Sunday, December 6, 2009
Reflections
It has been over three months now since I began learning about and exploring the unique and interesting neighborhood, the Mission. Upon my first visit, I was both overwhelmed and surprised by the beauty and friendliness that I found here, and i greatly enjoyed myself during that, and every other visit, after. Though the district is plagued by gangs and violence, I can see the love for the community present in the hearts and minds of those locals which I have had the pleasure to talk to over the months. Walking the streets now, I am somewhat saddened that my adventure here is over, however, I realize with happiness that in fact, it does not have to come to an end. I will absolutely continue my exploration of the Mission as long as I am a resident within this great city, of that much I am sure. The one highlight of my time here that sticks out in my mind would be the afternoon I spent in Dolores Park, chatting and meeting just a few of the interesting and warm residents of the area. You can learn so much just from simply spending an hour or two in this lovely place. I would also like to note my favorite Mexican restaurant out of the few that I was able to try, that restaurant being El Farolito. I highly recommend a visit here if you are looking for tasty, relatively inexpensive, Mexican cuisine. And so, with great food, people, culture, and an overall pleasant atmosphere, I know many more visits to the Mission will be in my future!
El Farolito
While roaming the Mission one fine day, a local with whom I happened to talk to for a few minutes on a street corner offered up a dining suggestion for me, that I can now say I am overjoyed to have taken her up on. El Farolito, located at 2779 Mission Street,between 23rd and 24th Streets, is a fine example of the delicious Mexican cuisine one is able to run across while in the neighborhood. I would even go so far as to say it is the best I have had out of the few other places I have tried in the area, and the Carne Asada burrito I bought, at the recommendation of the man working the register, was perhaps the best burrito I have ever had, period.
"This place is absolutely the best,"says Steven Gonzalez. "If I want good food, I always come here."
It's good I opted to order a burrito, because for those burrito lovers out there, this place is well known for its gigantic, hugely stuffed, delicious burritos. And perhaps the best part is the the reasonable price at which all the food is served, perfect for those poor college student like myself, or anyone just looking for a good, cheap meal. The staff was also extremely friendly, helping me to make my selection and bidding me to come back again soon. So if you're ever hungry and in the Mission, El Farolito is the place to go!
Phone Number: (415) 824-7877
Hours:
- Mon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
- Fri-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
- Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
To take a peak at the menu, go here!
http://www.elfarolitoinc.com/
To read reviews of El Farolito, go here!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-farolito-san-francisco-2
"This place is absolutely the best,"says Steven Gonzalez. "If I want good food, I always come here."
It's good I opted to order a burrito, because for those burrito lovers out there, this place is well known for its gigantic, hugely stuffed, delicious burritos. And perhaps the best part is the the reasonable price at which all the food is served, perfect for those poor college student like myself, or anyone just looking for a good, cheap meal. The staff was also extremely friendly, helping me to make my selection and bidding me to come back again soon. So if you're ever hungry and in the Mission, El Farolito is the place to go!
Phone Number: (415) 824-7877
Hours:
- Mon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
- Fri-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
- Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
To take a peak at the menu, go here!
http://www.elfarolitoinc.com/
To read reviews of El Farolito, go here!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-farolito-san-francisco-2
Business Profile: Buen Dia Family School
From the outside, Buen Dia Family School, located at 589 Guerrero and 18th St., looks just like every other house on the block: Wood paneling, quaint stairs leading to a welcoming green door, large windows above the street –level, one car garage. Inside however, is every child’s fantasy.
When you first enter Buen Dia, a privately owned, non-profit preschool, you see 30 cubbyholes filled with the tiny jackets and Disney lunchboxes of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. To the right you see two rooms: the “front/book room”, and the “dress up room”. In the front room you’ll find kids diligently working on puzzles, or reading stories with their parents before saying goodbye. The dress-up room is less-civilized in comparison, with children laughing and yelling as they play dress-up, pretend to cook breakfast, and climb up into the “soft loft” that offers a overlooking get-away with comfy bean-bag chairs for the kids. The toys and activities are all complimented by round, smiling faces with chubby cheeks. The delight and joy is evident within those shiny smiles.
As you venture further into the school, the fact that the school is inside an actual house is apparent with the cozy, homey feeling you experience. Parents and teachers are talking all around, and you can tell Buen Dia is a small community within itself. The small kitchen is to the left, with one teacher busily preparing morning snack. The block area is to the right, with three boys intently focused on building a large castle. Close by is the art table, collages slowly being produced by busy little hands. Just past the art table lays the backyard, complete with a large, wooden play structure, two tire swings, and monkey bars.
It’s painfully obvious as you walk through the school and observe, that the kids love where they are, and the teachers deeply care about the children and their work. The school is all about “hands-on” learning, according to owner Yvonne Gavre. “A place where children can be themselves, where they would be respected.”
Being a multi-cultural preschool, Buen Dia parallels the diversity present in its Mission community. “Buen Dia definitely reflects the diversity in the surrounding community,” says Yvonne. The surrounding community also seems to greatly support this local school, as it received $40,000 from local contributions, and $57,000 in community grants in 2008.
As I exit Buen Dia, I’m truly inspired by the amount of love and respect that is consciously felt within every nook and crevice of the school, a school that is much more like a home.
To visit Buen Dia Family School's website, click here!
http://bdfs.org/
When you first enter Buen Dia, a privately owned, non-profit preschool, you see 30 cubbyholes filled with the tiny jackets and Disney lunchboxes of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. To the right you see two rooms: the “front/book room”, and the “dress up room”. In the front room you’ll find kids diligently working on puzzles, or reading stories with their parents before saying goodbye. The dress-up room is less-civilized in comparison, with children laughing and yelling as they play dress-up, pretend to cook breakfast, and climb up into the “soft loft” that offers a overlooking get-away with comfy bean-bag chairs for the kids. The toys and activities are all complimented by round, smiling faces with chubby cheeks. The delight and joy is evident within those shiny smiles.
As you venture further into the school, the fact that the school is inside an actual house is apparent with the cozy, homey feeling you experience. Parents and teachers are talking all around, and you can tell Buen Dia is a small community within itself. The small kitchen is to the left, with one teacher busily preparing morning snack. The block area is to the right, with three boys intently focused on building a large castle. Close by is the art table, collages slowly being produced by busy little hands. Just past the art table lays the backyard, complete with a large, wooden play structure, two tire swings, and monkey bars.
It’s painfully obvious as you walk through the school and observe, that the kids love where they are, and the teachers deeply care about the children and their work. The school is all about “hands-on” learning, according to owner Yvonne Gavre. “A place where children can be themselves, where they would be respected.”
Being a multi-cultural preschool, Buen Dia parallels the diversity present in its Mission community. “Buen Dia definitely reflects the diversity in the surrounding community,” says Yvonne. The surrounding community also seems to greatly support this local school, as it received $40,000 from local contributions, and $57,000 in community grants in 2008.
As I exit Buen Dia, I’m truly inspired by the amount of love and respect that is consciously felt within every nook and crevice of the school, a school that is much more like a home.
To visit Buen Dia Family School's website, click here!
http://bdfs.org/
Third Places: Dolores Park
In every community, there seems to be a gathering spot which draws residents almost unknowingly into its center to talk, socialize, see, and meet fellow locals. I set out to find such a place within the Mission, spending one sunny day wondering around its streets, searching for a spot with an unusually large amount of people hanging about, and questioning residents as to what they would consider to be a “Third Place” community gathering place within the neighborhood. Finally, after hearing the commentaries of locals and visiting the spot for myself, I found just the ticket.
Dolores Park is a beautiful recreational area, which also serves as a place for Mission residents to meet their neighbors, discuss current issues, or to simply just bask in the sun’s rays when the city is graced with warm weather. On a nice day like today, the park is full to the brim with people enjoying the day, from napping in the grass, to playing with their children on the playground, or enjoying a cold ice cream bar bought from the vendor who regularly strolls through the park.
“Dolores Park is definitely a prime spot in the Mission,” says one resident Arthur Damm. “Every time I come here I see someone I know. And we usually end up talking about the neighborhood and what’s happening.”
“The park is a great place to relax and hang out,” agrees another local, Devin Rogers. “You come here if you want to socialize and hear about what’s going on in the community. It’s really nice.”
I absolutely enjoyed my time spent in this great park, which from its highest point boasts a truly amazing view of San Francisco. It really is a great place to hang out, meet new friends, and learn about the Mission District from one of the many friendly locals who are just ready and waiting to discuss the place that they love.
Map of Mission Homicides
The Mission District is rather commonly known for its violence and gang-related crimes. Though such crimes, primarily shootings, have significantly decrease in the past year, they continue to occur in the neighborhood. To help keep both residents and visitors safe, here is a map of locations at which both non-fatal and fatal shootings have occurred. It is the public's right to know where such incidents happen, and I thought this would be an important map for you all so extreme caution can be exercised when in such areas.
To take a look at crime maps, brought to you by the SFPD, to see what crimes are most common in your area and where exactly they have occurred, visit this site!
http://gispubweb.sfgov.org/website/san_francisco_community/wizard.asp
View Mission Homicides in a larger map
To take a look at crime maps, brought to you by the SFPD, to see what crimes are most common in your area and where exactly they have occurred, visit this site!
http://gispubweb.sfgov.org/website/san_francisco_community/wizard.asp
View Mission Homicides in a larger map
A Taste of Greece Festival in the Mission
Every fall, the Annunciation Cathedral, located at 245 Valencia St. in the Mission, holds an annual Greek festival known as “A Taste of Greece.” I decided to attend this year, and am extremely happy that I did so. Upon stepping though the gates and onto the grounds of the church, my senses began to immediately overload. Loud and lovely traditional Greek music, played on the small elevated stage by obviously skilled musicians, filled the air, for all ears to enjoy. The rich, colorful costumes worn by the dancers produced a beautiful sight for all eyes to enjoy and revel in. And finally, the delicious scents of a variety of Greek delicacies wafted over, under, and through the crowd, all around the festivities for your nose to take in and set your mouth watering. There was not one thing that seemed to stand out for me above all others, as everything presented to me at the “A Taste of Greek” annual Greek Festival was marvelous and unabashedly traditional. The sights, smells, and sounds of the festival were undoubtedly unique and extremely loved by those whose Greek culture plays a primary role in their lives. These three things also served as the highlights to my experience, with the Greek identity, culture, and warmth being completely revealed through their music, dance, and food during the festival. In a neighborhood largely known for its Hispanic culture, I loved seeing the true diversity of the Mission first hand. There are so many different cultures represented in the Mission, but most outsiders are unaware, blinded by the districts name and numerous taquerias you will run into while walking down the street. Even I had no idea what a strong Greek community was present in the neighborhood until I heard about and attended this festival. I had an amazing time, and I would highly suggest that everyone participate next year in this awesome cultural experience brought to you in the Mission.
For more information visit these helpful sites:
http://www.annunciation.org/
http://www.annunciation.org/festival/
To read what fellow residents had to say about this year's festival, go here!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-greece-greek-festival-san-francisco
For more information visit these helpful sites:
http://www.annunciation.org/
http://www.annunciation.org/festival/
To read what fellow residents had to say about this year's festival, go here!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-greece-greek-festival-san-francisco
Iyah Cooper: A Profile
Walking the streets of San Francisco one may encounter a number of unique street performers. Live statues, break-dancers, and musicians dot the city, providing entertainment to passerby. Iyah Cooper is one such musician, and you can see the looks of admiration and amusement on the faces of those who stand watching him. Playing Reggae music on a set of old bongos, Cooper is celebrating a dozen years performing on Mission streets.
Walking by Cooper, one would see a rather average looking, 55-year-old African American man sporting long, graying dreadlocks. However, taking the time to stop and listen, one can hear the passion and enthusiasm he has held for music since his youth. Growing up in rural Georgia, Cooper faced lingering prejudice and discrimination in the Southern state. Turning to music as an escape, Cooper began to teach himself the art of percussion. Playing since the age of 14, Cooper performed for his friends and family, as well as in musical productions during his high school days. Skipping college, Cooper decided to try his hand at making a living through music, playing shows at venues around the state. Being acknowledged for his talent, he was asked to teach music at local schools and during after school programs in his community.
“He truly has an amazing talent,” says Sean Carpenter, a Mission resident. “He always has an audience. He’s become sort of a mobile community gathering spot. It’s incredible.”
Cooper says he chose to live in the Mission upon arriving in San Francisco because of its “diversity and culture.” Becoming a part of the SF Art Project in 1998, he began teaching workshops in music to local Mission elementary school students, particularly at Cesar Chavez Elementary School. During this same time he began teaching music to community children through the Marsh Theatre, located at Valencia and 22nd Street. Putting on theatre productions, Cooper taught and conducted the theatre’s orchestra for three years. Due to this, Cooper has been able to watch a lot of local youth grow up before his eyes.
Cooper has spent the last decade of his life spreading his musical talent and love around San Francisco’s Mission District. Becoming a staple figure in the community, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the loud, rhythmic beats he produces on his drums. However, when asked why he plays his music, Cooper simply responds, “I play for myself.”
Walking by Cooper, one would see a rather average looking, 55-year-old African American man sporting long, graying dreadlocks. However, taking the time to stop and listen, one can hear the passion and enthusiasm he has held for music since his youth. Growing up in rural Georgia, Cooper faced lingering prejudice and discrimination in the Southern state. Turning to music as an escape, Cooper began to teach himself the art of percussion. Playing since the age of 14, Cooper performed for his friends and family, as well as in musical productions during his high school days. Skipping college, Cooper decided to try his hand at making a living through music, playing shows at venues around the state. Being acknowledged for his talent, he was asked to teach music at local schools and during after school programs in his community.
“He truly has an amazing talent,” says Sean Carpenter, a Mission resident. “He always has an audience. He’s become sort of a mobile community gathering spot. It’s incredible.”
Cooper says he chose to live in the Mission upon arriving in San Francisco because of its “diversity and culture.” Becoming a part of the SF Art Project in 1998, he began teaching workshops in music to local Mission elementary school students, particularly at Cesar Chavez Elementary School. During this same time he began teaching music to community children through the Marsh Theatre, located at Valencia and 22nd Street. Putting on theatre productions, Cooper taught and conducted the theatre’s orchestra for three years. Due to this, Cooper has been able to watch a lot of local youth grow up before his eyes.
Cooper has spent the last decade of his life spreading his musical talent and love around San Francisco’s Mission District. Becoming a staple figure in the community, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the loud, rhythmic beats he produces on his drums. However, when asked why he plays his music, Cooper simply responds, “I play for myself.”
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