San Francisco Resident Criticizes Mayor Lurie Over Public Drug Use at Van Ness/Market Bus Shelter

San Francisco, CA – A San Francisco resident took to social media on October 21, 2025, to express frustration over visible drug use and homelessness at a bus shelter near Van Ness Avenue and Market Street. The tweet directly criticized Mayor Daniel Lurie, stating, "The bus shelter at Van mess/market completely taken over by junkies, one doing drugs behind an unfurled umbrella @DanielLurie literally you are doing NOTHING as mayor except lame ass videos." This public outcry highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the city's response to drug addiction, despite recent official reports of declining violent crime.

Mayor Daniel Lurie, who assumed office in January 2025 after defeating incumbent London Breed, has made public safety and addressing homelessness central tenets of his administration. His "Breaking the Cycle" plan aims to reduce visible street homelessness and connect individuals with long-term housing and care, while the "Rebuilding the Ranks" initiative seeks to increase police staffing and improve response times. Just a day prior to the tweet, Mayor Lurie publicly pushed back against proposals to deploy the National Guard to combat the city's drug crisis, asserting that violent crime is at its lowest levels since the 1950s and emphasizing local law enforcement's role in disrupting drug markets.

The area around Van Ness Avenue and Market Street, a major transportation hub, has historically faced challenges with homelessness and public drug use. Recent data from the San Francisco Police Department indicates a 22% decrease in drug-related arrests in the city's Southern District, which includes the Van Ness corridor, between January and September 2025 compared to the previous year. However, community observations, as evidenced by the recent tweet, suggest that visible issues persist in specific locations.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has been implementing various strategies to enhance safety and cleanliness at transit stops, including increased cleaning schedules and security patrols in high-traffic areas. The mayor's office has reiterated its commitment to working with community partners and law enforcement to address the complex issues of addiction and homelessness, aiming for a comprehensive approach that balances enforcement with treatment and support services. This incident underscores the persistent challenge of translating city-wide policy successes into tangible improvements at the neighborhood level for all residents.