Western Neighborhoods Project is dedicated to the history of San Francisco's Richmond, Sunset, OMI and West of Twin Peaks districts.   read more ...
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I am OMI

I am OMI | Events | People | Places | Participate

Strength through Stories

"I am OMI" is part of the California Council for the Humanities' "Communities Speak" initiative, and is focused on the area in southwestern San Francisco comprised of the Ocean View, Merced Heights and Ingleside neighborhoods.

OMI Montage

From 2003-2005, the Western Neighborhoods Project collected stories and history from the OMI to present back to the community via a youth video program, free "history days", a booklet, a theatrical production and a radio play.

The OMI is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco, one of the country's most diverse cities. This project used history and story-sharing to bridge ethnic, cultural, and generational lines, and aided residents to find common ground to address local problems. The purpose of "I am OMI" is to help an often-divided neighborhood find a unified voice.

What's New?

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The OMI radio drama based on our OMI interviews aired on KPFA FM 94.1 on Friday, June 24 from 1pm to 2pm as part of the "Radio Chronicles".

Woody LaBounty of the Western Neighborhoods Project gave a guided tour of the OMI History Walk to around 20 people on Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 11am.

Read our interview with Ingleside resident and Ocean Avenue Renaissance Committee member Dan Weaver!

Read our interview with Ingleside Terraces resident Ella Driscoll!

Our table was hopping at the OMI International Family Festival on Saturday, September 18, 2004.

The "I am OMI" Play, Once Upon a Time, Now and Then on June 12, 2004 received great reviews, and we've captured it all on video!

The Second OMI History Day was a terrific time for everyone!

The Burned Cross of Ingleside Terraces, and an interview with Patti Poole about that incident and more...

An Ocean View boxer's death and the life of Lovie Lee Ward.

The history of Brooks Park, and an interview with its biggest champion, Peter Vaernet.

Read about the project in this San Francisco Chronicle article!

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Our first "History Day" on October 11, 2003 was a great success.

Summer Youth Program Ends with Film Screening!

Read interviews with Ray Wilson and Rev. Roland Gordon!

See historical photos of the Ingleside district!

See historical photos of Ingleside Terraces!

See historical photos of the Ocean View district!


California Stories: Communities Speak

This project is made possible by a grant from the CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR THE HUMANITIES with generous support from the San Francisco Foundation, as part of the Council's statewide California Stories Initiative. The COUNCIL is an independent non-profit organization and a state affiliate of the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES. For more information on the Council and the California Stories Initiative, visit www.californiastories.org.


Contribute your own stories about the OMI!

Page launched 26 May 2003; Updated 30 June 2005.

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