por Marvin Ramírez
Once celebrated for its vibrant culture, sunny weather, and excellent transportation, San Francisco’s Mission District now faces a crisis that threatens its very identity. Residents and community advocates are raising alarms about escalating crime, open-air drug use, and the rampant sale of stolen goods. Despite efforts by law enforcement, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving many to wonder: what happened to the Mission we once knew?
In recent years, the Mission has become a hotspot for public disturbances. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the 16th and Mission intersection saw nearly 900 dispatches in March 2025 alone—a 140 percent increase from the previous year and the highest in a decade. These incidents range from overdoses and fights to illegal vending and noise complaints. While some attribute the spike to increased enforcement and community advocacy, others see it as a symptom of deeper issues like homelessness and addiction.
Efforts to combat the sale of stolen goods have led to several arrests. In October 2023, San Francisco police recovered approximately $17,880 worth of stolen retail merchandise from illegal street vending booths on Mission Street. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the operation. Despite these actions, the fencing of stolen items continues, often reemerging after police presence diminishes. I believe that going strong after fencing—particularly with follow-up investigations and arrests—and increasing police presence beyond the customary hours when officers are parked near the 24th Street BART plaza could help significantly. This area, along with 16th and Mission, has become one of the most visible eyesores in the district, and more consistent enforcement could begin to restore a sense of safety and order.
The impact on local businesses has been profound. Oscar Gonzalez, manager of Pancho Villa taqueria, expressed his frustration to CBS News: “This can’t go on like this. It’s just getting worse. There has to be a positive change.” The restaurant has had to close early to ensure employee safety, especially after an incident where an employee was attacked while waiting for the bus.
Community leaders like Roberto Hernandez have declared a state of emergency, criticizing the city’s uneven response to crime. He pointed out that areas like Union Square received swift action when high-end stores were targeted, questioning why similar urgency isn’t applied to the Mission. “We as a community feel that we’ve been neglected, totally,” Hernandez stated.
The challenges are compounded by staffing shortages within the San Francisco Police Department. Despite the Mission Station being one of the most staffed, the area still has the highest rate of violent crimes per officer. Between January and September 2024, there were 623 reported violent crimes in the district, equating to about 5.4 violent crimes per officer, according to media reports.
While Mayor Daniel Lurie has reported a nearly 30 percent drop in reported crimes during the first quarter of 2025, residents remain skeptical. Many still witness open drug use and increased police calls in hotspots like 16th and Mission. Critics argue that high-profile enforcement actions may only displace issues rather than address root causes.
The Mission District stands at a crossroads. Without comprehensive solutions that address both enforcement and the underlying social issues, the neighborhood risks losing its unique character and becoming a cautionary tale of urban neglect. It’s imperative that city leaders, law enforcement, and community members come together to restore safety and vitality to the Mission.
