FIRST PERSON RETAIL REPORT FOOD & DRINK
A life lesson A soft spot Majestic is the at the bus stop for sweaters right word
PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 11 THE NEW FILLMORE SAN FRANCISCO ■ JANUARY 2009
“Elizabeth in Pink,” by Marion Seawell. “Elizabeth is an imaginary cat and her ancestors are also imaginary,” Seawell writes. “Everything else is a factual portrayal of my small sitting room in San Francisco.” But as with much of her work, there is a deeper, more personal meaning.
of a classic Victorian flat on Sacramento Street near Fillmore, there lived for many years a punctilious bookkeeper by day who by night was transformed into a wild Bohemian artist and Cosmic Cows writer. With her right hand she painted as Marion Seawell. With her left hand she wrote as M. C. Wells. In both her right-handed paintings and her left-handed writings, she has spent a lifetime exploring the quirks and and Cats contradictionsI of her dual personalities. is month her two selves come together with the release of a new book, A local artist’s journey of self discovery is Has Certainly Been a Lot of Fun, which will be accompanied by a rare public showing of her paintings and drawings. TO PAGE 9 4
He Paid a Final Visit to the Nursing Home . of Geary against a green light and on the roadway, Victor Cinti, 87 and moving about with the aid of a as pedestrians frequently do, even though there is an walker, left the hotel room near Union Square that had overhead crosswalk. Ibeen his home for more than 20 years and traveled across “He was a very special man,” said Christine Pelgone- town to visit his wife at the nursing home at Divisadero Herz, executive director of the Golden Gate Health Care and Pine Streets. Center at 2707 Pine Street. Cinti’s wife of 56 years, Marie, He made the trip nearly every day. But on Sunday, has been a resident of the facility for several years. December 14, he did not return home. At a memorial at the nursing home a few days later, About 2:30 p.m., he left the nursing home and made on ursday, December 18, a small group gathered in the his way to Japantown. As he crossed Geary Boulevard at lobby to sing “How Great ou Art” and “Amazing Grace” Webster Street, Cinti was run over by a car and killed. He and see Marie Cinti, helped by two attendants, move was pronounced dead at the scene, his walker still visible slowly to the center of the room. “He was a kind man,” a on the side of the road. social worker read for her. “I miss him terribly.” Victor Cinti: “He was a very special man.” Police say he was apparently crossing the eight lanes TO PAGE 9 4
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More than a hardware store ALVIN JOHNSON ALVIN &ILLMORE 3TREET BETWEEN 0INE "USH s Serving the neighborhood since 1961 Celebrating St. Dominic’s : ank you for the wonderful article and layout of our stained glass windows in the December issue of the New Fillmore. We are planning an event in January to celebrate the progress made so far on our church restoration. As you may have noticed, removal of the scaffolding in the church revealed the splendor of the newly restored stained glass windows in the front entry, including our magnificent Christ Announcing the new Comcast HD Triple Play in Glory window, in time for our Christmas celebration. In October, we began the most recent phase of our ongoing restoration project, the repair with FREE HD — coming to a couch near you. of the sacristy and south confessional windows and walls. On Saturday, January 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Dominic’s will host a celebration for the progress made so far in restoring its historic church building. irty-minute tours will begin every half hour in the main entrance of the church at Steiner and Bush, with the last tour starting at noon. Refreshments will be served and restoration exhibits More HD Faster Internet Smarter Phone will be on display in the Parish Hall. See what’s been done, and what Access to over 1,000 HD choices. Comcast High-Speed Internet Enjoy unlimited local and nationwide ® remains to be done, to restore this architectural treasure. That’s more than satellite, more than with PowerBoost is built for long distance calling in the US and anyone! You get movies, sports, online video and downloads at Canada, with 12 popular M V-P broadcast networks, premium channels speeds up to 16 Mbps. features including Caller ID. Development Director and our vast ON DEMAND library. St. Dominic’s Catholic Church
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Sparrow Editors Barbara Kate Repa & Thomas R. Reynolds Meet sporty Sparrow! She’s a quirky, sassy, and—dare we say Production Ginny Lindsay Proofreader Donna Gillespie —quite the looker. Sparrow is a 1 and 1/2 year-old Spaniel Call 1.800.COMCAST Advertising inquiries ads@newfillmore.com or 415 / 441-6070 mix. We’ve watched her grow by leaps and bounds, sharing her Published on the first weekend of each month. Deadline: 20th of prior month enthusiastic energy with 2- and 4-legged friends alike. Quite the Subscriptions by mail are available for $30 per year. Please send a check.
tomboy, Sparrow is a big fan of doggie playgroups and exploring Offer ends 6/30/09 and is limited to new residential customers. Not available in all areas. Offer limited to Digital Starter, 6.0 Mbps High-Speed Internet and Comcast Digital Voice® service and requires subscription to all three services. After the 12 month promotional the neighborhood. She’s looking for someone who appreciates a period, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, Comcast’s regular charges apply. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for all three products ranges from $129.99 to $209.99. Cable and High-Speed service in offer limited to a single outlet. Subject to Comcast Happy New Year to our neighbors! standard terms and conditions of services. Price does not include applicable equipment and installation charges, taxes, franchise fees, the Regulatory Recovery Fee or other applicable charges (e.g., per call, or international charges). $29.95 activation fee applies to good jog, and gets the sweet, spunky, subtle girl she is. Every month, 20,000 copies are delivered to homes and businesses in the Comcast Digital Voice.® May not be combined with other offers. Cable service: Certain services are available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic service subscription is required to receive other levels of service. Converter and remote required to receive certain services. HD programming limited to programming provided to Comcast in HD format. HD choices include HD channel lineup and HD programming ON DEMAND at any given time. May vary by market. ON DEMAND selections subject to charge indicated Fillmore, Pacific Heights and Japantown. We thank you for your support and at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. High-Speed Service: Speed comparison between Comcast 6.0 Mbps service and standard 1.5 DSL (downloads only). PowerBoost® provides burst of download and upload speeds for the first 10 MB 2343 Fillmore Street encouragement and we welcome your ideas and suggestions. and 5 MB of a file, respectively for 6.0 Mbps service, for the first 20 MB and 10 MB, respectively, for 8.0 Mbps service and 22 Mbps service. Many factors affect speed. Actual speeds will vary and are not guaranteed. Not all features, including McAfee, compatible with Macintosh systems. McAfee value based on retail price of product sold separately. Comcast Digital Voice®: Unlimited package pricing applies only to direct-dialed calls from home to locations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and certain other US territories. Adoption Center: (415) 568-3058 No separate long distance carrier connection available. Comcast Digital Voice® service (included 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage. EMTA required ($3/month). Ability to keep existing telephone number not always available. Archive of recent issues: www.NewFillmore.com Call for restrictions and complete details or visit www.comcast.com/freehd. Savings claim based on Comcast’s advertised promotional rates as compared to the regular monthly service charges for each applicable bundle over a one year period. All trademarks are the Visit us at: www.petsunlimited.org Comments and letters about neighborhood issues are welcome there, too. property of their respective owners. Comcast ©2009. All rights reserved. 7089_CCWB_BAR A Non-Profit Veterinary Hospital & Shelter
2 NEW FILLMORE January 2009 7089_CCWB_3Play_BAR_Final.indd 1 12/18/08 1:46:01 PM FIRST PERSON BODY & SOUL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED African American Read-In February 2, 2009 Kicking Off the New Year — Naturally In honor of Black History Month and to encourage a love of reading, the door of Clary Sage Organics, which “at’s been my trick for the last 15 years.” volunteers are needed to read books by African American authors opened last summer at 2241 Fillmore Street, are He says that while starchy carbohydrates such as rice, and/or illustrators in San Francisco elementary school classrooms. shelves neatly stocked with bottles of supplements, corn and potatoes are fine for most people, pasta and
The event is being organized by San Francisco School Volunteers, a J herbs, teas and tinctures, all arranged under beckoning bread can be hard to digest even for those who are not headings: gluten-sensitive — and can make them feel bloated, nonprofit organization that for 44 years has been recruiting, supporting ■ and engaging volunteers to help public school students achieve their body balance and weight tired, anxious or depressed. ■ full potential. It will take place at elementary schools in San Francisco digestive cleanse “e best kind of cleansing diet for this time of year on February 2 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. or 10 to 10:30 a.m. ■ immunity builder is to go gluten-free for a month,” he says. “I’ve had ■ mood and sleep tremendous success with that. Most people find it gives A brief training by San Francisco School Volunteers is required prior ■ hormone harmony them a lot more energy and at least a little bit of weight to the event. Details on what school you will read at are given at the ■ energy enhancer. loss.” After one strict month, he encourages patients training. For questions and to sign up, go to www.sfsv.org or contact e potions are essential ingredients for store co- to load up on gluten — from pancakes for breakfast to Amy Reese at 415-749-3700 x3001. owner Daniel Kalish, who has pioneered a model of pasta for dinner — to see how different they feel. natural medicine that he says can help relieve common Kalish says history offers wisdom for eating well. “If health maladies ranging from poor digestion to female a food was around 5,000 years ago, you can eat it: meat, hormone imbalance. seafood, all fruit and vegetables, eggs,” he says. “But say A Life Lesson Learned Kalish is a longtime natural health care practitioner no to anything in a package — and anything you can’t and nutrition instructor who also trains doctors in pronounce. e goal is to get all the chemicals out of functional medicine, which combines scientific testing of your diet.” While Waiting for the Bus key measures such as serotonin and dopamine levels with To that end, Kalish recommends shopping on the natural therapies. He calls it “preventive medicine at its periphery of the grocery store, where the fresh foods are is note was posted at the 1-California bus stop at Sacramento and best” — and now offers it at the Fillmore store, which generally stocked, and avoiding the processed foods in #!,)&/2.)! 3(%,, Buchanan, across the street from California Pacific Medical Center, is staffed with wellness advisors and natural medicine the center aisles. !54/ 3%26)#% 2%0!)2 on the day after Christmas. practitioners to counsel customers on individual products or design a program to help combat more persistent À>iÃÊEÊ/Àià problems. 3. Do a cleansing. iVÊ }iÊ } Ìà standing here, waiting for the bus, and so was I. ■ «ÕÌiÀÊ >}ÃÌVà >VÌÀÞÊ-V i`Õi`Ê >Ìi>Vi I asked if you worked at the hospital, and you said: “No, Kalish also offers hope to those feeling fat, fatigued A basic clean-up involves three parts: enzymes that £x ]ÊÎä ]Ê{x ]ÊÈä ÊEÊä Ê-iÀÛVià I have cancer. I went to see the doctor. He just told me I or depressed after weathering the excesses of the aid digestion, fiber that removes toxins and dietary }Ê-ÞÃÌiÊEÊ/À>ÃÃÃÊ*ÀLià won’t see Christmas.” holidays. Eating too much and exercising too little are “If you’re feeling fat, fatigued supplements that boost the immune system. -}Ê/iÃÌÃÊEÊ,i«>ÀÃÊvÀÊ>ÕÀi the common causes. But also, he says, the light level is “e first week or so, you might feel a little tired,” >ÌÌiÀiÃÊEÊ-Ì>ÀÌ}Ê*ÀLià Y Something happened to me after I heard you say this. All lower this time of year, which naturally causes a drop in says Kalish. “After that, you’ll start to get an energy ÀÊ,i«>ÀÃÊvÊ>Ê/Þ«ià or depressed, we can fix it I could feel was your energy, like I connected with your pain. serotonin, the brain chemical that regulates mood. almost all the time.” boost — and your skin will look better.” 1,"* ÊUÊ* - ÊUÊ , You looked so healthy, so strong and very young for your age. “When serotonin levels drop, you get depressed For those suffering the aftereffects of consuming — and you eat more,” he says. — DANIEL KALISH, co-owner of Clary Sage Organics, excess alcohol over the holidays, Kalish recommends a >ÃÌ]ÊÀi`ÞÊEÊÕ>À>Ìii` I couldn’t understand why you would have to die. whose natural remedies are shown above You talked to me about your beautiful life. en the bus came Kalish, who has treated thousands of patients in his liver cleanse — particularly one aided by black radish Óxä£Ê >vÀ>Ê>ÌÊ-ÌiiÀÊÊÊUÊÊÊ{£x®ÊxÈÇÈx£Ó 15 years of working with natural medicine, has also root and cystine, which together force the liver to clear `>ÞÊÌ ÀÕ} ÊÀ`>ÞÊÊnÊ>°°ÊÌÊÈÊ«°° and you said to me as you shook my hand: “I’m not sure what recently written a book, Your Guide to Healthy Hormones. out toxins. But such a cleanse, he says, should not your name is, but it was a pleasure talking with you today.” Kalish says the three major stresses on the body are WELLNESS CLASSES be reserved only for those who have overindulged in We got on the bus. I wanted to sit near you, to let you know emotional, dietary and inflammatory injury or illness. To kick off the new year, two free educational eggnog. that I was sorry about what was happening, or to say something Most people experience at least emotional and dietary programs will be offered this month at Clary Sage “If you go outside on Fillmore and take a deep breath, stress in spades around the holidays. Organics, 2241 Fillmore, both starting at 6:30 p.m. the air is filled with toxins,” says Kalish. “A cleanse is a that would comfort you; but I didn’t seem to get any words out of “Either your family comes to visit and you’re stressed good thing for everyone to do seasonally — perhaps at my mouth. You got off the bus a few minutes later. at was the JANUARY 7 Depression Free Using Natural out because you can’t stand having them around for that Health Solutions the beginning of the year and the start of summer.” last thing I knew of you . . . long — or you’re feeling lonely because you’re alone,” he JANUARY 21 Keeping the Weight Off Toxins also enter the body through skin and beauty THE NEW FILLMORE I don’t even know your name, but I have been thinking about says. “And everyone tends to eat too much and drink too products such as perfume, deodorant and make-up. “If you ever since I met you. You changed my life. Knowing about much around this time.” it’s lipstick, you’re eating it,” he says, emphasizing the at leads to body imbalances that cause the common importance of researching products and choosing ones you has allowed me to live more fully. post-holiday maladies of weight gain and depression. bad for bones, energy levels, mood and immune system that are safe and organic. Today I want to believe that you are still with us, inhabiting But Kalish says there are tangible steps people can take functions.” While the old-fashioned way to increase “e solution to pollution is dilution,” Kalish says, this world. I want to thank you for being such a beautiful to reverse the holiday imbalance fairly quickly — and vitamin D levels was to take cod liver oil, the new- making good hydration another component of a cleanse instrument for my peace. After meeting you, I walk slower, I sing naturally. fashioned way is to take pills or supplements. — at least half an ounce of water daily per pound of But according to Kalish, the sun alone can do the job body weight, or 50 ounces for a 100-pound person. Coffee Hour more, I complain less, I hug more, I talk to strangers, I think less, ■ for most people. “We all need 15 or 20 minutes of sun I live more. 1. Soak up the sun. exposure daily if we can get it,” he says, “preferably with Kalish acknowledges the natural approach requires May peace be with you, wherever you are. as much skin exposed as possible.” some discipline and perseverance. Contrary to the common wisdom of late, Kalish “I’m not opposed to all conventional medicine,” he Love, advises getting as much sunlight as possible — and says. “We’re not a replacement for emergencies, for Diana holding the sunblock. 2. Change your diet. treating heart attacks or tumors. But traditional western “We’ve overcorrected massively for the potential bad medicine is not good at handling non-emergency, effects of the sun,” Kalish says. “And that’s caused many “e most important thing you can do is eliminate chronic conditions. If you’re feeling fat, fatigued or people to have low levels of vitamin D, which can be gluten and pasteurized dairy products,” says Kalish. depressed, we can fix it almost all the time.” Monday, January 12, at 7 p.m.
Join us for an informal monthly gathering of those who live and work MURETA’S in the neighborhood ANTIQUES We Buy & Sell Antique Jewelry
Michael W. Perry 415.922.5652 & Company Fine Custom Framing FILLMORE & SACRAMENTO 2418 Fillmore Street Antique Prints & Maps Between Washington & Jackson More information: 441-6070 or editors@newfillmore.com Tuesday through Sunday 12pm to 6pm 1837 Divisadero s 415-563-8853 mwperry.com
44 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE JanuaryJanuary 20092009 JanuaryJanuary 20092009 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE 55 RETAIL REPORT ACTIVISM
From Fillmore to Nevada for Obama three in San Francisco — one on upper Sacramento Street that’s the size of He had to do something, so he helped win a battleground state He’s Got a shoe box, or maybe a little shop on the Left Bank in Paris. Faber himself B B B New York and Pennsylvania, as well as the Nevada hides away in an aerie with skylights caucuses. She’s been full-time since June and she knows a Soft Spot above the Union Street store. His office ’ September and I’ve wandered from our her stuff. is a jumble of books and paintings home near Alta Plaza Park down Fillmore to have A bunch of us are beavering away in the office late and samples of yarn, with a door ajar coffee and read the newspaper at the Grove. e one night and Iris leans back, puts her feet on the desk for Sweaters leading to a secret hillside garden. A IRepublican convention has just ended with Sarah Palin and says, “I can’t believe I’m bossing around people twice third store is near Union Square, and making the big splash — darn right and you betcha. my age.” en she looks over at me and adds, “or three Civil liberties violated, war of choice continuing, times my age.” B M L F there’s a fourth on Montana Avenue in ■ Santa Monica. economy crashing, incumbent Republican president an ancient barn in ye ■ approval rating at 28 percent and a truly inspiring I know from television and my email in-box that olde England with fluffy white It was through books and stories opposition Democratic candidate — and still the Obama is pretty good at raising money and pulse rates, lambs nibbling the bright green that I met Faber — or almost met polls are at 50-50 with 20 states too close to call. John but the organization, computerization and discipline of grass. Smoke puffs from the chimney him — 14 years ago. On KQED he’d McCain, basically a pretty good guy, has sold his soul to this campaign at the lowest field office level is something P the wizards that got George W. Bush elected twice. to behold. ere are five regional directors and 40 field of a nearby house, where Elizabeth heard a show I’d produced, part of a Bennett and her sisters knit by the National Public Radio series called Tell “I have to do something,” I grumble to my offices for the small state of Nevada alone — and a fire. ey’ve been at this so long their Me a Story, with great authors reading sympathetic wife Lynne. She knows I’ll be impossible voter registration drive that has netted 90,000 new needles fly without missing a stitch. short stories. He sent a letter of love for to live with until election day, so she agrees I should Democrats. Each voter in the state has been profiled, ey use fine yarn and make stitches one called “Mr. Nabokov,” by Hannah volunteer to work on Barack Obama’s campaign and she sliced and diced in every possible way in the database. will assume double duty running our businesses. Strategies designed in Chicago hit the field offices the so intricate each sweater takes about Green, and wondered if he could buy ■ 200 hours of knitting. ey sell a few of “Sweaters represent security, comfort, intimacy. a tape. Sure, just send a check for $10. next day along with scripts and specific target “universes” their hand-made treasures to Harrods at’s a funny thing to say, but He sent a check for $350 — for the e next scene is a two-day Camp Obama at to approach and daily goals for everything from doors in London, a few to Barney’s in New tape, plus a contribution to support Sacramento High School. ere are 120 people, all ages knocked on to calls made to volunteers recruited. And York, and some to a small set of stores it seems to be true.” the series. I wrote him a letter gushing and races, one common theme: “I can’t take it anymore!” the results of each day’s canvassing are fed into the in San Francisco — two of them in the — BERNARD FABER, proprietor of Three Bags Full with thanks and stopped in a few ere’s lots of “fired up — ready to go” locker room computer so the database can be refreshed by midnight. greater neighborhood — called ree times, hoping to meet him. But he was talk, but also a pretty good primer on the campaign, I work a lot of nearby towns like Virginia City and a Bags Full. always gone — probably to the English community organizing and phone banks. I volunteer development called Rainbow Bend next to the infamous ■ his heart was actually in rural studies. sweaters, some with holes, but they countryside to find more nibbling — for the duration — for the battleground state of Mustang Ranch — open to tourists but not political Bernard Faber, founder and And he had a soft spot for sweaters. just can’t part with them,” Faber says. sheep and ladies knitting. Nevada, which has only five electoral votes, but Bush peddlers, unfortunately. But I end up taking charge proprietor, discovered the barns and “ey’re supple. ey become a “ey represent security, comfort, is year I did meet him and finally won there both times by just 20,000 votes. of the county seat, the pretty little farming town of the lambs — and the ladies who knit second skin,” Faber says. “ey take intimacy. at’s a funny thing to say got to thank him in person. I also I’m assigned to help paid staffer Iris Malone set Yerington, located 50 miles to the south. It’s a nice daily — many years ago when he took a on the shape of our bodies as we move about a garment — something that is thanked him for his wonderful sweaters up a new field office in the town of Fernley, just off commute from the Truckee to the Carson to the Walker weekend in Stratford while studying around.” inanimate — but it seems to be true.” — I have one that’s now almost as old the Truckee River 35 miles east of Reno. Iris is a fiery, River valley. It’s a Republican bastion, as are most rural at the London School of Economics. He’s found that a good pullover or is year, in April, he and his wife as ree Bags Full. competitive, 5-foot 2-inch no-sleep dynamo from Grass areas, but with a great nucleus of dedicated Lyon County Volunteer Bernard Butcher with his candidate — Valley just about ready to celebrate her 19th birthday. Democrats. Later, as a professor of urban studies at cardigan can last forever. Linda will celebrate the 30th birthday “ey are,” he says, “a gift from sort of — on election night in Yerington, Nevada. Taking a semester off from Cornell, Iris is already a Yerington is a Hatfields and McCoys kind of town. the University of Aberdeen, he realized “Most people have drawers full of of ree Bags Full. Now there are nature to us.” TO PAGE 8 4 campaign veteran of primary stints in New Hampshire,
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6 NEW FILLMORE January 2009 January 2009 NEW FILLMORE 7 6 NEW FILLMORE January 2009 January 2009 NEW FILLMORE 7 4 FROM PAGE ONE ■ NOTES FROM THE FRONT as “like the godfather” — always dressed resident,” said Pelgone-Herz. “He was just Joe Middlebrooks, who described well with a hat and scarf. “Every morning such a friendly man — it was hard not to One night I represent Obama at a candidate’s night at Smith Valley himself as “part of his extended family at he got change for the bus from my dad,” like the guy.” A Local High School in a beautiful high Golden Gate,” had helped Cinti get his he said, “then came to see Marie.” Another staffer remembered that Cinti valley south of Yerington, Nevada. He Had last walker. “Who does not remember Victor liked Japantown and had many friends The only question after my three- “ is is not a sad occasion,” Middle- and his gifts?” asked Pelgone-Herz there. In Nevada minute pitch is “What’s Obama’s brooks said in tribute, recalling the Bibli- in her opening remarks about Cinti, “He loved going to Japantown,” said position on guns?” One aggressive a Final Visit high school freshman corners me cal promise of mansions in heaven. “I recalling that he usually carried a bag Pam Champney, the business office for Obama later to say he’s done the research never lived in a mansion before. But I plan that contained candy or an orange or manager. She recalled seeing him in 4 FROM PAGE 7 for a class project and learned for With His on it. We will say goodbye for now, but we some little gift for everyone. “He was Japantown one day and noticing that sure that Obama is a Muslim with will see him on the other side.” very generous with his compliments, too. everybody seemed to know him. e Republican casino on Main Street nefarious intentions. A few of the hosts the McCain office. Our office is at e Cintis had lived together at the He visited us in the office every day after “And then he won the lottery two organizing ladies serving cookies Wife Union Square Plaza Hotel, on Powell visiting Marie on the second floor, then weeks ago — $400,” Champney said. “He Dini’s, the Democratic casino. ey’re afterwards tell me on the sly they’re separated only by the convention center in closet Democrats supporting Street near the cable car turnaround, until said goodbye in many languages.” was rich. He liked to spend money, and he which the voting will take place. Obama, but have to keep it quiet. he was no longer able to care for her. e nursing home hosts quarterly was very generous, too.” In six weeks I get to know this town ■ She moved to the nursing home, but he memorial services in honor of residents “We didn’t realize how close we of 4,000 people better than the mailman I’m talking to one fairly coy person stayed alone, spending his days wandering who die. were until this happened,” she said. “He in Yerington listed on my computer — the neat developments in town, dusty around the city on his walker. “But this is the first time we’ve done touched all of our hearts — and we didn’t printout as undecided. I ask her A staffer from the hotel recalled Cinti a memorial for a family member of a realize it until he was gone.” doublewides out in the desert, Piute Mrs. Dewson goes to Washington how she will make her decision. Indian reservations and cheap housing up She says she will decide based on by the Kennecott copper mine, abandoned Naturally Fillmore’s hat lady, Ruth Dewson, is planning to attend the inaugural experience. “That’s too bad,” I say, since 1977 and surely a Superfund site. festivities in Washington, D.C., later this month. And naturally she has a mission, “since McCain is older and has had set forth in a poem to the president-elect in her holiday card, which concludes: e landed gentry run the place, but more experience in government.” “All you need now is a Mrs. Dewson’s hat!” “No,” she replies, “I mean life most people don’t have much. Universally At 80, an Artist Shares Her Journey of Self-Discovery experience.” Turns out she’s read 4 FROM PAGE ONE they’re hospitable and fun to talk to, but Obama’s book and been impressed. he saw a drawing she had made of a politically they’re San Francisco’s polar a clipboard with handouts, a script, a e trends are going our way, but ■ It is said that all art is autobiographical, pyramid of cats, he knew it was special, opposite. ey don’t want to lose their detailed map of the turf they’re to cover, you’d never know it by the urgency of the There’s an assisted living center and that is especially true of Marion and helped her place an ad in e New guns, their water rights or their off-road plus names and details of each house nightly statewide conference calls. in Yerington that my computer Seawell’s work. While her paintings and Yorker promoting prints of the drawing as vehicle trails out in the wilderness. they’re supposed to hit that day. ey get ■ printout says is full of octogenarians drawings can be enjoyed by almost anyone an “elegant feline fantasy.” His copywriter ■ COMING THIS MONTH and up — mostly registered — especially anyone who loves animals, instincts were still strong. Said the ad: “It Many are giving Obama a fair look a quick briefing from Iris and then head On election day, the pressure is on to Republicans. When I get there after eight years of Bush. Some support out with one of us full-time volunteers. I get every one of our identified supporters looking for Democrats, I’m quite as she does — they are in fact a journey This Has Certainly Been a is a mysterious and satisfying work of art McCain for good reasons — “I’m a take 10 to 20 of them down to Yerington to the polls. I have a great group of 10 discouraged until I walk by the room of self-exploration. ese are cosmic cows Lot of Fun, which includes that even dogs enjoy.” vet and he’ll be stronger on national with me, asking them to park their Priuses Californians and 10 more locals dropping of a 92-year-old laying on his bed and cats and horses and dogs. 60 of Marion Seawell’s “We immediately received 3,000 defense.” Others pick up instantly on the and Lexus SUVs with California plates as door hangers at 6 a.m. and circling the watching television with his artificial “I painted rather than write Mommie paintings and drawings, orders,” Seawell says. “ e San Diego Zoo Fox or talk radio smear of the day. Most inconspicuously as possible. neighborhoods nudging people until an leg on the floor by his side. He’s not Dearest,” says the longtime neighborhood will be released January gift shop became a steady customer.” e in the best shape, but we have a 10 at a reception from resident, with only a fraction of jest, from common: “I just don’t trust him” — a cover With four weeks to go, we’re about hour before the polls close. en we take great conversation. On election day, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Thomas original drawing is now in the Achenbach for all sorts of lingering emotions. to enter the stepped-up get out the vote our life-sized Obama cardboard cutout I get the idea to ask him to round up her retirement home in Marin County. Reynolds Gallery at Foundation at the Fine Arts Museums. ■ drive during Nevada’s early voting period. over to Dini’s casino to await the results. all the Democrats so I can haul them “Painting is good therapy.” Many of 2291 Pine Street. The She went on to create several other As each week wears on, we’ve all I decide to take a couple of days off for As in a million other places around the to the polls, leaving the immobile her drawings and paintings explore her reception will also open drawings that were also widely distributed got a big job to do to prepare for the a visit home to the Fillmore and a bit of country, clenched fists hit the air when the Republicans behind. He answers the relationship with her domineering mother, a small exhibition of as prints. her work, which will flood of Californians washing over the the fresh sea breeze taken at the top of election is called shortly after 8 p.m. Tears phone weakly and says he’d love although you wouldn’t necessarily know it to do it, but has taken a fall the day continue at the gallery Sierra to help out on the weekends. We Alta Plaza. en it’s back for the final flow as we watch the historic scene in before and is now “not even on my on first viewing. through January 31. artist sometimes caused meet more than 100 volunteers every stretch, during which we’re able to get 50 Chicago’s Grant Park projected onto the last leg.” Consider “Yakima Auto Repair,” a large problems for her bookkeeping Saturday morning at the Fernley Senior percent of our targeted voters down to the big screen. — BERNARD BUTCHER painting that shows her father working on business. “People sometimes think Center. We’ve prepared for each of them courthouse to vote before election day. We even win Nevada. the family car as a small dog climbs into artists are irresponsible,” she says, “so I was the back seat. Seawell writes: “Luckily, B very secretive about being an artist.” While my second personality has a healthy sense she worked for a prominent San Francisco of self-esteem. In real life, she is the part those paintings,” she says. It was when she says. “But by then I was a full-time family, she had an exhibition at the late that told my other half the cause of many she reached her 50s that her alter ego, bookkeeper. I enjoyed doing bookkeeping and much-lamented William Sawyer problems. In this painting, she is the M. C. Wells — the name came from a because I worked for interesting people Gallery on Clay Street. It was clear they mechanic and the auto represents the rest misaddressed letter meant for M. Seawell — and I was a very good bookkeeper.” did not approve. “So I quit,” she says. “I of me. e dog symbolizes my mother — began speaking to and through her. She was very proud of that show.” getting into the back seat, rather than filled dozens of journals, writing with her for herself, and mostly Now she realizes she got something Isn’t it time for driving the car.” In the background are left hand, even though she did everything about herself, even if she didn’t even more important than fame or Now Open tombstones. else right-handed. always know it at the time. fortune from her painting. She gained Another painting, “ e Performers,” “I was told about things I did not S“I was serious about painting,” she says. understanding and acceptance of herself. child-sized shows a pianist and a rider on horseback. understand,” she says, “not at the time “At one point I wrote my bookkeeping “I don’t think I ever felt it was my She writes: “Here are my two personalities anyway.” clients and said I was quitting to become destiny to be a full-time artist,” she says. in their dream performances. One always Seawell was well-educated in art. She a full-time artist. at lasted about six “It was just the only thing anybody ever emergency care? wished she could be a lovely lady and a had started drawing horses — “hundreds weeks.” For her, the idea of making money praised me for when I was growing up gifted pianist. e other showoff longed and hundreds of horses,” she says — as a from her art seemed wrong. — drawing horses.” to be a fabulous nightclub singer riding a little girl. During her senior year in high She took her slides to a gallery and Her eyesight is failing now — she trick horse.” school, her mother moved her to Carmel, antique store on Union Street, the can no longer see well enough to paint San Francisco children now have a better option for emergency where she took drawing lessons from the Pantechnicon, which was run by retired or draw. But a few days after Christmas, care. Our Pediatric Emergency Department is dedicated to children , and both older and wiser, noted California artist Henrietta Shore. ad man Innis Bromfield. “Aren’t you M. C. Wells was telling her not to stop Later she studied at the San Francisco Art a bookkeeper?” asked Bromfield, who ages birth to 18. Child-sized equipment and private rooms, Seawell says much of her artwork — not to be a chicken — and she has came from her subconscious. Institute. remembered she had worked for a former begun to study watercolor. doctors trained in pediatrics and emergency medicine, and Child “I didn’t realize I was working out “ ere was a period when I was colleague. So she became his bookkeeper “I am happier now than I have ever N thinking I wanted to be a successful artist,” rather than one of his artists. But when Life staff who help children cope with medical emergencies make psychological problems when I did been,” she says. all the difference when dealing with a crisis. 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88 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE JanuaryJanuary 20092009 JanuaryJanuary 20092009 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE 99 JAZZ ■ FAVORITES FOOD & DRINK
hardly been associated with or defined as the blues. His style is unique compared to Majestic Living Up to Its Name Again the other players who will perform. Also at the summit will be Curtis New chef, bartender and general manager are orchestrating a renaissance Harps Will Salgado, a former member of the Robert Cray band and vocalist for Santana. B C B Be Blowing Salgado has a style that is reminiscent of the Blues Travelers’ John Popper, although SPQR has one of south on Gough to- more constrained and personal. the year’s top dishes ward the freeways. Unless snagged is Month And then there’s Johnny Dyer, an old- by the red light at Sutter, they pass school blues singer and harp player born Editors of Food & Wine magazine a majestic Victorian hotel with landmark in Muddy Waters’ hometown of Rolling eat a lot of dishes in a lot of C restaurants during the course of a status and, to locals, a rollercoaster reputa- Fork, Mississippi, who recently recorded at Yoshi’s year. In their year-end issue, they tion for service, style, cuisine and cocktails. a Muddy Waters tribute called “Rolling identify what they call “the year’s 10 Built in 1902 as the private home of B A T Fork Revisited.” most amazing dishes.” One of them railroad baron and state senator Milton Given the participants, what you comes from Fillmore Street. Schmidt, it morphed into the Hotel Ma- and the Blues have is a recipe for a good old blues Of the rigatoni carbonara at jestic two years later. Spared from a fiery Harmonica Summit is coming extravaganza featuring some of the SPQR, Kate Krader writes: “Growing up, my favorite dish death when the 1906 inferno rampaging to Yoshi’s this month for what greatest players around. “Mark Hummel’s was the spaghetti carbonara at west from downtown was stopped two should be a straight-up full-blown dose of GRANT KESSLER Blues Harmonica Blow Out” takes place Trattoria da Alfredo in New York — blocks away at Van Ness, it now lays claim M James Beard ate there, too, though harmonica-driven blues. It promises to be Mark Hummel brings legendary players to this year’s harmonica summit, twice a night at Yoshi’s from January 29 as the city’s oldest continuously operated a mini-blues festival featuring some of the returning this month to Yoshi’s. to 31. I had no idea who he was then. hostelry. premier players in the genre. ■ Later, I got Alfredo’s cookbook, ■ saw how obscenely rich the dish e summit, which began in 1991, Also this month in the Fillmore Jazz was and promptly stopped eating Today, after its bar and restaurant have will offer an opportunity to experience a whose style you prefer. At a certain point, everyone from Muddy Waters and John District, the Progressive Alliance is it. Then, a few months ago, I went opened and closed countless times and ho- real-deal harmonica jam session. If you’re they are all performing at the highest Lee Hooker to Bonnie Raitt and Mick producing one of its Concerts for Change, to SPQR, the tiny Italian spot co- tel managers have come and gone, the 56- SUSIE BIEHLER into the blues, it should completely rock levels of virtuosity. Jagger. Musselwhite, for my money, is benefiting organizations that serve the owned by Nate Appleman of A16. ■ room Majestic is enjoying something of a the joint. easily one of the most sophisticated and homeless and the hungry. is series of SPQR offers a choice of spaghetti or renaissance. It’s worth a visit just to meet The Majestic’s Butterfly Bar has only seven stools, but its intimacy is its charm. As a kid, I found it difficult to come Harmonica summit founder Mark original harp players of all time. Not only benefit concerts features some of the rigatoni for its classic pastas (“Old, old restaurants in Rome let you the new cast of characters. across the blues. I had to scour alternative Hummel has crafted a signature can he swing, but he is also capable of best jazz funk bands in the Bay Area. choose,” Appleman says), and I was General manager Bonnie Birk was a Cafe Majestic, which has been magnifi- four visits. It’s sometimes warm and some- music stations to find blues programs and harmonica sound that is at once subtle, playing with hauntingly beautiful finesse, Upcoming on January 25 is the Fil Lorenz curious to try a short, fat noodle trapeze artist who soared without a net cently redesigned in traditional Federalist times bush league. I’ve telephoned a few network with musicians just to get a small fluid and aggressive. Perhaps it is his as evidenced in his version of “Christo Soul-Kestra, a high-energy 14-piece soul- with carbonara. The wonderfully before climbing the ladder to hotelier. style and resembles a private dining room times and waited 20 rings for an answer, spattering of the recordings of blues giants credibility as a player that has contributed Redentor.” jazz-funk orchestra that’s sure to get you chewy handmade pasta, tossed with Bar manager John Harris just may be San in Washington D.C. or Boston. but the woman on the other end of the line like Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. to the legitimacy of the shows, which Also featured will be 2009 Rock & dancing. porky guanciale, eggs (1 1/2 per Francisco’s smoothest and savviest mixolo- Unfortunately, the hotel’s front-of-the- was cheerful and apologetic for the delay. King — and harmonica players like Little regularly command sellout crowds Roll Hall of Fame nominee Lee Oskar, e show starts at 8 p.m. at Rasselas serving) and plenty of black pepper and grated pecorino, made me wish gist, with 40 years behind the plank, includ- house service is not so majestic. Valet park- Still, a creatively decorated, beautifully Walter, Walter “Shakey” Horton and wherever the summit is convened. best known as an original member of Jazz Club & Restaurant at 1534 Fillmore SPQR were just blocks from where I ing long stints at the late, elegant Alexis at ing is offered at $20 overnight for hotel furnished historic guest room starting at James Cotton. is no doubt explains the presence of WAR and for his playing on hits like Street between Geary and O’Farrell, live, like Alfredo was. But it’s better 1001 California on Nob Hill and venerable guests and $10 for restaurant guests, but $150 a night in this town is a fair trade-off Later, picking up the instrument and the legendary blues master and harmonica “ e World is a Ghetto” and “Slippin’ and all ages are welcome until 10 p.m. for my diet that it isn’t.” Original Joe’s on Taylor. Louis Maldonado, finding the valet is no easy trick because he for a small staff. learning to play, I realized that what player Charlie Musselwhite, a Grammy Into Darkness.” It will be interesting to Proceeds benefit Glide Memorial Church, It’s just blocks from where we live, 27, who spent the last year cooking at the doubles as a bellman. e small front desk Prediction: GM Birk has experience though. SPQR is at 1911 Fillmore. distinguishes the best of the best is less nominee and multiple award winner see what he does in the context of the Raphael House and Dolores Street French Laundry in Yountville, has taken has a single receptionist and the welcoming and a pedigree in high-end hotels — at the a matter of skill — who’s better — than who has recorded and performed with harmonica summit, since his music has Community Services. over the stoves as head chef of the 58-seat spirit has been uneven in my last three or TO PAGE 12 4
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1010 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE JanuaryJanuary 20092009 JanuaryJanuary 20092009 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE 1111 HOME & GARDEN
the Beach, Harvey Wallbangers or a lethal Long Island Iced Tea if pressed. When he makes, say, a vodka martini up, he pours a full four ounces of pricey but smooth Bel- Old School vedere for $11. He doesn’t skimp on ingre- dients or quantities. On these chilly days, Harris can warm Bartending at up your innards with his hand-crafted Hot Buttered Rums. He combines brown sugar, grinds cloves, adds fresh cream but- Butterfly Bar ter and grates fresh cinnamon, $12. Try his 4 FROM PAGE 11 Hot Apple Pie, a mixture of fresh apple Fairmont and the Claremont — not to juice, Tuaca and heavy cream that is hand- mention a whip-fast sense of humor. I’m shaken and topped with fresh nutmeg. All confident the hotel team will soon be drinks are shaken or stirred in vintage art transformed to match what she’s already deco cocktail shakers that whisk you back done with the bar and the restaurant. Both SUSIE BIEHLER to the age of the flappers and the bar’s early A FAMILY have been rediscovered by the neighbor- days. hood and by some adventurous foodies. e Butterfly Bar also stocks a limited ■ Bar manager John Harris just may be San Francisco’s supply of premium beers and wines. e e Majestic’s Butterfly Bar has been smoothest and savviest mixologist, with suds include Heineken, Sierra Nevada, San a favorite oasis for years. Just off the high Francisco-brewed Anchor Steam, Fat Tyre HOME Victorian lobby, tucked behind tall frosted 40 years behind the plank. and an India pale ale, all $6 a bottle. Wines beveled glass doors, the compact mahogany by the glass range from $7 to $17 for Na- IN THE CITY and black granite bar has just seven bar- were fixtures at the Majestic’s bar. Over “Everyone who comes through that pa’s prized ZD Chardonnay. stools, with three small tables nearby. Its the years, lotharios and their lovers discov- door is potentially my next best friend,” While Cafe Majestic, just off the bar, Creating space for a growing family GEOFF STURM intimacy is its charm. ered it as one of the town’s favored trysting says Harris. He presides over the bar’s offers innovative cuisine from the dashing A dark one-bedroom unit was transformed into a light and elegant two-story flat merging indoor and outdoor spaces. Named for the framed collection of 200 bars, mainly because of its low profile and warm ambience as if he were welcoming chef Louis Maldonado, Harris has a civi- mounted butterflies of every species that discreet location far from the meddling guests into his home. e Butterfly Bar is lized bar menu available until 10 nightly adorns the walls — a donation from local crowd. A check-in desk a few steps away comforting and actually looks larger than that will sate any hunger. e list includes B P C. O who choose to stay in San Francisco rather than move to living spaces. ey were going to have their first child and lepidopterist omas William David — it and a key to a romantic room didn’t dimin- it is, thanks to tall mirrors behind the back an Angus sirloin cheeseburger with fries, the suburbs have to get creative, usually with the help of needed more space and additional bedrooms. And they opened as a thirst parlor in the 1930s after ish the libido or the excitement. bar. Seating is cozy but not cramped. $12; a cheese plate with honey and breads, from Alamo Square, with its colorful an architect and contractor, to fit modern conveniences wanted a safe, clean, modern kitchen open to the adjacent the repeal of Prohibition. ■ Harris makes a pledge: If a guest wants $15, and even a steak frites, $24. Victorian facades, is classic San Francisco. But and add elbow room into apartments that average less living and dining areas for family-friendly activities. Lore has it the bar was an immediate Today, bartender John Harris has re- a particular liquor or a drink that requires a ■ actually living in the historic homes on the post- than 1,000 square feet on city lots usually no more than ey also hoped the remodel could bring more natural hit — a tourist-free hideout and hangout vived the Butterfly Bar and is taking it to specific spirit he doesn’t have, “I will find it e triage of the Butterfly Bar, the Cafe cardsT is another story. 25 feet wide. light into their ground floor apartment at the back of a for city powerbrokers who wanted privacy a new level of sophistication. Hired out of for you,” he says. ese days, his repertoire Majestic and the seemingly sincere efforts ese homes were designed in more frugal times, when My firm, Okamoto-Saijo Architecture, worked with four-story apartment building. And they wanted direct with their potables. Historians didn’t record retirement by Birk and given a free hand includes about half a dozen specialty cock- to improve the hotel’s hospitality may re- the average household had fewer belongings and made do one Alamo Square family to address these design chal- access to the rear yard where there was none. whether actresses and sisters Joan Fontaine to deploy his personalized and professional tailsProduction priced Specifi at $12 cations each.: e signature drink turn the Majestic to its past glories as a with fewer bedrooms and bathrooms, less heat and light, lenges, get the approval of neighbors and navigate the To help meet all these goals, it made sense to design a and Olivia de Havilland, who lived quietly style of bartending, Harris has a knack for isPublication: the Majestic New Martini,Filmore a marriage of Bel- drink, eat and make merry refuge and a and little more than a single coat closet. regulations imposed through the city’s planning, building new floor in an unused portion of the basement. Our final in the hotel during the ’50s and early ’60s, treating each patron like his only customer. vedereMedia Unit: vodka 1/8 and Page the Horizontal rich raspberry flavor classic and classy retreat for the neighbor- Today’s families want more than the rabbit warren and fire departments. design nearly doubled the size of the apartment, creating ever bellied up to the bar. at’s old school mixology where excel- ofLive Chambord Area: 5.0” xblended 4.0” with pineapple juice hood. of small spaces that make up the average Victorian flat. ■ a total of 1,450 square feet. In the ’70s, the Chronicle’s iconic three- lent drinkmaking is only half the experi- andBleed finished Area: None with a dollop of champagne. e Hotel Majestic is at 1500 Sutter Many want master bedroom suites, separate bedrooms Our clients wished to transform a dark, one-bedroom, Once we established the schematic design, the next dot columnist, Herb Caen, and Hilton GM ence; graciousness and great conversation Printing:Harris BW is a practitioner of subtly fla- Street. For more information, call 441- for their children, multi-car garages, home offices, game lower unit into a light, elegant two-story unit with three step was to get planning approval and a building permit. Henri Lewin and their pals and cronies is equally important. vored cocktails, but he will whip up Sex on 1280 or visit www.thehotelmajestic.com. rooms, extra bathrooms and front and back yards. ose bedrooms, two bathrooms and direct access to outdoor TO PAGE 15 4
EST: 1990 Thank you Academy of Science Noe Valley Cooperative Nursery The end of 2008 presented financial challenges for many Alzheimer’s Association Salvation Army individuals and families around the world, in our country, and Aids Walk San Francisco San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society in our own state and community. The City of San Francisco American Cancer Society San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program seems to have been spared some of this financial hardship, American Red Cross San Francisco Food Bank Janet Moyer One of the Award winning design - but the anxiety caused by the collapse of so many of our Asian Art Museum San Francisco Park Trust Landscaping is a “100 Fastest Growing “Outstanding full - service Private Companies” Achievement” Award institutions is palatable. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer San Francisco University High School landscaping company in the Bay Area California specializing in SF Business Times, Landscape Contractors Blood Centers of the Pacific Save San Francisco Bay sustainable landscapes October 24, 2008 Association, 2007 At times like these giving to others is more important than ever. Ironically, at times like these giving becomes more Cal Lacrosse Schools of the Sacred Heart Community Boards St. Anne’s Home . . difficult for many. We at Hill & Co. recognize our good 415-821-3760 1031 Valencia Street, San Francisco jmoyerlandscaping.com fortune. We represent extraordinary clients, and market Disabled American Veterans St. Anthony Foundation Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 23632 extraordinary properties in one of the world’s most Enterprise For Students St. Jude Children’s Hospital extraordinary cities. Glide Memorial Church St. Vincent de Paul JM8171_Print_Brand_NewFillmore_P1-2.indd 1 12/8/08 10:39:05 AM James Lick Middle School Stern Grove Festival We believe in giving back to the community, and we wish RC&C Contact ...... George Chadwick Client Name ...... Janet Moyer Landscaping Larkin Street Youth Services Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Contact Phone ...... 650-323-1101 Job Title ...... Print - New Fillmore to extend a warm thank you to all of our clients and Meals on Wheels Swim Across America Special Olympics Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... Brand Ad - 1/8 Page Horiz. agents who helped enable us to share our good fortune with others. Noe Valley Association
Jay Costello President
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12 NEW FILLMORE January 20092009 January 2009 NEW FILLMORE 13 NEIGHBORHOOD HOME SALES
Single Family Homes BR BA PK Sq ft Date Asking $ Sale $ 2736 Broderick St 4 3.5 2 3565 19-Nov 3,095,000 Not Disclosed ■ REMODELING? 3740 Clay St 5 4.5 1 10-Dec 4,495,000 4,000,000 An Indoor 27 Raycliff Ter 4 4.5 2 3320 25-Nov 4,250,000 Not Disclosed We’re interested in publishing more Condos / Co-ops / TICs / Lofts Outdoor articles about neighborhood 3047 Fillmore St #B 1 1 1 25-Nov 599,000 599,000 renovation projects. 2200 Pacific Ave #10E 1 2 1 1323 10-Dec 652,900 685,000 Email editors@ 2171 Sacramento St #1 2 1 1 12-Dec 729,000 725,000 City Home newfillmore.com. 4 FROM PAGE 13 2121 Laguna St #6 2 2 1 870 9-Dec 749,000 730,000 2829 Steiner St #1 1 1 1 8-Dec 879,000 825,000 Complying with the city planning code 2040 Laguna St #401 3 3 2 21-Nov 1,225,000 1,200,000 presented several challenges, especially in 2138 Vallejo St 2 1857 4-Dec 1,299,000 1,230,000 determining how far to extend the new 2947 Jackson St 3 2 1 2100 25-Nov 1,495,000 1,435,000 lower level into the rear yard. Our research 2829 Steiner St #2 2 2.5 1 8-Dec 1,595,000 1,575,000 revealed that we could extend the new liv- 1968 Greenwich St 3 2.5 2 2418 21-Nov 1,800,000 1,750,000 ing space 12 feet into the backyard and 2829 Steiner St #3 2 2 1 8-Dec 1,995,000 1,995,000 still meet the minimum rear yard setback requirements. 2127 Broadway #3 3 3.5 2 4-Dec 3,900,000 3,900,000 ■ A stairway leads from the deck to ANTHEM As a next step, we organized meetings the back yard. with our client’s neighbors. Even for re-
San Francisco’s newest luxury lifestyle destination GEOFF STURM San Francisco’s newest luxury home furniture destination modeling projects that meet the planning code, neighbors must be notified of all resi- 3274 Sacramento Street dential additions in San Francisco. ey would have taken significant space in the Construction cost for the entire project sections to provide some sense of privacy. San Francisco, CA 94115 have 30 days to respond with any concerns. new lower level of the unit. A pre-appli- was less than $300,000, and the owners e proof of the project’s success is in Telephone 415 440 6400 One neighbor wanted to be sure the exten- cation meeting confirmed that there were saved money by undertaking some of the the play of daylight that enters both levels sion did not create too much shadow in his already two means of egress throughout the interior finish work themselves. of the apartment from dawn till dusk and anthemsf.com yard. We assured him the addition would apartment building. Our clients moved in two months after in the feeling of serenity that comes from be set back five feet from each side. Be- ■ their daughter was born. eir new ground the visual connection to the rear garden. cause there was no neighborhood objection Several construction challenges re- floor apartment has all of the modern liv- “I am continually amazed at the close- to our project, city planners approved the mained because of San Francisco’s tight ing conveniences and comfortably fits a ness we feel to the yard and the natural 3274 Sacramento Street project at the close of the 30-day notifica- urban lots. We had to give careful consider- family of three on two levels. world outside,” says owner Egon Terplan. tion period. ation to the most optimal locations for new Upstairs they enjoy a great room with “When we’re downstairs, we practically feel San Francisco, CA 94115 Gaining approval from the building and windows to add natural light and ventila- enlarged openings between the living, din- like we are in the garden itself because we Telephone 415 440 6500 fire departments was another matter. Since tion. Another challenge was the excavation ing and kitchen areas, plus a new deck over have windows on three sides. And having the apartment building had an existing fire for the new basement level, which had to the lower level addition. eir contemp- a second level is heaven. It gives us much anthemsf.com escape on the rear facade, the addition had be dug out entirely by hand. orary kitchen cabinets complement the more freedom and flexibility when we are to include a landing for the fire escape and To keep the building standing as we dug old Victorian woodwork. Downstairs, they home.” Things have slowed down here, too ■ then provide access to a new stair from the under it, we added an array of structural enjoy a more minimal look with a playful There have been far fewer transactions than usual in the neighborhood during roof deck down to the rear yard. Most con- improvements, including concrete retain- composition of windows and openings that Contrary to the stereotype, this project the last month. A slowdown is normal during the holidays, but this year there troversial was whether the fire department ing walls, shear walls, composite lumber frame the garden view outside. e deck’s confirms that it is possible to create pleas- were half the number of closings as last year. While that’s not a big surprise in would require a new alley or hallway con- beams and steel channels added to existing cable guardrails give a feel of openness to ant and comfortable housing for today’s light of the current financial situation, it is somewhat surprising to see such a necting the street to the rear yard, which wood beams. the rear garden, alternating with solid wall families in the heart of San Francisco. significant impact in our neighborhood. The high end has been especially quiet during the past month: Only four ii«ÊÞÕÀÊÛÃÌÀà properties have closed at or above $3 million. There are two different stories regarding these closings. ÊÌ iÊi} LÀ ` ■ First story: The original list price for 2736 Broderick was $3.625 million, and 3470 Clay first came on at just under $5 million. Both homes were on the market for a longer period of time, underwent significant price reductions and ANTHONY TORRES closed significantly below their initial asking prices. ART APPRAISAL SERVICES ■ Second story: 27 Raycliff Terrace (above) and 2127 Broadway #3 were both on the market less than a week before going into contract. Broadway closed at the initial asking price; the Raycliff Terrace price was not disclosed. With 20 properties listed and several more available as “pocket listings” not Specializing in published on the multiple listing service, there is currently well over a year’s supply of inventory at the upper end. modern and contemporary art, NEW ON THE MARKET: A good number of condos and tenancies-in-common photography, Latin American art have recently been listed, which is a little unusual for this time of year. Then again, these are unusual times. 1775 Broadway #2 is a studio condo with no parking listed at $399,000. It features hardwood floors and a large walk-in closet, and the price makes it an ideal entry level home for the neighborhood. 3132 Washington is a recently remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath TIC in a six-unit building, with parking, priced at $625,000. Finally, there is a very large 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo with parking for two cars at 1640 Broderick. It has not been updated, but at 3,841 square feet, the $311 cost per foot is very (415) 441-7881 or (415) 713-3024 attractive. ÓÓΣÊ*iÊ-ÌÀiiÌÊÊ [email protected] — Data and commentary provided by JOHN FITZGERALD, a partner at iÌÜiiÊ7iLÃÌiÀÉÀi the Byzantium Brokerage and an agent at Pacific Union. Contact him at {£x°Î{È°££ÊUÊÜÜÜ°>ÀÌÃÌðV jfi[email protected] or call 345-3034.
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Day after day, we’re inundated with headlines about the market. It’s great to know that Pacific Heightst San Francisco doesn’t fall into these generalizations. As a city of neighborhoods, our market is like Upper Markett our climate; it varies from one neighborhood to the next and changes constantly. With 30 years of Upper Market/Castrot Carrie Insurance Agency, Inc. West of Twin Peakst JUDITH SKINNER experience in San Francisco, and o ces throughout the City, our seasoned professionals are here Noe Valleyt Potrero Hillt 2140 Sutter Street Fine Gardening with a fresh perspective to guide you through the challenges and rewards that lie ahead. Since 1967 South Beach/SOMAt (btwn Sutter & Pierce) 38 Years of Experience {£x®ÊxÈÇÇÈÈäÊÊUÊÊ>iJV>ÀÀiðV Zephyr Real Estate. We’re all about San Francisco. www.zephyrsf.com ÃvÃiÀJ>°VÊÊÊUÊÊÊ{£x°ÇÇÈ°nÓÇÓ
1414 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE JanuaryJanuary 20092009 JanuaryJanuary 20092009 NEWNEW FILLMOREFILLMORE 1515 FOOD, DRINK & ENTERTAINMENT
DINING PIZZA MARKETS 1300 on Fillmore Delfina Pizzeria Fillmore Fine Foods 1300 Fillmore 771-7100 2406 California 440-1189 1981 Sutter 563-0190 Cafe Kati Dino’s Pizza Friends 1963 Sutter 775-7313 2101 Fillmore 922-4700 1758 Fillmore 346-3226 Captain Submarine Extreme Pizza Gino’s Grocery 2486 Sacramento 346-3888 1732 Fillmore 929-9900 2500 Fillmore 775-1908 Cassis Pizza Inferno Mayflower Market 2101 Sutter 440-4500 1800 Fillmore 775-1800 2498 Fillmore 346-1700 Chouquet’s Mollie Stone’s 2500 Washington 359-0075 2435 California 567-4902 Crepevine BAKERY & DESSERTS Pacific Food Mart 2301 Fillmore 922-1722 Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe 2199 Sutter 614-2385 2123 Fillmore 346-8715 Curbside Cafe 2455 California 929-9030 Boulangerie Bay Bread 2325 Pine 440-0356 ENTERTAINMENT Dosa 1700 Fillmore 441-3672 Delanghe Patisserie Boom Boom Room 1890 Fillmore 923-0711 1601 Fillmore 673-8000 Elite Cafe 2049 Fillmore 346-8668 Tango Gelato Clay Theater 2015 Fillmore 346-3692 2261 Fillmore 352-0810 Florio 1915 Fillmore 775-4300 The Fillmore Auditorium 1805 Geary 346-3000 Fresca Peruvian Cuisine COFFEE 2114 Fillmore 447-2768 Harry’s Bar Cafe Murano 2020 Fillmore 921-1000 The Grove 1777 Steiner 771-0888 2016 Fillmore 474-1419 Rasselas Jazz Club Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 1534 Fillmore 346-8696 India Palace 2201 Fillmore 447-9733 1740 Fillmore 567-7789 Sheba Piano Lounge Noah’s New York Bagels 1419 Fillmore 440-7414 Jackson Fillmore Trattoria 2213 Fillmore 441-5396 2506 Fillmore 346-5288 Sundance Kabuki Theaters Peet’s Coffee & Tea 1881 Post 931-9800 Johnny Rockets 2197 Fillmore 563-9930 1946 Fillmore 776-9878 Yoshi’s Jazz Club Royal Ground Coffee 1330 Fillmore 655-5600 La Boulange 2060 Fillmore 567-8822 2043 Fillmore 928-1300 Starbucks Coffee La Mediterranee 2222 Fillmore 673-3171 2210 Fillmore 921-2956 Trio Cafe La Salsa 1870 Fillmore 563-2248 2401 California 771-7848 Tully’s Coffee Maruya Sushi 2455 Fillmore 929-8808 1904 Fillmore 921-2929 Neecha Thai Cuisine 2100 Sutter 922-9419 Osaka 1923 Fillmore 346-6788 Ten-ichi 2235 Fillmore 346-3477 Pride of the Mediterranean 1761 Fillmore 567-1150 Thai Stick 2001 Fillmore 885-6100 Via Veneto 2244 Fillmore 346-9211 Vivande Porta Via 2125 Fillmore 346-4430 WINE & SPIRITS Yoshi’s Japanese Restaurant D&M Wine and Liquor 1330 Fillmore 655-5600 2200 Fillmore 346-1325 ZAO Noodle Company Vino 2406 California 864-2888 2425 California 674-8466 Wine Jar 1870 Fillmore 931-2924
Not many cities can boast a vibrant section of town that is upscale but approachable, fashionable but not elitist, comfortable without being boring. San Francisco’s Fillmore is all these — and, best of all, it’s not striving to be original. It just is. — Gourmet magazine
www.FillmoreStreetSF.com