On February 3, 2025, California Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie officially introduced the “SAFE Streets Act” at the Clecha Small Business Support Center in the Mission District of San Francisco to combat illegal fencing activities on the streets of San Francisco.
The proposal, also known as the “San Francisco Allows Fencing Enforcement on our Streets” bill, was drafted by Senator Scott Wiener and received the first-ever co-signature from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
Senator Wiener stated that illegal fencing activities have fueled retail theft and jeopardized public safety by creating a black market for thieves to sell stolen goods, thereby threatening legitimate street vendors and instilling fear in the community.
The bill aims to address the increasing prevalence of street-level fencing activities in the Mission District and other communities, specifically targeting illicit fencing without impeding the operations of legally operating street vendors who sell homemade food, fresh flowers, handcrafted goods, and other quality products that beautify the city.
Senator Wiener emphasized the enforcement measures outlined in the bill, including the creation of a list of commonly fenced items by the city council. Anyone found selling these items on the streets without a permit or purchase receipt would receive citations and, upon a third offense, could face misdemeanor charges with a maximum penalty of six months in county jail. The sale of homemade food is exempt from the enforcement scope of the bill.
Wiener further highlighted the increasing prevalence of illegal fencing activities since 2023, exacerbating retail theft and posing threats to law-abiding street vendors and even enforcement officers from the city’s Public Works Department.
Mayor Daniel Lurie’s first statewide legislative proposal, the “SAFE Streets Act,” underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing public safety and revitalizing local businesses for the well-being of San Francisco residents and visitors.
In the past, widespread fencing activities posed a serious risk to public safety, leading many legitimate vendors to flee the community. Therefore, numerous merchant organizations and community groups, such as MEDA, CLECHA, and the Mission Street Vendors Association, have voiced support for the “SAFE Streets Act.”
Rodrigo Lopez, Chairman of the Mission Street Vendors Association, representing over 100 vendors in San Francisco, expressed the hardships faced by vendors in striving to make a living and the necessity of the bill to ensure their safety and livelihood in a secure environment.
Councilmember Danny Sauter emphasized the crucial role of streets in connecting communities and how the “SAFE Streets Act” would enhance safety for families, visitors, and local businesses while deterring illegal activities that undermine retail operations and community well-being.
The proposed legislation not only supports legal vendors and small businesses but also addresses illegal activities that impact retail operations. The focus remains on promoting a safe and vibrant environment for San Francisco residents and visitors to enjoy and share memorable experiences.