People might know more about the Mission but the Tenderloin’s almost exclusively Mayan community is so interesting! There are so many new little restaurants with almost no Google reviews, every one of them a Yucatán specialist. Even the street food sellers do Yucatán stuff (there’s a guy on the street corner who does this wafer, cheese and chocolate roll)
Late last year, I ran a small project with a nonprofit in San Francisco. We gave out instant film cameras (color and black and white) to 5 people who were either unhoused or who lived nearby in one of the 'SROs'. We did a tiny, tiny exhibition.
I'm still working to figure out how to make this a more regular thing, and how to show their work, because they have such amazing stories to tell.
I read in a newspaper article about my neighborhood: "The Tenderloin is the center of the fentanyl crisis in San Francisco and is known for squalid conditions, homelessness, crime, drug trade, and prostitution."
(And delicious food, cheap rent, the most diverse working class communities, the only part of the city with real city density, with access to all public transit)
My French house guest alerted me to this translation of a French sci-fi writer’s piece on San Francisco, technocratic utopianism, the people left behind, and the Tenderloin, my much maligned neighborhood
If you ever want a good burrito in the Tenderloin, check out Marcela’s Taqueria on Geary & Jones. It’s one of the better ones without going into the Mission, and certainly the last good one before Nob Hill. Chuy’s Fiesta II on Post is also good
For vegan friends, Marcela has a vegan one called Bob’s burrito and Chuy’s has many veg options too
People shit on the Tenderloin (and in the Tenderloin, lol) but I would also describe it as the hub of Vietnamese and Khmer Chinese people. You can see it from the pho restaurants here in little Saigon, but here’s a view of some of the quieter everyday things in the private lives of people here (my neighbors have their offerings out for the ancestors for Qing Ming)
Genuine article speaking of the problems of the #Tenderloin neighborhood of #SanFrancisco. It hurts seeing the neighborhood in such a state, knowing the historical significance the Tenderloin has to the trans and queer rights movement (look up Compton’s Cafe for those unaware). But this is nothing new … transgender and other non conforming minorities are always find their way to some of the worst neighborhoods as a means of survival in a world that so often is against us.
On this #TDoV weekend, I simply wish to state we deserve better. The first transgender cultural district in the world deserves to be a place of safety, love and community. Our history should not be hidden in the shadows.
I know I always say this but it’s so cool that I can get fresh galangal, curry leaves, lime leaves, turmeric, noodles, tofu, and other things I need, in my neighborhood. Living somewhere without walking dist access to my food would be very deeply uncomfortable
I met a young Yemeni-American man here in the TL who is so passionate about what he does, he imports beans from Yemen and roasts them himself. He told me that there are so many Yemenis here in the city and in east bay because they believe it’s still the best place for them in terms of opportunities. Many of them run grocery stores and cafes.
While making pineapple tarts, I got a phone call inviting me to a picnic organized by Yemeni aunties in my neighborhood, and they’re all bringing food.
When I talk to folks there, I’m always mindful to talk about our neighborhood. They are my neighbors and they are residents of this community just as much as I am. I am glad to be able to be of service in some small way.
We did an extremely budget photo exhibition of the Tenderloin disposable camera project. I’m working on a more durable web presence to share this work. We are looking to turn this into a more regular class. Thankfully lots of people have offered support and assistance already!
I gave a bunch of folks in my community (the Tenderloin in San Francisco) disposable cameras loaded with Tri-X, then I worked with various community groups to develop, scan and print them, and I am blown away by the first rolls we’ve gotten
Very glad to be able to start an interesting new photography program for the community here in the TL. It starts with the same thing, no matter where you are: partner with people on the ground and work with them.
Everyone was so excited to receive their disposable cameras, and some already have plans. Will post more when I have details about the show!
I worked on a project with the Healing Well here in the Tenderloin. I led a short class on 'why take photos', handed out 2 disposable camers to each attendee.
Many of them were of a generation where they have fond memories with film, so they were excited to receive these cameras.
We'll do an art show with their work in Dec. I'm tired of people only seeing the TL for the tents and pain and misery. I want to show the world the people who live here.
At my lunch time tomorrow I’m teaching a free photography class at a Tenderloin community group. Participants will receive a disposable film camera, free film developing, and be part of a Tenderloin community art show in December
The Tenderloin in SF is oft-maligned. People are afraid of it, and point to it as proof of many of San Francisco's problems.
To me, my neighborhood welcomes all: including immigrants and homeless people. Almost all of my neighbors are people of color. Its languages are Vietnamese, Teochew, Spanish and Yucatec Maya.
I'm deeply suspicious of anyone who shits on the TL. We also have the best farmers market
There’s a new hookah and middle eastern food lounge in the Tenderloin that’s as nice as any I’ve been to in Dubai. It’s called Pasha and the food is great. I’m glad to have more options in the neighborhood that aren’t just basic spots. I really like the flatbreads. There’s also booze and NA options.
(Because this is the Bay Area, the hookah is nicotine-free, but you can get plenty of weed across the street)
I live here because it’s gritty, because of the people, because it has my food and my groceries. I also acknowledge that there are people in great misery here, and that they are my neighbors, even if they don’t have a roof over their heads.
My list will be long, but I'm starting with the humble tenderloin!
In my experience the best places to get a good #tenderloin are not upscale places but are the weird local hole-in-the-walls. Too many places try to fancy it up. I love the one at the Steer-In.