“Apt.” by Bruno Mars and Rosé considered Dangerous Earworm by Some

The BBC reports that in South Korea,  Apt. by Rose and Bruno Mars is considered such an dangerous earworm by many South Korean students studying for the Suneung university placement exams that many are taking it off their playlists. One student is quoted as saying the following:

“I’m worried that the song will play in my head even during the exam.” Adults might laugh and say, ‘Why stress over something like that?’ But for us, with such an important test ahead, it can feel unsettling.”

I have to agree that is an incredibly catchy song, and at times, it has gotten stuck in my head!

You might wonder why it is a such an earworm.  It’s likely because it uses catchy melodies and beats that recall familiar songs.  When I first heard that song, I thought of Mickey by Toni Basil (showing my age), and it turns out that this song was sampled in Apt..  Other people have pointed out sections sound like Lady Gaga songs and others.

It’s pretty amazing to me that Asians and Asian Americans as pop music performers and song writers are becoming normalized now, especially a song about something so Asian as a Korean drinking game.  Let’s hope that continues to be the case. As of now when I am writing this post, Apt. is number one on the Billboard Global Charts that include and exclude the US. It has gotten as high as 8 on Billboard’s hot 100.

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Little Tokyo – Small Corner, Big Place

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles – the largest official Japantown in the US and a bustling center of activity in the heart of LA. With strong connections to Japanese culture, cuisine, and media, Little Tokyo is one of the most popular destinations for young adults looking to buy merchandise or enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine found nowhere else. Being located next to important destinations such as the Financial District, LA Union Station, and having access to the metro A and E lines, Little Tokyo acts as a convenient place to live as well. With over 1500 people living in its 0.1 square mile boundary, Little Tokyo is one of the densest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, which has led to high rent prices and an exorbitant cost of living. Compared to the other Asian enclaves in LA – Koreatown and Chinatown – Little Tokyo shares a similar origin story, though there are varying differences in its recent history. 

Little Toyko finds its origins in the late 19th century, when a large wave of immigrants from Japan came to replace cheap Chinese laborers following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. These immigrants found their way to the present day location of Little Tokyo where they set up Japanese shops, restaurants, and businesses, which attracted more Japanese immigrants to the area. The starting population was around 3000 in the early 1900s, but following the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906, many Japanese residents moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles, bumping up its population to 10,000. Like the other Asian enclaves, however, growth in Little Tokyo was hindered as a result of the Exclusion Act of 1924, which barred future immigration from Asian countries.

Despite this, the population eventually reached 35,000 residents by WW2, which led to LA County containing one of the largest Japanese populations in the US alone. WW2 saw a turning point for the neighborhood – due to the hostility between the US and Japan, Japanese Americans were rounded up and sent to internment camps during the war, which decimated Little Tokyo and its Japanese population. Around 37,000 Japanese were imprisoned in LA County from 1942-1945, yet despite this, Little Tokyo’s population continued to grow as a result of new immigration trends. 

Vacancy rates in Little Tokyo skyrocketed, and white landowners had to find new tenets to replace the previous Japanese residents. An opportunity presented itself in the Second Great Migration, which saw millions of African Americans relocate out of the South to the West and Midwest regions of the US. Tens of thousands of African Americans moved to Little Tokyo, which saw a population increase from 30,000 to 80,000 during the war, leading to the renaming of Little Tokyo to Bronzeville for a short while. The neighborhood became incredibly overcrowded, with residents taking turns to sleep on a single bed, or living amongst 15 other people in a room. Around 57 buildings were deemed unfit for human habitation, and many families were evicted from the region. Crime skyrocketed in the region, and health problems were widespread due to overcrowding. 

Bronzeville lasted for the latter half of WW2, but after jobs in the defense industry disappeared, so did many of its recent short lived residents. Japanese Americans began to return to the neighborhood, pushing out Bronzeville residents, and re-establishing their presence in DTLA. However, a lack of housing led to some Japanese residents moving into areas next to DTLA, such as Boyle Heights, and as a result, the Japanese American population was only 1/3rd its pre-war levels. Little Tokyo continued to shrink as the construction of the LAPD headquarters removed parts of the commercial area, displacing 1,000 residents. 

Little Tokyo would find a second life in the Little Tokyo Project, which sought to revitalize the region through the opening of shopping plazas and redevelopment projects in the area. This attracted new residents, businesses, and redefined Little Tokyo as a touristy region with increased commercial activity. Today, Little Tokyo is a community center for Japanese Americans, with strong cultural and historical connections through its numerous authentic restaurants and the Japanese American National Museum. With ease of access through the LA Metro A and E lines, Little Tokyo is a popular place for teenagers and young adults to hangout and enjoy the numerous shops and cultural amenities of the region. Unlike Koreatown however, construction is minimal, with only 2 apartment projects currently undergoing construction. Given its small location and established infrastructure, it’s unlikely that Little Tokyo will grow anytime soon, and with such a small population, it’s more of a place to visit rather than a place to live. But despite its small size, Little Tokyo continues to occupy a big place in the heart of Angelenos.

(Photo Credit: Jusetefrain licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License

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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Ousted in November Recall Election

After calls for her resignation after a number of incidents, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was recalled from her office in this November’s election.  She has to vacate her office after the election is officially certified, sometime between December 5 and December 17. A special election for Oakland mayor will be held within 120 days to select Oakland’s new mayor.

Frustration with crime was a major factor in Thao’s recall in Oakland and in California in general. Proposition 36 was approved, increasing penalties for retail theft. Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was also recalled over crime.  How she handled the Jasper Wu shooting left many incensed, particularly when she said she proposed pursuing non-jail options for the three men involved in the toddler’s death. Ironically, crime in Oakland has recently trended down.

 

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Black Myth Wukong

By Guanxiong Qiao

Out of all the new game releases of 2024, one of my favorite ones is definitely Black Myth: Wukong. This is a game about the classic Chinese story Journey To The West, a book written in the Ming Dynasty, and it is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s considered as one of the greatest novels in China and also listed as one of the four great classics of Chinese literature, the other three being Water Margin, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and A Dream of the Red Mansions

The reason why Black Myth: Wukong is such a great game is because this is the first triple A quality video game that China has ever made, and it’s based on one of the most famous novels. One aspect that I like the most is that the game didn’t just copy the whole story and turn it into a game; it’s an entirely different story based on and inspired by the novel. It’s not even the original Wukong, but the main character is a random monkey in the mountain where all the monkeys were, and this re-imagining of the story is one aspect that makes the game good. It would be boring if the game was just another version of the same novel. The story line in the game is great and enriched by the elements of the original. You will meet a lot of allies and enemies that were in the classic Chinese story. 

Aside from the good storyline, the game itself is also a very good video game. Black Myth: Wukong is a RPG (role playing game) with soul-like game elements in it, where there is a dark Chinese inspired fantasy setting and the story telling is not overt. They made the game kind of hard, but not too difficult. I feel like this is also a good characteristic because if a game is too easy, I would get bored fast, and if they make a game super hard, people will be stressed and likely stop playing. Black Myth Wukong has just the right amount of difficulty to keep players engaged but not frustrated. It’s challenging but not unbeatable. In fact, the game developers balanced the game difficulty to a point that it’s perfect. All the big bosses are challenging, so that when you beat it, it will make you feel accomplished, but players won’t be stuck there forever. 

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Koreatown – Trendy Nightlife or Neighborhood in Decline?

Koreatown, LA – a vibrant and bustling place, especially during the night. Full of bars, restaurants, shops, and nightclubs, the area attracts many young adults and teenagers in the LA region. As the densest neighborhood in LA County, totaling at over 40k residents per square mile, the region is a popular place to live due to its geographical location; being just a few miles away from Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown serves as a location for cheap(er) rent while providing easy access to important job centers in the region. Additionally, the D Line of the LA Metro provides even greater connection to Downtown LA and the LA Union Station, which can also connect to other job centers. The D Line is currently being extended, with plans to open all the way to UCLA and the VA hospital by 2027, making it even easier to connect to and from Koreatown. Yet despite its popularity as both a location to live and as a place to hangout, Koreatown is beginning to suffer from a myriad of social issues, with homelessness being at the forefront. Koreatown is caught at a crossroads, with the extension of the D Line potentially bringing renewed interest and activity into the region, while homelessness and rising costs of living may cause it to decline.

Koreatown saw its origins in the US – Korea Treaty of 1882, which opened up Korea to the US, establishing trade and political relations. This led to Korean immigration to the US, and in LA, they settled in Downtown where they were in close geographical proximation to Chinatown and Little Tokyo. Over the course of 30 years, there were around 650 Koreans living in Los Angeles with established restaurants, community organizations, and businesses; a little while later, the Korean National Association, an immigrant political organization, moved to Los Angeles to further promote culture and education. However, racial covenants that affected all Asians forced the Koreans to settle in the location of modern-day Koreatown. The rising entertainment and movie industry in Los Angeles also led to a gentrification of Koreatown, forcing local residents into low income districts. Following Shelley v. Kraemer, racial covenants were outlawed and Koreantown residents began to expand their presence throughout the area again.

Mid-Wilshire eventually fell into an economic decline in the mid 20th century, leaving many office and commercial spaces open. Wealthy Korean immigrants began to fill these spaces and opened buildings in the region, including Koreatown. The removal of immigrant quotas in 1965 led to another increase in immigration from Korea, leading to an economic boom for the region. The concentration of Korean businesses, culture, and people led to the rise of a Koreatown identity, which came to fruition in 1982 when the first Koreatown sign was installed.

The 1992 Los Angeles Riots was centered around Koreatown. When a Korean storeowner shot and killed a 15 year old Black customer for allegedly stealing a bottle of orange juice. After security footage revealed that the customer actually intended to pay for the orange juice, and that the storeowner had shot the customer while she was attempting to flee, it was evident that the storekeeper was deserving of the highest punishment for voluntary manslaughter: 16 years in prison. However, the judge decided against it and gave a sentence of 5 years of probation, 400 hours of community service, and a $500 fine. Later, the storekeeper posted bail for $250,000, and was given probation. This led to a rapid deterioration in relations between Black and Korean Americans, with notable rappers and songwriters speaking negatively against Koreans.

When the riots broke out, Koreatown was significantly damaged and even targeted. After the acquittal of 4 LAPD officers following the beating of Rodney King, there was little police activity in the region, prompting local residents to take up arms themselves and defend their property, giving rise to the infamous “Rooftop Koreans”. Many stores were looted, burned down, and shot up by both residents and rioters alike. After the riots, there was an estimated $50 million worth of damage done, with half of them being Korean owned. Within the community, Koreans were divided along race relations; on one hand, some Koreans advocated for uniting and cooperating with other minorities in order to fight racial oppression as a whole. On the other, the more conservative individuals aligned themselves with the Republican party and wanted to reinforce the social and economic differences between Koreans and Black and Hispanic communities. Nowadays, Asian communities have generally shifted towards the liberal side, and the coinciding BLM and Stop Asian Hate protests have drawn both communities together, reconciling their past differences.

Today, Koreatown is incredibly racially diverse, with a large Hispanic and Asian population, sharing a blend of culture and cuisine. In order to host successful businesses and connect to the local community, both Hispanic and Asian residents have had to market their goods to the other demographic, leading to combination foods like Kimchi Tacos and residents speaking both Spanish and Korean. Koreatown is also home to a number of construction developments and proposals, having some of the highest density of real estate development in the LA region. As new units get constructed, Koreatown may become an even trendier place as rent prices fall and dense housing get built. The area is one of the most walkable places in Los Angeles, with an excellent 93 walk score. The D Line also makes it easy to get to other places without a car, such as transferring to Hollywood, the San Gabriel Valley, and even to UCLA in a few years, making the neighborhood even more attractive to students and young professionals who may not want to or can’t afford a car.

Despite its historic growth and geographical location, Koreatown does face a number of problems. Following the COVID pandemic, the population dropped by roughly 3,000 residents, and has yet to recover since. The area is mainly composed of renters, who have experienced great financial hardship due to the rise in cost of living in LA, and as a result, the homeless count has been steadily increasing since. The median income in the region is also quite low, at around $55,000, with the number of people below poverty level growing at a faster rate than people above it. Los Angeles as a whole has been slow to recover from COVID, and much of Koreatown’s plights are a result of these macroeconomic forces. In the future, however, it quite is possible for Koreatown to prosper with new construction and development – though it is equally possible for Koreatown to go further into decay with present trends.

In the meantime, Koreatown still remains a popular site for locals and partygoers alike. As the predominant Korean community in LA, visitors can find some of the best and most authentic Korean cuisine in the city, shop at Kpop stores, and visit the Korean Cultural Center. There is much to do in the most densely neighborhood in LA, and with the D Line, Koreatown is easily accessible by the LA Metro.

(Photo credit: Ripper777 licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

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Remembering Asian American Veterans: Florence Finch gets a Coast Guard vessel named after her

You may not have heard of WWII veteran Florence Finch, but her actions during WWII has inspired the US Coast Guard to name a ship after her, which was recently launched.  Florence was born in the Philippines to an American father and Filipino mother.  She joined the US Army and was stationed in Manila.  When the Japanese took over the Philippines, she managed to hide her American affiliations and smuggled fuel to resistance fighters as wells as food to POWs.  She was caught, tortured, and imprisoned until the US took back the country.  She received the Medal of Freedom for her efforts, and she became the first women to be awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon from the coast Guard. Her survival of torture and starvation (she was only 80 pounds when she was freed) is an amazing story.

After receiving a number of military.  She later joined the Coast Guard reserve in New York, married again (her first husband was killed in the war), and became a secretary at Cornell University.  She did not talk much about her military experiences, so her family, friends, and neighbors was surprised when she was honored by the Coast Guard, which also named a building in Hawaii after her.

Her obituary in the New York Times (she died in 2017) and this article from the National Park Service have much more detail on her life.

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Asian Heritage Athletes in America Feature: Yao Ming

 

By Gavin Chen

Yao Min, born in Shanghai, China on September 12, 1980, is a Chinese professional basketball player who became one of the most dominant centers in the NBA. Standing at an imposing 7’6” and weighing 310 pounds, Yao was a towering presence on the court. He was selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, immediately drawing attention for his size, skill, and global appeal.

As the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, Yao had immense pressure to do well, much so from some of the bigger names around the league, including Shaquille O’Neal. Yao went on to fulfill those expectations, and then some, by turning into an eight-time NBA All-Star. His memorable battles against elite centers like Shaq and Tim Duncan proved he belonged amongst the best. Yao’s combination of height, footwork, and shooting ability made him a force both offensively and defensively. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game over his career, often leading the Rockets in points, rebounds, and blocks. His post moves and soft shooting touch allowed him to score with ease, while his ability to protect the rim made him a defensive anchor. Instead of being another tall guy, Yao proved very quickly to be so much more through his skill set, work ethics, and sportsmanship that garnered respect from peers, opponents, and fans alike. Coming strong within a league that had typically been an American affair, Yao automatically challenged and shifted the perception of Asian athletes’ abilities in Western sports.

Yao Ming is currently the president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and remains an influential figure in both sports and Chinese politics. Additionally, Yao is active as a deputy at the National People’s Congress, contributing to discussions on sports development and broader national issues.

(Photo Credit: World Travel & Tourism Council licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

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Traveling Japan: Hakodate’s Lucky Pierrot

When I started seeing Lucky Pierrot featured in a few local travel YouTube channels, the image of the loudly colored, mismatched-eyeballed, crazy clown mascot for this equally chaotic Chucky-Cheese-reminiscent restaurant intrigued me. What was it that had caused this phenomenon to sprout up in the northern lands of Japan, a country known for minimalistic zen designs and a culture of never standing out?

After some time journeying in Hokkaido’s blistering winter, it became clear to me the draw of this establishment. When the land turns frosted white and bitter cold, Lucky Pierrot is an oasis of color and warmth, promising both comfort and comfort food to re-energize and restore the winter weary.

On top of its signature Chinese Chicken Burger, among other original items, the menu has anything and everything of Japanese soul food you could want, depending on which of the 17 restaurants you’re at. Ramen? Check. Melon soda? Check. Spaghetti? Check. Soft serve? Gravy Fries? Omurice? Check, check, and check.
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Asian Heritage Athletes in America Feature: Nathan Chen

 

By Gavin Chen

Nathan Chen, born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 5, 1999, is a Chinese American world-renowned figure skater who earned the nickname “Quad King” for his unmatched ability to execute multiple quadruple jumps—jumps with four full rotations—in competition. Standing 5’6″ and weighing 135 pounds, Chen emerged as a prodigious talent early in his career, quickly becoming a dominant force in the world of figure skating. He made his Olympic debut in 2018, but it was his redemption at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing that cemented his legacy.

Chen’s performances consistently featured intricate choreography alongside technically demanding elements. His ability to land quads set him apart from his competitors. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chen claimed the gold medal in men’s singles after delivering a near-flawless performance in both the short program and free skate, where he set a world record with a score of 113.97 points. Throughout his career, Chen has not only dominated the sport technically, but he has also become an inspirational figure for many aspiring skaters, showcasing resilience and grace under pressure. 

Chen is currently enrolled in a one-year post-baccalaureate program focusing on data science at Goucher College, with plans to apply to medical school next. He has expressed an interest in oncology and is working on genetics-related research as part of his career transition into medicine.

(Photo Credit: David W. Carmichael licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

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Asian American Frozen Foods: Royal Asia’s ‘Prawn Hacao With Soy Ginger Sauce’

I’ve had Prawn Hacao from Costco and decided to buy them again since I don’t think I’ve written a review, like I had with MìLà’s “Soup Dumplings” (Xiao Long Bao (“XLB”)) found also at Costco. At my local Costco in Silicon Valley, this pack of 40 prawn hacaos goes for $13.99. I’m not a huge fan of the soy ginger sauce, but you can use any sauce that you would like.

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Asian Heritage Athletes in America Feature: Shohei Ohtani

By Gavin Chen

Shohei Ohtani, born in Oshu, Iwate, Japan on July 5, 1994, is a Japanese professional baseball player known for his ability to bat and pitch. Standing 6’4 and 210 pounds, Ohtani was a highly anticipated prospect in Japan, where he began his professional career with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters before making the leap into the MLB in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Since joining the league, Ohtani has made an immense impact, earning the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year and the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player Award. His capabilities to excel both as a pitcher and as a designated hitter sets him apart from most athletes. Ohtani has constantly been in the top percentile of the league in home runs and batting average while also displaying impressive numbers on the mound. His 100 mph fastball and his signature splitter make Ohtani one of the most feared pitchers in the league. His 2021 season, where he hit 46 home runs and struck out 189 batters, solidified his status as one of the league’s greatest players. 

Currently, Ohtani is finishing one of the most remarkable seasons in MLB history with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, he became the first player ever to achieve both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Now, as the Dodgers prepare for the postseason, Ohtani is elevating his game, hitting .621 in his last seven games, and is anticipating his first playoff appearance.

(Photo Credit: Embassy of the United States in Japan licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

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The “Other” Chinatown

In contrast to the broken down, struggling Chinatown of Los Angeles, the original and oldest Chinatown in the US located in San Francisco is a hustling and bustling center of activity in the Bay Area. Established in the early 1850s as the earliest enclave of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush, San Francisco’s Chinatown remains today as one of the densest regions in the US, filled with historic cultural sites, amenities, and cuisine. Though the two Chinatowns had similar beginnings, they have had largely different developmental periods and current situations. This is the story of the first Chinatown in the US.

Just like any Chinatown in California, this Chinatown was founded as a result of Chinese immigration during the Gold Rush. Some came looking for gold, many others ended up working for railroad companies such as the Central Pacific, which hired thousands of Chinese laborers to work on the First Transcontinental Railroad. To assist future immigrants with adjusting to the culture shock, many associations and institutions were created to help newly arrived immigrants. These eventually conglomerated into the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, which helped people who were starving, protected Chinese members from racist attacks, organized trips to and from China, and returned the bodies of the dead back to their families in China.

Though the Chinese were initially received positively in small numbers, as they continued to immigrate to the US and increased competition in the labor market, hostility towards them grew tremendously. Mob attacks, massacres, and the eventual Chinese Exclusion Act only beat down an already downtrodden demographic. Though the Chinese were blamed for their cheap, slave-like labor that displaced American labor, the truth was that many Chinese immigrants were forced to work for low wages in harsh conditions. Common at the time was the practice of going into debt to middlemen who would transport Chinese immigrants into the US, with the hopes of being able to pay it off later after accruing enough money. On top of this, the main reason why so many immigrants came to the US was to find better hopes of economic prosperity compared to the dire conditions in China. As laborers made money, they kept sending portions of their income to their families in China, which strained their resources and incentivized them to work for even longer. This created immense job competition, even amongst newer generations of immigrants who had to do more for less in order to find jobs.

Racist abuse led to the formation of Tongs, which were essentially Chinese gangs. Though they engage in criminal activity today, they were originally founded as a means of protection against White hostility. However, these Tongs were also a double edged sword – although they did indeed defend their Chinese constituents from violence, they were criminal gangs at heart and used their power to abuse or exploit other Chinese immigrants. One notable act was the trafficking of Chinese women to San Francisco and other parts of the US for either marriage or prostitution, almost always against their will. The influence of Tongs was established through gambling dens, brothels, and opium houses that they used as sources of revenue. However, there were several different Tongs that fought for dominance and control of land, leading to the Tong Wars that lasted until 1921. To this day, the Tongs remain a criminal organization, though their significance has diminished significantly since the early days of Chinatown.

The discrimination held towards Chinese immigrants extended to the perceived dirtiness of the region and the Chinese people. This was best exemplified by the outbreak of the bubonic plague in Chinatown when a long time Chinese resident was found dead of the disease in 1900. As a result, Chinatown was quarantined with movement fully restricted for Asian residents – White and European Americans could still exit the city freely. San Francisco officials began to burn property and sanitize the region’s buildings, streets, and sewers despite protests from the local residents. Although the bubonic plague was discovered in 1900, the governor of California worked to cover it up in order to prevent a loss of revenue due to a potential quarantine. Attempts to vaccinate the population were shady at best, as medical officials recommended using a new vaccine that has never been tested on humans before. The side effects were never discussed, and the vaccine program was eventually shut down due to opposition from the community. Four years later, the plague was eventually stopped due to new policies enacted by a newly elected governor, but not without claiming the lives of 119 people. The inaction, mistreatment, and lack of care is a pattern of behavior that residents of Chinatown have experienced for over a century since its inception.

Just after suffering from a plague, Chinatown, and the rest of San Francisco, was struck by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in 1906 – widely considered to be one of the deadliest earthquakes in US history. Chinatown was hit especially hard, destroying many of the Chinese owned and operated businesses and forcing thousands of residents to relocate. The aftermath of the earthquake was especially harsh for the Chinese – the land that Chinatown sat on was valuable as a site of commercial development, but city officials could do nothing about it with thousands of Chinese residents there. Following the earthquake, many Chinese left for Oakland, allowing officials to move into the city. Even though there was a military presence in Chinatown, looting occurred even by members of the National Guard. Chinese refugees were moved to segregated camps, where they were eventually led to a remote corner of the San Francisco Presidio in an attempt to relocate Chinatown. The effort eventually failed, as city officials realized that they would lose tax revenue and trade, eventually allowing the Chinese to return and rebuild.

With the removal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and migrant quotas, Chinatown began to increase its population once more. This growth is one of the key differences between San Francisco’s Chinatown and Los Angeles’ Chinatown; although both Chinatowns faced increasing suburbanization from recent Asian immigrants, San Francisco’s Chinatown continued to retain its significance due to its geographical location within the city of San Francisco. Located right next to the financial district, the region serves an important role in San Francisco’s downtown, providing places for cheap rent and easy access to the central business district.

San Francisco’s Chinatown has had a miserable history, but its modern day prospects are not as bright as it once was. Although it doesn’t face the same levels of poverty and dilapidation as LA, the median income is far below the citywide average, with almost 30% of residents below the national poverty threshold. Chinatown is rather struggling, more so due to macroeconomic factors affecting the whole of the Bay Area, but there have been plans to bring back life to the historic region. For now, tourists can explore the numerous cultural attractions, authentic Asian restaurants, and visit the Chinese Culture Center in the oldest American Chinatown.

(Photo Credit: Christian Mehlführer licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

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