October 15, 2025
Attention SFMTA:
Conditions for this past weekend:
Friday October 10, 2025
Saturday October 11, 2025
This past weekend marks the 44th consecutive week of noncompliance under Shared Spaces Permit No. 1091787. As with previous reports, the same unresolved issues persist now with added escalation.
Ongoing Violations
- Vehicles were again observed driving through and parked within the closure.
- The “Signature” men’s clothing tent was once again setup with its parked van and conducting retail sales with no visible permit. Despite over a dozen prior inquiries, this vendor continues to operate without oversight highlighting the failure of any functional enforcement mechanism.
- Ride-share drivers (Uber, Lyft) are regularly dropping off passengers at the barricades, a detail that underscores the ongoing absurdity of this closure. Even transportation services recognize the 400 block as vehicle-accessible, yet the street remains officially “closed” for a program whose basic rules are ignored in plain sight.
New Violations and Incidents:
- Unauthorized Stage Setup
A full stage and performance infrastructure were erected on the 400 block. The permit contains no provision for staging. - Unpermitted Vendor at Patricia’s Green/ Hostile Conduct by Permit Holder
A vendor was again seen operating at Patricia’s Green. When asked if they had permission from Rec & Park, they stated Andrew Seigner gave them approval. When a member of our team asked Andrew for clarification, he responded: “Step back. I do not want to talk to you.” This behavior is not isolated —multiple residents have experienced similar hostility when raising questions about vendor activity or event flyers. This is unacceptable conduct from anyone managing a city-issued permit.
Key Implications
- Abuse of Public Authority
If HVNA (via Seigner) is acting as the de facto manager of this closure, public-facing accountability must follow. Refusing to engage with community stakeholders only reinforces our concern: SFMTA has subcontracted public authority to a group with no oversight.
- Unwarranted, Intimidating Behavior
Telling residents to “step back” when asking about permitted activity is performative and hostile and sends the message that this space belongs to a select few.
- Breakdown of Permit Legitimacy
If a permit holder can ignore violations, deny engagement, and operate above scrutiny, what is the point of the permit at all? This is no longer a public program it’s an abdication.
Closing Note
These weekly reports represent ongoing harm to residents, small businesses, and public trust. What’s happening under this closure is a misuse of public space and a regulatory failure. We again call for an immediate moratorium on this closure. Permitting for events must return to standard SFMTA processes and should not remain in the hands of an accountable group that functions like self-appointed fiefdom.
Thank you.