City workers, police, and outreach crews have adjusted their schedules to maintain their presence in the busy area of 16th and Mission streets into the evening hours.
On Wednesday, this collaborative effort included the addition of a private security guard stationed at La Fénix, an affordable housing site located on Mission Street.
Adrienne Bechelli, who recently took charge of the Department of Emergency Management’s neighborhood street teams, expressed optimism regarding these changes.
In a recent interview, she explained that the more strategic deployment of resources aims to gain a deeper understanding of the local needs and to provide sustained support in the area.
The outreach workers from Ahsing have been active on site until 8 p.m. since July 5, and now police and Department of Public Works (DPW) employees also appear to be extending their hours.
This increased presence has already led to observable improvements within the community, with a diverse team that includes personnel from the Department of Public Health and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.
Earlier in the day, several vendors had gathered near the Muni stop on the east side of Mission Street, where one vendor selling Downy detergent attracted a crowd.
However, at around 2 p.m., DPW workers, clad in bright reflective vests, urged everyone to disperse.
They specifically instructed one woman, who was slumped over, to leave the area.
By 2:10 p.m., most vendors and their customers had left the scene.
Upon returning to Mission Street close to 7 p.m., police officers and DPW workers were again patrolling the area, advising unpermitted vendors to relocate.
While many side streets, except for Capp Street, were clear in the early afternoon, Wiese, Caledonia, and Capp streets had a notable number of individuals gathered in the evening.
Consistent efforts have kept the west side of Mission Street between 15th and 16th clean throughout the day, with at least four Ahsing outreach workers monitoring that side consistently.
In addition to their efforts, a new private security guard has been assigned to the sidewalk in front of La Fénix, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by unpermitted vending and open-air drug use in the vicinity.
As the day progressed, some vendors began to relocate to the north side of 15th Street around 7 p.m., but officers and DPW workers quickly intervened.
In one instance, a DPW worker attempted to clear items from a vendor’s display, prompting the vendor to protest.
The DPW worker expressed concern about the vendor merely moving to another block.
In response, the vendor assured, “I’m going home,” as they began packing up their merchandise.
A DPW worker later remarked on the noticeable improvements in the streets, acknowledging, however, that the situation is still not where they aim for it to be, stating, “The goal is to not let anyone set up.”
The collaboration among city departments and outreach workers aims to create a safer and more orderly environment in the Mission District.
image source from：missionlocal
