London Breed Gains Support by Tackling Crime

In a recent poll, San Francisco Mayor London Breed has seen a rise in support among likely voters, with 20% ranking her as their first choice for mayor, up from 18% in February. This increase comes as Breed emphasizes her commitment to public safety, highlighted by endorsements from prominent figures, including San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto. Breed attributes her improved standing to her intensified campaigning and the city’s recent efforts to address homelessness through increased police sweeps. The city has ramped up enforcement against illegal tent setups, issuing at least 13 citations in the first week of intensified sweeps, surpassing the total from the previous month. This proactive approach appears to resonate particularly well with Asian American voters, who previously expressed significant disapproval of Breed’s performance. Josephine Zhao, president of the Chinese American Democratic Club, noted that the mayor's focus on public safety has positively influenced her standing within the community. Candidates in the mayoral race, including Breed, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, and Supervisor Matt Haney, have established connections with the Chinese community, which is increasingly demanding action on homelessness. Breed has committed to not only issuing citations but also ensuring that city officials prioritize relocation options for the homeless. Critics, including former interim mayor Mark Farrell and candidate Lurie, have challenged Breed’s approach, arguing that the city lacks sufficient shelter beds and supportive housing to effectively address the homelessness crisis. They contend that her actions reflect a failure to adequately resolve the underlying issues facing the city’s homeless population.