Day 64 of the 16th St. Plaza crackdown Clean plazas, people on the move and two evening gatherings

Guadalupe Macias, who has operated Don Rafa’s Cyclery for nearly 20 years, highlighted the ongoing struggles of maintaining a clean and safe environment in the 16th Street area. Since the SFPD mobile command unit's arrival, police presence has increased but has failed to significantly change the situation regarding trash and unhoused individuals. Macias reported that while the plaza is clean in the mornings, it quickly deteriorates by afternoon. She described frequent disturbances from individuals with mental health challenges, which complicate her daily operations. Community meetings are scheduled this evening to address these issues, with one gathering taking place at 6:30 p.

m. and another at 7:30 p. m. Local residents have noted that the police's enforcement efforts have merely displaced individuals rather than addressing the root causes. Macias has been cleaning human waste from the sidewalk twice a week for two decades, illustrating the long-standing nature of these challenges.

The community’s response aims to foster dialogue around improving neighborhood conditions.