Jonah Owen Lamb

Long the bane of San Francisco leaders and the city’s tourists industry, property crime has declined by 34% compared to the first six months of last year, <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/PoliceCommission71024-%20Commission%20Crime%20Trends%20Notes%2007.10.24.pdf">according to new police statistics</a>. The drop is part of a continued downward trend of reported major crimes in the city—one that has in most cases seen them fall below or near pre-pandemic levels.

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<p>Long the bane of San Francisco leaders and the city’s tourists industry, property crime has declined by 34% compared to the first six months of last year, <a href="https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/PoliceCommission71024-%20Commission%20Crime%20Trends%20Notes%2007.10.24.pdf">according to new police statistics</a>. The drop is part of a continued downward trend of reported major crimes in the city—one that has in most cases seen them fall below or near pre-pandemic levels.</p>

“The property-crime drop is really driving the majority of our reduction in crime,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said at Wednesday&#8217;s police commission. “Car break-ins, and larceny in general, is down significantly.”

<p>“The property-crime drop is really driving the majority of our reduction in crime,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said at Wednesday's police commission. “Car break-ins, and larceny in general, is down significantly.”</p>

<p>“The property-crime drop is really driving the majority of our reduction in crime,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said at Wednesday&#8217;s police commission. “Car break-ins, and larceny in general, is down significantly.”</p>

While the media narrative in <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/28/us-news/now-nowhere-in-san-francisco-is-safe-from-crime/">certain quarters</a> has been slow to shift, the same can&#8217;t be said for the underlying reality.

<p>While the media narrative in <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/28/us-news/now-nowhere-in-san-francisco-is-safe-from-crime/">certain quarters</a> has been slow to shift, the same can't be said for the underlying reality.</p>

<p>While the media narrative in <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/28/us-news/now-nowhere-in-san-francisco-is-safe-from-crime/">certain quarters</a> has been slow to shift, the same can&#8217;t be said for the underlying reality.</p>

Larceny thefts, which includes hot-button issues like car break-ins and retail thefts, dropped 40% to 10,522 so far this year, compared to last year&#8217;s 17,648 reported larcenies through six months—which was down from the 18,433 thefts reported in the first <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/SFPDCompStatCrimeReport20191201.pdf">six months of 2019</a>.

<p>Larceny thefts, which includes hot-button issues like car break-ins and retail thefts, dropped 40% to 10,522 so far this year, compared to last year's 17,648 reported larcenies through six months—which was down from the 18,433 thefts reported in the first <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/SFPDCompStatCrimeReport20191201.pdf">six months of 2019</a>.</p>

<p>Larceny thefts, which includes hot-button issues like car break-ins and retail thefts, dropped 40% to 10,522 so far this year, compared to last year&#8217;s 17,648 reported larcenies through six months—which was down from the 18,433 thefts reported in the first <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/SFPDCompStatCrimeReport20191201.pdf">six months of 2019</a>.</p>

Police Chief Bill Scott attends a press conference at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Mayor London Breed joined Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Myrna Melgar, and Joel Engardio joined business leaders and members of the community to announce the City's plan to install 400 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) at approximately 100 intersections across San Francisco. These new public safety license plate reader cameras will be used by SFPD to address critical public safety issues, including organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/powerplaynewsletter-02.jpg?w=2223" alt="The image shows smiling uniformed officers from the San Francisco Police, engaged in a light-hearted conversation outdoors. One officer appears to be gesturing animatedly." class="wp-image-290752"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, seen here in March 2024, attributes a rapid drop in crime to the department&#8217;s targeted strategy.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/powerplaynewsletter-02.jpg?w=2223" alt="The image shows smiling uniformed officers from the San Francisco Police, engaged in a light-hearted conversation outdoors. One officer appears to be gesturing animatedly." class="wp-image-290752"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, seen here in March 2024, attributes a rapid drop in crime to the department's targeted strategy.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/powerplaynewsletter-02.jpg?w=2223" alt="The image shows smiling uniformed officers from the San Francisco Police, engaged in a light-hearted conversation outdoors. One officer appears to be gesturing animatedly." class="wp-image-290752"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, seen here in March 2024, attributes a rapid drop in crime to the department&#8217;s targeted strategy.</figcaption></figure>

Scott attributed the trend to the department’s focus “on the right people”—meaning organized crews that operate across the Bay Area, including one that specialized in stealing high-end watches. The department used bait cars and other tactics to target criminals in highly trafficked areas, which Scott said helped SFPD make more than 400 retail-theft arrests this year.&nbsp;

<p>Scott attributed the trend to the department’s focus “on the right people”—meaning organized crews that operate across the Bay Area, including one that specialized in stealing high-end watches. The department used bait cars and other tactics to target criminals in highly trafficked areas, which Scott said helped SFPD make more than 400 retail-theft arrests this year.&nbsp;</p>

Overall, robberies were down 17%, totaling only 1,139 so far this year, compared to 1,378 in the first half of 2023. These numbers continue a downward trend from the first half of 2019, when there were 1,364 robberies.&nbsp;

<p>Overall, robberies were down 17%, totaling only 1,139 so far this year, compared to 1,378 in the first half of 2023. These numbers continue a downward trend from the first half of 2019, when there were 1,364 robberies.&nbsp;</p>

The City also saw year-to-date declines in homicides (39%), rape (9%) and burglary (19%).&nbsp;

<p>The City also saw year-to-date declines in homicides (39%), rape (9%) and burglary (19%).&nbsp;</p>

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-datawrapper wp-block-embed-datawrapper"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WLIVr/1
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A snapshot of crime statistics across six major categories shows rates largely returning to their pre-pandemic baselines.</figcaption></figure>

SFPD officials and Mayor London Breed have taken credit for the decline and attribute the improvement to their campaign to increase police patrols with the help of state and federal law enforcement.&nbsp;

<p>SFPD officials and Mayor London Breed have taken credit for the decline and attribute the improvement to their campaign to increase police patrols with the help of state and federal law enforcement.&nbsp;</p>

While acknowledging the drop at last week’s mayoral debate, most candidates redoubled promises to fill the depleted ranks of the police department, continuing to emphasize a law-and-order answer to public worries about crime.&nbsp;

<p>While acknowledging the drop at last week’s mayoral debate, most candidates redoubled promises to fill the depleted ranks of the police department, continuing to emphasize a law-and-order answer to public worries about crime.&nbsp;</p>

Criminologists, however, say there are many reasons for the safer streets, and those factors are not always attributable to police—especially considering crime rates are dropping nationwide as life returns to normal after the pandemic.

<p>Criminologists, however, say there are many reasons for the safer streets, and those factors are not always attributable to police—especially considering crime rates are dropping nationwide as life returns to normal after the pandemic.</p>

California Highway Patrol officers look on as climate activists block access to Montgomery Street in front of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/junghokim-20231115-33771.jpg?w=2500" alt="Several uniformed police officers with badges stand in a line; one officer looks at the camera. People in yellow raincoats and a woman with a pink phone walk by." class="wp-image-290755"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">California Highway Patrol officers look on as climate activists block access to Montgomery Street in front of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco on November 15, 2023.</figcaption></figure>


Sam DeWitt, a senior researcher with the Arlington-based <a href="https://www.air.org/">American Institutes of Research</a>, said that police work undoubtedly has an impact on crime, but cautioned against attributing changes to targeted enforcement of certain offenses when, in fact, all crimes are declining across the nation.&nbsp;

<p>Sam DeWitt, a senior researcher with the Arlington-based <a href="https://www.air.org/">American Institutes of Research</a>, said that police work undoubtedly has an impact on crime, but cautioned against attributing changes to targeted enforcement of certain offenses when, in fact, all crimes are declining across the nation.&nbsp;</p>

“There are dozens of other explanations for why crime goes up and down,” said DeWitt. “Crime is not just down in San Francisco, it&#8217;s down across the United States.”

<p>“There are dozens of other explanations for why crime goes up and down,” said DeWitt. “Crime is not just down in San Francisco, it's down across the United States.”</p>

<p>“There are dozens of other explanations for why crime goes up and down,” said DeWitt. “Crime is not just down in San Francisco, it&#8217;s down across the United States.”</p>

Those explanations are complex, he said, and include factors like economic shifts and the fact that <a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/are-younger-generations-committing-less-crime/#:~:text=The%20Office%20of%20Juvenile%20Justice,Lofstrom%20et%20al.">young people today are less likely to commit crimes</a> than previous generations.

<p>Those explanations are complex, he said, and include factors like economic shifts and the fact that <a href="https://www.ppic.org/publication/are-younger-generations-committing-less-crime/#:~:text=The%20Office%20of%20Juvenile%20Justice,Lofstrom%20et%20al.">young people today are less likely to commit crimes</a> than previous generations.</p>

Police officer Josh McFall speaks with Janet Jauregui who’s car window had been broken along Ninth Avenue near Lake Street in San Francisco on Monday, May 20, 2024. During the initial phase of the pandemic, Mark Dietrich observed an increase in occurrences of stolen luggage being discarded in the Richmond. This prompted him to take action by retrieving the abandoned bags, examining their contents, and making efforts to return them to their rightful owners.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240513-stolenluggagesleuth_0702.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks into a phone, standing beside a police officer in uniform next to a car with a shattered window. The setting appears to be a suburban street." class="wp-image-290753"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officer Josh McFall speaks with Janet Jauregui, whose car window had been broken along Ninth Avenue near Lake Street on May 20, 2024.</figcaption></figure>


According to the <a href="https://counciloncj.org/category/crime-trends/">Council on Criminal </a>Justice’s 2023 report, “overall, crime rates are largely returning to pre-Covid levels as the nation distances itself from the height of the pandemic, but there are notable exceptions” like car theft, which is on the rise nationally. But San Francisco defied its rep as a criminal cesspool here, too, seeing an 18% drop in car thefts in the first six months of this year compared to 2023.

<p>According to the <a href="https://counciloncj.org/category/crime-trends/">Council on Criminal </a>Justice’s 2023 report, “overall, crime rates are largely returning to pre-Covid levels as the nation distances itself from the height of the pandemic, but there are notable exceptions” like car theft, which is on the rise nationally. But San Francisco defied its rep as a criminal cesspool here, too, seeing an 18% drop in car thefts in the first six months of this year compared to 2023.</p>

Not a typo: Crime in SF is now below pre-pandemic levels

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

David Sjostedt

Kevin Truong

Han Li

In politics, 100 days can seem like an eternity —&nbsp;has it really been only three months since Trump took office again? —&nbsp;or a blink. Assessing a mayor’s —&nbsp;or president’s —&nbsp;tenure at the 100-day mark is a convention, but an imperfect one,&nbsp;an exercise in judging beginnings without knowledge of the endings.&nbsp;

<p>In politics, 100 days can seem like an eternity —&nbsp;has it really been only three months since Trump took office again? —&nbsp;or a blink. Assessing a mayor’s —&nbsp;or president’s —&nbsp;tenure at the 100-day mark is a convention, but an imperfect one,&nbsp;an exercise in judging beginnings without knowledge of the endings.&nbsp;</p>

Even so, Mayor Daniel Lurie hit the pavement with enough vigor and momentum that a recap of his first 14.3 weeks in City Hall offers much for discussion —&nbsp;even if it’s far too early to say whether his efforts will bear the intended fruit.&nbsp;

<p>Even so, Mayor Daniel Lurie hit the pavement with enough vigor and momentum that a recap of his first 14.3 weeks in City Hall offers much for discussion —&nbsp;even if it’s far too early to say whether his efforts will bear the intended fruit.&nbsp;</p>

Here’s what Lurie has accomplished on six key fronts.&nbsp;

<p>Here’s what Lurie has accomplished on six key fronts.&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homelessness">Homelessness</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homelessness">Homelessness</h2>

Lurie’s signature campaign promise was to build 1,500 shelter beds and solve street homelessness in just six months after taking office. Since becoming mayor, however, he has backed away from the latter promise; in late January, a campaign adviser told The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/28/san-francisco-daniel-lurie-homelessness-shelter-promise/">the promise was a “slip-up</a>.”

Lurie&#8217;s vow to end street homelessness in 6 months was &#8216;slip-up,&#8217; says adviser

<p>Lurie’s signature campaign promise was to build 1,500 shelter beds and solve street homelessness in just six months after taking office. Since becoming mayor, however, he has backed away from the latter promise; in late January, a campaign adviser told The Standard that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/28/san-francisco-daniel-lurie-homelessness-shelter-promise/">the promise was a “slip-up</a>.”</p>

While he has stood by the goal of adding 1,500 beds, he’s given himself more time, with staff saying the six-month clock didn’t start until mid-March — more than two months after his inauguration — when Lurie <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency/">unveiled his “Breaking the Cycle” directive</a>.

Lurie finally unveils plan for tackling SF&#8217;s fentanyl crisis

<p>While he has stood by the goal of adding 1,500 beds, he’s given himself more time, with staff saying the six-month clock didn’t start until mid-March — more than two months after his inauguration — when Lurie <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/daniel-lurie-fentanyl-emergency/">unveiled his “Breaking the Cycle” directive</a>.</p>

Homeless hang out on the streets near 6th Street and Natoma Street in San Francisco on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. Homeless out-of-towners are always quick to be blamed when cities are debating homelessness. In a recent post, Mayor Lurie's new homelessness chief blamed other cities for not doing enough, leading homeless people to move to San Francisco.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8367759482_homelessoutoftowners_040.jpg?w=2500" alt="People stand and sit on a sidewalk cluttered with belongings and strollers, beside parked cars and buildings, creating a crowded and busy street scene." class="wp-image-370255"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People gather on a sidewalk near Sixth and Natoma streets in February.</figcaption></figure>


Overall, Lurie’s strategy is aimed at improving the current system while adding a variety of facilities — not just shelter beds — that offer such services as mental health treatment, sober living coaching, and interim housing.

<p>Overall, Lurie’s strategy is aimed at improving the current system while adding a variety of facilities — not just shelter beds — that offer such services as mental health treatment, sober living coaching, and interim housing.</p>

Lurie’s most impactful reform in the first 100 days came when he announced an overhaul of the city’s oft-criticized street teams, condensing their efforts into five neighborhood-based squads. The teams previously worked disparately and with overlapping functions, a city audit found in 2023.

<p>Lurie’s most impactful reform in the first 100 days came when he announced an overhaul of the city’s oft-criticized street teams, condensing their efforts into five neighborhood-based squads. The teams previously worked disparately and with overlapping functions, a city audit found in 2023.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crime-and-public-safety">Crime and public safety</h2>


Lurie inherited a city with low levels of violent crime but a major problem with drug use and associated crime. With former police officer Paul Yep as his policy chief on public safety, Lurie has doubled down on the tough-on-crime regime put in place by his predecessor, London Breed, while moving to consolidate control of the Police Commission and the San Francisco Police Department.

<p>Lurie inherited a city with low levels of violent crime but a major problem with drug use and associated crime. With former police officer Paul Yep as his policy chief on public safety, Lurie has doubled down on the tough-on-crime regime put in place by his predecessor, London Breed, while moving to consolidate control of the Police Commission and the San Francisco Police Department.</p>

Under Lurie and Yep, the SFPD has shifted resources around, transferring cops to a command center in the Tenderloin and prioritizing enforcement of theft and petty crime. The department has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/27/jefferson-square-park-raid-san-francisco-police-drugs-arrests/">conducted mass arrests</a> of alleged dealers and users for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/drug-dealing-arrests-police-park-raid/">minor infractions such as loitering</a> or possession of paraphernalia —&nbsp;arrests that typically don’t result in charges. Meanwhile, the city’s jails are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/14/sf-jails-packed-for-the-first-time-in-decades/">the fullest they’ve been</a> in decades.

Cops storm drug market in late-night park raid

Massive drug market raid nabs almost no dealers

After decades of downsizing, SF jails are suddenly packed again

<p>Under Lurie and Yep, the SFPD has shifted resources around, transferring cops to a command center in the Tenderloin and prioritizing enforcement of theft and petty crime. The department has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/27/jefferson-square-park-raid-san-francisco-police-drugs-arrests/">conducted mass arrests</a> of alleged dealers and users for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/06/drug-dealing-arrests-police-park-raid/">minor infractions such as loitering</a> or possession of paraphernalia —&nbsp;arrests that typically don’t result in charges. Meanwhile, the city’s jails are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/14/sf-jails-packed-for-the-first-time-in-decades/">the fullest they’ve been</a> in decades.</p>

San Francisco law enforcement and city department staffers carried out a mass sweep and arrest of suspected drug dealers and users at Jefferson Square Park on Wednesday night.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1740650785758blob.png?w=1920" alt="A nighttime scene with a group of police officers standing near a brightly lit bus stop. The bus stop displays an ad about parked cars getting hot quickly." class="wp-image-372418"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police and other city officials carry out a mass sweep and arrests of suspected drug dealers and users at Jefferson Square Park.</figcaption></figure>


Lurie was able to secure support from the Board of Supervisors for his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/san-francisco-mayor-bold-play-remove-sfpd-commissioner/">removal of an independent-minded police commissioner</a>, Max Carter-Oberstone, who had defied Breed and blocked her from appointing her choice of SFPD chief. Mayoral appointees now make up the majority of the commission, which has the role of choosing three candidates in the event Chief Bill Scott retires or is pushed out.

Lurie makes bold play to cut controversial police commissioner

<p>Lurie was able to secure support from the Board of Supervisors for his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/san-francisco-mayor-bold-play-remove-sfpd-commissioner/">removal of an independent-minded police commissioner</a>, Max Carter-Oberstone, who had defied Breed and blocked her from appointing her choice of SFPD chief. Mayoral appointees now make up the majority of the commission, which has the role of choosing three candidates in the event Chief Bill Scott retires or is pushed out.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drug-crisis-nbsp">The drug crisis&nbsp;</h2>


Despite the passage of legislation declaring a “fentanyl emergency,” which gives the mayor special powers to address the crisis, overdose rates remain at startling levels, and visible drug markets continue to plague some street corners —&nbsp;but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/21/the-mission-is-the-new-tenderloin/">the addresses have changed</a>.&nbsp;

The Mission is the new Tenderloin

<p>Despite the passage of legislation declaring a “fentanyl emergency,” which gives the mayor special powers to address the crisis, overdose rates remain at startling levels, and visible drug markets continue to plague some street corners —&nbsp;but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/21/the-mission-is-the-new-tenderloin/">the addresses have changed</a>.&nbsp;</p>

SFPD’s high-profile raids on the notorious late-night gatherings of drug users, dealers, and illegal vendors have so far accomplished little more than moving them around the city.&nbsp;

<p>SFPD’s high-profile raids on the notorious late-night gatherings of drug users, dealers, and illegal vendors have so far accomplished little more than moving them around the city.&nbsp;</p>

In his approach to helping drug users, Lurie has accelerated his predecessor’s shift away from so-called harm reduction policies, introducing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/02/moronic-nonprofit-slams-luries-new-rule-on-free-drug-supplies/">a controversial mandate</a> to pair distribution of smoking supplies with counseling.

&#8216;Moronic&#8217;: Nonprofits slam Lurie&#8217;s new rules on free drug supplies

<p>In his approach to helping drug users, Lurie has accelerated his predecessor’s shift away from so-called harm reduction policies, introducing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/02/moronic-nonprofit-slams-luries-new-rule-on-free-drug-supplies/">a controversial mandate</a> to pair distribution of smoking supplies with counseling.</p>

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has set up a triage center at a parking lot at 469 Stevenson St. near Jesse Street on Friday, Feb, 7, 2025.. The idea is to free up beat cops by having a jail transport van for dealers and users who get arrested, while also providing services to drug users who want to get clean.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dsc07539.jpg?w=1046" alt="An alley with white tents covering tables, where a few people sit and stand. Tall buildings and trees are visible in the background." class="wp-image-365308"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police opened a triage center in a parking lot in February.</figcaption></figure>


The city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/sixth-street-drug-market-triage-center-police/">opened a triage center</a> on Sixth Street, a corridor known for drug activity, connecting more than 1,000 people to medical or behavioral health treatment and directing more than 275 into shelter or housing, according to city data. Lurie is using his new emergency powers to open <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/12/lurie-will-use-emergency-fentanyl-powers-to-speed-crisis-center-opening/">a crisis center</a> at 822 Geary St. that will serve as an alternative landing spot for people suffering from overdoses and mental health crises.

New drug market plan: Cops will bus dealers, users to treatment or jail

Tenderloin drug crisis center to open this spring under Lurie&#8217;s emergency law

<p>The city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/04/sixth-street-drug-market-triage-center-police/">opened a triage center</a> on Sixth Street, a corridor known for drug activity, connecting more than 1,000 people to medical or behavioral health treatment and directing more than 275 into shelter or housing, according to city data. Lurie is using his new emergency powers to open <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/12/lurie-will-use-emergency-fentanyl-powers-to-speed-crisis-center-opening/">a crisis center</a> at 822 Geary St. that will serve as an alternative landing spot for people suffering from overdoses and mental health crises.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business">Business</h2>


“San Francisco is open for business” has been a refrain of Lurie’s as he has attempted to pull off a feat that eluded Breed: breathing life back into downtown. Office vacancy rates remain high, foot traffic is still depressed, and tourism levels are wobbly, but some economic indicators, including sales tax revenue and population flows, are trending positively after steep pandemic declines.

<p>“San Francisco is open for business” has been a refrain of Lurie’s as he has attempted to pull off a feat that eluded Breed: breathing life back into downtown. Office vacancy rates remain high, foot traffic is still depressed, and tourism levels are wobbly, but some economic indicators, including sales tax revenue and population flows, are trending positively after steep pandemic declines.</p>

Lurie’s policy program has included expanded public-drinking “entertainment zones,” slashed red tape on development, and an order to bring city workers back to the office.

<p>Lurie’s policy program has included expanded public-drinking “entertainment zones,” slashed red tape on development, and an order to bring city workers back to the office.</p>

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at the Strava headquarters at 181 Fremont St. in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Strava is opening the doors to its brand-new global headquarters in San Francisco. HQ celebrates Strava’s global presence and the universality of sport by featuring meeting rooms named after some of the most beloved segments around the world like Alpe d’Huez and Mount Tam, bibs from local and global races the team has been a part of and artwork from world-class sporting events to pay homage to athleticism and sportsmanship.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8566320600_metastrava08.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage, with an audience of diverse people standing and observing. A large screen is next to him displaying &quot;Strava.&quot;" class="wp-image-374947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie speaks with Strava employees at the fitness app company&#8217;s new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8566320600_metastrava08.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage, with an audience of diverse people standing and observing. A large screen is next to him displaying &quot;Strava.&quot;" class="wp-image-374947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie speaks with Strava employees at the fitness app company's new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8566320600_metastrava08.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man in a suit speaks into a microphone on a small stage, with an audience of diverse people standing and observing. A large screen is next to him displaying &quot;Strava.&quot;" class="wp-image-374947"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie speaks with Strava employees at the fitness app company&#8217;s new headquarters in downtown San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Assisting him is Ned Segal, the mayor’s policy chief for housing and economic development, who came to government after a long career in the private sector, including in investment banking and technology.

<p>Assisting him is Ned Segal, the mayor’s policy chief for housing and economic development, who came to government after a long career in the private sector, including in investment banking and technology.</p>

Lurie has leaned on his connections to bring private funds to bear on the downtown problem. New civic and business groups, including the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/08/lurie-downtown-development-corp-nonprofit-david-stiepleman/">San Francisco Downtown Development Corp.</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">Partnership for San Francisco</a>, have been created for this purpose, both stocked with billionaires and CEOs.

Lurie backers launch new nonprofit to funnel private dollars into downtown SF

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<p>Lurie has leaned on his connections to bring private funds to bear on the downtown problem. New civic and business groups, including the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/08/lurie-downtown-development-corp-nonprofit-david-stiepleman/">San Francisco Downtown Development Corp.</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/lurie-creates-powerful-partnership/">Partnership for San Francisco</a>, have been created for this purpose, both stocked with billionaires and CEOs.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-nbsp">Education&nbsp;</h2>


Lurie campaigned on a vision of a more “family-friendly” San Francisco, with a stronger public school system at the heart of that promise. Though he’s a private-school parent and holds no direct authority over the San Francisco Unified School District — which operates independently from City Hall — he retains indirect influence. About a quarter of the district’s budget comes from the city, and as mayor, Lurie has the power to appoint Board of Education members.

<p>Lurie campaigned on a vision of a more “family-friendly” San Francisco, with a stronger public school system at the heart of that promise. Though he’s a private-school parent and holds no direct authority over the San Francisco Unified School District — which operates independently from City Hall — he retains indirect influence. About a quarter of the district’s budget comes from the city, and as mayor, Lurie has the power to appoint Board of Education members.</p>

Since taking office, Lurie has mostly taken on a symbolic and supportive role when it comes to the SFUSD. He’s been present at school events, applauded rising enrollment numbers, and backed initiatives like college savings account programs. Both SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su and school board President Phil Kim have expressed gratitude for his involvement. Still, Lurie has generally refrained from commenting on specific issues.

<p>Since taking office, Lurie has mostly taken on a symbolic and supportive role when it comes to the SFUSD. He’s been present at school events, applauded rising enrollment numbers, and backed initiatives like college savings account programs. Both SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su and school board President Phil Kim have expressed gratitude for his involvement. Still, Lurie has generally refrained from commenting on specific issues.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-budget">The budget</h2>


The city faces an $820 million deficit that President Donald Trump could make worse in a variety of ways, from yanking federal funds to triggering a recession that would decimate the tax base. Lurie estimated that the budget hole could grow <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/san-francisco-lurie-budget-trump-2-billion/">as large as $2 billion</a>.

New estimate puts federal threat to SF at more than $2 billion, Lurie says

<p>The city faces an $820 million deficit that President Donald Trump could make worse in a variety of ways, from yanking federal funds to triggering a recession that would decimate the tax base. Lurie estimated that the budget hole could grow <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/10/san-francisco-lurie-budget-trump-2-billion/">as large as $2 billion</a>.</p>

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<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/06/san-francisco-layoffs-daniel-lurie-budget-deficit/">Layoffs</a> are on the table, his office said. If they occur, it will be the first time City Hall has laid off employees to meet a budget need since Gavin Newsom was mayor. In the meantime, Lurie has instructed city departments to reduce their budgets by 15%, specifying that cuts should not be “politically untenable.” The proposals have rolled in: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/18/san-francisco-city-hall-street-cleaning-services-department-of-public-works/">scaling back</a> street cleaning, charging more for parking meters, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/bussing-downtown-good-luck-muni-to-snip-routes-to-save-money/">snipping</a> Muni routes, closing art museums <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/04/fine-arts-museums-may-slash-staff-close-on-tuesdays/">on additional days,</a> and cutting back on nonprofits. Still, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/10/daniel-lurie-is-getting-budget-rolled-by-his-own-bureaucrats/">not all departments have complied</a> with the 15% mandate: 22 city agencies <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/05/san-francisco-budget-deficit-departments-daniel-lurie/">blew it off.</a>

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Daniel Lurie is getting budget-rolled by his own bureaucrats

City departments are blowing off Lurie&#8217;s budget-cut mandate

<p><a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/06/san-francisco-layoffs-daniel-lurie-budget-deficit/">Layoffs</a> are on the table, his office said. If they occur, it will be the first time City Hall has laid off employees to meet a budget need since Gavin Newsom was mayor. In the meantime, Lurie has instructed city departments to reduce their budgets by 15%, specifying that cuts should not be “politically untenable.” The proposals have rolled in: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/18/san-francisco-city-hall-street-cleaning-services-department-of-public-works/">scaling back</a> street cleaning, charging more for parking meters, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/18/bussing-downtown-good-luck-muni-to-snip-routes-to-save-money/">snipping</a> Muni routes, closing art museums <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/04/fine-arts-museums-may-slash-staff-close-on-tuesdays/">on additional days,</a> and cutting back on nonprofits. Still, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/10/daniel-lurie-is-getting-budget-rolled-by-his-own-bureaucrats/">not all departments have complied</a> with the 15% mandate: 22 city agencies <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/05/san-francisco-budget-deficit-departments-daniel-lurie/">blew it off.</a></p>

Whatever happens next, the Board of Supervisors and Lurie must agree on the budget by July 1, a process mandated by city law.

<p>Whatever happens next, the Board of Supervisors and Lurie must agree on the budget by July 1, a process mandated by city law.</p>

Daniel Lurie’s 100-day progress report

George Kelly

A violent weekend in Oakland left three dead and one injured, underscoring the city&#8217;s struggle with rising crime.

<p>A violent weekend in Oakland left three dead and one injured, underscoring the city's struggle with rising crime.</p>

<p>A violent weekend in Oakland left three dead and one injured, underscoring the city&#8217;s struggle with rising crime.</p>

On Saturday, police responded to two shootings within four hours on opposite sides of the city, a spokesperson confirmed in an email to The Standard.

<p>On Saturday, police responded to two shootings within four hours on opposite sides of the city, a spokesperson confirmed in an email to The Standard.</p>

The first shooting, shortly before 4:30 p.m. on 23rd Street east of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, left two dead on the spot. A third victim managed to get to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.

<p>The first shooting, shortly before 4:30 p.m. on 23rd Street east of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, left two dead on the spot. A third victim managed to get to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.</p>

Just after 8 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of a shooting at E Street east of 105th Avenue and found a person suffering from a gunshot wound. That person was declared dead at the scene.

<p>Just after 8 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of a shooting at E Street east of 105th Avenue and found a person suffering from a gunshot wound. That person was declared dead at the scene.</p>

Opinion: Oakland’s crime data mess: How politicians are playing shell games with public safety

Oakland police did not identify the victims, citing the need for next-of-kin notification. However, an <a href="https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/09/08/three-people-fatally-shot-in-oakland-2/">East Bay Times report</a> said the fatalities were a 29-year-old Oakland woman and a 50-year-old Berkeley man, and the surviving victim was a 55-year-old man. The Times learned the solo shooting victim was a 50-year-old Stockton man.

<p>Oakland police did not identify the victims, citing the need for next-of-kin notification. However, an <a href="https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/09/08/three-people-fatally-shot-in-oakland-2/">East Bay Times report</a> said the fatalities were a 29-year-old Oakland woman and a 50-year-old Berkeley man, and the surviving victim was a 55-year-old man. The Times learned the solo shooting victim was a 50-year-old Stockton man.</p>

Adding to the weekend&#8217;s turmoil, an ABC7 news crew was robbed at gunpoint around 5:30 p.m. Saturday while reporting near 44th and Market streets, according to a statement from the Oakland Police Officers Association.

<p>Adding to the weekend's turmoil, an ABC7 news crew was robbed at gunpoint around 5:30 p.m. Saturday while reporting near 44th and Market streets, according to a statement from the Oakland Police Officers Association.</p>

<p>Adding to the weekend&#8217;s turmoil, an ABC7 news crew was robbed at gunpoint around 5:30 p.m. Saturday while reporting near 44th and Market streets, according to a statement from the Oakland Police Officers Association.</p>

According to that statement, three suspects brandishing firearms pushed a crew member and took her backpack before stealing equipment and a security guard&#8217;s handgun and fleeing east along 44th Street in an old-model gold Toyota Camry 4D. Oakland police did not share information about the robbery when asked, and ABC7 declined comment late Sunday morning.

<p>According to that statement, three suspects brandishing firearms pushed a crew member and took her backpack before stealing equipment and a security guard's handgun and fleeing east along 44th Street in an old-model gold Toyota Camry 4D. Oakland police did not share information about the robbery when asked, and ABC7 declined comment late Sunday morning.</p>

<p>According to that statement, three suspects brandishing firearms pushed a crew member and took her backpack before stealing equipment and a security guard&#8217;s handgun and fleeing east along 44th Street in an old-model gold Toyota Camry 4D. Oakland police did not share information about the robbery when asked, and ABC7 declined comment late Sunday morning.</p>

In the statement, Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association, criticized city leadership for the spike and blamed &#8220;staffing shortages in the police department and … policies that fail to hold criminals accountable&#8221; for increasing crime rates.

<p>In the statement, Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association, criticized city leadership for the spike and blamed "staffing shortages in the police department and … policies that fail to hold criminals accountable" for increasing crime rates.</p>

<p>In the statement, Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association, criticized city leadership for the spike and blamed &#8220;staffing shortages in the police department and … policies that fail to hold criminals accountable&#8221; for increasing crime rates.</p>

These incidents come amid a spike in Oakland&#8217;s crime rate. An <a href="https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/09/08/crime-has-surged-in-oakland-since-pandemic-leveled-off-in-san-jose-san-francisco/">East Bay Times report</a> said the city&#8217;s overall crime rate in 2023 was higher than at any time in the past two decades, up 100% since 2020. <br><br>According to the report, car thefts in Oakland rose 114.5% from 2022 to 2023, hitting a rate of roughly one car stolen for every 27 residents. The report also revealed that Oakland&#8217;s violent crime rate in 2023 increased by 174% since 2020, while property crime rose 90% in the same period.

<p>These incidents come amid a spike in Oakland's crime rate. An <a href="https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/09/08/crime-has-surged-in-oakland-since-pandemic-leveled-off-in-san-jose-san-francisco/">East Bay Times report</a> said the city's overall crime rate in 2023 was higher than at any time in the past two decades, up 100% since 2020. <br><br>According to the report, car thefts in Oakland rose 114.5% from 2022 to 2023, hitting a rate of roughly one car stolen for every 27 residents. The report also revealed that Oakland's violent crime rate in 2023 increased by 174% since 2020, while property crime rose 90% in the same period.</p>

<p>These incidents come amid a spike in Oakland&#8217;s crime rate. An <a href="https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/09/08/crime-has-surged-in-oakland-since-pandemic-leveled-off-in-san-jose-san-francisco/">East Bay Times report</a> said the city&#8217;s overall crime rate in 2023 was higher than at any time in the past two decades, up 100% since 2020. <br><br>According to the report, car thefts in Oakland rose 114.5% from 2022 to 2023, hitting a rate of roughly one car stolen for every 27 residents. The report also revealed that Oakland&#8217;s violent crime rate in 2023 increased by 174% since 2020, while property crime rose 90% in the same period.</p>

Amid the spike in car thefts, as well as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/oakland-car-theft-spikes-san-francisco-bay-area-car-thefts-up-some/">a similar situation in San Francisco</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/oakland-crime-police-response-times-skyrocket/">complaints about officer response times</a>, officials and organizations have pursued various strategies.

Over 15,000 cars stolen in San Francisco and Oakland this year

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<p>Amid the spike in car thefts, as well as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/oakland-car-theft-spikes-san-francisco-bay-area-car-thefts-up-some/">a similar situation in San Francisco</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/oakland-crime-police-response-times-skyrocket/">complaints about officer response times</a>, officials and organizations have pursued various strategies.</p>

Gov. Gavin Newsom sent&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/newsom-to-send-120-chp-officers-to-fight-crime-in-oakland/">120 CHP</a>&nbsp;officers to Oakland to battle rising crime in early February in a temporary “surge,” as state officials described it, that they say yielded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/02/14/initial-chp-oakland-surge-results/">71 arrests</a>, the recovery of 145 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of four “crime-linked” firearms.

Newsom to send 120 CHP officers to fight crime in Oakland

<p>Gov. Gavin Newsom sent&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/06/newsom-to-send-120-chp-officers-to-fight-crime-in-oakland/">120 CHP</a>&nbsp;officers to Oakland to battle rising crime in early February in a temporary “surge,” as state officials described it, that they say yielded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/02/14/initial-chp-oakland-surge-results/">71 arrests</a>, the recovery of 145 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of four “crime-linked” firearms.</p>

In March, Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/29/newsom-to-install-500-surveillance-cameras-in-oakland-to-fight-crime/">announced plans to install hundreds of surveillance cameras</a> in Oakland and other cities to help CHP investigators track suspects&#8217; vehicles.

Newsom to install 500 surveillance cameras in Oakland to fight crime

<p>In March, Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/29/newsom-to-install-500-surveillance-cameras-in-oakland-to-fight-crime/">announced plans to install hundreds of surveillance cameras</a> in Oakland and other cities to help CHP investigators track suspects' vehicles.</p>

<p>In March, Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/29/newsom-to-install-500-surveillance-cameras-in-oakland-to-fight-crime/">announced plans to install hundreds of surveillance cameras</a> in Oakland and other cities to help CHP investigators track suspects&#8217; vehicles.</p>

3 shot dead, TV crew robbed over violent weekend in Oakland

Michael McLaughlin

Five people have been charged with conspiracy for allegedly staging fake robberies and a carjacking in an attempt to obtain special immigration visas, prosecutors said.

<p>Five people have been charged with conspiracy for allegedly staging fake robberies and a carjacking in an attempt to obtain special immigration visas, prosecutors said.</p>

Prosecutors identified the suspects as San Francisco residents Rickson Ivan Rodriguez-Contreras, 32, and Victor Cano-Ruiz, 46, and Redwood City residents Huritzy Gomez-Quiroz, 47; Ramon Ramirez-Mendez, 45; and Orbelina Carranza-Quintanilla, 44.

<p>Prosecutors identified the suspects as San Francisco residents Rickson Ivan Rodriguez-Contreras, 32, and Victor Cano-Ruiz, 46, and Redwood City residents Huritzy Gomez-Quiroz, 47; Ramon Ramirez-Mendez, 45; and Orbelina Carranza-Quintanilla, 44.</p>

The alleged scheme occurred Sept. 16 in Daly City and Redwood City, according to San Mateo District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe. Court documents say Rodriguez-Contreras staged a mugging of Gomez-Quiroz at a Wells Fargo ATM in Serramonte Center, which she and her husband, Ramirez-Mendez, reported to police.

<p>The alleged scheme occurred Sept. 16 in Daly City and Redwood City, according to San Mateo District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe. Court documents say Rodriguez-Contreras staged a mugging of Gomez-Quiroz at a Wells Fargo ATM in Serramonte Center, which she and her husband, Ramirez-Mendez, reported to police.</p>

The same day, Rodriguez-Contreras allegedly staged a robbery and carjacking targeting Carranza-Quintanilla at a Wells Fargo on Woodside Road in Redwood City, which she reported to police.

<p>The same day, Rodriguez-Contreras allegedly staged a robbery and carjacking targeting Carranza-Quintanilla at a Wells Fargo on Woodside Road in Redwood City, which she reported to police.</p>

Not a typo: Crime in SF is now below pre-pandemic levels

Daniel Lurie’s 100-day progress report

3 shot dead, TV crew robbed over violent weekend in Oakland

Crew staged robberies to scam immigration visa extensions, DA says

DA rages at courts as suspected $16K Walgreens thief is released

Search Results for: crime

Not a typo: Crime in SF is now below pre-pandemic levels

Daniel Lurie’s 100-day progress report

3 shot dead, TV crew robbed over violent weekend in Oakland

Crew staged robberies to scam immigration visa extensions, DA says

DA rages at courts as suspected $16K Walgreens thief is released