Han Li

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

As election season heats up and candidates eagerly seek exposure, Mayor London Breed has been and will continue to be notably absent from political debates around San Francisco.

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<p>As election season heats up and candidates eagerly seek exposure, Mayor London Breed has been and will continue to be notably absent from political debates around San Francisco.</p>

Breed confirmed that she will not be attending Wednesday night’s mayoral debate hosted by KPIX, the San Francisco Examiner, and KCBS. This follows <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/sf-mayoral-candidates-take-citys-hot-button-issues-debate-thursday">her absence from last week’s District 8 neighborhood groups debate</a>. Breed has also declined invitations to face off with her challengers at multiple other events.

<p>Breed confirmed that she will not be attending Wednesday night’s mayoral debate hosted by KPIX, the San Francisco Examiner, and KCBS. This follows <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/sf-mayoral-candidates-take-citys-hot-button-issues-debate-thursday">her absence from last week’s District 8 neighborhood groups debate</a>. Breed has also declined invitations to face off with her challengers at multiple other events.</p>

Breed spokesperson Joe Arellano said in a statement that the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters as she seeks reelection in November.

<p>Breed spokesperson Joe Arellano said in a statement that the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters as she seeks reelection in November.</p>

“She wants to escape the bubble of city insiders and go straight to the people, meeting them as they live their daily lives,” Arellano said. “That’s why she has multiple house parties with voters every night of the week.”

<p>“She wants to escape the bubble of city insiders and go straight to the people, meeting them as they live their daily lives,” Arellano said. “That’s why she has multiple house parties with voters every night of the week.”</p>

Mayor London Breed participates in the debate hosted by Manny Yekutiel and Heather Knight at Sydney Goldstein Theater in Hayes Valley in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate23.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals stand at podiums on a dimly lit stage. The woman in the middle speaks with a hand raised, while the two men on either side listen intently." class="wp-image-283247"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spokesperson for Breed says the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate23.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three individuals stand at podiums on a dimly lit stage. The woman in the middle speaks with a hand raised, while the two men on either side listen intently." class="wp-image-283247"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spokesperson for Breed says the mayor has already participated in four debates and would rather spend her time speaking directly with voters.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel said Breed may be making a strategic bet, as she is mostly leading in recent polls. Her presence could give her opponents the opportunity to make attention-grabbing viral moments.

<p>San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel said Breed may be making a strategic bet, as she is mostly leading in recent polls. Her presence could give her opponents the opportunity to make attention-grabbing viral moments.</p>

“These events can break through in ways other kinds of campaign events don&#8217;t,” McDaniel said.

<p>“These events can break through in ways other kinds of campaign events don't,” McDaniel said.</p>

<p>“These events can break through in ways other kinds of campaign events don&#8217;t,” McDaniel said.</p>

Breed has little to gain politically by engaging in the debates.&nbsp;Still, that may deprive voters of a chance to learn more about her.

<p>Breed has little to gain politically by engaging in the debates.&nbsp;Still, that may deprive voters of a chance to learn more about her. </p>

National politics are deeply polarized, so Tuesday’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump may have been watched by many voters with their minds already made up, McDaniel said.&nbsp;

<p>National politics are deeply polarized, so Tuesday’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump may have been watched by many voters with their minds already made up, McDaniel said.&nbsp;</p>

While local debates are sometimes attended by voters who are already engaged, they may be more open-minded to shifting positions since the candidates are from the same party, he said.&nbsp;

<p>While local debates are sometimes attended by voters who are already engaged, they may be more open-minded to shifting positions since the candidates are from the same party, he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I&#39;m moderating a debate tonight on the SF Mayor&#39;s race. Unfortunately, Mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LondonBreed</a> has backed out of our <a href="https://twitter.com/KCBSRadio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KCBSRadio</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KPIXtv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KPIXtv</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/sfexaminer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sfexaminer</a> debate at the 11th hour. We will go forward with the 4 challengers: <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielLurie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanielLurie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkFarrellSF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkFarrellSF</a>, @AaronPeskin &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahsha_Safai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ahsha_Safai</a>. 6pm on PIX</p>&mdash; Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/SovernNation/status/1833906583207804961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Whatever the potential cost, Breed’s opponents are using her repeated absences as an opportunity to criticize her.

<p>Whatever the potential cost, Breed’s opponents are using her repeated absences as an opportunity to criticize her.</p>

Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said in a press release Wednesday morning that Breed &#8220;can&#8217;t defend her record, and it appears she&#8217;s given up trying.&#8221;

<p>Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said in a press release Wednesday morning that Breed "can't defend her record, and it appears she's given up trying."</p>

<p>Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie said in a press release Wednesday morning that Breed &#8220;can&#8217;t defend her record, and it appears she&#8217;s given up trying.&#8221;</p>

Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, another mayoral hopeful, <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1833895533477511295">posted on X</a>: &#8220;Mayor Breed is ducking debates because she doesn&#8217;t want to defend her failed leadership &amp; is just offering more of the same for SF&#8217;s future.&#8221;

<p>Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, another mayoral hopeful, <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1833895533477511295">posted on X</a>: "Mayor Breed is ducking debates because she doesn't want to defend her failed leadership &amp; is just offering more of the same for SF's future."</p>

<p>Former Supervisor Mark Farrell, another mayoral hopeful, <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF/status/1833895533477511295">posted on X</a>: &#8220;Mayor Breed is ducking debates because she doesn&#8217;t want to defend her failed leadership &amp; is just offering more of the same for SF&#8217;s future.&#8221;</p>

Supervisor Ahsha Safai <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1833913592774885741">compared Breed&#8217;s absences to Trump’s</a> reluctance to debate Harris again. Supervisor Aaron Peskin declined to comment.

<p>Supervisor Ahsha Safai <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1833913592774885741">compared Breed's absences to Trump’s</a> reluctance to debate Harris again. Supervisor Aaron Peskin declined to comment.</p>

<p>Supervisor Ahsha Safai <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1833913592774885741">compared Breed&#8217;s absences to Trump’s</a> reluctance to debate Harris again. Supervisor Aaron Peskin declined to comment.</p>

Can Daniel Lurie finish first by coming in second? A new mayoral poll shows the way

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Breed’s campaign fought back by pointing out that her top two challengers, Lurie and Farrell, don’t have jobs, saying that they are “desperate for more debates so they can stand on the stage repeating the same toothless talking points over and over again.”

<p>Breed’s campaign fought back by pointing out that her top two challengers, Lurie and Farrell, don’t have jobs, saying that they are “desperate for more debates so they can stand on the stage repeating the same toothless talking points over and over again.”</p>

Her campaign noted that the mayor participated in several debates earlier in the campaign season, including one hosted by KRON4. Breed is also expected to attend a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/pressroom/12388/candidates-set-for-san-francisco-mayoral-debate">Sept. 19 debate</a> organized by the San Francisco Chronicle and KQED.

<p>Her campaign noted that the mayor participated in several debates earlier in the campaign season, including one hosted by KRON4. Breed is also expected to attend a <a href="https://www.kqed.org/pressroom/12388/candidates-set-for-san-francisco-mayoral-debate">Sept. 19 debate</a> organized by the San Francisco Chronicle and KQED.</p>

But she won’t be at a Sept. 25 debate hosted by The Standard and KGO-TV/ABC7.

<p>But she won’t be at a Sept. 25 debate hosted by The Standard and KGO-TV/ABC7.</p>

<a href="https://workingfamilies.org/2022/01/welcome-cawfp-state-director-jane-kim/">California Working Families Party</a> State Director Jane Kim, who ran against Breed in 2018, fondly recalled hearing from voters about her own debate performance, even though she ultimately lost the election.

<p><a href="https://workingfamilies.org/2022/01/welcome-cawfp-state-director-jane-kim/">California Working Families Party</a> State Director Jane Kim, who ran against Breed in 2018, fondly recalled hearing from voters about her own debate performance, even though she ultimately lost the election.</p>

Kim said people would tell her, “I thought this way about you before, but I&#8217;m really impressed by what I heard from you and your expertise on the city. And I&#8217;ll be voting for you now.”

<p>Kim said people would tell her, “I thought this way about you before, but I'm really impressed by what I heard from you and your expertise on the city. And I'll be voting for you now.”</p>

<p>Kim said people would tell her, “I thought this way about you before, but I&#8217;m really impressed by what I heard from you and your expertise on the city. And I&#8217;ll be voting for you now.”</p>

Given Breed&#8217;s advantage in the polls, she may no longer need to impress the debate crowds.

<p>Given Breed's advantage in the polls, she may no longer need to impress the debate crowds.</p>

<p>Given Breed&#8217;s advantage in the polls, she may no longer need to impress the debate crowds.</p>

Mayor London Breed is skipping a debate, again, inviting criticism

Josh Koehn

San Francisco’s mayor’s race still has more than eight months to go until the finish line, but it seems guaranteed to become the most expensive in city history now that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=mark%20farrell">Mark Farrell</a> has entered the chat.

<p>San Francisco’s mayor’s race still has more than eight months to go until the finish line, but it seems guaranteed to become the most expensive in city history now that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=mark%20farrell">Mark Farrell</a> has entered the chat.</p>

After formally announcing his candidacy on Tuesday, the former mayor and supervisor needed just 48 hours to raise $200,000, according to his campaign. Farrell reportedly pooled this money from almost 500 separate contributions, with 70% of donors residing in San Francisco.

<p>After formally announcing his candidacy on Tuesday, the former mayor and supervisor needed just 48 hours to raise $200,000, according to his campaign. Farrell reportedly pooled this money from almost 500 separate contributions, with 70% of donors residing in San Francisco.</p>

“This incredible showing of early support demonstrates that voters are inspired by his vision for a safer, cleaner and more vibrant San Francisco,” said Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager, in a statement.

<p>“This incredible showing of early support demonstrates that voters are inspired by his vision for a safer, cleaner and more vibrant San Francisco,” said Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager, in a statement.</p>

That $200,000 figure would bring the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/05/money-san-francisco-mayor-election-london-breed-daniel-lurie/">total fundraising by mayoral candidates and outside committees</a> to more than $5 million. Through its public matching program, the city is expected to inject another $4.8 million into the race. Mayoral candidates must meet certain thresholds to unlock up to $1.2 million in public financing, and all four major candidates—Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>, Farrell, Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ahsha%20safa%C3%AD">Ahsha Safaí</a> and nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=daniel%20lurie">Daniel Lurie</a>—appear likely to do so.&nbsp;

Breed getting crushed in fundraising in tough reelection fight

<p>That $200,000 figure would bring the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/05/money-san-francisco-mayor-election-london-breed-daniel-lurie/">total fundraising by mayoral candidates and outside committees</a> to more than $5 million. Through its public matching program, the city is expected to inject another $4.8 million into the race. Mayoral candidates must meet certain thresholds to unlock up to $1.2 million in public financing, and all four major candidates—Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>, Farrell, Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ahsha%20safa%C3%AD">Ahsha Safaí</a> and nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=daniel%20lurie">Daniel Lurie</a>—appear likely to do so.&nbsp;</p>

Combining the above figures and money reported in the most recently available campaign filings—and presuming all of this money gets spent—the total of $9.8 million would smash the record-setting $8.4 million spent in the 2018 special election Breed won.

<p>Combining the above figures and money reported in the most recently available campaign filings—and presuming all of this money gets spent—the total of $9.8 million would smash the record-setting $8.4 million spent in the 2018 special election Breed won.</p>

Of course, with all eyes focused on the March primary and several notable ballot measures, the money coming into the mayor’s race seems likely to jump substantially in the summertime.

<p>Of course, with all eyes focused on the March primary and several notable ballot measures, the money coming into the mayor’s race seems likely to jump substantially in the summertime.</p>

Farrell’s sprint out of the gates was expected, as he is a native San Franciscan who attended the prestigious—and politically connected—St. Ignatius College Preparatory School before launching a career as an attorney, venture capitalist and elected official. He served seven years as a supervisor for the Marina and surrounding neighborhoods before being appointed the city’s 44th mayor following the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December 2017. He served roughly six months in that role.

<p>Farrell’s sprint out of the gates was expected, as he is a native San Franciscan who attended the prestigious—and politically connected—St. Ignatius College Preparatory School before launching a career as an attorney, venture capitalist and elected official. He served seven years as a supervisor for the Marina and surrounding neighborhoods before being appointed the city’s 44th mayor following the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December 2017. He served roughly six months in that role.</p>

Early messaging coming out of the Farrell camp suggests he will tack right of Breed, beating the drum on public safety and framing the mayor’s approach to homelessness and the local economy as a failure. Farrell has said he would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">fire the police chief</a> in one of his first actions as mayor and clear all large homeless encampments within a year. He also said he would slash local business taxes and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/market-street-san-francisco-doom-loop-mark-farrell/">reopen Market Street to cars</a>.

Mark Farrell vows to fire police chief, clear homeless camps as mayor

Mayoral candidate calls for bringing cars back to Market Street

<p>Early messaging coming out of the Farrell camp suggests he will tack right of Breed, beating the drum on public safety and framing the mayor’s approach to homelessness and the local economy as a failure. Farrell has said he would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">fire the police chief</a> in one of his first actions as mayor and clear all large homeless encampments within a year. He also said he would slash local business taxes and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/market-street-san-francisco-doom-loop-mark-farrell/">reopen Market Street to cars</a>.</p>

The early fundraising totals for Farrell should dispel speculation that he and Lurie—an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune whose <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">friends and family have already raised millions in support of his mayoral bid</a>—will have trouble fundraising due to an overlap in supporters. There is clearly more than enough money to go around in San Francisco, especially with new polling showing that 72% of residents believe <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">the city is headed down the wrong track</a>.

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s mother spends $1 million to help him win San Francisco mayor’s race

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

<p>The early fundraising totals for Farrell should dispel speculation that he and Lurie—an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune whose <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">friends and family have already raised millions in support of his mayoral bid</a>—will have trouble fundraising due to an overlap in supporters. There is clearly more than enough money to go around in San Francisco, especially with new polling showing that 72% of residents believe <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">the city is headed down the wrong track</a>.</p>

Farrell’s campaign noted that it has also scheduled 85 house parties for the coming weeks and months to spread his message and, of course, collect a little cash.

<p>Farrell’s campaign noted that it has also scheduled 85 house parties for the coming weeks and months to spread his message and, of course, collect a little cash.</p>

Breed challenger hauls in $200K in first 2 days of campaign

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.

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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.

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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

<p>The teenager was reportedly trying to steal Pearsall's Rolex watch.</p>

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

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 height="1667" width="2500" 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-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>

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 height="1667" width="2500" 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>


<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.”

<p>“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.”</p>

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.

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

&#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;

<p>"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."</p>

<p>&#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;</p>

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.

<p>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. </p>

<p>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. </p>

&#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;

<p>"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."</p>

<p>&#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;</p>

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

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.

<p>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.</p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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https://twitter.com/49ersSportsTalk/status/1830056597625725343
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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.

<p>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.</p>

“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.”

<p>“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.” </p>

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

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

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;

<p>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."</p>

<p>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;</p>

“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.”

<p>“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.”</p>

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

<p>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.</p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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;</p>

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 height="1667" width="2500" 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>


<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.

<p>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.</p>


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


core/heading

<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;

<p>Mayor London Breed was on the “isolated incident” end.&nbsp;</p>

“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;

<p>“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;</p>

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.”

<p>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.” </p>

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.

<p>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.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" 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>


<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

<p>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.</p>

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;

<p>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;</p>

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.”

<p>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.” </p>

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;

<p>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;</p>

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.”

<p>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.”</p>


<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;

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

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

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Mayor London Breed is skipping a debate, again, inviting criticism

Breed challenger hauls in $200K in first 2 days of campaign

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

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

Inside the cutthroat race to win over San Francisco’s frustrated Asian voters