Julie Zigoris

The Golden Era of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1930s-60s conjures images of old Hollywood and boozy bars, when the neighborhood had the <a href="https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/when-chinatown-nightclubs-beckoned-hollywood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">largest concentration of Chinese-owned nightclubs</a> in the country and one of the biggest Chinese populations outside of Asia.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

The Golden Era of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1930s-60s conjures images of old Hollywood and boozy bars, when the neighborhood had the <a href="https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/when-chinatown-nightclubs-beckoned-hollywood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">largest concentration of Chinese-owned nightclubs</a> in the country and one of the biggest Chinese populations outside of Asia.&nbsp;

With names like the Forbidden City, the Chinese Sky Room and Club Mandalay, the clubs served tourists and San Francisco natives alike with a taste of China tempered with American culture: Think steak-and-potato dinners prepared alongside pagodas, with performers marketed as the “Chinese Frank Sinatra” or the “Chinese Ginger Rogers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

With names like the Forbidden City, the Chinese Sky Room and Club Mandalay, the clubs served tourists and San Francisco natives alike with a taste of China tempered with American culture: Think steak-and-potato dinners prepared alongside pagodas, with performers marketed as the “Chinese Frank Sinatra” or the “Chinese Ginger Rogers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chinatown produced its own stars (with their own names) like Jadin Wong and Jade Ling, and stars visited Chinatown, Hollywood celebrities like Rita Hayworth and Humphrey Bogart. “ABCs”—or American Born Chinese—defied the propriety of their Chinese-born parents (“CBAs”) to perform onstage in revealing, glamorous gowns made from sequins and feathers.&nbsp;

Chinatown produced its own stars (with their own names) like Jadin Wong and Jade Ling, and stars visited Chinatown, Hollywood celebrities like Rita Hayworth and Humphrey Bogart. “ABCs”—or American Born Chinese—defied the propriety of their Chinese-born parents (“CBAs”) to perform onstage in revealing, glamorous gowns made from sequins and feathers.&nbsp;

“It was shocking for the Chinese community and confusing to the Caucasian people,” said Frances Chun, who performed as a singer at San Francisco’s storied Forbidden City.&nbsp;

“It was shocking for the Chinese community and confusing to the Caucasian people,” said Frances Chun, who performed as a singer at San Francisco’s storied Forbidden City.&nbsp;

Chinese dancers Mae Tai Sing and Tony Wing perform an elaborate floor show at Forbidden City, a nightclub in Chinatown, San Francisco, Calif. in 1955. | Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2009" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED001_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x2009.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123357"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chinese dancers Mae Tai Sing and Tony Wing perform an elaborate floor show at Forbidden City, a nightclub in San Francisco Chinatown in 1955. | Orlando/Three Lions/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED001_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x2009.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123357"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chinese dancers Mae Tai Sing and Tony Wing perform an elaborate floor show at Forbidden City, a nightclub in San Francisco Chinatown in 1955. | Orlando/Three Lions/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

With World War II looming, GIs stationed in San Francisco had spare money to spend on live entertainment, and Chinatown clubs—in particular the Forbidden City—surged. Yet numerous factors, including cultural shifts and changing entertainment laws, led to the eventual decline of the once-thriving nightlife scene.&nbsp;

With World War II looming, GIs stationed in San Francisco had spare money to spend on live entertainment, and Chinatown clubs—in particular the Forbidden City—surged. Yet numerous factors, including cultural shifts and changing entertainment laws, led to the eventual decline of the once-thriving nightlife scene.&nbsp;

Fast forward to today, and the news coming out of Chinatown often appears bleak. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/hunger-in-chinatown-meal-programs-among-few-pandemic-lifelines-for-sro-residents/">impact of the pandemic</a>, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-frequently-visits-chinatown-to-talk-about-safety-but-some-critics-believe-her-rhetoric-may-further-racial-strife/">scourge of anti-Asian hate</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/facing-isolation-asian-elders-work-to-conquer-their-loneliness/">concerns about mental health</a> have shaken the Asian American community both nationally and locally.&nbsp;

Fast forward to today, and the news coming out of Chinatown often appears bleak. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/hunger-in-chinatown-meal-programs-among-few-pandemic-lifelines-for-sro-residents/">impact of the pandemic</a>, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/brooke-jenkins-frequently-visits-chinatown-to-talk-about-safety-but-some-critics-believe-her-rhetoric-may-further-racial-strife/">scourge of anti-Asian hate</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/facing-isolation-asian-elders-work-to-conquer-their-loneliness/">concerns about mental health</a> have shaken the Asian American community both nationally and locally.&nbsp;

But there’s another story to tell.&nbsp;

But there’s another story to tell.&nbsp;

Li Po Lounge on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco, Calif., January 24, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2267" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED002_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x2267.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123361"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Li Po Lounge patrons socialize on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED002_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x2267.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123361"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Li Po Lounge patrons socialize on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco’s Chinatown is on the brink of a cultural renaissance, one that leverages its storied past to tell a fuller story—with more authenticity and less romanticization—of what the neighborhood is all about.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s Chinatown is on the brink of a cultural renaissance, one that leverages its storied past to tell a fuller story—with more authenticity and less romanticization—of what the neighborhood is all about.&nbsp;

Chinatown is looking ahead to the <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redevelopment of Portsmouth Square</a>, lovingly referred to as “Chinatown’s living room.” It’s celebrating the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/city-officials-chinatown-leaders-show-off-station-ahead-of-long-awaited-subway-opening/">opening of the Rose Pak subway station</a>, a transit connection <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/san-francisco-central-subway-375-million-over-budget-union-square-chinatown/">decades in the making</a>. New gallery spaces <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/massive-asian-american-cultural-center-planned-near-portsmouth-square-chinatowns-living-room/">are thriving</a>. And multiple nightclubs have recently opened for business, despite lingering pandemic uncertainties.

Chinatown is looking ahead to the <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redevelopment of Portsmouth Square</a>, lovingly referred to as “Chinatown’s living room.” It’s celebrating the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/city-officials-chinatown-leaders-show-off-station-ahead-of-long-awaited-subway-opening/">opening of the Rose Pak subway station</a>, a transit connection <a href="https://sfstandard.com/transportation/san-francisco-central-subway-375-million-over-budget-union-square-chinatown/">decades in the making</a>. New gallery spaces <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/massive-asian-american-cultural-center-planned-near-portsmouth-square-chinatowns-living-room/">are thriving</a>. And multiple nightclubs have recently opened for business, despite lingering pandemic uncertainties.

For Malcolm Yeung, executive director of the <a href="https://www.chinatowncdc.org/">Chinatown Community Development Center</a>, a key part of this rejuvenation is reimagining Chinatown as a place of experiences, instead of a tourist destination for picking up $2 fans or plastic keychains. These experiences—which range from dining to drinking, art-gazing to live entertainment—lean on Chinatown’s colorful history to usher in a new Golden Era.&nbsp;

For Malcolm Yeung, executive director of the <a href="https://www.chinatowncdc.org/">Chinatown Community Development Center</a>, a key part of this rejuvenation is reimagining Chinatown as a place of experiences, instead of a tourist destination for picking up $2 fans or plastic keychains. These experiences—which range from dining to drinking, art-gazing to live entertainment—lean on Chinatown’s colorful history to usher in a new Golden Era.&nbsp;

There couldn’t be a more appropriate time for it. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/find-these-rabbit-statues-across-sf-to-start-your-lunar-new-year-celebration/">The year of the Water Rabbit</a> is about fluidity and being able to adjust quickly, according to Yeung—and there won’t be another one for 48 years.&nbsp;

There couldn’t be a more appropriate time for it. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/find-these-rabbit-statues-across-sf-to-start-your-lunar-new-year-celebration/">The year of the Water Rabbit</a> is about fluidity and being able to adjust quickly, according to Yeung—and there won’t be another one for 48 years.&nbsp;

“This year is about finding our way,” he said.&nbsp;

“This year is about finding our way,” he said.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-the-golden-era">Reimagining the Golden Era</h2>

core/heading

<h2 id="h-reimagining-the-golden-era">Reimagining the Golden Era</h2>

When Steven Lee moved to San Francisco from Vacaville in 1976, he never imagined he’d become an integral piece of Chinatown’s resuscitation. As a student at San Francisco State University, he just wanted to get his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and party with his friends.&nbsp;

When Steven Lee moved to San Francisco from Vacaville in 1976, he never imagined he’d become an integral piece of Chinatown’s resuscitation. As a student at San Francisco State University, he just wanted to get his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and party with his friends.&nbsp;

But soon he found himself hosting events, which turned into a career in the nightclub industry and ultimately led him to a stint serving on the San Francisco Entertainment Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But soon he found himself hosting events, which turned into a career in the nightclub industry and ultimately led him to a stint serving on the San Francisco Entertainment Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yet it’s Lee’s role in preserving Chinatown’s heritage that will likely be his most lasting contribution. The former entertainment commissioner both opened the <a href="https://www.lionsdenbarandlounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lion’s Den nightclub</a> on Wentworth Place and saved <a href="https://samworestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sam Wo Restaurant</a> from extinction.

Yet it’s Lee’s role in preserving Chinatown’s heritage that will likely be his most lasting contribution. The former entertainment commissioner both opened the <a href="https://www.lionsdenbarandlounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lion’s Den nightclub</a> on Wentworth Place and saved <a href="https://samworestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sam Wo Restaurant</a> from extinction.

A composite image of chef “Mr. Lee” prepping noodles in the kitchen at Sam Wo in Chinatown and the exterior of Sam Wo along Clay Street in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday May 12, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED003_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123365"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chef “Mr. Lee” (left) prepares noodles in the kitchen at Sam Wo Restaurant, located on Clay Street (right) in San Francisco Chinatown. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

It’s hard to overstate the significance of Sam Wo in the community—a place for locals and tourists alike, where some customers learned how to use chopsticks and everyone endured “the world’s rudest waiter,” Edsel Ford Fong, who made Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi look like a guardian angel.&nbsp;

It’s hard to overstate the significance of Sam Wo in the community—a place for locals and tourists alike, where some customers learned how to use chopsticks and everyone endured “the world’s rudest waiter,” Edsel Ford Fong, who made Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi look like a guardian angel.&nbsp;

In the ’70s and ’80s, according to Lee, all the restaurants were open until 4 a.m., and many people came to the neighborhood specifically to eat.

In the ’70s and ’80s, according to Lee, all the restaurants were open until 4 a.m., and many people came to the neighborhood specifically to eat.

“Chinatown was booming,” he said.&nbsp;

“Chinatown was booming,” he said.&nbsp;

But changes to parking ordinances, which made street cleaning at 2 a.m., hurt Sam Wo and many other area eateries that thrived on late-night crowds coming out from clubs.&nbsp;

But changes to parking ordinances, which made street cleaning at 2 a.m., hurt Sam Wo and many other area eateries that thrived on late-night crowds coming out from clubs.&nbsp;

“You’d come for $5 chow mein, but leave with a $60 parking ticket,” Lee said.

“You’d come for $5 chow mein, but leave with a $60 parking ticket,” Lee said.

But it wasn’t the parking that ultimately did Sam Wo in—it was the health department, which closed down the famed eatery in 2012 due to numerous health violations. Lee became the hero, finding a new space for the eatery on Clay Street and trademarking the name.&nbsp;

But it wasn’t the parking that ultimately did Sam Wo in—it was the health department, which closed down the famed eatery in 2012 due to numerous health violations. Lee became the hero, finding a new space for the eatery on Clay Street and trademarking the name.&nbsp;

While Sam Wo has historic photos of its more than 100-year run on its upper floor, the Lion’s Den enshrines Chinatown’s storied history even more.&nbsp;

While Sam Wo has historic photos of its more than 100-year run on its upper floor, the Lion’s Den enshrines Chinatown’s storied history even more.&nbsp;

San Francisco's Chinatown tries to attract the youth market with the Drag'on A' Go Go in early summer 1967 in San Francisco, Calif.  | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED004_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123368"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Chinatown tries to attract the youth market with the Drag&#8217;on A&#8217;Go Go in early summer 1967 in San Francisco. | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED004_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123368"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Chinatown tries to attract the youth market with the Drag'on A'Go Go in early summer 1967 in San Francisco. | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED004_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123368"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Chinatown tries to attract the youth market with the Drag&#8217;on A&#8217;Go Go in early summer 1967 in San Francisco. | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

When Lee opened the club in 2021, he decorated the walls with black-and-white photos: Forbidden City owner Charlie Low with a young Ronald Reagan; Chinese Sky Room owner Andy Wong; a chorus of Chinese girls with Frank Sinatra, who is earnestly gripping an outstretched shin. The space itself is a nod to history—a club called Lion’s Den operated in the same spot in the 1950s before it became Drag’on A&#8217;Go Go in the 1960s.&nbsp;

When Lee opened the club in 2021, he decorated the walls with black-and-white photos: Forbidden City owner Charlie Low with a young Ronald Reagan; Chinese Sky Room owner Andy Wong; a chorus of Chinese girls with Frank Sinatra, who is earnestly gripping an outstretched shin. The space itself is a nod to history—a club called Lion’s Den operated in the same spot in the 1950s before it became Drag’on A'Go Go in the 1960s.&nbsp;

When Lee opened the club in 2021, he decorated the walls with black-and-white photos: Forbidden City owner Charlie Low with a young Ronald Reagan; Chinese Sky Room owner Andy Wong; a chorus of Chinese girls with Frank Sinatra, who is earnestly gripping an outstretched shin. The space itself is a nod to history—a club called Lion’s Den operated in the same spot in the 1950s before it became Drag’on A&#8217;Go Go in the 1960s.&nbsp;

Lee also proudly displays memorabilia from Flower Drum Song, one of his favorite movies. Its plot highlights the friction of generational conflict—and a nightclub owner—with San Francisco’s Forbidden City as its inspiration. The 1957 novel by C. Y. Lee was made into a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical in 1958 and a movie in 1961.&nbsp;

Lee also proudly displays memorabilia from Flower Drum Song, one of his favorite movies. Its plot highlights the friction of generational conflict—and a nightclub owner—with San Francisco’s Forbidden City as its inspiration. The 1957 novel by C. Y. Lee was made into a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical in 1958 and a movie in 1961.&nbsp;

“It’s a modern club with a touch of culture,” Lee said of the Lion’s Den. The club has an entry room with seating for casual conversation as well as a performance space set up like a supper club from a classic movie—a stage with dining tables and banquettes surrounding. There’s also a members-only room for privacy and personal bottles.&nbsp;

“It’s a modern club with a touch of culture,” Lee said of the Lion’s Den. The club has an entry room with seating for casual conversation as well as a performance space set up like a supper club from a classic movie—a stage with dining tables and banquettes surrounding. There’s also a members-only room for privacy and personal bottles.&nbsp;

Lee’s is the first new club to open in Chinatown in decades. Entertainment restrictions passed in 1986 forbade live music after 10 p.m., a regulation passed out of fear that the neighborhood would become a red-light district. The move ultimately stymied the development of the nightlife scene until it was lifted during the pandemic.

Lee’s is the first new club to open in Chinatown in decades. Entertainment restrictions passed in 1986 forbade live music after 10 p.m., a regulation passed out of fear that the neighborhood would become a red-light district. The move ultimately stymied the development of the nightlife scene until it was lifted during the pandemic.

The club has no cover but often has live music—on the night I visited, a Frank Sinatra impersonator was crooning to a large and diverse crowd.&nbsp;

The club has no cover but often has live music—on the night I visited, a Frank Sinatra impersonator was crooning to a large and diverse crowd.&nbsp;

“Sixty percent of my clientele is white,” Lee said. “I can’t rely on one nationality to fund me.”&nbsp;

“Sixty percent of my clientele is white,” Lee said. “I can’t rely on one nationality to fund me.”&nbsp;

People at the bar at Buddha Lounge on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco, Calif., January 24, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED006_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123373"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People chat at the bar at Buddha Lounge on Grant Avenue in San Francisco in Chinatown. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED006_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123373"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People chat at the bar at Buddha Lounge on Grant Avenue in San Francisco in Chinatown. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

In the meantime, the resurgence of a nightlife scene has been bubbling, one that relies heavily on speakeasy vibes.&nbsp;

In the meantime, the resurgence of a nightlife scene has been bubbling, one that relies heavily on speakeasy vibes.&nbsp;

Around the corner from Lion’s Den, the otherworldly and celestial-themed <a href="https://www.moongatelounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moongate Lounge</a> opened in 2019 above Mr. Jiu’s restaurant, full of red velvet booths and soft lighting. Derrick Li opened the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blindpig.speakeasylounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blind Pig</a> filled with comfortable circular booths and an inventive cocktail menu, with Li hoping to bring in live music and dancing.&nbsp;

Around the corner from Lion’s Den, the otherworldly and celestial-themed <a href="https://www.moongatelounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moongate Lounge</a> opened in 2019 above Mr. Jiu’s restaurant, full of red velvet booths and soft lighting. Derrick Li opened the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blindpig.speakeasylounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blind Pig</a> filled with comfortable circular booths and an inventive cocktail menu, with Li hoping to bring in live music and dancing.&nbsp;

There’s also the old standbys, the Buddha Lounge and the Li Po Lounge, which Lee calls “yuppie bars” but most people term dives. <a href="https://legacybusiness.org/index.php/registry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Both are legacy bars in their own right</a>, and the Li Po lounge looks exactly as it did in the Golden Era.&nbsp;

There’s also the old standbys, the Buddha Lounge and the Li Po Lounge, which Lee calls “yuppie bars” but most people term dives. <a href="https://legacybusiness.org/index.php/registry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Both are legacy bars in their own right</a>, and the Li Po lounge looks exactly as it did in the Golden Era.&nbsp;

The only thing missing now in Chinatown, according to a couple hanging out at the Blind Pig’s horseshoe-shaped bar on a Thursday night? Those late-night eats.&nbsp;

The only thing missing now in Chinatown, according to a couple hanging out at the Blind Pig’s horseshoe-shaped bar on a Thursday night? Those late-night eats.&nbsp;

Buddha Lounge on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco, Calif., January 24, 2023. | Jason Henry for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1878" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED007_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Buddha Lounge&#8217;s neon sign shines on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED007_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Buddha Lounge's neon sign shines on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED007_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Buddha Lounge&#8217;s neon sign shines on Grant Avenue in Chinatown in San Francisco. | Jason Henry for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empress-yee">Empress Yee&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-empress-yee">Empress Yee&nbsp;</h2>

Some of the dancers from the Golden Era of Chinatown who grace the walls of the Lion’s Den are still around today—and they’re still dancing.&nbsp;

Some of the dancers from the Golden Era of Chinatown who grace the walls of the Lion’s Den are still around today—and they’re still dancing.&nbsp;

Cynthia Yee, a former beauty queen who danced at the Chinese Sky Room, founded her own dance troupe, the Grant Avenue Follies, to continue the legacy of those days.&nbsp;

Cynthia Yee, a former beauty queen who danced at the Chinese Sky Room, founded her own dance troupe, the Grant Avenue Follies, to continue the legacy of those days.&nbsp;

Billed as “San Francisco Chinatown’s Nostalgic Nightclub Cabaret,” the group originally had four members from the Golden Era, though two have since passed away. The Follies regularly perform at venues across the Bay Area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Billed as “San Francisco Chinatown’s Nostalgic Nightclub Cabaret,” the group originally had four members from the Golden Era, though two have since passed away. The Follies regularly perform at venues across the Bay Area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The group borrows from history, but it isn’t stuck in the past. They’ve risen and responded to the times. When anti-Asian hate surged in 2020 during the outbreak of the pandemic, the Follies sought to mount its own response.&nbsp;

The group borrows from history, but it isn’t stuck in the past. They’ve risen and responded to the times. When anti-Asian hate surged in 2020 during the outbreak of the pandemic, the Follies sought to mount its own response.&nbsp;

A member of the Grant Avenue Follies prepares for her part of the group’s routine during a dress rehearsal at the Clarion Performing Arts Center in Chinatown on Friday, July 29, 2022. The Follies formed in 2003 with the goal of reviving the spirit of Chinatown’s historic nightclub scene. | Morgan Ellis/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED008_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123381"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A member of the Grant Avenue Follies prepares for her part of the group’s routine during a dress rehearsal at the Clarion Performing Arts Center in Chinatown. | Morgan Ellis/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“Clara Hsu, executive director of the <a href="https://theclarionsf.org/">Clarion Performing Arts Center</a>, and I were having dinner together,” Yee remembered. “I said, ‘What could we do as the elders? We are entertainers. What can we come up with?’”

“Clara Hsu, executive director of the <a href="https://theclarionsf.org/">Clarion Performing Arts Center</a>, and I were having dinner together,” Yee remembered. “I said, ‘What could we do as the elders? We are entertainers. What can we come up with?’”

It was Hsu who reminded Yee of the gai mou sou, or feather duster.

It was Hsu who reminded Yee of the gai mou sou, or feather duster.

“Grandma would dust the furniture, but she’d also turn the duster around, and that’s how she would always warn the children, ‘You better mind, otherwise you’re gonna get a little pink bottom,’” Yee said.&nbsp;

“Grandma would dust the furniture, but she’d also turn the duster around, and that’s how she would always warn the children, ‘You better mind, otherwise you’re gonna get a little pink bottom,’” Yee said.&nbsp;

The group’s &#8220;Gai Mou Sou Rap&#8221;—in which the members of the Grant Avenue Follies wear black shirts that say “Unity” and warn against bullying with feather dusters in their hands—<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gzk0fQhV9I">went viral</a>. The clip is nearing 100,000 views on YouTube.&nbsp;

The group’s "Gai Mou Sou Rap"—in which the members of the Grant Avenue Follies wear black shirts that say “Unity” and warn against bullying with feather dusters in their hands—<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gzk0fQhV9I">went viral</a>. The clip is nearing 100,000 views on YouTube.&nbsp;

The group’s &#8220;Gai Mou Sou Rap&#8221;—in which the members of the Grant Avenue Follies wear black shirts that say “Unity” and warn against bullying with feather dusters in their hands—<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gzk0fQhV9I">went viral</a>. The clip is nearing 100,000 views on YouTube.&nbsp;

But not all its projects have a serious message. At a December rehearsal for a holiday show, Yee and her fellow performers danced with bells on their wrists to a song about Christmas in Hawaii, “from the land where the palm trees sway.”

But not all its projects have a serious message. At a December rehearsal for a holiday show, Yee and her fellow performers danced with bells on their wrists to a song about Christmas in Hawaii, “from the land where the palm trees sway.”

Glamor also plays an important role. The Follies’ original costume designer was Chuck Gee, a designer from the days of the Chinese Sky Room and Forbidden City.&nbsp;

Glamor also plays an important role. The Follies’ original costume designer was Chuck Gee, a designer from the days of the Chinese Sky Room and Forbidden City.&nbsp;

Estelle Jung, a member of chorus at the Forbidden City nightclub adds the finishing touches to her make-up prior to her act in Chinatown, San Francisco, t in 1955. | Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2200" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED009_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x2200.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123384"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Estelle Jung, a member of chorus at the Forbidden City nightclub, adds the finishing touches to her makeup prior to her act in San Francisco Chinatown in 1955. | Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED009_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x2200.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123384"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Estelle Jung, a member of chorus at the Forbidden City nightclub, adds the finishing touches to her makeup prior to her act in San Francisco Chinatown in 1955. | Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

“We love bling,” Yee said with a laugh, a fact made apparent by the <a href="https://www.theclarionsf.org/showgirl-magic-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Showgirl Magic Museum</a> that highlights the dancers’ storied past as stage legends—when the Clarion Performing Arts Center had to shut down because of the pandemic, Yee turned lemons into lemonade by opening the archive of feathers and sequins.

“We love bling,” Yee said with a laugh, a fact made apparent by the <a href="https://www.theclarionsf.org/showgirl-magic-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Showgirl Magic Museum</a> that highlights the dancers’ storied past as stage legends—when the Clarion Performing Arts Center had to shut down because of the pandemic, Yee turned lemons into lemonade by opening the archive of feathers and sequins.

Trina Robbins, a local author and comics artist, dedicated herself to collecting the stories of the many performers and nightclub operators for her book Forbidden City: The Golden Era of Chinese Nightclubs after meeting Yee at a tap dance class at the Harvey Milk Center.&nbsp;

Trina Robbins, a local author and comics artist, dedicated herself to collecting the stories of the many performers and nightclub operators for her book Forbidden City: The Golden Era of Chinese Nightclubs after meeting Yee at a tap dance class at the Harvey Milk Center.&nbsp;

“These women were very brave,” Robbins said. “In most cases their parents didn’t approve, but they wanted to do it and they did it.

“These women were very brave,” Robbins said. “In most cases their parents didn’t approve, but they wanted to do it and they did it.

“Plus, they were all absolute babes,” she added.&nbsp;

“Plus, they were all absolute babes,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artists-as-first-responders">Artists as First Responders&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-artists-as-first-responders">Artists as First Responders&nbsp;</h2>

When Chinatown hosted its first-ever contemporary arts festival, &#8220;<a href="https://www.neonwasneverbrighter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neon Was Never Brighter</a>,&#8221; at the Edge on the Square gallery last April, no one was sure how it would turn out. The neighborhood hadn’t framed itself as a destination for modern art, and the pandemic still cast its shadow.&nbsp;

When Chinatown hosted its first-ever contemporary arts festival, "<a href="https://www.neonwasneverbrighter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neon Was Never Brighter</a>," at the Edge on the Square gallery last April, no one was sure how it would turn out. The neighborhood hadn’t framed itself as a destination for modern art, and the pandemic still cast its shadow.&nbsp;

When Chinatown hosted its first-ever contemporary arts festival, &#8220;<a href="https://www.neonwasneverbrighter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neon Was Never Brighter</a>,&#8221; at the Edge on the Square gallery last April, no one was sure how it would turn out. The neighborhood hadn’t framed itself as a destination for modern art, and the pandemic still cast its shadow.&nbsp;

“Thousands and thousands of people came,” said Candace Huey, head curator of Edge on the Square.&nbsp;

“Thousands and thousands of people came,” said Candace Huey, head curator of Edge on the Square.&nbsp;

“People waited for two hours to eat at restaurants,” Huey said.&nbsp;

“People waited for two hours to eat at restaurants,” Huey said.&nbsp;

“Asian Americans haven’t necessarily been seen in contemporary art spaces,” said Cynthia Huie, who co-founded the organization <a href="https://www.artwalksf.com/">Art Walk SF</a> to bring art to neighborhoods across San Francisco. “People think of Ming vases.”&nbsp;

“Asian Americans haven’t necessarily been seen in contemporary art spaces,” said Cynthia Huie, who co-founded the organization <a href="https://www.artwalksf.com/">Art Walk SF</a> to bring art to neighborhoods across San Francisco. “People think of Ming vases.”&nbsp;

Candace Huey, curator of Edge On The Square art gallery in Chinatown of San Francisco, Calif. points out artwork in the gallery on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED010_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123395"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Candace Huey, head curator of Edge on the Square gallery in San Francisco Chinatown, points to an artwork on display. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“Being an artist is also often not looked upon as a viable career path in Asian families, where people are instead encouraged to be doctors and lawyers,” Huie said.&nbsp;

“Being an artist is also often not looked upon as a viable career path in Asian families, where people are instead encouraged to be doctors and lawyers,” Huie said.&nbsp;

But all of that is changing, according to Huie, thanks to energizing and exciting art spaces like <a href="https://www.41ross.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">41 Ross</a> and <a href="https://www.edgeonthesquare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edge on the Square</a>, which are allowing Asian Americans to see themselves at the center of the art world, of newness, rather than on the fringes.&nbsp;

But all of that is changing, according to Huie, thanks to energizing and exciting art spaces like <a href="https://www.41ross.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">41 Ross</a> and <a href="https://www.edgeonthesquare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edge on the Square</a>, which are allowing Asian Americans to see themselves at the center of the art world, of newness, rather than on the fringes.&nbsp;

Yet Edge on the Square intentionally plays with liminality to speak to the Asian experience.&nbsp;

Yet Edge on the Square intentionally plays with liminality to speak to the Asian experience.&nbsp;

“Communities of color are often relegated to the edges,” Huey said. “And for art, it’s more interesting to look at what’s at the edge, in the margins.”&nbsp;

“Communities of color are often relegated to the edges,” Huey said. “And for art, it’s more interesting to look at what’s at the edge, in the margins.”&nbsp;

But that doesn’t mean that art is to play a fringe role in Chinatown’s revival—Edge on the Square, run by the <a href="https://www.cmacsf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinatown Media &amp; Arts Collaborative</a>, occupies a space in the heart of the neighborhood, on the corner of Grant Avenue and Clay Street. The current, multi-sensory exhibition—that includes everything from photographs to installations to a bartering table—speaks to both the neighborhood’s history and its future.

But that doesn’t mean that art is to play a fringe role in Chinatown’s revival—Edge on the Square, run by the <a href="https://www.cmacsf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinatown Media &amp; Arts Collaborative</a>, occupies a space in the heart of the neighborhood, on the corner of Grant Avenue and Clay Street. The current, multi-sensory exhibition—that includes everything from photographs to installations to a bartering table—speaks to both the neighborhood’s history and its future.

Pedestrians pass a mural honoring arts advocate Ruth Asawa, Chinese Performing Arts advocate Layton Doung and other important Asian American leaders along Jackson Street in San Francisco Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED011_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123404"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians pass a mural honoring artist and arts advocate Ruth Asawa, Chinese performing arts advocate Layton Doung and other important Asian American leaders along Jackson Street in San Francisco. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/INLINED011_ChinatownGoldenEra01042023-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123404"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians pass a mural honoring artist and arts advocate Ruth Asawa, Chinese performing arts advocate Layton Doung and other important Asian American leaders along Jackson Street in San Francisco. | Benjamin Fanjoy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

There’s even a “Golden Age” mailbox—in gold, of course—where you can write letters to Chinatown that won’t be opened for 10 years.&nbsp;

There’s even a “Golden Age” mailbox—in gold, of course—where you can write letters to Chinatown that won’t be opened for 10 years.&nbsp;

“The regeneration of one neighborhood can have an impact on the whole city,” Huey said. “It’s about widening the aperture of human experience.”&nbsp;

“The regeneration of one neighborhood can have an impact on the whole city,” Huey said. “It’s about widening the aperture of human experience.”&nbsp;

Art, music, dance, drink—they all play an important role in the revitalization of a new Chinatown, one that honors the many complex layers of its history.&nbsp;

Art, music, dance, drink—they all play an important role in the revitalization of a new Chinatown, one that honors the many complex layers of its history.&nbsp;

It’s all about the experience of Chinatown. But this time, the narrative will be wider, more inclusive, more Asian.&nbsp;

It’s all about the experience of Chinatown. But this time, the narrative will be wider, more inclusive, more Asian.&nbsp;

“It’s about telling the story of our community that highlights 170 years of literal creation and construction of the American West,” Yeung said.

“It’s about telling the story of our community that highlights 170 years of literal creation and construction of the American West,” Yeung said.

A ‘Chinese Sinatra’ and the world’s rudest waiter: Reinventing the golden era of one of SF’s oldest neighborhoods

Michael Barba

Years before San Francisco police shot and killed him, 41-year-old Ajmal Amani helped translate for Navy SEALS fighting in Afghanistan.

Years before San Francisco police shot and killed him, 41-year-old Ajmal Amani helped translate for Navy SEALS fighting in Afghanistan.

Amani was an Afghan interpreter who contracted with the U.S. government over the course of a decade, according to Scott Grant, a deputy public defender who later represented him in a criminal court case.

Amani was an Afghan interpreter who contracted with the U.S. government over the course of a decade, according to Scott Grant, a deputy public defender who later represented him in a criminal court case.

He survived being shot multiple times during his five-year tenure working with the military, but struggled with severe post-traumatic stress disorder after coming to the U.S. on a visa in 2014, Grant said.

He survived being shot multiple times during his five-year tenure working with the military, but struggled with severe post-traumatic stress disorder after coming to the U.S. on a visa in 2014, Grant said.

“He suffered some of the most horrific trauma anyone could have gone through,” Grant told the SF Standard.

“He suffered some of the most horrific trauma anyone could have gone through,” Grant told the SF Standard.

Amani was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-police-shoot-man-armed-with-knife-in-soma/">shot and killed by police last Friday morning</a> after officers responded to a report of a man with a knife at the Covered Wagon Hotel at 917 Folsom St., a residential hotel in South of Market.

Amani was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-police-shoot-man-armed-with-knife-in-soma/">shot and killed by police last Friday morning</a> after officers responded to a report of a man with a knife at the Covered Wagon Hotel at 917 Folsom St., a residential hotel in South of Market.

The San Francisco Police Department has yet to release further details about the shooting or name the officers involved. But sources familiar with the investigation said one officer fired a beanbag gun at the suspect when he advanced on police with a knife, while another officer shot him with a firearm.

The San Francisco Police Department has yet to release further details about the shooting or name the officers involved. But sources familiar with the investigation said one officer fired a beanbag gun at the suspect when he advanced on police with a knife, while another officer shot him with a firearm.

Sources identified the officers as John Quinlan, a rookie who joined the force in March 2020, and Danny De Leon Garcia, a three-year veteran. (There are two officers named John Quinlan at SFPD, one with more experience.) Attorneys for the involved officers declined to comment on their behalf.

Sources identified the officers as John Quinlan, a rookie who joined the force in March 2020, and Danny De Leon Garcia, a three-year veteran. (There are two officers named John Quinlan at SFPD, one with more experience.) Attorneys for the involved officers declined to comment on their behalf.

This was not the first time Amani had a run-in with the law.

This was not the first time Amani had a run-in with the law.

In November 2019, Amani was arrested after crashing a woman’s car near the Seventh Street off-ramp of Highway 80 in San Francisco. He was accused of using a boxcutter to cut a city park ranger who stopped at the scene of the crash and tried to pull him from the vehicle, according to Grant.

In November 2019, Amani was arrested after crashing a woman’s car near the Seventh Street off-ramp of Highway 80 in San Francisco. He was accused of using a boxcutter to cut a city park ranger who stopped at the scene of the crash and tried to pull him from the vehicle, according to Grant.

Grant said Amani was in the midst of a “clear mental health episode.”

Grant said Amani was in the midst of a “clear mental health episode.”

Amani faced attempted murder and other charges in connection with the incident, but a judge dismissed the attempted murder charge at a preliminary hearing, Grant said. The remaining assault charges against him were dismissed after he completed mental health diversion in August.

Amani faced attempted murder and other charges in connection with the incident, but a judge dismissed the attempted murder charge at a preliminary hearing, Grant said. The remaining assault charges against him were dismissed after he completed mental health diversion in August.

&#8220;The amount of work and transformation that he was able to do was unmatched,&#8221; Grant said. &#8220;He was an inspiration in how much he accomplished.&#8221;

"The amount of work and transformation that he was able to do was unmatched," Grant said. "He was an inspiration in how much he accomplished."

&#8220;The amount of work and transformation that he was able to do was unmatched,&#8221; Grant said. &#8220;He was an inspiration in how much he accomplished.&#8221;

At the time of his graduation from diversion, he was living in transitional housing at the CW Hotel—where police ultimately shot and killed him.

At the time of his graduation from diversion, he was living in transitional housing at the CW Hotel—where police ultimately shot and killed him.

Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers, said the union is providing representation for the officers involved.

Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers, said the union is providing representation for the officers involved.

&#8220;This is a tragic incident,” Montoya said. “You not only have to look at the person who was shot but the trauma on the involved officers.”

"This is a tragic incident,” Montoya said. “You not only have to look at the person who was shot but the trauma on the involved officers.”

&#8220;This is a tragic incident,” Montoya said. “You not only have to look at the person who was shot but the trauma on the involved officers.”

The SFPD is expected to hold a virtual meeting Wednesday at 3 p.m. to release more details. The video will be streamed on <a href="http://youtube.com/sfgtv">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SFPD/">Facebook</a>.

The SFPD is expected to hold a virtual meeting Wednesday at 3 p.m. to release more details. The video will be streamed on <a href="http://youtube.com/sfgtv">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SFPD/">Facebook</a>.

A ‘Chinese Sinatra’ and the world’s rudest waiter: Reinventing the golden era of one of SF’s oldest neighborhoods

Man shot and killed by SF police was former Afghan interpreter

Opinion: With gas prices so high, it’s time for SF to get serious about e-bikes

These are all the local acts to see at Outside Lands

Economic recovery elusive in SF as workers, tourists stay away

Search Results for: transit

A ‘Chinese Sinatra’ and the world’s rudest waiter: Reinventing the golden era of one of SF’s oldest neighborhoods

Man shot and killed by SF police was former Afghan interpreter

Opinion: With gas prices so high, it’s time for SF to get serious about e-bikes

These are all the local acts to see at Outside Lands

Economic recovery elusive in SF as workers, tourists stay away