Residents and visitors in San Francisco have been expressing ongoing concerns about the presence of human and animal feces on the city's streets, despite significant efforts by the local government to address the issue. According to data analysis, feces-related calls have increased by 17% compared to 2020 and 7% compared to 2019.
The city has implemented various initiatives to combat the problem, including the 'Pit-Stop Program' run by San Francisco Public Works. This program aims to provide clean and safe public toilets, needle receptacles, and dog waste stations in an effort to reduce sidewalk feces. However, the program comes at a substantial cost of approximately $12.5 million annually.
Public Works spokesperson Rachel Gordon acknowledged the need for more public toilets in the city, citing the associated costs as a significant factor. Some experts have linked the lack of public toilets in San Francisco to historical issues of racism and discrimination against the homeless population.
Temple University Professor Bryant Simon highlighted the removal of public toilets in the past as a means to marginalize certain groups, leading to the current problem of open defecation. The city has also faced criticism over delays and controversies surrounding government-funded toilet projects.
One such instance involved a $1.7 million toilet project overseen by San Francisco Mayor London Breed's administration, which faced scrutiny for taking over 15 months to install a single toilet in Noe Valley Town Square.
