As the weeks zoomed by (get it - “zoomed by”) in early October, San Francisco continued to settle in to the “new normal” living with COVID-19 in 2020. Barber shops, salons, tattoo and massage parlors all opened back up. Outdoor dining structures in front of restaurants had become ubiquitous. Limited capacity indoor dining also resumed. More hotels opened and more tourists were wandering about. Fewer businesses were boarded up. Museums opened at limited capacity. We actually visited the Asian Art Museum!
Still, many businesses have permanently closed and others still have not reopened. Poverty and desperation are prevalent on the streets in San Francisco, one of the wealthy cities in the country. Even though San Francisco’s Coronavirus infection numbers have been low, we have a long way to go to recover from the pandemic.
This banner outside the Gentlemen’s Barber Lounge on Lower Nob Hill features a member from The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Notice the #practicesafesix hashtag.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an order of queer and trans nuns. They believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty. Since their first appearance 1979, the Sisters have devoted themselves to community service, ministry, outreach to those on the edges, promoting human rights, and respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment.
This outdoor dining structure for the Sutter Pub and Restaurant is particularly impressive because it’s built on such a steep hill.
This poster encouraging voting was on a bus stop on Leavenworth Street.
Colorful flags adorn the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall on Stockton Street.
Much to my delight, video production resumed in San Francisco. This was a small video commercial crew with a car camera rig at the top of Stockton Street.
In the Tenderloin and Civic Center, many local artists have contributed street art to St. Anthony’s “70 Years Inspired by Hope” anniversary celebration. This mural by Kalani Ware is outside the Orpheum Theatre. Had it not been for the pandemic, the smash Broadway hit Hamilton would be playing here to sold out audiences every night.
Founded in 1979, Zuni Café on upper mid-Market Street is famous for its roasted chicken over bread salad. Made to order, guests must wait 40 minutes for it to be prepared. Zuni Café now offers this and any many other delicious dishes to go and with limited outdoor dining.
This mural by Ravi Poovaiah is outside Kantine - a Scandinavian inspired cafe at Market and Laguna Streets.
This “Rest in Power” tribute to the notorious R.B.G features the famous San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown. Marian and Vivian were identical twins who appeared in many talk shows and television commercials. They were renowned for being extremely well dressed in identical outfits. Short of stature and simply adorable, they became San Francisco icons. They lived across the street from us on Nob Hill. Back in the early 1990s, I worked as a waiter a restaurant near Union Square and often served them dinner.
In a previous blog, I mentioned my obsession with photographing abandoned chairs on the streets of San Francisco. This scene near the Safeway in the Castro district seemed particularly bleak to me.
These two figures from Burma are a part of the Southeast Asia gallery at the Asian Art Museum. The crowned male figure, making a gesture of respect, looks on to the monk Shariputra, the chief disciple of the Buddha. They evoked a sense of peace that I carried with me throughout the day.
“Pause” is a site-specific installation at the Asian Art Museum by artist Jean Shin. Using discarded cell phones and computer cables, Shin’s work is intended to point out how technological innovation contributes to climate change.
Afternoon light on spider plants on Pine Street.
Light refracting through a boom lift parked on Russian Hill.
Evening light gracing the sidewalk at the top of Nob Hill.
In some areas of town, entire streets have been blocked off for outside dining. These folks were enjoying a Saturday night out on Fern street next to Lush Lounge in the Polk Gulch neighborhood.
Empty bike racks on 7th Street made some cool shadows.
An artistic van parked on Sutter Street.
Scary holograms decorated an office window in the Financial District.
I really liked the creativity of this mural on Montgomery Street.