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Other points
SF Chinatown was once upon
a time the Chinese food capital. It is no longer true.
Our suburban customers used to drive miles to dine here. They
are now saying, their restaurants are just as good if not better, why
should they bother to fight traffic and parking? What Union Square, Fishman’s
Wharf, North Beach and Chinatown have that no other place can replicate:
Natural indigenous cultural environment, historical architecture, unaltered
traditions, proximity of the three continents within walking distance-Asia,
Europe and America. To Asian Pacific Islander visitors,
it is the comfort level of Chinatown and the fascination of North Beach
and Fisherman’s Wharf. At first I was surprised that many of
my relatives from Hawaii prefer to stay at the Pacific Court Motor Inn
and Sam Wong Hotel on Broadway near Grant Ave. even though they can
afford going to other parts of the City… And, in the near future,
more and more Chinese speaking visitors would find Chinatown their home
away home feeling. That could translate into more business for our
struggling restaurants. One big secret that I found out, rather amusing
is when I take visitors around from PRC, they tend to first look at
the tags, making sure what they are buying is USA made! The following are some
of my concrete plans to help strengthen the economy of North Beach./Chinatown. As the founder and co-chair
of ABCT (A Better Chinatown Tomorrow) I have made overtures to both
Zhongshan (the hometown of Dr. Sun Yat Sen) and SFCVB (SF Convention
and Visitor’s Bureau) for their support in moving the gateway plans
forward. Howard Wong, co-chair and I
have reached out to North Beach and Telegraph Hill Dwellers for their
support. It is time for Chinatown’s closest neighbors to work
together. Anthony Gantner, one of the many declared candidates
for Supervisor in District 3 responded positively and he is happy to
work with ABCT. Also, RenewSF has been planning two separate gateways
jointly with ABCT. |
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