San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management is expanding its street‑ambassador program to the Outer Richmond, assigning three Urban Alchemy workers to patrol the Safeway corridor and nearby plaza. The effort, funded by a $1.8 million city contract, aims to maintain a clean, safe environment for residents, shoppers, and beach‑goers.
City contracts empower local outreach
Urban Alchemy, a nonprofit founded in 2018 to improve street conditions in the city’s core, received over $24 million in city contracts last year. One portion of that funding created a new “commercial corridor” category, directing teams to high‑traffic areas such as the Outer Richmond, Hayes Valley and the Castro. The contracts were developed through discussions among the Department of Emergency Management, the mayor’s office and district supervisors, ensuring the placements reflect demonstrated community need.
Ambassadors on the ground
Since August 19, the three ambassadors have been walking the block between La Playa Street and 48th Avenue, near the Safeway and the beach. Their duties include sweeping litter, relocating unhoused individuals, and calling police when necessary. City spokesperson Jackie Thornhill said the teams have “positive engagements with people, they clean up litter, they reverse overdoses, they help connect people to the teams that can connect them to services.”
One local Muni bus driver noted a dramatic change: “There used to be about ten people here. Now there’s none.” While the ambassadors have moved some individuals, others remain nearby, such as a group of unhoused men who set up in the ice‑plant area between the Great Highway and the beachfront sidewalk. One of those men, Steven Stimbrosky, said the ambassadors have asked him to relocate his spot daily for the past two weeks, but he generally finds the interaction amicable.
Coordinated response to incidents
When a confrontation escalated, two U.S. Park Police officers and a park ranger intervened, reminding a man that camping was not permitted. Earlier that morning, officers detained a separate individual who allegedly brandished a weapon and threatened others. An Urban Alchemy ambassador assisted, and the suspect was placed on a psychiatric hold. Stimbrosky praised the ambassadors for acting as mediators during the incident.
Impact supported by research
A recent Stanford University study cited by the nonprofit suggests that ambassador deployments have contributed to a meaningful reduction in crime on city streets. Urban Alchemy’s guiding philosophy includes hiring people who have been formerly incarcerated or who have experienced addiction and homelessness, providing them with stable employment and a chance to give back to the community.
Rolando Candia, one of the three Outer Richmond ambassadors, was released from federal prison two months ago after serving 13 years. He wears an ankle monitor while working, cleaning trash and relocating unhoused individuals. “It’s hard seeing people on the streets, sleeping with a blanket over them,” Candia said. “I can relate and I empathize with them.” He travels from Hayward each weekday to begin his shift at 7 a.m., continuing until the afternoon.
Future outlook
City officials see the ambassador program as a flexible tool for addressing safety and cleanliness in commercial corridors while connecting people to social‑service resources. Thornhill confirmed coordination with Supervisor Connie Chan’s office on the Outer Richmond deployment, though Chan’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
As the Safeway site is slated for redevelopment, the presence of ambassadors may help ensure a smoother transition for businesses and residents alike. The city’s continued investment in community‑based solutions reflects a commitment to uphold public safety, support families, and honor the dignity of every individual.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
