Kevin Truong

If you want to play a fun game, ask people in the know to describe the fiscal state of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.&nbsp;

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If you want to play a fun game, ask people in the know to describe the fiscal state of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.&nbsp;

You’ll get a sharp inhale. An “incredibly dire.” An “extremely concerning.” Maybe even a “clusterfuck” or two.

You’ll get a sharp inhale. An “incredibly dire.” An “extremely concerning.” Maybe even a “clusterfuck” or two.

The agency’s revenue was in decline before the pandemic, and Covid pressed the accelerator. Add the expiration of state and federal funding meant as a backstop, and you’re hit with some pretty big, pretty bad numbers that could spell the end of the system as we know it.

The agency’s revenue was in decline before the pandemic, and Covid pressed the accelerator. Add the expiration of state and federal funding meant as a backstop, and you’re hit with some pretty big, pretty bad numbers that could spell the end of the system as we know it.

During the next fiscal year, the agency’s deficit is tagged at $15 million, but that could balloon to $322 million the year after.&nbsp;

During the next fiscal year, the agency’s deficit is tagged at $15 million, but that could balloon to $322 million the year after.&nbsp;

The L-Taraval arrives at Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, on September 30, 2024.The L-Taraval line has recently reopened following a five-year renovation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241119-muniwtf-25.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person boards a modern train at a station. The train's destination sign reads &quot;SF ZOO.&quot; The platform has a yellow safety edge and overhead lights." class="wp-image-334808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even as ridership on Muni buses and trains has steadily recovered, the agency faces a massive budget shortfall that only looks to grow.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241119-muniwtf-25.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person boards a modern train at a station. The train's destination sign reads &quot;SF ZOO.&quot; The platform has a yellow safety edge and overhead lights." class="wp-image-334808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even as ridership on Muni buses and trains has steadily recovered, the agency faces a massive budget shortfall that only looks to grow.</figcaption></figure>

The scale of that gap might surprise Muni riders who recently gave the system its <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/2024-muni-rider-survey-shows-big-improvements">highest satisfaction score</a> in 20 years. Moreover, ridership has recovered to 78% of 2019 levels, in the top tier of transit systems nationally. Another sign of Muni’s popularity? Some items in its merch store that <a href="https://themunistore.com/">launched this month</a> have already sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The scale of that gap might surprise Muni riders who recently gave the system its <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/2024-muni-rider-survey-shows-big-improvements">highest satisfaction score</a> in 20 years. Moreover, ridership has recovered to 78% of 2019 levels, in the top tier of transit systems nationally. Another sign of Muni’s popularity? Some items in its merch store that <a href="https://themunistore.com/">launched this month</a> have already sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But Muni is only part of the story, and fares make up only 8% of the MTA’s budget. Revenue from parking (particularly at formerly packed downtown lots) has dropped 31% from before the pandemic, dragging down the agency’s fiscal outlook while costs continue to increase.&nbsp;

But Muni is only part of the story, and fares make up only 8% of the MTA’s budget. Revenue from parking (particularly at formerly packed downtown lots) has dropped 31% from before the pandemic, dragging down the agency’s fiscal outlook while costs continue to increase.&nbsp;

Conversations with lawmakers, SFMTA staff and board members, and transit policy wonks reveal a big shrug on what’s next. Meanwhile, a new mayor prepares to take office amid furious efforts to throw a life-raft tax on the ballot in 2026 to keep Muni, BART, and Caltrain afloat.

Conversations with lawmakers, SFMTA staff and board members, and transit policy wonks reveal a big shrug on what’s next. Meanwhile, a new mayor prepares to take office amid furious efforts to throw a life-raft tax on the ballot in 2026 to keep Muni, BART, and Caltrain afloat.

“I don&#8217;t have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we&#8217;re having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

“I don't have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we're having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

“I don&#8217;t have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we&#8217;re having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

If one thing is clear, it’s that prospects for another rescue package from Sacramento are dim. And President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House will presumably kill the possibility of a federal bailout. That means instead of waiting for a white knight, the region needs to help itself.&nbsp;

If one thing is clear, it’s that prospects for another rescue package from Sacramento are dim. And President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House will presumably kill the possibility of a federal bailout. That means instead of waiting for a white knight, the region needs to help itself.&nbsp;

Jeffrey Tumlin the San Francisco Director of  Transportation speaks during the official opening of the new Bus Rapid Transit corridor on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco on Friday, April 1, 2022.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FEATURE_TransitFiscalCLiff-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium with a blue logo, gesturing upward. A crowd of diverse people, some with masks, listens. Vehicles and a city street are in the background." class="wp-image-106575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin led the organization through the pandemic. His contract expires at the end of the year.</figcaption></figure>

“There’s a sense that the ball is back in our court,” said Sebastian Petty, a senior transportation policy advisor for urban planning nonprofit SPUR. “Maybe the state can step in and get us to a presidential year, but we all need to be part of the solution.”

“There’s a sense that the ball is back in our court,” said Sebastian Petty, a senior transportation policy advisor for urban planning nonprofit SPUR. “Maybe the state can step in and get us to a presidential year, but we all need to be part of the solution.”

One attempt on the ballot this month was Proposition L, which would have taxed rideshare companies to pay for Muni. But a poison-pill provision in business tax reform measure Proposition M negated the effort.&nbsp;

One attempt on the ballot this month was Proposition L, which would have taxed rideshare companies to pay for Muni. But a poison-pill provision in business tax reform measure Proposition M negated the effort.&nbsp;

Although Prop. M backers insist they weren’t trying to spoil Prop. L, critics are dubious. Kat Siegal, a member of the county Transportation Authority’s community advisory committee who co-authored Prop. L, said when her campaign reached out to the other side for discussions, the response was essentially “Lose my number.”

Although Prop. M backers insist they weren’t trying to spoil Prop. L, critics are dubious. Kat Siegal, a member of the county Transportation Authority’s community advisory committee who co-authored Prop. L, said when her campaign reached out to the other side for discussions, the response was essentially “Lose my number.”

Prop. L advocates say their idea to tax rideshare companies would have raised around $25 million for public transit, enough to head off next year’s Muni deficit. But little use crying over spilled taxes.&nbsp;

Prop. L advocates say their idea to tax rideshare companies would have raised around $25 million for public transit, enough to head off next year’s Muni deficit. But little use crying over spilled taxes.&nbsp;

Now, all eyes are on an effort by the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission to put some sort of transit-saving tax before voters in 2026. At its next meeting, set for Dec. 9, the MTC intends to hammer out a framework for a ballot measure.

Now, all eyes are on an effort by the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission to put some sort of transit-saving tax before voters in 2026. At its next meeting, set for Dec. 9, the MTC intends to hammer out a framework for a ballot measure.

This is no simple matter. First, a majority of the commission must agree on a concept for the measure. Then state lawmakers need to introduce legislation to allow a regional ballot measure. Then comes the campaign, which would probably include a signature-gathering effort to get a measure on the ballot with a 50% threshold for passage.

This is no simple matter. First, a majority of the commission must agree on a concept for the measure. Then state lawmakers need to introduce legislation to allow a regional ballot measure. Then comes the campaign, which would probably include a signature-gathering effort to get a measure on the ballot with a 50% threshold for passage.

The central question, particularly from counties like Marin and Santa Clara, is: Why should we pay for a transit system that benefits mostly other parts of the region?

The central question, particularly from counties like Marin and Santa Clara, is: Why should we pay for a transit system that benefits mostly other parts of the region?

A cable car travels past the historical 119-year Westin St. Francis in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. With APEC approaching, tourists are looking for local hotels and other ways to secure short-term room and board.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that&#8217;s a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that's a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that&#8217;s a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/bay-area-transit-ballot-measure-wiener-wahab-sb1031/">co-authored a bill last year</a> to allow for a ballot measure that would’ve raised taxes to fund transit agencies in nine Bay Area counties, but internal squabbling sank it. Little has changed since then. But the fiscal cliff is getting close enough to peer off the edge.

Warning of &#8216;death spiral,&#8217; lawmakers seek $2B tax hike for transit

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/bay-area-transit-ballot-measure-wiener-wahab-sb1031/">co-authored a bill last year</a> to allow for a ballot measure that would’ve raised taxes to fund transit agencies in nine Bay Area counties, but internal squabbling sank it. Little has changed since then. But the fiscal cliff is getting close enough to peer off the edge.

“Considering the parties, I would imagine we see the lowest-common-denominator solution,” said Tom Radulovich, senior policy fellow at urban planning nonprofit Liveable City. “At some point, nobody wants to watch the puppy drown.”

“Considering the parties, I would imagine we see the lowest-common-denominator solution,” said Tom Radulovich, senior policy fellow at urban planning nonprofit Liveable City. “At some point, nobody wants to watch the puppy drown.”

The greatest amount of political support, according to sources at the MTC meetings, is for a middle-ground taxation path that would raise around $560 million annually, mainly from San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties.

The greatest amount of political support, according to sources at the MTC meetings, is for a middle-ground taxation path that would raise around $560 million annually, mainly from San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties.

But there’s not a clear consensus on some basic policy points, such as how long the tax would be in effect; whether it would be a sales tax, parcel tax, or some combination; and how much each county would be expected to cough up. Potential scenarios can be <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/better-mta-presentation.pdf">viewed here</a>.

But there’s not a clear consensus on some basic policy points, such as how long the tax would be in effect; whether it would be a sales tax, parcel tax, or some combination; and how much each county would be expected to cough up. Potential scenarios can be <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/better-mta-presentation.pdf">viewed here</a>.

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn&#8217;t fit on the ballot page.

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn't fit on the ballot page.

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn&#8217;t fit on the ballot page.

Vision Zero is a bust, and traffic crash victims are fed up

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I rode Muni’s new, free on-demand shuttle — and it was magical

This guy racked up $33,159 in parking tickets. In San Francisco, he’s hardly alone

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But even if all goes well on the regional measure, Muni would be left with a massive budget hole.

But even if all goes well on the regional measure, Muni would be left with a massive budget hole.

“I suspect there’s no single source that will bring in enough to close our gap by itself,” SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin told The Standard. “We’re thinking of everything from all of the ways voters might approve new taxes to rethinking parking to bake sales.”

“I suspect there’s no single source that will bring in enough to close our gap by itself,” SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin told The Standard. “We’re thinking of everything from all of the ways voters might approve new taxes to rethinking parking to bake sales.”

Much has been made of the prospect of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-muni-faces-possible-cable-car-closures-due-19911292.php">shutting cable car lines</a>, icons of the city. Few believe that will actually happen. The real solutions are likely to be less dramatic but still impactful: increasing nighttime and weekend metered parking, cutting back on pedestrian safety projects, lowering the frequency of popular lines, and cutting duplicate and less-trafficked buses.&nbsp;

Much has been made of the prospect of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-muni-faces-possible-cable-car-closures-due-19911292.php">shutting cable car lines</a>, icons of the city. Few believe that will actually happen. The real solutions are likely to be less dramatic but still impactful: increasing nighttime and weekend metered parking, cutting back on pedestrian safety projects, lowering the frequency of popular lines, and cutting duplicate and less-trafficked buses.&nbsp;

In February, <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/feb-service-cuts.pdf">marginal service changes</a> will take place on the 30 Stockton, 24 Divisadero, and 38 Geary lines. Additional shift changes will likely come in the summer, but no firm policies have been presented.

In February, <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/feb-service-cuts.pdf">marginal service changes</a> will take place on the 30 Stockton, 24 Divisadero, and 38 Geary lines. Additional shift changes will likely come in the summer, but no firm policies have been presented.

San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie talks with a voter during a campaign meet and greet event on October 30, 2024 in San Francisco. With less than a week until election day, San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie continues to campaign across the city as he faces a tight race with incumbent San Francisco mayor London Breed.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21819862731.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt and blue tie looks attentively at another person with a shaved head. In the blurred background, another person wears a cap and glasses." class="wp-image-331544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will face tough choices as he tries to balance preserving Muni service with the city&#8217;s dire budget situation.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21819862731.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt and blue tie looks attentively at another person with a shaved head. In the blurred background, another person wears a cap and glasses." class="wp-image-331544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will face tough choices as he tries to balance preserving Muni service with the city's dire budget situation.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21819862731.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt and blue tie looks attentively at another person with a shaved head. In the blurred background, another person wears a cap and glasses." class="wp-image-331544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will face tough choices as he tries to balance preserving Muni service with the city&#8217;s dire budget situation.</figcaption></figure>

Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will have to decide how much of the city budget to dedicate to Muni <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">amid years of nine-figure budget deficits</a>.&nbsp;

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

Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will have to decide how much of the city budget to dedicate to Muni <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">amid years of nine-figure budget deficits</a>.&nbsp;

“Does he want to be known as the mayor that saves Muni, or the Muni-service-cut mayor?” transit activist Chris Arvin asked. “I think that&#8217;s a big question for him.”

“Does he want to be known as the mayor that saves Muni, or the Muni-service-cut mayor?” transit activist Chris Arvin asked. “I think that's a big question for him.”

“Does he want to be known as the mayor that saves Muni, or the Muni-service-cut mayor?” transit activist Chris Arvin asked. “I think that&#8217;s a big question for him.”

Since transportation policy was not a key pillar of Lurie’s mayoral campaign, observers are trying to read the tea leaves. Although Lurie opposed Prop. K, which will close a portion of the Great Highway, he backed the taxes proposed by Prop. L.

Since transportation policy was not a key pillar of Lurie’s mayoral campaign, observers are trying to read the tea leaves. Although Lurie opposed Prop. K, which will close a portion of the Great Highway, he backed the taxes proposed by Prop. L.

In a survey by the San Francisco Transit Riders, Lurie wrote that if new funds don’t materialize to close the budget, he supports making focused cuts.

In a survey by the San Francisco Transit Riders, Lurie wrote that if new funds don’t materialize to close the budget, he supports making focused cuts.

One signal of where Lurie would try to steer Muni is whether he makes a change in leadership. Tumlin, whose contract expires at the end of the year, said conversations about his future at the agency are ongoing.&nbsp;

One signal of where Lurie would try to steer Muni is whether he makes a change in leadership. Tumlin, whose contract expires at the end of the year, said conversations about his future at the agency are ongoing.&nbsp;

Lurie didn’t respond to a request for comment on Tumlin’s future.

Lurie didn’t respond to a request for comment on Tumlin’s future.

‘No one wants to watch the puppy drown’: Inside Muni’s furious race to save itself

Mike Ege

Some say everyone in the world is connected by no more than <a href="https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0108149/?ref_=tt_mv_desc">six degrees of separation</a>—meaning for better or for worse, you’re closer than you think to someone making headlines half a world away.&nbsp;

Some say everyone in the world is connected by no more than <a href="https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0108149/?ref_=tt_mv_desc">six degrees of separation</a>—meaning for better or for worse, you’re closer than you think to someone making headlines half a world away.&nbsp;

Take, for instance, San Francisco&#8217;s only individual donors to the endlessly embarrassing&nbsp;Republican Congressman George Santos.

Take, for instance, San Francisco's only individual donors to the endlessly embarrassing&nbsp;Republican Congressman George Santos.

Take, for instance, San Francisco&#8217;s only individual donors to the endlessly embarrassing&nbsp;Republican Congressman George Santos.

Hedge fund manager Bill Duhamel and his wife, arts producer Kate Duhamel, <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?committee_id=C00721365&amp;contributor_city=San+Francisco">donated a total of $11,600 to Santos’ successful 2022 campaign</a>, according to Federal Election Commission records. They each donated $2,900 to Santos last August and again in September.

Hedge fund manager Bill Duhamel and his wife, arts producer Kate Duhamel, <a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?committee_id=C00721365&amp;contributor_city=San+Francisco">donated a total of $11,600 to Santos’ successful 2022 campaign</a>, according to Federal Election Commission records. They each donated $2,900 to Santos last August and again in September.

“We are fiscally conservative, we worry about the size of the deficit and so we do lean Republican; but we have supported moderates from both parties,” the Duhamels wrote in an email to The Standard. “Mr. Santos should resign. We feel cheated, but surely not as cheated as the voters in his congressional district.”

“We are fiscally conservative, we worry about the size of the deficit and so we do lean Republican; but we have supported moderates from both parties,” the Duhamels wrote in an email to The Standard. “Mr. Santos should resign. We feel cheated, but surely not as cheated as the voters in his congressional district.”

The New York congressman was elected on a litany of lies about his background, the unraveling of which has become a national spectacle.

The New York congressman was elected on a litany of lies about his background, the unraveling of which has become a national spectacle.

Recent allegations include his alleged <a href="https://patch.com/new-york/oysterbay/disabled-veteran-george-santos-took-3k-dying-dogs-gofundme">embezzlement of $3,000 in GoFundMe proceeds</a> meant for critical surgery for a disabled, homeless veteran’s service dog, which later died from a painful tumor.

Recent allegations include his alleged <a href="https://patch.com/new-york/oysterbay/disabled-veteran-george-santos-took-3k-dying-dogs-gofundme">embezzlement of $3,000 in GoFundMe proceeds</a> meant for critical surgery for a disabled, homeless veteran’s service dog, which later died from a painful tumor.

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is seen in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, January 12, 2023. | Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115202"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is seen in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 12, 2023. | Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

The GoFundMe for the dog was arranged by Friends of Pets United, a purported charity set up by Santos that he leveraged in his runs for Congress in 2020 and 2022. No such organization is registered as a tax-exempt charity, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The GoFundMe for the dog was arranged by Friends of Pets United, a purported charity set up by Santos that he leveraged in his runs for Congress in 2020 and 2022. No such organization is registered as a tax-exempt charity, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

That’s just one in a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html">baffling array of yarns about Santos&#8217; personal background,</a> academic and career credentials—as well as a steep and largely unexplained rise in personal wealth.

That’s just one in a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html">baffling array of yarns about Santos' personal background,</a> academic and career credentials—as well as a steep and largely unexplained rise in personal wealth.

That’s just one in a <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/the-everything-guide-to-george-santoss-lies.html">baffling array of yarns about Santos&#8217; personal background,</a> academic and career credentials—as well as a steep and largely unexplained rise in personal wealth.

Santos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Santos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Among other bizarre claims, Santos said he <a href="https://www.politico.com/video/2022/12/29/jew-ish-santos-evolving-claims-of-jewish-heritage-805523">was Jewish and the descendent of Holocaust survivors</a>—only to later dub himself “Jew-ish” when called out.&nbsp;

Among other bizarre claims, Santos said he <a href="https://www.politico.com/video/2022/12/29/jew-ish-santos-evolving-claims-of-jewish-heritage-805523">was Jewish and the descendent of Holocaust survivors</a>—only to later dub himself “Jew-ish” when called out.&nbsp;

Another was his illustrious, but nonexistent stint at Baruch College that included <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/01/17/santos-claims-he-played-on-baruch-volleyball-team-in-2020-interview/">a star turn on the school’s volleyball team</a>, where he claimed to have been instrumental in “slaying” both Harvard and Yale during a championship season.&nbsp;

Another was his illustrious, but nonexistent stint at Baruch College that included <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/01/17/santos-claims-he-played-on-baruch-volleyball-team-in-2020-interview/">a star turn on the school’s volleyball team</a>, where he claimed to have been instrumental in “slaying” both Harvard and Yale during a championship season.&nbsp;

In reality, not only did Santos not attend Baruch, but also its volleyball team never played Yale that season.&nbsp;

In reality, not only did Santos not attend Baruch, but also its volleyball team never played Yale that season.&nbsp;

Further revelations about Santos are still uglier, and include <a href="https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/news/2022/12/13/long-island-congressman-hobnobs-with-extremists-at-young-republicans-gala/">connections to extreme right-wing groups and figures</a>, and work for an alleged Ponzi scheme with connections to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theleaderonline.com/single-post/op-ed-was-george-santos-groomed-to-be-a-russian-agent">Russian oligarch</a>.&nbsp;

Further revelations about Santos are still uglier, and include <a href="https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/news/2022/12/13/long-island-congressman-hobnobs-with-extremists-at-young-republicans-gala/">connections to extreme right-wing groups and figures</a>, and work for an alleged Ponzi scheme with connections to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theleaderonline.com/single-post/op-ed-was-george-santos-groomed-to-be-a-russian-agent">Russian oligarch</a>.&nbsp;

“We were advised by a friend that Mr. Santos was a moderate Republican—the son of immigrants—from the private sector—who focused primarily on economic issues,” said the Duhamels.

“We were advised by a friend that Mr. Santos was a moderate Republican—the son of immigrants—from the private sector—who focused primarily on economic issues,” said the Duhamels.

Bill Duhamel is a partner at Route One Investment Company, a fund management firm with an address at the Presidio. According to the investing guide <a href="https://wallmine.com/adviser/244571/route-one-investment-company-l-p">Wallmine</a>, Route One manages over $5 billion of assets for four client accounts.

Bill Duhamel is a partner at Route One Investment Company, a fund management firm with an address at the Presidio. According to the investing guide <a href="https://wallmine.com/adviser/244571/route-one-investment-company-l-p">Wallmine</a>, Route One manages over $5 billion of assets for four client accounts.

Duhamel was one of a number of partners <a href="https://www.pionline.com/article/20101227/PRINT/312279981/farallon-receives-mixed-messages">who peeled away from Tom Steyer’s Farallon Capital in 2010</a> to form Route One. Another was Jason Moment, also an active political donor who gave $50,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whos-spending-money-museum-patrons-back-return-of-cars-to-jfk/">to the campaign to reopen JFK Drive and the Great Highway</a> to car traffic.

Duhamel was one of a number of partners <a href="https://www.pionline.com/article/20101227/PRINT/312279981/farallon-receives-mixed-messages">who peeled away from Tom Steyer’s Farallon Capital in 2010</a> to form Route One. Another was Jason Moment, also an active political donor who gave $50,000 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/whos-spending-money-museum-patrons-back-return-of-cars-to-jfk/">to the campaign to reopen JFK Drive and the Great Highway</a> to car traffic.

Both Duhamel and Moment were major contributors to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall-campaigns-sprint-to-signature-gathering-deadlines/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, part of the more successful of two campaigns to gather signatures for the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

Both Duhamel and Moment were major contributors to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/chesa-boudin-recall-campaigns-sprint-to-signature-gathering-deadlines/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>, part of the more successful of two campaigns to gather signatures for the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play RED BALL GALA at Gotham Hall on May 25, 2010 in New York City. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play&#8217;s &#8220;Red Ball Gala&#8221; at Gotham Hall in New York City on May 25, 2010. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play's "Red Ball Gala" at Gotham Hall in New York City on May 25, 2010. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/INLINED2_LocalSantosDonor180123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-115205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Duhamel attends Right To Play&#8217;s &#8220;Red Ball Gala&#8221; at Gotham Hall in New York City on May 25, 2010. | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Meanwhile, <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">Kate Duhamel</a> has made a name for herself as a filmmaker and producer. She is currently director of CandyBomber Productions, which stages multimedia live concerts. Before that she was an independent filmmaker, making documentaries focused on dance.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">Kate Duhamel</a> has made a name for herself as a filmmaker and producer. She is currently director of CandyBomber Productions, which stages multimedia live concerts. Before that she was an independent filmmaker, making documentaries focused on dance.&nbsp;

Kate Duhamel’s work has been featured on a number of community media outlets, including <a href="https://www.kalw.org/show/open-air/2019-01-30/king-of-the-yees-fury-edward-albees-seascape-mostly-british-film-festival">KALW</a> radio and <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/sf/2018/09/11/mad-max-themed-concert-ballet-fury-looks-impressive-intense/">Broke-Ass Stuart</a>. She serves on the board of the SFJAZZ Center.&nbsp;

Kate Duhamel’s work has been featured on a number of community media outlets, including <a href="https://www.kalw.org/show/open-air/2019-01-30/king-of-the-yees-fury-edward-albees-seascape-mostly-british-film-festival">KALW</a> radio and <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/sf/2018/09/11/mad-max-themed-concert-ballet-fury-looks-impressive-intense/">Broke-Ass Stuart</a>. She serves on the board of the SFJAZZ Center.&nbsp;

Both the Duhamels are Stanford graduates, having both attended the business school in the 1980s. Ms. Duhamel <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">was elected to the Stanford Board of Trustees</a> in 2020.&nbsp;

Both the Duhamels are Stanford graduates, having both attended the business school in the 1980s. Ms. Duhamel <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/05/21/stanford-board-trustees-elects-katharine-b-duhamel-five-year-term/">was elected to the Stanford Board of Trustees</a> in 2020.&nbsp;

According to FEC filings, the Duhamels have donated to a large number of congressional and Senate campaigns, giving mostly but not all to Republican candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to FEC filings, the Duhamels have donated to a large number of congressional and Senate campaigns, giving mostly but not all to Republican candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These include the campaigns of Republicans like <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-billionaire-donations-17323003.php">South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott,</a> along with others such as New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer and Arizona independent Kyrsten Sinema.&nbsp;

These include the campaigns of Republicans like <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-billionaire-donations-17323003.php">South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott,</a> along with others such as New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer and Arizona independent Kyrsten Sinema.&nbsp;

SF power couple gave George Santos thousands. Now they feel cheated

Sophie Bearman

Annie Gaus

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 23:  Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, May 23, 2021. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman's Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

A report <a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-2020-tourism-figures-reflect-devastating-loss-during-pandemic-year">released in March</a> estimated that total visitation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, and that total visitor spending may not recover until 2025. International travel is expected to recover more slowly than domestic travel.&nbsp;

A report <a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-2020-tourism-figures-reflect-devastating-loss-during-pandemic-year">released in March</a> estimated that total visitation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, and that total visitor spending may not recover until 2025. International travel is expected to recover more slowly than domestic travel.&nbsp;

“The recovery is going to be long and slow and painful,” said SF Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “But it is absolutely essential that visitors to San Francisco feel safe when they come here and they have a great experience.”

“The recovery is going to be long and slow and painful,” said SF Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “But it is absolutely essential that visitors to San Francisco feel safe when they come here and they have a great experience.”

The 26 additional officers are intended to deter crimes that frequently target tourists, and to make arrests as swiftly as possible when crimes do happen.&nbsp;

The 26 additional officers are intended to deter crimes that frequently target tourists, and to make arrests as swiftly as possible when crimes do happen.&nbsp;

“You’ll see [officers] in the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. A word to people breaking into cars around the Palace of Fine Arts: You will be caught,” said Scott.&nbsp;

“You’ll see [officers] in the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. A word to people breaking into cars around the Palace of Fine Arts: You will be caught,” said Scott.&nbsp;

For the upcoming budget cycle, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved additional police overtime pay and 135 new officers over two years. Scott had originally asked for 200 new officers to address a staffing shortage and make up for an expected wave of retirements.&nbsp;

For the upcoming budget cycle, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved additional police overtime pay and 135 new officers over two years. Scott had originally asked for 200 new officers to address a staffing shortage and make up for an expected wave of retirements.&nbsp;

The police department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">expects to lose</a> 111 officers between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, Scott told the Board of Supervisors in March. Scott pointed to a <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/SFPDStaffingStudyReport20210304.pdf">March 2020 study</a> by an independent consulting firm, Matrix Consulting, that described SFPD’s patrol staffing as “severely inadequate” and recommended 2,176 full-time officers. SFPD currently has about 1,780 sworn officers.&nbsp;

The police department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">expects to lose</a> 111 officers between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, Scott told the Board of Supervisors in March. Scott pointed to a <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/SFPDStaffingStudyReport20210304.pdf">March 2020 study</a> by an independent consulting firm, Matrix Consulting, that described SFPD’s patrol staffing as “severely inadequate” and recommended 2,176 full-time officers. SFPD currently has about 1,780 sworn officers.&nbsp;

Sargent Caraway takes a moment after investigating the shooting and robbery on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on June 10, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/OFarrellShooting-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4555"/><figcaption>Sargent Caraway takes a moment after investigating the shooting and robbery on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on June 10, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

The 26 officers deployed to tourist zones will be largely funded by overtime, and the 135 officers approved in the upcoming budget will help the department “not shrink,” according to Scott, and perhaps to grow slightly if fewer officers retire than expected.&nbsp;

The 26 officers deployed to tourist zones will be largely funded by overtime, and the 135 officers approved in the upcoming budget will help the department “not shrink,” according to Scott, and perhaps to grow slightly if fewer officers retire than expected.&nbsp;

“I want to stress that these additional deployments under this plan will supplement, not subtract from, our existing citywide deployment,” Scott said on Monday. “We’re going through some challenging times right now and we had to make some tough decisions. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors for giving us additional overtime this year.”&nbsp;

“I want to stress that these additional deployments under this plan will supplement, not subtract from, our existing citywide deployment,” Scott said on Monday. “We’re going through some challenging times right now and we had to make some tough decisions. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors for giving us additional overtime this year.”&nbsp;

During the budget process, critics of SFPD asserted that new, non-police responses to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-fire-department-could-soon-place-emergency-psychiatric-holds/">street-level concerns</a>—such as the various <a href="https://sfstandard.com/board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-create-new-homelessness-response-team-but-details-remain-murky/">street response teams</a> funded in the upcoming budget cycle—should reduce the need for police funding. Meanwhile, some business and other community leaders have urged more police patrols amid rising concerns over property crimes, attacks on seniors and other high-profile incidents.&nbsp;

During the budget process, critics of SFPD asserted that new, non-police responses to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-fire-department-could-soon-place-emergency-psychiatric-holds/">street-level concerns</a>—such as the various <a href="https://sfstandard.com/board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-create-new-homelessness-response-team-but-details-remain-murky/">street response teams</a> funded in the upcoming budget cycle—should reduce the need for police funding. Meanwhile, some business and other community leaders have urged more police patrols amid rising concerns over property crimes, attacks on seniors and other high-profile incidents.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased that additional officers are deployed here, and I can see from my experience yesterday, it was great to be in Chinatown and great to be in the city,” said Larry Yee, President of the Hop Wo Benevolent Association and a member of the Police Commission.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased that additional officers are deployed here, and I can see from my experience yesterday, it was great to be in Chinatown and great to be in the city,” said Larry Yee, President of the Hop Wo Benevolent Association and a member of the Police Commission.&nbsp;

At a press conference last week, Breed and Scott painted a <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20988260/sfpd-compstat-midyear-presentation-final.pdf">mixed picture</a> on crime in San Francisco, pointing to a drop in reported auto break-ins and larceny theft alongside a rise in burglaries and shootings. On Monday, Breed expressed frustration with the perception—among some locals and tourists—that the city is unsafe.

At a press conference last week, Breed and Scott painted a <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20988260/sfpd-compstat-midyear-presentation-final.pdf">mixed picture</a> on crime in San Francisco, pointing to a drop in reported auto break-ins and larceny theft alongside a rise in burglaries and shootings. On Monday, Breed expressed frustration with the perception—among some locals and tourists—that the city is unsafe.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department&#8230;has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department...has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department&#8230;has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

The new officer deployment plan is one of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety in high-traffic parts of San Francisco.&nbsp;

The new officer deployment plan is one of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety in high-traffic parts of San Francisco.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin and Mid-Market areas, SFPD boosted its officer presence alongside a team of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tenderloin-and-mid-market-improvement-plan-met-with-high-hopes-and-some-skepticism/">“community ambassadors”</a> trained to de-escalate conflict, address trash and other sanitation concerns and act as a helpful neighborhood presence.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin and Mid-Market areas, SFPD boosted its officer presence alongside a team of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tenderloin-and-mid-market-improvement-plan-met-with-high-hopes-and-some-skepticism/">“community ambassadors”</a> trained to de-escalate conflict, address trash and other sanitation concerns and act as a helpful neighborhood presence.&nbsp;

In Union Square, the city plans to add community ambassadors in conjunction with new public art and events programming to enliven the shopping and tourism corridor.&nbsp;

In Union Square, the city plans to add community ambassadors in conjunction with new public art and events programming to enliven the shopping and tourism corridor.&nbsp;

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