SAN FRANCISCO -- As much as we've heard about the doom loop narrative and crime and homelessness plaguing the streets of San Francisco, the city transformed Friday into a mecca of art, festivals and concerts. Tens of thousands packed downtown, bringing much-needed foot traffic and dollars to local businesses. They came to enjoy a long list of events: A free Portugal.
The Man concert, Green Day performing at Oracle Park, Oktoberfest on Front street and even Greek Fest in the Mission District. These events not only drew locals but others from around the Bay Area and beyond. Vanessa Gayton took BART from Concord.
"I think it's important to understand that every big city is going to have its problems but there is a lot of city to give to the people," Gayton said. "So take that opportunity and do something with it." Vanessa and her boyfriend Dominic said they didn't feel unsafe as they made their way to the concert.
In fact, they were impressed with how alive the city felt on a Friday night. "You know, coming out to this area five to 10 years ago, it seemed a lot more dicey and sketchy," Dominic Bruno said. "Seeing all these people here having a good time, having a safe time, it's definitely refreshing to see.
" Mayor London Breed also enjoyed one of the many events as she mingled with the crowd at Oktoberfest. She said change needed to happen at City Hall to bring events back. "San Francisco has to become the city of yes," Mayor Breed said.
"Notoriously for being a city of no, you.