That's the best description of SF I've seen. I remember the first time I ever went there, probably in the early'90s and I was shocked at having to literally step over "homeless" on every sidewalk. Later visits showed that the corner squeege man or will work for food sign holders were on every street corner harrasing cars. By this time Guliani had already cleaned up NY and I could only get the feeling that they all migrated westward.
It truly is a beautiful area and a unique city but I just can't stomach the place. NY may be liberal but at least it has some pretense of decency.