Mike Ege

In progressive San Francisco, you can count on organized labor to routinely achieve political wins. But this year was more of a mixed bag for unions, with two labor-endorsed supervisor candidates losing their races along with some consequential ballot questions.

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In progressive San Francisco, you can count on organized labor to routinely achieve political wins. But this year was more of a mixed bag for unions, with two labor-endorsed supervisor candidates losing their races along with some consequential ballot questions.

The labor losses coincide with a restless electorate that’s increasingly fed up with local government: San Francisco voters have<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/local-pac-tarfets-mar-chan-over-school-board-recall/"> recalled four elected officials this year</a>, tossed our <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisor-mar-faces-stiff-re-election-fight-as-two-high-profile-challengers-step-up/">an incumbent supervisor</a> and elected <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-brooke-jenkins-declares-victory/">a tougher-on-crime district attorney</a> for a full term.

The labor losses coincide with a restless electorate that’s increasingly fed up with local government: San Francisco voters have<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/local-pac-tarfets-mar-chan-over-school-board-recall/"> recalled four elected officials this year</a>, tossed our <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisor-mar-faces-stiff-re-election-fight-as-two-high-profile-challengers-step-up/">an incumbent supervisor</a> and elected <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/da-brooke-jenkins-declares-victory/">a tougher-on-crime district attorney</a> for a full term.

So is this another bellwether of the city’s changing politics, or just a bump in the road?&nbsp;

So is this another bellwether of the city’s changing politics, or just a bump in the road?&nbsp;

“I think it’s a bump. On everyday issues like housing and affordability, I believe voters still trust labor,” Kim Tavaglione, executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council, told The Standard. 

“I think it’s a bump. On everyday issues like housing and affordability, I believe voters still trust labor,” Kim Tavaglione, executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council, told The Standard.

Labor-endorsed candidates that lost races included Supervisor Gordon Mar and Honey Mahogany, both candidates for the Board of Supervisors. Labor was also on the losing side of the car-free JFK question, and while labor-endorsed candidates <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/discontent-with-city-college-propelled-3-challengers-to-victory-and-its-tax-measure-to-defeat/">won City College Board races</a>, they lost on a proposed special tax to generate funds for City College.

Labor-endorsed candidates that lost races included Supervisor Gordon Mar and Honey Mahogany, both candidates for the Board of Supervisors. Labor was also on the losing side of the car-free JFK question, and while labor-endorsed candidates <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/discontent-with-city-college-propelled-3-challengers-to-victory-and-its-tax-measure-to-defeat/">won City College Board races</a>, they lost on a proposed special tax to generate funds for City College.

Food service employees employed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) protest with their Union Unite Here Local 2 for better wages on August 18th, 2022 in San Francisco, Calif. | Katie Rodriguez for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/StrikeSFO_TWITTER.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78117"/><figcaption>Food service employees employed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) protest with their Union Unite Here Local 2 for better wages on Aug. 18, 2022 in San Francisco. | Katie Rodriguez for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/StrikeSFO_TWITTER.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78117"/><figcaption>Food service employees employed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) protest with their Union Unite Here Local 2 for better wages on Aug. 18, 2022 in San Francisco. | Katie Rodriguez for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco is a labor town. Union organizing and labor struggles—from the Gold Rush era, to Bloody Thursday in 1934, to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/striking-facebook-janitors-settle-contract-but-more-uncertainty-looms/">Janitors for Justice</a> in the present day—have defined the city’s political history. Unions wield significant political power in both the city and the region.&nbsp;

San Francisco is a labor town. Union organizing and labor struggles—from the Gold Rush era, to Bloody Thursday in 1934, to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/striking-facebook-janitors-settle-contract-but-more-uncertainty-looms/">Janitors for Justice</a> in the present day—have defined the city’s political history. Unions wield significant political power in both the city and the region.&nbsp;

Local Democrats, the only kind of politicians that win elections here, eagerly seek out the endorsement of unions and their political umbrella groups, like the San Francisco Labor Council and Building and Construction Trades Council.&nbsp;

Local Democrats, the only kind of politicians that win elections here, eagerly seek out the endorsement of unions and their political umbrella groups, like the San Francisco Labor Council and Building and Construction Trades Council.&nbsp;

Just last year, unions won significant victories over <a href="https://abc7news.com/hazard-pay-pandemic-compensation-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-raise-for-grocery-workers/10400962/">hazard pay for essential workers</a> during the height of the Covid pandemic, not only in San Francisco but also throughout the region. Those victories were followed by political victories, such as changing the direction of <a href="https://sanjosespotlight.com/how-will-david-cohen-shake-up-the-san-jose-city-council/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the San Jose City Council</a>.

Just last year, unions won significant victories over <a href="https://abc7news.com/hazard-pay-pandemic-compensation-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-raise-for-grocery-workers/10400962/">hazard pay for essential workers</a> during the height of the Covid pandemic, not only in San Francisco but also throughout the region. Those victories were followed by political victories, such as changing the direction of <a href="https://sanjosespotlight.com/how-will-david-cohen-shake-up-the-san-jose-city-council/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the San Jose City Council</a>.

Partly as a response to Covid, workers in a range of sectors raised the alarm about unfair practices ranging from abuses in warehouse and “gig economy” jobs, to <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/11/16/ucsf-medicine-resident-protest-pay-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical residents</a> and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/podcasts/article/Listen-UC-strike-largest-in-American-academic-17587797.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graduate student workers</a> demanding better pay and conditions. Twitter’s new owner, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitters-mass-layoffs-could-open-up-a-legal-can-of-worms-for-elon-musk/">Elon Musk</a>, is now an avatar for Horrible Bosses everywhere.

Partly as a response to Covid, workers in a range of sectors raised the alarm about unfair practices ranging from abuses in warehouse and “gig economy” jobs, to <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/11/16/ucsf-medicine-resident-protest-pay-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical residents</a> and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/podcasts/article/Listen-UC-strike-largest-in-American-academic-17587797.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graduate student workers</a> demanding better pay and conditions. Twitter’s new owner, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/twitters-mass-layoffs-could-open-up-a-legal-can-of-worms-for-elon-musk/">Elon Musk</a>, is now an avatar for Horrible Bosses everywhere.

But that success in organizing didn’t come with consistent political success in San Francisco this year.&nbsp;

But that success in organizing didn’t come with consistent political success in San Francisco this year.&nbsp;

From a scorecard perspective, San Francisco’s Labor Council and Building and Construction Trades Council won <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/november-general-election-endorsements/">Endorsements Bingo</a> fairly easily, notably on salient issues such as Propositions D and E, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/confused-about-the-two-housing-ballot-measures-heres-what-to-know/">the dueling affordable housing measures</a> on the ballot.&nbsp;

From a scorecard perspective, San Francisco’s Labor Council and Building and Construction Trades Council won <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/november-general-election-endorsements/">Endorsements Bingo</a> fairly easily, notably on salient issues such as Propositions D and E, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/confused-about-the-two-housing-ballot-measures-heres-what-to-know/">the dueling affordable housing measures</a> on the ballot.&nbsp;

Both lost—but that’s still a win for labor, particularly the Building Trades, who many Prop. D supporters said <a href="https://www.sfbuildingtradescouncil.org/news/secretary-treasurer-s-report/1922-there%E2%80%99s-only-one-way-to-vote-for-union-construction-of-truly-affordable-housing-in-sf-yes-on-prop-e,-no-on-prop-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were more concerned about preserving union construction jobs</a> than building more affordable housing.

Both lost—but that’s still a win for labor, particularly the Building Trades, who many Prop. D supporters said <a href="https://www.sfbuildingtradescouncil.org/news/secretary-treasurer-s-report/1922-there%E2%80%99s-only-one-way-to-vote-for-union-construction-of-truly-affordable-housing-in-sf-yes-on-prop-e,-no-on-prop-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were more concerned about preserving union construction jobs</a> than building more affordable housing.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The Board of Supervisors made its own job way harder by placing Prop E on the ballot to sabotage Prop D. The Board prevailed: Prop E dragged down Prop D. The Board now has to live with that result &amp; find other ways to meet state housing rules.&mdash; Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1592921063729811457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If it’s true that labor gambled on killing Prop. D, though, was it worth sacrificing two seats on the Board of Supervisors?&nbsp;

If it’s true that labor gambled on killing Prop. D, though, was it worth sacrificing two seats on the Board of Supervisors?&nbsp;

Labor’s favored candidate, Gordon Mar, lost District 4 in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/engardio-heads-toward-historic-victory/">down-to-the-wire count</a> despite heavy expenditures on his behalf.

Labor’s favored candidate, Gordon Mar, lost District 4 in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/engardio-heads-toward-historic-victory/">down-to-the-wire count</a> despite heavy expenditures on his behalf.

In 2022, Labor Neighbor spent a combined $260,000 to support Mar <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/gloves-off-super-pac-attack-ads-flood-the-sunset-supervisor-race/">and attack Supervisor-Elect Joel Engardio</a>—more than the roughly $250,000 apiece spent by both campaigns. In the end, Engardio won by 479 votes.&nbsp;

In 2022, Labor Neighbor spent a combined $260,000 to support Mar <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/gloves-off-super-pac-attack-ads-flood-the-sunset-supervisor-race/">and attack Supervisor-Elect Joel Engardio</a>—more than the roughly $250,000 apiece spent by both campaigns. In the end, Engardio won by 479 votes.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Labour Council’s political action committee is sending out mailers to voters in District 4 attacking candidate Joel Engardio who is running again incumbent Gordon Mar. | Courtesy San Francisco Ethics Commission

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/d4attacks102022_FEATURED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85119"/><figcaption>The San Francisco Labour Council’s political action committee sent out mailers to voters in District 4 attacking candidate Joel Engardio, who ran again incumbent Gordon Mar. | Courtesy San Francisco Ethics Commission</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/d4attacks102022_FEATURED-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85119"/><figcaption>The San Francisco Labour Council’s political action committee sent out mailers to voters in District 4 attacking candidate Joel Engardio, who ran again incumbent Gordon Mar. | Courtesy San Francisco Ethics Commission</figcaption></figure>

Labor-backed candidate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/honey-mahoganys-supporters-see-her-as-the-harbinger-of-a-new-kind-of-san-francisco-politics/">Honey Mahogany</a> also lost in District 6, which had been a political stronghold for union groups since labor organizer <a href="https://twitter.com/superdaly/status/1589418995299807233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Daly</a> was elected to represent the then-newly established district in 2000.

Labor-backed candidate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/honey-mahoganys-supporters-see-her-as-the-harbinger-of-a-new-kind-of-san-francisco-politics/">Honey Mahogany</a> also lost in District 6, which had been a political stronghold for union groups since labor organizer <a href="https://twitter.com/superdaly/status/1589418995299807233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Daly</a> was elected to represent the then-newly established district in 2000.

Instead, Mayor London Breed’s recently appointed incumbent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/matt-dorsey-leads-honey-mahogany-by-wide-margin-as-first-results-roll-in/">Matt Dorsey</a> won a full term on Nov. 8 in the kind of race where being a recent appointee is usually an albatross.&nbsp;

Instead, Mayor London Breed’s recently appointed incumbent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/matt-dorsey-leads-honey-mahogany-by-wide-margin-as-first-results-roll-in/">Matt Dorsey</a> won a full term on Nov. 8 in the kind of race where being a recent appointee is usually an albatross.&nbsp;

The end result may not seem significant <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-london-breed-election-crime-housing-supervisors/">as far as the balance of the board goes</a>. But now there’s three “moderates”—the usual term for those friendly to mayoral and business agendas—and only three hardcore progressives on the board come January.

The end result may not seem significant <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-london-breed-election-crime-housing-supervisors/">as far as the balance of the board goes</a>. But now there’s three “moderates”—the usual term for those friendly to mayoral and business agendas—and only three hardcore progressives on the board come January.

In the middle will be five swing votes: Those include some supervisors, like Rafael Mandelman and Myrna Melgar, who regularly champion labor issues but nevertheless cleave to the center.

In the middle will be five swing votes: Those include some supervisors, like Rafael Mandelman and Myrna Melgar, who regularly champion labor issues but nevertheless cleave to the center.

Labor also lost Endorsement Bingo on at least one issue that captured citywide attention—the fate of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/neighborhood-support-san-francisco-proposition-j-car-free-jfk-golden-gate-park/">the car-free promenade on JFK Drive</a> in Golden Gate Park. They also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/prop-b-sanitation-and-streets-do-over-is-a-winner/">failed to stop Prop B</a>, a measure which rolls back a new city department charged with keeping the city’s streets clean.

Labor also lost Endorsement Bingo on at least one issue that captured citywide attention—the fate of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/neighborhood-support-san-francisco-proposition-j-car-free-jfk-golden-gate-park/">the car-free promenade on JFK Drive</a> in Golden Gate Park. They also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/prop-b-sanitation-and-streets-do-over-is-a-winner/">failed to stop Prop B</a>, a measure which rolls back a new city department charged with keeping the city’s streets clean.

And there could be more choppy waters ahead for labor in upcoming elections.

And there could be more choppy waters ahead for labor in upcoming elections.

Supervisor Connie Chan at the Board of Supervisors meeting in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HousingLawsuit_FEATURE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63719"/><figcaption>Supervisor Connie Chan at the Board of Supervisors meeting in San Francisco on July 19, 2022. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

District 1, whose seat is up in 2024, faces a similar gambit to District 4: a labor-backed incumbent, Connie Chan, who won her election by little over 100 votes. Chan will face reelection in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">a newly redrawn district</a> that may tack more moderate in future elections.

District 1, whose seat is up in 2024, faces a similar gambit to District 4: a labor-backed incumbent, Connie Chan, who won her election by little over 100 votes. Chan will face reelection in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/finally-a-map-redistricting-saga-over-for-now-after-divisive-vote/">a newly redrawn district</a> that may tack more moderate in future elections.

Tavaglione also blamed the pandemic, when rising concerns about crime and a lack of competence in government ended up ruling the day: “It was a unique election cycle, coming out of Covid,” she said.&nbsp;

Tavaglione also blamed the pandemic, when rising concerns about crime and a lack of competence in government ended up ruling the day: “It was a unique election cycle, coming out of Covid,” she said.&nbsp;

Those sentiments figured dramatically in the unprecedented recalls of three school board members, along with District Attorney Chesa Boudin, earlier this year.&nbsp;

Those sentiments figured dramatically in the unprecedented recalls of three school board members, along with District Attorney Chesa Boudin, earlier this year.&nbsp;

Ironically, both the Labor Council and Building Trades Council stayed out of the DA’s race between Breed appointee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-has-huge-lead-in-district-attorney-race-as-tough-talk-on-crime-wins-voters/">Brooke Jenkins</a> and progressive John Hamasaki (though some unions, like the Firefighters, supported middle option Joseph Alioto Veronese). And the labor council can claim victories in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/recall-leader-and-mayoral-appointee-ann-hsu-loses-sf-school-board-seat/">school board</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/discontent-with-city-college-propelled-3-challengers-to-victory-and-its-tax-measure-to-defeat/">City College Trustee</a> races.

Ironically, both the Labor Council and Building Trades Council stayed out of the DA’s race between Breed appointee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-has-huge-lead-in-district-attorney-race-as-tough-talk-on-crime-wins-voters/">Brooke Jenkins</a> and progressive John Hamasaki (though some unions, like the Firefighters, supported middle option Joseph Alioto Veronese). And the labor council can claim victories in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/recall-leader-and-mayoral-appointee-ann-hsu-loses-sf-school-board-seat/">school board</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/discontent-with-city-college-propelled-3-challengers-to-victory-and-its-tax-measure-to-defeat/">City College Trustee</a> races.

Tavaglione remains optimistic about the next election and labor’s role in the outcome.&nbsp;

Tavaglione remains optimistic about the next election and labor’s role in the outcome.&nbsp;

“We’ll be better prepared for it,” Tavaglione said.&nbsp;

“We’ll be better prepared for it,” Tavaglione said.&nbsp;

Labor pains: Union groups couldn’t sway SF voters this November

Jonah Owen Lamb

He is a San Francisco Superior Court judge whose Japanese mother met her American husband in occupied Tokyo after World War II. His opponent is a corporate lawyer raised by a pair of attorneys, who grew up doing homework in his mother’s chambers at Santa Clara County Superior Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He is a San Francisco Superior Court judge whose Japanese mother met her American husband in occupied Tokyo after World War II. His opponent is a corporate lawyer raised by a pair of attorneys, who grew up doing homework in his mother’s chambers at Santa Clara County Superior Court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The biographies of Judge Michael Isaku Begert and his challenger in the March 5 election, Albert “Chip” Zecher, have played little role thus far in a heated campaign focused on crime and public safety.&nbsp;

The biographies of Judge Michael Isaku Begert and his challenger in the March 5 election, Albert “Chip” Zecher, have played little role thus far in a heated campaign focused on crime and public safety.&nbsp;

Months before voting started, Mayor London Breed and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins made claims that judges are partly at fault for the city’s public safety issues because they release drug dealers pending trial. But the criticism, which is at the center of the contest, is countered by others, who say judges are only following the law—and are being used as scapegoats for some of the city’s most intractable problems.&nbsp;

Months before voting started, Mayor London Breed and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins made claims that judges are partly at fault for the city’s public safety issues because they release drug dealers pending trial. But the criticism, which is at the center of the contest, is countered by others, who say judges are only following the law—and are being used as scapegoats for some of the city’s most intractable problems.&nbsp;

Begert, who was <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Governor-appoints-four-judges-2453040.php">appointed to the bench by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger</a> in 2010 and worked in private practice before becoming a judge, has significant support from local judges, the legal community and progressive politicians.&nbsp;

Begert, who was <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Governor-appoints-four-judges-2453040.php">appointed to the bench by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger</a> in 2010 and worked in private practice before becoming a judge, has significant support from local judges, the legal community and progressive politicians.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.chipforsfjudge.com/about">Zecher</a>, who has worked for insurance companies and manufacturing firms, sits on the board of <a href="https://www.uclawsf.edu/people/albert-zecher/">UC Law San Francisco</a> and is backed by tough-on-crime groups like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/stop-crime-sf-judge-grade/">Stop Crime SF</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/28/san-francisco-judge-race-donors/">some big tech money</a>.

Inside the anti-crime group &#8216;grading&#8217; San Francisco judges

Tech billionaire’s $100,000 is top donation in pricey San Francisco judge races

<a href="https://www.chipforsfjudge.com/about">Zecher</a>, who has worked for insurance companies and manufacturing firms, sits on the board of <a href="https://www.uclawsf.edu/people/albert-zecher/">UC Law San Francisco</a> and is backed by tough-on-crime groups like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/stop-crime-sf-judge-grade/">Stop Crime SF</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/28/san-francisco-judge-race-donors/">some big tech money</a>.

Judge Michael Begert of the Superior Court of San Francisco County attends a debate at the San Francisco County Fair building on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Begert is challenged by Albert “Chip” Zecher, a corporate lawyer and board member at UC Law San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit with a blue tie smiles while sitting at a table with a microphone and water bottle." class="wp-image-228962"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Michael Begert of the San Francisco Superior Court participates in a debate on Dec. 7, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231207_judgesdebate-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit with a blue tie smiles while sitting at a table with a microphone and water bottle." class="wp-image-228962"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Michael Begert of the San Francisco Superior Court participates in a debate on Dec. 7, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Begert’s supporters say Zecher’s campaign is a politically motivated effort to put fear into San Francisco judges so they are more harsh. Zecher’s backers deny that and point to what they say is Begert’s record of leniency that voters should consider when voting for the judgeship.&nbsp;

Begert’s supporters say Zecher’s campaign is a politically motivated effort to put fear into San Francisco judges so they are more harsh. Zecher’s backers deny that and point to what they say is Begert’s record of leniency that voters should consider when voting for the judgeship.&nbsp;

Begert&#8217;s and Zecher’s lives and careers have been less of a focus than public safety in the campaign. But their biographies may help voters understand how their personal stories could impact their decisions on the bench. Under judicial ethics rules, they are barred from discussing in detail how they would rule on future cases.

Begert's and Zecher’s lives and careers have been less of a focus than public safety in the campaign. But their biographies may help voters understand how their personal stories could impact their decisions on the bench. Under judicial ethics rules, they are barred from discussing in detail how they would rule on future cases.

Begert&#8217;s and Zecher’s lives and careers have been less of a focus than public safety in the campaign. But their biographies may help voters understand how their personal stories could impact their decisions on the bench. Under judicial ethics rules, they are barred from discussing in detail how they would rule on future cases.

Judge Michael Begert: In the wake of World War II

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-judge-michael-begert-in-the-wake-of-world-war-ii">Judge Michael Begert: In the wake of World War II</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-judge-michael-begert-in-the-wake-of-world-war-ii">Judge Michael Begert: In the wake of World War II</h2>

Begert, 60, is a product of the wreckage of World War II.&nbsp;

Begert, 60, is a product of the wreckage of World War II.&nbsp;

Begert’s mother, Sono Nishimura, spent the war years in Europe as an au pair for a Japanese diplomat. By the war’s end, she didn’t know if her family had survived the U.S. bombardment of 1945 until her circuitous, monthslong return to Japan. Her father, who ran an art school in Tokyo, had been jailed because of his opposition to Imperial Japanese policies, but he and the rest of the family had survived the firebombing of the city.&nbsp;

Begert’s mother, Sono Nishimura, spent the war years in Europe as an au pair for a Japanese diplomat. By the war’s end, she didn’t know if her family had survived the U.S. bombardment of 1945 until her circuitous, monthslong return to Japan. Her father, who ran an art school in Tokyo, had been jailed because of his opposition to Imperial Japanese policies, but he and the rest of the family had survived the firebombing of the city.&nbsp;

Judge Michael Begert and his mother Sono Nishimura who spent the war years in Europe as an au pair for a Japanese diplomat. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michael-and-mom-1.jpg" alt="An elderly woman with glasses and a younger man smiling close together, likely family." class="wp-image-247917"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judge Michael Begert and his mother, Sono Nishimura, who spent the war years in Europe as an au pair for a Japanese diplomat. </figcaption></figure>

Begert’s father, Carl Begert, came to Japan with the Air Force as part of the United States’ postwar occupation. For a time, he worked as a judge advocate general, or JAG, in military courts.&nbsp;

Begert’s father, Carl Begert, came to Japan with the Air Force as part of the United States’ postwar occupation. For a time, he worked as a judge advocate general, or JAG, in military courts.&nbsp;

The pair met in Tokyo, and the romance stuck.

The pair met in Tokyo, and the romance stuck.

When Begert’s father was transferred back to the U.S. in 1949, his wife-to-be took a steamship to the Pacific Northwest. The pair married and raised five children in rural Washington state. Michael Begert was the youngest.&nbsp;

When Begert’s father was transferred back to the U.S. in 1949, his wife-to-be took a steamship to the Pacific Northwest. The pair married and raised five children in rural Washington state. Michael Begert was the youngest.&nbsp;

Begert describes his upbringing as happy; he spent summers picking berries or doing construction work for pocket money.

Begert describes his upbringing as happy; he spent summers picking berries or doing construction work for pocket money.

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<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote> “The law is our attempt to approximate what we all agree is fair. At its best, it accomplishes that.”<cite>Judge Michael Begert</cite></blockquote></figure>

After graduating from the University of Washington and the University of Chicago’s law school, he entered private practice.&nbsp;

After graduating from the University of Washington and the University of Chicago’s law school, he entered private practice.&nbsp;

“A lot of what you learn in law school is not to memorize the code, but to learn how to think like a lawyer,” Begert said of his time in Chicago. “The law is our attempt to approximate what we all agree is fair. At its best, it accomplishes that.”

“A lot of what you learn in law school is not to memorize the code, but to learn how to think like a lawyer,” Begert said of his time in Chicago. “The law is our attempt to approximate what we all agree is fair. At its best, it accomplishes that.”

He returned to the West Coast in 1989 and started his career with McCutchen, Doyle, Brown &amp; Enersen in San Francisco.

He returned to the West Coast in 1989 and started his career with McCutchen, Doyle, Brown &amp; Enersen in San Francisco.

“I wanted to be a litigator,” Begert said. “I wanted to be a trial lawyer.”

“I wanted to be a litigator,” Begert said. “I wanted to be a trial lawyer.”

He worked on everything from commercial disputes and vehicle liability to chemical exposure and software piracy.&nbsp;

He worked on everything from commercial disputes and vehicle liability to chemical exposure and software piracy.&nbsp;

His pro bono work included helping a group of Black <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/page-one-s-f-s-still-troubled-fire-department-3032339.php">San Francisco firefighters</a> in their battle against discrimination, which forced the department to change its hiring practices.&nbsp;

His pro bono work included helping a group of Black <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/page-one-s-f-s-still-troubled-fire-department-3032339.php">San Francisco firefighters</a> in their battle against discrimination, which forced the department to change its hiring practices.&nbsp;

The case that stands out most was about the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/japanese-ywca.htm">Japanese YWCA in Japantown</a>. Before the Japanese internment during World War II, a group of Japanese immigrant women raised money for a community center. Laws barring them from owning property prompted them to make an agreement with the YWCA, which held the land in trust. Internment and its aftermath left the building in the hands of the YWCA.&nbsp;

The case that stands out most was about the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/japanese-ywca.htm">Japanese YWCA in Japantown</a>. Before the Japanese internment during World War II, a group of Japanese immigrant women raised money for a community center. Laws barring them from owning property prompted them to make an agreement with the YWCA, which held the land in trust. Internment and its aftermath left the building in the hands of the YWCA.&nbsp;

Decades later, in the 1980s, the YWCA got into financial trouble and wanted to sell the building, but researchers discovered the original agreement. Begert filed a lawsuit, and in the end, the YWCA had to sell the building back to the original group of Japanese Americans for a fraction of the asking price.&nbsp;

Decades later, in the 1980s, the YWCA got into financial trouble and wanted to sell the building, but researchers discovered the original agreement. Begert filed a lawsuit, and in the end, the YWCA had to sell the building back to the original group of Japanese Americans for a fraction of the asking price.&nbsp;

“It really stopped the YWCA in its tracks,” said attorney Donald Tamaki. “It was really Michael Begert and his efforts to protect the building” that saved it.

“It really stopped the YWCA in its tracks,” said attorney Donald Tamaki. “It was really Michael Begert and his efforts to protect the building” that saved it.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drug-courts-mental-health-and-treatment">Drug courts, mental health and treatment</h2>

After <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/search/?action=search&amp;channel=bayarea&amp;inlineLink=1&amp;searchindex=property&amp;query=%22Arnold+Schwarzenegger%22">Schwarzenegger</a> appointed him as a judge, Begert served in almost every role in the San Francisco Superior Court, from traffic to criminal and civil trials to family law and the juvenile courts.

After <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/search/?action=search&amp;channel=bayarea&amp;inlineLink=1&amp;searchindex=property&amp;query=%22Arnold+Schwarzenegger%22">Schwarzenegger</a> appointed him as a judge, Begert served in almost every role in the San Francisco Superior Court, from traffic to criminal and civil trials to family law and the juvenile courts.

“I have a lot of respect for the way he operates,” said Scott Sugarman, a defense attorney.&nbsp;

“I have a lot of respect for the way he operates,” said Scott Sugarman, a defense attorney.&nbsp;

In 2019, Begert began his stint as the judge overseeing so-called “collaborative courts” for veterans, people with drug abuse issues and the mentally ill who had entered the criminal justice system.

In 2019, Begert began his stint as the judge overseeing so-called “collaborative courts” for veterans, people with drug abuse issues and the mentally ill who had entered the criminal justice system.

In fall 2023, <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-launch-care-court-next-week-those-struggling-serious-mental-health-issues">he was chosen to lead a new court</a>—the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court, or CARE Court—created by Gov. Gavin Newsom. CARE Courts aim to help people with mental disorders before they have criminal cases.&nbsp;

In fall 2023, <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-launch-care-court-next-week-those-struggling-serious-mental-health-issues">he was chosen to lead a new court</a>—the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court, or CARE Court—created by Gov. Gavin Newsom. CARE Courts aim to help people with mental disorders before they have criminal cases.&nbsp;

Superior Court Judge Michael Begert speaks at San Francisco’s inaugural CARE Court meeting at the State of California office building in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. Judge Begert is the presiding judge of CARE Act Court, which aims to help individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined02_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands behind a podium in a lowly lit room and speak into a microphone. A screen is in the background and a title card read &quot;Treatment - Housing first: Care Court participants ...&quot;" class="wp-image-221503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Begert is the presiding judge of CARE Court, which aims to help individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined02_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands behind a podium in a lowly lit room and speak into a microphone. A screen is in the background and a title card read &quot;Treatment - Housing first: Care Court participants ...&quot;" class="wp-image-221503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Begert is the presiding judge of CARE Court, which aims to help individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.</figcaption></figure>

“I work every day with my primary focus being improving the safety and vitality of the community,” Begert said. “I try to help people access the help that they need.”

“I work every day with my primary focus being improving the safety and vitality of the community,” Begert said. “I try to help people access the help that they need.”

Former prosecutor Judith Garvey, who worked in the collaborative courts before Begert, said that Begert is talented in both getting people to go into treatment and holding them accountable when they fail.

Former prosecutor Judith Garvey, who worked in the collaborative courts before Begert, said that Begert is talented in both getting people to go into treatment and holding them accountable when they fail.

“He knows how to draw the person into treatment. It isn’t easy. It is a real talent,” she said. “The clients recognize, respect and respond to it. He remanded and kept people in custody when appropriate for public safety.”

“He knows how to draw the person into treatment. It isn’t easy. It is a real talent,” she said. “The clients recognize, respect and respond to it. He remanded and kept people in custody when appropriate for public safety.”

The 5,000-plus member San Francisco Bar Association, meanwhile, gave Begert a “well qualified” review, nearly its highest rating. Zecher declined to participate in the review.&nbsp;

The 5,000-plus member San Francisco Bar Association, meanwhile, gave Begert a “well qualified” review, nearly its highest rating. Zecher declined to participate in the review.&nbsp;

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolving-door-judge">‘Revolving door’ judge?</h2>

Begert’s track record over the past four years has come under scrutiny as the city’s debate over public safety has focused on open-air drug dealing.&nbsp;

Begert’s track record over the past four years has come under scrutiny as the city’s debate over public safety has focused on open-air drug dealing.&nbsp;

Detractors have claimed Begert is too lenient and has a penchant to release repeat offenders. Critics like <a href="https://westsideobserver.com/23/12-sending-judges-out-to-pasture.php">former Judge Quentin Kopp</a> call Begert one of the city’s “revolving door” jurists. The political nonprofit group Stop Crime Action alleges that Begert has released repeat offenders, who then committed crimes again. The group’s “judge report card,” boycotted by most San Francisco judges, gave Begert a failing grade.

Detractors have claimed Begert is too lenient and has a penchant to release repeat offenders. Critics like <a href="https://westsideobserver.com/23/12-sending-judges-out-to-pasture.php">former Judge Quentin Kopp</a> call Begert one of the city’s “revolving door” jurists. The political nonprofit group Stop Crime Action alleges that Begert has released repeat offenders, who then committed crimes again. The group’s “judge report card,” boycotted by most San Francisco judges, gave Begert a failing grade.

In September, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/07/mystery-flyers-in-san-francisco-target-judges-alleged-drug-dealers/">an anonymous poster</a> falsely claiming Begert released a repeat fentanyl dealer appeared on city streets.

Mystery flyers in San Francisco target judges, alleged drug dealers

In September, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/07/mystery-flyers-in-san-francisco-target-judges-alleged-drug-dealers/">an anonymous poster</a> falsely claiming Begert released a repeat fentanyl dealer appeared on city streets.

It claimed that Nicol Palma was arrested in 2021 and 2022 on drug charges and was ordered released by Begert and another judge. But Palma had already been released when her case came before Begert. Her case was then dismissed due to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/28/tenderloin-crackdown-brings-back-troubled-cops-dubious-covert-tactics/">allegations that the arresting officers’ search of Palma was illegal</a>.&nbsp;

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It claimed that Nicol Palma was arrested in 2021 and 2022 on drug charges and was ordered released by Begert and another judge. But Palma had already been released when her case came before Begert. Her case was then dismissed due to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/28/tenderloin-crackdown-brings-back-troubled-cops-dubious-covert-tactics/">allegations that the arresting officers’ search of Palma was illegal</a>.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>“They are just flat wrong whether I am the guy releasing people.” <cite>Judge Michael Begert</cite></blockquote></figure>

Begert denies the claims made against him and says that the people making them don’t seem to understand the law.

Begert denies the claims made against him and says that the people making them don’t seem to understand the law.

“I never released that young woman in the poster. She was already out of custody when she came to my court. More importantly, both of her cases were dismissed at the request of the DA for ‘lack of evidence,’” Begert said.&nbsp;

“I never released that young woman in the poster. She was already out of custody when she came to my court. More importantly, both of her cases were dismissed at the request of the DA for ‘lack of evidence,’” Begert said.&nbsp;

“They are just flat wrong whether I am the guy releasing people,” he said about his critics.

“They are just flat wrong whether I am the guy releasing people,” he said about his critics.

Posters around 22nd and Mission show possible drug dealers that were arrested and released by San Francisco Judges in San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0907MysteryJudgeFlyers-99.jpg?w=2500" alt="Layered posters on a wall announce arrests, with a tattered jacket hanging to the side." class="wp-image-198571"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Posters around 22nd and Mission streets criticize Judge Michael Begert.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0907MysteryJudgeFlyers-99.jpg?w=2500" alt="Layered posters on a wall announce arrests, with a tattered jacket hanging to the side." class="wp-image-198571"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Posters around 22nd and Mission streets criticize Judge Michael Begert.</figcaption></figure>

Unlike CARE Court cases, the collaborative court cases Begert handles are sent to his court after the district attorney and the public defender agree that each defendant is eligible to work in the <a href="https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/cjc-brochure.pdf">collaborative courts</a>, which require them to participate in treatment, community service and other programs.

Unlike CARE Court cases, the collaborative court cases Begert handles are sent to his court after the district attorney and the public defender agree that each defendant is eligible to work in the <a href="https://sf.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/cjc-brochure.pdf">collaborative courts</a>, which require them to participate in treatment, community service and other programs.

Deputy Public Defender Alexandra Pray, who handles most defense cases in the collaborative courts overseen by Begert, said the law is very specific about who is eligible and how they must behave while they are taking part.&nbsp;

Deputy Public Defender Alexandra Pray, who handles most defense cases in the collaborative courts overseen by Begert, said the law is very specific about who is eligible and how they must behave while they are taking part.&nbsp;

Decisions about detention are usually decided in normal criminal courts, before cases are referred to Begert.

Decisions about detention are usually decided in normal criminal courts, before cases are referred to Begert.

Some attorneys and judges who work in the San Francisco courts have defended Begert, saying his critics are off base.&nbsp;

Some attorneys and judges who work in the San Francisco courts have defended Begert, saying his critics are off base.&nbsp;

“The irony of this challenge to Judge Begert is he hasn’t been in a court that makes the decision” he is being attacked for, Judge Jeff Ross said of allegations about Begert releasing defendants.&nbsp;

“The irony of this challenge to Judge Begert is he hasn’t been in a court that makes the decision” he is being attacked for, Judge Jeff Ross said of allegations about Begert releasing defendants.&nbsp;

“I don&#8217;t understand exactly why he has been selected to be challenged by Stop Crime SF and other organizations,” Ross added. “But they got the wrong guy.”

“I don't understand exactly why he has been selected to be challenged by Stop Crime SF and other organizations,” Ross added. “But they got the wrong guy.”

“I don&#8217;t understand exactly why he has been selected to be challenged by Stop Crime SF and other organizations,” Ross added. “But they got the wrong guy.”

Two cases have been the focus of Stop Crime SF’s critique; in both, the group alleges Begert let defendants who were a danger to the public out of custody.&nbsp;

Two cases have been the focus of Stop Crime SF’s critique; in both, the group alleges Begert let defendants who were a danger to the public out of custody.&nbsp;

Frank Noto, founder and president of Stop Crime SF, left, poses for a portrait and an anti-theft sign, right, placed by the organization Stop Crime SF, stands by the 16th Ave tiled steps in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. | Gina Castro/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1233" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined05_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two photos side by side - one photo is a tight portrait of a man with a goatee looking at the camera and the other photos reads &quot;Daytime Thieves&quot; in english and 5 other languages with pocues of smashes windows." class="wp-image-221506"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Frank Noto, founder and president of Stop Crime SF, left, poses for a portrait in front of an anti-theft sign placed by his organization on 16th Avenue.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined05_20231109stopcrimesf.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two photos side by side - one photo is a tight portrait of a man with a goatee looking at the camera and the other photos reads &quot;Daytime Thieves&quot; in english and 5 other languages with pocues of smashes windows." class="wp-image-221506"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Frank Noto, founder and president of Stop Crime SF, left, poses for a portrait in front of an anti-theft sign placed by his organization on 16th Avenue.</figcaption></figure>

Anna Boddy, a transgender woman with mental health and drug issues—she is on a sex offender list out of state—was picked up on a burglary case and admitted into the drug and mental health courts Begert oversees.&nbsp;

Anna Boddy, a transgender woman with mental health and drug issues—she is on a sex offender list out of state—was picked up on a burglary case and admitted into the drug and mental health courts Begert oversees.&nbsp;

Deputy Public Defender Eric Quandt, who represented Boddy, said that his client suffers from substance abuse and mental health issues, which is why she was referred to Begert’s court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deputy Public Defender Eric Quandt, who represented Boddy, said that his client suffers from substance abuse and mental health issues, which is why she was referred to Begert’s court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“No one has been injured,” Quandt said. “These are property-related crimes.”

“No one has been injured,” Quandt said. “These are property-related crimes.”

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