Annie Gaus

A combination of strict health precautions, long pre-pandemic commutes and a tight job market have delayed a return to offices in San Francisco, leaving downtown merchants hanging in the balance.&nbsp;

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A combination of strict health precautions, long pre-pandemic commutes and a tight job market have delayed a return to offices in San Francisco, leaving downtown merchants hanging in the balance.&nbsp;

San Francisco has the lowest rates of in-person work of any U.S. metro area, with 21% of office workers swiping into office buildings last week according to Kastle Systems, a building access firm. That number has barely budged as pandemic milestones have come and gone, barely exceeding 20% in June even with COVID-19 cases at their lowest point since March 2020 and a large majority of San Franciscans vaccinated. In other major metros like Washington D.C. and New York, office occupancy was closer to one-third.&nbsp;

San Francisco has the lowest rates of in-person work of any U.S. metro area, with 21% of office workers swiping into office buildings last week according to Kastle Systems, a building access firm. That number has barely budged as pandemic milestones have come and gone, barely exceeding 20% in June even with COVID-19 cases at their lowest point since March 2020 and a large majority of San Franciscans vaccinated. In other major metros like Washington D.C. and New York, office occupancy was closer to one-third.&nbsp;

That’s despite the fact that San Francisco has embraced vaccines—the city government and major companies including Salesforce and Airbnb have made them mandatory for employees—and kept Covid rates lower than any other major city.

That’s despite the fact that San Francisco has embraced vaccines—the city government and major companies including Salesforce and Airbnb have made them mandatory for employees—and kept Covid rates lower than any other major city.

San Francisco’s strict masking rules also go beyond what’s required by California health authorities and most jurisdictions nationally, notably mandating that masks be worn indoors—including in offices large and small—regardless of vaccination status. 

San Francisco’s strict masking rules also go beyond what’s required by California health authorities and most jurisdictions nationally, notably mandating that masks be worn indoors—including in offices large and small—regardless of vaccination status.

“It means that when you’re in the office, you’re not going back to the same kind of free flowing interactions you had,” said Alec Levenson, a senior research scientist at USC Marshall School of Business’ Center for Effective Organizations. “Companies are not going to stay remote forever, but it’s a really hard set of choices that people face.”&nbsp;

“It means that when you’re in the office, you’re not going back to the same kind of free flowing interactions you had,” said Alec Levenson, a senior research scientist at USC Marshall School of Business’ Center for Effective Organizations. “Companies are not going to stay remote forever, but it’s a really hard set of choices that people face.”&nbsp;

Local officials have avoided top-down enforcement of mask mandates, instead placing the onus on businesses to ensure that patrons or employees are abiding by the rules. In closed office environments where everyone is vaccinated, lax attitudes toward the indoor mask mandate appear to be common.&nbsp;

Local officials have avoided top-down enforcement of mask mandates, instead placing the onus on businesses to ensure that patrons or employees are abiding by the rules. In closed office environments where everyone is vaccinated, lax attitudes toward the indoor mask mandate appear to be common.&nbsp;

“The health authorities might say you need to [wear a mask at work], but you walk into these offices and people are not complying 100%. They’re just not,” noted Levenson.

“The health authorities might say you need to [wear a mask at work], but you walk into these offices and people are not complying 100%. They’re just not,” noted Levenson.

Mayor London Breed herself highlighted the dilemma posed by strict rules that seem illogical or unenforceable when she was spotted maskless at the Black Cat jazz club, in violation of the requirement that masks be worn indoors except when actively eating and drinking. &#8220;Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements, but don&#8217;t feel as though you have to be micro-managed about mask wearing,” the Mayor said Friday, all but inviting San Franciscans to ignore the rules.

Mayor London Breed herself highlighted the dilemma posed by strict rules that seem illogical or unenforceable when she was spotted maskless at the Black Cat jazz club, in violation of the requirement that masks be worn indoors except when actively eating and drinking. "Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements, but don't feel as though you have to be micro-managed about mask wearing,” the Mayor said Friday, all but inviting San Franciscans to ignore the rules.

Mayor London Breed herself highlighted the dilemma posed by strict rules that seem illogical or unenforceable when she was spotted maskless at the Black Cat jazz club, in violation of the requirement that masks be worn indoors except when actively eating and drinking. &#8220;Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements, but don&#8217;t feel as though you have to be micro-managed about mask wearing,” the Mayor said Friday, all but inviting San Franciscans to ignore the rules.

Bay Area health officers said at a joint press conference in August that they may revise mask guidelines if COVID cases and hospitalizations fall back to where they were in mid-June. Los Angeles, Santa Clara and other Bay Area counties have similar office-masking requirements.&nbsp;

Bay Area health officers said at a joint press conference in August that they may revise mask guidelines if COVID cases and hospitalizations fall back to where they were in mid-June. Los Angeles, Santa Clara and other Bay Area counties have similar office-masking requirements.&nbsp;

“We continue to look at the data and we’re committed to removing restrictions as soon as we can in coordination with the other Bay Area counties,” the S.F. Department of Public Health said in a statement.&nbsp;

“We continue to look at the data and we’re committed to removing restrictions as soon as we can in coordination with the other Bay Area counties,” the S.F. Department of Public Health said in a statement.&nbsp;

That’s small comfort for small business owners in and around the Financial District, where hopes are fading for a quick return to anything resembling pre-pandemic business.

That’s small comfort for small business owners in and around the Financial District, where hopes are fading for a quick return to anything resembling pre-pandemic business.

“We had a lot of dotcom, financial, definitely a lot of lawyers, accounting firms, a lot of commercial real estate and insurance brokers, people in financial securities,” said Will Herrera, who manages the storied Old Ship Saloon on Battery Street. He estimates the saloon is running at about 10% of its prior operations, having seen a fleeting uptick over the summer before the Delta variant led health officials to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-bay-area-counties-reinstate-indoor-mask-mandates-for-all-residents/">reinstate mask mandates</a>.&nbsp;

“We had a lot of dotcom, financial, definitely a lot of lawyers, accounting firms, a lot of commercial real estate and insurance brokers, people in financial securities,” said Will Herrera, who manages the storied Old Ship Saloon on Battery Street. He estimates the saloon is running at about 10% of its prior operations, having seen a fleeting uptick over the summer before the Delta variant led health officials to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-bay-area-counties-reinstate-indoor-mask-mandates-for-all-residents/">reinstate mask mandates</a>.&nbsp;

“Our customer base isn’t making independent decisions; their decisions are being made by their executives or administrators,” Herrera added. “It’s much easier for them to redirect than to have [employees] actually come in and run the risk of an outbreak. That&#8217;s not something that any company wants to inherit right now.”&nbsp;

“Our customer base isn’t making independent decisions; their decisions are being made by their executives or administrators,” Herrera added. “It’s much easier for them to redirect than to have [employees] actually come in and run the risk of an outbreak. That's not something that any company wants to inherit right now.”&nbsp;

“Our customer base isn’t making independent decisions; their decisions are being made by their executives or administrators,” Herrera added. “It’s much easier for them to redirect than to have [employees] actually come in and run the risk of an outbreak. That&#8217;s not something that any company wants to inherit right now.”&nbsp;

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Researchers say there are factors besides the mask mandate hampering in-person office work in San Francisco: long commutes into downtown, employee preferences, and a tech-forward culture that adjusted easily to tools like Zoom and Slack.&nbsp;

Researchers say there are factors besides the mask mandate hampering in-person office work in San Francisco: long commutes into downtown, employee preferences, and a tech-forward culture that adjusted easily to tools like Zoom and Slack.&nbsp;

“Commutes in the Bay Area were already some of the longest in the country, so telecommutes were already pretty common,” said Gwen Litvak, senior vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council. “There’s a sense that it’s still a pretty competitive job market, and for the most part things seem to be working, so there’s a hesitation to call folks back and upset the apple cart.”&nbsp;

“Commutes in the Bay Area were already some of the longest in the country, so telecommutes were already pretty common,” said Gwen Litvak, senior vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council. “There’s a sense that it’s still a pretty competitive job market, and for the most part things seem to be working, so there’s a hesitation to call folks back and upset the apple cart.”&nbsp;

Among major San Francisco employers, many if not most have embraced vaccine mandates. The city of San Francisco instituted a vaccine requirement in June; likewise, large private companies like Salesforce, LinkedIn and Airbnb <a href="https://sfstandard.com/federal-vaccine-mandate-unlikely-to-shift-plans-at-major-s-f-employers/">have made vaccines mandatory</a> for anyone coming into the office.&nbsp;

Among major San Francisco employers, many if not most have embraced vaccine mandates. The city of San Francisco instituted a vaccine requirement in June; likewise, large private companies like Salesforce, LinkedIn and Airbnb <a href="https://sfstandard.com/federal-vaccine-mandate-unlikely-to-shift-plans-at-major-s-f-employers/">have made vaccines mandatory</a> for anyone coming into the office.&nbsp;

None contacted by Here/Say were requiring employees to work in-person, however. Surveys of tech workers show that many prefer remote work, and some have even urged their employers to continue offering flexible work options.

None contacted by Here/Say were requiring employees to work in-person, however. Surveys of tech workers show that many prefer remote work, and some have even urged their employers to continue offering flexible work options.

Indoor mask mandates dampen outlook for SF’s downtown

Kevin Truong

It wasn&#8217;t hard to spot the family of tourists ascending the Powell Street Station escalator. Luggage in tow and squeezed between a busker banging on a makeshift drum set and a speaker blasting Sade’s “Smooth Operator” the group stared at their phones quizzically as they emerged into the chaos of Market Street during the holidays.

It wasn't hard to spot the family of tourists ascending the Powell Street Station escalator. Luggage in tow and squeezed between a busker banging on a makeshift drum set and a speaker blasting Sade’s “Smooth Operator” the group stared at their phones quizzically as they emerged into the chaos of Market Street during the holidays.

It wasn&#8217;t hard to spot the family of tourists ascending the Powell Street Station escalator. Luggage in tow and squeezed between a busker banging on a makeshift drum set and a speaker blasting Sade’s “Smooth Operator” the group stared at their phones quizzically as they emerged into the chaos of Market Street during the holidays.

Brian DeBellevue sprang into action. Decked out in a vivid orange jacket and baseball cap—and with a smile that’s hard to miss, even behind a mask—<meta charset="utf-8">he looked a bit like a walking traffic cone.&nbsp;

Brian DeBellevue sprang into action. Decked out in a vivid orange jacket and baseball cap—and with a smile that’s hard to miss, even behind a mask—<meta charset="utf-8">he looked a bit like a walking traffic cone.&nbsp;

After a quick greeting and a self-deprecating joke, DeBellevue pointed them to their Union Square hotel.&nbsp;

After a quick greeting and a self-deprecating joke, DeBellevue pointed them to their Union Square hotel.&nbsp;

&#8220;You get a sense pretty quickly of the people who really need you,” DeBellevue said, miming a person buried in their smartphone map spinning around to figure out which way to walk. “Sometimes people are a little off put, but most of the time they’re really thankful to have someone help them out.”

"You get a sense pretty quickly of the people who really need you,” DeBellevue said, miming a person buried in their smartphone map spinning around to figure out which way to walk. “Sometimes people are a little off put, but most of the time they’re really thankful to have someone help them out.”

&#8220;You get a sense pretty quickly of the people who really need you,” DeBellevue said, miming a person buried in their smartphone map spinning around to figure out which way to walk. “Sometimes people are a little off put, but most of the time they’re really thankful to have someone help them out.”

DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. They are responsible for welcoming people to the city, offering directions, taking photos, answering questions and functioning as a concierge for both visitors and residents alike.&nbsp;

DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. They are responsible for welcoming people to the city, offering directions, taking photos, answering questions and functioning as a concierge for both visitors and residents alike.&nbsp;

“The primary goal is to welcome people to the city, give information and help people feel comfortable and safe in San Francisco,” said Rena Leddy, vice president of Urban Place Consulting Group, which was enlisted to help design the program. It&#8217;s managed by Louisville, K.Y.-based Block by Block, which runs about 120 programs around the country.

“The primary goal is to welcome people to the city, give information and help people feel comfortable and safe in San Francisco,” said Rena Leddy, vice president of Urban Place Consulting Group, which was enlisted to help design the program. It's managed by Louisville, K.Y.-based Block by Block, which runs about 120 programs around the country.

“The primary goal is to welcome people to the city, give information and help people feel comfortable and safe in San Francisco,” said Rena Leddy, vice president of Urban Place Consulting Group, which was enlisted to help design the program. It&#8217;s managed by Louisville, K.Y.-based Block by Block, which runs about 120 programs around the country.

Paulita Elliott, director of operations at Block by Block, said the San Francisco program was unique in that ambassadors here, rather than being limited to a single main tourist district, are often assigned to multiple locations and take public transportation to travel between their postings.

Paulita Elliott, director of operations at Block by Block, said the San Francisco program was unique in that ambassadors here, rather than being limited to a single main tourist district, are often assigned to multiple locations and take public transportation to travel between their postings.

The program formally <a href="https://sfstandard.com/eyeing-conventions-san-francisco-installs-welcome-ambassadors-downtown/">started in November</a> and has conducted more than 230,000 public greetings.&nbsp;

The program formally <a href="https://sfstandard.com/eyeing-conventions-san-francisco-installs-welcome-ambassadors-downtown/">started in November</a> and has conducted more than 230,000 public greetings.&nbsp;

The Welcome Ambassador program operates 7 days a week, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with ambassadors posted in key tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Powell St. Cable Car Turnaround.&nbsp;

The Welcome Ambassador program operates 7 days a week, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with ambassadors posted in key tourist areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Powell St. Cable Car Turnaround.&nbsp;

Brian DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to essentially act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. | Photo by Mike Kuba

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_10.png" alt="Welcome Ambassadors 1" class="wp-image-21353"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to essentially act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_10.png" alt="Welcome Ambassadors 1" class="wp-image-21353"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue is one of the roughly 50 Welcome Ambassadors that have been hired to essentially act as the front door greeters for San Francisco. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

Some of the initial hiccups in its rollout have stemmed from the lack of reliable public transit and retaining workers unprepared for the hospitality role or the physical nature of the job.

Some of the initial hiccups in its rollout have stemmed from the lack of reliable public transit and retaining workers unprepared for the hospitality role or the physical nature of the job.

“Being outside in the Bay weather and walking 10 to 13 miles is not always what they think it is,” Elliot said.&nbsp;

“Being outside in the Bay weather and walking 10 to 13 miles is not always what they think it is,” Elliot said.&nbsp;

The program is just one of several efforts to encourage more visitors to downtown and other tourist attractions. Other initiatives include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">staffing tourist areas with police officers</a>, another downtown ambassador program comprised of retired police officers, and beautification projects in and around Union Square.

The program is just one of several efforts to encourage more visitors to downtown and other tourist attractions. Other initiatives include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">staffing tourist areas with police officers</a>, another downtown ambassador program comprised of retired police officers, and beautification projects in and around Union Square.

Mayor London Breed has positioned the effort as part of the gradual recovery of San Francisco’s struggling tourism sector and a signal of safety to both residents and tourists.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed has positioned the effort as part of the gradual recovery of San Francisco’s struggling tourism sector and a signal of safety to both residents and tourists.&nbsp;

Moanna Sauleaupepetele, who was one of the program&#8217;s first hires, said community members have started to recognize the ambassadors’ presence and have taken to calling her and her colleagues “the orange people.”

Moanna Sauleaupepetele, who was one of the program's first hires, said community members have started to recognize the ambassadors’ presence and have taken to calling her and her colleagues “the orange people.”

Moanna Sauleaupepetele, who was one of the program&#8217;s first hires, said community members have started to recognize the ambassadors’ presence and have taken to calling her and her colleagues “the orange people.”

The welcome ambassadors are funded through a two-year $12.5 million grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to the San Francisco Tourism Improvement District, which is responsible for supporting SF Travel, the city’s tourism agency.&nbsp;

The welcome ambassadors are funded through a two-year $12.5 million grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to the San Francisco Tourism Improvement District, which is responsible for supporting SF Travel, the city’s tourism agency.&nbsp;

The ambassador’s friendly presence aims to boost to a lagging tourism industry that has traditionally been one of the main drivers of the city’s economy. San Francisco’s hotel market has had the largest fall and the slowest recovery of any major metropolitan area in the U.S.

The ambassador’s friendly presence aims to boost to a lagging tourism industry that has traditionally been one of the main drivers of the city’s economy. San Francisco’s hotel market has had the largest fall and the slowest recovery of any major metropolitan area in the U.S.

“San Francisco was one of the highest performing before the pandemic so it had farther to fall off,” said Emmy Hise, the CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for the Western U.S. “They’ve seen a huge loss in international travel and a very heavy group travel presence that hasn’t come back.&#8221;

“San Francisco was one of the highest performing before the pandemic so it had farther to fall off,” said Emmy Hise, the CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for the Western U.S. “They’ve seen a huge loss in international travel and a very heavy group travel presence that hasn’t come back."

“San Francisco was one of the highest performing before the pandemic so it had farther to fall off,” said Emmy Hise, the CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for the Western U.S. “They’ve seen a huge loss in international travel and a very heavy group travel presence that hasn’t come back.&#8221;

Those macroeconomic factors have been compounded by a national media narrative that has painted a city in crisis and struggling with an overdose epidemic and street crime.

Those macroeconomic factors have been compounded by a national media narrative that has painted a city in crisis and struggling with an overdose epidemic and street crime.

There was little evidence of that story at the Powell St. cable car turnaround on a recent Thursday morning.

There was little evidence of that story at the Powell St. cable car turnaround on a recent Thursday morning.

The line for the city’s iconic cable cars included local tourists marveling at the relative lack of crowds downtown, long-haired Dutch headbangers in town for Metallica&#8217;s 40th anniversary concert and a visitor from India unfortunately named Kovid (“I had the name 55 years earlier,” he protested.)

The line for the city’s iconic cable cars included local tourists marveling at the relative lack of crowds downtown, long-haired Dutch headbangers in town for Metallica's 40th anniversary concert and a visitor from India unfortunately named Kovid (“I had the name 55 years earlier,” he protested.)

The line for the city’s iconic cable cars included local tourists marveling at the relative lack of crowds downtown, long-haired Dutch headbangers in town for Metallica&#8217;s 40th anniversary concert and a visitor from India unfortunately named Kovid (“I had the name 55 years earlier,” he protested.)

Ardis Young, a Campbell resident on her first trip back to San Francisco since the pandemic, said her group was struck by the prevalence of ambassadors and street cleaning teams near tourist haunts. They provided a contrast to some of the stories around street conditions and rampant crime she and her friends had seen on the local news.&nbsp;

Ardis Young, a Campbell resident on her first trip back to San Francisco since the pandemic, said her group was struck by the prevalence of ambassadors and street cleaning teams near tourist haunts. They provided a contrast to some of the stories around street conditions and rampant crime she and her friends had seen on the local news.&nbsp;

While the lack of crowds meant “a different experience,” she still relished the city’s ability “to unearth something new” and mentioned the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS981US981&amp;oq=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.2040j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Let’s Glow SF</a> projection mapping display as a recent highlight.&nbsp;

While the lack of crowds meant “a different experience,” she still relished the city’s ability “to unearth something new” and mentioned the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS981US981&amp;oq=Let%E2%80%99s+Glow+SF+projection+sfstandard&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.2040j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Let’s Glow SF</a> projection mapping display as a recent highlight.&nbsp;

DeBellevue worked the line like a seasoned pro, combining information about Muni’s smartphone app with bits of San Francisco trivia and teasing about this or that sports teams’ prospects.

DeBellevue worked the line like a seasoned pro, combining information about Muni’s smartphone app with bits of San Francisco trivia and teasing about this or that sports teams’ prospects.

“I like to catch people when they&#8217;re in line and get them laughing and having fun because it can get pretty defeating waiting an hour for something to go,” DeBellevue said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I like to catch people when they're in line and get them laughing and having fun because it can get pretty defeating waiting an hour for something to go,” DeBellevue said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I like to catch people when they&#8217;re in line and get them laughing and having fun because it can get pretty defeating waiting an hour for something to go,” DeBellevue said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ambassadors are often confronted with the harsher realities faced by the city. On the walk between Powell Station and Union Square, DeBellevue hunched down to check on a man splayed out on a sidewalk vent.

The ambassadors are often confronted with the harsher realities faced by the city. On the walk between Powell Station and Union Square, DeBellevue hunched down to check on a man splayed out on a sidewalk vent.

“We do have a lot of interactions with the homeless population and we do welfare checks,” DeBellevue said. “Our job is to make sure everybody’s good, it’s not just about tourists, it’s like every person has value and is seen. Just because you’re on drugs or have whatever you got going on, it doesn’t mean you don’t have value or are not important.”

“We do have a lot of interactions with the homeless population and we do welfare checks,” DeBellevue said. “Our job is to make sure everybody’s good, it’s not just about tourists, it’s like every person has value and is seen. Just because you’re on drugs or have whatever you got going on, it doesn’t mean you don’t have value or are not important.”

He recounted a recent experience he had helping a blind homeless man connect with services after he had received a housing voucher.&nbsp;

He recounted a recent experience he had helping a blind homeless man connect with services after he had received a housing voucher.&nbsp;

“He had this opportunity to get off the streets, so I helped him with that. I called 311, got him in touch with the correct channel and got him to the address,” DeBellevue said. “You have no idea the amount of joy that that brought him.”

“He had this opportunity to get off the streets, so I helped him with that. I called 311, got him in touch with the correct channel and got him to the address,” DeBellevue said. “You have no idea the amount of joy that that brought him.”

Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco's tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_6.png" alt="Welcome Ambassador" class="wp-image-21371"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco&#8217;s tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_6.png" alt="Welcome Ambassador" class="wp-image-21371"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco's tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Still_6.png" alt="Welcome Ambassador" class="wp-image-21371"/><figcaption>Brian DeBellevue spends his day in San Francisco&#8217;s tourist haunts sharing directions, travel tips or just a bit of conversation. | Photo by Mike Kuba</figcaption></figure>

Each ambassador is given an Android device used as a walkie-talkie and for data collection around community engagement. The smartphone is loaded with apps that show the schedule for tour buses and public transportation and translation software for communication with non-English speakers.&nbsp;

Each ambassador is given an Android device used as a walkie-talkie and for data collection around community engagement. The smartphone is loaded with apps that show the schedule for tour buses and public transportation and translation software for communication with non-English speakers.&nbsp;

Ambassadors use their device to report data on their interactions with the public. The program’s leaders say these metrics and forthcoming surveys are key to understanding the impact of the ambassadors and measuring their success.

Ambassadors use their device to report data on their interactions with the public. The program’s leaders say these metrics and forthcoming surveys are key to understanding the impact of the ambassadors and measuring their success.

In his seven years in the city, DeBellevue has struggled with housing insecurity himself, relying on assistance from his mother and government relief to make ends meet. But the new role has provided him the rare opportunity to see the city anew.

In his seven years in the city, DeBellevue has struggled with housing insecurity himself, relying on assistance from his mother and government relief to make ends meet. But the new role has provided him the rare opportunity to see the city anew.

“When people come here they realize even the movies don’t do it justice,” DeBellevue said. “When you see it with your own eyes, you’re like ‘wow, this place is incredible.’”

“When people come here they realize even the movies don’t do it justice,” DeBellevue said. “When you see it with your own eyes, you’re like ‘wow, this place is incredible.’”

Meet the ‘orange people’ who are helping visitors and buffing SF’s battered image

Mike Kuba

Sophie Bearman

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

In preparation for the return of tourists to San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced a new officer deployment plan on Monday in an effort to assuage visitors’ fears over crime and safety in the city.

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

With summer visitors trickling back to the city, Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott said the department will deploy 26 additional officers, on bicycle and on foot, to five districts popular with tourists.&nbsp;

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

“We have work to do to make sure that when people come to San Francisco … that they feel safe,” said Breed. “So you will see more officers in Chinatown. You will see more officers at the Palace of Fine Arts and at Alamo Square and in Union Square.”

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

The city expects 15.3 million visitors by year’s end, significantly fewer than the record 26.2 million visitors in 2019 but an improvement from 2020’s pandemic-driven low of 10.2 million visitors.

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

As part of the new deployment plan, 14 officers will patrol the Central Police District, which includes Union Square, Market Street, Powell Street, Chinatown, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Mission Police District, Park Police District and Richmond Police District will see two additional officers, respectively. The Northern Police District will have six additional patrols around the Palace of Fine Arts, Alamo Square and Japantown.&nbsp;

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

Tourism is a major cash cow for San Francisco: In 2019, visitors spent over $10 billion, supported more than 86,000 jobs and fueled $820 million in city taxes and fees, according to the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel). Tourism spending plunged 80% in 2020, and city revenue associated with tourism fell nearly 67% to $273 million.

SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 23:  Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, May 23, 2021. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman's Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1320085736-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6371"/><figcaption>Tourists eat at Sabella and La Torre on Taylor Street at Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf on Sunday, May 23, 2021. | Photo via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

A report <a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-2020-tourism-figures-reflect-devastating-loss-during-pandemic-year">released in March</a> estimated that total visitation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, and that total visitor spending may not recover until 2025. International travel is expected to recover more slowly than domestic travel.&nbsp;

A report <a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-2020-tourism-figures-reflect-devastating-loss-during-pandemic-year">released in March</a> estimated that total visitation will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, and that total visitor spending may not recover until 2025. International travel is expected to recover more slowly than domestic travel.&nbsp;

“The recovery is going to be long and slow and painful,” said SF Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “But it is absolutely essential that visitors to San Francisco feel safe when they come here and they have a great experience.”

“The recovery is going to be long and slow and painful,” said SF Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “But it is absolutely essential that visitors to San Francisco feel safe when they come here and they have a great experience.”

The 26 additional officers are intended to deter crimes that frequently target tourists, and to make arrests as swiftly as possible when crimes do happen.&nbsp;

The 26 additional officers are intended to deter crimes that frequently target tourists, and to make arrests as swiftly as possible when crimes do happen.&nbsp;

“You’ll see [officers] in the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. A word to people breaking into cars around the Palace of Fine Arts: You will be caught,” said Scott.&nbsp;

“You’ll see [officers] in the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. A word to people breaking into cars around the Palace of Fine Arts: You will be caught,” said Scott.&nbsp;

For the upcoming budget cycle, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved additional police overtime pay and 135 new officers over two years. Scott had originally asked for 200 new officers to address a staffing shortage and make up for an expected wave of retirements.&nbsp;

For the upcoming budget cycle, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved additional police overtime pay and 135 new officers over two years. Scott had originally asked for 200 new officers to address a staffing shortage and make up for an expected wave of retirements.&nbsp;

The police department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">expects to lose</a> 111 officers between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, Scott told the Board of Supervisors in March. Scott pointed to a <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/SFPDStaffingStudyReport20210304.pdf">March 2020 study</a> by an independent consulting firm, Matrix Consulting, that described SFPD’s patrol staffing as “severely inadequate” and recommended 2,176 full-time officers. SFPD currently has about 1,780 sworn officers.&nbsp;

The police department <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sfpd-chief-to-supervisors-we-need-your-support/">expects to lose</a> 111 officers between fiscal years 2021 and 2022, and another 80 in the year following, Scott told the Board of Supervisors in March. Scott pointed to a <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/SFPDStaffingStudyReport20210304.pdf">March 2020 study</a> by an independent consulting firm, Matrix Consulting, that described SFPD’s patrol staffing as “severely inadequate” and recommended 2,176 full-time officers. SFPD currently has about 1,780 sworn officers.&nbsp;

Sargent Caraway takes a moment after investigating the shooting and robbery on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on June 10, 2021.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/OFarrellShooting-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4555"/><figcaption>Sargent Caraway takes a moment after investigating the shooting and robbery on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco on June 10, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

The 26 officers deployed to tourist zones will be largely funded by overtime, and the 135 officers approved in the upcoming budget will help the department “not shrink,” according to Scott, and perhaps to grow slightly if fewer officers retire than expected.&nbsp;

The 26 officers deployed to tourist zones will be largely funded by overtime, and the 135 officers approved in the upcoming budget will help the department “not shrink,” according to Scott, and perhaps to grow slightly if fewer officers retire than expected.&nbsp;

“I want to stress that these additional deployments under this plan will supplement, not subtract from, our existing citywide deployment,” Scott said on Monday. “We’re going through some challenging times right now and we had to make some tough decisions. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors for giving us additional overtime this year.”&nbsp;

“I want to stress that these additional deployments under this plan will supplement, not subtract from, our existing citywide deployment,” Scott said on Monday. “We’re going through some challenging times right now and we had to make some tough decisions. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors for giving us additional overtime this year.”&nbsp;

During the budget process, critics of SFPD asserted that new, non-police responses to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-fire-department-could-soon-place-emergency-psychiatric-holds/">street-level concerns</a>—such as the various <a href="https://sfstandard.com/board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-create-new-homelessness-response-team-but-details-remain-murky/">street response teams</a> funded in the upcoming budget cycle—should reduce the need for police funding. Meanwhile, some business and other community leaders have urged more police patrols amid rising concerns over property crimes, attacks on seniors and other high-profile incidents.&nbsp;

During the budget process, critics of SFPD asserted that new, non-police responses to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-fire-department-could-soon-place-emergency-psychiatric-holds/">street-level concerns</a>—such as the various <a href="https://sfstandard.com/board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-create-new-homelessness-response-team-but-details-remain-murky/">street response teams</a> funded in the upcoming budget cycle—should reduce the need for police funding. Meanwhile, some business and other community leaders have urged more police patrols amid rising concerns over property crimes, attacks on seniors and other high-profile incidents.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased that additional officers are deployed here, and I can see from my experience yesterday, it was great to be in Chinatown and great to be in the city,” said Larry Yee, President of the Hop Wo Benevolent Association and a member of the Police Commission.&nbsp;

“We’re very pleased that additional officers are deployed here, and I can see from my experience yesterday, it was great to be in Chinatown and great to be in the city,” said Larry Yee, President of the Hop Wo Benevolent Association and a member of the Police Commission.&nbsp;

At a press conference last week, Breed and Scott painted a <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20988260/sfpd-compstat-midyear-presentation-final.pdf">mixed picture</a> on crime in San Francisco, pointing to a drop in reported auto break-ins and larceny theft alongside a rise in burglaries and shootings. On Monday, Breed expressed frustration with the perception—among some locals and tourists—that the city is unsafe.

At a press conference last week, Breed and Scott painted a <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20988260/sfpd-compstat-midyear-presentation-final.pdf">mixed picture</a> on crime in San Francisco, pointing to a drop in reported auto break-ins and larceny theft alongside a rise in burglaries and shootings. On Monday, Breed expressed frustration with the perception—among some locals and tourists—that the city is unsafe.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department&#8230;has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department...has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

“In almost every single instance when there was a violent attack, this police department&#8230;has made arrests and I’ve asked the press and others to make it clear to the public that you will not get away with committing these horrible acts in our city,” said Breed on Monday.

The new officer deployment plan is one of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety in high-traffic parts of San Francisco.&nbsp;

The new officer deployment plan is one of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety in high-traffic parts of San Francisco.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin and Mid-Market areas, SFPD boosted its officer presence alongside a team of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tenderloin-and-mid-market-improvement-plan-met-with-high-hopes-and-some-skepticism/">“community ambassadors”</a> trained to de-escalate conflict, address trash and other sanitation concerns and act as a helpful neighborhood presence.&nbsp;

In the Tenderloin and Mid-Market areas, SFPD boosted its officer presence alongside a team of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tenderloin-and-mid-market-improvement-plan-met-with-high-hopes-and-some-skepticism/">“community ambassadors”</a> trained to de-escalate conflict, address trash and other sanitation concerns and act as a helpful neighborhood presence.&nbsp;

In Union Square, the city plans to add community ambassadors in conjunction with new public art and events programming to enliven the shopping and tourism corridor.&nbsp;

In Union Square, the city plans to add community ambassadors in conjunction with new public art and events programming to enliven the shopping and tourism corridor.&nbsp;

“To the 15 million or so visitors that come to the city each year, we want you to know: This is a safe city; this is a great city,” added Scott.&nbsp;

“To the 15 million or so visitors that come to the city each year, we want you to know: This is a safe city; this is a great city,” added Scott.&nbsp;

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

Meaghan Mitchell

Whether you call it Freedom Day, Jubilee, Black Independence Day—or by its original namesake, Juneteenth—June 19 commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Whether you call it Freedom Day, Jubilee, Black Independence Day—or by its original namesake, Juneteenth—June 19 commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

It’s also a time to pay tribute to African American culture, and there are many ways to do that, from patronizing <a href="https://oewd.org/black-owned-businesses-san-francisco">Black-owned businesses</a>, reading books by Black authors or by watching a Black-directed film.&nbsp;

<p id="h-it-s-also-a-time-to-pay-tribute-to-african-american-culture-and-there-are-many-ways-to-do-that-from-patronizing-black-owned-businesses-reading-books-by-black-authors-or-by-watching-a-black-directed-film">It’s also a time to pay tribute to African American culture, and there are many ways to do that, from patronizing <a href="https://oewd.org/black-owned-businesses-san-francisco">Black-owned businesses</a>, reading books by Black authors or by watching a Black-directed film.&nbsp;

You don’t even have to wait until June 19. Any day is a good day to recognize all the things that Black folks have given to this country and the world. However, given that Juneteenth is right around the corner, there are many Juneteenth-adjacent celebrations of Black life, joy and culture scheduled between now and the holiday in question.

You don’t even have to wait until June 19. Any day is a good day to recognize all the things that Black folks have given to this country and the world. However, given that Juneteenth is right around the corner, there are many Juneteenth-adjacent celebrations of Black life, joy and culture scheduled between now and the holiday in question.

Scroll down for The Standard’s roundup of local Juneteenth events.

Scroll down for The Standard’s roundup of local Juneteenth events.

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Juneteenth 2022 Events in San Francisco

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-juneteenth-2022-events-in-san-francisco" style="font-size:30px">Juneteenth 2022 Events in San Francisco</h2>

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<h2 id="h-juneteenth-2022-events-in-san-francisco" style="font-size:30px">Juneteenth 2022 Events in San Francisco</h2>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wdjusticenow/photos/a.1597073697255499/2796798303949693/">Juneteenth Kick-Off At City Hall</a>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-juneteenth-kick-off-at-city-hall"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wdjusticenow/photos/a.1597073697255499/2796798303949693/">Juneteenth Kick-Off At City Hall</a></h3>

<h3 id="h-juneteenth-kick-off-at-city-hall"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wdjusticenow/photos/a.1597073697255499/2796798303949693/">Juneteenth Kick-Off At City Hall</a></h3>

City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl. Friday, June 10, 12 &#8211; 2 p.m. | Free

City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl. Friday, June 10, 12 - 2 p.m. | Free

City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl. Friday, June 10, 12 &#8211; 2 p.m. | Free

This Friday, in partnership with the Human Rights Commission, activist Phelicia Jones, founder of local social justice organization, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wdjusticenow/">Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community</a>, will be hosting the second annual Juneteenth Kickoff rally on the steps of City Hall. Attendees are invited to celebrate through song, dance, community speakers and speeches from President Shamann Walton and Mayor London Breed, who will raise the Juneteenth Flag at City Hall. There will also be a free barbeque.

This Friday, in partnership with the Human Rights Commission, activist Phelicia Jones, founder of local social justice organization, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wdjusticenow/">Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community</a>, will be hosting the second annual Juneteenth Kickoff rally on the steps of City Hall. Attendees are invited to celebrate through song, dance, community speakers and speeches from President Shamann Walton and Mayor London Breed, who will raise the Juneteenth Flag at City Hall. There will also be a free barbeque.

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reparations-2-year-anniversary-tickets-344980374587?fs=e&amp;s=cl">‘Reparations’: 2-Year Anniversary</a>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reparations-2-year-anniversary"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reparations-2-year-anniversary-tickets-344980374587?fs=e&amp;s=cl">‘Reparations’: 2-Year Anniversary</a></h3>

<h3 id="h-reparations-2-year-anniversary"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reparations-2-year-anniversary-tickets-344980374587?fs=e&amp;s=cl">‘Reparations’: 2-Year Anniversary</a></h3>

Indoor mask mandates dampen outlook for SF’s downtown

Meet the ‘orange people’ who are helping visitors and buffing SF’s battered image

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

San Francisco celebrates Juneteenth with food fests, drag parties, live music and more

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations

Search Results for: london breed

Indoor mask mandates dampen outlook for SF’s downtown

Meet the ‘orange people’ who are helping visitors and buffing SF’s battered image

SF leaders to tourists: ‘This is a safe city’

San Francisco celebrates Juneteenth with food fests, drag parties, live music and more

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations