It's always good to know your neighbors, pay attention to what's happening around you, and walk with a purpose.

i've lived in lower haight for 4 years and have never been made to feel unsafe or skittish - the violence is not random, as it seems to generally, unfortunately, be directed at blacks. it's still a great hood, it just has some issues. but the residents are actively involved in neighborhood improvements and discussions, and keeping our culture intact, and getting irate with our supervisor when strings of crime happen, and demanding more cops doing rounds and cameras put up at trouble spots (which both happened).

another tip though, don't wander around after 3am - the neighborhood definitely changes "ownership"

The projects on Haight near Webster are best avoided- that's where the shots are coming from. Not that you need to be terrified of them or anything, but not spending as much time there lowers your risk of showing up when somebody decides to cut loose. Sometimes, however, you just have to go to Two Jacks Seafood, so what can you do?

Seconding "Walk with a purpose." Know who is around you at all times, and if the hair starts standing up on the back of your neck, it's because your instincts are trying to tell you something. Don't be afraid to run like hell if you really get the willies; looking like a fool is better than getting jacked up any day.

Oh, and pepper spray is legal to carry here in CA. Never know when it might come in handy.

Now that you're thoroughly paranoid, rest assured that LH is a cool neighborhood, and likely a lot safer than the Mission, or at least the parts of the Mission a few blocks down from Dolores. Cleaner, too. Bad things can happen to you anywhere, but you don't need to be a hermit, just don't act like a victim.

Did I mention leaving the diamond tiara at home?