and a dump on the street in India is a "coffee break." I think that is the thing that freaks out most of the people I know when they travel in India.
So, I get the point that SF is disgusting, but not even close to "worst in the world." And my experience in Sao Paolo is that is may be one of the least safe places anywhere. I certainly can't recall the degree of security required anywhere in Europe or even Asia?
... SF is indeed a mess, I just find it better if the hyperbole is tamped down a bit.