One and Only

Chinatown is a neighborhood of the young and old, but mostly old. However, age can be seen as a good thing. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in the United States. Over the decades, Chinese immigrants decided to settle here. Because of its tight-knit, safe, and social environment to grow up and live in, Chinatown is a favorable place to call home. Chinatown provides language services, health services, grocery stores, and plenty of resources. Chinatown is self-sufficient, but it is not at all disconnected. A popular tourist destination that helps generates city revenue and a former Manilatown to Manongs, Chinatown is definitely an international site.

Unfortunately, Chinatown also has its own struggles. Community organizers have been working on issues such as improving the hidden living conditions in SROs and neglected workers’ rights in restaurants. Chinatown also defied surrounding districts like Financial District and North Beach to physically maintain its community. Right now, finding space to expand Chinatown to accommodate its growing population still continues today.

-Betty Huey
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