“The only thing ever achieved in life without effort is failure.” St. Francis of Assisi
San Francisco was one of our favorite cities to visit. As a family we have fond memories of the many times we spent in the “City by the Bay”.
Family Vacations
When our children were younger, we would fly to San Francisco to celebrate my birthday and to shop for school clothes. We’d stay at the St. Francis Hotel and walked around the city for hours. It was beautiful and safe. Like many great cosmopolitan cities, it was better to discover the many treasures by walking. We also utilized the trolley cars as a means of public transportation to get us to Fisherman’s Wharf. We would use a rental car to cross the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and walk around Sausalito. It was a glorious time!
It was always foggy in August, and I’d forget to pack a jacket or sweater. This was the perfect opportunity to shop for the latest sweaters because San Francisco’s Union Square was the chic fashion district.
The dinners were the best: we loved Kuleto’s and eating at Scoma’s in Fisherman’s Wharf. Their fish was fresh and delicious; coming from a fish ignoramus, this was one of the only places I ordered fish.
Our Last Visit
Mike was on a business trip, and I tagged along to enjoy my beautiful San Francisco. We were staying at the downtown Hilton, a stone’s throw away from Nordstrom department store. As Mike was getting ready for his day, I said, “I’m going shopping, first to Nordstrom and then to Marshall’s. I’ll see you in a few hours.” I got on the elevator and headed out the door. I had not walked one block when I felt an eerie feeling; the atmosphere had changed. The streets were filled with scattered debris, and the once-refreshing air was spoiled by an unpleasant stench.
Having served as the head of a homeless ministry for over 20 years, I’m normally not uncomfortable around people of the streets. But in this case I felt like a walking target; people on the streets were screaming and a fight was about to break out. I quickly turned around and headed back to the room. Mike was still there. “Why did you come back?” he asked. “Um, for the first time in my life I did not feel safe around the homeless,” I answered. After Mike finished his obligations with work, he promised to accompany me to the shops.
By the time Mike was available, it was around 4 o’clock. As we walked toward Nordstrom he, too, got the same vibe. We never made it to the stores; instead we drove to dinner because the area had been overtaken by vagrants.
Saint Francis of Assisi
This city is named after this great saint, and I know that Saint Francis is doing warfare for his beloved namesake. San Francisco was consecrated for the service of God; it is hallowed ground. Before any Catholic Church is built, the ground is blessed and the church is dedicated to the Lord. There are currently 17 Catholic Churches in San Francisco.
The Lord looks down on all those who are culpable for the demise of this great city. Their judgment will be severe because they have led so many astray.
“The deeds you may do may be the only sermon some people will hear” St. Francis of Assisi
The San Francisco Exodus
This year Nordstrom has announced the closing of two San Francisco locations including the one in Union Square. This iconic 336,000,000-square-foot store with its spiral escalator is closing due to rampant crime. Whole Foods lasted a year before deciding to close shop. So far, more than 46 retailers have left the once posh Union Square. No more Office Depot, Anthropologie, Crate &Barrel you name it – they are gone!
San Francisco has always had panhandlers and musicians working the tourists but the demographics have changed. New laws to protect the criminals are not working well for us in California.
The Laws
We in California are suffering the aftermath of bills and laws signed by our governor.
The law, Senate Bill 1375 authored by Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, builds on two existing laws:
- Assembly Bill 890, which passed in 2020, and allows nurse practitioners to practice independently
- Atkins’ own AB 154, which passed in 2013 and permitted nurse practitioners to conduct first-trimester abortions under a doctor’s supervision.
- The $950 Theft Law, turned shoplifting from a felony to a misdemeanor as long as the total amount stolen does not exceed the value of $950.
Proposition One
Our liberal state is steeped in sin, and we are all paying the price. Proposition One allows babies to be aborted up to nine months and invites women from other states to come to California to kill their babies. Governor Newsom set out the welcome mat. He uses California tax money (The Abortion Practical Support Fund) to pay for the flights and travel expenses for women of other states who come to California for abortions. These payments also cover hotel expenses and childcare while they abort their babies. This egregious evil is part of the systemic mess we have allowed.
Standing My Ground
I am a second-generation native Californian and I will not be leaving this state. I serve a God of justice and believe that He answers all prayers. Our state capital is Sacramento. Do you know where that name derived from? Allow me to enlighten you. Sacramento was named after the Sacramento River by a Spanish cavalry officer Gabriel Morage for the Santisimo Sacramento (Most Holy Sacrament). He was referring to the Catholic Eucharist. The Body of Christ! All these destructive laws were passed in our capital of Sacramento! How can the liberal lawmakers not make the connection with such a sacred name?
We have a fight ahead of us but I know our prayers are reaching the throne of God.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We stand in the gap for all elected officials to bring down the forces of evil in our cities. Lord, our capital is the namesake of the Most Blessed Sacrament, with holy saints stationed all over our state. Heavenly Father, we call on Saint Francis of Assisi to intercede for his beloved San Francisco. From north to south, east to west, we cry out for all people of God to accompany us in prayer. Heal our land and remove all that is not of God! Amen.