A task force was started a few months ago to address several issues in the neighborhood of the crooked Lombard Street. There has been a noticeable explosion of tourist activity and crime over the last few years.
Members of the task force are Catherine Stefani (chairperson) from Supervisor Farrell’s office; Helen Raiser, Greg Brundage, Anton Bruehl from the neighborhood bordering the crooked street; Captain Lazar of Central Station; Mike Moylan from RHN and Central CPAB; and representatives from several City departments.
The Lombard St Ambassador Program, which is modeled after the successful Ambassador Program at Fisherman’s Wharf, is an effort to provide onsite trained and paid people called ambassadors during the high tourist timeframes this season. The ambassadors will be uniformed, provide help to the tourists, manage crowds and traffic, and have fast access to the police if the situation warrants it. They will encourage tourists to show respect while enjoying the beauty of the crooked street area.
Some quick hit solutions will be parking an unmanned police car at various spots during the weekends and the posting of signs warning tourists to not leave anything visible in their car.
Funding for the program is being pursued through Mark Farrell’s office.
Mr. Farrell- I am writing regarding the beautiful Lombard Street, and the residents who have to try to live with tourists (myself included). I live in Arizona and Utah and have the opportunity to call San Francisco one of my favorite places to visit.
Please help the residents who live on Lombard Street, as well as the tourists who visit- and want to continue doing so.
I believe a $5 per person, and $15 per car fee would not be outrageous. In fact, it would be a VERY inexpensive fee to pay for something so unique. The fee could be used to help with upkeep and maintenance, some strategically located and artistic trash bins (have a contest with all the amazing artists in your area, and let the Lombard Street Assn people choose the winner). The city could also install some permanent restrooms near the top and bottom of the street to accommodate visitors. (again, have a contest on 2 beautiful structures- with the home owners choosing the winners) You could also issue resident parking permits, with visitor passes for their guests, for those living on the street. Lombard has given San Francisco an amazing tourist destination. Please don’t penalize the residents for this. Help them to enjoy their property, while regulating the flow so they can live their lives. With as many tourists as come by, the funds raised could pay for an extra policer officer to help keep things under control. As far as tour buses just dropping people off for an hour or two (WAY too long for time needed to visit) Charge them a hefty fee per person dropped, and limit the time they are allowed to abandon them there. I would hate to see this unique spot need to be cut off from everyone, but I know fees could help the problem, and help pay to make the problem have less impact on your residents that call Lombard Street home. Thank you for listening, and for your amazing city, and all it has to offer. My Grandparents, Parents, Myself and my Daughter have all spent part of our honeymoons in your lovely city. Keep up the good work! Jodie Swenson 801-392-6404