John Martini's identification of the photo to this block of Myrtle Street reveals just how narrow an escape these residents had. In this neighborhood, the fire was halted along Van Ness, which was the next street directly behind the photographer when he took this view. The red area in this detail of a 1907 San Francisco map shows the portion of the city that was destroyed by the fire. The small bright green rectangle indicates the location of this block of Myrtle Street, adjacent to the fire zone.

I wonder what Charlie Chaplin is carrying up the street?

Yep. A number of first-hand narratives about the earthquake and fire aftermath are available online, for example this one and this one. Both mention the enforcement of no-indoor-flames rules.

These people were afraid that cooking indoors with their coal or wood (or gas) stoves might ignite any gas leaking from broken supply lines. Which of course is why much of the city burned after the earthquake.

They're cooking in the street for a Cinco de Mayo festival.

Bonus question: Who can guess why, in a part of town where the buildings are still intact, people are cooking on the street?

The lady swinging her fist is protecting the identity of the tiny pirate hiding behind her.

Sure he will - right on top of the stove!!

That's a gnarly skateboard ramp man. You're never gonna land that one.

Took a bit of hunting but I found the location of this photo: Myrtle Street (or Alley) between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street. View is to the west, with the spire of the old First Unitarian Church just visible over the buildings at right. The Unitarian Church is still there but hidden from view. About the only survivor from the 1906 photo is the granite newel post.

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Those "astrology charts" look very much like hopscotch spirals, similar to the French Escargot hopscotch -- La Marelle Ronde.

The "horoscope" on the road is a version of Snail Hopscotch. Instead of a T shape, you draw a spiral, then start at the outside on 1, hopping toward the centre, switch feet and hop out.

Played it endlessly as a kid, amongst other schoolyard games.

Looks like someone drew an astrology chart on the pavement.

Evidently there's more of a hill on this street than meets the eye, judging by how the back legs of each kitchen range are shimmed.

Nor Freds or Jims or Kens either.

"What's that guy with the camera lookin' at?!?"