13 Community 19 Real Estate 16 Calendar Supervisor: The year in Hometime: Houses December events: review and looking ahead should be homes 19 It’s time for your Macy’s to 2016 7 Wellness window-gazing, Union Food & Wine Street holiday lights view- Aging Gracefully: ing, and downtown ice Ernest Beyl: Time for Looking good at any skating. That, plus concerts, curry for Christmas 12 age 24 galas, films, and more. 16

MARINATIMES.COM CELEBRATING OUR 31ST YEAR VOLUME 31 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2015 Reynolds Rap A vote of disdain for Mayor How the accidental mayor turned the city into a playground for social media tech players

BY SUSAN DYER REYNOLDS

“The horns quieted. Lee stood meekly behind [Willie] Brown. He tugged at his baggy business suit, clasped and unclasped his hands. The most colorful thing about him is his moustache, which is brown. ‘Ed, if you want to sit down, it’s all right…’ Brown said, gesturing back toward a chair. Lee sat.” PHOTO: MEL ASHER; MELASHAR.COM — “The Power Broker” by Elizabeth Lesly Stevens, Washington Monthly, July/August 2012 Holidays the Way hen an article called “The Power Bro- ker” ran in the July/August 2012 issue of BY EILEEN MITCHELL have made fireplaces all but obsolete. prepare to celebrate the holidays in true Washington Monthly, it was no surprise Yet, just because it feels like San Francisco style. Wthat the title referred to former San Francisco mayor ecember always brings to spring year-round doesn’t mean San Willie Brown. An in-depth look at the inauguration mind iconic holiday images Franciscans downplay the holidays. FAMILY FARE of Ed Lee after he was elected to his first full may- of windows framing snow- Come December, the City That Knows oral term, author Elizabeth Lesly Stevens pulled Dladen landscapes, children building How kicks into high gear with holiday 25th Annual Union Street Fantasy of no punches in pointing out Lee’s carefully crafted snowmen, and happy families events for every age, interest, and Lights Celebration ascent over a two-year period. The groundwork laid gathering around their wood- admirable cause. Saturday, Dec. 5, 3–7 p.m. by Brown, with help from longtime political pal and burning fireplace. Not so in sunny Have any doubts? Mark your 2040 Union Street Chinatown rabble-rouser Rose Pak, paid off, lead- , where Spare the Air days calendar, don your reindeer cap, and HOLIDAYS, continued on 17 REYNOLDS RAP, continued on 4

Bellingham by the bay Hopes and fears at Christmas

BY BRUCE BELLINGHAM Bruce?” Marcia asked on at Flicka McGurrin’s Pier the air. 29 restaurant. I was seated ack in June 1995, “Cronkite,” I explained, between two San Francis- 100,000 people “met Herb when they co legends: football great paraded down were both correspon- R.C. Owens and Carol BMarket Street to the dents during World War Doda, the woman who Ferry Building to see a II. They flew in B-25s, introduced topless danc- show honoring Herb Caen. on bombing runs over ing to the city, and to the The weather seemed Germany. They remained world. to approve. It was a gor- friends over the decades.” Carol was truly one- geous day. Not a cloud I recited that from of-a-kind. She died of in the sky. Joel Gray kidney failure last Some of the 65 horses and 45 artists of ODYSSEO, the latest show from the brought an orches- month at the age of internationally acclaimed entertainment company Cavalia. PHOTO: COLOR-ISH COMPANY tra from New York, 78. It seems indecent Huey Lewis and the To contradict to mark the age of News sang a capel- Walter Cronkite would a woman who was a la hits from the real survivor — inde- Odysseo: A visual treat of 1950s, and Walter have been worse than fatigable — getting Cronkite provided through the travail horses and humans praise for his old blasphemy. of working at Broad- friend, describing way’s Condor Club, BY LYNETTE MAJER into line just by human voice command his amazement at such memory, and I was very navigating mobsters, and body language. Acrobats twirl through a crowd turning out for a grateful when Cronkite hordes of lecherous men, dysseo is the most spectacu- suspended hoops, suspend themselves hor- newspaper columnist. told the same story and SFPDs vice squad, as lar show I’ve seen, and I thought izontally from poles on a carousel, and per- Marcia Brandwynne from the stage. Yikes. well as bearing the weight the first one, Cavalia, was special. form dizzying back flips across the stage. anchored a live broad- To contradict Walter of silicone-injected 44D ODemonstrating the horse-human bond, But for all the technical and human vir- cast on Channel 5. I was Cronkite would have breasts that were once some 40 horses interact with humans, who tuosity, it’s the horses that steal the show hired to provide color been worse than blas- insured by Lloyd’s of Lon- ride them, stand on them, jump them, and with their grace and beauty. Don’t miss it. commentary. phemy. … Later, lunch don. When Carol took perform other seemingly impossible feats Odysseo: Tue.–Sun. through Jan. 10, “What is Walter was served for a couple her top off that fateful on them. Horses wander in a forest, run AT&T Park; $44.50–$264.50, 866-999- Cronkite doing here, dozen guests on the patio BELLINGHAM, continued on 5 and splash in a lake, and then are brought 8111, cavalia.net

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 1 Contents In This Issue 8 10

14

News Calendar Around the city December events News briefs on Rec and Parks We’ve got a special list of to-dos for December, Commission’s controversial go-ahead for from the symphony’s holiday presentations to three commercial contenders to become wreaths for the homeless to a walk/run. Or Palace of Fine Arts tenants, opponents how about a Star Trek Christmas? New Years of the new jail want a mental health cen- with Seth MacFarlane? Menorah lighting? We ter, the Apothecarioum gets to open in could go on, but that would only delay you the Marina, locals are displeased about from going to get the full calendar. 16 Lombard Street Safety Project, and the city prepares for a subway master plan. 3 At Home Community Urban Home & Garden Julia Strzesieski has tips for choosing, car- Violence and other crimes ing for, and disposing of your tree. 18 Supervisor Mark Farrell gives a year-in- review for 2015; plus, the crime report Real Estate tells you the wrong place to practice your Hometime is the best time tennis swing. 6 Susan Dyer Reynolds appreciates the timeless beauty of an S.F. Victorian; the Street Beat Roundup reports on Airbnb’s post-election Holidays on the Northside Community Compact, a blip in the luxury Lynette Majer gets to the heart of the home market, and the price of renting ver- holidays in the Marina-Cow Hollow; and sus buying; and Carole Isaacs offers a prim- John Zipperer reviews Ernest Beyl’s book er on parking and storage in the city. 19 on North Beach personalities. 8 Family and Wellness Food & Wine Planning ahead Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Thalia Farshchian offers tips to pursue The Tablehopper has a roundup of great now to look younger later; and Liz Farrell places to get food this holiday season; Julie looks for gifts that won’t end up in the 24 Mitchell finds “a modern-day parlor for bottom of the toy closet. the bohemians, libertines, and freethinkers among us” at The Dorian; Ernest Beyl says Pet Pages forget about turkey and ham — have some Take a pittie home for the holidays good old’-fashioned Christmas curry this Mews Briefs reports on grooming safety year; and Kenneth Majer serves up some legislation, waived adoption fees for pit 10 fine holiday wines that do good. bulls, and the Bay Area Pet Fair; and Kickie kicks it at the Ritz. 26 Arts & Entertainment The yuletide broadcasts ONLINE SPECIALS Michael Snyder says that what he lacks in Evalyn Baron, the Coastal Commuter, the religious ferver he makes up for in devo- Weekend Traveler visits Monterey, extend- tion to heart-moving holiday TV fare; ed holiday calendar of events, and more. plus the Marina’s best sellers. 14 marinatimes.com

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2 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM News

News Briefs Around the city Palace, Lombard and new jail plans meet opposition

BY JOHN ZIPPERER built just east of the existing Hall of Justice, with construction scheduled PALACE OF FINE ARTS TENANT? to begin in 2018. The search for a new tenant for the Palace of Fine Arts has descended into LOMBARD CHANGES IRK LOCALS bickering over whether it should be rent- The Lombard Street Safety Project, the ed to a commercial tenant such as a hotel San Francisco Municipal Transporta- or restaurant or if it should be reserved tion Agency’s package of street improve- for cultural organizations. Though the ments and beautification projects, has entire space cannot be used as a com- met a chilly reception from many locals, Getting mercial space, part of it can, and the who claim the project is moving too fast final three contenders included two that and not taking into account locals’ con- would use the site’s theater space for a cerns about traffic flow, obstruction of hotel, and another that would install a businesses, and other problems. nowhere museum and restaurant. In late Novem- Local residents and businesses have ber, the Recreation and Park Com- been complaining to SFMTA, District 2 mission voted unanimously to let all Supervisor Mark Farrell, and other offi- three compete for the final bid. The cials about stops for Muni and corporate with the sponsors of the plans have until May to buses that have been moved in front of submit proposals. private driveways, congestion, and wor- A petition on Change.org claims that ries about ill-thought-out traffic flow. all three proposals fail to “preserve the The Lombard Street Safety Project site as the important cultural/education- involves trying to improve pedestrian vis- big banks? al center San Franciscans have known it ibility at intersections, “transit bulbs” at to be, nor do they keep it a community four intersections (Lombard at Divisadero, space that is open and available to ALL Pierce, Fillmore, and Laguna Streets), relo- people. Once again, our officials are pre- cating three bus stops, “pedestrian bulbs” paring to sell out from under us another at four intersections (Lombard at Pierce, piece of San Francisco heritage. ...” As Steiner, Fillmore, and Laguna Streets), and of mid-November, 17,500 people had new transit stops at Lombard and Laguna indicated their support for the petition, and at Gough Streets. which demands only cultural and educa- tional uses for the site. APOTHECARIUM SQUEAKS IN Following a contentious meeting NEW JAIL OPPONENTS WANT with a large turnout of supporters and MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY opponents, the effort by The Apoth- When it comes to building a new ecarium to open a second marijuana $380 million jail in San Francisco, the dispensary in the city was approved in only thing everyone seems to agree early November, just weeks after being upon is that the existing facilities at delayed by a lack of commissioners at the Hall of Justice (known as County an October meeting (News Briefs, page Break through with a Jail No. 3 and No. 4) are in appalling 3, Marina Times, November 2015). The neighborhood bank that condition — only No. 4 is currently day before the Planning Commission functional, housing about 350 inmates. vote, the Apothecarium put out a call looks beyond the numbers While Mayor Ed Lee and the majority for supporters to come out in force. to get you great rates on of the Board of Supervisors support “We are facing strong opposition from a the project, opponents, including Dis- small community group that is suggest- Commercial Real Estate Loans. trict Attorney George Gascón, believe ing we’ll be bad for the neighborhood,” a mental health justice center would the company wrote on its Facebook be more appropriate given the city’s page. It accused opponents of pulling a 10-Year struggle in dealing with the mentally “dirty trick” and postponing the vote at ill homeless who often bounce from the previous meeting. jail to San Francisco General Hospital The November vote could still be Fixed Rate* to the streets. appealed. The Apothecarium’s first San According to a July 2015 presenta- Francisco location is in the Castro; the starting at tion by the Government Audit and company is also planning a new location Oversight Committee, the inmate across the bay in Berkeley. population is on a downward trend 3.50% and the jail is now about 50 percent NEW BATTERY EAST VISTA empty with 1,314 people in custody Nov. 19 saw the opening of the new Reina Ceja (there were nearly 2,000 inmates in Battery East Vista in the Presidio, fea- 2009). The San Francisco Depart- turing awesome views, picnic area, bicy- 2197 Chestnut Street ment of Public Health says up to 40 cle parking, interpretive signage, and San Francisco, CA 94123 percent of those in custody receive improved parking. The improvements 415-287-8801 support from jail psychiatric ser- were funded by a $1 million grant to the vices, and people in Behavior Health Golden Gate National Parks Conser- Court wait approximately 90 days for vancy by The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. a mental health treatment bed. Every day, an average of 40 to 50 people SUBWAY MASTER PLAN approved for transfer are awaiting Legislation calling for San Francisco to treatment. develop a “subway master plan” got the While there are five new hospitals nod of the Board of Supervisors in early *Terms and Conditions: Building must be 100% owner occupied, maximum LTV will be 60%. Property type must be exclusively, Office, Retail, or Industrial. Rate will not apply to mixed under construction, none are required November, along with a measure to draw use properties. Rate will not apply to automotive, assisted care, hospitality, or other special use properties. Amortization could be 10, 15, 20, or 25 years. There would be a 10-year to have psychiatric beds. Mental health in $44 million a year in new revenue maturity and a balloon payment if amortization is longer than 10 years. $1,500 Loan Origina- advocates believe a community-based for transportation improvements. The tion Fee. (No other bank fees, but borrower responsible for all out of pocket closing costs, (appraisal, title, escrow, etc.). Mandatory auto-payments from FNB checking account or rate facility offering tiered treatment ser- subway master plan, pushed by Supervi- will increase by .75%, other restrictions may apply. Offer expires: December 31, 2015. © 2015 First National Bank of Northern California. vices co-located with courtrooms sor Scott Wiener, would require the city All rights reserved. serving mentally ill defendants would to develop a long-range policy for new meet San Francisco’s current needs far subway construction throughout the city. better than another jail. The 200,000 square foot, 95 feet tall facility will be News tips? E-mail: [email protected]

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 3 News

Reynolds Rap at Proposition F, the so- the board (and four years continued from page 1 called Airbnb measure of sleepwalking through that would have strength- City Hall). ing to Lee’s appointment ened regulations on as interim mayor in 2011 short-term rentals. Sup- IT STARTED WITH when Gavin Newsom left porters managed to gar- A TWITTER office early to become ner an impressive 45 per- San Francisco’s con- lieutenant governor, and, cent of the vote with little tempt for Lee’s leadership subsequently, to an elect- cash or publicity while began in his first term ed four-year term. Airbnb ran deceptive with the infamous “Twit- “If Lee wins a second television ads ad nause- ter tax break,” an exemp- term, he will be in place am (“You won’t be able to tion from the city’s 1.5 until 2020, giving Brown rent your in-law unit to percent payroll tax initi- a hold on San Francisco’s your grandma”) at a cost ated by Lee in 2012 to government that will span of more than $8 million. attract technology start- Christmas a quarter century,” Stevens Had Airbnb not spent ups to the crime- and wrote in 2012. As Brown took center stage at the at Calvary inauguration, he spent an hour cracking jokes and In 2014, the city lost out on $34 Dec 13: A Christmas Service explaining how Mayor 5 pm: Featuring the Calvary Children’s Ensemble Lee would do his job. million in taxes from start-ups, He then told Lee that he $30 million more than in 2013. needed to “recognize state Dec 20: Longest Night Service and national political fig- 5 pm: Uplifting Words, Music & Candlelight ures in the audience” who that obscene amount to drug-infested mid-Mar- could be pressured to sup- shove their misleading ket area with the promise Dec 24: Christmas Eve Services port high-speed rail, one messages down voters’ they would help clean it of Brown’s pet projects, throats, I believe the mea- up. Four years later, those 5 pm: Family Friendly for All Ages with and, ostensibly, his clients. sure would have passed. start-ups have morphed Children’s Pageant & Carols Stevens observed that Lee As for Lee, he garnered into gargantuan public 7:30 pm: Traditional Lessons, Carols & Sermon “sat dutifully in his chair, just over 56 percent of companies through IPOs gray and mute.” the vote despite influ- that made it rain stock The article also fore- ential friends, buckets options. According to the Dec 25: Christmas Day shadowed the enormous of money, and a field of San Francisco treasurer’s 10 am: Worship Service role that billionaire tech unqualified challeng- office, in 2014 the city lost investor Ron Conway ers. According to the San out on $34 million in taxes would play in Brown’s Francisco Chronicle, 8,000 from those companies, scheme to push Lee to voters left the mayor cat- $30 million more than power — an alliance that egory entirely blank on in 2013. Meanwhile Mid would forever change the their ballots, and more Market is worse than ever, face of San Francisco. “I people voted for chal- with filthy, urine-scented should identify some of lenger Vicki Hennessy for sidewalks and rampant your real friends,” Brown sheriff than voted for Lee drugs, crime, poverty, and said. “People like Ron for mayor. Several Marina homelessness. Conway, who is here. Times readers reached out Lee may be the tech- Where are you, Ron Con- to say they either left the nology pied piper, but he way?” Stevens noted that mayor box blank or wrote was unprepared for how Come Celebrate the Opening of Our New Conway, who had not themselves in as a protest. those newly minted mil- been politically active One woman said she lionaires would drive up before joining forces with “wrote in the cost of housing and, Brown and becoming for all three choices.” consequently, drive out NEIGHBORHOOD Lee’s largest donor, “stood District 3 voters put the longtime residents. To be and beamed.” progressive Peskin, a fair, San Francisco has a PLAYGROUND Four years later, Brown power broker in his own history of being adverse grabbed that quarter right, back in the Board to expansion, and that century brass ring when of Supervisors seat he suppressed supply has led Lee won a second may- held from 2000 to 2009 to surging demand. Lee’s answer was to promote unregulated development of every vacant lot in the You can’t walk down the street city, allowing specula- tors of multibillion-dol- without hearing conversations lar condo complexes to blaming Lee for rising rents. ignore height limits and include the bare minimum requirement of below oral term. Why a formi- and served as president market-rate housing. dable opponent didn’t from 2005 until he was You can’t walk down run against him is a mys- term-limited out of office. the street without hear- tery to most. I imagine Lee fought hard against ing conversations blam- Brown calling would-be Peskin’s return, warning ing Lee for rising rents, candidates to an undis- attendees at a gathering of increased evictions, the closed SoMa tech office prominent business, tech techie takeover, and the Claire Lilienthal Alt. School at midnight and, over a and labor leaders that “he “hoteling” of buildings for 3630 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94123 friendly game of Foosball, was watching” (in other short-term rentals. Not strongly suggesting they words, if you support surprisingly, Lee opposed Saturday, Dec. 5 not run, with silver-haired Peskin, don’t expect any Prop. F and has remained henchman Conway stand- favors from the mayor). conspicuously silent on from 11 am to 1 pm ing behind him flashing Lee’s allies poured hun- the number of landlords wads of cash. One well- dreds of thousands of kicking tenants out to list www.SFSharedSchoolyard.org known politico who per- dollars into the cam- their apartments on the haps could have beaten paign of incumbent Julie more lucrative Airbnb. A Join us for games, food, and Lee told me off the record, Christensen, Lee’s hand- May 2015 report by San kids’ activities to celebrate “No one can compete with picked appointee, some Francisco’s independent opening Claire Lilienthal Conway’s money, and he of it going toward last- Budget and Legislative Alternative School as a would have thrown it at minute personal attack Analyst Office estimated neighborhood playground Lee’s campaign if a strong ads against Peskin that that between 5,249 and Supervisor on the weekends. SFUSD Superintendent contender entered the came across as snarky and 6,113 Airbnb listings exist Mark Farrell Richard Carranza race.” desperate. Peskin ran a in San Francisco, taking The Shared Schoolyard Project is a fiscally sponsored It’s a fact that big money clean, low-key campaign between 925 and 1,960 program of the San Francisco Parks Alliance influences people’s deci- and ousted Christensen, long-term rental units off sion making — just look ending Lee’s control of REYNOLD’S RAP, continued on 5

4 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Bellingham The newly opened Tenderloin Museum continued from page 1 on Eddy Street (I saw the ever-attentive Herb Gold checking it out last month), night as she sat on the Steinway grand at six years in the making, displays arti- The Condor, you knew the 1960s had facts that recall San Francisco’s days arrived. The Summer of Love wasn’t far as an “open city,” when the Tender- Find The One. off. … “Carol was so sweet, so kind,” loin provided “prostitution, gambling, Diane Weissmuller recalls. “She was a and drinking.” Come to think of it, bundle of positive energy, never cruel the neighborhood hasn’t changed that to anyone.” And she was funny. Amazing much. … Drinking? Oh, yes, I remem- for someone who endured all sorts of ber. Early one morning the then-cap- vulgarity. … After the dancing days tain of the northern police station, Ann danced away, Carol opened a lingerie Mannix, rang me. “Sorry to call so early, shop on Union Street. I’d drop in some- Bruce,” she explained, “But I have to go times, but there never was anything in to a funeral this morning.” “Anyone I my size. Carol never lost her penchant know?” I asked. “It’s our former chief, for performance, singing regularly with Alex Fagan. If you drink, Bruce, don’t her band at Gino & Carlo in North quit,” she suggested. ‘Alex stopped drink- Beach. Yes, she was indefatigable, truly ing, and he was dead in two weeks.” … one of a kind. … I’ll keep it in mind. … Former Mayor is recov- It could have been a wonderful life: ering from open-heart surgery. He’s The director of the famed Christmas doing well, I hear. Art officiated at my movie, Frank Capra, lived in the old wedding to Susan Bolding in 1990. Eddy Hotel in the 1920s. Today it’s the Being of Greek extraction, he had me Drake Hotel. Capra managed to get out stomp on a water glass, wrapped in of the Tenderloin. He was a great success a napkin, during the ceremony. Nice in Hollywood. It’s a Wonderful Life will Mediterranean touch. … I believe in be on TV at Christmas as long as there’s A decades old tradition Art’s durability. He survived being shot Christmas. … Among my holiday faves, twice by the Zebra Killers in 1974. Art Bill Forsyth’s Comfort & Joy, and Jean was a social worker on a sidewalk on Shepherd’s A Christmas Story. I spoke to of custom craftsmanship Potrero Hill at the time. Always the Jean years ago and asked if he could give public servant. We must applaud the advice “to a young writer living in San in California. Trauma Unit at San Francisco General Francisco.” … “Get the hell out of San Hospital for saving his life. … Speaking Francisco!” he barked. “It’s too seduc- of hospitals, I offer a shout-out to St. tive. Ever hear of a successful writer liv- Francis Memorial … St. Mary’s … and ing in the Virgin Islands?” … CPMC in Pacific Heights. I’ve been to I love Nob Hill. I make sure I all of them this wander through year because Huntington Park of chronic at Christmas, heart trouble. I wander through Huntington if only to see “I think we’re the gingerbread gonna run Park at Christmas, if only to house in the out of ambu- see the gingerbread house. lobby of the lances for you, Fairmont. Yes, Bruce,” quipped a paramedic as I was that mysterious, secretive couple is in transported to St. Francis. I’m grate- the darkness of the park. They sit on a ful for the S.F. Fire Department, too. bench, away from the madding crowd. Good guys. … I think I could write hos- The San Francisco Girl’s Chorus is sing- pital food reviews at this point. … ing Christmas carols. The couple clutch “What would St. Francis of Assisi each other tightly, aware of the dangers do if he learned San Francisco was in the world, but glad to have each other. named for him?” I once asked Father It’s a good time to be in love. “Will it William Myers. “I don’t know if he’d be a good Christmas?” she whispers laugh or cry,” William said tersely. … apprehensively. “It’s going to be great,” Sometimes I think living in San Fran- he replies assuredly, holding her hand. cisco is like enduring a bad marriage. We are going to make it the best Christ- There’s occasional abuse, but I keep mas.” … I could swear I can hear angels staying here. It’s been 45 years. … One singing. Must be the eggnog. … of a kind? Caen used to write ”Only in San Francisco” items. I noticed that Bruce Bellingham is the author of Bell- there’s a plaque in the sidewalk in the ingham by the Bay. He says the Virgin Tenderloin honoring Alex de Renzy for Islands look better all the time. Pester him bringing pornographic movies to town. at [email protected]. Research Follow Us Reynolds Rap is now affecting the tech first time. Privately held continued from page 4 companies themselves. unprofitable start-ups Learn about our Feast your eyes on Last September, billionaire are also having trouble the market. That amounts venture capitalist Chamath living up to lofty valua- proven track record our bevy of one-of- to nearly 25 percent of Palihapitiya told Business tions. Square (run by Jack available units citywide Insider that if a start-up Dorsey, who also runs of five star service & a-kind-custom fine (in popular neighbor- spends more than 15 per- Twitter) went public last hoods like the Mission, cent of its funding on rent month with a valuation a history of happy jewelry. Airbnb listings consist of “a huge red flag goes up.” a third less than the $6 nearly 30 percent of the According to Palihapitiya, billion that private inves- customers. @LaBijouterieSF rental market). Ellis Act every dollar that someone tors valued it at just one evictions, where land- raises in Redwood City or year ago. Could ludicrous lords can evict tenants if Mountain View has to be valuations, tumbling stock they take the building off multiplied by two for it prices, and exorbitant burn the rental market, are up to go as far in San Fran- rates cause Lee’s San Fran- sharply under Lee as well. cisco. Once those firms go cisco Silicon Valley vision Data from the San Fran- public, they are beholden to go up in flames? Per- cisco Rent Board shows to shareholders who want haps Palihapitiya hinted at 2,120 notices of evictions to see profits. Twitter the answer when he noted were filed during the year recently laid off more than that every tech company Appointments preferred. ending Feb. 28, 2015 — 300 employees, squashed worth $100 billion or more Book online at www.LB-SF.com a 54.7 percent increase expansion plans, and in started no farther north from five years ago. mid-November its strug- than Palo Alto. In a karmic twist, the gling stock sunk below (415) 775-6622 | 1931 Union Street, San FranciSco monster Lee unleashed the 2013 IPO price for the E-mail: [email protected]

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 5 Community

Police Blotter From the officers of Northern Station A brief criminal roundup of the Northside

The crimes described below are only altered mental status and would not WHERE’S MY CAR? began talking to him, but after a few a small snapshot of what the police offi- answer any of their questions. She had Aug. 26, 4:18 p.m. moments, the suspect jumped on his cers of Northern Station are doing. For no identification on her and refused to Marina Blvd. at Fillmore St. bicycle and started pedaling away. The a more comprehensive list, visit sf-police. cooperate with the police officers. They officer followed and after several blocks org; under Compstat, select the link to determined she was a danger to others Plainclothes officers conducted a sur- was able to take him into custody. Crimemaps. and detained her for a mental health veillance operation for a suspect with a A computer check revealed that the evaluation. She was taken to California criminal history of stolen vehicles, prop- suspect had several outstanding warrants Pacific Medical Hospital and the staff erty, and illegal narcotics. They spotted a for his arrest. The officers also collected MENTAL HEALTH DETENTION there took custody of her. male leaving an apartment building and several items of evidence from the suspect Aug. 25, 7:20 a.m. getting into a black Honda. They ran a that were used and worn in prior inci- Chestnut St. at Richardson Ave. computer check on the Honda, which dents. After an investigation and notifica- BREAKING AWAY turned out to have been reported stolen. tions were made, the suspect was booked A female flagged down uniformed offi- Aug. 26, 1:17 a.m. They surrounded the car and ordered the at Northern Station on charges of mali- cers to tell them she had just been hit in Divisadero at Turk Sts. driver to get out; he complied, and he cious mischief, graffiti, and hate crime. the arm with a tennis racket. She said was taken into custody without further she was walking with a cup of coffee Officers responded to a report of two incident. in her right hand when an unknown male suspects breaking into a white The driver told them he had just bought CITIZEN’S ARREST female hit her in van and remov- the car and did not know it was stolen. Sept. 1, 3:48 p.m. the hand, caus- ing a bicycle. When they asked him who he bought it 300 block of Fulton St. ing her to drop The police offi- from, he gave them the name of the sus- her coffee to the She was hitting cars with cers arrived pect the officers had been looking for. The Officers responded to a report of a ground. The sus- and found a vehicle and the suspect were transported stolen cell phone. The victim told them pect was yelling a tennis racket. Several cars suspect match- to Northern Station for further investiga- she’d gone into the employees-only rest- and reportedly ing the descrip- tion. The officers located the Honda’s room and accidentally left her cell phone talking “crazy,” slammed on their breaks tion walking owner and interviewed the suspect, who on top of the soap dispenser; when she and walked away from the had outstanding arrest warrants and was later went back for it, it was gone. The away. The victim to avoid hitting her. area, pushing a subsequently taken to County Jail and victim and officers viewed surveillance was unjured, and motorized bicy- booked. video showing people entering and leav- she described the suspect and her direc- cle possibly involved in the burglary. ing the bathroom, and they saw a female tion of travel. When the officers tried to stop to to suspect enter the bathroom and later Officers searched the area and spot- talk with him, he ran away and jumped GRAFFITI ART NO MORE leave it with a pink phone in her hand. ted the suspect on the median. She was a fence. Aug. 30, 5 a.m. Speaking with the police, the employee walking in and out of traffic, hitting The officers set up a perimeter and Fell at Octavia Sts. denied taking the phone, but based on cars with a tennis racket. Several cars within minutes located and detained the video evidence and the victim’s state- had to slam on their brakes to avoid the suspect. He was positively identi- An officer spotted a male suspect who ment, they determined the suspect stole hitting her. She attempted to run away fied by the 911 caller. The suspect was matched the description of someone the phone. The victim signed a citizen’s from the officers, but they were able booked at County Jail; the other suspect involved in a prior graffiti hate crime arrest form, and the suspect was cited for to detain her. She appeared to have an was not found. incident. He approached the suspect and petty theft and released.

6 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM From the Chambers of our Supervisor Progress report 2015: The year in review

BY MARK FARRELL no silver bullet to our housing I was elected I have secured more end of 2016. In a dense urban During the budget process, I crisis, but we must continue to funding for new fire and police environment like San Francisco, I secured funding to host the first- s we approach the end do everything in our power to academy classes to have more believe we have to do everything ever series of free District 2 Family of 2015, there is much build new housing units quickly, public safety personnel out in our in our power to create more open Movie Nights in the Presidio. As a to be thankful for, from responsibly, and appropriately. streets. During the year, I hosted space for our residents, visitors, father of three, I firmly believe Aour streaking World Champion Homelessness in San Francisco numerous public safety town halls and families. we need to provide more family Golden State Warriors to our continues to persist, and the throughout the district, where I As our city continues to grow, services and programming strong local economy and low most cost-effective and humane brought together the leaders of the use of our parks is at an all- opportunities to keep our city unemployment numbers. The solution continues to be providing our neighborhoods, police, and time high, and our Recreation diverse and strong. After two year 2015 has also brought housing for the homeless. I secured district attorney’s office to discuss and Park Department is working family movie nights, we have seen many challenges. Our housing funding in our budget for a District how we can reduce crime and tirelessly to address the nuts and the demand grow, with the last affordability and cost-of-living 2-specific homeless outreach team keep our communities safe. I bolts issues that our residents movie night bringing out more continue to increase, and we need that will be focused on getting the also met with PTA’s at Sherman deserve and expect to see fixed. than 1,000 people. The movie to do more to ensure that the district’s homeless into housing Elementary and Marina Middle Unfortunately, funding for Rec nights will continue through June, economic prosperity the city is and services to help put them School to discuss public and and Park has not kept pace with and I encourage you to attend our experiencing helps as many San on a path toward self-sufficiency. pedestrian safety improvements the needs and issues that have to next movie night on Friday, Dec. Franciscans as possible. I am close to passing legislation to keep our children safe. be addressed in our neighborhood 11, at the Presidio YMCA. Housing affordability and the to help vulnerable individuals To address gun violence in San parks. I introduced a community- Last, the Francisco Reservoir cost-of-living continue to be a maximize the public benefits for Francisco, I passed common-sense driven funding plan for the June Project is moving along in a top concern. As budget chair, I which they qualify, saving the city gun safety policies that will help primary election — that will not timely fashion. The agreement made it a top priority to advocate valuable resources in the long- aid police in their investigations raise taxes a penny — to fix a between the city and the Francisco for more housing investments run. I also partnered with Bevan and deter criminals from illegally structural budget shortfall that Parks Conservancy will be up for in our city budget and was able Dufty and Mayor Lee to support obtaining guns in our city. I has existed in the department approval by the Recreation and to secure a historic $25 million the innovative and successful believe we need to do everything since the Great Recession. Park Commission and Board of additional investment to help Navigation Center, which is in our power to reduce gun Our world-class parks and Supervisors in early 2016. build new affordable housing; housing homeless individuals, and violence to keep our communities open spaces deserve a sustainable the voters also approved the $310 am co-sponsoring a bill to create and families safe. funding source to make the LOOKING AHEAD TO 2016 million housing bond, which I a Navigation Partnership Fund When I first came into office, badly needed improvements and Next year our office will continue co-sponsored with my colleagues that will encourage philanthropic I revamped the San Francisco upgrades to everything from to implement solutions address- and Mayor Ed Lee. Additionally, giving from the private sector to Shared Schoolyards Project to fixing the broken swing, adding ing affordability, homelessness, I am a lead co-sponsor of a open more Navigation Centers. open up public schoolyards on more park rangers, and creating housing, broadband connectivity, bill to update our inclusionary As property and violent crime weekends for the community to more programming options in and public safety. We are extremely housing laws that will streamline have increased in San Francisco use and enjoy by privately raising our parks for our residents to proud of the work we were able the entitlement process to build this year, public safety is a top funds to cover the costs of the access and use. This measure to accomplish together this year more new housing quicker and concern to residents in every program. The project was so will guarantee improvements and and look forward to making 2016 incentivize more on-site affordable neighborhood. For years, our successful that we announced we upgrades to every neighborhood another successful year. and middle-income housing units police and fire departments have will expand from 28 participating park in San Francisco. I hope to in market-rate projects. There is been understaffed. Every year since public schools to 80 by the earn your support this June! E-mail: [email protected]

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MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 7 Street Beat

Marina-Cow Hollow Insider CELEBRATE THE SEASON ON Union Street lights up and UNION STREET Marina’s true colors shine BY LYNETTE MAJER

MARINA SHOWS ITS TRUE COLORS In the week following the Paris bombings, in a show of solidarity, the merchants on Scott Street proudly displayed French flags in front of their businesses, a truly touching sight. Organized by Supervisor Mark Farrell, Reed & Greenough (3251 Scott Street), Spaghetti Bros. (3213 Scott Street), and Scotland Yard (3232 Scott Street) pledged to donate 100 percent of their proceeds from specific drinks sold Wednesday, Nov. 18 to the Entertainment Division of Paris, which supports the city’s hospitality industry. Nous sommes tout Parisiens. On a lighter note, did you know that IT’LL BE AN GOOD TIME Reed & Greenough (3251 Scott Street) ELFIN’ELFIN’ has a rooftop beehive? Owner Paul Owens says the hive heads out daily to *HOLIDAY CELEBRATION SAT, DEC. 5TH!* the Presidio and returns to make the honey that the bartenders use to make Reed & Greenough shows its support COSTUMEd CHARACTERS - sANTA - PONY RIDES - TREATS AND MORE! that Prohibition-era, gin-based cocktail for France. PHOTO: LEXIE LEE with the name you can’t say without grinning, the Bee’s Knees. Drop in for a can have that three ways, and add extras *THE GREAT UNION STREET ELF HUNT- WIN PRIZES!* taste of honey and a hive tour anytime like an egg or veggies. they’re open. Ghirardelli Square has a new tasting *HOLIDAY CAROLING STROLL- SAT, DEC. 19th!* It’s that time of year again for the room: Bluxome Street Winery (851 Union Street Fantasy of Lights from Beach Street, Suite F-201A), in the *SHOP AND DINE UNDER AWARD WINNING TWINKLING LIGHTS!* Van Ness Avenue to Steiner and for good Woolen Mill building. It’s the second measure, Fillmore Street from Union to location for Bluxome, which has been Lombard, to add some festivity to your producing wine for five years in their visit website for details: www.sresproductions.com - 800-310-6563 Christmas shopping. Don’t miss the kick- SOMA location. Drop by for a taste any off event on Dec. 5 at the Cudworth day from noon to 7 p.m. in the historic Mansion (2040 Union Street) with all space with exposed brick and views of things Christmas: Santa, elves, “reindeer,” the bay. horse-drawn carriage rides, and lots more, including donation bins for the CANDLES AND MORE San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program. Eurasian Interiors (1861 Union Visit sresproductions.com for schedule Street) recently opened another location and details. at 2176 Chestnut Street in the former Heritage Row space. In addition to their ARTISTS REJOICE wide selection of upper-end candles San Francisco’s favorite art supply and restored antiques (housed upstairs), store, Flax, has opened an outpost at you’ll find a finely curated selection of Fort Mason (Building D). Judging by jewelry, handbags, and scarves. Bonus: the crowds on their opening weekend They love dogs. — with live music, product demos, and Speaking of candles, Glassbaby (2070 refreshments — it’s on track to be a Union Street) relocated last month from smashing success. Fort Mason’s resident Sacramento Street. The store is a visual arts community is especially excited to delight, with every color votive imaginable have a go-to, walk-to supply store, and made at their studio in Berkeley, where in a supportive move, Flax is stocking you can watch the actual glassblowing. materials just for them. Not an artist? And you can feel good about making that You’ll still find something here to love purchase: Glassbaby donates 10 percent and sure to spark your inner creativity. of each sale to organizations that provide assistance to those in need. IT’S LIKE THEY NEVER LEFT Gala Boutique (2277 Union), across Everything seemed business as usual from Rose’s, is hosting a Public Glass pop at the “new” La Boulangerie de San up through Jan. 4, featuring handmade Francisco (1909 Union Street) recently. glass from local artists. The interior appears the same as does the menu (like those adorable little petite BETTER THAN MILL VALLEY baguette sandwiches in the grab-and-go Cabana Home (3024 Fillmore Street), case). There looked to be just a few more open for several months now, is loving pastry and bread choices, which is never the Fillmore foot traffic, compared to a bad thing, and the place was filled with their previous location in Mill Valley. In customers. Great to have them back in addition to their design services, you’ll the ’hood. find a fine selection of home accessories and gifts, plus a charming back patio CHICKEN AND WINE space, and friendly designers. Lucky Dogs on Filbert Street between Steiner and Fillmore quickly morphed MORE MERCHANTS GIVING BACK into Rooster & Rice (2211 Filbert Jest Jewels (1869 Union Street) this Street) about a month ago. Owner Aric past summer hosted five happy hour Doo reports it’s had a warm reception, charity events where they matched dollar- especially from the lunchtime crowd. for-dollar jewelry sales for the Dress for Now chef Tommy (who has a restaurant Success organization (providing clothing, in Palo Alto) is cooking up Khao Mun Gai confidence, and career development for — organic poached Mary’s chicken over low-income women). Over $5,000 was rice served with a chili-garlic-ginger- raised — congratulations! soybean sauce, a side of chicken broth, and a cucumber and cilantro garni. You E-mail: [email protected]

8 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Book Review Ernest Beyl’s North Beach San Francisco is ready for its close-up A new look at the city’s personalities is a biography of the ever-changing city by the bay

BY JOHN ZIPPERER Many of these stories present people from the edges of respectability (con an Francisco is having an iden- artists, madams, journalists), which is tity crisis. People are arguing both a reminder of who really built this and legislating and propositioning town and an inspiration for people hop- Sabout what the city is and what it is be- ing to transcend a humble or unrespect- coming. Who are these new people fill- able beginning to become respectable, ing up that fancy coffee shop where my such as the former madam who became old dry cleaners used to be? Why is that a mayor. decrepit old parking lot being replaced As Marina Times readers know, Beyl is with a huge apartment building? Why an inveterate haunter of restaurants and was my bus stop just super-sized? What saloons. He not only knows how to tell a is this place, anyway? good story, but he knows how to listen to People who want to know where this a good story and pass it along. Through city is going would do well to know his discussions with bartenders (for you where it came from, who built it, and kids, that’s a mixologist), club owners, who was run out of town on a rail. Ernest and restaurateurs, we are able to vicari- Beyl, the Marina Times’ resident docent ously witness the greats and near-greats of San Francisco history and highlights, who came through town on their ways has provided a guide to the characters of to vast fame and fortune. Lenny Bruce. the past in his new book Sketches from a Phyllis Diller. Dizzy Gillespie. To name North Beach Journal only a very few. (Grizzly Peak Press, Beyl also gives us 2015), which is sub- up-close views of titled “Heroes and radical lawyer Tony Heroines, the Wise Serra, restaurateur and the Wily: San Ed Moose, cooking Franciscans from guru “Tante Marie” the Gold Rush to (a.k.a. Mary Risley), Yesterday.” Beyl’s favorite Irish In fact, much like bartender, Michael his Marina Times McCourt, filmmak- column of the er and businessman same name, Beyl Francis Ford Cop- uses this book to pola, and others. take a prose walk Many of the peo- down the streets of ple in this book North Beach (and lived decades ago, parts thereabouts), but they would find giving you insight kindred spirits in into the person- young newcom- alities who made ers to the city who the place what it want to disrupt is. Beyl introduces the way things are. you to (or, if you’re Sketches from a North Beach Journal, They were indepen- a long-timer in 221 pages, Grizzly Peak Press, $16.95 dent. Beyl presents the city, expands COVER: GRIZZLY PEAK PRESS us with a pano- your knowledge of) ply of people who people who are noteworthy because of didn’t shy away from doing and saying their achievements, their special way what they wanted and what they meant, of standing out from a crowd, or their without caring about political correct- ability to tell a tale well. ness or social opinion. Whether they There are some old favorites in here, were starting up newspapers or music such as Joshua Norton, a mid-19th- careers or brothels, they took chances, century local business tycoon who had reshaped their own life stories, created an Icarus-like financial career, finally art (or food or comedy or commerce), leaving town in failure. Years later, he and then often got to live on in the city would resurface, thoroughly out of his that was changed to whatever degree by mind, but charmingly so as the self- what they had introduced. styled Emperor Norton, ruler of this Sketches from a North Beach Journal country and protector of Mexico. “And has something for lifelong San Fran- he was serious,” Beyl writes. “He had ciscans and for new arrivals alike. The gone mad. But nicely mad. He issued book won’t solve San Francisco’s cur- his own currency and he used it to pay rent identity crisis, but everyone who his expenses. And, strangely, his phony is worried about that crisis should read money was honored. He used it for all it, because it shows that the city has al- his needs and for the needs of his two ways had a crisis like this. From frontier mongrel dogs, Bummer and Lazarus, mission to mining town to military base his constant companions.” Thirty thou- to one big red-light district to baby sand people came out for Norton’s fu- boomer Valhalla to techno-town, San neral in 1880, celebrating a man who Francisco has always been changing and would be just as at home on the streets upsetting people with its changes. What of this city today. will it become? It’ll be the same, which There are also snapshots of lesser- is to say it will be different from today, known life here, such as the topless different from everywhere else, weird, shoeshine stand, or the San Francisco annoying, amazing. Chronicle’s entry into the Hearst family as the make-good for a gambling debt. E-mail: [email protected]

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 9 Food & Wine

TREAT YOURSELF TO AN EXCITING CULINARY ADVENTURE Tablehopper Comings and goings WITH MICHELIN STAR CHEF SRIJITH GOPINATHAN

Oysters, eggplant parmigiana, and toasted ravioli at Spaghetti Bros. PHOTO: SLOANE MORRISON Smell that spaghetti and Spice Pot — Chef’s interpretation of traditional Indian street food with vegetables, tamarind chutney, and chickpea crackers. garlic bread in the Marina? Journey along India’s Spice Route by way of California at fi ve-time Michelin star winner BY MARCIA GAGLIARDI AND DANA EASTLAND and finger foods, as well as naan wraps Campton Place. Chef Srijith’s cuisine master- stuffed with chicken tikka, lettuce, tomato, MARINA/COW HOLLOW fully blends the fi nest local produce with the onion, cilantro, and cucumber, with mint richness of the region’s seasonal bounty. Now open is Spaghetti Bros. (3213 Scott and tamarind chutney and a choice of hot Street, 415-400-8500), the new project we sauce for $8. Or go the fully fried route with Enjoy a six-course Spice Route menu or indulge in our nine-course mentioned last month from former Bix a samosa, fries, and pakora combination Degustation menu. For those with lighter appetites we offer a three- and Fog City chefs Erik Lowe and Aaron for $6. Plus, beers are only $4 with food course Theatre Menu and Vegetarian Tasting menu. Toensing. purchase. Their menu is playful and innovative, adding seasonal NorCal ingredients, NORTH BEACH 2016 Michelin Guide Two Star Winner! technique, and refinement to many classic Chubby Noodle North Beach (1310 American dishes. You can start with Grant Avenue, 415-296-9600) is now Located in the Taj Campton Place Hotel in the Heart of Union Square Aaron’s garlic bread, or toasted ravioli and serving lunch daily 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. marinara, then move on to a chopped (they are also open for dinner 5–10 p.m.). camptonplacesf.com for reservations | 415.781.5555 salad, clam linguine with Jimmy Nardello Piccolo Forno (725 Columbus Avenue, 340 Stockton St. | San Francisco peppers, and spaghetti with uni butter. (But 415-757-0087), the new, casual addition Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner then there’s the orecchiette mac and cheese, from the Ideale crew, is now open. Hoodline with New York cheddar Mornay and green reports that the new spot opened softly Oct. chile salsa.) You can ramp up with a half 28 and is serving pizza, salads, espresso, chicken, duck breast scallopini, and Swedish pastries, and antipasti all day. After they meatballs, plus there are a few large-format get their pizza oven, hours will be daily 10 table options, like a 16-ounce Flannery dry- a.m.–10 p.m. aged prime New York steak with creamed Discover Your spinach-delicata squash gratin, l’entrecôte CHINATOWN sauce, and rosemary frites. Sam Wo Restaurant and Bakery (715 The pasta is made in-house, and their Clay Street, 415-989-8898) reopened Oct. Holiday Spirit Josper (a charcoal-fueled oven and grill 21 in the former Anna Bakery space. The that can sustain temperatures above 650) new location has multiple floors (like the will be getting a workout. Toensing will previous location), and they even installed a be rocking the desserts with house-made dumbwaiter (ahhh, nostalgia). You’ll notice gelato, spumoni, and a Hatch green chile- other original artifacts in the space, and apple pie with a cheddar cheese-flecked many of the original menu items, too, from crust. the barbecue pork rice noodle roll to jook The bar features some cocktail classics to wonton soup. Look for beer and wine (Boulevardier, La Floridita daiquiri), with to come soon, and the bakery part of the Negroni variations as a highlight (courtesy business to ramp up, too. of general manager and bar director Hours for now Monday–Wednesday William Sanders, also a Bix alum). The 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Wednesday–Saturday, 11 wine list strikes a good balance between a.m.–3 p.m. and 6–11p.m., closed Sunday. quality and value with both Old- and New- World selections, but if you want to bust out PACIFIC HEIGHTS with some Bollinger, you can do that, too. As reported earlier this year, there are The former Republic bar has been given changes afoot at the former Pizza Inferno quite the overhaul by designer Michael on Fillmore. The New Fillmore was first to Guthrie and architect Mark Topetcher. report that it’s now softly open as Academy There are four areas: a bar, lounge, main (1800 Fillmore Street, 415-775-1800), from dining room, and private dining room, chef Nick Pallone and Peter Fogel. They’ve with seats for 120 in all. There’s a 20-seat, revamped the space, giving it a more open copper-topped bar, red leather banquettes feel, with reclaimed wood tables and an with plaid upholstered backs, an elevated open bar, plus they’ve added a wood-fired FREE GIFT SET lounge with mocha leather banquettes, oven for Neapolitan-style pizzas. The menu WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASE and the 50-seat dining room has classic is fun and seasonal, with a section of snacks, white tablecloths and Thonet bentwood cured meats, vegetables, pizzas, and heartier FREE OIL & VINEGAR GIFT SET WITH $100 PURCHASE ($22 value) chairs with beige leather seats and tartan main dishes. There are also 24 beers on FREE OIL & VINEGAR GIFT SET WITH $250 PURCHASE ($60 value) upholstered backs. Hours are 4:30–11 tap and a selection of wines. It’s the perfect Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon to redeem offer. Some restrictions apply. See store for details. Expires 12/31/15. p.m. (bar), and 5:30–11p.m. (restaurant). before-movie spot, just a block from the Look for some additions, like a daytime Sundance Kabuki. sandwich shop. TASTE THE WORLD’S FINEST OILS, VINEGARS, Looking for some late-night street food? Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular insider SPICES, SMALL BATCH FINE SPIRITS, AND OUR Lasan (3145 Fillmore Street, 415-346-4900) weekly e-column, Tablehopper, about the SELECTION OF ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE has you covered with their Late Night San Francisco dining and imbibing scene; get WINES AS YOU CREATE THE PERFECT GIFTS. at Lasan menu. It’s available on Fridays the latest news at tablehopper.com. Follow and Saturdays from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. and is @tablehopper on Twitter and Instagram for Ghirardelli Square | 900 North Point St. | (415) 404-6980 | vomfasssf.com cooked and served right on the sidewalk. more. Dana Eastland is the associate editor The special menu includes snack items for tablehopper.com.

10 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM New & Notable Whiskeys and much more NEW YEAR’S EVE! Celebrate at the Cliff House DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH DJ ERIC FROM SPINTRONIX AS THE BISTRO IS TRANSFORMED FOR ONE MAGICAL NIGHT INTO AN OCEANSIDE DANCE CLUB! 9:30 pm December 31ST – 1:00 am January 1ST $55 ADVANCE TICKET SALES | $75 DAY OF Ticket sales start Monday, November 30th The cozy but elegant bar at The Dorian. PHOTO: ©KEITH BAKER Advance tickets sold out early last year! Please note there will only be a limited number of The Dorian: Victorian meets tickets available for purchase on New Year's Eve. modern in a bar Ticket price includes Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm, party favors & BY JULIE MITCHELL irresistible truffle fries ($11), the fall salad a champagne toast at midnight. of pear, almond, Humboldt fog goat cheese, hen Oscar Wilde wrote his and pomegranate ($13); Brussels sprouts Enjoy Special New Year’s Eve Dinner Menus famous philosophical novel, with tangerine and hazelnut ($10.50), or the in the Bistro and Sutro’s Restaurants! The Picture of Dorian Gray, its seasonal flatbread with hen of the woods Wprotagonist was perhaps both indecent and mushrooms, Point Reyes blue cheese, and Last dinner seating in the Bistro at 7:15 pm immoral, at least at the time. Chestnut wild onion ($13). Street’s newest bar and restaurant, The Carnivores will delight in the steak To get all the details and to purchase tickets visit Dorian, is neither, but its lavish array of fine tartare with quail egg, Meyer lemon, and whiskeys and handcrafted cocktails and its capers ($19); the rib eye with watercress, www.cliffhouse.com/nye.html. Victorian-inspired interior certainly feel crispy onion, and Dorian steak sauce You can also purchase tickets at the decadent. ($29.50); and the house burger, served with Cliff House Gift Shop or by calling 415-666-4006. “fancy” sauce, bacon jam, white cheddar, LEATHER AND DARK WOOD caramelized onions, and fries ($15.50); add 1090 Point Lobos | 415-386-3330 | www.CliffHouse.Com Led by operating partners Anderson $2.50 for avocado. There is also the Royal Pugash, Benson Wang, and Jack Herr of Dorian burger with peekytoe crab and Union Street’s Palm House, along with black truffle for $40. An artisan meat and others including general manager Chris cheese selection is available for $21. Goodyear and executive chef Chris Ricketts, Those looking for something lighter will The Dorian bills itself as “a modern-day be drawn to the chicken Caesar salad with parlor for the bohemians, libertines, and white anchovies and garlic croutons ($14); The place freethinkers among us.” With a generous bar mussels and garlic bread ($15); free-range as its focal point, the two-level restaurant is chicken with wild rice, Bloomsdale spinach, divided into three distinct spaces — the and quince ($19.50); local rock cod with where locals state room, the drawing room, and the celery root, andouille sausage, “cioppino” study — featuring opulent rich blues and ($25); or yellowfin tuna with an avocado, greens, textured wallpaper, brass fixtures, hearts of palm, and jalapeno ($17). The eat seafood! leather, and dark wood. The main bar bountiful and beautiful shellfish tower with highlights an impressive whiskey display peekytoe crab, shrimp, and Miyagi oysters, with teal and purple accents, and the study, is $58, and definitely meant for the table. a loft-like space upstairs, incorporates Spectacular Bay Views leather and dark wood, offering an intimate DON’T MISS DESSERT setting for small private groups. Special Sharing plates has the advantage of touches such as faux antique books on leaving diners with room for dessert, and shelves and portraits on the walls mesh The Dorian’s butterscotch pudding with easily with modern, bright lighting and an vanilla bean whipped cream and rosemary overall open ambiance. shortbread ($11) is simply scrumptious. There is also an over-the-top banana split COCKTAILS AND WHISKEYS made with caramelized banana, house- The cocktail menu is intriguing with made fudge, and vanilla, banana walnut, specials including the Alibi, with bourbon, and strawberry ice cream ($12). If you salted pistachio, lemon, orange marmalade, can’t handle all that, a scoop of one of and angostura; the Clockwork, with rye, those flavors as well as chocolate and salted Punt e Mes Italian vermouth, Benedictine, caramel are available as are strawberry and herbal liquor, and black walnut; City lemon sorbets ($3). After-dinner libations Lights, with mescal, spiced pear liquor, like Moscato D’asti and ports are listed on sweet vermouth, orange, and sparkling the dessert menu. World Famous Restaurant wine, and the New Century, a bottled cocktail that serves three-to-five people HAPPY HOUR and includes bourbon, Lillet Rouge, Early birds shouldn’t miss The Dorian’s grapefruit, lemon, cinnamon, crème de happy hour, Tuesday through Friday from cacao, and mint. All specialty cocktails 4:30–6:30 p.m. The menu features Miyagi NO are $12, and there is also a hand-selected oysters ($1), truffle fries ($5), deviled eggs list of more than 75 American whiskeys. ($1.50), half-off select bottles of rose and 9 FISHERMEN’S A “world tour” whiskey flight of three Champagne, the Alibi cocktail ($9), house samplings is $30, and a plentiful selection wine by the glass ($5), and Drake’s 1500 of beer and wine by the glass and the bottle Pale Ale ($4). 415.673.7025 are also available. The Dorian: 2001 Chestnut Street (at Free Validated Parking GROTTO Fillmore), 415-814-2671, doriansf.com; AMERICAN CLASSICS MENU Thursday–Sunday 4:30 p.m.–midnight; No. 9 Fisherman’s Wharf at the foot of Taylor As far as the menu goes, The Dorian Friday–Saturday 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. offers American classics, all designed fishermensgrotto.com Banquet Facilities Available to share. It’s hard to go wrong with the E-mail: [email protected]

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 11 Food & Wine Appetites and afterthoughts Curry for Christmas: An ancient Indian culinary mystique

BY ERNEST BEYL curry probably comes from a Tamil Indian word Kaari, which originally es, i know, food writers in December referred to a meat or vegetable dish Yissues are supposed to write about eaten with rice. It was a kind of spicy turkey and roast beef for those year-end stew. Cookery in India has long been holiday dinners. But I’m going to write considered a gift of the gods — and about curry. I’m a curry geek and proud it is. Historians believe the spicy of it. You may be, too, but if not, here food concept began logically in a hot are some things you might like to know climate and with a people that used about this passion for curry. its indigenous spices for flavor. The Many years ago, I sailed on the spicy curries were a good foil for the Peninsular and Oriental passenger hot weather, and in a country where ship Himalaya as press officer. My job refrigeration was nonexistent, the was to seek out interesting passengers spices worked as a food preservative. for the press to write about when we Curry can be mild or it can be as hot hit port. And as a freelance writer, I as a blast furnace. In India, curry was was also looking for a good story. I not prepared as a fiery gravy over rice found it aboard the Himalaya: the ship’s until after Columbus mistakenly took glorious curry. In those days, Indians, the New World for the Spice Islands usually from the state of Goa, the and sent chilies back to Europe. From one-time Portuguese province on the there the hot capsicum pods made their Indian subcontinent’s southwest coast, way to India and Southeast Asia. staffed the galleys of these ships. In the I recall on a visit to Kuala Lumpur, I kitchens of the grand old Himalaya, cockily uttered the word hot when my one Goanese worker attracted me. He turbaned waiter asked how I wanted my was the curry cook, who prepared the curry. Fortunately he had placed me in various Indian curries for the crew. a special air-conditioned dining room 956 Cole Street 3312 Mission Street 70 Fourth Street Passengers found curry on their menus away from the local customers. After 415/753-2653 415/647-8700 415/777-4400 once a week or so, but the ship’s British the first bite of my lamb curry over rice, staff and Punjabi and Goanese crew I screamed for mercy — and water. Now in Rockridge! found curry on their plates everyday. I 2254 Polk Street 5533 College Avenue was considered crew and got my fill of BRITS LOVE CURRY AND IT 415/674-8913 510/463-2653 all things curry. LOVES THEM Perhaps the greatest devourers of www.colehardware.com THE UNMISTAKABLE SNIFF OF curry outside of India and Southeast CURRY Asia are the British. There are thousands One day I wandered into the galley of curry houses in Great Britain, and and sought out the curry cook. “What the UK even celebrates a national curry is curry powder?” I asked. He decided week. (It’s in October in case you want to show me. to pop over to London to attend.) The On a long worktable, he laid out small British love of curry dates to the British piles of dried leaves, roots, twigs, berries, Raj in the 19th and 20th centuries when seeds, and such. Cardamom, caraway, colonial India was dominated by British anise, ginger, garlic, chilies, fenugreek, civil servants and the military. The Brits cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, ate what their colonial Indian household fennel, mace, poppy seeds, cumin, servants provided them — and that was mustard seeds, black peppercorns, bay curry, in all its forms, and with all of leaf, saffron, sometimes asafetida — its accompanying condiments, usually maybe more. I can’t remember. Then, referred to as sambals. In the galley seemingly at random, he took a pinch office aboard the Himalaya, there was of this and a pinch of that and dropped a notice posted that listed more than them in a large stone mortar. And with 20 sambals, including chopped onions a mammoth pestle he pulverized the lot and tomatoes, raisins, dried banana, of it. It was the magic of the curry cult ground coconut, cucumber, mangoes, — a group of which I am now a member limes, hard-boiled eggs, and a variety in good standing. When my newfound of chutneys. Goanese friend was finished, he allowed me to peek into the mortar. A vaguely CURRY IS BIG IN SAN FRANCISCO yellow-orange powder greeted me, and And, of course, curry is big in food- I sniffed the magnificent, unmistakable savvy San Francisco. There are some smell of curry. fine Indian restaurants here and some of them are noted for their curry dishes. A PSEUDO CURRY THAT TASTES A few that come to mind are Dosa CURRYISH (1700 Fillmore Street and 995 Valencia To many— probably most— curry Street), which features classic South powder comes from the supermarket Indian dishes; Udupi Palace (1007 in a small jar or a small rectangular tin. Valencia Street) also serving South And that’s fine. When prepared with Indian fare; Amber India (25 Yerba that powder, a pseudo kind of curry Buena Lane) is upscale and has a wide tastes curryish. variety of Indian dishes of various To some few, curry is something styles, and Lahore Karahi (612 O’Farrell else again — home-ground curry Street) in the Tenderloin has wonderful powder, pulverized in a mortar. Magic curry offerings. powder! Your clothes will smell of it. And that’s the story of the curry cult. You entire house will be redolent with When writing this story I suggested that remarkable smell. to my editor that the printer sift some good curry powder between the pages CURRY TO MAKE YOU SCREAM of this paper for realism. But that idea FOR MERCY never gained traction. The curry concept dates back For a list of common curry ingredients, more than 4,000 years on the Indian see the online version of this article at subcontinent. Archeologists figured it marinatimes.com. out from studying shards of pottery and from forensic dental tests. The word E-mail: [email protected]

12 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Wine world

Join us for New Year’s Eve!

Emtu Estate winemakers John and Chris Mason donate 100 percent of their wine sales to charity. PHOTO: EMTUWINES.COM

Wineries that give back San Francisco F ire F ig hters Toy Program fundraiser 100 percent … and more Bring along a new unwrapped toy for the deserving children

BY KENNETH MAJER rescued birds housed on their property, MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 6-9pm they travel around the world helping RAFFLE, FOOD, DRINKS AND A WHOLE LOT OF FUN t’s heartening to know in these needy communities. Their Pinot Noir tumultuous times of conflicting values is truly exceptional — it’s been served FOR A VERY WORTHWHILE CAUSE: THE KIDS that there are producers of our favorite at Chez Panisse, A16, and at President Ielixir who want to make a direct, positive Obama’s inaugural dinner (707-887- contribution. Here are some wines to enjoy 1239, emtuwines.com). Bar opens at 4pm | Dinner nightly 5pm-1am this holiday season of 3166 Buchanan Street at Greenwich | (415) 921-7600 giving with the comfort of knowing that proceeds go to very good causes. As you toast and pair this PlumpJack Wines: PlumpJack honors Tessa wine with shellfish, prawns, or Thomas Newsom, who lost her fight against lobster, remember the generous breast cancer in 2002. All proceeds of Tessa’s philanthropy of the winemaker. Cuvee Chardonnay go directly to the Stanford Supportive Care Center. This complex, Lookout Ridge: Lookout Ridge gives medium-bodied wine from Russian more money to charity than it takes River grapes has a satin-like texture in. For every case of Lookout Ridge featuring hints of pineapple and pear. wine purchased, the winery gives a As you toast and pair this wine with wheelchair to a needy individual shellfish, prawns, or lobster, remember through their Wines for Wheelchairs the generous philanthropy of the program. Each of these excellent wines PlumpJack Group (415-346-9870, (90+ points) is made by high-profile plumpjackwines.com). winemakers such as Greg LaFollette, Ehlers Estate: This unique winery Andy Erickson, and Cathy Corison. actually belongs to a not-for-profit Current releases are a 2010 Andy foundation. When founder Jean Erickson Cabernet Sauvignon and Leducq passed away in 2002, he left a 2010 Brian Maloney Pinot Noir a foundation that he and his wife, (707-282-9030, lookoutridge.com). Sylviane, had started in 1996. As a Staglin Family Vineyard: result, 100 percent of the proceeds Philanthropy has always been from Ehlers Estate wine sales important to Garen and Shari go to cardiovascular research. Staglin. When their son was The winery, located north of diagnosed with schizophrenia, downtown St. Helena, uses they turned their efforts organic and biodynamic toward fundraising for growing practices with their mental health research. Bordeaux grape varieties. Buy their Napa Valley 2014 If you like big and “chewy” Salus Chardonnay (citrus, reds (a meal in a glass), cream, almond, pear, try the 2012 Estate 1886 cantaloupe, and lemon); the Cabernet (707-963-5972, 2012 Estate (Rutherford) ehlersestate.com). Cabernet Sauvignon (ripe Emtu Estate: This small red fruits, crème de cassis, winery in Forestville is cinnamon-chocolate); or owned and operated by the 2012 Booth Bella Oaks John and Chris Mason who Cabernet Sauvignon (purple produce wine from the and blue fruits, tropical grapes grown in their three- flowers, smoky spices) and acre backyard. All proceeds 100 percent of the proceeds from their wine sales are benefit continued mental donated to charity through health research (707-963-3994, their Labyrinth Foundation. 2012 Salus Estate staglinfamily.com). When the couple isn’t busy Cabernet Sauvignon with the winery or caring for PHOTO: STAGLINFAMILY.COM E-mail: [email protected]

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 13 Arts & Entertainment Michael Snyder on ... Television Deck the screen with yuletide broadcasts

BY MICHAEL SNYDER of the animated programs inspired by the long-running comic strip t’s that most wonderful time written and drawn by the late, beloved of the year — if you’re a department Sonoma resident Charles Schulz. I’m on store Santa, a pine tree salesperson, board from the first notes of composer- Ior a child of privilege. For the rest of pianist ’s dreamy ballad, us, Christmas (and any other holiday “Christmas Time is Here,” one of the of the season) can be a time of frenzied most beautiful melodies associated with angst-fueled gifting, unmet expectations, the season. and forced jollity. So we should be grateful that we can retreat into the BLASTS FROM THE PAST holly-and-hot-toddy dream world built All of the Andy Williams family by Hollywood and brought to our local Christmas TV specials are nearly cinemas and home video screens every forgotten, even though the 1960s crooner December. was a perennial presence on network Hark! There it is, funneled into our television every December. Most shows brains as we sit and watch in wonder: of that ilk are too time dated and era families are reunited at yuletide after specific to get much contemporary replay tribulations; dogs and/or cats “save” other than on a netlet such as Me TV or A Very Murray Christmas starring Paul Shaffer, Bill Murray, George Clooney, and Christmas for pet owners; cranks learn a cable outlet such as TV Land. The only Miley Cyrus. PHOTO: ALI GOLDSTEIN/NETFLIX the true meaning of the celebration, exceptions seem to be clips like Bing whether it is unselfish compassion for Crosby doing a 1977 cross-generational joy — and I don’t mean the expected/ the project, which presumes that he’s our fellow humanoids or something duet of “The Little Drummer Boy” with dreaded Christmas episode of The planning to shoot a holiday television more religious in tone having to do with David Bowie, revisited for the oddity Big Bang Theory or Empire or Family special in Manhattan, the place where a newborn baby swaddled in a grubby factor. Guy. So I was pleased to learn of a his career took off in the 1970s when desert manger 2,000 plus years ago. Our Most viewers don’t recall that The project that’s probably a bit more he was a “Saturday Night Live” cast halls are decked with this stuff. Simpsons cartoon sitcom was launched snarky than the usual holiday pabulum. member. A snowstorm shuts down the I may not be a church-going Christian; by a Christmas-themed special. Coming on Dec. 4 to wherever a digital city and may prevent his guests — I’m more of a pantheist, if anything. Meanwhile, the stop-motion animated signal can reach: Actor and comedy including George Clooney, Paul Shaffer, But I am caught up in the fuss, frolic, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, Frosty titan Bill Murray Amy Poehler, and feels. And one of the inevitable the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red- in A Very Murray Chris Rock, Jason ways I get in the spirit is through a Nosed Reindeer get trotted out every Christmas. This Schwartzman, long-running TV special: A Charlie year, along with the zillionth broadcast bauble is a I may not be a church-going Jenny Lewis, and Brown Christmas, the first and greatest of the heart-warming 1946 Frank Capra present from the Miley Cyrus as movie It’s a Wonderful Life folks at the video Christian, but I am caught up themselves — and, in an annual marathon of streaming service from showing repeat showings on the 25th, the Netflix, and it in the fuss, frolic, and feels up. Somehow, I frankly awesome 1983 feature will be available think they will film, A Christmas Story, based throughout the of the season. make it. After on the nostalgic, prickly/funny rest of the month. all, a Christmas Jean Shepherd stories about a Murray has at least one holiday- miracle is yet another staple of movies working-class Depression-era themed movie in his filmography: a n d T V. Midwestern family. Scrooged, a comedic modernization of I have no doubt that I’ll be checking But it’s A Charlie Brown Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. into A Very Murray Christmas — just Christmas — wherein the This is another thing altogether. as soon as I get comfy with A Charlie elementary-school-age Peanuts Directed by Sofia Coppola (who gave Brown Christmas. Priorities, priorities. (including hapless round-headed Murray one of his best seriocomic roles Charlie) get a lesson in what when she cast him in her piquant movie Michael Snyder is a print and broadcast really matters during the holiday Lost in Translation), it’s being described journalist who covers pop culture on — that invariably moves me. as homage to the Christmas TV variety KPFK/Pacifica Radio’s David Feldman shows of yore — like the Andy Williams Show and Thom Hartmann Show and SOMETHING MORE IN STORE and Bing Crosby extravaganzas or John on Michael Snyder’s Culture Blast, via Charlie Brown and Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas. I do yearn for something more Denver cavorting with The Muppets. GABnet.net, Roku, and YouTube. You can PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA than that to generate viewing The jocular Murray plays himself in follow Michael on Twitter: @cultureblaster

The Best of Books Flying off the shelves Best sellers: Marina Books Inc. COMPILED BY BRIAN PETTUS Julian Barnes (paperback) 2. Mindfulness Coloring Book: 8. The Life-Changing Magic Anti-Stress Art Therapy for BOOKS INC. BEST-SELLER LIST of Tidying Up: The Japanese Busy People, 1. Hilo Book 1: The Boy Art of Decluttering and by Emma Farrarons Who Crashed to Earth, by Organizing, by Marie Kondo You’ve heard about the adult Judd Winick (hardcover) (hardcover) coloring book trend, and how 2. 111 Places in San 9. Old School (Diary of a relaxing and Zen-like it can be, Francisco that You Must Wimpy Kid Book 10), by Jeff and this pocketsize workbook not Miss, by Floriana Kinney (hardcover) has been the perfect fit for our Peterson (paperback) 10. The Martian, by Andy Weir customers. 3. Season of the Witch, by (paperback) David Talbott (paperback) 3. Go Set a Watchman, 4. The Mystery of the Lone BEST SELLERS OF THE YEAR by Harper Lee Wolf Killer: Anders Behring The holidays are here, and I Lee’s second book, a sort of Breivik and the Threat of thought I’d look back at the year alternate timeline version of To Terror in Plain Sight, by and highlight our customers’ Kill a Mockingbird, found great Unni Turrettini and Kathleen varied interests. Here are the top success earlier this year, and no M. Puckett (hardcover) sellers so far this year: surprise: Who wouldn’t want 5. Enchanted Forest: An Inky to read more about Scout and Quest & Coloring Book, by 1. Girl on the Train, Atticus Finch? Johanna Basford (paperback) by Paula Hawkins sellers is this wondrously crafted Very popular with locals and 6. Michelin Guide San This suspenseful mystery 4. 111 Places in San Francisco guide to San Francisco and its tourists alike! Francisco 2016: Bay Area & was heralded as a Gone Girl- that You Must not Miss, environs; our home city benefits Wine Country (paperback) style thriller, and our customers by Floriana Peterson from an original viewpoint of how Brian Pettus is the manager of 7. The Sense of an Ending, by continue to rave about it. Rounding out our eclectic best to process and see the city by the bay. Books Inc. in the Marina.

14 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM See Our Progress in the Marina

Lauren Cunningham Senior Meter Program Manager Marina residenT I live in San Francisco and work every day to improve the experience our customers have with PG&e. I want them to know we’re working hard to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy. “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2015 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Paid for by PG&E shareholders. All facts 2013/2014 unless otherwise noted. otherwise unless 2013/2014 facts All shareholders. PG&E by for Paid reserved. rights All Company. Electric and Gas Pacific ©2015 Corporation. PG&E of subsidiary a Company, Electric and Gas Pacific to refers “PG&E”

At PG&E, our customers are our neighbors. The communities we serve as See The FaCTS PG&E employees are where we live and work too. IN SaN FraNCISCO That’s why we’re investing $5 billion this year to enhance pipeline safety and Replaced approximately 28 miles strengthen our gas and electric infrastructure across northern and central of gas transmission pipeline California. It’s why we’re helping people and businesses gain energy efficiencies to help reduce their bills. It’s why we’re focused on developing the next Invested more than $443 million generation of clean, renewable energy systems. into electrical improvements

Together, we are working to enhance pipeline safety and strengthen our gas Connected more than 5,100 and electric infrastructure—for your family and ours. rooftop solar installations

Together, Building a Better California pge.com/SeeOurProgress

MARINATIMES.COMPGE_10x16_SF_Marina_Lauren_0429.indd MARINA TIMES1 DECEMBER5/15/15 2015 4:01 15 PM Calendar

Annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah Saturday, Dec. 5 Workshop: noon–2 p.m. Concert: 8–9 p.m. December Events Calvary Presbyterian Church (2515 Fillmore St.) Come sing your Handel halleluiahs with the w h at n o t t o m i s s t h i s m o n t h S.F. Academy Orchestra, soloists, and choirs. Open to all singers whether currently members of a chorus or individuals seeking their yearly BATS: New Year’s Eve Special 2016 Dig Deep Shopping & Fundraising Event Messiah fix. All are invited to rehearse at the HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 free workshop before the concert. Reception Bayfront Theatre, Fort Mason Center Shopping: 7–10 a.m. follows. Suggested donation $25, 415-346-3832, Ring in the new year with a night of laughter Target (2675 Geary St.) LIGHTINGS & MORE calvarypresbyterian.org and scenes and stories sure to capture your Donor event: noon–4 p.m. 86th Annual Golden Gate Park Holiday heart and imagination. $35–$45, 415-474-6776, Presidio Knolls (250 10th St.) Christmas Classics and Chanukah Tree Lighting improv.org Make a donation then help Dig Deep spend Shtick Thursday, Dec. 3, 4–7 p.m. the donations at a private shopping event for Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. McLaren Lodge, Golden Gate Park A New Year’s Event with underprivileged Bay Area children. Afterward, Hotel Rex (562 Sutter St.) (501 Stanyan St.) enjoy family activities, food trucks, music and Seth MacFarlane Lauren Mayer and G. Scott Lacy deliver a joyful The lighting of a Monterey cypress includes live other holiday surprises, including sliders from the Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. evening of tinkling piano keys and voices raised entertainment, visit from Santa, caroling, sledding, Slider Shack, holiday cocktails, hot cocoa, and Davies Symphony Hall in merriment. $30–$50, 415-857-1896, 800-982- a snow play area, rides and games, and more. desserts. 415-202-0770, digdeepsf.org The Academy and Grammy award-nominated 2787, societycabaret.com Free, sfrecpark.org singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and director lights up the stage in this concert of Broadway A Cathedral Christmas Presidio Holiday Tree Lighting THEATER and jazz hits with the symphony. $85–$230, 415- Sat–Mon, Dec. 12–13 & Sat–Sun, & Forest Walk 864-6000, sfsymphony.org Dec. 19–20 Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30–8 p.m. Grace Cathedral Lincoln Blvd. at Funston Ave. New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise A beloved San Francisco tradition and one of Join in this decades-old Presidio tradition Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. only a handful of such choirs in the country, featuring the Golden Gate Carolers. Light S.F. Belle (Pier 3) the Choir of Men and Boys accompanied by refreshments and kids’ activities will follow at the Enjoy live entertainment, dancing, a huge roof full orchestra performances favorite carols and Presidio Community YMCA (63 Funston Ave.) deck fireworks viewing, open cocktail bars, a holiday masterpieces. $15–$60, 415-392-4400, as well as a lantern-lit 20-minute forest walk four-course seated dinner, festive party favors, a cityboxoffice.com at 6:15 p.m. Bring a flashlight and meet in the boarding photo, and more. $275, 415-438-8300, YMCA gym. RSVP requested. Free, 415-561-5300, hornblower.com Colors of Christmas presidio.gov Mon.–Tue., Dec. 14–15, 8 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall 25th Annual Union Street Fantasy 7th Annual Streets of S.F. New Year’s ACT: A Christmas Carol of Lights Eve Party Peabo Bryson, BeBe Winans, and Grammy nominee Oleta Adams perform an unforgettable Saturday, Dec. 5, 3–7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Wed.–Sun, Dec. 4–22 evening of pop hits and holiday favorites with Union Street (btw. Van Ness & Steiner) Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Geary Theater (405 Geary St.) the S.F. Symphony. $35–$115, 415-864-6000, Fillmore Street (btw. Union & Lombard) Party in the new year with a premium hosted bar Featuring a lively cast of dozens, gorgeous sfsymphony.org 2040 Union Street at this event that boasts the best bartender-to- costumes, and those deliciously spooky guest ratio of any NYE’s party in the Bay Area as ghosts, the Bay Area’s favorite holiday Thousands of holiday lights set off the Victorian Handel’s Messiah buildings, transforming Union Street into a well as state-of-the-art visuals and sound, and tradition returns with a sparkling, music- Wed.–Fri., Dec. 16–18, 7:30 p.m. magical backdrop for Santa and a team of elves, music by Girl Talk, Too Short, Amp Live, and more. infused production of this timeless classic. Grace Cathedral who will be at 2040 Union Street from 5:30–7 p.m. $125 & up, eyeheartsf.com $25–$180, act-sf.org American Bach Soloists present their celebrated Celebrate with jugglers, live reindeer (ponies in PHOTO: KEVIN BERNE annual performance of Handel’s masterpiece. costume), face painters, balloon artists, costumed $10–$105, 415-621-7900, americanbach.org characters, singers, live entertainment, horse- COMMUNITY CORNER The MeshugaNutcracker! drawn carriage rides, and more. See website Holiday Sing-Along for schedule and details. Bring toys to donate Christmas Card Drop-off Thu–Sun, Dec. 4–7 & 11–14 Marines’ Memorial Theater Thursday, Dec. 17, 7-8 p.m. to the S.F. Firefighter’s Toy Program. Free, Wed.–Mon., through Jan. 31 Presidio Officer’s Club (50 Moraga Ave.) sresproductions.com, 800-310-6563 Diamond Massage & Wellness Center This musical blends Tchaikovsky’s unforgettably (1841 Lombard St.) beautiful holiday score with witty lyrics and Gather around the piano to share music Drop off your cards to send to St. Jude’s Ranch traditional Jewish songs to create a musical treat and holiday cheer, led by performers from for Children in Boulder City, Nev., where they that’s perfect for the holiday season. $54–$72, 42nd Street Moon. Festive drinks from Arguello will be recycled to create new holiday and all- 415-392-4400, marinesmemorialtheater.com, restaurant will be available for purchase. occasion greeting cards. Recycled cards are sold themeshuganutcracker.com Free, registration required, 415-561-4400, to support St. Jude’s programs and services presidioofficersclub.com for abused, neglected, and homeless children, Mittens And Mistletoe: young adults, and families. 415-921-1290, A Winter Circus Cabaret Blind Boys of Alabama Holiday diamondwellness.com Fri.–Sun., Dec. 18–20 Gospel Concert Tue.–Sun, Dec. 22–27 Thu.–Fri., Dec. 17–18, 7:30 p.m. S.F. Firefighters Toy Program Dance Mission Theater (3316 24th St.) SFJazz (201 St.) Daily This charming, light-hearted, variety program The five-time Grammy Award-winners have Festival of Lights: Any S.F. firehouse suitable for all ages features innovative become known worldwide with celebrated albums Hanukkah Under the Dome In its 61st year of helping children, the S.F. clowning, spectacular circus feats, and holiday including the star-studded releases Go Tell It on Sunday, Dec. 13, 3–5 p.m. Firefighters Toy Program is the largest in the U.S. high jinks performed by some of the most the Mountain and Talkin’ Christmas, which was a collaboration with blues legend Taj Mahal. Westfield San Francisco Centre and is looking for donations of unwrapped toys. talented Bay Area and international theatrical $35–$95, 866-920-5299, sfjazz.org As a part of the Bill Graham Menorah Project, 415-777-0440, sffirefighterstoys.org circus artists. $418–$65, 415-225-7281, this annual celebration featuring Rabbi Moshe, sweetcanproductions.com Project Glimmer: Boxing Joy Golden Bough: Christmas in a families are invited to enjoy traditional Jewish Celtic Land treats, crafts, music, and entertainment. Free, Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 23rd Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Friday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. 415-780-2575, westfield.com Project Glimmer Warehouse (560 Forbes Blvd.) Thu.–Sat., Dec. 24–26 Old First Presbyterian Church PHOTO: BILLGRAHAMMENORAH.ORG Sort and wrap holiday gifts for more than 50,000 New Asia Restaurant (772 Pacific Ave.) (1751 Sacramento St.) at-risk teenage girls and women. Morning Enjoy this uniquely Bay Area holiday tradition Hear Old World carols from Ireland and Scotland. or afternoon shifts available. Refreshments of Jewish comedy and delicious Chinese $18, 415-474-1608, oldfirstconcerts.org Light the Menorah provided. Registration required. Free, cuisine. This year’s event features Tonight Wednesday, Dec. 16, 5–6:30 p.m. projectglimmer.org Show guest Dana Eagle, America’s Got Talent Ghirardelli Square contestant Wendy Liebman, New York Friars DANCE Visitors are invited to join Rabbi Peretz Mochkin Christmas Outreach Club Roasts writer Mike Fine, and producer/ in lighting the first candle of the Menorah in this Saturday, Dec. 12, 8:30–3 p.m. M.C. Lisa Geduldig. $47 & $67, 925-855-1986, Dance-Along Nutcracker celebration for the entire family. Free, 415-775- Friday, Dec. 25, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. koshercomedy.com Sat.–Sun., Dec. 12–13 5500, ghirardellisq.com City Impact (230 Jones St.) Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Help deliver groceries, cook, prepare and deliver Join in a fun-filled, zany dance-along concert. meals to Tenderloin residents, disperse toys to MUSIC This year’s theme, “The Nutcracker of Oz” NEW YEAR’S kids, and serve hot meals in a dining room setting blends Tchaikovsky’s classic fairytale with CELEBRATIONS to the homeless. $25 donation, 415-292-1770, S.F. Bach Choir: an adaptation of the story of Oz. $30, 415-978- sfcityimpact.com A Candlelight Christmas 2700, ybca.org 30th Annual Japanese New Year Fri. & Sun., Dec. 4 & 6 Bell-Ringing Ceremony GALAS & BENEFITS Calvary Presbyterian Church Thursday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (2525 Fillmore St.) S.F. Ballet: ‘The Nutcracker’ Cable Car Caroling Samsung Hall, Asian Art Museum Performing with the Renaissance wind band, Daily, Dec. 16–31 (except Dec. 25) Sunday, Dec. 6, 12:30–4:30 p.m. Participate in the striking of the 16th-century The Whole Noyse, this program features War Memorial Opera House Institute on Aging (3575 Geary Blvd.) bronze bell to leave behind any negative contemplative, lush, mystical, jubilant Christmas A tradition since 1944, this annual production is Tour the city on motorized cable cars, stopping experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of music from many periods and countries — from set in early 20th-century San Francisco. Join the to carol for low-income seniors at their residences 2015. First come, first served; pick up tickets at Bach chorales to American shape-note hymns, adventures of the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, and then present them with gift bags. Proceeds admission desk. Free with museum admission early motets, to new creations. $30, 855-473- and Clara. Ages 5 & up, $29–$450, 415-865-2000, benefit the Institute on Aging. $60, 415-750-4141, ($15), 415-581-3500, asianart.org 2224, sfbach.org sfballet.org cablecarcaroling.org

16 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM POTABLES & EDIBLES Holidays Holiday Entertaining with continued from page 1 Bon Appétit Magazine Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–noon Revel in cupcake making, face Sur La Table (2224 Union St.) painting, balloon artistry, Learn how to prepare savory and festive hors horse-drawn carriages, “rein- d’oeuvres with ease and elegance. $69, deer,” live entertainment, 800-243-0852, surlatable.com and more, in the glow of thousands of lights setting Annual Crab Feed off Union Street’s Victorian Thursday, Dec. 10, 6–10 p.m. buildings. At 5:30 p.m. have Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center your photo taken with The This event held among the Christmas trees sells Man himself, Santa. Bring out every year. Start with cocktails, then enjoy a toys to donate for needy fresh crab and pasta dinner. Finish your evening with dancing to tunes spun by D.J. AJAX. children — collection barrels Proceeds benefit at-risk youth. $95, 415-856- will be on site. 800-310-6563, 0939, guardsmen.org sresproductions.com De Marillac Academy students watch the unveiling of the San Francisco SPCA and Macy’s annual 29th Annual Macy’s/S.F. Holiday Window. PHOTO: S.F. SPCA SPORTS & HEALTH SPCA Holiday Windows Great Santa Run Daily through Jan. 3, 2016 Holiday Ice Rink in Union spoken word, storytelling, Help Is on the Way for the Sunday, Dec. 13, 8:30 & 9 a.m. Macy’s Union Square Square and live music will feature Holidays Gala Starts/Ends: Sports Basement Presidio Nothing captures the holiday Daily through Jan. 18, 10 a.m. inspiring performances Monday, Dec. 7, 6–10 p.m. This figure eight loop around Crissy Field is flat, spirit better than the San Union Square by Valerie Simpson, Justin Marines’ Memorial Theater fast and scenic; the Rudolph one-miler along the Francisco SPCA and Macy’s Take a spin at the base of Vivian Bond, Youth Speaks, (609 Sutter St.) dirt trail starts 9 a.m. Family and referral discounts annual Holiday Windows the 83-foot tree with 33,000 Glide Ensemble & Change The Richmond/Ermet Aid available; Santa suits provided in race packet. featuring heart-tugging dogs twinkling lights. Also with Band, and many others. Bay Foundation (REAF) presents a $25–45, 415-246-1390, titanium-racing.com and cats in search of loving 90-minute sessions, a portion Area radio host and San star-studded holiday concert and homes. Last year, 267 animals of proceeds benefit the announcer gala with an impressive lineup of Santa Skivvies Run found homes and $90,000 Francisco Recreation and Park Dr. Renel Brooks-Moon will celebrity performers guaranteed Sunday, Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. was raised to provide year- Department. 415-781-2688, emcee. Proceeds help raise to knock your holiday socks Starts/Ends: LookOut (3600 16th St.) round support for the SPCA’s unionsquareicerink.com funds for Glide’s programs off. Ticket sales benefit Larkin Don your gay apparel, favorite festive costume, or strip down to your undies to raise awareness lifesaving programs. Over and Mo’s Kitchen, which Street Youth, which supports and fight HIV/AIDS and benefit the San the last 28 years, Holiday MUSIC & DANCE serves three meals daily to at-risk youth and young adults Francisco AIDS Foundation, $50, 415-487-3000, Windows has helped more San Francisco’s most in-need ages 12–24, and Aguilas, which santaskivviesrun.org than 8,500 animals find loving San Francisco Symphony’s individuals and families. creates a supportive environment forever homes. Each window 2015 Holiday Concert 888-929-7849, glide.org for gay/bisexual Latinos. 415- CHILD’S PLAY is equipped with a camera Season 931-0317, reaf-sf.org that streams video so you can Various dates through Jingle & Mingle ODC: The Velveteen Rabbit watch (or select!) available December Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Guardsmen Christmas Tree Wed.–Sun., Dec. 2–13 puppies and kittens right from Davies Symphony Hall (201 Golden Gate Club (135 Fisher Lot Party YBCA Theater (701 Mission St.) your computer. 415-554-3000, Van Ness Ave.) Loop, the Presidio) Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 p.m.–1:30 Told though music, dance, and a powerful sfspca.org The family-friendly lineup The Children of Shelters a.m. narrative, The Velveteen Rabbit celebrates the includes classic traditions designer wreath and art Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason unique relationship between a little boy and his ICE SKATING and new twists on old auction features wreaths Center stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love. holiday favorites with Bugs from some of the West Party on, Garth. Enjoy a hosted $15–$75, 415-978-2700, ybca.org Holiday Ice Rink at Bunny and Charlie Brown, Coast’s top designers and bar, music, dancing, and a lively Embarcadero Center in addition to Holiday Brass, fine arts from talented local crowd at this indoor winter Daily through Jan. 3, 10 a.m. a Classic Christmas, Handel’s artists in a festive holiday wonderland. All proceeds benefit Justin Herman Plaza (adjacent Messiah, and more. 415-864- setting. Proceeds benefit at-risk Bay Area youth. 415-856- to 4 Embarcadero Center) 6000, sfsymphony.org homeless children. 925-935- 0939, guardsmen.org Channel your inner Kristi 9938, childrenofshelters.org Yamaguchi or Brian Boitano Smuin Ballet Holiday Dance Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the largest outdoor rink Program: The Christmas Run Wild San(ta) Francisco & Victorian Holiday Party in the city with sessions Ballet 5K Run/Walk Sat.–Sun. through Dec. 20, Presidio Forest Wreath-Making starting every 90 minutes. Dec. 17–27 Sunday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Workshop 415-837-1931, embarcadero Yerba Buena Center for the Crissy Field Cow Palace center.com Arts (701 Mission St.) San Francisco Firefighters are Traverse the lamp-lit lanes of Sat.–Sun, Dec. 12–13, noon–5 p.m. This annual yuletide treat calling all Dashers, Dancers, Victorian London and mingle Main Post Lawn Create holiday décor with trimmings from Friends of Larkin Street offers something for the and Prancers to participate with costumed characters from the Presidio forest with help from our Annual Holiday Ice Skating naughty and nice. Enjoy in the Santa Hat run that the times of Charles Dickens, merry volunteers. Greens, wire, clippers, Party ballet, tap, and swing to a supports their annual toy while shopping, dining, and and frames are provided. Bring your own Wednesday, Dec. 9, wealth of other genres drawn drive. Participants will receive more. dickensfair.com trimmings — ribbons, cards, and mementos. 6:30–9:30 p.m. from holiday traditions from that quintessential holiday Food available for purchase. Free, Justin Herman Plaza around the world. 415-912- fashion statement, the Santa Mercato di Natale (Italian registration required. 415-561-4400, (adjacent to 4 Embarcadero 1899, smuinballet.org hat, finisher medal, and Christmas Market) presidioofficersclub.com Center) commemorative t-shirt. 415- Sat.–Sun., Dec. 5, 10 a.m. PHOTO: PRESIDIOOFFICERSCLUB.COM Last year, more than 320 DO A MITZVAH 759-2690, rhodyco.com Building C, Fort Mason Center people of all ages took part (GOOD DEED) Inspired by the famous in this popular event for Holiday Heroes Christmas markets in Northern JUST FOR FUN Larkin Street Youth Services, Glide Annual Holiday Jam Monday, Dec. 7, 5:45–8:30 Italy, find the perfect gift from which provides support for Thursday, Dec. 3, 7–10 p.m. p.m. selections such as artisanal SFMade Holiday Gift Fair homeless and at-risk youth Warfield Theatre AT&T Park Italian food, handmade jewelry, Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and young adults. 415-673- (982 Market St.) The club level of the ballpark Italian fashion and accessories, Calif. College of the Arts (111 8th St.) 0911, larkinstreetyouth.org This spirited evening of is transformed into a holiday art objects, and other Discover locally made gift items including wonderland for almost 700 unique craft items all made by jewelry, gourmet gifts, coffee, chocolate, wine, children and their families Italian artisans. 415-673-2200, home items, bags, body products, men’s and to raise funds and awareness museoitaloamericano.org women’s apparel, children’s wear, pet gear, and for Bay Area at-risk children. stationery from more than 80 vendors. Free, 415- 408-5605, sfmade.org The interactive family-friendly Warp Speed: a Holiday Trek event includes a gourmet buffet, Saturday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Holiday Caroling on Union Street silent auction, activities for Building B, Fort Mason Center Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. kids, as well as a behind-the- Beam up unconventional 2325 Union Street scene glimpse of the ballpark holiday cheer with the Bats Meet: St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church and photo opportunities Improv salute to the classic sci-fi (2325 Union St. at Steiner) with the Giants’ World Series TV series featuring Kirk, Scotty, Join the caroling strolling up and down Union trophies. Holiday Heroes and what’s-his-name. Audience Street and return to the church for refreshments. connects at-risk children with suggestions will inspire an all- Free, sresproductions.com, 800-310-6563 professional athletes to provide new crew of characters on the encouragement, hope, and Star Trek Enterprise to boldly go [email protected] Valerie Simpson to perform at the Glide Annual Holiday Jam. direction. 650-321-4142, where none have gone before. PHOTO: GLIDE ENSEMBLE holidayheroes.org 415-474-6776, improv.org

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 17 At Home

Urban home and garden

Choosing and caring for your holiday tree

BY JULIA STRZESIESKI After its holiday tour of duty, move your live tree to an outdoor location where it will othing makes a home more fes- get filtered sunlight and protection from tive or aromatic over the holidays wind. Allow it two to three weeks to accli- than a freshly cut Christmas tree. matize in this interim location, and then NThe Christmas tree has become such a rec- put it where it will stay until next Decem- ognizable symbol and a part of the holidays ber, or plant it. You can keep the same live over generations. Long before Christmas tree in its container through several holiday trees as we know them today were around, seasons, depending on how fast it grows, trees that remained green year-round had but plant it before it becomes root-bound. special meaning. Many ancient cultures believed that evergreens would protect FRESH, FAUX, OR POTTED? against ills and evil spirits and hung boughs Just like in every aspect of our world over doorways and windows. today, Christmas trees have come under scrutiny regarding their sustainability. CUT TREES Many have firm beliefs as to what consti- Select the freshest-looking tree available. tutes a Christmas tree. Here are some pros To test for freshness, gently grasp a branch and cons to help you make the best choice between your thumb and forefinger and for your home. pull it toward you. Very few needles should Fresh: One obvious asset to a real tree is come off in your hand. Shake or bounce the scent that permeates the entire house; the tree on its stump. You should not see another is the tradition of choosing one. an excessive amount of green needles fall Nearly all Christmas trees in the United to the ground. Some loss of interior brown States are sustainably farmed these days Mary D. Toboni needles is normal. and are probably somewhat local. Most TOBONI&CO. Care for your cut Christmas tree as you tree farms plant two or three trees for would a bouquet of fresh flowers. Make a every harvested tree, which takes about Top PU Producer straight cut across the base of the trunk, 7–10 years to reach “cut size.” During that JUSTSOLD SOLD c. 415.317.4255 taking off about an inch and immediately time, the trees absorb carbon dioxide, d. 415.345.3002 place the trunk in water. Check the water contribute oxygen to the environment, and [email protected] level often — a fresh tree may absorb provide a habitat for birds and animals, in BRE# 00625243 several pints to a gallon of water each day. addition to creating green space and pre- Place the tree in a cool spot, away from serving the land from development. While your television and other appliances. real trees are compostable, the downsides After the season, it’s easy to compost are that they are used only one season, and your tree in San Francisco. Each year, tens they may be farmed using pesticides and of thousands of Christmas trees are col- fertilizers. lected throughout the city, chipped, and Faux: Though an artificial tree can be SOLD used as boiler fuel at waste-to-energy facili- a pricey investment, over the years, it can Beautifully Updated Marina Condo ties. Recology Sunset Scavenger and Recol- be a worthwhile one. Set up and disman- 2BD, 1BA, 1PKG ogy Golden Gate (recology.com) will pick tling are easy, and they don’t drop needles. up trees left curbside the first two weeks Many come conveniently prelighted and Gillian Toboni in January. Please note: All ornaments, their realism has greatly improved down to TOBONI&CO. including the tinsel, must be removed, as softness of needles. On the downside, they c. 415.297.5572 well as plastic and metal stands. Trees with contain PVC and possibly other plastics Exquisite full floor flat located in the d. 415.345.3131 wood stands are collectable, but please do (so they will never biodegrade), are often heart of the Marina District. Boasting [email protected] not put them in plastic bags. treated with fire-retardant chemicals, and lots of natural light and beautiful BRE# 01523027 most are made overseas, which adds to detailing, this 3BD, 2BA, 2PKG Condo LIVE POTTED TREES their environmental footprint. offers tremendous entertainment space Buy a tree that is suited to your climate Potted: An obvious advantage is that a and fine living. Just steps from all the zone. Think about where you’ll eventually potted tree can be used year after year and plant your tree, and buy the right tree for then planted when it becomes too large to cafes, shops and restaurants Chestnut SOLD that location. Or plan to donate it to a Bay move. There are several considerations, StreetGorgeous has toPresidio offer. Heights Condo Area park after the holiday season (visit including buying a tree suited to your 1BD, 1BA, 1PKG fuf.net for information). climate and where you might eventually Pick up your live tree by the pot — not plant the tree, but if you don’t mind haul- For a Custom Designed Market Analysis and Opinion of by the stem. Many live plants start their ing in the tree each year, there’s really no Value on your Property (at no cost of obligation), or if you are interested in buying property, please call 415.345.3131 or decline during careless transport. Keep downside. email [email protected]. your live tree indoors for no more than 10 days and locate it well away from any heat Julia Strzesieski is the marketing coordina- source, keeping it well watered, but not sit- tor at Cole Hardware and can be reached at ting in water. [email protected].

18 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Real Estate

Hometime Changing spaces A house should be a home BY SUSAN DYER REYNOLDS brightened up the neighborhood biggest house, the pimped-out even on a gloomy winter’s day. If house, the most connected house love victorians, so I was San Francisco had laws against — the “Internet of things” with a thrilled, when I moved to San house stalking, I might have been bed in it for the rare moments not Francisco in the early 1990s arrested. spent at work. Iwith four college roommates, to After more than two decades While the city protects histori- find a railroad Victorian in the and many changes, the one thing cally significant exteriors, they Haight-Ashbury. Located on the I can always count on is the little don’t have any say about the inte- lower level of a two-unit build- yellow-and-white Victorian. But riors. An ornate Queen Anne a ing circa 1899, the flat had all its while it has remained the same, the few blocks away sold for $10 mil- original detail and charm, from neighborhood around it has not. lion, then the new owner spent wainscoting to lion-head ceiling Construction equipment clogs the two years ripping its Victorian medallions. We shared two levels, streets, houses are being stripped guts out. Day after day I watched a garage, and more than workmen haul spectacular 2,000 square feet, and we hand-carved wooden fire- Lovers of Victorians appreciate the period detailing on both the interior and the paid $1,600 a month. place mantles and elegant exterior of the homes. PHOTO: BRUCE FINGERHOOD; WIKIMEDIA COMMONS To familiarize myself After more than two staircase bannisters out to with the area, I took the street and toss them in one afternoon while my stepmom my nightmares the little yellow- walks each day in a dif- decades, the one thing I can a dumpster. The sound of Kickie was visiting, I decided to and-white Victorian was sold to ferent direction, spending always count on is the little cracking wood made me take her to see it — and there, someone who gutted all the details hours studying the intri- sick. I’m sure they would in the driveway, was a woman. I and charm, just like the Queen cate facades of the many yellow-and-white Victorian. have stripped off the period slowed the car and rolled down Anne down the street. “I think Victorians and Edwardians flourishes if the city had the window. “Is this your house?” that’s awful,” she said, shaking that make San Francisco so spe- of their character to suit the mod- allowed it, but they had to set- I asked. She nodded. “I have her head. “But you don’t need to cial. On one of those excursions I ern tastes of a different demo- tle for painting the entire house, always loved it,” I blurted, giddy as worry. We’re not going anywhere, spotted a butter-yellow Victorian, graphic, and recent transplants from the bottom of the steps to a tween at a Taylor Swift concert. and we love it just the way it is.” its decorative early 1900s flour- are margining against their stock the top of the turret, matte white. “It has always been my dream Driving Kickie back to San ishes accented in white. It wasn’t options at “latestcoolapp.com,” Once the neighborhood’s grande home.” She smiled, a bit taken Jose, I felt elated and filled with a the biggest or the most extrava- willing to pay double Zillow’s dame perched on an illustrious aback. “Really? Well, thank you,” sense of relief. “They love it just gant house, but something about Zestimate to fend off a bidding corner, the enormous eyesore she said, walking up to the car. the way it is,” I said. “They appre- it caught my eye, and my heart. war in a frenzied attempt to “just now appears to be in perpetual She explained that in the 1980s ciate all the period detail and the Every time I passed it, I loved it buy something.” The reverence primer awaiting a coat of color she and her husband were renting history,” said Kickie, who shares more. This was my dream house. for San Francisco’s glorious past, and some gilded trim. a flat down the street and they my love of Victorians. “It’s more Sometimes I would sit on the curb held so dear by those of us who I pray every time I pass by the had also loved the little Victorian. than a house; it’s their home, across the street and notice how grew up in the city or lived here little yellow-and-white Victorian When it went on the market, they and they love it the way it is… the sunlight flecked the period- for many years, is quickly going that I won’t see a “for sale” sign. jumped at the chance and bought just like you.” style fringed window dressings, down the custom Italian drain. In all the years of passing it, I had it. “This market now is crazy,” she or how the sunny yellow hue Now it’s all about who has the never seen a human being. Then said. I agreed, and told her that in E-mail: [email protected]

Warm Holiday Wishes From all of us at Hill & Co.

Bolinas Lower Haight Pacific Heights Offered at $4,495,000 Offered at $3,299,000 Offered at $2,995,000 Splendid Family Estate. Unique Victorian Home. Sophisticated City This gorgeous, 9 building This historic Victorian Condo. Exquisitely estate is located on over 10 4BD/2BA home in the renovated 3BD/2BA acres of land overlooking Lower Haight features full-floor unit with stunning the Pacific Ocean and a magical garden, views of Lafayette Park. Bolinas Lagoon. Buildings renovated kitchen, and Comfortable and expansive include the main house, many unique features. floor plan with 2 private carriage houses, cottage Shown exclusively by outdoor decks, den/ and several studios. Open appointment. library, 2 fireplaces, and field and natural sanctuary 630PageSt.com exceptional period detail of trees provide gorgeous throughout. In-unit laundry, and relaxing walks through and 1-car garage parking. the property. 2151Laguna2.com RoseLaneBolinas.com Marcus Miller Exciting New Price! John L. Woodruff, III Claire Myers 415.516.5760 415.999.9827 415.595.6108

Noe Valley Cow Hollow Marina Offered at $2,650,000 Offered at $2,650,000 Offered at $1,295,000 Lovely and Spacious Charming Cape Cod Style Renovated Edwardian Home. This large 5BD/3BA Home. This beautiful Condominium. Charming property is located in a 3BD/3.5BA home, 2+BD/1BA Edwardian Flat prime Noe Valley location. including an attached in convenient Marina The formal living room studio apartment, location. Flexible floor features southern windows features a formal living plan, renovated kitchen, with great natural light. room with a fireplace, period architectural Huge open kitchen/family/ remodeled open plan details, parking, laundry dining room provides granite kitchen with and storage. great entertaining space dining and family area, 22Magnolia.com and has beautiful views of 2 decks, private rear downtown. Large garage patio-garden, wine cellar and laundry. and 1 car garage. 4390-26thStreet.com 3027Webster.com Exciting New Price! Thomas Cooke Stephanie Ahlberg Barbara Friedman 415.321.4391 415.321.4232 415.321.4246

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 19 Real Estate

The Marina Times Real Estate Real Estate Roundup Sharing, cooling, paying Market Report: October 2015 By Hill & Co. Airbnb tries to make nice SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES after close call at ballot box BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON NEIGHBORHOOD ADDRESS BATHROOMS SALE PRICE ASKING PRICE MARKET

COW HOLLOW 2829 Green Street 5BD/5.5BA $9,000,000 Below 73 BY JOHN ZIPPERER their purchases until Wall Street 1864 Greenwich Street 5BD/5.5BA $6,995,000 At 20 stabilizes; pricing might have found 2727 Union Street 4BD/3.5BA $6,800,000 Above 6 AIRBNB UNVEILS ‘COMMUNITY 2730 Broderick Street 4BD/3.5BA $5,500,000 Below 0 its ceiling in the city and incentivized 2373 Filbert Street 3BD/3.5BA $3,600,000 At 9 COMPACT’ buyers to search neighboring Just a week after San Francisco communities for high-end homes; LAKE 162 27th Avenue 3BD/2BA $1,850,000 Above 16 voters rejected a ballot measure that and the supply-and-demand equation LAUREL HEIGHTS 18 Palm Avenue 4BD/3.5BA $4,525,000 Below 48 would have dramatically increased is finally being affected by the luxury 160 Collins Street 3BD/2.5BA $2,550,000 Above 4 regulation on home-sharing services condos that are coming on-line.

LONE MOUNTAIN 40 Kittredge Terrace 3BD/2BA $2,200,000 Above 19 such as Airbnb and VRBO, San “However, the luxury home market 350 Ewing Terrace 2BD/1BA $1,520,000 Above 0 Francisco-based Airbnb announced hasn’t ‘crashed’,” Paragon cautions. 40 Almaden Court 3BD/3BD $1,475,000 At 0 the Airbnb Community Compact. High-end homes are still “selling MARINA 465 Marina Boulevard 6BD/5.5BA $8,000,888 Above 29 The plan would commit Airbnb very quickly for very high prices 3600 Scott Street 4BD/2BA $2,750,000 Above 3 to greater transparency about its amid competitive bidding. But it has

NOB HILL (no sales) business, pay appropriate tourist markedly cooled, and the number or hotel taxes, and try to address of luxury home listings in San NORTH BEACH (no sales) displacement of renters by landlords Francisco hit a new high in October. PACIFIC HEIGHTS 2317 Webster Street 4BD/2.5BA $2,825,000 Above 40 looking to do only short-term rentals. ... It remains to see if this change is The company was lambasted for just a transitory market blip — such PRESIDIO HEIGHTS 3808 Clay Street 4BD/2.5BA $4,200,000 Below 22 318 Walnut Street 4BD/2.5BA $3,750,000 Above 15 anti-Prop F ads termed tone-deaf blips are not uncommon in financial and insulting, spending more than or real estate markets — or the RUSSIAN HILL 1210 Lombard Street 4BD/4.5BA $4,200,000 At 0 $8 million to eek out a win over beginning of a longer term reality.”

SEA CLIFF (no sales) proponents who did no advertising. That close call apparently has Airbnb SAN FRANCISCANS PAY UP FOR TELEGRAPH HILL 225 Chestnut Street 6BD/7.5BA $10,690,000 Below 196 willing to address the greatest HOUSING criticisms of its platform. Residents of San Francisco pay CONDOS “When we started Airbnb, we more than 40 percent of their monthly BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON couldn’t have anticipated all the incomes to cover mortgage payments, NEIGHBORHOOD ADDRESS BATHROOMS SALE PRICE ASKING PRICE MARKET ways hosts would use our platform,” and they pay a whopping 47 percent Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky wrote on of their incomes for rent, according COW HOLLOW 3025 Broderick 2BD/2.5BA $2,500,000 Below 56 the company’s blog on Nov. 11. “We to a November analysis by real estate LAKE 1040 Lake Street 2BD/2BA $1,600,000 At 0 are proud of almost all of the activity website Zillow. The national average that happens on our platform every is 15 percent of monthly income for LAUREL HEIGHTS (no sales) day. But it’s become clear that we mortgages and 30 percent for rent, LONE MOUNTAIN (no sales) need to clarify what we will and will making San Francisco one of the not tolerate in our community.” most unaffordable cities for housing MARINA 2143 Bay Street 2BD/2BA $2,100,000 Above 1 3011 Van Ness Avenue 2BD/2BA $1,625,000 Above 47 Under the compact, Airbnb would in the United States. 3235 Gough Street #104 2BD/2BA $1,360,000 Above 7 report annually on its activity in It has challengers, however. Renters 400 Avila Street #202 1BD/1BA $825,000 Above 0 190 Cervantes Blvd #302 1BD/1BA $810,000 Above 12 a community, including things like in the Los Angeles area pay 48.8 the percentage of Airbnb hosts who percent of their monthly income, NOB HILL 1333 Jones Street #1608 3BD/2BA $2,650,000 Below 25 are sharing their permanent home, for example, and homeowners in 1177 California Street #1024 2BD/2BA $1,650,000 Above 0 1120 Clay Street 4BD/2BA $1,525,000 Above 37 the number of days a typical listing San Jose pay 41. 6 percent for their 1731 Larkin Street #4 2BD/2BA $1,495,000 At 42 is rented on the service, its safety mortgages. 1810 Polk Street #509 2BD/2BA $1,250,000 Above 16 record, income earned by Airbnb “In general, paying a mortgage is 1650 Jackson Street #408 2BD/2BA $1,220,000 Above 46 1565 Sacramento Street #4 2BD/2BA $1,200,000 Above 32 hosts, and more. In addition, it will more affordable than renting, and has 1083 Clay Street #302 1BD/1BA $1,112,000 Above 13 partner with individual cities to been for some time. Unfortunately, 74 Lynch Street 2BD/1BA $1,100,000 Above 13 66 Pleasant Street 2BD/1BA $1,050,000 Above 40 deal with their concerns over tax many current renters aren’t able to 1635 California Street #44 2BD/2BA $991,000 Above 12 collection. Finally, the company realize the savings that come with 1177 California Street #1101 1BD/1BA $950,000 Above 20 pledged to work with communities homeownership because as home 10 Miller Place #503 1BD/1BA $825,000 Above 31 1440 Broadway Street #306 1BD/1BA $758,000 Above 0 dealing with “a shortage of long-term values and rents keep rising, it’s 1630 Clay Street #2 1BD/1BA $745,000 Above 18 rental housing as a critical issue … getting increasingly difficult to clear 1155 Leavenworth Street #9 0BD/1BA $420,000 Above 22 to prevent short-term rentals from the down payment hurdle,” noted

NORTH BEACH 690 Chestnut Street #408 3BD/2BA $1,400,000 Below 37 impacting the availability of long- Zillow’s chief economist, Dr. Svenja 582 Chestnut Street 2BD/2BA $1,050,000 At 68 term rental housing by ensuring Gudell. 454 Francisco Street #104 1BD/1.5BA $897,000 Below 20 33 Vanderwater Street #104 1BD/1BA $760,000 Above 12 hosts agree to a policy of listing “It’s not uncommon for a 20 2145-2151 Powell St. #2149 0BD/1BA $605,000 At 130 only permanent homes on a short- percent down payment on even a term basis.” modest home to represent savings PACIFIC HEIGHTS 2226 Green Street 3BD/2.5BA $4,500,000 At 0 2003 Lyon Street 4BA/2BA $3,400,000 Above 19 of $50,000 or more in some areas,” 2829 California Street #4C 2BD/2BA $2,455,000 Above 15 LUXURY HOME MARKET COOLS, he added. “And that number itself 2186 Vallejo Street #1 2BD/2BA $2,300,000 Above 21 NOT CRASHES is a moving target, rising as home 2150 Vallejo Street #2 2BD/2BA $2,100,000 Below 25 2201 Sacramento Street #601 2BD/2BA $2,000,000 Above 4 In October, overall median sales values escalate and harder to achieve 1770 Pacific Avenue #402 2BD/2BA $1,775,000 Above 17 prices for houses and condos in San as more money goes to landlords and 2615 Sacramento St 2BD/2BA $1,640,000 Above 9 Francisco recovered from a dip to less goes to savings. ... It’s no wonder 2505 Gough St #1 2BD/1BA $1,609,400 Below 18 2016 Pacific Avenue #204 2BD/2.5BA $1,495,000 At 31 reach $1.2 million. But for homes in that many current renters are waiting 2921 Washington Street #6 1BD/1BA $1,250,000 Above 4 the luxury market (priced starting at longer to buy a home.” 1998 Pacific Avenue #203 2BD/2BA $1,105,000 Above 55 1950 Gough Street #402 1BD/1BA $1,050,000 Above 16 $2 million for homes and $1.5 million 2505 Gough Street #3 2BD/1BA $977,200 Above 18 for condos), “the dynamic between QUOTE UNQUOTE 2505 Gough Street #2 1BD/1BA $913,400 Above 18 buyers and sellers has fundamentally “The priorities of the city right 2040 Franklin Street #604 1BD/1BA $890,000 Below 30 2040 Franklin Street #506 0BD/1BA $540,000 Below 23 shifted, at least for the time being,” now [are] not to support middle- according to Paragon Real Estate class people. It seems to support PRESIDIO HEIGHTS 335 Spruce St 3BD/3.5BA $2,700,000 Above 15 in its November 2015 local market only millionaires. I think that we 3991 Washington St 3BD/3BA $2,327,500 Above 19 339 Presidio Ave 2BD/BA $1,628,829 Above 24 report. could more easily accommodate There are many seasonal rises working professionals and white- RUSSIAN HILL 44 Macondray Lane #1W 2BD/2BA $1,575,000 Above 18 1471 Green Street 3BD/1.5BA $1,350,000 Above 16 and dips throughout every year, collar, middle-class families if we 1080 Chestnut Street #4B 1BD/1.5BA $995,000 At 0 so Paragon’s not calling it a crash; weren’t bending over backwards to 1097 Green Street #9 1BD/1BA $875,000 Above 11 instead it says the market segment, accommodate those with enormous 1281 Vallejo Street #1 1BD/1BA $650,000 At 38 1000 North Point Street #404 0BD/1BA $565,000 Above 3 which makes up about 20 percent of sums of money.” the city’s real estate, has cooled. It —Sara Shortt, Executive Director, SEA CLIFF (no sales) offers a few suggestions as to why: Housing Rights Committee of San TELEGRAPH HILL 373 Lombard Street #202 2BD/2BA $2,231,000 Above 16 recent stock market volatility might Francisco, Aljazeera America have pushed high-asset owners to sell The data presented in this report is based on the San Francisco Multiple Listing Service and is before things got worse, and high- Real estate news tips? E-mail: john@ accurate to the best of our knowledge, but cannot be guaranteed as such. For additional information, asset buyers might have postponed marinatimes.com contact Hill & Co., 1880 Lombard Street (at Buchanan), 415-321-4362, hill-co.com.

20 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM STRATEGIC & PROACTIVE

Highly competitive and famously complex, the San Francisco Bay Area real estate market can be both challenging and rewarding. Zephyr turns savvy, informed urbanites into successful homeowners, investors and sellers. ZephyrRE.com

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 21 Real Estate

Real Estate Today Parking and storage

WHERE CHARACTER MEETS LOCAL CONVENIENCE. Beam up my Beemer, Scotty

BY CAROLE ISAACS

f only there were an iPhone app for extra- terrestrial parking, life Iin San Francisco would be so much easier. Technol- ogy has come a long way, but we are not there yet. When I meet new home buyers, one of my first questions is: Do you need parking or storage? If the answer is no, that is fantastic! The buyers will have more choices as they search for a home. But what about the people who need a place to park their car when they are at home or those who need Car-stacking systems are growing in popularity in dense additional storage? cities. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Parking today can at best be big enough to there is space in condo and personally check out fit an SUV and at worst buildings that owners the storage. Do not blithe- be small enough to fit use for storage that is not ly sign off on the park- a Mazda Miata. (I hap- storage at all, but own- ing and storage disclosure. pily drive a Miata.) Park- ers will use the area for Buyers must drive their ing can be independent storage until someone tells car into the garage. I have — which means there are them to move their stuff. heard agents joke, “The shopdine49.com no obstructions to getting To complicate parking garage was so small the in and out of the park- and storage in multiunit driver got in the garage, #ShopDine49 ing spot — or it can be buildings, the governing but could not get out of tandem. Tandem parking documents or deed may the car.” I am not exag- No 1 / CABLE CAR CRAVATS means two cars park in not accurately describe gerating! Testing the park- a line, and one must be the size or location of the ing is especially important moved to allow the other parking and storage. when many sellers agents to come and go. Believe it To deal with these issues ask that buyers sign off or not, I have seen three- in San Francisco, there on at least the first page car tandem parking in is a parking and storage of a disclosure, including small condo buildings. disclosure statement that the parking and storage There are parking spots must be included in the disclosure, to submit with shared in every imagin- seller’s disclosure pack- their offer. able way. I found a condo age. The wise seller will The obvious next ques- on Lake Street where two include this addendum in tion is: What if my car owners alternated months a single family home, too. doesn’t fit? The answer is using the garage. Indoor There is no guarantee that easy. Buy a car that fits the parking six months out of a buyer’s car will fit into parking space! There are the year was better than a garage in a single fam- dozens of cars to choose nothing. In new and old ily home or that the stor- from and very few homes buildings, stacked car age area meets the buyer’s and condos. If you must parking is no longer a rare needs or expectations. have a car, and parking solution to the is a concern for parking problem. you, build the Many garage cost of switch- entrances have To deal with these issues, ing cars, add- low overhead ing a garage, or clearance and there is a parking and improving park- steep driveways, storage disclosure statement ing in an existing and this may be garage into the an issue for SUVs that must be included in the price of buying a or low sports home. cars. Without seller’s disclosure packet. As far as stor- parking your car age goes, ask $2,995,000 in the garage, there is no The bottom line is that yourself how often you way to know if your car not all cars fit into all need what is in your stor- Exquisite Contemporary Mediterranean Home will fit. garages, and not all stor- age area. There are several Some buyers do not feel age is the same. places in town to rent stor- • Living space: 2800 sq. ft. per owner comfortable with stacked To protect both seller age lockers if you cannot • 4 spacious bedrooms / 4.5 bathrooms / 2 car garage parking, tandem parking, and buyer against dis- scale down and live with • In-law unit with bedroom, bathroom and kitchen steep driveways, or low agreement at a later date, less space. • Entire building was retrofitted with shear walls and steel beams overhead clearance. Oth- the parking and storage Today there are so many • Floating foundation for extra structural support ers are grateful to find a disclosure must be signed buyers and so few sell- home with any kind of by the buyer to acknowl- ers that only those buyers • All windows were recently replaced with double pane windows parking in a location that edge that if they found a who are willing to think • Andersen French doors open to sunny deck and lovely backyard works for them. discrepancy, it is not mate- creatively when it comes • 94 Walk Score. Convenient access to Marina Green and Chestnut St. Storage can be anything rial to the purchase. to parking and storage will from a small area that will In San Francisco today, meet with success and buy fit a suitcase or two, to a buying a home is almost a home in San Francisco. Anthony Navarro large cage or designated like speed dating. Buyers closet that will fit a bicy- have a short window of Carole Isaacs is a Realtor Coldwell Banker Top 1% Nationally cle, plus boxes or small opportunity to investigate with McGuire Real Estate, Direct: 415-305-3291 pieces of furniture. Or, the home. If it is not right where she is a Top Produc- Em: [email protected] there is “common storage,” for them, they move on to er. Follow her on Twitter CAL BRE# 01491847 where people tend to pile the next open house. But @CaroleIsaacs or visit her up belongings in a hap- there is still time to drive online at caroleisaacs.com hazard fashion. And then your car into the garage or call 415-608-1267.

22 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM It was a transformative year at Blatteis Realty Company. We leased over 100,000 square feet of commercial space, sold over $45 Million Dollars in commercial real estate, leased Belga their new restaurant at 2000 Union Street, leased Doc Martins their flagship at846 Market Street, leased Glassybaby their new location at 2070 Union Street, and leased Mama’s their new location at 627 Vallejo Street in North Beach. And that’s just the beginning!

We have leased more commercial property than any other real estate agency in the Marina/Cow Hollow Districts.

Happy Holidays! The Blatteis Realty Team

David Blatteis 415-321-7488 | [email protected] | BRE: #00418305 Mike Moran 415-321-7492 | [email protected] | BRE: #01854024

Jonathan Blatteis 415-321-7486 | [email protected] | BRE: #00812015 Sharon Kim 415-321-7491 | [email protected] | BRE: #01865334

Jeremy Blatteis 415-321-7493 | [email protected]| BRE: #01460566 Kevin Velotta 415-321-7496 | [email protected] | BRE: #01945129

Gary Ward 415-321-7483 | [email protected] | BRE: #01208708

2000 Union Street 846 Market Street 2070 Union Street 627 Vallejo Street ±6,400 SQ FT ±1,200 SQ FT ±760 SQ FT ±6,000 SQ FT

LEASED! LEASED! LEASED! LEASED!

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 23 Wellness

The Healthful Life Aging gracefully Preventive health adds up BY THALIA FARSHCHIAN ing them with healthy require per day without muscles. As hormones and added activity. s our society activity tend to lower with becomes more age, muscle mass and tone CARING FOR YOUR health conscious, follows, so exercise plays SKIN FROM THE Athe common hook is to an essential role. Studies OUTSIDE IN bring this ad look and feel younger. In show that men who con- Again, preventative the ultimate quest for the tinue to do weight-bearing skin care is a cumulative Hello Marina! and get fountain of youth without exercise and eat low-sugar process that starts at an going under the knife, it is diets have higher testos- early age. By maintaining We are so excited to bring our 20% important to understand terone levels than men a healthful skincare regi- newest store to your neighborhood! off that preventative health is their age who do not exer- men, you can support cell cumulative. Like a retire- cise and follow a healthful regeneration and mitigate Having spent almost 80 years downtown ment fund, your health diet. sun damage. Applying and on Market Street, it’s refreshing to builds up over the years A key nutrient that sup- sunscreen daily is the sin- finally see the bay! As you’ve come to so you can enjoy it later ports muscle mass main- gle most important thing expect from Flax, our collection of supplies in life. When the future is tenance, healthy bones, a you can do. Even when it is and gifts is out in full bloom. not accounted for, chronic strong immune system, overcast, the sun’s rays still disease and the aging pro- and healthy skin is vita- penetrate to reach your cess have the opportunity min D. We absorb vita- skin. | FLAXART.COM to take over. min D from the sun and A few additional prod- Born and raised in San Francisco. And here to stay. utilize it in multiple body ucts can also be beneficial. FORT MASON CENTER | 1699 MARKET STREET REDUCING SUGAR IN systems; our skin natu- Vitamin C is a potent anti- FMC hours: Mon–Sat 9:30am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm; 415.530.3510 YOUR DIET rally becomes tan to block oxidant, and though it has There are numerous excess absorption. When numerous benefits with- important reasons to living in areas with more in the body, studies have decrease sugar in your time spent indoors, most shown that oral consump- diet, like diabetes and people require oral sup- tion of vitamin C does not heart disease, but the plementation. Because our support skin collagen. To argument that most often bodies store vitamin D, it reduce the effects of sun leads people to change is important to consult a damage and support skin their habits lies in vanity: doctor regarding supple- integrity, applying a vita- Over time, sugar degrades mentation to prevent pos- min C serum every morn- the collagen in the skin, sible overdosing. ing can be a great addition. causing skin to prema- For skin regeneration, it turely age. HEALTHY DIGESTION is helpful to lightly remove The detoxification of a FOR NUTRIENT the dead skin cells with high sugar diet results in ABSORPTION a retinol cream at night. molecules called advanced Naturally as we age, While dermatologists com- glycosylated end products hydrochloric acid, our monly prescribe Retin-A, (AGEs). This by-prod- natural digestive aid cre- it is often too harsh and uct of sugar breakdown ated in our stomach, causes irritation. There are converts strong Type III reduces. Low hydrochloric retinol creams specifically collagen to weak Type I acid can cause symptoms created for antiaging pur- collagen, making the skin of indigestion, acid reflux, poses that can also reduce increasingly fragile. bloating, change in bowel acne. When using retinol, In addition to reducing movements, and reduc- it is important to also apply sugar in your diet, incor- tion of nutrient absorp- sunscreen daily. Retinol porating antiaging super- tion. should also be avoided if foods like green tea, ber- Acid reflux symptoms you are pregnant or breast- ries, colorful vegetables, often lead doctors to give feeding. If you have ques- raw dark chocolate, and patients proton pump tions, consult your derma- goji berries help to combat inhibitors, but this can tologist or aesthetician. toxic damage. further reduce nutrient absorption and contribute INTELLECTUAL STRONG, HEALTHY to conditions like osteopo- GROWTH BONES rosis. You are only as young as For both men and you feel, and my patients women, bone loss can be HYDRATION who feel the youngest are mitigated by a diet rich Maintaining a healthy those who are forever stu- in minerals including cal- level of hydration supports dents. These people keep cium, magnesium, and all systems in the body, up with the times and new zinc and by consistent including bone health, technologies, learn lan- weight-bearing exercise. digestion, and youth- guages, read avidly, and Beyond dairy products, ful skin. The discs of the travel to experience cul- calcium is actually better back include a sponge-like tures. Many utilize local absorbed from spinach, center, and under physical programs like the Uni- kale, and other dark leafy stress, this spongy center versity of San Francisco vegetables. If you choose can bulge causing a her- Fromm Institute, where to supplement with cal- niated disc. Disc hernia- courses in various topics cium, look for one with a tion is considered a nor- are offered specifically for complex of minerals. mal aging process, but by those 50 and older. Staying For women, the greatest using caution when lifting sharp mentally is the com- drop in bone mass paral- heavy objects and stay- pass for all of the areas list- lels the drop in estrogen ing adequately hydrated, ed above and for enhanced during perimenopause. any associated pain can be quality of life. Many women consid- prevented or minimized. er the pros and cons of Adequate hydration var- Thalia Farshchian is a natu- bio-identical hormone ies from person to per- ropathic doctor at Discover replacement, which can son depending on body Health. Her background prevent bone loss and size and activity level. One includes both conventional other conditions associ- guideline is to ensure that and alternative modalities, ated with aging. your urine maintains a and her practice is primarily light straw color. Another focused on weight manage- PRESERVING MUSCLE option is to divide your ment, hormone imbalances, MASS body weight in half. The and gastrointestinal condi- Part of maintaining resulting number is the tions. E-mail: drthalia@ healthy bones is support- number of ounces you discoverhealthmd.com

24 DECEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Family

Caring for Our Kids Today: Finding myself.

Tomorrow: Finding myself a career.

Connect with your fellow students. “Fun with Flight” sample crate from Kiwi Crate. PHOTO: KIWICRATES.COM Connect with Giving the gift of experiences your future.

BY LIZ FARRELL or Academy of Sciences. Memberships make great gifts because the whole family can recently went on a cleaning frenzy enjoy them for an entire year. We are lucky leaving no closet or drawer untouched. in San Francisco to have many wonderful This yearly occurrence usually happens places to visit, but yearly memberships can Imid-fall after our children’s birthdays. They get expensive and are often difficult to keep are blessed to have such generous family and up, so pick one your family is eager to visit friends, but every birthday brings an influx or would use most. of new toys, games, and clothes. By the time the holidays roll around, I am always at a GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING Future Focused loss for gift ideas because they don’t “need” For fun all year long, try subscription gifts anything. for favorite magazines. Children’s book-of- This got me rethinking how to do gifts the-month clubs are also great because for ccsf.edu this holiday season. I want to give our chil- every holiday or month, depending on how Futuredren presents that will be memorable, that you setFocused it up, the child will receive a new REGISTER NOW! 415.239.3285 they will cherish, and that won’t end up book. I love this idea because if you use the under the bed or in the back of the closet. Lollipop Book Club (lollipopbookclub.com) So this year we plan to focus on giving our or Giftlit (giftlit.com), the monthly selec- children gifts of experiences. Don’t get me tions are handpicked by experts who look City and County of San Francisco wrong: There will still be a few wrapped gifts for books beyond what is most popular, like Outreach Advertising — a new book, a game, and some socks — the Dr. Seuss or Harry Potter series, and they December 2015 under the tree, but I am hoping that the gifts cater to the child’s age, interests, and reading Stay Connected To the City through SF311 they will be most excited about won’t require level. With each club you can easily substi- The SF311 Customer Service Center is the single stop for residents to get information on government services and report problems to the City and County batteries or hours of assembly. tute or exchange. of San Francisco. And now, we have even more ways for you to stay connected Another subscription gift we have recently to the City with our SF311 App and SF311 Explorer website. GIFTS OF TIME tried, which has been a big hit, is Kiwi Crate The SF311 App lets you get information on City services and submit service Our lives are very hectic, and with three (kiwicrate.com) and Tinker Crate (tinker. requests on-the-go right from your smartphone. You can track your service busy children, it can be difficult to get spe- kiwicrate.com). This monthly package of requests through the app or through our new website, SF311 Explorer. cial time with each child individually. This arts, crafts, and science activities arrives at SF311 Explorer not only lets you check the status of your own requests, it enables year we plan to your door with you to see what issues are being reported throughout all of San Francisco and give them each a all the materials what the City is doing to resolve them. night out with us These gifts might take a little included. The Download the SF311 App from your smartphone’s app store and visit the SF311 that they would Tinker Crate is Explorer at explore311.sfgov.org today! plan. This would geared toward more thought and planning, but Healthy Foods and WIC Nutrition Services at No Cost To You give us great older children Eating well during pregnancy is important. The Women, Infants, and Children quality time and the excitement of leading up to with a focus (WIC) Nutrition Program can help. WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers, some fascinating on STEM (sci- infants and young children under five years old who meet 185% or below of the federal poverty income level. WIC benefits include nutrition and breastfeeding insights about the event and the experience ence, technol- education and support, checks to buy healthy foods (such as fresh fruits and them from what ogy, engineer- vegetables) and referrals to low cost or free health care and other community they choose to will make it all worthwhile. ing, and math). services. do. It is easy to They are great Enrolling in WIC early in your pregnancy will give your baby a healthy start. Also, forget that sometimes our undivided atten- for both boys and girls as they learn about WIC staff can show you how you and your family can eat healthier meals and tion is the greatest gift we can give. These problem-solving skills and creativity, gain snacks. Migrants are welcome to apply as well. gifts don’t have to be expensive — they confidence, and have fun. The Kiwi Crate San Francisco WIC has six offices throughout the City. For more information, call can be the gift of a hike or bike ride of is geared toward younger children, but even (415) 575-5788. their choice. These types of gifts are also your older ones may want to jump in on the This institution is an equal opportunity provider. great suggestions for grandparents, family, fun, too. The projects aren’t super messy (a Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) or friends — my children love a baking day big bonus in our house) but are always a lot Notice is hereby given of 7 vacancies on the AAB. Applicants must have at least with Oma or a movie night with Grammy. of fun and make perfect activities for play 5 years of experience as one of the following: Certified Public Accountant or They also would treasure a sleepover with a dates. Public Accountant; licensed Real Estate Broker; Property Appraiser accredited cousin or a special play date. These gifts might take a little more thought by a nationally recognized organization, or Property Appraiser certified by the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers. For additional information or to obtain and planning, but the excitement of leading an application, please call (415) 554-6778. GIFTS TO GO up to the event and the actual experience Board of Supervisors Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings Some of the best gifts are the ones we can will make it all worthwhile. Planning a fun December 2015 Meetings look forward to. This probably works best family trip or taking an art class together for older children who have a better sense of can be great ways to spend time as a family OPEN TO THE PUBLIC –Tuesdays, 2:00pm, City Hall Chamber, Room 250. time and maybe a bit more patience. Tick- — isn’t that what the holidays are all about? • December 1 ets to a Disney or Nickelodeon live show I wish each of you a happy holiday and many • December 8 • are great gifts for younger ones while those fun adventures together in the new year! December 15 - Last Full Board Meeting tweens and teens may be more excited about The City and County of San Francisco encourage public outreach. Articles are Justin Beiber or Maroon 5 (both with sched- Liz Farrell is the mother of three young translated into several languages to provide better public access. The newspaper makes every effort to translate the articles of general interest correctly. No liability uled tours in 2016). children. She was formerly a television pro- is assumed by the City and County of San Francisco or the newspapers for errors Another hot-ticket item could be a mem- ducer in Washington, DC and San Francisco. and omissions. bership to the zoo, the Discovery Museum, E-mail: [email protected] CNS#2819698

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES DECEMBER 2015 25 Pet Pages

Mews briefs The Adventures of Skylar Grey Chapter 28 Proponents fight for grooming legislation; S.F. shelter waives pit bull adoption fees for December; Bay Area Pet Fair sets adoption record

BY SUSAN DYER REYNOLDS the toughest grooming can and English Staf- oversight in the nation) fordshire terriers, bull GROOMING have also begun regulat- terriers, bullmastiffs, and LEGISLATION ing the largely unregu- Boston terriers, among The national head- lated industry. oth­ers. Many pit bulls are Kickie celebrated her 85th birthday at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco in a newly renovated suite lines are horrifying: Yet California, con- mixes of different bully with fog-inspired hues of blue and grey. PHOTO: RITZCARLTON.COM “Dog bakes to death in sidered one of the most breeds or other breeds dryer,” “Fourth dog death pet-friendly states in the (Labrador retriever/Staf- at Happy Tails Pet Spa,” country, doesn’t require fordshire terrier is one of “Animal hanged to death licensing, training, or the most common). at Petco.” An Internet oversight. At ACC’s “Forever- Kickin’ at the Ritz search for “dog groom- Let Senator Mark Leno Home for the Holidays” ing death” brings up page know that you would like promotion, every pittie after page of similar sto- him to sponsor Lucy’s Law: comes with the shelter’s BY SUSAN DYER REYNOLDS FIRST STOP FISHERMEN’S GROTTO ries. Marina resident [email protected] seal of approval and free After arriving in San Francisco, we Hannah Hartman says or 415-557-1300. training certificates from n 2009, I wrote a cover story for stopped at Steve’s house to drop off Skylar she feels lucky in Pawsitive Solu- Northside San Francisco titled, for a slumber party with Blue, and Steve comparison — her tions. Plus, each “Where to shop, stay, play, and dine joined us for lunch at No. 9 Fishermen’s 7-year-old Shih Tzu, adopter receives a Iwith your dog.” The premise was that the Grotto, where I’ve been eating since I Joey, escaped a rou- wrapped present higher end the hotel, the more likely they was a toddler. Opened in 1935 as the first tine grooming at a of supplies (sweat- were to pamper your pet. My trusty pit restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s run Novato-based Petco er, toys, treats, bull mix Jasmine Blue helped me with by four generations of the Geraldi family, with a dislocated hip collar, leash, and the research. Over a six-month period, who have been friends of my family for — but Hartman has other gifts) with we stayed in dozens of fantastic five- nearly as long. We shared our favorite crab become a tireless each dog to make star hotels. The first time Jazzy saw an Louie over avocado (I always say it’s the advocate for regu- their holidays as elevator at the aptly named Diva Hotel, only crab Louie in town where you have lating the industry, bright as can be. she refused to get into it, so the bellman to dig through the crab to find the lettuce) because she doesn’t It’s no fun being had to pick her up (no easy feat with 80 and their award-winning clam chowder. want other dogs stuck in a lonely pounds of frightened, wiggling pittie). After Kickie had fun catching up with injured or killed. kennel, so head By our final stay, she was riding a glass owner Mike Geraldi, it was time to check Senate Bill 969, down to ACC elevator up 30 stories and running to the in at the Ritz. also called Lucy’s and bring a pittie window of our room to check out her Law for a dog home for the holi- views. RITZ ROYAL TREATMENT badly maimed by days — you may While all of the stays were wonderful, When we pulled up, the valets were there a groomer, would just meet your only one earned a coveted full page — to open Kickie’s door and see us inside have made Califor- very own Jazzy or the penthouse suite at the San Francisco the lobby. Kickie’s eyes were as wide as a nia the first state Skylar! Ritz-Carlton. Titled, “From death row child’s on Christmas morning. Dressed to require voca- SF/ACC Rescue to penthouse pet of the year,” it featured in a black beaded sweater with perfectly tional licenses for Row: 1200 15th a white-gloved, top-hatted valet holding coordinated jewelry, she followed Steve Lola is one of many sweet pittie mixes pet groomers, but St. (at Harrison), the door open as Jazzy made her entrance. to a comfy sofa. The general manager waiting to go home for the holidays. lawmakers voted 415-554-6364, Greeted with a glass of Champagne for approached. “Are you Kickie?” he asked. it down in August PHOTO: SAN FRANCISCO ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL sfgov.org/ACC. me (and a Champagne-shaped biscuit “Yes,” Kickie said, a bit surprised. Then he 2012. Now Hart- for Jazzy), we used our special key card got down on one knee and sang “Happy man is crusading to BAY AREA to access the penthouse floor. The suite Birthday,” which brought tears to her eyes. revive the bill and ACC is overflowing with PET FAIR 2015 was spectacular, with a baby grand Once we reached the Club Level, says she’s angry at The largest ani- piano, dining room for twelve, European we checked into our room, and Kickie the lack of inter- pretty pitties, so they’re mal adoption fair antique-style furniture, complimentary beamed at the city views and elegant est from her sena- waiving adoption fees in California, Bay caviar service, and breathtaking city decor. “It suits you perfectly,” Steve said. tor, Mark Leno. “It’s Area Pet Fair views. It remains one of my favorite Then we headed for the Club Lounge, heartbreaking that this December. 2015, sponsored by memories in my much-too-short journey where the club concierge greeted us and nothing has pro- Pet Food Express, with Jazzy. pointed us to the complimentary food gressed since my single ADOPTION FEES set new records during and beverage presentations. “Would you phone conversation with WAIVED FOR PERFECT the two-day free event A DESERVED BIRTHDAY TREAT like a cocktail?” she asked. I ordered Leno’s legislative assis- PITTIES held Oct. 10 and 11 at When my stepmother, Kickie, re- a vodka martini and Steve grabbed a tant, Sunday Balalis, on San Francisco Animal the Marin Center in San covered from successful breast cancer sparkling water from the fridge. Kickie, Sept. 16. Not only was I Care and Control (ACC) Rafael. More than 25,000 surgery, and her 85th birthday was near, I who rarely drinks, wasn’t sure what to never given the opportu- is overflowing with pit people attended, many wanted to take her to the Ritz. The eldest order, so the concierge brought her a Kir nity to speak with Sena- bull mixes this holiday with their furry family girl of 11 children, Kickie grew up in the Royale (Champagne, Chambord liqueur, tor Leno, but I was also season, so they’re waiving members, and 1,158 pets hills of Kentucky where they lived off the and fresh raspberries). told that I should seek adoption fees throughout were adopted. Pet Food land through the Great Depression. “We Later that evening the Ritz had one other legislators,” Hart- December. As a lifelong Express Founder Michael had everything but money,” she recalls, of their drivers take us to our dinner man says. “It’s disheart- pit bull advocate and par- Levy says he is most proud and that depression upbringing created a destination, Osso Steakhouse, where I ening to know that our ent (to my beloved Jazzy, of the number of animals frugal woman. Though her life has been chose fresh abalone, and Kickie ordered local representative, a and now to my dear Sky- who found loving forever full of adventure (including a British the bone-in filet mignon, which I consider man who publicly claims lar, whom I adopted from homes: “Over the past five husband who took her to stay in London the best steak in the city. to love animals, appar- ACC), I know how sweet, years, we’ve helped nearly with his family), Kickie continues to Back at the Ritz, Kickie changed into ently doesn’t care about loyal, smart, and funny 4,000 pets find homes, watch her pennies and rarely splurges. one of her signature pastel satin gowns, the well being of our pitties are when given including dogs, pup- A week before her birthday, I told slipped into the 400-thread-count sheets, beloved family members.” loving homes. “Pit bull” pies, cats, kittens, guinea Kickie the plan and booked a room and pulled the fluffy down comforter She also points out that is not actually a breed pigs, bunnies, and even on the Ritz Club Level. I could hear up to her chin. “Such luxury,” she groomers are now regu- but rather a type of dog a pigeon.” her on the phone with friends and said. “Thank you for such a beautiful lated in a number of cit- that falls under the “bully For information on next family excitedly telling them about her day.” I leaned over and kissed her ies, including Miami and breed” category. Bully year’s event (Oct. 15-16), impending trip. “I’ve never stayed in a forehead. “You deserve it,” I said. “Happy New York. States such as breeds include all bull- visit bayareapetfair.org. really fancy hotel,” she would say. “I’ve birthday, Kickie.” Connecticut and Colo- dogs (English, French, always heard so much about the Ritz that rado (which has some of American, etc.), Ameri- E-mail: [email protected] I know it must be fabulous.” E-mail: [email protected]

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