Ta Lynn Mitchell
Reporter

Neighborhoods like the Haight- Ashbury, known for homelessness and constant loitering of young people, will be turned around with the passage of Proposition L, the “Sit/Lie” law that will make it illegal for people to encamp or loiter on San Francisco streets.

The law currently forces people to make a complaint with the police to take action against those who are loitering, causing law enforcement to be of no help unless citizens have followed though with policy.

Merchants and their customers across San Francisco often feel unsettled due to constant begging by those on the street. Many homeless have stray animals that can be a health hazard as well as intimidate sidewalk users.

San Franciscans have been faced with overly-aggressive panhandlers who have violently attacked people, which Proposition L will help alleviate, by keeping panhandlers off city streets.

Tourism in San Francisco, which generates $7.8 billion a year, is affected by the homeless on the streets. Proposition L will help to boost tourism and represent the city as safe and clean for visitors.

Mayor Gavin Newsom supports the proposition and brought it to the Board of Supervisors for review. The board overturned the proposition, sending it to the Nov. 2 ballot.

San Francisco needs to pass Proposition L to insure a safer city for residents and tourists.