Castro Street is the most famous and gayest street in all of San Francisco. Truth of the matter is, the gay section stretches all the way down to Market and Church Streets.

I have fond memories of this street. When I first arrived in San Francisco decades ago, my best friends, and I used to dance our Friday nights away in its dance clubs and then sipped coffee and ate pancakes at the Baghdad Café in the wee hours of the morning before we went home. Boy, those were the days.

My fondest memories of this street were without any doubt the Halloween celebrations that took place here for years. Those were the best street parties ever. Everyone came dressed in fabulous costumes. If only the crowd didn't get so big and unruly, I am sure the celebrations would have continued to this day. What makes me sad is that the affair became dangerous when teenage street gangs from other cities infiltrated the celebrations and someone got hurt.

I do recommend a visit to the Castro should you come and visit my city by the bay. Chances are, you will see naked people walk up and down the street or see old naked men sunbathe at the corner of Market and Castro. These days, it has long ceased to be a purely gay street. Straight people by the thousands have invaded its fine restaurants and fashionable boutiques. Come and take a look!