The Standard Staff

Joel Umanzor

Pro-Tibet protesters on Friday hung a sign from the roof of San Francisco’s Moscone Center denouncing Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator” ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.&nbsp;

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Pro-Tibet protesters on Friday hung a sign from the roof of San Francisco’s Moscone Center denouncing Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator” ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.&nbsp;

The banner, which briefly appeared above the entrance to Moscone North, went up around noon Friday. The group Students for a Free Tibet claimed that three of its activists were behind the incident.

The banner, which briefly appeared above the entrance to Moscone North, went up around noon Friday. The group Students for a Free Tibet claimed that three of its activists were behind the incident.

The banner read: “Dictator Xi Jinping, Your Time is Up! Free Tibet.”

The banner read: “Dictator Xi Jinping, Your Time is Up! Free Tibet.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">JUST NOW—3 Tibetan youth activists drop a banner on the Moscone Center where the APEC Summit will start in &lt;24hrs Xi can’t hide from the countless people united against his authoritarian regime Generations of Tibetans will always resist his dictatorship until Tibet is free. <a href="https://t.co/SH0O12MKDl">pic.twitter.com/SH0O12MKDl</a>&mdash; Students for a Free Tibet (@SFTHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFTHQ/status/1723082769193202006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A woman working at Moscone Center, who refused to give her name, told The Standard she witnessed the incident and said the activists yelled “Free Tibet” for about a minute before apparently taking down the banner of their own accord.&nbsp;

A woman working at Moscone Center, who refused to give her name, told The Standard she witnessed the incident and said the activists yelled “Free Tibet” for about a minute before apparently taking down the banner of their own accord.&nbsp;

No activists were detained by police.

“I don&#8217;t think anyone had a chance to even contact them,&#8221; said an officer near Moscone Center. “It was there for two minutes, as soon as we saw it, they rolled it up.&#8221;

“I don't think anyone had a chance to even contact them," said an officer near Moscone Center. “It was there for two minutes, as soon as we saw it, they rolled it up."

“I don&#8217;t think anyone had a chance to even contact them,&#8221; said an officer near Moscone Center. “It was there for two minutes, as soon as we saw it, they rolled it up.&#8221;

Tenzin Namgyal, a 17 year-old Tibetan-American activist who was part of the unfurling, said that the group is hoping President Biden speaks out against Tibetan assimilation.

Tenzin Namgyal, a 17 year-old Tibetan-American activist who was part of the unfurling, said that the group is hoping President Biden speaks out against Tibetan assimilation.

“Since China’s President Xi last visited the U.S. Tibetans have witnessed our language, religion and culture come under direct attack from Xi’s genocidal policies and we are facing the elimination of our distinct Tibetan language, culture and identity, if the world doesn’t act,&#8221; Namgyal said.

“Since China’s President Xi last visited the U.S. Tibetans have witnessed our language, religion and culture come under direct attack from Xi’s genocidal policies and we are facing the elimination of our distinct Tibetan language, culture and identity, if the world doesn’t act," Namgyal said.

“Since China’s President Xi last visited the U.S. Tibetans have witnessed our language, religion and culture come under direct attack from Xi’s genocidal policies and we are facing the elimination of our distinct Tibetan language, culture and identity, if the world doesn’t act,&#8221; Namgyal said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">HAPPENING NOW: 3 SFT activists have CLIMBED the Moscone Center in San Francisco—where the APEC Summit will commence tomorrow—and dropped a banner that reads “Dictator Xi Jinping, Your Time Is Up!”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeTibet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeTibet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SFT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APEC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APECSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APECSummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APEC2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APEC2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a> <a href="https://t.co/u0aLVfXgkk">pic.twitter.com/u0aLVfXgkk</a>&mdash; Students for a Free Tibet (@SFTHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/SFTHQ/status/1723068902039486763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The APEC summit, starting Saturday, will bring together Xi, President Joe Biden and leaders of other countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Protesters and activists concerned about climate change, trade policy, the Israel-Hamas war and other international issues are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-protest-san-francisco-roundup/">planning multiple demonstrations during the summit</a>, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to San Francisco, including a large contingent of international media.

Several protests a day expected in San Francisco during APEC

The APEC summit, starting Saturday, will bring together Xi, President Joe Biden and leaders of other countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Protesters and activists concerned about climate change, trade policy, the Israel-Hamas war and other international issues are <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/apec-protest-san-francisco-roundup/">planning multiple demonstrations during the summit</a>, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to San Francisco, including a large contingent of international media.

The Secret Service is imposing a security zone around Moscone Center starting Saturday, limiting pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area.

The Secret Service is imposing a security zone around Moscone Center starting Saturday, limiting pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area.

Howard Street at Third Street and Fourth Street at Mission Street were blocked Friday afternoon because barriers are being stored in the area ahead of the summit, according to Nate Herring, spokesperson for the United States Secret Service.

Howard Street at Third Street and Fourth Street at Mission Street were blocked Friday afternoon because barriers are being stored in the area ahead of the summit, according to Nate Herring, spokesperson for the United States Secret Service.

Herring said people should expect some traffic and lane closures ahead of and during the installation of barricades around Moscone Center and near the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill. The barriers will be installed overnight between Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

Herring said people should expect some traffic and lane closures ahead of and during the installation of barricades around Moscone Center and near the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill. The barriers will be installed overnight between Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

Students for a Free Tibet advocates for Tibet’s independence from China, arguing that the region has historically been an independent country. China maintains that Tibet is an inalienable part of its territory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Students for a Free Tibet advocates for Tibet’s independence from China, arguing that the region has historically been an independent country. China maintains that Tibet is an inalienable part of its territory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">See Security, Traffic, Transit Maps for APEC</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/">See Security, Traffic, Transit Maps for APEC</a>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-u-s-chinese-officials-meet-friday">U.S., Chinese Officials Meet Friday</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-u-s-chinese-officials-meet-friday">U.S., Chinese Officials Meet Friday</h2>

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met in San Francisco on Friday with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Yellen said she and her Chinese counterpart agreed to work toward a “healthy economic relationship,” during two days of talks that she said helped lay the groundwork for a productive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-biden-xi-taiwan-trade-680af92f930fda29468a5a39b95f70e6">meeting next week</a>&nbsp;between Biden and Xi.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met in San Francisco on Friday with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Yellen said she and her Chinese counterpart agreed to work toward a “healthy economic relationship,” during two days of talks that she said helped lay the groundwork for a productive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-biden-xi-taiwan-trade-680af92f930fda29468a5a39b95f70e6">meeting next week</a>&nbsp;between Biden and Xi.

Yellen said many disagreements remain between the two countries, but she and He committed to working together “on global challenges, from debt issues to climate change-related economic issues.”

Yellen said many disagreements remain between the two countries, but she and He committed to working together “on global challenges, from debt issues to climate change-related economic issues.”

And both countries, she said, “welcome the objective of a healthy economic relationship that provides a level playing field for companies and workers in both countries and benefits the two peoples.”

And both countries, she said, “welcome the objective of a healthy economic relationship that provides a level playing field for companies and workers in both countries and benefits the two peoples.”

Biden and Xi will meet Wednesday, the first engagement in a year between the leaders of the world&#8217;s two biggest economies.

Biden and Xi will meet Wednesday, the first engagement in a year between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies.

Biden and Xi will meet Wednesday, the first engagement in a year between the leaders of the world&#8217;s two biggest economies.

Their finance chiefs held talks in San Francisco this week with the aim of making progress on a slew of economic and trade issues at a time when competition has markedly intensified between their countries.

Their finance chiefs held talks in San Francisco this week with the aim of making progress on a slew of economic and trade issues at a time when competition has markedly intensified between their countries.

Yellen has met with a host of Chinese officials throughout this year.

Yellen has met with a host of Chinese officials throughout this year.

Correction: Activists accessed the roof of Moscone via a publicly accessible pedestrian walkway.

Correction: Activists accessed the roof of Moscone via a publicly accessible pedestrian walkway.

Pro-Tibet protesters hang anti-China banner at Moscone Center ahead of APEC

Jonah Owen Lamb

Michael Barba

Officers from Belmont, Fairfield and Foster City don’t often drive the streets of San Francisco. But when the U.S. president and other world leaders come to town next week, even college police from San Jose will chip in to aid the city’s police force.

Officers from Belmont, Fairfield and Foster City don’t often drive the streets of San Francisco. But when the U.S. president and other world leaders come to town next week, even college police from San Jose will chip in to aid the city’s police force.

In all, nine Bay Area law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol are sending officers to the city to help San Francisco police and federal law enforcement authorities provide security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Wednesday.&nbsp;

In all, nine Bay Area law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol are sending officers to the city to help San Francisco police and federal law enforcement authorities provide security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The bulk of local outside help will come from the CHP, which is sending more than <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/downtown-sf-businesses-brace-for-apec-lockdowns-were-just-winging-it/">1,000 officers</a>, while Bay Area agencies can spare about 50 officers collectively for the cause, who will mostly help with dignitary escorts.&nbsp;

Downtown San Francisco businesses &#8216;just winging it&#8217; ahead of expected APEC chaos

The bulk of local outside help will come from the CHP, which is sending more than <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/downtown-sf-businesses-brace-for-apec-lockdowns-were-just-winging-it/">1,000 officers</a>, while Bay Area agencies can spare about 50 officers collectively for the cause, who will mostly help with dignitary escorts.&nbsp;

“These are small departments, but they did send what they could,” Scott said during a Police Commission hearing. “We are not reimbursing them for their services.” That is also the case for the CHP.&nbsp;

“These are small departments, but they did send what they could,” Scott said during a Police Commission hearing. “We are not reimbursing them for their services.” That is also the case for the CHP.&nbsp;

However, preliminary numbers given to The Standard indicate the city could spend anywhere from $600,000 to $800,000 for hotel rooms, among other things, the Controller’s Office said. Mayor London Breed’s office later retracted that number, saying the city still needed to calculate the cost of paying for security.&nbsp;

However, preliminary numbers given to The Standard indicate the city could spend anywhere from $600,000 to $800,000 for hotel rooms, among other things, the Controller’s Office said. Mayor London Breed’s office later retracted that number, saying the city still needed to calculate the cost of paying for security.&nbsp;

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Police Chief Bill Scott joined Mayor London Breed, elected officials, Tenderloin residents, and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N (United Nations) Plaza which included a skateboard park along Market Street between 7th and 8th Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The changes to the 150,000-square-foot public space includes skate ramps, platforms along with outdoor chess and pingpong tables.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-403.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Police Department Police Chief Bill Scott, wearing a police uniform looks into the distance with civilians standing behind him. Scott joined Mayor London Breed, elected officials, Tenderloin residents, and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N Plaza which included a skateboard park." class="wp-image-219503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Department Police Chief Bill Scott joins Mayor London Breed, elected officials, Tenderloin residents and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N. Plaza on Wednesday. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-403.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Police Department Police Chief Bill Scott, wearing a police uniform looks into the distance with civilians standing behind him. Scott joined Mayor London Breed, elected officials, Tenderloin residents, and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N Plaza which included a skateboard park." class="wp-image-219503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Department Police Chief Bill Scott joins Mayor London Breed, elected officials, Tenderloin residents and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N. Plaza on Wednesday. </figcaption></figure>

The outside officers will come from Brisbane, Belmont, Daly City, Foster City, Menlo Park, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Fairfield, San Jose State University and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department, according to Scott.

The outside officers will come from Brisbane, Belmont, Daly City, Foster City, Menlo Park, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Fairfield, San Jose State University and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department, according to Scott.

SFPD is finalizing memorandums of understanding with all those agencies to lay out their tasks for APEC, Scott said Wednesday, adding that those agencies will be operating under their own rules of conduct, not San Francisco’s.&nbsp;

SFPD is finalizing memorandums of understanding with all those agencies to lay out their tasks for APEC, Scott said Wednesday, adding that those agencies will be operating under their own rules of conduct, not San Francisco’s.&nbsp;

The department declined to provide The Standard with any of those agreements, saying law enforcement security plans are confidential.

The department declined to provide The Standard with any of those agreements, saying law enforcement security plans are confidential.

The CHP will have a larger role than the local agencies, patrolling the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, staffing APEC venues and assisting in the case of large civil disobedience, Scott said, who added that SFPD has tasked 600 of the department’s officers for APEC-specific security.&nbsp;

The CHP will have a larger role than the local agencies, patrolling the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, staffing APEC venues and assisting in the case of large civil disobedience, Scott said, who added that SFPD has tasked 600 of the department’s officers for APEC-specific security.&nbsp;

Scott said a plan is in place in case an unexpected event occurs requiring additional law enforcement aid.&nbsp;

Scott said a plan is in place in case an unexpected event occurs requiring additional law enforcement aid.&nbsp;

“If we have to trigger mutual aid, we will do so,” he said about the potential for the city to call in backup from other local departments.

“If we have to trigger mutual aid, we will do so,” he said about the potential for the city to call in backup from other local departments.

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

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

In addition to local and state police aid, federal agents will be in San Francisco in “large numbers,” though the chief gave no specific figure when he addressed the issue at an earlier police commission meeting.&nbsp;

In addition to local and state police aid, federal agents will be in San Francisco in “large numbers,” though the chief gave no specific figure when he addressed the issue at an earlier police commission meeting.&nbsp;

“It’s going to be a very heavily deployed event,” Scott said Nov.1.

“It’s going to be a very heavily deployed event,” Scott said Nov.1.

The chief said the summit, <a href="https://sf.gov/news/san-francisco-prepares-week-apec-activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">which is expected to bring President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping together in San Francisco</a>, calls for the highest levels of security because dignitaries from up to 21 economies are attending. The event has been designated as a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/san-francisco-prepares-week-apec-activities">National Security Special Event</a>.

The chief said the summit, <a href="https://sf.gov/news/san-francisco-prepares-week-apec-activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">which is expected to bring President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping together in San Francisco</a>, calls for the highest levels of security because dignitaries from up to 21 economies are attending. The event has been designated as a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/san-francisco-prepares-week-apec-activities">National Security Special Event</a>.

Scott noted that the U.S. Secret Service is taking the lead on organizing the security for APEC, particularly when it comes to protecting dignitaries. But he said that the SFPD will be in charge of coordinating the “day-to-day” operations on the ground, such as the response to any protests.

Scott noted that the U.S. Secret Service is taking the lead on organizing the security for APEC, particularly when it comes to protecting dignitaries. But he said that the SFPD will be in charge of coordinating the “day-to-day” operations on the ground, such as the response to any protests.

Members of Local 16 Union help install 8-foot tall metal barricades on 4th Street at Mission Street near Moscone West in San Francisco on Thursday, November 9, 2023. The San Francisco Police Department detoured all traffic heading south on4th Street except for public vehicles. The sidewalk remains open for pedestrian traffic. Ahead of the APEC summit which begins in San Francisco next week, local and federal security measures are being implemented including a security zone, street and highway off-ramp closures.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/apec-barriers-06.jpg?w=2500" alt="Police vehicles block a street with workers in orange vests in the background on a city street." class="wp-image-219744"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of Local 16 Union help install 8-foot-tall metal barricades on Fourth Street at Mission Street near Moscone West in San Francisco on Thursday. </figcaption></figure>

“We’re all taking direction from the U.S. Secret Service on really the bigger security plan, because it’s a national security event,” Scott said. “But the local tactics will be us.”

“We’re all taking direction from the U.S. Secret Service on really the bigger security plan, because it’s a national security event,” Scott said. “But the local tactics will be us.”

Federal authorities have previously estimated that the event would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/03/sfstandard-com-news-apec-conference-in-san-francisco-target-attack-federal-government-says/">require between 2,000 and 5,000 officers to staff</a>. The San Francisco Police Department currently has some 1,500 officers among its ranks, and Scott said he expects all to be on duty <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/28/san-francisco-apec-police-crime-response/">unless they are sick or otherwise cannot work</a>.

APEC summit in San Francisco: Secret Service will lead security amid fears of attacks

San Francisco blocks cops from taking vacation during week-long international trade summit

Federal authorities have previously estimated that the event would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/03/sfstandard-com-news-apec-conference-in-san-francisco-target-attack-federal-government-says/">require between 2,000 and 5,000 officers to staff</a>. The San Francisco Police Department currently has some 1,500 officers among its ranks, and Scott said he expects all to be on duty <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/28/san-francisco-apec-police-crime-response/">unless they are sick or otherwise cannot work</a>.

Scott said the city needs as many SFPD officers on duty as possible in case something unexpected happens. He said the department needs to be prepared to respond with a large police presence to a “critical incident,” for instance, without drawing from the staffing designated for the APEC summit.

Scott said the city needs as many SFPD officers on duty as possible in case something unexpected happens. He said the department needs to be prepared to respond with a large police presence to a “critical incident,” for instance, without drawing from the staffing designated for the APEC summit.

“We need to be prepared for that,” he said, “because the city has to keep running.”

“We need to be prepared for that,” he said, “because the city has to keep running.”

<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>

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

Joshua Bote

Carla Mays, the CEO of consulting firm Smart Cohort, is no stranger to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. In fact, she was in Seattle earlier this year as part of the meetings held in the lead-up to November’s main conference in San Francisco.&nbsp;

Carla Mays, the CEO of consulting firm Smart Cohort, is no stranger to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. In fact, she was in Seattle earlier this year as part of the meetings held in the lead-up to November’s main conference in San Francisco.&nbsp;

But she wasn’t prepared for the impact it would have on her SoMa-based business, largely because of a lack of communication. Mays, who also lives in an apartment building within the event’s security zone, said the extensive fencing and limited mobility made her neighborhood less like home and more like a prison.

But she wasn’t prepared for the impact it would have on her SoMa-based business, largely because of a lack of communication. Mays, who also lives in an apartment building within the event’s security zone, said the extensive fencing and limited mobility made her neighborhood less like home and more like a prison.

She ended up moving herself and her business to a hotel during APEC, but she noted that many of her disabled and elderly neighbors weren’t so lucky.&nbsp;

She ended up moving herself and her business to a hotel during APEC, but she noted that many of her disabled and elderly neighbors weren’t so lucky.&nbsp;

“When I came back to my house, people were shellshocked,” Mays said. “They had essentially been caged in their houses for a week.”&nbsp;

“When I came back to my house, people were shellshocked,” Mays said. “They had essentially been caged in their houses for a week.”&nbsp;

Carla Mays, Founder and CEO of Mays Civic Innovation LLC, an equitable smart cities advising, strategy and product development firm, poses for a portrait at the Paramount, where she lives and works, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. Mays felt like she was caged in during APEC week. “The shock of it has not worn off,” she said.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231206_apecimpactshearing-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a black dress sits on a chair with their hands on their lap. " class="wp-image-228632"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carla Mays, co-founder of Smart Cohort, said she was forced to move out of her home into a hotel for the week of APEC because of the issues moving around her neighborhood. </figcaption></figure>

Mays is just one of the scores of residents and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-businesses-suffered-major-losses-during-apec-owners-say/">small business owners across San Francisco</a> who took Mayor London Breed and city officials to task for their handling of APEC the gathering of world leaders that overtook much of Downtown San Francisco last month, saying that they were blindsided by the security zone and the total lack of foot traffic in the area.&nbsp;

San Francisco businesses suffered major losses during APEC, owners say

Mays is just one of the scores of residents and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/21/san-francisco-businesses-suffered-major-losses-during-apec-owners-say/">small business owners across San Francisco</a> who took Mayor London Breed and city officials to task for their handling of APEC the gathering of world leaders that overtook much of Downtown San Francisco last month, saying that they were blindsided by the security zone and the total lack of foot traffic in the area.&nbsp;

Dozens of SoMa small business owners, residents and community organizers spoke out about APEC’s immediate financial impact at the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Finance Committee on Wednesday. The board previously approved a resolution to provide $10 million for community members affected by APEC, but that nonbinding resolution serves as a little more than a suggestion.

Dozens of SoMa small business owners, residents and community organizers spoke out about APEC’s immediate financial impact at the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Finance Committee on Wednesday. The board previously approved a resolution to provide $10 million for community members affected by APEC, but that nonbinding resolution serves as a little more than a suggestion.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/apec-san-francisco-small-business-hearing-matt-dorsey/">hearing was called</a> by San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey, whose district includes much of the area cordoned off by the security zone.

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

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/apec-san-francisco-small-business-hearing-matt-dorsey/">hearing was called</a> by San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey, whose district includes much of the area cordoned off by the security zone.

Business owners in the area stayed open—and, in some cases, prepared additional resources and staffing to take advantage of a potential influx in customers.

Business owners in the area stayed open—and, in some cases, prepared additional resources and staffing to take advantage of a potential influx in customers.

But APEC wasn’t a typical conference: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">With a pervasive security detail and unscalable fencing towering over much of SoMa</a>, streets that are packed during traditional conferences were largely empty. Scott Rowitz, the executive director of the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, pointed out that foot traffic in the district during the week of APEC was down 33.8% year-over-year, according to cellphone data from Placer.ai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But APEC wasn’t a typical conference: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/07/san-francisco-apec-security-maps-transit-traffic/">With a pervasive security detail and unscalable fencing towering over much of SoMa</a>, streets that are packed during traditional conferences were largely empty. Scott Rowitz, the executive director of the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, pointed out that foot traffic in the district during the week of APEC was down 33.8% year-over-year, according to cellphone data from Placer.ai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He attributed much of that to the protracted security zone setup and the presence of the Secret Service during APEC.&nbsp;

He attributed much of that to the protracted security zone setup and the presence of the Secret Service during APEC.&nbsp;

While Rowitz did emphasize the benefits for San Francisco’s reputation on the global stage—and the around $52 million in economic impact that the conference brought in—public commenters at the hearing were less generous in their sentiments toward city leaders.&nbsp;

While Rowitz did emphasize the benefits for San Francisco’s reputation on the global stage—and the around $52 million in economic impact that the conference brought in—public commenters at the hearing were less generous in their sentiments toward city leaders.&nbsp;

“The brutal truth of the matter is that the city should have been more supportive and protective of its small businesses before campaigning to host APEC, before signing on and while working with the Secret Service,” said Manuel Ramirez, the owner of Korean fried chicken restaurant Bonchon inside the Metreon. He laid out what he described were the “death-blow level losses” his business sustained over the course of APEC: An 88% drop in business for the week.

“The brutal truth of the matter is that the city should have been more supportive and protective of its small businesses before campaigning to host APEC, before signing on and while working with the Secret Service,” said Manuel Ramirez, the owner of Korean fried chicken restaurant Bonchon inside the Metreon. He laid out what he described were the “death-blow level losses” his business sustained over the course of APEC: An 88% drop in business for the week.

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer holds open a large metal gate for another CHP officer on a motorcycle at the intersection of Folsom and 4th streets close to the Moscone Center 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/security-nov-15-3.jpg?w=2500" alt="A California Highway Patrol officer holds open a large metal gate for another CHP officer on a motorcycle at the intersection of a city street." class="wp-image-222079"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thousands of law enforcement officers flooded San Francisco during APEC, setting up a series of checkpoints and barriers around the Moscone Center and beyond.</figcaption></figure>

What’s more, Ramirez said that many restaurants were swayed by officials to stay open that week with the promise of an increase in business so that San Francisco would “look like a vibrant city.”

What’s more, Ramirez said that many restaurants were swayed by officials to stay open that week with the promise of an increase in business so that San Francisco would “look like a vibrant city.”

“They saw us as acceptable collateral damage, the sacrificial lambs for putting San Francisco on the world stage,” he said. “For that callous and calculated mindset, someone needs to be held accountable.”

“They saw us as acceptable collateral damage, the sacrificial lambs for putting San Francisco on the world stage,” he said. “For that callous and calculated mindset, someone needs to be held accountable.”

Business owners repeatedly detailed how the security presence for APEC made it impossible for them to operate and encouraged the public to perceive the area as a place to avoid that week.

Business owners repeatedly detailed how the security presence for APEC made it impossible for them to operate and encouraged the public to perceive the area as a place to avoid that week.

David Cohen, CEO of the Grove, said that his restaurant was affected disproportionately by the security and protest zones, accruing a $50,000 loss in revenue as a direct result.

David Cohen, CEO of the Grove, said that his restaurant was affected disproportionately by the security and protest zones, accruing a $50,000 loss in revenue as a direct result.

“This loss was a direct cause of the security zone in APEC,” Cohen said. “No other factors contributed to it.”&nbsp;

“This loss was a direct cause of the security zone in APEC,” Cohen said. “No other factors contributed to it.”&nbsp;

Paige Scott, the manager of Yerba Buena’s Ice Skating and Bowling Center, said that the center lost around $30,000 due to closing during APEC—and is now getting bombarded by people seeking refunds for events that were canceled as a result of the summit.

Paige Scott, the manager of Yerba Buena’s Ice Skating and Bowling Center, said that the center lost around $30,000 due to closing during APEC—and is now getting bombarded by people seeking refunds for events that were canceled as a result of the summit.

Other business owners and activists criticized law enforcement for the aggressive security measures put in place. Scott, for example, said that she wasn’t allowed to bring ice skates into the perimeter, while Bocado owner Manny Ramirez said police did not let him into his own restaurant building. Activists, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/04/san-francisco-apec-opposition-soma-pilipinas/">prominent Filipino activist Brandon Lee</a>, said demonstrators were allegedly assaulted by police during APEC demonstrations.

As APEC looms, San Francisco’s Filipino American community criticizes summit&#8217;s legacy

Other business owners and activists criticized law enforcement for the aggressive security measures put in place. Scott, for example, said that she wasn’t allowed to bring ice skates into the perimeter, while Bocado owner Manny Ramirez said police did not let him into his own restaurant building. Activists, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/04/san-francisco-apec-opposition-soma-pilipinas/">prominent Filipino activist Brandon Lee</a>, said demonstrators were allegedly assaulted by police during APEC demonstrations.

Raquel Redondiez, the project manager of SOMA Pilipinas, urged the city to immediately disperse the $10 million fund to those impacted.

Raquel Redondiez, the project manager of SOMA Pilipinas, urged the city to immediately disperse the $10 million fund to those impacted.

“As soon as the perimeters went up, it became clear that what was promised in terms of a boon to small businesses would not happen,” she said.

“As soon as the perimeters went up, it became clear that what was promised in terms of a boon to small businesses would not happen,” she said.

Supervisor Connie Chan drew a comparison to city leaders’ handling of APEC, which she said hurt the most vulnerable communities, to recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-budget-deficit-mayor-london-breed-cuts-programs/">budget cuts</a> made amid the city’s growing deficit.

San Francisco mayor guts city programs as $1B budget shortfall looms

Supervisor Connie Chan drew a comparison to city leaders’ handling of APEC, which she said hurt the most vulnerable communities, to recent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/04/san-francisco-budget-deficit-mayor-london-breed-cuts-programs/">budget cuts</a> made amid the city’s growing deficit.

“It is the city’s responsibility to step up to the plate [so] that we have winners all around,” she said.

“It is the city’s responsibility to step up to the plate [so] that we have winners all around,” she said.

San Francisco businesses say they were ‘sacrificial lambs’ for APEC summit

It is not just San Franciscans who will have to adjust their routes around the city as APEC kicks off. Robotaxis are also feeling the impact from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that starts Saturday.

It is not just San Franciscans who will have to adjust their routes around the city as APEC kicks off. Robotaxis are also feeling the impact from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that starts Saturday.

Waymo&#8217;s autonomous vehicle service will be adjusted to reflect the restricted access around San Francisco, according to a Waymo spokesperson.

Waymo's autonomous vehicle service will be adjusted to reflect the restricted access around San Francisco, according to a Waymo spokesperson.

Waymo&#8217;s autonomous vehicle service will be adjusted to reflect the restricted access around San Francisco, according to a Waymo spokesperson.

&#8220;We are in coordination with local and national agencies and will be adjusting our service to comply with security zones and temporary road closures,&#8221; said Christopher Bonelli, a Waymo spokesperson. &#8220;This will restrict access to Downtown San Francisco during the conference and may affect wait times and routing throughout the rest of the city.&#8221;

"We are in coordination with local and national agencies and will be adjusting our service to comply with security zones and temporary road closures," said Christopher Bonelli, a Waymo spokesperson. "This will restrict access to Downtown San Francisco during the conference and may affect wait times and routing throughout the rest of the city."

&#8220;We are in coordination with local and national agencies and will be adjusting our service to comply with security zones and temporary road closures,&#8221; said Christopher Bonelli, a Waymo spokesperson. &#8220;This will restrict access to Downtown San Francisco during the conference and may affect wait times and routing throughout the rest of the city.&#8221;

Road closures and restrictions will be in place in South of Market and Nob Hill, as well as along the Embarcadero and near the Legion of Honor as world leaders and VIPs move about the city. The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of security during the weeklong event, which is drawing world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Road closures and restrictions will be in place in South of Market and Nob Hill, as well as along the Embarcadero and near the Legion of Honor as world leaders and VIPs move about the city. The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of security during the weeklong event, which is drawing world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-cruise-waymo-robotaxis-fleet-charging/">APEC San Francisco: See Security, Traffic, Transit Maps</a>

San Francisco officials try to block robotaxis from expanding into deliveries

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/30/san-francisco-cruise-waymo-robotaxis-fleet-charging/">APEC San Francisco: See Security, Traffic, Transit Maps</a>

A reporter with The Standard observed a Waymo vehicle attempt to enter a restricted zone Thursday afternoon near Moscone Center, where APEC meetings will be held.

A reporter with The Standard observed a Waymo vehicle attempt to enter a restricted zone Thursday afternoon near Moscone Center, where APEC meetings will be held.

core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/110123_licenseplates-00_01_40_03-still009.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_waymo_apec_inline.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Waymo autonomous vehicle is seen stopped at a corner near Moscone Center, where the APEC summit will take place. </figcaption></figure>

The vehicle eventually reversed itself and adjusted its route.

The vehicle eventually reversed itself and adjusted its route.

The limitation to service may disappoint APEC attendees hoping to experience a robotaxi ride in San Francisco, one of the few cities in the U.S. where driverless cars can accept paying customers for rides.

The limitation to service may disappoint APEC attendees hoping to experience a robotaxi ride in San Francisco, one of the few cities in the U.S. where driverless cars can accept paying customers for rides.

Waymo had been competing in San Francisco with rival autonomous vehicle company Cruise until the California Department of Motor Vehicles <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-dmv-suspension-praised-san-francisco-officials/">suspended</a> Cruise vehicles from operating on city streets amid safety concerns.

San Francisco officials praise Cruise robotaxi suspension: ‘Better late than never’

Waymo had been competing in San Francisco with rival autonomous vehicle company Cruise until the California Department of Motor Vehicles <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-dmv-suspension-praised-san-francisco-officials/">suspended</a> Cruise vehicles from operating on city streets amid safety concerns.

<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/cruise-waymo-san-francisco-18472568.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data reported by the San Francisco Chronicle</a> showed Waymo completed nearly 20,000 paid driverless trips in the city in August, along with almost 8,400 unpaid rides. Cruise completed 17,000 paid driverless trips and 49,000 unpaid trips.

<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/cruise-waymo-san-francisco-18472568.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data reported by the San Francisco Chronicle</a> showed Waymo completed nearly 20,000 paid driverless trips in the city in August, along with almost 8,400 unpaid rides. Cruise completed 17,000 paid driverless trips and 49,000 unpaid trips.

Waymo to reduce robotaxi service in San Francisco during APEC

Han Li

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