Tales of the City

I was working on a friend’s film yesterday in San Francisco.

I wrapped a little early and decided I wasn’t ready to go home yet, so I became a local tourist and went looking for geocaches in the Pacific Heights neighborhood.

Mrs. Doubtfire House

I’ve lived in the Bay Area my whole life, but I never knew where this house was.

Beautiful Views

I saw a group of kids getting out of school nearby, too young to be aware of their privilege yet. It’s not their fault that their parents have given them this amazing opportunity. I wonder how old they will be when they realize what a beautiful city they live in.

I was pretty tired by then, but with the days so short and only an hour left of light, I decided to find one more geocache in one more tourist spot.

Crooked Lombard Street

Then I drove by the “Tales of the City- Barbary Lane” location in Russian Hill, but by that point it was already dark. Next time.

I decided to head back to Oakland and got stuck in traffic in the Financial District. It’s been years since I have been stuck in traffic in the Financial District. I reminisce about it in my current one-woman-show, “All the Great New Things to Come“.

“It’s 1999 and I’m working in San Francisco on the corner of First and Mission Streets. South of Market is packed with budding new businesses. It’s “dotcom” this and “dotcom” that, run by Gen Xers like me. Wait a minute, when did we become in charge? Now every day is Casual Sunday! You’re welcome.“

“And by 3:30, horns are honking as cars crawl up First Street on the way to the Bay Bridge. But I don’t have to deal with that because I take BART. Well, sometimes I take AC Transit, the C Bus will drop me off right across the street at the terminal. Occasionally I drive and park in an insanely expensive parking garage nearby…”

The dotcom bubble burst and we wondered if the city would recover. It did and then years later Covid hit and we wondered again. Well, if its recovery can be measured in traffic, San Franciso is going to be alright.

On the Rooftop

Tonight, after work, I met up with my sister and our friend from high school, Heather, who was in town on business. When they asked me if I wanted to join them at a rooftop bar in SF for a bite and drink, I jumped at the chance because our weather has been so Spring like these past couple of days, so I knew I needed to seize the moment.

KAIYO ROOFTOP

I didn’t realize there was a Giants game going on so there was some traffic heading into the city, but the crowd made it feel festive with pre-Covid vibes.

After the meal I made them come with me to look for a geocache by Oracle Park, since we were walking distance and all.

FOUND IT!

I wish I could go out every night and not be tired or worry about having to get up early for work the next day. I feel so much better when I am out and about. I wake up the next morning feeling satisfied. I want my life to be one big adventure.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025:

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Feliz Cumpleanos Bisabuela Lupe!

Today would have been my Great Grandma Lupe’s 122nd birthday if we lived as long as people did back in biblical times.

My Great Grandparents at the U.S. Border Circa 1923 with their son Joe (my grandmother’s brother)

My grandmother was born the next year in 1924. Her brother didn’t live long though – died of seizures at age 15. It’s weird to think that he died so young, yet my grandmother lived to be 96 years old.

My only memory of my Great Grandma Lupe was at my grandma’s house in Oakland when I was a little girl. I just remember her being in a wheelchair with my Grandma Esther kneeling in front of her, talking to her. And then I remember riding the yellow school bus one morning and telling one of my fellow classmates that my Great Grandma had just died. I think I was in the fifth grade.

Happy Birthday Great Grandma Lupe.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025:

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Florencio’s Ancestors

A text from my mother this morning:

Challenge accepted!

So far, I believe I have found my mother’s “grandfather’s grandparents”, OR

My 3rd Great Grandparents all from Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico

Which begs the question – how far is Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico, from the U.S. border where my great grandparents traveled from? First in 1916, when my great grandfather arrived as a single man, (according to a U.S. Border Crossing Document), and then permanently as a married man in 1923 with my Great Grandma Lupe.

Aye! A 19 hour drive to El Paso, Texas and then they made their way to Southern California where my Grandma Esther was born before settling in the SF Bay Area. I guess maybe I should learn more about:

Michoacan Mexico

My Great Grandparents Heredia Who Made the Journey:

Friday, February 7, 2025:

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