Kevin Truong

The Bayview’s Third Street is a bustling artery that runs north and south along the city’s eastern shoreline. Long a center of Black economic activity in San Francisco, the corridor fell into a familiar pattern of disinvestment, business closures and redevelopment efforts of various successes over the years.

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<p>The Bayview’s Third Street is a bustling artery that runs north and south along the city’s eastern shoreline. Long a center of Black economic activity in San Francisco, the corridor fell into a familiar pattern of disinvestment, business closures and redevelopment efforts of various successes over the years.</p>

More recently, however, there has seen a resurgence that has helped the corridor persist through the pandemic without permanently losing a single business. Today there is evidence of a turnaround as foot traffic and business pick back up and incoming tenants—around half of which are Black-owned—pump new lifeblood into the community.

<p>More recently, however, there has seen a resurgence that has helped the corridor persist through the pandemic without permanently losing a single business. Today there is evidence of a turnaround as foot traffic and business pick back up and incoming tenants—around half of which are Black-owned—pump new lifeblood into the community.</p>

A throughline of self-sufficiency helped to carry the community and the corridor through the challenges of the pandemic, said Earl Shaddix, executive director of the nonprofit Economic Development on Third.

<p>A throughline of self-sufficiency helped to carry the community and the corridor through the challenges of the pandemic, said Earl Shaddix, executive director of the nonprofit Economic Development on Third.</p>

“The camaraderie, the self-sufficiency, the way businesses worked together to help each other has been inspiring,” Shaddix said. “They all have incredible stories of survival.”

<p>“The camaraderie, the self-sufficiency, the way businesses worked together to help each other has been inspiring,” Shaddix said. “They all have incredible stories of survival.”</p>

We took a closer look at some of the newer and established Black-owned businesses on the corridor to learn about their entrepreneurial journey, how they persevered through the trials of the pandemic and what keeps them rooted in the Bayview.

<p>We took a closer look at some of the newer and established Black-owned businesses on the corridor to learn about their entrepreneurial journey, how they persevered through the trials of the pandemic and what keeps them rooted in the Bayview.</p>

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<em><em>The Corner of 3rd and Jerrold Streets</em></em>

<p><em><em>The Corner of 3rd and Jerrold Streets</em></em></p>

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Bayview native Harold Agee, known to his community as “Big H,” is a barbecue master. His lip-smacking versions of all the classics—ribs, chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, oysters, peach cobbler and more—draw the Bayview community to his trailer-kitchen on Third Street.

<p>Bayview native Harold Agee, known to his community as “Big H,” is a barbecue master. His lip-smacking versions of all the classics—ribs, chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, oysters, peach cobbler and more—draw the Bayview community to his trailer-kitchen on Third Street.</p>

Agee used to sell his food at pop-ups, but pandemic regulations recently prompted him to invest in a trailer so he could continue running his business while avoiding the overhead of a traditional brick and mortar. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, you can find him parked across the street from All Good Pizza dishing up delicious plates of barbecue.

<p>Agee used to sell his food at pop-ups, but pandemic regulations recently prompted him to invest in a trailer so he could continue running his business while avoiding the overhead of a traditional brick and mortar. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, you can find him parked across the street from All Good Pizza dishing up delicious plates of barbecue.</p>

“It’s beautiful to be in my community where I started,” said Agee. “The journey of being a Black-owned business…it’s a journey. But we’re blessed and we just go with it.”

<p>“It’s beautiful to be in my community where I started,” said Agee. “The journey of being a Black-owned business…it’s a journey. But we’re blessed and we just go with it.”</p>

And what’s next for Big H BBQ? Agee says it’s all about investing in his trailer. “It has so much potential right now. Where I come from, you go big or you go home.”

<p>And what’s next for Big H BBQ? Agee says it’s all about investing in his trailer. “It has so much potential right now. Where I come from, you go big or you go home.”</p>

<a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/dacorner-san-francisco-2">DaCorner</a>&nbsp;


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="dacorner"><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/dacorner-san-francisco-2">DaCorner</a>&nbsp;</h4>


<h4 id="dacorner"><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/dacorner-san-francisco-2">DaCorner</a>&nbsp;</h4>

Anthony Vaughn, owner of Da Corner clothing store, poses for a portrait within the rows of inventory on Feb. 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-35-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39958"/><figcaption><em>Anthony Vaughn, owner of Da Corner, poses for a portrait within the rows of inventory on Feb. 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-35-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39958"/><figcaption><em>Anthony Vaughn, owner of Da Corner, poses for a portrait within the rows of inventory on Feb. 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>

For Anthony Vaughn, the owner of Third Street apparel store DaCorner, braving the ups and downs of the pandemic has meant rolling with the punches.&nbsp;

<p>For Anthony Vaughn, the owner of Third Street apparel store DaCorner, braving the ups and downs of the pandemic has meant rolling with the punches.&nbsp;</p>

Still, it’s not an unfamiliar situation for a man who’s owned a business for a quarter-century on the corridor. The various iterations of his store have emerged through a back-and-forth dialogue with his customers.

<p>Still, it’s not an unfamiliar situation for a man who’s owned a business for a quarter-century on the corridor. The various iterations of his store have emerged through a back-and-forth dialogue with his customers.</p>

What started out as an outlet for African imports like natural shea butter and dashikis turned into a men’s apparel store after customers asked if he could stock clothes they could wear on an everyday basis. When women from the neighborhood complained about the lack of options for them, he started stocking merchandise for both men and women.

<p>What started out as an outlet for African imports like natural shea butter and dashikis turned into a men’s apparel store after customers asked if he could stock clothes they could wear on an everyday basis. When women from the neighborhood complained about the lack of options for them, he started stocking merchandise for both men and women.</p>

Now the store contains a colorful array of shirts, dresses and hats, often emblazoned with logos representing San Francisco’s hometown sports teams.&nbsp;

<p>Now the store contains a colorful array of shirts, dresses and hats, often emblazoned with logos representing San Francisco’s hometown sports teams.&nbsp;</p>

Through his more than two decades on the corridor Vaughn has seen it all: The introduction of the Muni light rail line, reputational changes and demographic shifts that have transformed the Bayview into a multicultural neighborhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Through his more than two decades on the corridor Vaughn has seen it all: The introduction of the Muni light rail line, reputational changes and demographic shifts that have transformed the Bayview into a multicultural neighborhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

“It’s mellowed out,” Vaughn said of Third Street. “People walk up and down the street with baby carriages and their dog and their skateboard. There&#8217;s no fear anymore.”

<p>“It’s mellowed out,” Vaughn said of Third Street. “People walk up and down the street with baby carriages and their dog and their skateboard. There's no fear anymore.”</p>

<p>“It’s mellowed out,” Vaughn said of Third Street. “People walk up and down the street with baby carriages and their dog and their skateboard. There&#8217;s no fear anymore.”</p>

<a href="https://felinefinessedance.wixsite.com/lp123">Feline Finesse</a>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="felinefinesse"><a href="https://felinefinessedance.wixsite.com/lp123">Feline Finesse</a></h4>


<h4 id="felinefinesse"><a href="https://felinefinessedance.wixsite.com/lp123">Feline Finesse</a></h4>

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On a recent Friday at Feline Finesse, Lilla Pittman ran her students through various drills and routines as evening fell outside of her studio. Feet clicked across the dance floor as hands clapped and voices cheered. It was another successful dance class.

<p>On a recent Friday at Feline Finesse, Lilla Pittman ran her students through various drills and routines as evening fell outside of her studio. Feet clicked across the dance floor as hands clapped and voices cheered. It was another successful dance class.</p>

Established in 2014, Feline Finesse was created by Pittman so young girls could have a safe space to express themselves. “Dance is the universal language of love and it also deals with mental health and social and emotional development,” Pittman explained.

<p>Established in 2014, Feline Finesse was created by Pittman so young girls could have a safe space to express themselves. “Dance is the universal language of love and it also deals with mental health and social and emotional development,” Pittman explained.</p>

Yet her businesses’ journey to having an actual studio space was a lengthy one. It took until 2020 for Pittman to get a spot of her own on Third Street.

<p>Yet her businesses’ journey to having an actual studio space was a lengthy one. It took until 2020 for Pittman to get a spot of her own on Third Street.</p>

Reflecting on being a woman of color business owner in San Francisco, Pittman said it can be both challenging and rewarding. She said it shows her students that anything is possible.

<p>Reflecting on being a woman of color business owner in San Francisco, Pittman said it can be both challenging and rewarding. She said it shows her students that anything is possible.</p>

“I’m very new to the block—not to the neighborhood—but definitely to the block. It just shows my young ladies that they can do it too. The sky&#8217;s the limit.”

<p>“I’m very new to the block—not to the neighborhood—but definitely to the block. It just shows my young ladies that they can do it too. The sky's the limit.”</p>

<p>“I’m very new to the block—not to the neighborhood—but definitely to the block. It just shows my young ladies that they can do it too. The sky&#8217;s the limit.”</p>

Lawanda Dickerson, creator of U3Fit, poses for a portrait while her last client of the day begins his workout, on Feb. 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-17-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39961"/><figcaption><em>Lawanda Dickerson, owner of U3Fit, poses for a portrait while her last client of the day begins his workout, on Feb. 23, 2022. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>


After a trip to the doctor revealed concerning signs about her health, Lawanda Dickerson embarked on a nutrition and fitness journey that eventually led her to create U3Fit, a personal training center that merges a focus on physical health with emotional and mental well-being.

<p>After a trip to the doctor revealed concerning signs about her health, Lawanda Dickerson embarked on a nutrition and fitness journey that eventually led her to create U3Fit, a personal training center that merges a focus on physical health with emotional and mental well-being.</p>

She first turned her training regimen on herself and found success losing weight through regular trips to the YMCA. A conversation with a fellow gym-goer turned into a consultation and earned Dickerson her first client.

<p>She first turned her training regimen on herself and found success losing weight through regular trips to the YMCA. A conversation with a fellow gym-goer turned into a consultation and earned Dickerson her first client.</p>

That client eventually connected her to an open commercial space on Third Street and an opportunity to build out her own storefront with $268,000 in grant funding from the city.&nbsp;

<p>That client eventually connected her to an open commercial space on Third Street and an opportunity to build out her own storefront with $268,000 in grant funding from the city.&nbsp;</p>

When the pandemic hit, Dickerson was forced to shut down for a few months and pivot to video training and consulting sessions with clients. After she returned to in-person activities, a door separating her training equipment from the front of her business acted as an unexpected savior as it allowed her to avoid classification as a gym and strict city shut down orders.&nbsp;

<p>When the pandemic hit, Dickerson was forced to shut down for a few months and pivot to video training and consulting sessions with clients. After she returned to in-person activities, a door separating her training equipment from the front of her business acted as an unexpected savior as it allowed her to avoid classification as a gym and strict city shut down orders.&nbsp;</p>

“The social component was really hit hard,” Dickerson said, highlighting the weekly YMCA class she had to pause during the pandemic. “We&#8217;re all so connected in this community and I&#8217;m just looking forward to getting back to it.”

<p>“The social component was really hit hard,” Dickerson said, highlighting the weekly YMCA class she had to pause during the pandemic. “We're all so connected in this community and I'm just looking forward to getting back to it.”</p>

<p>“The social component was really hit hard,” Dickerson said, highlighting the weekly YMCA class she had to pause during the pandemic. “We&#8217;re all so connected in this community and I&#8217;m just looking forward to getting back to it.”</p>

<a href="http://www.estbcprints.com/">The Weight Room </a>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="weightroom"><a href="http://www.estbcprints.com/">The Weight Room </a></h4>


<h4 id="weightroom"><a href="http://www.estbcprints.com/">The Weight Room </a></h4>

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Cross a gym with a screen-printing shop, and you’ve got Lazaro Ruiz’s The Weight Room on Third Street.

<p>Cross a gym with a screen-printing shop, and you’ve got Lazaro Ruiz’s The Weight Room on Third Street.</p>

It’s not actually a gym anymore, but the punching bags and boxing gloves that decorate its walls are in honor of the space’s previous owner, George Dean, who ran a gym and was an influential part of many famous athletes&#8217; early days growing up in the neighborhood.

<p>It’s not actually a gym anymore, but the punching bags and boxing gloves that decorate its walls are in honor of the space’s previous owner, George Dean, who ran a gym and was an influential part of many famous athletes' early days growing up in the neighborhood.</p>

<p>It’s not actually a gym anymore, but the punching bags and boxing gloves that decorate its walls are in honor of the space’s previous owner, George Dean, who ran a gym and was an influential part of many famous athletes&#8217; early days growing up in the neighborhood.</p>

Today, Ruiz’s shop is all about helping his community in a new way: by bringing ideas and dreams to life in print. “Everybody wants to show they’re doing something,” said Ruiz.

<p>Today, Ruiz’s shop is all about helping his community in a new way: by bringing ideas and dreams to life in print. “Everybody wants to show they’re doing something,” said Ruiz.</p>

With a little design work and lots of ink, he can help that message and mission get worn around town. That’s certainly the case within his store; alongside the gym aesthetic, you’ll find T-shirts printed with messages like “Trust Black Women” and “Representation Matters.”

<p>With a little design work and lots of ink, he can help that message and mission get worn around town. That’s certainly the case within his store; alongside the gym aesthetic, you’ll find T-shirts printed with messages like “Trust Black Women” and “Representation Matters.”</p>

“Being a business on Third Street is beautiful. I have some challenges, but I know a lot of people in the community and that’s been really exciting because it hasn’t left me here by myself feeling like I don’t have any assistance,” said Ruiz.&nbsp;

<p>“Being a business on Third Street is beautiful. I have some challenges, but I know a lot of people in the community and that’s been really exciting because it hasn’t left me here by myself feeling like I don’t have any assistance,” said Ruiz.&nbsp;</p>

Rodney Hampton, partial owner of CDXX dispensary, discusses how his shop is the sole to grow and sell only within the Bayview. All his staff members are also Bayview residents. Behind him, a piece of art hangs in the front of the shop, where he lets local artists display work on a rotating basis. | Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-06-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39973"/><figcaption><em>Rodney Hampton, partial owner of CDXX, discusses how his <meta charset="utf-8">products are grown and sold within the Bayview. All the staff members are also Bayview residents. Behind him, a piece of art hangs in the front of the shop, where he lets local artists display work on a rotating basis. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>


Walking up to the CDXX cannabis dispensary on Third Street, it was hard to miss the smoke.&nbsp;

<p>Walking up to the CDXX cannabis dispensary on Third Street, it was hard to miss the smoke.&nbsp;</p>

But the source wasn’t the products being sold inside, rather it was owner Rodney Hampton who was out front working the grill as part of an impromptu barbecue.

<p>But the source wasn’t the products being sold inside, rather it was owner Rodney Hampton who was out front working the grill as part of an impromptu barbecue.</p>

Hampton went from chef to tour guide as he walked through the store, which opened its doors in April 2021. Up first was the art displayed in the dispensary’s storefront, a regularly cycled collection of work from local Bayview artists. Then there was the flower itself, much of which was produced by Hampton’s own grow operation a stone’s throw away.

<p>Hampton went from chef to tour guide as he walked through the store, which opened its doors in April 2021. Up first was the art displayed in the dispensary’s storefront, a regularly cycled collection of work from local Bayview artists. Then there was the flower itself, much of which was produced by Hampton’s own grow operation a stone’s throw away.</p>

“I&#8217;m born and raised here, and the weed is grown and sold here,” Hampton said.

<p>“I'm born and raised here, and the weed is grown and sold here,” Hampton said.</p>

<p>“I&#8217;m born and raised here, and the weed is grown and sold here,” Hampton said.</p>

In the back of the store is a cannabis consumption lounge that Hampton bills as the only one of its type in the city’s southeast sector.&nbsp;

<p>In the back of the store is a cannabis consumption lounge that Hampton bills as the only one of its type in the city’s southeast sector.&nbsp;</p>

Opening a dispensary in the Bayview was the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Hampton, who was arrested decades ago not far from the shop for a cannabis charge. With the help of investment partners, Hampton was able to receive a permit through San Francisco’s Equity Program, which is meant to prioritize entrepreneurs harmed by the war on drugs.&nbsp;

<p>Opening a dispensary in the Bayview was the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Hampton, who was arrested decades ago not far from the shop for a cannabis charge. With the help of investment partners, Hampton was able to receive a permit through San Francisco’s Equity Program, which is meant to prioritize entrepreneurs harmed by the war on drugs.&nbsp;</p>

“Our staff is 100% Bayview-Hunters Point,” Hampton said. “If you&#8217;re not contributing, participating or engaging in the community, then you are a person that&#8217;s trying to take over and control. And we don&#8217;t want that.”

<p>“Our staff is 100% Bayview-Hunters Point,” Hampton said. “If you're not contributing, participating or engaging in the community, then you are a person that's trying to take over and control. And we don't want that.”</p>

<p>“Our staff is 100% Bayview-Hunters Point,” Hampton said. “If you&#8217;re not contributing, participating or engaging in the community, then you are a person that&#8217;s trying to take over and control. And we don&#8217;t want that.”</p>

<a href="https://tallioscoffee.com/">Tallio&#8217;s Coffee &amp; Tea LLC</a>&nbsp;


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="tallios"><a href="https://tallioscoffee.com/">Tallio&#8217;s Coffee &amp; Tea LLC</a>&nbsp;</h4>


<h4 id="tallios"><a href="https://tallioscoffee.com/">Tallio's Coffee &amp; Tea LLC</a>&nbsp;</h4>

<h4 id="tallios"><a href="https://tallioscoffee.com/">Tallio&#8217;s Coffee &amp; Tea LLC</a>&nbsp;</h4>

Olton Rensch, owner of Tallio's coffee shop, poses  outside his newly painted storefront on Feb. 23, 2022. He has been working on re-opening the shop, while also working online at a corporate law firm and taking care of his son. He says he’s “not going to give up” on creating a community space for families and friends to spend sunny afternoons in the Bayview. | Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-08-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39967"/><figcaption><em>Olton Rensch, owner of Tallio&#8217;s coffee shop, poses outside his newly painted storefront on Feb. 23, 2022. Rensch says he’s “not going to give up” on creating a community space for families and friends to spend sunny afternoons in the Bayview. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-08-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39967"/><figcaption><em>Olton Rensch, owner of Tallio's coffee shop, poses outside his newly painted storefront on Feb. 23, 2022. Rensch says he’s “not going to give up” on creating a community space for families and friends to spend sunny afternoons in the Bayview. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-08-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39967"/><figcaption><em>Olton Rensch, owner of Tallio&#8217;s coffee shop, poses outside his newly painted storefront on Feb. 23, 2022. Rensch says he’s “not going to give up” on creating a community space for families and friends to spend sunny afternoons in the Bayview. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>

When Olton Rensch started telling his friends and colleagues about his idea to open an upscale coffee shop in the Bayview, there was a healthy amount of skepticism.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>When Olton Rensch started telling his friends and colleagues about his idea to open an upscale coffee shop in the Bayview, there was a healthy amount of skepticism.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

“Everyone said, ‘Oh man, make sure to keep your job,’” Rensch said, flashing a bright smile. “Now they all come by to hang out. Not everybody is willing to do something, but somebody has to start it.”

<p>“Everyone said, ‘Oh man, make sure to keep your job,’” Rensch said, flashing a bright smile. “Now they all come by to hang out. Not everybody is willing to do something, but somebody has to start it.”</p>

All of Tallio’s coffee beans are named for historically marginalized communities like Texas’s Brownsville, Alabama’s Bessemer Homestead and, of course, their best-selling Bayview dark roast.

<p>All of Tallio’s coffee beans are named for historically marginalized communities like Texas’s Brownsville, Alabama’s Bessemer Homestead and, of course, their best-selling Bayview dark roast.</p>

Currently, Tallio’s is in the midst of renovations and Rensch is dealing with the familiar headaches of permitting approvals in San Francisco. One recent incident forced him to replace his floors twice due to a mix-up by inspectors. In the meantime, he kept revenue coming in by selling his beans to companies across the country, as well as rolling out espresso carts to community events.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Currently, Tallio’s is in the midst of renovations and Rensch is dealing with the familiar headaches of permitting approvals in San Francisco. One recent incident forced him to replace his floors twice due to a mix-up by inspectors. In the meantime, he kept revenue coming in by selling his beans to companies across the country, as well as rolling out espresso carts to community events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

When his operation is back up and running at full strength, he is hoping to relaunch his coffee brewing classes to help teach the larger community about the roots and roasts of quality coffee.

<p>When his operation is back up and running at full strength, he is hoping to relaunch his coffee brewing classes to help teach the larger community about the roots and roasts of quality coffee.</p>

His ultimate goal? To make Bayview’s Third Street a destination for visitors, tourists and San Francisco residents alike.

<p>His ultimate goal? To make Bayview’s Third Street a destination for visitors, tourists and San Francisco residents alike.</p>

“That is really what I&#8217;m striving for,” Rensch said. “To make it an experience where you can come and spend your money here in the Bayview, not only Tallio&#8217;s, but all the other local businesses around here.”

<p>“That is really what I'm striving for,” Rensch said. “To make it an experience where you can come and spend your money here in the Bayview, not only Tallio's, but all the other local businesses around here.”</p>

<p>“That is really what I&#8217;m striving for,” Rensch said. “To make it an experience where you can come and spend your money here in the Bayview, not only Tallio&#8217;s, but all the other local businesses around here.”</p>

<a href="https://www.radioafricakitchen.com/">Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen</a>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="radioafrica"><a href="https://www.radioafricakitchen.com/">Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen</a></h4>


<h4 id="radioafrica"><a href="https://www.radioafricakitchen.com/">Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen</a></h4>

Eskender Aseged, owner and chef of Radio Africa & Kitchen, discusses his philosophy on food with The Standard on Feb. 23, 2022. Having grown up hanging out in Cafe’s in Ethiopia, he hopes to bring the community together in his space. | Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3rdSt-21-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39970"/><figcaption><em>Eskender Aseged, owner and chef of Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen, discusses his philosophy on food with The Standard on Feb. 23, 2022. Having grown up hanging out in Cafe’s in Ethiopia, he hopes to bring the community together in his space. | Camille Cohen</em></figcaption></figure>


Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen started out as a dinner club at Eskender Aseged’s Mission District apartment, born out of frustration from years working in San Francisco’s high-end restaurants.&nbsp;

<p>Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen started out as a dinner club at Eskender Aseged’s Mission District apartment, born out of frustration from years working in San Francisco’s high-end restaurants.&nbsp;</p>

Aseged wanted to create his own culinary experience, utilizing quality ingredients and fine dining techniques to shine a light on the food of the African diaspora.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Aseged wanted to create his own culinary experience, utilizing quality ingredients and fine dining techniques to shine a light on the food of the African diaspora.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

That idea turned into a pop-up he eventually operated for seven years before being approached by the mayor’s office to open a restaurant in the Bayview. He saw his opportunity to make his vision of a community-nourishing business a reality.

<p>That idea turned into a pop-up he eventually operated for seven years before being approached by the mayor’s office to open a restaurant in the Bayview. He saw his opportunity to make his vision of a community-nourishing business a reality.</p>

The challenge of the first few years was a “cultural friction” that required community education and flexibility around menu offerings to accommodate. The business transitioned again five years ago from a sit-down restaurant to a fast-casual eatery which helped open up offerings to a new audience.

<p>The challenge of the first few years was a “cultural friction” that required community education and flexibility around menu offerings to accommodate. The business transitioned again five years ago from a sit-down restaurant to a fast-casual eatery which helped open up offerings to a new audience.</p>

Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen sustained itself via catering contracts and takeout orders through the pandemic and Aseged said his team is currently hard at work figuring out how to thrive in the new restaurant environment, while still creating a gathering place to break bread.

<p>Radio Africa &amp; Kitchen sustained itself via catering contracts and takeout orders through the pandemic and Aseged said his team is currently hard at work figuring out how to thrive in the new restaurant environment, while still creating a gathering place to break bread.</p>

“Eating isn&#8217;t only just consuming food as a fuel. It&#8217;s feeding your soul, your mind, your energy,” Aseged said. “This is where my heart is.”

<p>“Eating isn't only just consuming food as a fuel. It's feeding your soul, your mind, your energy,” Aseged said. “This is where my heart is.”</p>

<p>“Eating isn&#8217;t only just consuming food as a fuel. It&#8217;s feeding your soul, your mind, your energy,” Aseged said. “This is where my heart is.”</p>

<a href="https://www.lovingmyhair415.com/">Loving My Hair </a>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="loving"><a href="https://www.lovingmyhair415.com/">Loving My Hair </a></h4>


<h4 id="loving"><a href="https://www.lovingmyhair415.com/">Loving My Hair </a></h4>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/ng_xScUs0no
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Customers go to Loving My Hair for braids of all kinds—lemonade braids, french braids, box braids, crochet braids and more. But owner Brandi Porter hopes they leave not only with great-looking locks, but with an appreciation for their natural beauty.

<p>Customers go to Loving My Hair for braids of all kinds—lemonade braids, french braids, box braids, crochet braids and more. But owner Brandi Porter hopes they leave not only with great-looking locks, but with an appreciation for their natural beauty.</p>

“We want them to love their hair,” said Porter, explaining that some of her customers come in self-conscious about their hair texture. At Porter’s salon, that’s the sort of negativity they’re hoping to reverse.&nbsp;

<p>“We want them to love their hair,” said Porter, explaining that some of her customers come in self-conscious about their hair texture. At Porter’s salon, that’s the sort of negativity they’re hoping to reverse.&nbsp;</p>

Alongside instilling hair positivity, Loving My Hair also runs an initiative for Bayview’s foster youth. Porter and Jacynta Jordan, the co-owner of the Loving My Hair Initiative, braid foster children’s hair free of charge as a way to give back.

<p>Alongside instilling hair positivity, Loving My Hair also runs an initiative for Bayview’s foster youth. Porter and Jacynta Jordan, the co-owner of the Loving My Hair Initiative, braid foster children’s hair free of charge as a way to give back.</p>

“Operating on Third Street—it is our community. We want to be in our community…a lot of people venture out, but that’s not what we’re about,” said Porter, who is also a co-owner of the Loving My Hair Initiative.

<p>“Operating on Third Street—it is our community. We want to be in our community…a lot of people venture out, but that’s not what we’re about,” said Porter, who is also a co-owner of the Loving My Hair Initiative.</p>

<a href="https://www.publicglass.org/">Public Glass</a>


<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="publicglass"><a href="https://www.publicglass.org/">Public Glass</a></h4>


<h4 id="publicglass"><a href="https://www.publicglass.org/">Public Glass</a></h4>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20210607-DSC_3956-2500x1660.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40100"/><figcaption><em>Nate Watson, Executive Director of Public Glass, shows The Standard&#8217;s Meaghan Mitchell a piece of pottery used to create a mosaic on June 7, 2021. <meta charset="utf-8">| Sophie Bearman</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20210607-DSC_3956-2500x1660.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40100"/><figcaption><em>Nate Watson, Executive Director of Public Glass, shows The Standard's Meaghan Mitchell a piece of pottery used to create a mosaic on June 7, 2021. <meta charset="utf-8">| Sophie Bearman</em></figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20210607-DSC_3956-2500x1660.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40100"/><figcaption><em>Nate Watson, Executive Director of Public Glass, shows The Standard&#8217;s Meaghan Mitchell a piece of pottery used to create a mosaic on June 7, 2021. <meta charset="utf-8">| Sophie Bearman</em></figcaption></figure>

The art of glassblowing is reminiscent of watching a person harness the elemental power of lava to create something delicate and beautiful.&nbsp;

<p>The art of glassblowing is reminiscent of watching a person harness the elemental power of lava to create something delicate and beautiful.&nbsp;</p>

“It’s like watching nature in action,” said Nate Watson, executive director of Bayview arts nonprofit Public Glass. “It&#8217;s like watching a sunset, it’s so bright and beautiful, but also of this Earth.”

<p>“It’s like watching nature in action,” said Nate Watson, executive director of Bayview arts nonprofit Public Glass. “It's like watching a sunset, it’s so bright and beautiful, but also of this Earth.”</p>

<p>“It’s like watching nature in action,” said Nate Watson, executive director of Bayview arts nonprofit Public Glass. “It&#8217;s like watching a sunset, it’s so bright and beautiful, but also of this Earth.”</p>

Public Glass was founded in 1997 with the purpose of providing resources and removing&nbsp; barriers to entry to be creative with glass. Typically, this includes teaching classes to the public, workshops with senior centers and local schools and demonstrations of glass blowing for the community.

<p>Public Glass was founded in 1997 with the purpose of providing resources and removing&nbsp; barriers to entry to be creative with glass. Typically, this includes teaching classes to the public, workshops with senior centers and local schools and demonstrations of glass blowing for the community.</p>

View of Bayview: A tour of Third Street’s Black-owned businesses

Jesse Rogala

Alexei Kossef at CalMatters

When California voters legalized marijuana for recreational use in November 2016, it was also a victory for Gavin Newsom, who spent months traveling the state as the face of the campaign. At an election night party at a San Francisco nightclub, the then-lieutenant governor celebrated this “point of pride,” <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marijuana-prop-64-recreational-marijuana-california-celebration/">telling attendees</a> that California had sent a “message powerfully to the rest of the nation.”

<p>When California voters legalized marijuana for recreational use in November 2016, it was also a victory for Gavin Newsom, who spent months traveling the state as the face of the campaign. At an election night party at a San Francisco nightclub, the then-lieutenant governor celebrated this “point of pride,” <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marijuana-prop-64-recreational-marijuana-california-celebration/">telling attendees</a> that California had sent a “message powerfully to the rest of the nation.”</p>

It was an important resume-building moment for Newsom, already deep into his first run for governor, who during decades in office has put himself at the forefront of political change. In <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/features/gavin-newsom-prop-64-legalization-marijuana-7662284/">a profile in Billboard magazine</a> a few months later, he acknowledged that his legacy and that of Proposition 64, the legalization measure, were now tied together:

<p>It was an important resume-building moment for Newsom, already deep into his first run for governor, who during decades in office has put himself at the forefront of political change. In <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/features/gavin-newsom-prop-64-legalization-marijuana-7662284/">a profile in Billboard magazine</a> a few months later, he acknowledged that his legacy and that of Proposition 64, the legalization measure, were now tied together:</p>

“Put it this way: Everything that goes wrong, you’re looking at the poster child.”

<p>“Put it this way: Everything that goes wrong, you’re looking at the poster child.”</p>

View of Bayview: A tour of Third Street’s Black-owned businesses

SF and California pot pros call on Newsom to fix broken cannabis market

Opening doors: Repurposed SF garages give creatives space to pursue passions and chase dreams

Chinatown trails rest of San Francisco in vaccinations

A nomad’s dying wish: Living with cancer at a San Francisco homeless shelter

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View of Bayview: A tour of Third Street’s Black-owned businesses

SF and California pot pros call on Newsom to fix broken cannabis market

Opening doors: Repurposed SF garages give creatives space to pursue passions and chase dreams

Chinatown trails rest of San Francisco in vaccinations

A nomad’s dying wish: Living with cancer at a San Francisco homeless shelter