Rep Kiley says San Francisco crime is ‘so out-of-control’ that employees are instructed not to drive to work

Threat of ‘Decivilization’ in San Francisco

Introduction

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., took to social media Sunday evening to highlight how incessant crime in San Francisco, which he said is the result of “failed policies, radical politics, and public corruption,” is forcing residents and employees to literally change how they do business in the city.

Impact on Federal Building Employees

In a memo sent by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to California leaders on August 4, HHS advised its workers in the Federal Building in San Francisco to “maximize the use of telework for the foreseeable future” due to the “conditions” around the building. This memo came after rising crime rates, including homicides, robberies, and motor vehicle thefts, prompted concerns for employee safety.

San Francisco’s Decline and Business Exodus

According to Rep. Kevin Kiley, San Francisco is experiencing a “total collapse” that has led to major companies leaving the city. Whole Foods, Nordstrom, T-Mobile, Saks, and Anthropologie have all announced their departure due to the high levels of crime. California Governor Gavin Newsom directed the National Guard and California Highway Patrol to help combat San Francisco’s fentanyl trafficking crisis, but the situation continues to worsen.

Population Exodus

The impact of the crime wave is not limited to businesses. San Francisco County has experienced a population drop of about 70,000 people between 2019 and 2022, according to the Census Bureau. This exodus of people from the city is a concerning trend.

Drug Crimes and Public Safety Concerns

Drug crimes in San Francisco are worse now than in the 1980s at the peak of the crack epidemic, according to Tracy McCray, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association. The increase in crime has affected even the more affluent areas of the city. CVS and Walgreens stores have become targets for smash-and-grab robberies, posing a problem for the entire city. A recent survey of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) riders revealed that a significant percentage of residents have been victims of or witnessed crimes on public transportation.

Future Outlook

The remaining residents of San Francisco will have an opportunity to change course in 2026 when they elect a new governor to replace Newsom. This election will be crucial in addressing the issues of failed policies, radical politics, and public corruption that have contributed to the city’s decline.

Overall, the situation in San Francisco serves as a stark warning of the consequences of these challenges. It highlights the urgent need to address crime rates, improve public safety, and implement effective policies to ensure the well-being and prosperity of residents.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the issues of crime, failed policies, radical politics, and public corruption in San Francisco. These issues are connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, the article mentions the need for law enforcement and government institutions to address the crime and corruption, which is related to SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.

The article highlights the decline of San Francisco due to crime and failed policies, which can be linked to the target of ensuring access to safe and affordable housing (SDG 11.1). The article also mentions the need for law enforcement to combat crime and corruption, which aligns with the target of reducing corruption and bribery (SDG 16.5).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Crime rates: The article mentions the increase in homicides, robberies, and motor vehicle thefts in San Francisco, indicating the need for improvement in public safety and crime prevention.
• Population decline: The article states that San Francisco experienced a population drop of about 70,000 people between 2019 and 2022, which can be an indicator of the city’s livability and attractiveness.
• Business departures: The article mentions major companies like Whole Foods, Nordstrom, T-Mobile, Saks, and Anthropologie leaving San Francisco due to crime, indicating the impact of failed policies on the business environment.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: foxbusiness.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.