every store is CLOSED in union square San Francisco

[@alanahenderson6030]

Makes me sick to my stomach what they have done to SF. I used to spend time there and always had so much fun. We have to get these politicians removed to fix this.

[@sasapopadic384]

To late....😂😂

[@jimmychen6756]

Democrats..vote for them...they will save the country..lol

[@lewjames6688]

Oh no. Fixing this might require... Fascism!!

[@avlisk]

It used to be one of our favorite vacation destinations when we lived on the east coast. And when I worked in SoCal, it was like a vacation when business took us up there. I expect to never go back again, or want to.

[@dejavu9605]

We need another Rudy Giuliani

[@haze1123]

Any city can be destroyed if the voters choose lawlessness. SF voters proved it!

[@haze1123]

Voting for pro-crime politicians and District Attorneys is fatal to every city that tries it. Period! Lawlessness kills great cities.

[@rainbowgaming8441]

the smash and grab groups they are to blame for all this voters had nothing to do with it company's are leaving its about safety, but again no one wants to work all so this is true info, very sad it was a great city in the 1960s up to 1980s

[@MasterMalrubius]

@@Worldofourown2024No. Those cities you mention are having issues because the government has decided to follow a path which destroys business traffic by supporting anti-social behavior such as theft, drug use, homeless massing in the business areas and allowing millions of illegals to arrive which they state they have to then support. Business is NOT going to stay and have everything taken from them through taxes, theft and lost investment. Plenty of other major cities are doing fine and even growing. This is because the local government is supporting the environment needed for people to invest, shop and return money into the local economy.

[@JimmyJobs65]

@@Worldofourown2024 Sounds exactly like youre in denial about the reasons SF is an abysmal failure.

[@jimmyr204]

Great job, jack wagons. Enjoy your sh*t sandwich. Widen the sidewalks for more tents. Maybe Hunter and Corn Pop can open an ice cream store with all of that empty commercial real estate.

[@DS-zj2jl]

I'm a Canadian and it used to be my favorite city to visit, absolutely loved it. Got engaged there too. Can't believe how politicians and voters destroyed your beautiful city. What a shame.

[@wrongthinker350]

Toronto and Vancouver are well on their way to becoming San Francisco.

[@PatHand-og9yd]

@@wrongthinker350 Not just the larger Canadian cities. Small towns are probably worse off, as they don’t have the resources to deal with shoplifting, vandalism, arson etc.

[@DS-zj2jl]

@@wrongthinker350 You are right about that.

[@blackie6771]

I didn't vote for this, but I've met many dummies who have.

[@marksauck3399]

I love watching old movies that depict San Francisco from long ago. I mean very long ago. Even before I spent time in San Francisco back in 1971 to 1973. It was beautiful seeing girls back then with flowers in their hair. Watch the movie with Jack Lemon, Good Neighbor Sam. It was a wonderful time in the early 1960s. Now, 😢😢

[@Interpol101170]

It's hard to have sympathy for a city that keeps voting for the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.

[@jake94575]

This is not normal!!! There is something in the air and behind close doors why this city and places like Oakland and suburbs are going to hell! That 1% secret society and other bad politicians are destroying these places. There is no rush or need to bring this city back from the dead. What a disgrace!! This is all done by design!!! ....FACT!!

[@staceymichaels9530]

lotsa voter fraud going on, too

[@CeeTeeUSA]

I think it's great because real estate prices were too high. The rents in the area shown were a bubble, not realistic..

[@MasterMalrubius]

@@CeeTeeUSAThat is short-term and selfish thinking. You think this is about negatives to wealthy people but it is the negative effect on the normal citizen which is having the most destructive impact. Wealth can and is moving. Many of those people, especially those who are poor are trapped in a downward spiral.

[@MrNickpeck36]

@@MasterMalrubiusthen don’t live in an area you can’t afford to live in? Most of the problems there are self inflicted. Everyone in or outside of these places know how expensive it is…

[@KungfuMary]

They did a GREAT JOB at destroying the city..I lived and run a business for 18 years in the city. Closed and gone now . horrific city

[@genripper-b8q]

oh i remember you. still got the itch

[@TomSmith-ls5rn]

​@@genripper-b8qYour Lobotomy was successful we see.

[@DR_1_1]

"They" is mostly Amazon and Bezos, Pfizer's Albert Bourla, and their cabal in the governments... Now people just buy online.

[@roundtwo3321]

So sorry that your business closed. Did it close before or after COVID?

[@DR_1_1]

Say thank you to Bezos and Albert Bourla (Amazon and Pfizer-Covid) - and their cabal in the governments - to impose online shopping!

[@elenbrandt290]

That Union Square was my home turf for years - I am absolutely in shock seeing your walking tour. It is a graveyard.

[@shimtest]

Union Square used to be packed back in the day! this is really sad to see

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Indeed, it is

[@policedog4030]

Yep and I'd like to add as seen in Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 movie "The Conversation" - though probably that was a little too far back in the day..1998 would do for that..

[@visam28]

Absolutely when I lived there we called it the circus because of all the people, energy and excitement. Now it looks like a ghost town.

[@MrReymoclif714]

1985!!! Big difference!

[@jogana6909]

I don't think it's necessary to make a fuss. Even though many shops are closed, people's lives are still normal.

[@geneval3151]

I grew up in the Bay Area and lived in the City during the 70's and 80's. I now live in Florida. Seeing what they have done to this great and unique place literally made me physically ill.

[@nohopeequalsnofear3242]

I wish he would ask the residents what they think of all the closed stores....I bet they would say "we voted for it!"

[@alfredneuman6488]

And when in San Fransisco did you vote Democrat?

[@MrRedhothitsng]

​@@alfredneuman6488no reply for two weeks... may be he/him/them/they/she/her did voted for demo.... lol

[@alfredneuman6488]

@@MrRedhothitsng I am guessing so. The problem is they destroy one city and then move on to the next undertaking the same thing.

[@irenemanuel4217]

someone losing a lot of money on the buildings property due to closing shop for good!!

[@learningearning8385]

Even Beverly Hills has significant store closings and is more than 50% empty

[@patbrown2699]

About 80% vacant in Beverly Hills

[@moonrunrs]

Yeah, voters and politicians of the same ilk control BH too. I'm in WLA.

[@neababyblu]

I think it is about 80 percent closure in many very high rent business areas in LA. Including Beverly Hills

[@markc3258]

When you can walk in Pick things up Turn around and walk out without paying With zero consequences It’s games over for retail .

[@alejandrogaricia2252]

You get what you vote for dems

[@mikeifyouplease]

The interesting part is that the mayor does not take any responsibility for what is happening in San Francisco on her watch. City Hall should be CLOSED.

[@ReynaldoAbasr]

JUST SHUT IT

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

Just like Karen bass

[@perfectyou3473]

This is not the faute of politics, this is a pure business. Shops had huge overhead and were overpriced. SF population changed a lot since the big internet boom, they are not buying classy luxury items. Same thing is happening to great restaurants - nowadays young population eats French fries and mac & cheese - there is no more clientele for good food. But San Francisco is still San Francisco, fascinating and exceptional - you just have to know where to go

[@ReynaldoAbasr]

@@perfectyou3473 just go to Daly city

[@naomivought9317]

@@perfectyou3473that’s cuz we’re all poor

[@thedailymakermaking]

I worked at Crocker Galleria for a decade. I left that job in 2017. It’s shocking to see the drastic changes to this area that happened in such a short amount of time. Thank you for your independent journalism, Leo. You are appreciated.

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

I have a video on Crocker galleria it’s in my videos! they only have two stores open in the whole galleria, thanks for sharing

[@thedailymakermaking]

@@PatienceHutchinson It was half empty the decade I worked there, but every day at lunch time it was a hot spot, even when I left that job in 2017. Although I am a native of the Bay Area, with multiple generations in San Francisco dating back to the 1930s, I moved away last year. I hope it gets better there for all its loyalist residents, including you.❤️

[@roundtwo3321]

@@LeoMetalTraveler Do you have any idea why these store closures happened?

[@gmailyoutube9469]

@roundtwo3321 Shoplifting.

[@KristiParry-by1kw]

San Francisco is a cautionary tale for all of America.

[@andrewwhite-kk9fs]

People have known for millennia that what they are doing is not right.

[@aspexpl]

...and yet, Boston votes for the same nonsense.

[@dcgallin]

Amazon is making a killing

[@dcoughla681]

So is New York.

[@williamscoggin1509]

Absolutely disgusting. How can the taxpayers put up with this crap from their City officials? Is everyone that brainwashed with stupidity???? 🤢

[@anthonyluisi7096]

Why Yes , yes they are 😮

[@harleystar1070]

Why pay taxes

[@tonejack1]

Yes they wear masks , easy to spot.

[@billwilson3665]

The only solution is to stop paying taxes. Voting does exactly zero.

[@aaronhorenstein7501]

Yes

[@slidetek]

This is unbelievably sad. I used to hang out here summertime in the early 70’s, saw guys like Robert Shields perform before hitting it big. For over 30 years I played and worked in SF. There are now shuttered institutions. They killed one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 😢

[@paullittle6458]

💯‼️😢

[@hoodiestimbs2783]

I used to go there in the 90’s as a teen with my headphones on and a backpack catching BART all over the Bay Area.

[@Hannah68-n7l]

It’s so sad San Francisco was the most beautiful city ❤️🙏

[@nealwhite5602]

RIP .

[@roundtwo3321]

Who did this and why?

[@Ohmy1028]

And yet, homes still cost a fortune . Something doesn't add up.

[@ssark9187]

Only a handful of people bought all the properties. So, the price is high. Same thing happening in South Korea (Seoul).

[@jaycee30865]

That’s what it’s like when you drive a train off the rails. It’s still moving for a little while. When it finally stops you smell the smoke and feel the flames.

[@VincentWilliams007]

This is what happens when you shut a society down for something that could have been avoided.

[@kao856]

You can thank Newsom

[@shiloniousmonk]

ConJob19?

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Yup a mixture of everything including the alarmists during covid, extremely high rents with landlords not willing to lower them, bad policies by city leaders, high crime and so on... O and this is a way to force everyone to shop online.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

I still like brick and mortar 😭

[@Velo1010]

It wasn’t avoidable when the very people that transported the virus were allowed to enter the country. Plus the shut down was all planned.

[@XY_Dude]

The poor bandits and burglars - where will they go to get their goods and money??

[@SirManfly]

I love it because the people here voted for this so I hope SF has no retail at all in the near future! You get what you vote for !!

[@sandwerlot1998]

Uhr, don't be mean. They also need some designer clothes to be in by their peers who also can't afford this or be part of the gang 😅

[@RobertEgbers]

Rob people’s cars who live there and can’t find a buyer

[@sportsman4545]

Oakland and Berkeley, Walnut Creek

[@Fighter4Street]

Many people saying this was all because of covid? What is it, covid or burglars?

[@v.r.2834]

It is the same in whole Germany, once the strongest export economy, today the cities have only 1€ stores and discounts. Good shops are disappeared. People get poor and spend the most of their income for food supplies.

[@Willberight2moro]

The UK is the same....lots of looting from ppl with dark skin..

[@suburbia2050]

Or everyone just buys stuff online direct from China? Which is ironic as it was silicon valley near San Francisco that built that enablement. If you think it's about "poverty" then you are just clueless.

[@Willberight2moro]

@suburbia2050 so if "everyone" is buying direct from China, then there are no local jobs, so ppl are poor.... In Australia, we still buy "made in China" from retailers....mostly because "online" is 5-10 days wait...

[@mikaelsmith3605]

The only shops that keep opening in Germany are stores with Arab writings on them…welcome to Germanistan…

[@suburbia2050]

@@Willberight2moro my comment was aimed at the OP who made the ridiculous claim that shops are closing because people are suddenly poor. Shops are closing because people are buying more and more online and landlords still ask for high retail rent because they are greedy. The online retailers do not pay business rates and do not employ local people in satisfying jobs so yes you could argue about being "poorer" in terms of not understanding the value of local retail shops.

[@Denver_Risley]

That blows me away. I lived there for about 7 years and you couldn't have told me then that every single store in Union Square and ALL along Market Street AND the mall would be closed in just a few years. I would have said that's impossible, you're crazy! Well when it comes to crazy, San Francisco delivers!

[@nittygritty7434]

Every single store..? He's noting a real decline but to say "every" is hyperbole and a little "click baitish" but he's using psychology to get eyes on his content so working his advantage. It is all very bizarre to see this occurring in real time. For sure the economies of "the west" i.e. US, Canada, Europe are being imploded but it's not literally every single store. The proverbial "they" had two choices where they either raised the std of living rest of the world to match "the west" or they could lower western std of living to match the rest of the world and they chose the latter route and destroying parts of S.F. is part of it all. It's an old game. Implode the economy; increase the money supply to cause inflation; then contract the money supply and call in loans; add-in stupid policies; then sweep in later and buy up assets for pennies on the dollar or cheaply when things are destabilized & credit is avail; rinse and repeat. Regards,

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I remember when you couldn't get on cable car without an hour long queue. There was a 10 minute wait to use the changing rooms at Old Navy because it was so busy. There were outdoor art exhibitions in Union Square and you could sit in the sun with a coffee and people watch. It was all such fun.

[@Damon_Mah]

@@LazyDaisyDay88thanks for the memories, hopefully it can get better

[@dougsherman1562]

well said

[@Denver_Risley]

@@nittygritty7434 OK, so maybe 4 or 5 stores are open...out of ...HOW MANY?

[@curt2079]

This is San Francisco, once California's tourism and financial capital. Think about this, all of this downturn has happened under Newsom. Now that Biden is will be replaced just before the election with Newsom...imagine if Newsom is installed as President ??!!

[@suppylarue220]

😲

[@roneddy815]

Dear God I hope not, but it wouldn't surprise me at all.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Installed as Comrade Chairman

[@lewjames6688]

Oh no. Everything bad that has happened to the city is because of fascism. Just ask any dumb dem.

[@roundtwo3321]

Think about this, all of this downturn started happening under Dump when he did nothing to stop COVID, except tell us to drink bleach.

[@joesharbach3883]

Thank you for using the landscape format. It's so much better than vertical videos.

[@riproar11]

Yes Iron Leo, please don't do any more vertical shorts videos, as it loses all of the drastic downfall by "cropping" it all out of view. Another guy by the name of "World of Micah" just shot a tour of San Francisco from his camera view, ABSOLUTELY NONE of the closed shops from walking to Fisherman's Wharf from The Fairmont captured ANYTHING closed, from closed souvenir shops and historical restaurants like Alioto's and Fisherman's grove, but his video failed to address that there were barely any people, when on any given day in the past, it would be swarmed with crowds of people. Watch this to see a very biased video "San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Compared to Universal Studios Florida Fishermans Wharf! 4K"

[@bobdicker3118]

They got everything they voted for. Don’t cry for them

[@harmonk8012]

That's only funny until I realize that I live here too.

[@soavemusica]

SF is the city of opportunities. Think of all the retail for lease!

[@davidtrotman5990]

Which particular candidates would you have voted for in which particular local elections?

[@California6]

All ILLEGALS BORDER CROSSING & DEAD PEOPLE ALLOWED to VOTE. NO ID REQUIRE & ALL VOTE BY MAILS, VOTES EARLY 1 MONTH & AFTER ELECTION DAY EXTEND TO VOTE BY MAIL 1 MONTH too & DEMOCRAT COUNTING VOTES. So SUPER MAJORITY COMMIE DEMOCRATS CONTROL CA. FOREVER.

[@staceymichaels9530]

NOT ALL OF US VOTED FOR THIS

[@hopemanley4358]

Couldn't make a better video. What a good job, sir. You captured the sad, locals scurrying to their destinations perfectly. The mall so creepy.

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

The mall is really scary… thank you very much!

[@ElizabethEllenCarter]

My husband and I went to San Francisco for the first time from Australia back in 2018. It's so sad what's happened to this once great city.

[@TheSteverad]

2018 it was already on its way out

[@ElizabethEllenCarter]

@@TheSteverad I can't see us ever going back.

[@arlenedabbas1247]

This is done by design. All those brand stores and some of those restaurants are selling all "Online". Making big Tech rich. Also, with no law enforcement and police defunding, there is no consequences for Crime.

[@roundtwo3321]

It so, then Dump started the slide down by failing to stop COVID at the start.

[@ledatufarulo7316]

That is the problem, People buy on line, on Amazon and others also food!

[@deniseberman8633]

That’s what happens when people listen to communists disguised as Democrats!

[@beng4647]

Theft is legal. No one will rent those.

[@karnubawax]

I lived in SF for 25 years and for most of that time I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I'm just so glad I left 10 years ago.

[@janeaair]

For a jarring contrast (1963) watch Hitchcock's opening scene with Tippi Hedren crossing the street at Union Square in The Birds. Thank you, Metal Leo.

[@gridley]

Speaking of which, along with The Birds depicting SF/NoCa in the early 1960s, Hitchcock's movie that depicted NYC in the 1950s (Rear Window) or, again SF/NoCa, but instead in the 1950s (Vertigo) cast a charming, melancholy glow on society of decades ago. Famous phrase: "You can never go home again."

[@TheVaughan5]

When I first visited S.F. back in the 90’s it was still a vibrant thriving city with one of the most attractive downtown areas in the U.S. Might as well have been a hundred years ago such is the disastrous decline. Retailing is difficult enough in our age of online shopping without local politicians encouraging shoppers to keep away, total insanity.

[@gridley]

@@TheVaughan5Current social-political-economic trends are hurting not just a SF, they're also hurting entertainment (movies, TV shows) too. I spoke with a so-called progressive last week & although he was alarmed by what's happening to SF (& likely sensed his ideology was running amok), he didn't seem too disturbed by, as another example, an upcoming James Bond movie reportedly having its lead character played by a black actress. Or something like a "Janice Bond." Covid-era behavior, online technology & "lefty" politics are a triple whammy.

[@THEonionsack]

1963, you say? Just a coincidence I'm sure that that was the last time Republicans were in charge.

[@slee2819]

@@THEonionsack George Christopher, mayor of San Francisco from 1956 to 1964. The last Republican mayor. Currently, San Francisco has 7% registered Republicans and it shows.

[@aynrandish9106]

Decriminalization led to shoplifting which led to Nordstrom leaving that mall. Then Westfield abandoned their lease and then all the other stores closed. If you do any research on commercial occupancy rates in SF, you’ll find the city is in full recovery with more than 80% of all space filled. So, it isn’t just the media that lies to you, it’s the entire economic system that doesn’t want you to believe your lying eyes.

[@ernestodeavila8076]

80% all space filled? Recovery?

[@MarcPagan]

Perhaps, 80% rented or under contract --- is being conflated with rented and occupied by an active tax-paying business. Same thing Dems always do, conflate Ex- They conflate Illegal Aliens with immigrants. Unwed mothers w divorced etc.

[@aynrandish9106]

@@MarcPagan Valid point. Many of those closed businesses are still paying rent but the city will tell you that occupancy rate is back to pre pandemic levels. The tax base is in free fall so once the towers empty out, that’s when it will get really bad. I live north of SF so I watch this closely.

[@MarcPagan]

Thanks ...from former Belvedere, and prior, San Fran Union St at Octavia resident :)@@aynrandish9106

[@williedepp3922]

I Googled > San Francisco commercial real estate vacancy rate 2024 > 35.8% 🤡

[@chrisulrich1000]

This is what is known as real reporting and real journalism. Thanks for giving the honest facts and the reality of what is happening.

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

@chrisulrich1000 thank you for your support, I will be posting a lot more videos soon

[@jonfreeman9682]

Excellent reporting and telling it like it is. Post COVID people just don't shop much anymore in stores.

[@DebbiesWorld]

This was PRIME real estate!!

[@bukboefidun9096]

Was... yup

[@cvrart]

Subprime now, sadly.

[@LoveFineArts]

Not anymore. ~Clouseau

[@roundtwo3321]

Did you own any of it? If so, why did you sell it?

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I have the feeling that this vlog is going to become an important historic record. As someone from the UK who visited SF 4 times (but not since the Pandemic), I find this tour of Union Sq. utterly bewildering. All the stores gone, it just seems incredible. I knew there were problems with homelessness and opioid addiction etc., but this is on another scale. I have to say, as a potential tourist, I don't think I'll be revisiting in the short term.

[@margroningen]

I'm hoping to visit the US someday, but seeing this footage makes me wonder if visiting California is such a good idea or I might just go for visiting the redwoods. I do hope the situation of NY and Chicago is better, because they are on my list too. Anyway, thanks for showing us what the current situation is, Leo. ~Marjet

[@lynnomara7652]

From Britain and have to SF four times not a big fan of cities but absolutely loved SF when I visited not been recently but very shocked to see the decline all those lovely buildings just deserted so sad so lucky to have seen it before decline.

[@Cindy_Cyndrella]

Or ever again unless Republicans take over California!! Then it might come back.

[@Damon_Mah]

⁠@@margroningenvisit Monterey & Lassen National Park too

[@margroningen]

Thanks for the suggestions :)@@Damon_Mah

[@tni333]

Who would’ve thought businesses would close down when you legalize theft. What a shocking surprise lmao

[@PaulMielcarz]

Liberals are going full Robin Hood in San Francisco. XD

[@betl5982]

California should increase the amount to more than $950 in proposition 47 to keep up with inflation. Not fair for criminals and shoplifters.

[@JREAMSWILLNEVERDIE]

Context? What laws changed in San Francisco?

[@WarlordShogun]

​@@JREAMSWILLNEVERDIEMostly they stopped enforcing the law but in some cases they raised the minimum dollar value for theft that most property crimes aren't even worth arresting someone for. That on top of bail reform which has turned into a catch and release program that leaves no consequences for committing crimes since they can't hold them anyway.

[@St4rTr3v1Ut10n]

​@@JREAMSWILLNEVERDIE Bringing theft down to a misdemeanor, defunding the police, and releasing people without bail. You're were genuinely asking, right?

[@redjetsen1002]

Went to see "Godspell" at the union square theater in 1970. If you told me 50 years later we would be in the greatest depression ever would not have believed it.

[@Nanakanisurra]

I remember when downtown S.F. was so alive and humping. Now it's just a dangerous ghost town.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

I think it's probably still humping

[@VP-km1ru]

bidenomics

[@natspencer5799]

Yep... e'rone was just humpin' each other 😆

[@DR_1_1]

Covid, Amazon...

[@ricoalvarez8323]

Humping?

[@Somali1971]

A sign of an empire on its deathbed.

[@Hkolberg01]

@@grantcaldwell1582the entire comment section is people missing old San Francisco. I miss living in a country where I don’t have to have eyes on the back of my head when in public

[@garyballard179]

​@@Hkolberg01 As long as you're not in California or one of the big coastal cities, you're fine.

[@drumhaver223]

@@garyballard179 Are you serious?

[@garyballard179]

@philiphill6697 Um, yes. Most of the country isn't doing nearly as bad as Cali and the east coast. My hometown is the exact opposite of San Fran - about one empty building per city block, and most of those are because they've moved into newer buildings down the street.

[@willyg.sdystopianfuture5947]

We appear to be in the "close and board everything up" phase of "Build Back Better".

[@bromion5123]

Code for the great reset.

[@juliaclapton1141]

All done by design

[@jessicatrinkle985]

You win for best comment….Made me laugh.: and Cry… lol

[@MarcPagan]

Thanks for the update - So sad, and so glad I left the Bay Area over a decade ago.

[@Lightuntomypath279]

You didn't show the other side of the plaza at Union Square where William Sonoma is. How does that look?

[@Maxine_V]

It’s surreal!! In the 70s/80s this was my favorite shopping area! 😳 Thank you Leo ❤

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RichardAnderson-dh7cx]

@@LeoMetalTravelernext time when u make a another video about San Francisco see how restaurants are closed in the city

[@RichardAnderson-dh7cx]

@@LeoMetalTravelermany

[@firestick4991]

I’m shocked. SHOCKED! Well… not THAT shocked. 🙄

[@ragtowne]

My family goes back to 1890s San Francisco, I lived in the peninsula all my life, my father worked on Geary near Union Square, we used to have lunch at the City of Paris, stayed my honeymoon night at the Hilton on Union Square, I personally witnessed the progressive liberal policies slowly destroy this once great city, visited friends over the christmas holiday, its now a hollow shell of its former self, a crime infested cesspool of drugs, homeless, "newcomers", thieves, gangs, etc. finally had enough in 2016 moved my family to Montana, my only regret is not having left sooner.

[@jm7804]

Do you remember Union Square during the holidays? It was magical. The decorations and lights were something to behold. A trip to F.O.A Schwarz, Macy's, Tiffany & Co, and a walk around the skating rink with a cup of hot chocolate is something everyone should experience. It's the end of an era. I could go on and on about the cause, but it won't change a thing. Others have already stated those things. Sadly, it only lives in our memories now.

[@ragtowne]

@@jm7804 We used to go to the tree lighting every year - don’t forget going to Gumps as well- sigh…

[@California6]

So sad to see Communist Democrat party took over all the big and beautiful cities and convert it to the ABANDON & CRIMES CITIES as SF, DETROIT, CHICAGO, LA.....STOLEN ELECTIONS had a consequence.

[@SouLoveReal]

Once the VOTERS realize that Socialism/Communism DOES NOT work, they pack up and go to a city or state that they have NOT YET messed up - and they take their VOTES with them.

[@FelipeDelGato-o7y]

​@@SouLoveRealthe votes are rigged

[@WN_Byers]

Democrats succeed in these metropolitan areas all over the country through voter apathy and sophisticated voter fraud

[@roneddy815]

​@SouLoveReal sad but True.

[@scotttild]

It all fixed to how they want it to come out.

[@Luckyhotsummer]

Because you are a positive person It makes this topic almost like a historical documentary Without that soothing presence I would never be able to watch and therefore not get enlightened

[@evanswinford7165]

Gap used to be the famous Woolworth store. My dad worked there at lunch counter after the war.

[@Fighter4Street]

Your history is gone buddy, replaced with other culture

[@jimmyfreckles4582]

Biden and Newsom selling CA to China 🇨🇳

[@jameskenyon918]

I don’t even think the Chinese want it.

[@SouLoveReal]

Some 3¢ on the dollar.

[@hamsterdiving7593]

​@jameskenyon918 If you research the leaseholders I guarantee you at least two-thirds are probably owned by CCP...

[@briankelly85]

keep voting for the communist party.

[@johnlam6433]

I can't take a shit I blame China 😂😂

[@FictionCautious]

Insanity and malevolence in high places is not something to tolerate. It will ruin everything and everyone sooner rather than later.

[@KungfuMary]

Macy's owns the building that is why they are not closed yet...oh i just read that they want to close that flagship store and sell the building. That is the end of union square.. this store was always empty anyway..sf used to rely on tourists but nobody is coming to visit the filthy city anymore

[@rachelbaziak4159]

I visited San Francisco twice a year for 26 years, no more and good bye, never again 😢

[@502Chevy]

Thank you Leo for documenting how far gone SF truly is.

[@coffymix2269]

If Tony Bennett was alive today, he would be singing " I Left My Store In San Francisco "

[@kevinsavage808]

Very good, that does sound like British humour.

[@MrRezillo]

LOL, good one.

[@deniseberman8633]

Cute, and who is to blame? They have the nerve to criticize conservatives or decent hard working ethical people and all they’re doing is protesting everything, rioting areas and burning down businesses, looting, robbing stores blind to the point they have to close. They’ve done a great job. Just wait and see what these kids do next when they don’t have stores to rob. 🤔

[@haroldmclean3755]

LMAO 🤣💦👍

[@thedude6810]

Literal zombie apocalypse in SF and LA.

[@armoredghost6180]

At least it’s not Oakland.

[@Life_Universe_Everything]

Honestly that would be less deserted

[@arcticwind7273]

Nah, that's Philly.

[@Steven-nd1pz]

The same has happened in China. It's world wide. Nations have living on debt, in effect plundering future generations, and now this money has run out.

[@gradywilson9213]

Leo, I was stationed in Coast Guard Island across the bay from San Francisco in the late 70s. You are a young man, you couldn't possibly imagine what a lovely city San Francisco was. I dreamed of moving there one day, sadly now I am glad I didn't.

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Thank you for sharing. I have only seen it in the movies. It looks lovely but I was here in the late 80s. and I know how much better it was back then and I wish we could go back to that

[@gerrythrash6563]

Man...this is depressing. Our cities are dying.

[@mikedavis2969]

Crazy Joe Biden's build back better . you get what you voted for !

[@mikedavis2969]

That's what you get fo voting BLUE !

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

Do that again in November and USA is over, period . . . @@mikedavis2969

[@roundtwo3321]

@@mikedavis2969 Actually, it was RED DUMP who started this fallout from COVID when he did nothing to stop COVID, except tell us to drink bleach.

[@patrickodonnell9388]

No its dead and thats just sad but this isn't just San Francisco its every major Democrat city in America. I grew up in Philadelphia and it's the same story there everything is closed and its because the city will not enforce the laws that make it safe for everyone. it not racists to enforce the law.

[@garyfoley946]

Incredible video. My family and myself stayed in SF in summer 2019 (before pandemic). Can’t believe what has happened to the city, is it the economy or high store rents?? It’s just like my city, Leicester in the UK, a world away. Interestingly, the only stores making money are McDonalds, Burger King and Starbucks!!! Thanks for video!!

[@emilymschoener9193]

It’s rents

[@ozzy1887]

(D) is for Dystopian.

[@irinadumitru9088]

I m almost speechless....Excellent job Leo!

[@italchef1]

Former SF native who worked in Union Square over a decade ago, not surprised at all with how it looks now. Would love to see you walk and show Fillmore St.

[@JenHope118]

It is hard for me to witness this happening to the once vibrant SF . I was in this beautiful city in 1996 and 2002.

[@samanthapayton-sayer1689]

As a flight attendant for many years I used to love my lay overs in downtown SF. At 1.20 the place you said was a cinema….it might have been a long time ago but I remember it as The Starlight Lounge……a bit of a shabby bar but cheap drinks and great live music. As flight attendants we would to go to Puccini & Pinetti…the restaurant that is all boarded up..for happy hour cocktails and great Italian food….it was always packed with people. I loved Lori’s diners too for breakfast….looks like they’ve gone also. I haven’t had a lay over in SF since 2022…my choice….it’s heartbreaking to the city so run down.

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Thank you for sharing

[@Damon_Mah]

great memories, a Lori’s Diner is still open in Union Square at 500 Sutter St (open 6:30am-10pm everyday), but the Powell St and SFO Airport locations closed

[@fredrikgranberg6542]

I also watched your LA downtown video. As a Swede, I'm wondering what is happening in California's big cities. We regularly go to Florida and I don't see the same trend there (but they have other problems with insurance costs and so on).

[@CancerChick0523]

This is truely heartbreaking 💔 I was born and raised in SF . Some of my best childhood memories was downtown at Christmas. I remember going to the rooftop rides at Emporium and then looking at all the stores with window decorations. And it was always busy downtown. Now its like a ghost town. I now live in the Sacramento valley and didnt realize just how bad things have gotten. 😥 Leo, your video was very eye opening! Thank you ❤️

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Thank you for sharing I will post more videos

[@Snowboy2015]

karma is a bitch, huh? it was stolen land anyway.

[@marksauck3399]

Are there any cities in California that aren’t like San Francisco, to some extent? Places with homeless every where?

[@jerrymotak4934]

Me also atteded sick.

[@goodoakpress]

This is so sad. I lived in San Fransisco in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A good friend's mother worked at Macy's, and I still have some of the stainless steel cookware I bought there. I did a lot of my shopping on Union Square. Neiman Marcus, on Stockton Street, had a really nice lunch counter, and I'd sometimes buy cosmetics there, but that was about it. We used to call it Needless Markup. Westfield Mall opened a few weeks before I left, and I made a point of seeing it. It was such a beautiful mall. Fully leased and full of shoppers.

[@panmaew]

Yes, remember Woolworth's at the corner right in front of the cable car turntable, opposite Bank of America and across Market St. from the Westfield Mall (then simply called San Francisco Center)? Up Powell St. past a self-serving Tad's Steakhouse to Union Square and of course with Macy's and Neiman Marcus to the right. Saks Fifth Ave. on the opposite side of the Square and so was I.Magnin. Plenty more boutique shops, restaurants and hotels nearby too. Those were the days.

[@mademsoisellerhapsody]

@@panmaew City of Paris

[@patriciaknight1332]

Wow, only 9 or 10 years ago I used to love to go to SF and Union square to shop and eat at good restaurants. So hard to believe. What a tragedy

[@manuelcosta5445]

I liked going to the Bay Area for a day trip, now there’s no point going. The governor thinks he is doing a good job in California, not.

[@u4tubular]

Thanks for the tour. Used to love to visit SF in the 80’s and early 90’s. I don’t even consider going there now.

[@Pushyhog]

please go film haight ashbury , & from clayton street straight dwn to park entrance.

[@rootdoc1997]

Crazy!!! Hard to imagine all the empty building space there and loss of revenue

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Exactly

[@izziereal2010]

The last time I visited San Francisco was in 2016. I have no desire to visit San Francisco in its current state. It's terrible.

[@lisak7380]

I lived in San Fran a couple years between 2007 and 2009. I loved it but seeing its horrific decline makes me sad and relieved I left when i did. I will try to not let these images stain my memories of beautiful San Francisco.

[@Kimster182]

Congrats democrats. You’re one step closer to a communist utopia

[@vndragonslayer1]

starting to look like north korea

[@richarddevaottien7724]

Sorosville

[@carlosbarroso5381]

Worst than North Korea.Life is a lot cheaper over there

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Glorious, revolutionary, God mocking insanity of The Party.

[@scotttild]

You mean Agenda 21 oh that's just a conspiracy right ?

[@skyrotfpv]

I was there in June 2023 as a tourist from Switzerland and I was shocked to say the least. This part of the City that I loved in '94 and again visited in 2013 and even in 2016 has now turned to an empty shell. Very sad indeed! Haight Ashbury is still nice but the large shopping malls are all dead and empty. Thank you for the video, great job!

[@calmplacedontjudge]

That is what you get' when you let Crime & Looting & Lawlessness into your city!! The Sad thing is' All of those people Are Without Jobs' & the businesses lost All that Money!!! Stealing is never Good!!! Neither is causing Fear & Tyranny in a community of innocent people & business!!!! Sad' All the Way Around!!!!

[@rootdoc1997]

Those streets used to be packed with shoppers yes?

[@rootdoc1997]

@@TOCC50 nice!!!

[@Hannah68-n7l]

I remember too well.. loved Magnins and Lanz❤️

[@SouLoveReal]

Yup... SEVEN days a WEEK. I've live here since 1981, and have see ALL of this gradually fade... Some 50% of i just in the last 3± years (hint-hint).

[@Happycamper52880]

So sad 😢. Thank you Leo for showing us what’s happening.

[@ad6417]

I lived in San Francisco for 5 years when I was a young adult. Can't believe what it's become.

[@lisacarlson7196]

same..I worked at that Macy's 35 years ago..so very sad

[@ulexite-tv]

Thank you, Metal Leo. I wish that KPIX, KTVU, KGO or KRON would interview you and show off your fantastic work documenting this urban death-spiral phenomenon as it is happening. They all talk about Macy's but they have not actually been walking the streets like you have been for months now. "Closed, closed, closed, closed ... and this one's for lease." You are an important film-maker chronically a truly horrific point in Bay Area history.

[@ulexite-tv]

I found a Chronicle article from December 2023 which said that "San Francisco’s amount of vacant office space has reached the highest level ever recorded in the city’s history" -- about 36%. By comparison, Seattle had a vacancy rate of 17% and the national average vacancy rate was 19%. Of course the pundits were predicting "a turnaround in 2024" for San Francisco, but as Metal Leo says, "Good luck with that."

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

@catyronwode I think they are at 40% now GLWT!

[@paulbrower]

@@LeoMetalTraveler Offices are moving to Suburbia, where there are plenty of well-educated people.

[@curtiscashen628]

This seems unbelievable, I am so surprised. Consider this, retail stores are struggling to compete with internet shopping. Though many people love to shop in stores, they do not tend to shop in a toilet.

[@toddveal1440]

Liberals ruin everything. Thank Newsome and Creepy Joe for this.

[@Nicky94080]

and convicted fellon Donald is suppose to be great???

[@aww7056]

Same happens in nyc .... think many more cities will follow .

[@mynameISsky]

Holy cow! The last time I was there it was SO alive. Bizarre to see it so empty....I would never have thought that could happen to such a vibrant place.

[@DonJHughes]

It really is sad to see this. Last time I was in Union Square was around 2019; Westfield SF Centre was busy and most of the restaurants were packed with people. Crazy how much has changed in that part of San Francisco over the course of 5 short years.

[@otaken13]

"My car doesn't run, I'm gonna paint it" lol Says it all. Awesome vid.

[@riproar11]

I used to live in the Bay Area and visited Union Square often.The entire hill area IS the city as there isn't that much to see or do in the neighborhoods nearby. What a waste of money to visit SF as a tourist now.

[@LouisPassau]

The democratic left are like a plague. Wherever they gain control everything withers and dies. All that will remain are druggies, criminals and illegals.

[@ettaplace6716]

💯💯💯💯

[@mullerk2]

Your channel is superb. I look forward to your posts. Arrogance off the charts in this city.

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

Much appreciated!

[@orrinkelso9295]

Thank you for risking your life to bring us this important update!

[@sophiawilson4595]

Thank you Leo for sharing. When I left San Francisco for affordable living. I miss it so much then see what's happening there maybe my move was a blessing. I still love San Francisco. ❤

[@sasapopadic384]

Nixon and Kisinger did it....😊

[@mindset614]

I’m a Native San Franciscan and can tell you it’s over for San Francisco. Thank You for the great reporting Leo

[@LeoMetalTraveler]

You are very welcome

[@WN_Byers]

What is the end game?

[@ItaloDiscoFreak77]

I live in Europe but witness the same phenomenon as in the USA but not as dramatically, unfortunately most online stores such as Amazon etc. killed most physical stores that cannot compete on the same terms as online where with higher prices and rents.

[@rm_alfaro]

It's not just online shopping that caused all these store closures and urban decay, lol!

[@astolatpere11]

A tiny tax base is left.

[@LoveFineArts]

Don't need it. The Federal Govt (aka YOU) will pick up the tab.

[@will.davlin]

Whole country is done for

[@rootdoc1997]

Yep its true. But CA is one of the first to fall big time

[@SSJIndy]

I heard yesterday that the state of the union is strong! 😂

[@comeoncents3288]

Seems like the USA sanctioned themselves. Just wait to see what Newsom will do to the US once installed into being president!

[@rootdoc1997]

@@SSJIndy 😂😂😂😂😂

[@SouLoveReal]

@@SSJIndy: I believe they ment "in attendance" (full house).

[@Rosie82333]

I live in Cali and I have not been to San Francisco since my parents took me as a teen in ‘96 & ‘98. I remember it was so cool in the 90’s…now you couldn’t pay me enough to live there. I feel like I would cry if I went there now because I can only imagine it is a shell of what it used to be….I have such great memories of how SF used to be in the past. I will always treasure them.

[@KrzysztofK1982]

The problem is the people will ruin a city then move to another city which is not ruined and they’ll do the same thing over again and ruin that too

[@josezapata1878]

😂😂😂hit the nail on the head

[@brianmeegan6384]

Most are too poor to move and would not give up the benefits in California: warm weather, lax policing, legal drug usage and more.

[@lattehour]

they follow the money and the money belong to the highly educated class that generates capital influx look closesly the ,,people`` are no longer white americans those left most of them and they will be tracked and ripped off again

[@richarddevaottien7724]

The only business thriving is the Sign Writer who sells For Lease signs

[@robertkeffer3361]

This brought tears to my eyes. I remember shopping downtown in the 70s.. Women STILL wore hats and gloves shopping at I Magnin. How low have we sunk!!!

[@WinstonSmith6]

Gavin Newsom at work and he wants to be president😂

[@suppylarue220]

then it will be USA: CLOSED

[@edprestoza4099]

FUCK NO!!!!!!!!!!

[@edw5575]

newsom will "kalifornicate" the entire country if fools continues to vote for him and his kind like brandon.

[@patrickdaly5117]

As what he started in SF as the mayor, so now goes CA as it “monarch”. The problem with today’s politicians is that they have never accomplished anything other than successfully run for office. Biden and Obama come to mind. Our nation is destined to collapse until its people wake up!

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

Gruesome Newsome

[@pc8134]

Wow, this is shocking as our dear leader last night said on tv that our economy is the envy of the world.

[@williedepp3922]

Vote blue no matter who until we all are homeless too?

[@sasapopadic384]

Envy of the world.....😂😂😂😂😂😂😂....Jesus , what thugs...😂😂😂😂

[@cvrart]

It's called gaslighting. We all know better.

[@castinajig]

I bet the local shoplifters are pretty distraught

[@davidpage3893]

They will just move into nearby communities that are doing well an turn it into a SHIT HOLE