San Francisco’s Golden Days Slip Away (Press, 28 December 1976)

In a reflection on the changing landscape of San Francisco, T.D. Allman, writing for the Guardian on 28 December 1976, describes the city as one in the grip of discontent and decline. Once celebrated for its vibrancy and innovation, San Francisco is portrayed as having lost its way, transitioning from a cultural beacon to a provincial backwater over the past decade. The city, known for its beauty and progressive spirit, has succumbed to a sense of stagnation and a rise in violent crime, surpassing rates in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Notable incidents such as the Zebra killings and violent actions from the Symbionese Liberation Army highlight the city's turbulent atmosphere. Allman notes the city's dissatisfaction with its political culture, illustrated by a bitter transport strike and the impeachment of a pro-labour official. The pride that once characterised San Francisco seems overshadowed by self-absorbed narcissism, where the revival of historic sites and social spaces such as Ghirardelli Square is viewed with superficial appreciation. Despite the presence of alternative lifestyles, these seem to have run their course, leading to a sense of cultural despair among the locals. The article indicates that the city's once-thriving artistic community has dwindled, replaced by individuals who merely adopt an 'artistic lifestyle' without contributing genuine creativity. Allman argues that this decline is evident in the gay community, which, while celebrated for its visibility, has largely been reduced to stereotypes, preventing true integration into the city’s fabric. Elections have further highlighted the disarray, with debates centring around Proposition T, which sought to change the electoral processes of the Board of Supervisors. This proposal became a referendum on the city’s identity, reflecting a growing division among its inhabitants. A surprising majority approved Proposition T, raising concerns about future power dynamics in city governance and the evolving identity of San Francisco. Allman laments the departure of “Rolling Stone” magazine's editor Jann Wenner to New York, perceiving it as a stark indicator of the city's fading cultural relevance. San Francisco, once touted as the “Athens of the Sunbelt,” now faces an identity crisis that threatens its artistic and cultural legacy. The piece concludes with a sense of melancholy, portraying San Francisco as a once-golden city now struggling to reclaim its former glory amidst clichés and entrenched divisions.

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