Observational Bus Ride

to make a “problem” disappear? They will be the human cost of gentrification. Unless the city in partnership with the business community and its Downtown Eastside residents can attain a solution together, it is difficult to fathom a future that is just, regardless of its economic promise.

Gentrification has greatly changed the face of Oakland so far in the 21st century. New shops and people are moving in at record numbers, greatly increasing the median income of the city; however, many long-term residents are being evicted due to increasing property values and rent prices. Many are also outraged at the loss of Oakland’s strong cultural roots, but at the same time, in low income areas, crime rates have greatly reduced and academic performance has increased. This begs the question: In what ways has gentrification positively and negatively affected Oakland so far in the 21st century?

One other glaring example of the injustice committed by gentrification is the attack on localized social life, which in itself is a manifestation of the many wrongs perpetuated by this so called “painless” process, because before gentrification many of these areas were able to create and foster this sense of communal solidarity, which afforded and allowed them to build generational relationships, which placed an emphasis on creating a real sense of community pride. Therefore, many of the local residents took to the heart in looking out for what was best for their neighbors, thus there was not this sense of entitlement exhibited in residents, but a real sense of pride in knowing that they themselves were able to create something uniquely their own

On Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., the Los Rios Street neighborhood of San Juan Capistrano was relatively quiet with some young Hispanic adults waiting at, and walking to a bus stop. Many young Hispanic children were playing outside in the front yards, sidewalks, and alleys. Middle aged and older adults were out walking, and several groups of bicyclists (probably not from the neighborhood) were riding down the main roads. While driving through the streets and alleys, four garage sales were noted. The appearance of the residential areas varied between neighborhoods, however, most homes and yards were well maintained. In some of the less affluent neighborhoods there appeared to be more brown patches and dead grass in the yards, but most properties were in good condition. The streets were free from trash, and the alleys with garage entrances were the only areas where litter was noted. Many of the male residents were repairing their cars in the alleys

“I took a trip to Oakland, California and fell in love with the area. We stayed at an Air B&B for the three days of our stay and the house was absolutely beautiful, it looked like my dream home. Despite all the glitz and glamour around us we noticed a large amount of homelessness compared to Columbus. We found out that this property is not someone’s home but a house used strictly as an Air B&B. When you hear something like that and see the amount of homelessness it makes you wonder how many of these homes are strictly for show? So after researching I found out, the reason for the rampant homelessness can be attributed to large increases in rent. Even worse, the cause for the increase is due to Silicon Valley” (Kasongo, 2017). Unfortunately, rent increasing virtually overnight is the reality of many low-income families. This situation is called gentrification and is felt throughout the world, from the Midwest, East coast or even Western Europe, no region is immune to this process. Gentrification in the Midwest is extensive and wide causing the displacement of many low-income minority residents which can lead to even bigger issues.

Bobby Lefebre says, “Watching everything I love about my neighborhood slowly walk into a mere memory is disheartening. It seems like every day there is a new institution, business, or mural being cleared away to make room for the new.” This quote not only helps you understand just how upsetting gentrification is to people who were rooted in these areas, but also how the original atmosphere is no longer apart of the neighborhood. These Chicanos, are not saying that people of other races or backgrounds cannot live in these neighborhoods as well, they just want it to be the same tight knit group of people who are able to help each other out and provide information to people of the same background. The idea of a tight knit community plays an important role in preservation and is imperative to these individual’s survival. Bobby Lefebre also writes, “Let’s honor our past by ensuring Northside communities of all backgrounds are not erased. Let’s work together to preserve our diverse traditions and cultural artifacts; even if preservation means creating things anew.” Even though gentrification is happening in multiple neighborhoods, there is still ideas for how to keep the original feel and the historical value that people who have lived in the area for a long time would benefit from and help give peace of mind, with the changes that are happening in their neighborhood. The ongoing stories of these people can remain in the neighborhood and will grow with them as well as the growing communities. Jolie Diepenhorst comments at the end of Bobby Lefebre’s article and her comment is another voice for how truly upsetting gentrification is to people and the history of the area. She says, “This is a beautifully written piece that illustrates everything that is

These changes in the neighborhood emphasizes the process being done by gentrification. Seeing these changes in the area may be difficult and unfair from a perspective of local people who have been there for many years but it is essential to recognize that Bay Area is one of the areas that has continued to improve economically and it has become one of the most expensive places to live in United States. In other words, replacement of local people and businesses are “just” because people striving for their economic growth and greater opportunity is inevitable because our society has become materialistic and if the local people were in position of gentrifying process they would do the same. Although Gentrification is justifiable, I believe there are room for improvements and changes in the harmful process. For example, the people who are in the position of replacement should respect the history of the city and inherit some of the cultures and create buildings that fits in the community and represents the culture. In conclusion, Gentrification is a justifiable process of changes and improvements that are ultimately inevitable but it is also essential to recognize and inherit the the values, culture, and community that the city has build over

Steen, Karen. "How Leftover Urban Spaces Can Fix Big Problems for San Francisco." SPUR. N.p., 23 Nov. 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2016. .

Lynnwood, Washington is not unlike many of the medium sized cities within the United States. With a population of roughly 36,000 people, the area has characteristics that correspond to both large and small cities. For one, the area is small enough to allow intimate relationships between those within the community. However, the city is large enough to allow for anonymity in regards to daily life, if an individual so chooses. Both these characteristics provide Lynnwood with a unique experience relative to its other Washington state counterparts. The streets, much like other small cities are very clean. The community being very intimate in regards to their relationships with one another have pride in the appearance of their city. This is very much unlike many large cities where individuals are so overwhelmed with daily life, that they often neglect the aesthetics appeal of their city. Instead they rely on third parties such as the state or local government to lead these initiatives. This does not occur at Lynnwood, which is very prideful about its cleanliness, appeal, and look. In addition, another small city benefit that is derived from the Lynnwood community is that of space and privacy. Typically, in very densely populated, large cities, homes tend to be clustered. With very few exceptions, large cities

Gentrification is an existential threat in the Bay Area due to urban renewal, spatial capital, and inequity. This threat can best be described as the process of residential or commercial use of an urban area shifting towards higher economic classes (Center, 199). The process of gentrification has caused many native residents to be displaced from their homes, as well as being forced to move further out of the area or become homeless. Neighborhoods that were once oasis’ for the working class are shifting and becoming too expensive for the people who live there. Food and job insecurity are two forms of inequity that contribute to gentrification practices. These three factors are key in the gentrification that is threatening Bay Area residents.

The San Francisco, California, Bayview-Hunters Point district carries the stigma of being a ghetto because of issues such as a lack of education, poverty, crime, and disease, which push financial investors away and lowers the number of homeowners willing to occupy the area. Today, the district is faced with the task of redeveloping its housing, economy, parks, and streets after decades of strife. This report is written in the context of urbanization of Bayview-Hunters Point that began during 19th-century livestock slaughter housing and carried on through 20th-century industrialism. The San Francisco Naval Shipyard project was an initiative made by the United States Navy during World War II in a bid to house thousands of new employees and their

Through analysing the documentary “Boom: The Sound of Eviction” demonstrating the gentrification that has occurred in San Francisco we can examine a trend that has been occurring in the socio-spatial dialect. At the beginning of the film families were interviewed who were living in the community of Mission, typically inhabited by the working class but also artists who were not white. With the increase of technology (“dot.comers”), there was an increase of job opportunities and income for the select few that were able to take advantage of a fast growing industry increasing the gap between them and the working class. However at the end of the film we see that the “dot-comers” economy failed, 80% of the businesses shutting down rapidly increasing unemployment rates. However before it failed the individuals prospering took full advantage, “cleaning up” neighborhoods as white people move in, evicting others who had resided there their entire lives simply because they could pay a

What is San Francisco, California known for? Well, anyone would say that it is known for its architecture, the cable cars, the steep rolling hills, and even landmarks such as Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and the Golden Gate Bridge. Did you know that San Francisco is also one of the most expensive cities to live in? Maybe you didn’t know that as you’re looking up at all of the beautiful murals and architecture, you might be stepping over used needles and/or human feces. Residents of San Francisco face more issues than we can even wrap our heads around. This avalanche of need is what causes organizations that help alleviate the stress and pain of the lower and middle classes of San Francisco so important.

Santa Monica is an affluent, fairly diverse and progressive community on the Westside of Los Angeles, California. Recognizable landmarks include the Santa Monica Pier and the hotels dotting Ocean Avenue. In order to truly understand the community, social workers will first need to conceptualize the way in which Santa Monica divides into smaller neighborhoods-a touristy beach side, an energetic commercial area, and residential neighborhoods, which range in socioeconomic status. Santa Monica’s economy thrives due to its small businesses, large tourist industry and successful film sector (Santa Monica Department of Housing and Economic Development, n.d.). Despite its affluence and strong economy, the initial impressions of this community are

You want to get to your favorite corner early in the morning. You race for the bus as fast as you can with your equipment slowing every step. You make it with minutes to spare. As the sweat rolls down your face you clumsily reach for the bus fare, search for a seat for yourself and equipment, which is challenging during rush-hour.