To close out 2016, we've asked our local neighborhood writers to choose their favorite stories from the past year, and to explain why they loved them so.

Today, we hear from Castro neighborhood editor Steven Bracco:

Since I wasn't living in the Castro in 2008, when the Milk team of Dustin Lance Black and Gus Van Sant transformed the neighborhood back to its heyday, I was excited to hear that the new ABC miniseries When We Rise would be shooting in the neighborhood. It was really cool to see old businesses like Elephant Walk and Star Pharmacy come alive once again. All the old cars and costumes made it even more special.

But the transformation didn't come without a little bit of controversy. The crew of When We Rise covered up the rainbow crosswalks for the shoot, and afterwards the crosswalks were damaged. Hoodline was right on top of this, and reported on it right away. Combined, we wrote 12 stories about the film shooting and crosswalk repair project.

We made sure to keep everyone updated on what was happening. It took a lot longer than we thought it would, but eventually we got four brand new rainbow crosswalks, courtesy of ABC.

Below is an excerpt from the original story, published on May 9th, 2016.

This weekend's wet weather didn't deter the cast and crew of the ABC miniseries When We Rise, who returned to the neighborhood to wrap up their San Francisco shoot.

Work for the production could be seen all along Castro Street, with many businesses dressed to appear as they did decades ago. From vintage cars to vintage storefronts, here are some of the highlights from the weekend's filming, captured in photos ...

Click to continue reading Steven's favorite story of 2016, "Photos: 'When We Rise' Transforms Castro Businesses For Throwback Shoot."