I moved to SF 10 years ago for residency at CPMC. I decided to get a place near the hospital and found a reasonably priced one bedroom across the street from the market. At the time, it was just me; no dog, no wife and no child. All of which I have now. I was not inspired to cook for one. In fact, my bill for the gas (gas stove) in 6 months was zero dollars! If you can relate to the meal plan cards they have in college that is basically what I had at the market. Embarrassing that even today the deli people do not need to ask for my order. They know.

But on my way out there is James. He always seemed upbeat and had something positive to say no matter how long or how busy his day. We would talk about a game or the weather, nothing too heavy. I was working some tough hours then but he always made me smile and feel like I had a friend in the neighborhood. Though I have moved off California Street I still come there partly to see James. The market is not cheap, but James tips the scale. I’m going to miss him and hope he keeps his word about being around the neighborhood.