I was told by my friend Evan that all the little Soma sidestreets like mine Natoma are named after harlots...I was very curious so I googled it!...here's what I found:
As local legend tells, the alleys of San Francisco South of Market area are named after the Barbary Coast era's famous ladies of the evening, the Harlots. Ordinarily scorned and ostracized, the Harlots of the Gold Rush days were highly respected and treated with an exaggerated deference since there were so few women in San Francisco at the time. Whenever a woman appeared on the street, business was practically suspended. She was followed through the town by an adoring crowd, while self-appointed committees marched ahead to clear the way to protect her from the too boisterous salutations of the emotional miners. The Harlots, supposedly, even had their own box at the opera.
The names Clementine, Jessie, Natoma, and Minna streets harken back to a different, wilder era. Deeply coveted and highly respected, the Harlot was admired for the services she provided during the night. Time has passed but the city's lore remains and Harlot, on her infamous dark alley, waits to please all who enter her doors.
