Mission District

Gotta Hand it to SFDPW

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

Man, after looking at the streets late last night, I was convinced I'd have to write off biking around the city for at least a week.  But here we are this morning and everything looks pretty good.  Hats off.

(I know this blog is more about snark than accolades, but I wanted to end this series of posts on a positive note.  I mean we won the fucking World Series, so fuck people who drive their cars through crowds.)

Mission Hiptard Lights Trashcan Fire As Dude Gets Beat 15 Feet Away

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

If this doesn't tell you everything about the ethnic divide in the Mission, I don't what would.  This Mission princess was standing there lighting a giant transcan fire in the dead center of 24th and Shotwell while some kid got beat up by a half dozen or so guys for being a part of the wrong gang a few feet away.

"Cold Beer, Cold Water" Turns Up to Riot

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

Someone give this man the businessman of the year award.  There I was, watching people jumping over a trash fire in front of Thrill of the Grill, police coming up Valencia from 17th and flanking up 16th, when all the sudden I hear “COLD BEER!  COLD WATER!” booming over the crowd.  Sure enough, I turn around, and the legend himself is forking over two ice-cold Budweisers for $5.

This dude literally doesn't give a shit about anything around him.  After making the sale, he turns around, walks up to the bonfire, makes a gesture with his head that says “oh, that's nice,” and immediately goes back to flipping beer for three times their market value.

Shortly, after I took these snaps, the riot cops began running at the crowd and Valencia Street turned into the running of the bulls.  At one point I looked to my left and saw CB/CW running away from the advancing police with all the other cool kids.

My life is complete.

Previously on Uptown Almanac: 

A Birds-eye View of 21st and Mission

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

Monica Lee had the best seat in the house:

A car hit the gas and drove through a crowd that was surrounding a bonfire (a mattress was dragged into the street and set on fire). People were pushed onto the hood of the car and the crowd started to jump on the car and two guys, as seen in the photo, tried to grab the driver of the car.

No one really knows what happened to the driver, but needless to say, the car was 'effed up':

(Check the first shot out at a larger size.)

UPDATE: Video.

Get Authentically Spooky at the Mission Día de los Muertos Procession

— By Josh Constine |

Had your fill of busted parties, slutty nurses, and poorly executed concept costumes this weekend? Join the Mission Día de los Muertos Procession, which sees thousands in skeleton makeup carrying candles through the streets, some solemnly, others dancing and playing instruments.

There's a tangible feeling of respect for those who've passed which is evident in this gorgeous HD video of last year's procession soundtracked by SF band Girls' epic “Hellhole Ratrace”.

[Originally posted by Mission Mission]

Despite not reaching their $6000 funndraising goal which was apparently necessary to pay for the event permit, the Procession will begin at 7pm sharp, Tuesday night at 22nd and Bryant (El Metate pre-party). Public altars honoring the dead will be on display from 4-10:30pm at Garfield Park.

Not sure where my $7 donation will go, but the decision will surely piss off someone. Arguments about cultural tourism, gentrification, and whether 20-somethings in skinny jeans can appreciate anything break out on every comment reel. 

So if you go, don't bring alcohol and try to dress up a bit so we can sew the lips shut on some of these naysayers. Meanwhile, naysayers, you better be building altars for your hater ancestors right now. 

Previously on Uptown Almanac: 

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