Sign in

Patrick Siegman – California issues

@patricksiegmanca.bsky.social
22 followers 1 following 86 posts

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

PostsRepliesMedia
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
"The now-infamous $1.7 million public toilet was a symptom of a system that makes even small projects painfully complex. Due to charter-mandated procedural layers and scattered responsibility, costs ballooned and timelines stretched endlessly." 🎁link:
sfchronicle.com
There’s no fixing San Francisco without fixing its City Charter. Here’s how
OPINION: “Reforming the charter isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping; it’s the first step toward a government that works for the people it serves,” Sean Elsbernd writes.
100
Reposted by Patrick Siegman – California issues
Patrick Siegman @siegman.biz · 26/08/2026
There's often little daylight between Trump's transportation chief, who works to block transit, bike, & pedestrian projects, and SF's own Connie Chan. "Chan was a leading critic of the city’s 2022 decision to permanently ban cars on a key stretch of Golden Gate Park’s John F. Kennedy Drive." 🎁link:
sfchronicle.com
Connie Chan’s critics call her a roadblock. She calls herself a voice for her S.F. community
Supervisor Connie Chan has often positioned herself as a tireless community advocate who tries to protect vulnerable residents from harm. Her critics say she’s an obstructionist.
1314
Reposted by Patrick Siegman – California issues
Warren Wells, AICP @warrenjwells.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Former SF Supervisor Gordon Mar, who opposed the permanent car-free Great Highway measure Prop K in 2024 says he will be voting this November to *keep* Sunset Dunes a park. You love to see someone change their mind. Vote no on G. www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
sfchronicle.com
I created the Great Highway compromise. Here’s why I’m voting against it in November
OPINION: “In a political culture that increasingly demands that we choose a side and never waver, I hope there is still room for another possibility,” Gordon Mar writes.
1549
Reposted by Patrick Siegman – California issues
Patrick Siegman @siegman.biz · 13/08/2026
"Making the road suitable for cars would 'significantly increase the cost of government by approximately $9.8 million in one-time capital costs and by approximately $500,000 to $1.9 million annually,'..." I'll be voting for the fiscally-conservative option: a beautiful park.😊
sfgate.com
Allowing cars back on Great Highway could cost over $10M, SF controller says
Prop. G will ask San Francisco voters if they want to allow vehicles back on the coastal road on weekdays.
191
Reposted by Patrick Siegman – California issues
Paul Semenza @paulsemenza.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
We have @conniechansf.bsky.social to thank for having to deal with this nonsense again
011
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Call me radical, but I don’t think it’s progressive to spend $10M to convert a popular park into a high-speed highway.
120
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
"Building infrastructure in California is notoriously difficult; trains are even more so. So why would anyone try to shut down a line that’s been operating for less than a decade?"
sfchronicle.com
Endorsement: Sonoma-Marin rail service is growing. It needs support. Yes on Measure B
OPINION: A yes vote would extend an existing ¼-cent sales tax to help keep the train running until 2059. A no vote would effectively kill the line, the editorial board writes.
110
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
I'm supporting Tom Steyer for Governor. Tom has campaigned for years to give people more affordable, efficient, and climate-friendly transportation choices. He's supported bills like SB79, to make housing abundant and affordable. He has a proven track record on these issues, so he's earned my vote.
tomsteyer.com
Streets for All Endorses Tom Steyer
We are endorsing Steyer because his stated policy values and campaign focus are most clearly aligned with Streets For All’s vision for the future of California: more efficient, affordable, and climate
1323
Reposted by Patrick Siegman – California issues
Ben Passino (MURP) @benpassino.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Richard Nixon's influence falters within property line. The @Nixonlibrary is expanding without their desired visitor cafe. Instead, per City of Yorba Linda, they'll be installing 13 additional underground parking stalls. 🍋
111
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
"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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
“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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
"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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
"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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
“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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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...
spur.org
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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/...
spur.org
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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/...
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
“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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
“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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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
joesangirardi.com
Joe for BART
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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
londonformayor.com
Re-Elect Mayor London Breed 2024
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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
yesonprop34.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
"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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
100
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
“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...
sfchronicle.com
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.
110
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
“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/...
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
“California is already paying the cost of climate change impacts. ...By investing in climate action now, voters can reduce future costs both economic and social.” Absolutely. It’s cheaper to retrofit bridges for extreme weather than wait till they fail. Yes on Prop 4. www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
032
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
“California should undo the ugly mistakes of past and protect marriage equality by passing Prop 3.” Agreed. Vote yes on Prop 3. www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/edit...
sfchronicle.com
Endorsement: California should undo the ugly mistakes of past and protect marriage equality by passing Prop 3
Same-sex marriage could be outlawed in California practically overnight if a zombie clause in the state constitution is reanimated by the U.S. Supreme Court.
000
Patrick Siegman – California issues @patricksiegmanca.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
“Funding for school facilities is essential to ensure that California students continue to receive quality education. This measure provides an opportunity to address much-needed repairs & investment in new facilities for districts across the state” Amen. Yes on Prop 2! www.spur.org/voter-guide/...
020