In 1848 the first Chinese immigrants – two men and one woman – arrived in San Francisco. One year before gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill.

During the early stages of the gold rush, when surface gold was plentiful, the Chinese were tolerated. But then when gold was harder to find, animosity toward the Chinese escalated. They were subsequently driven from the mines and settled in cities like San Francisco, taking low-paying jobs in restaurants and laundries.

We were there the week for Christmas, so there were decorations in some of the windows. I’m pretty sure that’s a cactus cowboy on the right.

I did love this neon sign, even though I can’t stand Budweiser. 🙂

I was startled to look up and see the Transamerica Building. The first time I saw this landmark (years ago) I was blown away. Now I’m kind of used to it.

Can you tell I’m a little obsessed with the lampposts?

The Chinese Exclusion Act was a U.S. federal law signed by President Chester Arthur on May 6, 1882. It prohibited all immigration of Chinese laborers and was the first law enacted to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the United States. The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed by the Magnuson Act on December 17, 1943.

I don’t remember studying this in school at all. Immigration has become a big issue in the political race here because of the Syrian immigrants.

Then we saw something a little different:

Sabra serves Israeli and Mediterranean food.

I think this French bistro was on the outskirts.

Rain was threatening, so we ended our little excursion. I’m still thinking about that dim sum. 🙂

Great weekend, everyone!

{carole}