Crime and Politics Collide in San Francisco Mayoral Debate

The heated debate between San Francisco mayoral candidates erupted over crime rates, with incumbent Mayor London Breed facing criticism for not doing enough to address the issue. Breed's opponents claimed she was "gaslighting" residents by saying crime is down, despite recent high-profile incidents, such as the shooting of a 49ers rookie. Breed defended herself by pointing to the city's overall crime decline, but her opponents argued that this doesn't necessarily reflect residents' daily experiences. The debate was marked by confrontational exchanges, with Breed's opponents demanding an apology for what they see as her inadequate response to crime and homelessness. Breed himself came under fire for his handling of a $44 million initiative aimed at helping the black community, which has faced criticism over mismanagement and spending. The mayor's opponents also accused him of benefiting from his connections to the city's political elite, pointing to allegations of impropriety in his former roles as supervisor and mayor. The debate highlighted public safety concerns that rank among the top priorities for likely voters in San Francisco's mayoral race. The city is grappling with issues of crime, drug abuse, and homelessness, which have led to businesses fleeing the downtown area. The heated exchanges at the debate underscore the intensity of the competition among the 13 candidates vying for the top spot.