Investigation Overview

New details have surfaced regarding Sheryl Davis, the former director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC), who is alleged to have benefited personally from a long-running scheme involving bribes and illicit gifts. Davis resigned in September amid scrutiny of her finances and professional conduct.

Financial Irregularities

The San Francisco City Attorney’s office disclosed that Davis received substantial amounts, reportedly tens of thousands of dollars, from Collective Impact, a city-funded nonprofit organization. This funding allegedly supported her personal initiatives, extravagant travels, and even covered her son’s tuition at UCLA.

Involvement with Collective Impact

Davis’s relationship with Collective Impact, managed by Executive Director James Spingola, is under heightened scrutiny. Reports have indicated that they shared a residence and a vehicle while the nonprofit secured multiple six-figure contracts from HRC. Crucially, Davis did not reveal the nature of her connection with Spingola when approving these contracts.

Questionable Expenditures

Several expenditures by Collective Impact raise further concerns:

• Davis’s podcast, “Sunday Candy,” received over $10,000 from Collective Impact for booking costs, funded partially by a city grant meant for youth programs.
• The organization upgraded Davis to first-class travel on multiple occasions, in one case billing $870 for a flight to Chicago.
• Collective Impact incurred nearly $50,000 in costs for a conference in Martha’s Vineyard, violating grant stipulations prohibiting such expenditures.
• Moreover, $19,000 was allocated for Davis’s son’s tuition, invoiced to the city by Collective Impact.

Responses to Allegations

Davis responded to the report, calling it filled with inaccuracies and suggesting that it exemplifies selective accountability against Black leaders. She stated, “This selective accountability is not just telling — it is a glaring example of the anti-Blackness embedded in San Francisco’s political machinery.”

Immediate Consequences

As a result of these findings, Collective Impact was suspended from receiving further city funding. The city controller emphasized the need for integrity in grant management, stating, “Misusing grant funds for individual gain… erodes the confidence of those doing important work.”

Ongoing Investigations

Audits of both the Human Rights Commission and Collective Impact are currently underway. City Attorney David Chiu highlighted the importance of ensuring public funds are used appropriately to benefit communities effectively.

Community Reactions

The Rev. Amos Brown, a prominent figure in the community, voiced concern over what he perceives as disproportionate targeting of Black leaders in ethics investigations. He urged city officials to maintain consistent accountability across all demographics.

Conclusion

This developing case emphasizes the critical need for accountability in public service and the ethical management of nonprofit partnerships. As investigations continue, the implications of these allegations will likely resonate throughout San Francisco’s political and social landscape.