San Francisco's Clean-Up Efforts for APEC Summit Draw Criticism Amid Persistent Social Issues

A high-profile robbery of a Czech reporter underscores the city's ongoing struggle with crime, despite efforts to present a positive image to international visitors.

San Francisco has undertaken a city-wide beautification effort ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, including removing homeless encampments near the summit venue.
Despite the clean-up, issues of homelessness and drug use persist, drawing criticism from both local and international observers.
A Czech reporter covering the APEC summit was robbed in broad daylight, highlighting the city's ongoing struggle with crime.
City leaders have launched a media hospitality campaign to showcase the positive aspects of San Francisco to visiting journalists.
Critics argue that the funds spent on the summit and the city's beautification efforts could have been better used to address the city's social issues.