Residents of SF's west side express safety concerns following 2 murders, persistent shoplifting

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Residents from San Francisco's west side gathered for a public safety panel with elected officials Tuesday.

The meeting comes after a series of crimes. But now, there's hope that collaboration and a business boom could help.

Dozens of concerned local residents came out to Tuesday's town hall, which included speakers such as interim San Francisco Police Chief Paul Yep and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. The panel addressed audience questions, following two westside murders and persistent shoplifting at places like Stonestown Galleria.

"When an incident occurs, we'll take it seriously, we'll do everything we can to maintain safety in these neighborhoods," Yep said.

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Yep says the entire city remains committed to increasing public safety. He also highlighted a 30% drop in crime San Francisco has seen in recent months. It's progress that some people say they need to see more of.

"I was at CVS the other day -- just wanted to buy a little bit of toothpaste -- but it was locked up. It's a pain to go shopping at CVS, because everything I want is locked up," said Deborah Murphy of the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods.

Despite concerns over crime from some residents, there was also acknowledgment Tuesday that there are many positive things happening here on the west side of the city too.

That includes at Stonestown Galleria. While other malls in the city have been struggling for years, Stonestown is in many ways, booming. It's even set to open three new stores in the coming days.

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"Stonestown is wonderful. You can find anything there. I love walking down Irving. I can get my hair cut, my nails done. There's a lot of great restaurants to choose from," Murphy said.

Many in attendance Tuesday night told us they feel having meetings like this one is important to keep the community informed, helping them to hear about what's being done and dispelling any rumors from those responsible for their safety.

"When that's where you live or that's where you frequent and crime is occurring, that means it feels like a lot to you in that moment in time," Jenkins said.