Shiny sidewalks, scrubbed walls: San Francisco aims to sparkle at Apec meet

City's mayor promoting beleaguered downtown as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is expected to draw nearly 20,000 people

With the world watching San Francisco this week as it hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, the California city has been making use of an opportunity to rehabilitate its reputation as a struggling metropolis in decline.

Apec - San Francisco's largest international gathering since 1945 when dignitaries gathered to sign the charter creating the United Nations - is expected to draw 20,000 people to the city. The summit will bring together leaders from 21 member countries to promote trade and economic development in the Pacific region.