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.

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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 height="1875" width="2500" 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>

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<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>

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<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.

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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 height="1875" width="2500" 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>

<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 height="1875" width="2500" 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>

<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>

It was not immediately clear whether the driver had intentionally driven the vehicle into the building; however, the consulate has been subject to other attacks in the past.

It was not immediately clear whether the driver had intentionally driven the vehicle into the building; however, the consulate has been subject to other attacks in the past.

In 2014, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/03/us/attacker-sets-fire-at-chinese-consulate-in-san-francisco.html">a fire was set at the main entrance to the consulate,</a> significantly damaging the building’s doors and charring a large part of the consulate’s exterior before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.

In 2014, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/03/us/attacker-sets-fire-at-chinese-consulate-in-san-francisco.html">a fire was set at the main entrance to the consulate,</a> significantly damaging the building’s doors and charring a large part of the consulate’s exterior before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.

That incident was investigated by the FBI and the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security along with SFPD.

That incident was investigated by the FBI and the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security along with SFPD.

In November, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/28/vandal-strikes-sfs-chinese-consulate-with-graffiti-after-protest/">consulate was sprayed with graffiti.</a> That vandalism came after about 100 people held a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alicedreamss/status/1597068213153431553" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vigil</a>&nbsp;in front of the building to honor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/25/world/asia/china-fire.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 people who died in a fire in Urumqi, a city in China’s Xinjiang Province</a>. Many protesters in China blamed the country’s strict Covid protocols for preventing the victims from escaping, though officials from the Chinese government have denied culpability.

Vandal strikes SF&#8217;s Chinese consulate with graffiti after protest

In November, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/28/vandal-strikes-sfs-chinese-consulate-with-graffiti-after-protest/">consulate was sprayed with graffiti.</a> That vandalism came after about 100 people held a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alicedreamss/status/1597068213153431553" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vigil</a>&nbsp;in front of the building to honor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/25/world/asia/china-fire.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 people who died in a fire in Urumqi, a city in China’s Xinjiang Province</a>. Many protesters in China blamed the country’s strict Covid protocols for preventing the victims from escaping, though officials from the Chinese government have denied culpability.

Next month, San Francisco will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a gathering of world leaders from Pacific Rim nations. One of the biggest questions hanging over the event, which will draw President Joe Biden and other heads of state, is whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.

Next month, San Francisco will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a gathering of world leaders from Pacific Rim nations. One of the biggest questions hanging over the event, which will draw President Joe Biden and other heads of state, is whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.

The gathering runs from Nov. 12 to 18.

Jonah Owen Lamb contributed reporting.

Jonah Owen Lamb contributed reporting.

This is a developing story.

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

Jennifer Wadsworth

More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees returned to work this weekend after staging what’s being called the biggest health care strike in the nation’s history.

More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente employees returned to work this weekend after staging what’s being called the biggest health care strike in the nation’s history.

The walkout lasted from Wednesday to Saturday, included 60,000 Kaiser employees in California—20,000 of them in the Bay Area—and had a direct impact on patients by delaying appointments and shuttering clinics.

The walkout lasted from Wednesday to Saturday, included 60,000 Kaiser employees in California—20,000 of them in the Bay Area—and had a direct impact on patients by delaying appointments and shuttering clinics.

Now, the union alliance that led the labor action is bracing for a longer work stoppage if the next round of negotiations fails to culminate in a new contract.&nbsp;

Now, the union alliance that led the labor action is bracing for a longer work stoppage if the next round of negotiations fails to culminate in a new contract.&nbsp;

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions plans to resume talks with the Oakland-headquartered nonprofit hospital chain on Thursday and Friday. But the eight-union bloc issued a statement saying it was winding down its three-day strike while setting the stage for a 10-day walkout “if Kaiser executives continue to commit unfair labor practices and bargain in bad faith.”

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions plans to resume talks with the Oakland-headquartered nonprofit hospital chain on Thursday and Friday. But the eight-union bloc issued a statement saying it was winding down its three-day strike while setting the stage for a 10-day walkout “if Kaiser executives continue to commit unfair labor practices and bargain in bad faith.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/kaiser-strike-what-san-francisco-bay-area-patients-need-to-know/">Kaiser Strike: What It Means for San Francisco Bay Area Patients</a>

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

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/kaiser-strike-what-san-francisco-bay-area-patients-need-to-know/">Kaiser Strike: What It Means for San Francisco Bay Area Patients</a>

Outsourcing and understaffing have emerged as sticking points for labor organizers, who say they want higher pay to stem a staffing exodus fueled by pandemic burnout.&nbsp;

Outsourcing and understaffing have emerged as sticking points for labor organizers, who say they want higher pay to stem a staffing exodus fueled by pandemic burnout.&nbsp;

“Frontline healthcare workers continue to await meaningful action by Kaiser executives to address our key priorities, including safe staffing, outsourcing protections for incumbent healthcare workers, and fair wages to reduce turnover,” Gwendolyn Holloway, a contact lens technician at the Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, said in a union news release Friday.&nbsp;

“Frontline healthcare workers continue to await meaningful action by Kaiser executives to address our key priorities, including safe staffing, outsourcing protections for incumbent healthcare workers, and fair wages to reduce turnover,” Gwendolyn Holloway, a contact lens technician at the Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center, said in a union news release Friday.&nbsp;

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>

About midway through the few-day walkout, Kaiser said on its website that the company reached “a number of tentative agreements in bargaining” over the six months of negotiations before the union contract expired on Sept. 30.&nbsp;

About midway through the few-day walkout, Kaiser said on its website that the company reached “a number of tentative agreements in bargaining” over the six months of negotiations before the union contract expired on Sept. 30.&nbsp;

Namely, <a href="https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/who-we-are/labor-relations">Kaiser officials wrote</a>, the company offered:

Namely, <a href="https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/who-we-are/labor-relations">Kaiser officials wrote</a>, the company offered:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years.</li>



<li>Minimum payouts and potential for up to a $3,750 payout per employee.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Base hourly wages of $25 in California and $23 in other states.</li>



<li>More generous health benefits and retirement income plans.</li>



<li>Renewed tuition and training as well as more funding for education trusts.</li>
</ul>

Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years.

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<li>Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years.</li>

Minimum payouts and potential for up to a $3,750 payout per employee.&nbsp;

<li>Minimum payouts and potential for up to a $3,750 payout per employee.&nbsp;</li>

Base hourly wages of $25 in California and $23 in other states.

<li>Base hourly wages of $25 in California and $23 in other states.</li>

More generous health benefits and retirement income plans.

<li>More generous health benefits and retirement income plans.</li>

Renewed tuition and training as well as more funding for education trusts.

<li>Renewed tuition and training as well as more funding for education trusts.</li>

core/list

<ul><li>Across-the-board wage increases in all markets over the next four years.</li><li>Minimum payouts and potential for up to a $3,750 payout per employee.&nbsp;</li><li>Base hourly wages of $25 in California and $23 in other states.</li><li>More generous health benefits and retirement income plans.</li><li>Renewed tuition and training as well as more funding for education trusts.</li></ul>

Kaiser said it also met its goal of hiring 10,000 union-represented workers—something it planned to do before the year’s end but had already completed by the time the strike commenced on Wednesday. That brings the number of new hires to 50,000 over the past two years, the company said.&nbsp;

Kaiser said it also met its goal of hiring 10,000 union-represented workers—something it planned to do before the year’s end but had already completed by the time the strike commenced on Wednesday. That brings the number of new hires to 50,000 over the past two years, the company said.&nbsp;

Company officials noted that Kaiser is hardly alone in grappling with the issues brought to the fore by the union coalition.&nbsp;

Company officials noted that Kaiser is hardly alone in grappling with the issues brought to the fore by the union coalition.&nbsp;

“Together, we have faced the toughest challenges over the past three years,” Kaiser officials said. “Kaiser Permanente, our industry, and our employees are now operating in a new cultural, labor, and post-pandemic environment that we are all working hard to understand. We are committed to finding workable solutions for this new environment that meet our responsibility to balance taking care of our employees and being affordable to our members.”

“Together, we have faced the toughest challenges over the past three years,” Kaiser officials said. “Kaiser Permanente, our industry, and our employees are now operating in a new cultural, labor, and post-pandemic environment that we are all working hard to understand. We are committed to finding workable solutions for this new environment that meet our responsibility to balance taking care of our employees and being affordable to our members.”

The Kaiser walkout comes during one of the nation’s biggest years for strikes in the past two decades. <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-04/kaiser-permanente-workers-prepare-for-six-state-strike" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to Bloomberg Law’s database of work stoppages</a>, more than 445,000 workers have walked off the jobs this year in a slew of industries.

The Kaiser walkout comes during one of the nation’s biggest years for strikes in the past two decades. <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-04/kaiser-permanente-workers-prepare-for-six-state-strike" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to Bloomberg Law’s database of work stoppages</a>, more than 445,000 workers have walked off the jobs this year in a slew of industries.

In Hollywood, 160,000 actors went on strike to demand higher wages and job protections amid increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. Elsewhere in the country, some 25,000 autoworkers took to the picket lines against the Big Three: Ford, General Motors, Stellantis.

In Hollywood, 160,000 actors went on strike to demand higher wages and job protections amid increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. Elsewhere in the country, some 25,000 autoworkers took to the picket lines against the Big Three: Ford, General Motors, Stellantis.

While picketing in entertainment, manufacturing and other industries can drag on for months, however, health care strikes typically span just a few days because of their impact on critical services.

While picketing in entertainment, manufacturing and other industries can drag on for months, however, health care strikes typically span just a few days because of their impact on critical services.

The broader and deeper repercussions of the Kaiser strike have drawn the attention of President Biden’s Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, who flew to California this week to talk to both sides in the contract negotiations.

The broader and deeper repercussions of the Kaiser strike have drawn the attention of President Biden’s Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, who flew to California this week to talk to both sides in the contract negotiations.

The U.S. Department of Labor confirmed in an email to The Standard that Su plans to jump back into the fray when bargaining resumes in the coming days “to assist the parties in advancing talks towards a fair contract for this critical workforce.” “As the president and the acting secretary have said, collective bargaining works, even when it takes time,” a Department of Labor spokesperson wrote. “We are glad to see the parties going back to the bargaining table.”

The U.S. Department of Labor confirmed in an email to The Standard that Su plans to jump back into the fray when bargaining resumes in the coming days “to assist the parties in advancing talks towards a fair contract for this critical workforce.” “As the president and the acting secretary have said, collective bargaining works, even when it takes time,” a Department of Labor spokesperson wrote. “We are glad to see the parties going back to the bargaining table.”

Among the tens of thousands of Kaiser employees who joined the labor action this week were vocational nurses, emergency staff, radiology and X-ray techs, ultrasound sonographers, telehealth reps, respiratory therapists, behavioral health workers, pharmacists, phlebotomists and home health aides.&nbsp;

Among the tens of thousands of Kaiser employees who joined the labor action this week were vocational nurses, emergency staff, radiology and X-ray techs, ultrasound sonographers, telehealth reps, respiratory therapists, behavioral health workers, pharmacists, phlebotomists and home health aides.&nbsp;

Though managers, doctors and nurses haven’t been involved in the strike, the scale of the walkout forced Kaiser to close clinics and pharmacies and prompted a flurry of rescheduling for non-urgent procedures.

Though managers, doctors and nurses haven’t been involved in the strike, the scale of the walkout forced Kaiser to close clinics and pharmacies and prompted a flurry of rescheduling for non-urgent procedures.

Kaiser’s website says the chain serves nearly 13 million customers—9 million of them in California—and runs 39 hospitals and 622 medical offices in several states. Company officials urge its members to check <a href="http://www.kp.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kp.org</a> for the latest updates.

Kaiser’s website says the chain serves nearly 13 million customers—9 million of them in California—and runs 39 hospitals and 622 medical offices in several states. Company officials urge its members to check <a href="http://www.kp.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kp.org</a> for the latest updates.

Kaiser strike ends for now, but unions threaten longer walkout

George Kelly

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

Celebrated SoMa deli hit by break-in, outspoken owner vows quick reopening

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

"I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, 'There he is!'” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom."

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-street-artist-swipes-city-property-sells-it-online-for-thousands/">San Francisco Street Artist Swipes City Property, Sells It Online for Thousands</a>

SF street artist swipes city property, sells it online for thousands

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags "Goer" on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags &#8220;Goer&#8221; on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It's unclear what "Goer" means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-years-we-ve-been-cleaning-up-after-this-guy">‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’</h2>

On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1882" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti 'Goer' tag mars a bald eagle's plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

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Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it's multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who's the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we've been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

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<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

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<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of "Goer" tags across the district over several years.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West CBD between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.   

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1317" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-5.png?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West Community Benefit District between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-5.png?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Each yellow dot represents graffiti that was cleaned up by the SoMa West Community Benefit District between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn&#8217;t collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags it has cleaned up.

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn't collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on "Goer" tags it has cleaned up.

The community benefit district has a full-time staffer who tackles graffiti, as well as other team members who clean tags as found, Martin told The Standard. In the 12 months from July 2022, the district removed 9,759 tags, or 26 per day on average.&nbsp;The district doesn&#8217;t collect data on the types of tags it removes and was unable to provide a count on &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags it has cleaned up.

‘Goer’ Branding&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goer-branding-nbsp">‘Goer’ Branding&nbsp;</h2>

A 'Goer' branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma's window signage in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8220;Goer&#8221; branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma&#8217;s window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A "Goer" branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma's window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231016_184559226.jpg?w=2430" alt="" class="wp-image-211663"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A &#8220;Goer&#8221; branding mark is seen on the Bay of Burma&#8217;s window signage in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

The tagger left a different mark in late September, branding “Goer” into Bay of Burma’s storefront window signage on Folsom Street—a block from where Wabl was arrested Sunday.

The tagger left a different mark in late September, branding “Goer” into Bay of Burma’s storefront window signage on Folsom Street—a block from where Wabl was arrested Sunday.

Co-owner and Manager Ryan Zin told The Standard Bay of Burma was held up in an armed robbery on Sept. 13 for cash. Less than two weeks later, the brand appeared in the window’s sticker signage. It still reflects a “Goer” shadow on a table inside the restaurant on sunny days. The San Francisco Police Department has been contacted for confirmation of the armed robbery but did not immediately respond.

Co-owner and Manager Ryan Zin told The Standard Bay of Burma was held up in an armed robbery on Sept. 13 for cash. Less than two weeks later, the brand appeared in the window’s sticker signage. It still reflects a “Goer” shadow on a table inside the restaurant on sunny days. The San Francisco Police Department has been contacted for confirmation of the armed robbery but did not immediately respond.

“We’re planning to put up new stickers in a couple of days,” Zin said. “It’s annoying.”&nbsp;

“We’re planning to put up new stickers in a couple of days,” Zin said. “It’s annoying.”&nbsp;

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