Day 82 at the 16th St. Plaza: Eight pipes, foil, and 'I gotta eat.'
Briefly

The author observes the west side of Mission Street, noting a combination of street vendors and visible drug paraphernalia. Despite the vibrant atmosphere of vending, the presence of drug use raises concerns, especially for local children. The article highlights personal stories like that of Sam, a vendor who shifted from construction to street selling due to personal circumstances. The lack of garbage cans contributes to the area's disarray, while police activity momentarily unsettles the scene. Overall, it portrays a complex environment struggling with social issues.
The presence of the police SUV prompted some vendors and bystanders to move further north, illustrating the ongoing challenges of managing street activity.
Sam, a vendor, shared his surprising transition from general contractor to street seller, highlighting the human stories behind the market's complexity.
Despite the heavy drug use in the area, many vendors attempt to maintain their businesses, as noted by Sam's comment on the lack of garbage cans.
The bustling west Mission Street scene presented both vibrant street vending and concerning levels of drug paraphernalia, creating a challenging environment for the local community.
Read at Mission Local
[
|
]