George Kelly

Thousands of protesters rallied Sunday in San Francisco to denounce this week&#8217;s APEC gathering and push for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

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Thousands of protesters rallied Sunday in San Francisco to denounce this week's APEC gathering and push for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Thousands of protesters rallied Sunday in San Francisco to denounce this week&#8217;s APEC gathering and push for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Demonstrators gathered at noon at Harry Bridges Plaza on the Embarcadero, then marched down Market Street to Moscone Center in the&nbsp;South of Market neighborhood.&nbsp;

Demonstrators gathered at noon at Harry Bridges Plaza on the Embarcadero, then marched down Market Street to Moscone Center in the&nbsp;South of Market neighborhood.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://ilpsusinfo.wordpress.com/no2apec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No to APEC Coalition</a>—an umbrella group of over 150 grassroots organizations—has criticized the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for pushing “free trade” to harm Indigenous people around the world. But trade was not the only issue on demonstrators&#8217; minds.

The <a href="https://ilpsusinfo.wordpress.com/no2apec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No to APEC Coalition</a>—an umbrella group of over 150 grassroots organizations—has criticized the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for pushing “free trade” to harm Indigenous people around the world. But trade was not the only issue on demonstrators' minds.

The <a href="https://ilpsusinfo.wordpress.com/no2apec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No to APEC Coalition</a>—an umbrella group of over 150 grassroots organizations—has criticized the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for pushing “free trade” to harm Indigenous people around the world. But trade was not the only issue on demonstrators&#8217; minds.

Protesters prepare to march in San Francisco on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pxl_20231112_200401722.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dozens of people gather behind a red banner and wave black, green, red and white flags." class="wp-image-220591"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters prepare to march in San Francisco on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pxl_20231112_200401722.jpg?w=2500" alt="Dozens of people gather behind a red banner and wave black, green, red and white flags." class="wp-image-220591"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters prepare to march in San Francisco on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

The protesters carried a variety of banners and signs, with messages including &#8220;Ceasefire&#8221; and &#8220;Until Return &amp; Liberation&#8221;—referring to the Middle East war—and &#8220;Uphold Sovereignty of Nations&#8221; and &#8220;Shut Down APEC! Junk IPEF!&#8221;

The protesters carried a variety of banners and signs, with messages including "Ceasefire" and "Until Return &amp; Liberation"—referring to the Middle East war—and "Uphold Sovereignty of Nations" and "Shut Down APEC! Junk IPEF!"

The protesters carried a variety of banners and signs, with messages including &#8220;Ceasefire&#8221; and &#8220;Until Return &amp; Liberation&#8221;—referring to the Middle East war—and &#8220;Uphold Sovereignty of Nations&#8221; and &#8220;Shut Down APEC! Junk IPEF!&#8221;

In a statement late last week, representatives from the No to APEC Coalition said protesters would peacefully speak out about their opposition to the gathering, as well as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/29/apec-san-francisco-worries-residents/">Indo-Pacific Economic Framework</a> (IPEF)—the Biden administration&#8217;s road map for a new Asia-Pacific economic strategy—as well as climate initiatives they perceive as less than transparent.

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

In a statement late last week, representatives from the No to APEC Coalition said protesters would peacefully speak out about their opposition to the gathering, as well as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/29/apec-san-francisco-worries-residents/">Indo-Pacific Economic Framework</a> (IPEF)—the Biden administration's road map for a new Asia-Pacific economic strategy—as well as climate initiatives they perceive as less than transparent.

In a statement late last week, representatives from the No to APEC Coalition said protesters would peacefully speak out about their opposition to the gathering, as well as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/29/apec-san-francisco-worries-residents/">Indo-Pacific Economic Framework</a> (IPEF)—the Biden administration&#8217;s road map for a new Asia-Pacific economic strategy—as well as climate initiatives they perceive as less than transparent.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_6197.mov"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters walk down Market Street in San Francisco on Sunday, demonstrating against APEC, the war in the Middle East and other issues. </figcaption></figure>

Around 12:30 p.m., an organizer led a thunderous &#8220;Shut down APEC!&#8221; call&nbsp;in the plaza before speakers addressed the crowd.

Around 12:30 p.m., an organizer led a thunderous "Shut down APEC!" call&nbsp;in the plaza before speakers addressed the crowd.

Around 12:30 p.m., an organizer led a thunderous &#8220;Shut down APEC!&#8221; call&nbsp;in the plaza before speakers addressed the crowd.

David Canham, executive director of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents more than 50,000 employees in local governments, nonprofit agencies, health care programs and schools throughout Northern California, was among those in attendance.

David Canham, executive director of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents more than 50,000 employees in local governments, nonprofit agencies, health care programs and schools throughout Northern California, was among those in attendance.

Anti-APEC protesters assemble in Harry Bridges Plaza in San Francisco on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pxl_20231112_200717295.jpg?w=2500" alt="Hundreds of people in casual clothes, some holding signs, gather in a brick plaza on a sunny day." class="wp-image-220590"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anti-APEC protesters assemble in Harry Bridges Plaza in San Francisco on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

&#8220;APEC, just like NAFTA, is not good for working people in the Asia Pacific. The corporations that are going to be benefiting from the policies that are benefiting currently from the policies of APEC are actually the same corporations that we are fighting right here in this country,&#8221; Canham said. &#8220;So it&#8217;s in our interest to stand in solidarity together here, but also with the people in the Asia-Pacific region.&#8221;

"APEC, just like NAFTA, is not good for working people in the Asia Pacific. The corporations that are going to be benefiting from the policies that are benefiting currently from the policies of APEC are actually the same corporations that we are fighting right here in this country," Canham said. "So it's in our interest to stand in solidarity together here, but also with the people in the Asia-Pacific region."

&#8220;APEC, just like NAFTA, is not good for working people in the Asia Pacific. The corporations that are going to be benefiting from the policies that are benefiting currently from the policies of APEC are actually the same corporations that we are fighting right here in this country,&#8221; Canham said. &#8220;So it&#8217;s in our interest to stand in solidarity together here, but also with the people in the Asia-Pacific region.&#8221;

Protest Attracts Activists From Other States

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protest-attracts-activists-from-other-states">Protest Attracts Activists From Other States</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protest-attracts-activists-from-other-states">Protest Attracts Activists From Other States</h2>

Some participants came from out of town, including Donna Denina, 46, of Seattle. Denina said she came to San Francisco specifically to attend the APEC protests and she had participated in demonstrations against APEC earlier in the year when the forum held some lower-level meetings in Seattle.

Some participants came from out of town, including Donna Denina, 46, of Seattle. Denina said she came to San Francisco specifically to attend the APEC protests and she had participated in demonstrations against APEC earlier in the year when the forum held some lower-level meetings in Seattle.

Donna Denina, 46, of Seattle, joins other anti-APEC demonstrators in San Francisco on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pxl_20231112_200327005.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a hat and scarf smiles alongside protesters outside under blue skies and palm trees. " class="wp-image-220604"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Donna Denina, 46, of Seattle, joins other anti-APEC demonstrators in San Francisco on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

Denina said she feared &#8220;detrimental impacts&#8221; from trade agreements advanced by APEC, and possibly under IPEF. &#8220;Part of why they have an interest in that region is mainly because of corporate interest. Cheap labor, raw materials, things like that,&#8221; said Denina, who added she was a member of the International Women&#8217;s Alliance, which is a member of the No to APEC coalition.

Denina said she feared "detrimental impacts" from trade agreements advanced by APEC, and possibly under IPEF. "Part of why they have an interest in that region is mainly because of corporate interest. Cheap labor, raw materials, things like that," said Denina, who added she was a member of the International Women's Alliance, which is a member of the No to APEC coalition.

Denina said she feared &#8220;detrimental impacts&#8221; from trade agreements advanced by APEC, and possibly under IPEF. &#8220;Part of why they have an interest in that region is mainly because of corporate interest. Cheap labor, raw materials, things like that,&#8221; said Denina, who added she was a member of the International Women&#8217;s Alliance, which is a member of the No to APEC coalition.

&#8220;I just hope that people educate themselves around APEC&#8217;s impacts &#8230; because we really need to understand how important it is for world leaders to see how everyday people are impacted by decisions that they make.&#8221;

"I just hope that people educate themselves around APEC's impacts ... because we really need to understand how important it is for world leaders to see how everyday people are impacted by decisions that they make."

&#8220;I just hope that people educate themselves around APEC&#8217;s impacts &#8230; because we really need to understand how important it is for world leaders to see how everyday people are impacted by decisions that they make.&#8221;

Rhonda Ramiro, a convener of the No to APEC Coalition, said demonstrators gathered to &#8220;say that we are against the policies that APEC is promoting that have led to the climate crisis that we&#8217;re in, that have led to the largest economic disparities that, we&#8217;ve seen, that have led to the driving down of wages and the exiting of livable jobs from people in the United States.&#8221;

Rhonda Ramiro, a convener of the No to APEC Coalition, said demonstrators gathered to "say that we are against the policies that APEC is promoting that have led to the climate crisis that we're in, that have led to the largest economic disparities that, we've seen, that have led to the driving down of wages and the exiting of livable jobs from people in the United States."

Rhonda Ramiro, a convener of the No to APEC Coalition, said demonstrators gathered to &#8220;say that we are against the policies that APEC is promoting that have led to the climate crisis that we&#8217;re in, that have led to the largest economic disparities that, we&#8217;ve seen, that have led to the driving down of wages and the exiting of livable jobs from people in the United States.&#8221;

 Rhonda Ramiro was among those attending the anti-APEC demonstrations in San Francisco on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pxl_20231112_200047208.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman wears a black &quot;No to APEC Coalition shirt&quot; while standing in a crowd." class="wp-image-220613"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rhonda Ramiro attended the anti-APEC demonstrations in San Francisco on Sunday. </figcaption></figure>

Ramiro sought to draw a line between the promotion of trade and economic integration policies and conflict in the Middle East. The &#8220;economic policies of the corporations and countries in the world have caused oppression of people around the world,&#8221; she said. &#8220;That includes the occupation of Palestine by the Zionist state of Israel.&#8221;

Ramiro sought to draw a line between the promotion of trade and economic integration policies and conflict in the Middle East. The "economic policies of the corporations and countries in the world have caused oppression of people around the world," she said. "That includes the occupation of Palestine by the Zionist state of Israel."

Ramiro sought to draw a line between the promotion of trade and economic integration policies and conflict in the Middle East. The &#8220;economic policies of the corporations and countries in the world have caused oppression of people around the world,&#8221; she said. &#8220;That includes the occupation of Palestine by the Zionist state of Israel.&#8221;

The march terminated around 5 p.m. near Moscone Center on Fifth Street amid a significant police presence.

The march terminated around 5 p.m. near Moscone Center on Fifth Street amid a significant police presence.

As the demonstration wound down, Kobi Guillory, an activist who came from Chicago for the demonstration, called out to protesters from the lead sound truck on a microphone, telling the crowd that their myriad struggles were connected by a common thread: U.S. imperialism.

As the demonstration wound down, Kobi Guillory, an activist who came from Chicago for the demonstration, called out to protesters from the lead sound truck on a microphone, telling the crowd that their myriad struggles were connected by a common thread: U.S. imperialism.

As he spoke, members of Gabriela USA, an alliance of progressive grassroots Filipino women&#8217;s organizations, chanted, &#8220;Women over profit! There is only one solution: proletarian revolution.&#8221;

As he spoke, members of Gabriela USA, an alliance of progressive grassroots Filipino women's organizations, chanted, "Women over profit! There is only one solution: proletarian revolution."

As he spoke, members of Gabriela USA, an alliance of progressive grassroots Filipino women&#8217;s organizations, chanted, &#8220;Women over profit! There is only one solution: proletarian revolution.&#8221;

Guillory led the crowd in boos denouncing the Democratic Party&#8217;s planned convention in Milwaukee in July ahead of the November 2024 presidential election.

Guillory led the crowd in boos denouncing the Democratic Party's planned convention in Milwaukee in July ahead of the November 2024 presidential election.

Guillory led the crowd in boos denouncing the Democratic Party&#8217;s planned convention in Milwaukee in July ahead of the November 2024 presidential election.

&#8220;Solidarity is how we will overthrow this whole damn system,&#8221; Guillory said. &#8220;We&#8217;re going to keep fighting until we win.&#8221;

"Solidarity is how we will overthrow this whole damn system," Guillory said. "We're going to keep fighting until we win."

&#8220;Solidarity is how we will overthrow this whole damn system,&#8221; Guillory said. &#8220;We&#8217;re going to keep fighting until we win.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/11/no-to-apec-san-francisco-protest/https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/11/no-to-apec-san-francisco-protest/">Activists Vow To Disrupt San Francisco’s APEC Summit With Mass Protests</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/11/no-to-apec-san-francisco-protest/https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/11/no-to-apec-san-francisco-protest/">Activists Vow To Disrupt San Francisco’s APEC Summit With Mass Protests</a>

APEC, launched more than 30 years ago, is a&nbsp;<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, culminating in &#8220;Leaders Week,&#8221; which is taking place in San Francisco this week.

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

APEC, launched more than 30 years ago, is a&nbsp;<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, culminating in "Leaders Week," which is taking place in San Francisco this week.

APEC, launched more than 30 years ago, is a&nbsp;<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, culminating in &#8220;Leaders Week,&#8221; which is taking place in San Francisco this week.

Alongside Leaders Week is the APEC CEO Summit, which will bring heads of state together with business executives like X owner Elon Musk and Salesforce boss Marc Benioff. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Alongside Leaders Week is the APEC CEO Summit, which will bring heads of state together with business executives like X owner Elon Musk and Salesforce boss Marc Benioff. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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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">Wondering what the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum is? This video explains.</figcaption></figure>

The U.S. Secret Service is the lead agency for security for the APEC events. Restrictions on pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be in place around the Moscone Center, transit lines will be rerouted or closed, and air traffic over San Francisco will be limited.&nbsp;

The U.S. Secret Service is the lead agency for security for the APEC events. Restrictions on pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be in place around the Moscone Center, transit lines will be rerouted or closed, and air traffic over San Francisco will be limited.&nbsp;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">10 Security, Traffic, Transit Maps to help you navigate APEC in San Francisco</a>

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

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">10 Security, Traffic, Transit Maps to help you navigate APEC in San Francisco</a>

President Joe Biden will be staying in Nob Hill, and additional security measures will be in place there. Part of the Embarcadero will be closed Wednesday for event that will bring world leaders to the Exploratorium.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden will be staying in Nob Hill, and additional security measures will be in place there. Part of the Embarcadero will be closed Wednesday for event that will bring world leaders to the Exploratorium.&nbsp;

More than 1,000 outside law enforcement officers have come to San Francisco to deal with any potential disruption.

More than 1,000 outside law enforcement officers have come to San Francisco to deal with any potential disruption.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-protest-san-francisco-roundup/">Several Protests a Day Expected in San Francisco During APEC</a>

Several protests a day expected in San Francisco during APEC

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-protest-san-francisco-roundup/">Several Protests a Day Expected in San Francisco During APEC</a>

While activists gear up to get their message heard, San Francisco is doing everything it can to facilitate a successful APEC, including&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-police-staffing-chp-security/">ramping up security</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">rerouting traffic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/san-francisco-apec-campaign-ads/">broadcasting a marketing campaign to promote the event</a>. Leaders and wealthy sponsors of the summit are also&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/san-francisco-apec-vip-party/">hosting fancy events</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/08/san-francisco-apec-events-parties-food-nightlife/">celebrations across the city</a>.

9 Bay Area law enforcement agencies, CHP to send more than 1,000 cops to San Francisco for APEC

Get ready for San Francisco&#8217;s APEC summit marketing blitz

World leaders, CEOs will party across San Francisco during APEC. Here’s where

Forget boring, exclusive APEC meetings. Here&#8217;s where the fun parties will be in San Francisco

While activists gear up to get their message heard, San Francisco is doing everything it can to facilitate a successful APEC, including&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-police-staffing-chp-security/">ramping up security</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">rerouting traffic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/san-francisco-apec-campaign-ads/">broadcasting a marketing campaign to promote the event</a>. Leaders and wealthy sponsors of the summit are also&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/10/san-francisco-apec-vip-party/">hosting fancy events</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/08/san-francisco-apec-events-parties-food-nightlife/">celebrations across the city</a>.

Protesters rally in San Francisco against APEC and war in Mideast

Joel Umanzor

San Francisco police say APEC may be a busy week of protests as nearly two dozen heads of state and hundreds of CEOs and dignitaries from around the world descend on the city.

San Francisco police say APEC may be a busy week of protests as nearly two dozen heads of state and hundreds of CEOs and dignitaries from around the world descend on the city.

At the center of protests in San Francisco stands the No to APEC Coalition, which organizers say is composed of 100 or so grassroots organizations from around the country.

At the center of protests in San Francisco stands the No to APEC Coalition, which organizers say is composed of 100 or so grassroots organizations from around the country.

Locally in recent weeks, San Francisco has seen a number of protests due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with thousands gathering last weekend to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/04/thousands-in-san-francisco-march-to-demand-ceasefire-in-gaza/">march for a cease-fire</a>.

Thousands in San Francisco march to demand cease-fire in Gaza

Locally in recent weeks, San Francisco has seen a number of protests due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with thousands gathering last weekend to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/04/thousands-in-san-francisco-march-to-demand-ceasefire-in-gaza/">march for a cease-fire</a>.

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>

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>

“We’re expecting at least several a day,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said in a public safety meeting about APEC on Wednesday. “But we don’t know which ones will actually materialize.”

“We’re expecting at least several a day,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said in a public safety meeting about APEC on Wednesday. “But we don’t know which ones will actually materialize.”

Police monitor social media and other open-source information sources to learn about planned protests, Scott added, but oftentimes officers have to wait and see to confirm details on the gatherings.

Police monitor social media and other open-source information sources to learn about planned protests, Scott added, but oftentimes officers have to wait and see to confirm details on the gatherings.

Details of the security <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/18/apec-summit-security-secret-service-moscone-center/">announced</a> Wednesday by the U.S. Secret Service included a locked-down 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.

Feds release security details for San Francisco’s APEC summit, including Central Subway closure

Details of the security <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/18/apec-summit-security-secret-service-moscone-center/">announced</a> Wednesday by the U.S. Secret Service included a locked-down 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.

Listed below are the protests coming up that we know about.

Listed below are the protests coming up that we know about.

Thursday: Protest outside Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity in Yerba Buena Gardens

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thursday-protest-outside-indo-pacific-economic-framework-for-prosperity-in-yerba-buena-gardens" style="font-size:30px">Thursday: Protest outside Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity in Yerba Buena Gardens</h2>

To kick off APEC week, climate and environmental protestors with Diablo Rising Tide and the California Trade Justice Coalition will rally at 10:30 a.m. at the Yerba Buena Gardens outside of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) meeting.

To kick off APEC week, climate and environmental protestors with Diablo Rising Tide and the California Trade Justice Coalition will rally at 10:30 a.m. at the Yerba Buena Gardens outside of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) meeting.

Leaders participating in the meeting will discuss trade and economics as well as a clean energy economy based on four previous ministerial pillars agreed upon by APEC participants in <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/ipef" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022</a>, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Leaders participating in the meeting will discuss trade and economics as well as a clean energy economy based on four previous ministerial pillars agreed upon by APEC participants in <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/ipef" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022</a>, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Protestors are demanding “that APEC leaders and IPEF negotiators listen to the people instead of corporations,” according to the groups.

Protestors are demanding “that APEC leaders and IPEF negotiators listen to the people instead of corporations,” according to the groups.

Saturday: People’s Summit at San Francisco State

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturday-people-s-summit-at-san-francisco-state" style="font-size:30px">Saturday: People’s Summit at San Francisco State</h2>

San Francisco State’s League of Filipino Students is <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAFw8TO1icw/UWd_RrV6JUHbaTCjV2hOSw/view?utm_content=DAFw8TO1icw&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_source=editor#8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hosting</a> a counter-summit on Saturday titled “People and Planet Over Profit and Plunder” at the university’s Annex I building on 1 North State Drive. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the student association.

San Francisco State’s League of Filipino Students is <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAFw8TO1icw/UWd_RrV6JUHbaTCjV2hOSw/view?utm_content=DAFw8TO1icw&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_source=editor#8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hosting</a> a counter-summit on Saturday titled “People and Planet Over Profit and Plunder” at the university’s Annex I building on 1 North State Drive. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the student association.

“We are organizing this counter-summit and mass mobilizations to expose APEC’s false solutions and build a movement to address the very real crises of climate change, economic crisis and militarization,” said Rhonda Ramiro of the No to APEC Coalition.

“We are organizing this counter-summit and mass mobilizations to expose APEC’s false solutions and build a movement to address the very real crises of climate change, economic crisis and militarization,” said Rhonda Ramiro of the No to APEC Coalition.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunday-mass-mobilization-at-embarcadero" style="font-size:30px">Sunday: Mass Mobilization at Embarcadero</h2>

The main protest action for Sunday, according to No to APEC organizers, is the mass mobilization that will gather at Embarcadero at the Harry Bridges Plaza at noon before peacefully marching toward the Moscone Center—where APEC meetings will be taking place.

The main protest action for Sunday, according to No to APEC organizers, is the mass mobilization that will gather at Embarcadero at the Harry Bridges Plaza at noon before peacefully marching toward the Moscone Center—where APEC meetings will be taking place.

The mobilization will happen as APEC’s Finance Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled to take place.

The mobilization will happen as APEC’s Finance Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled to take place.

Wednesday: Action at APEC CEO Summit at Powell Station

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wednesday-action-at-apec-ceo-summit-at-powell-station" style="font-size:30px">Wednesday: Action at APEC CEO Summit at Powell Station</h2>

During the second day of the conference’s CEO Summit at Moscone Center West, activists with the No to APEC Coalition are planning to gather at 7 a.m. Wednesday near Powell Street Station to protest the day’s events, according to the group.

During the second day of the conference’s CEO Summit at Moscone Center West, activists with the No to APEC Coalition are planning to gather at 7 a.m. Wednesday near Powell Street Station to protest the day’s events, according to the group.

Other protests may happen but do not have a determined time or place for the demonstrations, according to the No to APEC organizers.

Other protests may happen but do not have a determined time or place for the demonstrations, according to the No to APEC organizers.

<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?feature=shared
</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>

Garrett Leahy

Josh Koehn

In a news conference Tuesday at San Francisco City Hall, Mayor London Breed laid out the huge stakes of next month’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit</a> while surrounded by department heads, California’s second-highest-ranking state official and a creative writing professor who’s made untold millions running a tribal casino.

In a news conference Tuesday at San Francisco City Hall, Mayor London Breed laid out the huge stakes of next month’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit</a> while surrounded by department heads, California’s second-highest-ranking state official and a creative writing professor who’s made untold millions running a tribal casino.

President Joe Biden and leaders of up to 20 foreign economies will attend APEC along with tens of thousands of delegates. Add in a three-day CEO summit expected to welcome 1,200 business executives and 1,800 members of the media, and APEC will be the largest international event in San Francisco since the United Nations was born in the city in 1945.

President Joe Biden and leaders of up to 20 foreign economies will attend APEC along with tens of thousands of delegates. Add in a three-day CEO summit expected to welcome 1,200 business executives and 1,800 members of the media, and APEC will be the largest international event in San Francisco since the United Nations was born in the city in 1945.

“There has not been another international event of this magnitude in San Francisco since then, in terms of the number of leaders from around the world, so this is very significant,” Breed said. “And we are looking forward to the relationships that occur, the financial connections that are made.”

“There has not been another international event of this magnitude in San Francisco since then, in terms of the number of leaders from around the world, so this is very significant,” Breed said. “And we are looking forward to the relationships that occur, the financial connections that are made.”

Tuesday’s media event was designed to let the mayor discuss the city’s progress in getting to this point, hit back against critics and reassure San Franciscans that inconveniences will be minimized as best as possible. Of course, that will be easier said than done, considering a fair <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/18/apec-summit-security-secret-service-moscone-center/">chunk of the city’s core will be closed off to the public</a> and under the watchful eye of the Secret Service and thousands of police officers.

Tuesday’s media event was designed to let the mayor discuss the city’s progress in getting to this point, hit back against critics and reassure San Franciscans that inconveniences will be minimized as best as possible. Of course, that will be easier said than done, considering a fair <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/18/apec-summit-security-secret-service-moscone-center/">chunk of the city’s core will be closed off to the public</a> and under the watchful eye of the Secret Service and thousands of police officers.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-san-francisco-making-money-off-apec">Is San Francisco Making Money Off APEC?</h2>

San Francisco expects APEC to infuse $53 million into the local economy through a mix of hotel taxes, restaurant receipts and visitors frequenting small businesses. That’s an indirect victory for more than $20 million in private donations and roughly $10 million in city funds going toward the event.&nbsp;

San Francisco expects APEC to infuse $53 million into the local economy through a mix of hotel taxes, restaurant receipts and visitors frequenting small businesses. That’s an indirect victory for more than $20 million in private donations and roughly $10 million in city funds going toward the event.&nbsp;

One of the biggest foreign spenders could be the delegation from China, and local officials are hoping to foster a tighter relationship with the second-largest economy in the world. Just this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom arrived in China to foster a closer relationship between California and leaders and businesses there.

One of the biggest foreign spenders could be the delegation from China, and local officials are hoping to foster a tighter relationship with the second-largest economy in the world. Just this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom arrived in China to foster a closer relationship between California and leaders and businesses there.

Visiting California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, is greeted by guests as he arrives to attend the fireside chat at the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The Governor of California said on Monday his state will always be a partner on climate issues no matter how the U.S. presidential election next year turns out during his week-long trip to China, in an attempt to reinforce his region's role as a global leader on climate change.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AP23296424016711.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-213762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, is greeted by guests as he arrives to attend the fireside chat at Hong Kong University on Monday. </figcaption></figure>

“We know our governor right now is in China,” Breed said, “and it’s important for us to maintain and really build upon those relationships in order to ensure that our economic ties are strong.”

“We know our governor right now is in China,” Breed said, “and it’s important for us to maintain and really build upon those relationships in order to ensure that our economic ties are strong.”

It’s still unclear if China President Xi Jinping will attend APEC to meet with Biden, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/25/newsom-has-surprise-meeting-with-chinese-president-in-beijing/">Newsom met with Xi on Wednesday</a> in a sign of warming U.S.-China relations.

Newsom has surprise meeting with Chinese president in Beijing

It’s still unclear if China President Xi Jinping will attend APEC to meet with Biden, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/25/newsom-has-surprise-meeting-with-chinese-president-in-beijing/">Newsom met with Xi on Wednesday</a> in a sign of warming U.S.-China relations.

The mayor added that she expects typical tourist attractions—Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge—to see an influx of visitors during APEC, but city officials are coordinating events in neighborhoods across the city to make sure attendees get a taste for the “whole San Francisco.”

The mayor added that she expects typical tourist attractions—Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge—to see an influx of visitors during APEC, but city officials are coordinating events in neighborhoods across the city to make sure attendees get a taste for the “whole San Francisco.”

“We also want them to visit and see our neighborhoods and our neighborhood treasures, places that locals love and enjoy,” Breed said.

“We also want them to visit and see our neighborhoods and our neighborhood treasures, places that locals love and enjoy,” Breed said.

How Much of a Hassle Will APEC Be for Locals?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-much-of-a-hassle-will-apec-be-for-locals">How Much of a Hassle Will APEC Be for Locals?</h2>

The mayor acknowledged that her office is already hearing concerns from residents and businesses inside the APEC perimeter, and city officials are doing their best to address issues around mobility, homelessness and businesses potentially losing out on customers.&nbsp;

The mayor acknowledged that her office is already hearing concerns from residents and businesses inside the APEC perimeter, and city officials are doing their best to address issues around mobility, homelessness and businesses potentially losing out on customers.&nbsp;

“We are hearing from the community about what it is that they need in order to ensure that the disruption is not significant, especially to the people who live and work in the areas that are going to be impacted,” Breed said.

“We are hearing from the community about what it is that they need in order to ensure that the disruption is not significant, especially to the people who live and work in the areas that are going to be impacted,” Breed said.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at City Hall on Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023. The mayor gave a press conference about the upcoming APEC summit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SOCIAL_APECGraton10242023-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214292"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed smiles during remarks at City Hall on Tuesday about the upcoming APEC summit.</figcaption></figure>

Three supervisors—Connie Chan, Dean Preston and Hillary Ronen—authored a nonbinding resolution calling on the city to mitigate potential harm to San Franciscans, as well as to protect free speech and the right to protest the actions of APEC members.

Three supervisors—Connie Chan, Dean Preston and Hillary Ronen—authored a nonbinding resolution calling on the city to mitigate potential harm to San Franciscans, as well as to protect free speech and the right to protest the actions of APEC members.

“We’re going to address their concerns, but we’re not going to jump to a conclusion that just because the perimeter is going to be impacted, that their business is going to be impacted,” Breed said. “I think we have to see what happens with APEC and the number of people that are there before we draw any conclusions.”

“We’re going to address their concerns, but we’re not going to jump to a conclusion that just because the perimeter is going to be impacted, that their business is going to be impacted,” Breed said. “I think we have to see what happens with APEC and the number of people that are there before we draw any conclusions.”

Breed added, “My grandmother would always say, ‘You can control what you do. You can’t control what other people do.’ So, San Francisco is not going to abandon our values in order to appeal to or to meet the needs of a particular country.”

Breed added, “My grandmother would always say, ‘You can control what you do. You can’t control what other people do.’ So, San Francisco is not going to abandon our values in order to appeal to or to meet the needs of a particular country.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-now-a-word-from-our-sponsors">Now, a Word From Our Sponsors</h2>

Graton Resort &amp; Casino came to the rescue this month with a mammoth $4.6 million sponsorship for APEC, helping San Francisco meet its ambitious $20 million fundraising goal. That donation apparently helped unlock APEC’s <a href="https://www.apec2023sf.org/the-city-of-firsts">“The City of Firsts”</a> ad campaign.

Graton Resort &amp; Casino came to the rescue this month with a mammoth $4.6 million sponsorship for APEC, helping San Francisco meet its ambitious $20 million fundraising goal. That donation apparently helped unlock APEC’s <a href="https://www.apec2023sf.org/the-city-of-firsts">“The City of Firsts”</a> ad campaign.

But that top-tier sponsorship deal also gave Greg Sarris, a longtime writing professor and chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, a chance to tout his casino’s business model while standing alongside Breed and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the finance chair of APEC, during Tuesday’s news conference. Sarris repeatedly steered questions away from people gambling away their money to focus on the casino’s commitment to social justice and the environment.&nbsp;

But that top-tier sponsorship deal also gave Greg Sarris, a longtime writing professor and chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, a chance to tout his casino’s business model while standing alongside Breed and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the finance chair of APEC, during Tuesday’s news conference. Sarris repeatedly steered questions away from people gambling away their money to focus on the casino’s commitment to social justice and the environment.&nbsp;

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Search Results for: apec

Protesters rally in San Francisco against APEC and war in Mideast

Several protests a day expected in San Francisco during APEC

San Francisco mayor hypes APEC summit after $4.6M casino donation

These San Francisco small businesses say APEC crushed them. An official wants answers

Activists vow to disrupt San Francisco’s APEC summit with mass protests