History plays a prominent role in Chinatown, more so in the '60's and '70's, the boom years. This…read moreis when the wave of Chinese immigrants came to San Francisco as established Chinese sponsored family members that often were left behind as the 1st generation established themselves as American citizens. Kong Chow Benevolent Association's members mainly hail from several county districts in Guangdong province, the majority of which migrated to San Francisco and Los Angeles. It served as a bridge for new immigrants in offering information and services for them to acclimate themselves here. Don't know where to shop, find a place to live, or where find financial aid? Members here will guide you in making your home here especially given the likely language barrier. My grandfather and father were active members, serving as officers in the association at various times. They helped new business owners and families in figuring their niche and often their future within this community. From what my father told me, this often included giving loans to members and families in need or helping to find loan sources. I believe membership is voluntary and there is no membership dues to my knowledge other than offering contributions to the association according to what you can afford. On the top floor of this building, which houses the post office on the ground floor as well as various associations and non-profits on other floors, the top floor is where the association's temple is. There are memorials for members and their families where you may offer tributes to them by burning incense or praying. They also burn money, a traditional offering in Chinese custom. The association continues to have a footprint on the community but it is a lot lower key than those days when I was growing up. They often lend a voice when there are neighborhood events and are particularly active during Chinese holidays like the memorial day (Ching Ming) and Chinese New Year. They are also active in community programs and events such as donating scholarships to the various Chinese language schools in Chinatown and sponsoring activities. Let's hope the future generations in the community continue the work and legacy of this association as it remains a valuable asset to Chinatown.

The Chinese Recreation Center (1951-2008) was renamed the Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center…read moreback in 2012 (2008 Park Bond -- rebuilt & renamed) to honor and remember Betty Ong, who was an American Airlines flight attendant onboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first airplane hijacked during the September 11 attacks. "Ong notified the American Airlines ground crew of the hijacking, staying on the radiophone for 23 minutes to relay vital information that led to the closing of airspace by the FAA, a first in United States history. For this, the 9/11 Commission declared Ong a hero." --excerpt from Google. Ong's bravery and courage saved many lives that day. Frequent this recreation center when I was a child. It is a fun place and a community center for folks living in Chinatown/Nob Hill/Russian Hill area. This continues to be a popular place for the community to play and gather today. Located on Mason and Washington Sts. Right by the Cable Car Lines.

Fun...visited for the first time in Chinatown...a recreation center for youth and family...I hadn't…read morevisited before..basketball for nice people

Great event space, and it's amazing how much support they provide for the entrepreneurial…read morecommunity. I came here for the Haas Bridge organized by Berkeley. The lighting, furniture, audio, and setup are awesome. As an event attendee, I'm pleased with the venue. As an event organizer, I hope to organize an event here in the near future.

Fantastic place with fantastic people. I'm very excited about taking advantage of all the resources…read morethey have available for entrepreneurs

The "Club" is practically a second home to my children. Where else in the city can kids find…read morehomework help, sports, music lessons, summer camp, arts and crafts, and a superior drama program for just $10 per year? And to top it all off, they treat my children like family. For a working mom, I can't thank this wonderful place and people enough. The "Club" has a couple of fundraisers every year, and giving kids a safe and loving place to grow up is definitely a worthy cause. Check it out!!

From the owner: The Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club provides a safe, affordable place for kids and teens in the…read moregreater North Beach, Russian Hill and Chinatown communities. The Club has been offering after school activities, enrichment programs and services to San Francisco youth for over a century.

Service is great it's the people that go there who waste time. Please wrap it up, people are here…read morefor business. Don't blame the workers because it is the patrons. Please respect everyone's time. Highly recommend with my utmost respectful regards.

Great experience at the Social Security office. The staff was very kind, professional, and helpful…read more The wait time was surprisingly short, and everything went smoothly. Definitely appreciated how organized and welcoming everyone was!

This review is for the Chinese cultural center Store located on 667 Grant Avenue. This is a well…read morecurated shop in the middle of China town. Some highlights: - compact, pre-assembled to go mini kits - things like travel set, first-aid sets, hangover kits, and small everyday essentials. - mood-themed chocolate bars - stationery - small design items. Perfect store for unique gift assembly.

Came here to explore and learn but never again. We got so lost looking for an exit as most of the…read moredoors say "not an exit." Wound up walking into an employees only area for Hilton because the door had an exit sign on it. Finally just tried the door that read "not an exit" and exited the center!

Our family absolutely loves Tel Hi. I get downright weepy thinking how lucky we are to have found…read morethis wonderful place. Both our boys, 4 and 2 now, absolutely love it. We started when our now 4yr old was ~9 months, during the pandemic. It was wonderful to see our son interact with other kids, and how they learned and grew together, and how so many of the same kids have moved up through the classes together over the past few years. I'm most impressed with Tel Hi for: 1. The incredible teachers and staff. They create a warm and caring environment, they are so attuned to each child's needs and development. The teachers are responsive, they offer great guidance (like when we struggled with our first kid throwing food on the floor!), and they're supportive in so many aspects of the children's development (including potty training)! The best is how they genuinely enjoy each kid. They tell me when my son "did the funniest thing today!" or when "I'm so proud of how he handled" some thing... and also when "he's been a little quiet this week." They are nothing short of phenomenal. 2. The learning. The kids are taught everything from sharing to recycling/garbage/compost bins in younger classes. And in older classes, they're learning about everything from writing to insects to various cultures' holidays to how to respond when a friend doesn't want to play with you. I've been amazed at the vocabulary my kids come home with, at how they've picked up numbers and letters, and how they interact with kindness toward other kids. 2. The space. They do a great job maintaining the classrooms, with various improvement projects over the years. There is plenty of outdoor space both in the front play structure, and the back garden, and the full-sized gym. 3. The nutrition. Snacks and meals are included in tuition. Which means we don't have to deal with planning/packing food and we know that it is healthy, varied, and nutritious. 4. The parents. It is a wonderful community, everyone supports each other with things like one parent picking up another's kids when they're running late. The "core pac" (parents group who organizes fun events) is committed and thoughtful. Each class has a WhatsApp group for informal communication amongst parents, which is amazing as we collectively navigate dealing with everything these kids throw at us! I can't overstate what a wonderful experience we've had with Tel Hi and I can't recommend it more highly.

My 2 year old child loves going to Tel Hi for daycare. The teachers and staff are so caring and the…read moreparents are so friendly here. I liked that food is included in the monthly cost and I like knowing my child is getting a well rounded nutritional meal each day based on his age. My son gets to try so many different foods and they even get to make homemade smoothies and popsicles with fresh fruit throughout the year in a learning environment. They have a large indoor gymnasium, so whenever it rains all the kids still get to play outside of their classrooms. Many of the parent hang out with other parents from their child's class to make neighborhood friends. It's one of the few schools I heard that has a community feel compared to other facilities. They just remodeled the outside playground and made a grassy area for the infants, so they can crawl around outside and it looks great! I would recommend Tel Hi to any parent who lives in the neighborhood.