San Francisco neighbors divided over barriers to stop sex trafficking

SAN FRANCISCO –

San Francisco neighbors divided over new barriers to combat sex trafficking

New barriers have been installed on Shotwell Street following complaints from neighbors about sex trafficking. The idea is not new, as barriers were installed on nearby Capp Street last year to address the same problem with sex workers and sex workers in the area. But this time, some neighbors say the barriers are creating new problems and dangers. But supporters say they make the streets safer.

New barriers erected on a San Francisco residential street to prevent sex trafficking are pitting neighbor against neighbor.

Barricades are not a new idea.

They were installed on Capp Street in the Mission District just last year.

Some neighbors wanted barriers installed on nearby Shotwell Street and they were installed a week ago.

But opponents say they create new problems.

On Tuesday evening, a Waymo vehicle backed up after being stopped by a street barrier erected on Shotwell Street between 20th and 21st streets.

According to the mayor’s office, they were installed in response to complaints about sex workers and prostitutes who frequented the street.

After it hits the barrier, the Waymo car can be heard saying, “Need more space. Please move away.”

Opponents say the self-driving car proves that two new barriers along a two-block stretch are disrupting traffic flow.

“The fact that you can’t drive down that little narrow street anymore is a big problem,” said Steven Gaines, a homeowner and barrier opponent.

Barriers force cars to turn around.

“It’s very crowded here,” Kevin Dublin said as he drove down the street to pick up a friend.

He was surprised by the barriers and said, “It’s very inconvenient.”

“I’ve seen so many dangerous encounters here. For example, I saw someone turn 180 degrees because they didn’t know there was a blockade there. Two bikers almost got hurt because of this,” said Francisco Quetzalcoalt Sandoval, whose Family has lived on Shotwell for decades.

But supporters say the barriers create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians.

“When you’re driving in a car, it’s a physical reward to maybe take a different road,” said Emma Heiken Hare, who also lives on Shotwell.

Opponents said the barriers caused traffic congestion, making it difficult to access their homes.

“I couldn’t get into three cars. A furniture van was parked there. There was an Amazon van behind him and three other cars behind them,” said Kevin Dublin, who owns a house on the street.

The mayor’s office said several public meetings involving neighbors were held before the barriers were installed.

“I like it. First of all, now I can walk down the street with my children,” said Niko, who declined to give his last name.

Opponents also raised concerns about access for emergency vehicles.

The mayor’s office said the barriers are intended to provide access.

“The transition period will be difficult, like most changes, but people will get used to it,” Heiken Hare said.

Opponents complained that some people drove their cars onto the sidewalk to avoid the barriers, creating another possible hazard.

A spokesman for the mayor said the city is assessing the impact of the barriers.

Amber Lee is a reporter for KTVU. Email Amber at [email protected] or text or leave a message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU.