Shantel McClendon and her five children are facing eviction from their public housing in the Mission District. The last two years has been a tumultuous series of notices for a variety of reasons and the most recent being that the father of her children has arguably spending too much time at her home. “I’m scared more than anything.” McClendon says. “I have five babies that depend on me- that’s what makes it hard.” McClendon has never had the threat of eviction before or gone through this process in the 14 years she’s lived in her home. She shared that she is most scared about losing her home “for nothing I even did- for wanting my kids’ dad to be in their life. For nothing.” #sanfrantern
A foggy morning back in June. Growing to not mind the fog anymore. #sanfrantern
As a kid I used to describe my Grandpa Dave as “having a ponytail” to try to explain what he was like as a liberal hippie-esque kayaker, photographer and woodworker, bird watcher just to name a few of his hobbies. But now, his ponytail is a symbol of my Grandfather and who he is as someone I look up to.
Fourth of the July parade on a float in Half Moon Bay. #sanfrantern
Chilling at the recently reopened Salesforce Park atop the Salesforce Transit Center. #sanfrantern
The San Francisco Pride Parade did not disappoint 🌈 . #sanfrantern
Duane at the Trans March rally in Dolores Park as part of the Pride Celebrations in San Francisco. Duane described themselves as being “on the trans spectrum” and sees the trans pride as “a space to come out and celebrate our difference and see people as beautiful as me.”
The three moods from the Hearst Journalism Championship. Still very thankful and honored to have been able to experience that week with some truly incredible people ✨
The San Francisco School Board unanimously voted tonight to get rid of a controversial George Washington High School mural that features slaves and a dead Native American. “It might be art and it can also be racist; it can be both,” said board member Alison Collins. “It’s not just about removing them from public view, it’s also about righting a wrong.” Supporters of the mural advocated for keeping the mural citing the historical importance of the Depression-era 1,600-square-foot mural and accused critics of the mural of censoring art should it be removed. The debate over the mural has been a part of the national conversation as to what should be done with monuments, street names and schools named in honor of Confederate leaders, slave owners and white supremacists. “I was never taught about the message or purpose of this mural during high school,” said Nancy Truong, a 2013 graduate of the school who spoke on criticism of the mural in the meeting. “This mural is not teaching students about the history of slavery and indigenous genocide under George Washington or other white settlers. Instead it is teaching students to normalize violence and death of our black and indigenous community.” #sanfrantern
Who doesn’t like a nice playground at a neighborhood festival? #sanfrantern
Been seeing some cool things and meeting even cooler people the last two weeks and can’t wait to share some of it with y’all. • President and co-proprietor of Bryant Estate Bettina Bryant takes a sip of 2016 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet at Bryant Estate winery on Thursday, June 13, 2019, in St. Helena, Calif. #sanfrantern
Verticals from last night’s Golden State Warriors game against the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals as well as the last Warriors game at Oracle Arena in Oakland. #sanfrantern
Known as the “Heart of Mullen Avenue” José Najera has not only survived a heart attack but a stroke and carotid artery in the last six months. Neighbors and friends raised over $10,000 for José’s medical costs. “I didn’t know how much I meant to my neighbors because they really mean that much to me,” says José. Surrounded by their family and adopted family in their community, José and his wife Doris Ruiz are now navigating and make the most out of every day because “when you think about your time being taken away you appreciate it more.” says Doris. José and Doris have lived on Mullen Avenue in Bernal Heights since 1972 when they bought their home for $30,000 but due to rapidly increasing property values in San Fransisco they’ve been offered up to 3.5 million for the home they raised their children and the countless others who have come through their front door and into their family. “This is my sanctuary," José says of his home. "We’re the poorest Mexicans on the block but we’re millionaires with all the love.” • I was honored to get to know this amazing family recently as part of my work for the Hearst Journalism Championship for which I won second place among some of the most talented young visual storytellers. I am incredibly excited and proud to have worked (and freaked out) alongside all of them! • And finally a life update: I am currently on my way to San Fransisco to start my internship with the @sfchronicle and I am nervous and yet incredibly excited for all I will learn this summer. I’ve been thinking about this summer’s adventures for months and excited to finally embark on them! Also, please send me your recommendations for things to do and eat in the Bay Area, I’m ready to explore!
Scenes from the Saginaw High School pre prom gathering on Objibway Island also known as one of the most magical occasions in Saginaw. #josiefiresup
Not sure what I was lost proud of: my youngest sister being a track rock star or knowing the words to “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo. Was thankful to be able to make it out to her and my second youngest sister’s track meet today. #josiefiresup