Photography

Chinatown, Oakland 2022

Dragon School: Oakland's Chinatown

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Unlike it's sprawling big brother across the bay, Oakland's Chinatown manages to maintain its intimate dignity. Both Oakland and San Francisco's Chinatowns continue to be commerce centers for their relative populations, but Oakland still doesn't get the same tourist draw that makes San Francisco infamous. Instead of window after window filled with flimsy tchotchkes and a vital artery of local commerce, Oakland's Chinatown is chock full of grocery stores, restaurants, and people going about their business. 

Like a lot of Oakland, Chinatown is absolutely covered in graffiti. It didn't always look this way, and one non-profit group is taking back the area by painting elaborate dragon murals wherever they are welcomed. The Dragon School movement is a progressive part of Oakland's history that is celebrated by the community. 

Oakland's Chinatown is not without it's problems. Gentrification threatens it just as it threatens Chinatown in San Francisco. In the face of rising rents, anxiety, and change, Chinatown still thrives. 

Photos shot 4/1/2017, December 17, 2016, and June 25, 2016

Chicago, IL

 

 

Chicago is a favorite of mine. I could never live there. As a sheltered Californian, weather is a cut. Nevertheless Chicago is one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world, filled with warm and excellent people.

I like to think of it as the city with all the pluses of NYC, with none of the douchebags. I also appreciated everyone's willingness to lay on the horn in Chicago. People in California drive like utter shit and I'm convinced it's because they're never publicly shamed by a horn.

I've been to Chicago 2 times, and both times I've wanted to take a river tour and wasn't able to. Next time I'll make the effort to get on the water.

I did manage to make it to the top of the John Hancock building this time. Great view for the sunny Sunday I got to enjoy in March,