Downtown San Francisco is safer and cleaner, so why are people still staying away?
Briefly

San Francisco's downtown faces a perception problem despite declining crime rates. As businesses require employees to return full-time, empty storefronts and a visible lack of foot traffic contribute to feelings of unease. Business owners like Jim Patrick highlight the negative effects on local commerce, while George Chen points out that families avoid the area due to safety concerns. Vandalism and graffiti at public transit stops exacerbate these perceptions, demonstrating that visual cues heavily influence public judgment and ultimately inhibit the area's recovery.
More than just the facts, perceptions rule people's decisions about where to gather, dine, and shop, significantly impacting downtown San Francisco’s recovery from its economic challenges.
With crime numbers low, many are hesitant to return to downtown due to the perceived lack of safety, reflecting how visual context influences public sentiments.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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