S.F. Health Department Declares 'Occupy' A Nuisance
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco's public health department has declared the Occupy San Francisco encampment in Justin Herman Plaza a public health nuisance.
The declaration came on Thursday, though city authorities so far are allowing the demonstrators to remain in the plaza.
Barbara Garcia, head of the city's public health department, said the grassy area being used by the campers has been found to contain feces and have inadequate toilet facilities. Conditions for the spread of respiratory illnesses have also been present.
Mayor Ed Lee had given the protesters until 4 p.m. on Thursday to reduce the number of tents at the camp to no more than 100 from the 200 or so there this week. But there were still more than 100 tents there after the deadline.
Protesters feared that they would be evicted overnight, but the camp was not raided.
(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press)
