Critics Question San Francisco's Swift Beautification: A Superficial Clean-up Aimed At Xi Jinping's Visit

San Francisco, a city renowned for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, recently found itself under the global gaze as it hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and other dignitaries for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

The city underwent significant transformation in preparation for this high-profile event, but the makeover has cast a spotlight on the deeper, more persistent issues that San Francisco grapples with — homelessness, drug abuse, and crime.

In the days leading up to the summit, the streets of San Francisco were abuzz with activity. Workers were seen installing planters, painting murals, and removing graffiti in a bid to present a cleaned-up facade.

This effort, part of California Governor Gavin Newsom's ambitious $1.2 billion Clean California programme, was a stark contrast to the usual state of affairs in the city.

However, this beautification drive was met with scepticism by locals and critics alike. Many pointed out that the clean-up seemed more focused on impressing the visiting dignitaries rather than addressing the long-standing issues faced by the city's residents.

The irony of the situation was not lost on observers, as businesses like Target and Walgreens have closed stores in the city, citing concerns over rampant crime and drug-related issues.

The problem of drug abuse, particularly the use of fentanyl, a potent opioid, has been a scourge in San Francisco. Reports suggest that a significant amount of this drug finds its way into the city from China, making the topic a potential point of contention in the discussions between President Biden and President Xi.

The city's approach to handling its homeless population during the summit also drew criticism. Reports from various sources indicated that homeless individuals, drug dealers, and addicts were moved to other parts of the city, temporarily clearing the streets but not providing a sustainable solution to the homelessness crisis.

An incident that underscored the city's ongoing struggles was the reported armed robbery of a Czech news crew in San Francisco. This event highlighted the persistent issues of gun violence and crime in the city, raising questions about the effectiveness of the temporary measures taken during the summit.

As the world leaders discussed global economic and political matters, the residents of San Francisco were left to ponder the future of their city.

The summit may have brought temporary order and beauty to the streets, but the underlying issues of drug abuse, homelessness, and crime remain unaddressed.

As the international spotlight fades, San Francisco faces the challenge of finding long-term solutions to these deep-rooted problems.