Petrelis Files

Drunks Barred From Peeing at SF Firehouses - Signage Needed

My successful campaign persuading the San Francisco Fire Department to allow the homeless and general public have access to taxpayer-funded toilets isn't over yet.

I recently stopped by the firehouse on Sanchez Street, right off Market in the Castro, in need of relieving myself. The firefighters on duty were totally unaware of the new toilet access policy but were happy to allow me to use their restroom.

Last week, the fire commission secretary, Maureen Conefrey, shared with me a memo from Mark Gonzalez, deputy chief of operations, stating:

"If the member of the public requesting to use the facility is inebriated or altered in any way, they shall not be allowed to use the restroom facility."

Given the high number of homeless and housed folks in this City on a substance or two, this restriction sure could prevent many people from accessing the firehouse toilets when they really, really need to pee. Let's hope the firefighters don't adhere too strictly to the memo's rules.

Separate from the rules, we need Chief Joanne Hayes-White and Mayor Lee's homeless coordinator Bevan Dufty holding a few highly-publicized events at firehouse, raising much-needed awareness about the toilet access expansion.

I recommend the City spend a few bucks on metal signage to be installed at every firehouse, detailing the days and times when toilets are available for public usage. What benefit to the public health is there if only a handful of folks are aware of toilet access via SFFD facilities?

Currently, all facilities advertise they're safe surrender sites for unwanted infants. I'm not sure how many mothers drop off their babies at firehouses, but such signage is a good example of what toilet access signs should look like.