Improving Street Conditions

Street conditions have improved tremendously over the past couple of years, thanks to terrific work from SF Mayor Daniel Lurie, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). But there is always more to do, and the City will have an additional tool now that a new law I authored has been signed.

Walking around the City, we’ve all seen people selling goods like deodorant, gum and detergent that are obviously stolen. These people are occasionally disruptive, and they have pushed out legitimate street vendors selling things like vegetables or tamales. The problem got so bad that the City issued a temporary moratorium on street vending in the Mission, which is still partly in effect.

Unfortunately, SFPD had limited tools to address the problem — until now.

Now that the SAFE Streets (San Francisco Allows Fencing Enforcement on our Streets) Act has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, SFPD will be able to enforce the law against people who are selling commonly stolen goods without a permit. Previously, enforcement could only be handled by administrative staff with the Department of Public Works, who were facing such severe harassment trying to tackle this problem that they were issued bulletproof vests just to go out into the community to do it.

I introduced the SAFE Streets Act two years ago to tackle this problem. After a long fight, it has finally become law. Now, the Board of Supervisors must pass an ordinance declaring the list of goods that are commonly stolen based on data from SFPD and the DA. After the ordinance is passed, SFPD can begin to enforce it. The SAFE Streets Act states that selling such merchandise without a permit, or alternatively proof of purchase, is punishable with an infraction (a ticket). After the third offense, the violation is punishable with an infraction or a misdemeanor and up to six months in county jail.

The purpose of the new law is twofold. First, it is designed to support public safety on San Francisco streets. Everyone should feel safe walking the streets of our amazing City.

Second, we want to support legitimate street vendors. They add hugely to the vibrant cultural mosaic of our City, and their spirit of entrepreneurship is commendable. This law will help city workers steer people into the legitimate street vending system.

This law will make a huge impact on street conditions in San Francisco. And I couldn’t be prouder of the community partners who fought with us to get it across the finish line.

The law began as a true grassroots effort led by the Mission Street Vendors Association. They demanded better from their elected leaders, and they fought hard with us to deliver an important change. Mission Street vendors, as well as Chinese seniors who faced the same problem in Chinatown and on the west side, traveled to Sacramento multiple times to advocate to my colleagues in the Legislature to pass this law. Their voices were extremely powerful and continue to inspire me today.

With this new tool, and under Mayor Lurie’s leadership, I’m optimistic that street conditions in San Francisco will continue to improve, all while supporting our incredible community of street vendors.

Scott Wiener represents San Francisco and northern San Mateo County in the California State Senate. He chairs the Senate Budget Committee and co-chairs the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. He previously chaired the Senate Housing Committee and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. He can be reached at 415-557-1300.