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San Francisco's Sit-Lie Law Proves Successful In The Haight

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – It's been six months, but the proof is in the pudding when it comes to whether San Francisco's controversial sit-lie law is actually working.

On Haight Street, Shade played his music as tourists offered him tips. He said he's found a glitch in the ordinance, as he sits on a milk crate and not the sidewalk.

"(The law) means no sitting or walking on the actual ground," he said.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

Ariana, who plays alongside Shade, said police have for the most part, been fairly tolerant.

"They are more worried about kids being so wasted that they have no choice but to sit on the ground," she said.

Bruce Smith, who owns Roberts Hardware on Haight Street, said he has seen an improvement since the law was implemented.

"It seems to be going just fine. I haven't seen a lot of problems on the street," said Smith. "It's nice to see the tourists out there shopping."

San Francisco Police Captain Dennis O'Leary said citations and arrests were heavy in May and June, but have gone down so far in August.

"Park Station has issued three warnings and a dozen citations for sit-lie and no bookings (in August)," he said. "Those numbers are down and they are down because we are getting compliance without issuing citations."

San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr said it appears his officers are being more judicious about enforcing sit-lie, not criminalizing the less fortunate and just trying to gain compliance.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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