Dear Mayor Breed and Team,

This letter, borne out of deep frustration and fear, is a final plea for immediate, decisive action in Soma West. The recent incidents at Bay of Burma and the pervasive lawlessness in our neighborhood underscore a crisis that can no longer be ignored. It is disheartening and infuriating that despite repeated appeals, the response from city officials and law enforcement has been grossly inadequate. Our community is unraveling at an alarming rate, and yet, we find ourselves questioning: What would it take for you to start listening? Must we wait for the unthinkable, like the murder of children in our streets, before we see meaningful intervention?

I am writing to you not just as a concerned citizen but as a member of a community that is frankly, at its breaking point. The ongoing safety and public order challenges in Soma West, exemplified by the recent harrowing incidents at Bay of Burma, demand not just your attention but immediate and decisive action. The situation has escalated beyond acceptable limits, and the lack of adequate response and follow-up from elected officials and city authorities is unacceptable.

The neighborhood's decline is accelerating, and with each passing day, we are witnessing the erosion of the safety, security, and vitality that once defined our community. This is not just a failure of policy but a failure of responsibility. The question now stands—when will you wake up and fulfill the duties of your office?

On January 29th, an aggressive individual terrorized staff and customers at Bay of Burma, a valued local business. This person’s actions, including harassment, threats with a weapon, and property damage, lasted over 45 minutes without any intervention from the SFPD, despite multiple calls for help. This is not an isolated incident but a glaring example of the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester in our neighborhood.

Furthermore, on January 26th, the same establishment was subjected to slanderous accusations, impacting its reputation and the livelihoods of those it employs. These incidents, coupled with ongoing disturbances from individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors, have created an untenable situation for businesses and residents alike.

The response from city officials and law enforcement to these and similar incidents has been woefully inadequate. Promises of assistance and intervention have not materialized into tangible actions. This lack of accountability and effective response undermines the trust between the community and those elected to serve and protect it.

We demand not just answers but action. We need:

• Immediate and Visible Police Action: The SFPD must not only increase their presence but also engage proactively with the community to deter crime and respond swiftly to incidents. The safety of our residents and the security of our businesses cannot be left in uncertainty.
• Direct Engagement and Accountability: We call for a scheduled, public meeting with city officials, law enforcement, and community members to discuss specific actions being taken to address these crises. This meeting should result in a clear, actionable plan with assigned responsibilities and deadlines.We are tired and fed up of your words! We need to see actions 
• Emergency Support Measures for Businesses: Immediate financial and security assistance for businesses like Bay of Burma, which are on the brink due to the escalating safety concerns and criminal activities. These establishments are the backbone of our community and deserve direct support.
• Comprehensive Addressing of Homelessness and Mental Health: A reevaluation and significant bolstering of the strategies to address homelessness, mental health, and drug addiction issues in our neighborhood. We need more than temporary fixes; we require a sustainable, compassionate approach that addresses the root causes, and our backyards cannot be the dumping grounds for you to look away from! 

The situation in Soma West is not just a reflection of the challenges facing San Francisco but a stark indicator of the urgent need for leadership that listens, cares, and acts. We are beyond the point of polite requests; we are demanding the attention and action that this crisis warrants.

What will it take for you to act? Must we face even more heartbreaking tragedies before you recognize the severity of the situation? The time for tepid responses and bureaucratic delays is over. We need bold, decisive action that can restore our faith in your ability to protect and serve this community.

Wake up and do your job. The eyes of Soma West are upon you, waiting for you to prove that our safety, lives, and livelihoods matter to you.