With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, families are looking to San Francisco Union Square for some holiday cheer.
Jeffrey and Janna Deal are in San Francisco this week traveling with their children. As someone who grew up in the area, Jeffrey Deal knew he had to bring his family to Union Square.
“It’s fun to, you know, take my kids and show them the tree and the skating rink and then you have Macy’s here, which is great, so I love it,” Deal said.
But a lot has changed in the area since he was a child and he said it was sad for him to see.
“I was just talking to my mom about all the different things that are closed. Like there’s not even, Blondies is gone, you know, I wanted to take my kids to get pizza. It’s just crazy how the stores are just closing,” Deal said.
One of the reasons why some businesses leave the area is crime.
Retail theft is a major problem for stores, so much so that some have gone so far as to erect blockades to prevent thieves from ramming cars through their storefronts.
“I thought it was sad that we have to do that, but I think the store clearly needs to do something because people – they’re lawless now. They just decide they’re going to rush into the store and grab what they want. ,” says Paula Suttle from San Francisco.
Liz Polo has owned a business in Union Square for more than two decades. She told KPIX that even with the increased security and police presence in the area, there still appears to be issues with crime.
“I think a big part of it in my opinion is that the laws need to be escalated, and unfortunately the consequences are not visible. So maybe with the new proposal it will happen,” Polo said.
Polo talks about Prop 36, which passed with overwhelming support. The measure now allows those convicted of multiple shoplifting crimes to be charged with a misdemeanor.
She hopes the new rule will help return Union Square to what it once was.
“This is the crown jewel of California, Union Square. I’m so proud and I just extended my lease for another five years because I love this area so much,” Polo said.
Deal said he also likes the area. He enjoys visiting this time of year and hopes there will be another big boost to the Christmas shopping season.
“I really hope that, you know, the holidays will get people back to shopping in the stores and getting back into the spirit of actually going to the stores and taking my kids and letting them point things out to you. I think it’s really important is to bring that family atmosphere back together,” said Deal.
