Since 1983, Daniel Covenencia, a 65-year-old Oakland resident, has been driving to the 16th Street BART Plaza every Saturday morning at around 10 a.m. to preach the gospel.
He parks his car on Wiese Street and goes to the plaza with his mic, speaker, white gospel quote signs, and a dolly carrying a case of water bottles to give to those in need. Once he sets up, he preaches until 1 p.m. Oftentimes, Covenencia is joined by a few friends or passersby.
Since mid-March, his Saturday preaching has been accompanied by the big white SFPD mobile unit and a police car.
Covenencia said he’s long been accustomed to the chaos at the plazas and on the side streets. He recalls frequent instances of the SFPD’s yellow tape marking a crime scene, stealing, drug use, and sometimes more violent crimes.
“It’s very messy,” Convenecia said.
But for the past month, he said, he’s seen a lot of improvement — at least during the late Saturday morning when he visits from the East Bay. Indeed, the plaza where he preaches is the most improved as it always has the parked and imposing SFPD mobile unit.
And, there’s no doubt that the police have been more active in the area. Mission Local reported that over a quarter of the city’s arrests and citations issued for drugs in March came from the 1.5 block radius surrounding the 16th and Mission street intersection. Of the 520 drug arrests or citations in March in San Francisco, a total of 140 came from the vicinity of the plaza, where Mayor Daniel Lurie is targeting and Covenecia is preaching.
Convenecia, for his part, thinks that the police car and mobile unit have been the most helpful because their presence deters those doing drugs and stealing at the plaza.
“It definitely made the impact,” Covenencia said, smiling.
Thanks for naming this so clearly. East Bay “good samaritans” illegally blaring amplified hate speech in a public space and pretending this in service to some kind of community. Stay out of our neighborhood, Padre.
I kindly request the preacher to dispense with the loudspeaker. I can hear him all the way over on 17th and South Van Ness every single weekend. He can preach just fine without the need to rattle my windows in the mornings and on weekends. Most monotheistic religions encourage being considerate of others. How would the preacher like it if I stood in front of his house making noise when he wants some sleep?
I would definitely not wear my cherished Omega chronometer watch in that area…
Don’t blame you!
The olaza is more clear which is great for those of us taking BART. but the chaotic scenes just moved over a couple of blocks, it is now on mission between 16th and 14th on both sides of the street. I am wondering why your photos dont reflect that. Thanks for your continuing coverage.
Noise pollution every Saturday morning. I can hear it all the way at south van ness— even with windows closed. It just adds to the mess already at the plaza.
Everyone just moved down to 15th street. Nothing has changed. This article is very poorly written and researched. Might as well be a blogpost from the preacher’s website