Gabe Greschler

Doubling down on his tough rhetoric on public safety, mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is proposing a citywide street vending ban and says he wants to allow retired San Francisco cops to come back to active duty without reducing their pensions.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

Doubling down on his tough rhetoric on public safety, mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is proposing a citywide street vending ban and says he wants to allow retired San Francisco cops to come back to active duty without reducing their pensions.&nbsp;

Those ideas are among a slew of public safety proposals Farrell is rolling out in the wake of last week’s election, which saw San Francisco voters shift a bit to the right, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">giving police more powers to use drones and initiate chases</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">requiring some welfare recipients to undergo drug screening</a>.

Voters approve Prop. E, giving more powers to San Francisco police

Prop. F, requiring drug screening for welfare aid, approved by voters

Those ideas are among a slew of public safety proposals Farrell is rolling out in the wake of last week’s election, which saw San Francisco voters shift a bit to the right, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">giving police more powers to use drones and initiate chases</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">requiring some welfare recipients to undergo drug screening</a>.

The former interim mayor and member of the Board of Supervisors had already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">vowed to fire Police Chief Bill Scott on “day one.”</a> Farrell’s new proposals indicate he believes a tough line on public safety will woo a sizable chunk of voters who have railed against the state of San Francisco’s streets in recent years.&nbsp;

Mark Farrell vows to fire police chief, clear homeless camps as mayor

The former interim mayor and member of the Board of Supervisors had already <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">vowed to fire Police Chief Bill Scott on “day one.”</a> Farrell’s new proposals indicate he believes a tough line on public safety will woo a sizable chunk of voters who have railed against the state of San Francisco’s streets in recent years.&nbsp;

“Over the last six years, everybody has watched our city crumble. Public safety has never been a bigger concern,” Farrell said in an interview with The Standard. “The conditions of our streets have never been worse.”

“Over the last six years, everybody has watched our city crumble. Public safety has never been a bigger concern,” Farrell said in an interview with The Standard. “The conditions of our streets have never been worse.”

He said last week’s election results show “continued momentum away from ideology and toward common sense in San Francisco. It started with the recalls of our district attorney [and] our school board [in 2022]. And to me, last Tuesday was a continuation of that trend.”

He said last week’s election results show “continued momentum away from ideology and toward common sense in San Francisco. It started with the recalls of our district attorney [and] our school board [in 2022]. And to me, last Tuesday was a continuation of that trend.”

Mayor London Breed put <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Propositions E (expanding police powers)</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">F (drug screening)</a> on the ballot and has sought to use their passage as momentum for her reelection bid.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed put <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Propositions E (expanding police powers)</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-results-prop-f-drug-welfare/">F (drug screening)</a> on the ballot and has sought to use their passage as momentum for her reelection bid.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed gives her State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Breed gave an impassioned speech on San Francisco’s recovery post-pandemic, and pushed back on criticism of the city.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_24.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person wearing a blue blazer speaks animatedly at a lectern with microphones, American flags in the background." class="wp-image-257435"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed gives her State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_24.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person wearing a blue blazer speaks animatedly at a lectern with microphones, American flags in the background." class="wp-image-257435"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed gives her State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

During a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-london-breed-moderates-win/">triumphant press conference last Wednesday</a>, Breed defended her propositions, claiming that they amounted to not being &#8220;hard on crime&#8221; but &#8220;being smart and being balanced and being fair.&#8221; Voters were looking for a &#8220;back to basics&#8221; approach from city governing, she said.

&#8216;San Francisco has not abandoned its values,&#8217; says Breed after decisive moderate election victories

During a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-london-breed-moderates-win/">triumphant press conference last Wednesday</a>, Breed defended her propositions, claiming that they amounted to not being "hard on crime" but "being smart and being balanced and being fair." Voters were looking for a "back to basics" approach from city governing, she said.

During a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/06/san-francisco-election-london-breed-moderates-win/">triumphant press conference last Wednesday</a>, Breed defended her propositions, claiming that they amounted to not being &#8220;hard on crime&#8221; but &#8220;being smart and being balanced and being fair.&#8221; Voters were looking for a &#8220;back to basics&#8221; approach from city governing, she said.

Farrell is not the only one who has tried to hijack Breed’s Prop. E bandwagon. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/05/money-san-francisco-mayor-election-london-breed-daniel-lurie/">Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie formed a pro-Prop. E committee</a> to reframe the measure as an indictment of Breed’s leadership and raised nearly $700,000 for it.

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

Farrell is not the only one who has tried to hijack Breed’s Prop. E bandwagon. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/05/money-san-francisco-mayor-election-london-breed-daniel-lurie/">Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie formed a pro-Prop. E committee</a> to reframe the measure as an indictment of Breed’s leadership and raised nearly $700,000 for it.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-aim-at-u-n-plaza">Taking aim at U.N. Plaza</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-aim-at-u-n-plaza">Taking aim at U.N. Plaza</h2>

With the San Francisco Police Department short hundreds of officers, Farrell is also proposing outsourcing police background checks to speed up hiring, says he would fund five police academies a year and wants strict closure hours at parks.&nbsp;

With the San Francisco Police Department short hundreds of officers, Farrell is also proposing outsourcing police background checks to speed up hiring, says he would fund five police academies a year and wants strict closure hours at parks.&nbsp;

He pointed to U.N. Plaza, near City Hall, as an example of a public space that has been taken over by criminal elements. The area is a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">hotbed of illegal vending and drug dealing</a>, as well as drug overdoses.&nbsp;

24 hours at SF&#8217;s worst drug corner: The city&#8217;s struggle to control Seventh and Market

He pointed to U.N. Plaza, near City Hall, as an example of a public space that has been taken over by criminal elements. The area is a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-drug-crisis-worst-corner-un-plaza-sfpd-enforcement/">hotbed of illegal vending and drug dealing</a>, as well as drug overdoses.&nbsp;

“Take a walk through there after dark, and nothing positive is happening,” Farrell said. “We need San Francisco residents to feel safe across our city. And making sure that we address and proactively tackle illegal activity in our parks and our sidewalks and at night is critically important to that.”

“Take a walk through there after dark, and nothing positive is happening,” Farrell said. “We need San Francisco residents to feel safe across our city. And making sure that we address and proactively tackle illegal activity in our parks and our sidewalks and at night is critically important to that.”

Breed and Scott have poured resources into the area, enlisting the help of the California Highway Patrol, deploying more police officers and park rangers to the area and even building a skate park to attract skaters—and discourage less wholesome activities. While nearby <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">merchants and residents say there has been some improvement in conditions during the day</a>, illegal vending and drug dealing persist after dark.

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

Breed and Scott have poured resources into the area, enlisting the help of the California Highway Patrol, deploying more police officers and park rangers to the area and even building a skate park to attract skaters—and discourage less wholesome activities. While nearby <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/27/un-plaza-drug-activity/">merchants and residents say there has been some improvement in conditions during the day</a>, illegal vending and drug dealing persist after dark.

An unofficial night market outside Arsicault Bakery on McAllister Street in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. There are children in U.N. Plaza in San Francisco in the evening hours selling drugs and according to the City, and there have been over 50 kids that have been taken in custody due to the illicit activity.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/feature-20240215_unplazayouthmarket_-0369.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bustling street scene at night with people on scooters and a close-up of someone holding red sneakers." class="wp-image-255447"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sell goods outside Arsicault Bakery on McAllister Street in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/feature-20240215_unplazayouthmarket_-0369.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bustling street scene at night with people on scooters and a close-up of someone holding red sneakers." class="wp-image-255447"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People sell goods outside Arsicault Bakery on McAllister Street in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

To combat crime in the Mission, the city imposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/mission-sidewalk-ban-vendors-public-safety/">a 90-day ban on street vending on Mission Street</a> in November and, last month, <a href="https://abc7news.com/sf-mission-street-vendors-vending-ban-extended-district-tiangue/14389610/">extended the ban for another six months</a>. Vendors with permits from the city were relocated into sanctioned indoor spaces, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/mission-vendors-no-income-market/">many complained that foot traffic at the facilities was poor</a> and that they could not make a living in the approved zones. The city later approved <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-street-vendors-get-cash-from-city/">$1,000 in aid</a> to each of the displaced legal vendors.&nbsp;

San Francisco street vendors beg city for help as crackdown starts

One week into San Francisco vending crackdown, almost no one is happy

San Francisco street vendors will get $1,000 cash from city after ban

To combat crime in the Mission, the city imposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/mission-sidewalk-ban-vendors-public-safety/">a 90-day ban on street vending on Mission Street</a> in November and, last month, <a href="https://abc7news.com/sf-mission-street-vendors-vending-ban-extended-district-tiangue/14389610/">extended the ban for another six months</a>. Vendors with permits from the city were relocated into sanctioned indoor spaces, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/mission-vendors-no-income-market/">many complained that foot traffic at the facilities was poor</a> and that they could not make a living in the approved zones. The city later approved <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-street-vendors-get-cash-from-city/">$1,000 in aid</a> to each of the displaced legal vendors.&nbsp;

A ballot measure to put retired cops back on the beat?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ballot-measure-to-put-retired-cops-back-on-the-beat">A ballot measure to put retired cops back on the beat?</h2>

Perhaps the most complicated of Farrell’s proposals would be to allow retired cops back on the beat without giving up some of their pensions. That would require a ballot measure he said he would support if elected mayor.

Perhaps the most complicated of Farrell’s proposals would be to allow retired cops back on the beat without giving up some of their pensions. That would require a ballot measure he said he would support if elected mayor.

Although San Francisco pays among the highest starting wages of any law enforcement agency in the state, the department has been vexed by a recruiting crisis. Some other Bay Area departments have faced similar challenges, with the city of <a href="https://abc7news.com/alameda-police-department-75k-signing-bonus-recruit-incentives-officer-pay/14334580/">Alameda offering up to $75,000 in police recruiting bonuses</a>.

Although San Francisco pays among the highest starting wages of any law enforcement agency in the state, the department has been vexed by a recruiting crisis. Some other Bay Area departments have faced similar challenges, with the city of <a href="https://abc7news.com/alameda-police-department-75k-signing-bonus-recruit-incentives-officer-pay/14334580/">Alameda offering up to $75,000 in police recruiting bonuses</a>.

Farrell claimed the problem in San Francisco ran deeper than money.&nbsp;

Farrell claimed the problem in San Francisco ran deeper than money.&nbsp;

Police Chief Bill Scott attends Mayor London Breed’s State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Breed’s speech came two days after an Election Day victory, when two of her ballot measures passed and the third leading.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_16.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police chief in uniform converses with a man in a black hat and coat." class="wp-image-257456"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief Bill Scott attends Mayor London Breed’s State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307-stateofthecity_jy_16.jpg?w=2500" alt="A police chief in uniform converses with a man in a black hat and coat." class="wp-image-257456"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief Bill Scott attends Mayor London Breed’s State of the City Address at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Thursday, March 7, 2024.</figcaption></figure>

“It starts at the top and with the mayor of San Francisco,” he said. “And I believe we need a mayor that will proudly stand behind a microphone and support our law enforcement personnel. And publicly describe the value of law enforcement here in San Francisco. The value of the profession and the value that these individuals play in the life of San Francisco residents. This mayor has not done that.&#8221;&nbsp;

“It starts at the top and with the mayor of San Francisco,” he said. “And I believe we need a mayor that will proudly stand behind a microphone and support our law enforcement personnel. And publicly describe the value of law enforcement here in San Francisco. The value of the profession and the value that these individuals play in the life of San Francisco residents. This mayor has not done that."&nbsp;

“It starts at the top and with the mayor of San Francisco,” he said. “And I believe we need a mayor that will proudly stand behind a microphone and support our law enforcement personnel. And publicly describe the value of law enforcement here in San Francisco. The value of the profession and the value that these individuals play in the life of San Francisco residents. This mayor has not done that.&#8221;&nbsp;

He added, “As a result, we have a recruiting problem. And that recruiting problem will not get solved by our current mayor. It is going to take a fresh leader within City Hall that will not only change the tone but also prioritize the budget for public safety in San Francisco once again.”

He added, “As a result, we have a recruiting problem. And that recruiting problem will not get solved by our current mayor. It is going to take a fresh leader within City Hall that will not only change the tone but also prioritize the budget for public safety in San Francisco once again.”

Breed has sought to take credit for a drop in property crime, pointing to statistics that showed burglaries, larceny theft and car theft all dropped in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with a year earlier. However, a look at full-year trends by The Standard showed a mixed bag with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/28/crime-rate-san-francisco-2023-property-crime-car-thefts/">no radical changes from 2022 to 2023</a>.&nbsp;

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

Breed has sought to take credit for a drop in property crime, pointing to statistics that showed burglaries, larceny theft and car theft all dropped in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with a year earlier. However, a look at full-year trends by The Standard showed a mixed bag with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/28/crime-rate-san-francisco-2023-property-crime-car-thefts/">no radical changes from 2022 to 2023</a>.&nbsp;

Farrell wants citywide street vending ban, and retired cops back on the beat

Sara Deseran

The opening day of B. Patisserie’s new location in Union Square felt special-ordered. On that Friday morning (auspiciously, it was the day after the spring equinox) the iconic plaza was noticeably cleaned up in preparation for the annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/26/sf-union-square-retail-momentum-challenges/">tulip festival</a>. The sun was out and the birds in the fat palm trees facing the corner of Powell and Geary — soon to house a big Nintendo store — were chatting over the rumbling of double-decker buses beckoning tourists, of which there were plenty. The Game Developers Conference had brought in about 30,000 of them.

Is Union Square in bloom or a wilting flower?

The opening day of B. Patisserie’s new location in Union Square felt special-ordered. On that Friday morning (auspiciously, it was the day after the spring equinox) the iconic plaza was noticeably cleaned up in preparation for the annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/26/sf-union-square-retail-momentum-challenges/">tulip festival</a>. The sun was out and the birds in the fat palm trees facing the corner of Powell and Geary — soon to house a big Nintendo store — were chatting over the rumbling of double-decker buses beckoning tourists, of which there were plenty. The Game Developers Conference had brought in about 30,000 of them.

B. Patisserie’s opening didn’t draw a line like the previous week’s debut of Ariscault a few miles east at the Mission Rock development. But there was a steady stream of customers, all happy to grab a coffee and a chocolate-banana-almond croissant and sit on the glassed-in patio. The statue of the goddess Nike, who looms above the square, seemed like she might finally have a victory in hand.

B. Patisserie’s opening didn’t draw a line like the previous week’s debut of Ariscault a few miles east at the Mission Rock development. But there was a steady stream of customers, all happy to grab a coffee and a chocolate-banana-almond croissant and sit on the glassed-in patio. The statue of the goddess Nike, who looms above the square, seemed like she might finally have a victory in hand.

Let’s hope so. We all want a win for San Francisco right now, particularly in the neighborhood that’s always been essential for the city’s tourism industry, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/25/sf-tourism-hotel-industry-struggles-and-hope-for-2025/">which did not have a good 2024</a>. Everyone — from our ribbon-cutting-happy mayor to the Union Square Alliance — is trying to resuscitate the vacancy-riddled corridor that cycles visitors from Union Square to Moscone Center (one realtor told me it’s called “the spine”; Mayor Daniel Lurie prefers the more prosaic “hospitality zone”). The multipronged plan of attack includes getting workers back in offices, ensuring the area is clean and safe, drawing people in with activities (<a href="https://visitunionsquaresf.com/park-programs">juggling lessons</a>, anyone?), and hopefully, convincing more conferences to commit.&nbsp;

For SF&#8217;s tourism industry, 2024 has been a big letdown

Let’s hope so. We all want a win for San Francisco right now, particularly in the neighborhood that’s always been essential for the city’s tourism industry, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/25/sf-tourism-hotel-industry-struggles-and-hope-for-2025/">which did not have a good 2024</a>. Everyone — from our ribbon-cutting-happy mayor to the Union Square Alliance — is trying to resuscitate the vacancy-riddled corridor that cycles visitors from Union Square to Moscone Center (one realtor told me it’s called “the spine”; Mayor Daniel Lurie prefers the more prosaic “hospitality zone”). The multipronged plan of attack includes getting workers back in offices, ensuring the area is clean and safe, drawing people in with activities (<a href="https://visitunionsquaresf.com/park-programs">juggling lessons</a>, anyone?), and hopefully, convincing more conferences to commit.&nbsp;

Belinda Leong restocks baked goods at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="Belinda Leong restocks baked goods at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak." class="wp-image-381645"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Belinda Leong opened a new location of her award-winning bakery B. Patisserie in Union Square on March 21.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="Belinda Leong restocks baked goods at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak." class="wp-image-381645"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Belinda Leong opened a new location of her award-winning bakery B. Patisserie in Union Square on March 21.</figcaption></figure>

Customers place orders at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="B. Pattiserie in Union Square" class="wp-image-381646"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bakery takes over a kiosk formerly leased to chef Tyler Florence, who pulled out of the space earlier this year. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="B. Pattiserie in Union Square" class="wp-image-381646"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bakery takes over a kiosk formerly leased to chef Tyler Florence, who pulled out of the space earlier this year. </figcaption></figure>

“San Francisco is open for business, that is the message we are sending,” Lurie said at a February press conference touting a bill that could bring 20 new bars and restaurants to the area by making new low-cost liquor licenses available. Lurie is also launching something deemed “Permit SF,” a multi-agency coalition to help small businesses open easier and faster, something restaurants desperately need.

“San Francisco is open for business, that is the message we are sending,” Lurie said at a February press conference touting a bill that could bring 20 new bars and restaurants to the area by making new low-cost liquor licenses available. Lurie is also launching something deemed “Permit SF,” a multi-agency coalition to help small businesses open easier and faster, something restaurants desperately need.

With most Union Square retailers having decamped to online-only — or to still-thriving suburban-style malls like Stonestown and the Stanford Shopping Center — restaurants seem the obvious next choice when it comes to filling empty storefronts. In fact, San Francisco is pinning a lot of hope on food as a panacea. Yes, there’s talk of other options — I’ve heard a lot of nebulous pitches for “experiential concepts” like escape rooms and shopping-eating hybrids à la Eataly. There have been proposals for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">Legoland</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/23/san-francisco-pickleball-courts-malls-retail/">pickleball courts</a>. And, of course, gyms and hair salons seem to be eternal lease-seekers. But restaurants are the most frequent answer to the problem of what to do with an emptied out downtown. They build community and are both practical (we’ve all gotta eat) and a destination experience of their own sort. We are also a city famous for them.

Legoland to downtown San Francisco’s rescue? Architect has bold plan to fill vacant mall

Could pickleball end San Francisco&#8217;s doom loop?

With most Union Square retailers having decamped to online-only — or to still-thriving suburban-style malls like Stonestown and the Stanford Shopping Center — restaurants seem the obvious next choice when it comes to filling empty storefronts. In fact, San Francisco is pinning a lot of hope on food as a panacea. Yes, there’s talk of other options — I’ve heard a lot of nebulous pitches for “experiential concepts” like escape rooms and shopping-eating hybrids à la Eataly. There have been proposals for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">Legoland</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/23/san-francisco-pickleball-courts-malls-retail/">pickleball courts</a>. And, of course, gyms and hair salons seem to be eternal lease-seekers. But restaurants are the most frequent answer to the problem of what to do with an emptied out downtown. They build community and are both practical (we’ve all gotta eat) and a destination experience of their own sort. We are also a city famous for them.

However, can the onus of saving the city be placed on an industry that is extraordinarily tender to the touch right now? As I wrote last week, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/23/spring-restaurant-closures/">restaurant closings are the new openings</a> in this town.

Closings are the new openings: Why restaurants are throwing end-of-life bashes

However, can the onus of saving the city be placed on an industry that is extraordinarily tender to the touch right now? As I wrote last week, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/23/spring-restaurant-closures/">restaurant closings are the new openings</a> in this town.

Regardless, it seems every developer and realtor is full-steam ahead, creating a dining monocrop. At Thrive City, the food plaza surrounding Chase Center, they’ve pulled in name-brand establishments like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/11/inside-the-rapid-revival-of-mission-bay/">Burma Love, Che Fico, and Senor Sisig</a>. Mission Rock, the Giants’ new greenspace-office-condo-restaurant spread near Oracle Park, will include hot dog-concept Quik Dog by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/san-francisco-quik-dog-mission-bay/">Trick Dog</a> and an outpost of SF-born chain Ike’s Love &amp; Sandwiches.&nbsp;

Why Mission Bay is recovering faster than anywhere else in San Francisco

The most award-winning bar in San Francisco teases burger-centric Mission Rock offshoot

Regardless, it seems every developer and realtor is full-steam ahead, creating a dining monocrop. At Thrive City, the food plaza surrounding Chase Center, they’ve pulled in name-brand establishments like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/11/inside-the-rapid-revival-of-mission-bay/">Burma Love, Che Fico, and Senor Sisig</a>. Mission Rock, the Giants’ new greenspace-office-condo-restaurant spread near Oracle Park, will include hot dog-concept Quik Dog by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/san-francisco-quik-dog-mission-bay/">Trick Dog</a> and an outpost of SF-born chain Ike’s Love &amp; Sandwiches.&nbsp;

Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022. 

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-16_d2c679.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381651"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As major retailers, including Macy&#8217;s, retreat from the iconic square, realtors and developers are turning to restaurants to fill vacant storefronts.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-16_d2c679.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381651"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As major retailers, including Macy's, retreat from the iconic square, realtors and developers are turning to restaurants to fill vacant storefronts.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-16_d2c679.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381651"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">As major retailers, including Macy&#8217;s, retreat from the iconic square, realtors and developers are turning to restaurants to fill vacant storefronts.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-15_38af80.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381649"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Foot traffic in Union Square was down more than 9% in 2024 after being slightly up in 2023.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-15_38af80.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381649"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Foot traffic in Union Square was down more than 9% in 2024 after being slightly up in 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Even Kurt Grundman, a managing partner of the commercial real estate brokerage Lockehouse — the guy largely responsible for successfully filling the Metreon with chains like Nick the Greek and West Coast Sourdough — agrees downtown needs more retail biodiversity. “The majority of the city’s restaurants are suffering right now — cost of goods have gone up, labor has gone up,” Grundman says. “How are we going to support even more?”

Even Kurt Grundman, a managing partner of the commercial real estate brokerage Lockehouse — the guy largely responsible for successfully filling the Metreon with chains like Nick the Greek and West Coast Sourdough — agrees downtown needs more retail biodiversity. “The majority of the city’s restaurants are suffering right now — cost of goods have gone up, labor has gone up,” Grundman says. “How are we going to support even more?”

For the most part, we have yet to find out if it’s too much, too soon. But Saluhall, the 23,000 square-foot, 450-seat IKEA-adjacent food court that opened exactly a year ago is a current cautionary tale.&nbsp;

For the most part, we have yet to find out if it’s too much, too soon. But Saluhall, the 23,000 square-foot, 450-seat IKEA-adjacent food court that opened exactly a year ago is a current cautionary tale.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/san-francisco-ikea-saluhall/">project launched in March of last year</a> with a leap and a prayer, opening on the forever-beleaguered stretch of mid-Market. To make the bet even more high stakes, Saluhall decided to only serve plant-based food — honorable from an environmental standpoint, but questionable as a business tactic. Then came the not-so-shocking news: By March 20, only seven of the original 11 vendors were going to remain, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/ikea-saluhall-food-hall-sf-20221765.php">The Chronicle reported</a>. After the original buzz died down, the number of customers dwindled significantly. As a Hail Mary, some cow was allowed: In January, popular smashburger spot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/03/san-francisco-peak-smash-burger/">Smish Smash</a> joined the roster. But even though the burgers have been popular, they can’t save the food court alone. As Mounir Bahloul, the owner of Algerian eatery Kayma, which is closing, told The Chronicle, “If there’s no foot traffic, there’s no sales.”&nbsp;

Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s coming to Ikea’s massive Saluhall. Can it beat the meatballs? 

In a sea of smashburgers, which are the city&#8217;s best? An expert took us on a rampage

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/san-francisco-ikea-saluhall/">project launched in March of last year</a> with a leap and a prayer, opening on the forever-beleaguered stretch of mid-Market. To make the bet even more high stakes, Saluhall decided to only serve plant-based food — honorable from an environmental standpoint, but questionable as a business tactic. Then came the not-so-shocking news: By March 20, only seven of the original 11 vendors were going to remain, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/ikea-saluhall-food-hall-sf-20221765.php">The Chronicle reported</a>. After the original buzz died down, the number of customers dwindled significantly. As a Hail Mary, some cow was allowed: In January, popular smashburger spot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/03/san-francisco-peak-smash-burger/">Smish Smash</a> joined the roster. But even though the burgers have been popular, they can’t save the food court alone. As Mounir Bahloul, the owner of Algerian eatery Kayma, which is closing, told The Chronicle, “If there’s no foot traffic, there’s no sales.”&nbsp;

This is where the chicken-or-egg conundrum could come for Union Square as well. While you probably can start to attract people without simply adding more restaurants, you definitely can’t sustain restaurants without people.

This is where the chicken-or-egg conundrum could come for Union Square as well. While you probably can start to attract people without simply adding more restaurants, you definitely can’t sustain restaurants without people.

Belinda Leong poses for a portrait at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_002-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Belinda Leong, owner of B. Patisserie" class="wp-image-381658"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but Leong is hoping to break the streak.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_002-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="Belinda Leong, owner of B. Patisserie" class="wp-image-381658"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but Leong is hoping to break the streak.</figcaption></figure>

Tarts are displayed at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_011.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tarts are displayed at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak." class="wp-image-381659"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Leong&#8217;s lease includes six months of free rent, which may help the fledgling kiosk find a foothold.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_011.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tarts are displayed at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak." class="wp-image-381659"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Leong's lease includes six months of free rent, which may help the fledgling kiosk find a foothold.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/747519640_unionsquarefail_011.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tarts are displayed at b. patisserie’s new location in Union Square in San Francisco on Friday, March 21, 2025. Several businesses have struggled to flourish in Union Square, but b. patisserie is hoping to break the streak." class="wp-image-381659"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Leong&#8217;s lease includes six months of free rent, which may help the fledgling kiosk find a foothold.</figcaption></figure>

This is because restaurants are a whole different animal from other retail operations. Unlike, say, a clothing store, which only takes a few employees to do the folding and the hawking, full-service restaurants require a small village: dishwashers, prep cooks, chefs, bussers, servers, and bartenders. They are also astonishingly expensive to build out, especially in our permit- and inspection-obsessed city. For instance, Corzetti, a stylish, year-and-a-half old Italian restaurant located just down from the forthcoming Nintendo store, cost $1 million to design, despite the fact that the kitchen was already move-in ready. With this kind of investment, the minute you open, you need maximum butts in seats.

This is because restaurants are a whole different animal from other retail operations. Unlike, say, a clothing store, which only takes a few employees to do the folding and the hawking, full-service restaurants require a small village: dishwashers, prep cooks, chefs, bussers, servers, and bartenders. They are also astonishingly expensive to build out, especially in our permit- and inspection-obsessed city. For instance, Corzetti, a stylish, year-and-a-half old Italian restaurant located just down from the forthcoming Nintendo store, cost $1 million to design, despite the fact that the kitchen was already move-in ready. With this kind of investment, the minute you open, you need maximum butts in seats.

And it doesn’t matter how pretty a restaurant is if the flow of customers is spotty. Corzetti owner Adriano Paganini, arguably one of the most successful restaurateurs in San Francisco, says running the Union Square-adjacent restaurant has been incredibly tough. Though it’s busy when there’s a conference in town or a hot play is being staged at the American Conservatory Theater across the street, the dearth of potential customers roaming the neighborhood has meant that business is rarely consistent enough to be able to staff the restaurant properly.

And it doesn’t matter how pretty a restaurant is if the flow of customers is spotty. Corzetti owner Adriano Paganini, arguably one of the most successful restaurateurs in San Francisco, says running the Union Square-adjacent restaurant has been incredibly tough. Though it’s busy when there’s a conference in town or a hot play is being staged at the American Conservatory Theater across the street, the dearth of potential customers roaming the neighborhood has meant that business is rarely consistent enough to be able to staff the restaurant properly.

Paganini’s not imagining things. Foot traffic in Union Square was down 9.2% last year after being up 3.4% in 2023. Laurie Thomas, executive director of the SF’s restaurant lobby the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, empathizes with the restaurateur’s plight. “If you’re in an area that’s not busy, you’re going to lose money until there are customers,” she says. “Someone has to help you pay for that until you get the critical mass back. You need a runway.” In fact, there are conversations happening right now with this model in mind, Thomas says, with owners perhaps tapping the private sector to assist with a forgivable loan or a grant that would help restaurants operate until they get to a sustainable level.&nbsp;

Paganini’s not imagining things. Foot traffic in Union Square was down 9.2% last year after being up 3.4% in 2023. Laurie Thomas, executive director of the SF’s restaurant lobby the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, empathizes with the restaurateur’s plight. “If you’re in an area that’s not busy, you’re going to lose money until there are customers,” she says. “Someone has to help you pay for that until you get the critical mass back. You need a runway.” In fact, there are conversations happening right now with this model in mind, Thomas says, with owners perhaps tapping the private sector to assist with a forgivable loan or a grant that would help restaurants operate until they get to a sustainable level.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381652"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The success of the area&#8217;s recovery will require support from both tourists and locals.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381652"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The success of the area's recovery will require support from both tourists and locals.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fidisnapshot-03.jpg?w=2500" alt="Tourists and San Francisco residents stroll the Financial District and Union Square on Feb. 1, 2022." class="wp-image-381652"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The success of the area&#8217;s recovery will require support from both tourists and locals.</figcaption></figure>

A runway is exactly how B. Patisserie, which is owned by award-winning pastry chefs Belinda Leong and Michel Suas, was beckoned to post up in Union Square. It swooped in to replace one of the two Miller &amp; Lux cafes that Tyler Florence had opened on the plaza, then abruptly pulled out of in February, right before NBA All-Star Game weekend. Though Florence was given 8 months of free rent by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and a $440,000 grant from the Recreation and Parks Department to get the two businesses up and running, he reported business was so slow that he bled out $300,000. Continuing on for any longer was financially untenable. This was reported as a scandal by multiple local publications. Soleil Ho of The Chronicle weighed in to say that maybe a beloved al pastor vendor would have fared better. Apparently, everyone read those articles. As I sat in Union Square last week, my lap full of buttery shards from a raspberry-rhubarb kouign-amann, a guy walked by with his friends and stopped in his tracks briefly, excited to see that B. Patisserie had taken over the kiosk. “Apparently, the city gave free rent to Tyler Florence,” he said with a conspiratorial whisper, clearly disapproving.

A runway is exactly how B. Patisserie, which is owned by award-winning pastry chefs Belinda Leong and Michel Suas, was beckoned to post up in Union Square. It swooped in to replace one of the two Miller &amp; Lux cafes that Tyler Florence had opened on the plaza, then abruptly pulled out of in February, right before NBA All-Star Game weekend. Though Florence was given 8 months of free rent by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and a $440,000 grant from the Recreation and Parks Department to get the two businesses up and running, he reported business was so slow that he bled out $300,000. Continuing on for any longer was financially untenable. This was reported as a scandal by multiple local publications. Soleil Ho of The Chronicle weighed in to say that maybe a beloved al pastor vendor would have fared better. Apparently, everyone read those articles. As I sat in Union Square last week, my lap full of buttery shards from a raspberry-rhubarb kouign-amann, a guy walked by with his friends and stopped in his tracks briefly, excited to see that B. Patisserie had taken over the kiosk. “Apparently, the city gave free rent to Tyler Florence,” he said with a conspiratorial whisper, clearly disapproving.

But B. Patisserie is also getting six months of free rent and a good lease — a temporary, yearlong agreement. Leong knows she’s going to need more than just tourists to make the cafe work. (She even admitted to me that she hadn’t been to Union Square in ages herself.) Until the tourists start flowing, the denizens of SF are going to need to step up — for her patisserie and all our city’s restaurants. “If we don’t get locals, we won’t succeed,” she said. It would be great to think she won’t need an on-ramp at all.

But B. Patisserie is also getting six months of free rent and a good lease — a temporary, yearlong agreement. Leong knows she’s going to need more than just tourists to make the cafe work. (She even admitted to me that she hadn’t been to Union Square in ages herself.) Until the tourists start flowing, the denizens of SF are going to need to step up — for her patisserie and all our city’s restaurants. “If we don’t get locals, we won’t succeed,” she said. It would be great to think she won’t need an on-ramp at all.

Restaurants can’t be downtown’s savior

Kevin Truong

On a slightly overcast Valentine’s Day with sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, San Francisco business and civic leaders at the Chamber of Commerce CityBeat Breakfast painted the picture of a downtrodden city finally turning the page into an era of grand recovery.&nbsp;

On a slightly overcast Valentine’s Day with sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, San Francisco business and civic leaders at the Chamber of Commerce CityBeat Breakfast painted the picture of a downtrodden city finally turning the page into an era of grand recovery.&nbsp;

It was a bit of an ironic message, particularly considering some of the survey data presented at the event itself.&nbsp;

It was a bit of an ironic message, particularly considering some of the survey data presented at the event itself.&nbsp;

A Chamber of Commerce survey found that 72% of voters believe that the city is on the wrong track, compared with only 22% who said the opposite. The number was slightly improved from the 77% figure in the Chamber’s survey back in May, but still a far cry from the 46% who believed the arrow was pointed downward in 2019.

A Chamber of Commerce survey found that 72% of voters believe that the city is on the wrong track, compared with only 22% who said the opposite. The number was slightly improved from the 77% figure in the Chamber’s survey back in May, but still a far cry from the 46% who believed the arrow was pointed downward in 2019.

The mixed mood and messaging were hard to ignore, even from the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The mixed mood and messaging were hard to ignore, even from the stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I know this sounds a little bit strange, but I want to start off by saying how proud I am of all San Franciscans,” Chamber of Commerce CEO Rodney Fong said, to slightly stuttering applause from attendees nibbling on a light breakfast of leafy greens and an appropriate treat: chocolate-dipped strawberries.

“I know this sounds a little bit strange, but I want to start off by saying how proud I am of all San Franciscans,” Chamber of Commerce CEO Rodney Fong said, to slightly stuttering applause from attendees nibbling on a light breakfast of leafy greens and an appropriate treat: chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Signs of the vibe shift, according to Fong, were voters’ desire to take action on the city’s problems at the ballot box. Alongside the breakfast, the Chamber <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-election-poll-prop-e-police-march-ballot/">released polling showing a majority of voters</a> supported ballot measures in the March 5 election that would increase police powers to use surveillance technology and conduct pursuits (Prop. E), predicate cash welfare on drug addiction screening (Prop. F) and provide tax breaks for office-to-residential conversions (Prop. C).&nbsp;

San Francisco voters want more police powers, new poll shows

Signs of the vibe shift, according to Fong, were voters’ desire to take action on the city’s problems at the ballot box. Alongside the breakfast, the Chamber <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-election-poll-prop-e-police-march-ballot/">released polling showing a majority of voters</a> supported ballot measures in the March 5 election that would increase police powers to use surveillance technology and conduct pursuits (Prop. E), predicate cash welfare on drug addiction screening (Prop. F) and provide tax breaks for office-to-residential conversions (Prop. C).&nbsp;

Fong noted that the theme of the last CityBeat breakfast in 2020 before the pandemic was “Wake Up San Francisco,” an allusion to the problems already starting to fester in the boom times.

Fong noted that the theme of the last CityBeat breakfast in 2020 before the pandemic was “Wake Up San Francisco,” an allusion to the problems already starting to fester in the boom times.

It took a few years, Fong said in his remarks, but he feels that the city is finally heeding that call.&nbsp;

It took a few years, Fong said in his remarks, but he feels that the city is finally heeding that call.&nbsp;

“I&#8217;m confident that 2024 will be a year that lays the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive and even more innovative San Francisco,” Fong said.&nbsp;

“I'm confident that 2024 will be a year that lays the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive and even more innovative San Francisco,” Fong said.&nbsp;

“I&#8217;m confident that 2024 will be a year that lays the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive and even more innovative San Francisco,” Fong said.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-still-have-work-to-do">&#8216;We still have work to do&#8217;</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-still-have-work-to-do">'We still have work to do'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-still-have-work-to-do">&#8216;We still have work to do&#8217;</h2>

In her keynote remarks, Mayor London Breed’s overarching message was that to turn a corner, San Francisco needs to embrace being “aggressive” and “uncomfortable” in its approach to long-standing issues, such as homelessness and drug crimes.&nbsp;

In her keynote remarks, Mayor London Breed’s overarching message was that to turn a corner, San Francisco needs to embrace being “aggressive” and “uncomfortable” in its approach to long-standing issues, such as homelessness and drug crimes.&nbsp;

She targeted “naysayers” both outside and inside the city who seemed to gloat over its misfortune.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

She targeted “naysayers” both outside and inside the city who seemed to gloat over its misfortune.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There were those who said that the economic fallout from the pandemic might be a good thing. Can you imagine that?” Breed said.&nbsp;

“There were those who said that the economic fallout from the pandemic might be a good thing. Can you imagine that?” Breed said.&nbsp;

Breed, who’s facing a tough reelection fight in November, defended her record on public safety, saying her policies led to the second-lowest crime rate over the past 10 years in 2023.&nbsp;

Breed, who’s facing a tough reelection fight in November, defended her record on public safety, saying her policies led to the second-lowest crime rate over the past 10 years in 2023.&nbsp;

“People need help in San Francisco, and if you aren&#8217;t willing to get a little aggressive, then you&#8217;re willing to let the stuff that&#8217;s continuing to happen on our streets continue,” she said, touting her work with state and federal officials to tamp down drug dealing.&nbsp;

“People need help in San Francisco, and if you aren't willing to get a little aggressive, then you're willing to let the stuff that's continuing to happen on our streets continue,” she said, touting her work with state and federal officials to tamp down drug dealing.&nbsp;

“People need help in San Francisco, and if you aren&#8217;t willing to get a little aggressive, then you&#8217;re willing to let the stuff that&#8217;s continuing to happen on our streets continue,” she said, touting her work with state and federal officials to tamp down drug dealing.&nbsp;

“Change makes people uncomfortable, but I&#8217;m not worried about that because you know who we need to make uncomfortable? The drug dealer selling deadly fentanyl on the streets of our city,” she said.

“Change makes people uncomfortable, but I'm not worried about that because you know who we need to make uncomfortable? The drug dealer selling deadly fentanyl on the streets of our city,” she said.

“Change makes people uncomfortable, but I&#8217;m not worried about that because you know who we need to make uncomfortable? The drug dealer selling deadly fentanyl on the streets of our city,” she said.

And, although outside media has long been an adversary, Breed approvingly quoted recent Bloomberg, New York Times and <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2024/02/12/san-franciscos-surprising-comeback">Economist headlines</a> about the city’s rebound.&nbsp;

And, although outside media has long been an adversary, Breed approvingly quoted recent Bloomberg, New York Times and <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2024/02/12/san-franciscos-surprising-comeback">Economist headlines</a> about the city’s rebound.&nbsp;

“Surprising, comeback? Maybe for some, but not for those of us who&#8217;ve been here doing the work, for those who believe, for those who have always been here,” Breed said.

“Surprising, comeback? Maybe for some, but not for those of us who've been here doing the work, for those who believe, for those who have always been here,” Breed said.

“Surprising, comeback? Maybe for some, but not for those of us who&#8217;ve been here doing the work, for those who believe, for those who have always been here,” Breed said.

The dissonance between rah-rah cheerleading and larger public opinion grew obvious when around five minutes after Breed’s remarks, event organizers showed data about the 72% of San Francisco voters who said the city is on the wrong track. The proportion of San Franciscans who think that economic conditions are better today than a year ago went from 12% in 2023 to 20% in 2024.

The dissonance between rah-rah cheerleading and larger public opinion grew obvious when around five minutes after Breed’s remarks, event organizers showed data about the 72% of San Francisco voters who said the city is on the wrong track. The proportion of San Franciscans who think that economic conditions are better today than a year ago went from 12% in 2023 to 20% in 2024.

But around 50% felt things were worse, and voters who believe that economic conditions will be worse a year from now outnumbered those who thought things would be better.

But around 50% felt things were worse, and voters who believe that economic conditions will be worse a year from now outnumbered those who thought things would be better.

A voter guide released by the Chamber found the business interest group aligned with nearly all of the mayor’s priorities. One glaring exception was the “no position” taken by the Chamber on Prop. F’s rules around addiction screening for city welfare recipients.&nbsp;

A voter guide released by the Chamber found the business interest group aligned with nearly all of the mayor’s priorities. One glaring exception was the “no position” taken by the Chamber on Prop. F’s rules around addiction screening for city welfare recipients.&nbsp;

Carlos Solórzano-Cuadra, CEO of the city&#8217;s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview that while he appreciates the mayor&#8217;s optimistic messaging, he isn&#8217;t writing off all of the worries about public safety and the economy. He added that he would like the business community to shift some of its focus away from downtown and to neighborhoods like the Mission.

Carlos Solórzano-Cuadra, CEO of the city's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview that while he appreciates the mayor's optimistic messaging, he isn't writing off all of the worries about public safety and the economy. He added that he would like the business community to shift some of its focus away from downtown and to neighborhoods like the Mission.

Carlos Solórzano-Cuadra, CEO of the city&#8217;s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview that while he appreciates the mayor&#8217;s optimistic messaging, he isn&#8217;t writing off all of the worries about public safety and the economy. He added that he would like the business community to shift some of its focus away from downtown and to neighborhoods like the Mission.

&#8220;We still have work to do,&#8221; said Solórzano-Cuadra. &#8220;There are things that need to be done better.&#8221;&nbsp;

"We still have work to do," said Solórzano-Cuadra. "There are things that need to be done better."&nbsp;

&#8220;We still have work to do,&#8221; said Solórzano-Cuadra. &#8220;There are things that need to be done better.&#8221;&nbsp;

Hanging over the breakfast were two fiercely contested elections likely among the most consequential in San Francisco’s recent history. In the audience were at least two other candidates vying for her job: Mark Farrell and Daniel Lurie.

Hanging over the breakfast were two fiercely contested elections likely among the most consequential in San Francisco’s recent history. In the audience were at least two other candidates vying for her job: Mark Farrell and Daniel Lurie.

At his campaign kickoff event on Tuesday, Farrell—Breed’s predecessor—painted a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">darker picture of the city’s condition</a>, mirroring the Chamber’s public opinion polling. Instead of questioning the doom loop claims, he embraced them as a sign of how lost the city is.&nbsp;

At his campaign kickoff event on Tuesday, Farrell—Breed’s predecessor—painted a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">darker picture of the city’s condition</a>, mirroring the Chamber’s public opinion polling. Instead of questioning the doom loop claims, he embraced them as a sign of how lost the city is.&nbsp;

“We have a doom loop, and we are losing our mantle as a world-class city,” Farrell said. “We are literally now being compared to Detroit and Oakland. That is not the conversation where San Francisco belongs.”

“We have a doom loop, and we are losing our mantle as a world-class city,” Farrell said. “We are literally now being compared to Detroit and Oakland. That is not the conversation where San Francisco belongs.”

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

Han Li

Joel Umanzor

San Francisco’s mayoral race officially entered a new era Saturday as longtime progressive leader Aaron Peskin joined the contest for the city’s top job.

San Francisco’s mayoral race officially entered a new era Saturday as longtime progressive leader Aaron Peskin joined the contest for the city’s top job.

Farrell wants citywide street vending ban, and retired cops back on the beat

Restaurants can’t be downtown’s savior

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco’s ‘recovery’ in mayoral campaign kickoff

Who wants to run San Francisco? Mystery polls lay out London Breed’s potential challengers

Search Results for: daniel lurie

Farrell wants citywide street vending ban, and retired cops back on the beat

Restaurants can’t be downtown’s savior

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco’s ‘recovery’ in mayoral campaign kickoff

Who wants to run San Francisco? Mystery polls lay out London Breed’s potential challengers