Day 96 at the 16th St. Plaza Vendors banned on Mission, thrive on Mission

San Francisco's Mission Street is overrun with unpermitted vendors, defying a city ban on street vending and creating a chaotic marketplace. On a recent Saturday, the sidewalk resembled a crowded aisle filled with discounted food and used items, with upwards of 50 vendors vying for pedestrian space. As the day progressed, the atmosphere shifted from a market to a potential drug hub, raising safety concerns. Observers reported a notable absence of law enforcement, which had previously cleared vendors from the area. The city’s efforts to control unpermitted vending have faltered, with little visible action taken on recent weekends.

A mobile unit and patrol car were noted but did not effectively deter vendor activity. This situation emphasizes the difficulty San Francisco faces in regulating street vending while addressing public safety issues. The ongoing conflict raises questions about how the city can balance enforcement with community needs.