Locals Express Concerns
Less than a month after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, San Francisco is once again facing a surge in homelessness and drug-related issues, according to concerned locals. Crossfit Golden Gate Gym owner, Danielle Rabkin, expressed her disappointment, stating that the city has returned to its previous state, with individuals who were previously pushed out of important areas gradually returning.
Temporary Cleanliness Before the Summit
Prior to the APEC summit, San Francisco underwent a massive clean-up effort in preparation for the arrival of foreign leaders, including President Xi. The city’s governor, Gavin Newsom, faced criticism on social media after admitting that the clean-up was timed to coincide with the U.S.-China summit. Despite his defense that conversations about cleanliness had been ongoing for months, the criticism highlights the ongoing issue of homelessness in the city.
Business Owners Struggle
Despite the clean-up efforts, San Francisco has quickly returned to its previous state, leaving business owners like Rabkin to deal with the challenging reality of operating in such an environment. Rabkin described the situation as “tremendously difficult,” with vagrants frequently loitering in front of her gym. The unpleasantness and low quality of life have resulted in an exodus of potential customers who simply do not want to live in a city with such issues.
Ongoing Efforts and Inadequate Solutions
The city has allocated approximately $37 million to a nonprofit organization to lead homeless outreach programs, but critics argue that this is merely a drop in the bucket. San Francisco has already spent around $1 billion since 2021 in attempts to address the persistent problem. With a $14 billion budget and limited geographical area, the inefficiency of the spending and lack of visible results are deeply concerning.
A Call for Change
Rabkin believes that city leaders should no longer provide the option for homeless individuals to pitch tents and live on the streets. She argues that this approach is not hygienic, humane, or fair to law-abiding taxpayers. The situation in San Francisco has reached a point where the city’s reputation, high cost of living, and low quality of life are driving people away.
It is evident that urgent action is required to address the ongoing homelessness crisis in San Francisco. Otherwise, the city risks further deterioration and the loss of its residents’ trust.
