74-year-old San Francisco woman reportedly shoved to her death by man with 27 arrests. Family is suing city's transit agency.



The family of a 74-year-old woman who was allegedly killed after being pushed into an oncoming train has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against San Francisco's transit agency. The woman's alleged killer reportedly was a man with 27 arrests who was banned previously from the transit system.

Corazon Dandan was waiting for a train at the Powell Street station in downtown San Francisco on July 1, 2024. The incident allegedly occurred as Dandan was returning home from her night shift as a telephone operator at Hilton’s Parc 55 hotel in Union Square.

'She had a lot to live for.'

Trevor Belmont — a reported homeless man also known as Hoak Taing — is accused of shoving Dandan, who hit her head on the oncoming train.

KTVU-TV reported that Dandan was shoved so hard that she fell backward on the platform. She was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Belmont was arrested by police at the scene of the crime.

There was no clear motive for the apparent crime, authorities said.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office said Belmont was charged with murder. He was also charged with the special circumstance of lying in wait — a legal term to describe when a suspect deliberately hides to surprise their victim in an ambush-like attack.

If convicted, Belmont could face a sentence of life in prison without parole.

"The nature of this incident at Powell Street BART Station was tragic and truly shocking. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and colleagues," said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. "Unprovoked attacks, especially on our most vulnerable, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. San Francisco residents, workers, and visitors should be able to freely move about and utilize our public transportation systems without fear. My office will now do everything in our power to ensure that there is justice in this case."

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Belmont previously had been arrested at least 27 times in "multiple Bay Area counties over the past two decades for allegations that included lewd conduct and assault, though it appears prosecutors did not pursue most other cases against him, court records show."

In 2018, a judge reportedly banned Belmont from Bay Area Rapid Transit trains and stations for three years after he was convicted of lewd conduct at a BART station in Alameda County.

Dandan's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Northern California on Tuesday.

'My aunt loved San Francisco. Something’s got to change. I wish that my aunt’s death not be in vain. I wish that we can rebuild this city to what it once was.'

The lawsuit claims BART "enables horrific crimes" to happen and accuses the agency of being a “complete failure” in ensuring riders' safety.

The complaint spotlighted violent crimes committed in San Francisco's transit system since Dandan's death, including a deadly stabbing.

The lawsuit accuses BART of failing to implement adequate security measures.

"These failures in safety are a longstanding issue," the lawsuit reads. "BART has repeatedly failed to make its stations safe for its riders, whether through increased safety staffing or physical security features."

The suit claims the BART's "lack of safety" is especially worrisome for members of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities who allegedly are "disproportionately targeted on public transit."

The lawsuit said Dandan's death "does not constitute an unforeseeable accident but rather is a direct result of the violence that BART has ignored and enabled throughout their stations through its negligent conduct."

At a Wednesday press conference, Dandan's nephew — Dr. Alvin Dandan — declared, "My aunt loved San Francisco. Something’s got to change. I wish that my aunt’s death not be in vain. I wish that we can rebuild this city to what it once was."

The nephew said of his aunt, "She had a lot to live for. And a lot of kindness that she would give, but that was taken way too soon."

Dandan’s family — represented by the Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy law firm — seeks damages for wrongful death, elder abuse, and dangerous conditions on public property.

Alvin Dandan stated, "We seek to hold BART accountable for its failure to keep my aunt safe. Through this case, we hope that what happened to my aunt never happens to anyone else. In her name, and in her memory, we would like to see justice."

"This lawlessness has to stop. BART has long been on notice about the need for improved safety and protection," proclaimed Nanci Nishimura, an attorney representing the family.

BART did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit by the San Francisco Standard.

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Charles Barkley trashes San Francisco as 'rat infested' ahead of city hosting 2025 NBA All-Star Game



Hall of Fame basketball player Charles Barkley once again criticized San Francisco as a dirty city, much to the dismay of his co-hosts.

While covering highlights of an Indiana Pacers versus Detroit Pistons game, TNT host Ernie Johnson spoke specifically about the great season Pistons player Cade Cunningham is having.

Cunningham is averaging a career-high 24.3 points per game through 38 games and is also putting up his best numbers for rebounds and assists per game.

As the broadcast team was discussing if Cunningham was going to be selected for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco, Barkley let it be known — once again — that he isn't a fan of the city.

"Hey listen, [if] he doesn't make the team, I'm not going. I'm not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco."

"Stop, man!" host Johnson pleaded.

As the highlights continued, Barkley squabbled with co-host Shaquille O'Neal as another former NBA great and co-host Kenny Smith was heard laughing at the exchange.

"Y'all are not gonna make me like San Francisco," Barkley reiterated.

"We're not, I know! Just keep it to yourself," Johnson enforced.

Barkley, still asserting his opinion, added, "No, no, no, no, nope."

'We love San Francisco!'

The exchange wasn't the first time Barkley had harsh realities to promote about the city by the bay.

In fact, Barkley made similar remarks during a live broadcast of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indiana.

Barkley described the city as being filled with "homeless crooks," but this time, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was there to take offense.

Barkley had asked Hall of Famer Reggie Miller about having the choice of "being cold or being around a bunch of homeless crooks in San Francisco"; this caused Green to immediately interrupt.

"That's crazy!" Green said.

Reporter Taylor Rooks then replied, "We love San Francisco!"

"No, we don't!" Barkley insisted.

"Yes, we do!" Green came back.

Barkley then argued that residents "can't even walk around" in the city, causing Green to insist that they can.

Barkley declared, "Yeah, with a bulletproof vest and security!"

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game airs on February 16 on TNT and will feature four teams, with Barkley, O'Neal, and Smith selecting the players for three of them.

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Ballsy barista body slams masked thug after spotting him trying to steal customer's backpack in coffee shop: 'Pretty cool'



A San Francisco coffee shop worker took quick action Friday when he spotted a masked male walk into Carlin's Cafe and try to steal a customer's backpack, KTVU-TV reported.

Surveillance video inside the cafe shows employee Nick Grant behind the counter while the male walks in and immediately targets a seated customer by a window.

'I want people to feel more empowered to act.'

At that moment, Grant quickly makes his way toward the male and rams him with a cart, grabs him from behind, and begins punching him. Video appears to show the male spraying a substance at Grant, who reacts by body-slamming the male to the floor and leg-locking him.

"Luckily I came with a cart, hit him with a cart, and then from there we just started fighting," Grant told KTVU. "He bear-maced me, we rolled around on the ground for a little bit, and I held him until the cops came."

Video shows another person come into the cafe to assist Grant, and soon that individual picks up a container — presumably the mace — that rolls free from the scuffle. Several other individuals watch the battle, and the station said Grant held the male for seven minutes before police arrived.

Grant added to the station that he has a background in security and combat training, which enabled him to quickly gain the upper hand in the fight.

Police said the male in question is 42-year-old Amir Moner of Concord, KTVU said, adding that he was booked into the San Francisco County Jail for attempted robbery and other charges — as well as active warrants from other counties.

"I’m a little sore this morning. I’m still coughing out bear mace. But I’m good," Grant told the station the next morning back on the job at Carlin's. "I’m not going to let anybody like that stop me from doing what I love."

KTVU said some customers noticed a small cut on Grant's head, and one of them gave him a hug.

The station said Alejandra Ramirez — who works at the Black Heart tattoo shop down the street — came into Carlin's on Saturday to show support after seeing the video on social media: "I think it makes you happy that there’s someone who cares about someone who could’ve been a stranger to him, his backpack or whatever it was. I think that’s pretty cool."

Grant noted to KTVU that such crimes aren't a novelty in the neighborhood, and police response times have been slow.

"I’m just happy I was there," he told the station. "You know it’s one of those things that folks can look away in certain situations, or you can have the moment to act, and I want people to feel more empowered to act."

You can view a video report here about the incident.

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Grocery giant to close San Francisco store over ‘persistent’ theft, safety concerns under leftist mayor’s leadership



Safeway, a grocery chain under Albertsons Companies, reportedly sent a letter on Tuesday to San Francisco Mayor London Breed (D), notifying her of the company's intent to shut down one of its locations because of "persistent" theft and safety issues.

The letter, reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle, told Breed that Safeway would close its location on Webster Street in Fillmore, a neighborhood in San Francisco, on February 7.

'Unfortunately, the challenges we face are too great to overcome.'

The grocery store reportedly kept the location open for an additional 11 months "to provide a greater transition period for the community."

The store location, which has been open for four decades, became the latest in a long line of retailers fleeing the San Francisco area because of rampant theft.

Safeway's letter to Breed cited "ongoing concerns about associate and customer safety, as well as persistent issues with theft."

Last year, the grocery store removed its self-checkout kiosks to reduce retail theft.

It noted that all the store's employees will be assigned to one of its other 15 remaining San Francisco locations.

According to the Chronicle, the San Francisco Police Department has many incident reports for the store, including complaints regarding car break-ins, assaults, loitering, and illegal dumping.

Safeway stated it is "actively working on a transition plan to ensure a smooth and secure closure of the store, while allowing for continued access and traffic flow to neighboring businesses."

"These are difficult decisions we make as a business with more than 255 stores across Northern California, and we do not take it lightly," it continued. "We appreciate the time and resources you've invested in trying to help us find a way to stay open, but unfortunately, the challenges we face are too great to overcome."

Breed responded to the announcement by stating that she was "saddened" but thanked Safeway for delaying its close date by nearly a year.

She said San Francisco is committed to ensuring "our residents and seniors continue to have access to healthy food, banking, and pharmaceutical needs and will be working closely with the community, local businesses, and commercial property owners to attract these vital services to existing storefront vacancies."

San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston has encouraged Breed to acquire the property through eminent domain and turn it into affordable housing.

Safeway reached an agreement to sell the plaza to Align Real Estate, which aims to turn the property into a mixed-use space with housing and retail shops.

Preston told the Chronicle that closing down the grocery store "with no replacement is cruel."

"I continue to believe that the best path forward to guarantee a future grocery store and affordable housing on this former redevelopment site is for the city to commence negotiations to acquire the site," he stated.

Preston noted that Breed's office has not responded to his request to seize control of the property.

Last month, leftist Mayor Breed, who has supported the "defund the police" movement and backed soft-on-crime initiatives, was defeated in her re-election bid by Democratic challenger Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune. Lurie's campaign focused on a commitment to reclaiming public safety.

Safeway did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

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San Francisco’s $30,000 ‘Equity-Centered’ School Closure Plan—Put on Hold After Parent Uproar—Used DEI Formulas To 'Target' High-Performing, Majority-Asian School

Amid a severe budget crisis, the San Francisco Unified School District superintendent decided in March that some schools in the chronically dysfunctional, poorly performing public system needed to close. So it paid a Stanford University professor $30,000 to create an “equity-centered” formula that would determine which ones would shutter.

After the results were announced in October, parents revolted, the school superintendent was forced to resign, and the closure plan was shelved indefinitely. Two weeks later, city voters ousted their embattled mayor, London Breed. Now, as the school district tries to rebuild under new leadership, the Stanford professor’s DEI-focused closure plan is coming under increasingly harsh scrutiny, especially from San Francisco's Asian community. Asian parents are enraged that the closure plan targeted a high-performing elementary school whose students are overwhelmingly low-income and Asian. 

The post San Francisco’s $30,000 ‘Equity-Centered’ School Closure Plan—Put on Hold After Parent Uproar—Used DEI Formulas To 'Target' High-Performing, Majority-Asian School appeared first on .

FACT CHECK: Was Elon Musk Refused Service At A San Francisco Coffee Shop For Wearing a MAGA Hat?

A post on X claims that tech mogul Elon Musk was refused service at a San Francisco coffee shop, and then turned it into a “technology hub” as retribution. 11/13/2024 Elon Musk Refused Service Because Of Hat. Next Day He Returns & Does THIS! https://t.co/5FfzcEtBKR In the heart of San Francisco, a simple misunderstanding at […]

Leftist mayor of San Francisco defeated by political rookie



The leftist mayor of San Francisco who presided over a shocking rise in crime and homeless over the past six years will soon leave office, having lost her re-election bid to a businessman with no political experience.

London Breed, 50, became mayor of San Francisco after winning a special election in the wake of the passing of Mayor Ed Lee in late 2017. Since then, she has implemented a radical agenda.

'Over the coming weeks, I plan to reflect on all the progress we’ve made.'

She was among the first mayors of a major city to strip law enforcement of funding in keeping with the BLM cry to "defund the police" following the death of George Floyd. In 2020, Breed announced that she would cut a whopping $120 million from the budgets of both San Francisco’s police and sheriff’s departments, the New York Post reported in December 2021.

Within a year, she had reversed course about funding law enforcement, but by then, homelessness and crime, particularly property-related crime, had soared. In March, residents from the Tenderloin district even sued the city for failing to address these problems.

"Every day, at all hours, people are dealing drugs and using drugs in front of [the plaintiffs'] apartment building. There are encampments. People are lighting bonfires. Their sidewalks are filthy with all kinds of problems from used syringes to human waste," said Matthew Davis, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys.

Facing a tough re-election battle this year amid a slate of eager challengers and ranked-choice voting, Breed then tacked toward the center. At a debate in front of a crowd of unionized firefighters in July, Breed announced that she would crack down on homeless encampments following the Supreme Court ruling Grants Pass v. Johnson.

"We have had to move from a compassionate city to a city of accountability, and I have been leading the efforts to ensure that we are addressing this issue differently than we have before," Breed said at the time.

"We will continue to lead with services, but we also can't continue to allow people to do what they want on the streets of San Francisco, especially when we have a place for them to go."

Such gestures were too little, too late, apparently.

On Tuesday, voters decided to go with Daniel Lurie, the 47-year-old heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and the current CEO of the anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point, KTVU reported.

Because of his wealth and quick rise from relative obscurity, critics accused him of trying to buy his way into office. Lurie dismissed those allegations.

"You can't buy an election in San Francisco. You've got to go out and earn every vote," he said.

Though voters often ranked both Breed and Lurie on their ballot, as of Thursday, Breed trailed Lurie considerably, 43.8% to 56.2%. Breed then called Lurie to concede.

She also posted a concession message to X, claiming to have done her best and made significant "progress" during her time in office.

"I answered the call and always gave San Francisco and its people my heart and soul."

Breed also expressed optimism about the future.

"I am the Mayor – but you all are doing the hard work every day and the City is on the rise. Over the coming weeks, I plan to reflect on all the progress we’ve made. But today, I am proud that we have truly accomplished so much and my heart is filled with gratitude," she wrote.

Lurie, a political neophyte, has already pledged to secure 1,500 more housing units for the homeless within six months of taking office. He also wants to hire 450 new police officers within three years, according to KTVU.

However, he also cautioned that the city will not turn the corner "overnight."

"I'm deeply grateful to my incredible family, campaign team and every San Franciscan who voted for accountability, service and change. No matter who you supported in this election, we stand united in the fight for San Francisco's future and a safer and more affordable city for all," he said in a statement.

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