Chickens Protest Newsom Fundraiser Against "Question Time"

by Paul Hogarth, 2007-10-10

The chickens are back -- to protest a fundraiser against Proposition E, a Charter Amendment that would require the Mayor to attend a monthly Board of Supervisors meeting. San Francisco voters approved "Question Time" last year as a non-binding resolution, but Mayor Gavin Newsom simply refused to attend. This year, Newsom is not taking any chances and is raising money to defeat it -- including last night's lavish fundraiser at the Pacific Heights mansion of socialite Dede Wilsey.

About 30 people attended last night's affair, complete with valet parking for the guests who paid up to $25,000 to oppose a mandatory "Question Time." Mayor Newsom was whisked in and out of the event, but did not engage in dialogue with the chickens who have followed him at his various Town Hall lectures. Other guests did talk to the chickens after the event, including one who accused them of all working for Supervisor Chris Daly -- who he called a "no-good scumbag."