Dangerous encampment needs to go
As a business owner and Castro resident, the drug encampment at 16th and Pond streets has been a dangerous and detrimental establishment that has harmed our community for the past several years. The tents sit directly under a historical mural called "The Hope for World Cure" that refers to the AIDS epidemic.
Sadly, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and the San Francisco Police Department have done little to improve the area against the many requests from neighbors and businesses. Just last week, while conducting a walking tour with clients, we were threatened by an apparent meth-crazed girl who crossed the street to harass us because we were standing next to garbage bins that she needed to raid. We left in fear of our lives. Unfortunately, this is not the first time she has tried to physically attack me while I was conducting business. Enough is enough. The Castro needs to get rid of this encampment for good. These people are illegally breaking most health and city codes and it's time for our community to take action against this horrendous situation. Get them treatment or tell them to leave the city. No more excuses. Period.
Kathy Amendola
San Francisco
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