San Francisco: We Like Our Cities Like We Like Our Coffee - Strong, But Not Too Bold (Unless You're Poor)
Ah, San Francisco. Land of cable cars, sourdough bread, and a housing market that would make a dragon hoard blush. But beneath the golden gate and the fog lies a tale of urban renewal so ruthless, it could teach a game of Monopoly a thing or two about displacement. Today, we delve into the story of a neighborhood that went from vibrant Filipino community to... well, not a whole lot.
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| How San Francisco Erased A Neighborhood |
The Rise and Fall of Manilatown: From Mangoes to Makeovers
Manilatown, once a thriving center of Filipino culture on Stockton Street, is now a ghost of its former self. In the mid-20th century, it bustled with restaurants serving up delicious adobo, social clubs filled with lively conversation, and the comforting scent of cigars. But then came the 1960s, a decade known for many things, including city planners with a serious case of the "bulldozer blues."
Fueled by a desire to create a "Manhattanization" of the West Coast (think fancy skyscrapers, not bodegas overflowing with pastrami on rye), the city decided Manilatown's charm was a little too, well, charming for their new vision. Enter M. Justin Herman, the man with a name that sounds like a high-priced brand of bottled water, and a plan about as refreshing for the residents of Manilatown as a day-old latte. Herman, the head of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, decided that this historic neighborhood, along with many others, was just too "blighted" (city planner speak for "full of people who can't afford fancy new apartments").
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
The International Hotel: A Stand Against the Eviction Blues
But the Filipino community wasn't going down without a fight. The International Hotel, a single-room occupancy hotel that housed many Manilatown residents, became the heart of the resistance. For nearly a decade, residents and activists waged a fierce battle against eviction, with protests, hunger strikes, and a whole lot of righteous anger. It was a David vs Goliath situation, only instead of a slingshot, David had a spatula full of lumpia (because let's be honest, what's more intimidating than a delicious Filipino spring roll?).
Unfortunately, the eviction hammer eventually fell in 1977, scattering the residents and leaving Manilatown a shadow of its former self. Today, only a handful of Filipino restaurants and businesses remain, a constant reminder of a community lost to the relentless march of progress (and expensive rent).
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
So, What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Well, for one thing, it's a cautionary tale. Urban renewal can have a dark side, and sometimes "progress" comes at a cost. It's also a reminder of the importance of fighting for what matters, even if you're facing a foe with a seemingly endless supply of demolition crews.
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FAQ: How to Not Get Bulldozed Out of Your Neighborhood (San Francisco Edition - Unofficial)
1. How to Channel Your Inner Filipino Badass: Learn about the history of Manilatown and the International Hotel. These folks knew how to fight for their community, and a little inspiration goes a long way.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
2. How to Speak Fluent Bureaucracy: Get familiar with your city's redevelopment plans and zoning laws. Knowledge is power, even if it comes in the form of legalese that would make a lawyer weep.
3. How to Make Friends With Your Neighbors: Strength is in numbers. Build a community with the people around you, because united we stand, divided we get priced out.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
4. How to Bake a Mean Batch of Cookies: Sometimes, bribery with delicious baked goods goes a long way with city council members. Hey, it's worth a shot, right?
5. How to Move to a Small Town in Montana: Okay, this might be a bit extreme, but hey, at least you'll have affordable housing and plenty of elbow room. Just don't be surprised if the closest source of lumpia is a thousand miles away.
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