Two Hours in the Life of the Tenderloin

This page was inspired by the work of Rick Smolan. Over the years, Rick has produced numerous photo essays in the form of "coffee table books" which were the impetus of our Tenderloin study. The photos were taken on a friday afternoon in early May, 1999. While our photo quality is not of the same caliber of the photographers who contributed to Rick's masterpieces, we have managed to capture the erratic, twisted, depraved and disgustingly seedy life of the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.

The panhandler ia a typical view seen on the fringe of the Tenderloin...Van Ness Avenue. Van Ness runs the length of San Francisco from Aquatic Park to the Mission. The "Berlin Wall" of the City, Van Ness separates Pacific Heights from Polk Street, The Tenderloin from the Western Addition. Panhandlers can be found at every intersection from Union Street to the start of South Van Ness.

On the sidewalks of Van Ness, you will find boozers passed out with empty 40oz. bottles strewn about them. This festive chap was in the same position several hours after we first spotted him and shot this photo.

Before embarking on this project, none of us were aware of the large midget population present in the City. This little guy was seen at a Muni stop on lower Van Ness. He is a mighty small specimen.

This little squirt was found deep in the Tenderloin huffing it towards Polk Street. He was making some tracks, as a small white man might do in a rough neighborhood.

Here is another larger, non height challenged fat white man. He was spotted walking at a mighty slow pace towards Larkin Street on Ellis Street. Contrary to what you might think, this is not the fall Tommy Hilfiger collection.

This man was seen at a forgotten corner deep in the 'Loin. He had a bloody nose...how he got it, we don't know. I just wish I had been there to see it happen.

Noses are a popular part of the body in the Tenderloin, whether bloody or picked, they seem to be getting a lot of attention. This shot was taken a little too late...seconds before, this guys index finger was buried to the first knuckle...nice. At least he didn't put the offending snot into his mouth and swallow.

The ass is another part of the body that attracts a lot of attention in the Tenderloin. Often, pants are hanging low and filled with yesterdays lunch. This guy was scurring off to find some toilet paper. He must have been in a hurry...

...he left his bed...and breakfast behind. Looks like Campbell's soup...Mmm mmm good!

Late morning is a popular time to eat breakfast. The first of the days malt liquor has been quoffed, the money is gone and the food appears. This young debutante is busy scarfing down some popcorn outside the store that sold it to her. She's mighty hungry...there isn't a drop of corn on the sidewalk.

The popcorn eater is carefully observed from a distance by this eagle-eyed security officer. Is that his belt at chest level?

The corner market, which seemingly can be found on most every corner in the Tenderloin is an important social center of this inner city paradise. Though we didn't venture inside, it appears that all they sell is liquor, individually packaged in their own paper bags. Cigarrettes are also available, as well as potted meat products.

Mom's inside picking up some 40's. And just what qualifies as "discount liquor"?

Not much going on here...appears to have been closed for some time.

There are some fine "junk shops" around.; One of the best is Krim's Kram's Palace of Fine Junk. From coffee pots to coffee stained underwear, this is the place to get it at a price that won't break a General Assistance budget. Rumor has it that his Williness often stops by for a bargain...hah!

Shopping carts, or "ships"  can be found everywhere in the city, but the concentration is the greatest in the Tenderloin. Here is a "Ship Show" in progress near the Farmers Market. Custom carts with polished wheels and racing slicks can be found right next to "Rat Ships" full of scraps of metal, tar and roadkill.

This pissed off honkie just had his ship pirated by a speedy youngster is new tennis shoes. He was unable to recover his uncorked litre of red table wine. Poor guy...

Some of the ships are colorfully decoated. This ship sports the latest spring colors.

Here's another white boy with a full ship. We stopped to talk with him and discovered his past...a former Mayor Jordan political advisor. After Mayor Jordans group shower got him in hot water, this unlucky fellow found himself out of city hall and out on the street, with a tarnished resume that would keep him from ever working again.

This was without a doubt, the most colorful and stylish ship that we saw. The yellow ship being pushed by the "irie man" with the dreadlocks put forth a "Caribbean" feel. It's carnival, mon!

Another view, this time from the side. The yellow rear is in contrast to the grey molded side. Notice the wheel fairings and frenched axles. One cool ride...we think you'd agree.

Crime Happens...

"I ain't dun nut'in ozifur...dat ain't mah crack I'se just fund it dere on da ground."

An after school job...how many tricks before dinner?

Pay phones and canes are primary tools of the crack dealers toolkit. Canes can be seen everywhere in the Tenderloin...wonder what's inside the hollow center?

These two dealers weren't too keen on our camera...they had some kind words for us as we drove past.

Why the SFPD can't figure out what's going on in the Tenderloin is beyond me. Deals were going down around every corner...and not a cop in sight!

This enterprising businessman is busy counting his cash from his last sale.

It was close to 80F on the day that we shot these pictures...what's with the black clothes and hood? I just don't get it...

It's nice to see someone working in the Tenderloin, making money outside of selling liquor, crack or pussy.

We also observed, firsthand, the need for more public facilities. Numerous, liquored up men and women can be seen defecating in doorways and shrubbery.

...and yet another bro feeling the call of nature.

This young woman, high on something was peddling herself on Ellis. As James put the camera up to take a shot, she spun around to hide...but not fast enough.

Perhaps she should consider checking in at this establishment...there should be one of these on every corner instead of a "discount liquor" outlet.

This last image says it all...god bless America!