The People River

Since the psychedelic explosion that put this neighborhood on the global map in the late sixties, a long lineage of people have endlessly migrated here searching for something other than from where they originated. {Ultimately Themselves}Many of them penniless upon arrival. They arrive and recede in waves.

Most now unaware of this having been happening since before they were born.

Each one has a different story.

These days...

Some have found a lucrative enough amount spare changing to suffice a meager life drinking forties and sleeping in the park or in door wells. {Not Recommended,usually the flashpoint for most of the problems in these parts} Some sleep in cars or vans and some have friends that let them shower and sleep in their apartments. Some get government checks every month and will save some money for a room on stormy nights. Some are alcoholics some are not. Some do heroin , some don't. Some sell pot,some eat mushrooms, some eat LSD. Some have amazing artistic ability that is wasted on the lack of not seeing opportunity. Some have chosen any of this to escape unimaginable circumstances of abuse. Some are just bored of where they came from. Some are waiting for one thing or another and are just killing time. Most are respectful if you can respect them, when or if one were to communicate with them.

Unless they are already very drunk.

Some interesting social interactions have been experienced between residential residents, commercial residents, police officers, and those described previously.

San Francisco seems to have lenient laws about loitering, being intoxicated in public, and being a public nuisance.

In the defense of the police, keep in mind that one could only have so much tolerance to arrest the same guys over and over and see them use it as an indoor stay over night with shower, often for them a better choice on a cold and rainy night.

Also, some have lice and open wounds with infections. Some have a history of resisting arrest violently while smashing drunk. How many dangerously drunk people with bugs and infections could any police officer want to risk themselves with or have in their cars that they spend their days in? Is what I have wondered anyway.

Also I believe that there is an unwritten curve set as to what is tolerated and where. I have witnessed interesting relationships between some of those who have been around longer and the local officers.

I would like to make it clear at this time that Rick and I both have great respect and appreciation for the officers in our neighborhood. We know many of them by name and can count on them for a quick response to dire situations day and night. We have seen them be tolerant and fair in the often barbaric situations that they have had to respond to.

As a store owner on this corner for 18 years I will share stories of my interactions that I have experienced as I remember them, as well as share the new ones as they occur. I hope you will find them constructive and entertaining.

I would at this time like to acknowledge Thankfulness and Appreciation to those who have co- operated in helping keep the corner clean and clear of the usual gatherings due to a recent surge of unfortunate events that have increased community tensions that directly impact the possibility of this store, Positively Haight Street, to continue to survive.