On May 25-27, 2017, Rolling Counterpoint travelled to the Tenderloin National Forest (TNF), one of only a few open spaces in a high density neighborhood of over 40,000 culturally and ethnically diverse residents. TNF lies adjacent to two heavily trafficked inner city streets and is surrounded by multi- story residential buildings and hotels that house formerly homeless, immigrant individuals and families, as well as seniors, artists, active drug users, dealers and others. Luggage Store Co-Artistic Directors/Artists Darryl Smith and Laurie Lazer have been working to transform what was formerly known as Cohen Alley into TNF since 1989. Over the years, they have organized murals to be painted on all sides of the Alley, produced and presented hundreds of performances and cultural events, planted trees, vegetables, herbs, flowers, built a small “ green” structure with a living roof, a staging area, seating, a clay oven, and upgraded lighting. The Tenderloin National Forest is now one of the most peaceful, quiet and inspirational areas in the neighborhood. Hattori invited local resident to join him for tea and discuss facing their community, especially ongoing concerns centered on gentrification, community displacement, and homelessness.