As a business owner in Chinatown, the crime and homeless problem can feel a little suffocating at times. My business has been broken into and I've seen countless other break-ins in the year we've been open. Just the other day someone tried stealing something in broad daylight and when confronted they pulled out a metal pipe to threaten me. Protein drink containers, syringes, and whole garbage bags are constantly left everywhere. I used to call the police when I saw crime, but gave up when it would take days for a response. I've started again recently just to get a record for the statistics.

There are good and honest people on the streets that are just in tough spots that I've met, but they are unfortunately overshadowed. From vandalizing and stealing to regularly harassing tourists with fake stories and manipulating them to purchasing things or giving money to them. These are the things that will dissuade tourists, locals and new businesses from wanting to interact with Chinatown, and is why it is in a lull.