Panhandlers Have Become a Problem

As I mentioned in my blog post, “Controversial Issues Surrounding Tourism,” panhandlers have begun to impact the enjoyment of travelers to San Francisco. SFGate.com recently posted an article bring the impact of panhandlers to center stage. 

Conde Nast Traveler , a popular travel magazine, has a poll for top travel destinations every year. One of the categories is favorite North American Destination, which San Francisco has dominated for the past 18 years. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and according to the 29,000 readers San Francisco now comes second to Charleston, South Carolina.

Although I am still pleased my favorite city finished in second place, Charleston doesn’t seem to compare. Charleston won the hearts of readers because of its a beautiful, historic scenery, and welcoming, friendly citizens. Although San Francisco has squeezed tons of history into its 49 square miles, panhandling from the homeless community has become a huge issue. The drop in position doesn’t surprise the head of SF Travel, Joe D’Alessandro; he said there has been an increase in complaints from visitors about aggressive panhandlers. Tourists have sent in numerous complaints to the SF Travel association hoping that the city will take action and increase police regulation. It is intimidating enough to be a tourist in the big city but imagine being harassed for money as you are trying to navigate through a city you’ve never been to. 

A month and a half later the SFgate posted another article  focusing on the holiday season and the magic that I posted about in “holiday in the City”.  The article is not as merry as my post. The general Manager of the hotel Nikko describe a day when she witnessed a family of tourist being quacked at (yes like a duck, “quack quack”) by a panhandler. She illustrated the look on their face as “sheer terror.” So in this time clearly no improvement has happened. Gradate, I know it is only been a sort amount of time since the release of the original article on October 24 but change needs to be made before San Francisco becomes solely know for its panhandlers and not its history. 

So what is the solution? The Police Chief, Greg Suhr is aware of the problem and has begun to ramp up patrol in shopping areas. However, “it depends on individual situations as to whether aggressive panhandlers would be cited.” Although, I do think a case-by-case analysis is fair, I don’t think lax punishment will have an affect. The SF Travel should plan for a marketing scheme to get San Francisco away from the image of its current state. Like I’ve blogged about before, tourism is an important part of our City’s economy, bringing 8.3 billion dollars to local business. I don’t think that harsh punishment to be taken against panhandlers because they are financially and physically in a bad place but action needs to be taken whether it be open another homeless shelter, or force homeless rates to go down. I don’t have the answer but something needs to be done or else our wallets will feel the impact.