Patrick Siegman – California issues
@patricksiegmanca.bsky.social
Transportation planner & economist. Founder, Siegman & Associates. LinkedIn: tinyurl.com/5cekhrjh. This is my account for issues primarily of interest to San Franciscans & Californians (e.g., local elections). My main account is @siegman.biz
"Prop O will not provide San Franciscans with complete reproductive immunity should Project 2025’s plans become realized — there is no such protection — but it’s an incremental step toward shielding our rights from such an assault."
Yes on Prop O.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Yes on Prop O.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: With Project 2025 threats looming, Prop O boosts S.F.’s commitment to reproductive rights
Proposition O adds safeguards to reproductive health in San Francisco should national threats reach our borders.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 31, 2024 at 4:57 AM
"Prop O will not provide San Franciscans with complete reproductive immunity should Project 2025’s plans become realized — there is no such protection — but it’s an incremental step toward shielding our rights from such an assault."
Yes on Prop O.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Yes on Prop O.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“This measure promises to build a more resilient and transparent tax system in San Francisco, while providing tax relief to small businesses that have struggled to recover from the pandemic. The measure would be fiscally neutral...”
Yes on Prop M.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Yes on Prop M.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:56 AM
“This measure promises to build a more resilient and transparent tax system in San Francisco, while providing tax relief to small businesses that have struggled to recover from the pandemic. The measure would be fiscally neutral...”
Yes on Prop M.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Yes on Prop M.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
"Prop. L would provide ~$25 million in critically needed, ongoing funding for transit operations, starting as early as 2025."
Multiple studies have found that ridehailing cars have seriously worsened congestion. Taxing them is a smart and just way to fund transit.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Multiple studies have found that ridehailing cars have seriously worsened congestion. Taxing them is a smart and just way to fund transit.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:53 AM
"Prop. L would provide ~$25 million in critically needed, ongoing funding for transit operations, starting as early as 2025."
Multiple studies have found that ridehailing cars have seriously worsened congestion. Taxing them is a smart and just way to fund transit.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Multiple studies have found that ridehailing cars have seriously worsened congestion. Taxing them is a smart and just way to fund transit.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Prop K will "increase access to shared public amenities; encourage walking, biking, and transit...and proactively address sea level rise and coastal erosion in a fiscally, socially, and environmentally responsible manner."
Yes on Prop K!
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Yes on Prop K!
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:47 AM
Prop K will "increase access to shared public amenities; encourage walking, biking, and transit...and proactively address sea level rise and coastal erosion in a fiscally, socially, and environmentally responsible manner."
Yes on Prop K!
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Yes on Prop K!
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
"Amid all of our problems, the last thing San Francisco needs is unfunded pension liabilities strangling our budget. Every dollar diverted is a dollar less for services and current city workers."
Agreed. Vote no Prop H. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Agreed. Vote no Prop H. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: Prop H won’t protect firefighters, but it will put S.F.’s already precarious finances at risk
Unfunded pension liability isn’t an issue that screams political sex appeal. That doesn’t mean we can afford to take it lightly.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 31, 2024 at 4:42 AM
"Amid all of our problems, the last thing San Francisco needs is unfunded pension liabilities strangling our budget. Every dollar diverted is a dollar less for services and current city workers."
Agreed. Vote no Prop H. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Agreed. Vote no Prop H. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“A recent 46-page San Francisco civil grand jury report detailed how a “legislative fetish” by city leaders for placing set-asides like Prop G on the ballot handcuffs the ability of lawmakers to be flexible during the budget process.” 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: Prop G has a great idea at its core. That idea is already happening without a ballot measure
The policy on affordable housing at the center of Prop G is a good idea. But it’s already happening in S.F. We don’t need a ballot measure.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 31, 2024 at 4:36 AM
“A recent 46-page San Francisco civil grand jury report detailed how a “legislative fetish” by city leaders for placing set-asides like Prop G on the ballot handcuffs the ability of lawmakers to be flexible during the budget process.” 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Prop F repeats a failed strategy that “proved monstrously expensive and was abandoned several years later amid a growing pension crisis — echoing the results of similar police DROP programs across the country, including San Diego and Los Angeles.”
No on Prop F.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/pres...
No on Prop F.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/pres...
San Francisco Prop E - Task Force on Commissions
Establishes a task force charged with making recommendations to the mayor and Board of Supervisors on reforming San Francisco’s boards and commissions.
www.spur.org
October 31, 2024 at 4:30 AM
Prop F repeats a failed strategy that “proved monstrously expensive and was abandoned several years later amid a growing pension crisis — echoing the results of similar police DROP programs across the country, including San Diego and Los Angeles.”
No on Prop F.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/pres...
No on Prop F.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/pres...
Prop E "could have been enacted legislatively rather than through the ballot box. Additionally, it’s unclear whether the measure would result in a meaningful reform of the city’s commissions...due to the lack of a mechanism to ensure timely action..."
No on Prop E.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
No on Prop E.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:27 AM
Prop E "could have been enacted legislatively rather than through the ballot box. Additionally, it’s unclear whether the measure would result in a meaningful reform of the city’s commissions...due to the lack of a mechanism to ensure timely action..."
No on Prop E.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
No on Prop E.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Prop E “could have been implemented...by the Board of Supervisors without bringing this measure to the ballot….Voters should not be tasked with unpacking complicated...ballot measures in place of elected officials doing the hard work of legislating change."
No on Prop E
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
No on Prop E
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
San Francisco Prop E - Task Force on Commissions
Establishes a task force charged with making recommendations to the mayor and Board of Supervisors on reforming San Francisco’s boards and commissions.
www.spur.org
October 31, 2024 at 4:24 AM
Prop E “could have been implemented...by the Board of Supervisors without bringing this measure to the ballot….Voters should not be tasked with unpacking complicated...ballot measures in place of elected officials doing the hard work of legislating change."
No on Prop E
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
No on Prop E
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
I agree that SF has too many commissions. I really wanted to like Prop D. But as the Chron puts it, “Prop D is a rushed, sloppy effort that experts told us feels more like a ‘first draft’ than a way to create lasting, meaningful reform.”
Vote no on Prop D. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Vote no on Prop D. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: S.F. needs to cut its bloated number of commissions. But Prop D is a first draft, not a solution
San Francisco has approximately 135 commissions, boards, and advisory bodies. Prop D would trim to 65. That’s completely arbitrary, and could backfire.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 31, 2024 at 4:17 AM
I agree that SF has too many commissions. I really wanted to like Prop D. But as the Chron puts it, “Prop D is a rushed, sloppy effort that experts told us feels more like a ‘first draft’ than a way to create lasting, meaningful reform.”
Vote no on Prop D. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Vote no on Prop D. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Why am I being asked to decide on a complex piece of legislation that didn’t need to be on the ballot? Prop A is exactly the kind of measure that our elected representatives can and should, debate and negotiate in a transparent public process.
Vote no on Prop C.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Vote no on Prop C.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:10 AM
Why am I being asked to decide on a complex piece of legislation that didn’t need to be on the ballot? Prop A is exactly the kind of measure that our elected representatives can and should, debate and negotiate in a transparent public process.
Vote no on Prop C.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Vote no on Prop C.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
“Designed to help the city recover on myriad fronts, this bond measure would support...street safety, housing for homeless families, high-quality outdoor civic spaces, and the commitment that all people should have fair and just access to...health care.”
Yes on Prop B.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:01 AM
“Designed to help the city recover on myriad fronts, this bond measure would support...street safety, housing for homeless families, high-quality outdoor civic spaces, and the commitment that all people should have fair and just access to...health care.”
Yes on Prop B.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Prop A will “ensure that San Francisco’s public schools can provide safe, modern facilities for students & faculty, improving their daily experience & educational outcomes.”
Yes on Prop A.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Yes on Prop A.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 31, 2024 at 4:00 AM
Prop A will “ensure that San Francisco’s public schools can provide safe, modern facilities for students & faculty, improving their daily experience & educational outcomes.”
Yes on Prop A.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Yes on Prop A.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
“Miyamoto does. His 29 years in the department are a tough thing to beat.He’s thoughtful & dedicated, & if he follows through on his commitment to advocate more strongly for his department, we have faith that he’ll move it through the significant challenges ahead”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: S.F. Sheriff’s Office is struggling. Paul Miyamoto can turn things around
Is Paul Miyamoto up to the challenge of extricating the San Francisco Sheriff's Office from its staffing crisis? We believe he is.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 6:57 PM
“Miyamoto does. His 29 years in the department are a tough thing to beat.He’s thoughtful & dedicated, & if he follows through on his commitment to advocate more strongly for his department, we have faith that he’ll move it through the significant challenges ahead”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Building housing near BART is the best way to make homes abundant & affordable, give people transportation choices, and minimize traffic & pollution. Joe Sangirardi is dedicated to doing that, transforming BART’s vast parking lots into homes for people who need them.
www.joesangirardi.com
www.joesangirardi.com
Joe for BART
www.joesangirardi.com
October 30, 2024 at 6:54 PM
Building housing near BART is the best way to make homes abundant & affordable, give people transportation choices, and minimize traffic & pollution. Joe Sangirardi is dedicated to doing that, transforming BART’s vast parking lots into homes for people who need them.
www.joesangirardi.com
www.joesangirardi.com
City College’s current Board majority has neglected the school’s long-term health and threatened it with loss of accreditation. We need better.
“The candidates best positioned to get City College back on the right track are Chisti, Zamora, McCarty and Ferguson.”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“The candidates best positioned to get City College back on the right track are Chisti, Zamora, McCarty and Ferguson.”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: CCSF is in trouble. Here are the Chronicle’s four picks for Board of Trustees
City College of San Francisco is in trouble. These four candidates for the Board of Trustees can help turn things around.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 6:42 PM
City College’s current Board majority has neglected the school’s long-term health and threatened it with loss of accreditation. We need better.
“The candidates best positioned to get City College back on the right track are Chisti, Zamora, McCarty and Ferguson.”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“The candidates best positioned to get City College back on the right track are Chisti, Zamora, McCarty and Ferguson.”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
We need smart, practical leaders who will make the hard choices required to balance the district's budget & avoid a state takeover.
“Amid a strong field, Gupta, Huling, Ray & Alexander are the best candidates to shepherd the district through the challenges ahead”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“Amid a strong field, Gupta, Huling, Ray & Alexander are the best candidates to shepherd the district through the challenges ahead”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: At a perilous time for SFUSD, here are the Chronicle’s four picks for school board
SF school district’s challenges require a strong board. Four candidates stand out as having the skills and experience needed.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 6:36 PM
We need smart, practical leaders who will make the hard choices required to balance the district's budget & avoid a state takeover.
“Amid a strong field, Gupta, Huling, Ray & Alexander are the best candidates to shepherd the district through the challenges ahead”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“Amid a strong field, Gupta, Huling, Ray & Alexander are the best candidates to shepherd the district through the challenges ahead”
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Mayor Breed has worked relentlessly to make housing abundant & affordable. Despite endless opposition from SF’s NIMBYs, she’s gotten 1000s of affordable homes built, legalized new apartments in many areas & slashed red tape that blocked good projects.
She’s earned our votes.
www.londonformayor.com
She’s earned our votes.
www.londonformayor.com
Re-Elect Mayor London Breed 2024
www.londonformayor.com
October 30, 2024 at 6:20 PM
Mayor Breed has worked relentlessly to make housing abundant & affordable. Despite endless opposition from SF’s NIMBYs, she’s gotten 1000s of affordable homes built, legalized new apartments in many areas & slashed red tape that blocked good projects.
She’s earned our votes.
www.londonformayor.com
She’s earned our votes.
www.londonformayor.com
Why are we being asked to vote at the ballot box on complex criminal justice issues? I’m no expert on the best ways to deter crime, rehabilitate addicts, or decide the right level of spending on prisons versus other critical needs, like schools.
🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: You’re right to be outraged over street conditions. Prop 36 is a message, not an answer
We don’t think Prop 36 will work. But we also can’t deny that California legislators need to hear the message that they have failed on street conditions.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 12:54 AM
Why are we being asked to vote at the ballot box on complex criminal justice issues? I’m no expert on the best ways to deter crime, rehabilitate addicts, or decide the right level of spending on prisons versus other critical needs, like schools.
🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
The Chronicle writes, “Budgeting at this level of complexity and uncertainty shouldn’t happen at the ballot box — it should happen through a fair, transparent and public process before the Legislature.”
I agree! Vote no on Prop 35.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
I agree! Vote no on Prop 35.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: Prop 35 is a complicated maze of a measure that doesn’t belong on the ballot
At first glance, Prop 35 seems to be one of the most straightforward measures on California’s November ballot. It’s not. And it doesn't belong on the ballot.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 12:51 AM
The Chronicle writes, “Budgeting at this level of complexity and uncertainty shouldn’t happen at the ballot box — it should happen through a fair, transparent and public process before the Legislature.”
I agree! Vote no on Prop 35.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
I agree! Vote no on Prop 35.
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
As the San Francisco Chronicle explains, “Proposition 34 would require a few health care providers that make money from a federal prescription drug discount program to spend 98% of those funds on direct patient care.” 🧵/1
Yes on 34 - Protect Patients Now
For years, scammers like Michael Weinstein and others have been abusing the health care system. Vote YES on 34 to stop drug pricing scams.
yesonprop34.com
October 30, 2024 at 12:49 AM
As the San Francisco Chronicle explains, “Proposition 34 would require a few health care providers that make money from a federal prescription drug discount program to spend 98% of those funds on direct patient care.” 🧵/1
"Research shows that while rent control can protect some existing tenants, it also tends to disincentivize the production of new housing — which is key to bringing down costs..."
Vote no on Prop 33. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Vote no on Prop 33. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Endorsement: Prop 33 promises a solution to the housing crisis. It would almost certainly make things worse
The promise of aggressive rent control alleviating the pressure of California’s housing crisis is seductive. But that’s almost certainly not what would happen.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 12:34 AM
"Research shows that while rent control can protect some existing tenants, it also tends to disincentivize the production of new housing — which is key to bringing down costs..."
Vote no on Prop 33. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Vote no on Prop 33. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
California’s minimum wage is currently $16 per hour. Raising it to $18 per hour is a modest, but worthwhile, way to reduce poverty and inequality.
Vote yes on Prop 32. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Vote yes on Prop 32. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Prop 32 endorsement: When wages aren’t enough to survive in California’s cheapest county, something has to change
Prop 32 would bump California’s minimum wage to $18 per hour, which is still below the cost of living in the state’s cheapest county. But it’s a step.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 12:29 AM
California’s minimum wage is currently $16 per hour. Raising it to $18 per hour is a modest, but worthwhile, way to reduce poverty and inequality.
Vote yes on Prop 32. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
Vote yes on Prop 32. 🧵/1
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
“After slavery was outlawed, states used the 13th Amendment’s involuntary servitude exemption ‘to impose harsh criminal regimes targeting African Americans that rebuilt much of the preexisting system of slavery through the apparatus of criminal law & punishment.’"
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/arti...
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/arti...
Endorsement: Yes on Prop 6 to end a historic wrong and fight crime recidivism
Opening the door for jail and prison inmates to earn higher wages will help them pay their restitution to victims more quickly and reinforce the value of work.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 30, 2024 at 12:25 AM
“After slavery was outlawed, states used the 13th Amendment’s involuntary servitude exemption ‘to impose harsh criminal regimes targeting African Americans that rebuilt much of the preexisting system of slavery through the apparatus of criminal law & punishment.’"
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/arti...
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/arti...
“Prop. 5 would better allow local residents to democratically choose to invest in affordable housing and public infrastructure in their communities to improve their quality of life.”
Fact check: true! Vote yes on Prop 5.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Fact check: true! Vote yes on Prop 5.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
October 30, 2024 at 12:23 AM
“Prop. 5 would better allow local residents to democratically choose to invest in affordable housing and public infrastructure in their communities to improve their quality of life.”
Fact check: true! Vote yes on Prop 5.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
Fact check: true! Vote yes on Prop 5.
www.spur.org/voter-guide/...