Westmont in San Francisco

By Samuel Tufenkian, Nico Torres, Aaron Lopez, and Abby Bailey

“Yeah, it’s changed a lot - but I would never leave. I love it here! It has the best weather in the city…..Even if the culture leaves, I want to stay ‘cause I have the culture, and I can pass it on to someone else.” - Marisol, Barista at Philz Coffee  

The Mission is traditionally known as a close-knit, Latino community, but it has been experiencing a huge shift in culture and business because of gentrification. Every person we interviewed mentioned this significant cultural change, as did Marisol, a barista at Philz Coffee, who has lived in The Mission her entire life.

The community seems to be struggling to hold on to its cultural heritage. A Barber told us about significant issues he's seen surface over the last 30 years; not surprisingly, he pointed out skyrocketing housing prices. Speaking slowly as if to bask in the glory of the memory, he also painted a picture for us of what Divisadero Street used to look like, another neighborhood following a similar path of The Mission. 

Despite the challenges of gentrification in The Mission, we noticed many positive signs. 

Long time residents of The Mission continue to celebrate many aspects of the Latino culture and traditions. The Mission neighborhood still hosts family-owned businesses, Latino-owned stores, and creative expression such as street art and the colorful, political murals found throughout the district. 

By: Kaylene Woo, Janet Shea, Emma Hoerauf, Alexandra Heinle

The “come as you are” of Haight Ashbury is marked by the steady flow of transients, street performers, and shops emphasizing individuality and uniqueness. The heart of Haight Ashbury is evident in the constant conversations that occur between strangers and in the neighborhood’s Free Clinic. 

While those of us who have experienced the current hustle and bustle of Haight Ashbury might find it hard to believe, in the 1950s, the area was filled with vacant homes and it was not a desirable part of town. However, when hippies needed a place to live, they found the Haight a prime area to settle with its affordable housing and community of like-minded people (A View of Cities).

In the 1960s, young people moved from all over the US into this neighborhood, including iconic bands such as Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. Thus, the 1967 Summer of Love was born, a moment in time filled with music, peaceful protests, and hard substances (Britannica).

After that era, the Haight was left very similar to how it began. Hippies moved out of the area, leaving a community reliant on drugs and hundreds of dilapidated houses, leading to an increase of violence in the area. Finally, in the 1980s, movements capitalized on the rich history of Haight Ashbury. Old victorian homes were restored while storefronts emphasizing hippie culture were established (The Washington Post). 

Currently, the Haight is a tourist-driven area of town, and is actually quite expensive, contrary to the 1960s version of Haight Ashbury. 

Despite efforts to restore Haight Ashbury, there are still problems residents of the area must contend with, such as the high homeless population and substance abuse. There have been many deaths from overdosing on substances in the past decade. However, the area is making efforts to control these issues with their free clinic and rehabilitation programs with hopes to create a 24 hour safe injection site (Share International). 

We hope Haight Ashbury’s strengths of compassion and respect for its history combined with efforts to cultivate a healthier space will preserve the heart of the Haight, creating a safe area for all people to feel welcome.

By Hannah Fleth, Grace Adams, Olivia Kinkelaar, and Miles Witt

The Marina is a quiet, yet trendy neighborhood that some call home and many others visit to escape from the busier, more urban parts of San Francisco. With picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts, this area contains highly-sought-after residential real estate. 

The Palace is the neighborhood’s claim to fame as a memento from the Marina’s origin story.

Originally swamp and sand, the Marina district was pumped out to make space for the historic 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, which announced San Francisco’s recovery from the 1906 earthquake.

Locals say that the main social hubs are Chestnut and Union streets. On these streets, one can find multiple nail salons, coffee shops, and food from all over the globe, including Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisine -- even New York bagels. Weekends and weeknights the streets are bustling, if you can even call it that. 

The residents say that the Marina, in contrast to most of the city, is very quiet in the mornings.

Visitors should be aware that during the weekdays most restaurants focus more on breakfast and dinner than they do on providing lunch.  

Other attractions include the Wave Organ, which harnesses the Bay’s waves to make music and is made from old cemetery stones. 

The sounds are heard best at high tide and during a full moon.

SF Weekly says liking the Marina​ is “as basic as liking golden retrievers and hating the word ‘moist.’” 

The residential population in the neighborhood, unlike the food offerings in the district, are far from diverse. In the Marina, only 0.7% of residents speak English not well or not at all, compared with the city’s 12%. This dog-friendly, fitness-friendly, detoxed urban neighborhood suits the tastes of college grads and young families, but leaves others with an appetite for more diversity.

by Bryan Briones, Caroline Vasquez, and Chloe Scafiddi

The Castro District, one of the most well-known areas in the city displaying LGBTQ+ pride, is known for being a safe place, promoting acceptance and love.

Prominent attractions in the Castro include Hamburger Mary’s, Dog Eared Books, GLBT Museum, and the Castro Theater. These vibrant spots are well known hubs of this compact neighborhood.

Although the area is considered a safe haven for all its residents and is accepting of all ethnic and gender backgrounds, the Castro is primarily comprised of white, older, gay males.

Interestingly, the main street of the Castro was named after Jose Castro, a prominent Mexican leader who opposed the United States rule of California (known as Alta California at the time).

The current neighborhood started out as Eureka Valley, a working-class neighborhood, mostly comprised of white Irish. This strong community started developing in the mid 20th century following WW2, when all those who identified as “homosexual” were dishonorably discharged due to their sexual orientation. Most of these soldiers fled to San Francisco to find solidarity and a safe community. 

The GLBT museum strongly acknowledges “the importance of LGBTQ history for building community and promoting connection.” The Rainbow Honor Walk has dedicated plaques around the area to show off all those who were instrumental in building the LGBTQ+ cause and fighting for equality.

Locals said they felt the Castro was a safe space that allowed them to be truly  themselves and ultimately join a like-minded community. However, they also pointed out a few places for improvement. For example, the Castro could do better addressing the needs of the homeless youth flocking to the neighborhood, many of whom are LGBTQ+.

#tbt Blog Post by Ceili Smaw, Caleb Hsu, and Claire Hansen

The Ground View

Before San Francisco’s major earthquake in 1906, the Marina was used as landfill along with other areas near the Bay. The Marina began residential development after the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in 1915. When talking about the neighborhood’s past and present condition, one witty resident said, “You know the people who live there really love it since they’re willing to pay that much rent to live on landfill.”

During the 80’s, the Marina saw a shift in its demographic from primarily middle class to over half of the residents being professionals in their 20s and 30s.

That is exactly what you see there today. If you were to walk down Chestnut street or Marina Avenue, you would see joggers, yacht owners, and young professionals all enjoying the open spaces and quiet views found in the Marina.

The open spaces in the Marina welcome many different kinds of community events. Whether at the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, or Fort Mason, you can find people gathering to support local business and causes.

One event held at Fort Mason occurs weekly on Friday nights. Off The Grid has become a local favorite. It is a food truck event where people from the neighborhood can hang out in one place and eat food from every place. It’s a family friendly outing that made one dad call it his “favorite part of Friday nights.”

The Marina is known for its nightlife. Chestnut street is full of restaurants and bars that young people from all over the city come to enjoy. A neighborhood favorite is The Tipsy Pig, where you can expect a full house almost every night.

Unforgettable are the views found near the waterfront. From the Marina Green and the boat docs, you can see both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Island of Alcatraz at once.

Despite the chilly winds coming off of the Bay, tourists and residents alike are crawling along Marina Boulevard taking in the historic sights and youthful energy of the Marina. 

Who can resist such a fun and beautiful combination?

Students often wonder, “Where’s the beach in North Beach?” One group explored the history of this intriguing neighborhood. Enjoy!

by Katherine Hou, Lila Chapman, and Emmy Hamilton

North Beach covers several of the large tourist attractions including northeast towards Fisherman’s Wharf, further east from there – Telegraph Hill, and further south where you’ll find Little Italy. The northeast shoreline was at one time a beach before it was filled in with landfill in the late 19th century. 

This “slice” of San Francisco covers decades of European heritage and history. Now the area is multiethnic and it is more common to find more tourists and commuters than native inhabitants.

This Italian-American hotspot started in the 19th century. Italians were some of the first European immigrants to settle in California (The Bancroft Library). Initially North Beach was a fishing town, populated by Italians in between World War I and World War II (FoundSF). Before that, the borders of Chinatown and Little Italy were part of an infamous red-light district in the late 1840s (Culture Trip). 

Soldiers from the Mexican-American War became gangsters who began regulating Mexican-American inhabitants (Culture Trip). 

Aside from its promiscuous past, there are quite a few places that embody the communal and unique spirit of North Beach, such as the Coit Tower built in 1933 as a memorial to the volunteer firemen, the Saint Francis of Assisi Church that is a national shrine, and the Liquria Bakery that bakes only the best Focaccia bread since 1950 (Huffington Post). 

Let’s also not forget the City Lights Bookstore and Beat museum, which are physical manifestations of the Beat movement as one of its founders was part of the original Beat Generation group with Jack Kerouac. Not to mention, a great public space to find Chinese grandparents practicing tai chi, while a young families picnic under the rare, but full sun in Washington Square Park, right across from Saints Peter and Paul Church. 

By Emily Bark, Kate Chase and Carita DeTellis

The Mission is a beautiful district in San Francisco that serves as a stronghold for culture, history and art. Within the last two decades many low-income families have left their homes in these neighborhoods because of increasing costs, while wealthier families have been able to move in.

So, what should you do if you’re one of the people that recently moved to the Mission? Gentrification isn’t a simple issue, but we spoke to some of the residents to try and learn from their perspective on the topic. One of the main takeaways was the importance of preserving community. The neighborhood is closely knit and even as newcomers move in the original residents would like to see them engage with their community by taking part in activities as much as possible. Lucky for you this is one of the most fun and interesting communities to take part in!

One of the ways we enjoyed participating in the Mission’s activities was by celebrating Calle 24 Día de las Américas. This festival commemorates several Latin American countries independence through cultural, artistic and music events. We were able to watch an Aztec dance performed and shopped around at artisan stores with beaded jewelry sold for the event.

Rebecca (Becca) Kouwe, Business and Psychology Major at Wheaton College, interned at Key Events  Spring 2018

To Future Clunie House Residents:

Well, you did it - you made it to San Francisco! Maybe you came all the way across the country, or maybe you’re only a few miles from home. Either way, you have the privilege of calling this historic and beautiful house your home for the next few months. 

This is no ordinary house, it is one with character, with stories to tell. It has seen beautiful sunny days and it’s seen the darkest of storms.

As you start your adventure here, I have some insider tips for you, from one Clunie kid to another:

1. When watching a movie in the basement, always take the day bed. The brown couch may look comfortable, but trust me, after ten minutes your butt will be numb.

2. Leave your door open, whenever you can. Some of the best conversations you will have in this house will come out of someone walking into an open room. One of the best parts about living in community is the community, don’t miss out!

3. Clean the kitchen. Just do it. Don’t be the reason the nanny-cam gets turned on - no one likes that person.

4. Explore the city; make the most of your time here. Four months may seem like a long time but, trust me, it flies by so soak it up while you can.

5. Don’t be afraid go places alone. This is your semester - make sure you take time for yourself!

6. Get to know Brad and Karen and Kailie. They are not just staff members who work here. If you let them, they can become mentors, confidants, and friends.

There are so many other life lessons you will learn along the way, but I hope these suggestions prove helpful to you in your first few weeks here. 

Each person's experience in this city is unique and challenging in its own way, but you have the distinct honor of walking through this season of life together. Take advantage of the friendships, experiences, and resources around you, and I’m sure you’ll get just as much out of this semester as I did.

Enjoy!

[Photo Credit: Renee Chan]

Kodi Haney, Social Work and Sociology major at Gordon College, interned at Eviction Defense Collaborative

Enjoy Kodi Haney’s #tbt post on his first encounter with this vibrant city, breathing in its welcoming air.

I remember my first night in San Francisco. It was raining, typical for January. It was much colder than I expected. I landed at about 8:30pm and, as the minutes passed, I became increasingly hungry.  

I had been travelling since 8am and was tired, so I hopped in the Uber going to my hotel. As I gazed out the windows, a strange feeling began washing over me, something I had never felt before. Air.

For the first time in my adult life, I felt air. My lungs, unaware of their immeasurable importance, shouted with joy. Quickly my entire body began to quake, until all I could do was cry tears of joy in the backseat of that Uber.

As I  reflect upon the semester’s experiences, those feelings begin to creep up again. Tears of pure joy stream down my face as I remember back to the time some woman on the street saw all of us with our backpacks on going to Rodeo Beach and asked, “Are you on the Urban Program?”

[Photo Credit: Kodi Haney]

Or, when I remember the time we all played sardines in the Clunie house. Or, even thinking about our accident on the most crowded bus of the twenty-first century.

San Francisco has given me something I had come to accept did not exist for me; it gave me life. Its vibrancy, pizzazz, and uniqueness have overflowed my heart with incredible joy and love.

The moments and people who have filled each and every day have renewed my spirits and given me a new song to sing. Most importantly, San Francisco has taught me what it means to breathe in and breathe out fresh and wholesome air.

Michael Tucker, Business and Economics major at Gordon College, interned at Patamar Capital

Enjoy this #tbt post illuminating the joys of biking to the office. According to Michael, “biking is the perfect way to experience the city and the outdoors, especially on the way to work.”

“Taking the Scenic Route” by Michael Tucker

San Francisco is known for historical modes of transportation such as the clanging cable cars that go up impossibly steep hills and the rickety street cars that run the length of Market Street. Contrary to the travel brochure version of San Francisco, most users of public transportation do not ride on these iconic relics. Instead, thousands of people each day rely on city busses to get them around San Francisco safely and on time.

I used to be one of these people, using the bus to go to work each day. My daily commute used to be the worst part of both my morning and evening - having to wake up early to wait for an unreliable system, getting squeezed in with all kinds of people, and having no control over the day made transportation miserable. 

[Photo Credit: Michael Tucker]

[Photo Credit: Michael Tucker. “The calm before the storm. During rush hour people are crammed in like sardines.”]

After a week of bad commuting, I took the advice of my co-workers and biked to work. My unpredictable forty-minute commute was suddenly cut down to around ten minutes, and, best of all, I began to enjoy my morning. 

Flying down San Francisco’s hills is incredibly freeing, not to mention fun. By riding in a protected bike lane, I can pass the bus and long lines of cars without having to stop and wait for traffic to clear up. 

There is a sense of freedom that comes with biking. I am no longer at the mercy of the bus schedule or the traffic patterns of a bustling city. I am able to decide when I leave, I choose which route I take to see the city, and I have control over my commute.

In a city that values being different and unique, as well as having the ability to create a new path, this independence fits right in. The bus has its time and place, but for a carefree and fun commute, biking can’t be beat

[Photo Credit: Renee Chan]

Bailey Hedge, Westmont College English Major, interned at 826 National

Enjoy Bailey’s reflections on her visit to Angel Island, #tbt

“Adventure to Angel Island” by Bailey Hedge

Among the many landmarks of San Francisco is Angel Island. It is often referred to as the Ellis Island of the West Coast, although many people still don’t know about it. Thankfully, I had read about Angel Island before coming to San Francisco, and, as I love history, I put Angel Island on my list of things I must do while here.

In February, I visited Angel Island on a beautiful, chilly, and sunny day. My friend and I wanted to tour the island and go hiking, but, as there are fewer ferries on the weekend, we had time only for a short walk. We decided to take the tram tour to see the whole island and learn its history. Two of the most surprising aspects of the island are its natural beauty and abundant history. The whole island is covered in trees, wildlife, and offers phenomenal views of the Bay. It is just stunning. 

I knew the island was where many immigrants were detained before being allowed to come into San Francisco, but I was surprised by its earlier history. Angel Island was originally inhabited by Coastal Miwok Indians, and later served as a base for soldiers to live while protecting the island and defending the Bay. Throughout the last century the island was also used as a place to quarantine the ill. During the Cold War, the island housed missiles in case of a attack. My friend and I were both surprised and even shocked at the range of uses for the island.

[Angel Island photo credit: Bailey Hedge]

Now Angel Island is currently a state park where tourists hike, bike, camp, and do tours of the island or of the old buildings. Going on a trip to explore Angel Island is a wonderful way to escape the city and to just relax. There are picnic benches all over the island where guests can rest or just simply enjoy the amazing view of any part of the bay.

Angel Island is only a quick ferry ride away. Next time I will take a tour of the buildings where they detained the immigrants and hopefully hike to the top of the island to get an even better view of the bay.

I can’t wait to go back!

A Villanova University student majoring in Urban and Community Studies with a minor in Education, Sarah Sprinkle interned at Lick-Wilmerding High School

Enjoy Sarah’s reflection on the vivid colors of San Francisco.#tbt

“The City in Color,” by Sarah Sprinkle

San Francisco has been a pleasant burst of color -  a shaking up of what is “supposed to be.”

“How’s San Francisco?”

    “—Colorful,” I say, as if I can’t get my answer out fast enough.

The houses are colorful.

The streets are, too. That is, they’re anything but boring--there’s a man blowing giant bubbles on the corner of Haight and Ashbury, and they shimmer a rainbow when they catch the sunlight. And rainbow crosswalks line the street of the Castro. Oh, and through the window you can see vibrant, bold storefronts lining entire streets and hillsides.

The image and stereotype of cities I held coming into the semester were immediately challenged by the color of San Francisco. Weren’t cities “supposed to be” full of people in dark suits - brown, black, gray, and otherwise dull-colored clothing - walking briskly in and out of tall gray buildings, skyscrapers, that do little to enhance the blue sky they too often overshadow?

I almost have to laugh at that thought now. San Francisco is so vastly different from that picture of the modernized, “American” city. Here we have tie-dye, talking to strangers, and I even passed a man in the park making a work-related phone call, simultaneously “working” and running four miles.

A colorful city, and one that is unabashedly colorful at that - with turquoise, purple, and orange houses - is so different from what I’ve known (think back to those people in dark clothes, walking in and out of gray buildings, with serious faces). 

And I think that is the coolest thing about the color of San Francisco: the freedom in it. 

Everywhere you look, the City expresses a fun and light-hearted spirit. It pops in vibrant color, posing questions to the rest of society: “Why shouldn’t I paint my house purple?” or “Why not paint the streets rainbow?”

Wow.

Now there’s a contrast from the deed-restricted neighborhoods of suburbia, from the tight social constructs that dictate what is “okay” or “permissible.”

And that is refreshing.

What a beautiful thing to behold, to walk past each morning, to live in: Color. An expressive and bold and unashamed declaration that says this is who I am—and I’m going to show it and be upfront about it and not let anyone, anything, or any form of social norm stop me from living brightly, boldly, and colorfully.

Renee Chan, Communication Studies Major at Westmont College, interned at Because Justice Matters

Enjoy Renee’s descriptions of her favorite city explorations focused on art, beauty, culture - and, of course, food!

My Bottomless Bucket List

Over the past four months, I have completely fallen in love with this city and all its chaos and diversity and art and beauty and food. From walking through mural alleys in the Mission, to people-watching at 420 in Golden Gate Park, to trekking up hills to catch the sunset, I’ve had a bottomless bucket list of things to see, eat, and do in San Francisco. Here’s a preview:

1. Marin Headlands: Probably the closest thing to Ireland you’ll find in North America. Take a day trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, and explore the cliffs, the battery, a lighthouse, and a pebble beach! (Bonus points if you find Consortium Beach).

2. Ferry Building: SAMPLES GALORE. Hop on “21 Hayes to Ferry Plaza” on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning, and mooch off all the free blood oranges, olive oil, and hummus.

3. Twin Peaks: Go during golden hour. Catch one of the best views of the city AND the ocean, especially as Karl the Fog starts to roll in.

4. Food, food, food: The best of the best (that is somewhat affordable). Marufuku Ramen, Zazie, Chubby Noodle, Golden Boy Pizza, Hai Ky Noodles.

5. Drink, drink, drink: Non-alcoholic, of course. Matching Half Cafe, The Mill, Boba Guys, Chai Bar, i-Tea.

6. Tenderloin National Forest: No, it’s not an actual national forest, but it’s worth a visit and definitely one of my favorite spots in the city.

7. Chinese New Year Parade: Or any other event in the city. The annual CNY Parade, held in February, is filled with loud firecrackers, high school marching bands, and talented children performing martial arts. But don’t worry if you’re not in the city for the parade! You can attend plenty of other events happening every week, such as the Art Crawl, Treasure Fest, and concerts.

8. Fisherman’s Wharf: But you have to take the cable car. Grab some In-N-Out (you know you miss it already), Krispy Kreme, and top it off with a free sample (or two, maybe three) at Ghirardelli.

Summer WSF Blog: May 21, 2018

Brad Berky, WSF Associate Director and Internship Coordinator, has revamped our Summer Internship Program, and it’s off to a great beginning!

Our new cohort of students - one from Gordon College and twelve from Westmont - immediately immersed themselves in the city, their new internships, and communal life together in the Clunie House.

Enjoy a few photos from our first week together:

Brad Berky and Kailie Barnes with a group of Clunie House residents at the infamous Bay to Breakers race. (Photo Credit: Brad Berky)

Bernal Heights Park (PC: Brad Berky)

Bernal Heights Park (PC: Brad Berky)

Balmy Alley Murals (PC: Brad Berky)

Balmy Alley Murals (PC: Brad Berky)

Philz Coffee (PC: Brad Berky)

 Sophie Alexander, Spring 2018

Sophie Alexander, Psychology major at Westmont College, interned at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center

We hope you enjoy our first blog post of the Summer, a “Throwback Thursday” piece written by Sophie last Spring. The event she describes in this reflection occurred sometime in early February, during the second week of her internship.

Wow.

That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of my experience in the city thus far. I must say, today was probably one of the greatest mornings I have ever had. 

Yesterday at the San Francisco General hospital, we had a panel discussion on homelessness. I honestly felt pretty detached from the discussion since I’ve never been that personally impacted by such a tragedy. But this morning that changed. 

As I was getting off the 9 bus to walk to the hospital, I witnessed an opportunity to apply the things I learned from yesterday’s discussion. I walked off the bus and passed a homeless man laying in the street. 

As I walked by, I noticed his eyes slightly open. I just kept walking. But then, something in me made me stop. I realized this man needed help and everyone else who got off that bus with me simply stepped over him. So I walked back, asked the man if he was okay, and then proceeded to ask him if he had anywhere to sleep tonight. He said no, so I asked if he wanted some help, and he nodded his head yes. I told him I could help and suggested he come with me in to the hospital.

As we were walking, I found out he’s lived here for the past 15 years and is from the Bay Area. He told me his name - I’ll refer to him as Robert. He was hungry, so I brought Robert to the cafeteria and bought him breakfast, whatever he wanted.

He decided on hash browns, bacon, sausage, cream of wheat, orange juice mixed with some apple juice, and milk. I then helped him carry his food to a nearby table and then asked others how I could help find housing for him. My supervisor gave me a handout on shelters, so I went back and gave it to Robert. It was time for me to start my shift, so I told him I enjoyed getting to meet him. I’ll never forget the smile on his face when he said, “Thank you.” I was struck by the contrast between the hopeless look on his face when I first met him and this glow I now saw surround him through this smile.

by Maggie Cashman

(Gordon College Social Work major, interning at Eviction Defense Collaborative)

Here in this dreamy, vibrant city of hippies and techies and locals and in-betweeners like me, life feels like a mix of real, tangible, holdable, constructive “let’s go, we must” imperatives, and some mysterious simple way of being that requires nothing but being, breathing, and sighing with others. 

San Francisco is enchanting. It’s raw. It is a heavier version of worn, leathery faces, and heavy, burdened hearts. It is bright, starry, illuminating flexible spirits on hilltops dreaming of what could be and what most certainly is.

I am thankful to have worked at Eviction Defense Collaborative, I have learned so much from the sacrifice people are willing to make for the well-being of other humans struggling on the margins. My colleagues are real-life attorneys working for a fraction of what they could be making. 

People are seen at EDC in a way that honors their story and the struggles of San Francisco, and this little old liberal-arts educated, not-even-a-legal-student, kind of from the East coast but mostly from the Midwest me has been welcomed with readiness and warmth.

I appreciate spaces that remind me what it means to be human together, honoring our stories. Justice must be practiced with wide-open eyes of humility and persistence in a place where the opposing complexity, demanding, power-driven formalities of eviction cases constantly stream through the door. They tell a struggling story of San Francisco, and we at EDC are there to help rewrite it.

Here in San Francisco, I am grateful for the continual motion of words and actions around me that provide an affirming space for me to say who I am: a person who was and is called into a life of pressing in. Of shedding layers. Of seeking the lost and lonely. Of acknowledging the lost and lonely in myself. Singing the story of creation, sacrifice, redemption, and renewal in an eternal and sacred world. 

“The Bus Stops (to) Pick Us Up”

By Huijae (Joy) Han, Westmont student interning at 826 National

Something I grew to love here in San Francisco is the MUNI bus system. It’s a love hate-relationship, however.  Sometimes an unfilled bus comes at the perfect time; other times, a completely full bus comes and passes you by, leaving you waiting for an hour. Nevertheless, my interesting experiences on MUNI have given me a better understanding of the beauty of being in a shared space with people of multiple backgrounds.

At the beginning of the semester, we first took MUNI to explore the different districts in the city. Prior to this day, I had never taken the bus so I did not know what to expect. I was fearful, since Kailie (our Residential Coordinator) was telling us to be cautious of our bags. I felt like a mother tiger trying to protect her cubs, except I was protecting my things. I held everything close to me, but when I looked around everyone just had theirs hanging next to them. Although it is important to be cautious, my over protectiveness was over the line. I was so fearful to be in a new, unknown city.

As time progressed I began to get more comfortable and explore more. Sometimes I have found myself being the only one left on the bus on a late afternoon. These are the times where I find peace, because I am able to take time to process the places I pass, the people I have been with.

Things get more tricky when the buses get more crowded. Once after a long day, there were about five or more buses that came to my stop and passed by  because they were so full. I found myself cycling back into the fearful mindset that I had before. It took me an hour to gain the courage to just go for the next bus that came by, to squeeze myself on, but I am glad that I got on the bus and found a space for myself.

The MUNI has unintentional, unexpected metaphors that express how I became adjusted to San Francisco.