George Kelly

Atop a blue plastic tarp stretched across artificial grass at San Francisco&#8217;s Kapwa&nbsp;Gardens on Sunday, Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick were putting words into action at a community teach-in about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, set to take place in the city next month.

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Atop a blue plastic tarp stretched across artificial grass at San Francisco's Kapwa&nbsp;Gardens on Sunday, Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick were putting words into action at a community teach-in about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, set to take place in the city next month.

Atop a blue plastic tarp stretched across artificial grass at San Francisco&#8217;s Kapwa&nbsp;Gardens on Sunday, Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick were putting words into action at a community teach-in about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, set to take place in the city next month.

Lee and Burick painted bright white letters onto a large black banner that read &#8220;SHUT DOWN APEC!&#8221; and &#8220;JUNK IPEF!&#8221; referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://cnbc.com/2022/05/26/ipef-what-is-the-indo-pacific-framework-whos-in-it-why-it-matters.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indo-Pacific Economic Framework</a>, the Biden administration&#8217;s road map for a new Asia-Pacific economic strategy.

Lee and Burick painted bright white letters onto a large black banner that read "SHUT DOWN APEC!" and "JUNK IPEF!" referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://cnbc.com/2022/05/26/ipef-what-is-the-indo-pacific-framework-whos-in-it-why-it-matters.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indo-Pacific Economic Framework</a>, the Biden administration's road map for a new Asia-Pacific economic strategy.

Lee and Burick painted bright white letters onto a large black banner that read &#8220;SHUT DOWN APEC!&#8221; and &#8220;JUNK IPEF!&#8221; referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://cnbc.com/2022/05/26/ipef-what-is-the-indo-pacific-framework-whos-in-it-why-it-matters.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indo-Pacific Economic Framework</a>, the Biden administration&#8217;s road map for a new Asia-Pacific economic strategy.

APEC, launched more than 30 years ago, is a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/what-apec-means-for-san-francisco/">grouping of 21 member economies</a>, including the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea and Australia, aimed at promoting free trade throughout the Asia Pacific region. It hosts multiple meetings in a given host nation throughout the year. The main meeting this year will take place Nov. 14-17 at Moscone Center in the South of Market neighborhood, not far from Kapwa Gardens.

Here comes APEC: What the international conference means for San Francisco

APEC, launched more than 30 years ago, is a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/what-apec-means-for-san-francisco/">grouping of 21 member economies</a>, including the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea and Australia, aimed at promoting free trade throughout the Asia Pacific region. It hosts multiple meetings in a given host nation throughout the year. The main meeting this year will take place Nov. 14-17 at Moscone Center in the South of Market neighborhood, not far from Kapwa Gardens.

Lee, 75, said she first heard about APEC about four months ago, but added that her experience meeting Mexican maquiladora workers and visiting their homes informed her own stance against what she described as dangerous free-trade agreements.

Lee, 75, said she first heard about APEC about four months ago, but added that her experience meeting Mexican maquiladora workers and visiting their homes informed her own stance against what she described as dangerous free-trade agreements.

Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kawpa Gardens on Mission Street.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_174540245.jpg?w=2500" alt="Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kawpa Gardens on Mission Street." class="wp-image-216144"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kapwa Gardens on Mission Street in San Francisco&#8217;s South of Market neighborhood.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_174540245.jpg?w=2500" alt="Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kawpa Gardens on Mission Street." class="wp-image-216144"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kapwa Gardens on Mission Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_174540245.jpg?w=2500" alt="Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kawpa Gardens on Mission Street." class="wp-image-216144"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pam Tau Lee and Kathe Burick paint letters on a “Shut down APEC” sign Sunday at a teach-in at Kapwa Gardens on Mission Street in San Francisco&#8217;s South of Market neighborhood.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;My understanding is that they can&#8217;t make formal agreements, but they can make strong recommendations that have influence and enable more powerful people to carry out what they want to have happen,&#8221; Lee said. &#8220;That has a huge impact on people&#8217;s lives, rights, voice and presence.&#8221;

"My understanding is that they can't make formal agreements, but they can make strong recommendations that have influence and enable more powerful people to carry out what they want to have happen," Lee said. "That has a huge impact on people's lives, rights, voice and presence."

&#8220;My understanding is that they can&#8217;t make formal agreements, but they can make strong recommendations that have influence and enable more powerful people to carry out what they want to have happen,&#8221; Lee said. &#8220;That has a huge impact on people&#8217;s lives, rights, voice and presence.&#8221;

&#8216;Human Need &#8230; Over Corporate Greed&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-need-over-corporate-greed">&#8216;Human Need &#8230; Over Corporate Greed&#8217;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-need-over-corporate-greed">'Human Need ... Over Corporate Greed'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-need-over-corporate-greed">&#8216;Human Need &#8230; Over Corporate Greed&#8217;</h2>

For Lee, the other important issue was the APEC-related security restrictions on physical space and movement for caregivers and food delivery services, as well as seniors long used to walking or taking transit to visit friends or sit in parks.

For Lee, the other important issue was the APEC-related security restrictions on physical space and movement for caregivers and food delivery services, as well as seniors long used to walking or taking transit to visit friends or sit in parks.

<a href="https://sf.gov/apec-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Details of the security for the event</a>&nbsp;were announced two weeks ago by the U.S. Secret Service and will include a locked-down,&nbsp;four-square-block section of Downtown around the Moscone Center, closed streets and shut-down transit lines—including the Central Subway—as well as limited air traffic over San Francisco.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sf.gov/apec-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Details of the security for the event</a>&nbsp;were announced two weeks ago by the U.S. Secret Service and will include a locked-down,&nbsp;four-square-block section of Downtown around the Moscone Center, closed streets and shut-down transit lines—including the Central Subway—as well as limited air traffic over San Francisco.&nbsp;

Nob Hill will also be a restricted zone, and part of the Embarcadero will be closed Nov. 15.&nbsp;

Nob Hill will also be a restricted zone, and part of the Embarcadero will be closed Nov. 15.&nbsp;

&#8220;I believe that human need should be prioritized over corporate greed, and that&#8217;s what APEC represents to me,&#8221; said Burick.

"I believe that human need should be prioritized over corporate greed, and that's what APEC represents to me," said Burick.

&#8220;I believe that human need should be prioritized over corporate greed, and that&#8217;s what APEC represents to me,&#8221; said Burick.

Organizer Narissa Lee says Sunday that a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC's impacts to San Francisco residents and businesses.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_183751651.jpg?w=2500" alt="Organizer Narissa Lee says Sunday that a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC's impacts to San Francisco residents and businesses." class="wp-image-216149"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Organizer Narissa Lee said a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC&#8217;s impacts on San Francisco residents and businesses.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_183751651.jpg?w=2500" alt="Organizer Narissa Lee says Sunday that a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC's impacts to San Francisco residents and businesses." class="wp-image-216149"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Organizer Narissa Lee said a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC's impacts on San Francisco residents and businesses.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_183751651.jpg?w=2500" alt="Organizer Narissa Lee says Sunday that a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC's impacts to San Francisco residents and businesses." class="wp-image-216149"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Organizer Narissa Lee said a broad coalition is preparing to speak out about APEC&#8217;s impacts on San Francisco residents and businesses.</figcaption></figure>

Nearby, as organizer Narissa Lee stood near a vendor selling butter mochi, vegan chocolate cupcakes and iced oat-milk lattes, she laid out what she saw as the stakes for the upcoming conference.&nbsp;

Nearby, as organizer Narissa Lee stood near a vendor selling butter mochi, vegan chocolate cupcakes and iced oat-milk lattes, she laid out what she saw as the stakes for the upcoming conference.&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s a great way for us to really educate ourselves and each other on the impacts of these types of economic free trade agreements that occur with different regions of the world,&#8221; Lee said. She noted that &#8220;this is the most heads of state we&#8217;ve ever hosted, I think, even more so than the signing of the U.N. charter in the &#8217;40s. And so this is a really big deal.&#8221;

"It's a great way for us to really educate ourselves and each other on the impacts of these types of economic free trade agreements that occur with different regions of the world," Lee said. She noted that "this is the most heads of state we've ever hosted, I think, even more so than the signing of the U.N. charter in the '40s. And so this is a really big deal."

&#8220;It&#8217;s a great way for us to really educate ourselves and each other on the impacts of these types of economic free trade agreements that occur with different regions of the world,&#8221; Lee said. She noted that &#8220;this is the most heads of state we&#8217;ve ever hosted, I think, even more so than the signing of the U.N. charter in the &#8217;40s. And so this is a really big deal.&#8221;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-no-to-apec-collective">A &#8216;No to APEC&#8217; Collective?</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-no-to-apec-collective">A 'No to APEC' Collective?</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-no-to-apec-collective">A &#8216;No to APEC&#8217; Collective?</h2>

Lee said her group, San Francisco Committee for&nbsp;Human Rights in the Philippines, was partnering with other&nbsp;community groups and activists, including labor unions,&nbsp; women&#8217;s organizations, immigration and climate activists, youth groups and students for a &#8220;No to APEC&#8221; collective. The group plans to call out concerns about the security measures&#8217; financial impact on local businesses and the right of residents to assemble and protest.

Lee said her group, San Francisco Committee for&nbsp;Human Rights in the Philippines, was partnering with other&nbsp;community groups and activists, including labor unions,&nbsp; women's organizations, immigration and climate activists, youth groups and students for a "No to APEC" collective. The group plans to call out concerns about the security measures' financial impact on local businesses and the right of residents to assemble and protest.

Lee said her group, San Francisco Committee for&nbsp;Human Rights in the Philippines, was partnering with other&nbsp;community groups and activists, including labor unions,&nbsp; women&#8217;s organizations, immigration and climate activists, youth groups and students for a &#8220;No to APEC&#8221; collective. The group plans to call out concerns about the security measures&#8217; financial impact on local businesses and the right of residents to assemble and protest.

&#8220;They&#8217;re doing this behind closed doors,&#8221; Lee said. &#8220;They&#8217;re not including people who are the most impacted. They&#8217;re not including workers, but they&#8217;re talking about diminishing workers&#8217; rights and rolling them back to standards from the 1990s.&#8221;

"They're doing this behind closed doors," Lee said. "They're not including people who are the most impacted. They're not including workers, but they're talking about diminishing workers' rights and rolling them back to standards from the 1990s."

&#8220;They&#8217;re doing this behind closed doors,&#8221; Lee said. &#8220;They&#8217;re not including people who are the most impacted. They&#8217;re not including workers, but they&#8217;re talking about diminishing workers&#8217; rights and rolling them back to standards from the 1990s.&#8221;

San Francisco resident and parent David Delena says a day car center for his son Caeden, 3, will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_181156773.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco resident and parent David Delena says a day car center for his son Caeden, 3, will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference." class="wp-image-216150"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco resident David Delena says his son&#8217;s day care center will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_181156773.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco resident and parent David Delena says a day car center for his son Caeden, 3, will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference." class="wp-image-216150"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco resident David Delena says his son's day care center will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231029_181156773.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco resident and parent David Delena says a day car center for his son Caeden, 3, will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference." class="wp-image-216150"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco resident David Delena says his son&#8217;s day care center will temporarily close for several days during the upcoming APEC conference.</figcaption></figure>

At a quiet table in the garden, David Delena sat with his son Caeden, 3, whose eyes lit up with flashes of delight over a game he was playing on a tablet. Delena told The Standard that he had learned this week that the day care center his son attends near Fourth and Folsom streets will&nbsp;close&nbsp;for three days during APEC. He said he&#8217;s yet to hear about how Bessie Carmichael Elementary School on Seventh Street, where his wife works, will be affected.&nbsp;

At a quiet table in the garden, David Delena sat with his son Caeden, 3, whose eyes lit up with flashes of delight over a game he was playing on a tablet. Delena told The Standard that he had learned this week that the day care center his son attends near Fourth and Folsom streets will&nbsp;close&nbsp;for three days during APEC. He said he's yet to hear about how Bessie Carmichael Elementary School on Seventh Street, where his wife works, will be affected.&nbsp;

At a quiet table in the garden, David Delena sat with his son Caeden, 3, whose eyes lit up with flashes of delight over a game he was playing on a tablet. Delena told The Standard that he had learned this week that the day care center his son attends near Fourth and Folsom streets will&nbsp;close&nbsp;for three days during APEC. He said he&#8217;s yet to hear about how Bessie Carmichael Elementary School on Seventh Street, where his wife works, will be affected.&nbsp;

&#8220;It ain&#8217;t going to work out, just to get to his school,&#8221; Delena said. &#8220;There&#8217;s checkpoints, and I hear it&#8217;s like airport screening. For me driving, I don&#8217;t know what parking looks like. There&#8217;s always conferences that go on here for Salesforce, and it&#8217;s already packed for parking and dropping kids off. This would be even more challenging.&#8221;

"It ain't going to work out, just to get to his school," Delena said. "There's checkpoints, and I hear it's like airport screening. For me driving, I don't know what parking looks like. There's always conferences that go on here for Salesforce, and it's already packed for parking and dropping kids off. This would be even more challenging."

&#8220;It ain&#8217;t going to work out, just to get to his school,&#8221; Delena said. &#8220;There&#8217;s checkpoints, and I hear it&#8217;s like airport screening. For me driving, I don&#8217;t know what parking looks like. There&#8217;s always conferences that go on here for Salesforce, and it&#8217;s already packed for parking and dropping kids off. This would be even more challenging.&#8221;

Delena said he felt many community members were unprepared for the changes coming to the neighborhood during APEC, and he was worried about businesses being forced to close. &#8220;I don&#8217;t feel like many residents are in support of APEC,&#8221; said Delena. &#8220;There are probably a few who will benefit, but I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s the average working family that will benefit or it will be a hindrance.&#8221;

Delena said he felt many community members were unprepared for the changes coming to the neighborhood during APEC, and he was worried about businesses being forced to close. "I don't feel like many residents are in support of APEC," said Delena. "There are probably a few who will benefit, but I don't know if it's the average working family that will benefit or it will be a hindrance."

Delena said he felt many community members were unprepared for the changes coming to the neighborhood during APEC, and he was worried about businesses being forced to close. &#8220;I don&#8217;t feel like many residents are in support of APEC,&#8221; said Delena. &#8220;There are probably a few who will benefit, but I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s the average working family that will benefit or it will be a hindrance.&#8221;

As for the city&#8217;s perspective on the world stage, Delena didn&#8217;t expect much unity.

As for the city's perspective on the world stage, Delena didn't expect much unity.

As for the city&#8217;s perspective on the world stage, Delena didn&#8217;t expect much unity.

&#8220;I&#8217;m just going to guess it&#8217;s going to look different than how we feel locally,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You know, they&#8217;ll probably project, &#8216;Oh yeah, this was great; we raised so much money,&#8217; you know?&#8221; he said. &#8220;But some people on the ground who live here, I don&#8217;t know if we&#8217;ll have that same feeling towards it. Because it&#8217;s back to work every day after that takes place.&#8221;

"I'm just going to guess it's going to look different than how we feel locally," he said. "You know, they'll probably project, 'Oh yeah, this was great; we raised so much money,' you know?" he said. "But some people on the ground who live here, I don't know if we'll have that same feeling towards it. Because it's back to work every day after that takes place."

&#8220;I&#8217;m just going to guess it&#8217;s going to look different than how we feel locally,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You know, they&#8217;ll probably project, &#8216;Oh yeah, this was great; we raised so much money,&#8217; you know?&#8221; he said. &#8220;But some people on the ground who live here, I don&#8217;t know if we&#8217;ll have that same feeling towards it. Because it&#8217;s back to work every day after that takes place.&#8221;

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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/h_9_QqSy59w
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">What exactly is APEC, and why is San Francisco hosting part of it this year? KQED journalist and APEC Host Committee Press Ambassador Priya David Clemens explains. | Video by Jesse Rogala</figcaption></figure>

At APEC teach-in, San Francisco residents voice concerns about summit impacts

Josh Koehn

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> spent the past several months telling anyone who would listen that the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit</a>—the largest geopolitical event to come to San Francisco in nearly 80 years—should be seen as an opportunity to reset the narrative on a city that has become a national punchline.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> spent the past several months telling anyone who would listen that the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit</a>—the largest geopolitical event to come to San Francisco in nearly 80 years—should be seen as an opportunity to reset the narrative on a city that has become a national punchline.

The weeklong event has been billed not only as an economic and political gathering for world leaders but also as a chance for San Francisco to show everyone this is still a world-class city despite numerous issues, chief among them <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=homelessness">homelessness</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=drug%20crisis">drugs</a>.

The weeklong event has been billed not only as an economic and political gathering for world leaders but also as a chance for San Francisco to show everyone this is still a world-class city despite numerous issues, chief among them <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=homelessness">homelessness</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=drug%20crisis">drugs</a>.

But now that the summit is finally here, San Francisco eschewed rolling out the red carpet Sunday evening and stuck with international orange. Over 100 guests were ushered into a lavish City Hall reception through a ceiling-high model of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/30/meet-the-unsung-asian-american-hero-behind-golden-gate-bridge/">Golden Gate Bridge</a>. Visitors had their photos snapped before scooping up glasses of champagne and stepping into the rotunda to find an autumn-hewed function with food, drinks, music and, of course, political speeches.

The unsung Asian American hero behind the Golden Gate Bridge

But now that the summit is finally here, San Francisco eschewed rolling out the red carpet Sunday evening and stuck with international orange. Over 100 guests were ushered into a lavish City Hall reception through a ceiling-high model of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/30/meet-the-unsung-asian-american-hero-behind-golden-gate-bridge/">Golden Gate Bridge</a>. Visitors had their photos snapped before scooping up glasses of champagne and stepping into the rotunda to find an autumn-hewed function with food, drinks, music and, of course, political speeches.

People mingled and taking pictures inside at the welcoming night party at City Hall hosted by Breed and Dominic Ng on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231027apecopeningparty_0012.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor Breed Throws Lavish Party at City Hall to Kick Off APEC" class="wp-image-220722"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People mingle and take pictures inside at the welcoming night party at City Hall hosted by Breed and Dominic Ng on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

The mayor and her Office of Protocol <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-apec-summit-casino-sponsors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised more than $20 million</a> to host a series of APEC events and fête international media, and Sunday’s party is the first hurdle in what will be a weeklong marathon. On Sunday afternoon, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/12/apec-protest-photos-from-sundays-march-in-san-francisco/">thousands of people took to the streets</a> to protest a variety of causes, from the Israel-Hamas war to conflicts in Myanmar, the Philippines and other countries.

APEC: San Francisco accepts $4.6M from Graton Casino, hits $20M fundraising goal

See photos from Sunday’s APEC protest march in San Francisco

The mayor and her Office of Protocol <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-apec-summit-casino-sponsors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised more than $20 million</a> to host a series of APEC events and fête international media, and Sunday’s party is the first hurdle in what will be a weeklong marathon. On Sunday afternoon, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/12/apec-protest-photos-from-sundays-march-in-san-francisco/">thousands of people took to the streets</a> to protest a variety of causes, from the Israel-Hamas war to conflicts in Myanmar, the Philippines and other countries.

The scene by nightfall was far quieter. A shirtless man used the City Hall sprinkler system to wash himself, but the surrounding streets were otherwise absent of the daily signs of distress that have become so normalized in San Francisco.

The scene by nightfall was far quieter. A shirtless man used the City Hall sprinkler system to wash himself, but the surrounding streets were otherwise absent of the daily signs of distress that have become so normalized in San Francisco.

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">Everything To Know About APEC Security, Traffic and Transit in 10 Maps</a>

APEC San Francisco: Everything to know about security, traffic and transit in 10 maps

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">Everything To Know About APEC Security, Traffic and Transit in 10 Maps</a>

Inside City Hall, the celebration—organized with East West Bank to welcome members of the APEC Business Advisory Council—went off without a hitch as a free bar kept glasses full and multiple food stations were set up to serve snacks like prosciutto-wrapped melon, black truffle arancini, crab cakes, artichoke fritters and empanadas. Off to the side, a set piece resembling the Ghirardelli chocolate factory exterior drew visitors to a table with bowls of sweets.

Inside City Hall, the celebration—organized with East West Bank to welcome members of the APEC Business Advisory Council—went off without a hitch as a free bar kept glasses full and multiple food stations were set up to serve snacks like prosciutto-wrapped melon, black truffle arancini, crab cakes, artichoke fritters and empanadas. Off to the side, a set piece resembling the Ghirardelli chocolate factory exterior drew visitors to a table with bowls of sweets.

Breed, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Greg Sarris, the chairman of Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and East West Bank CEO Dominic Ng delivered remarks in between musical performances by taiko drummers and a jazz band.

Breed, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Greg Sarris, the chairman of Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and East West Bank CEO Dominic Ng delivered remarks in between musical performances by taiko drummers and a jazz band.

Much of the conversation between guests was as banal as any political event, but a few folks in attendance candidly acknowledged that San Francisco felt a little different.

Much of the conversation between guests was as banal as any political event, but a few folks in attendance candidly acknowledged that San Francisco felt a little different.

Multiple people admitted they have been taking stock of the noticeably cleaner streets and more vibrant spaces in the Downtown core, much of which is due to an increase in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/san-francisco-drug-crisis-2-people-entered-treatment-out-of-476-arrested/">drug enforcement</a>, a<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/police-homeless-policy/"> clearing of homeless encampments</a> and around-the-clock work by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/25/disgraced-public-works-chief-gets-7-years-for-role-in-bribery-scandal-your-crime-resulted-from-greed/">the city’s beleaguered Department of Public Works</a>.

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Multiple people admitted they have been taking stock of the noticeably cleaner streets and more vibrant spaces in the Downtown core, much of which is due to an increase in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/san-francisco-drug-crisis-2-people-entered-treatment-out-of-476-arrested/">drug enforcement</a>, a<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/police-homeless-policy/"> clearing of homeless encampments</a> and around-the-clock work by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/25/disgraced-public-works-chief-gets-7-years-for-role-in-bribery-scandal-your-crime-resulted-from-greed/">the city’s beleaguered Department of Public Works</a>.

A woman pikcs up some chocolates at the APEC welcoming night party at City Hall on Nov. 12, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231027apecopeningparty_0014.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people grabbing food under lights at a welcoming party at city hall." class="wp-image-220716"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman picks up some chocolates at the APEC welcoming night party at City Hall on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

One question, however, is whether the makeover is a sign of progress or little more than a Band-Aid. Is San Francisco capable of maintaining better street conditions not only for the rest of this week, but also in the weeks and months to come?

One question, however, is whether the makeover is a sign of progress or little more than a Band-Aid. Is San Francisco capable of maintaining better street conditions not only for the rest of this week, but also in the weeks and months to come?

“Our hope is that the momentum, with everything that we’re already doing, will continue to allow our city to be what we all know it is: a great city,” Breed told The Standard during Sunday’s event. “And we can’t just let a few people get in the way of impacting what it is that we’re trying to do, and that is take care of people and keep the streets clean and safe.”

“Our hope is that the momentum, with everything that we’re already doing, will continue to allow our city to be what we all know it is: a great city,” Breed told The Standard during Sunday’s event. “And we can’t just let a few people get in the way of impacting what it is that we’re trying to do, and that is take care of people and keep the streets clean and safe.”

Planning for APEC has been a nearly three-year process that scaled up significantly after last November’s announcement that San Francisco would serve as this year’s final host city, said Matt Murray, the U.S. APEC ambassador. Previous meetings in Palm Springs, Detroit and Seattle were essentially setting the table for San Francisco.

Planning for APEC has been a nearly three-year process that scaled up significantly after last November’s announcement that San Francisco would serve as this year’s final host city, said Matt Murray, the U.S. APEC ambassador. Previous meetings in Palm Springs, Detroit and Seattle were essentially setting the table for San Francisco.

“You’re thinking about it like, ‘Those [events] are the playoffs, and this is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/19/san-francisco-welcomes-bay-area-hosting-super-bowl-in-2026-mayor-says/">Super Bowl</a>,’” Murray said. “You&#8217;re always planning for the Super Bowl, so we&#8217;ve been working.”

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“You’re thinking about it like, ‘Those [events] are the playoffs, and this is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/19/san-francisco-welcomes-bay-area-hosting-super-bowl-in-2026-mayor-says/">Super Bowl</a>,’” Murray said. “You're always planning for the Super Bowl, so we've been working.”

“You’re thinking about it like, ‘Those [events] are the playoffs, and this is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/19/san-francisco-welcomes-bay-area-hosting-super-bowl-in-2026-mayor-says/">Super Bowl</a>,’” Murray said. “You&#8217;re always planning for the Super Bowl, so we&#8217;ve been working.”

The mayor and city officials have their ambitions to rebrand San Francisco, but APEC itself is about accomplishing three specific tasks.

The mayor and city officials have their ambitions to rebrand San Francisco, but APEC itself is about accomplishing three specific tasks.

The first goal is for the 21 member economies to end APEC with a strong consensus statement from leaders pledging to work together, Murray said. Second, the event offers a chance for bilateral talks between foreign powers, such as the much-anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. And third, APEC invites CEOs from across the globe to meet with government officials to establish more public-private partnerships.

The first goal is for the 21 member economies to end APEC with a strong consensus statement from leaders pledging to work together, Murray said. Second, the event offers a chance for bilateral talks between foreign powers, such as the much-anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. And third, APEC invites CEOs from across the globe to meet with government officials to establish more public-private partnerships.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231027apecopeningparty_0003.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mayor Breed Throws Lavish Party at City Hall to Kick Off APEC" class="wp-image-220721"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People mingled and took pictures inside the APEC welcoming night party at City Hall on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

Mainul Mondal, CEO of Ellipsis Health, attended Sunday’s event after his company, which uses AI to facilitate better access to mental health care, made a donation to help the city in its fundraising efforts. He noted that APEC’s member economies make up about 40% of the global GDP and the international gathering is bringing together some of the best business minds in the world.

Mainul Mondal, CEO of Ellipsis Health, attended Sunday’s event after his company, which uses AI to facilitate better access to mental health care, made a donation to help the city in its fundraising efforts. He noted that APEC’s member economies make up about 40% of the global GDP and the international gathering is bringing together some of the best business minds in the world.

“Innovation can only work when we have diversity of people,” Mondal said. “The more we understand people, the better off we’re going to be in bringing our innovative technology to scale.”

“Innovation can only work when we have diversity of people,” Mondal said. “The more we understand people, the better off we’re going to be in bringing our innovative technology to scale.”

Sunday’s party was just the first of many APEC events this week in San Francisco. Going under the global microscope will be an opportunity as well as a daunting task. But scaling any success beyond this week will likely be the biggest challenge.

Sunday’s party was just the first of many APEC events this week in San Francisco. Going under the global microscope will be an opportunity as well as a daunting task. But scaling any success beyond this week will likely be the biggest challenge.

Mayor Breed throws lavish party at City Hall to kick off APEC

President Joe Biden has left the Bay Area after spending four days in the region for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco to meet with other world leaders.

President Joe Biden has left the Bay Area after spending four days in the region for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco to meet with other world leaders.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/san-francisco-pepper-spray-apec-protests-fights/">Protesters Pepper-Sprayed Outside Xi Jinping’s APEC San Francisco Hotel as Fights Break Out</a>

Protesters pepper-sprayed outside San Francisco hotel during APEC as fights break out

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/san-francisco-pepper-spray-apec-protests-fights/">Protesters Pepper-Sprayed Outside Xi Jinping’s APEC San Francisco Hotel as Fights Break Out</a>

Biden departed from San Francisco International Airport on Friday afternoon following a busy week that included a bilateral meeting in Woodside with Chinese President Xi Jinping and various meals and events involving the 21 heads of state who attended APEC.

Biden departed from San Francisco International Airport on Friday afternoon following a busy week that included a bilateral meeting in Woodside with Chinese President Xi Jinping and various meals and events involving the 21 heads of state who attended APEC.

The conference drew several protests, including one that shut down the Bay Bridge on Thursday morning by people calling for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza.

The conference drew several protests, including one that shut down the Bay Bridge on Thursday morning by people calling for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza.

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/joe-bide-mexico-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador-fentanyl/">Joe Biden, Mexican President López Obrador Pledge Solidarity in Fight Against Fentanyl</a>

Joe Biden, Mexican President López Obrador pledge solidarity in fight against fentanyl

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/17/joe-bide-mexico-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador-fentanyl/">Joe Biden, Mexican President López Obrador Pledge Solidarity in Fight Against Fentanyl</a>

Heavy security measures were in place around San Francisco&#8217;s Moscone Center, where many of the APEC events were held, including Friday&#8217;s meeting between Biden and Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and an event in which he officially transferred the APEC chair position to President Dina Boluarte of Peru, which will host the next version of APEC in 2024.

Heavy security measures were in place around San Francisco's Moscone Center, where many of the APEC events were held, including Friday's meeting between Biden and Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and an event in which he officially transferred the APEC chair position to President Dina Boluarte of Peru, which will host the next version of APEC in 2024.

Heavy security measures were in place around San Francisco&#8217;s Moscone Center, where many of the APEC events were held, including Friday&#8217;s meeting between Biden and Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and an event in which he officially transferred the APEC chair position to President Dina Boluarte of Peru, which will host the next version of APEC in 2024.

The president headed from SFO back to the East Coast and is bound for his home in Delaware and had no public events planned for Saturday.

The president headed from SFO back to the East Coast and is bound for his home in Delaware and had no public events planned for Saturday.

Joe Biden leaves San Francisco Bay Area after busy week of APEC meetings

The Standard Staff

Protesters&nbsp;gathered&nbsp;Wednesday around the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a> in Downtown San Francisco, where many blocked traffic, impeded access for participants and made pleas for a cease-fire in Gaza, freedom for Tibet and demands for action on the climate.

Protesters&nbsp;gathered&nbsp;Wednesday around the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a> in Downtown San Francisco, where many blocked traffic, impeded access for participants and made pleas for a cease-fire in Gaza, freedom for Tibet and demands for action on the climate.

The Standard&#8217;s team of photographers captured moments, ranging from intense confrontations between the protestors and conventiongoers to police inserting themselves to keep the peace.

The Standard's team of photographers captured moments, ranging from intense confrontations between the protestors and conventiongoers to police inserting themselves to keep the peace.

The Standard&#8217;s team of photographers captured moments, ranging from intense confrontations between the protestors and conventiongoers to police inserting themselves to keep the peace.

A pro-Tibetan protester screams and points in the direction of pro-China supporters (not pictured) as California Highway Patrol (CHP) stand between Tibet and China groups during dueling demonstrations at Market and 3rd Streets in downtown San Francisco on Wed., November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5539-1.jpg?w=2200" alt="A pro-Tibetan protester screams and points in the direction of California Highways Patrol during a demonstration" class="wp-image-222248"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A pro-Tibetan protester screams and points in the direction of pro-China supporters as California Highway Patrol stand between Tibet and China groups during dueling demonstrations at Market and 3rd Streets on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

A clash between Tibetan protesters and San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officers along Market Street as the demonstrators approached a Pro-Chinese rally at 3rd St. on Wed., November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5417.jpg?w=2200" alt="A group of people link arms during a protest with Tibetan flags in the background." class="wp-image-222214"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tibetan protesters and San Francisco Police Department officers clash along Market Street as the demonstrators approach a pro-Chinese rally at Third Street on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

A pro-Tibetan protester points in the direction of pro-China supporters (not pictured) while holding a US dollar as Tibet and China groups clash during dueling demonstrations at Market and 3rd Streets in downtown San Francisco on Wed., November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5582-1.jpg?w=2200" alt="A pro-Tibetan protester points in the direction of pro-China supporters while holding a US Dollar - SFPD looks on." class="wp-image-222282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A pro-Tibetan protester points in the direction of pro-China supporters while holding a US dollar as Tibet and China groups clash during dueling demonstrations at Market and 3rd Streets in downtown San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5397.jpg?w=2200" alt="A person screams into into the distance during a protest with Tibetan flags in the background." class="wp-image-222216"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tibetan protesters and San Francisco Police Department officers clash along Market Street as the demonstrators approach a pro-Chinese government rally at Third Street on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

A “Team Tibet” protest organized by the San Francisco Tibetan Youth Congress marches down Market St. in San Francisco on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Around 300 protesters chanted “Go Back, China!” and “Stop the genocide in Tibet!”. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5205.jpg?w=2200" alt="People sit on the ground and wave Tibetan flags during a large protest involving pro-Tibet demonstrators." class="wp-image-222162"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A “Team Tibet” protest organized by the San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress marches down Market Street in San Francisco on Wednesday. Around 300 protesters chanted, “Go back, China!” and “Stop the genocide in Tibet!”</figcaption></figure>

A pro-China protester holds a Chinese and American flag as California Highway Patrol stands between Tibet and China supporters during dueling demonstrations at Market and 3rd Streets in downtown San Francisco on Wed., November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5555.jpg?w=2200" alt="A pro-China protester holds a Chinese flag as California Highway Patrol stands close during a demonstration." class="wp-image-222262"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A pro-China protester holds a Chinese and American flag as California Highway Patrol stands between Tibet and China supporters during dueling demonstrations at Market and 3rd streets on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

People who are part of a larger contingent waving Chinese flags along Third Street near the St. Regis Hotel where Chinese President Xi Jinping is staying are seen sitting on a wall in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/junghokim-20231115-3386.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three woman holding Chinese flags sit on a pedestal on a city street. " class="wp-image-222276"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People who are part of a larger contingent waving Chinese flags along Third Street near the St. Regis Hotel where Chinese President Xi Jinping is staying are seen sitting on a wall in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

People with the Democratic Party of China look across the street at supporters of the Chinese Communist Party in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/junghokim-20231115-3388.jpg?w=2500" alt="Large American and Chinese flags are seen during a protest in San Francisco." class="wp-image-222277"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People with the Democratic Party of China look across the street at supporters of the Chinese Communist Party in Downtown San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

“No to APEC” protestors block an individual from heading to Moscone Center on Fifth and Mission Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week. Climate activists protesting against APEC block car traffic on Montgomery Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_2286.jpg?w=2500" alt="Protestors block an APEC participant from entering the area." class="wp-image-221970"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;No to APEC&#8221; protestors block an individual on Fifth and Mission streets from heading to Moscone Center. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_2286.jpg?w=2500" alt="Protestors block an APEC participant from entering the area." class="wp-image-221970"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"No to APEC" protestors block an individual on Fifth and Mission streets from heading to Moscone Center. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_2286.jpg?w=2500" alt="Protestors block an APEC participant from entering the area." class="wp-image-221970"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;No to APEC&#8221; protestors block an individual on Fifth and Mission streets from heading to Moscone Center. </figcaption></figure>

Maria C.D, right, yells at an APEC summit delegate along 5th St. in San Francisco on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_2285.jpg?w=2500" alt="An angry person yells while holding a phone to record an APEC summit delegate as they walk along the sidewalk." class="wp-image-221949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A protester, right, yells at an APEC summit delegate walking down Fifth Street.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5157.jpg?w=2200" alt="A person screams into a bullhorn during a protest down Market Street. Others in the background hoist Tibetan flags." class="wp-image-222165"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A “Team Tibet” protest organized by the San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress marches down Market Street in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

Pro-Chinese supporters attempt to cover up a Tibetan flag during a demonstration at the corner of Stevenson and 3rd Street near the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco on Wed., Nov. 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_4908.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stretches a large, red, Chinese flag around a Tibetan flag on a city sidewalk as pedestrian pass." class="wp-image-222173"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chinese government supporters attempt to cover up a Tibetan flag during a demonstration at the corner of Stevenson and Third streets near the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

“No to APEC” protestors face off with San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officers in riot gear on 5th and Mission  on Fifth St and Mission St. in San Francisco on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_2283.jpg?w=2500" alt="Police and activists stand face to face along at Mission Street." class="wp-image-221937"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protestors with the No to APEC Coalition face off with police officers in riot gear at Fifth and Mission streets.</figcaption></figure>

A San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer pushes Angela Moreno, right, during a “No to APEC” protest on 5th St. near Mission in San Francisco on Wednesday. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17 and city government has implemented major steps to create safety and security for the thousands of delegates and visitors coming to the Bay Area. The measures will include heightened local, state and federal police presence, vehicle road closures and detours along with restricted pedestrian access inside the security zone. Additionally, a number of protests are expected throughout the week.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7o3a0174.jpg?w=2500" alt="A SFPF officer pushes a person who is grimacing." class="wp-image-221935"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A police officer pushes Angela Moreno, right, during a &#8220;No to APEC&#8221; protest on Fifth Street on Wednesday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7o3a0174.jpg?w=2500" alt="A SFPF officer pushes a person who is grimacing." class="wp-image-221935"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A police officer pushes Angela Moreno, right, during a "No to APEC" protest on Fifth Street on Wednesday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7o3a0174.jpg?w=2500" alt="A SFPF officer pushes a person who is grimacing." class="wp-image-221935"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A police officer pushes Angela Moreno, right, during a &#8220;No to APEC&#8221; protest on Fifth Street on Wednesday. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1mv5221.jpg?w=2200" alt="A person holds a sign that reads &quot;Rise Up Against Xi&quot; during a large protest from pro-Tibet demonstrators." class="wp-image-222160"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A “Team Tibet” protest organized by the San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress marches down Market Street in San Francisco on Wednesday. </figcaption></figure>

At APEC teach-in, San Francisco residents voice concerns about summit impacts

Mayor Breed throws lavish party at City Hall to kick off APEC

Joe Biden leaves San Francisco Bay Area after busy week of APEC meetings

Photos: See protests unfold outside the APEC summit

Bay Bridge closure: APEC security measures will close bridge lanes, causing traffic chaos

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At APEC teach-in, San Francisco residents voice concerns about summit impacts

Mayor Breed throws lavish party at City Hall to kick off APEC

Joe Biden leaves San Francisco Bay Area after busy week of APEC meetings

Photos: See protests unfold outside the APEC summit

Bay Bridge closure: APEC security measures will close bridge lanes, causing traffic chaos