Rainbow rock outside San Francisco restaurant sparking controversy

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Friday, June 21, 2019
Rainbow rock outside SF restaurant sparking controversy
A rainbow rock in an alcove of a sushi restaurant in San Francisco is sparking controversy.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A rainbow rock in an alcove of a sushi restaurant in San Francisco's Castro District is sparking controversy, with some saying it was meant to prevent homeless people from seeking shelter there.

The Coalition on Homelessness shared a photo of the rock on Twitter, along with a message: "When you wanna look inclusive but hate homeless people."

A manager at the restaurant said they put out for their Japanese Zen garden and there is a safe space in the entryway of the restaurant that homeless people can use.

The Coalition on Homelessness has since deleted the tweet, and posted the message: "Ya'll, we made a mistake! While rocks r a common prt of anti-homeless architecture, this particular rock is NOT. It's a Japanese garden. Izakaya Sushi is a valued member of the commnity & is supportive of its homeless neighbors. We apologize & offer deep appreciation to the staff."