I drive the same streets every day. To work, from work. And even in a beautiful city like San Francisco, with all its natural scenery and interesting architecture, things become a blur. Like the breakfast you prepare everyday, the same face in the same clothes you've seen in the mirror for years, it all becomes... Continue Reading →
The Beauty of Acknowledging – Lombard Street Motels Part 2
These motels aren't beauty queens, but they are worth acknowledging. For many built in the 1950s, the architectural purity has been chipped away and the cool mid-century styling is gone. But it's not only the looks, it's where this motel row lands in the timeline of San Francisco history that attracts me. I imagine late Depression-era... Continue Reading →
The Beauty of Noticing – Lombard Street Motels Part 1
In the northern part of San Francisco, there is a vintage enthusiast's treasure - Lombard Street's Motel Row. Not far from the much photographed "crookedest street in the world" is a stretch of utilitarian looking blocks that house about two dozen motels. These motels, made for travelers and their cars, started springing up in the... Continue Reading →
Four Corners in San Francisco
Hyde and Jackson Streets Nov. 7, 2018 5:25pm Hot Sauce and Panko J and H Grocery and Liquor Sun Kwong Chinese Restaurant The Nook Cafe Powell and Hyde Street cable car tracks Stop lights and fire hydrants on all corners Apartments above all businesses Warm evening
The International Settlement and Pal Joey
I periodically walk through the Jackson Square Historic District on my way to more modest areas in San Francisco. I cursorily acknowledge that the neighborhood is "fancy" with all the design firms and antique shops. My next thought is that I better walk a little quicker before they spot me and give me the... Continue Reading →
San Francisco Hikes – Just a Few Beauties
The first walk of the year on the Presidio's Batteries to Bluffs trail did not disappoint. The air was filled with sweet scents and birdsongs. Unlike last year there was no hemlock yet, but lots of flowers and other things I've seen for years and never tried to ID. This year I felt compelled to... Continue Reading →
James M. Cain Film Review – Three Books to Film
Here's my apologia. I understand that these movies were progressive in the 1940s, showing women in roles, whether good or bad, that were out of the societal norms of the time. I acknowledge that these movies are important, but I watch movies for entertainment value, with only a dash of intentions to round out my... Continue Reading →
San Francisco Noir City Film Festival Time
On a warm February night in San Francisco the streets teemed with people, stressed looking salary men and women with their jaws clenched tight, raving lunatics with pants hanging just a little too south of the equator, and a distinct crowd of sharply dressed, hat wearing people. These haberdashery fans were my people, and they... Continue Reading →