Julie Watson

China plans to send a new pair of <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/giant-pandas">giant pandas</a> to the San Diego Zoo, renewing its long-standing gesture of friendship toward the United States after nearly all the iconic animals on loan to U.S. zoos were returned as relations began to sour between the two nations.

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China plans to send a new pair of <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/giant-pandas">giant pandas</a> to the San Diego Zoo, renewing its long-standing gesture of friendship toward the United States after nearly all the iconic animals on loan to U.S. zoos were returned as relations began to sour between the two nations.

San Diego Zoo officials told the Associated Press that if all permits and other requirements are approved, two bears, a male and a female, are expected to arrive as early as the end of summer, about five years after the zoo sent its last pandas back to China.

San Diego Zoo officials told the Associated Press that if all permits and other requirements are approved, two bears, a male and a female, are expected to arrive as early as the end of summer, about five years after the zoo sent its last pandas back to China.

“We&#8217;re very excited and hopeful,” said Megan Owen of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “They&#8217;ve expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-initiate panda cooperation starting with the San Diego Zoo.”

“We're very excited and hopeful,” said Megan Owen of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “They've expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-initiate panda cooperation starting with the San Diego Zoo.”

“We&#8217;re very excited and hopeful,” said Megan Owen of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “They&#8217;ve expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-initiate panda cooperation starting with the San Diego Zoo.”

It wasn&#8217;t immediately clear what the San Diego plans meant for San Francisco, which has been lobbying China for months to host a panda of its own at the San Francisco Zoo. Sources familiar with the matter <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/panda-san-francisco-zoo/">told The Standard</a> last month that officials from both countries were working to bring at least one furry friend to the city by 2025.

San Francisco hasn&#8217;t hosted pandas in 40 years. Mayor aims to change that

It wasn't immediately clear what the San Diego plans meant for San Francisco, which has been lobbying China for months to host a panda of its own at the San Francisco Zoo. Sources familiar with the matter <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/panda-san-francisco-zoo/">told The Standard</a> last month that officials from both countries were working to bring at least one furry friend to the city by 2025.

It wasn&#8217;t immediately clear what the San Diego plans meant for San Francisco, which has been lobbying China for months to host a panda of its own at the San Francisco Zoo. Sources familiar with the matter <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/panda-san-francisco-zoo/">told The Standard</a> last month that officials from both countries were working to bring at least one furry friend to the city by 2025.

The entrance to the San Francisco Zoo is pictured on the Great Highway on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Mayor London Breed sent a letter to the Chinese consulate requesting a panda. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240105_sfzoopanda-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the San Francisco Zoo sign with animal silhouettes above it, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-237610"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed recently sent a letter to the Chinese consulate requesting a panda for the San Francisco Zoo. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240105_sfzoopanda-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the San Francisco Zoo sign with animal silhouettes above it, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-237610"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed recently sent a letter to the Chinese consulate requesting a panda for the San Francisco Zoo. </figcaption></figure>

In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised hopes his country would start sending pandas to the U.S. again after he and President Joe Biden convened in Northern California for their&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/apec-xi-jinping-san-francisco-dinner-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first face-to-face meeting in a year</a>&nbsp;and pledged to try to reduce tensions.

China&#8217;s Xi Jinping dines in San Francisco with U.S. business leaders, hints at return of pandas

In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised hopes his country would start sending pandas to the U.S. again after he and President Joe Biden convened in Northern California for their&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/apec-xi-jinping-san-francisco-dinner-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first face-to-face meeting in a year</a>&nbsp;and pledged to try to reduce tensions.

For San Diego, China is considering a pair that includes a female descendent of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, two of the zoo&#8217;s former residents, said Owen, an expert in panda behavior who has worked in San Diego and China.

For San Diego, China is considering a pair that includes a female descendent of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, two of the zoo's former residents, said Owen, an expert in panda behavior who has worked in San Diego and China.

For San Diego, China is considering a pair that includes a female descendent of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, two of the zoo&#8217;s former residents, said Owen, an expert in panda behavior who has worked in San Diego and China.

Bai Yun, who was born in captivity in China, lived at the zoo for more than 20 years and gave birth to six cubs there. She and her son were the zoo&#8217;s last pandas and returned to China in 2019.

Bai Yun, who was born in captivity in China, lived at the zoo for more than 20 years and gave birth to six cubs there. She and her son were the zoo's last pandas and returned to China in 2019.

Bai Yun, who was born in captivity in China, lived at the zoo for more than 20 years and gave birth to six cubs there. She and her son were the zoo&#8217;s last pandas and returned to China in 2019.

Gao Gao was born in the wild in China and lived at the San Diego Zoo from 2003 to 2018 before being sent back.

Gao Gao was born in the wild in China and lived at the San Diego Zoo from 2003 to 2018 before being sent back.

Decades of conservation efforts in the wild and study in captivity saved the giant panda species from extinction, increasing its population from fewer than 1,000 at one time to more than 1,800 in the wild and captivity.

Decades of conservation efforts in the wild and study in captivity saved the giant panda species from extinction, increasing its population from fewer than 1,000 at one time to more than 1,800 in the wild and captivity.

San Francisco is no stranger to panda-mania. Here’s the story

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San Francisco hasn’t hosted pandas in 40 years. Mayor aims to change that

China’s Xi Jinping dines in San Francisco with U.S. business leaders, hints at return of pandas

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The black-and-white animals have long been the symbol of the U.S.-China friendship since Beijing gifted a pair of pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 1972, ahead of the normalization of bilateral relations. China later loaned pandas to zoos to help breed cubs and boost the population.

The black-and-white animals have long been the symbol of the U.S.-China friendship since Beijing gifted a pair of pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 1972, ahead of the normalization of bilateral relations. China later loaned pandas to zoos to help breed cubs and boost the population.

Demands for the return of giant pandas, known as China’s “national treasure,” grew among the Chinese public as unproven allegations that U.S. zoos mistreated the pandas flooded Chinese social media.

Demands for the return of giant pandas, known as China’s “national treasure,” grew among the Chinese public as unproven allegations that U.S. zoos mistreated the pandas flooded Chinese social media.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-china-diplomacy-national-zoo-1f0eee3fc0114296bcfe5472c43a373e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fears over the future</a>&nbsp;of so-called panda diplomacy escalated last year when zoos in Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., returned their pandas to China, leaving only four pandas in the United States, all at the zoo in Atlanta. That loan agreement expires this year.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-china-diplomacy-national-zoo-1f0eee3fc0114296bcfe5472c43a373e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fears over the future</a>&nbsp;of so-called panda diplomacy escalated last year when zoos in Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., returned their pandas to China, leaving only four pandas in the United States, all at the zoo in Atlanta. That loan agreement expires this year.

Many loan agreements were for 10 years and often were extended well beyond. But negotiations last year to extend the agreements with U.S. zoos or send more pandas did not produce results. China watchers speculated that Beijing was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-china-diplomacy-national-zoo-1f0eee3fc0114296bcfe5472c43a373e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gradually pulling its pandas</a>&nbsp;from Western nations due to deteriorating diplomatic relations with the U.S. and other countries.

Many loan agreements were for 10 years and often were extended well beyond. But negotiations last year to extend the agreements with U.S. zoos or send more pandas did not produce results. China watchers speculated that Beijing was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-china-diplomacy-national-zoo-1f0eee3fc0114296bcfe5472c43a373e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gradually pulling its pandas</a>&nbsp;from Western nations due to deteriorating diplomatic relations with the U.S. and other countries.

Then on Nov. 15, a week after the National Zoo&#8217;s pandas departed for China, Xi spoke at a dinner in downtown San Francisco with American business executives and signaled that&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/apec-xi-jinping-san-francisco-dinner-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more pandas might be sent</a>. He said he learned the San Diego Zoo and people in California “very much look forward to welcoming pandas back.&#8221;

Then on Nov. 15, a week after the National Zoo's pandas departed for China, Xi spoke at a dinner in downtown San Francisco with American business executives and signaled that&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/apec-xi-jinping-san-francisco-dinner-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more pandas might be sent</a>. He said he learned the San Diego Zoo and people in California “very much look forward to welcoming pandas back."

Then on Nov. 15, a week after the National Zoo&#8217;s pandas departed for China, Xi spoke at a dinner in downtown San Francisco with American business executives and signaled that&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/apec-xi-jinping-san-francisco-dinner-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more pandas might be sent</a>. He said he learned the San Diego Zoo and people in California “very much look forward to welcoming pandas back.&#8221;

U.S. President Joe Biden goes to Chinese President Xi Jinping to shake hands after the opening remarks for the APEC Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests at Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, November 16, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231214apecspending-008.jpg?w=2500" alt="U.S. President Joe Biden greets Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in San Francisco." class="wp-image-230364"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Joe Biden greets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in San Francisco in November. During the event, Xi hinted that China may be willing to re-up its &#8220;panda diplomacy.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231214apecspending-008.jpg?w=2500" alt="U.S. President Joe Biden greets Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in San Francisco." class="wp-image-230364"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Joe Biden greets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in San Francisco in November. During the event, Xi hinted that China may be willing to re-up its "panda diplomacy."</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231214apecspending-008.jpg?w=2500" alt="U.S. President Joe Biden greets Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in San Francisco." class="wp-image-230364"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Joe Biden greets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in San Francisco in November. During the event, Xi hinted that China may be willing to re-up its &#8220;panda diplomacy.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>

“I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas and went to the zoo to see them off,” Xi said.

“I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas and went to the zoo to see them off,” Xi said.

Owen said China is particularly interested in exchanging information on the zoo&#8217;s successful breeding of pandas in captivity. Giant pandas are difficult to breed in part because the female’s reproductive window is extremely narrow, lasting only 48 to 72 hours each year.

Owen said China is particularly interested in exchanging information on the zoo's successful breeding of pandas in captivity. Giant pandas are difficult to breed in part because the female’s reproductive window is extremely narrow, lasting only 48 to 72 hours each year.

Owen said China is particularly interested in exchanging information on the zoo&#8217;s successful breeding of pandas in captivity. Giant pandas are difficult to breed in part because the female’s reproductive window is extremely narrow, lasting only 48 to 72 hours each year.

Bai Yun&#8217;s first cub, Hua Mei, was also the first panda born through artificial insemination to survive into adulthood outside of China, and would go on to produce 12 cubs on her own after she was sent to China.

Bai Yun's first cub, Hua Mei, was also the first panda born through artificial insemination to survive into adulthood outside of China, and would go on to produce 12 cubs on her own after she was sent to China.

Bai Yun&#8217;s first cub, Hua Mei, was also the first panda born through artificial insemination to survive into adulthood outside of China, and would go on to produce 12 cubs on her own after she was sent to China.

Bai Yun, meanwhile, remained at the zoo where she gave birth to two more females and three males. With cameras in her den, researchers monitored her, contributing to the understanding of maternal care behavior, Owen said.

Bai Yun, meanwhile, remained at the zoo where she gave birth to two more females and three males. With cameras in her den, researchers monitored her, contributing to the understanding of maternal care behavior, Owen said.

“We have a lot of institutional knowledge and capacity from our last cooperative agreement, which we will be able to parlay into this next chapter, as well as training the next generation of panda conservationists,” she said.

“We have a lot of institutional knowledge and capacity from our last cooperative agreement, which we will be able to parlay into this next chapter, as well as training the next generation of panda conservationists,” she said.

Giant panda, Xiao Qi Ji is seen in his enclosure at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 22, 2023 The pandas are being sent back to China before the end of the year.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/xiao-qi-ji-01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A giant panda walks through grass near wooden structures, looking toward the camera." class="wp-image-237864"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Giant panda Xiao Qi Ji walks through his enclosure at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington in October.</figcaption></figure>

Chinese experts would travel with the bears and spend months in San Diego, Owen said.

Chinese experts would travel with the bears and spend months in San Diego, Owen said.

She said the bears&#8217; return would be good for San Diego and the giant panda&#8217;s recovery as a species.

She said the bears' return would be good for San Diego and the giant panda's recovery as a species.

She said the bears&#8217; return would be good for San Diego and the giant panda&#8217;s recovery as a species.

“We do talk about panda diplomacy all the time,” Owen said. “Diplomacy is a critical part of conservation in any number of contexts. &#8230; If we can&#8217;t learn to work together, you know, in sometimes difficult situations or situations that are completely out of the control of conservationists, then we&#8217;re not going to succeed.&#8221;

“We do talk about panda diplomacy all the time,” Owen said. “Diplomacy is a critical part of conservation in any number of contexts. ... If we can't learn to work together, you know, in sometimes difficult situations or situations that are completely out of the control of conservationists, then we're not going to succeed."

“We do talk about panda diplomacy all the time,” Owen said. “Diplomacy is a critical part of conservation in any number of contexts. &#8230; If we can&#8217;t learn to work together, you know, in sometimes difficult situations or situations that are completely out of the control of conservationists, then we&#8217;re not going to succeed.&#8221;

China to send 2 pandas to San Diego Zoo. What about San Francisco?

Kate Robinson

The Tenderloin has been run through the wringer these past few years, consistently maligned as a containment zone, an open-air drug market, even a lost cause—and we have experienced real collective hardship with loss of lives and businesses, each further straining the strands of this community’s delicate fabric.&nbsp;

The Tenderloin has been run through the wringer these past few years, consistently maligned as a containment zone, an open-air drug market, even a lost cause—and we have experienced real collective hardship with loss of lives and businesses, each further straining the strands of this community’s delicate fabric.&nbsp;

What we truly are is a densely packed <a href="https://sfplanning.org/project/tenderloin-community-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neighborhood</a> with more than 300 small businesses and 3,500 children, families, seniors and single-room occupancy residents, speaking 112 languages. We are a living, breathing dichotomy, too: In an instant, you might experience revelatory belonging or unspeakable brutality. Humanity’s bleakest and brightest is concentrated here.

What we truly are is a densely packed <a href="https://sfplanning.org/project/tenderloin-community-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neighborhood</a> with more than 300 small businesses and 3,500 children, families, seniors and single-room occupancy residents, speaking 112 languages. We are a living, breathing dichotomy, too: In an instant, you might experience revelatory belonging or unspeakable brutality. Humanity’s bleakest and brightest is concentrated here.

As the stewards of this incredible neighborhood, the <a href="https://tlcbd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin Community Benefit District</a> is calling on San Francisco and the state of California to do more for our community and its stakeholders. The recent infusion of <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/citywide/tenderloin-community-action-plan/TL_Action_Grants_Brochure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin Community Action Plan</a> resources is important, but it’s a Band-Aid. To provide immediate relief and strategic thinking for a sustainable Tenderloin, the city and state should jointly take three actions:&nbsp;

As the stewards of this incredible neighborhood, the <a href="https://tlcbd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin Community Benefit District</a> is calling on San Francisco and the state of California to do more for our community and its stakeholders. The recent infusion of <a href="https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/citywide/tenderloin-community-action-plan/TL_Action_Grants_Brochure.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin Community Action Plan</a> resources is important, but it’s a Band-Aid. To provide immediate relief and strategic thinking for a sustainable Tenderloin, the city and state should jointly take three actions:&nbsp;

<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Declare another <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Tenderloin%20Emergency%20Initiative%20Strategic%20Plan%20and%20Operation_12.27.21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state of emergency</a> to build on <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-issues-six-month-update-operation-dismantle-open-air-drug-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent successes</a> in halting open-air drug sales.</li>



<li>Provide dedicated city funding to take care of our parks.</li>



<li>Address long-standing issues with graffiti, illegal dumping, street cleaning and trash.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Declare another <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Tenderloin%20Emergency%20Initiative%20Strategic%20Plan%20and%20Operation_12.27.21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state of emergency</a> to build on <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-issues-six-month-update-operation-dismantle-open-air-drug-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent successes</a> in halting open-air drug sales.

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<li>Declare another <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Tenderloin%20Emergency%20Initiative%20Strategic%20Plan%20and%20Operation_12.27.21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state of emergency</a> to build on <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-issues-six-month-update-operation-dismantle-open-air-drug-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent successes</a> in halting open-air drug sales.</li>

Provide dedicated city funding to take care of our parks.

<li>Provide dedicated city funding to take care of our parks.</li>

Address long-standing issues with graffiti, illegal dumping, street cleaning and trash.&nbsp;

<li>Address long-standing issues with graffiti, illegal dumping, street cleaning and trash.&nbsp;</li>

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<ol><li>Declare another <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Tenderloin%20Emergency%20Initiative%20Strategic%20Plan%20and%20Operation_12.27.21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state of emergency</a> to build on <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-issues-six-month-update-operation-dismantle-open-air-drug-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent successes</a> in halting open-air drug sales.</li><li>Provide dedicated city funding to take care of our parks.</li><li>Address long-standing issues with graffiti, illegal dumping, street cleaning and trash.&nbsp;</li></ol>

For 15 years, I’ve worked in the Tenderloin and cherished it. I encourage people to get to know the neighborhood I feel so privileged to serve, but it&#8217;s getting harder. The <a href="https://www.visittenderloin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin contains multitudes</a>, but many merely see a containment zone: a vulnerable community held hostage by drug trade violence too pervasive for one city to handle alone. Two summers ago, we were shaken when five neighborhood teens were shot in the street. Last Thanksgiving, back-to-back double shootings traumatized us. Then we had a New Year&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-fatal-shooting-tenderloin/">mass shooting</a>. These are examples of many headlines that leave lasting scars across this community.

1 dead, 4 critically injured in San Francisco mass shooting

For 15 years, I’ve worked in the Tenderloin and cherished it. I encourage people to get to know the neighborhood I feel so privileged to serve, but it's getting harder. The <a href="https://www.visittenderloin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin contains multitudes</a>, but many merely see a containment zone: a vulnerable community held hostage by drug trade violence too pervasive for one city to handle alone. Two summers ago, we were shaken when five neighborhood teens were shot in the street. Last Thanksgiving, back-to-back double shootings traumatized us. Then we had a New Year's <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-fatal-shooting-tenderloin/">mass shooting</a>. These are examples of many headlines that leave lasting scars across this community.

For 15 years, I’ve worked in the Tenderloin and cherished it. I encourage people to get to know the neighborhood I feel so privileged to serve, but it&#8217;s getting harder. The <a href="https://www.visittenderloin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin contains multitudes</a>, but many merely see a containment zone: a vulnerable community held hostage by drug trade violence too pervasive for one city to handle alone. Two summers ago, we were shaken when five neighborhood teens were shot in the street. Last Thanksgiving, back-to-back double shootings traumatized us. Then we had a New Year&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/18/san-francisco-fatal-shooting-tenderloin/">mass shooting</a>. These are examples of many headlines that leave lasting scars across this community.

Our public safety conversations include counterinsurgency terms like “clearing and holding” ground. The community shows up to protect our spaces, but the drug market effectively owns the night. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/02/new-downtown-san-francisco-drug-dealing-command-center-to-open/">Drug Market Agency Coordination Center</a> deserves credit for coordinating and bringing in local, state and federal law enforcement, treatment strategies and data collection.&nbsp;

New downtown San Francisco drug-dealing command center to open

Our public safety conversations include counterinsurgency terms like “clearing and holding” ground. The community shows up to protect our spaces, but the drug market effectively owns the night. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/02/new-downtown-san-francisco-drug-dealing-command-center-to-open/">Drug Market Agency Coordination Center</a> deserves credit for coordinating and bringing in local, state and federal law enforcement, treatment strategies and data collection.&nbsp;

But constant “triaging” reflects a deficit mindset that keeps us in the emergency room. We need strategic resources that only the state can bring to this neighborhood to cover everything, everywhere, all at once.

But constant “triaging” reflects a deficit mindset that keeps us in the emergency room. We need strategic resources that only the state can bring to this neighborhood to cover everything, everywhere, all at once.

We all know a transformative intervention is possible if it’s prioritized: Political will came together to make our city shine on the world stage during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. But the APEC legacy didn’t last, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/22/san-francisco-homeless-after-apec/">leaving persistent challenges</a> and even aggravating harmful street conditions and business closures.

Will San Francisco’s cleanup for APEC last, or was it a temporary face-lift?

We all know a transformative intervention is possible if it’s prioritized: Political will came together to make our city shine on the world stage during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. But the APEC legacy didn’t last, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/22/san-francisco-homeless-after-apec/">leaving persistent challenges</a> and even aggravating harmful street conditions and business closures.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-inequities-persist">Why the inequities persist</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-inequities-persist">Why the inequities persist</h2>

People living only one mile from one another should not have such vastly different outcomes. <a href="https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/interactives/whereyouliveaffectshowlongyoulive.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public health studies by ZIP code</a> show the <a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/sfchip/SF_SupervisorialPrintableHealthProfiles/D6_Health_Profile.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life expectancy for Tenderloin residents drops</a> by 10 years from Nob Hill to Turk Street due to crime, drugs, poverty and health and safety issues. Privilege provides a buffer from trauma. Because the Tenderloin is the city’s landing pad for immigrants, many already carrying trauma, it’s our responsibility to not exacerbate but rather ameliorate troubles and elevate opportunity. We have never walked away from this purpose.&nbsp;

People living only one mile from one another should not have such vastly different outcomes. <a href="https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/interactives/whereyouliveaffectshowlongyoulive.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public health studies by ZIP code</a> show the <a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/sfchip/SF_SupervisorialPrintableHealthProfiles/D6_Health_Profile.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life expectancy for Tenderloin residents drops</a> by 10 years from Nob Hill to Turk Street due to crime, drugs, poverty and health and safety issues. Privilege provides a buffer from trauma. Because the Tenderloin is the city’s landing pad for immigrants, many already carrying trauma, it’s our responsibility to not exacerbate but rather ameliorate troubles and elevate opportunity. We have never walked away from this purpose.&nbsp;

Our three small parks in the Tenderloin are a lifeline for residents: welcoming, safe spaces for everyone that we have leveraged as critical community resource hubs. The gates of Tenderloin parks would not open in the morning or get locked again at night if not for the community benefit district park stewards. Our team manages neighborhood park operations all day, every day, picking up trash, needles, sex toys and weapons before kids come to play.&nbsp;

Our three small parks in the Tenderloin are a lifeline for residents: welcoming, safe spaces for everyone that we have leveraged as critical community resource hubs. The gates of Tenderloin parks would not open in the morning or get locked again at night if not for the community benefit district park stewards. Our team manages neighborhood park operations all day, every day, picking up trash, needles, sex toys and weapons before kids come to play.&nbsp;

We do this work without knowing whether funding will be renewed for the program every July. We’ve seen what’s possible with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent conversion of U.N. Plaza</a>, which the parks department creatively transformed with thin resources. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220714010935/https://hmpi.org/2017/02/27/transforming-health-outcomes-in-san-franciscos-most-vulnerable-neighborhood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Less than 4% of the Tenderloin is open space</a> compared with 23% citywide. The same determination demonstrated at U.N. Plaza should apply to Tenderloin parks. Equity requires the city to lead this stewardship conversation.

UN Plaza was long the epicenter of San Francisco’s drug crisis. Skaters have brought a new vibe

We do this work without knowing whether funding will be renewed for the program every July. We’ve seen what’s possible with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent conversion of U.N. Plaza</a>, which the parks department creatively transformed with thin resources. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220714010935/https://hmpi.org/2017/02/27/transforming-health-outcomes-in-san-franciscos-most-vulnerable-neighborhood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Less than 4% of the Tenderloin is open space</a> compared with 23% citywide. The same determination demonstrated at U.N. Plaza should apply to Tenderloin parks. Equity requires the city to lead this stewardship conversation.

The Tenderloin Community Benefit District has responded to <a href="https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGYzOGMzOWEtZDBkNC00MGE3LWIxMTgtNzRiY2I1Mjc2ZDc1IiwidCI6IjIyZDVjMmNmLWNlM2UtNDQzZC05YTdmLWRmY2MwMjMxZjczZiJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">90% of public clean-up requests on 311</a> for more than two years, mitigating unsafe and unhealthy sidewalk hazards within 24 hours of each call. With only 16 staff members, our clean team consistently responds to 311 calls without city funding. Though SF Public Works received additional funding in the budget, Tenderloin residents have yet to feel any meaningful uptick in cleaning services.&nbsp;

The Tenderloin Community Benefit District has responded to <a href="https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGYzOGMzOWEtZDBkNC00MGE3LWIxMTgtNzRiY2I1Mjc2ZDc1IiwidCI6IjIyZDVjMmNmLWNlM2UtNDQzZC05YTdmLWRmY2MwMjMxZjczZiJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">90% of public clean-up requests on 311</a> for more than two years, mitigating unsafe and unhealthy sidewalk hazards within 24 hours of each call. With only 16 staff members, our clean team consistently responds to 311 calls without city funding. Though SF Public Works received additional funding in the budget, Tenderloin residents have yet to feel any meaningful uptick in cleaning services.&nbsp;

Our organization, funded by property assessments and private contributions, is supposed to supplement city services. But we persist in answering more calls amid the ever-growing piles of trash, feces and graffiti. We need all hands on deck to solve these intractable issues for the whole neighborhood. Cleanliness and safety are inextricably linked.

Our organization, funded by property assessments and private contributions, is supposed to supplement city services. But we persist in answering more calls amid the ever-growing piles of trash, feces and graffiti. We need all hands on deck to solve these intractable issues for the whole neighborhood. Cleanliness and safety are inextricably linked.

We know city departments are doing more with less, and the cuts will continue. But for too long, underinvestment has ruled this neighborhood, and now is not the time to cut funding.&nbsp;

We know city departments are doing more with less, and the cuts will continue. But for too long, underinvestment has ruled this neighborhood, and now is not the time to cut funding.&nbsp;

Equity requires us to show up the most when times are the toughest, and we&#8217;ve seen what this city is capable of where there&#8217;s a will. Hope alone is not a strategy. We will continue to show up for Tenderloin residents who deserve self-determination and nighttime strolls just as much as people in other neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Equity requires us to show up the most when times are the toughest, and we've seen what this city is capable of where there's a will. Hope alone is not a strategy. We will continue to show up for Tenderloin residents who deserve self-determination and nighttime strolls just as much as people in other neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Equity requires us to show up the most when times are the toughest, and we&#8217;ve seen what this city is capable of where there&#8217;s a will. Hope alone is not a strategy. We will continue to show up for Tenderloin residents who deserve self-determination and nighttime strolls just as much as people in other neighborhoods.&nbsp;

We ask state and city officials to do the same and never give up on The Tenderloin. San Francisco&#8217;s success relies upon it.

We ask state and city officials to do the same and never give up on The Tenderloin. San Francisco's success relies upon it.

We ask state and city officials to do the same and never give up on The Tenderloin. San Francisco&#8217;s success relies upon it.

Robinson is the executive director of the <a href="https://tlcbd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin Community Benefit District</a> and has been a nonprofit leader for over 20 years.&nbsp;

Robinson is the executive director of the <a href="https://tlcbd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tenderloin Community Benefit District</a> and has been a nonprofit leader for over 20 years.&nbsp;

Troubled Tenderloin needs a new state of emergency, funding infusion

Opinion: Troubled Tenderloin needs a new state of emergency, funding infusion

Garrett Leahy

The latest development in the battle for San Francisco sidewalk dominance is no longer heavy <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homelessness-planters-wa/">metal planters</a>—designed to either beautify a neighborhood or block homeless encampments, depending on who you ask. Now, residents say speakers are blasting the Star Wars title theme, jazz, classical and what one unhoused man describes as “circus music.”

How planters shipped from 1,600 miles away are changing San Francisco&#8217;s homelessness debate

The latest development in the battle for San Francisco sidewalk dominance is no longer heavy <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-homelessness-planters-wa/">metal planters</a>—designed to either beautify a neighborhood or block homeless encampments, depending on who you ask. Now, residents say speakers are blasting the Star Wars title theme, jazz, classical and what one unhoused man describes as “circus music.”

The phenomenon of blasting music to deter antisocial behavior is not new in the city, but it is seemingly a first at Van Ness Avenue and Eddy Street, a bustling intersection on the edge of the Tenderloin, the epicenter of San Francisco’s drug and homelessness crises.&nbsp;

The phenomenon of blasting music to deter antisocial behavior is not new in the city, but it is seemingly a first at Van Ness Avenue and Eddy Street, a bustling intersection on the edge of the Tenderloin, the epicenter of San Francisco’s drug and homelessness crises.&nbsp;

The building located at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Eddy Street has two speakers right above the bus stop facing Eddy Street in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/musicvshomelessvanness.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-217792"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The building located at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Eddy Street has two speakers right above the bus stop facing Eddy Street on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Unlike a Fillmore <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-safeway-blasts-music-in-parking-lot-18136448.php">Safeway</a> that deployed classical music at night to deter unwanted activity, the speakers at 790 Van Ness Ave. play intermittently through the day, seemingly whenever a large group of people congregate along the Eddy Street side of the building, where two speakers have appeared. Another speaker has also popped up around 40 feet away, on the side of an apartment building at 755 Eddy St.

Unlike a Fillmore <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-safeway-blasts-music-in-parking-lot-18136448.php">Safeway</a> that deployed classical music at night to deter unwanted activity, the speakers at 790 Van Ness Ave. play intermittently through the day, seemingly whenever a large group of people congregate along the Eddy Street side of the building, where two speakers have appeared. Another speaker has also popped up around 40 feet away, on the side of an apartment building at 755 Eddy St.

“It’s fucking annoying,” said Oscar Pancho, an unhoused man who lives across the street from the speakers. “It’s like jazz or circus music, or something. It doesn’t work anyway; they still shit over there with the music on.”

“It’s fucking annoying,” said Oscar Pancho, an unhoused man who lives across the street from the speakers. “It’s like jazz or circus music, or something. It doesn’t work anyway; they still shit over there with the music on.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/22/this-soundtrack-keeps-the-peace-in-downtown-sf-fights-break-out-when-it-stops/">This Soundtrack Keeps the Peace in Downtown Francisco</a>&nbsp;

This soundtrack keeps the peace in downtown SF. Fights break out when it stops

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/22/this-soundtrack-keeps-the-peace-in-downtown-sf-fights-break-out-when-it-stops/">This Soundtrack Keeps the Peace in Downtown Francisco</a>&nbsp;

“It just plays the same thing over and over and over,” said Danielle Hardesty, a formerly homeless woman who lives in a subsidized Tenderloin apartment. “They’ll make dog parks for people to walk their dogs, with grass, but we don’t get no respect like that, no space.”&nbsp;

“It just plays the same thing over and over and over,” said Danielle Hardesty, a formerly homeless woman who lives in a subsidized Tenderloin apartment. “They’ll make dog parks for people to walk their dogs, with grass, but we don’t get no respect like that, no space.”&nbsp;

Daneille Hardesty said she has heard the speakers on Eddy Street playing the Star Wars opening theme.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_6174-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-217715"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daneille Hardesty said she has heard the speakers on Eddy Street playing the &#8220;Star Wars&#8221; opening theme.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_6174-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-217715"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daneille Hardesty said she has heard the speakers on Eddy Street playing the "Star Wars" opening theme.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_6174-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-217715"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daneille Hardesty said she has heard the speakers on Eddy Street playing the &#8220;Star Wars&#8221; opening theme.</figcaption></figure>

Beyond the speakers as a supposed homeless deterrent, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/20/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-tensions-boils-over-on-one-of-citys-busiest-streets/">area around the intersection</a> also boasts some 99 planters, by The Standard’s count on Thursday.

San Francisco homeless encampments: Tensions boil over on one of city&#8217;s busiest streets

Beyond the speakers as a supposed homeless deterrent, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/20/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-tensions-boils-over-on-one-of-citys-busiest-streets/">area around the intersection</a> also boasts some 99 planters, by The Standard’s count on Thursday.

Amy Brown, a formerly homeless woman who lives in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-chinatown-building-landlords-lawsuits/">single-room occupancy hotel</a> on O’Farrell Street, said in her experience, the music plays from 9 a.m. to around 3:30 p.m.

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Amy Brown, a formerly homeless woman who lives in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-chinatown-building-landlords-lawsuits/">single-room occupancy hotel</a> on O’Farrell Street, said in her experience, the music plays from 9 a.m. to around 3:30 p.m.

“I hear it come on when there’s like 20 people,” Pancho said. “Then it plays until the cops come and move them along.”

“I hear it come on when there’s like 20 people,” Pancho said. “Then it plays until the cops come and move them along.”

San Francisco Police Department was contacted for comment but did not respond by publication time.

San Francisco Police Department was contacted for comment but did not respond by publication time.

Hardesty said the block of Eddy Street by Van Ness Avenue is notorious for homeless encampments and drug dealing.

Hardesty said the block of Eddy Street by Van Ness Avenue is notorious for homeless encampments and drug dealing.

Two lines of garden planters installed near Van Ness and Eddy Streets.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1697571451001blob.png?w=1920" alt="" class="wp-image-213066"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two lines of garden planters were installed near Van Ness and Eddy Streets.</figcaption></figure>

“For years, Eddy Street has been known for that,” Hardesty said. “The Tenderloin’s known for that.&#8221;

“For years, Eddy Street has been known for that,” Hardesty said. “The Tenderloin’s known for that."

“For years, Eddy Street has been known for that,” Hardesty said. “The Tenderloin’s known for that.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-dealers-murder-charges-overdoses/">San Francisco Drug Dealers Could Face Murder Charges for Overdose Deaths</a>

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Brown said the speakers have been on Eddy Street for more than a year.

Brown said the speakers have been on Eddy Street for more than a year.

“They were there last summer,” Brown said.

“They were there last summer,” Brown said.

Pancho said he has only heard the speakers playing music for the last three months.

Pancho said he has only heard the speakers playing music for the last three months.

John Oh, co-owner of Ike’s Kitchen, a Japanese restaurant directly across the street from the speakers, said the noise is barely audible inside his restaurant.

John Oh, co-owner of Ike’s Kitchen, a Japanese restaurant directly across the street from the speakers, said the noise is barely audible inside his restaurant.

John Oh, co-owner of Ike's Kitchen on Van Ness Avenue, said that he first saw drug dealers gathering near his restaurant about 3 months ago. San Francisco Mayor London Breed said drug dealers are moving into the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood because of increased drug and San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) law enforcement in the Tenderloin district. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230601_113204_HDR-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-166620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Oh, co-owner of Ike&#8217;s Kitchen on Van Ness Avenue, stands inside his restaurant.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230601_113204_HDR-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-166620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Oh, co-owner of Ike's Kitchen on Van Ness Avenue, stands inside his restaurant.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230601_113204_HDR-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-166620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Oh, co-owner of Ike&#8217;s Kitchen on Van Ness Avenue, stands inside his restaurant.</figcaption></figure>

“One of my staff said [the music] made him feel depressed,” Oh said.

“One of my staff said [the music] made him feel depressed,” Oh said.

Oh said he has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/05/san-francisco-mayor-says-drug-dealers-are-moving-away-from-the-tenderloin-are-they/">complained of drug dealing</a> near his restaurant, as well as graffiti that has caked over the windows facing Eddy Street—when The Standard visited his restaurant last year, a reporter could not see through the windows due to graffiti. However, Oh said the scene isn’t as bad as it was months ago.

San Francisco mayor says drug dealers are moving away from the Tenderloin. Are they?

Oh said he has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/05/san-francisco-mayor-says-drug-dealers-are-moving-away-from-the-tenderloin-are-they/">complained of drug dealing</a> near his restaurant, as well as graffiti that has caked over the windows facing Eddy Street—when The Standard visited his restaurant last year, a reporter could not see through the windows due to graffiti. However, Oh said the scene isn’t as bad as it was months ago.

“Honestly, it’s gotten better,” Oh said. “Maybe the city’s trying to clean it all up before the election or before the conference, APEC.”

“Honestly, it’s gotten better,” Oh said. “Maybe the city’s trying to clean it all up before the election or before the conference, APEC.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/22/san-francisco-looks-to-apec-for-a-badly-needed-makeover/">San Francisco Races To Clean Up Its Act for Trade Summit</a>

San Francisco races to clean up its act for trade summit

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/22/san-francisco-looks-to-apec-for-a-badly-needed-makeover/">San Francisco Races To Clean Up Its Act for Trade Summit</a>

There are no permits for outdoor speakers at either of the addresses, according to the Entertainment Commission. The Department of Building Inspection said the speakers would require building and electrical permits, neither of which are on file in the department’s online permit tracker.

There are no permits for outdoor speakers at either of the addresses, according to the Entertainment Commission. The Department of Building Inspection said the speakers would require building and electrical permits, neither of which are on file in the department’s online permit tracker.

Jennifer Friedenbach, head of the Coalition on Homelessness, said the speaker systems are uncommon in San Francisco but believes that they’re a tactic meant to deter homeless people from settling on certain blocks.

Jennifer Friedenbach, head of the Coalition on Homelessness, said the speaker systems are uncommon in San Francisco but believes that they’re a tactic meant to deter homeless people from settling on certain blocks.

Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, sits in her office in San Francisco on December 14, 2022. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/LinkageLofts13122022_0016-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-104619"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, sits in her office in San Francisco on Dec. 14, 2022. </figcaption></figure>

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Search Results for: apec

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