Chef fights off attacker in San Francisco liquor store

On September 1, Wendy Drew, a chef known for her appearance in a Netflix series, was assaulted in a liquor store in downtown San Francisco. The incident began when a homeless man, identified as Irvin Rivera-Lara, verbally attacked her using racial slurs before physically assaulting her. Drew described the attack as unexpected, stating that the man initially appeared to be a regular person walking his dog. During the assault, Drew attempted to defend herself by restraining Rivera-Lara in a bear hug, but he continued to punch her in the face. A bystander attempted to intervene by using pepper spray, but the situation escalated, resulting in Drew sustaining serious injuries, including a concussion and a broken nose. She also required a tetanus shot due to concerns about the attacker's hygiene. Rivera-Lara, 31, has a history of violence and was previously arrested for attacking a sandwich shop owner. Following the incident with Drew, he was arrested and charged with assault likely to cause great bodily injury and providing false information to an officer. This incident highlights the growing concerns regarding safety in urban areas, particularly involving vulnerable individuals such as the homeless. The attack on Drew not only raises questions about public safety but also emphasizes the need for better support systems for both victims and those struggling with homelessness.