In the early dawn, confused and frightened, we gathered at Portsmouth Square. All of Chinatown must have been there.

“You must go to Golden Gate Park!” shouted the policeman.

“The city is on fire. Go quickly now!”

Dark smoke hurt our eyes. Gritty dust filled the air, our mouths and noses, too.

Illustration of a policeman riding a horse with people and their possessions on all sides