San Francisco gets a makeover for APEC summit
What's the story
The atmosphere in San Francisco last week was reminiscent of children rushing to clean up their rooms before their parents returned home. Authorities cleaned up every corner, removed dingy slums, and painted derelict plazas as the city prepared to welcome world leaders for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference on Saturday. While America's Golden City continues to reel from the after-effects of the pandemic, drug abuse, and homelessness, it's essential for it to demonstrate its prowess as a business hub.
Context
Why does this story matter?
APEC is a forum of 21 Asia-Pacific economies that encompass countries like the United States, China, Australia, and Peru, among others. San Francisco has not hosted any major events since the United Nations Charter in 1945; therefore, the ongoing summit serves as an opportunity for it to strengthen its position as a business and economic hub. Per Firstpost, the summit is expected to attract a crowd of 30,000 individuals and might have a big impact on the city's economy.
Details
Authorities wipe away graffiti, fix damaged roads
Ahead of the event, the city of San Francisco hastened its renovation measures, wiping away graffiti and instead painting vibrant crosswalks. All the thoroughfares were tidied, road damage fixed, and law enforcement officers stationed in commercial and retail areas where diplomats, journalists, and business professionals would convene. However, locals believe these measures are merely cosmetic. Speaking to AFP, a resident said the city has a reputation for homeless encampments and drug dealers and despite the cleanup, the problem will persist.
Twitter Post
Watch: San Francisco revamped!
For Xi visit San Francisco cleared our homeless and put about 100 new planters.
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) November 12, 2023
It’s amazing what can happen if government wants to actually fix things. pic.twitter.com/Ea47CJtI8g
What Next?
New night-time shelters to tackle homelessness
Amid the sudden fame, Mayor London Breed contended that the city's difficulties are often misrepresented by individuals who don't reside there. She emphasized that the city has been grappling with issues like crime and homelessness in the wake of the pandemic, but local authorities have worked hard to spruce up the city ahead of the high-profile event. It is pertinent to note that just recently, the city opened a 30-bed nighttime shelter close to the convention center to tackle homelessness.
Twitter Post
Video: Authorities create wall to hide homeless people
San Francisco built a wall and made all the homeless people disappear for Xi.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 12, 2023
If only they cared about pleasing their own constituents as much as they care about pleasing a world dictator.pic.twitter.com/ECSSkhGAVb
Insights
Multiple efforts to boost economy
Per the New York Times, the APEC summit is expected to bring at least 21 leaders to the city. To boost the economy, authorities have started a new "Vacant to Vibrant" initiative offering free or discounted rent on empty retail spaces to creative individuals. The mayor's office reports that 3,600 new businesses have opened in San Francisco over the past year. The city's bustling restaurant scene is also anticipated to be in full force during the APEC summit.
Protests
APEC summit shadowed by mass protests
On Sunday, scores of protesters gathered at San Francisco's ferry building, the gateway to the city, carrying banners and posters opposing the APEC summit, Reuters reported. Hundreds were seen carrying Palestinian flags, carrying placards, and demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The demonstrators also voiced their opposition to the growing oil industry and their support for immigrants' rights.