Lauren Saria

The city is expensive, but your next meal doesn’t have to be. In our weekly column, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/25-dollar-diner/">The $25 Diner</a>, we hunt down the best restaurants where you can eat like royalty for a song. There’s not much ambiance beyond a web of string lights at Estrellita’s Snacks — but there are excellent pupusas and a lot of love. On a small table pushed against a side wall sits a portrait of Estrellita Gonzalez’s mother, Maria del Carmen Flores, who started the business in 2005 via the Mission-based incubator La Cocina and retired in 2018 after suffering a stroke. “When I feel troubled, I look at [my mom’s] picture,” Gonzalez says. “I feel a surge of energy and the motivation to keep her legacy going.”&nbsp;

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The city is expensive, but your next meal doesn’t have to be. In our weekly column, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/25-dollar-diner/">The $25 Diner</a>, we hunt down the best restaurants where you can eat like royalty for a song. There’s not much ambiance beyond a web of string lights at Estrellita’s Snacks — but there are excellent pupusas and a lot of love. On a small table pushed against a side wall sits a portrait of Estrellita Gonzalez’s mother, Maria del Carmen Flores, who started the business in 2005 via the Mission-based incubator La Cocina and retired in 2018 after suffering a stroke. “When I feel troubled, I look at [my mom’s] picture,” Gonzalez says. “I feel a surge of energy and the motivation to keep her legacy going.”&nbsp;

A photo of Maria del Carmen Flores, mother of Estrellita’s Snacks owner Estrella Gonzalez, decorates the front counter inside the newly-opened brick and mortar location of her restaurant in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The La Cocina-born Salvadoran restaurant, specializing in handmade pupusas and tamales, can be found at the corner of Ellis and Leavenworth streets in the Tenderloin, a corner populated by other notable restaurants Azalina’s and Badu Ethiopian Kitchen.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726-25dinerestrellitassnacks-me-4.jpg?w=2001" alt="A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a floral top and apron, stands at a street food stall with cooking equipment and ingredients visible." class="wp-image-297201"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Maria del Carmen Flores, mother of Estrellita’s Snacks owner Estrella Gonzalez, inspires the family behind the small business.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726-25dinerestrellitassnacks-me-4.jpg?w=2001" alt="A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a floral top and apron, stands at a street food stall with cooking equipment and ingredients visible." class="wp-image-297201"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A photo of Maria del Carmen Flores, mother of Estrellita’s Snacks owner Estrella Gonzalez, inspires the family behind the small business.</figcaption></figure>

Estrella Gonzalez, owner of Estrellita’s Snacks, stands in the doorway of the newly-opened brick and mortar location of her restaurant in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The La Cocina-born Salvadoran restaurant, specializing in handmade pupusas and tamales, can be found at the corner of Ellis and Leavenworth streets in the Tenderloin, a corner populated by other notable restaurants Azalina’s and Badu Ethiopian Kitchen.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726-25dinerestrellitassnacks-me-55.jpg?w=1668" alt="A chef stands smiling beside a &quot;Welcome&quot; sign in a doorway. She wears a black uniform with an embroidered logo and a clean, well-lit space is visible behind her." class="wp-image-297204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gonzalez grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico, after her mother fled El Salvador’s civil war.</figcaption></figure>

After two years at the Tenderloin’s La Cocina Municipal Marketplace, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/13/la-cocina-to-close-tenderloin-food-hall-in-september/">abruptly closed</a> in September 2023, Estrellita’s reopened in mid-July just four blocks away. Gonzalez stumbled upon the turnkey restaurant location while driving through the neighborhood and, with help from La Cocina, was able to land a lease.&nbsp;

Troubled food hall in San Francisco&#8217;s Tenderloin to close

After two years at the Tenderloin’s La Cocina Municipal Marketplace, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/13/la-cocina-to-close-tenderloin-food-hall-in-september/">abruptly closed</a> in September 2023, Estrellita’s reopened in mid-July just four blocks away. Gonzalez stumbled upon the turnkey restaurant location while driving through the neighborhood and, with help from La Cocina, was able to land a lease.&nbsp;

The Tenderloin should thank her. As I stepped out of an Uber on an uncommonly warm summer afternoon, the corner of Ellis and Leavenworth felt like a tranquil island in the middle of a stormy sea. Estrellita’s is situated next to the cheerful, whitewashed exterior of <a href="https://www.azalinas.com/">Azalina’s</a>, the ambitious Malaysian restaurant that planted its flag proudly in the heart of the Tenderloin last year. Together, the two restaurants have turned this small slice of the neighborhood into a worthy food destination.&nbsp;

The Tenderloin should thank her. As I stepped out of an Uber on an uncommonly warm summer afternoon, the corner of Ellis and Leavenworth felt like a tranquil island in the middle of a stormy sea. Estrellita’s is situated next to the cheerful, whitewashed exterior of <a href="https://www.azalinas.com/">Azalina’s</a>, the ambitious Malaysian restaurant that planted its flag proudly in the heart of the Tenderloin last year. Together, the two restaurants have turned this small slice of the neighborhood into a worthy food destination.&nbsp;

The move into the 2,000-square-foot space allowed Gonzalez to expand her menu to include dishes from Oaxaca, Mexico, where she was born and raised after her mother fled El Salvador’s civil war. And even though I wasn’t raised on homemade enchiladas de mole con pollo ($15), Gonzalez’s luscious auburn sauce — generously ladled over corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken — made me wish I had been. A blanket of melted Oaxacan cheese balanced the delicately sweet profile of the complex mole, made with more than a dozen ingredients, including chocolate, chiles, peanuts and plantains.&nbsp;

The move into the 2,000-square-foot space allowed Gonzalez to expand her menu to include dishes from Oaxaca, Mexico, where she was born and raised after her mother fled El Salvador’s civil war. And even though I wasn’t raised on homemade enchiladas de mole con pollo ($15), Gonzalez’s luscious auburn sauce — generously ladled over corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken — made me wish I had been. A blanket of melted Oaxacan cheese balanced the delicately sweet profile of the complex mole, made with more than a dozen ingredients, including chocolate, chiles, peanuts and plantains.&nbsp;

Of course, there are still her signature pupusas, which you can find everywhere from Bi-Rite to the Alemany Farmers Market. If you’re the kind of person who likes breakfast at any time of day, don’t miss the All-Star Breakfast Pupusa ($15), starring a single hand-formed pupusa that, torn open, releases a cloud of steam and soft masa cradling a comforting mixture of spicy chorizo, cheese and egg. I dipped each bite into the side of soupy black beans.

Of course, there are still her signature pupusas, which you can find everywhere from Bi-Rite to the Alemany Farmers Market. If you’re the kind of person who likes breakfast at any time of day, don’t miss the All-Star Breakfast Pupusa ($15), starring a single hand-formed pupusa that, torn open, releases a cloud of steam and soft masa cradling a comforting mixture of spicy chorizo, cheese and egg. I dipped each bite into the side of soupy black beans.

A plate of pupusas stuffed with beans, cheese and meat is served with sides of rice mixed with beans, fried plantains and curtido (a vinegary Salvadoran slaw) at the newly-opened brick and mortar location of Estrellita’s Snacks in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The La Cocina-born Salvadoran restaurant, specializing in handmade pupusas and tamales, can be found at the corner of Ellis and Leavenworth streets in the Tenderloin, a corner populated by other notable restaurants Azalina’s and Badu Ethiopian Kitchen.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726-25dinerestrellitassnacks-me-25.jpg?w=2001" alt="The image shows a plate with two browned corn pupusas, black beans and rice, fried plantains, and sides of white sauce, red sauce, and pickled vegetables." class="wp-image-297211"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The plato pupusa includes two pupusas, rice mixed with beans, fried plantains and a vinegary Salvadoran slaw called curtido.</figcaption></figure>

A plate of taquitos dorados drizzled with a ketchup-mayonnaise dressing and topped with a cabbage salad and chimol is served at the newly-opened brick and mortar location of Estrellita’s Snacks in the Tenderloin in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The La Cocina-born Salvadoran restaurant, specializing in handmade pupusas and tamales, can be found at the corner of Ellis and Leavenworth streets in the Tenderloin, a corner populated by other notable restaurants Azalina’s and Badu Ethiopian Kitchen.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726-25dinerestrellitassnacks-me-23.jpg?w=2001" alt="Three crispy taquitos topped with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and drizzled sauce on a white plate with a side of red salsa in a small metal cup." class="wp-image-297217"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taquitos dorados arrive drizzled with a ketchup-mayonnaise dressing and topped with cabbage salad and the Salvadoran salsa chimol.</figcaption></figure>

For a more traditional midday meal, the best deal is the plato pupusa ($20), which includes any two from 15 varieties, plus rice and a heap of sweet fried plantains. From the seven vegetarian and two vegan options, I chose the zucchini-and-cheese pupusa, served with a spoonful of curtido, the classic cabbage slaw accompaniment, which added just the right hint of acid.&nbsp;

For a more traditional midday meal, the best deal is the plato pupusa ($20), which includes any two from 15 varieties, plus rice and a heap of sweet fried plantains. From the seven vegetarian and two vegan options, I chose the zucchini-and-cheese pupusa, served with a spoonful of curtido, the classic cabbage slaw accompaniment, which added just the right hint of acid.&nbsp;

Asked why she chose to stay in the Tenderloin, Gonzalez says simply that everyone at the La Cocina food hall had asked her to. Plus, the location is close to the Civic Center Farmers Market, where the family-run company has been serving its pupusas and tamales for 17 years.&nbsp;

Asked why she chose to stay in the Tenderloin, Gonzalez says simply that everyone at the La Cocina food hall had asked her to. Plus, the location is close to the Civic Center Farmers Market, where the family-run company has been serving its pupusas and tamales for 17 years.&nbsp;

Gonzalez says she hopes the growth of her business, from farmers market stands to a full-fledged restaurant, along with a bustling wholesale arm, will inspire others — the way her mother inspires her. “When your goals are bigger than your obstacles,” she says, “it’s possible to get where you want to go.”

Gonzalez says she hopes the growth of her business, from farmers market stands to a full-fledged restaurant, along with a bustling wholesale arm, will inspire others — the way her mother inspires her. “When your goals are bigger than your obstacles,” she says, “it’s possible to get where you want to go.”

Estrellita&#8217;s Snacks

Estrellita's Snacks

Estrellita&#8217;s Snacks

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<div class="wp-block-sf-standard-infobox"><ul><li><a href="https://maps.apple.com/?address=483+Ellis+St.%2C+Tenderloin">483 Ellis St., Tenderloin</a></li><li><a href="tel:4155739281">415-573-9281</a></li><li><a href="https://www.estrellitassf.com/">www.estrellitassf.com</a></li><li>Plato pupusa ($20)</li></ul></div>

A new Salvadoran restaurant is an oasis in the middle of the Tenderloin

George Kelly

San Francisco police said officers were investigating a fatal stabbing Tuesday night in the city&#8217;s Tenderloin neighborhood as a homicide.

San Francisco police said officers were investigating a fatal stabbing Tuesday night in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood as a homicide.

San Francisco police said officers were investigating a fatal stabbing Tuesday night in the city&#8217;s Tenderloin neighborhood as a homicide.

Police responded to a report of shots fired on Hyde Street between Golden Gate Avenue and Turk Street just after 8:30 p.m., according to city dispatch records.

Police responded to a report of shots fired on Hyde Street between Golden Gate Avenue and Turk Street just after 8:30 p.m., according to city dispatch records.

When officers from the department&#8217;s Tenderloin Station arrived, they found a man lying on the ground, suffering from multiple stab wounds, the San Francisco Police Department said.

When officers from the department's Tenderloin Station arrived, they found a man lying on the ground, suffering from multiple stab wounds, the San Francisco Police Department said.

When officers from the department&#8217;s Tenderloin Station arrived, they found a man lying on the ground, suffering from multiple stab wounds, the San Francisco Police Department said.

Officers began emergency life-saving measures and called paramedics, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

Officers began emergency life-saving measures and called paramedics, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

Police did not provide additional details about the victim, a potential suspect or what led up to the stabbing. No arrests have been made.

Police did not provide additional details about the victim, a potential suspect or what led up to the stabbing. No arrests have been made.

A representative for the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office told The Standard on Wednesday that it had no information to provide about the incident.

A representative for the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner's Office told The Standard on Wednesday that it had no information to provide about the incident.

A representative for the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office told The Standard on Wednesday that it had no information to provide about the incident.

As of Wednesday, four people have been killed in San Francisco so far this year, according an analysis by The Standard. A fifth person was killed in a DUI crash on the Bay Bridge in January.

As of Wednesday, four people have been killed in San Francisco so far this year, according an analysis by The Standard. A fifth person was killed in a DUI crash on the Bay Bridge in January.

Man stabbed to death in San Francisco’s Tenderloin

David Sjostedt

San Francisco has resorted to towing the cars of suspected drug dealers and people who are selling stolen goods as part of its latest effort to crack down on crime in the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, according to Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office. The city has made thousands of arrests for drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods since late May last year, when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/21/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">multiagency crackdown</a> began, with officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">chasing dealers</a> through the neighborhood&#8217;s streets. Tenderloin residents and business owners have reported some improvements during the day. Still, illegal behavior has persisted at night <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/tenderloin-drugs-moved-during-crackdown/">on certain blocks</a>, leaving some to search for more creative solutions, like this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/can-fence-stop-san-franciscos-illegal-night-markets/">simple fence</a>. Last month, The Standard reported that Breed and other city officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/tenderloin-stores-close-drug-crisis/">were contemplating legislation</a> that would force Tenderloin corner stores to close earlier, alleging they attract illegal activity.

Gavin Newsom tells SFPD to work with National Guard, CHP against drug crisis

UN Plaza drug crackdown intensifies as dealers chased through streets

The city claims the Tenderloin is much nicer now. Residents of this street say otherwise

Can a simple fence stop San Francisco&#8217;s illegal night markets?

To fight drug crisis, city may force Tenderloin stores to close earlier. Owners are outraged

San Francisco has resorted to towing the cars of suspected drug dealers and people who are selling stolen goods as part of its latest effort to crack down on crime in the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, according to Mayor London Breed's office. The city has made thousands of arrests for drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods since late May last year, when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/21/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">multiagency crackdown</a> began, with officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">chasing dealers</a> through the neighborhood's streets. Tenderloin residents and business owners have reported some improvements during the day. Still, illegal behavior has persisted at night <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/tenderloin-drugs-moved-during-crackdown/">on certain blocks</a>, leaving some to search for more creative solutions, like this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/can-fence-stop-san-franciscos-illegal-night-markets/">simple fence</a>. Last month, The Standard reported that Breed and other city officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/tenderloin-stores-close-drug-crisis/">were contemplating legislation</a> that would force Tenderloin corner stores to close earlier, alleging they attract illegal activity.

San Francisco has resorted to towing the cars of suspected drug dealers and people who are selling stolen goods as part of its latest effort to crack down on crime in the troubled Tenderloin neighborhood, according to Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office. The city has made thousands of arrests for drug dealing and use in the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods since late May last year, when the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/21/gavin-newsom-tells-sfpd-to-work-with-national-guard-chp-against-drug-crisis/">multiagency crackdown</a> began, with officers <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">chasing dealers</a> through the neighborhood&#8217;s streets. Tenderloin residents and business owners have reported some improvements during the day. Still, illegal behavior has persisted at night <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/tenderloin-drugs-moved-during-crackdown/">on certain blocks</a>, leaving some to search for more creative solutions, like this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/can-fence-stop-san-franciscos-illegal-night-markets/">simple fence</a>. Last month, The Standard reported that Breed and other city officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/08/tenderloin-stores-close-drug-crisis/">were contemplating legislation</a> that would force Tenderloin corner stores to close earlier, alleging they attract illegal activity.

Now, the city confirms it has resorted to towing the cars of drug dealers and illegal vendors.

Now, the city confirms it has resorted to towing the cars of drug dealers and illegal vendors.

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The Standard witnessed a line of about seven tow trucks lugging cars away from Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street on Wednesday night. &#8220;That is part of our ongoing [Drug Market Agency Coordination Center] operation to target and disrupt illegal activity happening on our streets,&#8221; Breed&#8217;s spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told The Standard in a text message. &#8220;We are continuing to utilize every tool that is available to us, including towing drug dealers vehicles and people who are illegally fencing and using their vehicles to transport stolen goods.&#8221; The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that, as part of the crackdown, officers have protected the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency during ongoing parking enforcement. SFPD and the SFMTA have been contacted for more details on how police or parking control officers know the cars they tow belong to suspected criminals and how many have been towed, but officials are yet to respond.

The Standard witnessed a line of about seven tow trucks lugging cars away from Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street on Wednesday night. "That is part of our ongoing [Drug Market Agency Coordination Center] operation to target and disrupt illegal activity happening on our streets," Breed's spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told The Standard in a text message. "We are continuing to utilize every tool that is available to us, including towing drug dealers vehicles and people who are illegally fencing and using their vehicles to transport stolen goods." The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that, as part of the crackdown, officers have protected the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency during ongoing parking enforcement. SFPD and the SFMTA have been contacted for more details on how police or parking control officers know the cars they tow belong to suspected criminals and how many have been towed, but officials are yet to respond.

The Standard witnessed a line of about seven tow trucks lugging cars away from Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street on Wednesday night. &#8220;That is part of our ongoing [Drug Market Agency Coordination Center] operation to target and disrupt illegal activity happening on our streets,&#8221; Breed&#8217;s spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh told The Standard in a text message. &#8220;We are continuing to utilize every tool that is available to us, including towing drug dealers vehicles and people who are illegally fencing and using their vehicles to transport stolen goods.&#8221; The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that, as part of the crackdown, officers have protected the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency during ongoing parking enforcement. SFPD and the SFMTA have been contacted for more details on how police or parking control officers know the cars they tow belong to suspected criminals and how many have been towed, but officials are yet to respond.

San Francisco now towing drug dealers’ cars in latest crackdown effort

Joel Umanzor

An armed man was shot dead by city police officers in the Tenderloin late Sunday night, authorities said.

An armed man was shot dead by city police officers in the Tenderloin late Sunday night, authorities said.

The altercation unfolded when officers encountered the gun-toting man as they investigated a report about an armed robbery on McAllister Street between Jones and Leavenworth streets, according to a statement from police released Monday.

The altercation unfolded when officers encountered the gun-toting man as they investigated a report about an armed robbery on McAllister Street between Jones and Leavenworth streets, according to a statement from police released Monday.

Officers tried to detain the suspect at Willow Street and Van Ness Avenue. Soon after, he was “struck by gunfire,” police said. The statement did not explain what prompted the officers to fire or how many officers used their weapons.

Officers tried to detain the suspect at Willow Street and Van Ness Avenue. Soon after, he was “struck by gunfire,” police said. The statement did not explain what prompted the officers to fire or how many officers used their weapons.

Video obtained Monday by The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/video-san-francsico-police-shooting-tenderloin/">shows the man being shot from behind</a> as he ran from a police officer.

Video: San Francisco police officer shoots man from behind as he flees

Video obtained Monday by The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/video-san-francsico-police-shooting-tenderloin/">shows the man being shot from behind</a> as he ran from a police officer.

A San Francisco Fire Department spokesperson said firefighters and paramedics received a call to aid police at 11:57 p.m. and took a patient to a hospital.

A San Francisco Fire Department spokesperson said firefighters and paramedics received a call to aid police at 11:57 p.m. and took a patient to a hospital.

The man was later pronounced dead, police said. On Wednesday morning, the city&#8217;s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the man as Alexander Antonio Lopez, 28.

The man was later pronounced dead, police said. On Wednesday morning, the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the man as Alexander Antonio Lopez, 28.

The man was later pronounced dead, police said. On Wednesday morning, the city&#8217;s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the man as Alexander Antonio Lopez, 28.

The shooting will be investigated by agencies that include the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the police department’s Investigative Services Division and Internal Affairs Division, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office and the Department of Police Accountability.

The shooting will be investigated by agencies that include the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the police department’s Investigative Services Division and Internal Affairs Division, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office and the Department of Police Accountability.

A town hall meeting regarding the incident will be held within 10 days as part of SFPD’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the department said.

A town hall meeting regarding the incident will be held within 10 days as part of SFPD’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the department said.

San Francisco police fatally shoot man

San Francisco’s crackdown on homeless encampments has seen arrests of unhoused people skyrocket, as the lowest tent count in months was recorded in the Tenderloin, new data obtained by The Standard show.

San Francisco’s crackdown on homeless encampments has seen arrests of unhoused people skyrocket, as the lowest tent count in months was recorded in the Tenderloin, new data obtained by The Standard show.

As of Monday, police had arrested 215 homeless people during encampment clearings since Aug. 1, when the city intensified its enforcement of anti-camping laws, according to the mayor’s office. Roughly 80% of the arrests were for illegal lodging; the remainder were for outstanding warrants or issues such as drug use and possession or providing a false identity.

As of Monday, police had arrested 215 homeless people during encampment clearings since Aug. 1, when the city intensified its enforcement of anti-camping laws, according to the mayor’s office. Roughly 80% of the arrests were for illegal lodging; the remainder were for outstanding warrants or issues such as drug use and possession or providing a false identity.

An analysis by The Standard shows police have more than quadrupled the number of monthly illegal lodging arrests and citations. Officers issued 15 such citations in June, 20 in July, 72 in August, and 86 through the first three weeks of September, according to city data.

An analysis by The Standard shows police have more than quadrupled the number of monthly illegal lodging arrests and citations. Officers issued 15 such citations in June, 20 in July, 72 in August, and 86 through the first three weeks of September, according to city data.

A person goes within his makeshift shelter on Geary Street in the Tenderloin on Sept. 23, 2024. Tents hit all time low in Tenderloin as homeless arrests skyrocket.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240923-homelessarreststentsdowntl-es-02_1.jpg?w=2000" alt="The image shows a busy urban street with a &quot;California Hotel&quot; sign, adjacent stores, and a person pushing a cart laden with belongings near the sidewalk." class="wp-image-314796"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A makeshift shelter on Geary Street in the Tenderloin.</figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/grants-pass-san-francisco-homeless-london-breed/">announced her intention</a> to impose criminal penalties against homeless people who refuse shelter following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that enabled widespread enforcement. In a statement Monday, her office said the city continues to offer resources for those who are homeless but is taking a tougher approach on tents.&nbsp;

Breed won&#8217;t rule out arrests of homeless people after SCOTUS decision

Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/grants-pass-san-francisco-homeless-london-breed/">announced her intention</a> to impose criminal penalties against homeless people who refuse shelter following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that enabled widespread enforcement. In a statement Monday, her office said the city continues to offer resources for those who are homeless but is taking a tougher approach on tents.&nbsp;

There were 26 tents counted in the Tenderloin on Saturday, the fewest since May 1, when the Tenderloin Community Benefit District started conducting a daily survey. At that time, the number was in the upper 70s. The number has fluctuated daily since the group started the count; on Monday, there were 29.&nbsp;

There were 26 tents counted in the Tenderloin on Saturday, the fewest since May 1, when the Tenderloin Community Benefit District started conducting a daily survey. At that time, the number was in the upper 70s. The number has fluctuated daily since the group started the count; on Monday, there were 29.&nbsp;

Breed says street homelessness is down. Confused? You’re not alone

sf-standard/related-post

SF has been busing homeless people all over the U.S. — and it’s just getting started

Mental illness rates skyrocket among SF’s homeless population

sf-standard/related-posts-container

“San Francisco will always lead with compassion and offer shelter, ways for unhoused people to connect with their support networks, and services to those on the streets,” Breed’s office said in a statement. “But we cannot, and will not, just let people remain in tents if they refuse our offers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“San Francisco will always lead with compassion and offer shelter, ways for unhoused people to connect with their support networks, and services to those on the streets,” Breed’s office said in a statement. “But we cannot, and will not, just let people remain in tents if they refuse our offers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jeff Cretan, the mayor’s spokesperson, said those arrested for illegal lodging are typically released on the scene. No information was provided on how many homeless people were booked into jail. In early August, Breed issued a directive to offer homeless people bus tickets out of town before other services, but the initiative has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/san-franicsco-homeless-people-bused-florida-texas-other-states/">yet to ramp up.</a>

SF has been busing homeless people all over the U.S. — and it&#8217;s just getting started

Jeff Cretan, the mayor’s spokesperson, said those arrested for illegal lodging are typically released on the scene. No information was provided on how many homeless people were booked into jail. In early August, Breed issued a directive to offer homeless people bus tickets out of town before other services, but the initiative has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/san-franicsco-homeless-people-bused-florida-texas-other-states/">yet to ramp up.</a>

Where have homeless people gone?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-have-homeless-people-gone">Where have homeless people gone?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-have-homeless-people-gone">Where have homeless people gone?</h2>

Despite the increase in arrests, the number of people checking into shelters has dropped slightly since Aug. 1. The city hasn&#8217;t released data on where homeless people have been moved.&nbsp;

Despite the increase in arrests, the number of people checking into shelters has dropped slightly since Aug. 1. The city hasn't released data on where homeless people have been moved.&nbsp;

Despite the increase in arrests, the number of people checking into shelters has dropped slightly since Aug. 1. The city hasn&#8217;t released data on where homeless people have been moved.&nbsp;

But those living on the streets who spoke to The Standard say the sweeps have forced them into hiding, with some finding creative ways to evade enforcement.

But those living on the streets who spoke to The Standard say the sweeps have forced them into hiding, with some finding creative ways to evade enforcement.

Jahlil Sinogui sleeps in a different corner of the city every night.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07248-1.jpg?w=1616" alt="A man in an orange safety vest and black hoodie stands under a blue structure, holding papers. He is next to a cart loaded with a large bag of plastic bottles." class="wp-image-315422"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jahlil Sinogui sleeps in a different corner of the city every night.</figcaption></figure>

Jahlil Sinogui, who’s been homeless in San Francisco for three months, put his belongings on wheels with the use of a city trash bin.&nbsp;

Jahlil Sinogui, who’s been homeless in San Francisco for three months, put his belongings on wheels with the use of a city trash bin.&nbsp;

During the day, he collects cans and bottles to exchange for cash, wheeling the recycling bin for miles to earn a few bucks, he said. At night, he finds a quiet corner out of public view, where he hopes to avoid law enforcement and thieves.&nbsp;

During the day, he collects cans and bottles to exchange for cash, wheeling the recycling bin for miles to earn a few bucks, he said. At night, he finds a quiet corner out of public view, where he hopes to avoid law enforcement and thieves.&nbsp;

“I’ve been trying to hold onto this for dear life,” Sinogui said, gesturing to his bags of empty cans and bottles. “I&#8217;m striving to just stay above water.”

“I’ve been trying to hold onto this for dear life,” Sinogui said, gesturing to his bags of empty cans and bottles. “I'm striving to just stay above water.”

“I’ve been trying to hold onto this for dear life,” Sinogui said, gesturing to his bags of empty cans and bottles. “I&#8217;m striving to just stay above water.”

Sinogui's encampment on wheels, designed to evade law enforcement.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07249-2.jpg?w=1616" alt="A loaded blue cart sits on a sidewalk next to a chain-link fence. A man in a black jacket is walking nearby, and a black car and trees are visible in the background." class="wp-image-315426"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sinogui&#8217;s encampment on wheels, designed to evade law enforcement.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07249-2.jpg?w=1616" alt="A loaded blue cart sits on a sidewalk next to a chain-link fence. A man in a black jacket is walking nearby, and a black car and trees are visible in the background." class="wp-image-315426"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sinogui's encampment on wheels, designed to evade law enforcement.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07249-2.jpg?w=1616" alt="A loaded blue cart sits on a sidewalk next to a chain-link fence. A man in a black jacket is walking nearby, and a black car and trees are visible in the background." class="wp-image-315426"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sinogui&#8217;s encampment on wheels, designed to evade law enforcement.</figcaption></figure>

In SoMa, a community of homeless people has gathered in an empty lot under the Central Freeway. The group believes it can avoid scrutiny from city workers because the land is owned by the state transportation agency Caltrans. The encampment survived a clearing last week by the city.&nbsp;

In SoMa, a community of homeless people has gathered in an empty lot under the Central Freeway. The group believes it can avoid scrutiny from city workers because the land is owned by the state transportation agency Caltrans. The encampment survived a clearing last week by the city.&nbsp;

Pierre Byrd, an encampment resident, said he’s originally from the Fillmore neighborhood. He fell behind on rent four years ago and has been homeless ever since, he said.&nbsp;

Pierre Byrd, an encampment resident, said he’s originally from the Fillmore neighborhood. He fell behind on rent four years ago and has been homeless ever since, he said.&nbsp;

A homeless person's written plea to city workers, asking them not to destroy their encampment next to an empty patch of sidewalk.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07270.jpg?w=808" alt="A blue structure has handwritten words, &quot;NOT ABANDED, This is all we have, please have some decency.&quot; Nearby, there is a fence, some graffiti, and trash." class="wp-image-315431"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A homeless person&#8217;s written plea to city workers, asking them not to confiscate belongings.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07270.jpg?w=808" alt="A blue structure has handwritten words, &quot;NOT ABANDED, This is all we have, please have some decency.&quot; Nearby, there is a fence, some graffiti, and trash." class="wp-image-315431"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A homeless person's written plea to city workers, asking them not to confiscate belongings.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07270.jpg?w=808" alt="A blue structure has handwritten words, &quot;NOT ABANDED, This is all we have, please have some decency.&quot; Nearby, there is a fence, some graffiti, and trash." class="wp-image-315431"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A homeless person&#8217;s written plea to city workers, asking them not to confiscate belongings.</figcaption></figure>

Byrd was fixing a bike tire as his tent neighbors cooked on a barbecue when The Standard visited Tuesday. He said he tries to avoid the city’s outreach operations because the promises for housing lead nowhere. The enforcement operations, he argued, seem counterproductive and performative.

Byrd was fixing a bike tire as his tent neighbors cooked on a barbecue when The Standard visited Tuesday. He said he tries to avoid the city’s outreach operations because the promises for housing lead nowhere. The enforcement operations, he argued, seem counterproductive and performative.

“They need to lower the rent; they know that’s where the problem is,” Byrd said. “I’m born and raised here, so I’m not going anywhere.”  Byrd said a Caltrans representative informed the group it would be allowed to stay on the empty lot until Oct. 5. The agency did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.

“They need to lower the rent; they know that’s where the problem is,” Byrd said. “I’m born and raised here, so I’m not going anywhere.”  Byrd said a Caltrans representative informed the group it would be allowed to stay on the empty lot until Oct. 5. The agency did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.

Pierre Byrd and his dog Luna at their encampment under the Central Freeway.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dsc07255.jpg?w=1468" alt="A man sits on a recliner under a blue overpass, next to makeshift shelter materials and a blue cooler. Another person and a dog are nearby on the concrete ground." class="wp-image-315430"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pierre Byrd and his dog Luna at their encampment under the Central Freeway.</figcaption></figure>

Hebing Marin, who has been homeless since he lost his job as a chef during the pandemic, said his encampment was cleared every week before he moved to the Caltrans lot. Still, he said he feels safer on the streets than in a city-funded shelter, where he once had belongings stolen.&nbsp;

Hebing Marin, who has been homeless since he lost his job as a chef during the pandemic, said his encampment was cleared every week before he moved to the Caltrans lot. Still, he said he feels safer on the streets than in a city-funded shelter, where he once had belongings stolen.&nbsp;

“I did my taxes for 25 years, and I don’t get help with nothing,” Marin said. “At least out here I can watch my stuff.”

“I did my taxes for 25 years, and I don’t get help with nothing,” Marin said. “At least out here I can watch my stuff.”

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