SF's 16th and Mission Streets plagued by drugs and illegal goods

San Francisco is set to pass a bill that allows police to cite illegal street vendors, particularly those selling stolen items in the Mission District. This area has seen a rise in drug addiction and associated crime, prompting local officials to take action. State Senator Scott Wiener stated that the new legislation targets vendors who sell commonly stolen goods without permits, with penalties escalating to misdemeanors for repeat offenders. Although a mobile police command post is nearby, recent observations noted no arrests made during illegal activities. The SFPD reported 140 drug-related arrests near the 16th Street and Mission area in March, indicating an uptick in enforcement.

Local residents, like Francisco Grande, express anger over the visible decline, calling it akin to a “third world country. ” Business owners are also feeling the impact, with calls for stricter penalties for drug use in public spaces. Mayor Daniel Lurie visited the area to assess the situation following community concerns.