Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds focuses on exposing crime, corruption, political issues, and unethical behaviors within San Francisco's government and organizations. Through in-depth reporting, it addresses the misuse of funds, ethical concerns among politicians and leaders, challenges in homelessness solutions, and various local controversies.

Corruption and Mismanagement Political and Governmental Ethics Crime and Public Safety Homelessness and Housing Community Programs and Initiatives Legal and Judicial Matters Elections and Political Endorsements Public Policy and Urban Planning

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Harlan Kelly Heads to Court

235 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Investigation Government Scandal Relationships
  1. Harlan Kelly, former manager of SFPUC, is facing corruption charges alongside his girlfriend and chief strategy officer, Juliet Ellis.
  2. Corruption scandals involving officials like Mohammed Nuru have connections to City Hall and Mayor London Breed, revealing a history of mismanagement and conflicts of interest.
  3. Ongoing investigations into City Family corruption, including the Community Benefits Program, highlight concerns about lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest in San Francisco government.

Since my 2019 visit to Community First! Village, Austin's model for housing the chronically homeless has grown and flourished

216 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Community support Policy Impact
  1. Community First! Village in Austin provides housing and support for chronically homeless individuals.
  2. Residents at the village have opportunities for employment through farming, art, and auto mechanic workshops.
  3. The village operates on principles of accountability, requiring rent payment and adherence to community rules.

Former Boudin staffer Ryan Khojasteh and police commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone to challenge SFDA Brooke Jenkins

196 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Law enforcement Corruption
  1. Former Boudin staffer Ryan Khojasteh and police commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone plan to challenge SFDA Brooke Jenkins.
  2. There may be a consideration for Joe Alioto Veronese to run for DA again after finishing third in the 2022 race.
  3. DA Brooke Jenkins is facing challengers but has shown effectiveness in reducing crime rates and prosecuting drug dealers.

Colleague on Jennifer Friedenbach: 'She doesn’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg'

196 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Transparency Funding Advocacy Legal issues
  1. Jennifer Friedenbach is the executive director of Coalition on Homelessness and has faced criticism for her lack of qualifications and questionable financial decisions.
  2. The Coalition on Homelessness lacks transparency in their financial reports, with questionable classification of expenses and no clear demonstration of results.
  3. Friedenbach's involvement in conflicts of interest, such as granting her own nonprofit a large grant from an oversight committee she chairs, raises concerns about ethical practices in addressing homelessness issues.
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Shamann Walton’s YCD subsidiary got a no-bid contract on shipyard homes — but where’s the money?

196 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Community Development Ethics
  1. Shamann Walton's YCD subsidiary got a no-bid contract for shipyard homes, raising questions about the money's whereabouts.
  2. Walton quietly started a for-profit entity related to YCD, leading to concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
  3. Connections between Walton, YCD, and developers like Lennar have raised questions about funding sources and community benefits.

Inaugural Three-Dot Thursday: In honor of the great Herb Caen, we’re going back to school — old school, that is…

176 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Legislation Media Criticism
  1. Herb Caen popularized 'Three Dot Journalism' with one-liners, gossip, anecdotes, and information.
  2. Oakland Animal Services facing overcrowding and potential euthanasia of dogs due to high intakes.
  3. San Francisco and Oakland facing challenges with white-collar criminals, shoplifting incidents, and political controversies.

Where's Dwayne Jones?

117 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Contracts Scandals
  1. Dwayne Jones has been notably absent from the corruption trial of former SFPUC boss Harlan Kelly due to his involvement in Community Benefits programs.
  2. Jones has a history of questionable actions, including involvement in bid rigging scandals, connections to multiple mayors, and receiving millions in contracts.
  3. Despite scrutiny and controversies, Jones continues to receive lucrative contracts from agencies like SFPUC and the San Francisco Port Commission.

A gay icon is living in fear because of a Twitter meme

58 implied HN points • 17 May 23
📰 News Crime Social Issues Legal Media Coverage Public Figures
  1. A Twitter meme led to a lawsuit against a harm reduction advocate, sparking controversy and legal battles.
  2. The lawsuit against the meme-maker, 'Doe 1,' resulted in attempts to uncover their identity, drawing attention to the meme.
  3. The anonymous meme maker used satire to criticize harm reduction efforts, leading to a legal battle over free speech rights.