Quote du jour: Cracking down on "fencing"

"This bill will give San Francisco the tools we need to crack down on retail theft with accountability for those who illegally resell stolen goods."

— Mayor Daniel Lurie said Tuesday on the passage of The SAFE Streets Act.

City leaders celebrated Gov. Gavin Newsom signing the SAFE Streets Act yesterday.

Why it matters: The new law allows San Francisco to crack down on illegal street vending.

• Fencing — the illegal sale of stolen goods — has been an ongoing issue in neighborhoods with high foot traffic, including the Mission and Civic Center.

How it works: The law's criminal offenses won't apply to street vendors with permits, those selling approved goods or those offering prepared food.

• Vendors will be required to either obtain a permit or provide proof of purchase to verify that the goods they sell were obtained legally.
• The first two offenses would lead to an infraction that could result in fines.
• A third offense would rise to a misdemeanor charge and up to six months in county jail.

Catch up quick: In February, state Sen. Scott Wiener reintroduced the bill with the backing of Mayor Daniel Lurie.

• Both leaders have said fencing fuels retail theft and endangers legal street vendors.