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Shotwell St. neighbors sue city over vagrancy, sex workers

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Five neighbors of Showell Street in the Mission District filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against San Francisco over what they called the city’s inability to address sex work on their street, as well as frequent public urination and drinking at Jose Coronado Playground.

The filing of a lawsuit has quickly resulted in action: Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Hillary Ronen this morning announced via a press release that the city will install barricades and cameras along Shotwell, similar to the barriers on Capp Street nearby, to deter sex work and cruising. 

The city will also start issuing “Dear John” warning letters that would be mailed to the owners of cars “seen in a known area for prostitution activity” in order to “discourage such behavior by notifying drivers” — and, perhaps, their families. 

“Additionally, it is possible that others residing at the vehicle owner’s address may also become aware of the letter’s content upon its arrival,” the announcement continued.

The plaintiffs claimed the city’s decision last year to install barriers on Capp to deter sex work had only moved the problem onto Shotwell. Asked if the city’s hurried response to install yet more road barriers was satisfactory, lead plaintiff Ayman Farahat responded that “We will believe it when we see a real difference, not a press release.”

Farahat stood alongside his neighbors and co-plaintiffs on Wednesday morning at a press conference at Jose Coronado Park, at Shotwell and 21st, officially announcing the suit. He said then that he was looking for permanent solutions, not road closures.

“Moving Johns and pimps from Capp Street to Shotwell Street does not help address the root causes,” Farahat said.

Supporters of the lawsuit at Jose Coronado Park on Wednesday Aug. 28, 2024. Photo by Oscar Palma.
Supporters of the lawsuit at Jose Coronado Park on Wednesday Aug. 28, 2024. Photo by Oscar Palma.

Most of the plaintiffs live on  Shotwell near the park, which most weekend nights is a haunt for sex workers — several stand on the corners of Shotwell and South Van Ness Avenue for a block in either direction of 21st Street.

The plaintiffs said they had no option but to file the lawsuit after City Hall, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, and the San Francisco Police Department failed to act after multiple calls and complaints.



Source: missionlocal.org

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