Rachel Scheier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annie Gaus

What could have been a dreary mid-August convention became a red-hot ticket as San Francisco officials converge in Chicago for what promises to be a historic — and festive — Democratic National Convention.

What could have been a dreary mid-August convention became a red-hot ticket as San Francisco officials converge in Chicago for what promises to be a historic — and festive — Democratic National Convention.

Scores of local politicians, delegates, Democratic party officials, donors and consultants are in the Windy City for a blowout week of brunches, parties, speeches, caucus meetings and rallies in support of Vice President <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/11/kamala-harris-meets-donors-at-sanfrancisco-fairmont-hotel-fundraiser/">Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency</a>. The festivities will culminate in a Thursday night speech with Harris, who started her political career as San Francisco district attorney, officially accepting the Democratic nomination for president.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kamala Harris courts donors at sold-out SF event where tickets went for up to $500K a pop

Scores of local politicians, delegates, Democratic party officials, donors and consultants are in the Windy City for a blowout week of brunches, parties, speeches, caucus meetings and rallies in support of Vice President <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/11/kamala-harris-meets-donors-at-sanfrancisco-fairmont-hotel-fundraiser/">Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency</a>. The festivities will culminate in a Thursday night speech with Harris, who started her political career as San Francisco district attorney, officially accepting the Democratic nomination for president.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Like so many delegates, I was worried about what would be happening in the convention and anxious about the state of affairs before Biden passed the torch,” said City Attorney David Chiu, who’s attending the convention as a delegate. “But it has fired up our activists and leaders in ways none of us ever expected. I think [the convention] is both going to be an incredible celebration and a rededication to the fight.”

“Like so many delegates, I was worried about what would be happening in the convention and anxious about the state of affairs before Biden passed the torch,” said City Attorney David Chiu, who’s attending the convention as a delegate. “But it has fired up our activists and leaders in ways none of us ever expected. I think [the convention] is both going to be an incredible celebration and a rededication to the fight.”

Chiu is one of many San Francisans who have known Harris personally since her early days in San Francisco. Other local officials at the convention include Mayor London Breed, San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung and members of the Democratic County Central Committee.&nbsp;

Chiu is one of many San Francisans who have known Harris personally since her early days in San Francisco. Other local officials at the convention include Mayor London Breed, San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung and members of the Democratic County Central Committee.&nbsp;

The Standard will be on the ground in Chicago as Democrats strategize and celebrate with Harris as the party’s official nominee for president.&nbsp;

The Standard will be on the ground in Chicago as Democrats strategize and celebrate with Harris as the party’s official nominee for president.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-party-central">Party central</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-party-central">Party central</h2>

Many attendees will be burning the candle at both ends, with breakfasts, happy hours, dinners and late-night ragers scheduled throughout the week. The convention itself runs from Monday through Thursday.

Many attendees will be burning the candle at both ends, with breakfasts, happy hours, dinners and late-night ragers scheduled throughout the week. The convention itself runs from Monday through Thursday.

“I heard you don’t sleep — thank goodness we’re on Pacific Time,” joked Lily Ho, an elected member of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. There are well over 100 convention-related events in Chicago next week, according to a list <a href="https://docsend.com/view/7wwfqhksc7quvhkk">posted online</a>.

“I heard you don’t sleep — thank goodness we’re on Pacific Time,” joked Lily Ho, an elected member of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. There are well over 100 convention-related events in Chicago next week, according to a list <a href="https://docsend.com/view/7wwfqhksc7quvhkk">posted online</a>.

SF candidates go selfie-crazy in hopes of basking in Kamala Harris’ glow

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On Tuesday, Ripple Chairman <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">Chris Larsen</a> — a major political and philanthropic donor and supporter of Breed — is hosting a party at a swanky steakhouse in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. San Francisco Democratic activists and other VIPs are expected to pack the evening soiree, which will feature Breed and a “surprise musical guest.”&nbsp;

Crypto billionaire Chris Larsen showers cash on London Breed—and scorn on her foes

On Tuesday, Ripple Chairman <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/24/chris-larsen-ripple-crypto-san-francisco-mayor-breed/">Chris Larsen</a> — a major political and philanthropic donor and supporter of Breed — is hosting a party at a swanky steakhouse in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. San Francisco Democratic activists and other VIPs are expected to pack the evening soiree, which will feature Breed and a “surprise musical guest.”&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the California Democratic Party is throwing a late-night bash at Chicago’s famed House of Blues. Tickets have sold out for what is expected to be a rollicking good time for the California Democratic Party leaders and delegates pledging their support to Harris. Other big-ticket events include a John Legend performance hosted by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the California Democratic Party is throwing a late-night bash at Chicago’s famed House of Blues. Tickets have sold out for what is expected to be a rollicking good time for the California Democratic Party leaders and delegates pledging their support to Harris. Other big-ticket events include a John Legend performance hosted by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-democrats-in-array">Democrats in array?</h2>

Chiu, who leads a <a href="https://senatepress.net/aapi-lead-first-national-membership-organization-for-aapi-elected-and-appointed-officials-launched.html">national organization</a> of Asian American officials, will help conduct roll call at an AAPI caucus meeting during the convention — one of dozens of breakout meetings during the event’s daytime hours. Breed is expected to speak at a delegation breakfast Thursday.&nbsp;

Chiu, who leads a <a href="https://senatepress.net/aapi-lead-first-national-membership-organization-for-aapi-elected-and-appointed-officials-launched.html">national organization</a> of Asian American officials, will help conduct roll call at an AAPI caucus meeting during the convention — one of dozens of breakout meetings during the event’s daytime hours. Breed is expected to speak at a delegation breakfast Thursday.&nbsp;

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, left, holds the hand of Senator Kamala Harris, right, at the Curran in San Francisco, on Saturday, January 12, 2019. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedPhotoGallery_10-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two women are smiling and holding hands. One wears a red blazer with a black blouse and pants, and the other wears a dark gray suit with a black top and a pearl necklace." class="wp-image-171792"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed is among the local officials who have known Harris since her early years in San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

“We all know that presidential elections aren’t won at a convention; it’s the hard work and blood, sweat and tears of activists throughout the party, particularly in swing states,” Chiu said. “In the AAPI community, we’re talking about how folks around the country, who have money and language skills and volunteer time, can help impact the work in the battleground states. That’s what a lot of the focus is going to be on and how California can be relevant.”

“We all know that presidential elections aren’t won at a convention; it’s the hard work and blood, sweat and tears of activists throughout the party, particularly in swing states,” Chiu said. “In the AAPI community, we’re talking about how folks around the country, who have money and language skills and volunteer time, can help impact the work in the battleground states. That’s what a lot of the focus is going to be on and how California can be relevant.”

Luis Zamora, a delegate and candidate for City College Board of Trustees, said he’s keen to build ties with fellow union members and Democrats from across the country. Honey Mahogany, a former San Francisco Democratic Party chair who’s attending as a delegate, said she’s hoping to connect with “folks outside of the SF Bay Area bubble, especially those from more purple states and even red states.”

Luis Zamora, a delegate and candidate for City College Board of Trustees, said he’s keen to build ties with fellow union members and Democrats from across the country. Honey Mahogany, a former San Francisco Democratic Party chair who’s attending as a delegate, said she’s hoping to connect with “folks outside of the SF Bay Area bubble, especially those from more purple states and even red states.”

“I’m also looking forward to connecting with other trans people while I’m here to discuss what’s happening across the country and how to beat back the right wing’s weird preoccupation with our community,” Mahogany said.&nbsp;

“I’m also looking forward to connecting with other trans people while I’m here to discuss what’s happening across the country and how to beat back the right wing’s weird preoccupation with our community,” Mahogany said.&nbsp;

Marjan Philhour, an elected San Francisco Democratic Party member and candidate for Board of Supervisors, called the convention “historic” and connected it to the fight to preserve reproductive rights, democracy and other values San Franciscans hold dear.

Marjan Philhour, an elected San Francisco Democratic Party member and candidate for Board of Supervisors, called the convention “historic” and connected it to the fight to preserve reproductive rights, democracy and other values San Franciscans hold dear.

“We all know there is something special about San Francisco, and come November, the rest of the country will too,” Philhour said. 

“We all know there is something special about San Francisco, and come November, the rest of the country will too,” Philhour said.

For all the fanfare, disruptions are possible both inside and outside the convention.&nbsp;

For all the fanfare, disruptions are possible both inside and outside the convention.&nbsp;

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-chicago-protests-5741113478d2ca454d6d6d7a6e7bd50f">Large demonstrations are expected</a> near the United Center, where main convention activities are taking place. Inside the convention, discord over the Biden administration’s handling of the war in Gaza could play into the proceedings. Out of some 4,600 delegates, there are around <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/15/uncommitted-voters-want-role-convention/">30 “uncommitted” delegates</a> who have sought to use their leverage for policy changes around the conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-convention-chicago-protests-5741113478d2ca454d6d6d7a6e7bd50f">Large demonstrations are expected</a> near the United Center, where main convention activities are taking place. Inside the convention, discord over the Biden administration’s handling of the war in Gaza could play into the proceedings. Out of some 4,600 delegates, there are around <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/15/uncommitted-voters-want-role-convention/">30 “uncommitted” delegates</a> who have sought to use their leverage for policy changes around the conflict.&nbsp;

However, the historic nature of Harris’ nomination, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/05/kamala-harris-joe-biden-presidential-candidate/">dramatic circumstances</a> that preceded it, have lent an unusual sense of unity to this year’s convention, said Sam Lauter, a longtime Democratic strategist and former staffer to Biden when he was a U.S. senator.&nbsp;

As Biden enters do-or-die weekend, San Francisco considers the Kamala Harris question

However, the historic nature of Harris’ nomination, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/05/kamala-harris-joe-biden-presidential-candidate/">dramatic circumstances</a> that preceded it, have lent an unusual sense of unity to this year’s convention, said Sam Lauter, a longtime Democratic strategist and former staffer to Biden when he was a U.S. senator.&nbsp;

After Biden’s dismal debate performance in June set off a wave of panic inside the Democratic Party, top leaders and rank-and-file Democrats were stricken with anxiety over Biden’s chances against Donald Trump. As Harris consolidated support, San Francisco Democrats rapidly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/23/kamala-harris-president-san-francisco-campaign-donors/">mobilized behind her candidacy</a>.&nbsp;

Kamala World: The Bay Area elites powering Harris’ campaign for president

After Biden’s dismal debate performance in June set off a wave of panic inside the Democratic Party, top leaders and rank-and-file Democrats were stricken with anxiety over Biden’s chances against Donald Trump. As Harris consolidated support, San Francisco Democrats rapidly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/23/kamala-harris-president-san-francisco-campaign-donors/">mobilized behind her candidacy</a>.&nbsp;

“Given the state of who our party is running against, I think there’s a unity behind the vice president that’s kind of rare for the Democrats,” Lauter said. “I think people are genuinely excited about a very good, capable, smart person, an attractive candidate who got there in an incredibly unusual way but kind of an exciting way. So I think that’s what we’re seeing.”&nbsp;

“Given the state of who our party is running against, I think there’s a unity behind the vice president that’s kind of rare for the Democrats,” Lauter said. “I think people are genuinely excited about a very good, capable, smart person, an attractive candidate who got there in an incredibly unusual way but kind of an exciting way. So I think that’s what we’re seeing.”&nbsp;

Party central: SF Democrats storm Chicago for historic DNC

Michael Barba

An <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">embattled anti-crime nonprofit</a> entrusted with millions of taxpayer dollars from San Francisco police coffers fired its executive director Wednesday morning and is temporarily shutting down after finding a lack of funds in its bank accounts and discovering possible check forgery, officials told The Standard.

Crypto boss who gave $1.8M to San Francisco crime nonprofit wants audit of &#8216;discrepancies&#8217;

An <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">embattled anti-crime nonprofit</a> entrusted with millions of taxpayer dollars from San Francisco police coffers fired its executive director Wednesday morning and is temporarily shutting down after finding a lack of funds in its bank accounts and discovering possible check forgery, officials told The Standard.

Kyra Worthy, the executive director of San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit arm of the San Francisco Police Department, was dismissed from her duties by the board of directors for the charity Wednesday morning, according to an attorney for the nonprofit, Dylan Hackett. The nonprofit is also “ceasing operations for the time being,” Hackett said.

Kyra Worthy, the executive director of San Francisco SAFE, the longtime nonprofit arm of the San Francisco Police Department, was dismissed from her duties by the board of directors for the charity Wednesday morning, according to an attorney for the nonprofit, Dylan Hackett. The nonprofit is also “ceasing operations for the time being,” Hackett said.

The decision comes on the heels of revelations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">SF SAFE improperly billed SFPD for at least $79,000 in expenses</a>—including luxury gift boxes, valet parking and a Lake Tahoe trip—and is also allegedly in debt by at least $1.2 million to various vendors who performed work for the organization.

Limo rides, a Tahoe trip and luxury gifts: San Francisco police wrongly paid for it all

The decision comes on the heels of revelations that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-police-wrongly-paid-nonprofit-79k-for-lavish-expenses-report-finds/">SF SAFE improperly billed SFPD for at least $79,000 in expenses</a>—including luxury gift boxes, valet parking and a Lake Tahoe trip—and is also allegedly in debt by at least $1.2 million to various vendors who performed work for the organization.

SF SAFE’s board of directors initially voted Tuesday night to put Worthy on paid leave, according to Hackett and the president of the board, Dan Lawson. However, the board decided to temporarily shut down operations and fire Worthy on Wednesday morning in light of “new information,” Hackett said.

SF SAFE’s board of directors initially voted Tuesday night to put Worthy on paid leave, according to Hackett and the president of the board, Dan Lawson. However, the board decided to temporarily shut down operations and fire Worthy on Wednesday morning in light of “new information,” Hackett said.

While Lawson and Hackett initially declined to provide details about that new information, Lawson confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they were investigating possible check forgery and insufficient funds in bank accounts that were supposed to be used to pay staff.

While Lawson and Hackett initially declined to provide details about that new information, Lawson confirmed Wednesday afternoon that they were investigating possible check forgery and insufficient funds in bank accounts that were supposed to be used to pay staff.

&#8220;We found what looked like there was a lack of funds, and so that’s why we had to stop operations,&#8221; Lawson said.

"We found what looked like there was a lack of funds, and so that’s why we had to stop operations," Lawson said.

&#8220;We found what looked like there was a lack of funds, and so that’s why we had to stop operations,&#8221; Lawson said.

While all checks over $5,000 by the nonprofit need to be signed by both Worthy and the treasurer of the nonprofit, Hackett said one check was signed only by Worthy.

While all checks over $5,000 by the nonprofit need to be signed by both Worthy and the treasurer of the nonprofit, Hackett said one check was signed only by Worthy.

Lawson said the nonprofit had reported the discrepancies to SFPD and would cooperate with law enforcement.

Lawson said the nonprofit had reported the discrepancies to SFPD and would cooperate with law enforcement.

Lawson said he was “very concerned and disappointed” about the situation.

Lawson said he was “very concerned and disappointed” about the situation.

“We all were committed to the community and building trust in the community to help prevent crime, and here we are, engulfed in distrust,” Lawson said.

“We all were committed to the community and building trust in the community to help prevent crime, and here we are, engulfed in distrust,” Lawson said.

Lawson asked for the public to have patience and understand that SF SAFE “generally speaking has served the community well.”

Lawson asked for the public to have patience and understand that SF SAFE “generally speaking has served the community well.”

He said he hoped the nonprofit would reorganize soon.

He said he hoped the nonprofit would reorganize soon.

An attempt to reach Worthy for comment was not successful.

An attempt to reach Worthy for comment was not successful.

Donor Raises Alarm About How Funds Were Spent

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-donor-raises-alarm-about-how-funds-were-spent">Donor Raises Alarm About How Funds Were Spent</h2>

Worthy’s tenure was first called into question last Thursday when the Controller’s Office released a report finding that the nonprofit had spent police dollars in ways that it shouldn’t have, including on the nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe and on parking and ride-hailing expenses for Worthy.&nbsp;

Worthy’s tenure was first called into question last Thursday when the Controller’s Office released a report finding that the nonprofit had spent police dollars in ways that it shouldn’t have, including on the nearly $15,000 staff trip to Lake Tahoe and on parking and ride-hailing expenses for Worthy.&nbsp;

While the report identified at least $79,000 in expenses wrongly reimbursed by San Francisco police, the controller projected that the total amount of improper or excessive spending by SF SAFE was “likely significantly higher.”

While the report identified at least $79,000 in expenses wrongly reimbursed by San Francisco police, the controller projected that the total amount of improper or excessive spending by SF SAFE was “likely significantly higher.”

The report also knocked the SFPD for dispersing some $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed SF SAFE for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023 without checking for receipts. The funding was mostly for “crime prevention education services,” according to the report.

The report also knocked the SFPD for dispersing some $3.8 million of the $5.3 million that it reimbursed SF SAFE for expenses between July 2018 and March 2023 without checking for receipts. The funding was mostly for “crime prevention education services,” according to the report.

The scathing report was followed by revelations Tuesday by The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen also had concerns about how SF SAFE spent as much as $1 million of the $1.8 million</a> in grant funds that he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city.

The scathing report was followed by revelations Tuesday by The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/san-francisco-safe-nonprofit-chris-larsen-grant-funding/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen also had concerns about how SF SAFE spent as much as $1 million of the $1.8 million</a> in grant funds that he gave the nonprofit to expand the use of security cameras in the city.

A company that SF SAFE hired to install and maintain the cameras, Applied Video Solutions, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed the firm between $600,000 and $1 million, approximately, for past work.

A company that SF SAFE hired to install and maintain the cameras, Applied Video Solutions, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed the firm between $600,000 and $1 million, approximately, for past work.

But the problems at SF SAFE did not end there.

But the problems at SF SAFE did not end there.

Alex Tourk, principal at Ground Floor Public Affairs, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed his firm $80,000 for his work advising it.

Alex Tourk, principal at Ground Floor Public Affairs, told The Standard that the nonprofit owed his firm $80,000 for his work advising it.

The SF Latino Task Force, a group of more than three dozen community organizations, is also alleging that <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/01/sfpd-contractor-accused-of-stiffing-mission-nonprofit-625/">SF SAFE failed to pay its contractors some $625,000 for training Spanish-speaking community ambassadors</a>, Mission Local reported Tuesday. This is despite the nonprofit allegedly receiving this amount from the city to pay for the completed work.

The SF Latino Task Force, a group of more than three dozen community organizations, is also alleging that <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/01/sfpd-contractor-accused-of-stiffing-mission-nonprofit-625/">SF SAFE failed to pay its contractors some $625,000 for training Spanish-speaking community ambassadors</a>, Mission Local reported Tuesday. This is despite the nonprofit allegedly receiving this amount from the city to pay for the completed work.

The issues at SF SAFE have spurred calls for separate hearings at the Board of Supervisors and Police Commission by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Police Commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone.

The issues at SF SAFE have spurred calls for separate hearings at the Board of Supervisors and Police Commission by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Police Commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone.

&#8220;The alleged malfeasance raises serious questions about who knew what and when at SFPD,&#8221; Carter-Oberstone said. &#8220;The commission needs to hear directly from the controller to ascertain the relevant facts.&#8221;

"The alleged malfeasance raises serious questions about who knew what and when at SFPD," Carter-Oberstone said. "The commission needs to hear directly from the controller to ascertain the relevant facts."

&#8220;The alleged malfeasance raises serious questions about who knew what and when at SFPD,&#8221; Carter-Oberstone said. &#8220;The commission needs to hear directly from the controller to ascertain the relevant facts.&#8221;

Troubled San Francisco nonprofit SF SAFE fires director, reports possible check forgery to police

Josh Koehn

San Francisco spared no expense on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">President Joe Biden’s party at the Exploratorium</a> during November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, spending almost $8 million to wine-and-dine a who’s-who of Democratic Party and foreign leaders before a Gwen Stefani concert and massive fireworks show.

Joe Biden parties with Gavin Newsom, Steve Kerr and Gwen Stefani in San Francisco

San Francisco spared no expense on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/joe-biden-san-francisco-tech-elites-apec-summit/">President Joe Biden’s party at the Exploratorium</a> during November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, spending almost $8 million to wine-and-dine a who’s-who of Democratic Party and foreign leaders before a Gwen Stefani concert and massive fireworks show.

Stefani, a pop superstar whose top hits include “Hollaback Girl” and “The Sweet Escape,” commanded a $1.1 million fee to perform a small set of songs for the Nov. 15 event, according to a rough breakdown of costs the city provided to The Standard. The tab for food and drinks ran to $300,000, while the pyrotechnics and fireworks show cost $167,000.&nbsp;

Stefani, a pop superstar whose top hits include “Hollaback Girl” and “The Sweet Escape,” commanded a $1.1 million fee to perform a small set of songs for the Nov. 15 event, according to a rough breakdown of costs the city provided to The Standard. The tab for food and drinks ran to $300,000, while the pyrotechnics and fireworks show cost $167,000.&nbsp;

All of these bills were paid by a special nonprofit created for APEC, which raised more than $20 million from private donors that included Graton Casino and Resort, Ripple, Salesforce, Apple and others.

All of these bills were paid by a special nonprofit created for APEC, which raised more than $20 million from private donors that included Graton Casino and Resort, Ripple, Salesforce, Apple and others.

Maryam Muduroglu, the city’s chief of protocol, said in a statement that the president’s party and other events during APEC were designed to “help San Francisco shine on a global stage.”

Maryam Muduroglu, the city’s chief of protocol, said in a statement that the president’s party and other events during APEC were designed to “help San Francisco shine on a global stage.”

“As host city of this historic international event, the State Department and the White House tasked us with specific requests to make sure we welcome these dignitaries and their delegations in the most hospitable and memorable way, specifically with the Welcome Reception,” Muduroglu said.

“As host city of this historic international event, the State Department and the White House tasked us with specific requests to make sure we welcome these dignitaries and their delegations in the most hospitable and memorable way, specifically with the Welcome Reception,” Muduroglu said.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-apec-summit-spent-millions-host-world-leaders/">San Francisco Spent More Than $11M on Staff Overtime, Nearly $8M for Parties During APEC&nbsp;</a>

San Francisco spent more than $11M on staff overtime, $7M for parties during APEC

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-apec-summit-spent-millions-host-world-leaders/">San Francisco Spent More Than $11M on Staff Overtime, Nearly $8M for Parties During APEC&nbsp;</a>

Other expenses for the president’s $8 million party included:

Other expenses for the president’s $8 million party included:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)</li>



<li>$1.7 million on union/vendor Labor</li>



<li>$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”</li>



<li>$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,</li>



<li>$415,000 on video and digital app production</li>



<li>$235,000 for the dance group Bandaloop</li>
</ul>

$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)

core/list-item

<li>$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)</li>

<li>$1.7 million on union/vendor Labor</li>

$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”

<li>$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”</li>

$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,

<li>$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,</li>

$415,000 on video and digital app production

<li>$415,000 on video and digital app production</li>

<li>$235,000 for the dance group Bandaloop</li>

core/list

<ul><li>$2.6 million on production (staging, equipment, talent support, operations, security)</li><li>$1.7 million on union/vendor Labor</li><li>$1 million on the “leaders entrance/decor”</li><li>$420,000 to rent out the Exploratorium children’s museum venue,</li><li>$415,000 on video and digital app production</li><li>$235,000 for the dance group Bandaloop</li></ul>

President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up after watching Gwen Stefani’s performance at his welcome party at Exploratorium during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gwen_08.jpg?w=2500" alt="President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up." class="wp-image-222671"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up after watching Gwen Stefani’s performance at the Exploratorium during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on Nov. 15. </figcaption></figure>

The party’s guest list not only included foreign leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while prominent members of the Democratic Party mingled with local officials and business leaders.

The party’s guest list not only included foreign leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while prominent members of the Democratic Party mingled with local officials and business leaders.

President Biden and First Lady <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/jill-biden-spotted-san-francisco-soul-cycle/">Jill Biden</a> were billed as hosts, and they were preceded on stage at the end of the evening by Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor London Breed.

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President Biden and First Lady <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/jill-biden-spotted-san-francisco-soul-cycle/">Jill Biden</a> were billed as hosts, and they were preceded on stage at the end of the evening by Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor London Breed.

Other notable figures in attendance included Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who introduced Biden, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen</a>, Yelp CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/27/yelp-ceo-jeremy-stoppelman-on-why-hes-been-a-yimby-since-day-one/">Jeremy Stoppelman</a> and Y Combinator CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Garry Tan</a>, all of whom have become deeply involved in San Francisco’s political scene. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/openai-sam-altman-fired-apec-talk/">Sam Altman</a>, CEO of OpenAI, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/uber-doordash-drivers-tip-holidays/">Uber</a> CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also were spotted at the party.

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Other notable figures in attendance included Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who introduced Biden, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/21/chris-larsen-ripple-labs-san-francisco-london-breed-ballot-measures/">Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen</a>, Yelp CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/27/yelp-ceo-jeremy-stoppelman-on-why-hes-been-a-yimby-since-day-one/">Jeremy Stoppelman</a> and Y Combinator CEO <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Garry Tan</a>, all of whom have become deeply involved in San Francisco’s political scene. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/openai-sam-altman-fired-apec-talk/">Sam Altman</a>, CEO of OpenAI, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/uber-doordash-drivers-tip-holidays/">Uber</a> CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also were spotted at the party.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who attended the early part of the event before leaving to celebrate his wedding anniversary, said he thought the event was nice but was blown away by the total price.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who attended the early part of the event before leaving to celebrate his wedding anniversary, said he thought the event was nice but was blown away by the total price.

“It sounds like a bunch of rich people spend too much money on a nice party. It wasn’t an $8 million party from my scant review of things,” Peskin said. “I mean, the hors d&#8217;oeuvres were nice, I guess. But I mean, $8 million? Shit, they could have built affordable housing with that money.”

“It sounds like a bunch of rich people spend too much money on a nice party. It wasn’t an $8 million party from my scant review of things,” Peskin said. “I mean, the hors d'oeuvres were nice, I guess. But I mean, $8 million? Shit, they could have built affordable housing with that money.”

“It sounds like a bunch of rich people spend too much money on a nice party. It wasn’t an $8 million party from my scant review of things,” Peskin said. “I mean, the hors d&#8217;oeuvres were nice, I guess. But I mean, $8 million? Shit, they could have built affordable housing with that money.”

He added: “Some number of individuals and organizations are laughing all the way to the bank.”

He added: “Some number of individuals and organizations are laughing all the way to the bank.”

First Lady Jill Biden, left, and President Joe Biden welcome guest after a performance by Gwen Stefani, right, at President Joe Biden’s welcome party at Exploratorium during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gwen_05.jpg?w=2500" alt="First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden stand by Gwen Stefani." class="wp-image-222669"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">First Lady Jill Biden, left, and President Joe Biden deliver remarks after Gwen Stefani performed at the Exploratorium in San Francisco on Nov. 15. </figcaption></figure>

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