‘Pain in the neck’: SF parents share summer camp survival tips

For Sevda Gundogan, planning summer activities for her two children is an endurance test. With more than 100 programs and activities offered across San Francisco, the breadth of summer camps is overwhelming.



“My kids are out of school for 14 weeks a year,” said Gundogan, who lives in the Sunset neighborhood. “It’s always very difficult to plan for school breaks.”



Even with dozens of options, it was a headache to find camps that fit her family’s specific needs: the right age ranges and extended hours, staying open as late as 5 p.m. to accommodate her full-time job. When she did find options, they were often already full. Even when she managed to enroll her children, they sometimes came home after the first day not wanting to return because they didn’t have friends there.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman and a child stand against a building with large windows, surrounded by bushes. The child leans playfully on the woman, both smiling outdoors." class="wp-image-396737" srcset="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg 3000w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg?resize=2500,1668 2500w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9070742868_summercampmadness_478.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gundogan and her 5-year-old son, Atlas Prowse, at West Sunset Park Playground.</figcaption></figure>



As the school year winds down, parents are racing to map out their kids’ summer schedules, week by week, in an annual ritual that can be nerve-racking, disruptive, and expensive. There’s a sprawling mix of camps — offered by the city, nonprofits, and private organizations — offering activities related to art, nature, sports, and academics. But camp providers have little coordination on the signup process and opening times, leaving families scrambling to patch together schedules that accommodate caregivers’ jobs.



Some parents have stepped up to help others navigate the chaos. They share tips, coordinate carpools, juggle their children’s interests, and try to stay on budget, turning the competitive sport of summer-camp planning into a cooperative one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pain-in-the-neck">‘Pain in the neck’</h2>



Emily Moriarty de Ayora describes the camp registration process as “a pain in the neck.” She has to consider the needs of her three children, each with different interests and age requirements, and, of course, the cost: Some camps cost as much as $1,000 per week, and options for young kids are limited.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" height="2500" width="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg?w=1667" alt="A woman sits at a table, engaging in a playdough activity with children. The table is covered with colorful playdough and various shaping tools." class="wp-image-290232" srcset="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg 5152w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg?resize=200,300 200w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg?resize=768,1152 768w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg?resize=1667,2500 1667w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg?resize=1024,1536 1024w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inlined03_20240705-parentschoolclosure.jpg?resize=1365,2048 1365w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1667px) 100vw, 1667px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily Moriarty de Ayora, who has three kids, considers herself an expert on camp planning.</figcaption></figure>



But after six years of managing camp logistics, she considers herself an expert.



“I have a spreadsheet with all of the summer weeks down one side, and then three kids across the top,” de Ayora said. “And then I just go week by week, filling it up.”



Some of the most sought-after camps are the relatively affordable options provided by the city.



The Recreation and Parks Department <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/25490/2025-Day-Camp-Catalog">offers nearly 9,500 camp slots</a> featuring activities such as swimming, biking, and science lessons, and 9,212 for this summer have been filled. The most popular camps tend to fill up within minutes after registration opens in March, though waitlists are available, and spots often open up before summer begins.&nbsp;



The cheapest camps start at $40 a week for swimming lessons; some of the most expensive — such as the Randall Museum’s art, science, and technology day camp, <a href="https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/sfrecpark/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&amp;activity_select_param=2&amp;viewMode=list">which is fully booked for 2025</a> — cost $880 per week. Other popular options include the Silver Tree camp in Glen Canyon, which has a weekly cost of $300 for ages 6–11 and $400 for ages 12–14.&nbsp;



Several nonprofits <a href="https://www.sf.gov/summer-programs-for-children-and-youth">funded by the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families</a> — such as the YMCA, Community Youth Center, and Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of San Francisco — offer more budget-friendly options, with sliding-scale pricing based on family income.



The San Francisco Unified School District also offers a variety of summer programs designed to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. The district is working to expand access to its popular summer geometry class for high school students.



Then there are the luxury camps. Some specialized dance and theater programs can cost up to $1,400 for 10 days.



“I let each kid pick a camp that&#8217;s maybe a little bit more expensive,” de Ayora said. “I try to mix the camp so that there are some inexpensive, low-key ones.”&nbsp;



De Ayora started the summer planning process late last year. But she said the Recreation and Parks Department camps didn&#8217;t open for registration until March, which adds to the uncertainty: Registration windows vary for the different camps, meaning the process of booking your kids’ summer can drag out for months.&nbsp;



Some parents have taken matters into their own hands, creating databases to organize the options and share information with other families.&nbsp;



De Ayora consults a <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XhJnHqu3eXCw3E8vxdo-yitFulE-yh0vk6oIOwpa4RA/edit?gid=1602356659#gid=1602356659">database</a> curated by real estate agent Sherri Howe, which lists more than 100 local camps, such as the San Francisco Zoo’s <a href="https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/">Conservation Camp</a>, with a focus on wildlife and hands-on art and science. Other parents use the site <a href="https://www.activityhero.com/">ActivityHero to check program availability.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people stand silhouetted against a misty, tree-filled landscape, looking out over a grassy area framed by large trees and scattered rocks." class="wp-image-339237" srcset="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg 3000w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg?resize=2500,1667 2500w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203-pandahome_0092.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Zoo offers a summer program focused on wildlife.</figcaption></figure>



For Gundogan, a former tech worker, frustration motivated her to launch her own business. In March, she founded a startup called <a href="https://campscamp.com/camps">CampScamp</a>, which helps parents find and filter information through a centralized, searchable database.



She described herself — and many other parents — as experiencing “decision fatigue” due to the overwhelming number of options. Her goal is to help families narrow them down.



“I learned the hard way,” she said. “When a parent visits our platform, we ask a few questions so we can present the best choices available.”



This summer, Gundogan’s kids are attending <a href="https://www.littleforestexplorers.com/about">Little Forest Explorers</a> camp, where they’ll spend time in Golden Gate Park. The older child is also signed up for soccer, biking, and tennis camps.



De Ayora said her daughter will attend a <a href="https://sfshakes.org/education/camps/bay-area-shakespeare-camp/">Shakespeare-themed camp,</a> led by theater professionals, and will present a final performance for family and friends of an abridged play. The camp typically runs around $900, though there are discounts based on ZIP Code.



She hopes camp providers will create a more streamlined system.



“I wish somehow there was a coordinated week where all the summer camp signups happened at the same time,” she said. “And that definitely does not happen.”

San Francisco supervisor opens up about autism diagnosis

Growing up, Bilal Mahmood knew he was different. He struggled with making eye contact, shaking hands, and hugging others. Building friendships didn’t come easily.



In 2021, when he entered San Francisco politics — a world that demands constant social interaction and public speaking — he sought medical help, and in his mid-30s, he was officially diagnosed with Level 1 autism, a mild form of the disorder that affects his communication, behaviors, and ways of thinking.



“There are a lot of misconceptions about autism, and we’re seeing a trend of more people sharing their personal stories,” Mahmood told The Standard in an interview. “We have to destigmatize autism.”



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?w=2000" alt="A smiling man in a gray suit and white shirt sits at a table with his hands crossed, in front of a large window with a blurred modern building background." class="wp-image-386105" srcset="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg 2000w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?resize=240,300 240w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?resize=768,960 768w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?resize=1229,1536 1229w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8837404451_bilalmahmood_020.jpg?resize=1638,2048 1638w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood says he was diagnosed with autism in 2021.</figcaption></figure>



April is Autism Awareness Month, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/10/bilal-mahmood-poised-to-defeat-dean-preston-in-district-5/">newly elected District 5 supervisor</a>, who represents the Tenderloin, Fillmore, and Japantown, is expected to discuss his autism diagnosis at the Tuesday board meeting and plans to use his own history to bring attention and resources to the often-overlooked neurodivergent community.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discrimination-in-politics">Discrimination in politics?</h2>



A tech entrepreneur, Mahmood lost a bid for state Assembly in 2022 but won a seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2024. In private conversations during those campaigns, he said, he was “taken aback” by questions about his ability to hold public office as an autistic person.



“I think that was a little jarring,” Mahmood said. “It was one of the first times I ever felt discriminated against in that context.”



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While Mahmood has adapted to the classic “shaking hands, kissing babies” side of politics, he doesn’t consider his diagnosis a disability —&nbsp;rather, a different style of functioning. Mahmood also revealed that he’s highly sensitive to scheduling: minor disruptions can cause stress, a common trait among people with autism.



As a child, he was obsessed with encyclopedias and found it hard to process fictional stories.



“I’m extremely literal. Sarcasm is really difficult for me,” he said.



By sharing his diagnosis and introducing a resolution to raise awareness of autism, Mahmood hopes to empower others on the spectrum. He points out that many autistic individuals have unique strengths, such as the ability to focus and think deeply.



Mahmood may be the first elected official in San Francisco history to publicly disclose an autism diagnosis. In 2021, Pennsylvania lawmaker Jessica Benham became one of the <a href="https://www.today.com/health/pa-state-rep-jessica-benham-one-1st-politicians-autism-t205917">first in the country to do so</a>, revealing she’d been diagnosed with autism in college.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2500" height="1667" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals are raising their right hands, likely taking an oath. They wear formal attire, with two men in suits and a woman in a blue blazer." class="wp-image-353142" srcset="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg 2500w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_25.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mahmood hopes to use his position on the Board of Supervisors to advocate for the neurodivergent community.</figcaption></figure>



As San Francisco faces budget cuts, Mahmood wants to see continued funding to support youth with disabilities, especially through the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.



He recently attended a town hall hosted by The Arc, an organization funded by the department that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He described the disabled community as the city’s most vulnerable group, whose members must fight for basic needs, like accessible Muni service. Mahmood said the city must protect these essential lifelines.



The Arc partners with the San Francisco Unified School District to support youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to college, employment, and independent living. According to a state audit, autism diagnoses within SFUSD have steadily risen over the past five years and affect approximately 1,800 students.



In response, the district has expanded its special education services.



“Our students who receive special education services deserve nothing less than a system that works for them,” said Superintendent Dr. Maria Su, describing the changes as long overdue.



Mahmood, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/18/sf-board-of-supervisors-2024/">turns 38 this month</a>, said he wishes he had learned more about autism when he was younger but believes it&#8217;s never too late to step up for the next generation.



“We can give them the supportive learning environment I never had growing up so they can unlock their full potential earlier than I was able to,” he said.

Breed’s budget nightmare: Plugging an $800 million deficit while fighting for her job

If one were forced to choose a time to stare down the barrel of a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, Mayor London Breed would probably not choose this week.&nbsp;



Or this year, for that matter.



On Friday, Breed is expected to release a budget that slashes spending in city departments. She needs to close a deficit amounting to <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/March%20Joint%20Report%20Update%20FY%2024-25%20through%20FY%2027-28.pdf">about $789 million</a> over the next two fiscal years as the city faces daunting questions over the <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/the-mid-market-faithful-life-inside-san-franciscos-office-dead-zone/">future of its downtown neighborhood and vacant office buildings</a> after a long stretch of sunny economic trends, a booming technology sector and hot real estate market.&nbsp;



It all comes at a less-than-convenient time for Breed, who could easily be booted from her job, <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">according to the latest polling figures</a>.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3647" height="3648" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer speaks at a podium, with large windows and soft light in the background." class="wp-image-279268" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg 3647w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=768,768 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=2500,2500 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_05-edited.jpg?resize=180,180 180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 3647px) 100vw, 3647px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed needs to close a substantial budget deficit while trying to convince voters she should keep her job.</figcaption></figure>



Details about Breed’s plan are still up in the air, but her opponents in the November race are ready to pounce.



“Do San Franciscans believe they have gotten $2.5 billion worth of extra spending given the conditions on our streets?” said former Supervisor Mark Farrell, one of Breed’s moderate opponents, referring to the city’s homelessness spending. “I think not.”&nbsp;



Nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, another mayoral challenger, accused Breed of wasting “a decade of boom years.”&nbsp;



Lurie added, “That’s what happens when budgets are designed around political allegiances rather than achieving outcomes for San Franciscans.”



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Last year, despite signs of growing deficits, <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/2023/08/10/ask-the-standard-why-did-san-franciscos-budget-roughly-double-in-10-years/">the mayor passed a record $14.6 billion budget</a> and patched up the shortfall through Covid-related reimbursements and reserve funds. By October, however, <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/2023/10/11/san-francisco-mayor-orders-budget-cuts/">Breed warned</a> that the city was quickly falling into the red, ordering midyear budget cuts.&nbsp;



Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist, said that this year’s budget crisis is of a very different nature than the one San Francisco faced during the Great Recession. 



Though he remains confident about the future of San Francisco&#8217;s economy, work-from-home trends have remained stubbornly high, Egan said. That contributes to a troublesome new reality for the city as empty offices and a slow real estate market threaten tax revenues.



“I don&#8217;t think this city has ever been in this kind of situation,” said Egan in an interview. “We are not seeing revenue weakness because of a recession. Or even an economic slowdown. We’re seeing it because there&#8217;s been a sudden shift in the demand for office work, which has led to weaknesses in our two major revenue streams, property tax and business tax.”



This year, Breed’s task comes with heightened political risks. Polling shows she is unpopular, with voters laying much of the blame for the city’s problems at the mayor’s feet.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3000" height="2000" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman converses with a seated man; both are in a wood-paneled room with a US flag." class="wp-image-273492" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg 3000w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?resize=2500,1667 2500w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/featured_20240506-businesstaxreform.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed and Board Supervisor Aaron Peskin will likely spar over the proposed budget.</figcaption></figure>



“It is a tough needle to thread,” said Larry Gerston, professor emeritus of political science at San Jose State University, about the mayor’s political position. “There is no easy way to do it.”



Gerston said Breed could make a number of moves to cut spending while preserving her reelection prospects. The obvious one, he said, is keeping funding for police and firefighters intact, considering how important public safety has become in recent years.



Breed could also try to push some of the more painful cuts into the second year, according to Gerston. He added that the messaging behind the budget is also crucial, and Breed could benefit from conveying that there are other cities, <a href="https://www.dailynews.com/2024/05/23/l-a-city-councils-12-8-billion-budget-has-spending-cuts-but-avoids-layoffs/">like Los Angeles</a>, that are also having to tighten their belts.



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Another obstacle for Breed is that two of her opponents in the mayor’s race—Supervisors Ahsha Safaí and Aaron Peskin—will play a role in getting the budget approved by the Board of Supervisors. In an often-contentious series of meetings, the board amends and approves the budget, sending it back to Breed for her signature.



Safaí has pressed the mayor to <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/han%40sfstandard.com/FMfcgzQVwnWSXnpFMlwpMFfJgHPdBRQc?projector=1&amp;messagePartId=0.1">keep millions of dollars in funding</a> for the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families intact. “If we’re really saying we’re about public safety, then we can’t skip and ignore programs like that,” he said in an interview. 



Peskin’s campaign said the board president has a “track record” of leading the city through uncertain economic times.



“He believes we can preserve spending that helps those most in need by focusing on fiscally responsible savings that will enable the city to do more with less,” wrote spokesperson Kaitlyn Conway.



Jeff Cretan, Breed’s spokesperson, said in an interview that the mayor has already made progress on the budget. Cretan <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/2024/04/15/san-francisco-city-unions-labor-deal/">pointed to labor agreements with thousands of city employees</a> that may have avoided painful strikes along with a focus on public safety that Breed’s office says has helped clamp down on crime.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2376" height="1585" src="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-1211.jpg?w=2376" alt="The image shows a grand domed building with intricate architecture in the background and two police vehicles labeled &quot;S.F.P.D.&quot; in the foreground." class="wp-image-269703" srcset="https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-1211.jpg 2376w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-1211.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-1211.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-1211.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https://content-develop.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-1211.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some of Mayor London Breed&#8217;s challengers in the November race, including nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie and former Supervisor Mark Farrell, are criticizing he...

SF gave $1.4B to nonprofits this year. Many were not living up to contracts

San Francisco is giving $1.4 billion to more than 600 nonprofits this year to help tackle some of its biggest crises, from housing and homelessness to helping people find jobs.&nbsp;



But a new report released Tuesday by city officials suggests quite a few organizations getting city funding were not complying with the terms set out in their contracts, and two bad actors, in particular, were tagged with “red flag status.”



<a href="https://sf.gov/departments/controllers-office" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Controller’s Office</a> released its annual report detailing the financial and operational health of 192 organizations that were tabbed for monitoring. Of this group, 21 were found to not be “in conformance with all standards.” After a period where organizations were able to resolve their issues, a total of nine were found to still be out of compliance, according to the Controller’s Office.



The two contractors placed on “red flag status,” which indicates severe challenges that not only need to be more closely monitored but also rectified, are <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/supes-roundup-baker-places-scandal-puts-nonprofits-under-the-microscope/">Positive Resource Center/Baker Places</a> and the <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/housing-development/city-audit-finds-serious-problems-at-government-funded-homelessness-nonprofit/">United Council of Human Services</a>.



Financial mismanagement at Positive Resource Center, the administrative arm of the drug and mental health rehab nonprofit Baker Places, goes back years, according to tax returns and audits of the nonprofit. Supervisors decided to pull the plug on contracting for five of the organization’s programs after it <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/public-health/city-pulls-out-of-drug-rehab-contract-as-nonprofits-beg-for-a-bailout/">asked for millions of dollars</a> to remain solvent just months after a similar request.



The Standard reported in October that <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/public-health/sf-public-health-official-resigns-from-unauthorized-nonprofit-gig/">Lisa Pratt</a>, a top Department of Public Health official, also collected an unauthorized $123,000 salary working 20 hours a week for Baker Places on top of her city salary. Pratt has since resigned from the nonprofit position, and the city has launched an investigation into her dual employment.



Last month, the Controller’s Office released an audit that found United Council of Human Services (UCHS) had a pattern of financial mismanagement while receiving $28 million in city and federal grants.&nbsp;It referred the organization to the FBI and the District Attorney’s Office for criminal investigations.



The Standard later learned that the CEO, Gwendolyn Westbrook, <a href="https://develop.sfstandard.com/politics/sf-homeless-nonprofit-housing-united-council-ceo-family-friends/">gave housing designated for homeless people to her friends, family and employees</a>.



“As we continue our transition back into full-scale fiscal and compliance monitoring, the Controller’s Office will maintain our focus on continuous improvement of this program that monitors the health of the organizations delivering some of the city’s most critical services,” Controller Ben Rosenfield said in a statement. “The city needs to continue to strengthen programs to both support the organizational strength of these organizations while also monitoring their financial health and performance of the work they are contracted to provide.”&nbsp;



The audit also identified potential fiscal management and organizational concerns at two other contractors, elevating them to “concern status,” indicating issues that require additional attention: Bayview Hunters Point Foundation for Community Improvement, and HomeRise (formerly Community Housing Partnership).&nbsp;



The Bayview Hunters Point Foundation previously served as a fiscal sponsor to UCHS—meaning it was responsible for facilitating payments for the organization&#8217;s workforce—and city officials and leaders of the foundation told The Standard that they pleaded with city leaders for months to get out of its contract with the organization.



The report noted that the departments with the most contractors in the monitoring pool include the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the Human Services Agency, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, and the Department of Public Health.



Correction: A previous headline and version of this story did not note that some nonprofits were able to come into compliance after the City Controller&#8217;s Office&#8217;s review.

Asian Art Museum

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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

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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

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Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 2

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Marc Dickow

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Board of Appeals conducts final reviews of City permitting decisions through an impartial panel. It ensures an efficient and fair permit issuance process. The department operates under rules established by the City Charter of 1932.