Street fashion photog Ariel Soto hits us with a fllow-up to her last Street Threads feature, highlighting fierceness on the concrete catwalk.
Dani, Haight and Clayton
Shannon, Haight and Clayton
Allison and Jess, 19th St. and Stanyan
Continue reading "More Street Threads: What are you wearing?" »
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By Ariel Soto
Maya, Haight and Ashbury
Is anyone else addicted to the Sartorialist? The photographer of that blog goes around New York and Europe capturing the young and beautiful as they strut their stylish threads down the street. (Much like the late, lamented Street Fancy did here.) I decided to hit the pavement and do some street fashion scouting of my own and found that San Francisco has many of its very own fashion forward citizens ... and fashionable visitors as well.
Sho, Union Square
David, Powell and Bush
Continue reading "Street Threads: What the heck are you wearing?" »
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By Ariel Soto
There is no such thing as a lull on Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown, but this past weekend things were especially active and colorful in observance of the Autumn Moon Festival, a celebration of the beginning of the fall and the hope for a bountiful harvest season. As a photographer for SFBG, I get to cover many such cultural events and happenings (yes, my job is awesome!) and after visiting several of these street festivals this summer, I really think this one takes the cake, possibly a sweet moon cake, for being very authentic and for giving visitors a real taste of the true Chinatown. Musicians played traditional Chinese folk music with a plethora of unique and beautiful instruments, while men competed in a Chinese Chess championship, while munching on steam buns and salted peanuts. Vendors sold everything from orchids, to hair dyes and curry fish balls, and many other items that I really couldn't identify since all the signs were written in Chinese, which made the festival even more fun and an example of how this was really a celebration for the neighborhood community and not just for the out of town tourists passing through. My two favorite parts of the afternoon were a lavishly dressed singing duo who took the stage to sing and dance and just make everyone smile with their catchy tunes, and the 10-pound bag of dim sum I took home and devoured with a hot cup of tea.
Continue reading "Pics: 18th Annual Autumn Moon Festival lights up Chinatown" »
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Photo and text by Ariel Soto
The hip yet traditional beats of MC Rai filled the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park for the 14th Annual Arab Cultural Festival on Sunday, August 24. The Tunisian musician got the audience clapping and even singing along as he played an Arabic metal drum, while outside the auditorium visitors perused booths selling organic olive oil from Palestine and handmade art, jewelry and ceramics. There were crepes and pitas stuffed with meat to munch on and different types of teas to sample. More than 23 Arab cultures were represented at the festival and a true sense of community enveloped the whole atmosphere at the event.
Continue reading "Guardian Eye: Arab Cultural Fest brings out community" »
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By Ariel Soto
Twirling hips, shaved ice and the aloha spirit filled the Precidio this weekend for the 14th Annual Aloha Festival. Hula dancers of all ages took to the stage to perform the fluid and precise dance famous of the tropical islands of Hawaii. Everyone seemed to be wearing flowers in their hair (appropriate not only for a Hawaii festival, but also perfect for a San Francisco event) and even a few canine friends got into the aloha mood. Visitors to the festival enjoyed munching on authentic Hawaiian fare and browsed amongst the numerous booths selling everything from bolts of blooming cloth, to cookies packed with macadamia nuts and even hula dancing dolls. What a perfect way to welcome in the misty Indian summer of an SF August than with such a sunny celebration as the Aloha Festival!
Continue reading "Aloha SF! Aloha Fest chills out -- pics" »
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Guardian videographer Ariel Soto visited the Crucible's 8th Annual Fire Arts Festival (and talked to some firemen!) for SFBG TV.
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By Ariel Soto
The syncopated sounds of the Fillmore Jazz Festival made their way through the huge crowd this 4th of July weekend. The fair-goers perused the many stalls lining Fillmore street, that were filled with vibrant art, jewelry and hats, some of which were directly influenced by the jazz theme that enveloped the weekends festivities. Kids ran around while saxophones blared from three different stages and adults threw back margaritas being sold by women with crazy glasses who were running stalls in front of local bars. Friendly, docile greyhounds were up for adoption (I so wanted to bring one home!), whose booth was conveniently located next to the bar-b-qued oyster and turkey leg stand, which I'm sure kept the dogs noses consistently pleased. The Fillmore District, famous for being a mecca for jazz music for many past decades, seems to be keeping the spirit of the music alive through this yearly event.
Continue reading "Pics: Fillmore Jazz Festival saxes up the art stalls" »
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Yes, rainbow people turned out in bliss-tipsy droves for Pride '08, more than a million according to parade and festival organizers. Photographer Neil Motteram caught some shots of three of the Proud celebrities.
Supervisor Tom Ammiano
Margaret Cho (right) with Violet Blue (middle)
Margaret Cho, onstage
Cyndi Lauper looks thoughtful, frightened?
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By Ariel Soto
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a celebration of the abolition of slavery in Texas and is recognized as a state holiday in 29 states. On June 20th, a Juneteenth celebration was held in front of City Hall in San Francisco. The event included live music, from gospel to hip-hop and salsa. Vendors displayed traditional African wares such as mud cloths and big woven hats. Artists sold their creations, some with the images of famous African American activists on them and visitors at the fair relaxed in lawn chairs, soaking up the sun and sipping on free coffee samples. Later in the afternoon there was a lively procession, with a marching band, horseback riding and Assemblyman Mark Leno tossing candy to on-lookers. As always, it was a classic, fun-for-all San Francisco cultural event.
Continue reading "Pics: Juneteenth '08 celebrates slavery's end at City Hall" »
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Guardian photographer Charles Russo reports from City Hall.
Amber Weiss and Sharon Papo of Berkeley make their way to City Hall's rotunda for their marriage ceremony.
After being together for 25 years, Tom Poon (left) and John Srinka celebrate as legal spouses.
Vanessa Angeles (left) and Michelle Julaton show off their marriage certificate.
Continue reading "More day 2 pics: Fierce gay wedding bells aflame" »
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Guardian photog Charles Russo shot the crowd outside City Hall yesterday.
A newlywed prelude to Tuesday's wedding mania?
Though fairly small in number, the anti-gay marriage sect was highly visible Monday evening as several hundred gathered outside of San Francisco's City Hall.
San Franciscan Jana Barber ("I'm here to support love") gives an earful to Bill Hampsmire ("Perverts Repent") of Christians for God -- um, what else would they be for? -- outside of City Hall on Monday evening.
Continue reading "Homonuptials: Roiling crowds on Day 1 -- pics" »
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Guardian photog Ariel Soto got these shots of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin's wedding at City Hall yesterday, as well as some of the celebratory crowd outside.
The view from City Hall steps
Spiralling toward matrimony
Phyl and Del (in wheelchair) cutting the gorgeous Citizen Cake cake
Joined by the glowing, and glowing-haired, mayor
Ariel says: "From my perch up in the balcony of city hall, looking down at the throngs of media and a beautiful white cake, my heart started beating faster and faster because I was about to witness a true piece of much awaited and much deserved history -- the first legal same-sex marriage of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin on June 16th in San Francisco's City Hall. The couple was greeted with lots of love and joy and loud cheering, along with the huge crowd outside the court house who were also joining in with the festivities, passing out flowers, singing songs and just being darn happy that this day has finally arrived. Congrats Phyllis and Del on your much awaited marriage --- and may your love and courage live on forever!"
Well-wishers from above
Continue reading "Homonuptials: More Day 1 wedding shots" »
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Hunky Beau and I hightailed it down to City Hall at 5pm today to (we hoped) catch Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, San Francisco's first legally married same-sex couple -- and the city's only one today, symbolically -- emerge triumphantly onto the hall's steps, frantically waving their newly imbued license to the roar of a supportive crowd.
The crowd of hundreds eagerly awaits
Tired, usual bigots in their corner
Signs of support
That crowd was sprinkled with hometown stars, including Ron, former owner of the much-missed Josie's Cabaret and Juice Joint in the Castro and comedian Scott Capurro, who kept the waiting crowd in giggles with occasional surreal outbursts.
Yep, we're gay
Continue reading "Homonuptials: Phyl and Del's wedding, as seen from outside" »
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Guardian video slideshow journalist Ariel Soto spent an enlightening Friday afternoon at Noe Valley's Regent Thai restaurant.
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Photos and text by Ariel Soto
About 100 art lovers gathered at the University of San Francisco (USF) on Memorial Day, May 26, to participate in a bus tour around the city to see 10 billboards by 10 artists from around the world that showcase their visions of what peace looks like, as part of the San Francisco Peace Billboards Project. The tour was headed by USF visual art professor Richard Kamler who first conceived the idea for the billboard project after wondering, in his words, "Why confine these images to the walls of a museum when we can take them to the community and have a significant impact?" The billboards will continue to be on display until June 22nd throughout San Francisco.
Peace billboard by Israeli artist Uzi Broshi at 22nd Ave and Irving
Peace billboard by Japanese artist Betty Nobue Kano at Masonic Ave. and Fulton
Artist Betty Nobue Kano
Iranian artist Taraneh Hemami (left) with USF visual art profesor Richard Kamler
Peace billboard by Iranian artist Taraneh Hemam at Divisadero Street and Hayes Street
Peace billboard by Tibetan artist Jamyoung Singye at Mission Street and 6th Street
Artist Jamyoung Singye
Continue reading "Wheatpaste for peace: SF Peace Billboards Project launches" »
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By Justin Juul
Naked dudes, drunk chicks, tortilla wielding madmen, Vikings, athletes, and homophobic Christian zealots. What a party! I came in 2,760th. Who says alcoholic chainsmokers can't run?
Editor's note: Though it went uncaptured in our photos, did anyone else notice how it looked like an American Apparel bomb exploded at Bay to Breakers this year? Weird.
For more Guardian pics of the fun run, click here.
Bonus Photos: Heatwave in the Park
Continue reading "Freaks afoot: More B2B pics" »
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By Ariel Soto
San Francisco's Japan Town came alive this Saturday, May 17, to celebrate the 4th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration. The air was filled with the smell of roasting meat, people grooving to Emcee T (a.k.a. Chinese King of the Bay), jade charms and everyone present seemed to be enjoying themselves while soaking in all the culture. There was also a Hepatitis B clinic on site giving free screenings, boxing matches and an excellent reggae band that got people dancing in peace plaza.
Continue reading "Pics: Anime life, sushi soap, China pop at Asian Heritage fest" »
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By Ariel Soto
I am a born and raised, homegrown San Franciscan, and it's events like this weekend's Bay to Breakers fun run that make me so proud to be from this crazy town. Although some jumped up this morning and forgot to put their clothes on, others took the time to make amazing costumes and even some friendly "traffic control" folks came out to make sure everyone got across the city in a somewhat organized fashion. (All my friends got too drunk to run and took cabs -- Ed.)
Continue reading "Pics: Bay to Breakers gone wild" »
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By Ariel Soto
The EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday, April 22, in San Francisco's Bayview/Hunters Point. The EcoCenter will be the first LEED-certified building in the southern part of the city and first building to run completely off the grid. Heron's Head Park was opened in 1999 to provide an open and natural space for the communities nearby, and since then more than 1,200 volunteers have helped restore the area by removing invasive plants and trash and replacing them with native plants. With the continuous support and effort of the Port of San Francisco and Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ), the EcoCenter will finally open, giving students the opportunity to learn in hands-on programs about issues such as clean air and water, renewable energy, healthy foods and open space restoration. (To get involved in the Heron's Head Park project, contact Laurie Schoeman at: lcprojectmanager@lejyouth.org) Here's some pics from the event.
The entrance to Heron's Head Park with the old PG&E plant in the background that's in the process of being demolished.
Goats are used in Heron's Head Park as a natural method of weed control.
Volunteers gather at Heron's Head Park before the beginning of the groundbreaking ceremony.
A Scrophularia californica, or Bee Plant, is just one example of the many native California plants that will be re-introduced into Heron's Head Park.
Beautiful Heron's Head Park.
Milton Reynolds, a member of Literacy for Environmental Justice, started the day's events at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park.
Continue reading "Pics: Goats and green at Heron's Head Park" »
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By Ariel Soto
On April 16, members of the thirteen immigrant community organizations that make up the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network (SFILEN) met at City Hall today in an effort to advocate for more community resources for immigrants. Immigrants represent 40 percent of San Francisco's population and the event was an opportunity for members of SFILEN to call attention to the need for more legal and educational programs, and to speak with City Supervisors as a continuation of making San Francisco a true sanctuary for all immigrants.
Members of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) on the steps of City Hall, supporting San Francisco's Immigrant Family Day.
Supporters gathered at City Hall for Immigrant Family Day, asking City leaders to continue supporting immigrant programs for their communities.
Members of the community came out to hold signs and show their support to keep San Francisco true sanctuary for immigrant communities.
Members of Mujeres Unidas at San Francisco's Immigrant Family Day.
Ben Younes Ouanane (left), an immigrant from Morocco, spoke about the help he has received from the African Immigrant and Refugee Resource Center (AIRRC), one of the cities many immigrant rights organizations involved in the Immigrant Family Day. Joe Sciarrillo, a paralegal at AIRRC, translated from French to English for Mr. Ouanane.
Continue reading "Pics: Family Immigrant Day 2008" »
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Guardian photographer and writer Charles Russo sent over these pics of this afternoon's Olympic torch protests and rallies:
Tibetan-born Lobsang Lama (center left) traveled from his home in Portland, Oregon to protest China's human rights violations in Tibet and its hosting of the 2008 Olympics.
Tibetan Tagudh Youndoung engages in debate with a pro-Chinese supporter along the Embarcadero while waiting for the Olympic Torch procession.
After the huge crowds outside the Ferry Building and Justin Herman Plaza realized the Olympic Torch route had changed, the previously cordoned-off Embarcadero became a logjam of confrontations between Tibetan and Chinese supporters.
A pro-China demonstrator seeks to keep a torn Chinese flag aloft after it had been ripped by Tibetan activists.
Jack Kornfield (right with sign) and Ashin Nanikabhivamsa led a huge peace walk of Burmese monks and activists across the Golden Gate Bridge in solidarity with Tibetan protestors.
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Video photojournalist Ariel Soto reports from Tuesday's Tibet vigil with Archbishop Desmond Tutu (he's busy!) and Sup. Chris Daly:
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We've invited fab local photog Darwin Bell to share some of his photos with us throughout the next month, and tell us what the heck he was thinking when he took them.
Fighting With Each Other
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Darwin Bell: "This was taken in The Mission and it is really just a picture of blockage sawhorse with a warning light on it in front of a dumpster. But the colors were so contrasting that it caught my eye -- all I had to do was compose it to make it look more graphic."
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We've invited fab local photog Darwin Bell to share some of his photos with us throughout the next month, and tell us what the heck he was thinking when he took them.
Study in Curves
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Darwin Bell: "This is probably my favorite building in San Francisco, located at First and Market. The curves and lines are just amazing and so fascinating to photograph. "
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Photojournalists Lisa Pickoff-White and Rhyen Coombs put together this nifty little vid for us of last weekend's 10th annual wild Brides of March downtown invasion:
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We've invited fab local photog Darwin Bell to share some of his photos with us throughout the next month, and tell us what the heck he was thinking when he took them. And hey, it's "wear orange for prisoner awareness" day, so the following pic is perfect.
Dreamcicle
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Darwin Bell : "This is the first photograph I took that could be considered abstract and is really the first picture I took that made me really interested in photography. It's a shot of part of a white and orange cubic sculpture on 3rd Street (the cross street escapes me) in downtown SF. I think it's actually the corporate logo of the building it stands in front of."
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We've invited fab (and acclaimed!) local photog Darwin Bell to share some of his photos with us throughout the next month, and tell us what the heck he was thinking when he took them.
Metallic Rainbow
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Darwin Bell: "This is the outside of the new(ish) De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. This is another fascinatingly designed SF building and definitely a challenge to photograph. Because of its size and shape, it is difficult to photograph as a whole, so I favor photographing fragments like this."
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We've invited fab local photog Darwin Bell to share some of his photos with us throughout the next month, and tell us what the heck he was thinking when he took them.
Redily Available
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Darwin Bell: "I LOVE colors, especially if it is all one color with different layers. And bright colors at that. Nothing beats the outside, weirdly painted red patchwork panels of the Zeitgeist bar on Valencia."
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We've invited fab local photog Darwin Bell to share some of his photos with us throughout the next month, and tell us what the heck he was thinking when he took them.
Blinders
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Darwin: "Ok, let’s start with how utterly insane the new Federal Building on 6th and Mission is. And insane in the best possible way. I don’t even understand how anyone would come up with that design, but for me it totally works. Except, it is hard to take pictures of that gives the viewer a sense of what the building is about. Except for the blinds on the back side of the building. I could take pictures of those all day long. They just lend themselves to being photographed. And the colors rock!"
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We've invited one of our favorite photogs Darwin Bell to share some of his extraordinary local snaps with us, along with what the heck he was thinking when he took them.
A View From the Ground
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Darwin Bell: "This photograph taught me to always look up. I went down this driveway on Pierce Street, off Hayes, to take a picture of a rusty lock -- and happened to look up because I heard a Blue Angel plane flying overhead. I saw this blue cross between the white buildings. Always look up!"
Ed note: Which reminds us of a zinger from a much-loved poem by Frank O'Hara, where the sun says to him: "I know you love Manhattan, but you ought to look up more often." Except, you know, Frank got run over by a jeep on a beach on Fire Island. Be careful!
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brock: but will summer scarves last into winter???...
Suzanne: LOVE THESES!...
Adam: For another dose of fashion (bike), check out Velo Vogue - <a href="http...
Chloe: These are fun!! I like it....
Jason: For a review and pictures of the 2008 Fillmore Jazz Festival on July 5, ...
marc salomon: Enough already, its just marriage. Or is it? Since the o...
Brock: marry me, marke!...
Suzanne: That's great! ...
robert: Thanks for the slideshow. It's great to see art devoted to peace in the ...
Sam D: Hey, I've got the same bandanna....
Robert: This is a good story of how San Francisco will continue to lead in the g...
Diana Oliva: Hello: I represent one of the co-sponser agencies of Immigrant Fam...
Carol: It's good to know that San Francisco has so many immigrant organizations...
Ozbill: Top marks to San Fran for letting protesters and torch supporters let of...
d scott: "A pro-China demonstrator seeks to keep a torn Chinese flag aloft after ...
Joe Lynn: Wow! How wonderful....
