The Phoenix Project Presents: Volume II

Join the Phoenix Project as they discuss the findings from their research on dark money in San Francisco politics! Volume I of the Phoenix Papers tracked the funding sources behind rising political juggernauts Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, Together SF, GrowSF and Abundant SF. The first volume showed how these four groups have collectively raised over $30 million since 2020 for their 501(c)(3)’s, (c)(4)’s and various PACs, in order to shape the outcomes of San Francisco politics. According to the report, about 50% of these contributions have been in the form of untraceable dark money, while 75% of the traceable donations have come from just two dozen conservative billionaires and mega millionaires, with deep connections to the technology and corporate real estate sectors.

Volume II, released May 1st, tracks the five most influential donors to these groups, revealing who they are, what issues they support, and what their agenda is for the future of San Francisco. These five influential donors: Michael Moritz, William Oberndorf, Chris Larsen, John Kilroy, Jr., and Garry Tan, have contributed over one-third of all revealed donations to the “Big MoneySF” groups, with particular interests in rolling back wealth taxes, pushing for real estate deregulation, and reducing union power in the city. Of particular interest include the development of Moritz’s-backed “Forever California” development in Solano County, Garry Tan’s involvement in creating a “Network State” within San Francisco, and Oberndorf’s “school-choice” advocacy through the American Federation for Children to dismantle public education and replace it with for-profit charter schools.

Presenting will be Jeremy Mack, Executive Director of the Phoenix Project, along with Julie Pitta, President of the Board. Come with your questions, thoughts and observations for this discussion about big money in San Francisco politics!

Manny's never turns away anyone for lack of funds. To receive a complementary ticket just email the word "grapefruit" and the title of this event to luis@welcometomannys.com.

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The Phoenix Project is a new 501(C)(4) nonprofit organization that emerged in January, 2024, in response to the ever-mounting influx of conservative money and political influence in San Francisco over the past four years. Since arriving on the scene, the Phoenix Project has worked to compile investigative research, compile reports, and support the efforts of journalists covering the tech venture capitalist and corporate real estate-backed takeover of San Francisco politics. This research has been coupled with a social media strategy to clearly communicate with San Franciscans the urgency behind this takeover, including who the actors are, the organizations that they are supporting, and the deeper corporate agenda driving it all forward. Learn more about the Phoenix Project and download their reports here!