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The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is pleased to announce the 2019 Day of the Dead exhibit, Cultivando tiempo / Cultivating time. Day of the Dead is a tradition at our center where artists, artisans, educators, and overall community members integrate a truly special exhibit that allows us to contemplate our place on this EARTH in this lifetime.

November 2nd Program

Blessing by Aztec Dancers

Altar Presentation, Special Performance by Violeta Luna

Day of the Dead 2019 Exhibition

Altar installations on view will encompass four main installations that represent a season along with an element around a central altar symbolizing the sun in the middle of the main gallery. This solar altar functions like a compass that points to the directions of west, south, east, and north where the main seasonal altars are positioned. A community altar will be available for anyone who brings a photo of a relative intended to be remembered, and a small interactive altar for visitors to engage with.

The natural cycles of the Earth demonstrates the inevitable relationship of life and death. Our natural environment manifests the cyclical phases of birth, growth, and death through seasons, animals, vegetation, and the cosmos. The ancestors in indigenous beliefs were not limited to humans. Ancestors also included, fauna, flora, minerals, and elements. Fundamental in building altar spaces to honor humans and non-humans alike.

At MCCLA, our Day of the Dead exhibit has been used as a platform to address socio political issues that have contributed to mass deaths in our community, and has given a safe space to freely mourn our deceased kin. Join us in a celebration of remembrance. In practice Day of the Dead ceremony is a healthy way to grieve, to heal, and to relate with our environment. This year we honor our time and our relationship to Mother Earth with gratitude to everything she has provided.

Featured artists

Federico Cuatlacuatl

Kathy De Rosas

Laura Byrne

Mark Ikels

Manos Creativas

Mara Lea Brown

Maykel Vargas

Orlando De la Garza

Sarah Lee

Suzy Hernandez

Terrilee O'Rourke

Adrian Arias

Gallery Hours

Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Schedule A Tour

We aim to provide an educational artistic experience of our Day of the Dead exhibit to any groups of people of any age interested in learning more about the ceremony of muertos. We do so by providing guided tours to mostly schools (but not exclusive) that range from preschool to university level. Docent conducts guided tours of 30 minutes Tuesdays-Fridays from 10:30am-2:40pm. Annually MCCLA welcomes more than 1,500 visitors from San Francisco and the greater Bay Area to the exhibit of Day of the dead as well as its celebrations.
Download Tour Reservation Form
Docent: Jesus Tecolotecpatl

Jesus graduated from Colusa High School in 1989 and decided to continue his education, even after being told by his high school counselor that he would never make it in college. He graduated from Yuba College with an Associate's Degree in Math and Science in 1995. He double-majored in Spanish and Latin American Studies with a Minor in Xican@ Studies, only because the third major was not available, from California State University, Chico in 1998. He has truly enjoyed teaching, speaking, presenting, singing, counseling, cruising low and slow, and living LA LOCURA QUE CURA for the last 40+ years.

As a professional, Jesus has dedicated twenty years to closing the gap between institutions of higher learning and high school students with little or no academic family history. He has done this through the implementation of a unique combination of educational experiences in conjunction with many years of cultural, social, spiritual, musical, and linguistic exploration and research.

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The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is pleased to announce the 2019 Day of the Dead exhibit, Cultivando tiempo / Cultivating time. Day of the Dead is a tradition at our center where artists, artisans, educators, and overall community members integrate a truly special exhibit that allows us to contemplate our place on this EARTH in this lifetime.

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Most of our trips to San Francisco have been for business, which means we've spent a lot of time in the convention center and in the Union Square area thanks to the plethora of business hotels nearby. But that's such a very small part of what San Francisco has to offer. This time, we were excited to explore a completely different area of the city. San Francisco's Mission District has its own unique eateries, a great park, brilliant street art, and more, and wandering our way through its colorful streets made for a great day.

About the Mission District

The Mission District is unique among San Francisco neighborhoods. The oldest neighborhood in the city, it was named for Mission Dolores, which was founded in 1776 and is still open to visitors. The Mission has an unusual microclimate, which means it's often warmer and sunnier here than in other parts of the city, particularly on San Francisco's famously foggy days.

Beyond its history and weather, the Mission also has a special mix of residents and influences-leaders of the area's Latin American community share the neighborhood with artists, students, and an ever-increasing number of restaurateurs and small-business owners. Corner bodegas and taquerias butt up against galleries and pricey boutiques. It is eclectic, artsy, and a great place to discover new fun places and things to do in San Francisco.

What to do in the Mission District

Chile Lindo

Any good neighborhood tour starts with a snack...and continues with snacks throughout the day. First stop: Chile Lindo.

The Mission District is known for Latin American food, and Chile Lindo is an ideal place to try it. This colorful empanada joint is literally a hole in the wall, serving customers its goodie-filled pastries right at the door (though we hear there are stools sometimes).

They make six types of traditional Chilean empanadas, including chicken, ham and cheese, and vegetarian and vegan options (which are similar to the ones we tried in Peru's Sacred Valley). We opted for the traditional Niman Ranch beef empanada, which includes raisins, olives, and sliced hard-boiled egg. This was the first time we'd tried that flavor combination, and it was unexpectedly delicious. Location: 2944 16th Street

Clarion Alley

Since 1992, Clarion Alley has been decked out in vibrant, unusual, and symbolic murals painted by the Clarion Alley Mural Project. Every October (and sometimes in between), volunteer street artists create a fresh group of works in this two-block stretch that cover just about every topic of imaginable and fanciful. There are often as many as 50 works to see here, transforming the blocks into a brilliant outdoor gallery.

From Toronto to Ecuador, we've seen a lot of street art on our travels, and Clarion Alley has definitely made it on to the list of our favorites. Location: between 17th and 18th and Mission and Valencia

Mission Dolores Park

Named for nearby Mission Dolores, the 16-acre Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco's most popular parks. Its soccer fields, tennis courts, and playground are almost always filled with city dwellers enjoying the open space.

On nice weekends, as many as 10,000 people stop through the park to walk their dogs, attend events, or just lounge on the hillside with the lovely view of the city. Location: two blocks south of Mission Dolores at the western edge of the SF Mission District

Dandelion Chocolate

After a couple of non-food stops, it was time for another snack. This time, the destination was the fabulous Dandelion Chocolate. What attracted us to much to the café was not just the obvious chocolate (because, yum), but the amount of care and preparation that goes into everything Dandelion Chocolate makes.

Using cacao beans from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Madagascar, Dandelion Chocolate does everything else-from roasting to tempering to formulating their outstanding bites-by hand. And lots of the process is visible in the shop. Delicious things are great, but they're even better when made with love and a dose of education on the side. Location: 740 Valencia Street

Mission Minis

In all our research about San Francisco activities, Mission Minis seemed to pop up everywhere. Even though the shop was a few blocks out of the way from the rest of our stops, we were compelled to make a visit. I mean, they're cupcakes. And they're cute. And at only $1, they're almost impossible to pass up.

Baked fresh daily, these little gems come in flavors like ruby red velvet, peanut butter kiss, and pumpkin spice. We chose cinnamon horchata, Aztec chocolate, and double chocolate as treats to take back to the hotel, and we loved every bite. Location: 3168 22nd Street

Pirate Supply Store

The tongue-in-cheek Pirate Supply Store bills itself as "San Francisco's Only Independent Pirate Supply Store," perhaps to distinguish it from all those chain pirate supply stores... Its shelves are filled with scurvy medicine, eye-patches, whale feed, and guides to naming your ship. You can also find a pirate's code of conduct poster and all manner of things made from rope.

It's all done in good fun to support the nonprofit services offered in another part of the shop and in classrooms across the city-providing writing resources and tutoring to children ages 6 to 18. Location: 826 Valencia Street

ABV

One of a crop of classic cocktail bars in the Mission District, ABV is subtle in its greatness. It is crafty (in a cocktail kind of way) without being overly pretentious or hipstery. This is to say that they make fabulous three- or four-ingredient drinks and serve lots of tasty small bites. There's a reason they won the Best New American Bar award.

There are enough reclaimed wood and distressed items to make ABV feel approachable but not so many that they seem to be trying too hard. We tried the Land's End cocktail (rum, dry curacao, lemon, and raspberry) along with the tangy fish tacos. If we lived in San Francisco, this would be our go-to place. Location: 3174 16th Street

Other Things to Do in the Mission District

Our visit to the Mission District was short, but there are hundreds of other places to eat, things to see, and experiences to have. Here are just a handful of others worth checking out.

Visit Foreign Cinema

Despite the name, this popular place is not actually a movie theater...but they do show movies. With a massive wine list and unique architecture, this top neighborhood staple has been feeding guests for over 20 years. The "cinema" comes from the movies played on a huge projector screen while you eat.

Browse the bookstores

The Mission is one place bookstores are still popular despite the rise of online ordering. Check out the vast selection of new and used books at Dog Eared Books. This charming shop, which features local artworks, has been a San Francisco institution since 1922. Across the street, Borderlands Books is the place for fantasy and science fiction readers.

Catch a concert at The Chapel

This unique venue is an old church converted into an awesome restaurant and space for music. You can eat a stellar meal, grab a drink, and listen to live music all at once.

Check out a festival

It seems like there's something fun and unique happening every weekend in the Mission District. Just a few of the highlights...

In April, the Latin American community celebrates the birthday of Cesar Chavez with a large parade and festival. The last weekend in May, it's all about the Carnaval Parade and its magnificent costumes, street performers, food, and crafts. The fall brings SF's only Greek food festival at the Annunciation Cathedral. Every November 2, cultural heritage is again at the center with a memorial procession and altars in Garfield Park that celebrate loved ones on the Day of the Dead.

Getting to the Mission District San Francisco

Take BART to the 16th Street or 24th Street Mission stop. The MUNI J train goes to Church and 18th Street. The 12, 14, 22, and 33 buses also make stops throughout the neighborhood.

Where to Stay in the Mission District

Noe's Nest Bed & Breakfast - Between Noe Valley and the Mission District, Noe's Nest offers comfortable accommodations in a Victorian home. With large rooms, a garden lounge, and complimentary breakfast, Noe's Nest is a great alternative to a chain hotel. (See reviews and check prices)

Nineteen 06 Mission - This eco-friendly hotel just 2 minutes from the closest BART stop is a convenient place from which to explore the SF Mission, the trendy Soma neighborhood, and beyond. (See reviews and check prices)

Inn San Francisco - In a beautiful Victorian mansion from the 1870s, Inn San Francisco offers sumptuously-decorated rooms and a generous breakfast buffet. Guests love the hot tub and the sun deck. (See reviews and check prices)
Note: Some links may be affiliate links, which means Travel Addicts may earn a few pennies if you buy something, at no additional cost to you.

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A Day in San Francisco's Mission District

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Most of our trips to San Francisco have been for business, which means we've spent a lot of time in the convention center and in the Union Square area thanks to the plethora of business hotels nearby. But that's such a very small part of what San Francisco has to offer.

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Setting the table

The Mission has long seen itself as a city within a city, with its own institutions, identity, and culture. For more than a century it has been an immigrant and working-class neighborhood, first as a destination for Irish and Germans and Scandinavians, and later, for Mexicans and Central and South Americans fleeing repressive regimes. Over the years, although the causes and the culture have changed dramatically, the Mission has retained its distinctiveness and used its collective identity to fight back against outside pressure from "downtown"- and, increasingly, "Silicon Valley"- interests.

Beginning in the late 19th century, many neighborhood organizations have mobilized the Mission and provided the structure for citizens to determine the course of their community. The Mission, ever since the city charter in 1850, has mobilized around neighborhood control of governance, planning, and development. After the earthquake and fire of 1906, the Mission fought a plan which would have destroyed Mission street's vibrant commercial corridor. After World War Two, the Mission organized against freeway construction, BART plans, and suburbanization.

More recently, Mission organizations have fought back against evictions, gentrification, and development. Today, this spirit, and the Mission's strong sense of identity has created one of San Francisco's most distinct and sought after neighborhoods. Unfortunately, as a result of this demand, the neighborhood has undergone waves of gentrification, and many fear that the Mission's distinctive culture will be lost and that the people who contributed to this culture will be priced out. Most parties undoubtedly wish for the Mission to retain its vibrant, multi-ethnic and varied culture, however there are serious conflicts about how it can be maintained as the neighborhood continues to gentrify. But there is more to the story than just struggle.

The history

In March of 1776, Captain Juan Batista de Anza set off from Monterey to determine the best location for a presidio (fort) and a mission, to connect the peninsula with the chain of settlements running along the California coastline. After finding a suitable location for the presidio near the mouth of the San Francisco Bay, de Anza came upon a sunny valley to the south, with fresh water, ample land for grazing cattle, and access to the bay, which he pronounced to be an ideal location for the mission. Later in the year, two Franciscan friars, Francisco Palou and Pedro Cambon, along with a band of Spanish soldiers, arrived at the valley and consecrated the mission. Following settlement of the area, the Spanish compelled Native Americans, who were converted to Christianity, to build the mission chapel between 1782 and 1791.

Before Spanish conquest, the area now known as the Mission was home to the Yelamu, a small tribe numbering around 200 people. The Yelamu, who traveled by boat and practiced a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, moved seasonally throughout the San Francisco peninsula. In the Mission valley was a summer village called Chutchuii. Beginning in the 1770s, the Spanish imposed forced labor, farming and disease on the Yelamu people, decimating their population and destroying their way of life. In a census in 1825, the number of Yelamu numbered only 18. More broadly, during this period, at least 5,000 native peoples from the Bay Area died in the Mission. By 1847, only 34 members of any tribe remained on the San Francisco peninsula.
Depiction of indigenous Ohlone tribe by colonizers.
After the mission was secularized in 1834, much of the surrounding land was turned into ranches and farms. This settlement gradually grew into a small rural village separate from the commercial port of Yerba Buena (which became San Francisco). San Francisco remained a relatively quiet city through the Mexican-American war. However on January 24th 1848, just days before the war's end, James W. Marshall discovered gold in Colma, CA. This discovery, and later, President Polk's confirmation that gold was plentiful in California, induced a wave of migration to the state like none other in its history. San Francisco began to rapidly develop, as the population increased from under 1,000 in 1848 to over 57,000 by 1860.

Gold!

The discovery of gold forever changed the culture of the city, turning it from a sleepy village to a destination of opportunity. Up to this point, San Francisco was primarily a shipping outpost and settlement. To become a gold panner, or '49'er', was to chase a dream of striking it rich. A 49er could spend six weeks panning for gold worth six years of income on the East Coast. The Gold Rush (1848-1855) marked a major population shift in the Mission, as tens of thousands of men travelled to San Francisco from all around the world, many squatting illegally in the Mission. Even during the Gold Rush, and in the years immediately following, the Mission sought to be a distinct entity from the rest of San Francisco. The ranchers who lived in the Mission wanted to maintain their rural way of life and protect their valuable land, and resisted incorporating with the city. However, at the time the state legislature was dominated by San Franciscans, and the ranchers were therefore unable to block the state charter establishing the city of San Francisco in 1850. The northern section of Mission valley was incorporated that year, and the remaining section in 1856, following a second charter that created the boundaries of the present-day city.
Abandoned ships in San Francisco Bay bringing 49ers from around the world looking for gold.
Even as the Gold Rush era ended, San Francisco grew and commerce within the city expanded. The San Francisco Mission district began to densify and develop, with expensive homesteads existing within a bustling immigrant and working-class neighborhood. The majority of immigrants during this period were from Ireland and Germany, as well as Scandinavia, Scotland, Russia, and England. As is true today, ethnic identity was a crucial part of the Mission's neighborhood culture. For the 19th and early 20th century, this was explicitly a white identity, although with a forgiving attitude to national background and class differences. In this construction, Latinos often were considered white to the extent that they were of Spanish ancestry and could pass as white. The area gradually became more working-class in the later 19th century. Streetcar lines extended south, connecting the Mission to the industrial South of Market neighborhood and to the waterfront, providing an affordable commute for laborers, longshoremen, and other workers whose employment was based in these districts.

The 20th century

The Mission's development continued at a rapid pace until April 18th, 1906, when an earthquake struck San Francisco, setting off a massive fire that consumed much of the city. Over the course of several days, 28,000 structures were destroyed and 3,000 San Franciscans lost their lives. While most of the northern Mission was destroyed in the fire, the southern sections were largely spared. In the aftermath, there were competing visions of how to rebuild the city, the most famous being Daniel Burnham's Neo-classical inspired plan for San Francisco. The Mission opposed this plan, which would have destroyed large parts of the neighborhood's commercial sector. In rebuilding the Mission, the white residents explicitly used Spanish colonial heritage and style to create a distinctive architecture for the Mission and claim prestige as the oldest part of San Francisco. Many well known San Francisco Mission district landmarks, such as the El Capitan theater, or the Women's Building, which at the time of its construction was the meeting hall for a radical German exercise movement, were built to reflect this style. During the post-fire period, the Mission became politically powerful thanks to its union activism and large population. Politicians from the Mission dominated city politics for the first half of the 20th century and advocated strongly for the integrity of the Mission.
San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires.
Over time, the demographics of the Mission began to change. In the 1930's, increasing numbers of Mexican immigrants began to move to the northern Mission. Largely working class, they assimilated with relatively little conflict. During the 1950's, federal and state policies subsidized white middle-class residents moving to the suburbs while simultaneously locking out black and brown families. The Mission increasingly catered to the Latino population, with business and neighborhood organizations conducting business and advertising in Spanish. In 1950, the Mission had a Latino population of 11.6%; by 1960 it was 22.7%, and 44.6% in 1970, marking another major population shift within the Mission. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Latino population increased to 50% following the movement of immigrants from Central and South America fleeing conflict in their home counties. The Mission became a welcoming point of entry for several generations of Latinos, and since the 1950s has developed a strong Latino identity. With the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, many arts and activist organizations with a focus on Latino rights and culture sprouted in the Mission.

Although this period also saw increased discrimination against Latinos at the city level, local Mission organizations formed multi-ethnic coalitions to fight for their own interests. The most significant was the Mission Coalition Organization (MCO), formed in 1968. The coalition included a wide range of interest groups and constituencies, including Catholic charities, Chicano rights activists, and far-left groups. Although primarily focused on preventing destructive redevelopment (such as had occurred in the Fillmore district), the MCO was a multi-issue organization that brought diverse groups together with a common interest in the Mission. At its peak, the MCO counted 12,000 members, with representatives from every ethnic and ideological constituency in the Mission and as such was able to convincingly represent the neighborhood.
The Mission Rebels, a leftist activist organization, criticized the MCO for being too conciliatory toward outside influences.
However, by the the 1970s, following several decades of city disinvestment in the Mission and racially motivated redlining, which excluded low-income Latinos from homeownership, the neighborhood found itself in the midst of a speculation boom. Apartment buildings were purchased cheaply, touched up cosmetically, and then sold, an average of eighteen months later, for several times their starting price. Low-income tenants, who found their rents doubled or tripled, were forced out.

By 1979, the city supervisors had approved a rent control ordinance, which brought some relief to the Mission. However, in 1988, the city approved the conversion of industrial spaces into live/work lofts, which did not require a lengthy public approval process. This ordinance opened the floodgates for a second wave of speculation in the mostly industrial northeastern Mission. Although designed to help artists afford studio and living space, the law was quickly tweaked to accommodate the construction of expensive lofts for wealthy residents. Many industrial businesses left and did not come back.

Dot com boom and bust

The first dot com boom beginning in the 90s exacerbated the situation. It was as if the Gold Rush was repeating itself. Tens of thousands of new workers moved to San Francisco to chase startup riches and develop innovative new products, and the construction of new housing could not keep up. Most of the zoning laws and planning code had been created in a context of slower growth. The previous boom had been so long ago that city planners couldn't foresee the rapid in-migration to the city, a situation which was playing out in many cities in America.

Artists, tech workers, and other young professionals were attracted to the Mission's vibrant life, cheap rent, and easy access to downtown. From 1990 to 2000 the area median income in the Mission increased from approximately $46,000 to $70,000, with matching increases in educational attainment. These increases have not been felt in the existing Latino community. According to a study that targeted Latino families in the Mission by the Mission Promise Neighborhood, 77% of the families surveyed earned less than $35,000, and only 26% of respondents had received a high school education. This influx of wealthier residents led to increasing rents and a larger number evictions. Between 1990 and 1999 there were 925 households evicted from the San Francisco Mission district.

Stemming from the development pressure and a lack planning oversight, several Mission non-profits (primarily Mission Housing, St. Peter's Catholic Church, and PODER) formed the Mission Anti-Displacement Coalition (MAC) in 1999 to organize Mission community members and fight displacement using zoning and land-use regulations. MAC marked a shift to a more confrontational approach to development in the Mission. They found success in opposing projects through the machinery of the city government, testifying at Planning Commission hearings and becoming experts in city zoning. Although the Planning Commission sometimes ignored community opposition, MAC's direct action into the planning and review process has become a common (and successful) tactic. Local non-profits have used planning hearings to oppose developers in the Mission and push for community contributions in the form of affordable housing, reduced rents for local organizations, and other concessions.
Billboard on the side of Galleria La Raza, late 1990's
The Mission today

Today, what's happening in the Mission is sometimes termed "hyper-gentrification;" a one-bedroom apartment now rents for an average of $3,400 a month, the number of households making more than 200% ($186,000 a year) of the area median income increased 31.36% from 2009 to 2014. During this same period, those in the low to moderate bracket-families making approximately $28,000 to $93,000 a year-declined 21.41%. Very low income families, those making less than $28,000, increased by 3.40% over the same period.

The Mission may become a place inhabited only by extremely wealthy and extremely low-income residents. Middle-class residents, the teachers, small-business owners, and police officers, are unable to afford to live near where they work, weakening the community they have contributed to and making it even more difficult for the Mission to be a port of entry for immigrants and newcomers, an essential part of its neighborhood culture.

The Latino community's deep roots in the Mission, and the constant flow of newcomers has bred a unique culture. One of its most famous exports is the Mission style burrito, an extra-large tortilla filled almost to bursting with local ingredients. Two restaurants, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Faro, both claim to be the originators of the Mission burrito. On almost every block, there are local taquerias with delicious recipes from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Aside from the taquerias, there are large number of Latino-owned businesses, bakeries, groceries, and restaurants in the Mission, especially concentrated around 24th street. In 2014, after community involvement and the work of Calle 24, the area was designated as a Latino Cultural District, which has allowed the community to control the development and look of the street. Aside from the Mission's Latino heritage, there is also a thriving food and coffee scene in the Mission, with nationally acclaimed establishments such as Mission Chinese Food and Tartine Bakery alongside coffee roasters like Four Barrel and Ritual.
Panaderia (bakery) in the Mission.
As for the the Mission's history as a union stronghold, traces still remain. The Redstone Labor Temple in the heart of the Mission on 16th Street, held many labor union offices and was instrumental in the early 20th century organizing efforts, including the General Strike of 1934. Today the building is home to a range of artist studios, non-profits, and activist organizations. There once were at least 20 movie theaters in the Mission, catering the the neighborhood's working-class families looking for cheap entertainment. Although most have disappeared, or have been converted into other uses, a few remain. The Roxie, the oldest continuously operating theater in San Francisco, shows indie and art house films. Recently, as part of a new development package, the New Mission Cinema was revived as part of the Alamo Drafthouse chain.
The Roxie Theatre, built in 1909, is the oldest continually operating movie theater in San Francisco
Given the heavy immigrant population and an eye towards celebrating the neighborhood's diverse culture, Mission residents often proudly display their heritage via parades and events, including a parade for Cesar Chavez Day, as well as an annual procession for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). During the 1970's and 80's the area became a haven for young artists, with low rents supporting a thriving art scene. Balmy and Clarion Alley are internationally recognized as high quality displays of mural artwork and tourists can often be found strolling down these side streets photographing the local artwork.

The murals, which reference politics or cultural history, sprang up in the 1960s as the Chicano and other civil rights movements took off in San Francisco. Inspired by Mexican muralists like Diego Riviera, artists in the Mission incorporated a distinctive style drawing upon their cultural heritage and political activism. Today, this tradition continues: many new murals address themes surrounding evictions, gentrification, and immigration; others celebrate Latino identity. Precita Eyes, a local arts organization founded in 1977, works to preserve existing murals and sponsor new artworks. The Galería de la Raza is another local long-standing arts organization that has continued the mural tradition as well as supported Chicano and Latino artists in other disciplines.
Cesar Chavez Parade & Festival in the Mission
While the vibrancy of the neighborhood is readily apparent, residents of the Mission are worried that it will disappear. They see signs that the local culture is being eroded by new residents who do not respect the area's history. Fearing this change, Mission residents and local organizations have been organizing and speaking out, frequently battling developers, and occasionally their fellow San Franciscans. This is all in an effort to preserve that lasting feeling that makes The Mission so enjoyable to live in.

Local businesses thrive in the Mission because of the neighborhood's community spirit: "This bookstore is a social center and cafe for readers, writers, publishers, reviewers artists and others. We are still here because of the community and neighborhood support," says Jude, the General Manager at Boderland Books. Borderland's story is a perfect example of the community coming together to save a local institution. In 2015, the alternative and independent bookstore was facing closure due to increasing costs incurred by the recent minimum wage hike in California. The local community banded together to support a new business model owner Alan Beatts created, which sells sponsorships and books to ensure a sustainable store ( for more information head here).
Alan Beatts, owner of Borderlands Bookstore.
Moving forward

What can be done to protect the Mission's culture and people? The solution to this problem, and to the problem of exorbitant rents and displaced tenants, is at the heart of a debate raging in San Francisco, and the Bay Area as a whole. How much, and what kind of housing should be built?

Two factions, roughly, each equally assured that their methods are what's best for the city, have been battling at Planning Commission meetings, in the press, and online; to an outsider it seems as if San Francisco is at a crossroads, and must decide what kind of city it wants to be. On one side are the YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyard), who want more development, of any kind, as fast as possible. They want to reduce regulations and appeals that slow the development process and to allow for denser and taller buildings in San Francisco. They argue that supply must increase for the rent to go down. The San Francisco area has been building far less housing compared to the number of jobs that have been added. In the past five years, the area saw a net addition of 373,000 jobs, while permitting only 53,000 new units of housing. It's basic supply and demand, they argue.

On the other side, in a loose constellation, are the tenants rights' advocates, non-profit housing developers, community organizations, and homeowners, who oppose market-rate development. They argue that supply and demand doesn't apply in the same way when it comes to housing; building more housing (especially high-end housing in a rapidly changing neighborhood) only increases demand and prices.

Opponents of market-rate development have fought back using similar tactics used in the first dot com boom. Today, some of these tactics have been criticized. Many accuse local organizations of extracting outsized concessions from developers and strangling new housing. At the local level however, these organizations are making use of the tools that they can wield most effectively. Extracting affordable housing concessions or assurances of local employment from developers make people feel like they are achieving something and asserting their value. It's not so unreasonable for developers to take a cut off their profits and put that back into the Mission.

Unfortunately, this stance can also backfire. If the project no longer becomes profitable-as a result of the cost of land, inclusionary zoning requirements, concessions, and building and labor costs exceeding the expected return- developers won't build, which in the long run, will not make San Francisco any more affordable. Asking developers to act against their own interests is not a sustainable position, but it is understandable from the Mission's perspective.

It's no wonder a diverse population is clamoring to move to the Mission: it has everything you'd want in a neighborhood. From good food and strong community to a rich and distinct history, everyone from artists and tech workers, from new immigrants to established wealthy families, want to call the Mission home. It's where people from different backgrounds and classes can encounter each other and where they can find common ground and build community. Walking around the Mission, each block is different, and there is a remarkable diversity of business and activities on the street.

Even on the block that Starcity calls home, there's a Chinese fish market, a tattoo parlor, a Mexican-Italian deli in operation since 1979, a well known taqueria, and a busy public square. This diversity of uses encourages people to explore and to try new things. These valuable assets will be destroyed if cost is the only calculus, or if all kinds of housing are assumed to be equal. And the Mission will become another place the same as everywhere else, with nothing left to give and nothing to learn from. The goal of all sides should be to ensure that this never happens.

All is not lost, however, and certainly a vast majority on both sides of the divide want the same thing: both want San Francisco and the Bay Area to be an affordable and welcoming place for everyone, regardless of class, race, income, or identity. Both want people to be able to stay in their homes without fear of eviction, crime, or overcrowding. Both want neighborhoods to retain the qualities and people that make them appealing places to live. But no one can agree on how to make this a lasting truth.

For a neighborhood like the Mission, this conflict is real and present; communities are being worn down, friends and businesses are being priced out. When long-time Mission residents see a new building going up, or a store opening that is clearly not intended for the people who have lived there for decades, it undoubtedly feels out of reach and an affront to their culture. Trying to convince them that the best remedy is more housing ignores what that process feels like. It also ignores the history of the Mission, and what makes the Mission a vibrant and interesting place.

The Mission is valuable today because of the community that was built up there over centuries; it is valuable because the Mission has a long history of coming together as a neighborhood to protect their interests; it is valuable because people have invested their own time, money, social capital, and creativity.
Special thanks to Jon Dishotsky & Miles Dugan for co-authoring, and Alan Santos, Chris Maddox, Mo Sakrani, Genevieve Dishotsky, and Meg Bell for editing previous drafts. Works Cited
" City Within a City: Historic Context Statement for San Francisco's Mission District," San Francisco Planning Department (2007)

Gary Kamiya, " Searching for the Yelamu in San Francisco," FoundSF,

Gary Kamiya, Cool Grey City of Love (Bloomsbury USA, 2013)

Ocean Howell, Making the Mission: Planning and Ethnicity in San Francisco, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016)

" Mission District Case Study," University of California, Berkeley (2015)

" James Wilson Marshall," PBS.org

Thomas Sandoval, " MCO and Latino Community Formation," FoundSF

Karl Beitel, " Mission Anti-Displacement Coalition," FoundSF, 2013

Tyche Hendricks, " History, Culture Meet in Vibrant Mission Murals," SFGate

Kim-Mai Cutler, " How Burrowing Owls Lead to Vomiting Anarchists (Or SF's Housing Crisis Explained),"TechCrunch

John McCloud, " Live-Work Law for Artists Roils San Franciscans," The New York Times, April 27, 1997

Keith Payne, The Broken Ladder: How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die (Penguin USA, 2017)

Gabriel Metcalf, " It's Not Too Late to Make San Francisco Affordable Again. Here's How," CityLab

Dyan Ruiz and Joseph Smooke, " Developers Aren't Going to Solve the Housing Crisis in San Francisco," TruthOut

David Madden, " Gentrification Doesn't Trickle Down to Help Everyone," The Guardian

Lauren Smiley, " Last Street Standing," San Francisco Magazine

" Inclusionary Housing Working Group: Final Report, " San Fransisco Controller's Office

" The Story of the Mission Promise Neighborhood Community," Mission Promise Neighborhood (2017)

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San Francisco Mission District: The History - Starcity

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Setting the table The Mission has long seen itself as a city within a city, with its own institutions, identity, and culture. For more than a century it has been an immigrant and working-class neighborhood, first as a destination for Irish and Germans and Scandinavians, and later, for Mexicans and Central and South Americans fleeing repressive regimes.

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Things to Do in This Culturally Diverse SF Neighborhood

The Mission District San Francisco is another colorful, interesting SF neighborhood. Here you will find a mixture of cultures, some of the best restaurants in the city, a number of places to grab a drink at night and plenty of other fun things to do.

It is one of my favorite places to visit during the day or at night. If you want a real San Francisco experience, you have to head over to the Mission at least once during your visit.

It's a busy neighborhood, but not as touristy as some of the other districts. There are also so many fun things to do and delicious things to eat here.

The first Spanish settlers came to this area in the late 1700s when it was still part of Mexico. They built several important missions, including the Mission San Francisco de Asis, which still stands today in the heart of this district.

In the Mission District, you will still see many Mexican, Latin, and other cultural influences. Its sheer diversity and proud embrace of its roots makes this a truly unique San Francisco neighborhood.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Top Mission District San Francisco Attractions & Activities

Here are some of my favorite things to do in the Mission District San Francisco.

1. Visit the Historic Mission San Francisco de Asis

The Mission San Francisco de Asis is an old Spanish mission built in 1791. It is the oldest building in San Francisco.

Here you can visit the mission, the newly rebuilt basilica, and one of the only graveyards that remain within the San Francisco city limits. In addition, you can visit the mission museum and see the original adobe bricks used to sustain this sturdy structure.

>> Mission San Francisco de Asis

2. Soak in the Colors & Stories of the Mission District Murals

San Francisco has more than 1,000 murals throughout the city, and the Mission District is home to a large concentration of them.

The first San Francisco mural in this neighborhood was painted in the mid-1970s. From there, more and more murals appeared, creating an ever more colorful neighborhood.

Click the link below to see pictures of some of these beautiful murals. You will also find maps to help you easily find them during your visit.

>> Mission District Murals

3. Uncover the History of the Neighborhood on this Free Walking Tour

The history is rich in this part of San Francisco. If you want to learn more, then I recommend taking the historic walking tour offered by the San Francisco Public Library. This free walking tour is offered on Sunday mornings at 11am and usually lasts about two hours.

You don't need to register in advance; just show up at the at the gold-painted fire hydrant on the corner of Church and 20th Streets a few minutes before the tour starts.

>> Mission District San Francisco Walking Tour

4. Enjoy the Diversity of Cuisines on a Food Walking Tour

Another way to enjoy the Mission District San Francisco is by sampling its wide variety of foods. The "Taste of the Mission" Tour is led by a local food lover.

You will walk through the area and taste a sampling of the many types of food available in the Mission District San Francisco.

It's a fun way to try some new cuisines and get to know the neighborhood along the way.

>> Book your spot on the Taste of the Mission Tour

5. Join in on the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration

The Mission District San Francisco has a large Latin American population and influence. In this culture, it is customary to honor those who have left this world with an annual celebration called Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.

This is an emotional celebration held every year starting on November 1 and lasting until the early hours of November 2. If you are in San Francisco during this time, I highly recommend that you attend.

You will be impressed with the time and effort this community takes to remember those they have lost. The event welcomes both observers and participants.

There is a community parade the first night at 7pm starting at 22nd and Bryant Streets. You can watch the parade, join in for a while, and then step out to watch again. For hours-usually until about 1 or 2am-the parade proceeds in circles covering about 6 square blocks in the district.

Along the way, you will see several Mission District San Francisco locals displaying memorials to honor their loved ones. You can also see several other memorials in Garfield Park, located on the corner of Harrison and 25th Streets. The overall experience is moving and one you will never forget!

6. Catch Some Rays in Mission Dolores Park

If you really want to hang with the locals, then I recommend spending some time in Mission Dolores Park. This beautiful park is on the western side of the Mission District San Francisco.

The park sits on a hill and has amazing views of downtown San Francisco. Locals love to come here on warm, sunny days to hang out, meet other people, and just enjoy the day.

There are also several events held in the park and many races that run through it. Either way, it's a hub of activity on almost any day of the week. The park starts at the corner of Dolores and 18th Streets.

Grab some coffee and a good book and come on over to enjoy a local pastime in the Mission District San Francisco.

7. Watch the Colorful Carnaval Parade

Every Memorial Day Weekend, the Mission comes to life with the colorful Carnaval Festival and Parade. This annual event celebrates both the Latin American and Caribbean arts and traditions.

On both Saturday and Sunday, you can sample delicious treats, listen to traditional music, and walk through the art booths. On Sunday, head over early to catch the festive parade.
>> Carnaval on Memorial Day Weekend
Best Mexican Restaurants San Francisco

The Mission District San Francisco is where you will find a large number of Mexican restaurants. The majority of them are casual, with walk up service and open seating. Since there are so many, it is sometimes hard to tell them apart. Here are four favorites.

La Oxaquena: On the northern side of the Mission District San Francisco is La Oxaquena. This fast and cheap Mexican restaurant is open all day and until late, from 9am to 2am. Swing by for a quick burrito or one of their other Mexican delicacies. You will find it at 2128 Mission Street near 17th Street.

San Jalisco: This is another favorite in the northern Mission District San Francisco. They feature the flavors and foods of the Jalisco region of Mexico. Here you can sit down for a meal and enjoy some authentic Mexican food. San Jalisco is at 901 S. Van Ness near 20th Street.

El Farolito: Heading down to the southern part of the Mission District San Francisco, you will find El Farolito. This is a casual, low-key restaurant that is great for late night dining. Have a few drinks in the neighborhood and then soak it up with some of their tacos or popular homemade salsa. 2779 Mission Street near 24th Street.

La Taqueria: Also on the southern side of the Mission District San Francisco is La Taqueria. They are fast, friendly, and serve up nothing but authentic Mexican food. Make sure you have some cash on hand, since they do not accept credit cards. La Taqueria is at 2889 Mission Street between 24th and 25th Streets.

More Great Mission District San Francisco Restaurants

In addition to the awesome Mexican food in the Mission, there is also a wide variety of other cuisines. There are too many great ones to name them all, so here are just a few of my favorites.

Walzwerk: This is one of the best German restaurants in San Francisco. Their focus is on Eastern German food, including schnitzel, bratwurst, and beef roulade. Make sure you order their cold dog-a delicious layered chocolate cake-for dessert. They are open for dinner. You can find them at 381 S. Van Ness at 15th Street.

Lolo: Another favorite in the Mission District San Francisco is Lolo. This small and unassuming restaurant is a mix of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. You can sample everything from guacamole to their pecan encrusted salmon. Their tuna tacos are also a great find. Don't forget to check out their wine list. Lolo is at 974 Valencia Street near 21st Street. They are open only for dinner.

Foreign Cinema: Are you looking for dinner and a movie? Then you should check out Foreign Cinema. The majority of their menu is seafood, including one of the largest oyster bars in the city. In addition to their seafood dishes, you can also find pimenton-spiced chicken and a yummy gourmet burger. Each night they feature a different movie in the background to set the mood for that perfect night out. Foreign Cinema is at 2534 Mission Street. They are open for dinner during the week and brunch each Saturday and Sunday.

Delfina: If you are looking for Italian food, then look no further than Delfina. This very popular restaurant serves up some amazing dishes such as their olive oil mashed potatoes, blood orange insalata, and a twist on traditional spaghetti. They are open only for dinner and are at 3621 18th Street.

Little Star Pizza: Both thin crust and deep dish pizzas are the speciality at Little Star Pizza. You can find some of the best pizza in the city here. They also have a fun selection of beers. Visit them for either lunch or dinner at 400 Valencia Street near 15th Street.

San Francisco Nightlife in the Mission District

Similar to its vibrant restaurant scene, the Mission District San Francisco also has a large number and variety of bars. You can find everything from live music to casual lounges.

This is one of my favorite neighborhoods to hang out in at night. New bars open frequently, so there is always something new to check out! Here are just a few of my favorite places.

Elixir: This is a fun place to grab a drink in the Mission. The inside is an old-fashioned saloon that opened in 1858. You will also find a mix of people and events from Board Game Night to a Cocktail Club on Thursdays. The crowd gets a little rowdy at times, but overall it's a great place to join in on the fun. Elixir is at 3200 16th Street at Guerrero.

Latin American Club: This is another one of my favorites in the Mission. Even though the name says 'club', it is not really a club. It's a low-key bar that serves only hard liquor and tap beer. It's also large with plenty of seating, but gets crowded later at night and on the weekends. The Latin American Club is at 3286 22nd Street.
Make Out Room: The Make Out Room is across the street from the Latin American Club at 3225 22nd Street. This is a small, cozy venue with live performances of little known, usually local, bands. However, they offer a variety of events including DJs and some other eclectic shows. Make sure you check out their calendar before you arrive so you know what you are getting yourself into for the night. The Make Out Room is great for those wanting to find something a little different during their stay in San Francisco.

Phoenix Irish Pub: The Phoenix is your typical Irish Pub with great pub food and beer. They have a large selection on tap and the atmosphere is fun and lively. Join them for happy hour from 4pm to 7pm Monday through Friday or any other time you are in the Mission. The Phoenix is at 811 Valencia Street.

Zeitgeist: This bar is a local favorite for a sunny day in San Francisco. Most of the action in this bar is outside in the large picnic area in the back. It's one of those "most anything goes" types of places. You will find a large mix of patrons that all share seats at the community picnic tables. You can also grab some bar food here such as burgers or bratwurst. They have more than 40 beers on tap and a happy hour that extends from 9am to 8pm every day. Zeitgeist is on the corner of Valencia and Duboce Streets.

Hotels In & Near the Mission

There are some hotels in this neighborhood, but I wouldn't recommend most of them to you. However, here are a couple great finds. You will also find some ideas on where to look when booking an apartment rental.

The Inn San Francisco
943 South Van Ness Avenue

The Inn San Francisco is a small bed and breakfast with just 21 rooms. It's in a great location in the Mission. It's also close to public transportation, so you can easily get to other parts of the city.

A beautiful Victorian built in 1872, this B&B has a historic feel that makes it a guest favorite. It also includes the following amenities:

Free Wifi

Garden with hot tub

Roof deck with panoramic views

Free hot and cold breakfast options

Parking available for a fee

Each room includes a small refrigerator and TV

Rooms at the Inn San Francisco start at around $220 a night. Compare prices and find the best deals on TripAdvisor.

Nineteen 06 Mission
1906 Mission Street at 15th Street

Nineteen 06 Mission is a small hotel in the heart of this colorful district. They offer budget friendly accommodations with shared bathrooms. You can choose from a deluxe double room, standard double room, or a queen room.

All rooms also feature free wifi, free breakfast, newly updated decor, and both heating and air conditioning. The entire property is non-smoking and they speak several languages (English, Italian, Spanish, and French).
Apartment Rentals
Rooms here start at around $165 a night. Find the best prices for Nineteen 06 Mission on TripAdvisor.com.

The best place to look for apartment rentals is on AirBnB. This is the service I use when I travel and I've had great luck.

You can find reviews and also the average guest ratings for an apartment's cleanliness, location, and more. You can also search by neighborhood and amenities.

I've recently started to use the apartment search on Booking.com as well. They offer hundreds of options all around San Francisco. They also include guest reviews so you can get a great feel for what it's like to stay there. Click here to check out the selection of apartments on TripAdvisor.com.

Apartment Hunting Tip: If you stay in an apartment in the Mission District San Francisco, look for one on the western side of Mission Street. It's safer on this side and the quality of the rentals is higher. The other side has its advantages, but I only recommend booking there if you are familiar with the area.

Mission District San Francisco: Getting Here

BART: If you are coming from Union Square, your best option is to take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). You can hop on at any station along Market Street. There are two BART stops in the Mission. The 16th Street stop is on the northern side of the Mission District San Francisco, while the 24th Street stop is on the southern side. Learn more about taking BART on the public transportation around San Francisco page.

Bus: If you are heading over from Fisherman's Wharf, then your best bet is to take the bus. The 49 Mission bus picks up on the western side of Fisherman's Wharf and takes you directly into the Mission District. Jump on the bus at the corner of Van Ness and North Point. It drives down Mission Street and stops about every two blocks. You can hop off at any point along the way.

Taxi: Taking a taxi is always an option in San Francisco. It is one of the fastest ways to get to the San Francisco Mission District, but not the cheapest. A taxi ride from Union Square is going to cost around $10 to $15. A taxi ride from Fisherman's Wharf is around $20 to $25. Read on to learn a little more about taking one of the San Francisco taxis.

Car: Driving is an option, but also a little bit more expensive than taking public transportation. If you do decide to drive, you will find street parking quite difficult in this neighborhood. However, the good news is that there are two main parking garages in the area. Find out more about these San Francisco parking garages, including cost, location, and hours.

More SF Hotel Recommendations

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Mission District San Francisco: Top Things to Do

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The Mission District San Francisco is another colorful, interesting SF neighborhood. Here you will find a mixture of cultures, some of the best restaurants in the city, a number of places to grab a drink at night and plenty of other fun things to do.

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The Mission District is a virtual outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals. Throughout the neighborhood, hundreds of walls and fences are adorned with colorful works of art featuring themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements. Take a stroll over to these locations for an up-close experience and enjoy its nearby restaurants and attractions.
THE ARTS ARE OPEN. GET INSPIRED.
Balmy Alley

Between 24th and 25th streets, and Treat and Harrison streets
Murals first appeared along Balmy Alley in the mid-1980s as an expression of outrage over human rights violations and political corruption in central America. Today, themes have expanded to include gentrification and government injustice. If you're looking for more arts and culture, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is located just a few blocks away. Along with a collection of exhibits, they offer a number of workshops in theater, music, and dance.

Clarion Alley

Between 17th and 18th streets, and Mission and Valencia streets
Inspired by Balmy Alley and other murals around the neighborhood, Clarion Alley is known for community and arts activities. This collection of murals reflects a variety of artistic styles and often depicts themes of social inclusiveness. More than 700 murals have been created since 1992, speaking to community concerns of social, economic, and environmental justice. For an equally inspiring view, pay a visit to Mission Dolores Park, where the sloping hills offer the beautiful sight of downtown's skyscrapers rising above the park's green grass and the Mission's neighborhood homes. Woods Cerveceria, a nanobrewery best known for their craft beer and sweet and savory empanadas, is also worth a visit when you're in the area.

The Women's Building MaestraPeace Mural

3543 18th St.
The Women's Building is internationally recognized for its MaestraPeace Mural, which honors women's contributions from around the world. Painted in 1994 across two walls, this mural is the result of multi-cultural, multi-generational collaboration between seven women artists. If collaboration is what you're after, then venture a few blocks down to Lazy Bear, one of the most sought-after dining experiences in San Francisco. Here, you'll get to talk to the chefs and learn how your unforgettable meal is prepared.

Carnaval Mural

24th St. and South Van Ness Ave.
Known as the "Golden Dreams of the Mission," the Carnaval Mural located above the House of Breaks on the corner of 24th St. and South Van Ness Ave. is an impressive the 24 feet tall and 75 feet wide. Originally painted in 1983 by muralist Daniel Galvez with the help of local artists Dan Fontes, Keith Sklar, Jaime Morgan, Eduardo Pineda and Jan Sheild, the painting depicts the energy and spirit from the city's first Carnaval event in 1979. Keep Central Kitchen on your radar when in the area. Their California cuisine makes for a great spot for an evening dinner.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center

2981 24th St.
Many people looking to explore the area murals come to the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center. It's no wonder why; this community-based non-profit is filled with works by local artists and offers self-guided and guided tours that cover the murals' history, cultural and historical significance. If you're visiting this mural, you're also in for a sweet treat. Just across the street is Humphy Slocombe Ice Cream, a Mission District favorite scooping unique and seasonal flavors since 2008.
EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE MISSION DISTRICT

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Guide to San Francisco's Mission District Murals

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The Mission District is a virtual outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals. Throughout the neighborhood, hundreds of walls and fences are adorned with colorful works of art featuring themes ranging from cultural heritage to social-political statements. Take a stroll over to these locations for an up-close experience and enjoy its nearby restaurants and attractions.

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Despite its on-going gentrification, San Francisco's Mission District remains a vibrant space where long-time residents, artists, musicians, restauranteurs, cyclists, techies, and more have merged to create one of the city's most distinct and welcoming neighborhoods. For nearly two decades this long stretch of Victorian homes and street-level storefronts-bordered generally by Market Street to the north, Potrero Hill to the east, The Castro/Noe Valley to the west, and Cesar Chavez Street to the south-has seen an influx of creative eateries and stylish boutiques while fighting to keep its local flavor, transforming this predominantly Latino district into the kind of place where traditional taquerias sit alongside signal-cup coffee purveyors and emerging cocktail bars go hand-in-hand with legendary neighborhood dives.

Spend an Afternoon in Dolores Park

Not only is Dolores Park-perched on a sloping hillside west of Dolores Street-one of the city's most popular gathering spaces, it's also a prime spot for people-watching. Bring along a picnic blanket and your pooch, and join the throngs of locals and visitors taking advantage of The Mission's seemingly endless sunshine (compared with the rest of San Francisco). The view's of downtown are killer, especially when framed by the park's many palm trees. Catch Film Night in the Park each summer, and events ranging from local rallies to musical performances throughout the year.

Catch a Show

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Art is an integral part of the Mission, whether it's the ever-changing murals depicting everything from social justice to local gentrification along Clarion and Balmy alleys ( Precita Eyes offers tours of the latter), or the many galleries and collectives that dot the landscape. Latino-inspired art is the focus at R. Fuentes Art Gallery, in the heart of the neighborhood's Latino Cultural District, while City Art Cooperative Gallery showcases the rotating works of more than 200 local member-artists, with affordable artworks ranging from paintings to furniture. Neighborhood stalwart Creative Explored offers a space for artists with developmental disabilities to both create and sell their works onsite.

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The Top 14 Things to Do in the Mission District

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Despite its on-going gentrification, San Francisco's Mission District remains a vibrant space where long-time residents, artists, musicians, restauranteurs, cyclists, techies, and more have merged to create one of the city's most distinct and welcoming neighborhoods.

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Read carefully to make sure the article is about the mission!

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The Best of Culture in Mission District, San Francisco

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The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for Mission District, San Francisco - Local News & Top Things to Do

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San Francisco, CA Forecast | Weather Underground | Weather Underground

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The only intact Mission Chapel in the chain of twenty-one established under the direction of Father Junipero Serra, Mission Dolores is an important San Francisco landmark.

The Church

Founded on June 29, 1776, the Mission San Francisco de Asis - more popularly known as Mission Dolores - was founded during the Spanish colonization of San Francisco. The mission's church is the oldest original church building in

California and the oldest intact building in the city of San Francisco.

The original mission at the site was a humble log and thatch structure. Construction on the current Mission Dolores church building didn't begin until a dozen years later. More than 36,000 adobe bricks were used to build this structure, which was finally dedicated in 1791.
Today the facade of the old church is still the original but most of the other parts of the building have been replaced or renovated.

The Mission

Father Palou, the friar in charge of the San Francisco mission, enticed local Native Americans to "come close and watch" them build the mission and many tribe members offered to help, speeding the building of the church and, in the process, converting many of the Indians to Christianity.

Historians say that by 1810, about 1,100 members of the Indian population came to Mission Dolores, which was more than just a church. It also owned sheep, cows, and other farm animals and ran farming and ranch operations throughout the Bay area.

Mission Dolores also owned manufacturing operations, hotels, and other retail establishments in San Francisco. Eventually the neighborhood that grew around the mission at this time became known as, appropriately, the Mission District.

During the Gold Rush, most mission-owned properties were sold and at the same time, a two-story wing was added to the main church building, used as a seminary and priests' living quarters.

The Basilica

In 1876, another church was built next to the old Mission Dolores. The Gothic Revival brick structure was destroyed thirty years later during the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. A new church, now known as the Mission Dolores Basilica, was built from 1913-1918 and the older adobe church, which retains the name "Mission Dolores", was restored during the same time period.

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The only intact Mission Chapel in the chain of twenty-one established under the direction of Father Junipero Serra, Mission Dolores is an important San Francisco landmark. Founded on June 29, 1776, the Mission San Francisco de Asis - more popularly known as Mission Dolores - was founded during the Spanish colonization of San Francisco.