Day 47 of the 16th St. Plaza crackdown A preachers observation

Daniel Covenencia, a 65-year-old preacher, has conducted gospel preaching at Oakland's 16th Street BART Plaza every Saturday since 1983. Recently, his sessions have coincided with a heightened police presence, including a mobile unit and police car. Covenencia believes this increased law enforcement has contributed to a safer environment, reducing incidents of drug use and theft in the plaza. In March, local reports indicated that 140 out of 520 drug-related arrests in San Francisco occurred in the vicinity of the plaza, underscoring the area's crime issues. Covenencia remarked, "It definitely made the impact," expressing his satisfaction with the changes.

The police's active role aligns with Mayor Daniel Lurie's efforts to address crime in the area. The plaza's transformation reflects broader city initiatives targeting public safety. Covenencia's long-standing commitment to preaching amidst this backdrop highlights the intersection of faith and community safety.