In Pursuit of North Beach

12 Community 23 Real Estate 16 Calendar Supervisor: Farrell’s gun Dreamhouse: An November events: This violence prevention act 7 inner Mission cool 23 month has everything from the International Auto Food & Wine Pets Show to holiday tree-light- Thanksgiving: Skylar Grey: ing cermonies, appearanc- What’s on the chefs’ Cancer caught in time es by Josh Groban, Garry tables this holiday 12 thanks to the dog 26 Kasparov, and more. 16

MARINATIMES.com Celebrating our 31ST Year Volume 31 Issue 11 NOVEMBER 2015 Reynolds Rap Sanctuary city: Déjà vu yet again Does the Board of Supervisors care more about protecting illegal immigrant felons than preventing another tragedy?

by SUSAN DYER REYNOLDS

e’re here not only for Kate, to keep her memory alive, but to have something done,” James Steinle said this past September at a Wnews conference announcing legal action his family was filing against San Francisco over the death of his daughter The colorful scene in North Beach circa 1973. by an illegal immigrant. The story, which made national headlines and renewed demands to put an end to so-called “sanctuary cities,” is a tragedy on every level with plenty of blame to go around. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, who In pursuit of North Beach had seven felony drug convictions and five prior deportations, was sent back to San Francisco after serving time at the federal prison in Victorville, Calif., to face a 20-year- A torch song for the good old days old marijuana charge. He was later released, homeless and indigent, on the streets of San Francisco. by ernest beyl ’m on a rant. So I hope you now fast disappearing before our According to police, Lopez-Sanchez “found” a loaded won’t mind if I rattle on a tired eyes. gun that had been stolen from a federal Bureau of Land “If we want things to stay as they are, bit. Here are some of my “It was the best of times. It was the Management ranger who left it unsecured in his car. On things will have to change.” Ithoughts about North Beach in worst of times” — to harken back to an evening stroll with her father and a friend along the — Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, the old days. A kind of torch song Dickens’s Tale of Two Cities. Let’s call scenic Embarcadero, Kate Steinle was shot and killed The Leopard for this classic neighborhood, north beach, continued on 5 reynolds rap, continued on 4

Real Estate Today Sharing economy Short time or long time? An Airbnb encounter by carole isaacs Working as a real estate MY PERSONAL STORY agent, I rarely meet a In September I had an roposition F: “Shall buyer looking for a home Airbnb wake-up call. A the City limit short- in a multiunit building letter arrived in the mail term rentals of a who does not ask about from the company that Phousing unit to 75 days rental restrictions, spe- manages the building per year regardless of cifically short-term rent- where I own and rent whether the rental is als. I explain that it is a condo. It said: “It has hosted or unhosted: come to the Board’s Jamie Collins, owner of Serendipity Farms, with farmhand Amity after the harvest. require owners to pro- attention that your photo: serendipityorganics.com vide proof that they condo is being used authorize the unit as How dare the HOA for short term rent- a short-term rental; accuse me and my al. ... Please rem- Find fall harvest bounty at require residents who edy the situation by offer short-term rent- perfect tenants of September 7, 2015.“ als to submit quarterly They gave me a week Fort Mason Farmers’ Market reports on the num- renting on Airbnb? to get the short- ber of days they live term renters out. My by christine roeher LEDESMA FARMS in the unit and the number important to closely read first reaction was disbe- I’m always sure to visit this stand because of days the unit is rented; a building’s Condo Rules lief. How dare the HOA ne of my favorite things about they usually have everything I need. And prohibit short-term rent- and Regulations (CCRs) accuse me and my per- living in the Marina is the Fort after hearing their story, I’m even more als of in-law units; allow concerning the mini- fect tenants of renting on Mason Farmers’ Market every enamored with them. interested parties to sue mum rental period in the Airbnb? In July I signed a OSunday, where I try to buy all the vegeta- Javier Ledesma and Dolores Contreras hosting platforms; and building. I also tell buyers new lease with my tenants bles and fruit that I’ll need for the week. I moved to California from Mexico in the make it a misdemeanor that many buildings are and discussed in excru- don’t host Thanksgiving dinner, but part of late 1980s. They worked as day laborers for a hosting platform to changing their CCR’s to ciating detail their rights me wishes I did, because I’d make it a goal at various farms across the Salinas Valley, unlawfully list a unit as a guard against short-term and responsibilities when this year to serve only food that came from but they desired more — the American short-term rental?” rentals. Airbnb, continued on 22 these farmers. farmers market, continued on 9

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMBER 2015 1 Contents In This Issue 24 14

News Calendar Around the Northside November events News briefs on reaffirming the city’s The holiday season hits in full this month, santuary city policy, the reopening of including the opening of the Embarcadero the fire-struck Union Street Goldsmith, Center ice rink, tree-lighting events, and musi- delayed word on the Apothecarium site in cal celebrations such as S.F. Opera’s The Magic the Marina, a serial auto burglar busted, Flute. But it’s not all holiday-themed; there’s and strong employment numbers. 3 also the Hip Hop DanceFest, Riverdance’s 20th anniversary, cookbook author Nigella Lawson, Community and much more in a packed month. 16 Violence and other crimes At Home Supervisor Mark Farrell explains his legislation to reduce gun violence; plus, the Urban Home & Garden crime report finds a lot of people making Julia Strzesieski reveals the tricks to find- citizens arrests. 6 ing and making the perfect cup of coffee in San Francisco. 18 Street Beat Real Estate North Beach Sketches Ernest Beyl is underwhelmed by plans Smart moves for a singing Tony Bennett statue on Nob Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg looks at smart Hill and by Aaron Peskin’s opposition to technology in the home; the Roundup a pedestrian piazza. But he finds more to finds signs that maybe, just maybe, the like when he sits down at the new Irish city’s sky-high house prices are on the pub in North Beach. 8 cusp of a correction; and the Dreamhouse Showcase is a colorful Inner Mission space Food & Wine that will speak to your inner cool. 19 Starting the holiday food season Family and Wellness Eileen Mitchell talks to some professional chefs about their Thanksgiving plans and Up in the air shares recipes from their kitchens; the Julie Mitchell explains the aerial fitness Tablehopper gives a roundup of changes trend; and Liz Farrell offers tips for find- 24 at Alfred’s Steakhouse plus Northside res- ing the best babysitter. taurant news; and Julie Mitchell finds 100 beers plus tasty plates at the new Sessions Pet Pages in the Presidio. 10 Mended The dog was right: Susan Dyer Reynolds Arts & Entertainment takes Kickie in for breast cancer surgery. 26 1D, 2D, or 3D Michael Snyder discusses the plusses and ONLINE SPECIALS minuses of coming-at-ya 3D in mov- Evalyn Baron’s dog tribute, Patty Burness ies — when it works (Gravity) and when visits Half Moon Bay, Sharon Anderson it doesn’t (the Conan remake); plus the reviews a new history on Dada by author Marina best sellers, including a return Jed Rasula, and more. engagement by J.K Rowling. 14 marinatimes.com

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2 NOVEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com News

News Briefs Sanctuary, drugs, crime and rebirth

The late Glenda Queen and Terry Brumbaugh of Union Street Goldsmith. photo: Union Street Goldsmith More immigrants, less pot SANCTUARY POLICY NO-CHANGE survive to see the store’s renewal; A majority of the Board of she died of a massive heart attack Supervisors rejected a resolution that before that could happen. Her part- called for Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi to ner, Terry Brumbaugh, will head up rescind his so-called gag order on the reopened operation. communication with federal immigration authorities. APOTHECARIUM VOTE The nonbinding resolution, intro- Plans for a vote on a marijuana store duced by District 2 Supervisor Mark in the Marina were delayed when Farrell, was both an affirmation of the a lack of commissioners present on current policies as well as a poke at the Planning Commission forced a Mirkarimi, whose new date for the interpretation of decision. sanctuary policies The resolution The Apothecarium came into ques- wants to open a new tion following the was a poke at location on Lombard murder of Kate Street, between Scott Steinle on Pier 14; Sheriff Mirkarimi. and Divisadero streets, an undocumented but some locals have immigrant, Juan Francisco Lopez- opposed the marijuana dispensery’s Sanchez, has been charged with that plans. One recurring complaint is that killing. it would be across the street from the Farrell’s resolution was rejected Edward II, a home for at-risk transitional after six supervisors voted against it, youth (which is next to a bar). and defenders of Mirkarimi’s policy A Planning Commission vote was were blunt in their comments, with scheduled to take place on Oct. District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen 22, but it was rescheduled to early accusing Farrell of “grandstanding.” November, due to a desire to have Following the vote, Farrell issued a more commissioners present. strongly worded response expressing The Apothecarium’s first store is on his disappointment and accusing oppo- Market Street in the Castro District. nents of his measure of voting “against the public safety” of city residents. SERIAL AUTO BURGLAR CAPTURED “I firmly believe in our sanctuary city A police investigation into a policy, which has been a pillar of our number of auto burglaries in the public safety approach in San Francisco Marina District led to the capture for decades, but we must be clear that of a suspect by the Northern Station it was never intended to shield serious Street Crimes Unit and the police criminals from legal consequences,” Special Investigations Division and Farrell said in a statement. Tactical Unit. “Today’s vote was a slap in the face On Oct. 6, San Francisco police to everyone in San Francisco who arrested a 22-year-old man in Glen truly cares about protecting vulner- Park and charged him with multiple able immigrants and the public safety counts of auto burglary, possession of our city’s residents,” said Farrell. “I of stolen property, and weapons am deeply disappointed that some of violations, including being a con- my colleagues chose to vote down a victed felon in possession of a fire- common sense public safety measure.” arm and possessing a firearm while on probation. UNION STREET GOLDSMITH REOPENS IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID After a fire left its longstanding San Francisco’s unemployment rate Union Street shop gutted, Union is California’s third lowest, dropping Street Goldsmith has reopened. (See to 3.2 percent in September. Northsider, Marina Times, August Mayor Ed Lee took a share of the 2015.) In early November, the 40-year- credit, issuing a statement in mid- old store reopened at 2118 Union October adding that “Our robust Street, two blocks away from its previ- economy and near full-employment ous location. mean we have never been better posi- The fire did not cause any inju- tioned to tackle the challenges that ries, and the store reports that remain before us of income inequal- “not a single piece of jewelry was ity, a crisis in affordable housing, and damaged” because it was all safe- homelessness.” ly stored in its vaults. Co-owner Glenda Queen, however, did not News tips? E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMBER 2015 3 News

Reynolds Rap standing on nonbinding res- requests to detain them — continued from page 1 olutions,” Cohen said, while over an eight-month period. grandstanding on the oppos- I’m sure Campos and Cohen when Lopez-Sanchez “acci- ing nonbinding resolution. would argue that the crimes dentally” fired the gun and If all of this sounds famil- were likely minor, but those a bullet ricocheted off a wall iar, that’s because exactly six divulged in the report prove and into her heart. years ago to the day of this otherwise: San Francisco Mayor Ed hearing, on Oct. 20, 2009, • In San Francisco on Lee immediately blamed the board voted to overturn March 19, 2014, an illegal Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi for a policy ordered by then- immigrant with two prior not notifying Immigration Mayor Gavin Newsom deportations was arrested and Customs Enforcement requiring the police to con- for felony second-degree (ICE) before releas- tact ICE upon arresting a robbery, felony conspiracy ing Lopez-Sanchez, but juvenile illegal immigrant on to commit a crime, and felony possession of a nar- cotic controlled sub- stance. After release, Gavin Newsom said, “Sanctuary city he was again arrested for felony rape with was never designed to protect people force or fear, felony who commit crimes.” sexual penetration with force, felony false Mirkarimi said he was fol- felony charges. “Sanctuary imprisonment, and witness lowing the Due Process for city was never designed to intimidation, among other All Ordinance, unanimous- protect people who com- charges. ly passed by the Board of mit crimes,” Newsom said at • In San Mateo County Supervisors and signed by the time. Once again it was on Feb. 16, 2014, an illegal Lee in 2013, which directs Campos who sponsored an immigrant was arrested for local law enforcement not alternate ordinance to shield felony lewd or lascivious acts to hold individuals based on criminal illegals, stating that with a child under 14. In ICE detainer requests unless referrals would be required addition, he had a prior DUI they’ve been convicted of only after juveniles were conviction. Following release a violent felony in the past convicted of crimes instead by local law enforcement, the seven years or there is a of after their arrest. individual was arrested for judge’s finding of probable Newsom’s policy stemmed three counts of felony oral cause. Lee shot back that from a series of disturb- copulation with a victim the law was not intended to ing incidents, including under 10 and two counts of shield violent felons; how- the revelation that the city felony lewd or lascivious acts ever, Lopez-Sanchez did not had flown some minors to with a child under 14. have any violent felony con- their home countries at tax- • On April 6, 2014, an ille- victions and therefore would payer expense rather than gal immigrant was arrested in have been protected under turn them over to ICE, and Los Angeles for felony contin- the very law that Lee signed. had sent a gang of young uous sexual abuse of a child. On Oct. 20, 2015, Honduran crack dealers to After release, he was arrested Supervisor Mark Farrell a group home in Southern again for felony sodomy of a asked the board to pass a California from which they victim under 10 years old … nonbinding resolution simply walked away. It was and the list goes on. requesting that Mirkarimi also in response to anger “We went from being one rescind an order made in a over a June 2008 triple mur- of the most enlightened cit- March 2014 memo prohib- der committed by Edwin ies to be a place many steps iting sheriff’s deputies from Ramos, an illegal immi- backward to where the rest communicating with ICE. grant gang member from of the country is,” Campos As Farrell spoke, a crowd of El Salvador who had been said in 2009 after thwart- 250 immigrant rights advo- picked up as a juvenile by ing Newsom’s ordinance. cates turned their backs on San Francisco police but not After the board approved him in a show of protest. turned over to ICE. his latest resolution to con- His fellow supervisors pretty So here we are six years tinue shielding criminal much did the same by unan- later, with a young woman illegal immigrants, Campos imously passing an alternate dead at the hands of an ille- said, “I’m so proud of San nonbinding resolution by gal immigrant released from Francisco. I’m so proud that Supervisor David Campos jail because of San Francisco notwithstanding the climate that affirms the existing lawmakers and their bizarre at the national level of scape- policy of not notifying ICE obsession with pandering to goating immigrants that San when illegal immigrants are the illegal immigrant com- Francisco went against that.” being released, supporting munity. Cohen and Campos You would think the Mirkarimi’s position. Under regurgitate their mantra that Steinle case would be a the Campos resolution, most undocumented immi- wake-up call for City Hall, Lopez-Sanchez still would grants don’t break the law but it appears Kate’s heart- have been freed before the (except for the fact they’re breaking death was in vain. shooting. In other words, in the United States illegally It certainly hasn’t humbled nothing has changed. to start with) and the city of the mayor, the sheriff, or In an embarrassing dis- San Francisco continues to the San Francisco Board of play of arrogance and igno- cavalierly put the rights of Supervisors. The only hope rance, Supervisor Malia those here illegally before her family has now to “keep Cohen called Steinle’s death the rights of its own citi- her memory alive and have “senseless and tragic” but zens. While Cohen says the something done” is through said that she and her col- Steinle case was just a freak a lawsuit. Meanwhile, tax- leagues disagreed on “the thing that has nothing to payers will be footing the role — if any — that San do with sanctuary policies, bill for a vigorous criminal Francisco’s existing sanctu- statistics say otherwise. In defense of Lopez-Sanchez, ary and due-process-for-all July, ICE revealed that 1,800 who has pleaded not guilty ordinances played in the illegal immigrants released to second-degree murder. event.” Cohen told a cheer- by sanctuary cities last year At the arraignment, Matt ing crowd, “We cannot allow were charged with 7,500 Gonzalez, chief attorney at one event to dictate 25 years new crimes, and over 1,000 the San Francisco Public of our city’s policies toward of the illegals facing crimi- Defender’s Office, said undocumented immigrants.” nal charges are still on the Steinle’s death was tragic but She then turned to Farrell. loose. The October 2014 that “very likely this was an “I asked you privately and report detailed the release accidental shooting.” I’m I am asking you publicly to by 276 sanctuary cities of sure that makes her family respectfully table this issue more than 8,000 illegal feel a whole lot better. so we can work on real policy immigrants held on crimi- solutions rather than grand- nal charges — despite ICE E-mail: [email protected]

4 NOVEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com North Beach FOR BLUE-COLLAR WORKERS continued from page 1 There was an Army-Navy store on Stockton Street where you could buy fish- this the “Tale of Two Neighborhoods” — one ing tackle, first-aid kits, canteens, and jack- past and one present. Things have changed. knives. What a great idea. And while some things change for the better, Also on Stockton, in the space presently others change for the worst. And frankly, I occupied by the Park Tavern restaurant, there miss those old days. was a store that sold elaborate overstuffed First, let’s make this perfectly clear: Yes, we furniture that looked like it was designed for still have a few enduring symbols of North (or by) Benito Mussolini. Beach — like ancient bugs caught in amber And, of course, hip readers will remem- to be examined in the light of day. Consider ber the Pagoda Palace — now a hole in these: The Saloon, Liguria Bakery, City the ground. Lights Booksellers and Publishers, Molinari Let’s talk hardware stores. My favorite was Delicatessen, Biordi Art Imports, Little City Figoni Hardware on Upper Grant Avenue. Of Market, North Beach Restaurant, and Mario’s course, I can’t complain too much about its Bohemian Cigar Store and Cafe. loss, since artist Kevin Brown moved in and named his gallery Live Worms from a sign he GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN found when he cleaned out the place. Figoni But, now consider this: What we’ve lost Hardware sold live worms for fishing bait. over the years is mind blowing. And there was a workingman’s clothing Capp’s Corner: Yes, there is a gasping store a few blocks away on Upper Grant that attempt to reopen it. And we wish that effort sold Oshkosh and Can’t Bust ‘Em shirts and to be successful. But it should never have overalls for the longshoremen and other closed in the first place. The neighborhood blue-collar workers who shopped there. is diminished without Capp’s Corner. The Jazz Workshop: Changing times on THE SALAMI FACTORY Broadway and the advent of rock ’n’ roll did There were also several bakeries in North in this wonderful old jazz club. Beach, and I liked having a choice. There Enrico’s Sidewalk Cafe: Enrico Banducci, was Danilo’s, and one across the street, but I once considered the “Mayor of North Beach,” can’t remember its name. Still operating are went bust. Victoria Pastry Company and Stella Pastry The hungry i: See Enrico Banducci above. and Café, where the legendary sacripantina When you go bust, you go bust. cake is still baked — a round sponge cake Vanessi’s: Does anyone remember Vanessi’s of several layers with zabaglione, Marsala, on Broadway? Sitting at the counter watching rum, and a dash of maraschino cherry juice the showmen cooks prepare my meal in those for finesse. hot pans was a religious experience. Then there is the incomparable Liguria Washington Square Bar & Grill: Several Bakery (still the home of the quintessential iterations of wannabes have tried to revive it focaccia bread), and finally the Italian French but have never made it work. Baking Company, which closed a while back. La Felce: This was my favorite North There was a salami factory on Green Street Beach restaurant. The food was simple, but (Columbus Salami, as I recall). You could incredibly good. smell the drying Can any of you salami all over the remember the olive neighborhood. oil-dressed pinto I wonder just how many But Upper Grant beans served with pizza parlors constitute too Avenue still has minced onion and a few shops that parsley? La Felce many pizza parlors. make sense to us closed several years old-timers. Aria, ago, but I still remember those beans. Schein & Schein, and Live Worms, come Today, the ubiquitous symbol of North to mind. Beach is the pizza parlor. I wonder just how So what happened here? The old Italians many pizza parlors constitute too many died off. Some of their offspring sold out pizza parlors. and moved to the suburbs. Then rising rents, changing tastes, and sometimes-shoddy CAROL DODA, A CLASSY ACT products simply got the better of us. And would you believe that Broadway Street once featured fine restaurants like THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY Vanessi’s, Swiss Louie’s, and New Joe’s, These days, when I get in a funk — as I and jazz clubs like the Jazz Workshop, El am while writing this — I like to remember Matador, Sugar Hill, and Basin Street West — a place that, to me, symbolized everything instead of dark, sleaze-ball skin joints where magical about North Beach. It was the Old the clientele wear their caps in their laps Spaghetti Factory, which closed in 1985. Do rather than on their heads? I’m excluding the you remember it? The Old Spaghetti Factory, Condor here with Carol Doda coming down a wonderful metaphor for the old North from the ceiling on a white, baby grand — Beach, was on Green Street, just up the that was a classy act. hill a bit from Grant Avenue. That was the place where a magnificent, brown-skinned, THE OLD APOTHECARY SHOPS Rubenesque woman named Flo Allen held In the old days, we had three drugstores court when she wasn’t doing nude modeling. bordering Washington Square. We called If you were truly cool (cool was the opera- them apothecaries. tive state we all strived for in those days), Flo At one time, we had three Italian del- would greet you as a spaghetti-fancier with icatessens in North Beach and enough a kiss on both cheeks, pour you a glass of business for all three. Now there is only red wine, and make you wait for a while in Molinari that dates its founding to 1896. one of the many old spring-sprung sofas that In my time, there was also Panelli Bros dotted the large room. The Beats hung out that closed after 82 years and the Florence there, as they did on Upper Grant Avenue. Ravioli Factory with 58 years on Stockton And by the way, I miss the Beats. Today Street before a big rent increase drove the North Beach has only ersatz, lower-case brothers out. beats and wannabe hippies. There were four meat markets. Now there There was a feeling of belonging at is only the Little City Market, operated by the Old Spaghetti Factory — a feeling of Ron Spinali and his son Michael. Still going North Beach comradeship. I don’t get that strong after more than 60 years. Now that’s feeling much anymore. endurance. As I said earlier in this rant, things are The history of grocery stores in North changing. And change can be bad. But, then Beach is checkered, as it is in other San again, it can be good. “If we want things to Francisco neighborhoods. Many were, and stay as they are, things will have to change.” still are, delivery systems for half-pint flasks of booze. Not real grocery stores. E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMBER 2015 5 Community

Police Blotter From the officers of Northern Station More space to patrol, more crimes to stop

he boundaries of geographi- PLEASE FILL OUT the subjects, who were located by police. police that he saw the suspect walk in cal responsibility for police THE PAPERWORK They were identified by the 911 caller, and go to the rear of the store, where she stations have changed, which June 28, 1:20 a.m. who signed a citizen’s arrest form. selected a pair of headphones and left Twill impact some local residents who Washington St. at Van Ness Ave. The subjects were taken to Northern the store, passing by the registers and are seeking information about police Station, where during a booking search making no attempt to pay. Store security coverage. A male flagged down a uniform patrol of the subjects broken glass and suspect- followed her and detained her, retrieving Northern Station’s boundaries have and told the officers that he had been ed marijuana were located. The subjects the headphones and notifying the police. expanded by 1.2 square miles, now walking on Van Ness at Washington were sent to County Jail. The suspect told the security offi- reaching on the west to Divisadero when he noticed a group of males walk- cer that she didn’t have any money to Street (instead of stopping at Steiner) ing toward him. He said one of the buy the headphones. The security officer from the Marina Green to Waller people in that group suddenly punched THE PALACE OF CRIME ARTS signed a citizen’s arrest form and the Street Northern Station’s southern him in the face. July 19, 3 p.m. officers took custody of the suspect, who border is now Waller Street from The officers broadcast the suspect’s 3600 Lyon Street was cited and released from the scene. Divisadero Street to Market Street, description, and the subject was soon anything south of Waller is now the picked up. He was positively identified An officer was sent to the Palace of Fine responsibility of Park Police Station. by the victim, who was also treated by Arts in response to a report of a street rob- CATCH AND RELEASE, “With these changes, Northern paramedics for his injuries. He signed a bery. The officer met with the victim, who METH EDITION Police Station has increased its citizen’s arrest form against the subject for said she had been walking around the August 20, 4:31 a.m. area of responsibility by 1.2 square the assault, and the subject was transport- Palace taking photos when a male subject Franklin at Fell Streets miles, has increased its population ed to Northern Station and booked for between 15 and 18 years old ran up to her by almost 2 percent, and has added aggravated assault with force. The victim and pulled the camera from her, despite An officer on uniformed patrol spot- 10 additional schools, one addi- was provided with a follow-up form and her efforts to hold onto it. The subject ran ted a vehicle he believed matched the tional health care facility, and five a victim-of-violent-crime form. to a vehicle and jumped into the passen- description of one involved with some additional public housing facilities,” ger seat, and the driver drove off. prior threats with a gun on Aug. 9. The notes Northern Station Captain The victim had minor scratches to officer knew the description of the Greg McEachern. “Northern Police BROKEN WINDOWS THEORY her left elbow and knee but refused any suspect and began searching for him, Station has increased its person- July 9, 1:51 a.m. medical attention. locating him an hour later standing nel to account for the additional Bush at Webster Streets near the vehicle. policing responsibility and calls for The suspect was on probation and service with additional officers on Officers responded to a report of THIEVE DIFFERENT had a search condition. The officer saw the way.” someone smashing vehicle windows. August 14, 5:15 p.m. two other suspects inside the vehicle, They found three vehicles had had their 2125 Chestnut at Steiner Streets and a glass pipe was visible in the back The crimes below are a small snap- windows broken. A witness who had seat. A further search of the vehicle shot of what the officers of Northern reported the crime via 911 told the offi- Officers responded to a report of shop- revealed additional paraphernalia and Station are doing. For a more com- cers that he heard the sound of glass lifting at the Apple Store on Chestnut a baggie of suspected methamphet- prehensive list, visit sf-police.org; breaking and saw two subjects using a Street. They met with the store’s secu- amines. All suspects were cleared of under Compstat, select the link to skateboard to break the windows. He rity officer, who had detained a female any outstanding warrants and were Crimemaps. also gave the officers a description of suspect. The security officer told the cited and released from the scene.

6 NOVEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com From the Chambers of our Supervisor When is enough enough? A moral imperative to end gun violence by MARK E. FARRELl In fact, 90 percent of Americans contribute to gun violence as ers are the largest source of traf- particular threat to public safety polled after Sandy Hook agreed well. Even though California and ficked firearms in the country. when they fail to comply with the ct. 1 marked the 274th that there should be universal San Francisco have some of the The next biggest source of illegal law because of their easy access day of the year, and it background checks on all gun toughest gun-violence prevention gun transactions where crimi- to guns and the financial motives also marked the 294th sales. Currently, federal law only policies on the books, there still nals get guns are sales made by that exist to not obey the law. Omass shooting in our country requires a background check at remains more that we can do here legally licensed dealers. Like bank As a result of my legislation, this year. Let that sink in for federally licensed firearm dealers, locally to protect public safety. robbers, who are interested in the last remaining gun store in a moment: that is an average meaning that if someone wants Recently, the Board of banks, gun traffickers are inter- San Francisco has decided to shut of more than one mass shoot- to purchase a gun online or at a Supervisors approved common- ested in licensed sellers because down. Though it was never the ing per day in our country. gun show, they are allowed to do sense gun-violence prevention that’s where the guns are. This is intent of my legislation, so be it. I And that is just mass shoot- so without a background check, policies that I authored that will why licensed sellers are a large would rather see a preschool, cof- ings as defined by the Federal no questions asked. Thankfully, require the videotaping of all source of illegal guns for traffick- fee shop, senior center, or some Bureau of Investigation. Nearly 18 states, including ers, who ultimately wind other neighborhood-serving enti- 10,000 people have been killed California, have passed up selling the guns on the ty that contributes to the vitality and 20,000 wounded in nearly universal background street. Over 75 percent of of our city in that location. San 40,000 gun violence incidents check laws. But 32 states Over 75 percent of the guns the guns used in every- Francisco will be better off for it. so far this year. There have also allow anyone to purchase day shootings in America As supervisor, public safety has been 143 school shootings since a gun with no questions used in everyday shootings in are obtained legally, and will always be a top prior- the Sandy Hook Elementary asked — and those guns and over 80 percent of ity of mine during my tenure. It School massacre. Unfortunately easily flow into neighbor- America are obtained legally. the guns used in mass affects all of us — from seniors and devastatingly, these num- ing states. shootings since the 1970s to adults, to parents and our chil- bers will continue to rise if noth- To put it bluntly, our Congress, gun sale purchases within San were originally obtained through dren. The fact remains that guns ing is done. specifically Republicans in Francisco, and the regular elec- licensed dealers. To ignore this and the people who use them Those acts of senseless gun vio- Congress, have failed our country tronic transmission of ammuni- fact is tantamount to sticking our illegally or irresponsibly continue lence amount to countless fami- by their inaction on gun violence. tion sales data and transfers to the head in the sand. to wreak havoc in our communi- lies, friends, and loved ones left And, most important, they have San Francisco Police Department. Furthermore, a Washington ties and for our families. I am grieving and asking what we can failed the families who have lost Both policies will deter gun vio- Post investigation found that, as happy to do my part to lessen gun do to end the epidemic of gun their loved ones and friends to lence, stop people from obtaining a result of inadequate staffing, violence here in San Francisco violence in our country. senseless gun violence. guns and ammunition who are the ATF was able to inspect less and stand committed to doing After the unimaginable trag- Easy access to guns and ammu- prohibited from doing so, and than 10 percent of licensed fire- everything in my power to sup- edy at Sandy Hook Elementary, nition continues to be the single will help local law enforcement arm dealers in 2009, and on aver- port further gun-violence pre- there seemed to be momentum largest contributing factor to the complete investigations if God age, dealers are inspected only vention policies at every level of from everyday Americans, led by gun violence epidemic that has forbid a shooting happens here in once a decade, and funding from government to continue to keep our president, to say, “no more,” consumed our country for years. San Francisco. Congress to the agency is less our communities safe. that gun violence is unaccept- On top of that easy access, gaps Consider this: Currently, the today than it was in 2009. Last, able, and we can and should act currently exist in federal, state, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, the ATF found and has concluded Mark Farrell is District 2 supervi- to keep people safe in their com- and local regulatory oversight on Firearms and Explosives has that access to large numbers of sor. E-mail [email protected] munities. gun and ammunition sales, which found that licensed firearms deal- firearms makes licensed dealers a or phone 415-554-7752.

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMBER 2015 7 Street Beat

Sketches from a North Beach Journal Charlotte and Tony, Angela and Aaron, Caen and Kerouac, North Beach Legacy Bars, and a Wake for Michael McCourt by ernest beyl inspired his three-dot items. House stopped by the site of the old Washington Square Bar GUINNESS WITH DIERDRE & Grill — gone. He stopped by Moose’s across A few months ago, I reported that an Irish Washington Square — gone. Then down to pub would open in North Beach. And it has. It’s Broadway to the site of Enrico’s Coffeehouse called BarNua and it’s located at 561 Columbus — gone. (Now it’s Naked Lunch, named after Avenue. My informant tells me that’s “New the Beat book by William Burroughs.) The Bar” in Gaelic. You do speak Gaelic, don’t you? only spots the filmmaker found where Caen’s But the great news is that the incompara- ghost could prowl for his items were Gino & ble, incredible, incandescent Deirdre Black Carlo — still going strong and full of items, is the daytime bartender. De — we call her and Caffe Trieste, once ground zero for the — built a loyal following at O’Reilly’s when Beats in the days when Caen coined the word it was on Green Street. De serves Guinness beatnik to identify Kerouac, Ginsberg, et al. on tap, of course, and a bloody Mary with a lot of authority. MICHAEL MCCOURT’S WAKE As to lunch, I have given my vote of On Thursday evening, Oct. 15, Perry Butler confidence to the smoked salmon with dill held a dinner party at Perry’s, his landmark sauce and house-made potato cakes, fish and restaurant and bar on Union Street, where chips, and the chicken potpie. Michael McCourt once worked as bartender. Guests were members of the McCourt family CHARLOTTE’S BAD IDEA and some close friends, and it was the kind Charlotte Shultz, a young, leggy, yellow- of evening where they could all let their hair haired gal from Borger, Tex. when I first met down. Perry recounted a time when a regular her many years ago, came to San Francisco customer stayed until closing “doing himself (why not?) and volunteered to work for the great damage.” The following morning he was city’s film festival. I was the publicist then. I back and yelled at bartender McCourt, “Quick got to know Charlotte, and we became friends. two aspirin.” McCourt replied, “What do you Now Charlotte is the spouse of retired states- think this is — an effing hospital?” man George Shultz. The following day, North Beach — actu- Charlotte is a mover and shaker whose ally all of San Francisco — honored Michael engine never idles. As protocol chief for our McCourt, the highly engaging, quintessen- city, she is widely known for her diplomatic tial Irish bartender. First was a funeral mass accomplishments, and she throws one helluva at Saints Peter and Paul, and then there party. Most of her ideas are right on the mark. was an Irish wake at Original Joe’s across But the worst idea she ever had is her plan to Washington Square, where Michael held erect a life-sized, bronze statue of Tony Bennett court behind the bar before he passed. As on Nob Hill in front of the Fairmont Hotel. at all proper wakes, many rose and spoke. I The statue would be rigged so that passersby was one of them. I read from the chapter on would trigger Tony to start singing “I Left My Michael in my book, Sketches from a North Heart in San Francisco.” Beach Journal. Michael’s brother, Alphie, Nob Hill is one of the most beautiful and flew in from New York City. His eloquence historic urban sites anywhere in the United had us all gasping. He wrote a poem about States. To clutter it up with a reality Tony Michael, The Loneliness of the Labor Day Bennett seems a shame and a sham. I love you, Sunday (Michael died over that weekend). Charlotte. Keep up your good work. But if you Here is a passage from Alphie’s poem: want to erect a bronze statue of Tony Bennett, why not do it in North Beach in front of Gigi’s In a voice left over from a time Sotto Mare where the crooner likes to have his When we didn’t need to spend half our lives birthday parties? Looking over our shoulders and watching the watchers POETS PLAZA GROUNDBREAKING A time when we could make a joke and not Whether Angela Alioto actually stuck a worry about the spade in the ground at the groundbreaking lawsuit which these days is and fundraising event in October is in dispute, sure to follow but what we do know is that her fundraiser for A voice left over yes indeed Mike almost out- the Piazza St. Francis, Poets Plaza attracted a lived his time but didn’t lot of heavy hitters with heavy checkbooks to Living just long enough to set a bad and there- fund Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s visionary project. fore a really Also, the mayor was there as were the chiefs good and irreverent example of police and the fire department. Good signs. And best of all to leave a legacy rich in stories What wasn’t a good sign is that citizen some real and Aaron Peskin (remember him?) has come out some invented and therefore in opposition to Ferlinghetti’s Italianate pedes- all the more real trian piazza on Vallejo Street between Grant Since the teller must not allow the facts to and Columbus Avenues. Naysayer Peskin, who obscure the truth has been running against incumbent Julie And that was our brother Michael … Christensen for District 3 supervisor, is on the wrong side of history on this one. The project Michael McCourt left us without will be realized and Alioto has the funding permission. lined up to see it to completion, including an endowment for its maintenance. Peskin was LEGACY BARS OF NORTH BEACH looking for voters and thought he found them And speaking of bars and bartenders, San in a few disgruntled upper Vallejo Street resi- Francisco Chronicle reporter J.K. Dineen has dents who will have to drive one block out of written a book: High Spirits: The Legacy Bars their way to get to Columbus Avenue once the of San Francisco. In North Beach he singles piazza is finished. out Vesuvio Cafe, Spec’s Twelve Adler Place, The Saloon, La Rocca’s Corner, and Mr. Bing’s HERB CAEN DOCUMENTARY Cocktail Lounge. All worthy legacy bars. The other day an award-winning film- Dineen points out that Vesuvio was a haven maker, Michael House, was in town from his for the Beats and for Beat wannabes who came headquarters in France working on a docu- in asking “What did Jack Kerouac drink?” mentary on Herb Caen. He prowled around Answer: “Whatever people would buy for him.” North Beach, as Caen once did, looking for the old joints where Caen hung out that E-mail: [email protected]

8 NOVEMBER 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Sketches from a North Beach Journal

Meet the people who grow your food at a farmers market. photo: cafarmersmkt.com Farmers Market veggies for your Thanks- at any given time, and continued from page 1 giving table — winter Jamie said the ranch squash, spinach, potatoes, prides itself in creating Dream. They wanted their and root vegetables. But a the most humane life- own farm, one that was specialty item this year is style possible for the focused on growing food sun-dried tomatoes. pigs. They’re housed in responsibly and connecting Because of record-high deep-bedded hoop barns directly with the consumer temperatures this summer, (a style copied from — they wanted the farm Serendipity’s tomatoes all Midwestern farms), but ripened at once. they’re free to roam a It was impos- large outside area when- They didn’t see sible to harvest ever they want. and sell them “The pigs are allowed farming as a job, they fast enough, to be themselves — so they dried use their noses to dig saw it as their life. 7,000 pounds of around, get muddy, run their Early Girl around,” said Jamie. “Our to be an extension of who tomatoes. customers know the end they were. “We usually produce result is bacon and pork “They didn’t see farming tomatoes through Sep- chops, but they want — as a job; they saw it as their tember, but it was so hot and we want — the pig life,” said their oldest son, this year that they were all to live the best life pos- Noel. “I believe this to be ready at the same time — sible, so we do as much the heart of our operation.” it was crazy!” said owner as we can to provide a So with little educa- Jamie Collins. stress-free life.” tion, but a lot of grit and Jamie started out as a All breeding is done determination, Javier and small operation as well. at the ranch. Once born, Dolores started farming. But now, 15 years later, the piglets are kept with First, they just produced she produces more than their mother until they’re zucchini squash on 10 50 varieties of organic veg- weaned at two months. acres of land, but over time etables, herbs, and flow- It then takes another they built up their farm to ers. She prefers to avoid four months for them 150 acres (though they’ve the middleman and sell to reach market weight. recently cut back to 50, due directly to customers. This The slaughtering is out- to lack of water). Both work year, with her abundant sourced, but it’s done at all operations of the farm, tomato harvest, she con- a small, family-owned and Dolores wears a dress nected even more with her operation 20 minutes every day, even if she’s driv- customers. away. Everything is then ing a tractor. “So many people were brought back to the “You’ll always find her into preserving the har- ranch for processing. in a dress rather than jeans vest and canning tomatoes Llano Seco’s most pop- and a shirt, as she believes themselves,” said Jamie. “I ular product is bacon in keeping her femininity gave killer deals, so they (“because it’s bacon!” said regardless of where she is,” were buying hundreds of Jamie), with bone-in pork said Noel. pounds of tomatoes. It was chops coming in second. The couple has raised fun having people meet They also have loin and four sons on the farm, and me at the farm and hand shoulder roasts as well as they’ve all taken on specific them off.” specialty cuts suitable for a roles in the operation. Even holiday meal. their youngest, the 5-year RANCHO LLANO SECO “When you’re dealing old, has a job: He’s the offi- You won’t find a turkey with fresh pork, the breed cial Ledesma taste tester. at the farmers’ market, so of the pig really matters,” As you’ll notice when you instead, stop at stop by their stand, Ledesma the Llano Seco is committed to providing stand and consid- With fresh pork, consumers with the well- er serving pork. known organic crop they “Every year for the breed of the pig expect, at the best quality, Thanksgiving, I while also offering unique take home a half really matters. variants (such as broccolini bone-in ham,” to broccoli, Early Girl toma- said Jamie Salyer, account said Jamie. “Our pork toes to the standard red). director at Llano Seco. “My chops are extremely moist The crop is as wide of a mom gets the turkey, so we and tender — they have a selection as the season per- serve both turkey and ham good amount of back fat mits. Right now you’ll find every year.” on them.” kale, carrots, beets, cauli- The Llano Seco ranch Whatever menu you’re flower, broccoli, pomegran- in Chico has been around planning for Thanksgiving, ates, winter squash, sweet since 1861. It’s a family-run consider picking up as potatoes, and much more. business, now being led by many ingredients as pos- the sixth generation of the sible from the local farmers SERENDIPITY FARMS Thieriot family. at Fort Mason. Over at the Serendipity There are more than stand, you’ll find many 2,000 pigs on the ranch E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMBER 2015 9 Food & Wine

Tablehopper Comings and goings

Scotland Yard brunch offerings. photo: Wes Rowe New Marina openings; new owners for Alfred’s Steakhouse — times, they are a-changin’

by Marcia Gagliardi and Dana Eastland it’s Little Italy, inspired by chef Adam Sobel’s Italian-American upbringing, and serv- MARINA/COW HOLLOW ing a nonna-is-cooking-style-Sunday sup- There is quite the swanky new spot to per, featuring dishes like stuffed peppers, come to Chestnut Street, in the former manicotti al forno, and veal and eggplant Circa space: The Dorian (2001 Chestnut Parmesan. The pre-fixe menu is $49 per per- Street, 415-814-2671). The project is from son with reservations by ticket purchase at Anderson Pugash, Benson Wang, and Jack michaelmina.net or through the Resy app. Herr (Palm House, Bergerac, and Audio), The wine list features 20 approachable Italian along with partners. wines by the glass and bottle, including a house The menu is classic American dishes wine on each table available by the honor designed to share, like a chopped Caesar system. Italian beers and low-proof cocktails salad, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and inspired by Italian classics are also available. steak tartare, plus mussels and fries, a flat Dinner Wednesday–Saturday 5:30–10 iron steak, and a burger. The chef is Chris p.m. through Dec. 31. Ricketts, the group’s executive chef (read more about Ricketts on page 13). FINANCIAL DISTRICT Anthony Parks (Fifty Fifty Cocktail Co.) An unexpected closure and sale: Alfred’s has designed a menu of classic cocktails and Steakhouse (659 Merchant Street, 415-781- martinis, from a Gibson to a Martinez, and 7058). After 42 years, the Petri family decid- a Fifty-Fifty made with the addition of dry ed to sell, and the Daniel Patterson Group manzanilla sherry. Look for more than 75 will be taking it over. DPG director of fine American whiskeys and plenty of whis- operations Ron Boyd wanted the 1928 San key-based cocktails. The international and Francisco classic (which previously housed local wine selection includes two rosés and The Blue Fox) preserved and convinced several sparkling, and there is a solid offering Daniel Patterson to look into it with him. of half bottles and larger-format bottles. The last night will be New Year’s Eve, so The space is now airy and bright (thanks you know that will be quite the blowout to some added windows), with a shimmer- party. Alfred’s regulars, make your reserva- ing chandelier in the Drawing Room (dining tion now. area) and a spacious main bar tricked out in The restaurant will undergo some reno- brass. It’s whimsical and fun, done in peacock vations, and new artwork — but it will blue, pistachio green, and faux crocodile with remain mostly the same Alfred’s that we some Victorian and fin de siècle elements know and love. Boyd and the DPG want presented playfully (Shelly Amoroso is behind to respect the restaurant’s many traditions, the design). There’s also the semiprivate mez- including that it is one of the most afford- zanine perfect for small groups. able steakhouses in town. Happy hour Tuesday–Friday 4:30– They will continue to source their (steroid- 6:30 p.m. featuring $1 oysters and half- and hormone-free, grass-fed, corn-finished) off bottles of Rosé and sparkling; dinner beef from Schmidt Family Farms (ditto cook- Thursday–Sunday 4:30 p.m.–midnight, ing the steaks on mesquite/open fire). The Friday–Saturday 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Brunch is menu will integrate a whole-animal program, planned. so look for dishes like oxtails and pork shoul- Speaking of brunch, there’s a new one der. The three-course “school night” menu at Scotland Yard (3232 Scott Street, 415- will also continue, and tableside salads may 872-6853). It’s full of fun dishes, includ- return, but vegetables will be upgraded a bit. ing chicken and waffle bites with Captain Chef Charlie Parker will be coming over Crunch — encrusted chicken thighs, black from Haven in Oakland to run things. pepper-maple caramel, and bread and but- Drinks will remain classically driven, and ter pickles; and the bangers Benedict, with some barrel-aged cocktails will be intro- house-made sausage and Worcestershire- duced. The wine list will be updated, and marinated tomato. The egg muffin sand- we might see some news about the huge wich looks mighty fine, and their bone- downstairs wine cellar, but that is currently marrow aioli burger is also available. Sure undecided. It was quite the private dining to help any hangover or party is the stout room back when it was the Blue Fox. float with house-made ice cream. Brunch Mille grazie to Marco and Al Petri and Saturday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. the entire Petri family for the decades of Across the street in the former The memories in that historic space. Republic space, Spaghetti Brothers (3213 Scott Street) from Bix-Fog City alums plans Marcia Gagliardi writes a weekly insider to open Nov. 3 serving “inventive American e-column about the San Francisco dining and standards.” Stay tuned for more details. imbibing scene; subscribe at tablehopper.com. Middle’terranea, the inaugural concept at Dana Eastland is the associate editor for Mina Test Kitchen (2120 Greenwich Street, tablehopper.com. Follow Marcia @tablehopper 415-625-5469) wrapped up last month. Now on Twitter and Instagram.

10 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com New & Notable Beer and much more

House-smoked pastrami sandwich on marbled rye. photo: Kingmond Young Stop by Sessions in the Presidio for a pint and a bite by julie mitchell ($6/$11/$15); a salad of organic baby greens; and on all three menus, thick-cut ichael Bilger and Evin Kennebeck fries with hop salt and dark- Gelleri didn’t plan to open a malt aioli ($8). Seafood includes market restaurant when they started oysters (A.Q.); fish, like Hawaiian big Mtinkering around brewing their own beer eye tuna crudo ($17) with finger lime as a hobby. But that’s what chef Bilger and (amazing tiny limes that exude tart flesh general manager Gelleri have done with like pale caviar); and mussels or clams Sessions in the Presidio — an upscale ($14–$20). brewpub devoted not only to craft beer Hoof and Talon dishes include a house- and cocktails but also to seasonal, high- cured meat and cheese platter ($16/$29); level pub food. Liberty duck mousse with Flanders red The owners describe Sessions as “a new ale gelee, pickled stone fruit, and seed American public house.” The name refers crackers ($14); and crispy buttermilk- to the British term, “session beers,” where, fried quail with hot sauce and lemon- as the legend goes, during World War II dill honey ($15). Brunch-goers can enjoy munitions workers in England had to take Imperial stout sausage with mustard kraut long breaks between double shifts. The ($14). breaks often took place at the local pub where workers enjoyed not only food but HOUSE-SMOKED PASTRAMI also plenty of pints of ale. So they could Larger plates offer everything from rye be fit to go back to work, these drinkers paparadelle pasta with smoked beets and imbibed lower-alcohol but still flavorful a soft-cooked egg ($19); Niman Ranch brew known as session beers. hanger steak with smoked onion puree and herb potatoes ($32); and the Sessions CHOOSE FROM 100 BEER OPTIONS burger, either “straight” with pickles and Sessions, with its spacious bar, two fries or chef’s style with cheese and bacon dining rooms that seat 150 and a patio ($17). A fresh fish entrée is always on (as well as a private dining room for 16) the menu, and at lunch you can order and accents of wood, acrylic, and steel, a house-smoked open-face pastrami feels less like a pub than a sleek, mod- sandwich on marble rye ($18); a house- ern restaurant. Bilger, Gelleri, and master smoked trout salad with truffle-lemon cicercone (a professional certification for dressing ($19); and line-caught local cod serving and pairing beer with food) can- fish and chips with coleslaw ($19), which didate Nicole Erny have created a big, is also available for brunch. Brunch also comfortable space for friends and families features plain, apple, or bacon pannen- alike to enjoy 100 beer options, including koek (Belgian-style thin pancakes) with 45 on tap; 30 wines, 10 on tap; and cock- applestroop (apple butter) ($12-16). tails made with seasonal ingredients. NOT-TO-MISS DESSERTS START WITH BITES Favorites include a crystal-malt ice- In partnership with Skywalker Ranch in cream sandwich with a molasses cookie Marin, Sessions features seasonal, locally ($8) and the chocolate cremeux (pud- grown fruit, vegetables, and herbs and ding) hazelnut sponge cake with coffee sustainably raised and harvested meat mousse ($11). There’s also an imperial and seafood. The restaurant serves lunch, milk stout float with butter brickle ice dinner, and weekend brunch. cream and a goat cheese cake with kala- All of the menus are divided into bites, mata olive pine nut crunch and Skywalker like their house-made “brewed” bread Ranch olive oil. served with goat butter and sea salt ($4); Sessions is both a great place to stop in grilled, marinated king trumpet mush- after a long day and watch a game (yes, rooms ($7), and for brunch, stone fruit there’s a big-screen TV in the bar) while (seasonal) and cream with savory gra- enjoying a craft beer or artisan cocktail, nola ($6). For dinner, start with the panella or a place to enjoy a light snack or hearty cheese dumplings with cilantro-chili pesto meal any time. ($8), little bites that melt in your mouth. Sessions at the Presidio: 1 Letterman Drive (at the Chestnut Gate), 415-655- FRIES WITH HOP SALT 9413, sessionssf.com; Monday–Tuesday Small plates are listed under droll head- 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Wednesday–Friday ings: Field and Farm, Fin and Siphon, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 and Hoof and Talon. For lunch and din- p.m., Sunday, 11a.m.–9 p.m. ner there’s farmstead cheese with pickled walnuts, honeycomb, and brewed bread E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 11 Food & Wine

Left to right: Gerald Hirigoyen; Roland Passot; Chris Ricketts photos: piperade; la folie; Palm house On the chef’s table by Eileen Mitchell 1 6-pound boneless whole turkey on the ends, try to pull the flaps guess that’s why you need gravy CRAB CUSTARD breast around the meat. Tie in several — there was no juice! And I’d 2 cups crab stock earty appetites always 1½ cups heavy cream places with kitchen twine. never had cranberries — what 3 eggs accompany heightened Kosher salt Place the rolled turkey roast is this? I think they were from 2 teaspoons butter expectations when pro- Freshly ground white pepper seam-side down in a roasting a can. They also served under- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Hfessional chefs invite guests to their 2 egg whites pan and sprinkle with salt and cooked squab.” Reserved crab meat homes, and especially for a food- ½ cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon pepper. Pour remaining ½ cup Given his less than stellar 1 cup king trumpet or other laden holiday like Thanksgiving. ½ pound chanterelle mushrooms olive oil on top of the roast and introduction to the holiday’s mushroom, cooked Ordinary green bean casseroles? ½ pound roasted chestnuts, scatter the carrots, onions, and cuisine, it’s a wonder that Passot 1 Fuji apple, sliced Really, now. Boxed mashed halved ever returned for 1 cup small mustard greens potatoes or canned yams? ¼ cup pistachio nuts, another; however, he 1 cup celery, finely diced Fuggedaboutit. Guests know and shelled soon found himself expect that these particular hosts 2 tablespoon fresh in charge of the main Fill a large stockpot (big enough can dish out dishes like none parsley, chopped course. “I cooked my to fit both crabs) with water and other. Let’s peek behind the aprons 2 large carrots, turkey less and basted add the coriander seed, fennel of three renowned local chefs and coarsely chopped it so it was juicy,” he seed, cayenne, and kosher salt. see what Thanksgiving specialties 2 medium onions, remembers. “I keep it Bring to a boil. Add the crabs, they have up their sleeves. coarsely chopped simple, rubbing but- cover, and cook for 10 minutes. 2 medium celery ter under the skin Remove crabs from the pot GERALD HIRIGOYEN stalks, coarsely with thyme and rose- and start picking the meat as Chef-owner, Piperade (1015 chopped mary. I roast veggies soon as possible to make it eas- Battery Street) and Bocadillos (710 2 cups dry white wine with it, too, like pars- ier to remove all meat cleanly. Montgomery Street) Kitchen twine nips, and I use the Separate body and leg meat. Save Gerald Hirigoyen may have Roland Passot’s warm Dungeness crab custard. bones to make gravy.” the shells and the crab “butter” grown up in the Basque region Preheat the oven to photo: la folie Today Passot’s Thanks- (the liquid inside of the body of France, but he’s embraced our 375 degrees. giving tradition includes cavity) for the crab stock. Set American day devoted to family, Lay meat skin side hosting up to 30 people aside the crabmeat to cool. friends, and food. down and trim off in a casual and family- To make the crab stock: Lightly “We serve buffet style so each the two large fillets Hirigoyen’s menu features style manner. “We crush the large shells so all the person can pick and choose what attached to each side turkey, stuffing, yams, and start with Dungeness shells are of similar size. Heat they want,” he says. “For our fam- of breast. Cut fillets crab because it’s just enough olive oil to coat the bot- ily it’s an especially relaxing day into small cubes and cranberry sauce. coming into season. tom of a medium-sized stockpot since it’s one of the few when our set aside. A nice wine and of and cook the onion, leek, fennel, restaurant is closed.” Trim a few layers of meat off the celery around the pan. Roast for course, cheese.” and carrot until softened. Does that mean Hirigoyen takes edge of each breast and use them 15 minutes, then add the white Add the crab shells and con- a break from kitchen duties? to fill in the cavity between the wine. Return to oven and cook WARM DUNGENESS CRAB ON tinue to cook for about 5 minutes. “Every year, I do all the cook- double breasts to create a some- 30 minutes, then add 2 cups of CRAB CUSTARD WITH FUJI Deglaze the pan with the wine and ing and baking, but I really enjoy what flat surface. water. Continue to cook until the APPLE SALAD add the bay leaf. Add just enough it,” he admits. “My wife and kids In a food processor fitted with turkey is done, about 45 min- Serves 4–6 water to cover the crab shells. help set the table and organize a metal blade, combine the cubed utes longer, basting every 10 to Suggested wine pairings: A light Simmer for 30–40 minutes, all of the food once it’s ready, but turkey fillets and the heavy cream. 15 minutes. (It should have an and lively, fruit-forward white skimming any surface film. the cooking is definitely all me.” Pulse a few times to break down internal temperature of at least wine with good palate-cleansing Season with salt to taste. Strain Surprisingly, his menu features a the meat, then mix on low speed 185 degrees on an instant-read acidity, and little or preferably using a fine chinois (conical traditional Thanksgiving spread until meat and cream are uni- thermometer.) no oak character, such as Chenin strainer) or fine mesh colander with turkey, stuffing, yams, and formly incorporated. Transfer roast to cutting board. Blanc, Sauvignon or Fume Blanc, into a bowl. Cool in an ice bath cranberry sauce. “My kids get a bit Add about 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ Strain pan juices into a small Riesling, sparkling wine, or uno- to separate any impurities. You upset if I don’t,” he laughs. “But I teaspoon pepper, and the egg saucepan and discard the vege- aked Chardonnay. “Too much oak may need to skim the surface also make sure there are plenty of whites, and blend just until the tables. Heat juices over medium- will overpower the delicate flavor once more after the stock is com- greens to balance all the starches.” mixture is smooth; set aside in high heat, skimming any visible of the fresh crab.” pletely chilled. Some sediment And the crown jewel of refrigerator. fat. Season with salt and pepper will settle to the bottom, which Hirigoyen’s table? This savory tur- In large sauté pan, warm 1 table- to taste. 2 large Dungeness crab, live you do not want to use, so be key dish. spoon olive oil over medium-high Slice the turkey into ½-inch- ¼ cup coriander seed sure not to stir before adding the heat. Add the chanterelles and a thick slices, and serve with ¼ cup fennel seed stock to the crab custard. BREAST OF TURKEY STUFFED pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté warmed pan juices on the side. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper To make the crab custard: WITH CHESTNUTS AND until mushrooms are just wilted, 2 cups kosher salt Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. CHANTERELLES 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat ROLAND PASSOT In a small saucepan, heat 2 Serves 8 and let cool for 10 minutes. Executive chef-owner, La Folie CRAB STOCK cups of crab stock to a simmer Suggested wine pairings: Longboard In large bowl, combine meat (2361 Polk Street) Shells from cooked crab and check again for seasoning. Sauvignon Blanc for those who mixture, chestnuts, pistachios, Another France native, chef Olive oil Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl. enjoy lighter wines. For those who parsley, and mushrooms, and mix Roland Passot experienced his 1 medium white onion, diced Ladle 2 tablespoons of stock into prefer reds, Hirigoyen recommends well. Season with salt and pep- first Thanksgiving in 1976 when 1 medium leek, diced the eggs while whisking, con- B. Kosuge Pinot Noir. “Definitely a per, then spread stuffing in an co-workers invited him to their 1 medium bulb fennel, diced tinuing until you have incor- lighter Pinot, but [it] still has some even layer on top of the turkey home for a traditional meal 1 medium carrot, diced porated half of the stock into body for those who prefer some- breast. Roll the turkey up as tightly complete with over-cooked 1 cup dry white wine (unoaked) the eggs. Whisk the egg mixture thing a little more substantial.” as possible. If there is extra skin turkey. He recalls thinking, “I 2 bay leaves chef’s table, continued on 13

12 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Chef’s Table 14 ounces button mushrooms, chopped continued from page 12 1 bunch parsley, chopped coarsely back into the remaining stock and mix Sautéed Autumn Fruit thoroughly. Ladle about 4 tablespoons of 2 tablespoons butter the custard base into each (small bowl) 3 Bosc pears, halved baking/serving dish to cover the bottom 4 Mission figs by about half an inch. 5 ounces red grapes Wrap bowls in plastic wrap. Bake in a 2 tablespoons Armagnac water bath until the custard is set (check by softly shaking the bowl). Remove from oven. Pie Melt the butter in a sauté pan with 2 sheets puff pastry the lemon juice over low heat. Add the 7 ounces duck liver pâté reserved crabmeat and cooked mush- 1 egg yolk rooms and warm through. Season with 2 teaspoons honey salt to taste. If the custards have cooled, rewarm them in the water bath in the Combine marinade ingredients for oven for a few minutes. breasts and rub mixture into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Combine marinade ingredi- Passot starts with fresh ents for legs in a nonreactive Dungeness crab, which is just container. Place legs in marinade, cover, and refrigerate coming into season. for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Reserve shallots and Sprinkle the diced celery on top of cus- marinade liquid for braising. tards followed by the warm crab mixture. To cook the breast portions: In a sauté Garnish with mustard greens and Fuji apple pan, melt butter over medium-high heat slices. Serve warm. until foaming. Add the thyme sprigs and breast portions and sear until the meat is CHRIS RICKETTS just browned and still slightly pink inside. Executive chef, Palm House (2032 Union Street) Deglaze pan with 2 tablespoons Armagnac A graduate of the California Culinary and continue to cook/coat breasts in the Academy in San Francisco, Ricketts says his glaze. Remove from pan, cut breasts into childhood Thanksgivings were large family lengthwise pieces, and set aside. affairs with traditional dishes. But today, To cook the legs: Preheat oven to 325 his Irish relatives are spread across the degrees. Remove legs from marinade and country, so he and his wife, the sous chef at pat dry. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over the Mexican restaurant, Cala, on Fell Street, medium-high heat. Add legs and sear until host what they refer to as “Friendsgiving.” browned. Add the aromatic mixture and con- “We’re lucky enough to live near tinue cooking until legs are cooked through. the co-chefs of Lord Stanley,” Ricketts Remove from heat and place in a stew pot. says, referring to the San Francisco Add remaining 2 tablespoons Armagnac, the restaurant on Polk Street. “We usu- marinade liquid, and the whole shallots from ally end up having a sort of chef pot- the marinade. Cover and braise for three luck, where each of us makes one or hours until meat is tender. Let cool, then two things. There’s a bit of friendly remove legs and shallots and set aside. competition involved and each year, Strain braising liquid through a fine the bar gets raised.” But Ricketts just sieve into a medium saucepan. Reduce might be the winner with his signature the liquid over medium-high heat until Thanksgiving dish that he attempts to slightly thickened. improve upon every year. Separate meat from leg bones and dice “It’s a modernized version of a very finely. Mix with the cooked aromatics, classic French holiday dish,” he says. “I braised shallots, and two tablespoons of have a soft spot in my heart for classic the reduced braising liquid. Set aside for French, and it pains me to see it disap- the pie filling. pearing in San Francisco.” To make the sautéed fruit: Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. FALL GAME BIRD PIE WITH HONEY Add pears, figs, and grapes and cook until ARMAGNAC GLAZE softened. Deglaze with Armagnac and set Serves 6–8 aside for serving with the pie. Suggested wine pairing: Beaujolais Nouveau To make the pie: Preheat oven to 400 or a fruit-forward Pinot Noir degrees. Roll out each puff pastry sheet to ⅛-inch thick. Using a plate as a guide, cut Game large, even rounds out of each sheet. Legs and breast meat from 1 guinea hen* In the center of one round, spread half Legs and breast meat from 1 duck* the cooked leg mixture. Top with reserved 3 tablespoons butter breast pieces and pâté, followed with the ¼ cup Armagnac (brandy), divided remainder of the leg mixture. 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 sprigs thyme *may substitute chicken or Cornish A friendly competition potluck game hen marks Thanksgiving for Ricketts Marinade for Breasts ¼ cup olive oil and his chef friends. 2 bay leaves 2 cloves chopped garlic Close the pie with the other puff pastry 1 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground round, trimming to ensure a perfect circle, 2 tablespoons kosher salt and pinching and crimping the edges to form a decorative seal. Brush the top with Marinade for Legs egg yolk. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, 1½ cups white wine then bake on a parchment-lined baking 3½ ounces shallots, whole sheet for 30 minutes. Allow pie to cool 1 bay leaf slightly, then glaze with honey. 4 sprigs thyme Transfer pie to a large serving platter 5 cloves garlic, whole and serve with the sautéed autumn fruit 1 teaspoon juniper berries and sauce on the side. 1 teaspoon black peppercorns Eileen Mitchell is a freelance writer and Aromatics for Legs Bay Area native. Contact her through her 3½ ounces carrots, roughly chopped blog at eileenmitchell.blogspot.com.

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 13 Arts & Entertainment Michael Snyder on ... Film 3D or not 3D? by michael snyder YOU ARE THERE … EVEN IN OUTER SPACE he spate of 3D movies continues. Did you want to fly into space along- Over the past year, I’ve seen a side George Clooney and Sandra Bullock? lot, for better or worse. A few are Your best bet was to do it at a cinema Tenhanced by the effect, others are not. In where you paid more to see Gravity in 3D three recent instances, I found 3D to be than for the same feature in 2D, especially a genuine boon to the viewer: the moun- if you caught it on an IMAX mega-screen. tain-climbing docudrama Everest; the Was it worth it? Well, Gravity delivered not-so-far-into-the-future science-fiction on a visceral level in large part due to adventure The Martian; and, most spec- the “you-are-there” impact. So yes, there tacularly, The Walk, a dramatic reenact- are artistic reasons for the increase in 3D ment of daredevil wire-walker Philippe movies. After the novelty wears off, qual- Petit’s harrowing navigation across the ity can prevail. You can join Joseph Gordon-Levitt on the tightrope in The Walk. Photo: © imagemovers gap between the twin towers of the World When I was a kid, I was inordinately Trade Center in 1974. The subject matter excited by the 3D effect, whether on the If you go to see a 3D movie, chances are design and execute the maddest of plans: in each was ideal for the format. printed page in a handful of special- that you’re looking for a trip — and the breaking into the nearly completed World In general, 3D diminishes the clarity of edition comic books or on the big screen more radical or wild the trip, the better. Trade Center and stringing a tightrope the image, even as producers and creators in what was usually a B-movie with mon- between the two towers so Petit could risk try to make those movies more immer- sters or arrows or rocket ships coming WHEN 3D WORKS ITS MAGIC his life by traversing the chasm from one sive, virtual-reality-style. That’s especially straight at me as I cowered in my seat. By The half-assed Conan the Barbarian skyscraper to the other. problematic when a movie is not shot that time, the 3D fad — which was in its 2011 remake was a conversion from 2D, The Walk is a marvel. Thanks to the with dedicated 3D cameras, but is con- heyday during the 1950s — had faded, so but even if it had been made with 3D magic of 3D camerawork and computer verted to stereoscopic 3D from a 2D print my opportunities to be exposed to it were cameras, it would have been no less feeble. wizardry, the sense of being up on that after the fact by a proprietary process that rare. There were the occasional Saturday On the other hand, Everest, which takes wire strung across the highest buildings can also dilute sharpness. The 3D glasses matinee revivals like The Creature from the viewer on an ill-fated trek up the leg- in New York is so real and overwhelming additionally filter the image, and further the Black Lagoon, and we had the laugh- endary mountain, is a conversion, albeit that there were reports of nausea, dizzi- dim it to the eye — a shortcoming even able sequel Jaws 3D, notable only for a first-rate one that makes splendid use ness, and paralyzing fear coming from in movies initially made with genuine its use of tech to jack up shark-attack of its location footage and special effects film critics at early screenings. I was root- 3D equipment. shocks that had become clichéd through work. While the script is no masterpiece, ed to my seat and gripping the armrests Any deficiencies don’t seem to matter over-familiarity. the visual scope and scale is built-in and for the last third of The Walk, my entire to Hollywood. As the industry scrambles To achieve the illusion for the comic improved by 3D. body tingling from adrenaline. If you fear to keep up with the comfortable lure of at- books, you needed to wear 3D glasses with Then there’s The Martian, an adapta- heights or have a sensitive equilibrium, home streaming, 3D releases are a finan- one red lens and one blue lens (resulting tion of the best seller about an American avoid this. If you welcome a theatrical cial boon. Hence, the higher numbers of in trompe-l’oeil undermined by bizarre astronaut left behind on the Red Planet experience that’s more exhilarating and 3D movies these days. coloration), while the movies, including to fend for himself when a manned mis- nerve-wracking than most amusement the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock classic Dial sion goes awry. Directed by Ridley Scott park rides, The Walk is a must. M for Murder, typically used polarized (Alien, Blade Runner), it presents a fan- One more thing: I’ve got a little work- glasses. In either case, headaches from tastic mix of practical and computer- around for those who choose to see 3D eyestrain were common. Happily, I didn’t generated effects originally filmed in 3D, movies and would like get the maximum get the headaches then, nor do I get them giving the space-exploration side of the out of the event. Go the IMAX route. now, although the weight of today’s high- story more verity. You won’t need much The higher candlepower needed by an tech 3D goggles always leaves the bridge suspension of disbelief to buy the idea IMAX projector to assure a clear and bold of my nose sore. that lead actor Matt Damon’s character is image on the oversized screen manages to The brain-twisting results of this opti- actually stuck on the surface of Mars. counter any murkiness caused by the 3D cal trickery have undeniable appeal. And Ultimately, The Walk provides the most glasses. You’re welcome. sometimes, there’s subtlety to its use. In significant justification for 3D in memo- Dial M for Murder, Hitchcock adopted ry, as well as offering the most thrilling Michael Snyder is a print and broad- the technique to have his actors and time I’ve had in a movie theater in a cast journalist who covers pop culture sets recede into a stage-like perspective number of years. From director Robert on KPFK/Pacifica Radio’s David Feldman — making the projection like a gigantic Zemeckis (Cast Away, Forrest Gump, Back Show and Thom Hartmann Show and diorama. This went against the conven- to the Future), it is a charming intro- on Michael Snyder’s Culture Blast, avail- tional approach of things leaping off or duction to French street performer Petit able on GABnet.net, Roku, and YouTube. 3D technology has come a long way from red out of the screen as a startling demonstra- (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) that turns into You can follow Michael on Twitter: and blue glasses. Photo: hayley bouchard / flickr tion of dimensionality, or as a scare tactic. a caper flick as he and his confederates @cultureblaster

The Best of Books Flying off the shelves Best sellers at Marina Books Inc. compiled by brian pettus 10. The Tender Bar: A Memoir, caper, part life-crisis meditation, by J.R. Moehringer charming and piquant, this is a Books Inc. best-seller list nice light read for the fall. 1. City of Thieves: A Novel, by NEW AND NOTEWORTHY David Benioff Career of Evil (Cormoran The Witch of Lime Street: 2. 111 Places in San Francisco Strike), by Robert Galbraith Séance, Seduction, and That You Must Not Miss, The third Cormoran Strike Houdini in the Spirit World, by Floriana Peterson novel by J.K. Rowling (writing by David Jaher 3. The Life-Changing Magic of as Robert Galbraith), this one Few figures were more com- Tidying Up: The Japanese sees Strike and his assistant in pelling in the 20th century than Art of Decluttering and more danger than ever, both Harry Houdini, but most people Organizing, by Marie Kondo personally and professionally. haven’t read about his efforts to 4. M Train, by Patti Smith Rowling continues to demon- debunk the spiritualism of his age. 5. The Martian, by Andy Weir strate her masterful plotting Séances, mystics, and efforts to 6. One, Two … Boo, and characterization, and this contact the dead were rampant, by Kristen L. Depken and is a thoroughly enjoyable read. and Houdini led the charge against Claudine Gevry that irrationality. Incisively writ- 7. Enchanted Forest: An Inky The Clasp: A Novel, ten, this is a nice primer on the Quest & Coloring Book, by Sloane Crosley man and the age in which he lived. by Johanna Basford For an author best known for tion) endeavors to show that the researched and written, this book 8. Sketches from a North Beach her nonfiction humorous essays, Once in a Great City: A Detroit roots of Detroit’s fall go deeper serves as an excellent reference Journal, by Ernest Beyl Crosley shows a deft hand in her Story, by David Maraniss than a casual observer might for any interested in urban poli- 9. Secret Paris: Color Your Way first novel, while still drawing A portrait of a great American think, from corruption and tics in the modern United States. to Calm, by Zoey de Las on her keen eye for people and city gone sour, Maraniss (author crime to manufacturing leaving Cases their foible-filled behavior. Part of many fine works of nonfic- and businesses going under. Well Brian Pettus is the manager of Books Inc.

14 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 15 Calendar

S.F. Opera: The Barber of Seville Select days, Nov. 25–Dec. 9 War Memorial Opera House Cunning, clever, big-hearted Figaro helps a young November Events woman escape from her guardian’s grasp and into a noble suitor’s arms in Rossini’s popular what not to miss this month opera with delightfully funny staging, which returns by popular demand. $30–$395, 415-864-3330, sfopera.com 42nd St. Moon: Sail Away MAJOR EVENTS Wed.–Sun. through Nov. 25 GALAS & BENEFITS Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson St.) Project Glimmer 4th Annual Luncheon MUSIC: CLASSICAL The company opens its 23rd season with Noel Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Coward’s penultimate musical comedy. $21–$75, Concerts at the Presidio: Conservatory of Flowers (Golden Gate Park) 415-255-8207, 42ndstmoon.org Celebrate the many ways Project Glimmer contin- Broadway Classics on the Barbary Coast ues to inspire at-risk teenage girls and women to Thu.–Fri., Nov. 5–6, 7:30 p.m. believe in themselves by letting them know their Golden Gate Club (135 Fisher Loop) HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS community cares. $250, projectglimmer.org Highlighting the golden year of the American musical, hear classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center Simply the Best X Dinner & Gala Lerner and Lowe, Leonard Bernstein, Franck 6th Annual Fall Luxury Chocolate Salon Daily, Nov. 4–Jan. 3, 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m. Loesser, and Meredith Willson from favorites My Fair Lady, Guys & Dolls, West Side Story, South Justin Herman Plaza Fairmont Hotel Pacific, and more. $15, reservations recommended Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy nine weeks of ice-skating fun during the holiday ABC7’s Cheryl Jennings emcees this event that raises at 415-447-6274 The General’s Residence, Fort Mason Center season at the largest outdoor rink in the city with ses- awareness and funding for early detection and lung Discover, savor and taste the finest artisan, sions starting every 90 minutes. Skate rental $5, admis- cancer research, honors survivors, and top physicians gourmet and premium chocolates and con- sion $11, 415-837-1931, embarcaderocenter.com and clinicians working to fight lung cancer. $500, 415- S.F. Symphony: Schumann fections for the season and the holidays from 821-9693, www.abreathawayfromthecure.org Symphony No. 3 (Rhenish): Thu.–Sun., Nov. 12–15 over 30 chocolatiers. Highlights include chef Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square Symphony No. 1 (Spring): Thu.–Sun., Nov. 19–22 and author talks, tastings, and more. $25, Daily, Nov. 4–Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall fallchocolatesalon.com Union Square MTT conducts Rhenish along with two works by Ring in the holiday season at this outdoor rink Sibelius, his Violin Concerto with Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos and The Swan of Tuonela; An Evening with David Sedaris with sessions starting every 90 minutes after 30-minute breaks. Spring features two works from Richard Strauss, Monday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. Skate rental $6, admission $11, 415-781-2688, unionsquareicerink.com Serenade in E-flat major and the Brentano War Memorial Opera House Lieder with soprano Laura Claycomb. $35–$175, With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, 96th Veteran’s Day Parade sfsymphony.org, 415-864-6000 David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre- Sunday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m. eminent humor writers, a master of satire, and Jefferson St. (North Point to Leavenworth Sts.) The Baltimore Consort one of the most observant writers addressing the Sunday, Nov. 22, 4 p.m. human condition today. The evening will feature The Market Street parade moves to Fisherman’s St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (1111 O’Farrell St.) all-new readings of his work and a book signing. Wharf and will feature the U.S. Air Force Band This new program, The Food of Love: Songs, Mature audiences, $67–$77 (limited availability), of the Golden West, historic vehicle clubs, police 36th Annual Celebration of Craftswomen Dances, and Fancies for Shakespeare, features the 888-746-1799, shnsf.com dogs, the Wells Fargo stagecoach, and more. Free, 415-710-5293, [email protected] group’s core repertory — music of the Elizabethan Fri.–Sun., Nov. 27–29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. era. $40, 510-528-1725, sfems.org Veteran’s Day Service Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. This holiday crafts fair, with live music and gourmet Noontime Concerts: George Cleve Tribute food, is the largest event for women crafters in the Presidio Chapel (130 Fisher Loop) Tuesday, Nov. 24, 12:30 p.m. nation and benefits The Women’s Building, a com- The Interfaith Center will host a Service of Peace Old St. Mary’s Cathedral (660 California St.) munity service center serving women and girls. and Unity inclusive of diverse religious tradi- This tribute features the Midsummer Mozart $10, 650-615-6858, celebrationofcraftswomen.org tions and based on the 1974 Book of Worship Orchestra Ensemble playing special selections for United States Forces. Free, 415-561-3930, from Mozart in tribute to the group’s founder, interfaith-presidio.org. widely acclaimed as one of the composer’s fore- most interpreters, who died in September. Free, 29th Annual Embarcadero Center MUSEUMS 415-777-3211, noontimeconcerts.org Lighting Ceremony & Carnival & GALLERIES Cavalia: Odesseo Friday, Nov. 20, 4–7 p.m. Embarcadero Center Neil Folberg: Celestial Nights Tue.–Sun., Nov. 19–Dec 13 MUSIC: Don’t miss the annual dramatic illumination of Wed.–Sun., Nov. 5–Jan. 17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (no performance Thanksgiving Day) CONTEMPORARY Embarcadero Center and the S.F. skyline, featur- Artist’s reception: Thursday, Nov. 5, 6–8 p.m. White Big Top, AT&T Park (74 Mission Rock St.) ing 17,000 lights throughout the holiday season. Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts, The Dryansky Gallery (2120 Union St.) A winter carnival (4 p.m.) precedes lighting with This exhibition from an S.F. native and UC Berkeley and high-tech theatrical effects with 70 horses fun activities for kids, followed by ice-skating and 45 artists on a journey in a world of dreams graduate who studied with Ansel Adams merges the and musical performances (6 p.m.). A grand fire- land of Israel and the Sinai Desert with the awe-inspir- where, together, they discover some of the works display complements the lighting, which planet’s most unforgettable landscapes. $44.50– ing beauty of the cosmos, conveying a universal spiri- culminates the evening. Free, 415-772-0700, tual message. Free, 415-932-9302, thedryansky.com $154.50 (VIP packages available), cavlia.net embarcaderocenter.com 28th Annual Stillwell Student Exhibition 58th Annual International Auto Show Tree Lighting Ceremony Opens: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4–6 p.m. Daily, Nov. 21–29, 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. Wed.–Sat., Nov. 11–Dec. 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Pier 39 Moscone Center (closed Nov. 25–28) This two-day celebration that starts at noon each See 2016 model cars, trucks and vans including Fine Arts Gallery, SFSU Josh Groban day with a meet and greet with friends from exotic sports cars from the world’s major manufac- This peer-juried exhibition features work by artists Disneyland, singing, and other holly-jolly magic turers as well as hot rods and classic cars, alterna- in the second year of the School of Art’s three-year Tue.–Wed., Nov. 3–4, 8 p.m. and merriment culminating with the 6 p.m. lighting tive fuel and high-tech vehicles, and more. $10, MFA program, and a selection of work by the late Masonic Auditorium ceremony. The tree is illuminated nightly at 6 p.m. 415-331-4406, sfautoshow.com Leo D. Stillwell. Free, 415-338-6535, gallery.sfsu.edu The multiplatinum recording artist will perform throughout the holiday season. pier39.com from his new album Stages, a collection of clas- Janet Cardiff: The Forty-Part Motet sic musical theater songs. Online ticket purchas- Daily, Nov. 14–Jan. 18 ers will receive an album copy. $60.50¬$175, LAST CHANCE 877-598-8497, sfmasonic.com Gallery 308, Bldg. A., Fort Mason Center S.F. Playhouse: Dogfight This sound installation is a 40-part choral per- Tue.–Sat. through Nov. 7 formance of English composer Thomas Tallis’s Dorado Schmitt & Django All-Stars 450 Post St. (in the Kensington Park Hotel) 16th-century composition Spem in Alium, sung Fri.–Sun., Nov. 5–8 Three marines set out to tease and taunt on their by the Salisbury Cathedral Choir. The perfor- Miner Auditorium, SFJazz Center mance is played in a 14-minute loop that includes last night before shipping out. Eddie’s victim, Don’t miss this leading figure on the international 11 minutes of singing and 3 minutes of inter- Rose, turns out to be more than he bargained Gypsy jazz scene, who represents the art form at its for when she rewrites the rules into a lesson on 51st Annual Ghirardelli Square Tree mission. Free, advance tickets recommended, highest level, joined by compatriots, including the power and compassion. $30–$125, 415-677-9596, Lighting Ceremony 415-345-7575, motettickets.org brilliant jazz accordionist Ludovic Beier and violinist sfplayhouse.org Pierre Blanchard. $15–$65, 866-920-5299, sfjazz.org Friday, Nov 27, 4–9 p.m. ACT: Ah Wilderness! Ghirardelli Square THEATER America’s Got Talent Live Tue.–Sun. thru Nov. 8 Enjoy live music and family entertainment and Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m. 405 Geary St. the 50-foot tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Free, Riverdance 20th Anniversary The Warfield Don’t miss Eugene O’Neill’s celebrated coming- 415-775-5500, ghirardellisq.com. Daily, Nov. 4–8 The No. 1-rated summer television series for the last of-age comedic drama about a sensitive teenage SHN Orpheum Theatre 10 years presents the ultimate variety show featuring poet whose experience of first love leads him into The international Irish dance phenomenon is back some of the most popular performers from the hit the raptures of romantic poetry and the pain of capturing audiences across ages and cultures in an NBC variety competition series, including Season heartbreak. $25–$115, 415-749-2228, act-sf.org COMMUNITY CORNER innovative and exciting blend of dance, music, and Eight favorite comedian Taylor Williamson. $39.50– song. $40–$212, 888-746-1799, shnsf.com $64.50, thewarfieldtheatre.com S.F. Opera: The Magic Flute Open House: Presidio Parklands Project Various days through Nov. 20 Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5–7:30 p.m. S.F. Playhouse: Stage Kiss 10th Annual Turkey Trot War Memorial Opera House New Presidio Parklands Project Lab (103 Tue.–Sun. Nov. 17–Jan. 9 American Music Feast Feat In a fantastical world of ferocious dragons and Montgomery St.) 450 Post St. (in the Kensington Park Hotel) Wednesday, Nov. 25, 8 p.m. enchanted musical instruments, a noble prince Project staff will be on hand to answer ques- Prepare yourself for a frothy farce mixing stage drama Great American Music Hall (859 O’Farrell St.) sets out to rescue a beautiful princess and ensure tions and invite comments on the environmen- and backstage lives into an intoxicating delight. This Performers include Austin’s The Mother Truckers, the triumph of truth and justice in Mozart’s final tal assessment, project design guidelines, and semi-romantic comedy delivers the laughs, tripping San Francisco’s Secret Town, and The Vivants. operatic masterpiece. $26–$395, 415-864-3330, historic preservation topics. Free, 415-561-5300, lightly through a playground of desire and sexual $15 (show only), $39.95 (show and dinner); sfopera.com newpresidioparklands.org fantasy. $15–$125, 415-677-9596, sfplayhouse.org 415-885-0750, slimspresents.com

16 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Cheesemaking with the Milk Maid: Feta Fête DANCE FILMS & LECTURES Saturday, Nov. 7, noon–2:30 p.m. CHILD’S PLAY Doc Stories CUESA Kitchen, Ferry Building Presidio Family Movie Night Join local cheesemaking instructor Louella Hill as Thu.–Sun., Nov. 5–8 Friday, Nov. 6, 5 p.m. she guides you through the basics of turning milk Vogue Theatre (3290 Sacramento St.) Back lawn, Presidio Dance Theater (386 Arguello Blvd.) into fragrant loaves of feta, which you will then turn Bring the family and some blankets to enjoy Pixar’s The debut of this new festival devoted to the year’s into an eight-ounce jar of marinated feta, yours to most important documentaries will include films Inside Out. Food trucks and family-friendly activi- keep. $49, 415-291-3276, cuesa.org exploring the New York Times, Ukraine’s struggle, ties start at 5 p.m., cartoons at 6 p.m., movie at Pakistani music, Nina Simone, and much more. Urban Epicurean Festival 6:30 p.m. Free ice cream, popcorn, and snacks. $13–$14 per film, sffs.org Free, 415-561-5300, presido.gov Sat.–Sun., Nov. 7–8, 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 40th Annual American Indian Film Festival Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center In celebration of the season’s bounty, purchase Daily, Nov. 6–13, 7 p.m. unique art, handmade goods, artisanal food, and AMC Metreon (135 Fourth St.) local wine and beer while attending home and As the nation’s oldest and most prestigious venue Dance Theatre of S.F. Fall Program garden workshops on an array of topics — home for American Indian film arts and entertainment, brewing, flower arranging, urban beekeeping, and this festival draws an audience of nearly 5,000 more. Free, urbanepicfest.com Fri.–Sun., Nov. 6–8 viewers anticipating the latest in U.S. American Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center Indian and Canada First Nation cinema. $15–$25 Nigella Lawson The program features works by S.F. choreog- individual films, $250 all-access pass; aifisf.com raphers in a premier by Amy Seiwert, a reprisal Monday Nov. 16, 7 p.m. of Toward September by Robert Moses, and Jesse Eisenberg JCCSF (3200 California St.) two premiers by new DTSF artistic director The cookbook author and mega television per- Thursday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Dexandro ‘D’ Montalvo. $21–$39, 415-829-3398, sonality will discuss her new book, Simply Nigella: Nourse Theater (275 Hayes St.) dancetheatersf.org Food to Nourish Body & Soul. $32–$72, 415-292- Eisenberg will soon be seen portraying villain 1200, jccsf.org Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman, but the actor Día de los Muertos Celebration Alonzo King Lines Ballet: known for The Social Network, Adventureland, To Fermentation Special Interest Group Meeting Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 & 8 p.m. Fall Home Season Rome with Love, and more is also a writer. He’ll Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall Fri.–Sun., Nov. 6–8 & Wed.–Sun., Nov 11-15 discuss it all with Steven Winn. $29, 415-929-0119, Latino/Hispanic Comm. Mtg. Rm. Bring the entire family to celebrate Latin American Lam Research Theater, YBCA (701 Mission St.) cityarts.net S.F. Public Library (100 Larkin St.) music and culture for the Day of the Dead. A world premiere collaboration unites the com- Come learn how to transform everyday vegetables Oaxacan singer-songwriter Lila Downs, a multi- pany with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lisa Garry Kasparov into great ferments with the authors of Fermented Grammy-award winning artist in her symphonic Fischer as they pay tribute to the power of song. Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. Vegetables. Free, [email protected], 415-731-7793 debut, joins the symphony, performing selections The Commonwealth Club (555 Post St.) $30–$165, 415-863-3040, linesballet.org from her new recording. Arrive an hour before The former world chess champion and current S.F. Craft Beer Festival each show for refreshments, live music and danc- Words on Dance Inaugural Benefit chairman of the Human Rights Foundation has Saturday, Nov. 21, 2–4:30 p.m. & 7–9:30 p.m. ing, colorful altars, traditional crafts, and more. Monday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. been a vocal and high profile critic of Russian The Armory (1800 Mission St.) $20–$90, 415-864-6000, sfsymphony.org Strand Theater (1127 Market St.) President Vladimir Putin for more than a decade. Bottoms up! Taste 150 varieties of beer from nearly Carey Perloff, ACT artistic director, will interview S.F. He will explain how Putin’s Russia has come to 75 local and national craft brewers, and learn Ballet principal dancer Pascal Molat. Evening includes define itself and how regime opponents should Creative Family Fun: educational tips from craft beer experts. 21 & up, film screenings, including a recent conversation organize themselves. $7–$50, 415-597-6705, $50–$79, sfcraftbeerfest.com Stars & Stripes Wristbands with Rita Moreno and choreographer Christopher commonwealthclub.org Saturday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Wheeldon. $20–$100, wordsondance.org Flying Robot Int’l Film Festival Presidio Officers’ Club (50 Moraga Ave.) Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. Remember our soldiers 17th Annual S.F. Thursday, Nov. 19 SPORTS & HEALTH by making American flag-themed wristbands. International Hip Hop DanceFest Roxie Theater After that, create a postcard to send to a vet- Fri.–Sun., Nov. 20–22 This quirky festival is a competitive showing of aer- Introduction to Meditation eran. Registration preferred. Free, 415-561-4400, ial cinema created from the perspective of flying Palace of Fine Arts Theatre Sunday, Nov. 8, 1–2 p.m. presidioofficersclub.com camera robots. The films will be shown, followed Cutting-edge hip-hop performances from inter- Zazen (2219 Filbert St.) by the awards ceremony. $15, friff.co national dance companies celebrate this rich and Join this introductory instruction in sitting and S.F. Birth and Baby Fair exciting dance form with Bay Area roots. $39.99 & walking meditation. Includes two 20-minute peri- Thursday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $75, 415-392-4400, sfhiphopdancefest.com ods of sitting meditation, with walking medi- Golden Gate Club (135 Fisher Loop, the Presidio) SCIENCE & tation in between. Free, donations welcome, This premier event features workshops, demon- Theatre Flamenco: Ad Libitum 415-806-6899, zazensf.com strations, a tot play space, a spa lounge, local Fri.–Sun., Nov. 20–22, 8 p.m. THE ENVIRONMENT resources, and innovative products for a one- Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center The Universe in a Box stop shop experience. $10–$15, 415-967-0223, birthandbabyfair.com This premiere of Ad Libitum: Or how I freed myself Monday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. from my chains is performed by renowned fla- California Academy of Sciences menco artist Andrés Marín from Sevilla, Spain with ODC: The Velveteen Rabbit Tom Abel is the director of the Kavli Institute for Carola Zertuche, artistic director of San Francisco’s Fri.–Sun., Nov. 27–29 Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at Stanford Theatre Flamenco and the Bay Area-born Cristina Wed.–Sun, Dec. 2–13 University, and he’ll explain the makeup of the Hall. $40–$75, theatreflamenco.org early universe, drawing on the latest theories, cal- YBCA Theater (701 Mission St.) culations, and observations to give you the newest Told though music, dance, and a powerful narra- info on the oldest events. $8–$12, 877-227-1831, tive, The Velveteen Rabbit celebrates the unique NIGHTLIFE calacademy.org relationship between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love. $15–$75, Strangelove Pairings Chinese Medicine in Sync with the Seasons 415-978-2700, ybca.org Friday, Nov. 6, 9:30 p.m.–3 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 6–10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 3–5 p.m. Cat Club (1190 Folsom St.) The Exploratorium (Pier 15) Jewish Community Center of S.F. (3200 California St.) A loud night of dark electro, industrial, new wave, Unearth fascinating tidbits about the world’s ubiq- JUST FOR FUN Chinese medicine teaches that health derives and Goth. 415-703-8965, strangelovesf.com uitous crops of potatoes, sample vodkas, and taste from being in sync with the seasons. Learn how delicious preparations of these versatile tubers. Russian Hill Stairways to align your actions, choices, and intentions The Prince & Michael Experience Ages 18 and up. Free with museum admission Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. with the natural flow of the fall season. $35–$45, ($29), exploratorium.edu Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. 415-292-1200, jccsf.org Meet: Hyde & Filbert Sts. Madrone Art Bar (500 Divisadero St.) Climb hills and hidden stairways to visit bucolic Fans of Prince and Michael Jackson go toes- The Orbital Perspective lanes, national historic districts, and ghosts of to-toes on the dance floor, enjoying album Friday, Nov. 13, 12 p.m. Eating Healthy for Your Heart fascinating bohemian characters. See where Willis cuts, remixes, rare pieces and classics — but no The Commonwealth Club (555 Post St.) Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5–6:30 p.m. Polk lived as well as an octagon house. Free (dona- cover songs. Ages 21 and up, $5, 415-241-0202, Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan applies three- Conf. Rm. Level A, CPMC (2333 Buchanan St.) tions welcome), 415-557-4266, sfcityguides.org madroneartbar.com dimensional thinking, what he calls “the orbital per- Discover how changing dietary habits and learning spective,” to deep-seated world problems, such as new approaches to eating can improve cardio- West Coast Craft Winter Boo Boys Talent Show and Contest 2! sustainability, world hunger, fresh water, and more. vascular health. Two heart-healthy dietary pat- Sat.–Sun., Nov. 14–15, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7–10 p.m. Free–$20, 415-597-6705, commonwealthclub.org terns, the DASH diet and the Mediterranean Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Make-Out Room (3225 22nd St.) diet, will be discussed. Contributions welcome This design show features craftspeople living and Watch contestants try to earn $200 by showing ($10 suggested), register at 415-923-3155 or working on the West Coast, who, using a variety of off their talents in less than four minutes, whether POTABLES & EDIBLES [email protected] media, including wood, metal, leather, and paper, it’s tap dancing, juggling, dog tricks, comedians, create singular items that exemplify the mood drag; it could be anything. Free, 415-647-2888, Soda Politics and aesthetics of their West Coast lifestyle. Free, makeoutroom.com Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. westcoastcraft.com The Commonwealth Club (555 Post St.) Hardwell and Kill the Buzz Habitually drinking large volumes of soda is prov- Holiday Renegade Craft Fair Friday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m. en to not only harm your health, but also to burden Fri.–Sat., Nov. 20–21 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium society with runaway health-care costs. NYU’s Dr. Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Dutch-born DJ Hardwell, a.k.a. Robbert van de Marion Nestle addresses the tools she says we This curated indie-craft marketplace showcases Corput, was named the No. 1 DJ in the world need to keep the pressure on Big Soda to build the brightest talents in contemporary craft and by DJ Mag. Find out why. Also appearing is Kill more healthful and more sustainable food sys- design for a celebration of all things handmade. Lidia Bastianich the Buzz. Ages 18 and up, $65, 800-653-8000, tems. $20, 415-597-6700, commonwealth.org Free, 312-226-8654, renegadecraftfair.com ticketmaster.com Thursday Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Thanksgiving Day 5K Calendar listings Sweater Beats, Louis the Child, Daktyl, Awe JCCSF (3200 California St.) Thursday, Nov. 26, 8 a.m. In conversation with Delfina owner Craig Stoll, Friday, Nov. 27, 10 p.m. Start: China Basin Park the PBS cooking show host and prolific author on Send your event listings to [email protected] Earn your day’s indulgence! Join family, friends, 1015 Folsom Italian food will talk about her new book, Lidia’s with succinct specifics about your event, loca- and your community on Thanksgiving morn- Sweater Beats, a.k.a. Antonio Cuna, provides Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine, and share tion, dates, times, prices, and contact informa- ing for a quick run, jog, or walk along the “dream-soaked pop and lushed-out R&B,” in some of her kitchen secrets. Treats from Delfina will tion (telephone and Internet). Embarcadero and under the Bay Bridge. Best a night that will take your mind off Black Friday be available for sale. Includes a copy of the book. shopping. Ages 21 and up, $15–$20, 415-991-1015, of all, proceeds benefit the S.F. Food Bank. $35, $57–$67, 415-292-1200, jccsf.org Visit marinatimes.com for additional calendar listings. 1015.com runthanksgivingday.com

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 17 At Home

Urban Home and Garden Cuppa

What’s the best brew for you? Warm up with coffee by julia strzesieski sanal, similar to wine or cheese, and not as a commodity. The first wave of coffee cross San Francisco and the took place in the 19th century when firms nation, coffee continues to have such as San Francisco-based Folgers and its moment. Upscale and boutique others popularized the coffee that you may Acoffee shops are on the rise, and it seems have seen on your grandparents’ kitchen every day there is a latest and greatest table. The second wave took place with the method of brewing coffee. proliferation of Peet’s and Starbucks retail- Twenty years ago, who would have ers that have helped to elevate coffee to its thought we would anxiously wait in line current status. for 20 minutes to pay $5 for a cup of Joe? When you come across a boutique coffee AUTOMATIC COFFEE MAKER shop with a long line snaking out the door, Tried and true, most folks are familiar do you roll your eyes and dismiss the hype, with this method. Medium-ground beans eagerly hop in line just to say you tried the are placed in a paper or reusable gold fil- trendiest coffee of the moment, or head for ter, and the amount of water equal to the home where you have your own carefully amount of coffee you want is measured out. selected beans and favorite brewing method With the push of a button, the water is heat- to make your ideal cup? Unless someone’s ed and runs through the machine, through already advanced to the Ph.D. level of cof- the beans and the filter, and into the carafe. fee knowledge, chances are most of us can The result is a conveniently prepared pot of learn something new about different brew- coffee, kept warm on the machine’s heating ing methods and have fun in the process. plate until it’s turned off.

FIRST, THE BEANS FRENCH PRESS It is generally agreed that a good cup Your preferred amount of coarse- of coffee must start with good beans. ground coffee is placed in the bottom of That said, what constitutes “good beans” your French press pot and not-quite boil- is of course entirely based on personal ing water is poured over the top and then preference. Preground beans are readily stirred after a minute. The coffee grounds available, and many of us prefer them for are brewed for as long as they are allowed convenience or tradition. However, cof- to comingle with the hot water, and the fee aficionados unanimously agree that length of time is a matter of personal pref- grinding your own beans gives you fresher erence; however, four minutes is a general flavor. Not only that, but depending on the recommendation after waiting one minute quality of your grinder, you should be able and stirring. When the time is up, the to select the optimal grind for the brewing plunging filter mechanism attached to the method you choose. Sampling and experi- lid should be slowly pushed down until it menting with beans of different origins, reaches the bottom of the French press, roasts, and blends is a fun way to pick your using equally applied pressure throughout personal favorite flavor. the plunge. Now that the filter is sepa- Grind-to-water ratio is also best deter- rating the grounds from the coffee, the mined by personal preference. A good place strength of your brew should remain the to start is one tablespoon of ground coffee same to the last drop. per cup of water being used, but you may find that you prefer more or less. A com- SINGLE-CUP CONE mon misconception about the caffeine level For those who need only one cup to of coffee beans is that darker roasts will have get them going and prefer a low-acidity more caffeine. This idea is probably due to brew, a single cup cone is a great option. the stronger taste of darker roasts, which Slowly pour just enough boiling water many people prefer. However, a lighter roast over your beans to moisten them. If your will usually yield a more caffeinated cup. coffee is fresh, as it should be, you will see bubbling foam appear, which is called FAIR TRADE COFFEE the “bloom.” You can give the coffee a “Fair trade” coffee refers to partnerships light stir to make sure all the grounds are among coffee growers, importers, and sell- saturated; then pour slowly and evenly ers, where coffee production meets fair in a spiral motion over the grounds to working conditions and environmental ensure they are evenly extracted. In this sustainability. Child and forced labor are case, you need to be watching carefully banned and the growers and coffee cooper- as your water filters through the cone, atives have more power to negotiate directly because once your cup is full, water will with their buyers. start overflowing. Quickly move the filter cone to the sink or to a second cup ready THIRD WAVE OF COFFEE for this purpose. This refers to the recent movement that considers all aspects of coffee production: Julia Strzesieski is the marketing coordina- growing, harvesting, fresh roasting, and tor at Cole Hardware and can be reached at fair-trading. Coffee is now viewed as arti- [email protected].

18 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Real Estate

Real Estate Update Brainy buildings How smart is your home? by stephanie saunders ahlberg Here are a few of my favorite smart phone. It also features new smart devices: an integrated security system f there’s one term I keep LG HomeChat: This system that can flash lights when an hearing repeatedly from gives you the ability to send intruder comes in and send consumers, it’s “smart text messages to your washer or you an alert to your phone. Ihouse.” People in the market for refrigerator. It has a wide-angle Kwikset keyless entry: For a home are now adding smart camera that takes a photo each years I have said, “keys are the features to their house-shopping time the refrigerator door is bane of my existence” when it wish lists, and for good reason. opened, so you can pull up the comes to listings, and I have They like the efficiency, conve- image from your mobile device long wished for a system that nience, and money savings that to see what you might need on would allow entry with the these smart features now offer. your shopping list. It will also touch of a button. My wish According to a joint survey this keep track of expiration dates has been granted: The Kwikset year by Coldwell Banker and and even suggest meal options keyless entry with a deadbolt CNET of approximately 4,000 based on what is in your refrig- opens with the touch of a fin- The Nest learning thermostat customizes its actions to your preferences. Americans, 28 percent of the erator. ger. Owners can assign virtual Photo:Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine survey respondents said they Caséta wireless lighting sys- keys permanently or temporar- own at least one smart-home tem: Use this app to adjust ily. Where was this when my central hub. The secure feature immediately be sent to your feature, and most millennials your lighting and temperature then-teenagers lost their house allows you to receive texts or smart phone. said they plan to adopt smart- from your phone. No new wir- keys? This Bluetooth-enabled calls when motion sensors are home technology in their homes. ing is required. The system smart lock also works with the triggered. It includes a smart I plan to install several smart The same survey revealed that learns what temperatures you Nest thermostat to adjust the thermostat, lighting control, options in my home; I like the 81 percent are more likely to like and automatically adjusts home temperature. and smart plugs to control idea of convenience and con- buy a home with smart products accordingly. Chamberlain MyQ Garage: items such as lamps. trol from wherever I might be. already installed. Even remod- Google Nest: Set your home’s No more wondering, Did I for- Icontrol Piper: This web- You may want to consider add- eled homes are featuring more temperatures from your get to close the garage door? With linked security camera can ing some smart-home features smart features to attract these phone with this system, which this mobile app, you can be emit an ear-splitting noise to to your home — not only to tech-savvy buyers. learns what temperatures you sure it is closed — or opened ward off intruders, and call, increase value, but also to add If you are not familiar with like and automatically adjusts from anywhere. The company e-mail, or text you if it detects convenience to your everyday smart-home features, they typi- accordingly. plans to add geofencing capa- any movement, loud noises or home enjoyment. cally include items to help you Lucis Nubryte: This wall- bilities that will sense when changes in temperature. remotely control things in your touch panel connects to the you are near and open the door WallyHome: Before leaks get Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg has home, such as temperature and cloud for controlling your for you and close it when it too serious or costly, this sys- been a real estate agent for over lighting. However, as technol- lighting and security. A built- senses you are safely parked. tem can detect them. Simply 30 years and joined Hill & Co. ogy grows, many more smart in camera sensor automatically Iris: Lowe’s home-manage- attach the wireless sensors in 1983, where she has consis- features are becoming avail- turns on lights when you enter ment system offers the abil- around water-prone areas such tently been among the top 10 able. Soon, our homes might be a room, or you can control ity to gain greater control over as sinks and toilets. If a drop salespeople. She can be reached at smarter than we are. when lights come on with your household devices from one of water falls, an alert will www.realtyinsanfrancisco.com.

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 19 Real Estate

The Marina Times Real Estate Real Estate Roundup Are prices plateauing? Market Report: September 2015 By Hill & Co. Bubble, bubble, SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON Neighborhood Address Bathrooms Sale Price Asking Price Market toil and trouble Cow Hollow (no sales) by john zipperer HAS A PRICE ADJUSTMENT BEGUN? Lake 152 4th Avenue 2BD/2BA $1,560,000 Above 38 TECH COMPANY LAYOFFS In the latest San Francisco market 171 20th Avenue 3BD/2.5BA $2,508,000 Above 19 HIGHLIGHT INCREASING report from Paragon Real Estate, medi- RISK TO HOME PRICES an sales prices for the third quarter of Laurel Heights (no sales) San Francisco’s ongoing real estate 2015 dipped, falling from $1,210,000 to whirlwind has been fueled by a com- $1,155,000. Paragon notes that “it’s not Lone Mountain (no sales) bination of artificially depressed inven- unusual for median prices to drop in

tory and tech-driven new buyers. Now the third quarter, which happened this observers are noting a round of layoffs year as well. This has less to do with fair Marina 207 Avila Street 4BD/2.5BA $3,750,000 Above 22 at local tech companies and are won- market value than with the fact that the dering if one of those two factors driv- market for higher priced homes slows Nob Hill (no sales) ing the real estate prices is abating. down much more than that of the gen- The layoffs are pretty widespread. eral market in summer.” North Beach (no sales) Twitter, the signature brand brought in to help push renewal of the Mid- POSSIBLE REPRIEVE FOR CITY RETAIL SPACE Pacific Heights (no sales) Market area, recently laid off 8 percent of its workforce. Microsoft, Snapchat, After years of hearing about favorite Hewlett-Packard, Living Social, and (and some not-so-favorite) shops and Presidio Heights 3621 Washington Street 4BD/5BA $7,500,000 Above 21 others have recently slowed hiring or restaurants being forced to shutter or have had a round of layoffs. move due to suddenly jacked-up rents, Russian Hill 2820 Van Ness Avenue 3BD/3BA $2,100,000 Above 47 Twitter recently help might be on changed its mind the way. and pulled out of At midyear, vac- Sea Cliff (no sales) Sellers hoping to find an expected expan- ancy for retail real sion of its down- well-heeled buyers estate in the city was Telegraph Hill (no sales) town San Francisco a very low 3.4 percent, headquarters and might be in for a wait. reports Cassidy Turley. CONDOS slowed down its hir- “This remains one BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON ing, the San Francisco Business Times’ of the tightest markets in the United Neighborhood Address Bathrooms Sale Price Asking Price Market Cory Weinberg reported. “A string of States in terms of available space and

Cow Hollow 2378 Union Street #A 1BD1BA $650,000 Above 12 managers and engineers have headed one of the most sought-after by retail- for the door. Meanwhile, the company er,” the real estate firm reports. 2940 Laguna Street 2BD/2BA $1,750,000 Above 31 recently signed a big deal to expand in Cassidy Turley also notes, however, Dublin, Ireland – an overseas hotbed that development of new space might Lake 3900 California Street #2 2BD/2BA $1,195,000 At 40 for U.S. technology companies in part help tip the balance a bit more in the because the country offers lower cor- direction of renters. “An increasing Laurel Heights (no sales) porate taxes.” development pipeline should bring Twitter, the social media company some relief to space users looking

Lone Mountain (no sales) that has struggled unsuccessfully for to land in the San Francisco metro. years to find a profitable business New development is at its highest model, might be facing different head- level in more than two decades,” the Marina 3330 Octavia Street #4 1BD/1BA $975,000 Above 21 winds than Microsoft and other tech company reports. 3701 Divisadero Street #204 2BD/2BA $1,415,000 At 0 companies. But with the layoffs occur- ring in so many different types of tech WE’RE NUMBER ONE Nob Hill 1177 California Street #208 1BD/1.25BA $780,000 Above 5 businesses, homesellers hoping to find The median rent for a one-bedroom

1255 California Street #205 1BD/1.5BA $805,000 Above 45 a paper millionaire tech buyer for their unit in San Francisco is $3,620, which

1350 California Street #406 2BD/2BA $1,100,000 Above 25 home could be in for a longer time on places it in the number-one spot on the market. Zumper.com’s chart of the priciest rent- 1536 Pacific Avenue #6 2BD/2BA $2,075,000 Above 28 al markets in the country. It even beats 16 Leroy Place 3BD/2.5BA $2,808,000 Above 6 CITY’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING New York City, where a similar unit 1340 Clay Street #802 3BD/3BA $3,000,000 Above 4 REHAB EFFORTS goes for $3,230. Mayor Ed Lee hailed the Phase 1 An even more surprising number is North Beach (no sales) implementation of a large rehabilita- the $5,000 median rent for two-bed- tion plan for the city’s public hous- room units in San Francisco. Zumper

Pacific Heights 2040 Franklin Street #1106 0BD/1BA $630,000 Above 18 ing, which will leverage about $700 says rents here are up 13.1 percent over million (in investor equity and other the past year. 1800 Washington Street #817 1BD/1BA $850,000 Above 13 sources) to fuel the rehabbing of up 2345 Jackson Street #3 1BA/1BA $907,500 Above 10 to 4,584 public housing units through CHARMED, I’M SURE 1835 Franklin Street #1103 2BD/2BA $1,565,000 Above 5 the Rental Assistance Demonstration In a report in the San Francisco 2245 Franklin Street 2BD/2BA $1,700,000 Above 11 program of the U.S. Department of Business Times, Facebook CEO 2200 Pacific Avenue #6D 2BD/2BA $1,700,000 Above 16 Housing and Urban Development. Mark Zuckerberg expected “to

2539 Clay Street #5 2BD/2BA $1,775,000 Above 16 Lee has pledged to develop or ‘wow’ these schmucks” when he rehab 30,000 housing units in the negotiated with a property owner 2869 Clay Street 3BD/2BA $1,905,000 Above 48 city, at least one-third of which will near his Palo Alto home, accord- 1990 Green Street #601 2BD/2BA $2,500,000 Above 0 be permanently affordable to lowing to a judge’s ruling that includ- 2288 Broadway #4 3BD/3.5BA $7,500,000 Below 60 and moderate-income families and ed the quote from an e-mail the majority affordable for middle- exchange. Presidio Heights (no sales) income residents. “Public housing is a key part of QUOTE UNQUOTE

Russian Hill 1050 North Point Street #206 1BD/1BA $575,000 Above 12 San Francisco’s affordable housing “[People are] getting excited at the stock,” said London Breed, president news that a piece of property in San 1335 Union Street #8 1BD/1BA $830,000 Below 67 of the Board of Supervisors. She said Francisco’s Lake District just hit the 826 Lombard Street 2BD/1BA $850,000 Above 13 the Rental Assistance Demonstration market for the low, low asking price of program is “helping us make these $50k. But of course, there’s a catch. The Sea Cliff (no sales) homes livable and safe, protecting property is a driveway. That you can’t some of our most vulnerable resi- build on.”

Telegraph Hill (no sales) dents. We’re rehabilitating existing — Jack Morese, SFist offline units, repairing elevators, get- The data presented in this report is based on the San Francisco Multiple Listing Service and is ting rid of pests, and installing secu- Real estate news tips? E-mail: accurate to the best of our knowledge, but cannot be guaranteed as such. For additional information, rity cameras and lighting.” [email protected] contact Hill & Co., 1880 Lombard Street (at Buchanan), 415-321-4362, hill-co.com.

20 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 21 Real Estate

Are any of the Airbnb listings in your property? Photo: airbnb.com Airbnb letter informing me of the 3. If you live in a build- continued from page 1 Airbnb ad. Had one of ing run by a management the major management company, ask for their it came to subletting, companies in town not procedure in writing for short-term roommates, heard of e-mail or the dealing with infractions and changing roommates. telephone? The next day of the building rules. Immediately I e-mailed I received a phone call 4. Know the city’s rules and sent texts to my three from the HOA president. concerning short-term tenants to find out what I asked why I was only rentals. Do not be caught was going on. When there notified by mail. Her off-guard when you find was no reply, I left phone reply: “Our lawyer told a neighbor has reported messages asking if they us to send a letter.” That you to the city for renting were renting the condo makes sense, but I did not your home, condo, or TIC short-term. Normally I see this as an excuse for short-term. As a neighborhood activist for years before I sold real Searching Airbnb, I was stunned to estate, I consider the see a listing for my condo. My disbelief political response to short-term rent- turned to anger very quickly. als in the form of Prop F to be light- receive instant replies. not also sending me an ning fast. Airbnb lists Mysteriously there was no e-mail or calling. over 500 rentals in San reply after several hours. Closely reading the Francisco and paid for Searching Airbnb, I was HOA residents’ handbook, 13 of the 18 statements stunned to see a listing I found the fine for viola- opposing Prop F in the for my condo. My disbe- tion of the rental and resi- November ballot. The lief turned to anger very dential use policy is $1,000, most vocal group for vot- quickly. Without boring with additional fines as ing yes is Share Better SF. readers with a blow-by- time passed if not correct- They paid for 6 of the 20 blow recounting of the ed. There was supposed to statements in support of events that followed, I will be a letter with a 30-day Prop F. sum up the story. notice to correct the viola- There is plenty to think At 9:30 p.m. that eve- tion. The letter I received about here whether you ning, the tenant who had was dated September 1. I are a tenant, landlord, or placed the ad on Airbnb received it two days later, see yourself as a victim of called me. His cell phone and the letter told me I had short-term housing. was conveniently dead to “remedy the situation by Mayor Lee recently cre- since noon that day. He September 7.” Obviously ated a new office to stream- told me he had called whoever wrote the letter line registering short-term the moment he returned had not read the residents’ landlords who want to home. He explained he handbook. comply with the law had posted a listing on Life would be so much passed on Feb. 1, 2015, Airbnb a year earlier to easier if people actu- limiting whole property rent his room while he ally spoke to each other. rentals to 90 days a year. was on vacation in 2014. What a novel concept! Landlords must register At the time he posted the Unfortunately with e-mail, with the city. The office listing, he told me he had texts, and long work hours, will also pursue viola- not read the lease closely and did not know he had done anything wrong. I feel there are lessons to be I pointed out that learned for both landlords and tenants short-term rentals of any kind were not whether or not Prop F passes. allowed under the terms of his lease, and if people seem to have little tions. The cat is out of he did this again it would time for telephone calls or the bag on short-term be grounds to terminate face-to-face conversations. rentals in San Francisco. his tenancy. Within min- My story ends here, but If you have not properly utes the Airbnb listing I feel there are lessons to registered your short- was removed. So there be learned for both land- term rental, do not be was no confusion about lords and tenants wheth- surprised when the city the tenant’s responsibili- er or not Prop F passes. comes calling. ties under the lease, I 1. Read your lease and had my attorney follow discuss subletting short- Carole Isaacs is a Realtor up with a letter. term rental rules in per- with McGuire Real Estate, For me that was not the son with tenants. where she is a Top Producer. end of it. I also found 2. In condo buildings, Follow her on Twitter myself quite upset with both landlords and ten- @CaroleIsaacs or visit her the management com- ants need to read the online at caroleisaacs.com pany that had mailed the HOA rules in detail. or call 415-608-1267.

22 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Dreamhouse Showcase 2700 Bryant Street Inner Mission cool by john zipperer property — and to your own heart Elementary, Revere Elementary, and — you can think up whatever you O’Connell High), BART stations, his Inner Mission home is want for this large, two-unit space. and access to highways 101 and 280. a building that talks to you. On the lower level are two reno- As you stroll around the neighbor- On the outside is a mural vated suites and separate garages hood, you will also find lots of clas- Tby Susan Cervantes and students with parking for four cars (and in sic beautiful homes, corner shops, declaring “Be the Change You Wish anticar San Francisco, where find- and more. Dreamhouse data to See in the World.” It also whispers ing parking has become a driver’s What you choose to do with this to you possibilities for living space, a victory and nearly a crime, that’s home in the culturally rich, walk- workshop, studio, or other uses for nothing short of amazing). On the able, and historic neighborhood of 4 bedrooms Offered by this building, which is zoned RH-3. upper level is a loft and Ipe decks. the Mission is up to you. Listen 4.5 bathrooms Don Woolhouse 4 garage parking spaces or Stefano DeZerega At the corner of Bryant and 25th Rooms are large and light-filled. to the building, the neighbors, and 4,341 square ft. Zephyr Real Estate Streets, this unique property built Nearby are stops for the city’s ubiq- your heart. lot size 3,500 square ft. 2700bryant.com in 1910 has a history of commer- uitous and valued/hated tech shuttles $5,000,000 cial usage, but if you listen to the as well as several schools (Fairmount E-mail: [email protected]

The remodeled 2700 Bryant Street includes large outdoor Ipe decks; an open kitchen area; and easily configurable space for living, use as a workshop, or for entertaining. photos: Zepher Real Estate

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 23 Wellness

Fitness First Aerial fitness Take your workout to the air by julie mitchell playing with hammocks on and abdominal work as a retreat in India, accord- class participants transi- ome of us have a ing to a 2013 article in the tion from the floor into hard time working U.K. Daily Mail. He con- the Lyra hoop. The entire out upright — run- tinued to study yoga and class is set to an upbeat Sning, walking, or riding began to use flying silk soundtrack. seems challenging enough. and hammocks as a way After mounting the But imagine this: You’re for his dance troupe to hoop, an exercise in itself, doing a really tough work- exercise and train for acro- the instructor takes the out that involves core batic acts. Harrison, who class through three-to-five strength, balance, and flex- has created entertainment moves until participants ibility, and … you’re doing for stars including Pink, really know the choreog- it suspended a few raphy. Once every- feet above the floor one dismounts, “We in a hoop, a ham- dance out the move- mock, or a long strip ments,” says Becker. of fabric attached to “This gives every- the ceiling. one the feeling that Wait, before you they learned some- think, This isn’t thing tangible.” Then for me, I’m not in comes a much-need- the circus, read on. ed cool down. Aerial fitness not Becker says those only offers a full- who attend Lyra body workout, but it classes on a regular can also be a lot of basis not only get fun. By using your fit faster but they own body weight leave with a feeling and gravity, you of accomplishment can work out in the because in any given air without putting week, the choreog- strain on the joints raphy tends to build Karrie Becker, Crunch group fitness instruc- or back, and you tor with the hoop used in the aerial fitness on itself. “Regular might just enjoy that classes she teaches. photo: courtesy crunch participants learn a cool feeling you had whole dance com- as a kid on the monkey P. Diddy and Mariah Carey, bination,” she says. For bars or in gymnastics class started using antigrav- those who are skeptical years ago. ity equipment in Broadway about aerial fitness, Becker The aerial fitness trend acts, and upon discovering says, “Pretty much every- is an offshoot of the popu- its fitness benefits created one is nervous at first, larity of Cirque du Soleil Antigravity Yoga & Fitness but we take a lot of time and its many aerial acts, in New York. His trade- explaining how to trust according to Karri Becker, marked techniques are cur- the hoop, and once peo- an aerial fitness instruc- rently being used in gyms ple give it a try, they tend tor at Crunch on Chestnut in more than 30 countries to like it and come back. Street in San Francisco. (including here at Crunch). Our classes have grown Circuses from small to Aerial yoga uses tra- exclusively through word large have long featured ditional yoga poses and of mouth; our members trapezes, aerial hoops, acrobatic, Pilates, gymnas- love Lyra.” (Editor’s note: poles, and hand balancing, tic, and dance moves, and Crunch is offering an exclu- and the transition of some works every muscle group, sive five-day guest pass to of these acts to mainstream providing toning and Marina Times’ readers; visit fitness classes like several strengthening, particularly crunch.com/marinatimes.) taught at Crunch and at the core, shoulders, and gyms worldwide is a natu- spine. Being suspended in AERIAL SILK ral one. “Adding new types the air releases muscle ten- Aerial silk, another of classes keeps working sion and helps to increase circus-inspired workout, out fresh for our mem- flexibility. Hanging upside incorporates a long swath bers who are always look- down is also good for of fabric called silk, rib- ing for new challenges. It blood flow, flexibility, and bon, or curtain that par- keeps them coming back,” overall stability. And as ticipants use to climb, Becker says. with most forms of yoga, spin, and pose, some- aerial yoga is good for the times wrapping the fabric AERIAL YOGA emotional system as it around parts of the body There are several kinds helps clear the mind and during a class. Several of popular aerial work- relieves stress. gyms in San Francisco outs, including aerial yoga, offer aerial silk classes, which uses a soft fabric AERIAL HOOP including Aerial Artique hammock as a prop much Another form of aerial and Circus Center. like a block or strap. Many fitness gaining recogni- Curious? You can go the traditional yoga poses are tion is aerial hoop or Lyra. Crunch website and sign taught with participants This class involves doing up for a free three-day pass hanging in the hammock, a series of choreographed and try any of its aerial fit- holding onto it with one dance and fitness moves ness classes. You just might or two hands, or using it using a suspended aerial get hooked on the hoop. as a support for an extend- hoop that’s about chest ed leg. Inversions, such high, so those afraid of Crunch Fitness: 2324 as headstands and hand- heights have no excuse. Chestnut Street, 415-292- stands, are often easier for Hour-long Lyra classes at 8470; 2330 Polk Street, 415- yogis to practice with the Crunch all start on the 292-5444; crunch.com support of the hammock fitness floor with a dance- Aerial Artique: 132 to lift their lower bodies based warm-up that Ninth Street #302, 415-658- into the air. might include some hip- 7988, aerialartique.com Broadway dancer and hop moves and bits of the Circus Center: 755 choreographer Christopher choreography included in Frederick Street, 415-759- Harrison developed Anti- the workout. Then comes 8123, circuscenter.org gravity Yoga, the kind conditioning that often taught at Crunch, while means pull-ups, chin-ups, E-mail: [email protected]

24 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Family

Caring for Our Kids Child care

Babysitting is not easy, nor is finding a good babysitter. photo: TownePost Network / flickr Tips for finding the best babysitter by liz farrell to make sure the sitter is comfortable stay- ing longer. For many students or young abysitting is not easy. To be adults who are babysitting, time is money, good, you need to have patience, so the same goes for parents — try not and be caring and confident. As to cancel at the last minute. Sometimes Bparents, we want a sitter who can settle plans change or children get sick, and an argument over a toy, calm a child with those are understandable circumstances. separation issues, and who can think on If you need to cancel, you may consider his or her feet in case of an emergency. offering to pay a percentage of what you These traits come at a price. According would have paid the sitter that night. This to the annual national child care rate sur- good-faith gesture might help ensure the vey conducted by the website UrbanSitter, sitter will consider accepting the job the San Francisco is the most expensive city next time you ask. in the United States to hire a babysitter, probably no surprise. The survey sug- TRUST gests that the average hourly rate for one Trust takes time, and if you have com- child is $14, and higher for more children. municated well and there is mutual On other popular babysitter websites, it respect, most likely trust will fall into is tough to find a college student who place. It is a big deal for parents to leave will babysit three our most prized children for less possessions in the than $23 an hour. hands of someone This makes for an I want my sitter to take else. Feeling confi- expensive night out. the job seriously and not dent that person will As parents, we pay attention to our want to make sure text or do social media. children, keep them it is an enjoyable safe, and follow our experience all around: We want to feel our rules is most important. children are safe so we can enjoy ourselves. One of my newer rules is asking the We want our children to be engaged and sitter not to use his or her phone or text happy, and we want the sitter to enjoy the unless it is with me or it is after the chil- experience so he or she will want to come dren are in bed. This can be challenging, back. Here are some tips to make sure all depending on your sitter’s age. I want my three of these criteria happen. sitter to take the job seriously and not use the time to text or catch up on social COMMUNICATION media feeds. One of the best things we can do as If there is any doubt, you can just ask parents to ensure a successful evening your children the next day, and in most is to communicate clearly with the sit- cases, they are more than willing to pro- ter, especially if it is the first time with vide a full report. our children. Before the job is accepted, be sure to make your expectations clear A few last tips I can offer are if the sit- — what you are willing to pay, how the ter goes beyond expectations, the more sitter will get to and from your home, likely the parents are to reciprocate. and what the schedule will be or what the Nothing makes me happier than coming job entails. When the sitter arrives, have home and finding the dishes done or the clearly written directions detailing the house picked up. Though I am paying for schedule and any special notes, such as childcare and not house cleaning, there allergies and emergency phone numbers. are always a few minutes of downtime to One of the best questions a babysitter tidy up, and that goes a long way for me. ever asked me was, “What are your house Also, if your sitter is going home late, rules?” because I could really explain how offer to call for a ride, and if you were I like things done so the sitter wasn’t left happy with how things went, consider relying on my 6-year-old. House rules paying a little extra. might include limits on screen time or We all need a break, and whether it’s a guidelines about dessert or chores. night out with friends or a date night with our husbands, the night is guaranteed to RESPECT be more enjoyable if we know we have left This is a two-way street. You want a our children in good hands. sitter who will take the job seriously — someone who will be on time and won’t Liz Farrell is the mother of three young cancel at the last minute. For parents, this children. She was formerly a television means being home when you say you will producer in Washington, D.C. and in San or if you are going to be later, checking in Francisco. E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 25 Pet Pages

The Adventures of Skylar Grey Chapter 27

Kickie enjoys a day at the nursery after recovering from breast cancer surgery. Mended by susan dyer reynolds At Kaiser, I pulled up in the pas- senger-loading zone, and Steve helped Safety pin me to your chest so I can stay put Kickie out of the car, wrapping her arm Please don’t leave me in this mess, around his as they walked up to the Cause I am this close to unraveling. building. After parking, I joined them in the waiting room. Kickie was her Don’t give up on me now this can all be usual self, chatting with the reception- mended, ists and anyone else who looked her We can iron this out it can all be mended, way. She loves people, just like Jazzy When you’re tearing at the seams, did, and I was amazed at how relaxed It can all be mended she remained. It can all be mended now. After what seemed like an eternity, a nurse came to get her. “It’s time for your — “Mended” by The Autumn Film prep,” she said to Kickie. “You can come back in a few minutes and sit with her n a warm San Jose day, Kickie, until she goes in for surgery,” she said to Steve, and I piled into the car me. Fifteen minutes later, the same nurse and headed to Kaiser hospital. led me through the back to the prep area O“Are you nervous?” I asked Kickie. “A lit- where Kickie was in a bed separated tle,” she said. Actually, she was remarkably from her neighbors by a curtain. She calm for an 84-year- was hooked up to an old woman about to IV and had a bon- have a lumpectomy to net over her fiery red remove a cancerous “What do you think hair. As the nurse left, tumor from her breast. my Little Blockhead I could see Kickie was “You could learn starting to get ner- a thing or two from and Blue are vous. I reached out your stepmom,” Steve and held her hand. said in his deep, doing right now?” “What do you think calming voice. Kickie my Little Blockhead and Steve both laughed, because they and Blue are doing right now?” Kickie know I’m a total baby about anything to asked. Little Blockhead was the nick- do with doctors or dentists. “Suzie needs name she had given to Skylar the a Valium just to get her teeth cleaned,” first time I brought her down to meet Steve joked. “I needed a Valium to take Grandma. “They’re probably sleeping,” I Jazzy for her radiation,” I responded, said. “I love that little doll baby,” Kickie and that was no joke. “Jazzy was going said, smiling. I squeezed her hand. “I through so much, but she tried to com- know you do …” fort me and keep me calm.” The nurse was back. “It’s time to go When Jazzy was undergoing treat- Mrs. Baker,” she said, helping Kickie out ments for cancer, she was the brav- of the bed. I continued to hold her hand, est dog I’ve ever seen. For six weeks, my other arm wrapped around her waist Monday through Friday, we headed to as the nurse pushed the IV beside her. the oncology department at UC Davis When we got close to the big swinging and waited behind several other people doors, I stayed behind. “I love you,” I trying to push or drag their dogs into said. “I love you, too, Suzie,” Kickie said, the waiting room. But Jazzy knew she and disappeared behind the doors. was about to see people, more impor- About an hour later, the receptionist tant, children, and be the recipient of led Steve and me to a small private room butt scratches and ear rubs. She would where the doctor joined us. “We got it burst into the building as fast as her all,” she said. “Your mom’s a tough lady. stout legs could carry her, dragging me She did great.” along with her paws slipping and slid- We had been acting brave, perhaps for ing on the tile floor. each other, but Steve and I were finally Skylar on the other hand is a big able to let out a collective sigh of relief. baby just like her mom. A routine visit “I’m going to plan something really spe- to see her veterinarian is a nightmare. cial for her 85th birthday,” I said. “I’m She won’t get out of the car, and I have thinking about the Ritz.” Steve smiled. to ask her favorite vet tech, Dez, to “She’ll love that. I’ll watch Skylar so come out and help me pry her claws you girls can hit the town and go crazy.” off the back seat. Once we get her I pulled my chair closer to Steve and inside the waiting room, Sky crawls rested my head on his shoulder. “I’m under the plastic chairs. She’s too big not sure how crazy you go on your 85th to hide, so the chairs are lifted off the birthday,” I said, “but if anyone can do it ground by her muscular body while up right, it’s Kickie.” her big green bug-eyes glare suspi- ciously from below. E-mail: [email protected]

26 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES NOVEMber 2015 27 28 NOVEMber 2015 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com