Meet the Dealers

SFPD Sgt. Charlie Koehane, who walks the beat almost every day, says there are fewer transients on the strip today than when the Dead were touring. Still, every day his officers make between five and 10 busts. Recently, Police Chief Fred Lau proposed a new policy that would require officers not to book juveniles arrested for selling drugs or committing burglaries. Instead, they would be issued a ticket and let go to ease overcrowding in Juvenile Hall. The measure has raised some controversy among law enforcement people, who feel that the city is fostering an environment in which young dealers can do their business with little fear of jail time.

William says he has been lucky, earning up to $100 a day and never getting caught. Then again, he's relatively new to the Haight.

"I have $696 saved as of today," he says, adding that he collects SSI benefits from the federal government every month because he has been diagnosed as clinically depressed and is prone to nervous breakdowns. "If I can save a little more, I'll be on my way."

The names of the Haight dealers have been changed.