Day 65 of the 16th St. Plaza Crackdown a plaza newcomer security guard

Security guard Mike Torres, who started working at Wells Fargo in late April, has been monitoring the 16th Street BART plaza, where a white SFPD mobile command unit has been stationed since March 12. His primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of bank customers and employees during business hours. Torres identified chaotic conditions in the plaza, particularly in the mornings when individuals congregate. He noted that police officers typically disperse larger groups but often overlook smaller gatherings, allowing them to persist. Torres raised concerns about drug-related activities near the Kailash Hotel on Julian Avenue, labeling the situation as "a little sketchy.

" His experiences highlight ongoing public safety challenges in the area, with police presence failing to deter all disruptive behaviors. The plaza's conditions reflect broader issues of urban safety and community well-being. Effective policing and community engagement strategies may be necessary to address these persistent problems.