Day 131 at the 16th St. Plaza Users rule the night on east Mission St
Unpermitted vendors and drug users reclaim the east side of Mission Street in San Francisco each evening, despite city efforts to keep the area clear during the day. The San Francisco Police Department and outreach workers from Ahsing Solutions maintain order until approximately 6 p. m. , when activities escalate. Crowds gather behind the MUNI stop and along the wall of an abandoned Walgreens, engaging in open-air drug use and selling various items.
Nearby Caledonia and Julian Avenues also see increased foot traffic, as individuals move to those areas when police are absent. A guard stationed near a sanctioned flea market noted that these gatherings will return to Mission Street once law enforcement departs. The mobile unit, which has been missing from its usual location, is expected to return soon, potentially aiding in managing the situation. This ongoing issue reflects broader challenges in urban public space management. The community's response and city officials' actions will be crucial in addressing these concerns moving forward.