Day 15 of the 16th St. plazas cleanup Julian Ave. and Capp St. still favorites
The command center is engaged in efforts to deter unpermitted vending at the southwestern 16th Street BART Plaza, yet a dozen vendors have gathered nearby at the northeastern plaza. Maria Sousa, who works at Kitava, a health-food restaurant across from the plaza, expressed relief at the increased police presence, noting a change in the atmosphere: "I feel much safer now. " The restaurant has seen a rise in customers, suggesting that enhanced safety measures may be beneficial for local businesses. However, the situation remains fluid, with varying numbers of people congregating on adjacent streets throughout the day. The west side of Capp Street continues to attract individuals, with reports of tents and people sitting on the sidewalk.
This fluctuation in crowd dynamics raises questions about the effectiveness of current cleanup strategies. Community members express a mix of concern and hope regarding the ongoing changes in their neighborhood. The situation underscores the broader challenges of public space management in urban environments, balancing enforcement with community needs.