Mark

Your astoundingly haunting and gorgeous photographs and moving prose go together like a hand in glove. I was unaware that you had spent so much time on the streets and had suffered so much in the way of personal difficulties and challenges. It’s clear that you have first hand experience with this lifestyle – there’s no way that an “outsider” could have handled this with such sensitivity and detail – and obvious love. I don’t know whether I more enjoy the stunning skies, unique architecture, or expressive faces. Each photo tells a story that you’ve managed to capture and the viewer can only imagine. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that like many others, I walk briskly through these neighborhoods and avoid eye contact with their residents. Although there have been times when I’ve stopped to gaze at some of the fascinating building facades or faded signage, I’m always in a hurry to my destination (usually Union Square or the Financial District) and consider the “in between” neighborhoods annoying voids to have to rush through. I grew up in S.F.’s Sunset District. We were a working class family and I was raised to believe that newer is better and that “those” neighborhoods were to be purged and recycled. I remember when the Fox Theater was razed and how excited I was about the project. Imagine – a dirty old theater was going to be replaced by an exciting skyscraper! What a thrill! I also remember riding on the bus through the Western Addition rejoicing as I watched the wrecking balls destroy block after block of irreplaceable Victorians – ahh… new housing projects and wide boulevards!! I totally bought into the propaganda that the newspapers and other media featured. The NEW San Francisco – out with those worthless and tiered buildings and people and in with a BRAVE NEW WORLD!

…and I wasn’t even a teenager yet…

Happily, my eyes were opened to the falseness of all this years ago. Your moving stories, captured so beautifully in prose and imagery, have further convinced me that the essence of these neighborhoods do deserve to be preserved.

Thank you, Mark.

You may have left your heart in San Francisco, but the fact that you’re staying clean tells me that you’re still the master of your soul.

Take care and keep in touch. If ever you return to SF, I hope you’ll look me up.

Mark