Anti-Sex Work Barriers on Shotwell Street Not Really Discouraging the Sex Trade There

Residents of Shotwell Street have dropped their lawsuit against the city regarding the ongoing street-level sex trade but continue to demand more effective measures. The Capp Street/Shotwell Street area has been a hub for sex work for nearly three decades, with recent barriers installed in 2023 merely relocating the issue. Residents report that the sidewalk-level sex trade remains prevalent at night, raising safety concerns for many, particularly families. One resident highlighted the visibility of sexual acts occurring in public spaces, prompting calls for increased police presence and better street lighting. The SFPD's “Dear John” letter program, aimed at warning solicitors, has proven ineffective, with only 57 letters issued in the past eight months.

This lack of action has led residents to seek an audit of the program. Local sex workers assert that barriers do not deter their work, suggesting that enforcement remains a challenge for law enforcement. The complexity of the situation is compounded by the fact that arrests related to sex work typically result in misdemeanor charges, allowing offenders to return to the streets quickly.