In this 2011 file photo, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, center, and former Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, right, break out laughing as former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan addresses a crowd during a ceremony in their honor at the Chinese Historical Society in San Francisco. less
In this 2011 file photo, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, center, and former Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, right, break out laughing as former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan addresses a crowd during a ceremony ... more
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee looks on during a tour of the new Asian Art Museum exhibit Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee looks on during a tour of the new Asian Art Museum exhibit Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012.
Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee (middle) takes an outside street tour of the the latest Navigation Center, a one-stop comprehensive shelter aimed at quickly housing the homeless, on Sunday, July 16, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif.
Mayor Ed Lee (middle) takes an outside street tour of the the latest Navigation Center, a one-stop comprehensive shelter aimed at quickly housing the homeless, on Sunday, July 16, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
(Left to right) Mayor Ed Lee gets into a picture as his daughter Tania Lee , wife Anita Lee, mother Pansy Lee and daughter Brianna Lee take a photo together in his office before his inauguration at City Hall on Friday, January 8, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. less
(Left to right) Mayor Ed Lee gets into a picture as his daughter Tania Lee , wife Anita Lee, mother Pansy Lee and daughter Brianna Lee take a photo together in his office before his inauguration at City Hall on ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee is seen at his SF City Hall desk on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Mayor Ed Lee is seen at his SF City Hall desk on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Russell Yip, The Chronicle
Ed Lee (center, in glasses) consults with clients at a hearing of the Hotel Rent Board in 1983. Photos of Ed Lee courtesy of the Asian Law Caucus.
Ed Lee (center, in glasses) consults with clients at a hearing of the Hotel Rent Board in 1983. Photos of Ed Lee courtesy of the Asian Law Caucus.
Photo: Anna Vignet, The Chronicle
Names of 40 of the Olympic torchbearers were announced in Chinatown by Mayor Gavin Newsom in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, April 4, 2008. Joining Newsom for the announcement were six of the winners: (left to right) Ed Lee, Shirley Olivo, Helen Zia, Lisa Hartmayer, Todd Hallenbeck and Marilyn KIng. less
Names of 40 of the Olympic torchbearers were announced in Chinatown by Mayor Gavin Newsom in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, April 4, 2008. Joining Newsom for the announcement were six of the winners: (left ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, SFC
Torch runners Andrea Vincent and Ed lee (left to right) hold the torch on Wednesday afternoon during the Torch Relay on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, in San Francisco, Calif.
Torch runners Andrea Vincent and Ed lee (left to right) hold the torch on Wednesday afternoon during the Torch Relay on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
Edwin Lee makes a statement saying that a temporary stay on same sex marriage licenses is in place and that no one will be getting a license today after people in support of the overturning of Proposition 8 attempt to get married at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, August 04, 2010. less
Edwin Lee makes a statement saying that a temporary stay on same sex marriage licenses is in place and that no one will be getting a license today after people in support of the overturning of Proposition 8 ... more
Photo: Chad Ziemendorf, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee embraced Senator Dianne Feinstein after the oath of office was administered. Lee's wife Anita (center) and daughters looked on. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was inaugurated at a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall Sunday January 8, 2012. less
Mayor Ed Lee embraced Senator Dianne Feinstein after the oath of office was administered. Lee's wife Anita (center) and daughters looked on. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was inaugurated at a ceremony at San ... more
Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle
Three mayors, Willie Brown (left) Gavin Newsom (center) and Ed Lee enjoy a light moment at City Hall in 2011.
Three mayors, Willie Brown (left) Gavin Newsom (center) and Ed Lee enjoy a light moment at City Hall in 2011.
Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle
San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, left, and Oakland, Calif. Mayor Jean Quan, arrive at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 for a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao.
San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, left, and Oakland, Calif. Mayor Jean Quan, arrive at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 for a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Photo: Evan Vucci, AP
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee (center) greets ballet patrons while attending the San Francisco Ballet 2011 Opening Night Gala at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee (center) greets ballet patrons while attending the San Francisco Ballet 2011 Opening Night Gala at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
Photo: Laura Morton, Special To The Chronicle
City of San Francisco's chief of protocol, Charlotte Shultz, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee meet at City Hall Mayor's Office for a press conference in San Francisco, Calif. on Monday, April 11, 2011. Bloomberg discusses sustainabilites measures, public safety as well as answering questions about the homeless problem in both New York and San Francisco along with tips for the new San Francisco mayor to "stay out of trouble.
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City of San Francisco's chief of protocol, Charlotte Shultz, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee meet at City Hall Mayor's Office for a press conference in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more
Photo: Kat Wade, Special To The Chronicle
With SF Supervisors President David Chiu caught in the middle, SF Mayor Ed Lee, left, and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, right, joke around before the ceremony in their honor. Lee, Quan and Chiu were feted at the Chinese Historical Society in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, by the Asian Pacific American Leadership Project. less
With SF Supervisors President David Chiu caught in the middle, SF Mayor Ed Lee, left, and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, right, joke around before the ceremony in their honor. Lee, Quan and Chiu were feted at the ... more
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee center talks with Dan Burk, left, and Scott Shimoda, both from San Francisco, during his tour of the lower Haight neighborhood on a pub- crawl Thursday August 18, 2011.
Mayor Ed Lee center talks with Dan Burk, left, and Scott Shimoda, both from San Francisco, during his tour of the lower Haight neighborhood on a pub- crawl Thursday August 18, 2011.
Photo: Lance Iversen, The Chronicle
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, left, and City Attorney Dennis Herrera, right, answer questions about a lawsuit against President Donald Trump during a news conference at City Hall Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in San Francisco. San Francisco sued President Donald Trump on Tuesday, claiming an executive order that cuts funding from immigrant-protecting "sanctuary cities" is unconstitutional and a "severe invasion of San Francisco's sovereignty." The federal government cannot "put a gun to the head of localities," City Attorney Dennis Herrera said, arguing that the order violates states' rights and the law.
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San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, left, and City Attorney Dennis Herrera, right, answer questions about a lawsuit against President Donald Trump during a news conference at City Hall Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in San ... more
Photo: Eric Risberg, Associated Press
Mayor Ed Lee (upper let) and Sam Dodge (upper center), who coordinates homeless policy for the mayor's office, talk with Pier 80 residents Henry Harris (upper right), Dave Tompkins (not shown), and Michael Goodman (bottom) as they meet in an office at the Pier 80 homeless shelter on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 in San Francisco, California. Mayor Lee said that Pier 80 would be kept open until at least July 1. less
Mayor Ed Lee (upper let) and Sam Dodge (upper center), who coordinates homeless policy for the mayor's office, talk with Pier 80 residents Henry Harris (upper right), Dave Tompkins (not shown), and Michael ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, talks with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. May 21, 2013. Mayor Ed Lee later presented Warriors star player Stephen Curry with a key to the city in celebration of the amazing season the basketball team had.San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, talks with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. May 21, 2013. Mayor Ed Lee later presented Warriors star player Stephen Curry with a key to the city in celebration of the amazing season the basketball team had. less
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, talks with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. May 21, 2013. Mayor Ed Lee later presented Warriors star player Stephen Curry with ... more
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee pitches in to help members of his multi-agency Fix-it Team clean up the sidewalks of the Tenderloin in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017.
Mayor Ed Lee pitches in to help members of his multi-agency Fix-it Team clean up the sidewalks of the Tenderloin in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Supervisors London Breed, left, Julie Christensen, and Mayor Ed Lee clap during a kick-off celebration for Christensen's district-3 supervisor re-election campaign, in San Francisco, CA Saturday, August 1, 2015. less
Supervisors London Breed, left, Julie Christensen, and Mayor Ed Lee clap during a kick-off celebration for Christensen's district-3 supervisor re-election campaign, in San Francisco, CA Saturday, August 1, ... more
Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee gets a look at the interior of a new MUNI bus during a press conference announcing MUNI service improvements, in San Francisco, CA Monday, September 28, 2015.
Mayor Ed Lee gets a look at the interior of a new MUNI bus during a press conference announcing MUNI service improvements, in San Francisco, CA Monday, September 28, 2015.
Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee looks at the arena model during a sneak peak tour of the new arena at the Chase Center on Wednesday, November 7, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif.
Mayor Ed Lee looks at the arena model during a sneak peak tour of the new arena at the Chase Center on Wednesday, November 7, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Amy Osborne, Special To The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee (right) tours a unit at the Winton Hotel after speaking at a press conference announcing new permanent supportive housing units for chronically homeless and veterans on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. The Winton has been in operation since last fall. less
Mayor Ed Lee (right) tours a unit at the Winton Hotel after speaking at a press conference announcing new permanent supportive housing units for chronically homeless and veterans on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee answers questions during a meeting with the San Francisco Chronicle's Editorial Board May 26, 2016 in San Francisco, Calif.
Mayor Ed Lee answers questions during a meeting with the San Francisco Chronicle's Editorial Board May 26, 2016 in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee tours the Dogpatch Navigation Center on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif.
Mayor Ed Lee tours the Dogpatch Navigation Center on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
The Mayoral Oath of Office is administered to Mayor Ed Lee (front right) by Governor Jerry Brown (front left) in the rotunda as Tania Lee (back left to right), Anita Lee and Brianna Lee watch during the Inauguration of Mayor Ed Lee at City Hall on Friday, January 8, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. less
The Mayoral Oath of Office is administered to Mayor Ed Lee (front right) by Governor Jerry Brown (front left) in the rotunda as Tania Lee (back left to right), Anita Lee and Brianna Lee watch during the ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
(Left to right) Jake Gilchrist, Recreation and Parks Department project manager, speaks with Mayor Ed Lee; Supervisor Scott Wiener; and Phil Ginsburg, Recreation and Parks Department general manager and others while leading a tour of the renovation on the south side of of Dolores Park on Thursday, January 7, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. less
(Left to right) Jake Gilchrist, Recreation and Parks Department project manager, speaks with Mayor Ed Lee; Supervisor Scott Wiener; and Phil Ginsburg, Recreation and Parks Department general manager and others ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
John Funghi (right), SFMTA Central Subway project manager, talks to Mayor Ed Lee (second from left front row) while he leads a tour in the northbound tunnel of the Central Subway on Monday, May 18, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. less
John Funghi (right), SFMTA Central Subway project manager, talks to Mayor Ed Lee (second from left front row) while he leads a tour in the northbound tunnel of the Central Subway on Monday, May 18, 2015 in San ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
San Francisco mayor Ed Lee sorts pears at the SF-Marin Food Bank on November 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. A day after consumers spent billions of dollars on Cyber Monday, millions of people in the United States and in countries around the world will volunteer and donate money on Giving Tuesday. less
San Francisco mayor Ed Lee sorts pears at the SF-Marin Food Bank on November 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. A day after consumers spent billions of dollars on Cyber Monday, millions of people in the ... more
Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Mayor Ed Lee (fourth from left) cuts a ribbon during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bay Area Bike Share program at a Bay Area Bike Share station on Townsend at 4th Street on Thursday, August 29, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif. less
Mayor Ed Lee (fourth from left) cuts a ribbon during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bay Area Bike Share program at a Bay Area Bike Share station on Townsend at 4th Street on Thursday, August 29, 2013 in San ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee looks over a room filled with beds as he tours the Dogpatch Navigation Center on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. The center will have 64 beds available for people experiencing chronic homelessness who were previously living in encampments. less
Mayor Ed Lee looks over a room filled with beds as he tours the Dogpatch Navigation Center on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. The center will have 64 beds available for people experiencing ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee exits the chamber after comments to the board as the San Francisco Board of Supervisors prepared to vote on competing measures to regulate Airbnb and other short-term rental services in San Francisco, Calif., on Tues. July 14, 2015. less
Mayor Ed Lee exits the chamber after comments to the board as the San Francisco Board of Supervisors prepared to vote on competing measures to regulate Airbnb and other short-term rental services in San ... more
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee stopped to talk with residents of the Raman Hotel on Howard Street where he made the announcement Wednesday May 13, 2015. Mayor Ed Lee and members of the Board of Supervisors announced $28.9 million in new funding over the next two years to support the homeless in San Francisco, Calif. including the addition of more than 500 supportive housing units for chronically homeless seniors, expand medical care and continue the new Navigation Center. less
Mayor Ed Lee stopped to talk with residents of the Raman Hotel on Howard Street where he made the announcement Wednesday May 13, 2015. Mayor Ed Lee and members of the Board of Supervisors announced $28.9 ... more
Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle
Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, Mayor Ed Lee, and Alice Luong, right, discuss tea at Red Blossom Tea Company in San Francisco on Wednesday. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited with Mayor Ed Lee to discuss problems specific to the city in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. less
Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, Mayor Ed Lee, and Alice Luong, right, discuss tea at Red Blossom Tea Company in San Francisco on Wednesday. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited with Mayor Ed ... more
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
Miles Scott, dressed as Batkid, second from left, raises his arm next to Batman at a rally outside of City Hall with Mayor Ed Lee, left, and his father Nick and brother Clayton, at right, in San Francisco, Friday, Nov. 15, 2013. Scott was called into service on Friday morning by San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr to help fight crime, as San Francisco turned into Gotham City as city officials helped fulfill the 5-year-old leukemia patient's wish to be "Batkid," The Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation says. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 18 months old, finished treatment in June and is now in remission, KGO-TV reported. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) less
Miles Scott, dressed as Batkid, second from left, raises his arm next to Batman at a rally outside of City Hall with Mayor Ed Lee, left, and his father Nick and brother Clayton, at right, in San Francisco, ... more
Photo: Jeff Chiu, Associated Press
(Left to right) Apple vice president of real estate and development Bob Bridger, San Francisco supervisor David Chiu, John Rahaim, director of planning for the City of San Francisco, and Mayor Ed Lee, gather at the Apple store at 1 Stockton Street , on Wednesday May 15, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. to talk about the relocation. Apple plans to leave their current location at 1 Stockton Street and relocate to the site of the high profile Levi's store on the corner of Stockton and Post in Union Square. less
(Left to right) Apple vice president of real estate and development Bob Bridger, San Francisco supervisor David Chiu, John Rahaim, director of planning for the City of San Francisco, and Mayor Ed Lee, gather ... more
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee is joined by his wife Anita and daughter Brianna as supporters gather at Social Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. November 3, 2015, for San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee during election night, as Lee is re-elected for a second term in office. less
Mayor Ed Lee is joined by his wife Anita and daughter Brianna as supporters gather at Social Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. November 3, 2015, for San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee during election night, as Lee ... more
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
(Left to right) Stuart Gaffney, John Lewis, Mayor Ed Lee, Joyce Newstat and Phyllis Lyon react while watching coverage of the Supreme Court rulings with others in the Mayor's Office at City Hall on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.
The Supreme Court handed down their decisions dismissing California's Proposition 8 and striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. less
(Left to right) Stuart Gaffney, John Lewis, Mayor Ed Lee, Joyce Newstat and Phyllis Lyon react while watching coverage of the Supreme Court rulings with others in the Mayor's Office at City Hall on Wednesday, ... more
Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee, (center) joins the project contractor Daniel Journeaux, (right) for an overview of the work as the San Francisco Public Works department begins the Telegraph Hill Rock Slope Improvement project to stabilize the crumbling cliff below Coit Tower in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday Dec. 9, 2014. less
Mayor Ed Lee, (center) joins the project contractor Daniel Journeaux, (right) for an overview of the work as the San Francisco Public Works department begins the Telegraph Hill Rock Slope Improvement project to ... more
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Supervisor Jane Kim (middle wearing purple), mayor Edwin Lee (middle), and City College of San Francisco acting chancellor Susan Lamb (middle right) announce that City College of San Francisco will be accessible for all California residents taking courses for credit next year on Monday, February 6, 2017, at city hall in San Francisco, Calif. less
Supervisor Jane Kim (middle wearing purple), mayor Edwin Lee (middle), and City College of San Francisco acting chancellor Susan Lamb (middle right) announce that City College of San Francisco will be ... more
Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee talked about technology and used Twitter during his speach. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was inaugurated at a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall Sunday January 8, 2012.
Mayor Ed Lee talked about technology and used Twitter during his speach. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was inaugurated at a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall Sunday January 8, 2012.
Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle
(Left to right) Golden State Warriors basketball team owner, Joe Lacob, NBA Commissioner David Stern, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and Warriors executive Peter Guber, as they officially announce plans, on Tuesday May 22, 2012, in San Francisco,Ca., to build a new arena on Piers 30 and 32 in time for the start of the 2017-2018 NBA season. less
(Left to right) Golden State Warriors basketball team owner, Joe Lacob, NBA Commissioner David Stern, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and Warriors executive Peter Guber, as they officially announce plans, on ... more
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee leads a unity rally with other city elected officials in response to Trump's election at the City Hall rotunda on Monday, November 11, 2016, in San Francisco, Calif.
Mayor Ed Lee leads a unity rally with other city elected officials in response to Trump's election at the City Hall rotunda on Monday, November 11, 2016, in San Francisco, Calif.
Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
Mayor Lee, left, meets with Joaquin Torres, back to camera, and Hydra Mendoza about education and neighborhood corridors at Auntie April's Restaurant in the Bayview District of San Francisco, CA Monday, September 28, 2015. less
Mayor Lee, left, meets with Joaquin Torres, back to camera, and Hydra Mendoza about education and neighborhood corridors at Auntie April's Restaurant in the Bayview District of San Francisco, CA Monday, ... more
Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle
Mayor Lee, left, laughs with Governor Brown during a Chinese Consulate celebration of the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco, CA Monday, September 28, 2015. less
Mayor Lee, left, laughs with Governor Brown during a Chinese Consulate celebration of the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco, CA ... more
Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle
Frejeanne Scott, left, pins a SFPD badge on her husband, newly sworn in San Francisco Police Chief, William Scott, center, as Mayor Ed Lee watches at City Hall in San Francisco , Calif., on Monday, January 23, 2017. less
Frejeanne Scott, left, pins a SFPD badge on her husband, newly sworn in San Francisco Police Chief, William Scott, center, as Mayor Ed Lee watches at City Hall in San Francisco , Calif., on Monday, January 23, ... more
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee arrives to attend the funeral service for Chinatown community leader Rose Pak at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016.
Mayor Ed Lee arrives to attend the funeral service for Chinatown community leader Rose Pak at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee accompanies Rose Pak's casket to a hearse with other dignitaries after funeral services for the Chinatown community leader at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. less
Mayor Ed Lee accompanies Rose Pak's casket to a hearse with other dignitaries after funeral services for the Chinatown community leader at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Mayor Ed Lee poses for a photo with his wife Anita in front of a green screen in the renovated Roundhouse building during a dedication ceremony at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, May 25, 2012. The event kicked off a weekend of events to celebrate the iconic bridge's 75th anniversary. less
Mayor Ed Lee poses for a photo with his wife Anita in front of a green screen in the renovated Roundhouse building during a dedication ceremony at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, May ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee met with the Chronicle editorial board in the newspaper's offices in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, October 4, 2012.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee met with the Chronicle editorial board in the newspaper's offices in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, October 4, 2012.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle
Following his death Tuesday at age 65, Ed Lee was remembered in part for his jokes. Whether the jokes were funny was as clear as anything else in the world of politics.
What Lee told, said Board of Supervisors President London Breed in one of her first remarks as acting mayor, were “perfectly timed corny jokes.”
In 2016, the mayor was rumored to be on a short list for a cabinet post if Hillary Clinton won the presidential election. Lee, at 5-feet-5, said he was “always on some short list.”
That was arguably a better gag than his running joke about the Giants. Over and over during the team’s championship seasons, the mayor claimed to have “Giants fever.”
A lot of people said they had Giants fever then, but Lee said he had been to the hospital and that doctors had provided him with an official diagnosis of it.
Story continues below.
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San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee — the city’s first Asian American mayor — died early Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack. He was 65.
Media: San Francisco Chronicle“I have a way of joking,” Lee once told the Commonwealth Club, while describing how he used to tell classmates at Bowdoin College in Maine that he was, in fact, martial artist Bruce Lee’s brother. The college was not then a paragon of diversity.
Lee, who died of an apparent heart attack he suffered while grocery shopping, was known — mostly — for a brand of anecdotes so G-rated that they qualified under the category coined by millennials as “Dad Jokes.”
Occasionally, Lee went off-brand. In 2015, in the midst of a measles outbreak that originated at Disneyland, the unfailingly cheerful mayor told an audience of Fisherman’s Wharf merchants that people “go to Disneyland for measles but come to San Francisco for crabs.”
Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com