“Tenderloin Buzz” is a recurring update on changes, tidbits and other news from the Tenderloin. Got news? Send us tips at tips@missionlocal.com.
You may recall New Jersey Sen. Cory Bookerโs record-breaking 25-hour filibuster speech last year against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s then-Department of Government Efficiency.
Next week, the outspoken politician will be making an appearance in the Tenderloin, with a talk at GLIDE about “how to stir up good trouble in defense of democracy.” Perhaps he will also offer tips on how to literally stand for more than a day straight โ his new book is, after all, titled โStand.โ
For tickets to โGood Trouble,โ click here. The event will also be streamed online.
In case you needed more reasons to explore the neighborhood, the local community benefit district recently launched the Tenderloin Passport, which lets you collect stamps at local businesses and win prizes.
All you have to do is go eat or drink or shop at your local (participating) haunts. The rewards range from keychains to tote bags โ we all know we need more of them โ to gift cards.
Pick up your passport at any participating location. For more information, click here.
The Tenderloin, as anyone who lives here knows, has the highest density of children in the city and is also home to many seniors and people with disabilities. Meanwhile, there are a dizzying number of convenience stores and smoke shops, but the neighborhood doesnโt have a single full service grocery store.
This has long been an issue, but the Food Justice League is now seeking signatures for its petition to bring a grocery store to the Tenderloin. Sign here.
The Tenderloin Children’s Playground is back in business as of this week, after it closed last fall for a $3.38 million renovation.ย
The Ellis Street park has a new layout, with new trees and landscaping, and resurfaced basketball and soccer courts. Once closed on weekends, the park is now open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Friday (today!) at 4 p.m., a soccer tournament will take over the park and the street out front. Details here.
To close out Trans Empowerment Month, the Transgender District is hosting a very belated Mardi Gras in the Tenderloin on Friday. There will be a brass band, and attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion, beads and all.
The parade kicks off at 398 Eddy St. and will go 835 Larkin St., where that nightโs Compton’s Cafeteria Riot Play has been bought out โ tickets are free if you RSVP or participate in the parade.
Next week is the start of the San Francisco Queer Art and Music Festival, a week of live music, drag shows, art and parties at multiple venues to kick off Pride month. A couple Tenderloin spots, like Aunt Charlieโs and the Ha-Ra Club are on the lineup, and 620 Jones will be the event seriesโ central hub.
The festivities begin on May 31. For more information, click here.