Day 117 at the 16th St. Plaza A clear weekend on west Mission St.
The west side of Mission Street saw a significant drop in unpermitted vending and drug use, achieving two clear weekend days for the first time in months. This change is attributed to Ahsing Solutions, a city-contracted team that began operations on Saturday, with support from the Department of Public Works and the San Francisco Police Department. Santiago Lerma, head of the Mission Street Team, stated that Ahsing's crew will work five to seven days a week to maintain community safety. The east side of Mission Street was less congested with illegal activities, suggesting a shift in where these activities are occurring. Michael Luong, owner of Ahsing, highlighted their mission to assist individuals transitioning from incarceration and recovery, emphasizing the need for community relationships.
On Sunday, the team had to administer Narcan to a person in crisis, illustrating the ongoing challenges they face. The neighborhood's reception has been positive, with residents expressing appreciation for the team's efforts. This initiative reflects broader efforts by the city to manage public safety and improve community relations.