Day 85 at the 16th St. Plaza they will come back

A BART worker has successfully cleaned the northeast plaza near Mission Street, with cooperation from local regulars, for the first time in five days. Despite these efforts, open drug use remains rampant, causing distress among residents and business owners. Paul O’Driscoll, who has operated in the area for over two decades, reported two overdose deaths in recent weeks and expressed that drug activity has made it difficult to show apartments. Police can issue citations for drug paraphernalia, but overcrowding in jails often prevents actual arrests. Community leaders stress the need for positive interventions to reclaim public spaces from drug use.

Lydia Bransten of the Gubbio Project argues that simple activities can foster a sense of hope and community. Gubbio is expanding its outreach by introducing teams that will engage individuals on the streets and encourage them to access services. This proactive approach aims to provide long-term solutions to the ongoing drug crisis.