Brandon R. Reynolds

It was an eventful weekend for an athlete who performs incredible feats, even if it didn&#8217;t happen on the field. San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/01/union-square-visitors-share-concerns-in-wake-of-ricky-pearsall-shooting/">was shot in the chest</a> Saturday in Union Square by a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an attempted robbery. In a struggle for the gun, the assailant was also shot. <a href="https://x.com/Outkick/status/1830061544270430376">Video from the scene</a> shows the wounded Pearsall walking — walking! — shirtless and escorted by police to an ambulance.

Union Square visitors share concerns in wake of Ricky Pearsall shooting

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It was an eventful weekend for an athlete who performs incredible feats, even if it didn't happen on the field. San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/01/union-square-visitors-share-concerns-in-wake-of-ricky-pearsall-shooting/">was shot in the chest</a> Saturday in Union Square by a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an attempted robbery. In a struggle for the gun, the assailant was also shot. <a href="https://x.com/Outkick/status/1830061544270430376">Video from the scene</a> shows the wounded Pearsall walking — walking! — shirtless and escorted by police to an ambulance.

It was an eventful weekend for an athlete who performs incredible feats, even if it didn&#8217;t happen on the field. San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/01/union-square-visitors-share-concerns-in-wake-of-ricky-pearsall-shooting/">was shot in the chest</a> Saturday in Union Square by a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an attempted robbery. In a struggle for the gun, the assailant was also shot. <a href="https://x.com/Outkick/status/1830061544270430376">Video from the scene</a> shows the wounded Pearsall walking — walking! — shirtless and escorted by police to an ambulance.

A day later, Pearsall, incredibly, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/01/ricky-pearsall-shooting-update-sanfrancisco/">was released from the hospital</a>, the bullet having missed his vital organs. Pearsall has been moved to the NFL’s reserve/non-football injury list, meaning <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41098729/49ers-put-ricky-pearsall-nfi-list-wr-shot-chest">he’ll miss at least four games</a>.&nbsp;

Ricky Pearsall&#8217;s mom says her son&#8217;s in &#8216;good spirits&#8217; after bullet missed his vital organs

A day later, Pearsall, incredibly, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/01/ricky-pearsall-shooting-update-sanfrancisco/">was released from the hospital</a>, the bullet having missed his vital organs. Pearsall has been moved to the NFL’s reserve/non-football injury list, meaning <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41098729/49ers-put-ricky-pearsall-nfi-list-wr-shot-chest">he’ll miss at least four games</a>.&nbsp;

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 04: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (14) throws a shirt during the San Francisco 49ers Training Camp on August 4, 2024 at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2164868666.jpg?w=2500" alt="A football player in a red jersey, wearing a white headband and arm sleeve, throws a towel toward the audience at what appears to be a training event or game." class="wp-image-307117"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital a day after being shot in the chest.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2164868666.jpg?w=2500" alt="A football player in a red jersey, wearing a white headband and arm sleeve, throws a towel toward the audience at what appears to be a training event or game." class="wp-image-307117"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital a day after being shot in the chest.</figcaption></figure>

Politically speaking, though, the real sport has been playing out since the shooting. Politicians have characterized it as somewhere on the spectrum between an “isolated incident” and a public safety “failure.” Collectively, the story reads as “not enough police in a crime-ridden place,” when the reality in this case seems to be the opposite.

Politically speaking, though, the real sport has been playing out since the shooting. Politicians have characterized it as somewhere on the spectrum between an “isolated incident” and a public safety “failure.” Collectively, the story reads as “not enough police in a crime-ridden place,” when the reality in this case seems to be the opposite.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anxiety-hangover">&#8216;Anxiety&#8217; hangover?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anxiety-hangover">'Anxiety' hangover?</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anxiety-hangover">&#8216;Anxiety&#8217; hangover?</h2>

Mayor London Breed was on the “isolated incident” end.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed was on the “isolated incident” end.&nbsp;

“Police were on scene immediately because Mayor Breed and Chief Scott have deployed current, off-duty, and former officers to help patrol the downtown corridor,” said Joe Arellano, Breed’s campaign spokesman.&nbsp;

“Police were on scene immediately because Mayor Breed and Chief Scott have deployed current, off-duty, and former officers to help patrol the downtown corridor,” said Joe Arellano, Breed’s campaign spokesman.&nbsp;

Arellano told The Standard that the “anxiety” residents might feel stems from higher pandemic-era crime rates, but District Attorney Brooke Jenkins “is standing alongside her, vowing prosecution during the city’s public safety response to a shooting.”

Arellano told The Standard that the “anxiety” residents might feel stems from higher pandemic-era crime rates, but District Attorney Brooke Jenkins “is standing alongside her, vowing prosecution during the city’s public safety response to a shooting.”

Mayoral challengers, on the contrary, say the shooting was the direct result of the policing shortage — and that their own policing plans are the solution.

Mayoral challengers, on the contrary, say the shooting was the direct result of the policing shortage — and that their own policing plans are the solution.

From left: Police chief Bill Scott, Mayor London Breed and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins during a news conference at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Ricky Pearsall, a player with the San Francisco 49ers, was shot late Saturday afternoon in a robbery in Union Square. Pearsall was rushed to General Hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries and was expected to survive. The robbery suspect was immediately apprehended and arrested by police. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2168953917.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals, including a uniformed officer, stand behind a podium with multiple microphones set up for a press conference held outside near a building entrance." class="wp-image-307122"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At a press conference, Mayor London Breed credited Police Chief Bill Scott and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins for the reduction in crime.</figcaption></figure>

Supervisor Aaron Peskin tried to get out in front of the obvious metaphor. “Turning this into a political football doesn’t make San Francisco safer or represent who we are as a city,” he said in a statement to The Standard. Peskin emphasized by way of solution his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/12/san-francisco-ballot-november-2024/">proposed Proposition F</a>, which would keep retirement-age officers working as neighborhood patrols, and a recruitment plan.

Brace yourself, San Francisco: November’s ballot will be massive

Supervisor Aaron Peskin tried to get out in front of the obvious metaphor. “Turning this into a political football doesn’t make San Francisco safer or represent who we are as a city,” he said in a statement to The Standard. Peskin emphasized by way of solution his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/12/san-francisco-ballot-november-2024/">proposed Proposition F</a>, which would keep retirement-age officers working as neighborhood patrols, and a recruitment plan.

Another mayoral candidate, nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie, pushed his own law-enforcement vision. “We need to make public safety the top priority,” he told The Standard. “Only then will people and businesses fully return downtown.” He vowed to restore the San Francisco Police Department to its full complement of officers and create a station in the downtown “hospitality zone.”&nbsp;

Another mayoral candidate, nonprofit executive Daniel Lurie, pushed his own law-enforcement vision. “We need to make public safety the top priority,” he told The Standard. “Only then will people and businesses fully return downtown.” He vowed to restore the San Francisco Police Department to its full complement of officers and create a station in the downtown “hospitality zone.”&nbsp;

Pedestrians, press, and law enforcement pass through the block of Geary and Grant in Downtown San Francisco on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. The previous day, on August 31, 23-year-old 49er’s player Ricky Pearsall was shot by a suspect whom police described as a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an armed robbery attempt in San Francisco’s Union Square. The teenager was reportedly trying to steal Pearsall’s Rolex watch.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dt49ershootingfolo-29.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows several uniformed police officers standing and talking on a busy urban street, with pedestrians, street signs, and buildings visible in the background." class="wp-image-307221"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidates cited the Pearsall shooting to push their visions for law enforcement.</figcaption></figure>

In the immediate wake of the shooting, candidate and former mayor Mark Farrell <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1830028537363120338">took to X</a>: “Our city has suffered from a tragic series of gun shootings,” he wrote. “Enough is enough. If we want public safety in San Francisco, then we need change in City Hall.”

In the immediate wake of the shooting, candidate and former mayor Mark Farrell <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1830028537363120338">took to X</a>: “Our city has suffered from a tragic series of gun shootings,” he wrote. “Enough is enough. If we want public safety in San Francisco, then we need change in City Hall.”

The perceived politicking earned him rebukes on social media and from former mayor Willie Brown Jr., <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/ricky-pearsall-shooting-mark-farrell-fails-key-mayoral-test/article_7d356884-6947-11ef-8b16-2bbcf715ae7c.html?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_sfexaminer">who wrote</a> in a San Francisco Examiner op-ed that Farrell’s “broadside” “could have come out of the mouth of a Fox News host” and is the “exact recipe that feeds Trump’s attack machine against cities like San Francisco.”&nbsp;

The perceived politicking earned him rebukes on social media and from former mayor Willie Brown Jr., <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/ricky-pearsall-shooting-mark-farrell-fails-key-mayoral-test/article_7d356884-6947-11ef-8b16-2bbcf715ae7c.html?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_sfexaminer">who wrote</a> in a San Francisco Examiner op-ed that Farrell’s “broadside” “could have come out of the mouth of a Fox News host” and is the “exact recipe that feeds Trump’s attack machine against cities like San Francisco.”&nbsp;

In a statement to The Standard, Farrell doubled down. “Because of her failure to address our officer staffing crisis,” he said of Mayor London Breed, “there were half the number of officers in Union Square yesterday compared to a few weeks ago and a number of our district stations have dangerously low staffing levels.”

In a statement to The Standard, Farrell doubled down. “Because of her failure to address our officer staffing crisis,” he said of Mayor London Breed, “there were half the number of officers in Union Square yesterday compared to a few weeks ago and a number of our district stations have dangerously low staffing levels.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-a-shortage-when-it-counted">Not a shortage when it counted</h2>

So if you&#8217;re keeping score: Breed is saying, essentially, there&#8217;s nothing to see here. Teams Lurie and Farrell say police staffing shortages led to Pearsall’s shooting. Team Peskin is more sanguine, acknowledging that crime rates are down but more officers would be a good idea.&nbsp;

So if you're keeping score: Breed is saying, essentially, there's nothing to see here. Teams Lurie and Farrell say police staffing shortages led to Pearsall’s shooting. Team Peskin is more sanguine, acknowledging that crime rates are down but more officers would be a good idea.&nbsp;

So if you&#8217;re keeping score: Breed is saying, essentially, there&#8217;s nothing to see here. Teams Lurie and Farrell say police staffing shortages led to Pearsall’s shooting. Team Peskin is more sanguine, acknowledging that crime rates are down but more officers would be a good idea.&nbsp;

So who&#8217;s right? The SFPD is indeed facing a shortage of 500 officers. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">Far fewer people</a> are applying to the academy in recent years — perhaps the result, <a href="https://www.police1.com/what-cops-want/are-we-witnessing-the-lost-generation-of-policing">per one policing survey</a>, of negativity from the public, the media, and/or politicians.&nbsp;

SFPD’s ranks are thinning fast, and recruitment is lagging. Is the damage ‘permanent’?

So who's right? The SFPD is indeed facing a shortage of 500 officers. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">Far fewer people</a> are applying to the academy in recent years — perhaps the result, <a href="https://www.police1.com/what-cops-want/are-we-witnessing-the-lost-generation-of-policing">per one policing survey</a>, of negativity from the public, the media, and/or politicians.&nbsp;

So who&#8217;s right? The SFPD is indeed facing a shortage of 500 officers. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">Far fewer people</a> are applying to the academy in recent years — perhaps the result, <a href="https://www.police1.com/what-cops-want/are-we-witnessing-the-lost-generation-of-policing">per one policing survey</a>, of negativity from the public, the media, and/or politicians.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dt49ershootingfolo-30.jpg?w=2500" alt="A female police officer in a dark blue uniform stands beside an ornate lamppost, with &quot;Valentino&quot; signage visible in the background." class="wp-image-307220"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Joelle Harrell got to Pearsall soon after he was shot, rendering aid.</figcaption></figure>

And yet, in this case, a shortage of police doesn’t seem to have been an issue: Cops responded quickly — and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sfpd-sergeant-effort-save-life-ricky-pearsall-19737266.php">one of them</a>, Police Department Sgt. Joelle Harrell, rendered a heroic degree of aid to Pearsall.

And yet, in this case, a shortage of police doesn’t seem to have been an issue: Cops responded quickly — and <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sfpd-sergeant-effort-save-life-ricky-pearsall-19737266.php">one of them</a>, Police Department Sgt. Joelle Harrell, rendered a heroic degree of aid to Pearsall.

Nor does the robbery appear to represent a spike in crime. According to <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/crime-dashboard">SFPD crime data</a>, robberies are down almost 22% for the year to date. There were 186 robberies in the Financial District (which includes the Union Square neighborhood) for the year to Aug. 29, down from 223 in the same period last year.

Nor does the robbery appear to represent a spike in crime. According to <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/crime-dashboard">SFPD crime data</a>, robberies are down almost 22% for the year to date. There were 186 robberies in the Financial District (which includes the Union Square neighborhood) for the year to Aug. 29, down from 223 in the same period last year.

By the end of the long weekend, the good news was that Pearsall is on the road to recovery and may be playing again soon. Beyond that, it was more or less the same old game.

By the end of the long weekend, the good news was that Pearsall is on the road to recovery and may be playing again soon. Beyond that, it was more or less the same old game.

‘Turning this into a political football’: 49er rookie’s shooting kicks off an an old game

Jennifer Wadsworth

The mother of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall said her son is &#8220;in good spirits&#8221; after a bullet ripped through his chest and out his back without damaging vital organs.

The mother of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall said her son is "in good spirits" after a bullet ripped through his chest and out his back without damaging vital organs.

The mother of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall said her son is &#8220;in good spirits&#8221; after a bullet ripped through his chest and out his back without damaging vital organs.

Erin Pearsall shared the update early Sunday on Facebook, the morning after her 23-year-old son was shot by a suspect whom police described as a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an armed robbery attempt in San Francisco&#8217;s Union Square.

Erin Pearsall shared the update early Sunday on Facebook, the morning after her 23-year-old son was shot by a suspect whom police described as a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an armed robbery attempt in San Francisco's Union Square.

Erin Pearsall shared the update early Sunday on Facebook, the morning after her 23-year-old son was shot by a suspect whom police described as a 17-year-old from Tracy, in an armed robbery attempt in San Francisco&#8217;s Union Square.

The teenager was reportedly trying to steal Pearsall&#8217;s Rolex watch.

The teenager was reportedly trying to steal Pearsall's Rolex watch.

The teenager was reportedly trying to steal Pearsall&#8217;s Rolex watch.

Police officers secure the area and investigate the scene of a shooting at Union Square in San Francisco on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Ricky Pearsall, a player with the San Francisco 49ers, was shot late Saturday afternoon in a robbery in Union Square,. Pearsall was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries and was expected to survive. The robbery suspect was immediately apprehended and arrested by police. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2168905831.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three police officers are standing near a crime scene, with one officer kneeling and taking photos. Yellow tape cordons off the area around a black Tesla." class="wp-image-307120"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police officers investigate the scene of the shooting at Union Square.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2168953917.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals, including a uniformed officer, stand behind a podium with multiple microphones set up for a press conference held outside near a building entrance." class="wp-image-307122"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Police Chief Bill Scott, Mayor London Breed, and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins discuss the armed robbery attempt at a Saturday-evening news conference.</figcaption></figure>

Blood and a shell casing is seen tagged as evidence as police officers secure the area and investigate the scene of a shooting at Union Square in San Francisco on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Ricky Pearsall, a player with the San Francisco 49ers, was shot late Saturday afternoon in a robbery in Union Square,. Pearsall was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries and was expected to survive. The robbery suspect was immediately apprehended and arrested by police. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2168905725.jpg?w=1733" alt="On a paved surface, there are yellow evidence markers with numbers 2 and 3. Nearby are a sandal, a cap, a cloth, and a bullet." class="wp-image-307118"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Blood and a shell casing are tagged as evidence at the scene of the shooting, 77 Geary St.</figcaption></figure>

“First and far most I want to thank God for protecting my baby boy,” Erin Pearsall wrote in the social media update on Sunday. “He is extremely lucky, God shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to God it missed his vital organs.”

“First and far most I want to thank God for protecting my baby boy,” Erin Pearsall wrote in the social media update on Sunday. “He is extremely lucky, God shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to God it missed his vital organs.”

In a statement posted hours after the shooting, the 49ers said Pearsall — the team&#8217;s first-round pick in the last NFL draft — was in stable condition.

In a statement posted hours after the shooting, the 49ers said Pearsall — the team's first-round pick in the last NFL draft — was in stable condition.

In a statement posted hours after the shooting, the 49ers said Pearsall — the team&#8217;s first-round pick in the last NFL draft — was in stable condition.

&#8220;We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time,&#8221; <a href="https://www.49ers.com/news/statement-from-the-san-francisco-49ers-wide-receiver-ricky-pearsall">the statement read</a>. &#8220;Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.&#8221;

"We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time," <a href="https://www.49ers.com/news/statement-from-the-san-francisco-49ers-wide-receiver-ricky-pearsall">the statement read</a>. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family."

&#8220;We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time,&#8221; <a href="https://www.49ers.com/news/statement-from-the-san-francisco-49ers-wide-receiver-ricky-pearsall">the statement read</a>. &#8220;Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.&#8221;

A <a href="https://www.49ers.com/news/update-from-the-san-francisco-49ers-on-wr-ricky-pearsall">follow-up statement</a> early Sunday afternoon shared that Pearsall had been released from the hospital &#8220;as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest.

A <a href="https://www.49ers.com/news/update-from-the-san-francisco-49ers-on-wr-ricky-pearsall">follow-up statement</a> early Sunday afternoon shared that Pearsall had been released from the hospital "as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest.

A <a href="https://www.49ers.com/news/update-from-the-san-francisco-49ers-on-wr-ricky-pearsall">follow-up statement</a> early Sunday afternoon shared that Pearsall had been released from the hospital &#8220;as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest.

&#8220;He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital.&#8221;

"He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital."

&#8220;He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital.&#8221;

49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall shot during robbery in San Francisco

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Police say the shooting took place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday by luxury shops around Geary Street and Grant Avenue, when the suspect pointed a gun at Pearsall while he was carrying shopping bags to his car.

Police say the shooting took place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday by luxury shops around Geary Street and Grant Avenue, when the suspect pointed a gun at Pearsall while he was carrying shopping bags to his car.

A struggle ensued in which the gun went off; both the teen suspect and the football player were struck, police say.

A struggle ensued in which the gun went off; both the teen suspect and the football player were struck, police say.

The teenager tried to bolt from the scene, police say, but officers apprehended him.

The teenager tried to bolt from the scene, police say, but officers apprehended him.

Both the shooter, who had life-threatening injuries, and Pearsall were admitted to San Francisco General Hospital.

Both the shooter, who had life-threatening injuries, and Pearsall were admitted to San Francisco General Hospital.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Crazy!! Footage of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> WR Ricky Pearsall walking to the ambulance after getting shot. Thank God he’s ok. <a href="https://t.co/ZTnk5vmoA9">pic.twitter.com/ZTnk5vmoA9</a>&mdash; 49ers &amp; NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/49ersSportsTalk/status/1830056597625725343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The shooting was quickly politicized by candidates running against Mayor London Breed in the fall election. Challengers Mark Farrell and Daniel Lurie took to social media to cast the incident as a symbol of lawlessness in the city.

The shooting was quickly politicized by candidates running against Mayor London Breed in the fall election. Challengers Mark Farrell and Daniel Lurie took to social media to cast the incident as a symbol of lawlessness in the city.

“No one — whether they live, work, or visit our beloved city — should ever have to fear for their safety in San Francisco,” Lurie wrote on X. “This senseless violence must end.”

“No one — whether they live, work, or visit our beloved city — should ever have to fear for their safety in San Francisco,” Lurie wrote on X. “This senseless violence must end.”

“Enough is enough,” Farrell wrote on X. “If we want public safety in San Francisco, then we need change in City Hall.”

“Enough is enough,” Farrell wrote on X. “If we want public safety in San Francisco, then we need change in City Hall.”

At a press conference outside the hospital, Breed emphasized that San Francisco is one of the nation&#8217;s safest big cities, calling the shooting &#8220;a terrible and rare incident.&#8221;

At a press conference outside the hospital, Breed emphasized that San Francisco is one of the nation's safest big cities, calling the shooting "a terrible and rare incident."

At a press conference outside the hospital, Breed emphasized that San Francisco is one of the nation&#8217;s safest big cities, calling the shooting &#8220;a terrible and rare incident.&#8221;

“We know San Francisco has the lowest violent crime rates than most major cities in this country,” she said. “But statistics don’t matter when incidents like this occur. What matters is supporting the victim and holding those accountable who break our laws and endanger the lives others.”

“We know San Francisco has the lowest violent crime rates than most major cities in this country,” she said. “But statistics don’t matter when incidents like this occur. What matters is supporting the victim and holding those accountable who break our laws and endanger the lives others.”

Despite a recent spate of shootings — including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/31/stray-bullet-gravely-injures-sanfrancicso-girl/">a stray bullet striking an 8-year-old girl</a> Friday in the Crocker-Amazon neighborhood —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/crime-dashboard">reported crimes</a>&nbsp;have declined in San Francisco by about a third compared with late August 2023.

Girl injured by &#8216;accidental&#8217; shooting in SF home, not stray bullet: supervisor

Despite a recent spate of shootings — including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/31/stray-bullet-gravely-injures-sanfrancicso-girl/">a stray bullet striking an 8-year-old girl</a> Friday in the Crocker-Amazon neighborhood —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/crime-dashboard">reported crimes</a>&nbsp;have declined in San Francisco by about a third compared with late August 2023.

Robberies, according to the same SFPD data, dropped 22% from the same timeframe in 2023.

Robberies, according to the same SFPD data, dropped 22% from the same timeframe in 2023.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office is deciding what charges to bring against the 17-year-old suspect in the Pearsall shooting.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office is deciding what charges to bring against the 17-year-old suspect in the Pearsall shooting.

Ricky Pearsall’s mom says her son’s in ‘good spirits’ after bullet missed his vital organs

London Breed

In the wake of the recent arson attack on a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Chinatown, The Standard asked four major mayoral candidates to share their responses to the violence. Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie both agreed to participate; former Supervisor Mark Farrell declined; Supervisor Ahsha Safai did not respond.<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/17/san-francisco-lurie-burned-waymo/"> Read mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie&#8217;s response.</a>

In the wake of the recent arson attack on a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Chinatown, The Standard asked four major mayoral candidates to share their responses to the violence. Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie both agreed to participate; former Supervisor Mark Farrell declined; Supervisor Ahsha Safai did not respond.<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/17/san-francisco-lurie-burned-waymo/"> Read mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie's response.</a>

In the wake of the recent arson attack on a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Chinatown, The Standard asked four major mayoral candidates to share their responses to the violence. Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie both agreed to participate; former Supervisor Mark Farrell declined; Supervisor Ahsha Safai did not respond.<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/17/san-francisco-lurie-burned-waymo/"> Read mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie&#8217;s response.</a>

Last Saturday was a beautiful day in San Francisco. During the first day of the Lunar New Year, our Chinatown community was bursting with thousands of people out in the streets and celebrations everywhere that represent the best of who we are as a city. I was proud to be out in Chinatown, seeing the families, seniors and our entire city come together to celebrate the hope for what lies ahead in the coming year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last Saturday was a beautiful day in San Francisco. During the first day of the Lunar New Year, our Chinatown community was bursting with thousands of people out in the streets and celebrations everywhere that represent the best of who we are as a city. I was proud to be out in Chinatown, seeing the families, seniors and our entire city come together to celebrate the hope for what lies ahead in the coming year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

That night, in an isolated incident in the same area, a group of people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/10/waymo-robotaxi-goes-up-in-flames-in-chinatown-after-crowd-attacks-vehicle/">burned and destroyed an autonomous vehicle</a>. It was a dangerous and destructive act of vandalism. Chinatown is one of the densest neighborhoods in San Francisco, and any fire could explode and spread among tightly packed buildings to endanger lives, homes and businesses. Thankfully, our fire department responded quickly, and the fire was contained.&nbsp;

Waymo robotaxi goes up in flames in Chinatown after crowd attacks vehicle

That night, in an isolated incident in the same area, a group of people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/10/waymo-robotaxi-goes-up-in-flames-in-chinatown-after-crowd-attacks-vehicle/">burned and destroyed an autonomous vehicle</a>. It was a dangerous and destructive act of vandalism. Chinatown is one of the densest neighborhoods in San Francisco, and any fire could explode and spread among tightly packed buildings to endanger lives, homes and businesses. Thankfully, our fire department responded quickly, and the fire was contained.&nbsp;

Some have rushed, as they do, to try to turn this act of vandalism into something more than it is. Once again, some are trying to desperately resurrect the false doom loop narrative about our city. Enough. <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-franciscos-public-safety-efforts-deliver-results-decline-crime-rates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crime in San Francisco is at its lowest point</a>, other than in 2020, in over a decade. Arson, which this clearly was, is down 36% to start this year. Anyone peddling the doom loop idea is just trying to hurt our city, instead of trying to join us in lifting it up.&nbsp;

Some have rushed, as they do, to try to turn this act of vandalism into something more than it is. Once again, some are trying to desperately resurrect the false doom loop narrative about our city. Enough. <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-franciscos-public-safety-efforts-deliver-results-decline-crime-rates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crime in San Francisco is at its lowest point</a>, other than in 2020, in over a decade. Arson, which this clearly was, is down 36% to start this year. Anyone peddling the doom loop idea is just trying to hurt our city, instead of trying to join us in lifting it up.&nbsp;

Others have tried to tie this to an anti-autonomous vehicle sentiment. But this was not a political act. It was vandalism with no message or intent attached. When vandals burned a Muni bus after the 2012 Giants World Series victory, that wasn’t an act of anti-transit activism. It was another dumb and dangerous act that sadly happens in cities. Luckily no one was seriously injured then, and none was hurt this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Others have tried to tie this to an anti-autonomous vehicle sentiment. But this was not a political act. It was vandalism with no message or intent attached. When vandals burned a Muni bus after the 2012 Giants World Series victory, that wasn’t an act of anti-transit activism. It was another dumb and dangerous act that sadly happens in cities. Luckily no one was seriously injured then, and none was hurt this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So let’s focus on what’s important here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So let’s focus on what’s important here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

First, we always condemn acts of vandalism and work to hold these individuals accountable. Right now, our police department is investigating the incident, and I’m confident that any arrest will lead to an aggressive prosecution by our district attorney.&nbsp;

First, we always condemn acts of vandalism and work to hold these individuals accountable. Right now, our police department is investigating the incident, and I’m confident that any arrest will lead to an aggressive prosecution by our district attorney.&nbsp;

Second, let’s not lose sight of who we are as a city. We are a city that treasures celebrations like Lunar New Year that honor our cultural heritage and diverse communities. We are a city that is home to exciting, emerging technologies, like autonomous vehicles, that are changing the world. After all, we have led in transportation innovation before—150 years ago, the cable car was invented here. I will be meeting with the leaders of Waymo to talk about this incident and to assure them we will continue to work with them on how to make autonomous vehicles a part of our city with safety as our top priority.&nbsp;

Second, let’s not lose sight of who we are as a city. We are a city that treasures celebrations like Lunar New Year that honor our cultural heritage and diverse communities. We are a city that is home to exciting, emerging technologies, like autonomous vehicles, that are changing the world. After all, we have led in transportation innovation before—150 years ago, the cable car was invented here. I will be meeting with the leaders of Waymo to talk about this incident and to assure them we will continue to work with them on how to make autonomous vehicles a part of our city with safety as our top priority.&nbsp;

San Francisco is rich in culture, ideas and pride. We are not defined by a small, isolated incident by a reckless few. And we should not let those who are seeking to tie this to a larger, inaccurate narrative define us. We are a city filled with rich, vibrant communities, like the ones who came together Saturday in Chinatown to celebrate the best of who we are. That’s who we are.

San Francisco is rich in culture, ideas and pride. We are not defined by a small, isolated incident by a reckless few. And we should not let those who are seeking to tie this to a larger, inaccurate narrative define us. We are a city filled with rich, vibrant communities, like the ones who came together Saturday in Chinatown to celebrate the best of who we are. That’s who we are.

London Breed is the mayor of San Francisco.

London Breed is the mayor of San Francisco.

‘It was vandalism with no message or intent attached’—Mayor London Breed on the Waymo fire

Opinion: ‘It was vandalism with no message or intent attached’—Mayor London Breed on the Waymo fire

Han Li

San Francisco’s incumbent Mayor London Breed is struggling with the city&#8217;s ongoing crises and low approval ratings. Now, she&#8217;s received more bad news.

San Francisco’s incumbent Mayor London Breed is struggling with the city's ongoing crises and low approval ratings. Now, she's received more bad news.

San Francisco’s incumbent Mayor London Breed is struggling with the city&#8217;s ongoing crises and low approval ratings. Now, she&#8217;s received more bad news.

Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir challenging Breed in November&#8217;s election, released poll results to the press on Wednesday suggesting he’s well-positioned to defeat her under the city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting system.

Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi's heir challenging Breed in November's election, released poll results to the press on Wednesday suggesting he’s well-positioned to defeat her under the city's ranked-choice voting system.

Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir challenging Breed in November&#8217;s election, released poll results to the press on Wednesday suggesting he’s well-positioned to defeat her under the city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting system.

The poll, conducted by David Binder Research, surveyed 600 likely San Francisco voters in both English and Chinese earlier this month.

The poll, conducted by David Binder Research, surveyed 600 likely San Francisco voters in both English and Chinese earlier this month.

It showed that Breed remains the top first-choice candidate for 26% of voters, more than Lurie&#8217;s 21%. Former Mayor Mark Farrell, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">is considering a run</a> but has not yet officially announced his candidacy, and mayoral candidate and sitting Supervisor Ahsha Safaí received 15% and 10%, respectively. About 28% of voters remain undecided.

Mark Farrell, ex-San Francisco mayor, could challenge London Breed in 2024

It showed that Breed remains the top first-choice candidate for 26% of voters, more than Lurie's 21%. Former Mayor Mark Farrell, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">is considering a run</a> but has not yet officially announced his candidacy, and mayoral candidate and sitting Supervisor Ahsha Safaí received 15% and 10%, respectively. About 28% of voters remain undecided.

It showed that Breed remains the top first-choice candidate for 26% of voters, more than Lurie&#8217;s 21%. Former Mayor Mark Farrell, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">is considering a run</a> but has not yet officially announced his candidacy, and mayoral candidate and sitting Supervisor Ahsha Safaí received 15% and 10%, respectively. About 28% of voters remain undecided.

Under the city’s complex ranked-choice voting system, voters can select multiple candidates in order of preference. If a voter&#8217;s top choice is eliminated due to insufficient votes, their vote gets redistributed to their next preferred candidate who remains in the race. This process continues until one candidate secures over 50% of the remaining votes.

Under the city’s complex ranked-choice voting system, voters can select multiple candidates in order of preference. If a voter's top choice is eliminated due to insufficient votes, their vote gets redistributed to their next preferred candidate who remains in the race. This process continues until one candidate secures over 50% of the remaining votes.

Under the city’s complex ranked-choice voting system, voters can select multiple candidates in order of preference. If a voter&#8217;s top choice is eliminated due to insufficient votes, their vote gets redistributed to their next preferred candidate who remains in the race. This process continues until one candidate secures over 50% of the remaining votes.

Wednesday’s release said that Lurie would win a plurality of second-choice votes, giving him 40% of first and second-place votes compared with 34% for Breed.

Wednesday’s release said that Lurie would win a plurality of second-choice votes, giving him 40% of first and second-place votes compared with 34% for Breed.

However, the number is just a simple combination of the votes, and it doesn’t provide a detailed redistribution of the second-choice votes nor mention third-choice votes.

However, the number is just a simple combination of the votes, and it doesn’t provide a detailed redistribution of the second-choice votes nor mention third-choice votes.

The campaign and David Binder, who conducted the poll, confirmed that they didn’t include third choices in the poll because there are many undecided voters, but they ran the elimination process and did find Lurie will be the final winner.

The campaign and David Binder, who conducted the poll, confirmed that they didn’t include third choices in the poll because there are many undecided voters, but they ran the elimination process and did find Lurie will be the final winner.

The poll also surveyed Cantonese speakers, showing Lurie leading by 27 points in a one-on-one competition with Breed: He received 56% support from Chinese voters, and Breed only got 29%. The remaining 16% were undecided.

The poll also surveyed Cantonese speakers, showing Lurie leading by 27 points in a one-on-one competition with Breed: He received 56% support from Chinese voters, and Breed only got 29%. The remaining 16% were undecided.

Maggie Muir, the consultant for Breed’s campaign, said the poll conducted 10 months from election day without the final list of candidates is irrelevant and could easily be shaped to achieve Lurie’s desired outcome.

Maggie Muir, the consultant for Breed’s campaign, said the poll conducted 10 months from election day without the final list of candidates is irrelevant and could easily be shaped to achieve Lurie’s desired outcome.

“The facts remain that Daniel, his mom and brother are demonstrating they’ll spend millions to buy the Mayor’s Office for him, and the only policy he’s offered he’s stolen from Mayor Breed,” she said. “That’s not leadership.”

“The facts remain that Daniel, his mom and brother are demonstrating they’ll spend millions to buy the Mayor’s Office for him, and the only policy he’s offered he’s stolen from Mayor Breed,” she said. “That’s not leadership.”

In a filing Wednesday, a committee supporting Lurie’s campaign for mayor reported nearly $3.3 million in contributions, including $1 million from his mother, Mimi Haas, and $100,000 from his brother, artist Ari Lurie.&nbsp;

In a filing Wednesday, a committee supporting Lurie’s campaign for mayor reported nearly $3.3 million in contributions, including $1 million from his mother, Mimi Haas, and $100,000 from his brother, artist Ari Lurie.&nbsp;

The poll found Breed&#8217;s job approval rating to be just 29%. A similar <a href="https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/24178532-220-6880-sf-mayoral-survey-memo-d2a-2/?embed=1&amp;responsive=1&amp;title=1">poll conducted late last year</a> showed comparable results, signaling low favorability for Breed.&nbsp;

The poll found Breed's job approval rating to be just 29%. A similar <a href="https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/24178532-220-6880-sf-mayoral-survey-memo-d2a-2/?embed=1&amp;responsive=1&amp;title=1">poll conducted late last year</a> showed comparable results, signaling low favorability for Breed.&nbsp;

The poll found Breed&#8217;s job approval rating to be just 29%. A similar <a href="https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/24178532-220-6880-sf-mayoral-survey-memo-d2a-2/?embed=1&amp;responsive=1&amp;title=1">poll conducted late last year</a> showed comparable results, signaling low favorability for Breed.&nbsp;

&#8220;Lurie&#8217;s the only candidate not tied to City Hall&#8217;s entrenched system that&#8217;s allowed crime, homelessness and corruption to spread unchecked,&#8221; said Tyler Law, Lurie&#8217;s campaign consultant, in a statement. &#8220;This poll provides more evidence that Daniel has the widest path to victory in November.&#8221;

"Lurie's the only candidate not tied to City Hall's entrenched system that's allowed crime, homelessness and corruption to spread unchecked," said Tyler Law, Lurie's campaign consultant, in a statement. "This poll provides more evidence that Daniel has the widest path to victory in November."

&#8220;Lurie&#8217;s the only candidate not tied to City Hall&#8217;s entrenched system that&#8217;s allowed crime, homelessness and corruption to spread unchecked,&#8221; said Tyler Law, Lurie&#8217;s campaign consultant, in a statement. &#8220;This poll provides more evidence that Daniel has the widest path to victory in November.&#8221;

Bad news for Mayor London Breed in new poll

Josh Koehn

San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

SF voters turn on Breed as confidence in City Hall slumps further

San Francisco mayor faces tough union talks ahead of November election

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

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