9 City Hall 26 Real Estate 16 Calendar Solutions Provider: Investor: What can April events: It's time for the How S.F. Republicans can we do to get afford- Cherry Blossom Festival, Earth make a difference. 9 able housing? 22 Day commemorations, flower shows, the International Film Food & Wine Family Festival, and more to start tak- Tablehopper: New Our Kids: Indoor ing full advantage of spring in Brunch at Tacolicious. 12 fun for children. 26 . 16

MARINATIMES.com Celebrating our 32nd Year Volume 32 Issue 04 APRIL 2016 Reynolds Rap My love/hate relationship with Uber After three years chatting up their drivers, I am not alone

by susan dyer reynolds

hree years ago, headed down to the studios of radio station KGO to guest host on a Saturday Days of glory: 2014's National League Championship Series Game 3. photo: bryce Edwards / Flickr afternoon, I had grown weary of giving up my Tprime parking space in the Lower Haight and worrying I would be ticketed for overstaying my welcome at a meter A fourth Giants World Series in 2016? while on the air. That was the first time I hopped into an Uber, and I was smitten. Using only my iPhone and my by steve hermanos Well, kids might not recall that drought The good news for 2016 is that American Express card, a driver named Pete swooped by of 56 championship-less seasons, from this off-season the Giants smashed the front of our apartment building. “Susan?” he asked from ittle kids know the San 1954 (when the Giants called New York’s their huge piggy bank and threw his sparkling new Toyota Prius. “Yes,” I replied, studying Francisco Giants always win Harlem home) to 2010. The drought hundreds of millions of dollars at him carefully. “Pete, right?” He nodded, and off we went. the World Series in even-num- only ended when a group of castoffs three players. One is excellent, and Scooting silently along city streets, I asked Pete how Lbered years, right? The Giants won and emerging young stars, led by man- two are huge question marks. he liked being a driver for Uber. “I love it,” he said. “I in 2010, 2012, and 2014. And look, ager Bruce Bochy (the man with the make my own hours, the money’s great, and they paid the calendar says 2016, so let’s start biggest head in the major leagues) best- THE EXCELLENT me a $5,000 bonus just for signing up.” Pete, like many shredding our wastepaper into ticker ed the Texas Rangers, and brought San Johnny Cueto. One of the top pitch- early Uber drivers, was a former cabbie, and he told me tape, and dusting off our ponchos for Francisco its first World Series trophy. It ers in the major leagues, 30-year-old horror stories about paying lofty gate fees to get the best another joyous, rainy parade! ain’t so easy. Let’s be realistic, kids! game on, continued on 5 Reynolds rap, continued on 6

Bellingham by the Bay Michael is the deacon of bartend- ers in North Beach. He wears the mantle of the imbiber’s favorite. And he wears it lightly and with grace.

The uses of BEST BLOODY MARY: Gino and Carlo (548 Green Street) Bartender Ron Minolli has a special uselessness Bloody Mary recipe. Ask him about it. by bruce bellingham BEST BURGER: Sam’s Burgers (618 Broadway Street) seless but necessary. I’ve always been Here’s a sleeper for you and another attracted to useless things. Neckties, for exam- first-time winner. Sam’s is a hole-in- ple. A brilliant but unsung inventor came up the-wall with eight counter stools and Uwith the idea of the cravat. It has no real practical a couple of shaky, Formica-topped application. But it remains an essential thing for the tables. It serves burgers on respectable dresser. I’ve had the humiliating experi- seed buns, hot dogs, corn dogs, pol- ence of the supercilious maître d’hôtel providing me The cobb salad at Original Joe’s, Ernesto’s winner for Best Restaurant, 2016. ish sausage, a few pizzas, and other with a tie and an acceptable jacket. It was in one of photo: original joe’s / dishero, inc. miscellaneous stuff. The burgers are those downtown private clubs, during the age when excellent. The fries are good. This is a refusing proper attire was considered an act of civil late-night joint open until 3 a.m. The disobedience. It may have been the Bohemian Club … The fourth annual Ernesto’s: burgers are juicy and have just the or the Olympic … or the Metropolitan Club. I really right amount of grease for those late don’t remember. And I cannot repeat Groucho Marx’s Best of North Beach awards nights when you need a bit of grease. famous line about not joining a club that would have Sam’s opens at noon three days a someone like me as a member: I was never asked to by ernest beyl first-time winners this year. We week, other days at 4 p.m. join. The jacket was, of course, two sizes too big. The dropped a few categories — includ- tie was ghastly. It was just long enough to reach my he biggest news of the ing Best Cheesesteak, Best , BEST CHOPSTICKS JOINT: navel, and had coffee stains on it that I imagine were year in the North Beach restau- Best Spaghetti and Meatballs, Best Yuet Lee (1300 Stockton Street) left by Broderick Crawford in All the King’s Men. I rant scene has been the reopen- Ravioli, and Best Sidewalk Dining This little Chinese jewel is on the wore the costume stoically, enduring my punishment Ting of the Original U.S. Restaurant in a because the same establishments edge of North Beach at the corner of at the luncheon table as people stared and smirked at new location after being driven out of were winning them year after year. Broadway and Stockton Streets. It’s a me. Yes, the tie is useless, but it’s necessary to comply its premises by water damage and land- Here then are my 2016 winners. very Hong Kong-y, hole-in-the-wall with acceptable social standards. Sometimes it’s just lord problems. establishment. The best meal there for easier to play ball. Also, enthusiastic readers of these BEST BARTENDER: Michael Fraser, me is boiled shrimp and string beans bellingham, continued on 4 Ernesto’s awards will note several Original Joe’s (601 Union Street) ERNESTO’S, continued on 13

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 1 Contents In This Issue 14 27

12

News Calendar Around the Northside April events News briefs on a controversial proposed It's time to catch some screenings at the GGNRA rule to ban dogs from most area Green Film Festival or the International beaches, San Francisco targets Airbnb Film Festival. April also boasts Earth Day hosts for business property taxes, and festivals and learning opportunities, the Supervisor Mark Farrell calls for changes Bay Area Dance Week, the Star Chefs and to the low-income tax credit system; plus Vintners Gala, and the annual Spring Big The In-Box. 3 Book Sale at Fort Mason. 16 City Hall At Home Power to the people Urban Home & Garden Supervisor Mark Farrell wants everyone Julia Strzesieski on ways to spruce up your in the city to get gigabit-speed Internet home without calling in the experts. 18 connections; Supervisor criticizes pro-development activists; and Real Estate political analyst Melissa Caen tells us No room at the inn why San Francisco could actually play Carole Isaacs says a square foot isn't always a an important role in picking the next square foot; the Roundup reports on condo Republican nominee. 7 costs, building critiques, and more; and John Zipperer gives an overview of some of the Street Beat city's affordable housing options. 19 Northside people and places Lynette Majer takes in Family Movie Business & Finance Nights at the Presidio; and Ernest Beyl Personal Finance reports on a factious public workshiop Jesus Guevara gives tips for protecting for his beloved Lawrence Ferlinghetti yourself and your tax documents. 24 project. 10 Food & Wine Wellness & Family Many new beginnings Inside out The Tablehopper has the scoop on the new Thalia Farshchian looks at depression; and Liz Central Station Deli, Dip, and Mosu, plus Farrell spotlights indoor family fun. 25 new offerings at Tacolicious (where you can now get your brunch on) and the Mina Test Pet Pages Kitchen's new Bloody Mary Brunch. 12 Living la vita bi-bay Arts & Entertainment Skylar Grey and Susan Dyer Reynolds get an offer they can't refuse. 27 Music men Michael Snyder highlights several musi- ONLINE SPECILS cian-centered films worth a look, includ- ing Born to Be Blue, I Saw the Light, and Evalyn Baron, The Coastal Commuter, expand- Miles Ahead; plus our roundup of the ed calendar, The Weekend Traveler, and more. Marina's best sellers. 14 marinatimes.com

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2 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com News COMMERCIAL News Briefs Dogs, taxes, tax credits REAL ESTATE LOANS Dog restrictions coming NEW GGNRA RULE have disastrous effects on Airbnb called it an COULD MAKE MOST city parks, where people “invasion of privacy.” BEACHES OFF LIMITS will end up if they can’t Local Banks TO ALL DOGS go to GGNRA beaches CALLS FOR CHANGES In February, the Golden — including profession- IN HOUSING FINANCE Gate National Recreation al dog walkers with 8 The low-income hous- are built for Area (GGNRA) released to 10 each. ing tax credit (LIHTC) its proposal for “dog man- The proposed rule is program should change agement” and, despite open for public comment to better aid the formerly Big Ideas angry public feedback, through May 25. The pub- homeless seeking housing, it has chosen to move lic can provide feedback at according to legislation forward with a rule that regulations.gov (search: introduced in the Board of would drastically restrict RIN 1024-AE16) or by Supervisors in February. It takes a trusted partner to see the biggest potential. not only off-leash but also mail: Superintendent, District 2 Supervisor And we know there’s more to your business than meets the eye. on-leash dog walking in GGNRA, Attn: Dog Man- Mark Farrell called for So come see us for great rates on Commercial Real Estate Loans. areas such as Ocean Beach, agement Proposed Rule, the LIHTC program to Fort Funston, Crissy Field, Building 201, Fort Mason, let the formerly home- Sutro Heights Park, Lands San Francisco, CA 94123. less attend school full- End, and Baker Beach. If time without losing their the proposed rule is final- CITY's AIRBNB eligibility for LIHTC- Ten year loan fixed ized, about 75 percent of HOSTS take tax hit funded housing. Though Ocean Beach would be off San Francisco is step- intended to prevent the at 3.25% for the limits to all dogs. ping up its regulatory tax credits from being District 4 Supervisor engagement with the used to fund dormitories, first five years* Katy Tang introduced short-term rental indus- it has no exception for a resolution March 1 at try, letting it be known that the homeless, formerly the Board of Supervisors short-term rentals must homeless, or veterans. opposing the proposed itemize and be subject to “It’s beyond belief that rule; supervisors Wiener, tax on all business-related the formerly homeless Yee, Farrell, Breed, personal property. That have to choose between Campos, Avalos, and would include furniture, a full-time education, or Cohen co-sponsored it. sheets, dishes, and other keeping a roof over their In a March newsletter items in the home. head,” said Farrell. to her constituents, Tang The tax will be a little The LIHTC program said, “The GGNRA was more than 1 percent of is a system for financing established with a goal of the item’s value, accord- affordable housing devel- making open space more ing to the San Francisco opment and preservation available to a broader seg- Chronicle, which quot- that grew up in the wake ment of the public and ed Assessor-Recorder of the federal govern- so that urban-dwelling Carmen Chu: “We have ment’s exit from public families would not have heard loud and clear from housing. Developers seek to drive far to access open [hosts] that they want to be the tax credits, which are space. Yet, the proposed treated like everybody else often sold to commercial rule on dog management and are willing to pay taxes businesses and investors runs counter to this origi- like everybody else. ... They in return for dollars for nal mission.” are operating their homes the housing projects. San Critics argue that this as a business, and so we are Francisco has 126 housing proposed rule is extreme treating them as we would sites funded through the and unfair, and it would any other business.” LIHTC program.

ping corridor and how it will best serve our community. The In-Box: After extensive research and delib- Letters to the Times eration, DZLU will report to our RHN Board, which will consider the infor- Whole Foods mation and determine RHN’s position. In response to your March 2016 Whatever that decision is, we look for- Marina Times News Briefs “Russian Hill ward to working with our District 3 Backs Whole Foods”: We wish to clarify Supervisor Aaron Peskin as well as other Russian Hill Neighbors’ position regard- neighborhood groups and merchants to ing the proposed WF 365 at Jackson and find solutions, with the goal of enhanc- Polk Streets — Russian Hill Neighbors ing the quality of life of our residents. has not yet taken a position. RHN and its DZLU (Design, Tina Moylan, President Zoning and Land Use) Committee Richard Cardello, DZLU take pride in researching all sides Committee Chair of an issue before taking a stand. In Russian Hill Neighbors that pursuit, DZLU has solicited the opinions of our RHN members and Peskin’s bogus bonus program other neighbors via a survey; met [RE: From the District 3 Supervisor, with the principal opponents of the “Density ‘bogus’ program: How we got Learn More. project, including members of anoth- here,” March 2016] I have been follow- Contact er neighborhood organization and a ing the case very closely over the years. merchant organization; and will meet Please correct the misinformation Reina Ceja with the project sponsors in the latter [that] the plaintiffs were “developers.” 415-287-8800 part of March. They were farm workers represented by What is clear is that the vast majority an affordable housing champion.

of the respondents to our survey feel *Terms and Conditions: At the end of 5 Years, the rate will adjust to the 5 year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate + 2.00%, and that Russian Hill is underserved by not Donald J. Dewsnup will be fixed for the remaining term of the loan. Building must be 100% owner occupied, maximum LTV will be 60%. Property type must be exclu sively, Office, Retail, or Industrial. Rate will not apply to mixed use properties. Rate will not apply to automo- having a convenient and appropriate San Francisco tive, assisted care, hospitality, or other special use properties. Amortization could be 10, 15, 20, or 25 years. There would be a 10-year maturity and a balloon payment if amortization is longer than 10 years. $1,500 Loan Origination Fee. (No other bank grocery purveyor. What is at stake is the fees, but borrower responsible for all out of pocket closing costs, (appraisal, title, escrow, etc.). Mandatory auto-payments future character of our Polk Street shop- E-mail: [email protected] from FNBNC checking account or rate will increase by .75%, other restrictions may apply. © 2016 First National Bank of Northern . All rights reserved. Rates current as of March 11, 2016. Offer expires June 30, 2016.

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 3 From the Cover

Sir George Martin working with the Beatles in the studio at Abbey Road in 1965. photo: wikimedia commons

Bellingham Jersey Boys, who gave Hollow a couple of years continued from page 1 up their one night off ago. In all fairness to the to perform at the Brava late Nancy Reagan, she Maybe that’s why I Theater in the Mission asked Silverman to help wear a tie often these to raise money for the with a speech for Ronnie, days. … An inveterate Richmond-Ermet AIDS and reach out to people necktie-bearer was Sir Foundation. … Broadway with AIDS. This was the George Martin, who at star Emily Skinner gave idea of Nancy’s friend, 90 died last month. The it her all before a sell-out Elizabeth Taylor. “A l l first thing that George crowd at the Bay Area went well,” Silverman Harrison said to Martin Cabaret show at the not- told me. “Reagan was when he asked if there open-enough Venetian going to talk about com- was anything the Beatles Room in the Fairmont. passion — even mention the term, AIDS. But the White House David Bowie 'wanted to do it the staffers got a hold of the speech, and best way. His death was not different turned it into a dia- tribe against people from his life — a work of Art.' who were suffering from the disease, did not like person- I thought I’d heard “Send saying they should be ally, Harrison quipped, in the Clowns” enough to kept from entering the “Well, there’s your tie, for last a lifetime. But Emily’s country, and all that. a start.” They got along version made me hear It turned into a disas- famously — literally — it for the first time. Yet ter.” … But compassion after that. Out of respect the showstopper was her is thriving at the down- for the great producer of rendition of “My Brother town Senior Center on the Beatles, and scads of Lived in San Francisco” O’Farrell Street, celebrat- other great artists, music from a show with the ing 50 years. With the producer Tony Visconti splashy title, Elegies for National Park Service – wore a tie when he went Angels, Punks, and Raging which is 100 years old to the recording studio Queens by Janet Hood this year — and the cen- after he heard the news and Bill Russell. The ter’s sister operation at about Martin. … You see, song will tear your heart Aquatic Park, trips are wearing a tie can “inspire out, and reminds us that beginning this month absolute confidence,” the AIDS epidemic is not for seniors (and family a phrase concocted by over. … Yes, Emily gave members and friends) to Oscar Wilde. it her all. She’s a classy Alcatraz … the Presidio Visconti worked with gal in San Francisco’s … the Marin Headlands David Bowie for decades. classiest room. … … and Muir Woods. The “David always did what he wanted to do,” Visconti wrote The song will tear your heart out, in Rolling Stone. “A n d he wanted to do it his and reminds us that the AIDS way, and he wanted to do it the best way. epidemic is not over. His death was not different from his life — Marilyn Levinson’s Bay Park Service told senior a work of Art.” … Jim Area Cabaret brings center director Sue Horst Hartley was given one The Puppini Sisters to … and her associates, day by the Bowie estate the Venetian on Sunday, Peggy Gallagher and to sell Brian Duffy’s pho- April 17 at 2 p.m. That’s Ione Ishii that the feds tos of Bowie at Jim’s San because the 5:30 show is are picking up the bill for Francisco Art Exchange sold out. … the excursions. Who said on Geary Street. The gal- I had a chat with Dr. the government was use- lery took in $86,000. The Mervyn Silverman, a less? Before I natter on Art Exchange is a great hero at the vanguard of even more, I must close place. Drop in and ask the fight against AIDS — or I will outlive my young Matt Ely anything early on. I knew Merv uselessness. about jazz. He’ll have from my KCBS days the answer. … I admire back in the 1980s. He Bruce Bellingham is the people who give it their was the director of pub- author of Bellingham by all – like Matt, Jim, lic health from 1977 to the Bay. Tell him some- David Bowie, Sir George 1985. I ran into him on thing absolutely useless at Martin, and the cast of Union Street in Cow [email protected].

4 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Game On a fantastic teacher; When sober, ship champagne goggles and tell continued from page 1 he has command of the topic; you what they see in Samardzija. When sober, he is brilliant): When They see a pitcher who’s Cueto is in the prime of his career. healthy, Span is a .300 leadoff hit- never been injured in the major He signed a six-year contract for ter with above-average power and leagues, who is going to pitch $130 million, but he can declare a knack for getting on base. He into the 7th and 8th inning and himself a free agent after the first doesn’t strike out much, doesn’t thereby give the bullpen some two years. It’s an odd incentive: get caught stealing much. He’s rest. They see a pitcher who If he does well, he departs; if he a centerfielder who pushes the suffered a lot of homers in the fails, he stays and collects Barry injury-prone Angel Pagan to a bit somewhat-tight confines of the Zito money; but there’s so much less-demanding left field (and so White Sox ballpark, and who money bubbling around baseball helps the team). Span is the type will benefit from the vast San that crazy opt-out contracts are of player any team should love; Francisco outfield, and wonder- sometimes part of the price of he is a guy who does lots of little ful Giants infielders Matt Duffy, landing a top-tier pitcher. things to win. Brandon Crawford, Joe Panik, Will President Obama honor the Giants with one last World Series victory lap Cueto slots into the pitching However, Span’s gone under and Brandon Belt. before he leaves office? photo: Lawrence Jackson, official White House photo rotation right behind 2014’s World the knife twice in the past 15 Everybody likes Samardzija, Series hero and Sports Illustrated’s months: sports hernia surgery, even if they can’t spell his name. is brimming. Yet for the past three The Diamondbacks? Nah. The Sportsman of the Year, Madison and surgery to repair a “core He was a wide receiver at Notre years the Dodgers have led the San Diego Padres? Nope. The Bumgarner. In his eight seasons muscle.” He’ll definitely help the Dame, and has an intense foot- major leagues in dysfunction and Colorado Rockies? Blech. of major league ball, Cueto has team, when healthy. An outfield ball mentality when he pitches. have choked in the playoffs. In the National League West, it missed a significant part of only of Pagan, Span, and Pence will But will he be a $90 million third Continuing the trend, this will be a two-team race between the one season, 2013. So Cueto looks be a treat to behold. Will we get starting pitcher-hero, or a $90 off-season the Dodgers failed to Giants and the Dodgers, between like a good bet to make the team 120 games of that trio? 100? 80? million barely hanging fifth start- retain their second best pitch- Giants ace Bumgarner and Dodgers significantly better. 60? 40? ing pitcher? Or left off of postsea- er, Zack Greinke, whom signed ace Clayton Kershaw, between son rosters à la Barry Zito? with the Diamondbacks. But three-time champion manager QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 I’m betting that if two of the in their favor, they jettisoned Bruce Bochy and neophyte Dave Last year, Giants outfielders Jeff Samardzija. The Giants just Cueto-Span-Samardzija trio pan manager Don Mattingly, whom I Roberts, between one of the greatest were torn apart by injuries, most plunked down the equivalent of out, the Giants will be happy; suspect was a spy on the Giants' players of our time, Buster Posey, notably to the previously inde- 2.5 tons of gold ($90 million, for it’s a decent bet. But if only one payroll (Mattingly is illogical and the entire Dodgers team. structible Hunter Pence and the five seasons) for a pitcher who, out of three lives up to expecta- and timid, and managerial deci- And quite simply, if very few intense spark plug Angel Pagan. last year, had the worst ERA in tions, the Giants might mortar sions doomed many a Dodgers of their muscles and ligaments Last year, the Giants tried fill- the American League (4.97 for the piggy bank closed for the rest game). Look for the Dodgers twang or pop, if they don’t often ing the outfield holes with minor the White Sox), and who hasn’t of this decade. to make more sensible field pull up lame, and if they get a few leaguers and a late-season veter- had a winning record since 2011 maneuvers under new manager good bounces in October, as they an, to sporadic success. Welcome (8-4 for the Cubs). Eight years THE COMPETITION Dave Roberts. But can Roberts have in Octobers past, the Giants Denard Span, for $31 million and of statistics paint a picture of a The Los Angeles Dodgers have be bought? will win another World Series. four seasons. thoroughly mediocre starting the most money and the most Yes, the Diamondbacks signed Ask the kids: 2016 is an Well, maybe. Like a writing pro- pitcher. However, because the talent in the National League. the best pitcher on the market, even year. fessor of mine who enjoyed the Giants’ brain trust has amassed They’ve won the National League Zack Greinke, and have a core bottle a bit too much, on whose the three World Championships West Division the past three sea- of excellent players. But in team Steve Hermanos is the author of teacher evaluations I was always this decade, I’m not going to fur- sons. They scour the world search- sports, it’s rare for a historically Orange Waves of Giants! The tempted to begin, “When sober ther disparage this signing; I’m ing for, and purchasing, baseball mediocre organization to sud- 2012 Championship Season. …” (When sober, Professor X is going to don their rosy champion- talent. Their minor league system denly blossom into a contender. E-mail:[email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 5 City Hall

Looking for the happier driver: Uber versus taxis. photo: KALW.org Reynolds Rap I do that? I already don’t have enough continued from page 1 fares.” As the drivers became more dis- enchanted, the number of inexperi- fares. “If you want to go to the airport, enced drivers increased. Many of them Visit our permanent collection galleries free after hours you have to pay up,” he said indignantly. had never driven professionally; some I asked him if there was a down side didn’t live in San Francisco, and had no on Fridays and enjoy cocktails, performances, dancing, to Uber. “I can’t think of any,” he said. idea how to navigate urban traffic. “I and art making. “I had to buy this car and I pay for my come up from Monterey on the week- insurance, but I make so much money ends,” one guy told me as he passed my that it more than covers my expenses.” destination twice. Uber rival Lyft also Like Pete, I couldn’t see any down side stepped up its game, and pretty soon to Uber. Each weekend I would tap the the streets were blanketed with people Open until 8:45 pm app and watch as a cartoon car wrig- driving their own jalopies emblazoned gled through the cartoon streets show- with fuzzy pink moustaches. The Uber Fridays from ing me exactly where app began to look April 15 through my ride was. “You’re like sharks cruising November 25, 2016 driver is arriving for chum as cartoon now,” Uber would As competition for cars nearly bumped cheerfully point out drivers hit a fevered into each other seek- just as they pulled up. ing fares. One rainy I had the auto make, pitch, Uber continued day, a novice driver Fees apply for special exhibition tickets, dining, and cocktails. model, and license with a brand-new number along with vehicle got into Support for Friday Nights at the de Young is provided by Hanson Bridgett, to lower its standards. the Koret Foundation, and the Wells Fargo Foundation. During Friday the driver’s name, a minor accident Nights, funding from The Hearst Foundations makes possible free general passenger reviews, and photo. Unlike cab before I could even buckle my seatbelt. admission to the permanent collection galleries. companies, there was no waiting for rides As competition for drivers hit a fevered that never show up; no attitude from the pitch, Uber continued to lower its stan- Media Sponsor drivers; no messing with cash and tips — dards. Drivers became less competent, there was an app for all that. and some were downright dangerous. Then I had my first bad Uber experi- Stories circulated about sexual assaults ence. A young man picked me up, and on drunken female passengers; one driver he didn’t seem to know the city at all. hit and killed a child on New Year’s Eve; As he fumbled with his phone, I told another driver beat his male customer him that on weekends it was best to with a hammer. All of this prompted PRESIDIO avoid downtown. He went downtown legislators to question Uber’s background anyway, which was worse than usual checks. “Are you fingerprinted?” I asked a MEMORIAL DAY due to a protest clogging the main former cabbie named Bob. “I was because MEMORIAL DAY thoroughfares. “I go on the air at 4,” I I drive for UberBlack,” he said. UberBlack reminded him some 45 minutes into the is the company’s high-end platform. ride. We ended up by the Embarcadero “What about the people driving the low- CEREMONY at 3:45, where a cop flagged us down. er-end UberX?” I asked. Bob shook his CEREMONY “Where are you headed?” he asked. head. “Hell, no.” He said that unlike cab I explained, and he shook his head. companies, Uber’s background check is “You’re not going to make it. I’d get little more than a quick questionnaire. Honor && RememberRemember out and walk if I were you.” I got out “You don’t even meet anybody at Uber. and ran, stumbling into the studio just I know guys who signed up and they’re in time to do crosstalk with Michael picking up passengers the next day.” Finney, sweating and gasping for air. I Just when I was thinking of kicking Uber gave my driver a harsh one-star review, to the curb, they added UberPool, allowing and Uber refunded my money. passengers to share rides with strangers Undeterred, I hailed an Uber the fol- anywhere in San Francisco for seven bucks. lowing weekend and a message popped Often I was the only person in the car. I up: "Surge Pricing is in effect." Due to didn’t care if Uber was losing money — high demand, Uber had to charge me with a $63 billion valuation, the tech com- three times the minimum fare. I was pany was the poster colt for unicorns — but running late, so I grudgingly accepted the drivers were losing money, too. “They their terms. I asked my driver how she take 30 percent from the $7 you paid,” one felt about surge pricing. “I hate it,” she woman told me. “Some days if I only get said. “The passengers yell at me about UberPools I make like $20.” it, and Uber makes more money but I It remains to be seen what will happen to don’t make surge-priced tips.” A little Uber when it becomes a public company. bit of hate began seeping into my hon- Right now it’s blowing through venture eymoon with Uber, and according to capital, with financial statements leaked my informal poll, drivers were feeling to the website Gawker showing they lost Monday, May 30, 2016 the same way. “How do you like driv- $110 million in the second quarter of 2014 Monday, May 28, 2012 ing for Uber?” I would ask. The drivers alone. That won’t cut it when sharehold- would pause, crinkle their noses, and ers are pounding the table for profits. It Parade 10:30AM / Program 11AM say, “It’s O.K.” also remains to be seen what will happen Parade 10:30AM / Program 11AM “There aren’t enough fares,” one mid- to Uber’s drivers, many already living fare San Francisco National Cemetery dle-aged man complained. “I gave up to fare as they struggle for survival in the San Francisco(at the National Presidio) Cemetery driving a taxi for this. I bought this car. gig economy. I'd bet a unicorn that once (at the Presidio) Now I have to work 14 hours a day just Uber is pressured to produce, the love/hate 415-561-5300 – www.presidio.gov to pay my bills.” I asked him what had relationship with its drivers will continue 415.561.5418 • www.presidio.gov changed. “They’re hiring too many driv- speeding precipitously downhill. ers,” he said. “They say they’ll give me a bonus if I recruit people — why would E-mail: [email protected]

6 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com From the District 2 Supervisor The new public utility Pursuing low-cost citywide gigabit-speed Internet for everyone by MARK E. FARRELl San Franciscans. Approximately one in first time in San Francisco’s history pub- work from day one, providing a baseline eight San Franciscans does not have access licly analyze different options, including of Internet service for all San Francisco hen you turn on the faucet, to the Internet at home. financial estimates, to develop a citywide residents, exploring subsidies for low- clean water comes out. When How can we expect seniors to acquire gigabit-speed fiber network. I specifically income households in need, permanently you turn on the light switch, digital literacy skills and to stay socially asked the city to examine and provide the closing the digital divide, and ultimately Wthe lights come on. And when you open connected without access to the Internet financial estimates necessary to construct, choosing the most cost-effective option your laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone, at home? Currently, only 69 percent of own, and operate a municipal fiber net- possible to meet all these goals. everyone should have access to a fast San Francisco resi- work that could pro- I am not interested in any options that Internet connection — whether you live dents over the age of vide at least gigabit still leave 100,000 San Francisco residents in Pacific Heights or the Bayview. 65 have access to the speeds to everyone without Internet access at home. This entire More than any other invention in recent Internet at home. I am not interested in in San Francisco. The effort is about building our 21st-century memory, the Internet has completely rev- The human cost any options that still report was released infrastructure and making sure everybody olutionized the way we communicate, and toll of the digi- earlier this month in San Francisco benefits. At one point in work, share information, and live our tal divide in San leave 100,000 San and provides recom- our history people stopped digging indi- everyday lives. Access to fast and afford- Francisco is real and mendations about vidual wells and built pipes to modernize able Internet is no longer a luxury; it is an damaging. Residents Franciscans without different approaches our water infrastructure. The time has absolute necessity in today’s world. who need the and models the city come for our city to do the same when it Over time, the Internet has shifted from Internet the most are Internet access. could use to deliver comes to our Internet infrastructure. a useful amenity to what should now be being sold short and low-cost citywide Clearly there are challenges ahead, but viewed as a core utility just like we view left behind in the 21st century. In San gigabit-speed Internet for everyone in the challenges are not insurmountable. water and power. Francisco, the innovation capital of the San Francisco. And, after this analysis, I am more com- How can we expect our children to world, this is simply unacceptable. With the data and costs in hand, in March mitted than ever to bringing low-cost compete and thrive in the 21st century if I established a Municipal Fiber Advisory citywide gigabit Internet to everyone in they are not even able to do their home- A MISSION FOR GOVERNMENT Panel co-chaired by Miguel Gamino, current San Francisco. work or research for a project at home? If you believe that it is in the govern- head of our city’s Department of Technology, If any city can tackle the digital divide Unfortunately, that is the current reality ment’s best interest to ensure equal access and with Jay Nath, head of our mayor’s and bring gigabit Internet to everyone, it for thousands of public school students and opportunity to advance the public Office of Civic Innovation, to lead the panel. is San Francisco. Our city has the chance across San Francisco. good, then closing the digital divide and The panel will also be composed of broad- to create a replicable model that other How can we expect our residents, in providing fast and affordable Internet for band experts from inside and outside of City communities can use to solve the same particular those who are having challenges everyone in San Francisco must be a top Hall and will advise the mayor and Board of digital divide that exists in every com- breaking into the workforce, to compete for priority for our policymakers. Supervisors on future fiber network expan- munity across the country, and I look San Francisco jobs if they can’t even access It is for me. sion and the best paths forward. forward to leading the charge. the Internet at home? Unfortunately, that That is why I first requested almost My goals for the fiber network include is the current reality for more than 100,000 nine months ago that we as a city for the ensuring that the public owns the net- E-mail: [email protected]

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Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 7 City Hall

From the District 3 Supervisor Taking on the Bay Area Renters Federation Exposing special interests in the room and at the ballot box by supervisor aaron peskin sity increases. My analysis stressed the BEHAVIOR TO BARF OVER significant capital trying to infiltrate esteemed broader implications of the court deci- I am delighted that at the beginning of March, organizations like the Sierra Club, as reported CLARIFICATION FOR MY MARCH COLUMN sion, which has led Mayor Lee and the after months of deliberations and negotiations, in Vice magazine, because the club’s environ- I love that this column is actually stirring Planning Department to introduce leg- the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously mental model was at odds with SFBARF’s up conversation in neighborhood meet- islation for a local Affordable Housing to put the Inclusionary Affordable Housing “build at any cost” agenda. In fact, a few months ings, cafes, and online chat rooms. Print Density Program. Charter Amendment (Prop. C) on the June ago SFBARF posted an agenda of its meth- journalism is one of my favorite mediums, BARFers also had questions about the ballot, which, if passed, will allow the board to ods, including a plan to “disrupt the alliance so I’m grateful that the Marina Times is out-migration data from the American require more affordable housing in new con- between rent control advocates and affordable still independent, alive, and kickin’ in an Community Survey (ACS), which our own struction projects. Ironically, the only opposi- housing advocates.” SFBARF’s divide and con- age of media consolidation. Thanks to city economist compiled for the Planning tion to this measure has come from SFBARF. quer strategy is pretty clear, as is its disingenu- those of you who have written to me or to Department. This Which brings me ous claim to represent San Francisco renters. the editors with your thoughts and ques- official census to some questions tions — keep it coming! I also want to data shows a one- of my own: who is THIS JUNE: SLATED FOR REFORM respond to some inaccuracies disseminated year in-migration Who is San Francisco Bay SFBARF and who is If you are a renter in need of support, infor- by the BARFers (an affectionate acronym of 63,991 people, Area Renters Federation funding their efforts? mation, or legal counsel, get connected to the for the San Francisco Bay Area Renters with an out-migra- Founder and West San Francisco Tenants Union, Housing Rights Federation) regarding my last column. tion of 62,757 and who is funding them? Oakland resident Committee, or Eviction Defense Collaborative. The main point of contention was residents — a net Sonja Trauss was fea- They are longstanding and respected advo- who benefited from a 2013 court rul- population increase of 1,234. Not an epic tured in a story last year cacy groups with trained and committed staff ing in Latinos Unidos del Valle de Napa growth spurt, and certainly not justifica- where she confirmed that her organization had that have been working in the trenches as y Solano v. County of Napa, where the tion to blindly expedite poor planning a simple strategy: to ally itself with the wealthiest community organizers for years. First District Court of Appeal overturned process to the rally cry of “Build, baby, interests in the room to push a “Build whatever!” SFBARF’s deceptive charade is just one of a portion of Napa County’s local hous- build!” The ACS analysis also doesn’t vision for San Francisco. And wealthy inter- the many reasons I have joined the good com- ing density bonus ordinance. The central consider critical factors like race and ests they are, as reported by the San Francisco pany of former Congressman John Burton, issue in my column was not the legal ethnicity, income, length of residence Business Times. Trauss raised $10,000 from former Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, and fel- particulars, but that the court’s decision for out-migrants, origin and destination the Political Action Committee San Francisco low Supervisors Jane Kim, , Eric had unintended consequences: afford- ZIP codes, etc. — in other words, the Moderates and other private sources she refuses Mar, and Norman Yee, among others, in a bid to able inclusionary housing requirements “growth” is likely a “replacement popu- to disclose, and another $10,000 from Yelp CEO represent a return to some pragmatic progres- now “count” toward city density bonus lation.” There is a clear race, class, and Jeremy Stoppelman. She has no experience in sive values and to restore balance and integrity concessions statewide. In San Francisco, neighborhood dimension to the story, land use or planning, so one wonders what the to the Democratic County Central Committee. this decision essentially became a sweet and one that the city economist’s sum- donor appeal is for a tech millionaire and a con- This June 7 we have an opportunity to take our developer freebie, allowing them to not mary is not capturing. To make informed servative political group. Democratic Party back from special interests build additional affordable housing units policy decisions about whom we are The bottom line is that far from being advo- and return it to the hands of our communities. in return for significant benefits con- building for, it’s important to know who is cates for renters, SFBARF leaders are pro devel- ferred upon them like height or den- leaving and why. opment-funded advocates who have invested E-mail: [email protected]

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8 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Solutions Provider Political action Dump Trump or make him king For once, San Francisco Republicans have a voice in the choice Natural & Organic by john zipperer one of the few people to have picked up Mattresses on this — is campaigning and aiming at Adjustable Bases sually when the California the Republicans in the blue districts. Toppers, Pillows, presidential primary rolls around, it is a meaningless exer- Can only Republicans vote in the Sheets Ucise because the frontrunners in both Republican primary? It’s a closed pri- & Comforters parties have clinched the nominations mary? Proudly Featuring: already. That will likely be the case That’s right. For Republicans, only again this year on Republicans can vote the Democratic side in their primary. (sorry, Bernie Bros.). Non-affiliated vot- But the Republican ers can vote in the Party is having a race Democratic pri- like no one expected, mary. So if you’re a and with (at press decline-to-state voter, time) Donald Trump, as I am, you have a Ted Cruz, and John choice of either not Kasich still in the run- voting at all or vot- ning, there is a very ing in the Democratic good chance that they primary. I can’t vote will still be battling it in the Republican out when California’s primary. June 7 primary elec- So, for your read- tion day arrives. ers who want to get Not only will involved — maybe California matter, they have a burning but specifically San desire to vote against Largest Selection Political analyst Melissa Caen. Francisco will mat- photo: Kurty Wong, Kurty Photography or for certain folks in Of Adjustable Bases ter. To get insight into the Republican race — In the North Bay! why this is so, we spoke with Melissa they would need to register as Republicans Caen, a political analyst for CBS San before the primary so they can get that Francisco and a practicing attorney. ballot. How do you get involved? You can’t Usually, when the presidential pri- be a delegate; that’s already done. But if maries come around to California, you want to participate, then for those it’s snoozeville. independent people or decline-to-state True. In 2012, by April, Mitt Romney people, they need to quickly get in there had all of the votes he needed to wrap and register as a Republican. up the nomination. So California lit- erally meant zero when we went That means they can vote. I assume to the polls. that means Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and Donald Trump will be courting them This year, it could very well be a live with events. Will that be happening? thing, especially for the Republicans. Will Republicans in the Marina be hold- Mention This Ad To Receive Free Pillows, Sheets or Bedding How does the GOP run its primaries ing soirées with these people? in California? Yes, I think we will actually see some Up to a $300 Value With the Purchase of Any Each state decides its own system. In campaigning. Now, in a blue district like King or Queen Mattress Set California, the reason things are the way ours, you’re probably not going to see they are is that the Republican Party has big media buys. In a blue district where Essential Sleep Boutique determined that that’s how things are there are few Republicans, it’s going to be going to be run. In California, each candi- more targeted; more mailers, more events. (415) 456-4580 date for the presidential nomination has They’re cheaper ways to get at this small 1224 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 to submit a list of 172 names of people group. The big media buys you’re going who would [be their delegates]. This has to see in Orange County, Central Valley, already happened at the end of last year. places like that. EssentialSleepBoutique.com Say I’m Ben Carson; I have submitted But in places like here, there will be a list of 172 people who would serve as people calling, there will be mailers. That’s delegates if I were to win all 172 delegates. something I think a lot of people are In California, there are 10 statewide excited about. Republicans especially. delegates. Whoever gets the most votes Republicans in San Francisco just feel like TM gets all of those statewide delegates. The they’re in Siberia. To finally get some love rest of them are broken out by congressio- from a potential presidential candidate nal district. Each congressional district is would be exciting for them. also a winner-take-all. So I’ve got my Ben Carson list of three names for District 12, Is this really the last chance for Bay A weekly insider e-column which is where San Francisco is; if he got Area Republicans to have much of a say the most votes, all three of those people in the election other than giving money, packed with SF restaurant would go [to the Republican National because in the general election the state Convention]. will go pretty solidly blue, yes? and bar news, reviews, Oh, there’s no chance of a Republican So if you’re a Republican candidate, to winning in California in a presidential and culinary happenings. win the delegates, do you go to the most election, at this point in time. conservative districts? The smarter money is to go to the So this is their chance to genuinely less-conservative districts. If you look at have an impact? District 12, San Francisco, we have very That’s right. This is their time to shine, to few Republicans. So to win here, you don’t make conversation, to go to the parties, to Subscribe (for free!) have to win as many votes. You only need contribute the money, to be active for their to win over a couple thousand people to candidate. Because when it comes to the at tablehopper.com get the most votes in a Republican pri- general election, if [the Democratic nomi- mary in a liberal district. In a more con- nee] is Hillary or even if it’s Bernie, it’s pretty servative district, you’ve got to convince clear that California’s going to go [blue]. larger numbers of people. So the smarter money — and I understand Ted Cruz is E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 9 Street Beat The Marina-Cow Hollow Insider

Lou Seal will make a special appearance at the April 15 screening of The Sandlot for Family Movie NIghts in the Presidio. photo: bryce Edwards / flickr Movie nights are a hit by lynette majer Espresso Roma Café (3130 Fillmore Street), has also lost their lease as of SPRINGTIME FUN May. Staff tell us the landlord is seeking Kudos to District 2 Supervisor Mark to raise the rent thousands of dollars Farrell, who partnered with the Presidio beyond what the cafe is currently pay- Trust to bring us Family Movie Nights ing. We’ll miss their laid-back attitude, (presidio.gov), which debuted last October. free Wi-Fi, and of course, their coffee After showing the first two films outdoors, and snacks. when the weather cooled, the event moved Neighborhood stalwart, the cozy pub indoors to the Presidio YMCA gymnasium. Liverpool Lil’s (2942 Lyon Street) has Kids brought their sleeping bags and cozied shuttered for good. Several months up for one big pajama party to watch Home after a fire in their kitchen last April, Alone in December, followed by McFarland the landlord reportedly stopped direct USA in January. conversation about reopening — after Beginning Saturday, April 15, Movie over 40 years in the building. We’ve Nights move back outdoors to the Main Post been crying in our beer at co-own- Civil War Parade Ground lawn with The er Eddie Savino’s other Cow Hollow Sandlot, about a group of baseball-playing outpost, The Brazen Head (3166 kids — especially fitting given the Giants Buchanan Street, brazenheadsf.com), play their season opener this month. To cel- certainly no less cozy and pub like. ebrate further, the Giant’s mascot, Lou Seal, will make a special appearance, and San DUE CONGRATULATIONS Francisco Baseball Academy will conduct After a little more than a year, life has a pitching-and-hitting clinic. Come early to been good for West Coast Wine–Cheese enjoy the fun! Food trucks arrive at 6 p.m., (2165 Union Street, westcoastsf.com). cartoons begin at 6:30 p.m., and the film at 7 Owners Lindsey and Chris Wanner, long- p.m. Best of all, Movie Night is free, includ- term Cow Hollow residents, successfully ing popcorn, snacks, It’s-Its, water, and juice. filled the need for a quality neighbor- Each month’s film is listed in the Child’s hood wine establishment. Their regularly Play section of the Marina Times’s calen- scheduled Winery Nights showcase tast- dar; additionally, subscribe to Supervisor ings from select vintners (Hall Wines is Farrell’s newsletter (sfbos.gov), and you’ll featured April 29, 4–10 p.m.). The couple receive an e-mail announcing the film sev- recently revamped the kitchen to “pro- eral days before the show. Upcoming films vide our customers with an even better are The Good Dinosaur (May 6) and The culinary experience,” said Chris. They Incredibles (June 10). are especially excited about their new More Presidio family fun starts this executive chef, Michael Ocampo (Boxing month with the return of the Presidio Room, Zero Zero, Bourbon Steak, and Picnic (presidio.gov) on Sundays beginning Bar Crudo), who began serving his new April 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in its fourth year, menu last month. Stop in for some fine and also on the Parade Ground lawn. The food and wine, delivered with friendly popular event features 30 Off the Grid food service in an unpretentious environment. trucks, music, games, and more, including Taylor Jenkins of her eponymous yoga classes, nature-based arts and crafts Taylor Fit Studio (2159 Filbert Street, activities, and a photo booth for selfies taylorfitstudio.com) was the recent recip- (which we know you won’t want to miss). ient of San Francisco’s ClassPass “Most Off-the-Grid (offthegridsf.com) food Moving Instructor” award. Jenkins, who trucks also return to Fort Mason for a sixth opened Taylor Fit in 2013 after years in season. Look for 11 new vendors (including the fitness industry, renovated the for- A16, Izzy’s Cheesesteak, Bacon Mania, and mer S Factor dance studio with natural Flambé) for a total of 31, including three light, ballet barres, and mirrors, to cre- cocktail bars. Check it out every Friday ate a fun cardio-barre all-body “kick- 5–10 p.m. ass workout” that has a loyal following. A group of merchants (Blue Barn, Catnip SO LONG, FAREWELL and Bones, Causwells, Dress San Francisco, The charming The Chestnut Bakery Kara’s Cupcakes, Kobani Mediterranean (2359 Chestnut Street) sadly closed its doors Grill, Mamacita, Marina Deli, Reed & Feb. 16. For the last 14 years, mother- Greenough, Scotland Yard, Spaghetti Bros., daughter team Catherlina and Kelly Tang TeedHaze Lifestyle Real Estate Store, and successfully owned and operated their fam- The Tipsy Pig) recently organized a coat ily business, turning out delicately delicious drive and collected 70 coats in one day, scones, beautifully decorated cakes, and which were then delivered to Episcopal other scrumptious bakery items. In a posted Community Services f3or distribution to “special letter to our customers,” Kelly wrote the homeless. Supervisor Mark Farrell that while costs of business rose over the and the Marina Community Association years, she strove to keep them down, and sponsored the coat drive and Paul Owens that the landlord had “absolutely no inten- of Reed & Greenough hosted. tion” of allowing them to continue after their lease. Adieu, my pear-ginger scone. E-mail: [email protected]

10 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Sketches from a North Beach Journal Fighting for Ferlinghetti The town hall brawl, the gold Ferrari, and an ode to grappa by ernest beyl necessary loss of parking spaces; presented what was termed But the dance goes on. There will and distilled from grape skins, the ability of emergency vehicles “The Vallejo Street Alternative be more meetings and presumably pulp, and seeds — is a popular THE DISTRICT THREE DUDE to navigate the already crowded to the Piazza.” Partisans cheered. more contention. Nevertheless, drink in North Beach. So when Aaron Peskin is one cool dude area; and responsibility for the Organizers of the Ferlinghetti plan Ferlinghetti’s vision is on the right I get a yen for grappa, which is — the big progressive Lebowski project’s maintenance. Among appeared attentive but doubtful. side of history. frequent, I get myself to the North of District 3. He demonstrated his those speaking in favor of the Beach Restaurant, which is grap- cool dudeness last month when project was Fabio Giotto, CEO THE POET AND THE PIAZZA THE SAGA OF THE GOLD FERRARI pa headquarters. I find a snifter of more than 200 people showed up in and president of Caffe Trieste, Ferlinghetti was unable to Recently, as I was standing grappa makes a perfect wind-up North Beach for a Department of Inc. “I would like to see this attend the meeting due to illness. in front of Original Joe’s wait- to a fine meal. But at North Beach Public Works “community work- completed in my 96-year-old Nevertheless, he was the elephant ing for the 39 Muni to take me Restaurant, one just doesn’t order shop” on the Lawrence Ferlinghetti father’s lifetime up Telegraph Hill, a a grappa after dinner. One asks project, Piazza St. Francis, Poets’ and in the lifetime gold Ferrari pulled for the grappa menu. For it is here Plaza, planned for the 600 block of of the 97-year- Ferlinghetti was unable to attend up and parked in the at the bar that one can peruse Vallejo Street between Columbus old Lawrence white zone. The guy more than 20 grappas of different and Grant Avenues. As District Ferlinghetti.” Giotto due to illness. Nevertheless, he was who parks cars for styles and flavors. All are served 3 supervisor, Peskin quieted the came across as a the restaurant went in warm brandy snifters. They crowd and set the stage for what strong voice of rea- the elephant in the room. over and offered his range from about $10 an ounce turned out to be a contentious son. But in atten- help. No! The driv- upward. One grappa at North evening. After reviewing the proj- dance also was a vocal minority in the room. His associate, architect er wanted to leave the Ferrari Beach Restaurant goes for $4,500 ect history, which Ferlinghetti first that set about to disrupt the pro- Dennis Q. Sullivan, who designed just where it was. Soon his seat- for a 10-liter bottle. It’s grappa di proposed almost 20 years ago, ceedings and therefore disrupt the concept for Ferlinghetti, read mate, wearing a Pebble Beach Refosco dal Peduncola, distilled Peskin said to the already frac- the project. As presentations were a statement by the absent poet. It Concours d’Elegance jacket, got by the Refosco family of northeast tious group, “We want to hear made by architects, landscape included these words: out, opened the boot and took Italy and is said to be a complex your thoughts and concerns and designers, traffic experts, and “San Francisco today is Boom out a Segway, painted exactly the and intense elixir fit for the gods. consider possible alternatives, and others, the yea-sayers approved Town USA. It’s a boom bigger than same gold color as the car. Then I haven’t had occasion to acquire a we have asked organizers of the by clapping. When various voices that of the 1860s after the Gold the driver got out, mounted the taste for it as yet. project and representatives of the rose to condemn the project, the Rush. Building construction, elec- Segway, rode it to the curb and police and fire departments and naysayers yelled, hooted, booed, tronics, medical, financial, tour- over to an outdoor table. He sat THANK YOU, JULIE members of various city depart- and stamped their feet. ism, all are booming. In 10 or 15 down for lunch — all the while And by the way, the new Joe ments to address this subject.” It years we may not even recognize eyeballing his gold Ferrari. DiMaggio Playground is spectacu- was a good beginning for what AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN our city. The construction boom No, I’m not making this up. I’m lar — thanks to former District 3 became a bruising town hall brawl. Amidst this example of democ- hasn’t hit North Beach yet, and we an investigative reporter. That’s supervisor Julie Christensen, who racy in action — presumably now have a window of opportu- what the Marina Times is paying spearheaded the project. She still THE TOWN HALL BRAWL learned responses from TV — an nity. This window is closing fast, me the big bucks for. needs a few bucks to complete it. There were genuine concerns articulate and thoughtful Don and this is probably our last chance Contact the playground, and find expressed by neighbors and oth- Raichle, a freelance city planning to create a pedestrian oasis in the AN ODE TO GRAPPA out how you can get your name ers. These included: the future consultant, whose experience heart and soul of North Beach. For me a life without grappa on an on-site tile plaque. of Cafe Trieste (which anchors includes work on the tearing down The Piazza St., Francis, Poets’ Plaza would indeed be a dreary one. the piazza-plaza at one end); the of the Embarcadero Freeway, will do just that!” Grappa — usually 80 or 100 proof E-mail: [email protected]

30X MARINA EXPRESS Fly home a little bit later! Starting April 23rd, the 30X Marina Express will provide service until 7:00PM and will run larger 60-foot buses for more elbow room.

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Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 11 Food & Wine

The Tablehopper Brunch time Voted Best Romantic Restaurant

Spring at the Cliff House Warm & Cozy Inside – Amazing Views Outside Join us for these Cliff House Weekly Favorites • Wine Lovers’ Tuesday – Half Priced Bottled Wines* Sobel Bros. , fried egg, , everything . photo: ADAM SOBEL • Bistro Wednesday Nights – $28 Three-Course Prix Fixe • Friday Night Jazz in the Balcony Lounge • Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet Brunches, sandwiches, Valet parking every night after 5:00 pm. *Some restrictions apply. Promotions are not valid on holidays. and fine dining, oh my by Marcia Gagliardi Khossoussi has quite the compelling The Lands End Lookout history: He moved to the MARINA/COW HOLLOW from Tehran when he was 17. He didn’t Be sure to visit the Lookout Cafe at the Lands End visitor center. Looking for some great brunch options? speak English, but look who went to Cal Operated by the Cliff House team, the cafe serves a delicious selection Tacolicious (2031 Chestnut Street, 415- Poly and Cal State Hayward and studied of locally sourced grab-and-go items including the famous It’s It 694-6077) has a new brunch, starting with accounting and economics. He opened originally for sale at Playland at the Beach. the Lone Star taco, made with scrambled his first restaurant in Castro Valley in eggs, bacon, potato, roasted poblano, and 1969, while he was in college, because The center, under the direction of the Golden Gate National Parks salsa macha (an oil-based salsa with fried he needed to support himself. He went Conservancy, offers educational and interactive exhibits, a museum store, chilies and garlic), all wrapped up in a La to school during the day and worked at stunning views, and the amazing Lands End Trails. Palma flour tortilla. You’ll also find hue- the restaurant at night. Turns out, you vos divorciados (refritos, Telmo’s orange can’t just tell a hard worker to retire and Open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Located at Point Lobos and Merrie Way sauce, salsa verde, cotija cheese) — both take it easy. $9.95. Chilaquiles made with La Palma It ends up his family (including his tortilla chips, chili de arbol and tomato granddaughters) are all in love with 1090 Point Lobos salsa, Oaxaca cheese, avocado, radish, dip sandwiches, like a French dip, 415-386-3330 and two eggs are $10.95. And you know so he decided to finally pursue this www.CliffHouse.com there are some great cocktails, like their idea that he’s had for a long time. Bloody Maria, to go with. 11:30 a.m.–2 Dip will be a sandwich shop, serving p.m. Saturday–Sunday (all locations). au jus sandwiches made with organic The Mina Test Kitchen (2120 Greenwich meats and Acme bread. There will be Street, 415-310-8371) scored a liquor license grass-fed beef (a cross between Tuscan and have launched Diane’s Bloody Mary beef and Angus), lamb, nicely marbled Brunch, named in honor of Mina’s wife pork (sourced from Salmon Creek), and her famous Bloody Mary Bar (featur- and a pork belly sandwich, too, all ing hand-milled heirloom garden toma- served au jus. There will be pickles and toes blended with a light dashi broth, then Dip’s own on the side, plus infused with herbaceous lovage). Other clas- the option to order potato gratin and sic cocktails are also available to pair with other vegetable dishes. Delivery will chef Adam Sobel’s brunch menu. Options also be available. include bagel breakfast sandwiches (like the The space will have a butcher shop Sobel Bros. pastrami, fried egg, latke, every- look, with white subway tile, wood, and thing bagel, pictured), strawberry brass details. It was formerly a clothing French toast, jelly doughnuts, local aspara- store, and after going through all the gus scramble with black truffle Camembert change-of-use permits, they are finally and polenta croutons, and the MTK double under construction and hope to open in cheeseburger with caramelized , pick- May. Way to go, Mo! le, and mustard-griddled bun. Sunday 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Saturdays are in the future), FILLMORE reservations and walk-ins accepted. Mosu (1552 Fillmore Street, 415-735- 7303) is now open across the street from NORTH BEACH State Bird Provisions. The fine dining Pete Mrabe of Don Pisto’s can’t stop, restaurant has posted a sample of its kai- won’t stop. Not only is Pete’s open in seki-style tasting menu online (mosusf. the former Amante (1310 Grant Avenue) com), which will clock in at 10 to 12 space, he’s opened Central Station Deli courses, and feature Asian influences. (728 Vallejo Street, 415-658-7310) just The menu is $195 per person, tax and down the street. The menu has six well- tip not included (pretty strong way to thought-out specialty sandwiches, includ- come out of the gates there, whoosh). It ing The Captain, with double Dutch has 18 seats, and the chef is South Korea crunch, mesquite-smoked turkey, bacon, native Sung Anh, who was the chef de avocado, Swiss, lettuce, , tomato. cuisine at Aziza, and has worked for chef All sandwiches are $11, and you can Corey Lee at both The French Laundry also make your own combo. Daily 10:30 and Benu, and at Urasawa in Beverly a.m.–3:30 p.m. (currently), cash only. Hills. The wine list was assembled by A well-known face and character, master sommelier Kevin Reilly, who was Mahmoud “Mo” Khossoussi, owner of at Cyrus and Quince. Tuesday–Saturday Maykadeh and Mo’s Grill, wasn’t too keen 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m., reservations only. on his retirement after 53 years in the res- taurant biz. The 70-something self-made Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular insider man explained, “I got bored.” So now he’s weekly e-column, Tablehopper, about the San collaborating with his daughter, Haleh Francisco dining and imbibing scene, get all Cunningham (who will be working on the latest news at tablehopper.com. Follow the creative direction), to open his next @tablehopper on Twitter and Instagram for restaurant Dip (1318 Grant Avenue). more culinary finds!

12 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Ernesto’s string and then dipped repeatedly BEST FISH RESTAURANT: sittingVoted outside Best under Romantic the heat RestaurantBEST RESTAURANT: continued from page 1 in the watery liquid. Gigi’s Sotto Mare (552 Green Street) lamps at Calzone’s. The black Original Joe’s (601 Union Street) There’s a lot of atmosphere here façade and the red neon lighting O.J.’s has assumed the cov- with chopped garlic all shuffled BEST CRAB LOUIE: along with lots of fresh fish choices, suggests this reverie. Of course, I eted mantle of the original around in a hot wok. This with The Franciscan Crab Restaurant grilled simply or with an accompa- would jaywalk across Columbus Washington Square Bar & Grill. It a bottle of Tsingtao beer consti- (Pier 43½ Fisherman’s Wharf) nying sauce. on Columbus Day just to sit is the place to be and to be seen; tutes my favorite meal right now. What makes The Franciscan’s with Ekberg. an anchor North Beach restaurant When you order, the waitress nets Crab Louie the best in the neigh- BEST HANG-OUT JOINT IN on an anchor corner across from a bunch of shrimp from a tank by borhood? It’s the crab. Always NORTH BEACH: BEST MINESTRONE: Washington Square Park. For my the door, and the cook plunges fresh, and plenty of it, never Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe Caffe Puccini taste you can’t go wrong. Try the them into boiling water for about bland and watery, and with a (566 Columbus Avenue) (411 Columbus Avenue) hamburger steak with a side of two or three minutes max. It’s proper and authoritative Louie A hipster crowd of young folks There’s lots of body to this tradi- ravioli. Everything is exemplary. your job to shell them without dressing. And let’s not quibble that serves wine, beer, espresso,Chase tional soup.Away It begins the life as a Winterbean And the bar Blues has become the social burning your fingers, dip them because The Franciscan Crab latte and so forth along with sand- soup with a ham hock thrown in, and club of North Beach. into a dish of soy sauce and hot Restaurant is not in North Beach. wiches, soups, and some surpriswith- winds Three up with a variety Cliff of vegetables House Favorites chili peppers, and gobble them. I What you’re looking for is a good ingly good pizzas. You can’t tell the including carrots, chard, and string BEST SALOON: Gino and Carlo gobble them frequently. That tank Crab Louie, right? servers from the customers. beans. All of this is laced liberally (548 Green Street) by the door is also the brief home Thewith Bistro grated Parmigiano Wednesday Reggiano. Night I am Prix partial Fixe to Gino and Carlo, a of live crab and other beautiful BEST DESSERT: Stella’s BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT: no-nonsense saloon that opens at swimmers, and the tiny kitchen (446 Columbus Avenue) Original U.S. Restaurant BESTThree NEW courses RESTAURANT: for $28.00 4:306 –a.m. 9:00 pm turns out a variety of Chinese sea- Originally known as Stella’s (414 Columbus Avenue) Piccolo Forno food dishes as well as Singapore Pasticceria e Café when it opened The food in this classic estab- (725 Columbus$5 Moonlight Avenue) CocktailsBEST SANDWICH: Molinari rice , won ton soup, and many years ago, this is the place lishment is better than it was at its Good pastas and an anti- (373 Columbus Avenue) the requisite barbecued pork. to get a slice of sacripantina. And old location on Columbus. Gaspare pasto plateFeatured — prosciutto, Cocktail Changesbaby DailyMolinari makes sensational if you don’t know about sacripan- Giudice and his crew have kicked artichokesSunday throughin olive Thursdayoil, salami, 6:00sandwiches – 9:00 pm to eat on the premises BEST CIOPPINO: tina, you are cake-deprived. The it up a notch or two. As in the old olives and such — that’s pleasing or to take away. Gigi’s Sotto Mare (552 Green Street) original owners, named Santucci, place, there are daily specials — and ample. One day I had cacio Broad and full-flavored, this brought the recipe for this multilay- roast lamb shoulder and lima beans, e pepe, onlyWine three Lovers’ ingredients: Tuesday BEST SERVER: cioppino is loaded with crab. er back from Genoa. I tripe, calamari fritti, and calves’ liver pecorinoEvery TuesdayRomano bottledcheese, winesblack areRenee half price*Gammon Gigi’s insists on putting a layer of checked the meaning of sacripan- and onions, for example. And there pepper, alland day pasta. with As purchase I said, only of anOriginal entrée! U.S. Restaurant penne pasta in the bottom of the tina with Lucia D’Alessandro, who are a number of Sicilian special three ingredients. It doesn’t even (414 Columbus Avenue) bowl. I would hold up on this idea. keeps me straight when I occasion- dishes, all with assertive flavors. need salt as a fourth. Pecorino Renee is the classic, old-school Nevertheless, it gets my endorse- ally am forced to lapse into an RomanoValet is saltyparking enough. every night afterserver 5:00 pm. — she knows the food, ment — this time. Italian word or phrase. She advises BEST ITALIAN TAKEOUT: *Some restrictions apply. Promotions are notand validafter on serving holidays. you a time or me that sacripantina means “sacred Italian Homemade BEST PIZZA: two, she knows what you like. BEST CLAM CHOWDER: bread.” Some bread! (716 Columbus Avenue) Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar Caffe Puccini (411 Columbus Avenue) Most restaurants in North Beach (398 Columbus Avenue) BEST WINE BAR: Thick and full of chopped clams, BEST ESPRESSO: XOX Truffles provide takeout service. Italian This first-time winner is a nice Belle Cora (565 Green Street) this chowder tastes like clams. Too (754 Columbus Avenue) Homemade is the best one. addition to the neighborhood with- Find a good selection of wines many restaurants serve clam chow- A variety of coffees are served in out being fussy. Il Casaro serves by the glass and bottle, craft der that is too baconey, too flourey, this hole in the wall. Order any cof- BEST-LOOKING RESTAURANT: exemplary pizza and a nice cross beers, and small plates. The host or with scant flavor of clams — as fee and you receive a free chocolate Calzone’s (430 Columbus Avenue) section of other Italian specialties. is the estimable Conor Howard. though one, obligatory, and tired truffle — made on the premises I always expect to see Marcello Runner up in this pizza category is 1090 Point Lobos clam was tied to a lengthy piece of and delicious. Mastrioanni and Anita Ekberg Sodini’s (510 Green Street.) E-mail: [email protected] 415-386-3330 www.CliffHouse.com

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 13 Arts & Entertainment

Michael Snyder on ... Film Envisioning music-makers by michael snyder cool jazz. He recorded a number of critically acclaimed albums in the 1950s, and was even f the current schedule of releases moving into the Hollywood scene with a part is any indication, the movie industry in a 1955 film titled Hell’s Horizon when his can’t get enough of on-screen biogra- career and life began to go off the rails due to Iphies about notable musicians — especially drug addiction. ones with checkered careers, addiction prob- Born to Be Blue is a strangely constructed, lems, romantic travails and, to put it deli- willfully theatrical, almost surreal account cately, dramatic last acts. This month on the of Baker’s life by Canadian screenwriter and big screen, you’ll be able to catch films about director Robert Budreau that seems to have Left to right: Tom Hiddleston in I Saw the Light; Don Cheadle in Miles Ahead. cool-jazz innovator Chet Baker, country- taken some liberties with the facts and the Photos: © sony pictures classics western legend Hank Williams, and multifac- actual people involved. It may fictionalize eted jazz giant Miles Davis. some elements, but it generally works. Baker Norse god Loki in Marvel’s superhero block- Cheadle, who co-authored the script and The sudden preponderance of music-ori- is passionately portrayed by Ethan Hawke as busters Thor and The Avengers. In an unex- plays Davis, chooses to make the musi- ented biopics might be surprising, but this is a white man struggling for recognition and pected turn, Hiddleston sings ole Hank’s cian’s self-imposed, pain-fraught, drug- no new wrinkle. The genre resulted in Oscars respect from his African-American peers in familiar material with skill and heart, and addled five-year hiatus in the 1970s as for stars of recent motion pictures including the jazz world led by notoriously critical he’s no slouch when it comes to showing the the centerpiece of his look at the thin line Ray, on the life of supreme soul singer and and haughty fellow trumpeter Miles Davis. pain and desperation that Williams must between genius and madness. A conniving pianist Ray Charles; Walk the Line, about In Born to Be Blue (as in reality), Baker is a have felt as he tried to deal with the needs of journalist (Ewan McGregor) latches onto the relationship between country music roy- victim of self-destructive behavior, earning his wife, Audrey. The latter, played in more Davis to get an exclusive interview and als Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash; and jail time for his drug habit and encountering than competent fashion by Elizabeth Olsen, tags along on a quest for a missing master La Vie en Rose, the story of beloved French violence that threatens his ability to play his insisted on singing with her husband as he tape. Meanwhile, Davis has fevered flash- chanteuse Edith Piaf. instrument. Even the love of a good woman rose to acclaim, regardless of her vocal short- backs suggesting that the main catalyst for Going a little further back in film history, in the form of an actress (Carmen Ejogo) who comings. Audrey is a thankless role for Olsen, his astonishing creativity as a composer there have been more than a few celebrated becomes his lover can’t save him from him- and though the viewer may feel for the char- and instrumentalist, as well as his unpre- features focusing on legendary performers: self. A late-in-career comeback doesn’t really acter, her ongoing and unrealistic aspirations dictable behavior and radical emotion- What’s Love Got to Do with It? (Tina Turner), change the downbeat vibe of Born to Be Blue, become wearisome and contribute to a lack al swings, was his stormy and ultimately La (Richie Valens), Sweet Dreams which is given an ideal soundtrack by Baker’s of impact in the climax wherein, as expected, broken relationship with dancer Frances (Patsy Cline), Bird (Charlie Parker), Great moody, hurt-infused recordings. If you watch a major popular artist meets his demise way Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi), the woman Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis), Lady Sings the and listen, prepare to be bummed out. before his time. The movie’s shortcomings who served as his muse at a significant and Blues (Billie Holliday), Coal Miner’s Daughter Born to Be Blue is currently playing in San aside, Hiddleston’s performance as Williams fruitful point in his career. (Loretta Lynn), and so forth. We shouldn’t Francisco theaters. is reason enough to see I Saw the Light. Ultimately, Miles Ahead is as erratic as forget well-made, albeit less renowned fare I Saw the Light is currently playing at the its subject, zigzagging here and there in such as Nowhere Boy (concerning the teenage ‘I SAW THE LIGHT’ Clay Theater (2261 Fillmore Street). time and space, and never coalescing into a John Lennon) and Control (investigating the The rise and final years of Hank Williams, cogent portrait of Davis — Cheadle’s fine and tragic circumstances that befell Joy Division a true country music icon, are covered ‘MILES AHEAD’ fevered acting notwithstanding. And it never lead singer Ian Curtis). in I Saw the Light, a dutifully executed, There aren’t many figures in the pano- unearths the true roots of this influential Selena, Woody Guthrie, and Glenn Miller somewhat flat trip to the cultural heart ply of music that inspire more adoration innovator’s brilliance. A bizarre coda with all received memorable and treasured of the American South during the late and controversy than Miles Davis. As a Miles, back from the dead and jamming with onscreen treatment. It’s doubtful that the 1940s and early 1950s. In this instance, the result, director and actor Don Cheadle may a group of current jazz luminaries, just clouds 2016 filmic portrayals of Baker, Williams, template suffers from a bit of fatigue. As have bitten off more than he could chew the picture even more. and Davis will be so esteemed down the line. Williams finds success on his journey from with Miles Ahead, his ambitious, episodic Miles Ahead opens April 8 at the If nothing else, these three remarkable talents bandleader on a rural Alabama radio sta- look at the protean, game-changing virtu- Embarcadero Center Cinema (1 and the music they made are getting well- tion to universally appreciated singer and oso. In a fashion similar to Born to Be Blue, Embarcadero Center). deserved exposure. songwriter on the starry stage of Nashville’s Miles Ahead toys with the truth, specifics of Grand Ole Opry, he must also confront events, and the behavior or identity of cer- Michael Snyder is a print and broadcast jour- ‘BORN TO BE BLUE’ marital strife and wrestle with alcoholism tain people significant to the master of the nalist who covers pop culture on KPFK/Pacifica Though Chet Baker isn’t a household name and pill dependency. jazz trumpet. Narrative isn’t as important as Radio’s David Feldman Show and on Michael today, the trumpet player’s economical phras- Williams is convincingly embodied the impression one gets from the entirety, Snyder’s Culture Blast, via GABnet.net, ing and laconic, intimate vocal delivery were in presence and voice by U.K. actor Tom perhaps as a nod to the feeling one can get Roku, and YouTube. You can follow Michael integral to the rise of the West Coast school of Hiddleston, best known as the villainous from an improvised solo. on Twitter: @cultureblaster

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Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 15 Calendar

DANCE When We Were Small Thu.–Sun. through April 10, 8 p.m. Gallery 308, Bldg. A, Fort Mason Center April Events Capacitor takes audience members through the w h at n o t t o m i s s t h i s m o n t h exploration of early sensory discovery in this surreal reflection of childhood in the form of a performance installation where dancers and MAJOR EVENTS COMMUNITY CORNER SFUSD Arts Festival contortionists escort the audience back to a time Daily, April 28–May 6, 9:45 a.m.–5 p.m. before memory, when simple tasks were strange Public Open House Asian Art Museum and ordinary activities were fantastic. $35–$42, This annual celebration of student creativity includes Tuesday, April 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m. 415-345-7575, capacitor.org a visual art exhibition featuring artwork by 2,000 Presidio Theatre (99 Moraga Ave.) students, live musical and dance performances, Lines Ballet: Spring Home Season The Presidio Trust will host an open house for the screenings of student films and videos, poetry Thu.–Sun., April 21–24 & Wed–Sun, April 27–30 public to visit the theater and learn about and readings, and hands-on art activities. Free, 415-695- YBCA Theatre (701 Mission St.) comment on the proposed rehabilitation project 2441, sfusdartsfestival.org as a multipurpose community facility for live per- Tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd and jazz pia- nist Jason Moran bring their acclaimed musical formance, educational programs, and events. Free, 2nd Annual Parking Lot Art Fair 415-561-5300, presidio.gov partnership to dance in the first four performances. Saturday, April 30, 8 a.m. Additionally, King’s acclaimed Shostakovich returns, Marina Community Association Spring Fort Mason Center set to four of the composer’s string quartets. $30– Women: New Portraits Community Public Meeting Local, independent artists, and artist-run galleries $70, 415-863-3040, linesballet.org will use cars, rental trucks, temporary pseudo- Thursday, April 14, 6:30 p.m. Daily through April 17, 10 a.m. parklets, the space around the vehicles, and more, 18th Annual Bay Area Dance Week General’s Residence, Fort Mason to transform the concrete lot into a loosely curated 649 Old Mason St. (Presidio, Crissy Field) Daily, April 22–May 1 Join the MCA for topics affecting the Marina (crime, art fair. Free, 415-345-7500, fortmason.org The only West Coast appearance of Annie homelessness, GGNRA’s dog management plan, Various S.F. venues Leibovitz’s latest internationally touring exhibition proposals for the Palace of Fine Arts, and more). Featuring 600 events, BADW provides a grand tour is a project that began more than 15 years ago, Guest speakers are District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell of dance styles, including Argentine tango, classical and it remains her most enduringly popular series and Lt. John Jaimerena from SFPD’s Northern MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Indian, jazz, hip hop, ballet, traditional hula, and of photographs reflecting the changing roles of Station. Free, sfmca.org more. Free, 415-920-9181, bayareandw.org women today. Free, 415-561-5300, presidio.gov Photo: Anne Leibovitz courtesy Presidio Trust Presidio Trust Public Board of Directors’ Meeting MUSIC/CLASSICAL Bouquets to Art Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. Tue.–Sun., April 5–10, 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Observation Post (211 Lincoln Blvd.) Harp recital: Julia Kay Jamieson de Young Museum Learn about the latest updates on the Presidio Sunday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. Innovative floral designers choose a piece of art and share your feedback. E-mail questions to Congregation Beth Sholom (301 14th Ave.) from the museum’s collection and create a floral [email protected]. Free, 415-561-5300, The award-winning harpist, composer, arranger, and work of art to complement it in this popular week- presidio.gov teacher performs a special program of Renié,deFalla, long exhibition. $25, 415-750-3504, famsf.org Gregg Wilensky: Ellington, A-ha, Tournier, Piazolla, Mercury, Leonard Hovering at the Boundaries of Nature Cohen, and more, including a more traditional harp Earth Day 46th Anniversary GALAS & BENEFITS repertoire paired with Jamieson’s own transcrip- Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Wed.–Sun. through May 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. tions of popular and jazz works. A prerecital work- 22nd St. (btw. Mission & Valencia) 6th Annual Spring Big Book Sale Dryansky Gallery (2120 Union St.) shop for harpists and observers begins at 1:30 p.m. This unique street festival celebration combines Daily through April 3, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. This exhibition of large-scale works by theoretical $10–$60, universe.com green sustainability discussions, activism, work- Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center physicist Wilensky features a celebration of spring shops, and solutions into a day of fun and excite- The largest used book sale on the West Coast in a selection of abstract landscape tableaus Concerts at the Presidio: Così Fan Tutte ment for the whole family with celebrity chefs, a supports the S.F. Public Library and features over derived from photographs taken in California and Thu.–Fri., April 14–15, 7:30 p.m. fashion show, DIY workshops, and more. Donations 250, 000 books and other media, all for $3 or less. Paris. Free, 415-932-9302, thedryansky.com Golden Gate Club (135 Fisher Loop, the Presidio) encouraged, earthdaysf.org On Sunday prices drop to $1. Free, 415-626-7500, Photo: gregg wilensky / thedryansky.com Soaring arias and luminous ensemble pieces are friendssfpl.org, presented by six operatic voices in a compact, fully 99th Annual Opening Day on the Bay Pierre Bonnard: Painting Arcadia narrated adaptation of Mozart’s enduring master- Sunday, April 24, noon piece. Free, 415-561-5300, presidio.gov 29th Annual Star Chefs & Vintners Gala Tue.–Sun. through May 15, 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Crissy Field to Pier 39 Sunday, April 17, 5–11 p.m. Boating season kicks off with the blessing of the Legion of Honor Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center fleet and a festive parade featuring over 100 historic Featuring more than 70 works spanning the artist’s This epicurean extravaganza benefiting Meals on workboats, fireboats, towboats, classic, and con- complete career, this is the first major international MUSIC/ Wheels features an hors d’oeuvre and wine recep- temporary craft decorated to the theme Heroes on presentation of Bonnard’s works on the West Coast tion; a sit-down, three-course dinner; a lavish des- CONTEMPORARY the Bay. Free, 925-451-4621, picya.org in 50 years. $20, 415-750-3600, famsf.org sert reception; and live and silent auctions. $1,500/ Tuck & Patti couple, 415-343-1283, mowsf.org Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. Tue.–Sun. through May 30, 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Big Bang Gala Miner Auditorium, SFJazz Center (201 Franklin St.) de Young Museum With their signature guitar and vocals that com- Thursday, April 28, 6 p.m.–midnight This world premiere retrospective celebrates the life bine jazz, folk, and R&B, this Bay Area-based hus- California Academy of Sciences and career of one of fashion’s most influential design- band and wife team is one of the most enduring Explore the tastes, sounds, and creatures of the ers and includes more than 130 pieces produced over duos in modern music. $25–$50, 866-920-5299, night in an evening benefiting the academy and five decades. $30, 415-750-3600, famsf.org featuring dinner, speakers, live music, late-night sfjazz.org bites, and an open bar. $2,500, 415-379-5411, S.F. Decorator Showcase calacademy.org/big-bang-gala-2016 Rudy Colombini & THEATER The Unauthorized Rolling Stones Tue.–Sun., April 30–May 29 & Saturday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 30 ARTS & CULTURE Atlas Theatre: Dominion Great American Music Hall (859 O’Farrell St.) 298 Chestnut St. (near Grant) Fri.–Sat., April 1–2 (preview) Since their founding in 2001, the group has This year’s home to be transformed by a team of Thu.–Sat. through April 23 brought the excitement, energy, and hits of a live designers is the 1929 Villa de Martini, featuring Annual Art Explosion Spring Open Studios Young Performers Theatre, Fort Mason Center Rolling Stones show to stages across the country. a panoramic bay view, European-style gardens, Sat.–Sun., April 1–3, noon–5 p.m. This premiere production presents the interwoven $20–$25 ($44.95 includes dinner), 415-885-0750, and unique architectural details. Proceeds ben- 2425 17th St. & 744 Alabama St. stories of women living in strict religious house- slimspresents.com efit S.F. University High School’s financial aid pro- Support local artists, expand your art collection, holds, and features an original score performed live gram. $35, 415-447-5830, decoratorshowcase.org and find great deals among over 100 painters, by a string trio. $30, 415-728-1111, atlastheatre.com Photo: matt mccourtney sculptors, photographers, fashion designers, and jewelers from the city’s largest artists’ collective. Magic Theatre: Sojourners NIGHTLIFE Free admission & refreshments, 415-323-3020, Various days April 12–16 artexplosionstudios.com Bldg. D, Fort Mason Center LAST CHANCE Newlywed Abasiama plans to go to America with her husband to get an education, and then return home Macy’s 70th Annual Flower Show: to join in Nigeria’s rebirth after the Civil War, however America the Beautiful her loyalties are soon tested in an impossible choice. Daily through April 3 $20–$60, 415-441-8822, magictheatre.org Macy’s Union Square Join the celebration of America’s vast and varied land- S.F. Playhouse: Colossal scapes and the beautiful indigenous flora “from purple Tue.–Sun. through April 30 mountain majesties,” “across the wilderness,” and Kensington Park Hotel (450 Post St.) “from sea to shining sea.” Visit website for event infor- This epic event impossibly merges the worlds mation. 415-397-3333, social.macys.com/flowershow of football and dance, loss and recovery, and the toughest act of all: being yourself. $15–$125, 42nd Street Moon: 415-677-9596, sfplayhouse.org The Boys from Syracuse Spring Open Studios Wed.–Sun. through April 17 ACT: The Lion Janiva Magness CD Release Show The Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson St.) Sat.–Sun., April 23–24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Tue.–Sun., April 19–May 1 This musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hunter’s Point Shipyard & Islais Creek Studios The Comedy The Strand Theater (1127 Market St.) Saturday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. of Errors (music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, Meet over 100 featured artists offering a variety In this wholly original musical experience, award- Biscuits & Blues (401 Mason St.) and book by George Abbott) is set in ancient Ephesus, of artwork, including painting, sculpture, print- winning songwriter Benjamin Scheuer uses his gui- The soulful and classic voice of Janiva Magness and features two sets of twins facing mistaken identities, making, jewelry, and photography, while enjoy- tar (actually, six) to tell a gripping rock ’n’ roll com- comes to S.F. to celebrate the release of her 10th fast-paced chases, magic spells, wily courtesans, and a ing food and music. Kids and dogs welcome. ing-of-age story with wit and emotional depth to album. $30, 415-292-2583, biscuitsandblues.com mysterious seer in a madcap farce. $25–$75, 415-255-8207, Free, 415-822-9675, shipyardartists.com discover the redemptive power of music. $20–$55, Photo: janivamagness.com 42ndstmoon.org Photo: shipyardartists.com 415-749-2228, act-sf.org

16 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Sophie Scotch Tasting Thursday, April 21, 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Wednesday, April 20 1015 Folsom St. Presidio Café (300 Finley Rd.) If you’re ready for a weeknight of a “precise sonic Hosted by sommelier Michael Perry, learn why this assault of pop hooks, hyperreal sound design and spirit deserves its protected status and taste the wide club rhythms, synthesized and sculpted live” — its variety of styles in a fun and informal setting. $25, then you know how you’re spending this Thursday reservations required at [email protected], night. $15–$17.50, 415-991-1015, 1015.com 415-561-4600, presidio.gov

S.F. Craft Beer Festival FILMS & LECTURES Spring Seasonal Tasting Beyond Prisons: A Conversation Saturday, April 23, 1–4:30 p.m. & 6–9:30 p.m. about Criminal Justice Reform Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. Sample artisan beers from upwards of 75 brewer- Castro Theatre (429 Castro St.) ies from across the U.S. with a special focus on About one out of every 100 Americans is currently in those from San Francisco. $35–$55, 415-345-7575, prison. Van Jones and Shaka Senghor discuss their sfcraftbeerfestival.com Parallel 37 cheese happy hours at the Ritz-Carlton new program, #cut50, aimed at reducing the prison population by 50 percent over the next 10 years. Fizz & Pop: Spring Cocktails $10–$75, 415-597-6705, commonwealthclub.org heese and wine happy hours Neal’s Yard Dairy of the Farmers’ Market continue at Parallel 37 every Friday Friday, April 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 5:30–8 p.m. San Francisco Green Film Festival in April. Come taste and learn Parallel 37 showcases the celebrated Ferry Plaza Thursday–Wednesday, April 14–20 Cabout artisanal cheeses from global regions cheeses of Neal’s Yard Dairy from the Enjoy an evening of fizzy craft cocktails inspired by Castro Theatre known for their cheese. In addition, on the U.K. and Ireland, including their Cornish This year’s theme is “Keep it wild,” and 70 new films and spring and pop music from the Beatles to Beyoncé discussions will be featured exploring environmental issues. with the Bay Area’s best bartenders and chefs — in first Friday of each month, the series will yarg, Stinking Bishop, Shropshire blue, See website for tickets, 415-7671977, greenfilmfest.org costume. $59.02–$69.57, 415-291-3276, cuesa.org feature acclaimed Bay Area cheese makers. Lincolnshire Poacher, and Duckett’s Chef de cuisine Michael Rotondo will pair Caerphilly. Savor with chef Rotondo’s spe- special house-made accouterments inspired cially crafted accompaniments, including SPORTS & HEALTH by each region, and wines will be poured pickled onions, a variety of pickles, oat from the JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset lim- biscuits, granary bread, and apples. Health and Nutrition Lectures ited collection. Mondays in April, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Here’s what’s on the menu for April: Homage to Catalonia Presidio YMCA Friday, April 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Topics include meal planning (April 4); vitamin D Nicasio Valley Experience rare artisanal cheeses of Spain’s — the new mighty nutrient (April 11); blood sugar Friday, April 1, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Catalonia region, including Garrotxa, Serrat San Francisco International Film Festival regulation (April 18); and how to detox and the Experience the prize-winning cheeses of Gros, tou del til·lers, and Urgelia. Pair with April 21–May 5 benefits (April 5). Free, 415-447-9693, ymcasf.org Nicasio Valley Cheese Company like their chef Rotondo’s light fare, including tomato Various Bay Area venues Foggy Morning, Loma Alta, and Nicasio bread and salbitxada with spring onion. Twenty-three countries are represented in the YMCA 4th Annual Presidio Trail Run Square made with 100 percent organic 59th annual festival. Competitors include Czech Sunday, April 24, 8–11 a.m. farmstead cow’s milk. Chef Rotondo will Southern France Republic’s Slávek Horák (Home Care), Israel and Starts: Behind Presidio YMCA on Barnard Ave. pair with bites such as regional organic Friday, April 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Denmark’s Yaelle Kayam (Mountain), Lebanon With spectacular views of the bay and the Pacific, jams and preserves, bread, brioche, Cheeses featured will include Roquefort, and Qatar’s Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya (Very Big Shot), this unique and challenging trail run winds its way and many more. Visit website for tickets, sffs.org charcuterie, and pâte de fruit. reblochon, brocciu, and brebis du Haut- through the Presidio. Choose a 10K, 5K, or 1.5-mile Photo: aardman animation / sffs.org Béarn paired with savory macarons, course. Proceeds support the Presidio Y’s commu- nity programs. $25–$55, 415-447-9693, ymcasf.org Sicily sauternes pâte de fruit, and honeycomb- Friday, April 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m. brûléed figs. Experience sumptuous Sicilian cheeses SCIENCE & like pecorino Siciliano, piacentinu Ennese, Cheese Happy Hours at Parallel 37: ENVIRONMENT CHILD’S PLAY primo sale, Ragusano, and calcagno paired 600 Stockton Street, 415-773-6168, with Castelvetrano capers and olives, focac- parallel37sf.com; Fridays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; Walk to Work Day Family Movie Night: ‘The Sandlot’ Thursday, April 7, 7–10 a.m. Friday, April 15,7 p.m. cia bread, Trapani salt, caponata, arancini, $35 (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Photo: Nicasio Valley Reserve Citywide Civil War Parade Ground Lawn, Main Post and house-dried fruit. You might walk to work every day, but today you can get Join host Supervisor Mark Farrell and come early free Clipper cards, tote bags, coffee, or breakfast snacks at for the food trucks at 6 p.m. and cartoons at 6:30 hubs across the city. Free, 415-431-9255, walksf.org p.m. before the movie about a group of kids who play baseball at the sandlot. Special appearance Stargazing Party by the Giants mascot Lou Seal plus a pitching- Thursday, April 14, 7–9:30 p.m. and-hitting clinic with the S.F. Baseball Academy. Main Parade Ground, the Presidio Free (including snacks and popcorn), 415-561-5300, The S.F. Amateur Astronomers bring telescopes presidio.org and help guests see the night sky’s most interesting astronomical beauties. All ages; reservations appre- ciated. Free, 415-561-5300, presidio.gov 8th Annual Goat Festival Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Learning Green and Earning Green Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. Join the celebration of all things goat, including 2016 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Commonwealth Club (555 Post St.) adorable baby goats! Visit website for details. Free, An Earth Day exploration of how students, doc- 415-291-3276, cuesa.org tors, teachers, and more can play a role in address- ing climate change. Lunch will be served. $7–$20, he 2016 Northern California purification ceremony, live music, food, 415-597-6705, commonwealthclub.org JUST FOR FUN Cherry Blossom Festival will cel- and more. Most events are free. Opening Day on the Bay ebrate its 49th year on two week- A highlight is the annual Queen Program Tends in April (April 9–10 and April 16–17). (pictured), which is dedicated to mentoring Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Trail Mixer Treasure Island Sailing Center (698 California Ave.) Thursday, April 7, 2–2:45 p.m. As one of California’s most prominent young women to develop leadership skills celebrations of Asian traditions, it high- and the community connections necessary Celebrate opening day and learn simple water Fort Point National Historic Site safety practices at the Treasure Island Sailing Center Meet new friends, sip on local beer from Fort Point lights the color and grace of the Japanese to promote not just stronger individuals, and get free sailboat rides, kayaking, and stand-up Beer Company, and learn how to make the best culture and the diversity of the Japanese but also a stronger community. paddle boarding. Food available for purchase. American Community. Held in San The Kayo Parade is another highlight, Free, 415-421-2225, tisailing.org camp coffee with sponsor REI. Includes small eats and fresh air. Ages 21 & up, $15, 415-355-5626, sfpl.org Francisco’s Japantown, one of three remain- popular locally as well as in Japan. It features ing Japantowns in the United States, it is performers from throughout the Bay Area POTABLES & EDIBLES St. Stupid’s Parade said to be the second largest festival outside and Washington as well as a Japanese clas- April 1, noon of Washington, D.C. sical dance performance. Special recording Presidio Picnic Starts: Somewhere around foot of Market St. This culturally rich festival draws over artist Eiji Natsuki from Japan will also per- Sunday, April 3–Oct. 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Wear a costume and show irreverence for the busi- 200,000 visitors yearly, and will include form. The parade starts at noon on Sunday, Main Post Lawn ness of religion and the religion of business by toss- an exhibition and demonstration of the April 10 at the Civic Center (McAllister Back for its fourth season, the city’s favorite picnic ing old lottery tickets at the Federal Reserve, socks ancient art of paper folding, origami; dis- and Polk Streets) and concludes at the features a culinary extravaganza of food trucks at the Stock Exchange, and pennies at the Bankers plays of the centuries-old art of bonsai and Sundance Kabuki Cinemas (Post and offering local and artisanal fare, wine/beer, music, Heart sculpture. Or just watch. Free, 510-841-1898, ikebana flower arrangement; and two types Fillmore Streets). Suggested donation is games, retail opportunities, and more. Free, [email protected], saintstupid.com 415-561-5300, presidio.gov of Japanese doll making, both with origins $30 with tickets available from Taniguchi Calendar listings from Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868). The Music Production at 707-448-3199. Mexican-American Vintners tea ceremony, Chanoyu, one of the most Assoc. Spring Wine Tasting Send your event listings to [email protected] refined Japanese traditional arts, which has 49th Annual Northern California Cherry Tuesday, April 19, 5–7 p.m. with succinct specifics about your event, loca- influenced landscape gardening, architec- Blossom Festival: Post Street (between Gallery 308, Bldg. A, Fort Mason Center tion, dates, times, prices, and contact informa- ture, and social etiquette, will also be repre- Laguna and Fillmore), Sat.–Sun., April Taste and purchase wines from 15 Mexican- tion (telephone and Internet). American Vintners Association wineries. Includes sented. Visitors can also enjoy martial arts 9–10 and April 16–17, sfcherryblossom.org food pairings of cheeses, charcuterie, and more. and taiko drum presentations, a Mikoshi Photo: Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Visit marinatimes.com for additional calendar listings. $35–$75, 707-266-1296, nsmava.org

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 17 At Home

Urban Home and Garden Do it yourself

CONCERTS AT THE PRESIDIO

COSÌ FAN TUTTE Offering much more than mere light-hearted diversion, Mozart’s Così fan tutte provides a vehicleOffering for the soaringmuch ariasmore and than luminous mere duets light-hearted and ensemble piecesdiversion, forming theMozart’s heart andCosì soul offan Can engagingtutteONCERTS provides and durable a masterpiecvehicle fore thatAT the raises soaring piquantTHE arias social andissues P luminous asRESIDIO well as filling duets our concertand ensemble hall with magnificent pieces forming music. Our the compact, heart narrated and soul and semi of an-staged engaging Così melodically and recounts the connivings of Guglielmo and Ferrando as they test the fidelity of fiancées Fiordil igi durable masterpiece that raises piquant social issues as well as filling and Dorabella amidst the machinations of Despina and the cynical Don Alfonso. Sopranos Erin McOmberourCOSÌ concert and Ashten hall with Smith magnificent areFAN joined by mezzo music.-soprano OurTUTTE Michelle compact, Rice, tenornarrated Michael and

Desnoyers Offering and much baritones more than Igor mere Vieira light and-hearted Michael diversion, Orlinsky Mozart’s. Pianist Così Efrat fan Levy tutte accompanie provides a s. semi-staged Così melodically recounts the connivings of Guglielmo vehicle for the soaring arias and luminous duets and ensemble pieces forming the heart and soul

of and an engaging Ferrando and durableas they masterpiec test thee fidelitythat raises piquantof fiancées social issues Fiordiligi as well asand filling our

concert Dorabella hall with amidst magnificent the machinationsmusic. Our compact, of narratedDespina and andsemi -thestaged cynical Così melodically Don reco Alfonso.unts the connivingsSopranos of Erin Guglielmo McOmber and Ferrando and as Ashten they test theSmith fidelity are of fiancéesjoined Fiordil by igi and Dorabella amidst the machinations of Despina and the cynical Don Alfonso. Sopranos Erin mezzo-soprano Michelle Rice, tenor Michael Desnoyers and baritones McOmber and Ashten Smith are joined by mezzo -soprano Michelle Rice, tenor Michael Desnoyers Igor Vieira and baritones and Michael Igor Vieira Orlinsky and Michael. Pianist Orlinsky Efrat. Pianist Levy Efrat accompanies. Levy accompanies.

A fresh coat of paint can really spruce up your kitchen cabinets. Photo: Amormino & Pucci / wikipedia

Spring spruce up

by julia strzesieski without the expense of refacing (or

replacing) by painting them. Painting pring is a great time to take on cabinets is one of the least expensive ways

a home improvement project that to update your kitchen — and it’s not as 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15, 2016 you can do yourself. Painting a difficult as you may think. at the historic Golden Gate Club 135 Fisher Loop, Presidio of San Francisco room, an accent wall, a piece of furniture, Proper surface preparation: First, S Free to the Public Limited seating Reservations recommended Call (415) 447-6274 or cabinets is inexpensive but makes a big remove all doors, drawers, handles, and

impact, giving you a lot of bang for your hardware. Wipe all surfaces with a clean

buck. For accent walls, choose a fun color rag saturated with mineral spirits to

or get creative and experiment with your remove any surface contamination. You 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15, 2016 at the historic Golden Gate Club own artistic faux finishing. may need to do this twice if there is a 135 Fisher Loop, Presidio of San Francisco

If you have a lot of mismatched fur- heavy buildup of dirt or grease. Change Free to the Public Limited seating Reservations recommended Call (415) 447-6274 niture that you rags frequently

love, but the pieces to avoid depos- don’t exactly work iting dirt and together, a quick Painting a room, grime back onto paint job in a uni- a piece of furniture, or the cabinets. form color will Clean the sur- yield a cohesive cabinets is inexpensive face: Wash the look instead of a surface with equal collegiate aesthetic. but makes a big impact. parts household HARDWARE Who doesn’t have ammonia and a cool piece of furniture that was scored on water and rinse well with clean water. the street when a neighbor was moving? Allow the clean surface to dry completely. HAPPY This is how you can make it your own. Prime and paint: Prime the clean, dry surfaces. Choose a primer-sealer HOUR! CHALK PAINT that will adhere to all cabinet surfaces Popular now for its ease of applica- — painted, polyurethaned, unfinished, tion is chalk paint, a water-based paint Formica, plastic, metal, and glass — to Wednesday, April 27, 5 pm–8 pm that adheres to most any surface. Paint form a sound base for the topcoat. Seal directly on old wood finishes, concrete, porous surfaces, such as new wood, and $ $ * iron, stone, Formica, and more. This fur- seal off any knots and sappy streaks so 10 OFF A 20 PURCHASE! niture paint can transform an old dresser they won’t bleed through and ruin the or cabinetry without stripping, sanding, paint job. Let the primer-sealer dry for or priming — simply paint it right on. about an hour, then apply two coats As another plus, chalk paint dries so of finish paint. Hint: If you tint the quickly that you can usually start and fin- primer toward the color of your fin- ish a project in a couple of hours. For an ish paint, you can eliminate the second Join us for a glass of authentic vintage look, finish your furni- finish coat. Consider choosing an oil- our Cutting Edge wine ture piece with wax and dusting powders. base over a water-base finish paint for a and a great deal! harder, more stain-resistant, washable, Bring this ad or just ask LACQUER/GLOSS FINISH SPRAY PAINTS and durable finish. for the offer when you In addition to the chalk paint, lacquer More paint options: Want to give your are shopping! or gloss finish spray paints are also an cabinets a little added pizzazz? Try a faux easy upgrade that you can complete in a finish, antique finish, or stencil to create a *Offer does not apply to gift cards, postage stamps, Muni passes, day. Just make sure you are undertaking unique and personalized look that is well Clipper cards, meter cards, special orders, or sale merchandise. Not valid with coupons or other offers. Rewards points do not accumulate. this project in a well-ventilated area, and worth the extra effort. Replacing cabinet wear a mask. Paints are available in a wide hardware is another inexpensive way to array of hues, allowing you to go subtle or give your freshly painted kitchen cabinets step out of your comfort zone with some- an extra-special look. 956 Cole Street 3312 Mission Street thing a bit more daring. 415/319-6705 415/200-3344 Pretty much anything can be refinished Painting is an inexpensive method of with a can of spray paint. Depending on refreshing your living surroundings, so Now in Rockridge! 2254 Polk Street your treasure, you may need a base coat. it is easy to “correct” your experiment. 415/200-3370 5533 College Avenue 510/230-0145 Spray base coats are widely available, For the price of a can of paint you can 70 Fourth Street making spray painting on many surfaces transform your world — or fix an experi- 415/200-3444 extremely simple. ment gone bad. It’s a lot less expensive than therapy! www.colehardware.com GIVE YOUR CABINETS A FRESH LOOK WITH PAINT Julia Strzesieski is the marketing coordina- Have you grown tired of your kitchen tor at Cole Hardware and can be reached cabinets? Give them a fresh new look at [email protected].

18 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Real Estate

Real Estate Today Measure for measure Let’s talk square foot in San Francisco real estate by carole isaacs In the multiple listing service, blocks of homes that look similar there are nine ways to explain on the outside, once you step inside pring is off to a wild start, where the agent found the square there may be a world of difference. and buyers are out in droves, foot information: per appraiser, In large multiunit buildings, especially in the under $1.5 architect, builder, condo map, PPSF will have more meaning than Smillion market segment. I know measured by agent, owner, graph- in single family homes. This is buyers are in for trouble finding a ic artist, tax record, and “not avail- especially true in newer construc- home when the first thing they ask able.” It is easy to see why square tion where condos have a greater after saying hello is: “How many foot inaccuracy is common in San chance of being the same. Still, you How important to you is the accurate measurement of square footage? square feet is this house?” If you Francisco. will need to take into consideration Photo: douglas perkins are one of these buyers, you will In a listing on the MLS, I found things such as location in the build- be in for shocking news to face on the following information in the ing and views or lack of them. PPSF Once you solve the location dark home can feel small in compar- several levels. “Agent Remarks” section: “All will be higher on higher floors. You question, it is time to make a ison to a smaller bright home with The first thing you need to keep square footages are approximate might find that the original buyer list of everything else you want many windows and natural light. in mind is that when you look at and are measured from the exte- opted for upgrades that also will in a home. To figure this out, Second, will I be happy here? And a listing, the square foot number rior wall per land surveyor. Price affect the PPSF. you will have to ask yourself what third, can I afford the home? has about a 50-50 chance of being determined on each unit is not If square foot and PPSF cannot is important. Be sure to include Searching for a home is a learn- accurate. Unfortunately, square foot- based on the measurement accu- be trusted, what can? My vote is PPSF in your list. The next step ing experience. Certainly consid- age is often overstated in the listing racy of the square footage.” with “everything else.” Most agents is to arrange your list, starting ering the square footage and the information. Agents do not would answer “location.” I with what is most important and PPSF is important. However, if this intentionally include inac- think of a home’s location ending with what is least impor- is singled out as the number one curate square footage in their If square foot and as the center of a wheel, and tant. You will find that home buy- most important must have, your listings. In fact, they do their the rest of life — whether it is ers in San Francisco, even those home choices in San Francisco will best to be accurate and some- PPSF cannot be trusted, going to work, neighborhood with unlimited budgets, do not get become very limited. It is impor- times do not include square restaurants and bars, grocery everything they want. tant to remember home inventory footage at all, because it can what can? shopping, or taking children Often the most important step is low. Getting everything else in a mislead buyers. Generally this to school — radiates from in buying a home can be accepting home and closing escrow is a good will mean one of three things: One, This agent was serious about the hub. In San Francisco, location that you will not get it all. As buyers deal in today’s real estate market. the price per square foot (PPSF) is so avoiding any discussion about price sometimes feels like a moving tar- search for a home and narrow their high the agent is afraid it will keep per square foot. get. New buildings seem to spring focus, it is not unusual for their list Carole Isaacs is a Realtor with buyers away; two, the square footage In San Francisco, comparing up overnight, and neighborhoods of “must haves” to be smaller than McGuire Real Estate, where she listed in the tax record is obviously properties by PPSF is difficult for are rapidly changing. Still, loca- at the beginning of their search. is a Top Producer. Follow her on inaccurate; or three, the agent wants buyers. Many homes have been tion is the single most important Once you find a home, there are Twitter @CaroleIsaacs or visit her buyers to visit the home and discuss changed over the years. Even in factor in determining the price of still a few questions to ask. First, does online at caroleisaacs.com or call the square foot and PPSF in person. the Sunset District, where there are a home. the home feel big enough? A large (415) 608-1267.

The City’s Best

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Local Ownership. Global Reach. 415.921.6000 • www.hill-co.com

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 19 Real Estate

The Marina Times Real Estate Real Estate Roundup Condos, crisis, and more Market Report: February 2016 By Hill & Co. A fight for space SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON Neighborhood Address Bathrooms Sale Price Asking Price Market City grapples with plans Cow Hollow 2130 Filbert Street 3BD/3.5BA $3,280,000 Above 2 by john zipperer San Francisco’s Housing Crisis. “They protect what is theirs and Lake 10 22nd Avenue 5BD/4BA $4,888,000 Below 1 FOCUS ON CONDOS shut the gate behind them. … Condo units in every neighbor- So the high-margin develop- Laurel Heights (no sales) hood of San Francisco have risen ment that really should go into significantly in value between 2014 the high-end neighborhood winds

Lone Mountain (no sales) and 2015. And quite a few neigh- up replacing cheaper, older, and

borhoods have seen their condo abandoned housing in low-end sale prices nearly double since 2011, neighborhoods.” Marina (no sales) according to a new report from Capp also cites an article on Paragon Real Estate Group. Shelterforce.com by Rick Jacobus, part Nob Hill (no sales) Currently the priciest condos are of Street Level Urban Impact Advisors, in Russian Hill, who argued that North Beach 643 Greenwich Street 5BD/4.5BA $4,000,000 Below 18 where the medi- cities can’t build an condo price is The city is looking to their way out of Pacific Heights (no sales) $1,650,000, up from the housing cri- $1,400,000 in 2014 sis, “but we won’t

and $872,500 in developers to create 290 get out without Presidio Heights (no sales) 2011. The Marina new, permanently afford- building.” Jacobus is in second place, wrote that on a Russian Hill (no sales) with $1,500,000 able homes on the former “citywide scale, it (2015), $1,325,000 seems likely that Sea Cliff 555 El Camino Del Mar 4BD/5.5BA $6,375,000 Below 154 (2014), and $987,500 Candlestick Park site. while develop-

246 28th Avenue 4BD/3BA $2,600,000 Above 2 (2011), according ment in SoMa to Paragon. The real estate company says may have contributed to displacement,

the least-expensive condos over the it may have slowed displacement in Telegraph Hill (no sales) past half-decade have been in Diamond the Mission as young, high-income Heights in central San Francisco, where tech workers moving to the city for its CONDOS the 2015 median price is $680,000 and amazing job market had somewhere BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON was only $352,000 in 2011. else to go when all of their friends were Neighborhood Address Bathrooms Sale Price Asking Price Market competing for increasingly scarce units AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR Cow Hollow (no sales) in the district.” FORMER CANDLESTICK LOTS Construction Dive’s Kim Slowey The city is looking for develop- says this is not just a boom-time Lake 6324 California Street #3 2BD/2BA $1,230,000 Above 12 ers to create 290 new, permanently problem. Slowey notes that a report affordable homes on the former from Curbed “found that new home Laurel Heights (no sales) Candlestick Park site. The units, construction in the San Francisco to be built on two separate lots, area in particular has lagged behind

Lone Mountain (no sales) will target household incomes at or job growth so much that in 2015, lower than 60 percent of the local even though the Bay Area added median income; 58 of the units will 64,000 new jobs, housing only Marina 1251 Francisco Street 2BD/1.5BA $1,330,000 Above 3 be set aside for formerly homeless increased by 5,000 units. Add rising 1890 Jefferson Street #302 2BD/1BA $1,070,000 Above 18 families, 10 of which will be for home prices and stagnant wages for young parents transitioning out of most workers, and experts warn that Nob Hill 1536 Pacific #1 3BD/2BA $2,500,000 Above 8 foster care or other services. the area is ripe for a ready-to-pop 3 Dawson Place 3BD/2.5BA $1,700,000 Above 11 Mara Rosales, the chair of San housing bubble.”

1610 Sacramento Street #5 2BD/2BA $1,450,000 Above 13 Francisco’s Office of Community S.F. OFFICE ALSO NEAR HIGH 1731 Larkin Street #3 2BD/2BA $1,295,000 At 105 Investment and Infrastrucutre, which has released a request for pro- Office leasing continued at a furi- 1525 Jones Street 2BD/1BA $895,000 At 63 posals from developers, said the res- ous pace, despite a slight pause in 1440 Broadway #204 1BD/1BA $795,000 Above 25 idents will be helped by the afford- occupancy growth, in the final quar- 1530 Jones Street #3 1BD/1BA $785,000 Below 17 able housing along with supportive ter of 2015. The city had “a record- 1245 Broadway #3 1BD/1BA $650,000 Below 213 services and amenities. “On-site breaking 22nd consecutive quarter robust supportive services, 24-hour of positive net absorption,” reports

North Beach (no sales) desk staff, and access to transporta- Colliers International, with SoMa tion, childcare, and shopping will West and SoMa East being particu- help ensure people integrate back larly strong. Pacific Heights 2190 Broadway Street #2E 3BD/3.5BA $4,000,000 Above 0 into our communities,” she said. Tenants looking for office space 2304 Divisadero Street 3BD/2.5BA $2,175,000 Below 131 Funding was made possible by found Class A rents higher than 2243 Franklin Street 2BD/2BA $1,950,000 Above 11 Senate Bill 107, which resulted in what they’d pay in Manhattan, reach- 2105 Buchanan Street #6 3BD/2BA $1,770,000 Above 5 half a billion dollars for affordable ing $75.90 per square foot. But Class 2919 Pacific Avenue #6 2BD/2BA $1,457,000 Above 8 housing in San Francisco. B rents have also risen significantly, up more than 53 percent in the past ZONING, LACK OF Presidio Heights 3993 Washington Street 2BD/2.5BA $2,700,000 Above 14 two years, from $47.80 to $73.26 per BUILDING FAULTED square foot. Colliers says that office 325 Locust Street 3BD/2BA $1,925,000 Below 13 In a roundup of resources and rents continue to increase in San commentary on San Francisco’s real Francisco, but “the rate of increase Russian Hill 999 Green Street #3005 0BD/1BA $3,500,000 At 0 estate crunch, Kriston Capps of slowed slightly” in 2015. 999 Green Street #1101 2BD/2BA $2,280,000 Above 11 The Atlantic faults the city’s zoning, 1058 Chestnut Street 1BD/1BA $1,525,000 Above 15 powerful NIMBY forces, and overall BLIND ITEM

1128 Chestnut Street 1BD/1BA $1,025,000 Above 12 lack of construction for causing the A friend of the Roundup shares displacement of lower-income resi- the story of a tech tenant who com- dential housing. plained to his San Francisco office Sea Cliff (no sales) “Since the residents of high- landlord that a recent rent increase cost, high-demand neighborhoods would require him to make an Telegraph Hill 537 Greenwich Street 2BD/2BA $1,700,000 Above 8 tend to have mobility, money, unacceptable cut: He would no lon- 11 Kenneth Rexroth Place 2BD/2BA $1,165,000 Below 30 and access to information and ger be able to supply snacks to his 371 Union Street 2BD/1BA $1,130,000 At 0 power, they are hugely successful employees — only breakfast, lunch, in leveraging land-use policies to and dinner. The data presented in this report is based on the San Francisco Multiple Listing Service and is exclude newcomers,” Capps wrote accurate to the best of our knowledge, but cannot be guaranteed as such. For additional information, in “Blame Zoning, Not Tech, for E-mail: [email protected] contact Hill & Co., 1880 Lombard Street (at Buchanan), 415-321-4362, hill-co.com.

20 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com THINK ENERGETIC & DRIVEN

Think Zephyr.

Highly competitive and nuanced, the Bay Area real estate market can be both challenging and rewarding. Zephyr turns local clients into successful home sellers, buyers and investors.

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Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 21 Real Estate

Real Estate Investor Development dilemma

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has looked for new ways to respond to the lack of affordable housing in the city. Photo: Zboralski 2175-77 Greenwich Street, San Francisco Offered at $2,495,000 Superb newly remodeled VACANT flats with lots of charm & loads of light! Density bonuses and Lower: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Upper: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Open living/dining/kitchens, private rear decks, in-unit laundry closets, shared high-in-the-sky housing VIEW roof deck, 2-car parking. Also offered as TICs: #2175: $1,295M #2177: $1.2M. 2175-77Greenwich.com So you say you want affordable housing?

by john zipperer from Custerdale, a neighborhood in which my mother had lived in the 1930s and 1940s. t’s not always fun being the top dog. It was an area of hundreds of neat but small Marla Moresi-Valdes In early March, Oakland Mayor Libby ranch houses, nearly all of them the same 415.971.2535 Schaaf issued a statement acknowledging design and size, merely customized differ- [email protected] Ithat “Oakland is the fourth most expensive ently over the years as new owners added CAL BRE# 01320998 housing market in the country, just behind awnings, new porches, or aluminum siding. San Francisco, New York, and Boston. With The story of Custerdale, as I heard it from the rise in rents in our city outpacing the my newspaper-editor mother, was that it was increase in incomes faster than any other a government project to provide affordable SAN FRANCISCO | MARIN | PENINSULA | EAST BAY place in the country, protecting our residents housing during the Depression. The govern- WINE COUNTRY | GLOBAL | MCGUIRE.COM from displacement is my top priority.” ment was building all sorts of housing proj- That didn’t stop her from suffering the ects in an attempt to support families coping indignity of having to watch as a Chamber with the swingeing effects of the econom- of Commerce summit held in her city was ic collapse. Unfortunately for the folks of derailed by protestors demanding more Manitowoc, they were accidentally sent the affordable housing. According to her office, housing intended for a Florida development, she tried to meet with the protestors, but and those undeserving Floridians received The place when they refused, she left the conference. the well-insulated housing intended for the So it’s not just us. It’s not just San Francisco. cold winters of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. That In fact, in the past year, protests about insuf- might or might not be a true story, but where locals ficient affordable hous- it reflected the locals’ ing have taken place in belief that they had Boston, Chicago, New As of January 2015, San been saddled with sub- eat seafood! York, San Jose, Seattle, standard housing. and elsewhere. Whether Francisco had just 16 But ask some- it’s boomtown-crazy one sleeping on a city San Francisco or below-market-rate units friend’s couch in San places with far less of Francisco if they’d rath- Spectacular Bay Views a tech invasion and far available for purchase. er have a cookie-cutter more available land on Custerdale house, and which to build, affordable housing is a chal- they’ be crazy if they didn’t jump at the chance. lenge that has got political leaders, activists, In February 2015, Al Jazeera reported that San and developers flummoxed and increasingly Francisco’s affordable housing was unafford- at loggerheads. able to the people who needed it. Even if they How do you create and preserve afford- could afford it, the news service said, there able housing when incomes for most wasn’t enough of it. “As of mid-January [2015], people have stagnated or declined over San Francisco, a growing city of nearly 900,000, the past few decades, yet building costs had just 16 below-market-rate units available have risen dramatically and the govern- for purchase, with one-bedroom condos going ment has largely stopped being an engine for well over $300,000,” Al Jazeera’s Toshio of housing production? Meronek reported. “There was only one listing In an already densely populated city such for the rental program.” as San Francisco, it’s a challenge for multiple San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s administra- reasons. Land is scarce, obviously. Costs are tion set itself the goal of creating or reha- World Famous Restaurant high, thanks to big-city expenses and to bilitating 30,000 units in the city by 2020. costly delays engendered by bureaucracy and Paragon Real Estate Group estimates that a very generous community-input policy. in 2014, affordable housing — including And affordable housing is expensive in any family, senior, individual/SRO, and home- NO case, requiring layers of subsidies, regulatory owner housing — made up 21 percent of the compliance, and paperwork. new units in the city. (This did not include 9 FISHERMEN’S Can enough be done here to eliminate the units acquired and rehabbed by nonprofits.) affordable housing crisis, or is the best we can In addition, Paragon notes, that year San do just amelioration? Francisco collected about $30 million from 415.673.7025 developers “as partial payments of in-lieu fees GOVERNMENT HELP Free Validated Parking GROTTO for projects” to help fund off-site affordable Allow me to interject a personal com- housing elsewhere in the city. No. 9 Fisherman’s Wharf at the foot of Taylor ment. When I was in grade school, my That 30,000 is still insufficient to sup- family moved from the grand metropolis of port the city’s population growth. Just since fishermensgrotto.com Banquet Facilities Available Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Manitowoc, a 45 2010, the city has gained more than 60,000 minute drive away. There, we lived not far investor, continued on 23

22 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Investor scrapers or take away rent-controlled units residents are being forced out of their continued from page 22 (the city rejects both claims, and in par- apartments to make way for luxury con- ticular cites an amendment to the proposal dominiums. But Mayor Lee argues that new residents, and its population is expect- that would protect rent-controlled units it is necessary to build such units to ed to continue growing, nearing 1 million from such danger). The city didn’t need to redress the decades-long failure to build by 2030. In fact, San Francisco’s population adopt its own density bonus program; there sufficient housing in the city. That lack of has grown by tens of thousands of people is a statewide one. However, the Planning available market-rate housing has pushed every decade since 1980. The current U.S. Department argues that the proposed San well-heeled buyers and renters into less- Census estimate for 2015 is 865,000, nearly Francisco density bonus program will facili- expensive housing, driving up the cost in a 200,000 more than in 1980. But housing tate the creation of more affordable units classic supply-and-demand reaction. production at all price levels is still below than the state program. Why doesn’t the government step in and what it was in the 1970s, when the city’s If the density bonus plan becomes law develop affordable housing itself? To put population actually shrank by about 36,000, and does what its supporters claim it it bluntly, that’s just not what governments according to Paragon. could do, then 4,000 new units of afford- do anymore in the United States. Two years able housing will be a large jump over ago, I interviewed in these pages Andre BONUS TIME? the 2,782 that S.F. Planning reports were Shashaty, an affordable housing expert and One proposal is a plan to introduce a built in 2010–14. That was out of a total advocate and president of the Partnership bonus to developers of housing on certain of 9,480 units at all price levels. Over that for Sustainable Communities. He noted lands, giving them incentives to make 30 same time period, the percentage of total that America had “written off” federal percent or more of the on-site units afford- units that were affordable has dropped involvement in affordable housing, and It’s not just San Francisco: A Batman imper- able. They will be able to build up to two from 40 percent to 21 percent, despite the that meant slashing and eliminating fed- sonator demands affordable housing during a protest in Tel Aviv. His sign notes that “even a additional levels higher than current zon- increase from 582 to 757 affordable units eral subsidies to localities for doing the superhero can’t survive in this city!” ing regulations allow; if they make 100 produced; the numbers of market-rate same. “The long-term trend is that we have Photo: oren rosen percent of the units affordable, they will be units being created grew even faster, mak- retreated from an activist government role able to build up to three levels higher than ing the affordable numbers appear even in providing public housing,” said Shashaty. a response to the problem. And after that current zoning allows. smaller by comparison. It is telling that even a self-avowed program either becomes active or is defeat- According to the city, the density bonus socialist like Senator Bernie Sanders, ed by opponents, another program will would apply to about 30,000 parcels in OTHER ARROWS IN THE QUIVER who has championed affordable hous- become the target of controversy. There is mixed-use and commercial corridors. But The city has other tools at its disposal to ing in his career, does not include the no escaping that, because none of these ini- it says that only about 240 sites in the city encourage housing for low- and moderate- housing crisis among the 26 topics that tiatives will solve the problem. Even with are likely to be candidates for this program, income residents. are listed on his presidential campaign inevitable economic downturns, followed because the others already have functioning Under its inclusionary housing policy, website’s “Issues” page. by inevitable economic upturns, the popu- buildings providing revenue that is “more new developments with at least 10 units Aside from limited development assis- lation pressure will continue, and this city valuable than any of the development ben- need to set aside at least 12 percent of tance from state and federal bonds and tax will remain an expensive place to develop, efits offered under this program.” Still, it the units as affordable. In addition, San credits, provision of affordable housing is redevelop, buy, rent, and live. estimates that the use of the density bonus Francisco offers down payment assis- not a national concern. There are no new There are 140,000 or so more people com- could increase the maximum number of tance, improvements to city-owned public Custerdales being built. Cities such as San ing to the city in the medium-term future, affordable units on those sites from 900 housing units, and the city is working to Francisco are left to grapple with this prob- and we’re not ready for any of them. (under current rules) to at least 4,000. rehabilitate and thereby preserve existing lem largely on their own, and the Libby The city’s defense of its proposed density affordable at-risk units. Schaafs and Edwin Lees of the world will John Zipperer is a former senior edi- program is available for anyone to read (sf- One of the most contentious aspects continue to be the target of ire. tor of Affordable Housing Finance and planning.org/index.aspx?page=4233), and of current policy is the encouragement The debate over the density bonus pro- Apartment Finance Today, and former it takes on the common criticisms of the of market-rate housing. It has spawned gram will continue. Another 4,000 afford- new media editor at the CCIM Institute. effort, such as that it will spawn more sky- criticism that low- and middle-income able units isn’t a solution; but it’s part of E-mail: [email protected].

We needed a place to play.

paragon-re.com

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 23 Business & Finance

Personal Finance Documentation

SAN FRANCISCO ROCKS SUNDAY, APRIL 3* ROAD CLOSURES IN EFFECT 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The race starts at 6:30 am and temporary road closures will be in effect during the race. There will be access Know how long you need to hold onto tax documents and when you can put them into the shred- lanes and metering points along the course in specific der to protect yourself. Photo: Manuel Schmalstieg areas. Streets will reopen on a rolling basis, as soon as the last participant has passed and all course support Get your tax papers in order materials have been removed. It is important to know what to keep, Please be aware of the road closures in your area when to get rid of it, and how to do both and plan ahead for parking and access routes on race day. by jesus guevara • HUD and closing disclosure forms • Mortgage statements he deadline to file taxes this • 1095s and certificates of exemptions Visit our website for more information, course map, and year is coming up soon, but you • W4s detailed list of road closures. don’t want to wait to file. • Retirement savings annual reports TSomething you may not know is that • Annual brokerage statements RunRocknRoll.com/community even those who owe the IRS can finish and file their returns early as long as payment is How to protect yourself ROCKWITH US! sent in by the tax deadline. Tax records and any supporting There is still time to register sign up online at: Another question you might have regard- financial documents should be kept in *Please note: this is the corrected date from an earlier publication. ing your taxes is: How long should you keep secure storage — in a password-pro- tax documents? Here is some good guidance. tected electronic file and a safe. There runrocknroll.competitor.com/san francisco With 3 million Americans annually are a few best practices for protecting reporting tax identity theft and an estimat- your personal information to which ed $5 billion paid out in fraudulent returns, you should adhere. security is a hot issue. While cyber attacks • When you do decide to discard of pose a major threat, not all attackers are financial documents, always use a paper found online. They sift through trash and shredder. recycling bins to hunt for personal infor- • Play it safe. Keep tax documents locked mation such as your name, address, Social in a safe so that they’re not easily available Security number, or documents that com- if your home is ever broken into. promise your identity and use what they’ve • Identity shield products guarantee to found to file fraudu- protect your identity, lent tax returns. so in the instance of In all reality, dump- fraudulent tax activ- ster divers are not just Dumpster divers seek ity, you are protected. looking for second- personal information Consider using one of hand household items. these products. They seek your per- that could affect your • Never leave your sonal information receipts in a public that could affect your financial credibility. place. Even if they only financial credibility display the last few down the line. digits of a credit card, hackers still attempt to use this information. What to keep • Duplicate important documents. During tax season, you probably have Store a hard copy and online copy of questioned what tax and financial docu- important documents in a safe area. And ments you should shred, discard, or keep. make sure the copies are securely stored Here are some common documents and on your home computer. Update your the recommended length of time you security software frequently. should hang on to them. Use the same IRS-issued guidelines for hard-copy document storage of tax records Indefinitely: as electronic. It should be: • Records of business expenses and • Secure property sales that resulted in net operat- • Legible and readable ing losses or capital losses • Organized or indexed so the material • Records of home improvements or can be easily located other expenditures that establish basis Thankfully there are safeguards to learn how to discard or keep tax documents. But, Three years: here is the best option: Connect with a tax • Previous tax returns professional to find a year-round partner • Proof of charitable contributions and to answer every question you may have on receipts related to business expenses this issue and more. • Bank statements • Printed pay stubs Jesus Guevara is a Tax Professional with • Utility bills H&R Block, the world’s largest tax services • Brokerage statements provider. Jesus provides expert tax advice • Medical and dental expense receipts and service in San Francisco and can be • Supporting documents for your taxes: reached at 415-268-0756, or at the office on • W2s 2151 Lombard St., San Francisco. • 1099s • Tax-reporting statements This article is sponsored by H&R Block.

24 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Wellness

The Healthful Life Plan of action Depression: Our modern epidemic by Thalia Farshchian has also changed, according to depression include processed improvement when they imple- further reinforces a feeling of psychological studies since the meats, sugar-containing foods mented a regular exercise regimen. being empowered and in control hree hundred and fifty 1950s. Instead of feeling like we and drinks, white bread, white This can be challenging for many of your life. million people suffer have control over what happens potatoes, and alcohol. affected by depression because from depression, and with to us, we are now more likely to Many processed foods contain they are also affected by chronic CONNECT AND ENGAGE Tdepression comes a common feel- believe we have little control over sugar, which temporarily elevates pain. Again, in these instances, it Despite having more virtual ing of isolation. Depression the happy brain chemi- is important to incorporate health connectivity, we are more iso- can also be associated with cal, serotonin. This makes professionals who can provide lated than ever. It’s important to many physical condi- a lifestyle shift particularly guidance on safe movements. remember that social activities tions, including headaches, Depression is also associated challenging for those affect- can also be tools for supporting chronic pain, ADHD, sleep with physical conditions. ed by depression because SETTLE YOUR MIND engagement and connecting with disorders, irritable bowel sugar perpetuates cravings In our modern world, we are those we care about. Exercising syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, our lives. The rise in this shift of and emotional eating. This is where potentially surrounded by stim- with a group or a friend and mak- and more. perspective mimics the rising rate the support of medical profession- uli from the moment we wake ing time for family or friend din- Sadly, depression is growing of depression. People who believe als and loved ones is very helpful. until we fall asleep. And, because ners provide a healthful outlet rapidly — 10 times more people they are in control of their fate, Using dietary interventions can we are in the habit of being both mentally and physically. are affected by major depression however, are more likely to take be empowering as people discover busy, we have to be conscien- For those in situational or chron- now than in 1945. Depression care of their health, advance their that they do indeed have control tious about taking breaks to cre- ic depression, taking these steps can be linked with changes in careers, and engage in community over their lives. ate space for being quiet. The may seem overwhelming. It’s help- brain chemistry and genetics, roles. Western world is trying to regain ful to take small, achievable steps but societal changes impact it as MOVE YOUR BODY a handle on this by popularizing with those activities that are easiest well. With significant progress FUEL YOUR MOOD Exercise is an incredible tool yoga, tai chi, meditation, and to begin with that will enable the in society in general, such as Research has shown that a to get your endorphins flowing spirituality. other more difficult steps to follow. reduced prejudice, acceptance of healthful diet can minimize risk of so you feel better, and it can be It takes time to make these By assembling family, friends, and gender and sexual orientation, severe depression. A whole-foods as simple as taking a leisurely tools habits, but many find by health professionals, we can share increases in average wealth, and diet including vegetables, whole walk. Especially helpful in reduc- taking a moment to clear their our concerns with a trusted com- more medical interventions, it grains, meat, and liver can sup- ing anxiety symptoms, exercise minds, they actually become munity and create a healthful plan would seem we would be less ply the nutrients like B12, folate, allows your body to detox of action. depressed rather than more. B6, and magnesium needed for excessive energy. When Our modern fast-paced life- healthier brain chemistry. Though traveling to Cuba for a Thalia Farshchian is a styles have enabled us to become liver may be hard to stomach for medical excursion, it was Exercise is an incredible tool naturopathic doctor with more self-focused and isolated. some, it is a powerhouse of energy- inspiring to see that peo- to get endorphins flowing. a background in both con- Our concerns and problems are supporting nutrients. ple affected by depression ventional and alternative solely ours and not shared with Unfortunately, in the United were prescribed music and dance more productive. Being mindful modalities. Her practice is primar- our community. In non-West- States, processed foods make as a part of their treatment. about taking time can also help ily focused on weight management, ernized societies, individual con- up 60 percent of grocery store Subjects in studies who were you assess what is simply keep- hormone imbalances, and gas- cerns become group concerns. purchases. Foods associated on and off antidepressant medica- ing you busy and what is actually trointestinal conditions. E-mail: The way we perceive the world with a higher likelihood of tions experienced more long-term making you happy. This practice [email protected] Spring into action. Learn more for free about maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle at the Saint Francis Spring Health Education and Wellness Series. The specialists at Saint Francis are available to help you learn more about how you can keep that spring in your step.

Update on Breast Health ACL (knee) Injuries: Rehab or Repair Anne Peled, MD Robert J. Purchase, MD April 6, 2016 April 20, 2016

All classes begin at 5:30 p.m. and are located at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. Food and beverage will be served and parking is validated. To learn more or to reserve your seat, visit dignityhealth.org/saintfrancis, call 415.353.6755 or email [email protected].

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 25 Family

Caring for Our Kids Under one roof

Clockwise: The rock-climbing wall at Play Haven is great for developing problem-solving skills; San Francisco Baseball Academy coaches instruct a group of children on the fundamentals of the game; A child enjoys the cozy reading corner at Play Haven. photos: liz farrell New options for indoor family fun

by liz farreLl Another plus: There is a So instead of having them free parking lot right next veg out with a video game he calendar may door (254 Laguna Honda on a blustery day, check say spring, but it Boulevard, 415-702-6555, out MV Code and have sure hasn’t felt like playhavensf.com). your kids create their own Tit with the recent rains. game. MV Code recently El Niño has not disap- SAN FRANCISCO opened its San Francisco pointed, and though I am BASEBALL ACADEMY location and teaches an grateful for the rain, wet The arrival of spring introduction to coding, weather can leave both means baseball season video game development, parents and children feel- should be in full swing, and robotics. The classes ing a bit stir crazy. If April but practices and games are small so there is a lot of showers deliver, there are are regularly canceled with individualized attention. several new great options rain. In those cases, the My two older children What causes self doubt? for indoor family fun: just-opened San Francisco did a trial class, and it Baseball Academy (SFBA) was fun to see them so Find out. PLAY HAVEN on Geary Boulevard in the excited about what they For parents with young- old Bridge Theater is the had created. This is the BUY AND READ er children, Play Haven is place to go. wave of the future, but it a great new indoor option Owner Michael Aicardi is a whole new unfamiliar on any day. Opened last is a native San Franciscan world for me, so I enjoyed DIANETICS fall, it is owned by Sheryl who has been playing having my children teach The Modern Science of Mental Health Tecso, who worked as a baseball his whole life. me a thing or two (most preschool teacher at the Michael and his team of of the programs can also Jewish Community Center coaches are great with be worked on at home). L. RON HUBBARD for many years, and is a kids of all ages — they One of the things I like Price: $25.00 mother of two children are patient, great teach- most about MV Code herself. ers, and your kids will is they offer girls-only Hubbard Dianetics Foundation I was impressed with not only learn the funda- classes. It is wonderful Phone: (415) 864-3940 ·Scientology-sanfrancisco.org this space — it is clean, mentals of batting, pitch- to walk in and see just fun, and they have liter- ing, and playing but also as many girls learning to ally thought of everything. life skills like respect and code as boys. There are There is a nursing lounge, sportsmanship. SFBA school classes and sum- diapers and wipes in the offers one-on-one lessons, mer camps for children bathroom, and a kitchen- group lessons for teams, ages 7 through 13, and Join us on April 18th for the ette stocked with fresh-cut or batting cage practice weekend open lab hours Earthquake Retrofit Fair! fruit and snacks for $1. My without a machine where when you can just drop son’s favorite part was the you will actually have a in (MV Code, 3236 Geary rock-climbing wall and coach pitching to you. Boulevard, 415-569-2112, the cozy armchairs in the The cost is very reason- mvcodeclub.com). Take the Next Step! reading corner. The space able, and this is a great DBI works closely with property owners to improve the seismic safety of their also has areas for art, fine option for those young Discovering a new place buildings, protecting the lives of tenants and families. Through the Mandatory Soft motor skills, dramatic baseball and softball play- to enjoy an afternoon can Story Program, property owners of multi-unit Type 5 wood frame buildings are required to seismically strengthen their property within the next five years. play, and infants only, as ers to practice and get some be fun regardless of the well as a large room for wiggles out. Parents, it is age of your child. These Ensure your property is seismically retrofitted by turning in your permit parties or lunch. also a great stress reliever options are great places to application today! Play Haven is open even for us. I had a great bring friends or meet as a Compliance Submittal of Permit Completion of Work You may be able to add accessory seven days a week and can time taking a few swings group, and can be enjoyed Tier Application with Plans and CFC Issuance dwelling units to your property get quite busy, but there at bat myself (3010 Geary in any kind of weather. 1 09/15/2015 09/15/2017 when undergoing a seismic is a magic moment when Boulevard, 415-742-4890, 2 09/15/2016 09/15/2018 retrofit. Financing opportunities are it tends to clear out for sfbaseballacademy.com). Liz Farrell is the mother of available. Visit sfdbi.org/softstory 3 09/15/2017 09/15/2019 for more information. naptime. The cost is $12 three young children. She 4 09/15/2018 09/15/2020 per child and $6 for sib- MV CODE was formerly a television lings. You can also buy It is always a challenge producer in Washington, multiday passes or a to keep those screens out D.C. and in San Francisco. monthly membership. of our children’s hands. E-Mail: [email protected]

26 APRIL 2016 MARINA TIMES marinatimes.com Pet Pages

The Adventures of Skylar Grey Chapter 31

Skylar makes herself at home on Kickie’s couch. 1-2-3 PLAY! Back to where I’m from Little Bears classes start April 1 1 by susan dyer reynolds “I wish you would stay here,” Kickie said. “I know after your dad passed we bluebearmusic.org/littlebears You’re on the side of the road talked about me moving to San Francisco You don’t know which way is down with you, but I really don’t want to leave Your head is spinning out of control my h ou s e .” Since you left that little town Kickie and her husband, Byron, had Blue Bear School of Music bought the house 42 years ago, but Byron Helping you channel your inner rock star since 1971 You told them all you’d be fine died suddenly of an inherited heart con- You said just wait and see dition at just 55. Kickie was left to care Adults • Kids • Toddlers • All Instuments • All Levels You packed your bags as a little girl for his three teenaged children from a And couldn’t wait to leave previous marriage, all of whom eventually moved out of California. Only one, Sara, But then you said with a foot full of lead even bothered to call anymore. When Here I come Kickie met my recently widowed father, Back to where I’m from she had been alone for a long time. Their relationship spanned over two decades, — “Back to Where I’m From” until my father passed away in 2008. by Joshua Radin Kickie and I had grown incredibly close, and I considered her a second mother, ickie was nervous as she especially after losing mine so young. fastened her clip earrings. “They Kickie had been there through boyfriend match my top and my shoes,” she breakups, career confusion, and the Ksaid. “You look beautiful,” I said, straight- deaths of my dad and Jazzy. There were ening her scarf. “You’re going to be fine.” laughs too, like when I came down for a It was time for her mammogram — her weekend and we drank the only wine she first in a decade, and the first test since had — a bottle of white zinfandel — while she had a malignant tumor removed from she made the finest fried chicken I’ve ever her right breast. eaten. (Kickie rarely drinks, so when she I held onto her arm as we walked does, it’s a hoot.) toward the entrance of Kaiser Hospital. Home has always been important to Flip through our spring catalog at I could feel her shaking as I handed her me, so I understood why Kickie didn’t off to the nurse. Half an hour later, she want to leave hers. returned, smiling. “She thinks everything “It’s hard, Suzie, to get old,” Kickie said, bluebearmusic.org looks good.” her voice cracking slightly. “It’s hard to feel On the way home, I brought up the topic like you’re losing control and losing your of moving. “Now that you’re in remission independence. It’s hard to think about and Skylar’s elbows have healed, I need to giving up something you love because start looking for a place in San Francisco.” you can’t take care of it, or yourself, like “I thought you liked living down here,” you used to.” Kickie said. “And Skylar loves it here.” “I’ll stay,” I blurted. “I know she does … and I do, too, but Kickie’s hazel eyes lit up and she grabbed my business and my friends are in the city, my hand. “I want to leave you the house,” and I can’t keep staying at Steve’s every she said. time I’m up there.” I shook my head. “You don’t have to do “Steve told me that he loves having you that …” and Skylar there,” Kickie said. “And I love “I want to,” Kickie said. “You’re the having you and Skylar here with me.” only person who is always there for me KITS BEADS ORIGAMI COLORED PENS INK PADS CRAFTS CLAY PASTELS CRAYONS BOOKS COLORING MARKERS EASELS MORE When I sold my condo, the plan had … you were there before I had the cancer

always been to stay in San Jose until I removed, and you were waiting when I COLORED PENCILS, PAPER STAMPS PAINT, WASHABLE bought again in the city. As much as I got out. I want you to have the house.” loved my condo, it had too many bad “I don’t know what to say … thank you. memories: I was burglarized there, my I love the house. It’s home to me, too, and father passed away there, Jazzy got cancer it’s home to Skylar.” there. Plus, the neighbors were nuts. Then When we walked through the door, The Cure for El Niño Skylar needed elbow dysplasia surgery, Skylar was waiting, her beloved stuffed and soon after Kickie had breast cancer, toy Benji the Tiger in her mouth, her big Flax has so many fun things for kids, we can only begin to list so I put my plans on hold. But with my butt wiggling and her tail whipping from them. Come in, bring the children and shop until they drop! prolonged stay, Kickie had become more side to side. “Grammy loves you, Skylar,” and more dependent on me. And Skylar. Kickie said. “Come here and let me kiss I think she was even more dependent on your little blockhead.” Skylar, with whom she had developed I took Kickie’s arm. “Let’s go call Steve | FLAXART.COM a deep emotional bond. It was Skylar’s … you get to break the news that he’s FORT MASON CENTER • 415.530.3510 odd behavior that led to the discovery stuck with me and Skylar whenever we’re FMC hours: Mon–Sat 9:30am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm of Kickie’s tumor, and it was Kickie who in the city.” FLAGSHIP IN OAKLAND IS NOW OPEN! cuddled with her on the couch while I was working or running errands. E-mail: [email protected]

Marinatimes.com MARINA TIMES APRIL 2016 27 “It’s Good on the other side of Cancer.”

Upcoming Free Classes

No need to have a recommendation to attend. Spouses, friends and caregivers welcome.