Day 124 at the 16th St. Plaza East side of Mission St. resists change
The Department of Public Works and the San Francisco Police Department successfully kept the west side of Mission Street clear for two weekends in a row. However, by Sunday evening, unpermitted vending and open drug use had returned to the east side and northeast plaza. The Ahsing outreach team effectively picked up trash and managed to deter loiterers during their operations. Police reported an arrest on Caledonia Street on Saturday morning, indicating ongoing enforcement efforts. The presence of BART trucks and cleaning crews on Sunday briefly helped maintain cleanliness, but their departure led to a resurgence of problematic activities.
Local officials are under pressure to find sustainable solutions to street conditions and public safety. The ongoing situation highlights the challenges facing urban management in San Francisco. Continued collaboration among city departments is essential to address these issues effectively.