SF real estate investor accused of flouting city ethics rules

A politically involved real estate investor convicted of bank fraud faces new legal troubles after the San Francisco Ethics Commission accused him of violating conflict-of-interest rules, according to a new <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Finding-of-Probable-Cause-SFEC-Case-2021-001.pdf">filing</a>.&nbsp;



Victor Makras—who has served on a number of boards and commissions going back decades—now faces charges that he violated city ethics laws for failing to report income during his time on the Port Commission and another body.&nbsp;



If the allegations are upheld by the Ethics Commission, he could face up to $240,000 in fines.&nbsp;



The first of seven charges alleges that Makras failed in 2014 to report $70,000 in income he received during his time on the San Francisco Retirement Board as part of a loan scheme that resulted in his bank fraud conviction earlier this year. That scheme involved lying to a bank to help his friend, former Public Utilities Commission head Harlan Kelly, secure a home improvement loan.



The other allegations state that Makras broke city laws while on the Port Commission when he failed to disclose his financial interests in a property near a port project in Mission Bay.



Makras had a $1 million stake in a development next to the port project at Mission Rock. Makras owns five properties at a condominium complex at 188 King St., while his wife, Farah Makras, holds the title to another King Street property.&nbsp;



City laws forbid anyone holding interests within 1,000 feet of a city project to participate in decisions that could raise conflicts of interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="8192" height="5464" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89727" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg 8192w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg?resize=2500,1667 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MakrasLicense141022_397.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 8192px) 100vw, 8192px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Makras Real Estate sign hangs above the sidewalk on Church Street in San Francisco. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>



The Ethics Commission says Makras failed to recuse himself in all but one meeting related to the Mission Rock development during his tenure on the Port Commission from 2018 to 2020.&nbsp;



On June 11, 2019, Makras participated in a closed session port meeting about development fees that would impact land values in the area, according to the filings.&nbsp;



Then, on July 9, 2019, he took part in a meeting about streetscape improvements linked to the project. He continued to participate and even vote on other project details, some of which would potentially boost land value, the allegations say.&nbsp;



It wasn’t until May 26, 2020, that he recused himself because of his King Street property, which lies within 1,000 feet of the project.&nbsp;



Makras did not file a rebuttal to the allegations from the Ethics Commission and did not respond to a request for comment from The Standard.&nbsp;



Earlier this year, Makras was <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/politically-connected-real-estate-mogul-fails-to-get-bank-fraud-conviction-tossed-could-lose-license/">convicted in the U.S. District Court</a> for bank fraud over the loan for Kelly, whose own case is still pending. Both cases are part of a larger federal investigation that has so far resulted in the conviction of the city’s former Public Works chief Mohammed Nuru, who <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/disgraced-public-works-chief-gets-7-years-for-role-in-bribery-scandal-your-crime-resulted-from-greed/">was sentenced</a> to seven years behind bars after he <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mohammed-nuru-to-appear-in-court-ready-to-accept-responsibility-in-corruption-case-attorney-says/">pleaded guilty to fraud in January</a>.



Makras and his wife are close to several powerful figures in San Francisco politics, including Mayor London Breed and former Mayor Willie Brown, who <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/california/two-former-mayors-willie-brown-and-art-agnos-ask-for-leniency-in-sentencing-of-felon-victor-makras/">asked the judge</a> for leniency on the investor’s behalf.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2500" height="1667" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89717" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-2500x1667.jpg 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-300x200.jpg 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-768x512.jpg 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-650x433.jpg 650w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-370x247.jpg 370w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-800x533.jpg 800w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-450x300.jpg 450w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-20x13.jpg 20w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-185x123.jpg 185w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-740x493.jpg 740w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-400x267.jpg 400w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-225x150.jpg 225w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-900x600.jpg 900w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1321587183-72x48.jpg 72w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Victor Makras, Farah Makras, Sonia Molodetskaya and Willie Brown (from left) at a San Francisco Opera opening night gala in San Francisco. | Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Two former mayors—Willie Brown and Art Agnos—ask for leniency in sentencing of felon Victor Makras

A long list of supporters, including former mayors Willie Brown and Art Agnos, have voiced their support for a lenient sentence for politically connected real estate mogul Victor Makras, who was found guilty on federal charges earlier this year.&nbsp;



Makras was <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/politically-connected-real-estate-mogul-fails-to-get-bank-fraud-conviction-tossed-could-lose-license/">convicted in U.S. District Court</a> earlier this year for bank fraud. The case was linked to a federal corruption probe involving Harlan Kelly, former head of the San Francisco Public Utility Commission, and Mohammed Nuru, the city’s former head of Public Works. The latter <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/disgraced-public-works-chief-gets-7-years-for-role-in-bribery-scandal-your-crime-resulted-from-greed/">was sentenced</a> to seven years in prison after he <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mohammed-nuru-to-appear-in-court-ready-to-accept-responsibility-in-corruption-case-attorney-says/">pleaded guilty to fraud in January</a>.



Makras’ conviction proved that he made false statements to help Kelly get a loan.&nbsp;



Makras and his wife, Farah, maintain social ties to a number of city politicos and other prominent names, some of whom were among the 190 people who wrote to the judge ahead of his sentencing.&nbsp;



That included the two mayors and other politically connected players who urged the judge to give Makras a light sentence, according to court documents filed Nov. 30.&nbsp;



Mayor London Breed, who is close with Makras, did not write on his behalf.&nbsp;



But former Mayor Brown did. In Brown’s letter to U.S. District Court Judge Richard Seeborg, he noted that Makras is the executor of his will and an investment partner, and played key roles in helping him get elected to city and state offices.&nbsp;



“I frankly have never met anybody in my 88 years of life and 60 plus years of public political participation as trustworthy as Victor Makras. And I must say Judge, I don&#8217;t know anybody of all the thousand people that I have interacted with that would have any other opinion about Victor Makras,” wrote Brown on Nov. 9.&nbsp;



Brown noted, too, that Makras is such a trusted friend that “he has been selected by me to be the executor named in my will and to serve without the need for any security.” Brown added that Makras also manages the finances of all “the members of my family.”



Brown was himself the subject of at least one <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-09-mn-8712-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FBI investigation</a> in 1990 when he worked on land use issues on behalf of a large garbage disposal firm.   



Former mayor Agnos wrote that Makras helped him in his mayoral election in the late 1980s and worked on boards and commissions under five subsequent mayors, all of which helped improve the city.



“As I am sure you know from your daily presence and work in San Francisco, we are struggling with challenges wherein there may be some important opportunities for Victor Makras to continue being one of the most honest and creative problem solvers ever to serve five mayors of San Francisco and our great city,” Agnos wrote.&nbsp;



Agnos’ letter did not mention that Makras left the Port Commission <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local-politics/article/San-Francisco-port-commissioner-Makras-quietly-15410879.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">under a cloud over</a> conflict-of-interest issues related to a development he had a stake in. 



Neither Makras nor his attorney responded to a call for comment.&nbsp;



Makras’ many other supporters included Greek immigrants and San Francicans of Greek heritage, lawyers, a police officer, realtors and business people from across the Bay Area. Elections attorney Peter Bagatelos and advertising executive <a href="https://gumas.com/team_profiles/john-gumas/">John Gumas</a> were among those who wrote on his behalf. 



“Victor has always maintained his high moral and ethical standards. Victor is not a person to lower his standards to a level that would be considered corrupt or malicious,” Bagatelos wrote in his letter of support.&nbsp;



Many supporters noted Makras’ moral support, aid to local Greek Orthodox church life and business advice.&nbsp;



“I have felt many times that he has helped me as a brother would. My family immigrated to the United States in 1963, and Victor is one of the people who helped us to achieve the American Dream,” wrote Dennis Vozaitis of Sonoma.&nbsp;



Makras runs Makras Real Estate and Makras Investors. His companies sell real estate and manage numerous properties in San Francisco. A longtime local real estate player, Makras was elected to lead the San Francisco Association of Realtors in 1989.



He has also held positions on the San Francisco Port Commission, the police commission, the PUC board and the city’s retirement board, among others.&nbsp;



Victor and Farah Makras are close with Mayor Breed. For instance, the pair hosted fundraisers for Breed at their Marina District home. Farah Makras’ Instagram includes a photo of Breed blowing out candles on her birthday cake at a dinner with Willie Brown and the Makrases.

The Retirement Board oversees the administration, management, and operation of San Francisco's retirement plans. It manages the investment of the Retirement System’s assets and approves disability benefit determinations. The Board also sets actuarial assumptions to ensure the funding of long-term benefit promises.

Retirement Board

Joseph Driscoll

A.J. Thomas

Leona Bridges

Shruti Gandhi

Scott Heldfond

Tim O'Connor

Retirement Board Commissioner 7

Asian Art Museum

Office of the City Administrator

Adult Probation Department

Airport

Arts Commission

Office of the Assessor-Recorder

Board of Appeals

Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

Office of the City Attorney

Department of Children, Youth and Their Families

Controller's Office

Planning Department

Civil Service Commission

District Attorney's Office

Department of Building Inspection

Department of Early Childhood

Department of Emergency Management

Department of Police Accountability

Department of Public Health

Department of Public Works

Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Environment Department

Ethics Commission

Fine Arts Museums

Fire Department

Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

Human Rights Commission

Department of Human Resources

Human Services Agency

Health Service System

Juvenile Probation Department

Public Library

Municipal Transportation Agency

Office of the Mayor

Public Defender's Office

Police Department

Port

Public Utilities Commission

Recreation and Park Department

Department of Elections

Retirement System

Rent Board

Sheriff's Department Office of Inspector General

Sheriff's Department

Department of Technology

Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector

War Memorial

Department on the Status of Women

General City Responsibilities

General Administration & Finance

Culture & Recreation

Community Health

Human Welfare & Neighborhood Development

Public Works, Transportation & Commerce

Public Protection

SF Civil Grand Jury

The Abatement Appeals Board provides a final review process for City permitting decisions. It ensures fair and efficient adjudication of permit-related disputes before an impartial panel. The board holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals concerning notices of abatement.

Abatement Appeals Board

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 1

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 2

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 3

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 4

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 5

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 6

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 7

The Access Appeals Commission provides final reviews for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient, fair, and expeditious permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The commission holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals related to City permits.

Access Appeals Commission

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 1

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 2

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 3

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 4

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 5

The Adult Day Health Care Planning Council advises on the development and improvement of adult day health care services. It provides expertise in healthcare planning, policy recommendations, and program evaluation. Key responsibilities include assessing community needs and advising on service delivery enhancements.

Adult Day Health Care Planning Council

Adult Probation Department supervises individuals on probation and facilitates their reintegration into the community. It provides reentry and rehabilitative services, including victim restitution and financial assistance for crime victims. The department values public safety, offender rehabilitation, and community partnerships.

Cristel Tullock

The Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners evaluates arts and crafts applicants and monitors program compliance. It conducts studio visits and public screenings to ensure adherence to established criteria. Members also revise program criteria and undertake additional tasks as needed.

Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners

The Advisory Council on Human Rights advises on anti-discrimination laws and racial equity initiatives. It provides expertise on reparations and public policy impacts on Black communities. It guides efforts to establish partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities in San Francisco.

Advisory Council on Human Rights

San Francisco Airport manages air traffic operations and ensures safe aircraft movement. It provides parking facilities and maintains airport infrastructure to accommodate travelers and staff. The department oversees ground transportation and coordinates with airlines for efficient passenger services.

Mike Nakornkhet

The Airport Commission oversees policy and strategic planning for San Francisco International Airport. It makes key decisions on airport development projects and financial management. It ensures compliance with regulations and collaborates on initiatives like terminal naming.

Airport Commission

Airport Commission Commissioner 1

Malcolm Yeung

Jose F. Almanza

Mark Buell

Susan Leal

Airport Director

Animal Care and Control Department manages animal sheltering, adoption, and emergency response services. It enforces animal-related laws and regulations, ensuring the humane treatment and safety of animals. The department also provides public education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Animal Care and Control Department

Virginia Donohue

Animal Care and Control Department, Director

The San Francisco Arts Commission oversees the integration of arts into city life and ensures public access to cultural experiences. It makes decisions on public art programs and allocates grants to support local artists and performances. The commission actively shapes policies affecting the arts ecosystem in San Francisco.

Arts Commission Commissioner 1

Arts Commission Commissioner 2

Arts Commission Commissioner 3

Arts Commission Commissioner 4

Debra Walker

Suzanne Ferras

Jessica Rothschild

Seth Brenzel

JD Beltran

Marcus Shelby

J Riccardo Benavides

Nabiel Musleh

Charles (Chuck) Collins

Lydia So

Arts Commission Commissioner 15

San Francisco Arts Commission invests in a vibrant arts community and shapes cultural policy. It enlivens the urban environment through public art programs and supports diverse artistic expressions. The commission facilitates meetings and discussions to engage the community in cultural development.

Ralph Remington

Arts Commission, Director of Cultural Affairs

The Asian Art Commission determines policy and administers the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. It oversees museum operations and collaborates with the Asian Art Museum Foundation on fundraising efforts. Commissioners ensure the museum's strategic direction and financial sustainability.

Asian Art Commission

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 1

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 2

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 3

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 4

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 5

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 6

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 7

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 8

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 9

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 10

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 11

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 12

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 13

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 14

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 15

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 16

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 17

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 18

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 19

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 20

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 21

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 22

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 23

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 24

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 25

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 26

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 27

Asian Art Museum showcases Asian art and culture through exhibitions and educational programs. It offers diverse collections and hosts special events to engage the community. The museum fosters cultural appreciation and understanding by providing access to its extensive art collections.

Dr. Soyoung Lee

Asian Art Museum, Director

The Assessment Appeals Board #1 hears property tax assessment appeals in San Francisco. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine property values. The Board has the authority to make final decisions on assessments regardless of property type or value.

Assessment Appeals Board #1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 2

Richard Lee

Stephen Wasserman

Adena Gilbert

Paul Bellar

Quirina Mitchell

Hilary Winslow

The Assessment Appeals Board #2 adjudicates property tax assessment appeals for San Francisco taxpayers. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine accurate property values. The Board exercises authority to render final decisions on residential properties and specific real estate assessments.

Assessment Appeals Board #2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 3

Claire Ervin Lee

Louisa Mendoza

Joyce Lewis

Nicholas Goldman

Michelle Domingo

The Assessment Appeals Board #3 provides a platform for San Francisco taxpayers to contest property tax assessments. It conducts hearings where evidence from both taxpayers and the Assessor is evaluated. The Board makes binding decisions on property assessments based on presented evidence.

Assessment Appeals Board #3

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 3

Marc Dickow

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 5

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 6

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 7

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 8

Assesses property, applies exemptions, collects transfer taxes, and records official documents.

Assessor-Recorder

Joaquín Torres

The Ballot Simplification Committee ensures voter materials are clear and understandable. It reviews and revises ballot language to accurately reflect propositions and measures. The committee advises on simplifying complex legal and technical terms for voter comprehension.

Ballot Simplification Committee

The Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee provides policy advice on planning and land use matters in Zone 2 of Bayview Hunter's Point. It offers expertise in land use policies, zoning issues, and urban development. The committee advises the Board of Supervisors, City Boards, and commissions on relevant projects and initiatives.

Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee

The Behavioral Health Commission advises on mental health policy implementation and quality service delivery. It reviews and advocates for effective mental health services, ensuring policies meet community needs. It educates stakeholders to integrate mental health considerations into broader health strategies.

Behavioral Health Commission

The Bicycle Advisory Committee advises on making bicycling safer and more accessible in San Francisco. It provides recommendations to city agencies to address traffic violence and climate change. The committee advocates for cyclists and addresses biking-related complaints.

Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Board of Appeals provides final review for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient and fair permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The Board exercises authority to make binding decisions on appeals.

Jefferson Robert Eppler