UPDATE: Ernesto Najera Sanchez was found in the Tenderloin on Thursday afternoon, after his family reported him as missing since Monday. Sally Hindman, who runs the youth arts program Sanchez is enrolled in, said Sanchez was dehydrated and malnourished, but was back with his family.
Hindman said a friend saw Sanchez from a bus on McAllister Street. Sanchez’s brother found him in the area shortly after, with no money or identification. “We are going to piece things together and work to get this youth help,” Hindman told Mission Local. “Anything could have happened in that neighborhood โฆ such a blessing he’s alive.”
Mission District teen Ernesto Najera Sanchez, 19, has been missing since Monday, July 25.
Sanchez, who stands about 5 feet tall, was last seen around 2:30 p.m. at a jobs training program in South Berkeley. The summer program was held at Youth Spirit Artworks near Alcatraz Avenue and Adeline Street.
Isaac Najera, Sanchezโs brother, said his brother went alone to his program in Berkeley and took the bus and BART there as usual. Sanchez was reportedly wearing black pants and a dark green shirt over a white long-sleeve shirt.
Najera said his brother hangs out near 16th and Mission streets and around the Civic Center neighborhood, and friends have told him that Sanchez also frequents Haight Street and Golden Gate Park.
According to his friends at his arts program, Sanchez said he was headed to Civic Center on Monday afternoon, Najera said.
Sanchez lives with his family in the Mission District, near 24th and Bartlett streets. Najera said his mother contacted the SFPD and filed a missing persons report.
“It’s very hard for us, we are praying and praying he comes home soon,” said Najera.
“Youth Spirit Artworks has greatly appreciated Ernesto’s involvement in our program,” said executive director Sally Hindman. “We are very concerned and hope every effort can be made to find him. We hope to see him again soon.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sanchezโs brother Isaac Najera at 415-910-7831.
Buenos dรญas! Ernesto se encuentra en Cuautla Morelos
Glad there was a positive ending to this story.
I saw Ernesto today, 10 am -11 am at 711 (8 street and J. st) near Chavez Park in Sacramento. Please call, 279 977 3249. He was alone, said he was ok, but was visibly dehydrated, hungry, and wondering J street in downtown. He was wearing aqua blue shorts and top and sneakers wearing a fanny pack. He said was “okay” and left walking looking for drugs.