Day 124 at the 16th St. Plaza East side of Mission St. resists change

San Francisco's Department of Public Works and police maintained a clear west side of Mission Street for two weekends, despite challenges on the east side and northeast plaza. Cleaning crews and the Ahsing outreach team initially contributed to a cleaner environment, but their absence allowed unpermitted vending and drug use to return. Police arrested an individual on Caledonia Street Saturday morning, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. The outreach team's efforts to pick up trash led to vendors vacating temporarily, but this was not a permanent solution to the area's issues. The west side remained clear into the evening, while the east side experienced a resurgence of illicit activities.

Local officials are under pressure to find sustainable strategies to combat these ongoing challenges. The situation reflects broader concerns about public safety and community engagement in San Francisco. As the city continues to grapple with these issues, the need for effective policy changes becomes increasingly urgent.