On Sunday afternoon, discussions emerged regarding the piles of furniture recently unloaded in front of 1950 Mission St, an affordable housing complex known as La Fénix.
A local resident expressed concern over the absence of a secure dumpster for tenants, questioning why such a solution hadn’t been implemented.
As individuals sifted through offerings that included metal furniture, a microwave, and a refrigerator, he highlighted how this scenario leads to repeated pickups by cleanup crews who often find discarded items left on nearby streets such as Capp and Julian.
The resident speculated, “People put it on a cart and push it away and then just get tired,” which signifies the cyclic nature of this issue.
He further suggested that a secure dumpster would not only alleviate the burden on residents but also minimize the frequency of pickups by the Department of Public Works (DPW).
Observing the diminishing pile, he quipped, “One man’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
Indeed, as the scene unfolded, Adam, who resides only three blocks away, began to gather items, stating, “You can’t go wrong,” while referring to the metal furniture.
He noted that his apartment was half furnished with similar finds left behind by previous tenants of the La Fénix complex.
Despite the ongoing issues with furniture disposal, Mission Street had remained largely clear during the day for the fifth weekend in a row.
However, the street transformed in the evening, filled with vendors, substance users, and others occupying the east side of Mission Street.
A nearby neighbor captured photos depicting a densely populated Caledonia Street, particularly between 15th and 14th streets, compelling another visit to the area.
Upon arriving, it was evident that around six individuals occupied the alleyway which dead-ends before reaching 14th Street.
Distraught residents seeking to access their driveways were reportedly calling 311 nearly every day for assistance with the crowd.
Matthew Avenue also saw its share of gatherings near 14th Street, and by 5 p.m. on Sunday, the crowd on the east side of Mission Street reformed near the Muni stop.
In contrast, the western side of Mission Street and surrounding side streets remained unobstructed, with ongoing support from ambassadors, DPW workers, and some officers ensuring the area stayed manageable.
As for Caledonia, the north end was markedly populous, while the vicinity near 16th Street was significantly clearer.
The alley connects with Four Barrel Coffee on the west and is adjacent to the Friendship House Association of American Indians, which operates a treatment facility on the east side.
Nevertheless, none of the individuals found in the alleyway seemed to be affiliated with either establishment.
Residents living in apartments nearby frequently utilize this alleyway for garage access.
Meanwhile, Julian Avenue observed a more substantial presence of individuals gathering north of 15th Street and around the armory at 14th Street.
In the wake of these developments, Wiese Street has maintained a clear and clean status, having previously been overrun.
Capp Street and the vicinity surrounding 16th Street near Valencia also contributed to the overall community landscape.
The ongoing challenges at 1950 Mission St and the surrounding streets underscore the complexities faced by residents and city services in managing public spaces and waste.
As a veteran journalist and resident of the Mission District since 1998, the imperative for sustainable local news continues to shape the evolving narrative around community engagement, public policy, and urban living.
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image source from：missionlocal
