theater. She lost support of the firefighters&#8217; union in her reelection bid.</figcaption></figure>

This is the backbone of the moderate coalition, a loose collection of power players in public safety, housing construction, and transportation improvement. Throughout this election season, insiders talked of a moderate Democrat “divorce” as they split allegiance among Breed, Farrell, and Lurie.

<p>This is the backbone of the moderate coalition, a loose collection of power players in public safety, housing construction, and transportation improvement. Throughout this election season, insiders talked of a moderate Democrat “divorce” as they split allegiance among Breed, Farrell, and Lurie.</p>

The mayor is the de facto leader of this coalition, and much of its cohesion — the glue — is found in the relationships cultivated by leadership. The coalition’s fracture may spell trouble for Lurie, too, as these allies have the ability to help San Francisco defend itself <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">against dual threats</a>: President-elect Donald Trump and the city’s anticipated $800 million budget deficit.

Congrats, Daniel Lurie. Your new job is going to suck

<p>The mayor is the de facto leader of this coalition, and much of its cohesion — the glue — is found in the relationships cultivated by leadership. The coalition’s fracture may spell trouble for Lurie, too, as these allies have the ability to help San Francisco defend itself <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">against dual threats</a>: President-elect Donald Trump and the city’s anticipated $800 million budget deficit.</p>

Insiders told The Standard that Breed had accepted their donations years ago, then froze them out and opened up lines of communication again this year only to solicit donations for her reelection. By contrast, some local politicians host policy summits for financial backers to weigh in on key issues, from fentanyl to downtown’s economic recovery — so the donor “feels like they aren’t just a blank checkbook,” one insider said.

<p>Insiders told The Standard that Breed had accepted their donations years ago, then froze them out and opened up lines of communication again this year only to solicit donations for her reelection. By contrast, some local politicians host policy summits for financial backers to weigh in on key issues, from fentanyl to downtown’s economic recovery — so the donor “feels like they aren’t just a blank checkbook,” one insider said.</p>

“That’s fucking smart politics,” the source added. “They become your army. She didn’t have an army.”

<p>“That’s fucking smart politics,” the source added. “They become your army. She didn’t have an army.”</p>

Maintaining relationships can be far simpler. Mayors will have lunch with key supporters or text them on special occasions. When advised to do more “little things” to keep allies happy, Breed would often say she was too busy.

<p>Maintaining relationships can be far simpler. Mayors will have lunch with key supporters or text them on special occasions. When advised to do more “little things” to keep allies happy, Breed would often say she was too busy.</p>

Political consultant Dave Ho, who said he enjoys a positive relationship with Breed, recalled the late Mayor Ed Lee frequently touching base with members of his coalition.

<p>Political consultant Dave Ho, who said he enjoys a positive relationship with Breed, recalled the late Mayor Ed Lee frequently touching base with members of his coalition.</p>

“If you do something for the mayor, anything for the city as a civic responsibility, Ed Lee would have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with you, and you&#8217;d never get a call from London Breed,” Ho said. “It&#8217;s a governing style, right?”

<p>“If you do something for the mayor, anything for the city as a civic responsibility, Ed Lee would have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with you, and you'd never get a call from London Breed,” Ho said. “It's a governing style, right?”</p>

<p>“If you do something for the mayor, anything for the city as a civic responsibility, Ed Lee would have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with you, and you&#8217;d never get a call from London Breed,” Ho said. “It&#8217;s a governing style, right?”</p>

Daniel Lurie, left, chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, shares a laugh with then-San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and then-Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews during a press conference updating plans for the 2016 Super Bowl at the Kanbar Forum at the Exploratorium on June 5, 2014, in San Francisco. 


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GettyImages-1322057099.jpg?w=1024" alt="Daniel Lurie, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and two other men in suits share a lighthearted moment on stage for Super Bowl 50 preparations." class="wp-image-182491"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, left, shares a laugh in 2014 with Ed Lee, then SF mayor, and Jamie Matthews, then Santa Clara mayor.</figcaption></figure>


<p>The stories from insiders are numerous.</p>

One longtime union ally who was instrumental in Breed’s 2018 election told The Standard he was stunned to rarely hear from her after she won office.

<p>One longtime union ally who was instrumental in Breed’s 2018 election told The Standard he was stunned to rarely hear from her after she won office.</p>

“Six months into [Breed’s] administration, I got more texts from Gavin [Newsom] and Kamala [Harris] than from her,” the union ally said.

<p>“Six months into [Breed’s] administration, I got more texts from Gavin [Newsom] and Kamala [Harris] than from her,” the union ally said.</p>

An ally from a different part of Breed’s coalition once learned of a ballot measure affecting the group “in the newspaper,” instead of being allowed to weigh in early.

<p>An ally from a different part of Breed’s coalition once learned of a ballot measure affecting the group “in the newspaper,” instead of being allowed to weigh in early.</p>

The long, ugly feud that’s making the mayor’s race so nasty

Another insider who has worked on previous San Francisco mayoral campaigns remembered prepping in-depth information that would prove vital in Breed&#8217;s 2018 election. When Breed was set to review the copious findings in a meeting, she instead focused on something trivial: whether the three-hole punches in the research papers were aligned. She wouldn&#8217;t move on with the meeting, and refused to review the information that took hours to prepare.

<p>Another insider who has worked on previous San Francisco mayoral campaigns remembered prepping in-depth information that would prove vital in Breed's 2018 election. When Breed was set to review the copious findings in a meeting, she instead focused on something trivial: whether the three-hole punches in the research papers were aligned. She wouldn't move on with the meeting, and refused to review the information that took hours to prepare.</p>

<p>Another insider who has worked on previous San Francisco mayoral campaigns remembered prepping in-depth information that would prove vital in Breed&#8217;s 2018 election. When Breed was set to review the copious findings in a meeting, she instead focused on something trivial: whether the three-hole punches in the research papers were aligned. She wouldn&#8217;t move on with the meeting, and refused to review the information that took hours to prepare.</p>

It felt degrading, said the insider, who made sure to bring a three-hole punch to subsequent meetings and said the experience was one among many that left a bad taste in the mouth. This insider did not come back to help on Breed&#8217;s 2024 campaign.

<p>It felt degrading, said the insider, who made sure to bring a three-hole punch to subsequent meetings and said the experience was one among many that left a bad taste in the mouth. This insider did not come back to help on Breed's 2024 campaign.</p>

<p>It felt degrading, said the insider, who made sure to bring a three-hole punch to subsequent meetings and said the experience was one among many that left a bad taste in the mouth. This insider did not come back to help on Breed&#8217;s 2024 campaign.</p>

&#8220;When you blow through relationships the way she did, you don&#8217;t attract the best for the city and county,&#8221; the insider said.

<p>"When you blow through relationships the way she did, you don't attract the best for the city and county," the insider said.</p>

<p>&#8220;When you blow through relationships the way she did, you don&#8217;t attract the best for the city and county,&#8221; the insider said.</p>

Jane Natoli, SF organizing director for YIMBY Action, counts her group as among the last few standing in Breed’s coalition as she ran for reelection. YIMBY Action was well served by the mayor, Natoli said, and Breed is known as a charming, charismatic leader.

<p>Jane Natoli, SF organizing director for YIMBY Action, counts her group as among the last few standing in Breed’s coalition as she ran for reelection. YIMBY Action was well served by the mayor, Natoli said, and Breed is known as a charming, charismatic leader.</p>

Every insider echoed that sentiment: Breed rose to office on her unique political strengths.

<p>Every insider echoed that sentiment: Breed rose to office on her unique political strengths.</p>

Mayor London Breed addresses the crowd at the YIMBY Prom on Oct. 5. The Yes in My BackYard contingent is among her most steadfast supporters.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/img_3329.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor Breed in a puffy pink dress stands on a dance floor with blue lights and balloons spelling YIMBY in the background." class="wp-image-332838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Breed addresses the crowd Oct. 5 at the YIMBY Prom. The Yes in My Backyard contingent is among her most steadfast supporters.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/img_3329.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor Breed in a puffy pink dress stands on a dance floor with blue lights and balloons spelling YIMBY in the background." class="wp-image-332838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Breed addresses the crowd Oct. 5 at the YIMBY Prom. The Yes in My Backyard contingent is among her most steadfast supporters.</figcaption></figure>

She is commanding, and her swift decision-making is credited with saving lives during the pandemic. At a moment’s notice, she can be incredibly warm, easily wowing voters in small groups and at large rallies alike. And Breed knows how to translate her harrowing personal experiences into arguments for policy change — a quality that helped launch her political relationships in the first place.

<p>She is commanding, and her swift decision-making is credited with saving lives during the pandemic. At a moment’s notice, she can be incredibly warm, easily wowing voters in small groups and at large rallies alike. And Breed knows how to translate her harrowing personal experiences into arguments for policy change — a quality that helped launch her political relationships in the first place.</p>

Still, Natoli acknowledged that Breed failed to nurture the relationships necessary to keep the moderate coalition stitched together. And, she said, as groups like TogetherSF, Neighbors, GrowSF, and YIMBY Action diverged in their views and approaches to San Francisco’s myriad challenges, their leaders took harder stances that drove wedges between them.

<p>Still, Natoli acknowledged that Breed failed to nurture the relationships necessary to keep the moderate coalition stitched together. And, she said, as groups like TogetherSF, Neighbors, GrowSF, and YIMBY Action diverged in their views and approaches to San Francisco’s myriad challenges, their leaders took harder stances that drove wedges between them.</p>

“It&#8217;s going to take people time to process that and get over that,” Natoli said.

<p>“It's going to take people time to process that and get over that,” Natoli said.</p>

<p>“It&#8217;s going to take people time to process that and get over that,” Natoli said.</p>

Time is not on their side. The budget crisis is looming, and Trump poses an existential challenge to San Francisco’s values.

<p>Time is not on their side. The budget crisis is looming, and Trump poses an existential challenge to San Francisco’s values.</p>

<p>“Winter is coming,” Natoli said.</p>

Breed lost after burning bridges, leaving Daniel Lurie to put out flames

Kevin V. Nguyen

In San Francisco, even affordable housing can be unaffordable to those who most need it. Of the 66,000 extremely low-income households in the city, the Department of Disability and Aging Services estimates that roughly 80% spend more than a third of their income on rent.&nbsp;

<p>In San Francisco, even affordable housing can be unaffordable to those who most need it. Of the 66,000 extremely low-income households in the city, the Department of Disability and Aging Services estimates that roughly 80% spend more than a third of their income on rent.&nbsp;</p>

To reduce that burden, voters approved Proposition G, which creates a program paid for by the city&#8217;s general fund that would help cover the difference between what qualified residents can afford to pay in rent and what is charged by their landlords.

<p>To reduce that burden, voters approved Proposition G, which creates a program paid for by the city's general fund that would help cover the difference between what qualified residents can afford to pay in rent and what is charged by their landlords.</p>

<p>To reduce that burden, voters approved Proposition G, which creates a program paid for by the city&#8217;s general fund that would help cover the difference between what qualified residents can afford to pay in rent and what is charged by their landlords.</p>

Measure G: Subsidize housing for extremely low-income residents

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

The fund would only be available to extremely low-income households earning up to 35% of the area median income ($36,700 for a single person) and would be managed by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. Eligible disabled residents only have to earn up to 25% of area median income to qualify.&nbsp;

<p>The fund would only be available to extremely low-income households earning up to 35% of the area median income ($36,700 for a single person) and would be managed by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. Eligible disabled residents only have to earn up to 25% of area median income to qualify.&nbsp;</p>

According to the City Controller’s Office, the fund would receive between $161 million and $222 million over 20 years and would subsidize roughly 550 to 600 units in the city.&nbsp;The fund can also draw from other revenue streams such as special taxes.

<p>According to the City Controller’s Office, the fund would receive between $161 million and $222 million over 20 years and would subsidize roughly 550 to 600 units in the city.&nbsp;The fund can also draw from other revenue streams such as special taxes.</p>

“Given the lack of viable alternatives, cities and other local government agencies are the final bulwarks in the fight to end homelessness,” the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association wrote in its endorsement, which also criticized federal and state governments for reducing funding for housing and social services.&nbsp;

<p>“Given the lack of viable alternatives, cities and other local government agencies are the final bulwarks in the fight to end homelessness,” the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association wrote in its endorsement, which also criticized federal and state governments for reducing funding for housing and social services.&nbsp;</p>

Supporters of the new fund included the Council of Community Housing Organizations, Bayview Senior Services, Compass Family Services, Community Youth Center of San Francisco, Mission Housing, and the San Francisco Tenants Union.&nbsp;

<p>Supporters of the new fund included the Council of Community Housing Organizations, Bayview Senior Services, Compass Family Services, Community Youth Center of San Francisco, Mission Housing, and the San Francisco Tenants Union.&nbsp;</p>

Breed to sign rent control expansion bill, but its fate depends on the state ballot

SF doesn’t need more rent control, says mayoral candidate

New law would expand San Francisco rent control, but there’s a big catch

Proponents argue that seniors, families, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to displacement in San Francisco, and the program prevents homelessness, which is costlier to address.

<p>Proponents argue that seniors, families, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to displacement in San Francisco, and the program prevents homelessness, which is costlier to address.</p>

Meanwhile, moderate political groups like GrowSF and TogetherSF opposed the measure on the basis it would do little to broadly address housing affordability or bring rents down.

<p>Meanwhile, moderate political groups like GrowSF and TogetherSF opposed the measure on the basis it would do little to broadly address housing affordability or bring rents down. </p>

An affordable housing unit is in the process of being built at 1360 43rd Irving in the Sunset neighborhood on Tuesday July 16, 2024. 1234 Great Highway has unique view, overlooking Stinson Beach, Golden Gate Park, and Ocean Beach. The 100% affordable homes, located seven stories up, will house a mix of elderly and formerly homeless residents. The cancellation of the controversial 50-story housing project at 2700 Sloat in June 2023 led to the acquisition of five new projects, providing over 550 affordable homes in different San Francisco neighborhoods.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240715-sunsetprojectdrawsnimbyire-tv0227.jpg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers in safety gear work at a site between modern buildings. Fences and signs are visible, with various construction materials around." class="wp-image-291735"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Should Prop. G pass, San Francisco would need to set aside at least $8.25 million a year to help extremely low-income households with rent.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240715-sunsetprojectdrawsnimbyire-tv0227.jpg?w=2500" alt="Construction workers in safety gear work at a site between modern buildings. Fences and signs are visible, with various construction materials around." class="wp-image-291735"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Should Prop. G pass, San Francisco would need to set aside at least $8.25 million a year to help extremely low-income households with rent.</figcaption></figure>

With Prop. G&#8217;s passage, San Francisco will have to contribute at least $4 million to the fund starting in fiscal year 2026-27, and at least $8.25 million in each subsequent year, but only up to $14 million.&nbsp;

<p>With Prop. G's passage, San Francisco will have to contribute at least $4 million to the fund starting in fiscal year 2026-27, and at least $8.25 million in each subsequent year, but only up to $14 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Prop. G&#8217;s passage, San Francisco will have to contribute at least $4 million to the fund starting in fiscal year 2026-27, and at least $8.25 million in each subsequent year, but only up to $14 million.&nbsp;</p>

In years with a projected budget deficit higher than $250 million, the law would allow the city to reduce its contributions. Prop. G also includes what is known as a “sunset clause,” which states that the fund would end in 2046 unless voters reauthorize it.&nbsp;

<p>In years with a projected budget deficit higher than $250 million, the law would allow the city to reduce its contributions. Prop. G also includes what is known as a “sunset clause,” which states that the fund would end in 2046 unless voters reauthorize it.&nbsp;</p>

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


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01_20240520-housingballotccdc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue plaid jacket intently listens to a woman in a teal outfit speaking at a podium. Several masked and unmasked people stand in the background." class="wp-image-277000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, along with Mayor London Breed, right, have made lowering the cost of living a key priority in their respective mayoral campaigns.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/inlined01_20240520-housingballotccdc.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue plaid jacket intently listens to a woman in a teal outfit speaking at a podium. Several masked and unmasked people stand in the background." class="wp-image-277000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, along with Mayor London Breed, right, have made lowering the cost of living a key priority in their respective mayoral campaigns.</figcaption></figure>

This is not the first rental assistance program of its kind. The Board of Supervisors also launched the <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/SOS%20Policies%20and%20Procedures%20Manual%202023.pdf">Senior Operating Subsidy Program</a>, which started with $5 million in 2019 and received a one-time investment of $52 million from the state, meant to cover the period between 2019 and 2024.&nbsp;

<p>This is not the first rental assistance program of its kind. The Board of Supervisors also launched the <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/SOS%20Policies%20and%20Procedures%20Manual%202023.pdf">Senior Operating Subsidy Program</a>, which started with $5 million in 2019 and received a one-time investment of $52 million from the state, meant to cover the period between 2019 and 2024.&nbsp;</p>

That program was initially piloted to seniors age 62 or older in two specific housing complexes developed by the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Housing and Community Devellopment before expanding to all qualified seniors leasing new construction units in the office’s developments.

<p>That program was initially piloted to seniors age 62 or older in two specific housing complexes developed by the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Devellopment before expanding to all qualified seniors leasing new construction units in the office’s developments.</p>

<p>That program was initially piloted to seniors age 62 or older in two specific housing complexes developed by the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Housing and Community Devellopment before expanding to all qualified seniors leasing new construction units in the office’s developments.</p>

San Francisco voters approve rent aid for the city’s poorest residents

Christina Campodonico

It&#8217;s played like a broken record over the last couple months. San Francisco is supposedly circling the drain, caught in an irreversible &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">doom loop</a>.&#8221; And in recent weeks, a new descriptor of the City by the Bay has taken hold on Twitter: &#8220;hellscape.&#8221;

<p>It's played like a broken record over the last couple months. San Francisco is supposedly circling the drain, caught in an irreversible "<a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">doom loop</a>." And in recent weeks, a new descriptor of the City by the Bay has taken hold on Twitter: "hellscape."  </p>

<p>It&#8217;s played like a broken record over the last couple months. San Francisco is supposedly circling the drain, caught in an irreversible &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">doom loop</a>.&#8221; And in recent weeks, a new descriptor of the City by the Bay has taken hold on Twitter: &#8220;hellscape.&#8221;  </p>

However, many of the locals throwing the term around seem to be using it sarcastically—deploying the language of internet memes to clap back at those who say SF has reached a post-apocalyptic tipping point.

<p>However, many of the locals throwing the term around seem to be using it sarcastically—deploying the language of internet memes to clap back at those who say SF has reached a post-apocalyptic tipping point.</p>

In a typical &#8220;San Francisco is a hellscape&#8221; tweet, a Twitter user will use words to declare that the city is in hopeless disarray while posting accompanying photos or video that suggests the exact opposite.

<p>In a typical "San Francisco is a hellscape" tweet, a Twitter user will use words to declare that the city is in hopeless disarray while posting accompanying photos or video that suggests the exact opposite.</p>

<p>In a typical &#8220;San Francisco is a hellscape&#8221; tweet, a Twitter user will use words to declare that the city is in hopeless disarray while posting accompanying photos or video that suggests the exact opposite.</p>

Local journalist Matt Charnock&#8217;s oft-quoted tweet is a great example of the format:

<p>Local journalist Matt Charnock's oft-quoted tweet is a great example of the format:</p>

<p>Local journalist Matt Charnock&#8217;s oft-quoted tweet is a great example of the format:</p>

core/embed

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/figmentspot/status/1659927185422163969?s=20
</div></figure>

Some post pictures of pretty flowers, while others <a href="https://twitter.com/treekisser/status/1657849374490398721?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lean into scenic views of the bay</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/PleonTusk/status/1658518600012161024?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the city&#8217;s beloved parks</a> and pair the pic with an ironic warning, like &#8220;Don&#8217;t move here&#8221; or &#8220;Nobody goes outside.&#8221;

<p>Some post pictures of pretty flowers, while others <a href="https://twitter.com/treekisser/status/1657849374490398721?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lean into scenic views of the bay</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/PleonTusk/status/1658518600012161024?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the city's beloved parks</a> and pair the pic with an ironic warning, like "Don't move here" or "Nobody goes outside." </p>

<p>Some post pictures of pretty flowers, while others <a href="https://twitter.com/treekisser/status/1657849374490398721?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lean into scenic views of the bay</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/PleonTusk/status/1658518600012161024?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the city&#8217;s beloved parks</a> and pair the pic with an ironic warning, like &#8220;Don&#8217;t move here&#8221; or &#8220;Nobody goes outside.&#8221; </p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-22-at-1.07.20-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-163033"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot of a typical &#8216;SF hellscape&#8217; Twitter post. | The Standard Staff</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-22-at-1.07.20-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-163033"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot of a typical 'SF hellscape' Twitter post. | The Standard Staff</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-22-at-1.07.20-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-163033"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot of a typical &#8216;SF hellscape&#8217; Twitter post. | The Standard Staff</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/figmentspot/status/1659927645931569152?s=20
</div></figure>

Or as one Twitter user <a href="https://twitter.com/RolfieAscending/status/1660056111620452353?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">described the genre</a>: &#8220;It’s always &#8216;How could you live anywhere else?&#8217; and then: 1) a photo from pac heights or dolores park on a sunny day, or 2) a photo of a half-naked man playing a ukulele on a unicycle with a parrot on his shoulder.&#8221;

<p>Or as one Twitter user <a href="https://twitter.com/RolfieAscending/status/1660056111620452353?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">described the genre</a>: "It’s always 'How could you live anywhere else?' and then: 1) a photo from pac heights or dolores park on a sunny day, or 2) a photo of a half-naked man playing a ukulele on a unicycle with a parrot on his shoulder."  </p>

<p>Or as one Twitter user <a href="https://twitter.com/RolfieAscending/status/1660056111620452353?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">described the genre</a>: &#8220;It’s always &#8216;How could you live anywhere else?&#8217; and then: 1) a photo from pac heights or dolores park on a sunny day, or 2) a photo of a half-naked man playing a ukulele on a unicycle with a parrot on his shoulder.&#8221;  </p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/quitecurt/status/1658185730211065856?s=20
</div></figure>

Some <a href="https://twitter.com/Timmy_in_SF/status/1659960314069422083?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even poked fun</a> at a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/snarky-fentanyl-ads-shame-mayor-city-hall-officials-together-sf/">series of snarky, anti-fentanyl ads</a> created by the political group TogetherSF Action. The ads, which carried the sardonic campaign slogan &#8220;That&#8217;s Fentalife!&#8221; recently made waves in the city. (<em>Editor’s note: Michael Moritz, a general partner at Sequoia Capital who finances The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action. He is not involved in editorial decisions at The Standard.</em>)

<p>Some <a href="https://twitter.com/Timmy_in_SF/status/1659960314069422083?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even poked fun</a> at a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/snarky-fentanyl-ads-shame-mayor-city-hall-officials-together-sf/">series of snarky, anti-fentanyl ads</a> created by the political group TogetherSF Action. The ads, which carried the sardonic campaign slogan "That's Fentalife!" recently made waves in the city. (<em>Editor’s note: Michael Moritz, a general partner at Sequoia Capital who finances The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action. He is not involved in editorial decisions at The Standard.</em>) </p>

<p>Some <a href="https://twitter.com/Timmy_in_SF/status/1659960314069422083?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even poked fun</a> at a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/snarky-fentanyl-ads-shame-mayor-city-hall-officials-together-sf/">series of snarky, anti-fentanyl ads</a> created by the political group TogetherSF Action. The ads, which carried the sardonic campaign slogan &#8220;That&#8217;s Fentalife!&#8221; recently made waves in the city. (<em>Editor’s note: Michael Moritz, a general partner at Sequoia Capital who finances The Standard, has provided funding to the 501c3 nonprofit TogetherSF and its political arm, TogetherSF Action. He is not involved in editorial decisions at The Standard.</em>) </p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/Timmy_in_SF/status/1659960314069422083?s=20
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HELLSCAPE! DOOM SPIRAL! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThatsFentalife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThatsFentalife</a>! <a href="https://t.co/9qaJyc1NHF">https://t.co/9qaJyc1NHF</a></p>&mdash; Tim Wayne (@Timmy_in_SF) <a href="https://twitter.com/Timmy_in_SF/status/1659960314069422083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The cheery—and cheeky—tweeters say that the media has taken the SF doom loop narrative too far (sorry!) and that the reality of living in the city is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-doom-loop-imprecise-thinkpieces-18106896.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not nearly so gloomy</a>.

<p>The cheery—and cheeky—tweeters say that the media has taken the SF doom loop narrative too far (sorry!) and that the reality of living in the city is <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-doom-loop-imprecise-thinkpieces-18106896.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not nearly so gloomy</a>. </p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/treekisser/status/1657849374490398721?s=20
</div></figure>

Of course, Twitter being Twitter, there are plenty of folks who disagree—insisting that this genre of tweet is often <a href="https://twitter.com/BenLerch1/status/1660020444463009792?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">naive and obtuse</a> or coming from a <a href="https://twitter.com/stuffonfire/status/1659999388775911424?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">place of privilege</a>.

<p>Of course, Twitter being Twitter, there are plenty of folks who disagree—insisting that this genre of tweet is often <a href="https://twitter.com/BenLerch1/status/1660020444463009792?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">naive and obtuse</a> or coming from a <a href="https://twitter.com/stuffonfire/status/1659999388775911424?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">place of privilege</a>.    </p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/stuffonfire/status/1659999388775911424?s=20
</div></figure>

Other observations are more nuanced—suggesting that maybe two realities of San Francisco could exist <a href="https://twitter.com/nitishpkulkarni/status/1660002559376117760?s=20">simultaneously</a> &#8230;

<p>Other observations are more nuanced—suggesting that maybe two realities of San Francisco could exist <a href="https://twitter.com/nitishpkulkarni/status/1660002559376117760?s=20">simultaneously</a> ... </p>

<p>Other observations are more nuanced—suggesting that maybe two realities of San Francisco could exist <a href="https://twitter.com/nitishpkulkarni/status/1660002559376117760?s=20">simultaneously</a> &#8230; </p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-22-at-1.03.02-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-163028"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot of a reply to a &#8216;hellscape&#8217; tweet. | The Standard Staff</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-22-at-1.03.02-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-163028"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot of a reply to a 'hellscape' tweet. | The Standard Staff</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-22-at-1.03.02-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-163028"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot of a reply to a &#8216;hellscape&#8217; tweet. | The Standard Staff</figcaption></figure>

And then there are a few accelerationists, who are approaching the whole affair with a sense of detached and nihilistic pragmatism.

<p>And then there are a few accelerationists, who are approaching the whole affair with a sense of detached and nihilistic pragmatism.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/HiroAntag/status/1659348662575828995?s=20
</div></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">can all the people fleeing the SF hellscape hurry up? my lease is up at the end of July and I need those dying city rents</p>&mdash; CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL (@HiroAntag) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiroAntag/status/1659348662575828995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They love San Francisco. So why are they calling the city a ‘hellscape’?

Han Li

With only a month before Election Day, San Francisco mayoral candidates have been ratcheting up the competition and trying to gain an edge in the city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting system.

<p>With only a month before Election Day, San Francisco mayoral candidates have been ratcheting up the competition and trying to gain an edge in the city's ranked-choice voting system.</p>

<p>With only a month before Election Day, San Francisco mayoral candidates have been ratcheting up the competition and trying to gain an edge in the city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting system.</p>

Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor who&#8217;s running to replace London Breed as the city’s top elected official, wants his supporters to eschew naming her on the ballot. 

<p>Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor who's running to replace London Breed as the city’s top elected official, wants his supporters to eschew naming her on the ballot. </p>

<p>Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor who&#8217;s running to replace London Breed as the city’s top elected official, wants his supporters to eschew naming her on the ballot. </p>

&#8220;Mayor Breed has overseen the sharpest decline San Francisco has faced in modern history,&#8221; Farrell told The Standard. &#8220;We must stop putting the same people in charge who have failed.&#8221;

<p>"Mayor Breed has overseen the sharpest decline San Francisco has faced in modern history," Farrell told The Standard. "We must stop putting the same people in charge who have failed."</p>

<p>&#8220;Mayor Breed has overseen the sharpest decline San Francisco has faced in modern history,&#8221; Farrell told The Standard. &#8220;We must stop putting the same people in charge who have failed.&#8221;</p>

Breed lost after burning bridges, leaving Daniel Lurie to put out flames

San Francisco voters approve rent aid for the city’s poorest residents

They love San Francisco. So why are they calling the city a ‘hellscape’?

Mayor’s race gets petty as Mark Farrell tells supporters to snub London Breed

Posters promoting illegal drug use pop up in downtown San Francisco

Search Results for: togethersf

Breed lost after burning bridges, leaving Daniel Lurie to put out flames

San Francisco voters approve rent aid for the city’s poorest residents

They love San Francisco. So why are they calling the city a ‘hellscape’?

Mayor’s race gets petty as Mark Farrell tells supporters to snub London Breed

Posters promoting illegal drug use pop up in downtown San Francisco