First impressions

When I first checked out SoMa, I was unsure what to look for.  As soon as I exited the Civic Center metro station, I quickly went on the defense.  There was a bunch of people on Market St., mostly men, looking like their up to no good, just standing around, scoping out the scene.  I few Hispanic men where shooting quarters.  Some crackheads were talking to themselves.  I wonder if this was the spot my father wound up when he came to explore the city by himself.  He said he thought he chose the worst stop to exit the train, and I agree with him.  

San Francisco Federal Building
Photo courtesy of Morphosis

But the further I ventured into the neighborhoods, the more my perspective changed.  The streets and buildings were well kept and seemed vintage.  Hardly any of the homes had fresh paint on its facade, but the vibrant colors they were painted made them stand out, especially as they were aligned  near industrial warehouses and dull offices.  The federal building stands out the most, especially after business hours, making the tall concrete building seem stern and cold.  

Noticing the businesses that were being run, I saw a community trying to empower itself.  Episcopal Community Services runs three charities in the neighborhood.  Their slogan is "Building Community. Developing Skills. Enriching Lives."  The West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center runs an after-school program.  There elementary kids fill the hall with loud laughter, the contents of their backpacks all over the tables, and certainly not using their "inside voice."  Around the block, the South of Market Community Action Network organizes the low-income, mostly people of color community.  In the back of the office, youth are having a meeting to propose ways they can have more influence in the nearby recreational center, which often closes them out.  Down the street, United Playaz gives a space where for the urban youth to go hang out.  They believe "it takes a hood to save the hood."  

One-way streets run throughout SoMa

And this is just what I noticed.  I am aware of the wide variety of "scenes"  SoMa has to offer: art galleries, restaurants and eateries, an array of bars and clubs, and even the businesses that offer more than just their services, like the California Institute of Integral Studies displaying a Chicana art exhibit.  

Being new to this city, I entered SoMa without any prejudice.  I have heard a lot about this neighborhood, but not really knew why it was so popular.  Now I understand why.  I am looking forward to learning more about this community, and what stories the people have to tell.