Temporary closure of Alcatraz worries San Francisco vendors

One of San Francisco’s most iconic tourist attractions is shutting down completely for three weeks for repairs, leaving Embarcadero vendors worried about lost business and tourists holding tickets they can’t use. “The Rock” will close starting Monday through Nov. 19. The National Park Service said repairs are needed on pilings that support the ferry dock on Alcatraz Island, and that means there will be no ferries leaving Pier 33 for three weeks. That closure also means the area will lose thousands of daily visitors for three straight weeks, which is a concern for small businesses, especially vendors who set up shop daily at Pier 33. Carmen, the owner of Nothing But Fruits, said she won’t lose 100% of her business, but she will lose a lot and it worries her because business is always bad when Alcatraz closes. Jose D., a pedicab operator with Golden Gate Pedicabs, said he’ll make route adjustments until the tours start again. “I won’t be stopping here. This is our zone and