San Francisco County, California

The City and County of San Francisco is the only consolidated city-county in the State of California, meaning the city council governs both city and county. The 824,000 residents (of which I am one) live in the second most densely populated city in the United States. San Francisco is known to tourists for its steep rolling hills, Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown and fog. Numerous films and TV shows have been set in Baghdad by the Bay.

What better way to spend a Sunday than to linger over brunch and see a movie? That’s how I devoted my official San Francisco visit. I started at Chou Chou with a bloody mary (crafted with sake by Chef Nick) & house-made croissants and moved on to a decadent bowl of mussels. Oh la la!! This French bistro is just blocks from my house but this was my first visit for brunch. Given the opportunity I’d do it again in a flash.

Too full to do much else but waddle to the theater, we purchased a ticket for the bargain matinee showing of Milk. It’s an excellent movie that speaks to the heart and soul of San Francisco. Regardless of one’s sexual orientation or age or race it is impossible to live in this town without having been profoundly touched by the 1978 assassination of Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk. I wonder how the film is received by an audience more removed from the events depicted. I though it was terrific

The Roger Ebert review states:


“Milk" tells Harvey Milk's story as one of a transformed life, a victory for individual freedom over state persecution, and a political and social cause. There is a remarkable shot near the end, showing a candlelight march reaching as far as the eyes can see. This is actual footage. It is emotionally devastating. And it comes as the result of one man's decisions in life.”…