Noah Baustin

San Francisco witnessed a number of high-profile crimes in 2023. Tech executive Bob Lee was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/san-francisco-nima-momeni-bob-lee-trial/">stabbed to death Downtown</a>. A YouTuber interviewed a delivery worker <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/video-food-delivery-driver-carjacked-san-francisco/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as his car got hijacked</a>. Someone repeatedly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/28/san-francisco-homeless-bear-spray-police-warn/">bear-sprayed homeless people</a> in the Marina District.

Bob Lee killing: New details emerge about Cash App founder&#8217;s fatal stabbing in San Francisco

A possible vigilante repeatedly bear-sprayed the homeless. Why didn&#8217;t SF Police warn the public?

core/paragraph

<p>San Francisco witnessed a number of high-profile crimes in 2023. Tech executive Bob Lee was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/san-francisco-nima-momeni-bob-lee-trial/">stabbed to death Downtown</a>. A YouTuber interviewed a delivery worker <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/video-food-delivery-driver-carjacked-san-francisco/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as his car got hijacked</a>. Someone repeatedly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/28/san-francisco-homeless-bear-spray-police-warn/">bear-sprayed homeless people</a> in the Marina District.</p>

But for every incident that made headlines, hundreds more were quietly logged by the San Francisco Police Department.

<p>But for every incident that made headlines, hundreds more were quietly logged by the San Francisco Police Department.</p>

To truly understand how crime changed in San Francisco in 2023, The Standard dove into the department’s incident data to analyze the trends. Because the year isn’t quite over, the analysis captured Jan. 1 through Dec. 15 of each year, unless otherwise specified, to make apples-to-apples comparisons.

<p>To truly understand how crime changed in San Francisco in 2023, The Standard dove into the department’s incident data to analyze the trends. Because the year isn’t quite over, the analysis captured Jan. 1 through Dec. 15 of each year, unless otherwise specified, to make apples-to-apples comparisons.</p>

The data revealed a slight uptick in violent crime—driven by a rise in robberies—while most property crimes dropped. Meanwhile, the city saw growing motor vehicle thefts, logging its sixth straight year with an increase.

<p>The data revealed a slight uptick in violent crime—driven by a rise in robberies—while most property crimes dropped. Meanwhile, the city saw growing motor vehicle thefts, logging its sixth straight year with an increase.</p>

Crime data only captures incidents that were reported to police, and many crimes never are. In 2022, just 42% of people who were victims of violent crimes called the police, according to the <a href="https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/criminal-victimization-2022">Department of Justice Criminal Victimization survey</a>. However, law enforcement data still provides an important insight into trends in the city, as it has been consistently collected for decades.

<p>Crime data only captures incidents that were reported to police, and many crimes never are. In 2022, just 42% of people who were victims of violent crimes called the police, according to the <a href="https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/criminal-victimization-2022">Department of Justice Criminal Victimization survey</a>. However, law enforcement data still provides an important insight into trends in the city, as it has been consistently collected for decades.</p>

<strong>Violent Crime Up, a Little</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violent-crime-up-a-little"><strong>Violent Crime Up, a Little</strong></h2>


core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violent-crime-up-a-little"><strong>Violent Crime Up, a Little</strong></h2>

There were 53 homicides in San Francisco in 2023, as of Dec. 22, according to SFPD&#8217;s count. That grim figure included the slaying of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/san-francisco-shopkeeper-killing-suspect-arrested/">beloved Richmond District shopkeeper</a>, the stabbing of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/11/kimberly-wong-stabbed-boyfriend-san-francisco-home-prosecutors-say/">young tech worker</a> and the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old in the Lower Haight. That figure does not include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-medical-examiner-identifies-crissy-field-body/">a Nov. 12 homicide at Crissy Field</a>, which occurred on federal property and is being investigated by other agencies.

San Francisco police arrest 22-year-old in killing of beloved Richmond District shop clerk

Kimberly Wong stabbed by boyfriend in San Francisco home, prosecutors say

San Francisco man charged with murder after 32-year-old found dead at Crissy Field

<p>There were 53 homicides in San Francisco in 2023, as of Dec. 22, according to SFPD's count. That grim figure included the slaying of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/san-francisco-shopkeeper-killing-suspect-arrested/">beloved Richmond District shopkeeper</a>, the stabbing of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/11/kimberly-wong-stabbed-boyfriend-san-francisco-home-prosecutors-say/">young tech worker</a> and the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old in the Lower Haight. That figure does not include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-medical-examiner-identifies-crissy-field-body/">a Nov. 12 homicide at Crissy Field</a>, which occurred on federal property and is being investigated by other agencies. </p>

<p>There were 53 homicides in San Francisco in 2023, as of Dec. 22, according to SFPD&#8217;s count. That grim figure included the slaying of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/san-francisco-shopkeeper-killing-suspect-arrested/">beloved Richmond District shopkeeper</a>, the stabbing of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/11/kimberly-wong-stabbed-boyfriend-san-francisco-home-prosecutors-say/">young tech worker</a> and the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old in the Lower Haight. That figure does not include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-medical-examiner-identifies-crissy-field-body/">a Nov. 12 homicide at Crissy Field</a>, which occurred on federal property and is being investigated by other agencies. </p>

Those numbers put the city roughly in line with its 2022 and 2021 homicide figures. The annual average number of homicides in San Francisco from 2013 to 2022 was 51, according to police data.

<p>Those numbers put the city roughly in line with its 2022 and 2021 homicide figures. The annual average number of homicides in San Francisco from 2013 to 2022 was 51, according to police data.</p>

core/html

Overall, violent crime in San Francisco climbed slightly in 2023—about 3% according to the latest official SFPD totals, from October—driven by a roughly 15% bump in robberies.

<p>Overall, violent crime in San Francisco climbed slightly in 2023—about 3% according to the latest official SFPD totals, from October—driven by a roughly 15% bump in robberies.</p>

A robbery is when someone takes something from a person by force or threat of violence.

<p>A robbery is when someone takes something from a person by force or threat of violence.</p>

In a joint statement with SFPD on this year’s crime totals, Mayor London Breed’s Office did not offer an explanation for the robbery increase but said that it was unacceptable.

<p>In a joint statement with SFPD on this year’s crime totals, Mayor London Breed’s Office did not offer an explanation for the robbery increase but said that it was unacceptable.</p>

Both robberies and aggravated assaults decreased significantly from 2019 to 2020. Both increased from 2021 to 2022, but in 2023, robberies continued increasing, while aggravated assaults decreased for the first time since the pandemic.

<p>Both robberies and aggravated assaults decreased significantly from 2019 to 2020. Both increased from 2021 to 2022, but in 2023, robberies continued increasing, while aggravated assaults decreased for the first time since the pandemic.</p>

San Francisco has a low violent crime rate compared to some of California’s other major cities, ranking lower than Los Angeles, Fresno and Sacramento on a per capita basis. Oakland, which has the highest violent crime rate of the state’s eight largest cities, has well over double the number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents as San Francisco.

<p>San Francisco has a low violent crime rate compared to some of California’s other major cities, ranking lower than Los Angeles, Fresno and Sacramento on a per capita basis. Oakland, which has the highest violent crime rate of the state’s eight largest cities, has well over double the number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents as San Francisco.</p>

San Francisco’s violent crime rate has dropped significantly since the 1990s. In 1992, the city had nearly triple the number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents as in 2022.

<p>San Francisco’s violent crime rate has dropped significantly since the 1990s. In 1992, the city had nearly triple the number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents as in 2022.</p>

<strong>Car Thefts Driving Uphill</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Car Thefts Driving Uphill</strong></h2>


San Francisco continued to earn its reputation as a place to beware of where you leave your car in 2023. Motor vehicle thefts in the city continued climbing in 2023, reaching 818 incidents per 100,000 residents. That&#8217;s a 64% increase over the 2018 rate of 498 incidents per 100,000 residents.

<p>San Francisco continued to earn its reputation as a place to beware of where you leave your car in 2023. Motor vehicle thefts in the city continued climbing in 2023, reaching 818 incidents per 100,000 residents. That's a 64% increase over the 2018 rate of 498 incidents per 100,000 residents.</p>

<p>San Francisco continued to earn its reputation as a place to beware of where you leave your car in 2023. Motor vehicle thefts in the city continued climbing in 2023, reaching 818 incidents per 100,000 residents. That&#8217;s a 64% increase over the 2018 rate of 498 incidents per 100,000 residents.</p>

In total, San Francisco police recorded 7,135 vehicle thefts between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, 2023.

<p>In total, San Francisco police recorded 7,135 vehicle thefts between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, 2023.</p>

Motor vehicle theft—taking the vehicle itself, not just snatching a purse out of the back seat—is worse in San Francisco than most of the other major cities in California. Statewide data, which lags behind a year, shows that in 2022, only Oakland had more vehicle thefts per resident than San Francisco among the eight largest Golden State cities.

<p>Motor vehicle theft—taking the vehicle itself, not just snatching a purse out of the back seat—is worse in San Francisco than most of the other major cities in California. Statewide data, which lags behind a year, shows that in 2022, only Oakland had more vehicle thefts per resident than San Francisco among the eight largest Golden State cities.</p>

Addressing motor vehicle thefts is a top priority for the San Francisco Police Department, the Mayor’s Office said in its statement.

<p>Addressing motor vehicle thefts is a top priority for the San Francisco Police Department, the Mayor’s Office said in its statement.</p>

SFPD is expanding its efforts to recover stolen vehicles and arrest perpetrators by using automated license plate readers, leveraging data to identify and target serial offenders, and collaborating with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to find missing vehicles, the statement said. The police plan to install 400 automated license plate readers in early 2024.

<p>SFPD is expanding its efforts to recover stolen vehicles and arrest perpetrators by using automated license plate readers, leveraging data to identify and target serial offenders, and collaborating with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to find missing vehicles, the statement said. The police plan to install 400 automated license plate readers in early 2024.</p>

“People whose cars are stolen should not suffer twice,” Supervisor Joel Engardio said about the rise in vehicle thefts. He celebrated the mayor’s decision earlier this year to waive parking tickets that accrue on stolen cars, after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/stolen-car-parking-ticket-18407317.php">reports</a> that many residents ended up getting their vehicles back only to face steep fees. Engardio believes the city should take a step further and agree to waive tow and impound fees on stolen cars.

<p>“People whose cars are stolen should not suffer twice,” Supervisor Joel Engardio said about the rise in vehicle thefts. He celebrated the mayor’s decision earlier this year to waive parking tickets that accrue on stolen cars, after <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/stolen-car-parking-ticket-18407317.php">reports</a> that many residents ended up getting their vehicles back only to face steep fees. Engardio believes the city should take a step further and agree to waive tow and impound fees on stolen cars.</p>

“Individuals and small businesses should not have to pay to get their stolen car back from the impound lot after a police held the car during their investigation,” Engardio said.

<p>“Individuals and small businesses should not have to pay to get their stolen car back from the impound lot after a police held the car during their investigation,” Engardio said.</p>

<strong>Car Break-Ins, Other Property Crimes Drop</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Car Break-Ins, Other Property Crimes Drop</strong></h2>


Outside of vehicle theft, other major property crimes declined in San Francisco in 2023.

<p>Outside of vehicle theft, other major property crimes declined in San Francisco in 2023.</p>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">Theft from vehicles</a>—which includes snatching a purse but not driving away with the car—decreased 12% in 2023 compared with 2022.&nbsp;

Why is San Francisco called Bip City?

<p><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">Theft from vehicles</a>—which includes snatching a purse but not driving away with the car—decreased 12% in 2023 compared with 2022.&nbsp;</p>

That brought the total number of incidents logged by SFPD through Dec. 15, 2023, to about 20,450. That’s an average of nearly 59 car break-ins every day in San Francisco. In 2019, police recorded over 25,900 thefts from vehicles in the city during that same time period.

<p>That brought the total number of incidents logged by SFPD through Dec. 15, 2023, to about 20,450. That’s an average of nearly 59 car break-ins every day in San Francisco. In 2019, police recorded over 25,900 thefts from vehicles in the city during that same time period.</p>

Larceny theft—the unlawful taking of property from another person—is by far the most common crime committed and includes theft from vehicles. Larcenies declined dramatically as the city locked down during the pandemic in 2020, then steadily increased for the two years that followed, though they did not return to pre-pandemic totals. That upward trend broke in 2023, however, as larcenies dropped 10% citywide year over year.

<p>Larceny theft—the unlawful taking of property from another person—is by far the most common crime committed and includes theft from vehicles. Larcenies declined dramatically as the city locked down during the pandemic in 2020, then steadily increased for the two years that followed, though they did not return to pre-pandemic totals. That upward trend broke in 2023, however, as larcenies dropped 10% citywide year over year.</p>

The Mayor’s Office credited SFPD’s increased focus on these types of petty thefts for the decline.

<p>The Mayor’s Office credited SFPD’s increased focus on these types of petty thefts for the decline.</p>

In August, SFPD began patrolling vehicle break-in hot spots, including near the Palace of Fine Arts and on Alamo Square, which may have served as a deterrent. The department also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/24/san-francisco-car-break-in-crackdown-police-bipping/">introduced bait cars</a> to catch criminals and has been targeting the fencers who buy stolen goods from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">the bippers</a>.

San Francisco police launch crackdown on car break-ins with bait vehicles, more patrols

<p>In August, SFPD began patrolling vehicle break-in hot spots, including near the Palace of Fine Arts and on Alamo Square, which may have served as a deterrent. The department also <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/24/san-francisco-car-break-in-crackdown-police-bipping/">introduced bait cars</a> to catch criminals and has been targeting the fencers who buy stolen goods from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">the bippers</a>.</p>

Meanwhile, police officers have been staking out retailers weekly in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">so-called blitz operations</a> to nab shoplifters, and they have upped their presence at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/23/retail-theft-san-francisco-extra-poilce-holiday-shopping/">holiday shopping destinations</a>.

San Francisco police launch retail theft &#8216;blitz operations&#8217;

San Francisco deploys extra cops to deter retail theft during holiday shopping season

<p>Meanwhile, police officers have been staking out retailers weekly in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-police-retail-theft-blitz-operations/">so-called blitz operations</a> to nab shoplifters, and they have upped their presence at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/23/retail-theft-san-francisco-extra-poilce-holiday-shopping/">holiday shopping destinations</a>.</p>

During the pandemic, vandalism and burglary rates climbed, with burglaries reaching their six-year peak in 2020 and vandalism hitting its peak in 2021. The rates for both crimes have receded since 2021, and this year, both had rates similar to their 2018 figures.

<p>During the pandemic, vandalism and burglary rates climbed, with burglaries reaching their six-year peak in 2020 and vandalism hitting its peak in 2021. The rates for both crimes have receded since 2021, and this year, both had rates similar to their 2018 figures.</p>

Statewide data shows that San Francisco has a high overall property crime rate compared with other major cities. Only Oakland had more property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022 than San Francisco among the eight largest cities in the state, the data shows.

<p>Statewide data shows that San Francisco has a high overall property crime rate compared with other major cities. Only Oakland had more property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022 than San Francisco among the eight largest cities in the state, the data shows.</p>

Taking the long view, crime in San Francisco has fallen tremendously since the 1990s, as is the case in cities across the U.S. The city’s 2022 property crime rate was 34% lower than its peak in 1992. Why exactly crime fell so much nationwide is not an easy question to answer, with <a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2014/11/24/10-not-entirely-crazy-theories-explaining-the-great-crime-decline">leading theories</a> ranging from the reduced presence of lead in the water to population shifts, mass incarceration and the decline of crack cocaine.

<p>Taking the long view, crime in San Francisco has fallen tremendously since the 1990s, as is the case in cities across the U.S. The city’s 2022 property crime rate was 34% lower than its peak in 1992. Why exactly crime fell so much nationwide is not an easy question to answer, with <a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2014/11/24/10-not-entirely-crazy-theories-explaining-the-great-crime-decline">leading theories</a> ranging from the reduced presence of lead in the water to population shifts, mass incarceration and the decline of crack cocaine.</p>

<strong>Drug Enforcement on the Rise</strong>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Drug Enforcement on the Rise</strong></h2>


In 2023, San Francisco had its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">worst fatal drug overdose year on record</a>, with fentanyl factoring into the vast majority of those deaths. The mayor has turned to law enforcement to address the problem.

San Francisco suffers worst drug overdose death year on record

<p>In 2023, San Francisco had its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-overdose-drug-death-worst-year/">worst fatal drug overdose year on record</a>, with fentanyl factoring into the vast majority of those deaths. The mayor has turned to law enforcement to address the problem.</p>

“Our goal is to dismantle the illegal marketplace for drugs in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods that have had such a devastating impact on these communities,” her office said. To do that, SFPD has been focusing more resources on arresting drug dealers and seizing fentanyl.

<p>“Our goal is to dismantle the illegal marketplace for drugs in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods that have had such a devastating impact on these communities,” her office said. To do that, SFPD has been focusing more resources on arresting drug dealers and seizing fentanyl.</p>

That increasing enforcement is clear in SFPD’s data, which shows that the number of incidents police logged of people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/drug-holding-cash-guns/">possessing, selling or transporting drugs</a> in the city more than doubled between 2021 and 2023.

San Francisco drug users forced by dealers to hold narcotics, cash and guns

<p>That increasing enforcement is clear in SFPD’s data, which shows that the number of incidents police logged of people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/drug-holding-cash-guns/">possessing, selling or transporting drugs</a> in the city more than doubled between 2021 and 2023.</p>

San Francisco Public Defender’s Office Legal &amp; Policy Associate Zac Dillon said this stepped-up enforcement has been the wrong approach to the public health crisis.

<p>San Francisco Public Defender’s Office Legal &amp; Policy Associate Zac Dillon said this stepped-up enforcement has been the wrong approach to the public health crisis.</p>

“Law enforcement, which includes prosecutors, have responded by using regressive tactics from the failed and racist War on Drugs, which have again failed, as we are seeing record overdose deaths amid the recent crackdown,” Dillon said. “Criminalizing the drug supply does nothing to abate the demand.”

<p>“Law enforcement, which includes prosecutors, have responded by using regressive tactics from the failed and racist War on Drugs, which have again failed, as we are seeing record overdose deaths amid the recent crackdown,” Dillon said. “Criminalizing the drug supply does nothing to abate the demand.”</p>

He said the city should focus more resources on drug treatment, housing, education and employment.

<p>He said the city should focus more resources on drug treatment, housing, education and employment.</p>

“We’re also offering services to people who are using drugs,” the Mayor’s Office said. “However, when people are causing a danger to themselves or others and breaking the law, we are making arrests.”

<p>“We’re also offering services to people who are using drugs,” the Mayor’s Office said. “However, when people are causing a danger to themselves or others and breaking the law, we are making arrests.”</p>

In September, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/san-francisco-drug-crisis-2-people-entered-treatment-out-of-476-arrested/">The Standard reported</a> that out of 476 people arrested in a police crackdown on public drug use, two entered treatment.

San Francisco drug crisis: 2 people entered treatment out of 476 arrested

<p>In September, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/san-francisco-drug-crisis-2-people-entered-treatment-out-of-476-arrested/">The Standard reported</a> that out of 476 people arrested in a police crackdown on public drug use, two entered treatment.</p>

2023 San Francisco crime trends: Car thefts up, car break-ins down

Garrett Leahy

Oakland businesses are holding a shutdown strike Tuesday to demand action on rising crime.

<p>Oakland businesses are holding a shutdown strike Tuesday to demand action on rising crime.</p>

Store owners are demanding direct assistance to businesses and lower crime rates to prevent closures, according to a flyer about the strike, organized by the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce president Carl Chan.

<p>Store owners are demanding direct assistance to businesses and lower crime rates to prevent closures, according to a flyer about the strike, organized by the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce president Carl Chan.</p>

The strike comes after the owners of Oakland Vietnamese restaurant Le Cheval <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeChevalRestaurant/posts/pfbid02zqcMBr98RceGoPuTXrPx5uxVFT75YAq6C83NWqgU1Ltjmoz8y7MgfN6V1q7Pqt3Vl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> it would close its Clay Street location on Saturday and plan to reopen elsewhere. Owner Son Tran told CBS that <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/le-cheval-popular-oakland-restaurant-closing-crime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crime is the driving force</a> behind the restaurant’s closure, particularly car break-ins nearby and even customers being robbed inside the restaurant.

<p>The strike comes after the owners of Oakland Vietnamese restaurant Le Cheval <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeChevalRestaurant/posts/pfbid02zqcMBr98RceGoPuTXrPx5uxVFT75YAq6C83NWqgU1Ltjmoz8y7MgfN6V1q7Pqt3Vl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> it would close its Clay Street location on Saturday and plan to reopen elsewhere. Owner Son Tran told CBS that <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/le-cheval-popular-oakland-restaurant-closing-crime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crime is the driving force</a> behind the restaurant’s closure, particularly car break-ins nearby and even customers being robbed inside the restaurant.</p>

A flyer for the strike said 200 businesses were involved. Chan told The Standard a complete list of striking businesses would be made available at a later date.

<p>A flyer for the strike said 200 businesses were involved. Chan told The Standard a complete list of striking businesses would be made available at a later date.</p>

Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce speaks outside Le Cheval during a press conference Sept. 26, 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230926_101110_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-204671"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, speaks outside Le Cheval during a press conference Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>


core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230926_101110_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-204671"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, speaks outside Le Cheval during a press conference Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>

The Standard is working to verify the number of businesses participating in the Tuesday strike.

<p>The Standard is working to verify the number of businesses participating in the Tuesday strike.</p>

Ali Albasiery, owner of Shop Rite Supermarket, confirmed his business is taking part in the strike and showed The Standard text messages from Chan with a list of around 25 businesses—mostly markets—that are said to be striking.

<p>Ali Albasiery, owner of Shop Rite Supermarket, confirmed his business is taking part in the strike and showed The Standard text messages from Chan with a list of around 25 businesses—mostly markets—that are said to be striking.</p>

Text messages show a partial list of Oakland businesses that are said to be taking part in Tuesday's strike.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230926_103550_HDR.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-204798"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Text messages show a partial list of Oakland businesses that are said to be taking part in Tuesday&#8217;s strike.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230926_103550_HDR.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-204798"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Text messages show a partial list of Oakland businesses that are said to be taking part in Tuesday's strike.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230926_103550_HDR.jpg?w=1875" alt="" class="wp-image-204798"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Text messages show a partial list of Oakland businesses that are said to be taking part in Tuesday&#8217;s strike.</figcaption></figure>

The owner of Oakland’s Bar Shiru questioned whether 200 businesses were signed up for the strike, posting to <a href="https://x.com/shiruofshiru/status/1706397902678172106?s=20">X/Twitter</a> in response to the flyer that they had never heard of the strike plans despite being in a coalition with over 30 Oakland businesses.&nbsp;

<p>The owner of Oakland’s Bar Shiru questioned whether 200 businesses were signed up for the strike, posting to <a href="https://x.com/shiruofshiru/status/1706397902678172106?s=20">X/Twitter</a> in response to the flyer that they had never heard of the strike plans despite being in a coalition with over 30 Oakland businesses.&nbsp;</p>

Film director and musician <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/24/i-told-you-so-boots-riley-feels-vindicated-over-his-new-amazon-show/">Boots Riley</a> called the flyer&#8217;s claims &#8220;fabricated&#8221; in a <a href="https://x.com/BootsRiley/status/1706484617757565138?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> to X.

Boots Riley vindicated by positive response to his show about a 13-foot black teenager

<p>Film director and musician <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/24/i-told-you-so-boots-riley-feels-vindicated-over-his-new-amazon-show/">Boots Riley</a> called the flyer's claims "fabricated" in a <a href="https://x.com/BootsRiley/status/1706484617757565138?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> to X. </p>

<p>Film director and musician <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/24/i-told-you-so-boots-riley-feels-vindicated-over-his-new-amazon-show/">Boots Riley</a> called the flyer&#8217;s claims &#8220;fabricated&#8221; in a <a href="https://x.com/BootsRiley/status/1706484617757565138?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> to X. </p>

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said she is also frustrated with crime in the city.

<p>Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said she is also frustrated with crime in the city.</p>

“We are working aggressively to make our communities safer and we’re going to keep doing that,” Thao told <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/oakland-businesses-strike-18388050.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFGate</a>. “We welcome the opportunity to meet with any business owner that wants to work on collective safety solutions alongside our office.”

<p>“We are working aggressively to make our communities safer and we’re going to keep doing that,” Thao told <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/oakland-businesses-strike-18388050.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFGate</a>. “We welcome the opportunity to meet with any business owner that wants to work on collective safety solutions alongside our office.”</p>

Oakland violent crime is up 19% in the 12 months before Aug. 27, according to <a href="https://cityofoakland2.app.box.com/s/sjiq7usfy27gy9dfe51hp8arz5l1ixad/file/1292064762039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police data</a>. Homicide is down 10% over the same period, while total crime is up 28% over the same period. Car theft is up 52%, and theft from vehicles is up 47% over the same period.<br><br><em>This is a developing story.&nbsp;</em>

<p>Oakland violent crime is up 19% in the 12 months before Aug. 27, according to <a href="https://cityofoakland2.app.box.com/s/sjiq7usfy27gy9dfe51hp8arz5l1ixad/file/1292064762039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police data</a>. Homicide is down 10% over the same period, while total crime is up 28% over the same period. Car theft is up 52%, and theft from vehicles is up 47% over the same period.<br><br><em>This is a developing story.&nbsp;</em></p>

Oakland businesses shut down in protest against rising crime, activists say

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

We get it. Figuring out whom to vote for can feel like homework. Fret not: The Standard is here to help.&nbsp;

<p>We get it. Figuring out whom to vote for can feel like homework. Fret not: The Standard is here to help.&nbsp;</p>

Our quiz on the mayoral election is designed for the everyday San Franciscan. We’ll take your temperature on topics such as homelessness, crime, education, and transportation, then show you the major candidates whose opinions align with yours. Each of the answers corresponds with one or more candidates, and our quiz tallies up how many issues you and each candidate agree on. The quiz is 13 questions and takes no longer than five minutes to complete.&nbsp;

<p>Our quiz on the mayoral election is designed for the everyday San Franciscan. We’ll take your temperature on topics such as homelessness, crime, education, and transportation, then show you the major candidates whose opinions align with yours. Each of the answers corresponds with one or more candidates, and our quiz tallies up how many issues you and each candidate agree on. The quiz is 13 questions and takes no longer than five minutes to complete.&nbsp;</p>

An important caveat: The quiz isn’t prescriptive, as the candidates have nuanced and evolving views on many issues. But we’ve done our best to comb through their public platforms, Democratic club questionnaires, and publicly stated views in an attempt to get to the root of their positions on the most pressing problems facing the city. The Standard only included candidates who polled at least 10%.

<p>An important caveat: The quiz isn’t prescriptive, as the candidates have nuanced and evolving views on many issues. But we’ve done our best to comb through their public platforms, Democratic club questionnaires, and publicly stated views in an attempt to get to the root of their positions on the most pressing problems facing the city. The Standard only included candidates who polled at least 10%. </p>

core/spacer

core/column

<div class="wp-block-column"><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interviews-with-the-candidates">Interviews with the candidates</h3><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/london-breed-interview-abc7-standard-kara-swisher/">Feeling down about San Francisco? London Breed begs to differ</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-encampments-interview-abc7/">Mark Farrell says he would have cleared homeless despite court order: ‘Sue me’</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-abc7-interview/">Can ultra-wealthy Daniel Lurie relate to the everyman? Here’s his answer</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-aaron-peskin-interview-abc7/">San Francisco should ‘embrace tech,’ Aaron Peskin says</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/san-francisco-supreme-court-homelessness-mayor-election/">Should San Francisco ban encampments? Mayoral candidates respond</a></p></div>

<div class="wp-block-column"><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-news">Recent news</h3><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/10/san-francisco-mayor-election-november-population/">Which would-be mayor wants a population boom? You might be surprised</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/10/san-francisco-fentanyl-undocumented-immigrants-drugs-crackdown/">Deport fentanyl dealers? San Francisco mayor candidates aren’t sure</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/sfpoa-endorsement-london-breed/">Police union endorses Breed for mayor, but Farrell gets the deputies</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/great-highway-controversy-race-class/">The war over the Great Highway is tearing the Sunset apart</a></p></div>

core/columns

<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interviews-with-the-candidates">Interviews with the candidates</h3><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/london-breed-interview-abc7-standard-kara-swisher/">Feeling down about San Francisco? London Breed begs to differ</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-encampments-interview-abc7/">Mark Farrell says he would have cleared homeless despite court order: ‘Sue me’</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-abc7-interview/">Can ultra-wealthy Daniel Lurie relate to the everyman? Here’s his answer</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-aaron-peskin-interview-abc7/">San Francisco should ‘embrace tech,’ Aaron Peskin says</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/san-francisco-supreme-court-homelessness-mayor-election/">Should San Francisco ban encampments? Mayoral candidates respond</a></p></div><div class="wp-block-column"><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-news">Recent news</h3><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/10/san-francisco-mayor-election-november-population/">Which would-be mayor wants a population boom? You might be surprised</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/10/san-francisco-fentanyl-undocumented-immigrants-drugs-crackdown/">Deport fentanyl dealers? San Francisco mayor candidates aren’t sure</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/sfpoa-endorsement-london-breed/">Police union endorses Breed for mayor, but Farrell gets the deputies</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/great-highway-controversy-race-class/">The war over the Great Highway is tearing the Sunset apart</a></p></div></div>

sf-standard/aside

<aside class="wp-block-sf-standard-aside alignwide"><h2 class="aside-heading aside-heading-size-small">Read more</h2><div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interviews-with-the-candidates">Interviews with the candidates</h3><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/london-breed-interview-abc7-standard-kara-swisher/">Feeling down about San Francisco? London Breed begs to differ</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-encampments-interview-abc7/">Mark Farrell says he would have cleared homeless despite court order: ‘Sue me’</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-abc7-interview/">Can ultra-wealthy Daniel Lurie relate to the everyman? Here’s his answer</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/san-francisco-mayor-aaron-peskin-interview-abc7/">San Francisco should ‘embrace tech,’ Aaron Peskin says</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/san-francisco-supreme-court-homelessness-mayor-election/">Should San Francisco ban encampments? Mayoral candidates respond</a></p></div><div class="wp-block-column"><h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-news">Recent news</h3><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/10/san-francisco-mayor-election-november-population/">Which would-be mayor wants a population boom? You might be surprised</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/10/san-francisco-fentanyl-undocumented-immigrants-drugs-crackdown/">Deport fentanyl dealers? San Francisco mayor candidates aren’t sure</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/sfpoa-endorsement-london-breed/">Police union endorses Breed for mayor, but Farrell gets the deputies</a></p><p class="has-inter-font-family"><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/02/great-highway-controversy-race-class/">The war over the Great Highway is tearing the Sunset apart</a></p></div></div></aside>

Take our quiz: Which SF mayoral candidates do you agree with?

The building housing a Black-led San Francisco youth nonprofit was defaced with racist graffiti, and a noose was left hanging on one of the doors, city officials said Friday.

<p>The building housing a Black-led San Francisco youth nonprofit was defaced with racist graffiti, and a noose was left hanging on one of the doors, city officials said Friday.</p>

Images <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_TGkS0PPN2/">posted</a> to social media showed racist language spray-painted on the side of the turquoise building that houses <a href="https://youth1stprogram.com/index.html#about">Youth 1st</a>. The nonprofit — which offers year-round tutoring in math, science, English, and other subjects — is based out of the Merced Heights Playground near Ingleside.

<p>Images <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_TGkS0PPN2/">posted</a> to social media showed racist language spray-painted on the side of the turquoise building that houses <a href="https://youth1stprogram.com/index.html#about">Youth 1st</a>. The nonprofit — which offers year-round tutoring in math, science, English, and other subjects — is based out of the Merced Heights Playground near Ingleside.</p>

The San Francisco Police Department is investigating.

<p>The San Francisco Police Department is investigating.</p>

&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to let this divide us. We want to get to the bottom of this, but let&#8217;s build our community up,&#8221; Renard Monroe, executive director and founder of Youth 1st, said at a press conference. &#8220;I’m sad for these children that are going to have to hear about this. … It’s a teachable moment for all of us, but this isn’t something that we should be having to learn from or to be teaching in 2024.&#8221;

<p>"We don't want to let this divide us. We want to get to the bottom of this, but let's build our community up," Renard Monroe, executive director and founder of Youth 1st, said at a press conference. "I’m sad for these children that are going to have to hear about this. … It’s a teachable moment for all of us, but this isn’t something that we should be having to learn from or to be teaching in 2024."</p>

<p>&#8220;We don&#8217;t want to let this divide us. We want to get to the bottom of this, but let&#8217;s build our community up,&#8221; Renard Monroe, executive director and founder of Youth 1st, said at a press conference. &#8220;I’m sad for these children that are going to have to hear about this. … It’s a teachable moment for all of us, but this isn’t something that we should be having to learn from or to be teaching in 2024.&#8221;</p>

A wet paint sign hung on the outside walls of Youth 1st on Aug. 30, 2024. The afterschool and summer program for at-risk youth had its building tagged with the N-word.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240830youth1stracistgraffiti-es-02.jpg?w=2500" alt="A white poster with &quot;Wet Paint&quot; written in various languages is taped to a turquoise fence and wall, indicating the fresh paint." class="wp-image-306587"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">City officials say the graffiti was painted on the building Friday morning.</figcaption></figure>


There have been other racist incidents reported in San Francisco in recent months. In May, a man reported that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/09/alamo-square-dog-walker-racist-threats/">blackface dolls with nooses</a> around their necks were left near his home, and in June, racist graffiti was painted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/05/city-hall-defaced-disgusting-racism-sexism/">next to the front doors of City Hall</a>.

&#8216;They want me to run&#8217;: Black San Francisco dog walker faces down racist threats

City Hall defaced with ‘disgusting racism and sexism’

<p>There have been other racist incidents reported in San Francisco in recent months. In May, a man reported that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/09/alamo-square-dog-walker-racist-threats/">blackface dolls with nooses</a> around their necks were left near his home, and in June, racist graffiti was painted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/05/city-hall-defaced-disgusting-racism-sexism/">next to the front doors of City Hall</a>.</p>

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins called the graffiti at Youth 1st a hate crime and said her office will &#8220;do everything to hold the person or persons behind this accountable.&#8221;

<p>District Attorney Brooke Jenkins called the graffiti at Youth 1st a hate crime and said her office will "do everything to hold the person or persons behind this accountable."</p>

<p>District Attorney Brooke Jenkins called the graffiti at Youth 1st a hate crime and said her office will &#8220;do everything to hold the person or persons behind this accountable.&#8221;</p>

&#8220;But I also stand before you as a Black woman and a woman raising two Black children in this city,&#8221; Jenkins said at the press conference. &#8220;That didn&#8217;t just happen against an organization and a man. It happened against our children, our babies.&#8221;

<p>"But I also stand before you as a Black woman and a woman raising two Black children in this city," Jenkins said at the press conference. "That didn't just happen against an organization and a man. It happened against our children, our babies."</p>

<p>&#8220;But I also stand before you as a Black woman and a woman raising two Black children in this city,&#8221; Jenkins said at the press conference. &#8220;That didn&#8217;t just happen against an organization and a man. It happened against our children, our babies.&#8221;</p>

City officials said the vandalism occurred sometime Friday morning. SFPD said officers responded to the building around 8:20 a.m. and found both graffiti and &#8220;a rope resembling a possible noose.&#8221;

<p>City officials said the vandalism occurred sometime Friday morning. SFPD said officers responded to the building around 8:20 a.m. and found both graffiti and "a rope resembling a possible noose."</p>

<p>City officials said the vandalism occurred sometime Friday morning. SFPD said officers responded to the building around 8:20 a.m. and found both graffiti and &#8220;a rope resembling a possible noose.&#8221;</p>

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who represents the area, said the epithets were targeted at Monroe.

<p>Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who represents the area, said the epithets were targeted at Monroe.</p>

&#8220;This appalling display of hate has no place in our community,&#8221; Safaí said in an email. &#8220;This incident is not just an attack on a building; it&#8217;s an attack on the values we uphold in San Francisco — diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.&#8221;

<p>"This appalling display of hate has no place in our community," Safaí said in an email. "This incident is not just an attack on a building; it's an attack on the values we uphold in San Francisco — diversity, inclusion, and respect for all."</p>

<p>&#8220;This appalling display of hate has no place in our community,&#8221; Safaí said in an email. &#8220;This incident is not just an attack on a building; it&#8217;s an attack on the values we uphold in San Francisco — diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.&#8221;</p>

2023 San Francisco crime trends: Car thefts up, car break-ins down

Oakland businesses shut down in protest against rising crime, activists say

Take our quiz: Which SF mayoral candidates do you agree with?

SF youth nonprofit defaced with racist graffiti

Opinion: Cops don’t want to stop sideshows, leave the Trump techies alone: readers respond

Search Results for: crime

2023 San Francisco crime trends: Car thefts up, car break-ins down

Oakland businesses shut down in protest against rising crime, activists say

Take our quiz: Which SF mayoral candidates do you agree with?

SF youth nonprofit defaced with racist graffiti

Opinion: Cops don’t want to stop sideshows, leave the Trump techies alone: readers respond