Introducing the new feature on Fox News: listen to articles! Prepare to be blown away by the smart, creative, and 100% unique content we have in store for you. Today, we delve into the rapid decline of San Francisco since the Black Lives Matter movement took hold in 2020. It’s a real-time tragedy unfolding before our eyes, and if urgent measures are not taken, this once thriving city will serve as a cautionary tale against embracing the radical left’s agenda.
Once the bustling heart of the City by the Bay, Union Square was a vibrant hub for tourists and locals alike. However, everything changed in 2020. Alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, city leaders capitulated to the radical left in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Since then, Union Square has witnessed a mass exodus of top retailers like Saks off 5th and Nordstrom due to the city’s rampant lawlessness. Homeless addicts resort to petty crimes to sustain their drug habits, while opportunistic criminals take advantage of lax enforcement.
The struggles of San Francisco are epitomized by the Westfield mall. In addition to frequent theft, security guards have been stabbed, and a homeless person allegedly sexually assaulted a customer in a mall bathroom. Claire’s jewelry store faced rampant shoplifting before closing its doors, and Ted Baker clothing staff reported violent encounters with homeless individuals within the mall. These employees had to lock their doors out of fear for their safety, as someone even threatened to bring a gun and harm everyone. It’s no wonder that Westfield was left abandoned as city leaders failed to address the rampant criminal activity.
The flagship Whole Foods store in the Mid-Market neighborhood also fell victim to the city’s decline. The store suffered from frequent theft and confrontations with angry homeless individuals. The tragic death of a man from a fentanyl and methamphetamine overdose in the store’s bathroom likely contributed to the decision to shut down.
In my upcoming book, “What’s Killing America: Inside the Radical Left’s Tragic Destruction of Our Cities,” I explore how San Francisco’s downward spiral can be directly attributed to the implementation of radical left policies in the aftermath of embracing the BLM movement. Defunding the police was one such policy, with $120 million diverted to fund Black community initiatives as a gesture of reparations. Additionally, District Attorney Chesa Boudin ended gang enhancements, erroneously labeling them as racist and disproportionately targeting Latino and black defendants, despite these demographics comprising the majority of gang members in the state of California. Boudin’s leniency also resulted in a significant increase in diversion programs instead of incarceration, leaving prolific offenders with little fear of consequences.
Unsurprisingly, crime rates in San Francisco skyrocketed. Homicides saw a 20% increase in 2020 and then a further 17% increase in 2021 compared to the previous year. Burglaries rose by a staggering 47% in 2020 compared to the three previous years. Homelessness worsened as police were unable to arrest drug dealers or users. This attracted addicts from out of town who knew they could get away with their destructive behavior.
Finally, after realizing the city had gone too far to the left, San Francisco voters took action. They called for the refunding of law enforcement and successfully recalled Boudin from office in 2022. However, the damage had already been done, and the culture of lawlessness had taken hold.
Some columnists for the San Francisco Chronicle sought to downplay the significance of Whole Foods’ closure, attributing it to being in the wrong neighborhood. They even placed blame on the store for its layout, specifically citing the location of the liquor section near an exit. This dismissive attitude is reflective of the denial that some still cling to, refusing to acknowledge the crisis at hand.
The city’s response to the situation has been a mixed bag. There have been efforts to crack down on drug dealing and public drug use, but the radical left continues to hinder progress. Supervisor Dean Preston, for instance, demands an end to punitive policies like arresting and incarcerating drug users, claiming it will lead to more overdose deaths. However, critics argue that these arrests are necessary to prevent further harm and protect the community.
It remains uncertain how long city leaders can withstand pressure from the radical left. To ensure San Francisco’s survival, they must ignore the extremists who brought the city to its knees. It is crucial to allow law enforcement to do their jobs, hold the district attorney accountable for pursuing charges, demand tangible results from nonprofit groups in the homeless industrial complex, and provide tax credits to support struggling retailers while addressing the issues of crime and homelessness.
Enter the opinions of Jason Rantz, a Seattle-based talk show host on KTTH Radio. His insights shed light on the dire situation in San Francisco and reinforce the need for immediate action.
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