Josh Koehn

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

core/paragraph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

core/image

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

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

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

“The point is, we can’t keep doing what we&#8217;re doing,” Breed said.

“The point is, we can’t keep doing what we're doing,” Breed said.

“The point is, we can’t keep doing what we&#8217;re doing,” Breed said.

The Community Justice Center includes a courtroom and social-service center that can refer people to drug treatment, mental health programs, support groups, counseling, career development and job training.

The Community Justice Center includes a courtroom and social-service center that can refer people to drug treatment, mental health programs, support groups, counseling, career development and job training.

Pressure has been building on the mayor, police and prosecutors to address the drug crisis as the city is on pace to set a record number of overdose deaths. Polling shows San Franciscans are fed up, and a public hearing with the mayor and Board of Supervisors on the topic last month at United Nations Plaza turned into a volatile spectacle. Breed’s allies recently mounted an aggressive ad campaign to pressure the mayor and supervisors to redirect funds in the budget toward recovery programs and investments in law enforcement to better combat open-air drug markets.

Pressure has been building on the mayor, police and prosecutors to address the drug crisis as the city is on pace to set a record number of overdose deaths. Polling shows San Franciscans are fed up, and a public hearing with the mayor and Board of Supervisors on the topic last month at United Nations Plaza turned into a volatile spectacle. Breed’s allies recently mounted an aggressive ad campaign to pressure the mayor and supervisors to redirect funds in the budget toward recovery programs and investments in law enforcement to better combat open-air drug markets.

Many city officials are acknowledging that progress needs to be made ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, when President Joe Biden and other heads of state will visit the city.

Many city officials are acknowledging that progress needs to be made ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, when President Joe Biden and other heads of state will visit the city.

Breed’s comments Wednesday were part of a conversation to discuss her recent Sister City trip to Israel. During the trip, Breed talked about hearing the siren of the Iron Dome defense system being activated during an attack on Tel Aviv. The system is designed to counter short-range rockets and large artillery shells.

Breed’s comments Wednesday were part of a conversation to discuss her recent Sister City trip to Israel. During the trip, Breed talked about hearing the siren of the Iron Dome defense system being activated during an attack on Tel Aviv. The system is designed to counter short-range rockets and large artillery shells.

The mayor compared the situation to her own experience growing up in Plaza East, a public housing project in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood that was once called the O.C., short for “Outta Control” due to frequent gun violence.&nbsp;

The mayor compared the situation to her own experience growing up in Plaza East, a public housing project in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood that was once called the O.C., short for “Outta Control” due to frequent gun violence.&nbsp;

“I was sitting outside talking to the mayor [of Tel Aviv] and heard [the siren], and then she’s like, ‘Uh, there it goes.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, there it goes,’” Breed said. “And in my mind I was thinking, ‘This is very familiar to me.’”

“I was sitting outside talking to the mayor [of Tel Aviv] and heard [the siren], and then she’s like, ‘Uh, there it goes.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, there it goes,’” Breed said. “And in my mind I was thinking, ‘This is very familiar to me.’”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedJCCSF06212023-535-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-173924"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed talks at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center on Wednesday about her recent trip to Israel. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Breed also talked about ideas she gleaned from visiting Haifa, San Francisco’s sister city in Israel, which once had its own issues around an abandoned Downtown area. San Francisco has suffered a huge loss in foot traffic as a result of the pandemic, with many storefronts closing and office towers being hollowed out by the shift to remote work.

Breed also talked about ideas she gleaned from visiting Haifa, San Francisco’s sister city in Israel, which once had its own issues around an abandoned Downtown area. San Francisco has suffered a huge loss in foot traffic as a result of the pandemic, with many storefronts closing and office towers being hollowed out by the shift to remote work.

The mayor’s hosts in Haifa showed her a building that had been converted into housing for college students, an idea that has gained some traction here in the city.

The mayor’s hosts in Haifa showed her a building that had been converted into housing for college students, an idea that has gained some traction here in the city.

“I don’t know if this was a particular plan, but once they started to populate the Downtown area with students, all of a sudden there were restaurants, cafes, bars and a place for nightlife. It really had a profound impact on Haifa,” Breed said. “And I thought to myself, ‘Hmm, UCSF can go to Westfield [mall], that might be something really cool, right? Don’t they need more lab space?&#8217; Anyway, just a big thought in my head.”

“I don’t know if this was a particular plan, but once they started to populate the Downtown area with students, all of a sudden there were restaurants, cafes, bars and a place for nightlife. It really had a profound impact on Haifa,” Breed said. “And I thought to myself, ‘Hmm, UCSF can go to Westfield [mall], that might be something really cool, right? Don’t they need more lab space?' Anyway, just a big thought in my head.”

“I don’t know if this was a particular plan, but once they started to populate the Downtown area with students, all of a sudden there were restaurants, cafes, bars and a place for nightlife. It really had a profound impact on Haifa,” Breed said. “And I thought to myself, ‘Hmm, UCSF can go to Westfield [mall], that might be something really cool, right? Don’t they need more lab space?&#8217; Anyway, just a big thought in my head.”

Experts have said the mayor’s idea to convert Westfield’s San Francisco Centre on Market Street—which is losing its anchor tenant Nordstrom this summer and recently saw its movie theater shutter—into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-mayors-answer-to-downtown-malls-woes-lab-space/">lab space</a> is probably infeasible.

Experts have said the mayor’s idea to convert Westfield’s San Francisco Centre on Market Street—which is losing its anchor tenant Nordstrom this summer and recently saw its movie theater shutter—into <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-mayors-answer-to-downtown-malls-woes-lab-space/">lab space</a> is probably infeasible.

Near the end of the evening, Breed was asked how the community could help her achieve her goals and support San Francisco. The mayor didn’t miss a beat.&nbsp;

Near the end of the evening, Breed was asked how the community could help her achieve her goals and support San Francisco. The mayor didn’t miss a beat.&nbsp;

“Give me a new Board of Supervisors,” she said.

“Give me a new Board of Supervisors,” she said.

Breed and six of the 11 supervisor seats are up for election in 2024.&nbsp;

Breed and six of the 11 supervisor seats are up for election in 2024.&nbsp;

Drug crackdown: San Francisco mayor reveals new arrest policy

Julie Zigoris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Subway fully opens with Pelosi back from chaotic speaker election

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

core/heading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

📍 709 Jackson St. 🔗 No website

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

What San Francisco treats are inside the APEC goodie bags?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chinese Culture Center Gift Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco Chinatown holiday season shopping guide: 2023 edition

Jennifer Wadsworth

The largest health care strike in U.S. history kicked off early Wednesday morning as 75,000 employees of Kaiser Permanente across California and several other states walked off the job.

The largest health care strike in U.S. history kicked off early Wednesday morning as 75,000 employees of Kaiser Permanente across California and several other states walked off the job.

Since the vast majority of Kaiser patients live in the company’s home state, the strike stands to have an outsize impact on California—and the Bay Area in particular.&nbsp;

Since the vast majority of Kaiser patients live in the company’s home state, the strike stands to have an outsize impact on California—and the Bay Area in particular.&nbsp;

Here’s what to know about the three-day walkout set to last through 6 a.m. Saturday.&nbsp;

Here’s what to know about the three-day walkout set to last through 6 a.m. Saturday.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-it-about">What’s It About?</h2>

Post-pandemic burnout and pervasive short-staffing in the health care industry, where workers say they care for too many patients for too little pay, have galvanized unions throughout the country to demand higher wages and better working conditions.&nbsp;

Post-pandemic burnout and pervasive short-staffing in the health care industry, where workers say they care for too many patients for too little pay, have galvanized unions throughout the country to demand higher wages and better working conditions.&nbsp;

The Kaiser strike, which comes just days after the last contract expired, culminates about six months of negotiations and grapples with many of the same issues that fueled other walkouts in the industry earlier this year: starting salaries, raises, benefits, hiring practices and workforce development.

The Kaiser strike, which comes just days after the last contract expired, culminates about six months of negotiations and grapples with many of the same issues that fueled other walkouts in the industry earlier this year: starting salaries, raises, benefits, hiring practices and workforce development.

Eight labor groups under the aegis of the <a href="https://www.unioncoalition.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions</a> say the health care giant reported more than $24 billion in profits over the last five years, paid its CEO more than $16 million in 2021 and gave 49 other executives more than $1 million-a-year salaries.

Eight labor groups under the aegis of the <a href="https://www.unioncoalition.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions</a> say the health care giant reported more than $24 billion in profits over the last five years, paid its CEO more than $16 million in 2021 and gave 49 other executives more than $1 million-a-year salaries.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/31/san-francisco-apec-fundraise-goal/">Google, Kaiser Pitch In To Help San Francisco Meet APEC Summit Fundraising Goal</a>

Google, Kaiser pitch in to help San Francisco meet APEC summit fundraising goal

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/31/san-francisco-apec-fundraise-goal/">Google, Kaiser Pitch In To Help San Francisco Meet APEC Summit Fundraising Goal</a>

Meanwhile, union leaders say Kaiser wants to cut performance bonuses for support staff and outsource jobs to “low-wage, for-profit companies” while letting wages lag amid soaring inflation.

Meanwhile, union leaders say Kaiser wants to cut performance bonuses for support staff and outsource jobs to “low-wage, for-profit companies” while letting wages lag amid soaring inflation.

Kaiser calls many of the coalition’s claims misleading, saying it offered across-the-board wage hikes and a company-wide minimum hourly pay of $21—$5 less than the union&#8217;s desired $26.

Kaiser calls many of the coalition’s claims misleading, saying it offered across-the-board wage hikes and a company-wide minimum hourly pay of $21—$5 less than the union's desired $26.

Kaiser calls many of the coalition’s claims misleading, saying it offered across-the-board wage hikes and a company-wide minimum hourly pay of $21—$5 less than the union&#8217;s desired $26.

Kaiser officials also say they spent millions to train staff, accelerate hiring and fund pay bumps of 10% and 14% over four years.

Kaiser officials also say they spent millions to train staff, accelerate hiring and fund pay bumps of 10% and 14% over four years.

In a statement over the weekend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unioncoalition.org/2023-agreement-expires/">union coalition</a>&nbsp;said both sides “remain far apart” on key issues like pay and staffing. “So far, there is no light at the end of the tunnel,” union leaders wrote.

In a statement over the weekend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unioncoalition.org/2023-agreement-expires/">union coalition</a>&nbsp;said both sides “remain far apart” on key issues like pay and staffing. “So far, there is no light at the end of the tunnel,” union leaders wrote.

In the days to follow, however, Kaiser executives downplayed the imminence of the walkout. “A strike is not inevitable,” hospital officials said in a statement, “and it is certainly not justified.”&nbsp;

In the days to follow, however, Kaiser executives downplayed the imminence of the walkout. “A strike is not inevitable,” hospital officials said in a statement, “and it is certainly not justified.”&nbsp;

Even so, thousands of temp workers were hired to fill vacancies just in case.

Even so, thousands of temp workers were hired to fill vacancies just in case.

Some 75,000 workers are striking, and though the Oakland-founded nonprofit hospital chain serves 13 million patients nationwide, a disproportionate share live in California.&nbsp;

Some 75,000 workers are striking, and though the Oakland-founded nonprofit hospital chain serves 13 million patients nationwide, a disproportionate share live in California.&nbsp;

The unions striking represent about 19,000 Kaiser workers in the Bay Area alone. Meanwhile, two other unions with a combined 14,000 members who work as engineers, scientists or managers authorized a sympathy strike.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The unions striking represent about 19,000 Kaiser workers in the Bay Area alone. Meanwhile, two other unions with a combined 14,000 members who work as engineers, scientists or managers authorized a sympathy strike.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Picket lines assembled at more than a dozen Bay Area Kaiser locations, including in San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, South San Francisco, San Jose, Hayward, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Vallejo, Richmond, Fremont, Antioch, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek and Redwood City.

Picket lines assembled at more than a dozen Bay Area Kaiser locations, including in San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, South San Francisco, San Jose, Hayward, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Vallejo, Richmond, Fremont, Antioch, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek and Redwood City.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-striking">Who’s Striking?</h2>

Here’s who’s not joining the walkout: doctors, registered nurses and managers. Emergency departments and hospitals will remain open, according to Kaiser spokespeople, as will pharmacies for inpatient care and critical infusion services.&nbsp;

Here’s who’s not joining the walkout: doctors, registered nurses and managers. Emergency departments and hospitals will remain open, according to Kaiser spokespeople, as will pharmacies for inpatient care and critical infusion services.&nbsp;

“Our facilities will be staffed by our physicians, trained and experienced managers and staff,” hospital officials told The Standard in an email Tuesday, “and in some cases, we will augment with licensed and contract staff.”

“Our facilities will be staffed by our physicians, trained and experienced managers and staff,” hospital officials told The Standard in an email Tuesday, “and in some cases, we will augment with licensed and contract staff.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/24/nurses-describe-unsafe-er-emergency-room-conditions-san-francisco-hospital/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nurses Raise Alarm on Unsafe ER Conditions at a Top SF Hospital</a>

Nurses raise alarm on unsafe ER conditions at a top SF hospital

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/24/nurses-describe-unsafe-er-emergency-room-conditions-san-francisco-hospital/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nurses Raise Alarm on Unsafe ER Conditions at a Top SF Hospital</a>

That said, the unions leading the strike represent workers who provide critical service to patients.

That said, the unions leading the strike represent workers who provide critical service to patients.

Drug crackdown: San Francisco mayor reveals new arrest policy

San Francisco Chinatown holiday season shopping guide: 2023 edition

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

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

Another blow for downtown SF as major tech conference moves away

Search Results for: apec

Drug crackdown: San Francisco mayor reveals new arrest policy

San Francisco Chinatown holiday season shopping guide: 2023 edition

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

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

Another blow for downtown SF as major tech conference moves away