When A Neighborhood Vows To Stay Seamy

The Tenderloin District is perhaps one of the last areas in San Francisco to offer affordable housing. Yet, to residents of this area, the battle cry isn't to keep low-income residents. Rather, "they are fighting for the neighborhood's gritty ambience."

"Often described by tourist guides as San Francisco's worst neighborhood, the Tenderloin has for years been a gathering point for pimps, drug addicts and transvestites and transgender residents, some of whom work as prostitutes. Some residents say that's what gives the Tenderloin its personality and makes it a crucial piece of San Francisco's diverse cityscape. Cleanup efforts, these residents contend, threaten to destroy an atmosphere that welcomes people on the fringe of society, who otherwise could find no refuge. And it distracts from the issues the neighborhood really cares about, such as safety for sex workers and affordable housing."

"Wanted" posters emerged throughout the district featuring the firm's owners' name on it. Her goals were to plant 400 trees and beautify the area. However, fierce opposition to this effort has made her think otherwise.