Kevin V. Nguyen

San Francisco City College is losing students, government funding, teaching staff and axing classes—all while being completely free for San Franciscans to attend.

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San Francisco City College is losing students, government funding, teaching staff and axing classes—all while being completely free for San Franciscans to attend.

City College’s checkered history saw it <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-City-College-wins-accreditation-will-stay-open-10856333.php">almost</a> lose accreditation five years ago—which would have closed the institution down—and the school found itself in the same trouble <a href="https://sfist.com/2020/10/01/san-francisco-city-college-once-again-in-trouble-as/">again</a> in 2020.

City College’s checkered history saw it <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-City-College-wins-accreditation-will-stay-open-10856333.php">almost</a> lose accreditation five years ago—which would have closed the institution down—and the school found itself in the same trouble <a href="https://sfist.com/2020/10/01/san-francisco-city-college-once-again-in-trouble-as/">again</a> in 2020.

An <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/file/564/4/5644-Complete%20Audit%20Report_FY2018-2019.pdf">audit</a> found that the college has been operating at a deficit of tens of millions of dollars for the past decade, while losing nearly <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/sites/default/files/2022/document/Factsheet-Annual-Headcount.pdf">30,000 students,</a> putting it in a state of perpetual crisis. From 2017 to 2020, its average deficit was around $13 million.

An <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/file/564/4/5644-Complete%20Audit%20Report_FY2018-2019.pdf">audit</a> found that the college has been operating at a deficit of tens of millions of dollars for the past decade, while losing nearly <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/sites/default/files/2022/document/Factsheet-Annual-Headcount.pdf">30,000 students,</a> putting it in a state of perpetual crisis. From 2017 to 2020, its average deficit was around $13 million.

City College is not alone. San Francisco’s undergraduate population as a whole dropped by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/college-student-population-in-sf-drops-by-10000/">10,000</a> from 2019 to 2021. California community colleges lost over <a href="https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/college-beat-higher-education/2022/04/california-community-college-enrollment-2/">300,000</a> in the same timeframe. As for the rest of the country, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed in May that all postsecondary institutions have lost a combined <a href="https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/">1.3 million</a> students.&nbsp;

City College is not alone. San Francisco’s undergraduate population as a whole dropped by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/college-student-population-in-sf-drops-by-10000/">10,000</a> from 2019 to 2021. California community colleges lost over <a href="https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/college-beat-higher-education/2022/04/california-community-college-enrollment-2/">300,000</a> in the same timeframe. As for the rest of the country, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed in May that all postsecondary institutions have lost a combined <a href="https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/">1.3 million</a> students.&nbsp;

Less students means less federal and state funding, jobs and classes. For the faculty and students at City College, who feel those consequences most directly, they have characterized this cycle as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/we-are-cannibalizing-ourselves-city-college-finalizes-38-layoffs-despite-outcry-from-students-and-staff/">cannibalization</a>. Last May, 38 full-time teaching staff were laid off, and programs such as English as a second language, music and creative arts slashed by 26%.&nbsp;But since 2018, that figure is down around 50%.

Less students means less federal and state funding, jobs and classes. For the faculty and students at City College, who feel those consequences most directly, they have characterized this cycle as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/we-are-cannibalizing-ourselves-city-college-finalizes-38-layoffs-despite-outcry-from-students-and-staff/">cannibalization</a>. Last May, 38 full-time teaching staff were laid off, and programs such as English as a second language, music and creative arts slashed by 26%.&nbsp;But since 2018, that figure is down around 50%.

Since the onset of the pandemic, City College has been relegated to mostly an online institution. This fall, as it tries to lure more students back <a href="http://theguardsman.com/1_news_missionreopening_rodriguez/">in person</a>, some are wondering what is left to come back to.&nbsp;

Since the onset of the pandemic, City College has been relegated to mostly an online institution. This fall, as it tries to lure more students back <a href="http://theguardsman.com/1_news_missionreopening_rodriguez/">in person</a>, some are wondering what is left to come back to.&nbsp;

“It feels like we’re losing the community spirit that makes this place special,” said 21-year-old computer science major Connie Le. The Richmond native is in her fifth year at City College and said that the main Ocean Campus only felt “30% back” from how she remembered it. At a recent sit down with other students at the Student Union after her class, she lamented how the latest round of cuts had left her with fewer options to register for.&nbsp;

“It feels like we’re losing the community spirit that makes this place special,” said 21-year-old computer science major Connie Le. The Richmond native is in her fifth year at City College and said that the main Ocean Campus only felt “30% back” from how she remembered it. At a recent sit down with other students at the Student Union after her class, she lamented how the latest round of cuts had left her with fewer options to register for.&nbsp;

“We used to be able to choose between different professors and have a variety of class times,” Le said. “Now, if you want to come back [in person], there’s one choice, if at all. What message is the college trying to put out there?”

“We used to be able to choose between different professors and have a variety of class times,” Le said. “Now, if you want to come back [in person], there’s one choice, if at all. What message is the college trying to put out there?”

‘Everyone Should Be Taking Advantage of This’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyone-should-be-taking-advantage-of-this">‘Everyone Should Be Taking Advantage of This’</h2>

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<h2 id="h-everyone-should-be-taking-advantage-of-this">‘Everyone Should Be Taking Advantage of This’</h2>

Onyx Hunter, 19, English major, recounts his experience with the Free City College program in between classes at San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Onyx-Hunter2-CCSF-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81259"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Onyx Hunter, 19, English major, recounts his experience with the Free City College program in between classes at San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Onyx-Hunter2-CCSF-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81259"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Onyx Hunter, 19, English major, recounts his experience with the Free City College program in between classes at San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

As the national Democratic Party waffled <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/01/08/president-proposes-make-community-college-free-responsible-students-2-years">back</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1047609415/white-house-drops-free-community-college-from-its-spending-bill">forth</a> on the concept of “free community college,” San Francisco took the lead on the issue. In 2017, it announced it would use money raised from a <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Real_Estate_Transfer_Tax_Increase,_Proposition_W_(November_2016)">transfer tax</a> to pay for the entire cost of tuition for San Franciscans going to City College.&nbsp;

As the national Democratic Party waffled <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/01/08/president-proposes-make-community-college-free-responsible-students-2-years">back</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1047609415/white-house-drops-free-community-college-from-its-spending-bill">forth</a> on the concept of “free community college,” San Francisco took the lead on the issue. In 2017, it announced it would use money raised from a <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Real_Estate_Transfer_Tax_Increase,_Proposition_W_(November_2016)">transfer tax</a> to pay for the entire cost of tuition for San Franciscans going to City College.&nbsp;

The Free City College (FCC) program was hailed as a strong response to the issue of declining enrollment. It was the first program of its kind, aiding students irrespective of their financial status.

The Free City College (FCC) program was hailed as a strong response to the issue of declining enrollment. It was the first program of its kind, aiding students irrespective of their financial status.

Additionally, for students who already have their tuition covered by separate state and federal aid, the program also provides grants to help pay for school-related expenses.

Additionally, for students who already have their tuition covered by separate state and federal aid, the program also provides grants to help pay for school-related expenses.

Onyx Hunter moved to San Francisco from Tracy his senior year of high school in hopes of participating in the program. The 19-year-old English major said that promotional ads for the program were routinely emailed to him before and after his graduation. Today, he is eligible for both the tuition waiver and $250 stipend for full-time students.&nbsp;

Onyx Hunter moved to San Francisco from Tracy his senior year of high school in hopes of participating in the program. The 19-year-old English major said that promotional ads for the program were routinely emailed to him before and after his graduation. Today, he is eligible for both the tuition waiver and $250 stipend for full-time students.&nbsp;

“Everyone should be taking advantage of this,” Hunter said. “You get into a class here, and it feels like you’re amongst like-minded people who’ve been through what you’re going through.”&nbsp;

“Everyone should be taking advantage of this,” Hunter said. “You get into a class here, and it feels like you’re amongst like-minded people who’ve been through what you’re going through.”&nbsp;

After a two-year trial run where enrollment did improve, the city and county announced in 2019 that it would renew the program for at least <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c01d13ab98a788a7a0cfd93/t/5d9e28bf150ccc10efc67da4/1570646308197/Final+MOU_wetsignatures_Appendix+D-compressed.pdf">another decade</a>.&nbsp;

After a two-year trial run where enrollment did improve, the city and county announced in 2019 that it would renew the program for at least <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c01d13ab98a788a7a0cfd93/t/5d9e28bf150ccc10efc67da4/1570646308197/Final+MOU_wetsignatures_Appendix+D-compressed.pdf">another decade</a>.&nbsp;

But John Rizzo, who has served on the board of trustees of City College since 2006, said that there have been some misconceptions about how the program actually benefited the school.&nbsp;

But John Rizzo, who has served on the board of trustees of City College since 2006, said that there have been some misconceptions about how the program actually benefited the school.&nbsp;

“It is undoubtedly a good thing for the residents of San Francisco and our students,” Rizzo told The Standard. “But FCC hasn’t helped the college itself. It’s not the same as the traditional funding we get from the government.”

“It is undoubtedly a good thing for the residents of San Francisco and our students,” Rizzo told The Standard. “But FCC hasn’t helped the college itself. It’s not the same as the traditional funding we get from the government.”

The program is administered by the college in partnership with the SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. Under the deal, City College adds up all of the free tuition it has given out and submits a quarterly invoice to the department, which then makes the payment within 30 days.&nbsp;

The program is administered by the college in partnership with the SF Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. Under the deal, City College adds up all of the free tuition it has given out and submits a quarterly invoice to the department, which then makes the payment within 30 days.&nbsp;

Can ‘Prop O’ and New Leadership Stem the Tide?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can ‘Prop O’ and New Leadership Stem the Tide?</h2>

<h2>Can ‘Prop O’ and New Leadership Stem the Tide?</h2>

The Free City College Program advertised near a bus stop in front of San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022.  Despite waiving tuition fees for San Francisco residents who applied, the college is still struggling to reverse a decade-long enrollment decline. | Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/INLINE_FreeCollegeFail09292022.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81256"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Free City College Program advertised near a bus stop in front of San Francisco City College on Oct. 5, 2022.&nbsp;| Kevin V. Nguyen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

With four seats up for grabs, the makeup of City College’s Board of Trustees could drastically <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/former-teachers-union-leaders-pull-papers-to-challenge-city-college-incumbents/">change</a> this November.

With four seats up for grabs, the makeup of City College’s Board of Trustees could drastically <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/former-teachers-union-leaders-pull-papers-to-challenge-city-college-incumbents/">change</a> this November.

Alongside her allies Anita Martinez, Vick Chung and Aldolfo Velasquez, former educator and retired president of United Educators of San Francisco Susan Solomon said that she was moved to run for office because she was unable to reconcile the hopeful message of Free City College with the layoffs and cuts of <a href="http://theguardsman.com/death-by-a-thousand-cuts-slashing-of-programs-undermines-city-colleges-mission-and-future/">last May</a>.&nbsp;

Alongside her allies Anita Martinez, Vick Chung and Aldolfo Velasquez, former educator and retired president of United Educators of San Francisco Susan Solomon said that she was moved to run for office because she was unable to reconcile the hopeful message of Free City College with the layoffs and cuts of <a href="http://theguardsman.com/death-by-a-thousand-cuts-slashing-of-programs-undermines-city-colleges-mission-and-future/">last May</a>.&nbsp;

“I just thought it was all very shortsighted,” Solomon said. “What’s the point of having [cash] reserves if we don’t invest it in the students who will ultimately lose out?”&nbsp;

“I just thought it was all very shortsighted,” Solomon said. “What’s the point of having [cash] reserves if we don’t invest it in the students who will ultimately lose out?”&nbsp;

Rizzo defended the board’s decision, saying that the layoffs were “no doubt the right decision.”&nbsp;

Rizzo defended the board’s decision, saying that the layoffs were “no doubt the right decision.”&nbsp;

“We could not afford another accreditation dispute,” he said. “If we had lost it, the state would have come in and likely done even more layoffs than we did. You just cannot spend the money that you do not have.”

“We could not afford another accreditation dispute,” he said. “If we had lost it, the state would have come in and likely done even more layoffs than we did. You just cannot spend the money that you do not have.”

He added that he believed City College was now in its “best financial position in over 10 years” and that with a <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/news/ccsf-stabilizes-finances-sustainable-2022-23-budget">balanced budget</a>, the board could finally move forward with much-needed renovation and construction projects as opposed to planning what else to cut.&nbsp;

He added that he believed City College was now in its “best financial position in over 10 years” and that with a <a href="https://www.ccsf.edu/news/ccsf-stabilizes-finances-sustainable-2022-23-budget">balanced budget</a>, the board could finally move forward with much-needed renovation and construction projects as opposed to planning what else to cut.&nbsp;

Trustee Alan Wong was elected to the board in 2020 and also worked as an education advisor to Gordon Mar, back when the District 4 supervisor led the effort to extend Free City College in 2019. In May, Wong was the one dissenting vote against the layoffs.&nbsp;

Trustee Alan Wong was elected to the board in 2020 and also worked as an education advisor to Gordon Mar, back when the District 4 supervisor led the effort to extend Free City College in 2019. In May, Wong was the one dissenting vote against the layoffs.&nbsp;

“I just wish all sides bargained until the very last moment,” Wong told The Standard. But with the decision now behind them, Wong said that the college needs to focus on turning around its current situation before enrollment gets even worse. That includes getting as many students and teachers back in person as possible, forgiving select student debt and advocating for Proposition O, which is on the ballot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-november-ballot-takes-shape-with-15-local-propositions/">next month</a>.&nbsp;

“I just wish all sides bargained until the very last moment,” Wong told The Standard. But with the decision now behind them, Wong said that the college needs to focus on turning around its current situation before enrollment gets even worse. That includes getting as many students and teachers back in person as possible, forgiving select student debt and advocating for Proposition O, which is on the ballot <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/sfs-november-ballot-takes-shape-with-15-local-propositions/">next month</a>.&nbsp;

Needing only a simple majority to pass, the measure would impose an additional parcel tax on San Francisco property owners with revenue going directly to City College.&nbsp;

Needing only a simple majority to pass, the measure would impose an additional parcel tax on San Francisco property owners with revenue going directly to City College.&nbsp;

“We need to focus on getting Prop. O passed,” Wong said. “That is how we make City College the community college that we want it to be.”&nbsp;

“We need to focus on getting Prop. O passed,” Wong said. “That is how we make City College the community college that we want it to be.”&nbsp;

Rizzo struck a more measured tone than his colleague on Prop. O.

Rizzo struck a more measured tone than his colleague on Prop. O.

“I’m never going to say no to additional funding,” Rizzo said. “But I’ve been told that it could be challenged legally if passed, so it’s no guarantee.”

“I’m never going to say no to additional funding,” Rizzo said. “But I’ve been told that it could be challenged legally if passed, so it’s no guarantee.”

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Anabel Ibáñez was running for a Board of Trustees position when she had withdrawn her candidacy.

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Anabel Ibáñez was running for a Board of Trustees position when she had withdrawn her candidacy.

Editor&#8217;s Note: A previous version of this article failed to clarify that certain classes were cut by almost 50% since 2018. This has been amended.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article failed to clarify that certain classes were cut by almost 50% since 2018. This has been amended.

Editor&#8217;s Note: A previous version of this article failed to clarify that certain classes were cut by almost 50% since 2018. This has been amended.

SF City College is free. But classes are being axed, teachers cut and enrollment is down

Garrett Leahy

Florida-based Beep was selected Tuesday to operate driverless buses for Treasure Island’s driverless shuttles pilot program.

Florida-based Beep was selected Tuesday to operate driverless buses for Treasure Island’s driverless shuttles pilot program.

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority’s autonomous shuttle pilot program aims to increase mobility for island residents while slashing reliance on cars.&nbsp;

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority’s autonomous shuttle pilot program aims to increase mobility for island residents while slashing reliance on cars.&nbsp;

Two shuttles will transport residents and visitors as soon as late this year or early 2023.

Two shuttles will transport residents and visitors as soon as late this year or early 2023.

Each driverless shuttle will have a human safety driver and will run past the ferry terminal, the local YMCA, along Gateview Avenue and past the island’s sole grocery store, Island Cove Market.

Each driverless shuttle will have a human safety driver and will run past the ferry terminal, the local YMCA, along Gateview Avenue and past the island’s sole grocery store, Island Cove Market.

The $825,000 contract between Beep and the city will last for two and a half years and was awarded by the Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency Board, part of the SF County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) that oversees transit on the island and is made up of the 11 county supervisors.

The $825,000 contract between Beep and the city will last for two and a half years and was awarded by the Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency Board, part of the SF County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) that oversees transit on the island and is made up of the 11 county supervisors.

An aerial view of Treasure Island in San Francisco on Thursday, May 13, 2021. | Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/RoboBuses10062022_FEATURED-2500x1665.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81006"/><figcaption>Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island (top) and the Bay Bridge are seen from this drone view on May 13, 2021. | Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Beep specializes in creating driverless shuttles for corporate campuses, colleges and transit agencies.&nbsp;

Beep specializes in creating driverless shuttles for corporate campuses, colleges and transit agencies.&nbsp;

According to Beep’s <a href="https://ridebeep.com/autonomous-mobility/">website</a>, its vehicles run along 3D-mapped, preplanned routes and use sensors as “virtual eyes” to respond to surroundings. Beep currently operates in nine locations nationwide, including Yellowstone National Park and Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida.

According to Beep’s <a href="https://ridebeep.com/autonomous-mobility/">website</a>, its vehicles run along 3D-mapped, preplanned routes and use sensors as “virtual eyes” to respond to surroundings. Beep currently operates in nine locations nationwide, including Yellowstone National Park and Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida.

Beep was one of three companies to apply to provide the shuttles for the pilot program, alongside New Zealand-based Ohmio and Michigan-based May Mobility. No San Francisco-based driverless vehicle companies bid for the contract.

Beep was one of three companies to apply to provide the shuttles for the pilot program, alongside New Zealand-based Ohmio and Michigan-based May Mobility. No San Francisco-based driverless vehicle companies bid for the contract.

A final shuttle route will be created in coordination with Beep, Treasure Island mobility bosses, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Treasure Island Development Authority, as well as public feedback.

A final shuttle route will be created in coordination with Beep, Treasure Island mobility bosses, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Treasure Island Development Authority, as well as public feedback.

SFCTA spokesperson Eric Young said that the vehicles used by Beep will be bought from French firm Navya’s range of Autonom shuttles.&nbsp;

SFCTA spokesperson Eric Young said that the vehicles used by Beep will be bought from French firm Navya’s range of Autonom shuttles.&nbsp;

Each bus will seat up to 10 passengers, or nine in total if one is a wheelchair user.

Each bus will seat up to 10 passengers, or nine in total if one is a wheelchair user.

Beep was chosen as its vehicles can accept more passengers than competing companies and are better at accommodating wheelchair users and others with limited mobility, Young said.

Beep was chosen as its vehicles can accept more passengers than competing companies and are better at accommodating wheelchair users and others with limited mobility, Young said.

The contract pilot program runs for nine months and will allow time for planning, testing, training and an evaluation period after the pilot ends. There is no designated pilot start date at this time.

The contract pilot program runs for nine months and will allow time for planning, testing, training and an evaluation period after the pilot ends. There is no designated pilot start date at this time.

“We need some time ironing out details with Beep,” Young said of the start date.

“We need some time ironing out details with Beep,” Young said of the start date.

Treasure Island is building <a href="https://sf.gov/information/treasure-islandyerba-buena-island-development-project">8,000</a> new homes over the next few years.

Treasure Island is building <a href="https://sf.gov/information/treasure-islandyerba-buena-island-development-project">8,000</a> new homes over the next few years.

A Tuesday <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/treasure-island-autonomous-shuttle-pilot">virtual town hall</a> to collect public opinions on the shuttle pilot runs from 6-7 p.m., and a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/treasure-island-autonomous-shuttle-pilot">survey</a> to collect community feedback ends Oct. 31.

A Tuesday <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/treasure-island-autonomous-shuttle-pilot">virtual town hall</a> to collect public opinions on the shuttle pilot runs from 6-7 p.m., and a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/treasure-island-autonomous-shuttle-pilot">survey</a> to collect community feedback ends Oct. 31.

Treasure Island robo-bus trial secures Florida-based operator, Beep

Gabe Greschler

One of the most consequential forces driving San Francisco’s political future—crime rates in the city—has been trending downward this year.

One of the most consequential forces driving San Francisco’s political future—crime rates in the city—has been trending downward this year.

Robbery reports are at a six-year low, according to an analysis by The Standard of San Francisco Police Department data. After peaking in 2021, burglaries have fallen. Also down are crimes like motor vehicle theft and larceny, a category that includes car break-ins.

Robbery reports are at a six-year low, according to an analysis by The Standard of San Francisco Police Department data. After peaking in 2021, burglaries have fallen. Also down are crimes like motor vehicle theft and larceny, a category that includes car break-ins.

Even as crime rates fall, questions remain about whether voters—who are largely <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">unhappy with the state of the city</a> and frustrated with City Hall—will perceive the difference and reward sitting politicians for it.&nbsp;

More than 70% of San Francisco voters say the city is on the wrong track

Even as crime rates fall, questions remain about whether voters—who are largely <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">unhappy with the state of the city</a> and frustrated with City Hall—will perceive the difference and reward sitting politicians for it.&nbsp;

The development could change the dynamics of the mayoral race this November as public safety dominates the election conversation and candidates embrace tough positions on crime. Improving crime rates could complicate the narrative that some moderate candidates have relied on in their campaigns, political observers say.&nbsp;

The development could change the dynamics of the mayoral race this November as public safety dominates the election conversation and candidates embrace tough positions on crime. Improving crime rates could complicate the narrative that some moderate candidates have relied on in their campaigns, political observers say.&nbsp;

“London Breed will certainly try to get credit for things turning around,” progressive consultant Daniel Anderson said. “I think the trick is, can you get the narrative changed fast enough in the minds of voters? The thing is, it is such a departure from what she has been saying for the last couple of years.”

“London Breed will certainly try to get credit for things turning around,” progressive consultant Daniel Anderson said. “I think the trick is, can you get the narrative changed fast enough in the minds of voters? The thing is, it is such a departure from what she has been saying for the last couple of years.”

The data <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics">appears to reflect what other U.S. cities</a> are experiencing as the pandemic has subsided.

The data <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1229891045/police-crime-baltimore-san-francisco-minneapolis-murder-statistics">appears to reflect what other U.S. cities</a> are experiencing as the pandemic has subsided.

The Standard&#8217;s analysis includes a comparison of three-and-a-half-month intervals over the last six years—and offers insight into how the city is doing in its first 100 days of 2024, roughly four years since Covid pushed crime onto the center stage of San Francisco’s political debate.

The Standard's analysis includes a comparison of three-and-a-half-month intervals over the last six years—and offers insight into how the city is doing in its first 100 days of 2024, roughly four years since Covid pushed crime onto the center stage of San Francisco’s political debate.

The Standard&#8217;s analysis includes a comparison of three-and-a-half-month intervals over the last six years—and offers insight into how the city is doing in its first 100 days of 2024, roughly four years since Covid pushed crime onto the center stage of San Francisco’s political debate.

The most recent crime figures pulled from SFPD show robberies down from a high of 856 in the first 100 days of 2020 to 627 in the same period this year. Burglaries, which were at a peak of 2,384 in the first 100 days of 2021, have dropped to 1,408 in the same period this year. Larceny reports have dropped from the same period in 2018 at 11,812 to 6,118.

The most recent crime figures pulled from SFPD show robberies down from a high of 856 in the first 100 days of 2020 to 627 in the same period this year. Burglaries, which were at a peak of 2,384 in the first 100 days of 2021, have dropped to 1,408 in the same period this year. Larceny reports have dropped from the same period in 2018 at 11,812 to 6,118.

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

The data is, of course, imperfect: It only represents reported incidents to police, so it may not capture the full picture of crime in the city. And the citywide data doesn’t measure changes on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, where some crimes may have increased in certain areas while decreasing in others.

The data is, of course, imperfect: It only represents reported incidents to police, so it may not capture the full picture of crime in the city. And the citywide data doesn’t measure changes on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, where some crimes may have increased in certain areas while decreasing in others.

Furthermore, the numbers don’t offer insight into activities in San Francisco that can play into people’s perceptions of public safety. University of San Francisco criminologist Kimberly Richman said people often associate high crime with boarded-up shops and homeless encampments.

Furthermore, the numbers don’t offer insight into activities in San Francisco that can play into people’s perceptions of public safety. University of San Francisco criminologist Kimberly Richman said people often associate high crime with boarded-up shops and homeless encampments.

&#8220;In general, people are normally primed to think that there is more crime than there is,” said Richman.

"In general, people are normally primed to think that there is more crime than there is,” said Richman.

&#8220;In general, people are normally primed to think that there is more crime than there is,” said Richman.

Some crime categories have also stubbornly plateaued, like assaults and homicides, though the latter numbers are still low when compared with those of other cities across the country.

Some crime categories have also stubbornly plateaued, like assaults and homicides, though the latter numbers are still low when compared with those of other cities across the country.

Fears around crime in San Francisco came to a head during the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022 when moderate opponents cast the city’s top cop as soft on crime.&nbsp;

Fears around crime in San Francisco came to a head during the recall of progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022 when moderate opponents cast the city’s top cop as soft on crime.&nbsp;

Facing pressure on the issue, Mayor London Breed has seemingly embraced tougher tactics on crime. Beginning in 2021, when she declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin, Breed championed two March ballot measures that tightened rules around drug use for recipients of cash assistance and handed more powers to police.&nbsp;

Facing pressure on the issue, Mayor London Breed has seemingly embraced tougher tactics on crime. Beginning in 2021, when she declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin, Breed championed two March ballot measures that tightened rules around drug use for recipients of cash assistance and handed more powers to police.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Mayor London Breed joined Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Myrna Melgar, and Joel Engardio joined business leaders and members of the community to announce the City's plan to install 400 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) at approximately 100 intersections across San Francisco. These new public safety license plate reader cameras will be used by SFPD to address critical public safety issues, including organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/powerplaynewsletter-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue jacket speaks into a microphone with blurred figures and vehicles in the background." class="wp-image-261097"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe,” according to a campaign spokesperson.</figcaption></figure>

Over the past month, Breed has proudly <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1778874478468145439">advertised</a> <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-2024-crime-rates-down-city-prepares-implement-new-voter-approved-public-safety">the</a> recent crime statistics—likely as a way to show her strategies on the issue are working.

Over the past month, Breed has proudly <a href="https://x.com/LondonBreed/status/1778874478468145439">advertised</a> <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-francisco-2024-crime-rates-down-city-prepares-implement-new-voter-approved-public-safety">the</a> recent crime statistics—likely as a way to show her strategies on the issue are working.

It’s not clear whether voters will give the mayor credit for falling crime rates, however. Recent polling shows voters pessimistic about the state of the city and displeased with Breed’s performance.

It’s not clear whether voters will give the mayor credit for falling crime rates, however. Recent polling shows voters pessimistic about the state of the city and displeased with Breed’s performance.

“I see crime on another level,” said San Francisco resident Margaret McNulty as she stood on the steps of City Hall on Monday. “There’s a lot of shattered glass and graffiti. I think people are getting really frustrated. In terms of how I will vote, I haven’t seen any action plans. I want a fresh face.”

“I see crime on another level,” said San Francisco resident Margaret McNulty as she stood on the steps of City Hall on Monday. “There’s a lot of shattered glass and graffiti. I think people are getting really frustrated. In terms of how I will vote, I haven’t seen any action plans. I want a fresh face.”

Chris Callaway, who owns a dispensary on Van Ness Avenue, said he feels the city is making strides in both reducing store break-ins and controlling the spread of encampments.&nbsp;

Chris Callaway, who owns a dispensary on Van Ness Avenue, said he feels the city is making strides in both reducing store break-ins and controlling the spread of encampments.&nbsp;

He hasn’t made any decisions about who he will vote for yet—but said crime and the city’s ability to get empty storefronts filled will certainly be part of his decision-making.

He hasn’t made any decisions about who he will vote for yet—but said crime and the city’s ability to get empty storefronts filled will certainly be part of his decision-making.

“I will be taking a good look at the new candidates,” Callaway said.&nbsp;

“I will be taking a good look at the new candidates,” Callaway said.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Breed’s campaign said she “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe” and that she promises to have a fully staffed police force to keep pushing crime down if elected to a second term. “Her number one goal is for San Franciscans in every neighborhood to feel safe.”

A spokesperson for Breed’s campaign said she “understands that many San Franciscans still don’t feel safe” and that she promises to have a fully staffed police force to keep pushing crime down if elected to a second term. “Her number one goal is for San Franciscans in every neighborhood to feel safe.”

A San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer stands on Powell Street as pedestrians walk by in downtown San Francisco on Monday, April 22, 2024. While crime rates in San Francisco are falling across several categories, including burglaries, motor vehicle theft and larceny, voters are still largely unhappy with the state of the city--both factors that could impact the mayoral race during the upcoming November election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240422_crimeisdown-me-61.jpg?w=2136" alt="A busy city street with pedestrians and a police officer in the foreground." class="wp-image-269701" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians walk down Powell Street near Union Square in downtown San Francisco on Monday. </figcaption></figure>

Todd David, the political director for the moderate-aligned advocacy organization Abundant SF, said the crime data benefits Breed and hurts her rivals Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, both of whom entered the race with public safety as a top priority.&nbsp;

Todd David, the political director for the moderate-aligned advocacy organization Abundant SF, said the crime data benefits Breed and hurts her rivals Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, both of whom entered the race with public safety as a top priority.&nbsp;

Farrell has gone the farthest between the two, calling for armed National Guard in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods to combat the city’s drug trade.

Farrell has gone the farthest between the two, calling for armed National Guard in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods to combat the city’s drug trade.

“Their whole argument for running is that London Breed is not doing a good job,” said David about Lurie and Farrell. “It doesn’t pass the smell test. When it seemed like things were bad, it was the mayor&#8217;s fault. Isn’t she responsible for both the good and the bad?”

“Their whole argument for running is that London Breed is not doing a good job,” said David about Lurie and Farrell. “It doesn’t pass the smell test. When it seemed like things were bad, it was the mayor's fault. Isn’t she responsible for both the good and the bad?”

“Their whole argument for running is that London Breed is not doing a good job,” said David about Lurie and Farrell. “It doesn’t pass the smell test. When it seemed like things were bad, it was the mayor&#8217;s fault. Isn’t she responsible for both the good and the bad?”

In a statement, Farrell called Breed’s efforts “too little too late” and criticized her track record on police staffing.&nbsp;

In a statement, Farrell called Breed’s efforts “too little too late” and criticized her track record on police staffing.&nbsp;

“I will be a mayor who will challenge and upend the status quo at every level of government because voters are fed up and don’t trust that Mayor Breed can get the job done,” he stated.&nbsp;

“I will be a mayor who will challenge and upend the status quo at every level of government because voters are fed up and don’t trust that Mayor Breed can get the job done,” he stated.&nbsp;

Nonprofit leader Lurie said he welcomes any good news “because our city needs it.”

Nonprofit leader Lurie said he welcomes any good news “because our city needs it.”

He added, “While I hope these gains are not temporary, we have a long way to go as San Francisco continues to experience some of the highest rates of property crime in California.”

He added, “While I hope these gains are not temporary, we have a long way to go as San Francisco continues to experience some of the highest rates of property crime in California.”

How the crime figures impact Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who entered the race this month in an attempt to capture the city’s leftward-leaning voters, will hinge on just how much other topics like housing affordability take up oxygen, Anderson said.

How the crime figures impact Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who entered the race this month in an attempt to capture the city’s leftward-leaning voters, will hinge on just how much other topics like housing affordability take up oxygen, Anderson said.

“The less the race is about crime panic, I think that helps a progressive,” he said.

“The less the race is about crime panic, I think that helps a progressive,” he said.

Longtime political consultant Jim Ross said Peskin could use the trends to his advantage.

Longtime political consultant Jim Ross said Peskin could use the trends to his advantage.

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“You have these conflicting messages coming from this moderate group of candidates in San Francisco,” Ross said. “I think it gives him a great opportunity.”

“You have these conflicting messages coming from this moderate group of candidates in San Francisco,” Ross said. “I think it gives him a great opportunity.”

But Abundant SF’s David isn’t convinced Peskin can shift the narrative for his own political survival, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/chinese-american-voter-san-francisco-mayoral-race/">considering the importance that public safety carries with the city’s Asian American voting bloc</a>, who are vital to winning the mayoral race. Peskin has promised to bring back police foot patrols and increase community ambassadors.

But Abundant SF’s David isn’t convinced Peskin can shift the narrative for his own political survival, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/chinese-american-voter-san-francisco-mayoral-race/">considering the importance that public safety carries with the city’s Asian American voting bloc</a>, who are vital to winning the mayoral race. Peskin has promised to bring back police foot patrols and increase community ambassadors.

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