Abstract This paper examines the history of San Francisco as presented in "Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin" by Gran Brechin. It reviews how Brechin discusses the impact the California Gold Rush, San Francisco's elite and powerful, the control of water sources and the shipbuilding industry had on the development of San Francisco.
From the Paper "Brechin's book, "Imperial San Francisco" is a compelling history of the "City by the Bay," which pulls no punches in San Francisco's rise from sleepy bayside community to one of the most powerful cities in the world. From the preface, where he compares the imperial cities of old and their contados, areas surrounding the city that the city dominates and contribute to the city's well-being and growth, to the last chapter, where he illustrates modern power development in the Bay Area through her educational facilities, Brechin paints a complete and convincing picture of San Francisco's roots and development."
Tags: city, bay, bayside, community, william, randolph, hearst, john, hays, hammond, william, ralston
Abstract This paper examines the San Francisco Renaissance, which arose from the West Coast Bohemianism, in comparison to the New York School and the Black Mountain School. It shows how the San Francisco Renaissance was particularly important because it not only represented the collected works of geographically limited poets, but also served as a center from which ideas were exchanged and brought to life. It also discusses how one would be hard pressed to firmly separate any of the important beat poets from the San Francisco Renaissance, such as Robert Duncan and Robert Creeley.
From the Paper "The first reading for the San Francisco Renaissance featured poetry by Kenneth Rexroth, Jack Spicer, and Robert Duncan. The latter would shortly serve as a teacher at the Black Mountain College, working with fellow San Franciscan Robert Creelet to forge strong links between the two schools. (Wikipedia, ?San Francisco...?) Yet despite this early reading, and similar such displays of avant- garde work, the true emergence of the San Francisco Renaissance was linked to a reading at a much later date. In October of 1955, at the Six Gallery, influential San Francisco poets Mike McClure, Gary Snyder, and Phil Whalen were joined by newcomer Allen Ginsberg (and Lamantia reading the work of a deceased poet)."
Abstract In this article the writer examines unemployment, one of the major problems in the United States. The writer notes that a growth in unemployment rates has been experienced in San Francisco. The writer also points out that citizens have been leaving San Francisco due to the reduction in employment availability. The writer explains that over the past several years there has been a growing concern within the San Francisco Bay Area that the city is unable to maintain jobs for all citizens, and that the only job growth that has been evident is within the upper classes of the city.
From the Paper "One of the greatest national concerns within the United States today is the unemployment rates that plague society. Furthermore, many within politics and business have begun to notice a shift in the areas of employment that have previously been flourishing for American citizens. San Francisco has, within the last few years, begun to experience a slow growth rate in many industries, with a great migration out of the city because of employment availability. Researchers have studied this phenomenon with a variety of insights, and it is evident that San Francisco is experiencing a higher job loss rate than the national average."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the life of Francisco de Vitoria. According to the paper, Francisco de Vitoria was extremely influential in the Catholic Church as a jurist and for his "just war theory," which questioned the inhumane treatment of natives in North and South America after Columbus' discovery of the New World. The paper reports that as an educator, philosopher, and theologian, Francisco de Vitoria is known as the "father of international and natural law".
From the Paper "While Vitoria's ideas did not always match Catholic philosophy, he consistently remained in favor with the Popes in power. They often asked for his guidance and ideas on thorny topics, from suicide to law governing the conquest of foreign lands. His biographer and translator, John P. Doyle notes, "Indeed, his favor with the emperor was an important factor in the positive reception of that condemnation and the adoption in 1542 of 'The New Laws of the Indies,' which has been called the 'most Christian code ever promulgated in a colonial situation'" (Doyle 13). Thus, while sometimes his theories did not match those of the Church, he still gained the respect and admiration of Church leaders, so much so that he was often consulted in theological and spiritual matters. In fact, Emperor Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 to 1556 asked Vitoria to represent Spain at the Council of Trent that had been commissioned by Pope Paul VI in 1545. However, Vitoria could not attend the momentous Council, as he was in very poor health and died the following year."
Abstract This paper describes the Mission San Francisco de Asis or Mission Dolores, located at nearly the geographic center of what is now San Francisco. The paper relates that the Mission is one of 21 of the original Spanish Missions constructed to foster Spanish control over the region and it is the oldest intact nave structure in California and the oldest building in San Francisco, having survived the 1906 earthquake. The paper also points out that this location is said to be the original site of a Native0American village of the Ohlone Nation called Chutchui. Additionally, the paper describes the rich fusion of Spanish, Mexican and American history surrounding this mission. Two photographs are included with the paper.
From the Paper "The cemetery has never been desecrated but has had regional periodical re-internment and moving of bodies for various city projects. The rich history of some of those interred is of course limited to the white, as this was what was of interest to the people in the 19th century, when many of the local interest stories about the cemetery became popular. Famous governors of California and renegades of the region are buried there in addition to the Native burials and the friars of the Franciscan order who toiled and died there."
Tags: franciscan ohlone mystery art, roman basilica
Abstract This paper examines how the world has changed from an agricultural hub to a massive technological center and how liitle attention has been paid to the long-term costs of this transformation. In particular it looks at San Francisco, which has grown rapidly in merely 150 years and turned from almost a non-extent entity into a major city of the United States. It analyzes how the process of its growth has literally killed its neighboring areas by re-directing water supply and extracting minerals and other resources to feed the businesses of city financiers, corporate heads and other major wealthy elite and how its constant hunger for more development and growth has completely ruined its own landscape and stripped its surrounding areas of their natural wealth. It examines how the core of San Francisco's rising costs of maintenance reside diminishing corporate ethics and rapidly increasing lobbies serving the interests of large multinationals.
From the Paper "Brechin reminds us that at the core of San Francisco's rising costs of maintenance reside diminishing corporate ethics and rapidly increasing lobbies serving the interests of large multinationals. Western Urban Water Coalition for example is a conglomeration of 21 water supply agencies that snatch water away from farmers to meet the growing demand of 35 million city dwellers in California. Apart from more water, this increasing population needs numerous other things including public funded education and other essential amenities."
An investigation of the concept of democracy in the face of an elite ruling class through the review of "Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin" by Bray Brechnin.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper identifies the argument presented in the book "Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin" by Bray Brechnin that there is a paradox that is created in the concept of having a pure democracy (or rule by the people) and those that create an environment in which this democracy can be sustained. In "Imperial San Francisco", author Brechnin clearly defines the problem that has occurred in all of human history, where the creation of a power structure inherently creates a genre of people who are more "powerful" than others.
Abstract This paper on April 18, 1906, San Francisco, California was hit by one of the most devastating earthquakes recognized by man, affecting 430 kilometers of the famous San Andreas fault ranging from northwest of San Juan Bautista to Cape Mendocino, reducing the city into a pile of rubble. The author points out that casualties from the earthquake were severe, with almost 500 deaths in San Francisco and 166 deaths reported in surrounding areas; people wandered about in a state of devastation, shock, helplessness, and sorrow, and thousands were evacuated by the Navy from the city in what was one of the largest evacuations in history. The paper reports that seismology has led to predictions about earthquakes in other areas in the U.S., including Boston and other regions of the East Coast and middle America.
Table of Contents
Geology of the Earthquake
The Human Toll and Economy
Rebuilding a Great City
From the Paper "The total length of the earthquake was felt for about 290 miles, the largest ever recorded. The magnitude of the earthquake was estimated between 7.7 and 7.9. Because seismology and the study of earthquakes were limited during the early 1900s, an accurate assessment of the magnitude is not possible. There are some accounts that suggest that the earthquake was as great as 8.3, but these are largely unproven. Before this earthquake, little scientific effort was dedicated to seismic research. After the earthquake however scientists took an active interest in the area of seismography and government issued investigations into earthquakes became quite commonplace."
Abstract This paper responds to the issue of creating a new juvenile justice program in San Francisco, California. It discusses a brief history of the problem with the current system, and relates that other states have adopted successful programs that San Francisco could easily adopt as well. It also discusses financing for the program and the juveniles that would be involved.
From the Paper "Within San Francisco there exists a lower crime rate than in most major cities (Macallair). However, the juvenile justice system is greatly flawed in that juvenile halls, and detention centers are ill kept, unsafe, and overcrowded. This mirrors the history of the juvenile justice system, according to Krisberg ("Legacy" 122). Furthermore, juvenile halls within San Francisco are comprised of both serious and non-serious offenders, creating "schools of crime", and situations that lead first time offenders to return to the criminal justice system. Krisberg suggests that the juvenile halls of San Francisco are no more than "warehouses" for youth offenders that require the young to be held from two to thirty days awaiting their first hearing. In this time they are often treated with brutality, learn crime for more violent offenders, and suffer in unsafe living conditions (Krasny). "
Abstract The paper discusses the life histories of Francisco Goya and poet Ezra Pound. It analyzes Goyas "El 2 de Mayo," "The Colossus," and "Saturn Devouring His Son" and Pound's poems "MEDITATIO," "The Cantos," and "These Fought in Any Case". The paper also includes replicas of some of Goya's paintings.
From the Paper "The two artists chosen for this paper fall into the innovative or creative section of the arts. Firstly, Ezra Pound is known for his modernistic style and is also known for exchanging ideas and allowing other credited artists to critique his work. His style was derived from Japanese and Chinese literature called Imagism, this touched on accuracy, precision, and a traditional rhyme scheme (Academy, 1). Francisco Goya, also known as ?the Father of Modern Art,? influenced the world with his works. His general feeling of bitterness towards the world was predominantly shown in his works. Due to the fact that Ezra Pound and Francisco Goya are both brilliant artist many parallels can be drawn between the two."
Tags: Imagism, Black, Paintings, World, War, One, Napoleonic, War
Abstract This paper examines how San Francisco, like other major cities in the U.S., has failed to solve the problem of homelessness and how certain actions on the part of the homeless have led to dysfunctional policies and practices that have not helped solve the problem. It looks at some of the main issues which range from poor public policy, which contributes to disproportionate economic distribution, to the existence and proliferation of street drugs and alcohol and the lack of space in drug treatment programs.
From the Paper "Disenfranchisement is another visible cause of the homelessness and very little is done within this space to work out fair and just means of treatment of individuals who become homeless . Las Vegas has adopted very strict policies on the loitering of homeless individuals around "the strip" and incarcerates anyone who has not follow the code in its strictest form. This is where the argument meets both ways. San Francisco like Las Vegas has tried to implement rules to help such individuals but some homeless do not intend on using public services as provided and continue to defecate and urinate in public areas."
Abstract This paper presents a historical background of the San Francisco Fire Department. The paper prefaces this with an overview of the first fire departments and societies, as they were called, in 18th century America. The paper focuses on one of San Fransisco's landmarks, the old Fire Station #21 building. The paper discusses the technicalities involved in the running of fire departments in general and Fire Station #21 in particular.
From the Paper "America's fastest growing city, Boston, didn't escape the fire problems of other cities. In 1631, only eight months after it was settled, the city had its first major fire. After the fire, city leaders issued orders that no man should build his chimney with wood or roof his house with thatch. In 1717, Boston established America's first fire department. Boston was years ahead in establishing a fire department because of the terrible fires the city had endured. The following year, a group of concerned homeowners banned together and formed the first fire society. This fire society was the building blocks for the volunteer firefighters. "
Abstract This paper explains that San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is proposing a runway reconfiguration plan, which would fill more than two square miles of the Bay to allow simultaneous landings in poor weather; however, poor weather accounts for less than 20 percent of the delays at SFO. The author points out that the vast majority of delays are caused by airlines operations such as aggressive scheduling by airlines and slow passenger loading and unloading, aircraft refueling and baggage handling. The paper recommends that SFO can better reduce delays in all weather conditions by spreading arrivals and departures more evenly, using larger planes to reduce the total number of flights and reducing the number of commuter flights.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Objectives for Runway Program
Traffic Impacts
Effects on Environment
Alternatives to Runway Expansion
Adverse Impact on Leisure
Reducing Delays by Cutting Arrival Rates
Implement Modern Technology
Disperse Flight Arrival
Use Other Capacity
Promote Balanced Service
Alternative Transportation
Conclusion
From the Paper "SFO's runway construction plans include up to two square miles of bay fill. The largest substitute calls for filling 1,332 acres of the bay. By comparison, only 400 acres of the bay have been lost to fill during the last 35 years. The largest runway configurations would also restrict the tidal flow to another 5-6 square miles of bay that would be bounded on three sides. An area of the bay that was likewise enclosed by the existing runways was transformed into mud flats. In all, 8 square miles of bay could be lost to fill, but the impacts on the circulation of the bay may be even inferior. The proposed runways extend far offshore and will impede the tidal flows that flush contaminants from the South Bay. SFO's Science Panel found that with the new runways, "changes in the tidal and sedimentation supply regimes could severely affect the form and ecological function of intertidal habitats throughout the subregion.""
Abstract This paper discusses the history of social disorganization, and then applies the theory to juvenile crime in general. It further discusses juvenile crime in the United States, and then juvenile crime as it exists in San Francisco, California. The paper then relates this information to policy changes in the juvenile criminal justice system, and makes proposals for city-wide changes.
From the Paper "The social disorganization theory contends that urban areas are more susceptible to juvenile crime because there is a lower sense of moral values within the community (Shelley 26). In rural areas there is great attention paid to the community and a child's involvement in the organizations it supports. Furthermore, these communities ensure that the organizations created for youth have built in morals and values that support those of the family, and therefore, have a positively profound affect on youth (Shelley 26). However, in poorer urban areas organizations for youth are often not funded, and when they are, there are societal tensions that infiltrate these organizations, often splitting the boundaries of who may belong with regard to race, gender, and social status. Furthermore, urban organizations that exist are not based upon family morals that are universal to all cultures within an urban setting. "
