10 Things I Found In San Francisco 2009

Moving to San Francisco from Motor City Detroit, MI most would consider easy. Moving from a demolished, one-dimensional economy to a thriving multi-dimensional sparkling economy is a no-brainer. But is it worth the cost difference and cultural flip? Let us weigh the hand. Yes, if you can find what you want.

Here is a list of 10 cool things I found in San Francisco.

1. Oakland – The muscle of the Bay Area. Similarities between Detroit and Oakland are eerie. Each is flanked by a large college and accompanying liberal town: Ann Arbor to Detroit, Berkeley to Oakland. Each has a similar race-to-race percentage, a corrupt police force, a polluted waterfront and by-way, and each exemplifies working class culture. Detroit does out perform Oakland in crime, poverty, murder rate, and unemployment, but Oakland is smaller. Give them time.

2. Alcatraz – Known as “The Rock”, Alcatraz was one of the most famous federal prisons in America with such notable criminals as Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Robert Stroud, Birdman of Alcatraz. During 29 years of operation one group of escapees reached the bay but never made it to shore. Now a tourist attraction, people can pay for a glimpse into the lighthouse, turned military prison, turned federal prison, turned attraction.

3. Hells Angels – Bikers bring grit to a city of glitter. Riding hard in a conservatively soft city makes the Hells Angels an unspeakable horror to average prim and proper city residents, who choose to ignore their existence. Until faced with chrome tailpipes and leather chaps, surrounding their ocean blue Prius, then notice turns to fear. Organized in 1953, the “Frisco” chapter’s Frank Sadiek designed the first Hells Angels death’s head logo. Which is probably why San Francisco is a haven for design boutiques and artists today.

4. Public Transportation – If you can't walk, catch a ride, but don't drive. Multiple options for commuting to and from, and around the city make getting from point A to B, quick and easy. Not to mention adventurous at times, green and cheap. Muni and buses dot the city streets. BART and Caltrain extend 50+ miles from the city center out toward the desert and along the mountains.

5. Garbage Gangs – Waste is big money in San Francisco. Just ask the gangs that stake off territories and fight for rights to trash. If you thought the recycle center was a place for hippies to pass along their knowledge of inner piece and mental enlightenment, think again. When you go to the recycle center in the city, come armed to protect your trash, or join a gang before hand.

6. Treasure Island Music Festival – Music for the masses. Taking place on a man-made island in the middle of the bay between San Francisco and Oakland, the festival claims the bay as its protector and supporter of pirate themes. Annual line-ups consist of noise pop’s most beloved indie bands around the nation. Driving there is near impossible. Open water swimming is the fastest and most green commuting option. Don't mistake this island of flat menagerie with Florida's Treasure Island. Don’t forget your fluorescent goggles.

7. Teatro ZinZanni – Who doesn't love Romanian acrobats? Based on Eastern European traveling carnival shows. Cabaret, contortionists, divas and traditional circus showmanship make a night of feasting and frolicking worth a hefty ticket price at Teatro Zinzanni. Dinner is served in a nightclub setting, which is a huge circus tent, adding flavor to an already interesting show.

8. Fog – Afternoons after 3PM it comes. Blowing in off the ocean and blanketing the city and surrounding peninsulas. Sometimes masking the smog, the fog creates a nightmare for photographers and summer bunnies, who mistakenly think the city is warm and serene. It also upholds a fitting backdrop for $20 vampire tours. Fog hides the blood.

9. Bay to Breakers – An annual race from the inner bay coast to the ocean. It is a race of decadence and dramatics, where costumes and varying degree of nudity out weigh the running and sweating. Notable participants include: Official Nude Runners, Batman, and Wonder Women. Clothes are optional.

10. Plastic Bag Ban – Plastic bags have been banned from being sold at large grocery stores in the city. A bold step towards a greener, more self-sustained, environmentally friendly existence. It takes 430,000 gallons of oil to manufacture 100 million bags. Compostable bags can be recycled in the city's green garbage bins, and are the preferred alternative.

Now, we weigh the hand. Yes, if you can find what you want in a city as large and as diverse and vibrant as San Francisco, a move is justified. But don’t forget your roots! Visit Detroit often.