Even in the progressive hub of San Francisco, businesses are feeling the pinch of rising crime rates and deteriorating conditions. The latest in the line is Starbucks, which has announced its intention to close seven of its 59 locations in the city. Scheduled for October 22, these closures sound an alarming bell for a city once revered as the epitome of the Californian dream.
Starbucks did not directly cite crime as a driving factor behind these closures. Jessica Borton, Starbucks’ regional vice president for Northern California, took a more cautious approach in her statement. “There are several factors Starbucks considers when tasked with the tough decision of closing a store, but it is all part of ensuring a healthy store portfolio,” she shared.
Starbucks is closing down 7 San Francisco stores amid rising crime in one of America's bluest cities https://t.co/W3MnkKcmSk
— GOP (@GOP) October 5, 2023
However, connecting the dots isn’t challenging. San Francisco’s escalating crime rate is palpable. Retail outlets suffer as organized crime has become more rampant. A CNN reporter witnessed three thefts within 30 minutes while at a San Francisco Walgreens. An investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle discovered that a staggering 97% of restaurants had been victims of vandalism in September.
The current atmosphere of lax enforcement has exacerbated these issues. During the pandemic, the city temporarily halted the enforcement of graffiti removal, resulting in unchecked property crimes.
As if the ground-based crimes weren’t enough, piracy has become a pressing issue for the Bay Area. Former harbor master Brock de Lappe commented on the untenable crime levels, noting that homeless encampments have transformed into makeshift pirate bases. Boats are no longer safe, and the response from local law enforcement has been less than satisfactory.
Businesses fleeing the city are a growing trend. While San Francisco boasts natural advantages and a rich cultural scene, the increasingly toxic environment, marked by crime, is pushing businesses and residents away. The New York Post highlighted a significant drop in the city’s occupancy and population, with the office vacancy rate hitting around 30% and the population decreasing by 40,000 as of last month.
Despite the dark cloud hovering over the city, Starbucks does have some silver lining. The company plans to invest $2.5 million in renovations at four San Francisco stores. It has also recently opened three new establishments, including a unique pickup-only location on Market Street. As Borton emphasized, affected employees from the closing locations will be offered opportunities to transfer, reiterating the company’s commitment to its partners.
Yet, one must recognize the broader implications of Starbucks’ decision. As San Francisco grapples with its identity and the tangible consequences of its policies, its future hangs in the balance. Decisive action is required if the city hopes to reclaim its position as a vibrant, thriving urban center. The exodus of businesses and residents should serve as a call for real change.
