” BAGHDAD BY THE BAY ” 1960s SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA TRAVELOGUE FISHERMAN'S WHARF XD51994

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This film is a travelogue in the series “America!” produced and hosted by Jack Douglas. The show was produced in the 1960s, and each episode covers a destination in America, presenting all its activities and attractions. This episode takes place in the city of San Francisco, affectionately dubbed the “Baghdad by the Bay” by author and newspaper columnist Herb Caen.
The film begins with the host, Jack Douglas, introducing the said topic (00:06). The San Francisco Bay Bridge (00:10) and a large warship sailing under it (00:19). Footage from around the city (00:27) and the vibrant nightlife (00:54). Some different institutions that San Francisco is famous for are the bridges, their city hall, the unique old homes, and treasured heirlooms from the Victorian Era (01:22). Other famous attractions of this cosmopolitan city are the Lombard Street (01:51), Mission Dolores, a famous mission built in 1776 (02:20), and Union Square enjoyed by many locals and visitors as a sanctuary in the city (02:51). “City Lights Bookstore” is a symbol of the literary movement in San Francisco (03:40). Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown established outside Asia, where even telephone booths resemble Chinese Pagodas (04:20). The production of Lotus Cakes, also known as fortune cookies (04:28). At night the many bright neon signs of Chinatown lights up the district (05:10). Illustrations of the noncompetitive, self-practiced exercise of Tai Chi Chuan (05:32), and the composer of the slow and graceful tradition, Zhang San Feng (06:01). The Cable Cars operating all over San Francisco is yet another valued institution in the city (06:50), and even flower stands in the street are shaped like cable cars (07:10). At the city waterfront, red and white ferries cruise around the bay functioning as sightseeing boats (07:54). The Golden Gate Bridge that, upon opening in 1937, was the longest single-span bridge in the world (08:24). A view of the Alcatraz Island where the famous federal prison was operational until 1963 (08:45). The Square-Rigged ship “Balclutha” is permanently anchored at the Fisherman’s Wharf pier (09:17). A master mariner of the ship is weaving rope into a Napoleon Bend and sharing his experiences of working the ship (09:56). At the Maritime Museum visitors will find exhibitions of figures and photographs of ships and sailing fleets, including carved and painted whale teeth and detailed model ships (10:44). The small vessel “Mermaid” was used to sail from Japan to San Francisco in 1962 by a solitary sailor (11:52). Harbor hawking is another popular tourist activity (12:18). At the Fisherman’s Wharf families catch and sell fish and shellfish for visitors to enjoy at small stands and big restaurants (13:13). At Point Lobos waves are crashing at the seal rocks (13:38). This is also the location of “Cliff House” restaurant, which opened in 1863 (13:57). A cable ride crosses over the surf for a scenic view (14:10). The Golden Gate Park offers many attractions, such as the Japanese Tea Garden (14:19). Visitors are served tea and cookies here (14:37) and can feed the many squirrels inhabiting the park (15:08). The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a center for exquisite architecture and art (15:34), amongst here a painting from famous artist Monet (16:41). Sundown over the San Francisco skyline (17:12). Bright signs portray the dynamic nightlife in the city (17:25). “Alexis” is one of many extravagant restaurants (17:45). At the Byzantine era saloon, Mr. Alexis is serving his guests a traditional German pie, Kohl Backen (18:20). After dinner, the city bids endless entertainment, such as comical theater at “Gay 90” and musical performances at “Red Garter” (19:03). At “Gold Street” bar every night is celebrated as New Year’s Eve at midnight with paper hats and plenty confetti (21:35). “The Gallery” on Columbus Avenue exhibit Bay-area artists illustrating the beauty of San Francisco (22:35). Jack Douglas concludes this film with an outro (23:25).
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[@jiiig8667]

Love the opportunity to see what it was like. Man, we've lost so much.

[@carmenpeters728]

San Francisco is still there. The bridges are still there. A flower stand can be replaced. But do you really want a zoo of captive animals?

[@jiiig8667]

@@carmenpeters728 yes. It's good for children and families and socializing. And yes, i do believe man is superior to nature. Do I want poorly run zoos? Obviously no. Conservation is what it's about.

[@jiiig8667]

@@carmenpeters728 also.. "Bhaghdad by the Bay" c'mon, what a great phrase.

[@sergpie]

@@jiiig8667 Ironic that in the 1950s and 60s, Baghdad was admired for its progress and quality of life in the region due to a lack of American intervention, and is now a moniker of ruin and devastation after American intervention.

[@thewkovacs316]

this depresses me im an sf native and it's no longer a magical city they left out a lot when i was a kid, i was rarely bored

[@johndardani9224]

I agree. Native San Franciscan. I felt safe as a kid in the late 70s early 80s going most places. Never bored. The City is still magical, it just lost a lot of it. We are so fortunate to grow up in the city.

[@sergpie]

As a kid growing up in Europe (in SoCal now), the images of San Francisco we’d see on tv in the 80s and 90s made it seem like the dream of the American dream. I still associate the first memories of seeing America in media, with cities like San Francisco and New York, which more and more, begin to look like Caracas or Tijuana, but with skyscrapers and expensive rent.

[@daveweiss5647]

It is unbelievable how much we have lost in suck a short time. It was a different country, a different world, i feel am u fathomable sadness amd melancholic nostalgia for something I never got to experiencea reality that was stolen before I was born.

[@daveweiss5647]

@@joeblow4353 exactly. Hart Cellar.

[@larryellison1663]

The last time I was in San Francisco was in 1966. I was on my way to the war in South East Asia. From what I understand now I would not go back unless I could carry a full combat load.

[@carmenpeters728]

Well you know violence begets violence. Matthew 26:52.

[@joshberkowitz612]

Lazy narrative 🙄

[@Me97202]

San Francisco is still great. EVERY big American city has ghettos and dangerous neighborhoods.

[@lastdaysofcheznous]

This is a far cry from the San Francisco we're facing now.

[@mackpines]

Love San Fran. Such a neat city. I'd highly recommend the book "Lost San Francisco" it has great photos of iconic places in the city that no longer exist.

[@alexcarrillo5510]

And I am Native TOO - Born in the Presidio and Raise in the Mission, and I say It's about time to Get a NEW MAYOR not a Mayor doing the Emperor New Clothes Story - City lost it's charm, and good luck with the hosting the World for APEC 2023.. That will be your biggest Test Mayor.

[@jhollie8196]

Simpler times in life and glad i got to live during the 60’s. Sailed underneath both bridges many times on the USS Coral Sea, CV43 aka San Francisco’s Own.

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

Simpler times, when every day Americans were coming home in body bags from Vietnam. The good old days

[@earlwright9715]

@@vicepresidentmikepence889 you're being sarcastic, rite?

[@sailersteven]

Same here, USS Oklahoma City CLG-5 1966 - 1967, Hunters Point. ⚓️🇺🇸⚓️

[@kirahastings9900]

I had an attic apartment in Cow Hollow with an almost unobstructed view of the bridge and the Bay ($100/mo.) Used to watch the Coral Sea come in, accompanied by the fireboats. The sailors of the Coral Sea fixed up the Broadway Tunnel so that the car radios wouldn't go silent while in it. Thanks.

[@michaelcap9550]

The Baghdad comparison is spot on, except more so in the 2000's, not 1960's.

[@cheechalker8430]

Amazing to see what “progressivism” has done to this once amazing city.

[@JackF99]

Pretty sure San Francisco has always been very Progressive

[@cheechalker8430]

@@JackF99 and look where it got then People using the sidewalk as a toliet

[@samuelsanchez9793]

I moved out of San Francisco about 10 years ago. Is changed so much. For the worst. I remember growing up there in the 60s 70s 80s 90s it was a great place to be. The people were great it wasn't that crowded and was clean. Now it's just homeless greedy people and dirty it's a shame it makes me so sad to see what it's become. Yeah they forgot the aquarium they forgot exploratorium Playland the zoo fly checkers the biggest swimming pool. There was so much more. I remember speeding the squirrels they were so friendly I moved about an hour and a half away but I still miss San Francisco most of all miss all my friends that have passed away that I grew up with them on the sole survivor from my friends in the 60s that I call my brothers.

[@earlwright9715]

Never been to California, my aunt and uncle got out of California about 20 yrs ago. I can definitely relate to the sole survivor of your group of friends. All my friends have died, I'm only 55 so they died young and not from drugs. I always thought I'd be the first to go

[@samuelsanchez9793]

@@earlwright9715 me too all my friends that I used to hang out with your friends since the 60s. We used to ride bikes in San Francisco across the Golden gate bridge play football Golden gate Park hang out at fisherman's wharf. And swim have fly checkers that's a big swimming pool by the zoo at the time I think it was the biggest swimming pool in the world. The last of my friends died 5 years ago heart attack. The other ones died of drug use and alcohol. I'm 68 years. I was thinking about those days all the time and I'll clean and great was living in San Francisco it was no homeless people there at that time. And the rent was affordable now for two bedrooms you have to pay close to $5,000

[@user-hy2xf8ke8w]

It hit the skids in the 90s , was still nice into the late 80s

[@fellspoint9364]

I saw a twelve lesbian free for all fist fight around Lombard and Van Ness back in 1993 when I was there for a wedding. I sat on a doorstep, still in my tuxedo and enjoyed some Jack in the Box late night fare and a dyke brawl for free….even found some costume jewelry lost in the fray. Good times.

[@gerrythrash6563]

It's more like Bangalore by the Bay now...

[@bigcrowfly]

🚙🚕🚗1:48 a 1959 Cadillac managed to maneuver down Lombard Street.🐫🐪

[@57buickcentury]

Probably filmed in the fall of 1964 - at 22:36 note the single '64 tag on the license plate, plus the "no on 16" bumper sticker (Proposition 16 was for a state lottery in the November election; it was defeated that time).

[@jeffschwartz4t.o.council-j132]

Where can you see the ''64 tag? I would think such a tag would be too small to read on this video. It's possible for a bumper sticker to stay on a car well past an election. My guess was this was filmed in 1965, based on a reference to a past event that occurred in 1963.

[@57buickcentury]

@@jeffschwartz4t.o.council-j132 '64 tag is the small white sticker on the upper left corner of the license plate.

[@itsjustme5381]

Thank you Periscope Film, I really appreciate the effort to publish this video.

[@RK-fx4sv]

This is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@Elandycamino]

glad I got to see it before the Fall (of civilization) back in 2006

[@IHateYoutubeHandles615]

It fell long before, back in the 1960's sometime after this film was made.

[@carmenpeters728]

Trumpy

[@Beachgirl1]

@@carmenpeters728 Pedo Xiden.

[@bloqk16]

Gee! All that blue sky! Is this really San Francisco (joking)? They must have filmed this in the Fall season. Summer months is nearly perpetual overhead fog blanketing the Bay.

[@Test-vl1ib]

In this case San Francisco wouldn’t be doomed to repeat history. Hope it can go back to being a wonderful place to visit.

[@wilecoyote5757]

Thanks!

[@PeriscopeFilm]

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[@asteverino8569]

I still love San Francisco. Was born there in 1954 and raised nearby. Then lived in town for 14 years. All the bad press and talk don't matter to me. They don't know this city like I did. Thanks.

[@indiosveritas]

Wish we could all live in our memories...

[@KJKFORYOU]

I agree born in SF in 1957. Raised in Daly City. San Francisco has my heart ❤️

[@carmenpeters728]

@@KJKFORYOU I was born in 1954 and raised in Daly City.

[@bloqk16]

They could have made this a longer film with including the Fleischhacker Zoo and the Steinhart Aquarium, both marvelous places to visit back in the 1960s.

[@thewkovacs316]

they skipped the de young museum and really shouldve taken a bit of a walk through gg park

[@bloqk16]

@@thewkovacs316 Yes! Indeed!

[@389383]

Kezar for the Niners and Candlestick for the Giants. Plus Playland!

[@MikeyAlbertin]

Cool 😎

[@smithwilliam6837]

In 1999 it was just stop over 2 ykee kee best stop over ever wife and children had blast in sanfransisco and best food in California for shur people visiting their town feel free nicest people who are hip and nicest in their own way

[@robbchastain3036]

I enjoyed this film and I remember San Francisco in the Sixties as looking like that. But this could've used a look at Golden Gate Park and the Cliff House and the beach. And Playland at the Beach was still around, sort of, at least.

[@georges7340]

San Francisco still has much beauty....... experienced it several times through the years....... but I think a " changing of the guard " is in order! All the way from the top to the local level....... you have nothing to lose and so much to gain!! (If you catch my drift!)

[@peterparker9286]

Right On keep spreading the Word.

[@ado2001]

Best channel ever‼️ love docs bout drug addiction

[@TruckingToPlease]

The folks in this video would take a collective roll in the grave if they knew what San Fran would become. The "San Francisco Treat" became a shat on the street.

[@carmenpeters728]

that sounds Trumpy to me.

[@TruckingToPlease]

@carmenpeters728 Deliver in the Bay area about once a month. I can assure you that it isn't getting any better for the homeless, the California taxpayers, and the hard-working people who are fed up and moving out of state. Nothing to do with Trump. I can make my own assessment first hand. It is about failed politics, over taxation, and over government.

[@alistairmcelwee7467]

Our two main bridges - 1936. Our treasured houses: the ones that did not burn down in 1906. City Hall: I was married there. Lombard St: torture for those that live there to have endless tourists clogging it up - so, no longer possible to drive down it unless you live there. Union Square: as with most of SF shops, daylight robbery has forced many stores to close, that is the ones that had already not closed due to California’s Prop 13. Sadly, City Lights bookstore closed 5 or so years ago. Chinese people had discrimination written into our California constitution, which is why China Town developed. Cable Cars: we’ll, it used to take forever to get on one. Not sure now in post theft SF. Rides under the bridge: totally a great tourist activity. Alcatraz: a depressing half day excursion. I mean, people, it’s a prison.

[@alexcarrillo5510]

City Lights Book store is Still OPEN... Yes it did face closure but it has survived, and thanks to the film HOWL it save the store...

[@jeffschwartz4t.o.council-j132]

This film appears to have been made in approximately 1965, based on its references to a past event in 1963.

[@starsfromheaven7382]

I’d like to move there and I’ve never even been there before. For the past year or so, I’ve had out of the blue thoughts to go there for some reason. I’ve been seeing a lot of negative comments online about SF, though...not like it was long, long ago. I knew San Francisco 49ers we’re going to win the Super Bowl in September. I was telling people that. Unfortunately, they had to beat my hometown Lions team this past weekend to do so. 😆

[@dicksatan6444]

SF isn’t the same at all. $$$ and lost all the bohemian things that made it special.

[@miketubbs1198]

Baghdad by the Bay is now Bad Gag by the Bay.

[@carmenpeters728]

And it's still nicer than Bed Bugs of Mara Lardo. I hope the Top Secret docs were fumigated.

[@alistairmcelwee7467]

SF Maritime Museum: a fascinating - place to visit. Watching ocean cruises leave: you need to go to LA for that. Restaurants: no fine restaurants at Pier 39- the tourist hole. Cliff House: used to be great for everyone - now is truly am expensive spot which not longer allows mosT of us in, Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park: a delight, but don’t get your fingers near the squirrels as some of them have bites which will give you rabies. Palace of the Legion of Arts: full of the lesser works of the greats - but that’s because SF began collecting after other places had already snapped up the good stuff. SF is good for modern art- just not this joint. Cheesy night life: not a thing these days - but quality live performances are. Gold Street: you’ll be disappointed if you look for it! New Year’s Eve celebrations gone years ago. Herb Caen: such a great columnist - but I think he died 15 to 20 years ago. He was just the best. Me: I have been so fortunate to live in the SF Bay Area, not SF, but immediately across the Bay in Emeryville, for 4 decades. I did a master’s degree in SF, and most of my social life was amd is in SF. It is a golden city.

[@RIXRADvidz]

84, did Halloween in San Francisco, 7 Nights of Leathers and Feathers, and a little leather cord strappy number that took 30 minutes to get into and half a second to drop. FUN Fun fun

[@carmenpeters728]

please don't do that now. thank you.

[@RIXRADvidz]

@@carmenpeters728 no worries

[@snakefinger]

I love these more than anything. Makes the world seem larger than it is.

[@lowerclassbrats77]

Now I can't go to SF and leave without a pounding migraine.

[@johnnygucci9]

Thanks Dems, great job 👏

[@davidmicalizio824]

#GFYOURSELF

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Loser trolls cry what? Boo hoo waaa LOL!

[@thewkovacs316]

wasnt dems...it was the dsa who took over the local dem party

[@julianhermanubis6800]

Insert Charlton Heston "Planet of the Apes" speech here: "You maniacs! You blew it up!"...etc.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

@@thewkovacs316 Satan and Russia took over the Republicant party long ago. Disgusting.

[@TacticalTightwad]

Ironically, San Francisco is still Baghdad by the Bay, but for very different reasons...

[@ananda_miaoyin]

I was just there for a concert. Motley Crew, et al. More like Calcutta by the bay. Shame. It was cool even 20 years ago.

[@MIKES0029]

🏆 🏆 🏆

[@eriknervik9003]

It’s crazy to think that Baghdad was one of the worlds great cities before a certain former American President got his hands on it

[@abdk6005]

@@eriknervik9003I think Baghdad in Iraq

[@tolfan4438]

And bag dad was this nice in the sixties. Sad for both cities

[@gclarkbloomfield8848]

…as one with family members living in San Francisco; and as a loyal visitor, myself… …I can attest to the many reasons for this most cosmopolitan of American cities’ enduring fascination… …it has a population which reveres its past…celebrates and encourages its endless variety of foreign cultures, cuisines and traditions…and takes great pride in its own diversity and variety… …from the many cultural attractions to its spectacular redwood surroundings, beaches and coastal points and capes…there is literally something for every interest and taste… …and don’t forget to visit the home of one of the Bay Area’s most famous and delicious exports; Boudin’s Sourdough bakery, located near Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can purchase special gift packs to ship home or take along as carry-on for your return flight home…👀🆒🥖🛫🚃⛩️🌉📸🚢🎺🎻🎨🥢🥡🍾🥂🍤🌈🐿️🦚🌳🤙🏼

[@alexcarrillo5510]

I heard that the Coffee at Boudin Sucks....

[@gclarkbloomfield8848]

@@alexcarrillo5510 …could be, Alex…I go for the bread…and I did have a terrific lunch there, featuring shrimp salad, avocado and Gruyère on a mini-baguette.. …I had some type of fruit infused iced tea…🥑🧀🥖🍤🧋😎

[@alexcarrillo5510]

@@gclarkbloomfield8848 I remember when it was a Carnation Restaurant when I took my high school girlfriend in which the food was MUCH Better there then. Now it is a Tourist trap - Hey I know that there is an iHop just a block away from Boudin.

[@Dons166]

How things have changed

[@lowerclassbrats77]

Lombard Street perfectly represents SF politicians, and virtually all politicians nationwide in addition to all government agencies.

[@carmenpeters728]

I'd rather have politicians in politics rather than burger munching bankrupted, indicted old men.

[@wickedeternity2002]

If a piece of clothing were this fella's voice, it would be that dapper suit no one wears on the prop-plane cross-country ventures for fifty bucks packed with Old Fashions, lucky strikes, buttom up sun visors and some of the that late 1950's stewardess womanizing. I miss the old days, when California was a state of mind and not a mindless awful-jackass.

[@goglowdaddy1686]

DWF, Ahhh, Kerouac would have liked your summation for this era...

[@tome7016]

Well said. Well said.

[@carmenpeters728]

The biggest loss is Blum's at Union Square and all the ethnic restaurants. And live entertainment, such as belly dancing , flamenco, hula, Mexican mariachi.

[@davidschieser8393]

See also a video (sound only) "Voices of San Francisco."

[@josemedeiros007]

San Francisco is a nice City to visit if you can afford it, but it's expensive for parking and eating out, a Grand Slam at Denny's on Montgomery Street is nearly 20 dollars, and many of the business's won't let you use their bathroom, including the Starbucks across the street from the AMC Metreon Theater.

[@erikh9991]

SF good times and bad times. I remember how dirty it was in the 70's then it got cleaned up until we started losing the Greatest Generation, the people who built SF. Now it's dirty and unsafe again. Like it was during the Gold Rush!

[@Ben_La_goulette]

From TUNIS TO SAN FRANCISCO.. ⛱️ 🥖 🫒

[@justinbrock9958]

What year was this?

[@wil7228]

Early 60s

[@alexcarrillo5510]

Looks like 1964 or 65 I remember a 64 Impala that my uncle drove...

[@i-a-g-r-e-e-----f-----jo--b]

Now it could be called Beheaded by the Bay.

[@KB-jz5rk]

This is the city I was born and raised in. It is horrible as to what it has become. I have watched it slowly decline since 1996, and getting worse each year. Get rid of the idiots that are running it, all of them!

[@DerwoodPFreen]

Sad to see it now.

[@Hammerbreit]

Baghdad or Frisco ?

[@davidmicalizio824]

@@Hammerbreit 😂

[@davidmicalizio824]

#CryMore

[@thewkovacs316]

@@Hammerbreit frisco is in texas

[@alexcarrillo5510]

I remember in watching this at St. Peter's School when the Penguins FORCE US to watch this film, and Remember this when this film was being made in 1963 or 1964 what was going on in the US???, and the city by the bay?? How about the Civil Rights Act, and also the Riots as well here in San Francisco as when I watch that in the Mission District, Western Addition, Bayshore, South of 3rd street, and the area near the Cow Palace that there were the National Guard was trying to keep Order with ARMED Guards Remember, and the Penguins of St. Peter's School COULD NOT EXPLAINED IT TO US in what was going on in the city... Some School in which their was Rumor that one of the Priests was a Child Molestor. He's is Dead Now Died Decades, and hiding the truth. Now I am 67 and Never I want to go near that school ever!!! As they say Times have Change, Cable Cars are still running but get ready to pay $8.00 than 25cents then as this film looks like that it is from 1964. And today we see Crime, Hit & Runs, Auto Break in's, Fisherman Wharf is getting smaller, and smaller of less fishing boats, High RENTS, Stores, and Restaurants Closures, MUNI Still Sucks as the Mentally Health people board the buses, and delay the buses in making noises to the other passengers, and driver WILL DO NOT JACK SHIT NOTHING as one person took off his pants, and started playing with himself until the Police arrived, and remove him, hardly no shopping on the downtown due to COVID, and what the Mayor did not do, Will remember her in 2024 when we vote for a NEW MAYOR, as the current should tone down her clothing expenses. Hey she is a Native, as so am I but I have more history when growing up in this city that was once called: "City By The Bay to City by the Sludge"... As the Three Worst Mayors that ran the city to the GROUND - Newsom - Lee - And Breed.

[@stevens1041]

Things started going downhill during the 2008 recession. It really picked up steam within ten years. Now, it would take massive effort to turn SF around. Better off to sell it to a net creditor nation, maybe Netherlands or Singapore.

[@carmenpeters728]

WHY?

[@julianhermanubis6800]

Modern San Francisco is more like Mogadishu by the Bay. But I'd rather deal with pirates than some of the street denizens in San Francisco.

[@carmenpeters728]

No solution to the problem if you don't know what the problem is.

[@mtryan77]

I was just in SF for the 1st time in 10yrs. It’s now a dump, hopefully things change

[@63bplumb]

Lived there between 82-92. Still livable but lots of sad things happening. Never went back. Now it has turned into a sad disguting place with delusional people that think they are owed for something they never worked for or lived through.

[@thewindbreezes6648]

2:10 90 degrees is more like it lol the writer got their angles confused

[@g0stface23]

Sad to see what it has become

[@carmenpeters728]

There's a lot of free entertainment in Union Square. The fortune cookie factory is still there. you don't know San Francisco if all you can do is make Trumpish comments.

[@davidbolt5113]

When the class of tourists wearing shorts started showing up at The Top of The Mark in the 80s, things started to spiral. And the same type of visitor wanted to take “something” of the charm and civility from San Francisco with them, though in reality, these persons were middle class oafs.

[@carmenpeters728]

darn those shorts anyhow.

[@billhosko7723]

good grief

[@happyfunball3266]

I see the trolls are out.

[@nostradamusofgames5508]

Back when California was actually good, now its a hell hole.

[@Schlabbeflicker]

Why didn't they cover the sidewalk poop and violent homeless drug addicts and constant robbery? Haven't those things always been a part of SF?

[@wil7228]

I see people love it so much I let them kiss the sidewalk for a dollar Oh and democrats are free.😅

[@andreinarangel6227]

Baghdad is cleaner, safer, and prettier.

[@davidmicalizio824]

Right 😂😜

[@KrasseOdaVonBayern]

Baghdad used to be a magnificent city, even during the 1960’s. The modern association with dirtiness, danger, and destruction are quite new. As is the case with San Francisco.

[@SimonFurber]

Baghdad by the sewer now. 😢

[@brucemacmillan9581]

Baghdad by the Bay??? Lol. Why Baghdad?

[@MrNurserob]

It’s a nickname given to the city by SF Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, who opined on all manner of goings-on in the city during his tenure. He loved San Francisco dearly, coining the quote “Someday when I die and I get to Heaven, I’ll look around and say ‘It’s nice, but it ain’t San Francisco’”. He termed it “Baghdad by the Bay” in reference to the many languages spoken there by people from around the world, its reputation as a haven at the edge of the world far removed from anywhere else, where people who wouldn’t be able to fit in elsewhere live unbothered. An exotic place with glittering features and an allure to people from the four corners of the globe as an almost magical place. He wasn’t far off, speaking for much of SF’s history. San Francisco was iconic, to meet someone from the city was to meet a very worldly person, who was also known for being well-dressed and well-spoken- a true cosmopolite. Oscar Wilde stated “those who disappear are said to be found in San Francisco.” Hopefully as time goes on and the city figures out its problems, it can start showing some of that magic again.

[@brucemacmillan9581]

@@MrNurserob I've been to the Bay area twice. Both San Francisco and Berkeley. I preferred Berkeley.

[@MrNurserob]

@@brucemacmillan9581 I believe it. Towards the end of my 10 years living in San Francisco, I had purchased a typewriter and went over to Berkeley to get it tuned-up at a typewriter shop there. Berkeley had a different vibe than SF I noticed, one more open to people with different views than that of the in crowd in SF (which SF people live in fear of saying the ‘wrong’ thing around for fear of being labeled a bigot/racist/fascist/ableist/anti-homeless), and the area I was visiting for that errand had far fewer people sleeping on the street or engaging in disconcerting behavior. And of course, because Berkeley is further inland than SF, the days are warmer and have better sunshine. I love San Francisco dearly, and part of me always will- it drew me in and got me to move clear across the country to live there, starting anew when I arrived with just myself, $3,000 in my debit account, a new California RN license and one person whom I ‘knew’ through Facebook. I was so excited to be there and submit my change of address to a SF one, living in a weekly hotel with shared bathroom and shower as well as really nice senior fellow tenants for the first year. I moved south to Los Angeles last fall because the condition of SF was really bringing me down and seemed to be steadily worsening. I really hope SF gets its act together, that California’s imminently upcoming CARE court system to allow more people to be compelled into mental health and addiction treatment is successful, and the city sees big improvement. San Francisco is a hell of a treasure to lose, and everyone in the US would be at a loss for it, whether they realize it or not. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@pilleater]

Goofy movie.

[@geraldmoore46]

Clean and no filthy bums they knew how to deal with that garbage in those days. Straight to Santa Rita jail

[@MmIlahg]

Tartaria

[@stephmaccormick3195]

The title didn't age too well...

[@indiosveritas]

God the new reality is so so sad. 2022 2024 VOTE REPUBLICAN. 🇺🇸 MAKE AMERICA WHOLE AGAIN ❤👩🏽‍🍼

[@tnate6004]

Vote red and America will be dead.

[@ron4501]

Go away!

[@indiosveritas]

@@ron4501 Go away , indeed .

[@indiosveritas]

@@tnate6004 We will see. But your time is over. Goodbye.

[@tnate6004]

@@indiosveritas LOL ... never gets old watching reality crush anti-American MAGAts.