San Francisco’s ‘Zombie Park’ feels safer following February raid, residents say

(KRON) — San Francisco’s Jefferson Square Park, once known as “Zombie Park” by locals due to frequent drug use, feels safe again, residents say, after police cracked down on overnight drug use in the area.

The San Francisco Police Department arrested close to 90 people and seized more than a pound of narcotics while raiding the park on the night of Feb. 26. Police coordinated the operation with multiple city agencies.

Rene Colorado, the executive director of the Tenderloin Merchants Association helped plan a party at the park to celebrate the drastic improvement. 

“It’s definitely improved, so big shoutout to the city, Mayor Daniel Lurie, and to everyone who worked on this,” Colorado said.

Lights have been added to Jefferson Square Park to help deter future drug activity. Park rangers are also patrolling the park daily.

Watch KRON4 reporter Sara Stinson’s full report in the video player above.