Signs of Change But No Transformation

While out this afternoon, I spent a bit of time in the Castro to see the much ballyhooed transformation of the district from 21st century to mid-1970s. Of course, none of the more defining accoutrements such as cars and characters were there. The vintage signs were mildly amusing and provided reason for me to spend 90 seconds instead of my usual 30 seconds there.

When I came home I reread highlights of journals from when I first arrived in San Francisco in the mid-1990s when the city and even the Castro held a mild fascination. (These are part of exhaustive journals I've kept since age eight.) I came away not with an epiphany but reminder that today the Castro has about as much relevance to me these days as a T.J. Maxx in Des Moines. I think the last time I was there was in July for the Silent Film Festival.

I was reminded of how, in the fall of 1995, my neighborhood went through a similar retooling for pivotal scenes in The Pursuit of Happyness. Sadly, they took away the mega Monte Carlos and Grande Prix and circa 1977 Muni buses. It was really cool here for four weeks, and I got $500 from Columbia pictures for keeping a lamp on in my window on for two nights. My one moment to have some role in an A-list Hollywood production.