Hair Today, (Lt.) Guv Tomorrow

Gay-rights activist, cheating playboy, greenie, opportunist, media whore, visionary, groomed “rising star” for the Democrats: Gavin Newsom is many things to many people. For me, he’s the man I once loved to hate and now hate to love.

During his first mayoral election, I campaigned with a vengeance for his opponent Matt Gonzalez. Matt was revolutionary. Gavin was the slick Pac Heights/Marina rich boy who represented what we

were fighting against: the poor-people-hating, yuppie loving, condo-converting, pro-business gentrifier. But once elected he caused a rebellion, legalizing gay marriage. Sure, it was a publicity stunt, but I started to fall for him.

As San Francisco Magazine ’s Research Editor, my feelings flip-flopped as I fact-checked the overblown stats from his press office that became a running joke and vetted stories for libel about his party boy antics.

Fast-forward through Healthy San Francisco and seriously green initiatives, and he’s gradually won my heart. People criticize him for being unrealistic and starry-eyed – but that sounds like my Gonzalez-campaigning self.

Here’s a look back at Gavin’s tenure as mayor:

Disclaimer: My sourcing ranges from the Coalition on Homelessness to the Mayor's press office to newspapers. Hopefully we weren't duped by Newsom's exaggerations – this is a mere smattering of tidbits. Apologies in advance for omitting your favorite moment in Gavin history, whether burning effigies or green-mobiles.