Garrett Leahy

Rainbow-clad bodies lined the streets of The Mission on Saturday near Dolores Park for San Francisco’s annual Dyke March.

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Rainbow-clad bodies lined the streets of The Mission on Saturday near Dolores Park for San Francisco’s annual Dyke March.

As they marched, attendees said they were grateful they didn’t have to hide who they are.

As they marched, attendees said they were grateful they didn’t have to hide who they are.

&#8220;It&#8217;s wonderful to celebrate,&#8221; said Sheila Bagley, holding hands with her partner, Priscilla Peters-Castillo. &#8220;We can be out having a peaceful march without any fear of being exposed.&#8221;

"It's wonderful to celebrate," said Sheila Bagley, holding hands with her partner, Priscilla Peters-Castillo. "We can be out having a peaceful march without any fear of being exposed."

&#8220;It&#8217;s wonderful to celebrate,&#8221; said Sheila Bagley, holding hands with her partner, Priscilla Peters-Castillo. &#8220;We can be out having a peaceful march without any fear of being exposed.&#8221;

A house party waves and shouts in support as the Dyke March passes through the city in San Francisco on Saturday, June 24, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SaturdayPrideCoverage06212023-512-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175234"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A house party waves and shouts in support as the Dyke March passes by in San Francisco on Saturday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SaturdayPrideCoverage06212023-512-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175234"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A house party waves and shouts in support as the Dyke March passes by in San Francisco on Saturday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Other attendees came out to support their children.

Other attendees came out to support their children.

Athena Anderson came to the march from Portland, Oregon, along with her father and brother, both of whom came from Mendocino.

Athena Anderson came to the march from Portland, Oregon, along with her father and brother, both of whom came from Mendocino.

Anderson said she felt the march was &#8220;supportive&#8221; but was glad to be with family members, given the risk of violence at queer gatherings such as the 2021 shooting at Club Q, a nightclub in Colorado Springs, that killed five.

Anderson said she felt the march was "supportive" but was glad to be with family members, given the risk of violence at queer gatherings such as the 2021 shooting at Club Q, a nightclub in Colorado Springs, that killed five.

Anderson said she felt the march was &#8220;supportive&#8221; but was glad to be with family members, given the risk of violence at queer gatherings such as the 2021 shooting at Club Q, a nightclub in Colorado Springs, that killed five.

&#8220;They&#8217;re here to bodyguard and support me,&#8221; Anderson said.

"They're here to bodyguard and support me," Anderson said.

&#8220;They&#8217;re here to bodyguard and support me,&#8221; Anderson said.

Nancy Wango (left) and Thais Ward (right) embrace as they walk in the Dyke March in San Francisco on Saturday, June 24, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SaturdayPrideCoverage06212023-279-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175213"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nancy Wango, left, and Thais Ward, right, embrace as they walk in the Dyke March in San Francisco on Saturday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Fran Taylor and Iris Biblowitz of San Francisco have attended the march since its inception in the early 1990s and stood along Valencia Street waving at those turning onto their street.

Fran Taylor and Iris Biblowitz of San Francisco have attended the march since its inception in the early 1990s and stood along Valencia Street waving at those turning onto their street.

What’s special about the Dyke March, as well as Friday’s Trans March, Taylor said, is the absence of corporate influence on the events.

What’s special about the Dyke March, as well as Friday’s Trans March, Taylor said, is the absence of corporate influence on the events.

“The great thing about this march is that it is grassroots,” Taylor said. “The parade on Sunday is good, but this is the kind of march that’s in your face.”

“The great thing about this march is that it is grassroots,” Taylor said. “The parade on Sunday is good, but this is the kind of march that’s in your face.”

People wave and shout in support as the Dyke March passes through the streets of San Francisco on Saturday, June 24, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SaturdayPrideCoverage06212023-417-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175222"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People wave and shout in support as the Dyke March passes through the streets of San Francisco on Saturday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The couple recalled the decades when they marched, but said that now that they are older, they are physically unable to participate. However, they wanted to encourage the younger generation with their presence.

The couple recalled the decades when they marched, but said that now that they are older, they are physically unable to participate. However, they wanted to encourage the younger generation with their presence.

“The young people in this movement have a lot to deal with,” Taylor said. “Hopefully, they will continue the fight and succeed where we failed, although the movement had success in combating homophobia, racism and sexism.”

“The young people in this movement have a lot to deal with,” Taylor said. “Hopefully, they will continue the fight and succeed where we failed, although the movement had success in combating homophobia, racism and sexism.”

“We saw yesterday many calling for justice for Banko,” Biblowitz said, referring to Friday’s Trans March. During that event, participants memorialized Banko Brown, a Black trans man slain in April by a Walgreens security guard. “It is during these marches we see the overlapping of LGBTQ issues with Black and Brown solidarity.”

“We saw yesterday many calling for justice for Banko,” Biblowitz said, referring to Friday’s Trans March. During that event, participants memorialized Banko Brown, a Black trans man slain in April by a Walgreens security guard. “It is during these marches we see the overlapping of LGBTQ issues with Black and Brown solidarity.”

Shelley Champlain high-fives people as they walk in the Dyke March in San Francisco on Saturday, June 24, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SaturdayPrideCoverage06212023-485-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175228"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shelley Champlain high-fives people as they walk in the Dyke March in San Francisco on Saturday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Others said that high-profile hateful rhetoric and violence against marginalized groups have made people scared to publicly celebrate being queer.

Others said that high-profile hateful rhetoric and violence against marginalized groups have made people scared to publicly celebrate being queer.

Sabrina Brennan, who has been coming to the Dyke March for 30 years, said that Saturday was the smallest march she&#8217;s ever seen. She attributed the situation to the loss of reproductive rights in wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the threat of mass shootings.

Sabrina Brennan, who has been coming to the Dyke March for 30 years, said that Saturday was the smallest march she's ever seen. She attributed the situation to the loss of reproductive rights in wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the threat of mass shootings.

Sabrina Brennan, who has been coming to the Dyke March for 30 years, said that Saturday was the smallest march she&#8217;s ever seen. She attributed the situation to the loss of reproductive rights in wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the threat of mass shootings.

&#8220;I think women are afraid,&#8221; Brennan said. &#8220;You have to be brave to show up here.&#8221;

"I think women are afraid," Brennan said. "You have to be brave to show up here."

&#8220;I think women are afraid,&#8221; Brennan said. &#8220;You have to be brave to show up here.&#8221;

Emma Rice, a trans woman who moved to Oakland from the Midwest three years ago, said she was concerned about a rising tide of political sentiment against trans people. Rice said she was afraid that the reversal of Roe v. Wade was a harbinger of attacks on gay marriage, despite the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in December.

Emma Rice, a trans woman who moved to Oakland from the Midwest three years ago, said she was concerned about a rising tide of political sentiment against trans people. Rice said she was afraid that the reversal of Roe v. Wade was a harbinger of attacks on gay marriage, despite the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in December.

&#8220;There are right-wing people showing up to drag shows,&#8221; Rice said. &#8220;I just don&#8217;t feel secure.&#8221;

"There are right-wing people showing up to drag shows," Rice said. "I just don't feel secure."

&#8220;There are right-wing people showing up to drag shows,&#8221; Rice said. &#8220;I just don&#8217;t feel secure.&#8221;

Thousands of people partake in the Dyke March in San Francisco on Saturday, June 24, 2023. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SaturdayPrideCoverage06212023-319-2500x1667.jpg" alt="Attendees said they relished the gains that have been made but expressed fear about rising hate incidents nationwide." class="wp-image-175219"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thousands of people partake in the Dyke March in San Francisco on Saturday. | Justin Katigbak for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Both Taylor and Biblowitz see the Dyke March as another important layer in Pride weekend where the solidarity for equal rights intersects with the struggle of various marginalized groups around the country.

Both Taylor and Biblowitz see the Dyke March as another important layer in Pride weekend where the solidarity for equal rights intersects with the struggle of various marginalized groups around the country.

“San Francisco should be a refuge for all people. We see what is happening at the border with migrant groups and what is happening here with people being criminalized for drug addiction or mental health issues,” Biblowitz added. “We’re very privileged here, but we are also away from all of the discrimination around the country.”

“San Francisco should be a refuge for all people. We see what is happening at the border with migrant groups and what is happening here with people being criminalized for drug addiction or mental health issues,” Biblowitz added. “We’re very privileged here, but we are also away from all of the discrimination around the country.”

At San Francisco Dyke March, celebration—and worry for the future

Michael Barba

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on Monday accused a San Francisco supervisor of interfering with the judicial process by urging her to consider charging the security guard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-heres-what-we-know-about-banko-browns-shooting-by-a-security-guard/">who fatally shot 24-year-old Banko Brown at Walgreens</a>.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on Monday accused a San Francisco supervisor of interfering with the judicial process by urging her to consider charging the security guard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-killing-heres-what-we-know-about-banko-browns-shooting-by-a-security-guard/">who fatally shot 24-year-old Banko Brown at Walgreens</a>.

Jenkins blasted the supervisor, Shamann Walton, for pressuring her to reconsider not charging security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony in the April 27 killing outside the Walgreens near Market and Fourth streets.

Jenkins blasted the supervisor, Shamann Walton, for pressuring her to reconsider not charging security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony in the April 27 killing outside the Walgreens near Market and Fourth streets.

Jenkins has said there was evidence that Anthony believed he was in “mortal danger” and acted in self-defense. Brown, however, was unarmed. The DA has sent the case back to police for further investigation without charging Anthony, resulting in his release from jail.

Jenkins has said there was evidence that Anthony believed he was in “mortal danger” and acted in self-defense. Brown, however, was unarmed. The DA has sent the case back to police for further investigation without charging Anthony, resulting in his release from jail.

Walton issued a letter of inquiry to Jenkins calling on her to “reconsider and reevaluate” her charging decision in the high-profile case and to release video evidence of the shooting.

Walton issued a letter of inquiry to Jenkins calling on her to “reconsider and reevaluate” her charging decision in the high-profile case and to release video evidence of the shooting.

Jenkins responded with a letter of her own to the supervisor.

Jenkins responded with a letter of her own to the supervisor.

“Such a request is wholly inappropriate and dangerous to the interests of justice and a fair criminal justice system for all the people,” Jenkins wrote to Walton in the letter, which was obtained by The Standard.

“Such a request is wholly inappropriate and dangerous to the interests of justice and a fair criminal justice system for all the people,” Jenkins wrote to Walton in the letter, which was obtained by The Standard.

Jenkins said releasing video of the shooting could compromise the investigation and would be unethical.

Jenkins said releasing video of the shooting could compromise the investigation and would be unethical.

But Walton disputed the claims Jenkins levied against him.

But Walton disputed the claims Jenkins levied against him.

“I disagree with her opinions and have been informed that there is no interference at all with my request and it is not at all unethical,” Walton responded in a message to Jenkins, which he forwarded to The Standard. “Videos are released all the time during investigations.

“I disagree with her opinions and have been informed that there is no interference at all with my request and it is not at all unethical,” Walton responded in a message to Jenkins, which he forwarded to The Standard. “Videos are released all the time during investigations.

“We are asking for transparency around the killing and release of the video most certainly helps with that transparency,” he continued. “I hope she will reconsider.”

“We are asking for transparency around the killing and release of the video most certainly helps with that transparency,” he continued. “I hope she will reconsider.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speculation-and-conjecture">&#8216;Speculation and Conjecture&#8217;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-speculation-and-conjecture">'Speculation and Conjecture'</h2>

<h2 id="h-speculation-and-conjecture">&#8216;Speculation and Conjecture&#8217;</h2>

In her letter, Jenkins accused Walton of reacting to “speculation and conjecture” and said she would not take official action in response to political pressure.

In her letter, Jenkins accused Walton of reacting to “speculation and conjecture” and said she would not take official action in response to political pressure.

“Political prosecution is the enemy of a fair and equitable criminal justice system,” Jenkins wrote. “Prosecutorial discretion cannot and should not be abused for the sake of political expediency.”

“Political prosecution is the enemy of a fair and equitable criminal justice system,” Jenkins wrote. “Prosecutorial discretion cannot and should not be abused for the sake of political expediency.”

She pointed out that like Brown, Anthony is Black. Walton is Black, and Jenkins herself is Black and Latina.

She pointed out that like Brown, Anthony is Black. Walton is Black, and Jenkins herself is Black and Latina.

“Many historical injustices that our community has faced can be traced back to politically motivated prosecutions,” Jenkins said, adding that she would not allow “politics, bias or self-interest” to influence her decision to charge or not to charge.

“Many historical injustices that our community has faced can be traced back to politically motivated prosecutions,” Jenkins said, adding that she would not allow “politics, bias or self-interest” to influence her decision to charge or not to charge.

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Police Chief Bill Scott has said an altercation broke out when Anthony tried to stop Brown for shoplifting. Although <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">Anthony has been released from jail</a>, there is no statute of limitations on murder charges.

Police Chief Bill Scott has said an altercation broke out when Anthony tried to stop Brown for shoplifting. Although <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">Anthony has been released from jail</a>, there is no statute of limitations on murder charges.

Asked if he believed Jenkins should charge Anthony with murder, Walton told The Standard: “I think you should not be able to execute people for misdemeanors. Alleged misdemeanors.”&nbsp;

Asked if he believed Jenkins should charge Anthony with murder, Walton told The Standard: “I think you should not be able to execute people for misdemeanors. Alleged misdemeanors.”&nbsp;

&#8216;This Case Will Be Prosecuted in the Courtroom&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;This Case Will Be Prosecuted in the Courtroom&#8217;</h2>

<h2>'This Case Will Be Prosecuted in the Courtroom'</h2>

<h2>&#8216;This Case Will Be Prosecuted in the Courtroom&#8217;</h2>

Earlier Monday, Jenkins said that if a final decision to charge is made, &#8220;this case will be prosecuted in the courtroom, not in the press or on social media.&#8221; She also said if her office decides not to bring charges, she will release a report that provides a full accounting of the evidence and how the decision was made.

Earlier Monday, Jenkins said that if a final decision to charge is made, "this case will be prosecuted in the courtroom, not in the press or on social media." She also said if her office decides not to bring charges, she will release a report that provides a full accounting of the evidence and how the decision was made.

Earlier Monday, Jenkins said that if a final decision to charge is made, &#8220;this case will be prosecuted in the courtroom, not in the press or on social media.&#8221; She also said if her office decides not to bring charges, she will release a report that provides a full accounting of the evidence and how the decision was made.

Walton is not the only supervisor calling on Jenkins to release video of the shooting. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-wont-urge-new-charges-in-banko-brown-case-but-call-for-release-of-video/">is expected to vote on a resolution </a>from its president, Aaron Peskin, pressing for its disclosure.

Walton is not the only supervisor calling on Jenkins to release video of the shooting. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/supervisors-wont-urge-new-charges-in-banko-brown-case-but-call-for-release-of-video/">is expected to vote on a resolution </a>from its president, Aaron Peskin, pressing for its disclosure.

The resolution so far has support from Walton, Joel Engardio, Connie Chan, Hillary Ronen, Myrna Melgar and Dean Preston.

The resolution so far has support from Walton, Joel Engardio, Connie Chan, Hillary Ronen, Myrna Melgar and Dean Preston.

Walgreens killing: DA slams San Francisco supervisor for second-guessing lack of charges

Liz Lindqwister

Kevin Truong

The Old Navy flagship store in Downtown San Francisco will close its Market Street location on July 1, a company spokesperson said Friday.

The Old Navy flagship store in Downtown San Francisco will close its Market Street location on July 1, a company spokesperson said Friday.

Old Navy has held a lease at the 801 Market St. location since 1997 and held a grand opening for the store in 1999. A spokesperson for Old Navy&#8217;s parent company, San Francisco-based Gap Inc., said the way the company &#8220;leverages&#8221; its flagship locations has changed.

Old Navy has held a lease at the 801 Market St. location since 1997 and held a grand opening for the store in 1999. A spokesperson for Old Navy's parent company, San Francisco-based Gap Inc., said the way the company "leverages" its flagship locations has changed.

Old Navy has held a lease at the 801 Market St. location since 1997 and held a grand opening for the store in 1999. A spokesperson for Old Navy&#8217;s parent company, San Francisco-based Gap Inc., said the way the company &#8220;leverages&#8221; its flagship locations has changed.

&#8220;We have taken the difficult decision to close our Market Street store when the lease expires, and we are already working to identify new locations in Downtown San Francisco that will better serve the needs of the business and our customers,&#8221; the spokesperson said.

"We have taken the difficult decision to close our Market Street store when the lease expires, and we are already working to identify new locations in Downtown San Francisco that will better serve the needs of the business and our customers," the spokesperson said.

&#8220;We have taken the difficult decision to close our Market Street store when the lease expires, and we are already working to identify new locations in Downtown San Francisco that will better serve the needs of the business and our customers,&#8221; the spokesperson said.

The store’s lease is scheduled to expire July 31. With the closure of the 73,000-square-foot location, the only remaining Old Navy in San Francisco is a small location in what Gap Inc. calls its <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/06/22/gap-hq-retail-sf-opening-lab-athleta-old-navy.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laboratory spaces</a>—which include its fellow Gap. brands Athleta, Gap and Banana Republic.&nbsp;

The store’s lease is scheduled to expire July 31. With the closure of the 73,000-square-foot location, the only remaining Old Navy in San Francisco is a small location in what Gap Inc. calls its <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/06/22/gap-hq-retail-sf-opening-lab-athleta-old-navy.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laboratory spaces</a>—which include its fellow Gap. brands Athleta, Gap and Banana Republic.&nbsp;

Instead of being located in heavily trafficked retail corridors, however, these experimental stores are in office space the company already owns.

Instead of being located in heavily trafficked retail corridors, however, these experimental stores are in office space the company already owns.

A shooting in Downtown San Francisco happened Thursday evening, April 27, at a Walgreens at 825 Market St. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230428_092125-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154743"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Walgreens at 825 Market St. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The Old Navy is situated on the same block as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-lawsuit-walgreens-michael-earl-wayne-anthony/">Walgreens where Banko Brown was shot and killed by a security guard on April 27</a>.

The Old Navy is situated on the same block as the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-lawsuit-walgreens-michael-earl-wayne-anthony/">Walgreens where Banko Brown was shot and killed by a security guard on April 27</a>.

That block is also home to the Westfield San Francisco Centre, where Nordstrom announced earlier this month it would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">close its department store this summer</a>. The company is also shutting down the Nordstrom Rack across Fifth Street from the mall, blaming both closures on the “dynamics of the Downtown San Francisco market.” A few blocks away, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods&#8217; flagship store at Market and Eighth streets</a> announced its closure in April due to staff safety concerns.

That block is also home to the Westfield San Francisco Centre, where Nordstrom announced earlier this month it would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">close its department store this summer</a>. The company is also shutting down the Nordstrom Rack across Fifth Street from the mall, blaming both closures on the “dynamics of the Downtown San Francisco market.” A few blocks away, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods' flagship store at Market and Eighth streets</a> announced its closure in April due to staff safety concerns.

That block is also home to the Westfield San Francisco Centre, where Nordstrom announced earlier this month it would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">close its department store this summer</a>. The company is also shutting down the Nordstrom Rack across Fifth Street from the mall, blaming both closures on the “dynamics of the Downtown San Francisco market.” A few blocks away, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods&#8217; flagship store at Market and Eighth streets</a> announced its closure in April due to staff safety concerns.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gap-inc-has-been-downsizing">Gap Inc. Has Been Downsizing</h2>

<h2 id="h-gap-inc-has-been-downsizing">Gap Inc. Has Been Downsizing</h2>

Gap Inc., which has seen its share price sink by more than 25% from the beginning of the year, has closed a number of stores in San Francisco over the past few years, leaving a dwindling presence in its hometown.&nbsp;

Gap Inc., which has seen its share price sink by more than 25% from the beginning of the year, has closed a number of stores in San Francisco over the past few years, leaving a dwindling presence in its hometown.&nbsp;

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/the-gap-one-of-san-franciscos-most-iconic-businesses-has-come-undone/">The Gap, One of San Francisco’s Most Iconic Businesses, Has Come Undone</a>

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/the-gap-one-of-san-franciscos-most-iconic-businesses-has-come-undone/">The Gap, One of San Francisco’s Most Iconic Businesses, Has Come Undone</a>

The company has been in the midst of a nationwide downsizing that has included announcing it would <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000039911/000003991123000026/gps-20230425.htm">lay off around</a> 1,800 corporate employees in April. The company is searching for a chief executive after its former CEO, Sonia Syngal, stepped down last July.&nbsp;

The company has been in the midst of a nationwide downsizing that has included announcing it would <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000039911/000003991123000026/gps-20230425.htm">lay off around</a> 1,800 corporate employees in April. The company is searching for a chief executive after its former CEO, Sonia Syngal, stepped down last July.&nbsp;

In 2020, the company shuttered its flagship Gap store at Powell and Market streets, close to the Old Navy location, as well as Gap stores in Embarcadero Center and Stonestown Galleria.&nbsp;

In 2020, the company shuttered its flagship Gap store at Powell and Market streets, close to the Old Navy location, as well as Gap stores in Embarcadero Center and Stonestown Galleria.&nbsp;

Banana Republic, another Gap subsidiary, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/gap-inc-s-troubles-widen-with-union-square-athleta-to-close-and-banana-republic-relocating/">closed its Downtown location at</a> 152 Geary St. as part of a purported move to a smaller flagship. However, that location has not yet opened.

Banana Republic, another Gap subsidiary, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/gap-inc-s-troubles-widen-with-union-square-athleta-to-close-and-banana-republic-relocating/">closed its Downtown location at</a> 152 Geary St. as part of a purported move to a smaller flagship. However, that location has not yet opened.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/san-francisco-union-square-store-closures-pandemic-fallout/">Nearly Half of Union Square’s Stores Have Closed Since 2019</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/san-francisco-union-square-store-closures-pandemic-fallout/">Nearly Half of Union Square’s Stores Have Closed Since 2019</a>

The Old Navy flagship is one of many major storefronts to flee Downtown San Francisco. Nearly half of Union Square’s stores have closed since 2019, though several new stores have started operations in the neighborhood in recent months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Old Navy flagship is one of many major storefronts to flee Downtown San Francisco. Nearly half of Union Square’s stores have closed since 2019, though several new stores have started operations in the neighborhood in recent months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And the upscale home <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-downtown-coco-republic-closing/">furnishings store Coco Republic said on May 10</a> it would leave its three-story showplace at 55 Stockton St., which just opened last fall.

And the upscale home <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-downtown-coco-republic-closing/">furnishings store Coco Republic said on May 10</a> it would leave its three-story showplace at 55 Stockton St., which just opened last fall.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the Banana Republic on Grant Ave. is closed.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the Banana Republic on Grant Ave. is closed.

Old Navy to close downtown San Francisco flagship store after more than 20 years

George Kelly

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Police and business owners think they may have caught a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags “Goer” on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism after a witness directed officers to stop him on Howard Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in SoMa. Wabl was still in jail as of Monday afternoon, according to official records.

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

Celebrated SoMa deli hit by break-in, outspoken owner vows quick reopening

Adam Mesnick, owner of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/27/celebrated-soma-deli-hit-by-break-in-outspoken-owner-vows-quick-reopening/">SoMa restaurant Deli Board</a>, posted a video to X/Twitter Sunday documenting the arrest.&nbsp;

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

"I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, 'There he is!'” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom."

&#8220;I walked out of my house, and I saw a guy rolling down the street on a scooter. A couple of cars turned on my block at Langton and Howard. A neighbor had called in an incident and was flagging down police, screaming, &#8216;There he is!&#8217;” Mesnick told The Standard. “Police followed him down the block. They arrested him, and you can see my [video] from where he was sitting on the sidewalk on Folsom.&#8221;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/24/sf-street-artist-swipes-city-property-sells-it-online-for-thousands/">San Francisco Street Artist Swipes City Property, Sells It Online for Thousands</a>

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core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags "Goer" on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_PROJECT_VERT.00_06_53_10.Still010.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFS_GOER_ARREST.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brian Wabl, 41, of San Francisco, was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of vandalism. Police and business owners suspect Wabl of being a prolific San Francisco graffiti vandal who tags &#8220;Goer&#8221; on storefronts and walls across Downtown neighborhoods. </figcaption></figure>

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It's unclear what "Goer" means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

It&#8217;s unclear what &#8220;Goer&#8221; means, if anything, but in British slang, the derogatory term is used to describe a woman who is sexually active with many different partners.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

An Instagram account linked to someone Brian Wabl includes references to a dog called Goer.

‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-years-we-ve-been-cleaning-up-after-this-guy">‘For Years We’ve Been Cleaning Up After This Guy’</h2>

On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti 'Goer' tag mars a bald eagle's plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1000012362.jpg?w=2500" alt="On a Langton Street wall south of Folsom Street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, a gray-spray painted graffiti tag mars a bald eagle's plumage in a neighborhood mural." class="wp-image-211525"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A gray-spray painted graffiti &#8216;Goer&#8217; tag mars a bald eagle&#8217;s plumage on a SoMa neighborhood mural.</figcaption></figure>

Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

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Mesnick, who sits on the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/code-brown-doom-scooping-at-san-franciscos-scavenger-hunt-from-hell/">SoMa West Community Benefit District board</a>, slammed graffiti as its second-most troubling scourge after trash.

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it's multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who's the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we've been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

“The assumption is that it&#8217;s multiple people doing the tag, but hopefully, they got the guy who&#8217;s the kingpin,” Mesnick said. “It is the most frequent sign, prominent, prolific. For years, we&#8217;ve been cleaning up after this guy, years upon years.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/san-francisco-mayor-home-spraypainted-over-banko-brown-killing/">Vandals Spray-Paint Mayor Breed’s Home With Graffiti About Banko Brown Killing</a>

Vandals spray-paint Mayor Breed’s home with graffiti about Banko Brown killing

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/san-francisco-mayor-home-spraypainted-over-banko-brown-killing/">Vandals Spray-Paint Mayor Breed’s Home With Graffiti About Banko Brown Killing</a>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

They shift tons of trash from San Francisco&#8217;s streets: You&#8217;ve never heard of them

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of "Goer" tags across the district over several years.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/they-shift-tons-of-trash-from-san-franciscos-streets-youve-never-heard-of-them/">SoMa West CBD</a> Executive Director Christian Martin recalled seeing “dozens easily, if not hundreds” of &#8220;Goer&#8221; tags across the district over several years.

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