A drug carnival Residents above 16th St. alleys say theyre afraid to leave home

The situation on Wiese Street, adjacent to San Francisco's 16th Street BART plaza, has worsened dramatically in the past year, leaving residents feeling fearful and frustrated. Once a neighborhood with a semblance of order, it has transformed into a scene of rampant drug use and violence, with families reconsidering their living arrangements. One resident described the area as a “drug carnival,” emphasizing the visible decline in community safety and cleanliness. While the introduction of a police Mobile Command Unit has made the plaza cleaner, residents assert that the problem has merely shifted to nearby streets. Many have reported witnessing drug deals in broad daylight, creating a sense of unease in the neighborhood.

In their quest for safety, residents are documenting illegal activities and sharing their findings with law enforcement. This situation highlights the broader issue of urban decay, where communities struggle to balance public safety with the realities of homelessness and addiction. As the residents seek solutions, the challenges of addressing these complex social issues remain.