Despite the escalating crime and homelessness crisis in San Francisco, Mayor London Breed has returned from a week-long trip to China, where she pursued opportunities for pandas and economic ties. The decision sparked outrage from critics who denounced her absence and disregard for the city's pressing issues.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed's decision to prioritize a trip to China amidst ongoing crises in her city has drawn heavy criticism from constituents and city leaders.
Breed's week-long trip, funded by the city, was intended to advance economic and cultural ties with China, including the possibility of bringing pandas to the San Francisco Zoo. However, critics argue that her focus on photo ops abroad demonstrates a lack of concern for the urgent needs of her constituents.
"Mayor London Breed’s decision to jet off to China in pursuit of pandas while her city grapples with escalating crime and homelessness is a disgraceful evasion of her responsibilities to ensure the safety of San Francisco residents," California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones told Fox News Digital.
Statistics show that robberies and motor vehicle thefts have increased in San Francisco in 2023. Despite overall crime rates declining slightly, Jones emphasizes that crime remains a major concern for residents.
According to the 2022 Point-in-Time Count, over 7,700 people were homeless in San Francisco that year. The city also reported 810 drug overdose deaths in 2023, a number far exceeding the national average.
Former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos criticized Breed's priorities, saying the city has "become the butt of jokes" due to its worsening conditions. He argued that she should be focusing on fixing the city's problems rather than pursuing pandas.
Even former NBA star Charles Barkley took a swipe at San Francisco during the NBA All-Star Game, calling it a city of "homeless crooks." Warriors player Draymond Green defended the city, but Barkley remained critical of its homelessness problem.
A recent "dis track" by rapper Chino Yang also called out Breed for allowing the city to deteriorate into a "zombie land." However, he later apologized for spreading misinformation, suggesting he had received threats from powerful individuals.
In response to the criticism, Breed announced plans to set a curfew in part of the Tenderloin to curb crime. However, many argue that the city's problems require more comprehensive solutions.
"If Mayor Breed and the Board of Supervisors do not make dramatic changes regarding homelessness, crime, drug abuse, spending and reinventing downtown by attracting new businesses, soon San Francisco could become the next Detroit," said UCLA professor Lee Ohanian.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott acknowledged the city's challenges, stating that the police department is working to address them. However, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving all levels of government and community organizations.
As Breed returns from China, she faces pressure to prioritize the well-being of San Francisco residents and address their concerns about crime, homelessness, and the city's overall decline.
