Jackson Stephens

After two threatening racist messages were sent to a San Francisco dog walker, his friends and neighbors in the community convened for a “Rally Against Racism” Saturday to demand justice.&nbsp;

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After two threatening racist messages were sent to a San Francisco dog walker, his friends and neighbors in the community convened for a “Rally Against Racism” Saturday to demand justice.&nbsp;

Terry Williams, a born-and-raised Alamo Square resident known for walking dogs in the park, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/09/alamo-square-dog-walker-racist-threats/">found a package</a> left on his front porch on April 26. Inside was a blackface doll with a noose around its neck and racist slurs written on it. Another package with a doll was left at his door on May 5.

&#8216;They want me to run&#8217;: Black San Francisco dog walker faces down racist threats

Terry Williams, a born-and-raised Alamo Square resident known for walking dogs in the park, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/09/alamo-square-dog-walker-racist-threats/">found a package</a> left on his front porch on April 26. Inside was a blackface doll with a noose around its neck and racist slurs written on it. Another package with a doll was left at his door on May 5.

The San Francisco Police Department told The Standard that both incidents are being actively investigated as hate crimes. No arrests have been made. 

The San Francisco Police Department told The Standard that both incidents are being actively investigated as hate crimes. No arrests have been made.

But the case has garnered widespread attention, and Saturday’s rally drew a sizable crowd of about 100 people, who convened on the park’s sunny hillside holding handmade posters that read, “No hate, only love” and “No to racism.” 

But the case has garnered widespread attention, and Saturday’s rally drew a sizable crowd of about 100 people, who convened on the park’s sunny hillside holding handmade posters that read, “No hate, only love” and “No to racism.”

‘They want me to run’: Black San Francisco dog walker faces down racist threats

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Bruce Hill, who has lived next door to Williams since 1998, said he was shocked when he learned of the hate crimes.&nbsp;

Bruce Hill, who has lived next door to Williams since 1998, said he was shocked when he learned of the hate crimes.&nbsp;

“Terry looks after this neighborhood,” Hill said. “The fact that he was attacked when he’s a protector of this beautiful space we all live in is shocking and what that person did to him is cowardly.”

“Terry looks after this neighborhood,” Hill said. “The fact that he was attacked when he’s a protector of this beautiful space we all live in is shocking and what that person did to him is cowardly.”

“This hate crime is just absolutely insidious,” said Jack Song, one of the rally organizers and a neighbor of Williams for 20 years.

“This hate crime is just absolutely insidious,” said Jack Song, one of the rally organizers and a neighbor of Williams for 20 years.

The Rev. Amos Brown, a local civil rights leader and president of San Francisco’s NAACP chapter, delivered a speech to thank attendees for standing up against “bigotry, nooses, black dolls and all the paraphernalia that has dehumanized Black folks.”

The Rev. Amos Brown, a local civil rights leader and president of San Francisco’s NAACP chapter, delivered a speech to thank attendees for standing up against “bigotry, nooses, black dolls and all the paraphernalia that has dehumanized Black folks.”

“That’s what this boils down to,” he said, “and we must see we are all members of the same human family.”

“That’s what this boils down to,” he said, “and we must see we are all members of the same human family.”

Kyoko Egtijichi, a neighbor of Terry Williams, holds up a sign in his support at a Rally Against Racism event in Alamo Square Saturday, May 11, 2024. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0793.jpg?w=836" alt="A woman with sunglasses holds a sign with hearts and &quot;Terry ❤️ Dogs&quot; in a sunny, crowded park." class="wp-image-274743"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyoko Egtijichi, a neighbor of Terry Williams, holds up a sign supporting him at the “Rally Against Racism” event Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/img_0793.jpg?w=836" alt="A woman with sunglasses holds a sign with hearts and &quot;Terry ❤️ Dogs&quot; in a sunny, crowded park." class="wp-image-274743"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyoko Egtijichi, a neighbor of Terry Williams, holds up a sign supporting him at the “Rally Against Racism” event Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

The idea for the rally came from a neighborhood WhatsApp group chat with about 60 members, who suggested different ways they could support Williams. 

The idea for the rally came from a neighborhood WhatsApp group chat with about 60 members, who suggested different ways they could support Williams.

“He is such a terrific guy, and we all love him and want to show him support,” Song said

“He is such a terrific guy, and we all love him and want to show him support,” Song said

Another reason for holding a public rally is to put pressure on SFPD and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston to allocate more resources to finding the perpetrator.

Another reason for holding a public rally is to put pressure on SFPD and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston to allocate more resources to finding the perpetrator.

Williams&#8217; neighbors also launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-terry-williams-ensure-family-safety">GoFundMe campaign</a> on April 30 to help raise funds for his family to install security cameras on their property.&nbsp;

Williams' neighbors also launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-terry-williams-ensure-family-safety">GoFundMe campaign</a> on April 30 to help raise funds for his family to install security cameras on their property.&nbsp;

Williams&#8217; neighbors also launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-terry-williams-ensure-family-safety">GoFundMe campaign</a> on April 30 to help raise funds for his family to install security cameras on their property.&nbsp;

The page raised over $12,000 of a $15,000 goal by the end of the week.

The page raised over $12,000 of a $15,000 goal by the end of the week.

Neighbors rally to support San Francisco dog walker targeted by racist threats

George Kelly

A camera crew from the Czech Republic was robbed at gunpoint&nbsp;Sunday outside San Francisco&#8217;s City Lights Bookstore, casting an unwelcome light on public safety in the city as it welcomes dignitaries and diplomats for this week&#8217;s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

A camera crew from the Czech Republic was robbed at gunpoint&nbsp;Sunday outside San Francisco's City Lights Bookstore, casting an unwelcome light on public safety in the city as it welcomes dignitaries and diplomats for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

A camera crew from the Czech Republic was robbed at gunpoint&nbsp;Sunday outside San Francisco&#8217;s City Lights Bookstore, casting an unwelcome light on public safety in the city as it welcomes dignitaries and diplomats for this week&#8217;s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

According to police, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Columbus Avenue near Broadway. Officers arrived outside City Lights bookstore within two minutes and found two Czech journalists and several camera crew members, who said three people carrying guns got out of a vehicle that stopped nearby. After all three demanded the crew&#8217;s equipment, they handed it over. The suspects fled in the vehicle shortly before officers arrived, police said.

According to police, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Columbus Avenue near Broadway. Officers arrived outside City Lights bookstore within two minutes and found two Czech journalists and several camera crew members, who said three people carrying guns got out of a vehicle that stopped nearby. After all three demanded the crew's equipment, they handed it over. The suspects fled in the vehicle shortly before officers arrived, police said.

According to police, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Columbus Avenue near Broadway. Officers arrived outside City Lights bookstore within two minutes and found two Czech journalists and several camera crew members, who said three people carrying guns got out of a vehicle that stopped nearby. After all three demanded the crew&#8217;s equipment, they handed it over. The suspects fled in the vehicle shortly before officers arrived, police said.

In a statement Monday, police said the department&#8217;s robbery unit was investigating, adding that the department was working with other city agencies to help the victims. The San Francisco Chronicle identified two of the Czech reporters as Milan Nosek and Bohumil Vostal, who <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/apec-news-crew-czech-robbery-city-lights-18488613.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated the value of the lost equipment</a> at $18,000.

In a statement Monday, police said the department's robbery unit was investigating, adding that the department was working with other city agencies to help the victims. The San Francisco Chronicle identified two of the Czech reporters as Milan Nosek and Bohumil Vostal, who <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/apec-news-crew-czech-robbery-city-lights-18488613.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated the value of the lost equipment</a> at $18,000.

In a statement Monday, police said the department&#8217;s robbery unit was investigating, adding that the department was working with other city agencies to help the victims. The San Francisco Chronicle identified two of the Czech reporters as Milan Nosek and Bohumil Vostal, who <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/apec-news-crew-czech-robbery-city-lights-18488613.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated the value of the lost equipment</a> at $18,000.

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/14/city-clears-homeless-encampments-apec/">San Francisco ‘Cleaned Up’ Streets Ahead of APEC. But How and What, Exactly, Did It Do?</a>

San Francisco ‘cleaned up’ streets ahead of APEC. But how and what, exactly, did it do?

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/14/city-clears-homeless-encampments-apec/">San Francisco ‘Cleaned Up’ Streets Ahead of APEC. But How and What, Exactly, Did It Do?</a>

A communications director for San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office expressed empathy and resolve in equal measures, telling The Standard that the mayor met with the Czech journalists to share her concern and offer the city&#8217;s support.

A communications director for San Francisco Mayor London Breed's office expressed empathy and resolve in equal measures, telling The Standard that the mayor met with the Czech journalists to share her concern and offer the city's support.

A communications director for San Francisco Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office expressed empathy and resolve in equal measures, telling The Standard that the mayor met with the Czech journalists to share her concern and offer the city&#8217;s support.

&#8220;We don’t want anyone in our city to be a victim of any crime, whether they are a visitor or a resident,&#8221; spokesman Jeff Cretan said, adding that the city was working to support the camera crew and help with equipment.

"We don’t want anyone in our city to be a victim of any crime, whether they are a visitor or a resident," spokesman Jeff Cretan said, adding that the city was working to support the camera crew and help with equipment.

&#8220;We don’t want anyone in our city to be a victim of any crime, whether they are a visitor or a resident,&#8221; spokesman Jeff Cretan said, adding that the city was working to support the camera crew and help with equipment.

&#8220;Our police department is actively investigating this case, and we know that when an arrest is made, our district attorney has taken a strong position of aggressively prosecuting crimes like these.&#8221;

"Our police department is actively investigating this case, and we know that when an arrest is made, our district attorney has taken a strong position of aggressively prosecuting crimes like these."

&#8220;Our police department is actively investigating this case, and we know that when an arrest is made, our district attorney has taken a strong position of aggressively prosecuting crimes like these.&#8221;

After referencing the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-happy-donuts-gunmen-arrested/">arrest and prosecution</a> of suspects accused of&nbsp;last&nbsp;month&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/02/gunmen-rob-san-francisco-donut-shop-noe-valley/">gunpoint takeover robbery</a> of a Noe Valley <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/san-franciscans-buy-doughnuts-droves-after-armed-robbery/">doughnut shop</a>, Cretan added that “[p]eople who think they can commit these kinds of crimes in San Francisco should know that they will be arrested and prosecuted for their crimes.”

San Francisco Happy Donuts gunmen arrested, police and staff say

Gunmen storm San Francisco doughnut shop, empty baker&#8217;s pockets, steal ATM

San Franciscans buy doughnuts in droves after armed robbery at shop

After referencing the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-happy-donuts-gunmen-arrested/">arrest and prosecution</a> of suspects accused of&nbsp;last&nbsp;month's <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/02/gunmen-rob-san-francisco-donut-shop-noe-valley/">gunpoint takeover robbery</a> of a Noe Valley <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/san-franciscans-buy-doughnuts-droves-after-armed-robbery/">doughnut shop</a>, Cretan added that “[p]eople who think they can commit these kinds of crimes in San Francisco should know that they will be arrested and prosecuted for their crimes.”

After referencing the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/san-francisco-happy-donuts-gunmen-arrested/">arrest and prosecution</a> of suspects accused of&nbsp;last&nbsp;month&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/02/gunmen-rob-san-francisco-donut-shop-noe-valley/">gunpoint takeover robbery</a> of a Noe Valley <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/san-franciscans-buy-doughnuts-droves-after-armed-robbery/">doughnut shop</a>, Cretan added that “[p]eople who think they can commit these kinds of crimes in San Francisco should know that they will be arrested and prosecuted for their crimes.”

San Francisco officials have sought to roll out the welcome mat for foreign journalists coming to town for the APEC summit. The hope is that they will see the good sides of the city and transmit those messages back home, reversing some of the negative publicity San Francisco has received recently over issues including crime, homelessness and drug use.

San Francisco officials have sought to roll out the welcome mat for foreign journalists coming to town for the APEC summit. The hope is that they will see the good sides of the city and transmit those messages back home, reversing some of the negative publicity San Francisco has received recently over issues including crime, homelessness and drug use.

The city is putting on a foreign press party Thursday night at City Hall, for instance, and appointed a press ambassador to help foreign journalists navigate the city during the APEC events.

The city is putting on a foreign press party Thursday night at City Hall, for instance, and appointed a press ambassador to help foreign journalists navigate the city during the APEC events.

Other camera crews have been robbed in the city in recent years, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/cnn-crews-car-broken-into-while-filming-about-sfs-crime-woes/">a CNN television crew who had their car broken into outside City Hall in March</a> while filming a segment about crime in San Francisco.&nbsp;

CNN crew&#8217;s car broken into while filming about SF&#8217;s crime woes

Other camera crews have been robbed in the city in recent years, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/cnn-crews-car-broken-into-while-filming-about-sfs-crime-woes/">a CNN television crew who had their car broken into outside City Hall in March</a> while filming a segment about crime in San Francisco.&nbsp;

In June, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/14/shelby-steele-filmmaker-car-break-in-san-francisco-police/">filmmaker Eli Steele took to Twitter</a> to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-cop-filmed-asleep-at-wheel-of-patrol-car-as-millions-in-overtime-funds-approved/">blast San Francisco police</a> and crime after his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-mans-car-broken-into-while-he-sat-inside-it-and-again-in-front-of-tv-crew/">car was broken into</a> and $30,000 worth of camera equipment was stolen near Lombard and Hyde streets, a wealthy area popular with tourists.

Filmmaker blasts San Francisco police after $30K in camera gear stolen in car break-in

In June, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/14/shelby-steele-filmmaker-car-break-in-san-francisco-police/">filmmaker Eli Steele took to Twitter</a> to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-cop-filmed-asleep-at-wheel-of-patrol-car-as-millions-in-overtime-funds-approved/">blast San Francisco police</a> and crime after his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/sf-mans-car-broken-into-while-he-sat-inside-it-and-again-in-front-of-tv-crew/">car was broken into</a> and $30,000 worth of camera equipment was stolen near Lombard and Hyde streets, a wealthy area popular with tourists.

Camera crew robbed outside iconic San Francisco bookstore

Joel Umanzor

Gerardo Burgos and his wife, Paulina, were watching TV at their China Basin apartment just after midnight on Jan. 14 when they heard two loud pops.

Gerardo Burgos and his wife, Paulina, were watching TV at their China Basin apartment just after midnight on Jan. 14 when they heard two loud pops.

The couple assumed it was fireworks since New Year’s Eve had just happened and initially thought nothing of it. But while walking his dog the next day, Burgos saw blood splattered on the sidewalk and medical bandages scattered on the ground just a couple blocks from their home near Oracle Park.

The couple assumed it was fireworks since New Year’s Eve had just happened and initially thought nothing of it. But while walking his dog the next day, Burgos saw blood splattered on the sidewalk and medical bandages scattered on the ground just a couple blocks from their home near Oracle Park.

After searching on social media, Burgos realized the pops he and his wife had heard were gunshots that killed a man, 33-year-old Aram Kennard, and injured another.

After searching on social media, Burgos realized the pops he and his wife had heard were gunshots that killed a man, 33-year-old Aram Kennard, and injured another.

The fatal shooting happened less than 10 days after 27-year-old Kevin Quintanilla was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/07/one-dead-shooting-outside-san-francisco-chase-center/">shot and killed</a> outside Chase Center at 16th Street and Terry A. Francois Boulevard—less than a mile away.

Man shot dead outside San Francisco&#8217;s Chase Center identified

The fatal shooting happened less than 10 days after 27-year-old Kevin Quintanilla was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/07/one-dead-shooting-outside-san-francisco-chase-center/">shot and killed</a> outside Chase Center at 16th Street and Terry A. Francois Boulevard—less than a mile away.

“Until the two violent crimes, I felt safe here,” he said. “We are faced [with] a situation here where you ask yourself what you can do?”

“Until the two violent crimes, I felt safe here,” he said. “We are faced [with] a situation here where you ask yourself what you can do?”

The back-to-back killings have made some residents and visitors to the area feel uneasy about an apparent rise in violent crime.

The back-to-back killings have made some residents and visitors to the area feel uneasy about an apparent rise in violent crime.

A San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) car parks in front of the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Residents in Mission Bay and South Beach are in shock after recent fatal shootings in the neighborhood to start 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/0240205-southbeachcrime-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A van labeled &quot;EMERGENCY 911&quot; parks near the illuminated Chase Center arena during dusk." class="wp-image-254095"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A San Francisco Police Department car parks in front of Chase Center on Feb. 23. Kevin Quintanilla, 27, was shot and killed outside the arena in January.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco Police Department crime data shows homicides in the Southern Police District—which covers the southern portion of the Embarcadero and SoMa to Mission Bay—increased from three in 2022 to seven in 2023. Robberies in the area also rose slightly from 270 in 2022 to 308 in 2023, according to police data. So far, as of Feb. 18, there have been 33 robberies recorded in the area compared with 37 during the same period in 2023.

San Francisco Police Department crime data shows homicides in the Southern Police District—which covers the southern portion of the Embarcadero and SoMa to Mission Bay—increased from three in 2022 to seven in 2023. Robberies in the area also rose slightly from 270 in 2022 to 308 in 2023, according to police data. So far, as of Feb. 18, there have been 33 robberies recorded in the area compared with 37 during the same period in 2023.

Property crime, however, is down so far this year, according to the data.

Property crime, however, is down so far this year, according to the data.

As of Feb. 18, there have been 97 incidents of theft, a 76% decrease from 407 incidents reported during the same period in 2023, according to the data. Burglaries are also down, with 52 incidents so far this year compared with 99 at this point in 2023.

As of Feb. 18, there have been 97 incidents of theft, a 76% decrease from 407 incidents reported during the same period in 2023, according to the data. Burglaries are also down, with 52 incidents so far this year compared with 99 at this point in 2023.

Southern Station Capt. Luke Martin said police are continuing to investigate both shootings. Although the incidents happened just eight days apart, Martin said crime overall has been on a downward trend in the area.

Southern Station Capt. Luke Martin said police are continuing to investigate both shootings. Although the incidents happened just eight days apart, Martin said crime overall has been on a downward trend in the area.

“I can tell you that both incidents were unrelated and isolated incidents that aren&#8217;t typical of the Mission Bay neighborhood,” he said, adding that the shootings were still concerning and tragic. “I want our community to know that we take any and all crime very seriously and have directed our officers to increase patrols in the areas where the incidents had occurred.”

“I can tell you that both incidents were unrelated and isolated incidents that aren't typical of the Mission Bay neighborhood,” he said, adding that the shootings were still concerning and tragic. “I want our community to know that we take any and all crime very seriously and have directed our officers to increase patrols in the areas where the incidents had occurred.”

“I can tell you that both incidents were unrelated and isolated incidents that aren&#8217;t typical of the Mission Bay neighborhood,” he said, adding that the shootings were still concerning and tragic. “I want our community to know that we take any and all crime very seriously and have directed our officers to increase patrols in the areas where the incidents had occurred.”

Man shot dead outside San Francisco’s Chase Center identified

Martin said that because the incidents happened near the police station, officers have been instructed to patrol the two locations while coming and going from the station as frequently as possible.

Martin said that because the incidents happened near the police station, officers have been instructed to patrol the two locations while coming and going from the station as frequently as possible.

Christopher Brooks moved to the area from South Carolina three years ago. He said that the recent shootings have prompted him to keep an eye on media reports and make sure he is aware of what areas he is walking around.

Christopher Brooks moved to the area from South Carolina three years ago. He said that the recent shootings have prompted him to keep an eye on media reports and make sure he is aware of what areas he is walking around.

“Definitely, it is one of those things where you keep your head on a swivel, peeping on what’s on the news,” Brooks said. “If you stay within the law, nothing should happen to you, though, if you mind your p’s and q’s.”

“Definitely, it is one of those things where you keep your head on a swivel, peeping on what’s on the news,” Brooks said. “If you stay within the law, nothing should happen to you, though, if you mind your p’s and q’s.”

Brooks said he doesn’t think the incidents give San Francisco a bad reputation but residents like himself should be cautious while out in the city.

Brooks said he doesn’t think the incidents give San Francisco a bad reputation but residents like himself should be cautious while out in the city.

“It’s like if you’re going way into the ocean, you have to respect the marine life that is there and be mindful,” he added. “Because you are out of your element.”

“It’s like if you’re going way into the ocean, you have to respect the marine life that is there and be mindful,” he added. “Because you are out of your element.”

Seamus McDonagh, a pedicab driver and former professional boxer who fought Evander Holyfield in 1990, said he recently had a person pull out a knife on him while he was working the area.

Seamus McDonagh, a pedicab driver and former professional boxer who fought Evander Holyfield in 1990, said he recently had a person pull out a knife on him while he was working the area.

“In this kind of work, you are outside with no backup,” McDonagh said. “You’re basically on your own. You have to be careful.”

“In this kind of work, you are outside with no backup,” McDonagh said. “You’re basically on your own. You have to be careful.”

McDonagh described the incident with the man who pulled a knife on him as a mix-up. He didn’t report the incident to the authorities.

McDonagh described the incident with the man who pulled a knife on him as a mix-up. He didn’t report the incident to the authorities.

“He was drinking, pulled out a pen knife and opened it up,” he said. “He lunged at me, but I was able to ride off.”

“He was drinking, pulled out a pen knife and opened it up,” he said. “He lunged at me, but I was able to ride off.”

People walk in front of  Luma Hotel San Francisco in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Residents in Mission Bay and South Beach are in shock after recent fatal shootings in the neighborhood to start 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/0240205-southbeachcrime-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city street at night with pedestrians crossing, illuminated buildings, and palm trees." class="wp-image-254098"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People walk near Luma Hotel San Francisco in Mission Bay on Feb. 23.</figcaption></figure>

But for Gerardo and Paulina Burgose, the shootings and recent break-ins in the neighborhood have left them on edge.

But for Gerardo and Paulina Burgose, the shootings and recent break-ins in the neighborhood have left them on edge.

“It seems like there has been a pretty rapid increase in violent crime in the last month or so,” Gerardo Burgos said. “I think it is a little sad for us where we actually have to consider our safety.”

“It seems like there has been a pretty rapid increase in violent crime in the last month or so,” Gerardo Burgos said. “I think it is a little sad for us where we actually have to consider our safety.”

The couple moved to San Francisco over two years ago and have worked in the city for the better part of six years. They said they’ve had to change the times when they normally take their dog outside or go out to visit local establishments because they fear being victimized.

The couple moved to San Francisco over two years ago and have worked in the city for the better part of six years. They said they’ve had to change the times when they normally take their dog outside or go out to visit local establishments because they fear being victimized.

“I used to go alone on walks or take him out, sometimes past midnight,” Paulina Burgos said. “I’ve been a little more hesitant. I’ve been carrying pepper spray around because you never know.”

“I used to go alone on walks or take him out, sometimes past midnight,” Paulina Burgos said. “I’ve been a little more hesitant. I’ve been carrying pepper spray around because you never know.”

Before going out, the couple said, they take various precautions, such as considering what time they are outside and planning their routes to be in well-lit, more populated streets.

Before going out, the couple said, they take various precautions, such as considering what time they are outside and planning their routes to be in well-lit, more populated streets.

“If we go on a walk, I make sure I only carry my phone now and leave my wallet,” Gerardo said. “She takes pepper spray with her. We are hoping to never be facing that situation.”

“If we go on a walk, I make sure I only carry my phone now and leave my wallet,” Gerardo said. “She takes pepper spray with her. We are hoping to never be facing that situation.”

The China Basin neighborhood is situated between Interstate 280 and the Interstate 80 Bay Bridge entrance—something the couple believes makes it easier for criminals to get in and out of the area.

The China Basin neighborhood is situated between Interstate 280 and the Interstate 80 Bay Bridge entrance—something the couple believes makes it easier for criminals to get in and out of the area.

According to the Burgoses, their apartment building has been broken into three times in the last six months. Police case numbers were not supplied.

According to the Burgoses, their apartment building has been broken into three times in the last six months. Police case numbers were not supplied.

In one case, Gerardo Burgos said he saw a man enter their building’s private garage when they left for work around 6 a.m.

In one case, Gerardo Burgos said he saw a man enter their building’s private garage when they left for work around 6 a.m.

“As it was closing, he snuck in,” he said. “I went around, came back in and called the cops. About 20 minutes later, they found him on the fifth floor.”

“As it was closing, he snuck in,” he said. “I went around, came back in and called the cops. About 20 minutes later, they found him on the fifth floor.”

Police told the couple that the trespasser was a “nice guy” who cooperated with officers and was just looking for a place to charge his phone.

Police told the couple that the trespasser was a “nice guy” who cooperated with officers and was just looking for a place to charge his phone.

“These incidents raise our concern,” he said. “We are thinking of having kids very soon, and we are pretty set on moving away from the city because of that. You want to be able to raise your kids in a safe environment.”

“These incidents raise our concern,” he said. “We are thinking of having kids very soon, and we are pretty set on moving away from the city because of that. You want to be able to raise your kids in a safe environment.”

Burgos said he didn’t feel concerned for his safety before in the same way he has recently. He doesn’t think enough residents or visitors have been made aware of the recent crimes.

Burgos said he didn’t feel concerned for his safety before in the same way he has recently. He doesn’t think enough residents or visitors have been made aware of the recent crimes.

Jerald Gonzalez, 32, of South San Francisco, said he was visiting local bars in the area, but he had not heard about the shootings in China Basin and by Chase Center.

Jerald Gonzalez, 32, of South San Francisco, said he was visiting local bars in the area, but he had not heard about the shootings in China Basin and by Chase Center.

“It doesn’t seem to be a place where you would expect something like that to happen,” Gonzalez told The Standard. “This area is one of those places that people will come to visit even when there isn’t a game at Oracle or Chase because of the views of the bay.”

“It doesn’t seem to be a place where you would expect something like that to happen,” Gonzalez told The Standard. “This area is one of those places that people will come to visit even when there isn’t a game at Oracle or Chase because of the views of the bay.”

He said that although the recent fatal shootings concern him, he plans to continue frequenting the area.

He said that although the recent fatal shootings concern him, he plans to continue frequenting the area.

“It is one of those things where you just need to remind yourself to be aware of your surroundings,” Gonzalez said.

“It is one of those things where you just need to remind yourself to be aware of your surroundings,” Gonzalez said.

Farhan Khalid, who lives in the neighborhood, said he has observed numerous car break-ins around Oracle Park since the pandemic.

Farhan Khalid, who lives in the neighborhood, said he has observed numerous car break-ins around Oracle Park since the pandemic.

People walk down Berry Street  in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Residents in Mission Bay and South Beach are in shock after recent fatal shootings in the neighborhood at the of start 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/0240205-southbeachcrime-01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A street view with pedestrians, parked cars, and urban buildings leading to a stadium entrance." class="wp-image-254099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People walk down Berry Street outside Oracle Park in San Francisco on Feb. 23.</figcaption></figure>

“It definitely is a hot spot for people bipping,” he said, using <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">a slang term for car break-ins</a>. “I’ve seen that a number of times in this area.”

Why is San Francisco called Bip City?

“It definitely is a hot spot for people bipping,” he said, using <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/18/san-francisco-bay-area-crime-car-break-ins-burglaries-bipping-bip-city-bipped-bippin/">a slang term for car break-ins</a>. “I’ve seen that a number of times in this area.”

Khalid also said he hadn’t heard about the shootings but that the incidents didn’t necessarily make him feel unsafe.

Khalid also said he hadn’t heard about the shootings but that the incidents didn’t necessarily make him feel unsafe.

Gary Sanders, an unhoused man who said he frequently walks up and down Third Street, told The Standard that crime is nothing new to the area—instead, it’s the residents who are new to the neighborhood and seeing it up close.

Gary Sanders, an unhoused man who said he frequently walks up and down Third Street, told The Standard that crime is nothing new to the area—instead, it’s the residents who are new to the neighborhood and seeing it up close.

“I mean, everything is newer here,” he said. “So it makes sense that people from a more affluent background, who can afford to live here, would be upset that these incidents happened so close.”

“I mean, everything is newer here,” he said. “So it makes sense that people from a more affluent background, who can afford to live here, would be upset that these incidents happened so close.”

But Burgos said he and his wife, who work in tech and finance respectively, shouldn’t have to feel unsafe in their neighborhood, especially considering how expensive it is to live in the area. The couple pay over $3,000 per month in rent.

But Burgos said he and his wife, who work in tech and finance respectively, shouldn’t have to feel unsafe in their neighborhood, especially considering how expensive it is to live in the area. The couple pay over $3,000 per month in rent.

“The thing is, San Francisco is not cheap,” he said. “For what you are paying, you should be able to feel safe.”

“The thing is, San Francisco is not cheap,” he said. “For what you are paying, you should be able to feel safe.”

Is crime rising in San Francisco’s Mission Bay? Shooting deaths worry neighbors

Han Li

On a warm Friday afternoon in Chinatown, Daniel Lurie was running from boba shop to printing company to wonton noodle restaurant, introducing himself to the community. Lurie, a political newcomer who’s running for mayor of San Francisco, heard a similar message from the neighborhood’s merchants over and over again.

On a warm Friday afternoon in Chinatown, Daniel Lurie was running from boba shop to printing company to wonton noodle restaurant, introducing himself to the community. Lurie, a political newcomer who’s running for mayor of San Francisco, heard a similar message from the neighborhood’s merchants over and over again.

“They&#8217;re not feeling safe,” Lurie said. “Safety is the No. 1 priority for me in this election. Gotta keep people safe.”

“They're not feeling safe,” Lurie said. “Safety is the No. 1 priority for me in this election. Gotta keep people safe.”

“They&#8217;re not feeling safe,” Lurie said. “Safety is the No. 1 priority for me in this election. Gotta keep people safe.”

Hours later, at a waterfront Chinese restaurant not far away from Chinatown, Mayor London Breed showed up to celebrate the Lunar New Year. At the event, which was hosted by the political nonprofit Chinese American Voter Education Committee, Breed’s speech centered on public safety, too.

Hours later, at a waterfront Chinese restaurant not far away from Chinatown, Mayor London Breed showed up to celebrate the Lunar New Year. At the event, which was hosted by the political nonprofit Chinese American Voter Education Committee, Breed’s speech centered on public safety, too.

Citing the “rise in anti-Asian hate in San Francisco” during the pandemic, Breed promised her office’s full attention: “There is more that needs to be done.”

Citing the “rise in anti-Asian hate in San Francisco” during the pandemic, Breed promised her office’s full attention: “There is more that needs to be done.”

Both mayoral candidates have made public safety and cracking down on crime their top talking points. And there’s no audience they want to hear it more than the large and influential Asian and Chinese American community, which makes up <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanfranciscocountycalifornia/PST045223">37%</a> and <a href="https://data.census.gov/table?q=chinese%20san%20francisco">22%</a> of the city’s population, respectively.

Both mayoral candidates have made public safety and cracking down on crime their top talking points. And there’s no audience they want to hear it more than the large and influential Asian and Chinese American community, which makes up <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanfranciscocountycalifornia/PST045223">37%</a> and <a href="https://data.census.gov/table?q=chinese%20san%20francisco">22%</a> of the city’s population, respectively.

Community members and supports march down the street during the Defend Asian Elders March in San Francisco,  on August 7, 2022. The rally was lead by the Asian Justice Movement in response to the recent attacks on two Asian elders last week in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/inlined01_20240109guesswhoscomingtomayorsrace_9600f6.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group marches with a banner reading &quot;DEFEND ASIAN ELDERS!&quot; in both English and Chinese." class="wp-image-243836"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">High-profile attacks on elders have amplified concerns about public safety among Asian American voters in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

The community is listening, but so far at least, it remains undecided, especially with no major Chinese American political figure in the race. And so Lurie, Breed and other mayoral candidates are doing what they can to fill the vacuum, bending over backward—at times awkwardly—to make their case.

The community is listening, but so far at least, it remains undecided, especially with no major Chinese American political figure in the race. And so Lurie, Breed and other mayoral candidates are doing what they can to fill the vacuum, bending over backward—at times awkwardly—to make their case.

Asian Votes &#8216;Are Up for Grabs&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asian-votes-are-up-for-grabs">Asian Votes &#8216;Are Up for Grabs&#8217;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asian-votes-are-up-for-grabs">Asian Votes 'Are Up for Grabs'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asian-votes-are-up-for-grabs">Asian Votes &#8216;Are Up for Grabs&#8217;</h2>

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Is crime rising in San Francisco’s Mission Bay? Shooting deaths worry neighbors

San Francisco mayoral candidates are scrambling to win over Chinese American voters

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