Han Li

Gabe Greschler

San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is, once again, facing questions about his campaign finance practices.

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San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is, once again, facing questions about his campaign finance practices.

Critics this week accused him of dodging contribution limits by using a ballot measure committee to push resources toward his mayoral candidate campaign, which can accept only up to $500 from individuals. 

Critics this week accused him of dodging contribution limits by using a ballot measure committee to push resources toward his mayoral candidate campaign, which can accept only up to $500 from individuals.

A campaign disclosure form filed Monday by Farrell’s ballot measure committee, Mayor Mark Farrell for the Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative, reported nearly $50,000 spent on interns over two weeks in July.&nbsp;That committee supports the moderate political group TogetherSF Action’s charter reform effort that promises to cut back on the number of city commissions.

A campaign disclosure form filed Monday by Farrell’s ballot measure committee, Mayor Mark Farrell for the Cut the Dysfunctional Bureaucracy Initiative, reported nearly $50,000 spent on interns over two weeks in July.&nbsp;That committee supports the moderate political group TogetherSF Action’s charter reform effort that promises to cut back on the number of city commissions.

The form shows the ballot measure committee reimbursed Farrell’s mayoral campaign for the work.

The form shows the ballot measure committee reimbursed Farrell’s mayoral campaign for the work.

After The Standard inquired about the expense, a spokesperson for Farrell’s campaign said it made a mistake in the filing. The spokesperson said the actual cost of the interns was $23,848 — about half the reported sum. The campaign said the money was used to pay “dozens” of canvassers who work for the Farrell campaign but spend part of their time helping advocate for the ballot measure.

After The Standard inquired about the expense, a spokesperson for Farrell’s campaign said it made a mistake in the filing. The spokesperson said the actual cost of the interns was $23,848 — about half the reported sum. The campaign said the money was used to pay “dozens” of canvassers who work for the Farrell campaign but spend part of their time helping advocate for the ballot measure.

An amended document was filed Wednesday night by the ballot measure committee.

An amended document was filed Wednesday night by the ballot measure committee.

Two of Farrell’s opponents in the November race, Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, likened the payments to “money laundering.” 

Two of Farrell’s opponents in the November race, Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, likened the payments to “money laundering.”

“He’s brazenly laundering money through a ballot measure to circumvent laws limiting contributions to his campaign for mayor,” Tyler Law, a Lurie campaign consultant, said in a statement.

“He’s brazenly laundering money through a ballot measure to circumvent laws limiting contributions to his campaign for mayor,” Tyler Law, a Lurie campaign consultant, said in a statement.

Former Mayor Mark Farrell smiles during a mayoral debate alongside Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and Mayor London Breed at the Local 798 Union Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The candidates debated to compete for the Fire Union’s endorsement in the race.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_020-edited.jpg" alt="Three people in business attire stand side by side. The central figure is smiling, while the others have neutral expressions. The man in the middle looks directly at the camera." class="wp-image-294975"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has paid penalties for past campaign finance violations.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718-firefighterdebate_jy_020-edited.jpg" alt="Three people in business attire stand side by side. The central figure is smiling, while the others have neutral expressions. The man in the middle looks directly at the camera." class="wp-image-294975"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has paid penalties for past campaign finance violations.</figcaption></figure>

Farrell’s campaign dismissed the characterization, saying that “every expense is legitimate, vetted and approved by counsel.”

Farrell’s campaign dismissed the characterization, saying that “every expense is legitimate, vetted and approved by counsel.”

“Our opponents are slinging mud because they are losing momentum and are trying to distract voters from their failed leadership and inability to deliver change on the top issues facing San Francisco,” Farrell’s campaign said in a statement. The campaign also provided The Standard with a memo drafted by attorneys defending its practices.

“Our opponents are slinging mud because they are losing momentum and are trying to distract voters from their failed leadership and inability to deliver change on the top issues facing San Francisco,” Farrell’s campaign said in a statement. The campaign also provided The Standard with a memo drafted by attorneys defending its practices.

The ballot measure committee has received nearly $1 million in contributions, records show. Farrell’s candidate committee has shown a knack for fundraising, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/13/san-francisco-mayor-election-mark-farrell-fundraising/">quickly raising </a>hundreds of thousands of dollars after he launched his bid for mayor. The latest fundraising figures for the campaign will be available at the end of the month.

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

The ballot measure committee has received nearly $1 million in contributions, records show. Farrell’s candidate committee has shown a knack for fundraising, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/13/san-francisco-mayor-election-mark-farrell-fundraising/">quickly raising </a>hundreds of thousands of dollars after he launched his bid for mayor. The latest fundraising figures for the campaign will be available at the end of the month.

It isn’t the first time Farrell, a former supervisor and interim mayor, has been accused of testing the limits of campaign ethics rules.

It isn’t the first time Farrell, a former supervisor and interim mayor, has been accused of testing the limits of campaign ethics rules.

Earlier this year, a text exchange suggested that Jay Cheng, executive director of the powerful moderate group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, attempted to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">facilitate the hiring</a> of a Farrell campaign staffer shortly after he launched his campaign. The exchange raised questions about how the offer squares with laws that bar cooperation between political action committees and candidate campaigns.&nbsp;

Hello, Neighbors: Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign gets cozy with rich political group

Earlier this year, a text exchange suggested that Jay Cheng, executive director of the powerful moderate group Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, attempted to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">facilitate the hiring</a> of a Farrell campaign staffer shortly after he launched his campaign. The exchange raised questions about how the offer squares with laws that bar cooperation between political action committees and candidate campaigns.&nbsp;

Farrell also faced scrutiny over campaign funds he used from a Democratic Party race to wine and dine unnamed constituents. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/mark-farrell-campaign-money-san-francisco-restaurants-bars/">An investigation by The Standard</a> this month showed he spent thousands of dollars at the gatherings between 2016 and 2018. Farrell declined to disclose whom he met with during the meetings.

Mark Farrell lived large on campaign cash while mayor, supervisor

Farrell also faced scrutiny over campaign funds he used from a Democratic Party race to wine and dine unnamed constituents. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/mark-farrell-campaign-money-san-francisco-restaurants-bars/">An investigation by The Standard</a> this month showed he spent thousands of dollars at the gatherings between 2016 and 2018. Farrell declined to disclose whom he met with during the meetings.

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In 2016, Farrell was fined a record $25,000 after his 2010 supervisor campaign was found to have <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SF-Ethics-Commission-slashes-fine-for-Farrell-9981935.php">illegally</a> coordinated with a committee set up by real estate magnate Thomas Coates and socialite Dede Wilsey. In June, Coates and his wife donated a whopping half a million dollars to Farrell’s ballot measure committee, according to campaign finance records.

In 2016, Farrell was fined a record $25,000 after his 2010 supervisor campaign was found to have <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SF-Ethics-Commission-slashes-fine-for-Farrell-9981935.php">illegally</a> coordinated with a committee set up by real estate magnate Thomas Coates and socialite Dede Wilsey. In June, Coates and his wife donated a whopping half a million dollars to Farrell’s ballot measure committee, according to campaign finance records.

Sean McMorris, an expert in campaign finance laws, said that considering Farrell’s history, the arrangement between his campaign committee and the ballot measure committee merited scrutiny.

Sean McMorris, an expert in campaign finance laws, said that considering Farrell’s history, the arrangement between his campaign committee and the ballot measure committee merited scrutiny.

&#8220;I have a lot of questions,” McMorris said. “It’s appropriate for the press and the public to wonder why they operated in this way.&#8221;

"I have a lot of questions,” McMorris said. “It’s appropriate for the press and the public to wonder why they operated in this way."

&#8220;I have a lot of questions,” McMorris said. “It’s appropriate for the press and the public to wonder why they operated in this way.&#8221;

$24K on interns? Mark Farrell faces scrutiny, again, over campaign finance practices

Mike Ege

A San Francisco political veteran has submitted a ballot measure for the March 2024 election that could radically change the makeup of the Board of Supervisors if it became a reality. The question is: Will voters buy into the idea?&nbsp;

A San Francisco political veteran has submitted a ballot measure for the March 2024 election that could radically change the makeup of the Board of Supervisors if it became a reality. The question is: Will voters buy into the idea?&nbsp;

Quentin Kopp is a San Francisco political legend. There’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_380_(California)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a freeway named after him</a>. He’s been a member of the Board of Supervisors, a state senator, Superior Court judge, state rail commissioner and city ethics commissioner.&nbsp;

Quentin Kopp is a San Francisco political legend. There’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_380_(California)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a freeway named after him</a>. He’s been a member of the Board of Supervisors, a state senator, Superior Court judge, state rail commissioner and city ethics commissioner.&nbsp;

A staunch independent, he’s witnessed the trajectory of the city’s politics from the rise of the Phil Burton Democratic machine to today’s angst-ridden, tech-driven politics. And at 95 years old, he’s still practicing law and <a href="https://westsideobserver.com/23/5-A-spring-collection-of-newsy-bits.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">making his opinions known</a>.&nbsp;

A staunch independent, he’s witnessed the trajectory of the city’s politics from the rise of the Phil Burton Democratic machine to today’s angst-ridden, tech-driven politics. And at 95 years old, he’s still practicing law and <a href="https://westsideobserver.com/23/5-A-spring-collection-of-newsy-bits.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">making his opinions known</a>.&nbsp;

And he just made one of the most provocative proposals the city has seen in a long time.

And he just made one of the most provocative proposals the city has seen in a long time.

Kopp’s measure is <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/20230914_Legal%20Text_Charter%20Ammendment_At-Large%20Elections%20from%20Districts.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a charter amendment</a> that would “let all voters participate in electing all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors, while ensuring every neighborhood has representation on the board, by providing for election of supervisors at-large from districts,” he said in an interview.

Kopp’s measure is <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/20230914_Legal%20Text_Charter%20Ammendment_At-Large%20Elections%20from%20Districts.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a charter amendment</a> that would “let all voters participate in electing all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors, while ensuring every neighborhood has representation on the board, by providing for election of supervisors at-large from districts,” he said in an interview.

In other words, all San Francisco voters would be able to vote for all the district supervisors, no matter where they lived. To understand the potential impact of this, it helps to look at some of the numbers involved.

In other words, all San Francisco voters would be able to vote for all the district supervisors, no matter where they lived. To understand the potential impact of this, it helps to look at some of the numbers involved.

The average population of a supervisorial district before last year’s redistricting was around 70,000, and the average number of registered voters was 44,000. In the last supervisorial election before redistricting, November 2020, Supervisor Hillary Ronen received the largest number of first-choice votes to win her largely uncontested supervisorial contest, with 27,481 votes.&nbsp;

The average population of a supervisorial district before last year’s redistricting was around 70,000, and the average number of registered voters was 44,000. In the last supervisorial election before redistricting, November 2020, Supervisor Hillary Ronen received the largest number of first-choice votes to win her largely uncontested supervisorial contest, with 27,481 votes.&nbsp;

By contrast, the number of votes for elected members of the Board of Education, whose members are elected in a citywide vote, ran from 144,000 to 195,000 votes in the November 2020 election.&nbsp;

By contrast, the number of votes for elected members of the Board of Education, whose members are elected in a citywide vote, ran from 144,000 to 195,000 votes in the November 2020 election.&nbsp;

But there’s growing dissatisfaction with district elections, with stakeholder groups floating ideas to alter the current system, which has been <a href="https://www.spur.org/publications/urbanist-article/2000-02-01/district-elections-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in place since 2000</a>.&nbsp;

But there’s growing dissatisfaction with district elections, with stakeholder groups floating ideas to alter the current system, which has been <a href="https://www.spur.org/publications/urbanist-article/2000-02-01/district-elections-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in place since 2000</a>.&nbsp;

The moderate political group TogetherSF <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">recently commissioned a report</a> on reforming San Francisco’s governance, including recommendations to move toward a “hybrid system” of electing supervisors with a combination of district and at-large seats.&nbsp;

Does San Francisco’s mayor need more power? This group says yes

The moderate political group TogetherSF <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/does-san-franciscos-mayor-need-more-power-this-group-says-yes/">recently commissioned a report</a> on reforming San Francisco’s governance, including recommendations to move toward a “hybrid system” of electing supervisors with a combination of district and at-large seats.&nbsp;

Kopp is proposing a different sort of hybrid board altogether. But like the TogetherSF proposal, it’s influenced by a recent California Supreme Court decision, Pico Neighborhood Association v. City of Santa Monica, <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/supreme-court-clarifies-california-1947541/">reaffirming the state’s Voting Rights Act</a>, which allows for the institution of district elections to protect against diluting minority votes.

Kopp is proposing a different sort of hybrid board altogether. But like the TogetherSF proposal, it’s influenced by a recent California Supreme Court decision, Pico Neighborhood Association v. City of Santa Monica, <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/supreme-court-clarifies-california-1947541/">reaffirming the state’s Voting Rights Act</a>, which allows for the institution of district elections to protect against diluting minority votes.

“What I really wanted to see is the return of at-large election [of supervisors] without districts,” Kopp told The Standard in a phone call. “But the Pico case blocks that. So we’re proposing district supervisors elected at-large.”&nbsp;

“What I really wanted to see is the return of at-large election [of supervisors] without districts,” Kopp told The Standard in a phone call. “But the Pico case blocks that. So we’re proposing district supervisors elected at-large.”&nbsp;

“We expect it will pass,” he added. “Everyone I’ve talked to supports a return to at-large because of the condition of the city.”

“We expect it will pass,” he added. “Everyone I’ve talked to supports a return to at-large because of the condition of the city.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-changing-board">A Changing Board</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-changing-board">A Changing Board</h2>

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, center, listens to public comment at a board meeting at the Supervisor's Chamber at City Hall on May 16, 2023. | 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/105162023BOSRoundup-050.jpg?w=1530" alt="An older man with glasses and a beard sits at a desk, flanked by an American flag and a person working on a laptop." class="wp-image-161685"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin, center, listens to public comment at a board meeting at the Supervisor&#8217;s Chamber at City Hall on May 16, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/105162023BOSRoundup-050.jpg?w=1530" alt="An older man with glasses and a beard sits at a desk, flanked by an American flag and a person working on a laptop." class="wp-image-161685"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin, center, listens to public comment at a board meeting at the Supervisor's Chamber at City Hall on May 16, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/105162023BOSRoundup-050.jpg?w=1530" alt="An older man with glasses and a beard sits at a desk, flanked by an American flag and a person working on a laptop." class="wp-image-161685"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin, center, listens to public comment at a board meeting at the Supervisor&#8217;s Chamber at City Hall on May 16, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

The author of the proposal is Robert Guichard, who wrote a charter amendment establishing at-large supervisor elections that barely passed in an August 1980 special election.&nbsp;

The author of the proposal is Robert Guichard, who wrote a charter amendment establishing at-large supervisor elections that barely passed in an August 1980 special election.&nbsp;

The city has switched up Board of Supervisors elections multiple times over the years. San Francisco had approved district elections of supervisors in 1976, a political victory for progressives. The following election in 1977 saw the election of a very diverse board, including Harvey Milk, San Francisco’s first gay supervisor.&nbsp;

The city has switched up Board of Supervisors elections multiple times over the years. San Francisco had approved district elections of supervisors in 1976, a political victory for progressives. The following election in 1977 saw the election of a very diverse board, including Harvey Milk, San Francisco’s first gay supervisor.&nbsp;

Dan White, a social conservative, was also elected in 1977. He would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/28/harvey-milk-remembrance-castro-2022/'">murder both Milk</a> and Mayor George Moscone over a political grudge the following year.&nbsp;

Dan White, a social conservative, was also elected in 1977. He would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/28/harvey-milk-remembrance-castro-2022/'">murder both Milk</a> and Mayor George Moscone over a political grudge the following year.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.spur.org/publications/urbanist-article/2000-02-01/district-elections-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2000 article</a> by the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) noted that “the tragic assassinations severely damaged the image of the district electoral system.”&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.spur.org/publications/urbanist-article/2000-02-01/district-elections-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2000 article</a> by the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) noted that “the tragic assassinations severely damaged the image of the district electoral system.”&nbsp;

Despite Kopp’s enthusiasm, the measure may have an uphill battle. In order to get on the ballot, supporters would need to secure the votes of six members of the current board of supervisors, or <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/110822_InitiativeGuide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at least 49,794 petition signatures</a> of registered voters, by this November.&nbsp;

Despite Kopp’s enthusiasm, the measure may have an uphill battle. In order to get on the ballot, supporters would need to secure the votes of six members of the current board of supervisors, or <a href="https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/110822_InitiativeGuide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at least 49,794 petition signatures</a> of registered voters, by this November.&nbsp;

So far, not too many of the city’s political world are ready to comment on the proposal. But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who was <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Off-to-Fast-Start-District-3-Supervisor-Aaron-2952368.php">first elected to the board in 2000</a>, isn’t a fan.&nbsp;

So far, not too many of the city’s political world are ready to comment on the proposal. But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who was <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Off-to-Fast-Start-District-3-Supervisor-Aaron-2952368.php">first elected to the board in 2000</a>, isn’t a fan.&nbsp;

“Apparently, former San Mateo County Judge Quentin Kopp doesn’t seem to be concerned about violating the federal Voting Rights Act,” he said.

“Apparently, former San Mateo County Judge Quentin Kopp doesn’t seem to be concerned about violating the federal Voting Rights Act,” he said.

95-year-old political veteran wants to change how San Francisco votes

Adam Lashinsky

A couple Fridays ago at City Hall, I got to witness, in all of its banal absurdity, the reality of San Francisco-style citizen democracy. 

A couple Fridays ago at City Hall, I got to witness, in all of its banal absurdity, the reality of San Francisco-style citizen democracy.

I attended a meeting of the Sanitation and Streets Commission, a five-person commission appointed by a combination of the mayor, the Board of Supervisors and the controller. This is a commission that oversees a city department, which—I kid you not—no longer exists.&nbsp;

I attended a meeting of the Sanitation and Streets Commission, a five-person commission appointed by a combination of the mayor, the Board of Supervisors and the controller. This is a commission that oversees a city department, which—I kid you not—no longer exists.&nbsp;

The vibe was that of a school board or town council meeting in a tiny hamlet with an uninvolved citizenry. The hearing room itself, on the fourth floor of San Francisco’s ornate Beaux Arts municipal building, had a certain grandeur to it. The raised dais, the theater seating, the virtual hookup for the viewing public to watch the proceedings—all stood in stark contrast to the humdrum affairs at hand.&nbsp;

The vibe was that of a school board or town council meeting in a tiny hamlet with an uninvolved citizenry. The hearing room itself, on the fourth floor of San Francisco’s ornate Beaux Arts municipal building, had a certain grandeur to it. The raised dais, the theater seating, the virtual hookup for the viewing public to watch the proceedings—all stood in stark contrast to the humdrum affairs at hand.&nbsp;

Other than myself, there were three members of the public present—a headcount that matched the number of Sanitation and Streets commissioners perched above us. These did not include the chairwoman, Kimberlee Hartwig-Schulman, an office manager for a community benefit district in SoMa, whose absence wasn’t explained. The secretary informed the trio of commissioners who did show up that if any of them needed to use the toilet, they would have to pause the proceedings because they’d lose their quorum.

Other than myself, there were three members of the public present—a headcount that matched the number of Sanitation and Streets commissioners perched above us. These did not include the chairwoman, Kimberlee Hartwig-Schulman, an office manager for a community benefit district in SoMa, whose absence wasn’t explained. The secretary informed the trio of commissioners who did show up that if any of them needed to use the toilet, they would have to pause the proceedings because they’d lose their quorum.

The agenda was befitting an oversight body, which, in spite of its tough-sounding name, is responsible for little and wields even less power. Besides an update on washing the sidewalks after the Chinese New Year parade, there were discussions on citywide tree pruning and progress in race-based hiring at the Department of Public Works.

The agenda was befitting an oversight body, which, in spite of its tough-sounding name, is responsible for little and wields even less power. Besides an update on washing the sidewalks after the Chinese New Year parade, there were discussions on citywide tree pruning and progress in race-based hiring at the Department of Public Works.

For my money, the most exciting moment followed a comment by a citizen-tree lover named Lance Carnes. He used his allotted three minutes to advocate for a comprehensive database of the city’s trees. When he sat down, Nicholas Crawford, the acting superintendent of the Bureau of Urban Forestry and the city employee who had just debriefed the commissioners at length about tree maintenance, whispered to Carnes, “We do need a better tree database”—and promptly left the room.

For my money, the most exciting moment followed a comment by a citizen-tree lover named Lance Carnes. He used his allotted three minutes to advocate for a comprehensive database of the city’s trees. When he sat down, Nicholas Crawford, the acting superintendent of the Bureau of Urban Forestry and the city employee who had just debriefed the commissioners at length about tree maintenance, whispered to Carnes, “We do need a better tree database”—and promptly left the room.

I followed Crawford out the same door a bit later, having learned a little about streets and sanitation and a lot about why the city works the way it does.

I followed Crawford out the same door a bit later, having learned a little about streets and sanitation and a lot about why the city works the way it does.

I felt like I’d just watched a tree fall in the urban forest—and heard nary a sound.

I felt like I’d just watched a tree fall in the urban forest—and heard nary a sound.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-making-of-a-do-nothing-commission">The making of a do-nothing commission</h2>

Good-governance types love to lament how San Francisco has too many citizen-run commissions, advisory committees, councils and the like. Numbering some <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/good-government/list-of-commissions-boards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">130 in all</a>—the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">precise number is elusive</a>—this smallish city has three separate assessment appeals boards, four that consider themselves stewards of its trees, five entities overseeing homelessness efforts and no fewer than seven oversight bodies focused on children, youth and families.&nbsp;

Only 1 person at SF City Hall knows the answer to this simple question

Good-governance types love to lament how San Francisco has too many citizen-run commissions, advisory committees, councils and the like. Numbering some <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/good-government/list-of-commissions-boards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">130 in all</a>—the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/06/only-1-person-at-sf-city-hall-knows-the-answer-to-this-simple-question/">precise number is elusive</a>—this smallish city has three separate assessment appeals boards, four that consider themselves stewards of its trees, five entities overseeing homelessness efforts and no fewer than seven oversight bodies focused on children, youth and families.&nbsp;

But the pinnacle of San Francisco’s Kafkaesque swamp of unnecessary, duplicative bureaucracy must be its Sanitation and Streets Commission. That’s because this august body has the unique distinction of overseeing a department that was summarily eliminated by voters two years ago.&nbsp;

But the pinnacle of San Francisco’s Kafkaesque swamp of unnecessary, duplicative bureaucracy must be its Sanitation and Streets Commission. That’s because this august body has the unique distinction of overseeing a department that was summarily eliminated by voters two years ago.&nbsp;

As is typically the case with the sausage-making of San Francisco government, the details of how this Commission to Nowhere came to be are at once tedious and rage-inducing.&nbsp;

As is typically the case with the sausage-making of San Francisco government, the details of how this Commission to Nowhere came to be are at once tedious and rage-inducing.&nbsp;

In 2020, stung by a corruption scandal in the Department of Public Works, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors asked voters to carve out a new city department just to cater to street and sidewalk cleaning, costing taxpayers as much as $6 million annually.&nbsp;

In 2020, stung by a corruption scandal in the Department of Public Works, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors asked voters to carve out a new city department just to cater to street and sidewalk cleaning, costing taxpayers as much as $6 million annually.&nbsp;

The move also created two new commissions, one for the Sanitation and Streets Department and one for Public Works. When it quickly became apparent that the city hadn’t accomplished anything by cleaving the tainted Public Works in two—well, beyond piling on administrative costs—the supervisors asked voters two years later to undo the move, sending the fledgling department back where it came from.

The move also created two new commissions, one for the Sanitation and Streets Department and one for Public Works. When it quickly became apparent that the city hadn’t accomplished anything by cleaving the tainted Public Works in two—well, beyond piling on administrative costs—the supervisors asked voters two years later to undo the move, sending the fledgling department back where it came from.

But in their infinite wisdom, the supervisors had a funny trick up their sleeves: They kept both commissions.

But in their infinite wisdom, the supervisors had a funny trick up their sleeves: They kept both commissions.

It was a classic San Francisco move. In the name of providing oversight, the city ginned up a handful of do-little featherbedding commissioner positions that would be gifted, like steak knives, to loyal members of the vaunted “city family.”&nbsp;

It was a classic San Francisco move. In the name of providing oversight, the city ginned up a handful of do-little featherbedding commissioner positions that would be gifted, like steak knives, to loyal members of the vaunted “city family.”&nbsp;

Though in theory the Sanitation and Streets Commission oversees the operations division of Public Works, in practice, it has no oversight at all and instead “sets policies for … sanitation standards,” according to the revised statute that eliminated its powers. The Public Works Commission is the body that officially approves the department budget; officials present its budget to the sanitation commission “as a courtesy,” according to a spokeswoman for Public Works.&nbsp;

Though in theory the Sanitation and Streets Commission oversees the operations division of Public Works, in practice, it has no oversight at all and instead “sets policies for … sanitation standards,” according to the revised statute that eliminated its powers. The Public Works Commission is the body that officially approves the department budget; officials present its budget to the sanitation commission “as a courtesy,” according to a spokeswoman for Public Works.&nbsp;

The cost for all this excessive commission-ing adds up. How much, nobody apparently knows, as the city couldn’t provide a full accounting. “There is not a filter or report at this time we can run to conduct this analysis,” the City Controller’s Office informed me when I asked for an estimate of the costs accrued by commissions and other oversight bodies.&nbsp;

The cost for all this excessive commission-ing adds up. How much, nobody apparently knows, as the city couldn’t provide a full accounting. “There is not a filter or report at this time we can run to conduct this analysis,” the City Controller’s Office informed me when I asked for an estimate of the costs accrued by commissions and other oversight bodies.&nbsp;

Make no mistake, the cost is real: The controller lists almost 40 commissions—one, the <a href="https://about.asianart.org/about-the-asian-art-museum/governance/governance-boards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Art Commission</a>, with a gaudy 27 members—that offer health care benefits to its committee members. Some commissioners receive modest stipends as well. But the even bigger cost may come from all the bureaucratic obligations and distractions this rats’ nest of commissions creates for harried department staffers, who’ve got plenty on their hands simply trying to administer the city.&nbsp;

Make no mistake, the cost is real: The controller lists almost 40 commissions—one, the <a href="https://about.asianart.org/about-the-asian-art-museum/governance/governance-boards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Art Commission</a>, with a gaudy 27 members—that offer health care benefits to its committee members. Some commissioners receive modest stipends as well. But the even bigger cost may come from all the bureaucratic obligations and distractions this rats’ nest of commissions creates for harried department staffers, who’ve got plenty on their hands simply trying to administer the city.&nbsp;

They don’t just have to answer to their bosses and the citizenry of San Francisco–they have to answer to commissioners, sometimes dozens of them.

They don’t just have to answer to their bosses and the citizenry of San Francisco–they have to answer to commissioners, sometimes dozens of them.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-too-much-democracy">Too much democracy</h2>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/15/garbage-out-supervisors-seek-to-sweep-away-new-street-cleaning-department/">None of this is a secret</a>, especially as it pertains to the obsolete—but still cranking away!—Sanitation and Streets Commission. Yet the 2022 mandate to ditch the department while keeping the commission came amid a flurry of alphabet-soup ballot initiatives most voters could barely be bothered to register, let alone seriously consider.

Garbage out: Supervisors seek to sweep away new street cleaning department

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/15/garbage-out-supervisors-seek-to-sweep-away-new-street-cleaning-department/">None of this is a secret</a>, especially as it pertains to the obsolete—but still cranking away!—Sanitation and Streets Commission. Yet the 2022 mandate to ditch the department while keeping the commission came amid a flurry of alphabet-soup ballot initiatives most voters could barely be bothered to register, let alone seriously consider.

It’s easy to tut-tut all this. Where’s the harm, after all, in having a few extra eyes on our government? And isn’t it a good idea to get citizens involved? Isn’t our commission, oversight board and advisory council apparatus a valuable civics lesson for those who haven’t been elected to public office?&nbsp;

It’s easy to tut-tut all this. Where’s the harm, after all, in having a few extra eyes on our government? And isn’t it a good idea to get citizens involved? Isn’t our commission, oversight board and advisory council apparatus a valuable civics lesson for those who haven’t been elected to public office?&nbsp;

Well, sure. Those arguments would be good and fine if things were going swimmingly in San Francisco, if city departments were operating efficiently, or if the city weren’t facing a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-budget-deficit-mayor-london-breed-cuts-programs/">billion-dollar budget shortfall</a>.&nbsp;

San Francisco mayor guts city programs as $1B budget shortfall looms

Well, sure. Those arguments would be good and fine if things were going swimmingly in San Francisco, if city departments were operating efficiently, or if the city weren’t facing a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-budget-deficit-mayor-london-breed-cuts-programs/">billion-dollar budget shortfall</a>.&nbsp;

But running this parallel bureaucracy is more expensive than it looks. For example, when the city created a new homelessness commission in 2022, the Controller’s Office estimated it would cost $350,000 a year to operate. To paraphrase the late parliamentarian Everett Dirksen, a few hundred thousand here and a few hundred thousand there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money.&nbsp;

But running this parallel bureaucracy is more expensive than it looks. For example, when the city created a new homelessness commission in 2022, the Controller’s Office estimated it would cost $350,000 a year to operate. To paraphrase the late parliamentarian Everett Dirksen, a few hundred thousand here and a few hundred thousand there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money.&nbsp;

Maybe there was a time when San Francisco could afford these excess riches—today, it can’t.

Maybe there was a time when San Francisco could afford these excess riches—today, it can’t.

There are a couple efforts under way to rein in our out-of-control commission addiction. The advocacy group TogetherSF is collecting signatures for a ballot initiative that promises to take an ax to the commission structure. Its proposal would protect 45 commissions, many of which are required by state or federal law, but cap the total number at 65 and empower a streamlining task force to decide which entities to kill. It also would eliminate stipends and health benefits for commissioners. (TogetherSF has received funding from Michael Moritz, the chairman of The San Francisco Standard.)

There are a couple efforts under way to rein in our out-of-control commission addiction. The advocacy group TogetherSF is collecting signatures for a ballot initiative that promises to take an ax to the commission structure. Its proposal would protect 45 commissions, many of which are required by state or federal law, but cap the total number at 65 and empower a streamlining task force to decide which entities to kill. It also would eliminate stipends and health benefits for commissioners. (TogetherSF has received funding from Michael Moritz, the chairman of The San Francisco Standard.)

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has a similar if less draconian initiative in the works. He, too, wants to reduce the number of oversight bodies at work in the city, but isn’t necessarily prejudging the total number. Instead, he plans to propose a change that would make it easier for the Board of Supervisors to eliminate certain entities without needing voter approval.&nbsp;“Any person who is sentient and paying attention knows we set up an oversight body any time we think there’s a problem,” Mandelman told me. “I think it’s worth asking, ‘What’s the point?’”

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has a similar if less draconian initiative in the works. He, too, wants to reduce the number of oversight bodies at work in the city, but isn’t necessarily prejudging the total number. Instead, he plans to propose a change that would make it easier for the Board of Supervisors to eliminate certain entities without needing voter approval.&nbsp;“Any person who is sentient and paying attention knows we set up an oversight body any time we think there’s a problem,” Mandelman told me. “I think it’s worth asking, ‘What’s the point?’”

The point, as I see it: There is such a thing as too much democracy. We should send more of our commissions to the same place the Streets and Sanitation Commission ought to be: the city dump.

The point, as I see it: There is such a thing as too much democracy. We should send more of our commissions to the same place the Streets and Sanitation Commission ought to be: the city dump.

Correction: This piece was updated with the proper spelling of Streets and Sanitation Commission chairwoman Kimberlee Hartwig-Schulman&#8217;s name.

Correction: This piece was updated with the proper spelling of Streets and Sanitation Commission chairwoman Kimberlee Hartwig-Schulman's name.

Correction: This piece was updated with the proper spelling of Streets and Sanitation Commission chairwoman Kimberlee Hartwig-Schulman&#8217;s name.

The city needs to toss its pointless, do-nothing commissions. Start with this one first

Opinion: The city needs to toss its pointless, do-nothing commissions. Start with this one first

Josh Koehn

A Republican billionaire, a real estate developer, a venture capitalist, a famed investor’s wife and a lawyer huddled last week to decide whether Jay Cheng—the head of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>—should continue to serve as the leader of the city’s most powerful political group.

A Republican billionaire, a real estate developer, a venture capitalist, a famed investor’s wife and a lawyer huddled last week to decide whether Jay Cheng—the head of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>—should continue to serve as the leader of the city’s most powerful political group.

After spending millions to dominate local politics over the past four years, Neighbors was suddenly in the midst of a crisis.&nbsp;

After spending millions to dominate local politics over the past four years, Neighbors was suddenly in the midst of a crisis.&nbsp;

Media outlets were reporting that Cheng had attempted to help hire staff for Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign, raising questions about improper coordination between the Neighbors political committee and a candidate committee. More disturbingly, old reports of Cheng being <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/17/uc-student-regent-accused-of-sex-assault-resigns/">accused of sexual battery</a> by an ex-partner in 2010 were resurfacing.

Media outlets were reporting that Cheng had attempted to help hire staff for Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign, raising questions about improper coordination between the Neighbors political committee and a candidate committee. More disturbingly, old reports of Cheng being <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/17/uc-student-regent-accused-of-sex-assault-resigns/">accused of sexual battery</a> by an ex-partner in 2010 were resurfacing.

Casting doubt on his claims of innocence then and today, Cheng had confessed in multiple emails—under duress, he said—to sexually assaulting the woman.&nbsp;

Casting doubt on his claims of innocence then and today, Cheng had confessed in multiple emails—under duress, he said—to sexually assaulting the woman.&nbsp;

“I am sorry for sexually assaulting you,” Cheng wrote. “I tried to rape you and I thank you everyday for not letting me do that to you.”

“I am sorry for sexually assaulting you,” Cheng wrote. “I tried to rape you and I thank you everyday for not letting me do that to you.”

If there was any doubt that Neighbors officials sensed that their leader was under siege, the organization hired political consultant Sam Singer, the Bay Area’s preeminent crisis communications manager. After the board meeting, Neighbors circled the wagons and launched a coordinated PR campaign.&nbsp;

If there was any doubt that Neighbors officials sensed that their leader was under siege, the organization hired political consultant Sam Singer, the Bay Area’s preeminent crisis communications manager. After the board meeting, Neighbors circled the wagons and launched a coordinated PR campaign.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the board sent <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixProjNow/status/1786084825193144581/photo/1">a letter to rattled donors</a> to reassure them that Cheng was innocent of any wrongdoing politically as well as criminally. The letter said that Cheng was ordered by the board to not have any interactions with mayoral candidates or campaigns, and the sexual assault allegations were “behind him” as no criminal or civil charges were ever filed.

On Wednesday, the board sent <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixProjNow/status/1786084825193144581/photo/1">a letter to rattled donors</a> to reassure them that Cheng was innocent of any wrongdoing politically as well as criminally. The letter said that Cheng was ordered by the board to not have any interactions with mayoral candidates or campaigns, and the sexual assault allegations were “behind him” as no criminal or civil charges were ever filed.

The next day, Cheng sent a letter defending himself against the allegations of sexual assault to Nancy Tung, the new chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, which was hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">a hearing on predatory sexual behavior and harassment</a> in local politics. Cheng was the latest prominent figure to come under the spotlight after The Standard reported disturbing allegations against once-rising political star <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">Jon Jacobo</a>.

Local Democratic leader on leave after sexual misconduct allegations emerge

Women accused a rising SF political star of rape and abuse—and met a wall of silence

The next day, Cheng sent a letter defending himself against the allegations of sexual assault to Nancy Tung, the new chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, which was hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">a hearing on predatory sexual behavior and harassment</a> in local politics. Cheng was the latest prominent figure to come under the spotlight after The Standard reported disturbing allegations against once-rising political star <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">Jon Jacobo</a>.

San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (SFDCCC) chair Nancy Tung begins a special hearing on sexual assault and harassment in the San Francisco political community at the Milton Marks Auditorium in San Francisco on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Tung created the committee in response to accusations of sexual assault against housing nonprofit director Jon Jacobo, but at the beginning of the meeting recused herself from the chair position after discussion with her office on whether or not her participation is compatible.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502metoomoment_jy_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="Nancy Tung speaks into a microphone. She looks focused, has long dark hair and wears a tweed blazer." class="wp-image-272564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng wrote a letter to Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, before party officials held a hearing Thursday to discuss sexual assault and harassment in local politics.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502metoomoment_jy_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="Nancy Tung speaks into a microphone. She looks focused, has long dark hair and wears a tweed blazer." class="wp-image-272564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng wrote a letter to Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, before party officials held a hearing Thursday to discuss sexual assault and harassment in local politics.</figcaption></figure>

In a phone interview, Cheng told The Standard that he had nothing to hide but stuck mostly to talking points he has repeated since he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery in 2010. Cheng said he was pressured into the confession because his ex-girlfriend was harassing him, calling him 50 times a day and demanding he admit he assaulted her.

In a phone interview, Cheng told The Standard that he had nothing to hide but stuck mostly to talking points he has repeated since he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery in 2010. Cheng said he was pressured into the confession because his ex-girlfriend was harassing him, calling him 50 times a day and demanding he admit he assaulted her.

“I regret lying to her in those emails,” Cheng said. “It was absolutely a mistake to capitulate, just so that she would stop calling me to try and move forward.”

“I regret lying to her in those emails,” Cheng said. “It was absolutely a mistake to capitulate, just so that she would stop calling me to try and move forward.”

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Cheng, citing a lack of evidence.

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Cheng, citing a lack of evidence.

On top of discomfort that Cheng may have been improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign—which ruffled feathers among supporters of Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">#MeToo moment</a> appears to be taking place in San Francisco as local Democrats demand accountability for those who have enabled harassment and sexual violence.

San Francisco Democrats are having a #MeToo moment as women share stories of rape, abuse

On top of discomfort that Cheng may have been improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign—which ruffled feathers among supporters of Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">#MeToo moment</a> appears to be taking place in San Francisco as local Democrats demand accountability for those who have enabled harassment and sexual violence.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party&#8217;s moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party's moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party&#8217;s moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

$24K on interns? Mark Farrell faces scrutiny, again, over campaign finance practices

95-year-old political veteran wants to change how San Francisco votes

Opinion: The city needs to toss its pointless, do-nothing commissions. Start with this one first

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

San Francisco’s glossiest new political group is ready to party

Search Results for: togethersf

$24K on interns? Mark Farrell faces scrutiny, again, over campaign finance practices

95-year-old political veteran wants to change how San Francisco votes

Opinion: The city needs to toss its pointless, do-nothing commissions. Start with this one first

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

San Francisco’s glossiest new political group is ready to party