The Mission displacement march

It was festive at times at the Saturday march against displacement in the Mission, with drums and dancers. But underneath it was an air of frustration and anger.

I counted about 250 people, but it was hard to be sure; still, a solid turnout. The demands -- including a rent freeze for the Mission -- were in some cases beyond the ability of the city, and probably the state, but they showed how furious people (particularly younger people) have become at the destruction of their neighborhood.

The march started on 24th Street, which is the new epicenter of the displacement battle, a place where longtime family-owned businesses are facing eviction to make room for more Valencia Street-type upscale restaurants. It's scary.

I don't know what's going to happen next. I have some ideas, and tenant groups are meeting to talk about how local government can respond. In the meantime, the people facing the threats to their future and their communities are taking to the streets. And the protests are just going to get louder, and bigger, and angrier.

My photo editor seems to be acting up, but there are some great pictures here.

And more great pictures here.