Garrett Leahy

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

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

core/paragraph

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

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

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

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

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

core/image

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco sues Chinatown landlords for alleged unsafe living conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco drug dealers could face murder charges for overdose deaths

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

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

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

“They were there last summer,” Brown said.

“They were there last summer,” Brown said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco races to clean up its act for trade summit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We’ve heard of this as an anti-homeless measure,” Friedenbach said. “I don’t think it’s particularly effective. [Homeless] people don’t have anywhere to go and loud music doesn&#8217;t change that.”

“We’ve heard of this as an anti-homeless measure,” Friedenbach said. “I don’t think it’s particularly effective. [Homeless] people don’t have anywhere to go and loud music doesn't change that.”

“We’ve heard of this as an anti-homeless measure,” Friedenbach said. “I don’t think it’s particularly effective. [Homeless] people don’t have anywhere to go and loud music doesn&#8217;t change that.”

Cristin Evans, who sits on the Homeless Oversight Commission, said that a permit is needed to broadcast amplified sounds, including music, through a fixed speaker system. Evans, who owns two businesses, said that it’s appropriate for a business to play music, but said the speakers on Eddy Street wouldn&#8217;t fit the bill.

Cristin Evans, who sits on the Homeless Oversight Commission, said that a permit is needed to broadcast amplified sounds, including music, through a fixed speaker system. Evans, who owns two businesses, said that it’s appropriate for a business to play music, but said the speakers on Eddy Street wouldn't fit the bill.

Cristin Evans, who sits on the Homeless Oversight Commission, said that a permit is needed to broadcast amplified sounds, including music, through a fixed speaker system. Evans, who owns two businesses, said that it’s appropriate for a business to play music, but said the speakers on Eddy Street wouldn&#8217;t fit the bill.

“It doesn’t seem like the person doing this is doing it for public enjoyment,” Evans said. “Either way, they would need a permit for that.”

“It doesn’t seem like the person doing this is doing it for public enjoyment,” Evans said. “Either way, they would need a permit for that.”

A real estate firm seeking to lease the vacant commercial property at 790 Van Ness Ave. was contacted for comment.

A real estate firm seeking to lease the vacant commercial property at 790 Van Ness Ave. was contacted for comment.

San Francisco homelessness battle heats up as Star Wars theme deployed from speakers

Kate Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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

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

core/list-item

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

Provide dedicated city funding to take care of our parks.

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

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

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

core/list

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

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

1 dead, 4 critically injured in San Francisco mass shooting

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

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

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

New downtown San Francisco drug-dealing command center to open

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

core/heading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Troubled Tenderloin needs a new state of emergency, funding infusion

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

Joshua Bote

David Sjostedt

San Francisco police shot and killed a man who crashed a car into the Chinese consulate near Japantown on Monday afternoon. The driver was armed with a knife and crossbow, according to an SFPD source with direct knowledge of the investigation.

San Francisco police shot and killed a man who crashed a car into the Chinese consulate near Japantown on Monday afternoon. The driver was armed with a knife and crossbow, according to an SFPD source with direct knowledge of the investigation.

Police and emergency vehicles swarmed the area around Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard. The fire department initially said the man had been taken to a hospital with serious injuries, but San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Kathryn Winters said around 6:30 p.m. that he had died.

Police and emergency vehicles swarmed the area around Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard. The fire department initially said the man had been taken to a hospital with serious injuries, but San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Kathryn Winters said around 6:30 p.m. that he had died.

MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-chinese-consulate-attack-car-crash/">What We Know About San Francisco’s Chinese Consulate Crash</a>

What we know about San Francisco’s Chinese consulate crash: Suspect armed with crossbow

MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-chinese-consulate-attack-car-crash/">What We Know About San Francisco’s Chinese Consulate Crash</a>

The incident prompted strong protests from the Chinese government, which said the &#8220;extremely bad&#8221; incursion had seriously damaged the building and endangered workers.

The incident prompted strong protests from the Chinese government, which said the "extremely bad" incursion had seriously damaged the building and endangered workers.

The incident prompted strong protests from the Chinese government, which said the &#8220;extremely bad&#8221; incursion had seriously damaged the building and endangered workers.

&#8220;The mission severely condemns this violent attack and reserves the right to pursue responsibilities related to the incident,&#8221; the consulate <a href="http://sanfrancisco.china-consulate.gov.cn/lqyw/202310/t20231010_11158525.htm">said in a statement.</a> &#8220;Our mission has made solemn representations to the United States, demanding that the truth be quickly ascertained and dealt with seriously in accordance with the law.&#8221;

"The mission severely condemns this violent attack and reserves the right to pursue responsibilities related to the incident," the consulate <a href="http://sanfrancisco.china-consulate.gov.cn/lqyw/202310/t20231010_11158525.htm">said in a statement.</a> "Our mission has made solemn representations to the United States, demanding that the truth be quickly ascertained and dealt with seriously in accordance with the law."

&#8220;The mission severely condemns this violent attack and reserves the right to pursue responsibilities related to the incident,&#8221; the consulate <a href="http://sanfrancisco.china-consulate.gov.cn/lqyw/202310/t20231010_11158525.htm">said in a statement.</a> &#8220;Our mission has made solemn representations to the United States, demanding that the truth be quickly ascertained and dealt with seriously in accordance with the law.&#8221;

San Francisco police said they were working with the U.S. State Department to investigate. Police did not release the identity of the driver or discuss what might have motivated his actions.

San Francisco police said they were working with the U.S. State Department to investigate. Police did not release the identity of the driver or discuss what might have motivated his actions.

A police officer at the corner of Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5329.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-209684"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A police officer at the corner of Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard near the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on Monday after a shooting was reported.</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://abc7news.com/consulate-general-of-china-san-francisco-crash-geary-laguna-sfpd/13884271/">Video from The Standard&#8217;s media partners at ABC7</a> showed a Honda sedan fully lodged in the Geary Street entrance to the consulate, where the visa office is located. A white tarp was later draped over the doorway.

<a href="https://abc7news.com/consulate-general-of-china-san-francisco-crash-geary-laguna-sfpd/13884271/">Video from The Standard's media partners at ABC7</a> showed a Honda sedan fully lodged in the Geary Street entrance to the consulate, where the visa office is located. A white tarp was later draped over the doorway.

<a href="https://abc7news.com/consulate-general-of-china-san-francisco-crash-geary-laguna-sfpd/13884271/">Video from The Standard&#8217;s media partners at ABC7</a> showed a Honda sedan fully lodged in the Geary Street entrance to the consulate, where the visa office is located. A white tarp was later draped over the doorway.

Witness Films Video: ‘People Were Terrified &#8230; I Was Quite Shocked’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witness-films-video-people-were-terrified-i-was-quite-shocked">Witness Films Video: ‘People Were Terrified &#8230; I Was Quite Shocked’ </h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witness-films-video-people-were-terrified-i-was-quite-shocked">Witness Films Video: ‘People Were Terrified ... I Was Quite Shocked’ </h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witness-films-video-people-were-terrified-i-was-quite-shocked">Witness Films Video: ‘People Were Terrified &#8230; I Was Quite Shocked’ </h2>

Sergii Molchanov, a Stanford student, was at the consulate around 3:05 p.m. filing documents for a visa when the car drove into the building. In an interview with The Standard, he said he was about two meters away from the car, catching a glimpse of the driver. The driver&#8217;s head was bleeding, Molchanov said, and he shouted, &#8220;Where&#8217;s the CCP?&#8221; as he got out of the blue Honda.

Sergii Molchanov, a Stanford student, was at the consulate around 3:05 p.m. filing documents for a visa when the car drove into the building. In an interview with The Standard, he said he was about two meters away from the car, catching a glimpse of the driver. The driver's head was bleeding, Molchanov said, and he shouted, "Where's the CCP?" as he got out of the blue Honda.

Sergii Molchanov, a Stanford student, was at the consulate around 3:05 p.m. filing documents for a visa when the car drove into the building. In an interview with The Standard, he said he was about two meters away from the car, catching a glimpse of the driver. The driver&#8217;s head was bleeding, Molchanov said, and he shouted, &#8220;Where&#8217;s the CCP?&#8221; as he got out of the blue Honda.

Security guards then approached the driver, Molchanov said, and were able to hold his arms back. Molchanov did not see the driver holding any weapon, but saw security guards holding a knife.

Security guards then approached the driver, Molchanov said, and were able to hold his arms back. Molchanov did not see the driver holding any weapon, but saw security guards holding a knife.

&#8220;He looked at me and I was a little bit scared because I didn’t know if he had any gun or something,&#8221; Molchanov said.

"He looked at me and I was a little bit scared because I didn’t know if he had any gun or something," Molchanov said.

&#8220;He looked at me and I was a little bit scared because I didn’t know if he had any gun or something,&#8221; Molchanov said.

People started fleeing the consulate, Molchanov said, and within a couple of minutes, police were at the scene. He heard two gunshots.

People started fleeing the consulate, Molchanov said, and within a couple of minutes, police were at the scene. He heard two gunshots.

“It’s quite terrifying and shocking to see,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve seen this on TV and to witness it in real life is quite different. People were terrified &#8230; I was quite shocked with all that and am still processing that.”&nbsp;

“It’s quite terrifying and shocking to see," he said. "I've seen this on TV and to witness it in real life is quite different. People were terrified ... I was quite shocked with all that and am still processing that.”&nbsp;

“It’s quite terrifying and shocking to see,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&#8217;ve seen this on TV and to witness it in real life is quite different. People were terrified &#8230; I was quite shocked with all that and am still processing that.”&nbsp;

Video filmed by Molchanov shows the Honda, with California license plates, lodged in the visa office as people flee the building.

Video filmed by Molchanov shows the Honda, with California license plates, lodged in the visa office as people flee the building.

core/video

Police were concerned that an explosive device may be in the vehicle, and bomb squad technicians and an explosives-sniffing dog were requested to come to the scene.

Police were concerned that an explosive device may be in the vehicle, and bomb squad technicians and an explosives-sniffing dog were requested to come to the scene.

At least 11 police cars and emergency vehicles were on the scene.

At least 11 police cars and emergency vehicles were on the scene.

Police officers and a K-9 dog walk at the intersection of Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5330.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-209686"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officers and a K-9 dog walk at the intersection of Laguna Street and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco on Monday.</figcaption></figure>

A neighbor who lives in the apartment next door, who refused to give his name, said he heard four or five shots and then saw people rush out of the consulate into its courtyard.

A neighbor who lives in the apartment next door, who refused to give his name, said he heard four or five shots and then saw people rush out of the consulate into its courtyard.

Although some businesses were closed Monday for Indigenous People&#8217;s Day and Columbus Day, a source inside the consulate said Monday was a normal work day for staff. Employees evacuated the building after the incident.

Although some businesses were closed Monday for Indigenous People's Day and Columbus Day, a source inside the consulate said Monday was a normal work day for staff. Employees evacuated the building after the incident.

Although some businesses were closed Monday for Indigenous People&#8217;s Day and Columbus Day, a source inside the consulate said Monday was a normal work day for staff. Employees evacuated the building after the incident.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, front left, arrives to speak to the media after a car crashed into the Chinese consulate on October 9, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5347.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-209710"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, front left, arrives to speak to the media after a car crashed into the Chinese consulate on Monday. </figcaption></figure>

Incident May Add to Tensions as APEC Summit Approaches

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incident-may-add-to-tensions-as-apec-summit-approaches">Incident May Add to Tensions as APEC Summit Approaches</h2>

San Francisco homelessness battle heats up as Star Wars theme deployed from speakers

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

Driver who crashed into San Francisco’s Chinese consulate was armed with crossbow

Kaiser strike ends for now, but unions threaten longer walkout

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

Search Results for: apec

San Francisco homelessness battle heats up as Star Wars theme deployed from speakers

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

Driver who crashed into San Francisco’s Chinese consulate was armed with crossbow

Kaiser strike ends for now, but unions threaten longer walkout

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