Collier Gwin, a San Francisco art gallery owner, recently penned an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal titled, "I Lost My Temper. San Francisco Has Lost Its Mind," reflecting on the incident that propelled him into the national spotlight earlier this year. Gwin was arrested after a video surfaced of him spraying a homeless woman with water outside his business. He recently accepted a plea deal, agreeing to 35 hours of community service in exchange for the dismissal of a misdemeanor battery charge.
Gwin, a 40-year resident of the city, argues that the viral video clip fails to capture the broader context of frustration and desperation felt by business owners grappling with issues like drug abuse and shoplifting, which he claims often go unaddressed. He asserts that while his actions were wrong, they highlight the city's deeper problems.
Gwin recounts calling the police and city services numerous times in a single month, claiming their efforts were futile. He describes the woman in the video as "severely mentally ill," echoing local merchants' accounts of her disruptive behavior, including stealing, public indecency, and verbal and physical aggression.
Following the incident, Gwin says he faced death threats and harassing phone calls, while also receiving support from locals who understood his frustration. He admits his actions were wrong but questions the effectiveness of current law enforcement and social services, arguing that taxpayer money is being wasted on ineffective solutions. He points to California's increasing homeless population despite billions spent on the issue.
Gwin concludes his op-ed by urging citizens to hold city leaders and the judicial system accountable for resolving the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to address the complex challenges facing San Francisco.
