As San Francisco started week three of sheltering in place to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the city seemed to settle into a little bit of a rhythm. People queued up at a safe distance outside supermarkets. More closed businesses boarded up their windows. The debate at city hall continued between Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on what to do about the homeless. In some residential neighborhoods, things seemed very much the same except that there were only people out to walk their dogs. In contrast, areas such as Union Square and the Financial District took on a very eerie, apocalyptic feel. I have been trying to focus on the positive: how people are supporting each other while generally observing social distancing guidelines. And this week I tried to focus my lens on the unique and dynamic beauty of this city where I live despite the profound adverse effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. Still, it’s hard to ignore the hardships evident everywhere.
Thank you sign for healthcare workers at the Warfield Hotel in the Tenderloin.
A beautiful tulip garden in bloom in Laurel Heights.
An inspirational hand written message at a little free library in Pacific Heights.
Ironically, this “MORE CHANGE AHEAD” sign was posted on an empty Forever 21 store front before the Coronavirus hit.
You know it’s the end of days when your local Starbucks is closed and boarded up!
“We will get thru this together” street art in front at the Barbary Coast marijuana dispensary.
The Mel’s Drive-in South of Market has concave windows that made for a cool design when boarded up.
In January, regular vehicles on Market Street were banned, allowing only busses, street cars, taxis and bicycles. Now it seems devoid of all of those and people too.
Hand written chalkboard sign in the Inner Richmond.
This delightful Easter display with plush unicorns along California Street would lift anyone’s spirits.
Lavender in bloom in front of a Victorian building on Pine Street.
As I walked passed Broadway on Russian Hill one evening, I was attracted to the evening light reflecting off the cars parked on the hill. Then I noticed the couple at the top of the hill taking in the view.
Looking up Vallejo Street on Thursday evening.
Paper hearts posted in windows on Russian Hill.
Late afternoon light reflecting off a building on California Street.
The plight of the homeless during this difficult time is particularly dire. Imagine living on the street, relying on the kindness of strangers to get by, and then everyone just disappears. Many are elderly and barely holding on. Some are mentally ill and have a limited understanding of what is happening. More and more often in my walks about town, I’ve seen people scrounging through trash and compost bins looking for something to eat. This person in a wheel chair in the Financial District makes a strong statement on how we have abandoned and neglected some of the most vulnerable in our society.