Central Drug Store
4494 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94112

"The San Francisco You Should Know" acknowledges the proud history of the Excelsior District and the heritage of its residents. It traces the development of the area beginning with its earliest forms of transportation symbolized by the streetcar. The streetcar comes from the fields, and carries families and workers to their various destinations. The truck farmers represent the influx of European immigrants who came and made their living by growing vegetables in the fertile rolling hills of the Excelsior. Entertainment was also prevalent when the circus arrived on Cayuga Street, and prize fighting (boxing) was (and still is) the sport of the day.

In addition, the mural celebrates the legacy of the area with its diverse people and places that make the community unique and memorable. One feature that everyone recognizes as it runs throughout the mural, is the street signs of country names that run north south and cities that run east-west. Neighbors fondly remember the original Corpus Christi church built in 1898, and proudly list Cleveland Elementary School and Balboa High School as indicative of their interest education. In the schoolyard and the classroom, students of all backgrounds play, learn and study the world around them. Both current and past business, and buildings that may be gone as well as those still standing contribute to the heritage of the Excelsior District. While the ever-present "blue tower" presides over the landscape, local heroes such as Jerry Garcia are still alive in the neighborhood's consciousness.

As Jerry's guitar points to the future, the youth of the community express their vision of the neighborhood. While it builds on the past, this Excelsior also looks forward with youthful enthusiasm. It is the new home of the Excelsior Art School, full of fun and creativity, as well as a Comics Shop. It has a Community Center where all are welcome. It is clean and green with a theater and swimming pool, both outdoors. Lastly the future Excelsior District is a place that values the diversity of its residents, and its constantly changing weather, and provides all with a healthy and safe place to live.

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