Joel Umanzor

It is not just San Franciscans who will have to adjust their routes around the city as APEC kicks off. Robotaxis are also feeling the impact from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that starts Saturday.

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It is not just San Franciscans who will have to adjust their routes around the city as APEC kicks off. Robotaxis are also feeling the impact from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that starts Saturday.

Waymo&#8217;s autonomous vehicle service will be adjusted to reflect the restricted access around San Francisco, according to a Waymo spokesperson.

Waymo's autonomous vehicle service will be adjusted to reflect the restricted access around San Francisco, according to a Waymo spokesperson.

Waymo&#8217;s autonomous vehicle service will be adjusted to reflect the restricted access around San Francisco, according to a Waymo spokesperson.

&#8220;We are in coordination with local and national agencies and will be adjusting our service to comply with security zones and temporary road closures,&#8221; said Christopher Bonelli, a Waymo spokesperson. &#8220;This will restrict access to Downtown San Francisco during the conference and may affect wait times and routing throughout the rest of the city.&#8221;

"We are in coordination with local and national agencies and will be adjusting our service to comply with security zones and temporary road closures," said Christopher Bonelli, a Waymo spokesperson. "This will restrict access to Downtown San Francisco during the conference and may affect wait times and routing throughout the rest of the city."

&#8220;We are in coordination with local and national agencies and will be adjusting our service to comply with security zones and temporary road closures,&#8221; said Christopher Bonelli, a Waymo spokesperson. &#8220;This will restrict access to Downtown San Francisco during the conference and may affect wait times and routing throughout the rest of the city.&#8221;

Road closures and restrictions will be in place in South of Market and Nob Hill, as well as along the Embarcadero and near the Legion of Honor as world leaders and VIPs move about the city. The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of security during the weeklong event, which is drawing world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Road closures and restrictions will be in place in South of Market and Nob Hill, as well as along the Embarcadero and near the Legion of Honor as world leaders and VIPs move about the city. The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of security during the weeklong event, which is drawing world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-cruise-waymo-robotaxis-fleet-charging/">APEC San Francisco: See Security, Traffic, Transit Maps</a>

San Francisco officials try to block robotaxis from expanding into deliveries

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-cruise-waymo-robotaxis-fleet-charging/">APEC San Francisco: See Security, Traffic, Transit Maps</a>

A reporter with The Standard observed a Waymo vehicle attempt to enter a restricted zone Thursday afternoon near Moscone Center, where APEC meetings will be held.

A reporter with The Standard observed a Waymo vehicle attempt to enter a restricted zone Thursday afternoon near Moscone Center, where APEC meetings will be held.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/110123_licenseplates-00_01_40_03-still009.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_waymo_apec_inline.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Waymo autonomous vehicle is seen stopped at a corner near Moscone Center, where the APEC summit will take place. </figcaption></figure>

The vehicle eventually reversed itself and adjusted its route.

The vehicle eventually reversed itself and adjusted its route.

The limitation to service may disappoint APEC attendees hoping to experience a robotaxi ride in San Francisco, one of the few cities in the U.S. where driverless cars can accept paying customers for rides.

The limitation to service may disappoint APEC attendees hoping to experience a robotaxi ride in San Francisco, one of the few cities in the U.S. where driverless cars can accept paying customers for rides.

Waymo had been competing in San Francisco with rival autonomous vehicle company Cruise until the California Department of Motor Vehicles <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-dmv-suspension-praised-san-francisco-officials/">suspended</a> Cruise vehicles from operating on city streets amid safety concerns.

San Francisco officials praise Cruise robotaxi suspension: ‘Better late than never’

Waymo had been competing in San Francisco with rival autonomous vehicle company Cruise until the California Department of Motor Vehicles <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-dmv-suspension-praised-san-francisco-officials/">suspended</a> Cruise vehicles from operating on city streets amid safety concerns.

<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/cruise-waymo-san-francisco-18472568.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data reported by the San Francisco Chronicle</a> showed Waymo completed nearly 20,000 paid driverless trips in the city in August, along with almost 8,400 unpaid rides. Cruise completed 17,000 paid driverless trips and 49,000 unpaid trips.

<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/cruise-waymo-san-francisco-18472568.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data reported by the San Francisco Chronicle</a> showed Waymo completed nearly 20,000 paid driverless trips in the city in August, along with almost 8,400 unpaid rides. Cruise completed 17,000 paid driverless trips and 49,000 unpaid trips.

Waymo to reduce robotaxi service in San Francisco during APEC

Han Li

Frequent high-profile crimes and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-29nymZYKI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral shoplifting videos</a> from San Francisco have done more than provide ample fodder for American commentators. They’ve begun to seriously harm the city’s international reputation as well.&nbsp;

Frequent high-profile crimes and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-29nymZYKI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral shoplifting videos</a> from San Francisco have done more than provide ample fodder for American commentators. They’ve begun to seriously harm the city’s international reputation as well.&nbsp;

As the city gets ready to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/apec-san-francisco-xi-biden-meeting/">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> in only 10 days, reports bashing San Francisco are very easy to find in the online Chinese-speaking world. It’s not just the comments section, either—in many cases, the stories themselves spare no criticism.

Deal reached for Biden-Xi talks at APEC San Francisco, but details still being worked out

As the city gets ready to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/apec-san-francisco-xi-biden-meeting/">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> in only 10 days, reports bashing San Francisco are very easy to find in the online Chinese-speaking world. It’s not just the comments section, either—in many cases, the stories themselves spare no criticism.

“Ghost town San Francisco to have major blood exchange transfusion as APEC will bring the safest week in history to the city,” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liQNzbLQn9Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reads one headline</a> by U.S. Chinese Radio. “The whole country is working to ensure public safety, but what happens next?”

“Ghost town San Francisco to have major blood exchange transfusion as APEC will bring the safest week in history to the city,” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liQNzbLQn9Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reads one headline</a> by U.S. Chinese Radio. “The whole country is working to ensure public safety, but what happens next?”

RELATED: <a href="https://dash.parsely.com/sfstandard.com/posts/e25lU3CvhiP-San-Francisco-Opening-Hundreds-of-Homeless-Shelter-Beds-as-Winter-APEC-Approach">San Francisco Opening Hundreds of Homeless Shelter Beds as Winter, APEC Approach</a>

RELATED: <a href="https://dash.parsely.com/sfstandard.com/posts/e25lU3CvhiP-San-Francisco-Opening-Hundreds-of-Homeless-Shelter-Beds-as-Winter-APEC-Approach">San Francisco Opening Hundreds of Homeless Shelter Beds as Winter, APEC Approach</a>

Other headlines have come up with dramatic-sounding nicknames for what used to be called the City by the Bay, including “<a href="http://society.sohu.com/a/690160421_121118975" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Total Failure</a>,” “<a href="http://news.sohu.com/a/679152664_121470062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garbage City</a>,” “<a href="https://haokan.baidu.com/v?pd=wisenatural&amp;vid=3620196232890174519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruined City</a>” and “<a href="https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1fM4y1E7U5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fallen City</a>.”

Other headlines have come up with dramatic-sounding nicknames for what used to be called the City by the Bay, including “<a href="http://society.sohu.com/a/690160421_121118975" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Total Failure</a>,” “<a href="http://news.sohu.com/a/679152664_121470062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garbage City</a>,” “<a href="https://haokan.baidu.com/v?pd=wisenatural&amp;vid=3620196232890174519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruined City</a>” and “<a href="https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1fM4y1E7U5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fallen City</a>.”

A police vehicle sits parked along Van Ness Avenue next to an encampment several blocks from City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINE05_VanNessHomeless092723.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-212645"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A police vehicle sits parked along Van Ness Avenue next to a homeless encampment a few blocks from City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINE05_VanNessHomeless092723.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-212645"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A police vehicle sits parked along Van Ness Avenue next to a homeless encampment a few blocks from City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

“San Francisco declines into a ‘death loop’ as this city of freedom and love falls from heaven to hell,” <a href="https://news.ifeng.com/c/8QiHzkKOcun" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a headline from the Chinese-language Phoenix TV reads</a>.

“San Francisco declines into a ‘death loop’ as this city of freedom and love falls from heaven to hell,” <a href="https://news.ifeng.com/c/8QiHzkKOcun" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a headline from the Chinese-language Phoenix TV reads</a>.

Maybe the most prominent attack on the city came from the People’s Daily, which is considered the official mouthpiece of Beijing and the Chinese Communist Party. In <a href="http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2023-06/09/nw.D110000renmrb_20230609_1-16.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a June article</a> headlined, “Theft and robbery have become an epidemic in the U.S.,” San Francisco was mentioned multiple times, citing both the closure of Market Street’s Whole Foods and a surge in property crime.

Maybe the most prominent attack on the city came from the People’s Daily, which is considered the official mouthpiece of Beijing and the Chinese Communist Party. In <a href="http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2023-06/09/nw.D110000renmrb_20230609_1-16.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a June article</a> headlined, “Theft and robbery have become an epidemic in the U.S.,” San Francisco was mentioned multiple times, citing both the closure of Market Street’s Whole Foods and a surge in property crime.

Other than the widely known problems of homelessness and drug crisis, some of the city’s high-profile local crimes also travel through the language barriers to the Chinese world.

Other than the widely known problems of homelessness and drug crisis, some of the city’s high-profile local crimes also travel through the language barriers to the Chinese world.

Last month, a Chinese driver crashed into San Francisco’s Chinese consulate, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/12/chinese-consulate-san-francisco-car-crash-suspect-yang-guns/">where he was shot and killed</a>, triggering a wave of Chinese-language coverage <a href="https://m.163.com/dy/article/IGMQ4C3805539IG6.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regarding public safety in San Francisco</a>.&nbsp;

Man who allegedly attacked China&#8217;s San Francisco consulate had fake guns, book on assassinations

Last month, a Chinese driver crashed into San Francisco’s Chinese consulate, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/12/chinese-consulate-san-francisco-car-crash-suspect-yang-guns/">where he was shot and killed</a>, triggering a wave of Chinese-language coverage <a href="https://m.163.com/dy/article/IGMQ4C3805539IG6.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regarding public safety in San Francisco</a>.&nbsp;

Eason Chan, a Chinese pop superstar, <a href="https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121341/7497014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made headlines in Chinese media</a> when he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/eason-chan-chase-center-san-francisco-dirty-streets/">mocked San Francisco’s dirty streets</a> at a September concert at Chase Center.

At Chase Center, Chinese superstar Eason Chan mocks San Francisco’s dirty streets

Eason Chan, a Chinese pop superstar, <a href="https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121341/7497014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made headlines in Chinese media</a> when he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/eason-chan-chase-center-san-francisco-dirty-streets/">mocked San Francisco’s dirty streets</a> at a September concert at Chase Center.

Other major crime stories in the city—including the April <a href="https://m.huxiu.com/article/1070274.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killing of tech executive Bob Lee</a> and the 2022 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/david-depape-paul-pelosi-trial-witnesses-federal-court/">attack on Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul</a>, have become resources for foreign media to mine as they address the city’s “<a href="https://m.huxiu.com/article/1070274.html">darkness</a>” and “<a href="https://www.guancha.cn/internation/2022_11_02_664892.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lawlessness</a>.”

Paul Pelosi and his alleged attacker may testify at federal trial

Other major crime stories in the city—including the April <a href="https://m.huxiu.com/article/1070274.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killing of tech executive Bob Lee</a> and the 2022 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/david-depape-paul-pelosi-trial-witnesses-federal-court/">attack on Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul</a>, have become resources for foreign media to mine as they address the city’s “<a href="https://m.huxiu.com/article/1070274.html">darkness</a>” and “<a href="https://www.guancha.cn/internation/2022_11_02_664892.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lawlessness</a>.”

A screengrab from a video of the moment after a vehicle  crashed into the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on Monday, Oct. 10, 2023. The driver was armed with a knife and crossbow, according to an SFPD source with direct knowledge of the investigation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FEATURED_WhatWeKnowConsulate.jpg?w=1202" alt="" class="wp-image-209982"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A screengrab from a video of the moment after a vehicle crashed into the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on Monday, Oct. 10, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

Something as mundane as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/downtown-san-francisco-starbucks-shuttering-multiple-stores/">closure of a Starbucks</a> can spark striking headlines on the Chinese internet.&nbsp;

Starbucks is closing 7 cafes in downtown San Francisco. See which ones

Something as mundane as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/downtown-san-francisco-starbucks-shuttering-multiple-stores/">closure of a Starbucks</a> can spark striking headlines on the Chinese internet.&nbsp;

“Even Starbucks can’t stand it, San Francisco is seriously sick,” <a href="https://www.toutiao.com/article/7287345634368078372/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a post on the popular news site Toutiao</a> reads. The coffee chain explained that the closure is meant to ensure “a healthy store portfolio.”

“Even Starbucks can’t stand it, San Francisco is seriously sick,” <a href="https://www.toutiao.com/article/7287345634368078372/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a post on the popular news site Toutiao</a> reads. The coffee chain explained that the closure is meant to ensure “a healthy store portfolio.”

However, on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media site, people are noticing the city is getting better because of APEC—which also benefited Beijing when that city hosted the summit nearly a decade ago.

However, on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media site, people are noticing the city is getting better because of APEC—which also benefited Beijing when that city hosted the summit nearly a decade ago.

A Bay Area resident <a href="https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/6534a9860000000025020571" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said in a post</a> that he thanked APEC—which turned the Chinese capital’s smoggy skies blue for a month in 2014, thanks to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/04/beijing-smokescreen-hide-pollution-apec" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive efforts to quickly clean up the environment</a>. He credited APEC for making San Francisco’s previously “homeless people-occupied” streets walkable.

A Bay Area resident <a href="https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/6534a9860000000025020571" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said in a post</a> that he thanked APEC—which turned the Chinese capital’s smoggy skies blue for a month in 2014, thanks to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/04/beijing-smokescreen-hide-pollution-apec" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive efforts to quickly clean up the environment</a>. He credited APEC for making San Francisco’s previously “homeless people-occupied” streets walkable.

“This is not an economic trade summit,” the author posted in Chinese. “It’s a magic conference.”

“This is not an economic trade summit,” the author posted in Chinese. “It’s a magic conference.”

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/h_9_QqSy59w
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">What exactly is APEC, and why is San Francisco hosting part of it this year? KQED journalist and APEC Host Committee Press Ambassador Priya David Clemens explains. | Video by Jesse Rogala</figcaption></figure>

Ghost town? Ruined city? Ahead of APEC, Chinese-language media bashes San Francisco

The Standard Staff

Tech mogul Elon Musk apparently will not speak at Thursday&#8217;s APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco as previously announced.

Tech mogul Elon Musk apparently will not speak at Thursday's APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco as previously announced.

Tech mogul Elon Musk apparently will not speak at Thursday&#8217;s APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco as previously announced.

An updated schedule Thursday showed Musk&#8217;s name had been removed from the program. He had been slated to speak alongside Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff in a conversation about &#8220;AI and the Future&#8221; at the CEO Summit, which is being held this afternoon at the Moscone Center in the South of Market neighborhood.

An updated schedule Thursday showed Musk's name had been removed from the program. He had been slated to speak alongside Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff in a conversation about "AI and the Future" at the CEO Summit, which is being held this afternoon at the Moscone Center in the South of Market neighborhood.

An updated schedule Thursday showed Musk&#8217;s name had been removed from the program. He had been slated to speak alongside Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff in a conversation about &#8220;AI and the Future&#8221; at the CEO Summit, which is being held this afternoon at the Moscone Center in the South of Market neighborhood.

John Kerry, U.S. special presidential envoy on climate, is <a href="https://apecceosummit2023.com/program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">now listed instead</a>.

John Kerry, U.S. special presidential envoy on climate, is <a href="https://apecceosummit2023.com/program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">now listed instead</a>.

The Musk-Benioff conversation had been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/biden-xi-president-elon-musk-apec-ceo-summit/">one of the most anticipated</a> panels, at least from an entertainment perspective.

San Francisco tech elite gain audience with world leaders at APEC CEO summit

The Musk-Benioff conversation had been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/biden-xi-president-elon-musk-apec-ceo-summit/">one of the most anticipated</a> panels, at least from an entertainment perspective.

&#8220;Elon Musk had a schedule change that prevented him from joining the APEC CEO Summit 2023,&#8221; a spokesperson for the summit said. &#8220;We’re thankful for his offer to join the session remotely; however, it was agreed among all speakers that participation would be in person. We look forward to Elon joining us at a future APEC CEO Summit.&#8221;

"Elon Musk had a schedule change that prevented him from joining the APEC CEO Summit 2023," a spokesperson for the summit said. "We’re thankful for his offer to join the session remotely; however, it was agreed among all speakers that participation would be in person. We look forward to Elon joining us at a future APEC CEO Summit."

&#8220;Elon Musk had a schedule change that prevented him from joining the APEC CEO Summit 2023,&#8221; a spokesperson for the summit said. &#8220;We’re thankful for his offer to join the session remotely; however, it was agreed among all speakers that participation would be in person. We look forward to Elon joining us at a future APEC CEO Summit.&#8221;

Musk was a guest Wednesday night at a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/16/xi-dinner-with-us-ceos-tim-cook-elon-musk-steve-schwarzman-spotted.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reception and dinner</a> for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Musk was a guest Wednesday night at a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/16/xi-dinner-with-us-ceos-tim-cook-elon-musk-steve-schwarzman-spotted.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reception and dinner</a> for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A query about Musk&#8217;s participation sent to X received the response, &#8220;Busy now, please check back later.&#8221;

A query about Musk's participation sent to X received the response, "Busy now, please check back later."

A query about Musk&#8217;s participation sent to X received the response, &#8220;Busy now, please check back later.&#8221;

Elon Musk drops off program at APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco

David Sjostedt

As San Francisco geared up to host APEC last month, many residents <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/san-francisco-cleaned-up-for-apec-see-before-and-after-photos/">noticed there were suddenly fewer</a> homeless encampments in the Downtown area. But it was previously unclear how many tents and vehicle dwellings were removed as world leaders and global CEOs descended on the city for the weeklong summit.&nbsp;

San Francisco cleaned up for APEC: See before and after photos

As San Francisco geared up to host APEC last month, many residents <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/san-francisco-cleaned-up-for-apec-see-before-and-after-photos/">noticed there were suddenly fewer</a> homeless encampments in the Downtown area. But it was previously unclear how many tents and vehicle dwellings were removed as world leaders and global CEOs descended on the city for the weeklong summit.&nbsp;

Now, new data released by the city gives a sense of scale of just how many fewer people were visibly living on the streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, new data released by the city gives a sense of scale of just how many fewer people were visibly living on the streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A tent and vehicle count conducted by the Department of Emergency Management on Nov. 22 shows there was a decrease of 101 tents and 365 vehicle dwellings between July and November. That’s a 16% decrease in tents and a 35% drop in inhabited vehicles, such as recreational vehicles (RVs). The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference ran from Nov. 11 to Nov. 17 at the Moscone Center. 

A tent and vehicle count conducted by the Department of Emergency Management on Nov. 22 shows there was a decrease of 101 tents and 365 vehicle dwellings between July and November. That’s a 16% decrease in tents and a 35% drop in inhabited vehicles, such as recreational vehicles (RVs). The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference ran from Nov. 11 to Nov. 17 at the Moscone Center.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/02/are-homeless-people-living-on-san-francisco-rooftops/">Are Homeless People Living on San Francisco Rooftops?</a>

Are homeless people living on San Francisco rooftops?

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/02/are-homeless-people-living-on-san-francisco-rooftops/">Are Homeless People Living on San Francisco Rooftops?</a>

Public records show city officials&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/14/city-clears-homeless-encampments-apec/">prioritized encampment clearings</a>&nbsp;in high-visibility areas such as Van Ness Avenue.

San Francisco ‘cleaned up’ streets ahead of APEC. But how and what, exactly, did it do?

Public records show city officials&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/14/city-clears-homeless-encampments-apec/">prioritized encampment clearings</a>&nbsp;in high-visibility areas such as Van Ness Avenue.

United Nations Plaza and the area around the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building also saw a reduction in the number of tents and drug activity.&nbsp;

United Nations Plaza and the area around the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building also saw a reduction in the number of tents and drug activity.&nbsp;

Terry Asten Bennett, president of the Castro Merchants Association, told The Standard she noticed an uptick in unhoused people on her neighborhood’s streets.&nbsp;

Terry Asten Bennett, president of the Castro Merchants Association, told The Standard she noticed an uptick in unhoused people on her neighborhood’s streets.&nbsp;

Asten Bennett said such an influx is typical when the city hosts large events, such as APEC and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-san-francisco-benioff-safety-concerns/">Dreamforce</a>, but the new faces typically disappear from the neighborhood shortly after.&nbsp;

Salesforce CEO urged San Francisco to clean up its act ahead of Dreamforce. Do attendees see results?

Asten Bennett said such an influx is typical when the city hosts large events, such as APEC and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-san-francisco-benioff-safety-concerns/">Dreamforce</a>, but the new faces typically disappear from the neighborhood shortly after.&nbsp;

“It’d be nice if city services came out and assisted the people who need help instead of just setting them loose on us,” Asten Bennett said. “They just disappeared back to wherever they came from.”

“It’d be nice if city services came out and assisted the people who need help instead of just setting them loose on us,” Asten Bennett said. “They just disappeared back to wherever they came from.”

A Department of Public Works employee stands beside a truck filled with the belongings of unhoused people during an encampment clearing the week before APEC.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dpw-worker.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city employee looks at the camera as he loads unhoused people's items into a truck." class="wp-image-221195"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Department of Public Works employee stands beside a truck filled with the belongings of unhoused people during an encampment clearing the week before APEC.</figcaption></figure>

The city’s homelessness department said it didn’t add any shelter beds for the conference nor did it see an increase in placements.

The city’s homelessness department said it didn’t add any shelter beds for the conference nor did it see an increase in placements.

However, the city opened its annual 30-bed winter shelter the day before APEC and commenced a 300-bed “inflation” of the city’s existing shelters in the following weeks.

However, the city opened its annual 30-bed winter shelter the day before APEC and commenced a 300-bed “inflation” of the city’s existing shelters in the following weeks.

In an emailed statement provided to The Standard on Monday, the Department of Emergency Management contended that the reduction in tents and vehicles wasn’t a result of APEC-related efforts. The department instead credited ongoing shelter placements, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/jail-population-grows-amid-san-francisco-fentanyl-crisis/">arrests of people for dealing and using drugs</a> and new legal guidance <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/police-homeless-policy/">issued in October</a> that allowed police to enforce anti-camping laws in some cases.&nbsp;

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Here’s how San Francisco police plan to enforce laws against homeless encampments

In an emailed statement provided to The Standard on Monday, the Department of Emergency Management contended that the reduction in tents and vehicles wasn’t a result of APEC-related efforts. The department instead credited ongoing shelter placements, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/jail-population-grows-amid-san-francisco-fentanyl-crisis/">arrests of people for dealing and using drugs</a> and new legal guidance <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/police-homeless-policy/">issued in October</a> that allowed police to enforce anti-camping laws in some cases.&nbsp;

“Improving street conditions are the result of numerous factors,” it said. “The City’s work to address homelessness is a priority 365 days per year and reductions in tents are the result of months of placements into shelter and housing.” The number of visible encampments on the city’s streets peaked at the onset of the pandemic in April 2020, when the city tallied 1,108 tents. In October 2020, the city counted a record number of 1,335 vehicle dwellings, according to the quarterly count.

“Improving street conditions are the result of numerous factors,” it said. “The City’s work to address homelessness is a priority 365 days per year and reductions in tents are the result of months of placements into shelter and housing.” The number of visible encampments on the city’s streets peaked at the onset of the pandemic in April 2020, when the city tallied 1,108 tents. In October 2020, the city counted a record number of 1,335 vehicle dwellings, according to the quarterly count.

Recreational Vehicle (RVs), motor homes and campers line Winston Drive in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. The city has proposed enforcing a four-hour parking restriction on the block located near Lake Merced which would impact people living in their RVs, campers and motorhomes in the area.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LakeMercedRvs09192019_0003.jpg?w=2500" alt="A line of RVs parked on the sidewalk." class="wp-image-203220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Recreational vehicles, motor homes and campers line Winston Drive on San Francisco&#8217;s west side.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LakeMercedRvs09192019_0003.jpg?w=2500" alt="A line of RVs parked on the sidewalk." class="wp-image-203220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Recreational vehicles, motor homes and campers line Winston Drive on San Francisco's west side.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LakeMercedRvs09192019_0003.jpg?w=2500" alt="A line of RVs parked on the sidewalk." class="wp-image-203220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Recreational vehicles, motor homes and campers line Winston Drive on San Francisco&#8217;s west side.</figcaption></figure>

The city had seen a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/homeless-shelter-data/">gradual increase</a> in the number of homeless encampments this year, reaching 609 tents and 1,058 inhabited vehicles before the November count found a decrease.&nbsp;

More San Francisco homeless people are entering shelters, but encampments are on the rise

The city had seen a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/homeless-shelter-data/">gradual increase</a> in the number of homeless encampments this year, reaching 609 tents and 1,058 inhabited vehicles before the November count found a decrease.&nbsp;

Over 4,000 people sleep on the city’s streets on any given night, according to the most recent federally mandated “point-in-time” count.&nbsp;

Over 4,000 people sleep on the city’s streets on any given night, according to the most recent federally mandated “point-in-time” count.&nbsp;

Advocates for homeless people say the number of encampments doesn’t correspond with the number of people experiencing homelessness. In particular, homeless families are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/06/san-francisco-homeless-families-turned-away/">less likely to be captured</a> in such counts as they may be “doubling up” on couches or in vehicles.&nbsp;

San Francisco homeless shelter forced to turn away families every day

Advocates for homeless people say the number of encampments doesn’t correspond with the number of people experiencing homelessness. In particular, homeless families are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/06/san-francisco-homeless-families-turned-away/">less likely to be captured</a> in such counts as they may be “doubling up” on couches or in vehicles.&nbsp;

There were 417 people on the city’s shelter waitlist for single adults as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

There were 417 people on the city’s shelter waitlist for single adults as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/san-francisco-homeless-children-hundreds-christmas/">238 homeless families were waiting</a> to enter San Francisco’s family shelters, including 363 children and 323 adults, as of last Wednesday.&nbsp;

San Francisco has 363 homeless kids waiting for shelter ahead of Christmas

Meanwhile, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/07/san-francisco-homeless-children-hundreds-christmas/">238 homeless families were waiting</a> to enter San Francisco’s family shelters, including 363 children and 323 adults, as of last Wednesday.&nbsp;

“[The data] seems to indicate widespread sweeps,” Christin Evans, a member of the Homelessness Oversight Commission, said of the tent count conducted after APEC. “The numbers were not surprising. What was surprising to me was we didn’t see a corresponding increase in shelter bed use.”

“[The data] seems to indicate widespread sweeps,” Christin Evans, a member of the Homelessness Oversight Commission, said of the tent count conducted after APEC. “The numbers were not surprising. What was surprising to me was we didn’t see a corresponding increase in shelter bed use.”

Here’s how many homeless encampments San Francisco cleared before APEC

Julie Zigoris

Volunteers across various government departments were busy stuffing bags in the basement of San Francisco City Hall Thursday afternoon, preparing for the onslaught of international media arriving for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>.&nbsp;

APEC San Francisco: Everything to know about security, traffic and transit in 10 maps

Volunteers across various government departments were busy stuffing bags in the basement of San Francisco City Hall Thursday afternoon, preparing for the onslaught of international media arriving for the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>.&nbsp;

Produced by <a href="https://www.rickshawbags.com/">famed Dogpatch manufacturer Rickshaw Bagworks,</a> they each contain 10 items—or 11, including the deck of playing cards from Graton Casino—each hand-selected by Mayor London Breed and Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu.

Produced by <a href="https://www.rickshawbags.com/">famed Dogpatch manufacturer Rickshaw Bagworks,</a> they each contain 10 items—or 11, including the deck of playing cards from Graton Casino—each hand-selected by Mayor London Breed and Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu.

“They tested everything,” said Jocelyne Jackson, who oversaw the volunteer swag bag effort. “And the mayor was very particular about all the vendors being from San Francisco.”&nbsp;

“They tested everything,” said Jocelyne Jackson, who oversaw the volunteer swag bag effort. “And the mayor was very particular about all the vendors being from San Francisco.”&nbsp;

The 600 tote bags, emblazoned with an image of the Golden Gate Bridge, will be distributed to members of the media covering APEC on Wednesday or Thursday of next week.&nbsp;

The 600 tote bags, emblazoned with an image of the Golden Gate Bridge, will be distributed to members of the media covering APEC on Wednesday or Thursday of next week.&nbsp;

Here’s a look at the mayor-approved San Francisco goodies:&nbsp;

Here’s a look at the mayor-approved San Francisco goodies:&nbsp;

Thatcher’s Kettle Corn will be given to APEC delegates at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit as part of the swag bag in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. In the tote bag, delegates will receive goodies such as instant coffee from Blue Bottle, a water tumbler, popcorn, and a tote bag.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106-apecswagbags-012.jpg?w=2500" alt="A top-down product shot of a bag of Tahtchers Kettle corn." class="wp-image-219885"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thatcher’s Kettle Corn will be given to members of the media as part of the APEC swag bag in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Thatcher’s Kettle Corn&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thatcher-s-kettle-corn-nbsp">Thatcher’s Kettle Corn&nbsp;</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thatcher-s-kettle-corn-nbsp">Thatcher’s Kettle Corn&nbsp;</h2>

With the Golden Gate Bridge on the label, there’s no question that Thatcher’s is a true San Francisco treat. The “San Francisco style” <a href="https://tgsp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gourmet popcorn</a> got its start in 1983 in a small retail store and quickly grew to multiple locations and eventually a warehouse. Now selling to outlets wholesale and under private labels, Thatcher’s has a wide selection of popcorn in flavors from tiramisu to jalapeño.&nbsp;

With the Golden Gate Bridge on the label, there’s no question that Thatcher’s is a true San Francisco treat. The “San Francisco style” <a href="https://tgsp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gourmet popcorn</a> got its start in 1983 in a small retail store and quickly grew to multiple locations and eventually a warehouse. Now selling to outlets wholesale and under private labels, Thatcher’s has a wide selection of popcorn in flavors from tiramisu to jalapeño.&nbsp;

A leather-bound notebook will be given to APEC delegates at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit as part of the swag bag in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. In the tote bag, delegates will receive goodies such as instant coffee from Blue Bottle, a water tumbler, popcorn, and a tote bag.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106-apecswagbags-011.jpg?w=2500" alt="An orange leather notebook featuring an outline of San Francisco’s cable car and the words “San Francisco” above it." class="wp-image-219884"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A leather-bound notebook will be inside the APEC goodie bag distributed to media covering the event.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-san-francisco-journal">San Francisco Journal</h2>

Visiting journalists will have plenty of lined paper to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/apec-doom-loop-guide-18468345.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&amp;utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jot their doom loop musings</a> in the international orange leather journal in the APEC goodie bag. Inscribed with “San Francisco” and an image of the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/05/15-things-you-never-knew-about-san-franciscos-iconic-cable-cars/">iconic mode of transportation</a>, there’s no forgetting where you are. The <a href="https://www.chameleonlike.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chameleon journal and accessory company</a> is based in Gilroy, the Bay Area garlic capital.&nbsp;

San Francisco cable cars: 15 things you never knew

Visiting journalists will have plenty of lined paper to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/apec-doom-loop-guide-18468345.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&amp;utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jot their doom loop musings</a> in the international orange leather journal in the APEC goodie bag. Inscribed with “San Francisco” and an image of the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/05/15-things-you-never-knew-about-san-franciscos-iconic-cable-cars/">iconic mode of transportation</a>, there’s no forgetting where you are. The <a href="https://www.chameleonlike.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chameleon journal and accessory company</a> is based in Gilroy, the Bay Area garlic capital.&nbsp;

A San Francisco tumblar will be given to APEC delegates at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit as part of the swag bag in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. In the tote bag, delegates will receive goodies such as instant coffee from Blue Bottle, a water tumbler, popcorn, and a tote bag.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106-apecswagbags-017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A top-down product shot of a white San Francisco-themed water bottle with the Golden Gate Bridge design." class="wp-image-219890"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A San Francisco tumbler will be included in the APEC media goodie bag.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco Water Bottle

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-san-francisco-water-bottle">San Francisco Water Bottle</h2>

Liberty Bottles <a href="https://libertybottles.com/">might be made in Union Gap, Washington</a>, from U.S.-sourced aluminum, but the one tucked inside the APEC goodie bag proudly displays the best-known San Francisco landmark: the Golden Gate Bridge. Cut down on plastic—Bay Area-style—by refilling your signature single-walled bottle at a water fountain.&nbsp;

Liberty Bottles <a href="https://libertybottles.com/">might be made in Union Gap, Washington</a>, from U.S.-sourced aluminum, but the one tucked inside the APEC goodie bag proudly displays the best-known San Francisco landmark: the Golden Gate Bridge. Cut down on plastic—Bay Area-style—by refilling your signature single-walled bottle at a water fountain.&nbsp;

Socola Chocolatier will be given to APEC delegates at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit as part of the swag bag in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. In the tote bag, delegates will receive goodies such as instant coffee from Blue Bottle, a water tumbler, popcorn, and a tote bag.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106-apecswagbags-015.jpg?w=2500" alt="A top-down product shot Socola Chocolatier in a red box." class="wp-image-219888"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Socola Chocolatier truffles will be in the APEC media goodie bag.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socola-chocolates">Socola Chocolates</h2>

Wendy Lieu has been cooking up truffles since she was a child, and her passion eventually led her to open her own brick-and-mortar shop in the city with her sister Susan. The truffles from <a href="https://www.socolachocolates.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Socola Chocolatier on Folsom Street</a> come in a variety of flavors—the ones nestled inside the swag bag include hazelnut, champagne, dark chocolate and the city’s favorite herbal liqueur: fernet. The “San Francisco Collection” of chocolates includes images of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alamo Square and a cable car on the truffles. The fernet flavor? That one has Alcatraz.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wendy Lieu has been cooking up truffles since she was a child, and her passion eventually led her to open her own brick-and-mortar shop in the city with her sister Susan. The truffles from <a href="https://www.socolachocolates.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Socola Chocolatier on Folsom Street</a> come in a variety of flavors—the ones nestled inside the swag bag include hazelnut, champagne, dark chocolate and the city’s favorite herbal liqueur: fernet. The “San Francisco Collection” of chocolates includes images of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alamo Square and a cable car on the truffles. The fernet flavor? That one has Alcatraz.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A elizabethW hand sanitizer will be given to APEC delegates at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit as part of the swag bag in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. In the tote bag, delegates will receive goodies such as instant coffee from Blue Bottle, a water tumbler, popcorn, and a tote bag.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106-apecswagbags-013.jpg?w=2500" alt="A top-down product shot of elizabethW hand sanitizer." class="wp-image-219886"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An elizabethW hand sanitizer will be inside the APEC media goodie bag.</figcaption></figure>

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