Carrie Sisto

Artist Mike Arcega and filmmaker Paolo Asuncion met at an art gallery in SoMa several years ago and were surprised to learn their brothers were friends in Manila. Their friendship—and mutual passion for motorcycles—led to their collaboration on a custom-built motorized tricycle, with a sidecar attached&nbsp;and a built-in karaoke machine.&nbsp;

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<p>Artist Mike Arcega and filmmaker Paolo Asuncion met at an art gallery in SoMa several years ago and were surprised to learn their brothers were friends in Manila. Their friendship—and mutual passion for motorcycles—led to their collaboration on a custom-built motorized tricycle, with a sidecar attached&nbsp;and a built-in karaoke machine.&nbsp;</p>

The mobile, musical sculpture not only roams the streets of SoMa now but has become a symbol of Filipino American identity in the community and a repository for its stories spanning oceans and generations.&nbsp;The colorful contraption will be out for a spin on Thursday, July 29, for the Exploratorium’s <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-art-for-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Art for Action</a> after-hours event, where attendees will be able to sing “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK03mMigki0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SideCaraoke</a>” and see the springboard for the friends’ forthcoming documentary in all its bespoke glory.&nbsp;

<p>The mobile, musical sculpture not only roams the streets of SoMa now but has become a symbol of Filipino American identity in the community and a repository for its stories spanning oceans and generations.&nbsp;The colorful contraption will be out for a spin on Thursday, July 29, for the Exploratorium’s <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-art-for-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Art for Action</a> after-hours event, where attendees will be able to sing “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK03mMigki0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SideCaraoke</a>” and see the springboard for the friends’ forthcoming documentary in all its bespoke glory.&nbsp;</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/G-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6428"/><figcaption><em>Having trekked across the Golden Gate Bridge earlier this year, the TNT Traysikel has become a vehicle for local Filipino Americans to belt out songs and celebrate their stories. | Photo by Mark Baugh Sasaki</em></figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/G-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6428"/><figcaption><em>Having trekked across the Golden Gate Bridge earlier this year, the TNT Traysikel has become a vehicle for local Filipino Americans to belt out songs and celebrate their stories. | Photo by Mark Baugh Sasaki</em></figcaption></figure>

You could call it a coming-out party to the wider public for the tricycle, which Arcega sees as a signal for the Filipino American community in the South of Market neighborhood. When the <a href="https://www.somapilipinas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOMA Pilipinas</a> cultural district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-franciscos-cultural-districts-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was made official in 2016</a>, it was clear the Filipino community lacked physical representation, Arcega told Here/Say.

<p>You could call it a coming-out party to the wider public for the tricycle, which Arcega sees as a signal for the Filipino American community in the South of Market neighborhood. When the <a href="https://www.somapilipinas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOMA Pilipinas</a> cultural district <a href="https://sfstandard.com/heres-how-san-franciscos-cultural-districts-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was made official in 2016</a>, it was clear the Filipino community lacked physical representation, Arcega told Here/Say.</p>

“People were looking for some iconic thing to create a cultural presence in the community,” he said.

<p>“People were looking for some iconic thing to create a cultural presence in the community,” he said.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricycleA-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6488"/><figcaption><em>Filipino-Korean singer-songwriter and DC Comic&#8217;s &#8216;Birds of Prey&#8217; star Ella Jay Basco poses in front of the TNT Traysikel at the Asian American film festival CAMMFest. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricycleA-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6488"/><figcaption><em>Filipino-Korean singer-songwriter and DC Comic's 'Birds of Prey' star Ella Jay Basco poses in front of the TNT Traysikel at the Asian American film festival CAMMFest. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricycleA-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6488"/><figcaption><em>Filipino-Korean singer-songwriter and DC Comic&#8217;s &#8216;Birds of Prey&#8217; star Ella Jay Basco poses in front of the TNT Traysikel at the Asian American film festival CAMMFest. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

Grant funding and support from the San Francisco Arts Commission—which has been pushing to bring innovative Filipino art installations to the SOMA Pilipinas cultural district—aided Arcega and Asuncion’s purchase of a bike and sidecar that was “just bare metal” about two and a half years ago, Asuncion said.

<p>Grant funding and support from the San Francisco Arts Commission—which has been pushing to bring innovative Filipino art installations to the SOMA Pilipinas cultural district—aided Arcega and Asuncion’s purchase of a bike and sidecar that was “just bare metal” about two and a half years ago, Asuncion said.</p>

The two friends collaborated with painter<a href="https://www.instagram.com/allthingsmeng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Michelle “Meng” Nguyen</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/HandsomeAsiansMotorcycleClub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Handsome Asians Motorcycle Club</a> to customize the vehicle and started riding it around San Francisco, particularly in SoMa, under the moniker <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tnt_traysikel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNT Traysikel</a>. According to the artists, TNT is a Tagalog acronym for <em>Tago ng Tago, </em>which translates to “always hiding” and is used as a codeword among Filipinos for an undocumented person.

<p>The two friends collaborated with painter<a href="https://www.instagram.com/allthingsmeng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Michelle “Meng” Nguyen</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/HandsomeAsiansMotorcycleClub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Handsome Asians Motorcycle Club</a> to customize the vehicle and started riding it around San Francisco, particularly in SoMa, under the moniker <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tnt_traysikel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNT Traysikel</a>. According to the artists, TNT is a Tagalog acronym for <em>Tago ng Tago, </em>which translates to “always hiding” and is used as a codeword among Filipinos for an undocumented person.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/E-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6399"/><figcaption><em>The Handsome Asians Motorcycle Club was essential in TNT’s early restructuring. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/E-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6399"/><figcaption><em>The Handsome Asians Motorcycle Club was essential in TNT’s early restructuring. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

The rig’s full karaoke machine plays songs in English and Tagalog (the standardized language of the Philippines), and riders can don a helmet with an embedded microphone to belt out their song of choice.&nbsp; Standard microphones can be used when the tricycle is parked.

<p>The rig’s full karaoke machine plays songs in English and Tagalog (the standardized language of the Philippines), and riders can don a helmet with an embedded microphone to belt out their song of choice.&nbsp; Standard microphones can be used when the tricycle is parked.</p>

While the tricycle started as just a moving, musical art piece, it has now transitioned into an oral history project on wheels and a source of mobile joy, offering Filipinos across the Bay Area an opportunity to re-connect to their cultural roots, Arcega said.

<p>While the tricycle started as just a moving, musical art piece, it has now transitioned into an oral history project on wheels and a source of mobile joy, offering Filipinos across the Bay Area an opportunity to re-connect to their cultural roots, Arcega said.</p>

In April 2021, the tricycle <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf04-RFk-hM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made an epic journey</a> across the Golden Gate Bridge as part of a trek organized by the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/norcalpinoyriders/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern California Pinoy Riders</a> to celebrate the state’s gradual reopening from COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions and sport some cultural pride.

<p>In April 2021, the tricycle <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf04-RFk-hM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made an epic journey</a> across the Golden Gate Bridge as part of a trek organized by the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/norcalpinoyriders/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern California Pinoy Riders</a> to celebrate the state’s gradual reopening from COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions and sport some cultural pride.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/C.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6390"/><figcaption><em>The Hon. Neil Frank R. Ferrer and Marie Soleil Tropicales belt out the song ‘Manila’ by Hotdog on the sidewalk in front of the Philippine consulate’s Sutter Street office. &nbsp;| Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


“We started driving it around and anywhere we went, people would just approach it, admire it, and then turn to us and start telling us a story,” Asuncion said. Prompted by the tricycle, Filipinos spanning first-generation to fifth would dive into the history of their immigrant experience and their cultural connections.

<p>“We started driving it around and anywhere we went, people would just approach it, admire it, and then turn to us and start telling us a story,” Asuncion said. Prompted by the tricycle, Filipinos spanning first-generation to fifth would dive into the history of their immigrant experience and their cultural connections.</p>

Asuncion recounted one interview in which one of the NorCal Pinoy Riders recounted the story of going through his grandfather’s belongings after his death.

<p>Asuncion recounted one interview in which one of the NorCal Pinoy Riders recounted the story of going through his grandfather’s belongings after his death.</p>

The rider’s father and his four siblings had approved visas to go to the U.S. because of his grandfather’s service in World War II. But for some reason—perhaps because of the family’s economic status—the grandfather never told his family about the visas and their access to the U.S. When the documents were discovered after his death, the family pooled their funding to send one sibling to Chicago, where she worked at a White Castle drive-thru window until she had saved enough money to bring another sibling over. The siblings continued working and saving until the whole family was reunited in the U.S.

<p>The rider’s father and his four siblings had approved visas to go to the U.S. because of his grandfather’s service in World War II. But for some reason—perhaps because of the family’s economic status—the grandfather never told his family about the visas and their access to the U.S. When the documents were discovered after his death, the family pooled their funding to send one sibling to Chicago, where she worked at a White Castle drive-thru window until she had saved enough money to bring another sibling over. The siblings continued working and saving until the whole family was reunited in the U.S.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/B-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6471"/><figcaption><em>Arianna Lady Basco and Maddie Dimayuga sing karaoke from the sidecar at Kapwa Gardens in SoMa. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/B-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6471"/><figcaption><em>Arianna Lady Basco and Maddie Dimayuga sing karaoke from the sidecar at Kapwa Gardens in SoMa. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

“The sacrifice and hard work involved to move here is typically overlooked,” Asuncion said. The TNT Traysikel project aims to spotlight such stories and document them.

<p>“The sacrifice and hard work involved to move here is typically overlooked,” Asuncion said. The TNT Traysikel project aims to spotlight such stories and document them.</p>

Once the artists realized the clear, emotional response to TNT, they saw an opportunity to use it to create a more in-depth documentary series. The two friends are utilizing the spontaneous interactions with the tricycle to identify interview subjects for their documentary, which will be filmed over the coming year. Some interviews will be within the tricycle itself as part of a karaoke session, while others may occur in a more stationary setting.&nbsp;

<p>Once the artists realized the clear, emotional response to TNT, they saw an opportunity to use it to create a more in-depth documentary series. The two friends are utilizing the spontaneous interactions with the tricycle to identify interview subjects for their documentary, which will be filmed over the coming year. Some interviews will be within the tricycle itself as part of a karaoke session, while others may occur in a more stationary setting.&nbsp;</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricycleF-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6417"/><figcaption> <em>The Filipina Bayanihan Choir admire TNT at SoMa&#8217;s Kapwa Gardens while the tricycle project films its upcoming documentary. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricycleF-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6417"/><figcaption> <em>The Filipina Bayanihan Choir admire TNT at SoMa's Kapwa Gardens while the tricycle project films its upcoming documentary. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricycleF-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6417"/><figcaption> <em>The Filipina Bayanihan Choir admire TNT at SoMa&#8217;s Kapwa Gardens while the tricycle project films its upcoming documentary. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

The stories invoked by the tricycle not only tell Filipino immigrants’ stories but also explain why so many Filipinos <a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/filipino-immigrants-united-states-2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are migrating</a> to the United States, Arcega said.&nbsp;

<p>The stories invoked by the tricycle not only tell Filipino immigrants’ stories but also explain why so many Filipinos <a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/filipino-immigrants-united-states-2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are migrating</a> to the United States, Arcega said.&nbsp;</p>

“Most people haven’t learned — or don’t remember — that all of the people in the Philippines were Americans,” when the U.S. colonized the islands in 1898, he said. “The U.S. is and has been present in the Philippines since then… even the educational and government systems are based on the U.S. system.”&nbsp;

<p>“Most people haven’t learned — or don’t remember — that all of the people in the Philippines were Americans,” when the U.S. colonized the islands in 1898, he said. “The U.S. is and has been present in the Philippines since then… even the educational and government systems are based on the U.S. system.”&nbsp;</p>

But Filipino contributions to American culture have been mostly invisible or unrecognized, he added.

<p>But Filipino contributions to American culture have been mostly invisible or unrecognized, he added.</p>

“Even many Filipinos are ignorant of this history,” Asuncion said.

<p>“Even many Filipinos are ignorant of this history,” Asuncion said.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricyclej-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6510"/><figcaption><em>The TNT Traysikel is filled with bespoke touches. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tricyclej-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6510"/><figcaption><em>The TNT Traysikel is filled with bespoke touches. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

Just as Filipinos reclaimed and converted military jeeps left by Americans on Manila’s streets after World War II into <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15344340/the-history-of-the-jeepney-the-philippines-mass-transit-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customized Jeepneys</a>, putting a “traysikel” on American soil also announces the Filipino presence and claims space, according to the artists.

<p>Just as Filipinos reclaimed and converted military jeeps left by Americans on Manila’s streets after World War II into <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15344340/the-history-of-the-jeepney-the-philippines-mass-transit-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customized Jeepneys</a>, putting a “traysikel” on American soil also announces the Filipino presence and claims space, according to the artists.</p>

Although the work is mainly mobile, the artists are collaborating with <a href="https://saintjosephsartssociety.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saint Joseph’s Art Society</a> to develop stationary in-person events. Saint Joseph’s church used to host the largest Filipino congregation in the U.S. before the <a href="https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/earthquakes/loma-prieta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1989 Loma Prieta earthquake</a> rendered it unsafe for occupation, Arcega said. It <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/Ken-Fulk-reveals-Saint-Joseph-s-Arts-Society-13465241.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reopened</a> before the pandemic as a sort of members-only space, but the tricycle project is one of its first big efforts to expand Saint Joseph’s to the full SOMA Pilipinas community, he added.

<p>Although the work is mainly mobile, the artists are collaborating with <a href="https://saintjosephsartssociety.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saint Joseph’s Art Society</a> to develop stationary in-person events. Saint Joseph’s church used to host the largest Filipino congregation in the U.S. before the <a href="https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/earthquakes/loma-prieta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1989 Loma Prieta earthquake</a> rendered it unsafe for occupation, Arcega said. It <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/Ken-Fulk-reveals-Saint-Joseph-s-Arts-Society-13465241.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reopened</a> before the pandemic as a sort of members-only space, but the tricycle project is one of its first big efforts to expand Saint Joseph’s to the full SOMA Pilipinas community, he added.</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1406" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/I-1-2500x1406.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6501"/><figcaption><em>The TNT Traysikel outside Oracle Park at twilight. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/I-1-2500x1406.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6501"/><figcaption><em>The TNT Traysikel outside Oracle Park at twilight. | Photo by Mike Arcega</em></figcaption></figure>

“We have an opportunity to continue [to] shape the culture rather than just assimilate,” Arcega said.&nbsp;

<p>“We have an opportunity to continue [to] shape the culture rather than just assimilate,” Arcega said.&nbsp;</p>

The forthcoming documentary, supported by a grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission, will share stories of those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. The tentative release date for the documentary is summer 2022 when the TNT Traysikel will have an appearance at the <a href="https://asianart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Art Museum</a> in San Francisco’s Civic Center.&nbsp;

<p>The forthcoming documentary, supported by a grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission, will share stories of those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. The tentative release date for the documentary is summer 2022 when the TNT Traysikel will have an appearance at the <a href="https://asianart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Art Museum</a> in San Francisco’s Civic Center.&nbsp;</p>

Until then, you can catch the tricycle at <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-art-for-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Exploratorium</a> later this month.&nbsp;

<p>Until then, you can catch the tricycle at <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-art-for-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Exploratorium</a> later this month.&nbsp;</p>

<em>Interested in helping the TNT Traysikel’s documentary project get off the ground? Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts and patches via the group’s </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tnt_traysikel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Instagram</em></a><em> will go toward the making of the film. Follow @tnt_tricycle for updates.&nbsp;Tickets for the Exploratorium’s ‘After Dark: Art for Action’ event can be purchased </em><a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-art-for-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em>

<p><em>Interested in helping the TNT Traysikel’s documentary project get off the ground? Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts and patches via the group’s </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tnt_traysikel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Instagram</em></a><em> will go toward the making of the film. Follow @tnt_tricycle for updates.&nbsp;Tickets for the Exploratorium’s ‘After Dark: Art for Action’ event can be purchased </em><a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/after-dark-art-for-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p>

SoMa’s ‘TNT Traysikel’ spreads cultural pride on three wheels

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.

<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 height="1667" width="2500" 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>


<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>

<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/IGumNx5403s
</div></figure>

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 height="1667" width="2500" 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>


<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>

<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/s5KzLVmrWuY
</div></figure>

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 height="1667" width="2500" 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>


<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 height="1667" width="2500" 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>

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