George Kelly

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

Celebrated SoMa deli hit by break-in, outspoken owner vows quick reopening

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

"I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, 'There he is!'” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom."

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-street-artist-swipes-city-property-sells-it-online-for-thousands/">San Francisco Street Artist Swipes City Property, Sells It Online for Thousands</a>

SF street artist swipes city property, sells it online for thousands

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-street-artist-swipes-city-property-sells-it-online-for-thousands/">San Francisco Street Artist Swipes City Property, Sells It Online for Thousands</a>

core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags "Goer" on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags &#8220;Goer&#8221; on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It's unclear what "Goer" means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-years-we-ve-been-cleaning-up-after-this-guy">‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-years-we-ve-been-cleaning-up-after-this-guy">‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’</h2>

On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti 'Goer' tag mars a bald eagle's plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

‘Code brown’: An army of cleaners patrols SF’s filthiest streets

Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it's multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who's the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we've been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/san-francisco-mayor-home-spraypainted-over-banko-brown-killing/">Vandals Spray-Paint Mayor Breed’s Home With Graffiti About Banko Brown Killing</a>

Vandals spray-paint Mayor Breed’s home with graffiti about Banko Brown killing

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/san-francisco-mayor-home-spraypainted-over-banko-brown-killing/">Vandals Spray-Paint Mayor Breed’s Home With Graffiti About Banko Brown Killing</a>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

They shift tons of trash from San Francisco&#8217;s streets: You&#8217;ve never heard of them

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of "Goer" tags across the district over several years.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West CBD between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.   

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-5.png?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West Community Benefit District between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn&#8217;t collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags it has cleaned up.

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn't collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on "Goer" tags it has cleaned up.

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn&#8217;t collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags it has cleaned up.

‘Goer’ Branding&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goer-branding-nbsp">‘Goer’ Branding&nbsp;</h2>

A 'Goer' branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma's window signage in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8220;Goer&#8221; branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma&#8217;s window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A "Goer" branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma's window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8220;Goer&#8221; branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma&#8217;s window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

The tagger left a different mark in late September, branding “Goer” into Bay of Burma’s storefront window signage on Folsom Street—a block from where Wabl was arrested Sunday.

The tagger left a different mark in late September, branding “Goer” into Bay of Burma’s storefront window signage on Folsom Street—a block from where Wabl was arrested Sunday.

Co-owner and Manager Ryan Zin told The Standard Bay of Burma was held up in an armed robbery on Sept. 13 for cash. Less than two weeks later, the brand appeared in the window’s sticker signage. It still reflects a “Goer” shadow on a table inside the restaurant on sunny days. The San Francisco Police Department has been contacted for confirmation of the armed robbery but did not immediately respond.

Co-owner and Manager Ryan Zin told The Standard Bay of Burma was held up in an armed robbery on Sept. 13 for cash. Less than two weeks later, the brand appeared in the window’s sticker signage. It still reflects a “Goer” shadow on a table inside the restaurant on sunny days. The San Francisco Police Department has been contacted for confirmation of the armed robbery but did not immediately respond.

“We’re planning to put up new stickers in a couple of days,” Zin said. “It’s annoying.”&nbsp;

“We’re planning to put up new stickers in a couple of days,” Zin said. “It’s annoying.”&nbsp;

Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012394.jpg?w=2500" alt="Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside." class="wp-image-211533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Midday sunlight sends the shadow of a &#8220;Goer&#8221; tag into the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco. The window sticker signage was burned with the tag in September.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012394.jpg?w=2500" alt="Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside." class="wp-image-211533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Midday sunlight sends the shadow of a "Goer" tag into the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco. The window sticker signage was burned with the tag in September.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012394.jpg?w=2500" alt="Inside the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, midday sunlight sends the shadow of a tag singed into a front window's sticker late last month onto a wooden countertop inside." class="wp-image-211533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Midday sunlight sends the shadow of a &#8220;Goer&#8221; tag into the Bay of Burma restaurant on Folsom Street in San Francisco. The window sticker signage was burned with the tag in September.</figcaption></figure>

Nearby on Folsom Street, The Bike Connection Sales Associate James Bergquist said Monday he’s used to seeing all kinds of graffiti posted along two walls and a railing outside the store on the corner of Seventh Street. Bergquist said he often sees the graffiti being painted over. Bergquist has seen the branding, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearby on Folsom Street, The Bike Connection Sales Associate James Bergquist said Monday he’s used to seeing all kinds of graffiti posted along two walls and a railing outside the store on the corner of Seventh Street. Bergquist said he often sees the graffiti being painted over. Bergquist has seen the branding, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was done fairly artistically, even for being, you know, graffiti,” Bergquist said.

“It was done fairly artistically, even for being, you know, graffiti,” Bergquist said.

The Standard walked around Seventh and Folsom streets on Monday and saw seven &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags in various forms, including fluorescent green spray paint on a street corner, yellow marker pen on a gray wall outside <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/03/polarizing-owner-of-high-profile-oakland-restaurant-hi-felicia-announces-successor-project/">Sluts wine bar</a>, what appears to be faded yellow glue on a Folsom Street sidewalk and white spray paint under a street art mural depiction of an eagle on Langton Street.

Hi Felicia owner announces new venture in same Oakland spot

The Standard walked around Seventh and Folsom streets on Monday and saw seven "Goer" tags in various forms, including fluorescent green spray paint on a street corner, yellow marker pen on a gray wall outside <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/03/polarizing-owner-of-high-profile-oakland-restaurant-hi-felicia-announces-successor-project/">Sluts wine bar</a>, what appears to be faded yellow glue on a Folsom Street sidewalk and white spray paint under a street art mural depiction of an eagle on Langton Street.

The Standard walked around Seventh and Folsom streets on Monday and saw seven &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags in various forms, including fluorescent green spray paint on a street corner, yellow marker pen on a gray wall outside <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/03/polarizing-owner-of-high-profile-oakland-restaurant-hi-felicia-announces-successor-project/">Sluts wine bar</a>, what appears to be faded yellow glue on a Folsom Street sidewalk and white spray paint under a street art mural depiction of an eagle on Langton Street.

On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012388.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb." class="wp-image-211531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco&#8217;s SoMa, two fluorescent green spray paint tags mark a sidewalk and curb.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012388.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb." class="wp-image-211531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's SoMa, two fluorescent green spray paint tags mark a sidewalk and curb.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012388.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, two tags in fluorescent green spray paint mark a sidewalk and curb." class="wp-image-211531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">On a Langton Street sidewalk north of Folsom Street in San Francisco&#8217;s SoMa, two fluorescent green spray paint tags mark a sidewalk and curb.</figcaption></figure>

Wabl was booked into San Francisco County Jail at 1:21 p.m. Sunday and held on $90,000 of bail. Police said the investigation remains open. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office did not initially respond to a question about whether Wabl had been charged; the Public Defender’s Office said it had little information to share Monday but added that Wabl had not yet been arraigned or appointed an attorney.

Wabl was booked into San Francisco County Jail at 1:21 p.m. Sunday and held on $90,000 of bail. Police said the investigation remains open. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office did not initially respond to a question about whether Wabl had been charged; the Public Defender’s Office said it had little information to share Monday but added that Wabl had not yet been arraigned or appointed an attorney.

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman Stephen Chun told The Standard that the agency had been awarded a $3 million grant from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/09/state-announces-114-5-million-in-clean-california-grants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clean California initiative</a> to clean up bus stops and train stations in the Downtown, SoMa and parts of Chinatown neighborhoods <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-apec-summit-xi-jinping-joe-biden/">ahead of APEC in November</a>.

San Francisco is hosting a global summit in 5 weeks. Many details are still TBD

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman Stephen Chun told The Standard that the agency had been awarded a $3 million grant from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/10/09/state-announces-114-5-million-in-clean-california-grants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clean California initiative</a> to clean up bus stops and train stations in the Downtown, SoMa and parts of Chinatown neighborhoods <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-apec-summit-xi-jinping-joe-biden/">ahead of APEC in November</a>.

San Francisco graffiti ‘kingpin’ suspect arrested as thousands of tags sweep city

Julie Zigoris

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a chore—so turn it into a joyful exploration by making your gifting destination the oldest ethnic enclave in San Francisco, Chinatown. 

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a chore—so turn it into a joyful exploration by making your gifting destination the oldest ethnic enclave in San Francisco, Chinatown.

At a time when <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/12/downtown-san-francisco-1200-contractors-left-jobless-as-doom-loop-bites/">narratives of San Francisco’s demise</a> can feel ubiquitous, there is perhaps no other neighborhood that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/08/this-storied-sf-neighborhood-leans-on-its-golden-past-to-reinvent-its-future/">represents the city’s renaissance better</a>.&nbsp;

Downtown San Francisco: 1,200 contractors left jobless as doom loop bites

A ‘Chinese Sinatra’ and the world’s rudest waiter: Reinventing the golden era of one of SF’s oldest neighborhoods

At a time when <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/12/downtown-san-francisco-1200-contractors-left-jobless-as-doom-loop-bites/">narratives of San Francisco’s demise</a> can feel ubiquitous, there is perhaps no other neighborhood that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/08/this-storied-sf-neighborhood-leans-on-its-golden-past-to-reinvent-its-future/">represents the city’s renaissance better</a>.&nbsp;

Our Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia, and it’s hot off a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/06/san-francisco-apec-chinatown-night-market-vendors/">successful night market</a>, sporting a brand <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/07/central-subway-fully-opens-with-pelosi-back-from-chaotic-speaker-election/">new transit hub</a> and planning for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/san-francisco-chinatown-portsmouth-square-bruce-lee-statue/">coming revitalization of Portsmouth Square</a>. It’s also basking in the light of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which drew renewed attention to the neighborhood and spurred activity from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/06/san-francisco-apec-chinatown-art-block-party/">an art block party</a> to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/14/apec-san-francisco-chinatown-nightlife-tour/">bar and nightclub crawl</a>.&nbsp;

Here are all the vendors at San Francisco&#8217;s next night market in Chinatown this weekend

Central Subway fully opens with Pelosi back from chaotic speaker election

A Bruce Lee statue in San Francisco? Locals want to make it happen

Chinatown block party celebrates APEC with disco, art and free pigeons

Here are all the bars where APEC visitors can party in San Francisco&#8217;s Chinatown

Our Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia, and it’s hot off a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/06/san-francisco-apec-chinatown-night-market-vendors/">successful night market</a>, sporting a brand <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/07/central-subway-fully-opens-with-pelosi-back-from-chaotic-speaker-election/">new transit hub</a> and planning for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/san-francisco-chinatown-portsmouth-square-bruce-lee-statue/">coming revitalization of Portsmouth Square</a>. It’s also basking in the light of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which drew renewed attention to the neighborhood and spurred activity from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/06/san-francisco-apec-chinatown-art-block-party/">an art block party</a> to a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/14/apec-san-francisco-chinatown-nightlife-tour/">bar and nightclub crawl</a>.&nbsp;

Chinatown's kite shop has on sale a phoenix kite, the mythical bird that is a symbol of San Francisco. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5604.jpg?w=2500" alt="A colorful bird kite hangs from the ceiling of a kite shop." class="wp-image-224843"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chinatown&#8217;s kite shop sells a phoenix kite, the mythical bird that is a symbol of San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5604.jpg?w=2500" alt="A colorful bird kite hangs from the ceiling of a kite shop." class="wp-image-224843"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chinatown's kite shop sells a phoenix kite, the mythical bird that is a symbol of San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5604.jpg?w=2500" alt="A colorful bird kite hangs from the ceiling of a kite shop." class="wp-image-224843"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chinatown&#8217;s kite shop sells a phoenix kite, the mythical bird that is a symbol of San Francisco. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinatown-kite-shop">Chinatown Kite Shop</h2>

📍 717 Grant Ave.  🔗 <a href="http://chinatownkite.store.turbify.net/">chinatownkite.store</a>

📍 717 Grant Ave.  🔗 <a href="http://chinatownkite.store.turbify.net/">chinatownkite.store</a>

Open since 1972, Chinatown Kite Shop is a one-of-a-kind store and <a href="https://legacybusiness.org/search/node?keys=chinatown+kite+shop">San Francisco legacy business</a> that has a Zoltar fortune-telling machine out front and an incredible selection of kites inside. Offering everything from simple children’s kites to elaborate handmade dragon kites, you can <a href="http://chinatownkite.store.turbify.net/">find a range of gifts at various price points</a> (including options of the non-kite variety). Perfect for San Franciscans, the store even has on sale a phoenix kite—the mythical bird that serves as the city’s symbol.

Open since 1972, Chinatown Kite Shop is a one-of-a-kind store and <a href="https://legacybusiness.org/search/node?keys=chinatown+kite+shop">San Francisco legacy business</a> that has a Zoltar fortune-telling machine out front and an incredible selection of kites inside. Offering everything from simple children’s kites to elaborate handmade dragon kites, you can <a href="http://chinatownkite.store.turbify.net/">find a range of gifts at various price points</a> (including options of the non-kite variety). Perfect for San Franciscans, the store even has on sale a phoenix kite—the mythical bird that serves as the city’s symbol.

The Chinatown Kite Shop on 717 Grant Ave has been in business on Grant Avenue in Chinatown since 1971. | Julie Zigoris/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/INLINED2_5GreatLegacyBiz12132022-scaled.jpg?w=1875" alt="A blue and pink kite hangs in s hope crowded with kites and other merchandise." class="wp-image-104426"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Chinatown Kite Shop at 717 Grant Ave. has been in business on Grant Avenue in Chinatown since 1971. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ellie-and-eva-company">Ellie and Eva Company</h2>

📍 709 Jackson St. 🔗 No website

Established in 1970, the Ellie and Eva Company is a music store—and another <a href="https://legacybusiness.org/index.php/business/ellie-and-eva-company">legacy business</a>—that carries both new and vintage instruments as well as Chinese pinwheels that symbolize good luck. The company responsible for creating the beautiful teardrop-shaped keychains for APEC <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-san-francisco-swag-bags/">swag bags</a>.

What San Francisco treats are inside the APEC goodie bags?

Established in 1970, the Ellie and Eva Company is a music store—and another <a href="https://legacybusiness.org/index.php/business/ellie-and-eva-company">legacy business</a>—that carries both new and vintage instruments as well as Chinese pinwheels that symbolize good luck. The company responsible for creating the beautiful teardrop-shaped keychains for APEC <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-san-francisco-swag-bags/">swag bags</a>.

There's a large selection of woks and other home goods on sale at Chinatown's Wok Shop. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5612.jpg?w=2500" alt="The entrance to a store shows hanging woks and pans, kitchen tools, postcards and paper lanterns." class="wp-image-224844"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There&#8217;s a large selection of woks and other home goods on sale at Chinatown&#8217;s Wok Shop. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5612.jpg?w=2500" alt="The entrance to a store shows hanging woks and pans, kitchen tools, postcards and paper lanterns." class="wp-image-224844"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There's a large selection of woks and other home goods on sale at Chinatown's Wok Shop. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5612.jpg?w=2500" alt="The entrance to a store shows hanging woks and pans, kitchen tools, postcards and paper lanterns." class="wp-image-224844"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There&#8217;s a large selection of woks and other home goods on sale at Chinatown&#8217;s Wok Shop. </figcaption></figure>

📍 718 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.wokshop.com/">wokshop.com</a>

📍 718 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.wokshop.com/">wokshop.com</a>

While you’ll want to forego picking up any knives as gifts—tradition says that’s bad luck—there’s a whole variety of woks and other kitchen items on sale at the Wok Shop that make the perfect present for the foodie in your life. It’s a delight to search through the filled-to-the-brim, atmospheric shop where the prices are reasonable and the woks are aplenty. In business since 1972, the Wok Shop is a neighborhood institution worth patronizing. 

While you’ll want to forego picking up any knives as gifts—tradition says that’s bad luck—there’s a whole variety of woks and other kitchen items on sale at the Wok Shop that make the perfect present for the foodie in your life. It’s a delight to search through the filled-to-the-brim, atmospheric shop where the prices are reasonable and the woks are aplenty. In business since 1972, the Wok Shop is a neighborhood institution worth patronizing.

📍 729 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://kimandono.com/">kimandono.com</a>

📍 729 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://kimandono.com/">kimandono.com</a>

Kim+Ono specializes in silk and charmeuse handcrafted kimonos in botanical prints, and the serene store is a calm oasis in the midst of frenetic Chinatown. Buy your darling a real silk kimono trimmed with velvet, and they will feel like absolute royalty. The shop also has a beautifully curated selection of books, smudge sticks and other gifts for those who prioritize wellness.  

Kim+Ono specializes in silk and charmeuse handcrafted kimonos in botanical prints, and the serene store is a calm oasis in the midst of frenetic Chinatown. Buy your darling a real silk kimono trimmed with velvet, and they will feel like absolute royalty. The shop also has a beautifully curated selection of books, smudge sticks and other gifts for those who prioritize wellness.

Vital Tealeaf stocks a large variety of teas and offers free samples. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5623.jpg?w=2500" alt="A long shelf with a counter in front of it holds metal canisters of tea." class="wp-image-224846"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vital Tea Leaf stocks a large variety of teas and offers free samples. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-tea-leaf-nbsp">Vital Tea Leaf&nbsp;</h2>

📍 95 Grant Ave. 🔗 <a href="https://vitaltealeaf.net/">vitaltealeaf.net</a>

📍 95 Grant Ave. 🔗 <a href="https://vitaltealeaf.net/">vitaltealeaf.net</a>

You won’t just be shopping for tea, but getting life lessons—and splashes of humor—from owner Kenny when you stroll into <a href="https://vitaltealeaf.net/">Vital Tea Leaf on Grant Avenue</a>. Owner Uncle Gee has his own words of wisdom: “Tea makes you younger, smarter, and twice as sexy,” as the store’s website informs you. You can sample any of the store’s various offerings—including black, green, white, oolong and tisane—for free and also pick up teaware sets as gifts.&nbsp;

You won’t just be shopping for tea, but getting life lessons—and splashes of humor—from owner Kenny when you stroll into <a href="https://vitaltealeaf.net/">Vital Tea Leaf on Grant Avenue</a>. Owner Uncle Gee has his own words of wisdom: “Tea makes you younger, smarter, and twice as sexy,” as the store’s website informs you. You can sample any of the store’s various offerings—including black, green, white, oolong and tisane—for free and also pick up teaware sets as gifts.&nbsp;

The beautiful handmade chocolates for sale at Jade include different shapes and colors. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5580.jpg?w=2500" alt="Pieces of chocolates in colors ranging from orange to blue and with different patterns are visible through a glass display case." class="wp-image-224841"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The beautiful handmade chocolates for sale at Jade come in different shapes and colors. </figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jade-chocolates-nbsp">Jade Chocolates&nbsp;</h2>

📍 607 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.jadechocolates.com/">jadechocolates.com</a>

📍 607 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.jadechocolates.com/">jadechocolates.com</a>

Jade Chocolates is a feast of the senses, a beautifully appointed store where you can <a href="https://www.jadechocolates.com/">shop for some of the most delicious chocolates</a> in the city. There, delicate confections come in a range of shapes, flavors and colors, each more gorgeous than the next. We recommend a salted caramel called the Gold Mountain (the Chinese nickname for San Francisco during the Gold Rush), the olive oil and yuzu piece, and the peanut and mango jam Buddha, dusted with gold and in the shape of its namesake’s head. The signature chocolate bars—in particular, the Genmai—are also insanely delectable.

Jade Chocolates is a feast of the senses, a beautifully appointed store where you can <a href="https://www.jadechocolates.com/">shop for some of the most delicious chocolates</a> in the city. There, delicate confections come in a range of shapes, flavors and colors, each more gorgeous than the next. We recommend a salted caramel called the Gold Mountain (the Chinese nickname for San Francisco during the Gold Rush), the olive oil and yuzu piece, and the peanut and mango jam Buddha, dusted with gold and in the shape of its namesake’s head. The signature chocolate bars—in particular, the Genmai—are also insanely delectable.

The Genmai chocolate bar at Jade Chocolates is one of the shop's bestsellers. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5575.jpg?w=2500" alt="A green-wrapped chocolate bar is tied with a golden ribbon. " class="wp-image-224840"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Genmai chocolate bar at Jade Chocolates is one of the shop&#8217;s bestsellers. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5575.jpg?w=2500" alt="A green-wrapped chocolate bar is tied with a golden ribbon. " class="wp-image-224840"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Genmai chocolate bar at Jade Chocolates is one of the shop's bestsellers. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_5575.jpg?w=2500" alt="A green-wrapped chocolate bar is tied with a golden ribbon. " class="wp-image-224840"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Genmai chocolate bar at Jade Chocolates is one of the shop&#8217;s bestsellers. </figcaption></figure>

The Chinese Culture Center Gift Shop

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chinese-culture-center-gift-shop">The Chinese Culture Center Gift Shop</h2>

📍 750 Kearny St., 3rd Floor&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.cccsf.us/shop">ccsf.us</a>

📍 750 Kearny St., 3rd Floor&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.cccsf.us/shop">ccsf.us</a>

Tucked alongside the Hilton Chinatown San Francisco Hotel on Kearny Street, the Chinese Culture Center has a delightful gift shop that’s like a miniature SFMOMA with its delightful array of quirky goods. Here’s where you can stock up on dim sum pins, Vitasoy keychains and Get Rich earrings to give to your friends—and gift them complete with a Chinese zodiac postcard. As an added bonus, you know your purchase is going to support a cultural institution that supports Chinatown’s vibrant heritage.&nbsp;

Tucked alongside the Hilton Chinatown San Francisco Hotel on Kearny Street, the Chinese Culture Center has a delightful gift shop that’s like a miniature SFMOMA with its delightful array of quirky goods. Here’s where you can stock up on dim sum pins, Vitasoy keychains and Get Rich earrings to give to your friends—and gift them complete with a Chinese zodiac postcard. As an added bonus, you know your purchase is going to support a cultural institution that supports Chinatown’s vibrant heritage.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abacus-row-nbsp">Abacus Row&nbsp;</h2>

📍 1256 Mason St.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.abacusrow.com/">abacusrow.com</a>

📍 1256 Mason St.&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.abacusrow.com/">abacusrow.com</a>

Abacus Row owner Christine Trac curates an ever-changing assortment of locally made jewelry and gifts at a variety of price points at this Mason Street shop. While the store is arguably in Nob Hill, Trac is a fierce advocate for small businesses in Chinatown and features many of them in her own shop.&nbsp;

Abacus Row owner Christine Trac curates an ever-changing assortment of locally made jewelry and gifts at a variety of price points at this Mason Street shop. While the store is arguably in Nob Hill, Trac is a fierce advocate for small businesses in Chinatown and features many of them in her own shop.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canton-bazaar-nbsp">Canton Bazaar&nbsp;</h2>

📍 616 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 No website&nbsp;

📍 616 Grant Ave.&nbsp; 🔗 No website&nbsp;

There are numerous emporia crowded with wares on the cramped streets of Chinatown, and Canton Bazaar is one of the better ones to find a large assortment of gifts at a range of prices. Try picking up a set of silk pillowcases—your loved one will never sleep better—or a mahjong set for wiling away lazy Sunday afternoons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are numerous emporia crowded with wares on the cramped streets of Chinatown, and Canton Bazaar is one of the better ones to find a large assortment of gifts at a range of prices. Try picking up a set of silk pillowcases—your loved one will never sleep better—or a mahjong set for wiling away lazy Sunday afternoons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Owner Kevin Chan sits at his Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco's Chinatown on March 20, 2020.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED03_DateChinatown-081523.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man sits in a tiny factory space that has fortune cookie making equipment and bags of fortune cookies. " class="wp-image-191533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Owner Kevin Chan sits at his Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco&#8217;s Chinatown.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED03_DateChinatown-081523.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man sits in a tiny factory space that has fortune cookie making equipment and bags of fortune cookies. " class="wp-image-191533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Owner Kevin Chan sits at his Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco's Chinatown.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INLINED03_DateChinatown-081523.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man sits in a tiny factory space that has fortune cookie making equipment and bags of fortune cookies. " class="wp-image-191533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Owner Kevin Chan sits at his Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco&#8217;s Chinatown.</figcaption></figure>

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-golden-gate-fortune-cookie-factory">Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory</h2>

📍 56 Ross Alley&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.goldengatefortunecookies.com/">goldengatefortunecookies.com</a>

📍 56 Ross Alley&nbsp; 🔗 <a href="https://www.goldengatefortunecookies.com/">goldengatefortunecookies.com</a>

For a truly unique gift—or over-the-top marriage proposal—place an order for custom fortune cookies at the factory where the signature Chinese treat (which is technically a Japanese invention) was born. You can customize each order with up to three different messages, and you also have the choice of five different flavors. Visit the atmospheric store to watch the cookies being made and select from an even wider range of flavors, sizes and messages—including X-rated ones. 

For a truly unique gift—or over-the-top marriage proposal—place an order for custom fortune cookies at the factory where the signature Chinese treat (which is technically a Japanese invention) was born. You can customize each order with up to three different messages, and you also have the choice of five different flavors. Visit the atmospheric store to watch the cookies being made and select from an even wider range of flavors, sizes and messages—including X-rated ones.

San Francisco Chinatown holiday season shopping guide: 2023 edition

Josh Koehn

San Francisco authorities will force people taken into custody for drug use or possession into a specialized court after a second arrest.

San Francisco authorities will force people taken into custody for drug use or possession into a specialized court after a second arrest.

Mayor London Breed announced the policy change by the District Attorney’s Office in a conversation Wednesday evening at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center. Brooke Jenkins, whom the mayor appointed district attorney last summer, previously said that the city would force people into the drug court after five arrests, and then dropped that number to three in December.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed announced the policy change by the District Attorney’s Office in a conversation Wednesday evening at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center. Brooke Jenkins, whom the mayor appointed district attorney last summer, previously said that the city would force people into the drug court after five arrests, and then dropped that number to three in December.&nbsp;

The District Attorney’s Office confirmed the change in policy to two arrests for drug use and/or possession after receiving community feedback. People charged a second time will be placed in the <a href="https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/collaborative-courts/community-justice-center">Community Justice Center</a> court system starting July 3.

The District Attorney’s Office confirmed the change in policy to two arrests for drug use and/or possession after receiving community feedback. People charged a second time will be placed in the <a href="https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/collaborative-courts/community-justice-center">Community Justice Center</a> court system starting July 3.

“We would be derelict in our duty to protect public safety if we do not utilize every means available to us in our mission to disrupt open-air drug markets by holding drug dealers accountable and working to steer users into care,” Jenkins said in a statement.&nbsp;

“We would be derelict in our duty to protect public safety if we do not utilize every means available to us in our mission to disrupt open-air drug markets by holding drug dealers accountable and working to steer users into care,” Jenkins said in a statement.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed talks at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center about her recent trip to Israel on June 21, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedJCCSF06212023-151-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-173909"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed talks at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center about her recent trip to Israel on Wednesday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

On Wednesday, Breed said law enforcement is focusing the majority of its efforts to combat trafficking and drug use in the Tenderloin neighborhood and South of Market area. She noted that over a 10-day period, police arrested 58 people for drugs and 28% of those people had existing warrants for their arrest. Only 8% of the people arrested were San Francisco residents, Breed added, and every one of the people arrested for the first time refused addiction treatment services.

On Wednesday, Breed said law enforcement is focusing the majority of its efforts to combat trafficking and drug use in the Tenderloin neighborhood and South of Market area. She noted that over a 10-day period, police arrested 58 people for drugs and 28% of those people had existing warrants for their arrest. Only 8% of the people arrested were San Francisco residents, Breed added, and every one of the people arrested for the first time refused addiction treatment services.

San Francisco graffiti ‘kingpin’ suspect arrested as thousands of tags sweep city

San Francisco Chinatown holiday season shopping guide: 2023 edition

Drug crackdown: San Francisco mayor reveals new arrest policy

Kaiser strike: What it means for San Francisco Bay Area patients

Everyone in Silicon Valley has an opinion on OpenAI leadership, Sam Altman as reunion talks swirl

Search Results for: apec

San Francisco graffiti ‘kingpin’ suspect arrested as thousands of tags sweep city

San Francisco Chinatown holiday season shopping guide: 2023 edition

Drug crackdown: San Francisco mayor reveals new arrest policy

Kaiser strike: What it means for San Francisco Bay Area patients

Everyone in Silicon Valley has an opinion on OpenAI leadership, Sam Altman as reunion talks swirl