Gabe Greschler

The specter of another Trump administration keeps pro-choice activists in San Francisco busy.

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The specter of another Trump administration keeps pro-choice activists in San Francisco busy.

It’s what’s got Heidi Sieck fighting for Prop. O, a November ballot measure that would firm up abortion rights in the city. A longtime pro-choice activist, Sieck insists the proposition isn’t just window dressing in a liberal region known for being supportive of abortion rights.

It’s what’s got Heidi Sieck fighting for Prop. O, a November ballot measure that would firm up abortion rights in the city. A longtime pro-choice activist, Sieck insists the proposition isn’t just window dressing in a liberal region known for being supportive of abortion rights.

“If we don’t win the presidency and Congress, we’re not going to be OK as a country,” said Sieck in an interview before the Nov. 5 election. “I want to get [Prop. O] into the hands of every mayor.”

“If we don’t win the presidency and Congress, we’re not going to be OK as a country,” said Sieck in an interview before the Nov. 5 election. “I want to get [Prop. O] into the hands of every mayor.”

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, debates Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Biden’s decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2171253767.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit and red tie stands at a clear podium with a microphone, gesturing with open hands. Behind him is a blurred background with cursive writing." class="wp-image-310664" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Proponents of Prop. O are trying to create protections for abortions rights in case Donald Trump is elected president again.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2171253767.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit and red tie stands at a clear podium with a microphone, gesturing with open hands. Behind him is a blurred background with cursive writing." class="wp-image-310664" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Proponents of Prop. O are trying to create protections for abortions rights in case Donald Trump is elected president again.</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/san-francisco-election-results-november-2024/#local-measures">Early results</a> Tuesday night showed voters overwhelmingly passing Prop. O.

San Francisco live election results

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/san-francisco-election-results-november-2024/#local-measures">Early results</a> Tuesday night showed voters overwhelmingly passing Prop. O.

<a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/final_digest_-_supporting_reproductive_rights.pdf">The ballot measure</a> — introduced by Mayor London Breed — creates a bucket for private donations to support abortion services, limit medical information sharing between the city and state and federal officials, and tweak zoning laws to make room for more reproductive health clinics.

<a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/final_digest_-_supporting_reproductive_rights.pdf">The ballot measure</a> — introduced by Mayor London Breed — creates a bucket for private donations to support abortion services, limit medical information sharing between the city and state and federal officials, and tweak zoning laws to make room for more reproductive health clinics.

Proponents said that protections would be necessary if Donald Trump, who nominated the justices who helped dismantle Roe v. Wade, takes office again. Democrats have raised concerns about a national abortion ban, though the Republican <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/01/trump-abortion-veto-national-ban-00182091">presidential nominee has maintained he would veto any such law</a>. Others are concerned about an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/09/san-francisco-bicyclist-safety-doorings-neighborhoods/">1800s-era law that would restrict abortion pills</a> ordered through the mail.

San Francisco got safer for cyclists. But ‘dooring’ is still killing people

Proponents said that protections would be necessary if Donald Trump, who nominated the justices who helped dismantle Roe v. Wade, takes office again. Democrats have raised concerns about a national abortion ban, though the Republican <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/01/trump-abortion-veto-national-ban-00182091">presidential nominee has maintained he would veto any such law</a>. Others are concerned about an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/09/san-francisco-bicyclist-safety-doorings-neighborhoods/">1800s-era law that would restrict abortion pills</a> ordered through the mail.

Measure O: Increase abortion protections

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The most controversial aspect of the local proposition, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/11/san-francisco-abortion-archdiocese-trump-project-2025/">could spark a lawsuit</a>, is a provision requiring the city to post signage outside of so-called crisis pregnancy centers. The signage would impact two clinics in the city, Alpha Pregnancy Center in the Excelsior and Bella Primary Care in Nob Hill, and inform residents that the sites don’t offer abortion access. It would also provide information about where to access reproductive services.

Abortion is on the ballot in November. The Catholic Church calls it an ‘attack’

The most controversial aspect of the local proposition, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/11/san-francisco-abortion-archdiocese-trump-project-2025/">could spark a lawsuit</a>, is a provision requiring the city to post signage outside of so-called crisis pregnancy centers. The signage would impact two clinics in the city, Alpha Pregnancy Center in the Excelsior and Bella Primary Care in Nob Hill, and inform residents that the sites don’t offer abortion access. It would also provide information about where to access reproductive services.

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Opposition to Prop. O mostly came from the Catholic archdiocese. In a video posted to X at the beginning of the month, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone blasted the ballot measure and urged residents to vote against it.

Opposition to Prop. O mostly came from the Catholic archdiocese. In a video posted to X at the beginning of the month, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone blasted the ballot measure and urged residents to vote against it.

“The ballot proposition would require signs placed in the public right of way that single out these organizations as not providing the full range of reproductive rights because they do not do abortions or refer for abortion,” the archbishop said in the video. “They would also be singled out on a department of public health website. Why doesn’t Prop. O require the city to install signage outside facilities that do abortions to direct women to places where they will be supported in giving birth?”

“The ballot proposition would require signs placed in the public right of way that single out these organizations as not providing the full range of reproductive rights because they do not do abortions or refer for abortion,” the archbishop said in the video. “They would also be singled out on a department of public health website. Why doesn’t Prop. O require the city to install signage outside facilities that do abortions to direct women to places where they will be supported in giving birth?”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨VOTE NO on San Francisco’s PROPOSITION O❗️❗️❗️⁰VOTE NO ON PROP O⁰For more information, visit: <a href="https://t.co/1VB7epA1JW">https://t.co/1VB7epA1JW</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ArchCordileone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArchCordileone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArchdioceseSF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArchdioceseSF</a> <a href="https://t.co/lVU7I6c2Dp">pic.twitter.com/lVU7I6c2Dp</a>&mdash; SF Human Life &amp; Dignity (@SF_Life_Dignity) <a href="https://twitter.com/SF_Life_Dignity/status/1842327990212112726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No PACs were set up to oppose Prop. O, though Melanie Salazar from Pro-Life San Francisco provided an opponent&#8217;s argument for the ballot.&nbsp;

No PACs were set up to oppose Prop. O, though Melanie Salazar from Pro-Life San Francisco provided an opponent's argument for the ballot.&nbsp;

No PACs were set up to oppose Prop. O, though Melanie Salazar from Pro-Life San Francisco provided an opponent&#8217;s argument for the ballot.&nbsp;

A court challenge is almost certain, legal experts have told The Standard, when it comes to the crisis pregnancy signage. Conservative legal advocates have helped strike down California pro-choice laws at the U.S. Supreme Court. A challenge will most likely come on First Amendment grounds, attorneys told The Standard.

A court challenge is almost certain, legal experts have told The Standard, when it comes to the crisis pregnancy signage. Conservative legal advocates have helped strike down California pro-choice laws at the U.S. Supreme Court. A challenge will most likely come on First Amendment grounds, attorneys told The Standard.

Archbishop of San Francisco, the Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone leads the prayer of commendation during the funeral Mass of archbishop emeritus and Cardinal William Joseph Cardinal Levada at the Cathedral of Saint Mary on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo By Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/gettyimages-1321776545-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A religious ceremony scene with a clergyman in ornate robes holding a censer, releasing smoke. An altar with an open book is in the foreground." class="wp-image-326284"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone leads the prayer of commendation in 2019. The Catholic archdiocese opposes Prop. O.</figcaption></figure>

Sieck, who also served as Breed’s finance manager for her reelection campaign, has raised $342,000. The largest is a $75,000 donation from Ripple co-founder and billionaire Chris Larsen, along with contributions from philanthropists Quinn Delaney and Diane Wilsey. 

Sieck, who also served as Breed’s finance manager for her reelection campaign, has raised $342,000. The largest is a $75,000 donation from Ripple co-founder and billionaire Chris Larsen, along with contributions from philanthropists Quinn Delaney and Diane Wilsey.

Sieck said the presidential election and Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy took much of the energy and workforce from the local races and pointed out that Prop. O is at the very bottom of the ballot after a slew of important local and state contests.

Sieck said the presidential election and Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy took much of the energy and workforce from the local races and pointed out that Prop. O is at the very bottom of the ballot after a slew of important local and state contests.

“That vote at the bottom of the ballot is really important,” she said.

“That vote at the bottom of the ballot is really important,” she said.

Abortion ballot measure that preps for second Trump term passes handily

A bill introduced Monday could see San Francisco welfare recipients being paid if they steer clear of illicit substances.

A bill introduced Monday could see San Francisco welfare recipients being paid if they steer clear of illicit substances.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey proposed the “Cash Not Drugs” pilot program Monday as a compliment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a>, a ballot measure from March that requires drug screening and treatment for welfare recipients if they are to continue receiving monetary assistance.

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

Supervisor Matt Dorsey proposed the “Cash Not Drugs” pilot program Monday as a compliment to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">Proposition F</a>, a ballot measure from March that requires drug screening and treatment for welfare recipients if they are to continue receiving monetary assistance.

For those who test negative for drugs, Dorsey’s plan would provide an extra $400 a month. Recipients who will be affected by Proposition F — single adults without children — currently receive $712 per month through the County Adult Assistance Program. Under Dorsey’s bill, those people would now receive up to $1,112 when they test negative for drug use. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the pilot would go into effect for three years, with its effectiveness overseen by an independent academic researcher.&nbsp;

For those who test negative for drugs, Dorsey’s plan would provide an extra $400 a month. Recipients who will be affected by Proposition F — single adults without children — currently receive $712 per month through the County Adult Assistance Program. Under Dorsey’s bill, those people would now receive up to $1,112 when they test negative for drug use. If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the pilot would go into effect for three years, with its effectiveness overseen by an independent academic researcher.&nbsp;

“This is more carrot than stick,” said Dorsey, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">who himself is a recovering drug user</a>. “It’s a pretty promising approach.”&nbsp;

Recovering addict Matt Dorsey sells SF on how to solve its drug crisis

“This is more carrot than stick,” said Dorsey, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/20/matt-dorsey-drug-crisis-addiction-police-san-francisco-supervisor/">who himself is a recovering drug user</a>. “It’s a pretty promising approach.”&nbsp;

Dorsey’s program has the backing of Mayor London Breed, who placed Prop. F on the ballot.&nbsp;

Dorsey’s program has the backing of Mayor London Breed, who placed Prop. F on the ballot.&nbsp;

A woman who did not want to use her name injects fentanyl into her arm on a curb in the Tenderloin District on Monday, July 4, 2022. Fentanyl and other opioids are common the Tenderloin neighborhood. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey&#8217;s program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey's program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FentSurge090622-FEATURE-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person, wearing multiple bracelets and a black outfit, injects a substance into their forearm using a syringe. The background is slightly blurred." class="wp-image-73687"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Matt Dorsey&#8217;s program would complement Proposition F, a controversial ballot measure passed in March that ties welfare payments to drug screening and treatment.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor’s ballot measure — which will go into effect Jan. 1 — passed by a hefty margin this spring, with 58% of voters in support.&nbsp;

The mayor’s ballot measure — which will go into effect Jan. 1 — passed by a hefty margin this spring, with 58% of voters in support.&nbsp;

The bill saw a deluge of cash to help it pass, with its advocates raising more than half a million dollars, including from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">such as Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>. Those opposed to the measure, who argued it would take away vital assistance from the city’s most vulnerable, raised around $37,000.&nbsp;

Tech boss tops list of donors to Breed&#8217;s March 2024 ballot measures

The bill saw a deluge of cash to help it pass, with its advocates raising more than half a million dollars, including from tech executives <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">such as Ripple chairman Chris Larsen</a>. Those opposed to the measure, who argued it would take away vital assistance from the city’s most vulnerable, raised around $37,000.&nbsp;

The bill’s passage comes amid skepticism over the city’s plan to combat the drug-related overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans over the last five years. Some leaders, including the mayor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">have taken a swing at more progressive drug treatment strategies</a>, including “harm reduction,” an approach that tries to lessen the adverse effects of drug usage through needle exchanges or safe consumption sites.

Breed blames harm reduction strategy for surging drug overdose deaths

The bill’s passage comes amid skepticism over the city’s plan to combat the drug-related overdose crisis, which has taken the lives of thousands of San Franciscans over the last five years. Some leaders, including the mayor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/26/mayor-takes-aim-at-harm-reduction-says-strategy-has-furthered-fentanyl-crisis/">have taken a swing at more progressive drug treatment strategies</a>, including “harm reduction,” an approach that tries to lessen the adverse effects of drug usage through needle exchanges or safe consumption sites.

The plan Dorsey announced Monday is part of a drug treatment strategy known as “contingency management,” which rewards individuals for positive behavior as a reinforcement mechanism. The San Francisco Department of Public Health oversees several similar programs on a small scale. Dorsey said the costs of the program could be reimbursable through Medi-Cal.

The plan Dorsey announced Monday is part of a drug treatment strategy known as “contingency management,” which rewards individuals for positive behavior as a reinforcement mechanism. The San Francisco Department of Public Health oversees several similar programs on a small scale. Dorsey said the costs of the program could be reimbursable through Medi-Cal.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said there is evidence that the contingency management approach can make an impact.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford professor who worked on drug policy for the Obama administration, said there is evidence that the contingency management approach can make an impact.

“It has been done all over the country,” Humphreys wrote in a text message. “There are over 150 clinical trials supported by the National Institute of Health that have shown positive effects.”

“It has been done all over the country,” Humphreys wrote in a text message. “There are over 150 clinical trials supported by the National Institute of Health that have shown positive effects.”

The city’s welfare program, known as the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), has about 5,700 recipients. Homeless residents can also receive cash assistance, though they are paid a reduced rate of $109 a month.

The city’s welfare program, known as the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP), has about 5,700 recipients. Homeless residents can also receive cash assistance, though they are paid a reduced rate of $109 a month.

Dorsey told The Standard that the financial impact of his program was not immediately apparent. Dorsey said the payment of $400 a month is not set in stone, and he is instructing the city to experiment with increasing weekly payments tied to successive negative drug tests. He said if the program is successful, he could see it being expanded to more CAAP recipients as a preventative measure rather than merely a treatment strategy. If every person in CAAP succeeded in Dorsey’s plan with the $400 payout, it would equal roughly $27 million in extra costs for the city, though the likely price tag is much smaller.

Dorsey told The Standard that the financial impact of his program was not immediately apparent. Dorsey said the payment of $400 a month is not set in stone, and he is instructing the city to experiment with increasing weekly payments tied to successive negative drug tests. He said if the program is successful, he could see it being expanded to more CAAP recipients as a preventative measure rather than merely a treatment strategy. If every person in CAAP succeeded in Dorsey’s plan with the $400 payout, it would equal roughly $27 million in extra costs for the city, though the likely price tag is much smaller.

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let&#8217;s get it right first.”

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let's get it right first.”

“I would rather get this right and scale up,” said Dorsey, who noted that the city is going through a tough budgetary season. “But let&#8217;s get it right first.”

Stay sober, earn cash: New bill gives welfare recipients extra $400 for avoiding drugs 

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin may have lost his bid for mayor, but he isn’t going anywhere.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

Though he’ll soon be termed out from his longtime perch on the Board of Supervisors, the Napoleon of North Beach is priming to rally progressive troops against the monied interests who spent millions of dollars in the election.

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don't think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

“I don&#8217;t think San Francisco needs new organizations. They just need better coordination and leadership,” he said. “And this is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together.”

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

In an interview with The Standard, Peskin said that despite speculation, he isn’t interested in serving as, for instance, chief of staff for mayor-elect Daniel Lurie or the city’s first inspector general. (Regardless, Peskin would be barred from such roles by a rule that prohibits employment at City Hall for a year after leaving.) But Peskin did call Lurie to offer any help he could, he said.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

Instead of a staff role, Peskin plans to unite a loose collection of progressive Democrat groups — neighborhood groups, Democratic clubs, civic organizations, and labor — to push back against the influence of wealthy power players in local politics.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

A cadre of folks whose net worth borders on the bonkers — including billionaire Bill Oberndorf, who backs Republicans nationally, and The Standard chairman Michael Moritz — have channeled millions of dollars into political groups <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/10/michael-moritz-san-francisco-togethersf-sf-elections-crankstart/">like TogetherSF</a>, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and GrowSF.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That's to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

In this election, such well-heeled donors dropped coins aplenty: Moritz spent $3.1 million; Oberndorf spent $1.1 million; former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, $1.4 million; Ripple CEO Chris Larsen, roughly $1 million; and tech angel investor Ron Conway, $438,000. That&#8217;s to say nothing of the city’s new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, who self-funded his campaign to the tune of $8 million.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

The outcome of all that spending was mixed.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

Proposition D, the brainchild of TogetherSF and backed heavily by Neighbors, aimed to hack San Francisco’s 100-plus commissions down to 65 and give the mayor more authority — but it crashed and burned. TogetherSF argued that the city has too many unelected bodies that slow down decision-making.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

The mayoral candidate backed by some of those moderate groups, Mark Farrell, came in fourth, despite leading in early polls. Bloomberg and Larsen backed Mayor London Breed. And as for the Board of Supervisors, moderate and progressive candidates <a href="https://beyondchron.org/a-political-shift-in-san-francisco/">came to essentially a draw</a>.

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

For all those failures, the talk of the insider class is the fate of Kanishka and Jay Cheng, the power couple who lead, respectively, TogetherSF and Neighbors. Will Oberndorf and Moritz kick them to the curb, especially as Peskin is threatening to make their political lives hell?

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations," vowing to "stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

Peskin described the election as a “sound repudiation of the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations,&#8221; vowing to &#8220;stay focused on keeping them at bay.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

For his part, Moritz argued that the allied moderate groups “moved the city’s political pendulum to the center.”

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

In the election, “the vast majority of San Franciscans voiced their anger with the way in which they have been ignored and belittled for many years by a coterie of extreme progressives whose policies have crippled the city,” Moritz said in a statement. And while Prop. D failed, Moritz said he was glad charter reform will be a “central issue” for City Hall moving forward.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that's his decision,” Moritz said.

“If Aaron Peskin wants to do to progressives what Biden did to Democrats — ignore the message and overstay his welcome — that&#8217;s his decision,” Moritz said.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Despite TogetherSF and Neighbors’ losses, Peskin and other progressives worry that San Francisco’s political future has a “for sale” sign staked in its front yard. Notably, Lurie’s electoral success may send a signal about how much money it takes to lock in the mayor’s office.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn't come to pass.

Peskin wants to make sure that future doesn&#8217;t come to pass.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

Voters may back him up. Despite Peskin’s own challenges as a citywide candidate, ballot measures championed by progressives — and those authored by Peskin in particular — performed swimmingly in the latest returns.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

The winning ticket includes Proposition C, Peskin’s proposal to create an inspector general to investigate city corruption; Proposition E, Peskin’s alternative pitch to assess San Francisco’s commission system; and Proposition G, an affordable housing subsidy that launched with a who’s who of progressive support.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

California Democratic Party Vice Chair David Campos said Peskin could be uniquely equipped to unify San Francisco progressives.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

“He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos said.

Why Aaron Peskin’s progressive cred may not be enough to win

Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

Former campaign consultant David Latterman has seen that firsthand in his decades in city politics, often opposing progressives. He lampooned them for putting forth “ridiculous firebrand” candidates that mainstream voters have at times rejected.

But, he admitted, it’s the push and pull between Democrats of all stripes that sparks the ideas that make San Francisco a national trailblazer.

But, he admitted, it’s the push and pull between Democrats of all stripes that sparks the ideas that make San Francisco a national trailblazer.

“I do believe the progressive movement, in the big picture, is the beating heart of the city,” he said.

“I do believe the progressive movement, in the big picture, is the beating heart of the city,” he said.

And Peskin aims to ensure it stays that way.

And Peskin aims to ensure it stays that way.

He lost the mayor’s race, but Aaron Peskin isn’t going anywhere

Rachel Scheier

From blues clubs in Bayview Hunters-Point to the dim sum joints of Clement Street, San Francisco’s small merchants are getting $2 million in grants to “help fight the city’s retail challenges.”&nbsp;

From blues clubs in Bayview Hunters-Point to the dim sum joints of Clement Street, San Francisco’s small merchants are getting $2 million in grants to “help fight the city’s retail challenges.”&nbsp;

The grants to 50 neighborhood and small business groups across the city come from tech billionaire Chris Larsen, who two years ago gave $1.7 million in pandemic recovery aid to neighborhood groups through his nonprofit, Avenue Greenlight.&nbsp;

The grants to 50 neighborhood and small business groups across the city come from tech billionaire Chris Larsen, who two years ago gave $1.7 million in pandemic recovery aid to neighborhood groups through his nonprofit, Avenue Greenlight.&nbsp;

The money aims to boost neighborhood businesses that have struggled to stay afloat since 2020 as remote work and petty crime have triggered a string of retail shutdowns. While conditions have improved in the city since the first two years of the pandemic, when more businesses closed than opened, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-businesses-are-coming-back-to-life-at-least-in-some-neighborhoods/">some areas</a> are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">still hurting</a>, <a href="http://www.bayareaeconomy.org/bay-watch-business-openings-and-closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particularly Downtown</a>.&nbsp;

The money aims to boost neighborhood businesses that have struggled to stay afloat since 2020 as remote work and petty crime have triggered a string of retail shutdowns. While conditions have improved in the city since the first two years of the pandemic, when more businesses closed than opened, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-businesses-are-coming-back-to-life-at-least-in-some-neighborhoods/">some areas</a> are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">still hurting</a>, <a href="http://www.bayareaeconomy.org/bay-watch-business-openings-and-closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particularly Downtown</a>.&nbsp;

Larsen, a San Francisco native, said he believes that giving to local groups is the most efficient way to help the city recover.

Larsen, a San Francisco native, said he believes that giving to local groups is the most efficient way to help the city recover.

“This is an incredibly diverse city—and these groups know their neighborhoods and what they need, and they can make a buck go a long way,” Larsen said.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly diverse city—and these groups know their neighborhoods and what they need, and they can make a buck go a long way,” Larsen said.&nbsp;

The Pride Flag flies over Castro Street Fair attendees. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CastroStreetFair-07-square.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-151452"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pride Flag flies over Castro Street Fair attendees. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Some of the money will seek to beautify Downtown blocks that have been hit particularly hard by dwindling foot traffic and mounting concerns about car break-ins and open-air drug sales. A group of residents and local businesses called the Friends of Jessie Street plans to install streetlights on a dead-end alley in SoMa, and similar improvements are planned to improve safety for commuters, operagoers, tourists and residents around Jackson Square on Grove Street near the Civic Center.&nbsp;

Some of the money will seek to beautify Downtown blocks that have been hit particularly hard by dwindling foot traffic and mounting concerns about car break-ins and open-air drug sales. A group of residents and local businesses called the Friends of Jessie Street plans to install streetlights on a dead-end alley in SoMa, and similar improvements are planned to improve safety for commuters, operagoers, tourists and residents around Jackson Square on Grove Street near the Civic Center.&nbsp;

The grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 will also go to fund community events such as outdoor movie nights in Bernal Heights, art walks in the Castro, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and car-free Halloween trick-or-treating along the Great Highway.&nbsp;

The grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 will also go to fund community events such as outdoor movie nights in Bernal Heights, art walks in the Castro, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and car-free Halloween trick-or-treating along the Great Highway.&nbsp;

Larsen, who lives with his family in Russian Hill, is the co-founder of the payments firm Ripple as well as E-Loan, the first online mortgage lender. He founded Avenue Greenlight in 2021 to support local businesses hurting during the pandemic. Mom-and-pop shops that saw their customers evaporate overnight after the shutdown also had to cope with rampant vandalism and petty theft.&nbsp;

Larsen, who lives with his family in Russian Hill, is the co-founder of the payments firm Ripple as well as E-Loan, the first online mortgage lender. He founded Avenue Greenlight in 2021 to support local businesses hurting during the pandemic. Mom-and-pop shops that saw their customers evaporate overnight after the shutdown also had to cope with rampant vandalism and petty theft.&nbsp;

Avenue Greenlight gave San Francisco’s 34 merchant associations $50,000 each to improve public safety, beautify streets and finance events like concerts and block parties. A group in the Castro District used the money to replace the neighborhood’s iconic rainbow flag, while another grant paid for a new crab sign in Fisherman’s Wharf.&nbsp;

Avenue Greenlight gave San Francisco’s 34 merchant associations $50,000 each to improve public safety, beautify streets and finance events like concerts and block parties. A group in the Castro District used the money to replace the neighborhood’s iconic rainbow flag, while another grant paid for a new crab sign in Fisherman’s Wharf.&nbsp;

Larsen hopes the latest round of grants will push other members of the city’s business and tech community to fund neighborhood concerns.&nbsp;

Larsen hopes the latest round of grants will push other members of the city’s business and tech community to fund neighborhood concerns.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to get the message out there that this really works,” he said.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to get the message out there that this really works,” he said.&nbsp;

Crypto boss gives $2M to light up, activate San Francisco neighborhoods

A joint investigation by the San Francisco City Attorney and Controller&#8217;s Offices has revealed that a nonprofit allegedly defrauded the city in a scheme that involved submitting false invoices, double billing and seeking reimbursements for items like alcohol, cigars and motorcycle rentals amounting to at least $100,000.

A joint investigation by the San Francisco City Attorney and Controller's Offices has revealed that a nonprofit allegedly defrauded the city in a scheme that involved submitting false invoices, double billing and seeking reimbursements for items like alcohol, cigars and motorcycle rentals amounting to at least $100,000.

A joint investigation by the San Francisco City Attorney and Controller&#8217;s Offices has revealed that a nonprofit allegedly defrauded the city in a scheme that involved submitting false invoices, double billing and seeking reimbursements for items like alcohol, cigars and motorcycle rentals amounting to at least $100,000.

The nonprofit J&amp;J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth and is overseen by Drew Jenkins, will be prevented from bidding on and receiving future grants from the city, according to City Attorney David Chiu. The city has also sanctioned the nonprofit&#8217;s Chief Financial Officer Susan Murphy.

The nonprofit J&amp;J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth and is overseen by Drew Jenkins, will be prevented from bidding on and receiving future grants from the city, according to City Attorney David Chiu. The city has also sanctioned the nonprofit's Chief Financial Officer Susan Murphy.

The nonprofit J&amp;J Community Resource Center, which provides services for low-income families and youth and is overseen by Drew Jenkins, will be prevented from bidding on and receiving future grants from the city, according to City Attorney David Chiu. The city has also sanctioned the nonprofit&#8217;s Chief Financial Officer Susan Murphy.

“Drew Jenkins carried out an egregious and intentional scheme to defraud the City and its taxpayers,” said Chiu in a statement on Tuesday morning. “Let this be a warning to all bad actors seeking to take advantage of our public resources. We will find out about your misdeeds, cut off your funding, and hold you accountable. I appreciate the partnership of the Controller’s Office on these matters, and the many City and nonprofit employees who spoke up about the wrongdoing they were seeing.”

“Drew Jenkins carried out an egregious and intentional scheme to defraud the City and its taxpayers,” said Chiu in a statement on Tuesday morning. “Let this be a warning to all bad actors seeking to take advantage of our public resources. We will find out about your misdeeds, cut off your funding, and hold you accountable. I appreciate the partnership of the Controller’s Office on these matters, and the many City and nonprofit employees who spoke up about the wrongdoing they were seeing.”

A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom's Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/screenshot-2024-02-27-at-11-29-09-am.png?w=1220" alt="The image shows part of a reservation document for Rolling Freedom Motorcycles with pickup and dropoff dates, personal details, location info, and a total cost of $3,335.35." class="wp-image-253283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom&#8217;s Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/screenshot-2024-02-27-at-11-29-09-am.png?w=1220" alt="The image shows part of a reservation document for Rolling Freedom Motorcycles with pickup and dropoff dates, personal details, location info, and a total cost of $3,335.35." class="wp-image-253283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom's Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/screenshot-2024-02-27-at-11-29-09-am.png?w=1220" alt="The image shows part of a reservation document for Rolling Freedom Motorcycles with pickup and dropoff dates, personal details, location info, and a total cost of $3,335.35." class="wp-image-253283"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A receipt showing $3,335.35 worth of charges submitted by Drew Jenkins from Rolling Freedom&#8217;s Motorcycles in Lake Tahoe.</figcaption></figure>

Jenkins&#8217; nonprofit was established by him and his late mother in 2018, according to the city. Investigators say the scheme began in 2021 and that the organization received grants as either a sole grantee or subcontractor from four different departments: the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Economic Workforce Development.

Jenkins' nonprofit was established by him and his late mother in 2018, according to the city. Investigators say the scheme began in 2021 and that the organization received grants as either a sole grantee or subcontractor from four different departments: the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Economic Workforce Development.

Jenkins&#8217; nonprofit was established by him and his late mother in 2018, according to the city. Investigators say the scheme began in 2021 and that the organization received grants as either a sole grantee or subcontractor from four different departments: the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health, the Mayor&#8217;s Office of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Economic Workforce Development.

Attempts to reach Jenkins were not immediately successful.

Attempts to reach Jenkins were not immediately successful.

The investigation by the city reveals a web of alleged wrongdoing by Jenkins in his role as a former employee of Mercy Housing, a San Francisco-based affordable housing nonprofit, and Jenkins&#8217; colleague Murphy, who used to work at the nonprofit Family and Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), which provides access to child care.

The investigation by the city reveals a web of alleged wrongdoing by Jenkins in his role as a former employee of Mercy Housing, a San Francisco-based affordable housing nonprofit, and Jenkins' colleague Murphy, who used to work at the nonprofit Family and Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), which provides access to child care.

The investigation by the city reveals a web of alleged wrongdoing by Jenkins in his role as a former employee of Mercy Housing, a San Francisco-based affordable housing nonprofit, and Jenkins&#8217; colleague Murphy, who used to work at the nonprofit Family and Child Empowerment Services San Francisco (FACES SF), which provides access to child care.

In one instance, investigators say Jenkins submitted fake invoices to FACES SF under a Department of Public Health Covid grant, and Murphy subsequently approved them. The city attorney says Jenkins&#8217; organization unlawfully received $81,111 through the health department&#8217;s grant.

In one instance, investigators say Jenkins submitted fake invoices to FACES SF under a Department of Public Health Covid grant, and Murphy subsequently approved them. The city attorney says Jenkins' organization unlawfully received $81,111 through the health department's grant.

In one instance, investigators say Jenkins submitted fake invoices to FACES SF under a Department of Public Health Covid grant, and Murphy subsequently approved them. The city attorney says Jenkins&#8217; organization unlawfully received $81,111 through the health department&#8217;s grant.

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