Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Does it feel unusually chilly in the city? That frosty air may be blowing from Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie’s administration, which is about to freeze out an influential operative in charge of one the wealthiest political groups in San Francisco.&nbsp;

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Does it feel unusually chilly in the city? That frosty air may be blowing from Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie’s administration, which is about to freeze out an influential operative in charge of one the wealthiest political groups in San Francisco.&nbsp;

The man on the outs is Jay Cheng, executive director of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, who has long courted controversy.&nbsp;

The man on the outs is Jay Cheng, executive director of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, who has long courted controversy.&nbsp;

Insiders close to the mayor-elect confirmed to The Standard that the administration will not work with Cheng or any group with which he collaborates, citing a string of ethics allegations that run counter to Lurie’s campaign promise to clean up City Hall corruption.

Insiders close to the mayor-elect confirmed to The Standard that the administration will not work with Cheng or any group with which he collaborates, citing a string of ethics allegations that run counter to Lurie’s campaign promise to clean up City Hall corruption.

“This is a little surprising. It&#8217;s a little out of left field for me,” Cheng said when The Standard told him of Lurie’s position. “I think that it was a tough election; emotions run very high during an election. But Neighbors was proud to endorse Daniel Lurie, because voters backed change, and we agreed. We want to be partners in policies that move the city forward.&nbsp;

“This is a little surprising. It's a little out of left field for me,” Cheng said when The Standard told him of Lurie’s position. “I think that it was a tough election; emotions run very high during an election. But Neighbors was proud to endorse Daniel Lurie, because voters backed change, and we agreed. We want to be partners in policies that move the city forward.&nbsp;

“This is a little surprising. It&#8217;s a little out of left field for me,” Cheng said when The Standard told him of Lurie’s position. “I think that it was a tough election; emotions run very high during an election. But Neighbors was proud to endorse Daniel Lurie, because voters backed change, and we agreed. We want to be partners in policies that move the city forward.&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re here to be supportive and follow Mayor Lurie&#8217;s leadership,” Cheng added.&nbsp;

“We're here to be supportive and follow Mayor Lurie's leadership,” Cheng added.&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re here to be supportive and follow Mayor Lurie&#8217;s leadership,” Cheng added.&nbsp;

To supporters, Cheng is an accomplished and whip-smart strategist who got his start representing the San Francisco Association of Realtors against anti-housing measures like new taxes and a development moratorium in the 2010s. He later played a key role in the recall of three school board members and this year’s election of moderate Democrats to the party board, among other successful campaigns.&nbsp;

To supporters, Cheng is an accomplished and whip-smart strategist who got his start representing the San Francisco Association of Realtors against anti-housing measures like new taxes and a development moratorium in the 2010s. He later played a key role in the recall of three school board members and this year’s election of moderate Democrats to the party board, among other successful campaigns.&nbsp;

Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco at an event in San Francisco on November 8, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng, executive director of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, with wife Kanishka Cheng, CEO of TogetherSF.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-23110811.jpg?w=1641" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng smile a table at a social event. She has long hair and he wears glasses." class="wp-image-270463"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng, executive director of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, with wife Kanishka Cheng, CEO of TogetherSF.</figcaption></figure>

To detractors, Cheng is an unscrupulous actor who was rewarded for his ruthlessness with leadership of the billionaire-funded Neighbors for a Better San Francisco.

To detractors, Cheng is an unscrupulous actor who was rewarded for his ruthlessness with leadership of the billionaire-funded Neighbors for a Better San Francisco.

Neighbors hit the scene in 2020. Backed in part by megadonor Bill Oberndorf, the group financed the recall of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and spent a cool $3.5 million in the 2024 election cycle for its endorsed causes. For mayor, Neighbors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-franciscos-most-powerful-political-group-endorses-farrell-lurie-over-breed/">dually endorsed Mark Farrell and Lurie</a> and ranked Mayor London Breed third.&nbsp;

San Francisco&#8217;s most powerful political group endorses Farrell, Lurie over Breed

Neighbors hit the scene in 2020. Backed in part by megadonor Bill Oberndorf, the group financed the recall of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and spent a cool $3.5 million in the 2024 election cycle for its endorsed causes. For mayor, Neighbors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-franciscos-most-powerful-political-group-endorses-farrell-lurie-over-breed/">dually endorsed Mark Farrell and Lurie</a> and ranked Mayor London Breed third.&nbsp;

So yes, Lurie is sticking a “Get off my lawn” sign in his yard to ward off Neighbors, even though the group endorsed him. But there’s ample reason to speculate it backed him in name only.

So yes, Lurie is sticking a “Get off my lawn” sign in his yard to ward off Neighbors, even though the group endorsed him. But there’s ample reason to speculate it backed him in name only.

Photos: The charmed life of Daniel Lurie, San Francisco’s new mayor

sf-standard/related-post

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

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Breed has accused Cheng of improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">and leaked communications</a> seemed to back this up. Farrell’s campaign netted the largest fine in Ethics Commission history, using strategies some insiders attribute to Cheng — though he has forcefully denied it. And, as Power Play reported, Neighbors donors complained to Oberndorf and Cheng after the group contributed to another one that funded attack ads against Lurie.

Breed has accused Cheng of improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">and leaked communications</a> seemed to back this up. Farrell’s campaign netted the largest fine in Ethics Commission history, using strategies some insiders attribute to Cheng — though he has forcefully denied it. And, as Power Play reported, Neighbors donors complained to Oberndorf and Cheng after the group contributed to another one that funded attack ads against Lurie.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/powerful-san-francisco-political-group-faces-dollar56k-ethics-fine/">Meanwhile, the Ethics Commission fined Neighbors $53,000</a> for failing to report payments to a public relations firm during the district attorney recall, and Cheng was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-neighbors-powerful-political-group-crisis/">almost ousted from leadership</a> this year after a 2010 sexual assault allegation resurfaced.&nbsp;

SF political group that backed Chesa Boudin recall faces $53K ethics fine

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/powerful-san-francisco-political-group-faces-dollar56k-ethics-fine/">Meanwhile, the Ethics Commission fined Neighbors $53,000</a> for failing to report payments to a public relations firm during the district attorney recall, and Cheng was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/san-francisco-neighbors-powerful-political-group-crisis/">almost ousted from leadership</a> this year after a 2010 sexual assault allegation resurfaced.&nbsp;

“We had a fine earlier this year. We made a mistake, we admitted the fault, and we paid the fine. We held ourselves accountable to that standard that the Ethics Commission found us on,” Cheng said.

“We had a fine earlier this year. We made a mistake, we admitted the fault, and we paid the fine. We held ourselves accountable to that standard that the Ethics Commission found us on,” Cheng said.

Still, embracing Cheng and Neighbors might be tough for Lurie, considering that his campaign literature claimed his administration would “turn the page” from “scandal after scandal” tarnishing City Hall.&nbsp;

Still, embracing Cheng and Neighbors might be tough for Lurie, considering that his campaign literature claimed his administration would “turn the page” from “scandal after scandal” tarnishing City Hall.&nbsp;

Cheng’s boosters hope Lurie will change his tune. Mary Jung, a community relations director at the SF Association of Realtors and a former local Democratic Party chair who worked on the Boudin recall, is set to retire. Jung considers Cheng to be the next generation in San Francisco Democratic politics.

Cheng’s boosters hope Lurie will change his tune. Mary Jung, a community relations director at the SF Association of Realtors and a former local Democratic Party chair who worked on the Boudin recall, is set to retire. Jung considers Cheng to be the next generation in San Francisco Democratic politics.

“Jay Cheng is someone that I have personally mentored for years and trust to continue to carry on my legacy,” she said. “He cares deeply about our city, works tirelessly on behalf of his community and our residents, is an adept strategist and leader, and we need all hands on deck to continue to fix our city. He is the only person I know who works harder than I do.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Jay Cheng is someone that I have personally mentored for years and trust to continue to carry on my legacy,” she said. “He cares deeply about our city, works tirelessly on behalf of his community and our residents, is an adept strategist and leader, and we need all hands on deck to continue to fix our city. He is the only person I know who works harder than I do.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Jay and Neighbors will continue to be important players in helping Mayor-elect Lurie fulfill his promises and vision to change San Francisco for the better,” she added. “In the end, isn’t this what we all want?”&nbsp;

“Jay and Neighbors will continue to be important players in helping Mayor-elect Lurie fulfill his promises and vision to change San Francisco for the better,” she added. “In the end, isn’t this what we all want?”&nbsp;

Mayor elect Daniel Lurie delivers his first speech at St. Mary's Square in San Francisco on November 8, 2024. Lurie beat out a crowded field of opponents, including incumbent mayor London Breed.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240829-mayorlurieannouncement_amanda_91.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone, gesturing with one hand. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with people." class="wp-image-331508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Insiders say Lurie&#8217;s administration will not work with Cheng or his group, which endorsed the mayor-elect&#8217;s campaign.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240829-mayorlurieannouncement_amanda_91.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone, gesturing with one hand. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with people." class="wp-image-331508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Insiders say Lurie's administration will not work with Cheng or his group, which endorsed the mayor-elect's campaign.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240829-mayorlurieannouncement_amanda_91.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone, gesturing with one hand. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with people." class="wp-image-331508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Insiders say Lurie&#8217;s administration will not work with Cheng or his group, which endorsed the mayor-elect&#8217;s campaign.</figcaption></figure>

A Neighbors spokesperson said in a statement that the group fully supports Lurie’s vision for San Francisco.&nbsp;

A Neighbors spokesperson said in a statement that the group fully supports Lurie’s vision for San Francisco.&nbsp;

“The work ahead is far too important to let division interfere with the collaboration needed for the greater good of the city. Speculation about influence and personal dynamics only distracts from our broader mission: delivering meaningful solutions for the people of San Francisco.”&nbsp;

“The work ahead is far too important to let division interfere with the collaboration needed for the greater good of the city. Speculation about influence and personal dynamics only distracts from our broader mission: delivering meaningful solutions for the people of San Francisco.”&nbsp;

And, the spokesperson said, Cheng played “a central role” in Neighbors’ success and has “the full confidence of our organization.”&nbsp;

And, the spokesperson said, Cheng played “a central role” in Neighbors’ success and has “the full confidence of our organization.”&nbsp;

“We fully support his continued leadership as we move forward,” the statement said.

“We fully support his continued leadership as we move forward,” the statement said.

Just this week, Cheng spoke at the City Club to movers and shakers in the real estate industry and touted the need for supervisors to be elected in citywide, rather than district-wide, elections. The move, seen as one that would benefit monied interests, is opposed by most progressive Democrats, though Cheng later told The Standard his group has no immediate plans to bring forward a proposal.&nbsp;

Just this week, Cheng spoke at the City Club to movers and shakers in the real estate industry and touted the need for supervisors to be elected in citywide, rather than district-wide, elections. The move, seen as one that would benefit monied interests, is opposed by most progressive Democrats, though Cheng later told The Standard his group has no immediate plans to bring forward a proposal.&nbsp;

Jane Kim, director of the California Working Families Party and a progressive who sat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, said Lurie is a rare type of politician: an insider with City Hall ties who isn’t experienced enough to owe anyone favors. According to Kim, that means he’s not weighed down by relationships to groups like Neighbors and, unlike other politicians, may be able to accomplish policy goals without their help.&nbsp;

Jane Kim, director of the California Working Families Party and a progressive who sat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, said Lurie is a rare type of politician: an insider with City Hall ties who isn’t experienced enough to owe anyone favors. According to Kim, that means he’s not weighed down by relationships to groups like Neighbors and, unlike other politicians, may be able to accomplish policy goals without their help.&nbsp;

On the flipside, Kim said, groups like Neighbors need Lurie’s support. 

On the flipside, Kim said, groups like Neighbors need Lurie’s support.

“If they can&#8217;t sit at the table because of one person&#8217;s problematic history or past, they have to make a choice,” Kim said.

“If they can't sit at the table because of one person's problematic history or past, they have to make a choice,” Kim said.

“If they can&#8217;t sit at the table because of one person&#8217;s problematic history or past, they have to make a choice,” Kim said.

Neighbor no more? Mayor-elect Lurie shuns controversial political operative

Han Li

When Adlah Chisti first saw Kamala Harris on TV 20 years ago, she felt a jolt of recognition: Here was a politician whose Indian first name and skin color reminded her of her own.

When Adlah Chisti first saw Kamala Harris on TV 20 years ago, she felt a jolt of recognition: Here was a politician whose Indian first name and skin color reminded her of her own.

The daughter of Indian Muslim immigrants was a college student with a passion for politics, and she didn’t see many South Asian faces among San Francisco’s elected offices. Harris, also the daughter of an Indian immigrant, was a rising star serving as the city&#8217;s district attorney.

The daughter of Indian Muslim immigrants was a college student with a passion for politics, and she didn’t see many South Asian faces among San Francisco’s elected offices. Harris, also the daughter of an Indian immigrant, was a rising star serving as the city's district attorney.

The daughter of Indian Muslim immigrants was a college student with a passion for politics, and she didn’t see many South Asian faces among San Francisco’s elected offices. Harris, also the daughter of an Indian immigrant, was a rising star serving as the city&#8217;s district attorney.

&#8220;She was the only person I could look up to growing up in San Francisco,&#8221; Chisti told The Standard. &#8220;Finally, we had that representation.&#8221;

"She was the only person I could look up to growing up in San Francisco," Chisti told The Standard. "Finally, we had that representation."

&#8220;She was the only person I could look up to growing up in San Francisco,&#8221; Chisti told The Standard. &#8220;Finally, we had that representation.&#8221;

Chisti went to law school with a dream of becoming a prosecutor and eventually worked for Harris’ 2016 Senate campaign.&nbsp;

Chisti went to law school with a dream of becoming a prosecutor and eventually worked for Harris’ 2016 Senate campaign.&nbsp;

At 40, Chisti is energized by Harris&#8217; run to become the first U.S. president of South Asian heritage. She too wants to make history: as San Francisco’s first supervisor of South Asian ancestry.

At 40, Chisti is energized by Harris' run to become the first U.S. president of South Asian heritage. She too wants to make history: as San Francisco’s first supervisor of South Asian ancestry.

At 40, Chisti is energized by Harris&#8217; run to become the first U.S. president of South Asian heritage. She too wants to make history: as San Francisco’s first supervisor of South Asian ancestry.

Few South Asians have been elected to offices in San Francisco, where Chinese Americans and East Asians have long dominated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/chinese-american-politcal-representation-san-francisco/">political representation</a>.

Chinese American political power shrinks at San Francisco&#8217;s top offices

Few South Asians have been elected to offices in San Francisco, where Chinese Americans and East Asians have long dominated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/chinese-american-politcal-representation-san-francisco/">political representation</a>.

However, the city’s South Asian population has almost quadrupled over the last 20 years — driven in part by the booming tech industry. The demographic shift has pushed a new generation of South Asian political activists, many of whom are launching campaigns for local offices.

However, the city’s South Asian population has almost quadrupled over the last 20 years — driven in part by the booming tech industry. The demographic shift has pushed a new generation of South Asian political activists, many of whom are launching campaigns for local offices.

San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris poses for a portrait in San Francisco, Friday, June 18, 2004. The December election of a new district attorney was supposed to signal a turning point for police-prosecutor relations in San Francisco, where lofty, ultra-liberal ideals sometimes clash with the street-level realities of law enforcement. But after ousting her former boss on a pledge to restore order to the DA's office, Harris has faced unforeseen trials with her colleagues in blue.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240703kamalabayarea-05.jpg?w=2000" alt="A woman in a dark suit and pearl necklace sits in a leather chair, smiling. Behind her, shelves filled with legal books are visible, creating a scholarly setting." class="wp-image-288493"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harris in 2004, when she was district attorney. Since then, few South Asians have been elected in the city.</figcaption></figure>

Bilal Mahmood, an entrepreneur and son of Pakistani immigrants, also seeks to become the first South Asian supervisor. Chisti is running to replace outgoing Supervisor Ahsha Safaí in District 11, while Mahmood is running against Supervisor Dean Preston in District 5.

Bilal Mahmood, an entrepreneur and son of Pakistani immigrants, also seeks to become the first South Asian supervisor. Chisti is running to replace outgoing Supervisor Ahsha Safaí in District 11, while Mahmood is running against Supervisor Dean Preston in District 5.

Two South Asians appear to be the front-runners in the race for the school board: Supryia Ray and Parag Gupta, the latter of whom in March won a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee. Meanwhile, Chisti&#8217;s younger sister Aliya Chisti is a City College of San Francisco board trustee running for reelection.

Two South Asians appear to be the front-runners in the race for the school board: Supryia Ray and Parag Gupta, the latter of whom in March won a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee. Meanwhile, Chisti's younger sister Aliya Chisti is a City College of San Francisco board trustee running for reelection.

Two South Asians appear to be the front-runners in the race for the school board: Supryia Ray and Parag Gupta, the latter of whom in March won a seat on the Democratic County Central Committee. Meanwhile, Chisti&#8217;s younger sister Aliya Chisti is a City College of San Francisco board trustee running for reelection.

Other influential South Asian activists are making waves outside of elected office, including Kanishka Cheng, who founded the moderate political group TogetherSF, and Sachin Agarwal, co-founder of GrowSF.

Other influential South Asian activists are making waves outside of elected office, including Kanishka Cheng, who founded the moderate political group TogetherSF, and Sachin Agarwal, co-founder of GrowSF.

“There are more South Asians living in San Francisco and in tech than there used to be,” Cheng, a Sri Lankan refugee, told The Standard. “They can only run if there is a base of votes for them, because identity politics is still at play.”

“There are more South Asians living in San Francisco and in tech than there used to be,” Cheng, a Sri Lankan refugee, told The Standard. “They can only run if there is a base of votes for them, because identity politics is still at play.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-population-boom">Population boom</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-population-boom">Population boom</h2>

The Bay Area&#8217;s large Indian and South Asian communities are concentrated in the South Bay and East Bay.Santa Clara and Alameda counties have Indian populations <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/indian-american-population-california-19761293.php">exceeding 10%</a>, and there are <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/indians-flying-high-in-silicon-valley-destination-c-suite/articleshow/112411149.cms?from=mdr">many successful Indian tech executives</a> in Silicon Valley.

The Bay Area's large Indian and South Asian communities are concentrated in the South Bay and East Bay.Santa Clara and Alameda counties have Indian populations <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/indian-american-population-california-19761293.php">exceeding 10%</a>, and there are <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/indians-flying-high-in-silicon-valley-destination-c-suite/articleshow/112411149.cms?from=mdr">many successful Indian tech executives</a> in Silicon Valley.

The Bay Area&#8217;s large Indian and South Asian communities are concentrated in the South Bay and East Bay.Santa Clara and Alameda counties have Indian populations <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/indian-american-population-california-19761293.php">exceeding 10%</a>, and there are <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/indians-flying-high-in-silicon-valley-destination-c-suite/articleshow/112411149.cms?from=mdr">many successful Indian tech executives</a> in Silicon Valley.

Nationally, Indian Americans surpassed Chinese Americans last year as <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-asian-population.html">the largest Asian ethnic group</a>. There’s a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2023/09/25/indian-americans-are-on-the-rise-in-the-us-congress/">record six South Asian members of Congress</a>, including the South Bay’s Ro Khanna, elected in 2016. Harris was the first Indian American elected to the Senate, in 2017, and the vice presidency, in 2020.

Nationally, Indian Americans surpassed Chinese Americans last year as <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-asian-population.html">the largest Asian ethnic group</a>. There’s a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2023/09/25/indian-americans-are-on-the-rise-in-the-us-congress/">record six South Asian members of Congress</a>, including the South Bay’s Ro Khanna, elected in 2016. Harris was the first Indian American elected to the Senate, in 2017, and the vice presidency, in 2020.

San Francisco’s Indian American community is catching up.

San Francisco’s Indian American community is catching up.

There were only about <a href="https://data.census.gov/table?q=asian%20indian%20alone%20in%20san%20francisco%20in%202000">5,000 Indian Americans</a> in San Francisco around 2000. The number doubled by 2010 and over the past decade reached <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/11/sf-race-population-demographics-indian-statistics">22,000,</a> about 3% of the city&#8217;s residents. The Pakistani population is about 1,000; the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi populations are believed to be significantly smaller.

There were only about <a href="https://data.census.gov/table?q=asian%20indian%20alone%20in%20san%20francisco%20in%202000">5,000 Indian Americans</a> in San Francisco around 2000. The number doubled by 2010 and over the past decade reached <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/11/sf-race-population-demographics-indian-statistics">22,000,</a> about 3% of the city's residents. The Pakistani population is about 1,000; the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi populations are believed to be significantly smaller.

There were only about <a href="https://data.census.gov/table?q=asian%20indian%20alone%20in%20san%20francisco%20in%202000">5,000 Indian Americans</a> in San Francisco around 2000. The number doubled by 2010 and over the past decade reached <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/11/sf-race-population-demographics-indian-statistics">22,000,</a> about 3% of the city&#8217;s residents. The Pakistani population is about 1,000; the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi populations are believed to be significantly smaller.

Mano Raju, San Francisco’s public defender, said the growing population has empowered more South Asians to seek opportunities in politics.

Mano Raju, San Francisco’s public defender, said the growing population has empowered more South Asians to seek opportunities in politics.

Public Defender Mano Raju at his office in San Francisco on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/FEATURED_ExpungementsFolo011220231.jpg?w=2255" alt="A person in a suit sits at a wooden desk with papers, a pen, and two phones. They're gesturing with one hand, looking engaged in conversation." class="wp-image-113862"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Public Defender Mano Raju is the only South Asian holding major public office in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Raju is a stalwart progressive who said his passion for public service has deep roots in his American and Indian background.

Raju is a stalwart progressive who said his passion for public service has deep roots in his American and Indian background.

&#8220;I come to this work with the connection of the civil rights [movement in the U.S.] and the anti-colonial movements in South Asia,&#8221; Raju said. “For me, there&#8217;s a lot of solidarity.”

"I come to this work with the connection of the civil rights [movement in the U.S.] and the anti-colonial movements in South Asia," Raju said. “For me, there's a lot of solidarity.”

&#8220;I come to this work with the connection of the civil rights [movement in the U.S.] and the anti-colonial movements in South Asia,&#8221; Raju said. “For me, there&#8217;s a lot of solidarity.”

Siva Raj, an Indian immigrant with a healthcare and tech background, launched the historic recall of three school board members in 2022. He also ties his political activism to India’s independent movements and democracy system.

Siva Raj, an Indian immigrant with a healthcare and tech background, launched the historic recall of three school board members in 2022. He also ties his political activism to India’s independent movements and democracy system.

“Indians who grew up there or who had that upbringing are not afraid to engage in the democratic process,” Raj said.

“Indians who grew up there or who had that upbringing are not afraid to engage in the democratic process,” Raj said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-techies-in-politics">Techies in politics</h2>

Several high-profile South Asians with tech backgrounds have gravitated toward&nbsp; San Francisco politics.&nbsp;

Several high-profile South Asians with tech backgrounds have gravitated toward&nbsp; San Francisco politics.&nbsp;

Mahmood, an entrepreneur and political moderate, is one. He and another activist, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/23/mayors-homelessness-pick-vikrum-aiyer-burned-bridges-federal-agency/">Vikrum Aiyer</a> — who has worked for tech firms in policy roles — were on the short list for a Board of Supervisors appointment in 2022. Agarwal, meanwhile, previously worked for Lyft and Twitter.

Mayor’s homelessness pick burned bridges in D.C., infuriated colleagues

Mahmood, an entrepreneur and political moderate, is one. He and another activist, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/23/mayors-homelessness-pick-vikrum-aiyer-burned-bridges-federal-agency/">Vikrum Aiyer</a> — who has worked for tech firms in policy roles — were on the short list for a Board of Supervisors appointment in 2022. Agarwal, meanwhile, previously worked for Lyft and Twitter.

Mahmood’s parents emigrated from Pakistan. He grew up in student housing at Stanford, where his father studied engineering, and frequently visited the Tenderloin, a hub for South Asian immigrants and home to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA0-HoBrKjc">Shalimar Restaurant, one of the city’s first South Asian eateries.</a>

Mahmood’s parents emigrated from Pakistan. He grew up in student housing at Stanford, where his father studied engineering, and frequently visited the Tenderloin, a hub for South Asian immigrants and home to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA0-HoBrKjc">Shalimar Restaurant, one of the city’s first South Asian eateries.</a>

Bilal Mahmood stands atop the rooftop at 6 Mint Plaza in San Francisco on Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023.  Mahmood has been politically active for years and ran for California's 17th State Assembly district in a 2022 special election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/downtownsf04102023-19.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling person in a white jacket stands on a balcony with urban buildings and skyscrapers in the background. There's a planter with succulents beside them." class="wp-image-241581"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood, who has a tech background, is running for supervisor.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/downtownsf04102023-19.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling person in a white jacket stands on a balcony with urban buildings and skyscrapers in the background. There's a planter with succulents beside them." class="wp-image-241581"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood, who has a tech background, is running for supervisor.</figcaption></figure>

He&#8217;s running to represent the district on the Board of Supervisors and, if elected, plans to introduce legislation to set up a South Asian cultural district.

He's running to represent the district on the Board of Supervisors and, if elected, plans to introduce legislation to set up a South Asian cultural district.

He&#8217;s running to represent the district on the Board of Supervisors and, if elected, plans to introduce legislation to set up a South Asian cultural district.

&#8220;The brightest moment of this tough campaign was connecting with the community,&#8221; Mahmood said. &#8220;One kid came to me during Ramadan and told me, &#8216;Oh, I know you. I asked my mom to vote for you.'&#8221;

"The brightest moment of this tough campaign was connecting with the community," Mahmood said. "One kid came to me during Ramadan and told me, 'Oh, I know you. I asked my mom to vote for you.'"

&#8220;The brightest moment of this tough campaign was connecting with the community,&#8221; Mahmood said. &#8220;One kid came to me during Ramadan and told me, &#8216;Oh, I know you. I asked my mom to vote for you.'&#8221;

AJ Gandhi, a board member at the new group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/san-francisco-political-nonprofit-rates-elected-officials-asian-scores/">Association for the Advancement of Asians</a>, noted that many Indian Americans have been successful in the private sector, especially tech, and he&#8217;s glad to see that the trend has “trickled into” the public sector.

San Francisco politicians will now receive &#8216;Asian scores&#8217;

AJ Gandhi, a board member at the new group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/san-francisco-political-nonprofit-rates-elected-officials-asian-scores/">Association for the Advancement of Asians</a>, noted that many Indian Americans have been successful in the private sector, especially tech, and he's glad to see that the trend has “trickled into” the public sector.

AJ Gandhi, a board member at the new group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/san-francisco-political-nonprofit-rates-elected-officials-asian-scores/">Association for the Advancement of Asians</a>, noted that many Indian Americans have been successful in the private sector, especially tech, and he&#8217;s glad to see that the trend has “trickled into” the public sector.

“It&#8217;s great that we&#8217;re seeing folks from South Asian backgrounds getting involved,” Gandhi said.

“It's great that we're seeing folks from South Asian backgrounds getting involved,” Gandhi said.

“It&#8217;s great that we&#8217;re seeing folks from South Asian backgrounds getting involved,” Gandhi said.

He suggested that the Asian American community should not just follow ethnic voting patterns but focus on policy and pragmatic leadership roles. &#8220;People of a certain ethnic group will vote for people in a certain ethnic group? We&#8217;ve moved on beyond that.&#8221;

He suggested that the Asian American community should not just follow ethnic voting patterns but focus on policy and pragmatic leadership roles. "People of a certain ethnic group will vote for people in a certain ethnic group? We've moved on beyond that."

He suggested that the Asian American community should not just follow ethnic voting patterns but focus on policy and pragmatic leadership roles. &#8220;People of a certain ethnic group will vote for people in a certain ethnic group? We&#8217;ve moved on beyond that.&#8221;

South Asians are a rising force in SF politics. Kamala Harris blazed the trail

Gabe Greschler

Josh Koehn

Four former top employees with the San Francisco Parks Alliance, the politically connected nonprofit that has funneled millions toward the city’s green spaces, received bonuses last year while the organization was racking up a massive deficit, The Standard has learned.

Four former top employees with the San Francisco Parks Alliance, the politically connected nonprofit that has funneled millions toward the city’s green spaces, received bonuses last year while the organization was racking up a massive deficit, The Standard has learned.

Under the leadership of former CEO Drew Becher, the former employees — COO Justin Probert; COO, development, marketing, and programming officer Sonia Banks; chief strategist Kearstin Krehbiel; and director of finance Deanne Bray — each received between $5,000 and $10,000 in extra pay.

Under the leadership of former CEO Drew Becher, the former employees — COO Justin Probert; COO, development, marketing, and programming officer Sonia Banks; chief strategist Kearstin Krehbiel; and director of finance Deanne Bray — each received between $5,000 and $10,000 in extra pay.

The bonuses, which were paid in addition to salaries ranging from about $150,000 to $180,000, were reported on the organization&#8217;s Form 990 covering July 2023 to June 2024, which was obtained by The Standard. Previous Parks Alliance 990s show that compensation for top executives has increased over the years, even amid financial troubles. Becher, for example, saw his salary increase from $185,595 in 2022 to $202,884 in 2023.

The bonuses, which were paid in addition to salaries ranging from about $150,000 to $180,000, were reported on the organization's Form 990 covering July 2023 to June 2024, which was obtained by The Standard. Previous Parks Alliance 990s show that compensation for top executives has increased over the years, even amid financial troubles. Becher, for example, saw his salary increase from $185,595 in 2022 to $202,884 in 2023.

The bonuses, which were paid in addition to salaries ranging from about $150,000 to $180,000, were reported on the organization&#8217;s Form 990 covering July 2023 to June 2024, which was obtained by The Standard. Previous Parks Alliance 990s show that compensation for top executives has increased over the years, even amid financial troubles. Becher, for example, saw his salary increase from $185,595 in 2022 to $202,884 in 2023.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit was experiencing continued budgetary issues. The organization closed 2023-24 with a $4.6 million budget deficit. While the figure was lower than the shortfall of $5.5 million in 2022-23, experts said it is unusual for a nonprofit in such financial distress to pay bonuses to top management.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit was experiencing continued budgetary issues. The organization closed 2023-24 with a $4.6 million budget deficit. While the figure was lower than the shortfall of $5.5 million in 2022-23, experts said it is unusual for a nonprofit in such financial distress to pay bonuses to top management.

&#8220;You would never, in a million years, give a bonus under these circumstances,” said Joan Harrington, a nonprofit ethics expert at Santa Clara University.

"You would never, in a million years, give a bonus under these circumstances,” said Joan Harrington, a nonprofit ethics expert at Santa Clara University.

&#8220;You would never, in a million years, give a bonus under these circumstances,” said Joan Harrington, a nonprofit ethics expert at Santa Clara University.

San Francisco host, “Sundown Cinema at McLaren Park in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1688" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sundown-cinema-ghosbusters-mclaren-park_10-20-2023_masaki-omori_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people in colorful and humorous costumes stand in front of a large outdoor movie screen with the words &quot;Sundown Cinema&quot; displayed." class="wp-image-393470"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Parks Alliance has funneled millions toward the city&#8217;s green spaces.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sundown-cinema-ghosbusters-mclaren-park_10-20-2023_masaki-omori_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people in colorful and humorous costumes stand in front of a large outdoor movie screen with the words &quot;Sundown Cinema&quot; displayed." class="wp-image-393470"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Parks Alliance has funneled millions toward the city's green spaces.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sundown-cinema-ghosbusters-mclaren-park_10-20-2023_masaki-omori_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people in colorful and humorous costumes stand in front of a large outdoor movie screen with the words &quot;Sundown Cinema&quot; displayed." class="wp-image-393470"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Parks Alliance has funneled millions toward the city&#8217;s green spaces.</figcaption></figure>

In a text message to The Standard about the bonuses, Bray wrote, “The only thing I can think of is that decisions [were] made above me.” The other three former employees who received bonuses did not return requests for comment.

In a text message to The Standard about the bonuses, Bray wrote, “The only thing I can think of is that decisions [were] made above me.” The other three former employees who received bonuses did not return requests for comment.

In addition to the budget deficit, the nonprofit’s financial disclosure shows other problematic signs. The organization spent more on fundraising events than it brought in from those gatherings, losing more than $250,000.

In addition to the budget deficit, the nonprofit’s financial disclosure shows other problematic signs. The organization spent more on fundraising events than it brought in from those gatherings, losing more than $250,000.

The nonprofit’s board chair, Louise Mozingo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Recreation and Parks Department, for which the Parks Alliance serves as a de facto fundraising arm, declined to comment.

The nonprofit’s board chair, Louise Mozingo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Recreation and Parks Department, for which the Parks Alliance serves as a de facto fundraising arm, declined to comment.

Head of SF parks nonprofit quietly resigned amid financial problems

This nonprofit was tied to a corrupt SF official. It got new city contracts

For years, the Parks Alliance has acted as a fiscal sponsor for community organizations and a major fundraiser to support the city’s open spaces. It has active city contracts worth more than $1 million, supporting projects such as the <a href="https://www.detroitsteps.org/">Detroit Steps</a> in Sunnyside and <a href="https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/our-work/partners/burnside-mural/">a mural</a> in Glen Park, according to the controller’s office.

For years, the Parks Alliance has acted as a fiscal sponsor for community organizations and a major fundraiser to support the city’s open spaces. It has active city contracts worth more than $1 million, supporting projects such as the <a href="https://www.detroitsteps.org/">Detroit Steps</a> in Sunnyside and <a href="https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/our-work/partners/burnside-mural/">a mural</a> in Glen Park, according to the controller’s office.

<a href="https://www.hautelivingsf.com/2023/11/03/party-for-the-parks-2023/#:~:text=Partygoers%20dressed%20in%20dazzling%20greens,in%20the%20heart%20of%20downtown">The Parks Alliance’s swanky galas</a> are a who’s who of political figures, attracting the likes of state Sen. Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, former Assemblymember Phil Ting, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and Recreation and Parks chief Phil Ginsburg. Former board members include Liz Farrell, wife of former mayor Mark Farrell, and Kanishka Cheng of TogetherSF Action, a moderate political group that poured millions into local politics last year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hautelivingsf.com/2023/11/03/party-for-the-parks-2023/#:~:text=Partygoers%20dressed%20in%20dazzling%20greens,in%20the%20heart%20of%20downtown">The Parks Alliance’s swanky galas</a> are a who’s who of political figures, attracting the likes of state Sen. Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, former Assemblymember Phil Ting, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and Recreation and Parks chief Phil Ginsburg. Former board members include Liz Farrell, wife of former mayor Mark Farrell, and Kanishka Cheng of TogetherSF Action, a moderate political group that poured millions into local politics last year.&nbsp;

Harrington said that while it isn’t unusual for a nonprofit to lose money on fundraising events, the negative financial picture raises questions about why the Parks Alliance decided to overspend.

Harrington said that while it isn’t unusual for a nonprofit to lose money on fundraising events, the negative financial picture raises questions about why the Parks Alliance decided to overspend.

Hellman Hollow in San Francisco on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Kaine Horton was homeless and living in Golden Gate Park for over 20 years, the majority of which he spent in Hellman Hollow. Horton now lives in the Allen Hotel, an SRO, downtown.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/12162025_ggphomeless_aar_87-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A grassy park scene shows people walking with dogs, surrounded by tall trees and pathways. The sky is overcast, and the area appears spacious and serene." class="wp-image-363116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The nonprofit has served as a de facto fundraising arm for the city&#8217;s parks department for years.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/12162025_ggphomeless_aar_87-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A grassy park scene shows people walking with dogs, surrounded by tall trees and pathways. The sky is overcast, and the area appears spacious and serene." class="wp-image-363116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The nonprofit has served as a de facto fundraising arm for the city's parks department for years.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/12162025_ggphomeless_aar_87-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A grassy park scene shows people walking with dogs, surrounded by tall trees and pathways. The sky is overcast, and the area appears spacious and serene." class="wp-image-363116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The nonprofit has served as a de facto fundraising arm for the city&#8217;s parks department for years.</figcaption></figure>

“If you know you’re in the red, you would think carefully about the event you were having,” she said. The organization&#8217;s contributions and grants dropped from $9.3 million in 2022-23 to $7.5 million in 2023-24. It also saw its program service revenue — money that comes from services or goods it sells related to its mission — go from $1,102,406 to $300,807 during the same period.&nbsp;

“If you know you’re in the red, you would think carefully about the event you were having,” she said. The organization's contributions and grants dropped from $9.3 million in 2022-23 to $7.5 million in 2023-24. It also saw its program service revenue — money that comes from services or goods it sells related to its mission — go from $1,102,406 to $300,807 during the same period.&nbsp;

“If you know you’re in the red, you would think carefully about the event you were having,” she said. The organization&#8217;s contributions and grants dropped from $9.3 million in 2022-23 to $7.5 million in 2023-24. It also saw its program service revenue — money that comes from services or goods it sells related to its mission — go from $1,102,406 to $300,807 during the same period.&nbsp;

The Parks Alliance first came under <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Auditing/Public%20Integrity%20Review%20-%20Non-City%20Organizations%2009.24.20.pdf">scrutiny in 2020</a>, when it was linked to the corruption scandal surrounding disgraced former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. Investigators discovered that Nuru funneled donations through the Parks Alliance that were used to influence contracting decisions. Though the Parks Alliance was not accused of wrongdoing, officials noted that the arrangement could have enabled corrupt practices.

The Parks Alliance first came under <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Auditing/Public%20Integrity%20Review%20-%20Non-City%20Organizations%2009.24.20.pdf">scrutiny in 2020</a>, when it was linked to the corruption scandal surrounding disgraced former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. Investigators discovered that Nuru funneled donations through the Parks Alliance that were used to influence contracting decisions. Though the Parks Alliance was not accused of wrongdoing, officials noted that the arrangement could have enabled corrupt practices.

Neighbor no more? Mayor-elect Lurie shuns controversial political operative

South Asians are a rising force in SF politics. Kamala Harris blazed the trail

SF parks nonprofit handed out bonuses to top staff as finances imploded

Mark Farrell will run to be San Francisco’s mayor again, sources say

Opinion: ‘Safer with a bear’: Women in SF politics are done with being silenced about abuse

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Neighbor no more? Mayor-elect Lurie shuns controversial political operative

South Asians are a rising force in SF politics. Kamala Harris blazed the trail

SF parks nonprofit handed out bonuses to top staff as finances imploded

Mark Farrell will run to be San Francisco’s mayor again, sources say

Opinion: ‘Safer with a bear’: Women in SF politics are done with being silenced about abuse