16 Editor’s Note 34 A&E 24 Calendar Reynolds Rap: Michael Snyder: December Events: Our special Be a holiday angel 3 Christmas celluloid 22 holiday calendar features concerts and benefits and more, with every- Food & Wine Travel thing from Paula Poundstone to Fab Five: Classic Weekend Traveler: reindeer and many ways to ring Dungeness crab A winter getaway in in the New Year at the end of dishes 16 Squaw Valley 34 the month. 24

WWW.MARINATIMES.com Celebrating our 29th Year Volume 29 Issue 12 decEMBER 2013 2013 in review Boating billionaires, grumbling grassroots, and a crime-fighting tyke by john zipperer itself known on commercial and already when January 2013 rolled residential fronts. Residents of around, but much of the first half hen 2012 was one of the richest cities on the of the year was taken up by com- coming to a face of the planet started com- plaints about how it had under- close, you might plaining about costs of all kinds. performed, scandals and on-bay not have been And just when we were ready tragedy, and just who would end Wable to predict what was going to slap our heads in disgust, a up footing the bill for the leftover to happen in 2013. But you 5-year-old reminded us how to costs. When the finals finally got would have been safe if you make magic. underway at the end of sum- expected the new year’s events In short, it was a year that mer, even some locals who would to unravel according to San highlighted all that is stereo- rather move to Kansas than root Francisco Code. typical and irritating about San for a bunch of billionaires racing As we near the end of 2013, Francisco, as well as all that ships on the bay found them- a lot of events made our city’s is inspiring, and that makes selves caught up in the drama headlines and occupied our you proud to call the city by of the super-fast and super- conversations with friends and the bay home. Let’s revisit dangerous boats and the come- neighbors. We learned about 2013 before we break out the back of the century by Oracle’s one of the biggest sports in Champagne for 2014. team. That it all happened on the the world, and it wasn’t soc- America’s Cup: One of the old- Marina District’s front door — cer. Aaron Peskin reminded us est competitive sporting events or front dock — made it all the Pint-sized Batman Miles Scott, aka Batkid, brought a grim-faced he hadn’t gone gentle into that in the world had been under- more interesting. determination to battling evil in San Francisco and saved the day in good night. NIMBYism made way in various stages for a while 2013, continued on 4 more ways than one photo: Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area/PaulSakuma.com

@nite Bellingham by the Bay Tales of Christmas past Polka dots for Christmas by bruce bellingham the streets of San Francisco. Polka dots are an undy- Or perhaps it’s just me. I ing, capricious beauty. They t occurred to me see all sorts of things this remind me of the old fam- the other day how time of year — real or not ily photos and my mother many things from the real. “This is what I call in her polka-dot dresses, Ipast always seem to come White Toyota Syndrome,” just like the famous movie back. Mostly bad things — observed Keven Guillory, stars of the World War II T.B. ...yellow fever ... Tom with whom I worked at era — Ginger Rogers ... DeLay. Some things remain KQED radio all those years Betty Grable ... Alice Faye. incurable. But it’s not all ago. “That’s when you buy Just like the songs from that bad. I’ve noticed how polka a white Toyota, then all you time, such as, “When the dots are back in style. They notice are white Toyotas on Lights Come on All Over Artwork: S.F. artist Nidhi Chanani at www.everydayloveart.com seem to be everywhere on the roads.” bellingham, continued on 6

Have a cool yule in the city Dishing ’Tis the season by maryann lorusso sightings — don’t stick holiday shopping season around long after the holi- kicks off Dec. 7 with the Bûche de Noël: s the holidays days. So we should enjoy 23rd Annual Union Street blow into town, these ephemeral goodies Fantasy of Lights on Union 19th century French holiday so does the frantic while they’re here. Same and Fillmore streets, a fun cake makes a comeback Aholiday rush, starting right goes for the festive night- event that includes arts and after Halloween and not life that sweeps through crafts, caroling and a Santa by susan dyer reynolds ending until the last pieces San Francisco in December. visit. By now, both Union Chocolate hazelnut Bûche de Noël at B. Patisserie photo: Lexi Marine of confetti have been swept Here are some of the more and Chestnut streets are he ceremonial burning of a from the floor on New fun and festive ways to aglow with lights, meters log on winter solstice (the year’s a sweet reminder that the warmth of Year’s Day. It’s certain that enjoy your month. along Union are transformed darkest day) or, for Christians, the summer sun would return soon. in January, we’ll look back into giant candy canes, and Ton Christmas Eve, is an ancient French As the 19th century ended, however, and wonder: Where did EVERYWHERE YOU GO … validated parking and late tradition purported to date back to compact cast-iron stoves replaced the December go? Where did It’s beginning to look a shopping hours (most stores Viking times. The log was gargantuan grand fireplaces capable of holding the the year go? lot like the holidays. The won’t close until 9 p.m. on and aged in a way that allowed it to Yule log, and the tradition burned out. Many of the season’s trees are up in Union Square weekends) sweeten any visit; burn through the 12 days of Christmas Always known for their innovation, most memorable treats — and Ghirardelli Square, and additional details are avail- (Dec. 24 through Jan. 6). Often rubbed French pastry chefs developed a cake from eggnog to mistletoe, retailers are making every able at unionstreetsf.com. with spices of the season, the “Yule called bûche de Noël, which translates elf-themed parties to Santa effort to lure you in. The @nite, continued on 22 log” aroma wafted through the home, dishing, continued on 17 www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES deceMBER 2013 1 Contents TOP TEN STEAKS IN AMERICA

Osso Steakhouse — 1177 California Street, San Francisco, CA In This Issue Bobo’s — 1450 Lombard, San Francisco, CA 18 38 Peter Luger Steakhouse — 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY Bern’s Steakhouse — 1208 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL CUT — 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA Emeril’s Delmonico — 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV Mario Batali’s Carnevino — 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 22 Chicago Cut — 300 North LaSalle, Chicago, IL The Precinct — 311 Delta Avenue, Cincinnati, OH Elway’s Cherry Creek — 2500 East First Avenue, Denver, CO

Editor’s Note Arts & Entertainment Reynolds Rap Watching and reading Susan Dyer Reynolds offers some ways to Michael Snyder shares his favor- bring the holiday spirit alive for others. 3 ite Christmas films, Sharon Anderson reviews the Hotel Chelsea photography book, plus the Marina’s best sellers. 22 News Change and controversy Calendar Ernest Beyl calls for clarity in a North Beach December events battle, plus News Briefs reports on a new We’ve collected all of the holiday goings- scam, Nike’s popularity, Crissy redevelopment on to keep you entertained and stuffed snags, a Central Subway lawsuit, and a new throughout the month. 24 TEP hearing. 4 At Home Community The holiday home S.F. on the move Thalia Farshchian has party survival ideas, Supervisor Mark Farrell remembers a year Liz Farrell shares tips for getting the perfect of achievements, plus Police Blotter. 8 holiday family portrait, and Julia Strzesieski helps you survive snowy driving. 26 Street Beat PHOTOS: MISHA BRUK Real Estate Sizzling seasonal streets John Zipperer highlights the Union Street Renting, buying, and selling holiday extravaganza, and Ernest Beyl offers John Zipperer gives an overview of S.F. up his unique North Beach gift ideas. 10 real estate in 2013; Stephanie Saunders Osso Steakhouse Ahlberg unwraps holiday homes; the UpFront Mystery Housebuyer discusses unrealistic f you haven’t The stylish Art Empire Steak Building expectations; and Carole Isaacs offers tips A soldier’s last drink for winning in this market. 29 been to Osso Deco-inspired design Cut. It’s the juiciest, Ernest Beyl heads to the Top of the Mark. 12 Steakhouse yet, provides an elegant most perfectly mar- Travel Imake a reserva- yet relaxed ambiance. bled beef that has ever Business & Finance Squaw Valley tion today! There The New York Steak been set before you. All a-Twitter Garrick Ramirez finds a world-class win- ter playground. 34 is so much to love is dry-aged 4-6 weeks “It’s osso good!” Alan Silverman returns to reveal the Twitter empire has no clothes, and Susan about the place — for a flavor that is Dyer Reynolds calls a bubble in 140 char- Pets great atmosphere, nothing short of a rev- Valet Parking acters or less. 14 The gift that barks great food, great elation. For the truly Food & Wine Susan Dyer Reynolds looks at BarkBox, wine, great cocktails hearty, try the three- 1177 California at Jones the perfect gift for dog lovers, plus Skylar Dining and dishing Grey meets Jazzy’s best friend, Blue. 36 — you’ll be happy inch-thick Bone-in 415.771.6776 Fab Five digs into some Dungeness crab, you did. New York New York www.ossosteakhouse.com Tony Ching finds some Not-to-Miss Dishes ONLINE SPECIALS to share, Julie Mitchell finds delicious Fred Gehring’s holiday madness, Michael Mexican food at Sabrosa, the Tablehopper Snyder compares S.F. and L.A. at holiday time, says it’s last call at the Big 4, and Susan Patty Burness travels to Sonoma, and more Dyer Reynolds serves up her recipes for popovers and Yorkshire pudding. 16 on www.marinatimes.com.

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Publisher Managing Editor Social Media Earl Adkins John Zipperer Shelia Fox [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Editor in Chief Editor, Arts & Entertainment Designer Steven Fromtling Susan Dyer Reynolds L ynette Majer Web Designer Joe Bachman [email protected] [email protected]

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2 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Editor’s Note

Reynolds Rap The season of grace What you can do Ways to make a difference this holiday season by susan dyer reynolds too. Donate turkeys, hams, at [email protected] or or other holiday meal staples 415-343-1311. day never went individually, with your family, by that my mother or by initiating a company- Pet Food Express didn’t remind me wide donation drive where Through Dec. 29 Aof how fortunate we were you work. Cash donations go All stores to have our health, a home, a long way: For every dollar, The annual Giving Tree fun- each other, and food to eat. the food bank can distribute draiser provides toys and She got me into volunteer- $6 worth of food. They also financial aid to dozens of ing and donating at a young welcome you and your fam- Northern California shelters age: visiting home-bound ily to volunteer. Their website during the holidays. Last seniors without family; col- has a section entitled “7 Ways year, Pet Food Express raised lecting food and treats for to Give This Holiday Season”; more than $80,000 for lonely local animal rescues and learn how you can help by dogs and cats in shelters. It’s shelters; bringing toys to the visiting www.sffoodbank.org very stressful being in a shel- The right firefighter toy drives for dis- or by calling 415-282-1900. ter, and toys and treats are advantaged children. “There a great way to calm down but for the grace of God go I,” Little Brothers animals while they wait to be she used to say. “Never forget Friends of the Elderly adopted. Just buy a Kong toy mortgage how fortunate you are, and Visits: Wednesday, Dec. 25 or Zuke’s treat to donate or never stop helping those who Gift drop-off: Mon–Fri thru make a monetary donation are less fortunate.” Having Dec. 18, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at any Pet Food Express store starts with the grown up in the Bay Area, 909 Hyde Street, Ste. 628 between now and Dec. 29 where instant millionaires Little Brothers Friends (and to say thanks, Pet Food and billionaires are minted of the Elderly always needs Express will give you a cou- right people. what seems like every day, volunteers to help prepare, pon to use while shopping for I am always shocked when pack, and deliver meals and your furry family members I hear that local food banks gifts to over 800 isolated during January 2014). For have empty shelves; that there elders living with no support more information, visit www. are home-bound seniors with from friends or family who petfoodexpress.com/giving- no one to visit them; that the otherwise would be alone back/annual-giving-tree At First National Bank of Northern California, we’re firefighters don’t have enough for the holidays. Families committed to providing home mortgage solutions that are: toys for all the children who can make visits together. Tenderloin Tessie want them; or that our city Please consider a Safeway or Wednesday, Dec 25, 1–4 p.m. We get to know your needs and goals to animal shelter is struggling Walgreen’s gift card (these First Unitarian Church PERSONALIZED just to keep its doors open. will be included in the gift (Franklin & Geary Sts.) best fulfill them. Donations and volunteers bags volunteers bring for the For over 35 years, Our mortgage experts will guide you are needed for organizations Christmas Day In-Home Tenderloin Tessie Holiday PROFESSIONAL like Meals on Wheels, the San Visits event). Other non- Dinners has fed the elderly, through the entire process. Francisco Food Bank, and gender-specific gifts are also disabled, low-income fami- Animal Care and Control all welcomed (such as new small lies, the homeless, and any- We understand your time is valuable and PROMPT year round, but it’s especially fleece blankets, 2014 calen- one who doesn’t have a place work with urgency and efficiency. tough during the holidays. If dars, and unopened boxes to go on holidays, and espe- you can’t volunteer or donate, of chocolate). For more cially needs volunteers to there are small ways to make information on gift dona- help prepare and serve on a difference. For example, if tions, visit www.littlebroth Christmas. For more infor- Discover how we can help you get the right mortgage for you shop on Amazon, switch erssf.org/holiday-dona mation call Michael Gagne, your home. Visit our Marina Branch and talk to Reina Ceja, your bookmark to Amazon tions; for more on holiday 415-584-3252, or visit Branch manager. Or call 415-287-8800. Smile (www.smile.amazon. in-home visits, visit http:// www.tenderlointessie.com com). It works exactly like littlebroterssf.org/volunteer- Amazon’s regular website, for-christmas or by calling S.F. Firefighter’s Your neighborhood bank except that every time you 415-771-7957. Toy Program make a purchase, Amazon Ongoing 2197 Chestnut Street donates a portion of the pur- Meals On Wheels Any S.F. firehouse San Francisco, CA 94123 chase price to a charitable Ongoing Additional drop-off locations organization. You can choose 1375 Fairfax Ave. on Union Street thru December from nearly one million orga- (near Mendell) The San Francisco Fire- fnbnorcal.com nizations to support (I select- Meals On Wheels feeds fighters Toy Program believes ed Friends of San Francisco more than 2,000 seniors that no child should be with- Animal Care and Control), year round, and they always out a toy during the holi- and you can change your need donations and vol- day season, and donations of charity at any time. If you unteers to make this pos- new unwrapped toys are gra- want to volunteer at or donate sible. Delivery Assistant ciously accepted throughout to local charitable organiza- volunteers accompany staff the year at any San Francisco tions this holiday season, here drivers, visiting clients, firehouse. Since 1949, it has are some great ways to do it: helping with parking, and evolved from a few firefight- generally supporting drivers ers repairing broken toys San Francisco Food Bank and clients to help ensure and bikes for 15 families to Food drop-off: Mon–Fri, that each senior receives a 300 firefighters and friends 8 a.m.–3 p.m. friendly check-in along with volunteering their time to 900 Pennsylvania Ave. (at 23rd) meals. In partnership with distribute over 200,000 toys Additional food barrel locations the SF Food Bank, they also to more than 40,000 disad- citywide deliver groceries to seniors vantaged children. The Toy The San Francisco Food who have the means to Program also serves many Bank especially needs prepare some of their own community organizations, help during the holi- meals but need help with including shelters for abused days. Just weeks before this getting fresh food. Home women and children, inner- Thanksgiving, food banks Delivered Groceries volun- city schools, children’s cancer Nominated Top 5 Community Bank in the Bay Area throughout the Bay Area were teers bring these bags and wards, and pediatric AIDS by the San Francisco Business Times severely short of turkeys (the a friendly smile to seniors. units. For more information, food banks of San Francisco To become a Food Delivery call 415-777-0440 or visit The only community bank in the Marina and Marin alone were short Volunteer during the holi- www.sffirefighterstoys.org 1,800 turkeys), and they will days or any time of the likely be short for Christmas, year, contact Danie Belfield E-mail: [email protected] www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES deceMBER 2013 3 News

News Briefs Scammers, George Lucas’s Crissy plan, Nike’s popularity, Pagoda suit, TEP hearing FAKE PG&E CALLS until January to make changes to their hoped to utilize the plans of the remaining CENTRAL SUBWAY LAWSUIT The Lombard Business Merchants proposals. This has left some of the people two finalists somewhere in the Presidio. SaveNorthBeachVillage.org and Association (LBMA) warns that Marina making proposals feeling wrong-footed Lucas has said he will take his museum NoNorthBeachDig.org on Nov. 1 merchants have been targeted in a scam by the board. to Chicago if the Trust rejects it. filed a federal lawsuit against the San trying to trick them into giving credit George Lucas certainly has name rec- Francisco Municipal Transportation information. A caller claiming to be from ognition, but is it enough to win the NEW NEIGHBOR NIKE? Agency (SFMTA), attempting to stop PG&E informs the merchants that their votes of the Presidio Trust? The Trust and Sports retailer Nike’s hopes to open the use of the old Pagoda Theater as payment is due and their power will be Board members have been interviewing a new store at 2071 Union Street got a the extraction point for the boring turned off immediately if they don’t make the finalists as well as community leaders boost in November when the Union Street machines creating the tunnels for the new a payment. In an alert to LBMA mem- and residents to decide how best to devel- Association (USA) surveyed its mem- Central Subway. bers, the association’s president, Awadalla op the spot in northwest San Francisco bers and found overwhelming response Awadalla, notes that “It’s a scam” because with the spectacular view of the bay and to “Just do it.” More than 80 percent of TEP PUBLIC HEARING “PG&E usually send[s] a 7 days notice Golden Gate Bridge. the association’s respondents to the sur- The Marina Times has been report- before they turn off your power.” Lucas’ bid added to its momentum vey were in favor and only 3.2 percent ing throughout the year about SFMTA’s Anyone who receives such a call and when investor Ron Conway e-mailed the were opposed, while about 15 percent had Transit Effectiveness Project, which is thinks it might be a real PG&E com- Presidio Trust expressing his support. no opinion. working on ways to improve transporta- munication should hang up, look up There were more than 30 co-signers of Nike must get approval under San tion within the City. If you have questions PG&E’s customer service number on a his letter, including Pixar’s John Lasseter; Francisco’s Formula Retail category about the plans or are unsure if they will recent bill, and call the company directly the founders of Salesforce, Eventbrite, designed to inhibit chain stores in the affect you, SFMTA will hold an informa- to check. Yammer, and Twitter; Steve Jobs’ widow; City, and it has been going through the tional public hearing at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Joe Montana; and MC Hammer. required actions, including neighborhood Dec. 3, at City Hall (Room 400). THE STARS LINE UP FOR LUCAS Lucas would be required to make some notifications and outreach meetings. In You can also view a live feed of the The Presidio Trust surprised many in costly architectural changes, which does October, the retailer gave a presentation to hearing at www.sfgovtv.org. November when it gave all three candi- not appear to be a deal breaker. If he is a meeting of USA. USA reports that it will dates for the development of Crissy Field chosen, a Trust official stated that they be issuing a letter of support for Nike. Send news tips to [email protected]

2013 Propositions B & C, measures that officials trying to distance them- continued from page 1 would have supported a condo selves from what had seemed like project for rich people on the such a simple little thing. Again: Cost of living: Even with low waterfront that upset other rich This isn’t over. inflation, everything costs more people in waterfront condos. The Toasted: Along with real estate these days. But San Franciscans voters dealt a landslide rejection sticker shock, San Franciscans felt a mixture of bewilderment, to high-profile supporters of the found themselves in the national pride, fear, and greed this year propositions, including District 2 news when Venture Beat’s J. O’Dell as they watched housing prices Supervisor Mark Farrell as well as complained about being charged reach record levels. People who Mayor Ed Lee and former Mayor $4 for toast at The Mill. O’Dell could afford to buy a house often Gavin Newsom. Other high-rise blames the influx of well-paid tech couldn’t do so, either being outbid condo projects are certain to go workers for a situation in which by all-cash buyers or simply unable up in this hot city still in the midst “San Francisco becomes saturated to find anything in the City’s teeny of a tech gold rush, but they’ll with overpriced crap that is com- tiny inventory. Rents, parable in quality to too, began to remind less overpriced crap.” us that this is the The self-described original gold-rush Other high-rise condominium Courage Campaign town. An inacces- put its courage into sible ownership mar- projects will be built near less action and created ket, combined with a petition urging $3,500 one-bedroom well-heeled opponents. Mayor Lee to “stop rentals, plus a spike catering to the 1 in Ellis Act evictions finally led probably be built near less well- percent” and stand up for afford- some city leaders at the end of heeled opponents. ability. Yet as “Kenton Kivestu” the year to attempt to mitigate Marina Green restaurant: commented on quibb.com about the pain felt by some in the cur- The plan by the Recreation and O’Dell’s manifesto, “This seemed rent bull market. Though housing Park Department to put a sea- like an article that took 2 random prices have begun to moderate, food restaurant in the place of a facts ‘Hey, tech is hot right now!’ they remain at stratospheric levels, long-unused Naval building on and ‘This place sells $4 toast’ and making this certain to be an even the Marina Green had neighbors wrote a story out of them.” Fair bigger story in 2014. upset at the plan for alcohol- or not, the fact that it resonated 8 Washington: Look no further fueled noise near their front yards, so strongly with so many means than this Embarcadero project Marina residents fearing their that either the city will begin to The America’s Cup rode waves of hopes and criticism throughout the for an example of San Francisco’s offer affordable housing on a neighborhood would become year in San Francisco photo: courtesy 2012 Guilain Grenier/Oracle Team USA odd mix of rich people passing a new Fisherman’s Wharf, local large scale or it will find a way to as tribunes of the poor plus ref- community associations conduct- produce $3 toast. crowded Polk Street ran into the out to sell drugs and raise taxes erenda run amok plus Aaron ing damage control after first get- Pet Food Express loss: A mul- proverbial fan when local businesses or something. Then in November, Peskin trying to rule from the ting little feedback and then getting tiyear effort to bring a Pet Food and residents worried about the loss Miles Scott, a 5-year-old boy who political grave. In November, the walloped with a ton of feedback Express and a cat adoption center of parking on the busy commercial had battled leukemia since he citizens of San Francisco defeated from angry neighbors, and city to a long-empty Lombard location street. City planners adopted a bit was 18 months old, got to play was finally put to rest this year of humility and adjusted their plans Batman on the real streets of San when city planners rejected the to address as many concerns as Francisco, complete with a call for Times Travelers Machu Picchu company’s request for the second possible, so the project continues help from S.F. Police Chief Greg time, despite the endorsement of to move forward. Suhr, a ride in a cool Batmobile, city planning staff. Local opponents Shutdown: Though the federal a damsel in distress tied to a fake of the project got their way and a government’s partial shutdown bomb, an indictment against the storefront remains vacant (though was a made-in-Washington fiasco, Riddler and the Penguin from the we hear than may be changing — its effects were felt here in San federal attorney for this district, a stay tuned). “Of course we will con- Francisco and the Northside, where rescue of the Giants’ mascot, the tinue to support the animals of San even private companies catering to key to the city from Mayor Ed Francisco, but future job and tax Alcatraz tourists were forced to Lee, thanks from President Barack dollar growth from new stores will trim staff when the popular prison Obama, and the streets lined have to wait for a major change in attraction was closed. The shut- with thousands of well wishers city government.” Pet Food Express down overall made people wonder — including well-paid tech work- co-owner Michael Levy told the about Washington’s dysfunction ers, underpaid service employees, Marina Times. “We need more and the values that reign there. government staffers, and all of the legislators like Supervisor Scott Then the year righted itself with: other people in the mosaic of this Weiner who truly care about and Batkid: Hardcore conservatives city, demonstrating our real San support this city’s animals.” used to put a negative spin on “San Francisco values. Terri Thornton and husband Jeffery Roloff brought along some good read- Polk Street: A long in-develop- Francisco values,” as if everyone ing material for their visit to Machu Picchu photo: courtesy terri thornton ment plan to expand biking on in the city was a sex-crazed fiend E-mail: [email protected]

4 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES deceMBER 2013 5 News

Bellingham would be grateful. Jack’s spot-on por- continued from page 1 trait of Oscar Wilde has permanent resi- dence at O’Reilly’s Pub on Green Street in the World.” They have an indefatigable lyri- North Beach. cal bravura. Kep Rawls, the splashy doyenne of “I love to wear polka dots,” says Jane California Street, was a little nervous about Bartlett, a young attorney who was watch- a hip replacement, but she’s fine. Hep Kep ing football on the telly at McTeague’s will always be hip, and will be dancing Saloon on Polk (not polka dot) Street. better than ever. I never asked her about “Polka dots just cheer me up.” Gawd knows polka dots, but I think I’ll let it go at that. we can use some cheering up. Otherwise, I may be stooping to three-pol- By the way, there’s a great photo of Bob ka-dot journalism. Knock it off, Bruce. ... Dylan, Michael McClure, and Allen Michael Feinstein will be headlining at Ginsberg hanging in City Lights Books, his own club in the Hotel Nikko on New home of the Beats, the non-Beats, and the Year’s Eve. Over the years, Michael has post-Beats who never really wanted to be recorded some terrific tunes from the Great Beat in the first place. In the picture, Dylan American Songbook. (After all, he was the is wearing the coolest polka-dot shirt from protégé of Ira Gershwin.) One of my faves Paul Sargent’s Greenwich Village. … Gosh, is a song by Burton Lane: “I look in your nostalgia is claiming my soul. … In my days eyes, and suddenly it’s Christmas …” Yes, as a kid in the Village, I met some great Jews can celebrate the Christian holiday, people. Richie Havens was one of them. He too. Sorry to tell you, Governor Palin, but died the other day. He was a different sort there is no war on Christmas. Sure, some of musician — a black man who was also are unhappy with the commercial exploita- a folkie. He stole the show at Woodstock. tion of the holiday — and even the political Another great fixture of the Village was Lou manipulation of the holiday. But few people Reed of the Velvet Underground. He died at want to obliterate Christmas altogether, as the age of 71. The loss of Lou, a real genius, Sarah Palin suggests. She says it’s a plot is incalculable. launched by “angry atheists.” I could never I have traded the Village for the Marina, be an atheist. There are no holidays. And Pacific Heights, Nob Hill even, and the who would hate Christmas? That’s like hat- Tenderloin — part of the great San Francisco ing ice cream or the Beatles. Impossible. segmentation. Walk five blocks, and you’re Again, the soft, white holiday lights adorn in another world. I heard a tour guide on a the trees in Huntington Park. The Girls double-decker bus the other day. He advised Chorus angelically performs carols, sing- the tourists, “Always avoid the hills in San ing about mankind’s hopes and fears. The Francisco. Try to walk around them instead.” clerics and the politicos offer conciliatory Either he was kidding or, as Herb Caen words of advice on how to remain calm in would say, he is clearly “unclear on the con- a turbulent world. The gurgling fountain cept.” The Loin is an interesting territory. It with the marble turtles remains a fixed makes the rowdy East Village of New York point in an ever-changing city. Silhouetted look like Disneyland. “I love the Tenderloin,” away from the crowd and the rituals of says Herb Gold, the most famous and this night, near Sacramento Street, is that enduring writer on Russian Hill. “I lived couple I’ve noticed over the years. Showing there for a while. There were always great little decorum, I shamelessly strain to hear stories that I collected. Made a nice piece for what they say to each other. the New York Times.” … Oh yes, there are With her hand in his, she murmurs, many stories from the Tenderloin, but many “Will this be a good Christmas?” of them are not printable — certainly not “The best,” he says quietly. “When I look in for the faint-hearted. Like Calcutta, much your eyes, it’s always Christmas, my sweet.” of life in the Loin is played out in the street. “Will next year be better?” Everything is for sale. Yet, many families are “I am sure of it,” he replies. “Besides, growing in the Tenderloin, amid the mael- you’re wearing polka dots. That’s a good strom, and there is a great sense of people omen. We can’t lose now.” For All Occasions looking out for each other. Polka dots for Christmas. That’s a cheer- The people at the downtown Senior ful notion, I think to myself. The night — or Center and the kids at the Tenderloin with its music and the lights — is breezy School painted an elaborate cityscape but mild. The lantern at the entrance of the mural on O’Farrell and Jones, a terrif- Pacific Union Club creaks and groans in Just Because ic neighborhood project. The venerable the wind. Some say the spirits of broken- Christian Science Church next door soon hearted lovers haunt the park. It’s a good will be demolished to make way for con- time to be in love. I walk off Nob Hill dos, an all-too familiar San Francisco story. somewhat restored. And it’s a good time One of San Francisco’s best portrait art- to be hopeful. Hope, Maurice Kanbar ists is Jack Keating. His many faces are reminds me, is the most important thing Whether you are designing appearing at Chow Restaurant on Castro we have. I hope you have a grand holiday. ... & Market. Thanks to Jack, I now know what Pearl S. Buck looked like. I’m sure Bruce Bellingham is the author of Bellingham by a family heirloom or wish to that Ms. Buck, author of The Good Earth, the Bay. Find him at [email protected]. surprise that someone special with a one of a kind gift, A North Beach squabble boils and roils by ernest beyl with a recent Sunday piece track the long-awaited we can make it happen. detailing the beef over who Piazza St. Francis — or know readers of my is really in charge of the Poets Plaza — on that short “Sketches from a North Shrine’s Porsiuncola, a rep- stretch of Vallejo between Beach Journal” column lica of St. Francis’s chapel in Upper Grant Avenue and Iare eager for an update of the Assisi. Angela says she and Columbus envisioned by Happy Holidays! very public squabble between her self-created Knights Lawrence Ferlinghetti. that pugnacious, would-be of St. Francis are. But the The smart money is on Mother Superior of Vallejo Capuchin Franciscan Fathers St. Francis and his team. As Street — Angela Alioto — believe they are and say that I postulated in an earlier and the good Fathers of St. Francis is on their side. column, St. Francis prob- the Shrine of St. Francis of Angela has promised to ably doesn’t really care what Assisi (same street). The fist carry the squabble all the the pedestrian Piazza St. fight between Church and way to the Vatican. She Francis-Poets Plaza is called. Angela-State spilled over says she will go to Rome to Let’s go with Lawrence onto the Op-Ed pages of the talk to Pope Francis about Ferlinghetti’s Poets Plaza; St. Chronicle recently and now this. Seems like much ado Francis won’t mind. the august Chronicle reporter about very little. My hope Carl Nolte has weighed in is that this doesn’t side- E-mail: [email protected]

6 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES deceMBER 2013 7 Community

Police Blotter From the Officers of Northern Station

mumbling tone when she told them she officers soon located the vehicle and hadn’t been drinking. She told them, “I’m removed its two occupants without Crime on the beat driving home from home.” She performed incident. As the female subject exited unsatisfactorily on field sobriety tests, and the car, officers saw a key fall to the was booked at Northern Station. ground from the area of her lap; they The crimes below are a small snapshot ing offence, the subject was booked at determined that the key belonged to the of what the officers of Northern Station Northern Station. stolen car. are doing. For a more comprehensive WAKE ME WHEN WE GET THERE The driver said that she didn’t steal the list, visit www.sf-police.org; under Sunday, Sept. 22, 3:40 a.m. car; she said she was simply sitting in Compstat, there is a link to CrimeMAPS. TWO DRIVERS, 1125 Fillmore Street the driver’s seat until her friend returned TWO DUI VIOLATIONS from the liquor store. They were in the Saturday, Sept. 21, 10:57 p.m. A cab driver came into Northern Police car to smoke marijuana and hang out; she THE LIMITS OF SOVEREIGNTY and 2:35 a.m. Station to request assistance removing a said she had no idea the car was stolen. Friday, Sept. 20, 9:15 p.m. Broadway and Larkin Streets, Van drunken passenger who had passed out The officers found burglary tools, sto- Fulton and Gough Streets Ness Avenue and Chestnut Street in the rear of his cab. The officer on front len property, miscellaneous pills, and counter duty attempted to remove the marijuana in the car. They field tested the In response to a call about an “aggres- When officers arrived at the scene of a subject who was in a deep sleep in the drugs with positive results. The subjects sive” male subject trespassing in an non-injury accident, they discovered the back seat, but the subject refused to move. were booked at County jail. apartment building, officers arrived and driver at fault for causing the accident There was an overpowering smell of alco- learned that the subject had previously might have been under the influence of hol in the back of the cab. been removed from the premises but alcohol. Removing him from his vehicle, Finally successful in removing the sub- HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY continued to return and try to enter they needed to hold him up to prevent ject, the officer attempted to sit him down Tuesday, Oct. 1, 1:03 p.m. locked apartments. This had been going him from falling down. The driver was on the sidewalk, but the subject veered Fillmore and Hayes Streets on for four days. unable to perform sobriety field tests, and into the roadway and the officer had to The subject was immediately con- the officers observed numerous signs and grab him to prevent him from walking Officers pulled over a vehicle with frontational with the officers, and he symptoms of alcohol intoxication, and into moving traffic. The subject became expired registration and issued a cita- refused to show them his hands or arrested the subject. He refused to submit aggressive and took a swing at the officer. tion to the driver. The rear seat passen- submit to being handcuffed. When to a blood or breath test; he surrendered The cab driver tried to assist the officer ger told officers that he was currently the officers tried to pat search him for his license and driving privileges. He and was bitten on the arm by the subject. on probation, which allows officers to weapons, the subject began to flail his was cited and released to his nephew at Several officers arrived and assisted tak- search him and any vehicles associated arms around before the officers could Northern Station. ing the subject into custody; he was hand- with him without a warrant. The occu- get ahold of both. He began screaming, Just a few hours later, patrol officers cuffed and later booked at County Jail. pants were removed and the vehicle “I’m a Moorish sovereign citizen — I’m observed a female driver throw a lit ciga- searched. In the back seat, they found a free man,” and he lifted his legs, forc- rette into the street, a violation in itself. a removable area of the seat cushion, ing the officers to hold him up. The They pulled over the vehicle to issue a I’M JUST WAITING ON A FRIEND under which they discovered several officers finally got him handcuffed citation, and when an officer asked for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 8:47 a.m. baggies of methamphetamine. The sub- and called an ambulance to come and her California license and proof of insur- Ivy and Buchanan Streets ject told officers the drugs belonged evaluate him. ance, she handed the officer a receipt to him, and a field test of the drugs The apartment property’s security for auto repairs and said she didn’t have An Onstar employee reported the was positive. The subject was arrested. personnel signed a citizen’s arrest for her license on her. The officers smelled location of a car that had been reported During a booking search of the subject, trespassing and battery. Due to the like- a strong odor of alcohol from inside the stolen and was being tracked. Following officers found in his pockets items lihood of his repeating the trespass- vehicle, and the driver spoke in a slow the updates from the Onstar contact, commonly used by auto burglars.

Save the Marina Green! • Preserve our Open Public Shoreline • No Restaurant on the Green • No Alcohol in Public Playgrounds • No Commercialization of the Green • Raze the Degaussing Station • Prevent another Fisherman’s Wharf • Restore the Open Shoreline • Violates SF General Plan & City Charter • Keep the Marina Green Pristine • Voice Your Opposition

Call and write all Supervisors, the Mayor and the Rec & Park Commission Contact information available at www.SaveMarinaGreen.org Marina Green Restaurant Opposed By: MAYOR ED LEE, the Ronn Owens Show, KGO, January 31, 2013 MARINA CIVIC IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY OWNERS ASSN.

GAVIN NEWSOM, Lt. Governor and Former Mayor, the Ronn MARINA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Owens Show, KGO Feb 6, 2013 COALITION FOR SF NEIGHBORHOODS, comprising 48 ANGELA ALIOTO, Former Board of Supervisors President neighborhood organizations

RYAN SCOTT, Cooking with Ryan Scott, KGO, February 16, 2013 MAJORITY OF MARINA RESIDENTS

Find out more and sign our petition at www.SaveMarinaGreen.org

8 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com From Our Supervisor’s Chambers What District 2’s supervisor worked on in 2013 Looking back: the year in review by supervisor mark farrell in Pacific Heights to an outpa- Parks clubhouse in every district, With the passage of Proposition Park staff with more tools to more tient medical facility, and ultimate- add $2 million in direct children A, San Francisco is poised to effectively manage their recreation t’s difficult to believe ly sell the California Campus. I services and another $2 million in become, believe it or not, one of centers and community programs, that the New Year is almost have worked with CPMC and the workforce training programs, plus the most fiscally responsible cit- and enable organizations that serve upon us. For this month’s arti- neighborhood to ensure traffic pat- much more. ies in the nation by addressing our youth, seniors, and popula- Icle, I want to provide a “Year in terns are addressed and the Pacific Perhaps the best part of this both pension and retiree health- tions with no Internet access to Review” of the major legislative campus is renovated in coopera- was the fact that we were able care liabilities through the initia- further enhance their programs’ actions and projects that our office tion with local neighbors and the to find savings and add ser- tive process. We will wipe out San effectiveness and outcomes. prioritized in 2013. surrounding communities, and vices while still adding a record Francisco’s $4.4 billion liability in The Free Wi-Fi project is set to ensured the surrounding neigh- amount of funds into our city’s approximately 30 years, without go through the legislative process CPMC REBUILD borhoods have significant impact budget reserves to protect against requiring any additional conces- through the end of this year and After a failed attempt to approve on what type of facility ultimately the next economic downturn. sions from employees or requiring the beginning of next year, with California Pacific Medical Center’s replaces the California Campus. any reduction in benefits. We’re expected installation at the sites to (CPMC) plans to build a 555-bed HEALTH-CARE LIABILITY simply requiring strict fiscal dis- begin in the Spring of 2014. hospital at the corner of Van Ness PASSING UNANIMOUS BUDGET Thanks to the overwhelming cipline at City Hall, so that we and Geary last summer, I joined Serving as chair of the Budget & support of San Francisco’s voters, responsibly manage and plan for LOOKING AHEAD TO 2014 two of my Board of Supervisors Finance Committee was one of the we were able to pass Proposition A our City’s financial future. We have a number of big proj- colleagues and entered into about highlights this past year. In a con- this November – a charter amend- ects for next year. Topping the list five months of intense negotiations sensus-building process, the Board ment that I placed on the ballot to FREE WIFI includes legislation to foster mid- with CPMC and reached a deal in of Supervisors unanimously passed solve our city’s $4.4 billion unfund- Back in May, after over two years dle-income housing production March of this year. a balanced budget for fiscal years ed retiree health-care liability. of negotiations, I announced a gen- and address the affordability cri- In District 2, CPMC will build 2013-14 and 2014-15. Through our In November 2012, our con- erous gift from Google to provide sis San Francisco is experiencing, a brand-new, 274-bed hospital at work in the committee, we found troller’s office issued a report that free Wi-Fi to 31 parks, plazas, and enacting data-driven solutions to the former Cathedral Hill Hotel significant savings and reallocated benchmarked San Francisco’s cur- open spaces across San Francisco. solve chronic homelessness, push- site on Van Ness Avenue. This state those dollars for workforce train- rent unfunded health-care liability This will further cement San ing environmental policies that help of the art facility will be CPMC’s ing, social services, parks and open at $4.4 billion. The $4.4 billion lia- Francisco’s role as a national leader property owners make energy effi- flagship facility in San Francisco spaces, children and family ser- bility represents the future cost of in creating technologically driven cient upgrades to their homes, and and will provide incredible access vices, and infrastructure. providing retiree health-care ben- solutions to improve the quality of focusing on my re-election efforts to modern health care for all San The budget definitely reflected efits earned by current employees life for residents and visitors. to continue representing District 2 Franciscans. Construction is esti- the priorities and values of both and retirees. Like many major cit- Free Wi-Fi service will have a on the Board of Supervisors. mated to take approximately five the mayor and the Board of ies, San Francisco’s liability, which number of positive benefits and We’re extremely proud of the years, and we broke ground on the Supervisors — but most impor- breaks down to $13,487 per house- implications: it will further close work we were able to accomplish project on October 29, 2013. tantly of San Francisco. With those hold, is funded on a pay-as-you-go the digital divide in communities this year and look forward to mak- Upon completion of the savings we were able to add a half- basis out of the general fund, and where Internet access is limited, ing 2014 another successful year. Cathedral site, CPMC will con- dozen new gardeners for our city’s less than one percent of the $4.4 increase government efficiency Happy holidays to you and vert the existing Pacific Campus parks, open a new Recreation and billion tab has been saved. by providing our Recreation and your family! Seasons Greetings from the members of the Marina Merchants Association

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday!

Thank you for shopping the Marina and visit our website at www.themarinasf.com for holiday deals and events.

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES deceMBER 2013 9 Street Beat

Northsider Ending the year on a high note

Spa Radiance shows off its renovated reception area photo: lance skundrich

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Sat., Dec 7th ~ 3pm-7pm Light ’em up FREE Entertainment Throughout Union Street! *Carriage & Pony Rides *Face Painting *Jugglers *Singers *Balloon Animals *Meet the Snow Queen *Cupcake Decorating *Costumed Characters by john zipperer holiday sweater and see sic Parisian buildings that SANTA Arrives At 5:30 pm ~ 2071 Union Street what happens!” have been quietly coaxed Bring a Toy & Benefit SF Firefighters Toy Program! HOLIDAY UNION Oh, and did we men- into the 21st century,” adds STREET TREATS tion the biggest Christmas Umansky. “I loved that they UGLY/CREATIVE SWEATER CONTEST, Sat. Dec. 21, 2-4pm, 2071 Union St. In some climes, December gift of all in San Francisco? maintained the original, FANTASY OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION THROUGH DECEMBER holidays are a time for snow- “Validated parking.” intricate crown molding, *Caroling Stroll, Sat. Dec. 21, 1pm at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, 2325 Union St! men and snow forts — snow but subtly painted over it, *Bring Food & Warm Coats to 2071 Union St! being the operative ele- UNION STREET HELPING creating a seamless look. *Donations accepted for Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund! ment. But in San Francisco’s TYPHOON VICTIMS That’s the kind of soothing *Merchant Open House Fri & Sat Evenings & Validated Parking! *Visit the Online Union Street Holiday Calendar to see daily activities, specials and treats! Northside, we’re spared the Hats off to the Union space I wanted to replicate *Receive Union Street Holiday Dollars from Santa and his Elf Saturdays, 1-4! cold fluffy stuff and instead Street Association. At its for my clients.” *Enjoy Shopping and Dining Under the Sparkling Holiday Lights! highlight Christmas and Holiday House, your fam- In the early 1970s, the UnionStreetSF.com ~ SRESproductions.com ~ 800-310-6563 other end-of-year holidays ily can help the victims mother-daughter business- Presented by The Union Street Association with beautiful light shows of the Philippines’ recent women immigrated to the on display at homes and Typhoon Haiyan: Children United States from Russia, businesses. Union Street can place a star on their where they had learned has been hard at work mak- Wishing Tree when making natural skin care tech- ing plans to take its annual a donation to the Philippine niques “under the watch- display of lighted buildings Typhoon Relief Fund. Every ful eyes of Grandmother to the next level this year. weekend before Christmas, Rose.” Since opening up Head over to Union Street on Holiday House will serve their San Francisco busi- Dec. 7 from 3–7 p.m. for the free refreshments and hold ness first in downtown in kickoff of the 23rd Annual activities for children from 1976 and then moving it Union Street Fantasy of noon until 5 p.m. to the Marina in 1997, the Lights celebration. company has been able In addition to appear- SANTA’S NOT ON TWITTER to boast such clients as ances by Santa Claus and Have your children Michelle Pfeiffer, Rosario his helpful elves, there will checked out Santa’s bright Dawson, Mary J. Blige, and be jugglers, ponies gussied red North Pole Express Sharon Stone. up as reindeer, face painters, Mailbox in front of Jest balloon artists, costumed Jewels on Union Street? SINGING IN THE characters, singers, and Santa gets very busy at this RINGING SEASON other live entertainment. time of year so send your As the middle of the From 3–5 p.m., you can letters now. month approaches, you’ll decorate a cupcake at the Jest Jewels tells us that probably find work getting Cudworth mansion (2040 their Polar Express delivery a little slacker but your per- Union St.), but you’ll want sleigh will make sure to get sonal schedule getting ever- to be sure to be finished all notes to Santa delivered heavier with all the holiday (and have wiped the frost- on time. parties and gift shopping. If ing off your face) by 5:30 you can fit one more item when Santa arrives and sits EVEN SPAS GET onto your calendar, you for photos until 7 p.m. SPA TREATMENTS might find it’s a nice way to And in classic holiday Spa Radiance is tout- meet people and to lower spirit, Union Street busi- ing its makeover 16 years your blood pressure. You nesses are asking people after arriving in the Marina. can join the holiday carol- to join them by bringing ““It was scary, because we lers who will be walking donations to their Holiday had become such a skin- up and down Union Street House (2071 Union St.). care staple in downtown singing holiday tunes. If Used but good-shape coats and the Marina was still an you’re interested, meet at St. for the One Warm Coat up-and-coming neighbor- Mary the Virgin Episcopal program, canned and pack- hood, but it’s been great,” Church (2325 Union Street, aged food for the S.F. Food says Angelina Umansky, Spa at Steiner) at 1 p.m. on Dec. Bank, and new unwrapped Radiance’s co-owner with 21. Carollers will return toys for the S.F. Firefighters her mother, Galina Rovner. to St. Mary afterward for Toy Program are all sought. They tapped Jay Jeffers refreshments. In addition to seasonal Design Group to head up specials in the stores and a major renovation of its OVERHEARD ON streetwide activities, the 3,500 square foot Victorian THE ROOFTOPS Union Street Association at 3011 Fillmore Street, just Large man in red velvet: is holding its first Ugly/ steps from Union Street. “Ho, ho, ho!” Creative Holiday Sweater “Every year, I travel to Event. They urge you to France to train with best-in- Got any tips for Northsider? “wear your craziest, zani- class estheticians in these E-mail: [email protected] est, or just plain unlikable beautiful, distinctively clas-

10 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Sketches from a North Beach Journal Italian sausage, an antique map or a marching band

by ernest beyl Ron Spinali and son Michael turn them out on a hand-operated sausage maker. Little ecause the year-end holidays are City has several types. All are made with approaching, I want to make a few pork shoulder. Not trimmed ends of this and gift suggestions from North Beach. that. The Sicilian sausage has fennel, salt and BSo here is Ernesto’s Gift Guide — a sketchy pepper, and some white wine. Calabrese is compilation of esoteric, off-the-wall gifts for a hot one with crushed chili peppers, garlic, you to give yourself or your best friend. nutmeg, and fennel. The Spinalis also sell a sausage called Puccini, a Northern Italian- PET COLUMBARIUM style sausage popular in Lucca. It’s made from Consider booking a niche for your dog or a proprietary recipe from the collection of your buddy’s cat in the Pet Columbarium at Graziano Lucchesi of Caffe Puccini, around the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi on the corner on Columbus. There’s also a Green Vallejo. You will recall that St. Francis was Street sausage that honors that North Beach an animal lover. And each year on Oct. 4, street where Ron Spinali’s father first opened Feast Day of St. Francis, the church conducts his butcher shop in 1941. This one is made the Blessing of the Animals — all kinds of with Jalapeño peppers, Anaheim chilies, gar- animals, including police department horses. lic, and chopped red and yellow sweet pep- The Pet Columbarium is a new venture for St. pers. And, of course, Ron and Mike make a Francis’s National Shrine. Contact Fr. Snider, Christmas sausage. It’s basically their Sicilian Rector, who will explain. National Shrine of Sausage with provolone cheese, garlic, and St. Francis of Assisi, 610 Vallejo Street (at chopped parsley. Little City Market, 1400 Columbus), 415-986-4557, www.shrinesf.org Stockton Street (at Vallejo), 415-986-2601

A MARCHING BAND MAMA’S ON I’m a big fan of the WASHINGTON Green Street Mortuary SQUARE Marching Band. Here’s How about a cash a resounding gift idea: gift of $50 to a friend Hire the band to play who will stand in line at your wedding — or for you at 50-year- your funeral, which- old Mama’s on ever comes first. Get Washington Square so in touch with band you don’t have to? If boss Lisa Pollard at the stand-in gets there [email protected]. early enough, you can have your choice GINSBERG’S HOWL of one of 10 omelets Upstairs at City for breakfast. If not, Lights Booksellers you may be in time and Publishers is a for lunch of a Monte vast repository of Beat Cristo sandwich. Generation litera- Either way it works. A gilee poster by John Mattos available ture. A copy of Allen at Piccolo Press photo: ernest beyl Mama’s, 1701 Stockton Ginsberg’s Howl or Street (at Filbert), 415- Kaddish makes a fine gift for a latter-day 362-6421, www.mamas-sf.com Beat wannabe. City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Street (at Broadway), 415-362- BORDELLO MAP 8193, www.citylights.com Hoping to be included in a distant uncle’s last will and testament? Get into Schein & TANTE MARIE’S Schein on Upper Grant and take a look at Offer your pal an opportunity to attend the antique maps and prints. Perhaps that “Basic Pastry Camp” — a weeklong course at uncle would like a rare, nineteenth century Tante Marie’s. This is the North Beach cook- map of San Francisco bordellos. Jimmy ing school started by the tireless Mary Risley Schein has one. Schein & Schein, 1435 back in 1979. Your newly empowered friend Grant Avenue (near Union), 415-399-8882, will smother you with cupcakes, fruit tarts, www.scheinandschein.com pies, and other sweet stuff. Tante Marie’s Cooking School, 271 Francisco Street (near LIVE WORMS Bellair), 415-788-6699, www.tantemarie.com Live Worms is artist Kevin Brown’s gal- lery and painting studio on Upper Grant. PICCOLO PRESS Kevin’s abstracts — oils and acrylics — A flyer from Piccolo Press, operated by fetch fair prices, and his work is not only Laura Sample-Mattos, advises us of holiday shown at Live Worms, but has been dis- festivities and gifts at this tiny North Beach played in one-man and group shows here printing shop and gallery. I stopped in the in the United States and in Europe. I would Since 1928 other afternoon to eyeball some unusual hol- be delighted if someone gave me a Kevin iday gifts. Perhaps the handsomest of these Brown painting as a present. And, if you are signed gilee posters by Laura’s spouse, the don’t know why his gallery is called Live highly acclaimed John Mattos. They are stun- Worms, drop in and he’ll tell you. Live ning. Laura is also featuring some handmade Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Avenue (near drink coasters with the theme Noel. She has Green), 415-307-1222, www.sfliveworms coasters called No-L — that show the English gallery.com alphabet without (you guessed it) the L. Some of us print devotees go to Piccolo Press just FERLINGHETTI PLAZA to look at the antique platen hand press on Make a major donation in your name which Laura prints her gift cards. Piccolo to the Piazza St. Francis: Poets Plaza. I Press, 703 Columbus Avenue, 415-933-3035, insist upon calling this project Lawrence piccolo-press.com. Ferlinghetti Plaza because it was his idea. 659 Merchant Street (off Kearny) I’m sure St. Francis won’t mind. He has ITALIAN SAUSAGE enough stuff named after him, including a www.alfredssteakhouse.com • 415.781.7058 I can think of no better holiday present city. Get in touch with www.poetsplaza.org. Complimentary 3-Hour Self-Parking at the Hilton Hotel's Public Parking Garage With Dinner Purchase than a dozen or so Italian sausages from (entrace on Washington past Montgomery) Little City Market on Stockton. Proprietors E-mail: [email protected]

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 11 Up Front

The Back Story The Top of the Mark

The Mark Hopkins offers several tea parties over the holiday season photos: courtesy the intercontinental hotel mark hopkins A holiday tea party and a dear john letter

by ernest beyl heard my name shouted at mail call. On that day, I got The Letter, the famous he other day I was invited “Dear John” letter. The girlfriend was to a tea party. Now, I don’t usu- getting married to some other guy from ally go to tea parties — not my cup her high school class. I got over it. When Tof tea, I am emboldened to add. As you I returned from the Pacific, I went back may know, I’m more of a saloonist than to the Mark Hopkins, took the elevator a teapartyist. But because this particular up to the Top of the Mark, and had a tea party was going to be at the Top of the couple of big ones. Mark, 19 floors up in the Mark Hopkins Hotel, I decided to attend and to engage in some serious reminiscence. Servicemen going overseas In 1946, I went to the Top of the Mark with my girlfriend considered it a right the day before I shipped out for Okinawa as a private in of passage to have drinks at the Marine Corp. In those the Top of the Mark. days, servicemen going over- seas from San Francisco to the Pacific theater considered it a rite of THE MANSIONS OF NOB HILL passage to have drinks at the Top of the The history of the landmark Mark Mark with their sweethearts — newly Hopkins Hotel on the crest of Nob Hill found or steady — and look out at the is another of those San Francisco Gold Golden Gate. Rush tales we all love. Mark Hopkins was one of the founders of the Central DEAR JOHN Pacific Railroad that helped stitch trade Three months after my Top of the and commerce from the East Coast out Mark date with my girlfriend — after to the wild, Wild West. Hopkins, an chasing down scared Japanese soldiers opportunistic merchant, left New York who had refused to surrender and were City by ship in 1849 and sailed around hiding out in the north end of the island Cape Horn to San Francisco. He became and giving us the illusion of war — I one of the so-called Big Four along with Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, and Collis Huntington. The Big Four became conspic- uously wealthy beyond their dreams and built mansions on Nob Hill. The ornate Hopkins mansion survived its owner, who died in 1878. The building made it through the 1906 earth- quake but burned to the ground in the fire that followed. And in 1926 mining engineer and hotel investor George D. Smith, opened the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Famed San Francisco money- man Lou Lurie bought it in 1962, and the InterContinental Hotels Group bought it in 1973. 12 - 100 It now has landmark status as one of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The VALET PARKING hotel certainly provides historic perspective to the life of a cer- The view from the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel back story, continued on 13

12 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Back Story continued from page 12 JUST SOLD tain callow youth who shipped out after sipping a few gin fizzes with his high 501 MARINA BLVD. school sweetheart. GRAND SCALE RENOVATED HOME

TEA AT THE TOP $5,250,000 Oh yes! The tea party. This grand scale renovated Marina home Each year the iconic hotel celebrates consists of 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, the holidays with a series of events, and 2 half bathrooms and showcases including special Thanksgiving and sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Christmas dinners, holiday brunches, the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Marina Green. buffets, and tea parties. The tea party I attended was a press event to kick off the holiday season, which at the Mark If you are thinking of selling, please Hopkins started late last month and will contact David Bellings for an individually run through New Year’s Day 2014. We were all there with our notebooks to road customized marketing plan that will yield test the Holiday Tea Party at the Top of the highest price for your home. the Mark. It’s an adult kind of tea party, and Champagne is available to get mer- rymakers merry. Fifty bucks per person with all the champagne you can drink. The hotel’s executive chef, a European trained Serbian, Nenad Stefanovic, was there to ease our way through the tea sandwiches, French pastries and English scones served with Devonshire cream, fresh preserves and lemon curd. There are eight different types of tea. There’s a kid’s tea party, too — scratch the Champagne. And that’s 40 bucks per kid.

SQUEEZING AT THE BAR A young Sri Lankan woman, Nelum 165 ALHAMBRA ST. 3244 BRODERICK ST. Gunewardane, dropped by our table, and Buyer represented by David Bellings we got to talking about the old days. That is, I got to talking about the old days and she graciously played along. You know DAVIDBELLINGS.com you’re a senior kind of guy when the G.M. of a leading San Francisco hotel is a COLDWELL BANKER’S #1 INDIVIDUAL AGENT IN SAN FRANCISCO good-looking youngster from Sri Lanka. #1 AGENT | BROKER | ATTORNEY | INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED IN TOP 1% “Where’s the bar?” I asked her, slipping 3121 L aguna S treet, S F, CA 94123 • BRE# 00877838 back in time a bit. 415.447.1600 [email protected] She said it was around the corner behind a huge, mirrored, floor-to-ceiling wall. I excused myself and got up to look. Sure enough, there was an eight- stool bar. No G.I.s, but a few tea-party fugitives. I took a drinks menu and went back to the tea party. In the old days, I told Ms. Gunewardane, there was a huge oval bar right in the center of the room. Officers and enlist- ed men rubbed shoulders at this bar, squeezing their sweethearts and pointing out the Golden Gate Bridge. That was then. This is now.

100 MARTINIS Later I scanned the drinks menu. The “cocktail program” — as most new bars are proclaiming boastfully now — offers 100 martinis. Each one, no matter what

The history of the landmark Mark Hopkins Hotel is another of those Gold Rush tales we all love. the brand, is 14 bucks. On the rocks or straight up. What a wonderful world. I thought it was a great tea party, and you can quote me. Contact the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel for details about their fine holiday activi- ties (888-424-6835, www.intercontinen talmarkhopkins.com). But I spent most of my time looking out the windows to the Golden Gate and thinking about that “Dear John” letter.

Our columnist invites Dear John Letter recip- ients to meet at the Top of the Mark after the holidays and get to work on those 100 martinis. E-mail: [email protected]. www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 13 Business & Finance

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he hysteria sur- million in the first half of were higher in many cases OBUJPOXJEF rounding the recent 2013, but net losses were than what those stocks now IPO of today’s social nearly $70 million. Though publicly trade for. Maybe Tmedia darling Twitter sent it might seem like everyone someday, Facebook, Zynga, Stop paying for something chills through my Silicon is tweeting what they ate for Yelp, and Twitter will make that should be free! Valley born-and-bred bones. breakfast, in reality Twitter more money than Tiffany, It’s easy to join Golden 1 and I worked at Apple through has just 200 million active General Mills, and Apple; open an account. Apply today at college and full time for sev- users (by comparison, yes- then again, they could go our Marina Branch located at eral years. At the risk of dat- terday’s social media dar- the way of MySpace and 2298 Lombard Street. ing myself, it was still called ling, Facebook, has more eToys.com. Apple Computer then, and than 1 billion active users). In 2005, News Corp. paid it was common to see Steve None of this, however, nearly $600 million for Jobs wandering the halls seemed to worry mom-and- MySpace, which back then and poking his head into pop investors, who drove had more page views than meetings in rooms named Twitter shares as high as $50 Google. It was touted by after Star Wars characters. on the first day of trading. M&A expert Tom Taulli as Jobs shared a belief with At that price, Twitter was “one of the best acquisitions Federally insured by NCUA. the leaders of most success- valued at more than General ever” in a Businessweek * Fees apply for expedited payments. ful companies: If you build Mills, the 137-year-old cor- article that also suggested something great, they will poration with a portfolio of MySpace would grow by come — more specifically, more than 100 top-selling 20 percent per year. Unlike if you build a great product, U.S. brands, including Betty Twitter, Yelp, and Zynga, they will buy. Jobs was cer- Crocker, Yoplait, Pillsbury, MySpace was profitable, tainly correct about Apple, Green Giant, Cheerios, and but that changed quickly which has gone from a small Häagen-Dazs. In September when fickle users moved niche computer company to of this year, General Mills on to Facebook and Twitter. the second most valuable announced earnings for the In 2011, News Corp. sold company in the world by first quarter of fiscal 2014: MySpace for around $35 creating innovative prod- an 8 percent growth in net million, far below the $100 ucts that people didn’t even sales for a total of $4.4 bil- million it had hoped for, know they needed, and now, lion. General Mills also pays and less than 5 percent of its it seems, can’t live without. a dividend, which investors peak valuation. It’s not rocket science have received without inter- In 1999, eToys.com was to conclude that the most ruption for 114 years; the flying high and so was its successful companies make current payout is 38 cents stock. At $84.25 a share, the something tangible. Take, per share, a yield of a little company had an $8 billion for example, Tiffany and more than 3 percent. valuation — more than its Co., the 176-year-old creator I always believed in largest bricks-and-mortar of the world’s most coveted Apple, and I still do. That’s competitor, Toy “R” Us. Not diamond jewelry. In August why I held onto my stock, unlike most social media of 2013, Tiffany reported in adding to my position over companies, eToys spent a lot its second quarter a 16 per- the years during splits and of money to grow its busi- cent rise in year-over-year dips. A few years ago I start- ness and to stay relevant, profit and net income of ed getting calls from sec- racking up nearly $250 mil- $107 million. At its current ondary market companies lion in debt before going share price, which hovers in wanting to sell me shares bust in 2001. Toys “R” Us the $83 range, Tiffany also privately held by employ- also went through some pays a quarterly dividend ees at fledgling startups tough times, even taking of 1.65 percent, or $1.36 like Facebook, Zynga, itself private seven years ago. per share. Tiffany’s market Yelp, and Twitter looking This past May they pulled cap is $10.55 billion dol- to make some quick cash. plans for an IPO, citing rea- lars — about half Twitter’s “You could sell some Apple sons including a drop in current market cap. That shares,” one guy suggested. net sales. Not that they’re might not be so scary if “Apple is turning into a broke — in its most recent Twitter was raking in prof- value company; it’s boring. earnings report, the nation’s its from selling your private These social media compa- number-one toy chain information to advertisers nies are the future.” I had to reported net sales of $2.4 via Tweets the way Tiffany laugh. That’s what brokers billion. That may sound like is raking them in from were telling me in the late pocket change compared to selling you its spectacu- nineties about the dot-com the record $7.5 billion profit lar diamonds, but Twitter, startups, and we all know on $37.5 billion in sales that in fact, has never made a how that turned out. Like Apple announced during its profit. In its recent IPO fil- the last bubble, I made the most recent earnings call, ing, the seven-year-old San right decision: Apple is up but it’s still more than Yelp, Francisco-based startup more than $300 a share and, Twitter, and Zynga have ever revealed what most social like most “value stocks,” made — combined. media companies revealed started paying a dividend; before their IPOs: They’re on the other hand, the pric- E-mail: [email protected]

14 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Finance When you wish upon a star-struck market All that twitters isn’t gold Uniquely Dr. Evan Ransom is a specialist in facial cosmetic and reconstructive by alan silverman find many more customers and/or find a surgery with expertise in the following procedures (partial list): way of generating much more revenue from - facelift, eyelid lift, brow or forehead lift and midface lift n March 10, 1876, Alexander the existing customers. The discussions in - fat grafting or revolumization Graham Bell made the first tele- the SEC filings about sources of revenue - cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty phone call — to his assistant are a little vague. If the company is only - reconstruction of complex defects resulting from Mohs surgery Oin the adjoining room — uttering the able to generate the existing revenue per immortal words, “Mr. Watson, come customer, then the professor’s prediction - non-surgical treatments, including injectable fillers, here, I want to see you.” On May 13, would require Twitter to have about 2.75 neuromodulators, chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser procedures 1897, Guglielmo Marconi sent the first billion customers by the end of 2023. Now radio transmission across six kilometers the United States Census Bureau predicts His philosophy is to preserve the individual identity of his patients while of open sea, transmitting the equally stir- the world population in 2023 to be about helping them look and feel better, more vibrant and more confident. ring words, “Are you ready?” On March 7.75 billion, so Twitter will have to capture 21, 2006, at 9:50 p.m. Pacific Standard as customers about one third of the entire ActUAL ReSULtS Time, Jack Dorsey sent the very first tweet population of the earth — including remote BeFORe AFteR BeFORe AFteR BeFORe AFteR containing the even more memorable places with high birth rates and no cell phrase, “just setting up my twttr.” (The phone service (perhaps that is why the birth more observant reader might notice that rate is so high — with no cell phones, what the English language has evolved in the else is there to do?) last 125 years to dispense with such frivo- Professor Sundaram talked of growth lous items as capital letters, punctuation rates and future cash flows but offered marks, and superfluous vowels — and is little guidance about profits or from Facelift& Fractional cO2 Laser Lower eyelid Lift Rhinoplasty limited to thoughts profound enough to where those profits might arise. In fact, be expressed in 140 characters). the official offering document filed with Twitter had an initial public offering of the SEC also offers a lot of hope but not How can we help you look and feel better? its stock in November, and the great rev- much substance in this regard. The key erence accorded to it by financial press measure of potential revenue and profit is Schedule a consultation today! would encourage one to believe that is an described by Twitter as “the total number innovation as great as the telephone, the of timeline views per monthly active user Mention this ad and receive radio, and perhaps even sliced bread. It is (MAU).” I will attempt to translate that hard to argue that Twitter has not made into English for those readers who went 10% OFF a significant impact on large sections to school when English was still being any service performed. of our society. By June 2013, there were taught. A timeline view is the long stream (limit one per new patient only) over 200 million Twitter users active of tweets showing all those you have cho- each month, of which almost 170 million sen to follow when you log on to Twitter. were outside the United States The company believes that “timeline 415-550-1077 When U.S. forces raided Osama bin views per MAU” is a measure of “user Laden’s compound in Pakistan, the first engagement,” which is defined in the SEC SanFranciscoFacialPlasticSurgery.com report to reach the West did not come offering document as the “measure of our 450 Sutter St., Suite 2200 from CNN, the BBC, or the Associated ability to monetize our platform,” That is facebook.com/SFplasticsurgery San Francisco, CA 94108 Press. It came via Twitter from a resident IPO-speak for eventually making a profit. of Abbottabad. President Obama used In the three months ending June 2013, Twitter to declare victory in the 2012 this advertising revenue per timeline view presidential election. Some have suggest- was $2.17 in the United States and 30 ed that he should have used Twitter as cents in the rest of the world. With 85 per- a platform for people to sign up for the cent of the active users outside the United Affordable Health Care Act. States, that yields a weighted average of There were critics of the Twitter IPO only 80 cents. process who said that the stock offering So why am I going on about this? The was not to the public but to a very select point is that the initial price of the stock group of people and companies — unlike does not represent the intrinsic value the Google IPO, which used a Dutch of the underlying business of the com- auction method, resulting in a broader pany, but merely the value of being an distribution of shares. The initial share early owner of the stock of the company. price of $45.10 The company gave Twitter a itself stated “We company valua- do not antici- tion of over $25 The initial stock price pate declaring billion. Sales any dividends revenue for 2012 does not represent the in the foresee- was nearly $317 intrinsic value of the able future. million, almost Consequently, double the pre- underlying business. investors may vious year. The need to rely on only fly in this ointment is that Twitter sales of their common stock after price has yet to make a profit. The company appreciation, which may never occur, as reported losses of $164 million in 2011, the only way to realize any future gains $79 million in 2012 and $69 million in on their investment.” the first six months of 2013. In a letter to Berkshire Hathaway share- Shortly prior to the IPO, The Wall Street holders in 2000, Warren Buffett said “The Journal interviewed Anant Sundaram, a line separating investment and specula- professor at the Tuck School of Business tion, which is never bright and clear, at Dartmouth. He stated that even with a becomes blurred still further when most valuation as modest as $8 billion (about market participants have recently enjoyed one third of the actual first day valuation), triumphs. Nothing sedates rationality like Twitter would need to grow revenues at a large doses of effortless money. After a compound growth rate of 30 percent per heady experience of that kind, normally year for the next 10 years. Even at that sensible people drift into behavior akin growth rate, he estimated that 70 percent to that of Cinderella at the ball. They of the initial offering price would be attrib- know that overstaying the festivities will utable to cash flows extending way beyond eventually bring on pumpkins and mice. the year 2024. Positive cash flow is what But they nevertheless hate to miss a single you get when you actually make a profit, minute. They all plan to leave just sec- so Professor Sandaram expects that Twitter onds before midnight. There’s a problem will eventually find a way to have revenue though — they are dancing in a room in exceed expenses. which the clocks have no hands.” If we assume that Professor Sandaram is correct, it would appear that Twitter must E-mail: [email protected]

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 15 Food & Wine

Brunch Across the Bay… Fab Five Get cracking Five classic ways to enjoy Dungeness crab

susan dyer reynolds CRAB LOUIE: FISHER- CRAB ALFREDO: MEN’S GROTTO NO. 9 THE FRANCISCAN ith Dungeness Pier 45 (at Taylor), CRAB RESTAURANT crab season 415-673-7025, Pier 43½ (at The kicking off last www.fishermensgrotto.com Embarcadero), Wmonth and people look- People rave about the 415-362-7733, ing for places to take out- crab salad at Swan Oyster www.franciscanrestaurant.com of-town holiday guests Depot, but for $24.50, all There are myriad ways to enjoy one of our great you get is some crab on a big to enjoy Dungeness at the local treasures, I decided pile of lettuce — that’s not a Franciscan Crab Restaurant t’s time to head over ning with oysters or sizzling to share five of my favor- Louis. When I want a truly (hence the name), from ite classic whole roast- to Sausalito for a week- iron-skillet roasted mussels, preparations ed in secret end brunch. Salito’s Crab shrimp and crab and move around the garlic sauce IHouse & Prime Rib is the ideal to specialties such as a crab Northside. to tucked I love crab inside enchi- destination that’s just minutes enchilada, fresh fish or prime piled on a ladas, but my from the city. For $9.95 you can rib. Sweets have their own Louis salad, favorite dish simmering is the crab get three eggs with bacon and category with freshly made in cioppino, Alfredo, spicy sausage and iron skillet beignets, Tortuga Caribbean Chinese a gener- open face omelets all come with rum cake and salted caramel fried, tossed ous heap of with pasta, crab meat house made kettle toasted bread. vanilla crunch cake. or, best of all, (includ- Specialties Salito’s is straight from ing chunky the steaming legs) tossed include bacon fresh, bright What’s your crab of choice? photo: rob_rob2001 / flickr pots at his- in a creamy, b r u s c h e t t a It’s the perfect get- and full of toric Fisherman’s Wharf. classic crab Louie, I always buttery sauce that’s lighter benedict and casual ambi- There’s no place in San head to the Grotto, the only than expected, allowing the away on a foggy city Francisco where the crab restaurant I’ve found where crustacean to shine. The crab benedict, ence. Large, is fresher and comes with you have to dig through Franciscan also offers one served with day. You can take multi-leveled views (and most places the crab to find the lettuce. of the best prix-fixe menus crispy potato- the ferry and pretend decks over- offer free two-hour vali- Over half a pound of fresh- around — $29.95 for a cup dated parking), so it’s no picked Dungeness is piled of clam chowder or a house litos and toast. you’re on vacation in look the water coincidence that three on a bed of crisp iceberg salad, an entrée and dessert There are and the beau- of my five picks are at lettuce and garnished with (luscious house-made “kus- other options a faraway village. At ty of the area the Wharf. hard-boiled egg, tomato, tard” ice cream) — and crab black olives, and beets cut Alfredo is one of the entrée and if you start least for a day! is absolutely FRESH CRAB: ALIOTO- into little stars. My ritual choices. If you haven’t been with a chili breathtaking. LAZIO FISH COMPANY begins with a squeeze of to the Franciscan in a long 440 Jefferson Street (at fresh lemon over the crab- time, the multimillion-dol- mary, a blood orange mimosa It’s the perfect getaway on a Hyde), 888-673-5868, meat followed by a generous lar renovation provides a or a peach bellini, you will think foggy city day. You can take www.crabonline.com drizzle of the rich and thick, stunning setting to check you are truly on vacation. the ferry and pretend you’re on You can’t beat crab sweet and tangy house- out the multimillion- straight from the steam- made dressing. dollar views. If you’re not in the mood vacation in a faraway village. ing pots at the Wharf for breakfast, the full menu is At least for a day! Sitting on served in all its sweet, CRAB CIOPPINO: Crab in salted egg yolk naked glory or with SOTTO MARE batter: R&G Lounge offered as well with a selec- beautiful Richardson Bay, the just a squeeze of lemon 552 Green Street (near 631 Kearney (at Commercial tion of cheeses and salumi blue sky and sparkling water (and maybe a quick dip Columbus), 415-398-3181, Alley), 415-982-7877, with kettle bread to a full- are the perfect setting for an in some melted butter). www.sottomaresf.com www.rnglounge.com Sisters Annette Traverso Gigi Fiorucci’s signa- R&G has long been blown feast of whole roasted afternoon or evening of cock- and Angela Cincotta ture crab cioppino is so regarded as one of the Bay Dungeness crab and prime tails and dining al fresco. are the third generation legendary that the highly Area’s best Chinese res- rib. The menu is accessible. Brunch is served on the week- operating the Alioto- regarded national food taurants. They’re famous Lazio Fish Company, a magazine Saveur featured for salt and pepper crab, It’s simple food, well-sourced, ends beginning at 10:00 am. woman-owned business the recipe on its laud- but fellow Marina Times abundant and comforting that has been located on ed pages. Fellow Marina food writer Tony Ching Fisherman’s Wharf for Times food writer Ernie says you can get that ver- yet sumptuous. 1200 Bridgeway, Sausalito over 70 years. One of the Beyl said of it in his 2010 sion done well at a num- You can craft your din- 415.331.3226 last family owned and Northside San Francisco ber of places (including ing experience by begin- salitoscrabhouse.com operated fishing com- magazine review: “It Thanh Long, their sister panies in San Francisco, was exceptional, a bril- restaurant, Crustacean, Alioto-Lazio serves the liant rendition of an old and PPQ Dungeness freshest, most succulent San Francisco standby, Island). When Tony heads Dungeness crab on the served in a large silver to R&G, it’s for salted planet sold live, whole bowl with a lid. In a pun- egg yolk Dungeness crab. cooked, or cleaned and gent, tomatoey broth Salted eggs are an Asian cracked. They also ship were Dungeness crab legs delicacy (they’re also their crustaceans over- and body meat lurking used to make mooncakes night almost anywhere in their gelatinous shells, during the Mid-Autumn (a great gift idea for calamari, shrimp, clams, Festival). An egg (usually those hard-to-buy-for mussels, and even a few duck) is brined, rendering relatives). If you haven’t penne pasta. It’s the hot- the white intensely salty had crab from the first test item on the menu and and leaving the yolk with a ladies of the Wharf, perhaps the most satisfy- subtler salinity and bright you’re missing one of ing.” I couldn’t have said it orange hue. At R&G, they San Francisco’s greatest better — in fact, I believe use the yolk to make a gastronomic pleasures, Sotto Mare has the best batter in which they dip as well as a part of the rendition of cioppino in the crab and then fry it. ADVERTISEMENT. history that makes this town (and yes, it’s better city unique. than Tadich Grill’s). E-mail: [email protected]

16 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com It’s Crab Season…

he tourists have Things are quieter now that left for home and fall is finally here so parking is the Franciscan Crab easier and more plentiful. You Top: B. Patisserie’s modern interpretations of the Bûche de Noël; Bottom: Le Marais Bakery’s traditional Bûche de Noël b. patisserie photos: Lexi Marine TRestaurant is the best place can grab a banquette and look Dishing chocolate and salted caramel (flourless to “get your crab on!” It’s all out the twenty foot windows continued from page 1 chocolate biscuit filled with Four Barrel coffee chantilly cream, salted caramel about the crab and no mat- at the beautiful bay, watch the to “Christmas log,” to carry on a small crème brûlée, toffee bits, Four Barrel cof- ter how you like it, you will boats come and go and gaze at (and edible) part of their history. fee ganache, and Valrhona Jivara choco- The traditional bûche de Noël is vanil- late mousse, garnished with Four Barrel find it there. Start with crab the beauty of the city that we la or basic yellow sponge cake baked in coffee glaçage); and roasted pear and chowder, fol- all treasure. a shallow pan, filled with chocolate but- cream cheese (gingerbread cake, roasted tercream and rolled into a log shape, and caramel pears, cheesecake, cream cheese lowed by crab The chilly then frosted with more chocolate butter- mousse, and speculoos sable). Grab a banquette cream. A fork or other implement is used B. Patisserie: bûche de Noël $75 each; Caesar salad, weather is to create a bark-like texture. The cakes serves six to eight. Place advanced orders move on to a and look out the perfect for the were often elaborate exercises in realism, (highly recommended) at 415-440-1700 decorated with marzipan or meringue or stop by the shop, 2821 California crab enchi- twenty foot windows Franciscan’s mushrooms, forest gnomes, and holly Street (at Divisadero), Dec. 23 or 24; leaves, along with real pine branches and www.bpatisserie.com lada, crab at the beautiful bay. other seafood berries, and then dusted with powdered Alfredo or the options like sugar to resemble snow. LE MARAIS BAKERY Because of the time-consuming com- Recently hailed San Francisco’s “Best big boy—two plus pounds of garlic-steamed clams and hearty plexity, French-American pastry shops New French Bakery” by Conde Nast rarely attempt the bûche de Noël, but a Traveler, Le Marais draws on owner whole roasted Dungeness crab! seafood Cioppino, perfect for a couple in the Northside, including B. Patrick Ascaso’s French upbringing and But there is more than just cold day by the bay. And if you Patisserie in lower Pacific Heights and his admiration for California influenc- Le Marais Bakery in the Marina, are es. The bakery works closely with Bay crab on the menu for those can find room, try a decadent doing their unique takes on this classic Area farmers and producers known for who may desire an alterna- dessert made with their house dessert just in time for the holidays. their humane and sustainable practices to create a variety of sweet and savory tive—there is artisanal salu- made frozen custard ice cream. B. PATISSERIE specialties, including artisanal breads, Acclaimed pastry chef Belinda Leong, cakes, tarts, and croissants. Head pastry mi and burrata, a shredded who has worked for notable chefs includ- chef Phil Ogiela is a respected veter- short rib sandwich and filet Pier 43 ½, 415.362.7733 ing Gary Danko an of top eater- and David Kinch ies such as Fifth mignon, among many other franciscancrabrestaurant.com (Manresa), Floor, Elisabeth learned the tradi- A couple Northside Daniel, 231 possibilities. Open daily at 11:30 am tional style bûche Ellsworth, Aziza, de Noël while pastry shops are doing and Dandelion working in France unique takes on this Chocolate (where for pastry chef Ascaso fell in Pierre Hermé, classic dessert. love with his dubbed by French work). Le Marais Vogue as “the Picasso of Pastry.” Leong’s will offer a fairly traditional bûche de bûche de Noël is a modern, elegant ver- Noël with some stylish, creative touches: sion sans the literal bark and gnomes. She vanilla cake with chocolate genoise fill- likes to play with flavors and textures and, ing and dark chocolate ganache icing while the decorating may not be over the generously covered with wide curls of top, Leong’s cakes are incredibly labori- chocolate shavings and topped with white ous and intricate. This year she will make cinnamon-dusted meringue mushrooms. four varieties: vanilla raspberry (almond It will be made with all organic ingredi- sponge cake filled with vanilla mascar- ents and chocolate from TCHO chocolate pone cream, Valrhona Ivoire white choc- (a San Francisco-based craft chocolate olate vanilla ganache, vanilla sponge cake maker that sources their own cacao beans soaked in vanilla syrup, vanilla sable directly from growers and makes their breton, raspberry gelee, fresh raspber- chocolate from scratch). ries, glazed in vanilla glaçage and gar- Le Marais Bakery: bûche de Noël nished with fresh raspberries, macarons, $45 each; serves eight. Place advanced and vanilla bean); chocolate hazelnut orders at 415-359-9801, info@lema (chocolate macaron biscuit filled with raisbakery.com or stop by the shop at layers of Valrhona Caraibe chocolate 2066 Chestnut Street (at Steiner); mousse, Guanaja chocolate cream, roast- www.lemaraisbakery.com ed hazelnuts, and hazelnut feuilletine, ADVERTISEMENT. garnished with chocolate and macarons); E-mail: [email protected] www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 17 Food & Wine

Not-to-Miss Dishes Where to find good eats

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Mixt Greens photo: courtesy mixt greens From salad to scallops A panoply of deliciousness

by tony ching than similar versions at top SEA SCALLOPS Italian restaurants. Tender AT RICH TABLE ROASTED MILK TEA house-made pasta is filled 199 Gough Street (at Oak), AT COOL TEA BAR with moist sweet potato, 415-355-9085 728 Pacific Avenue (near topped with Parmesan www.richtablesf.com Grant) in the Miriwa Center, cheese, beurre fondue Rich Table is currently 415-781-8312 (butter emulsion), and a my favorite restaurant in This is really a not-to- generous shaving of bur- San Francisco. Chef Evan miss drink rather than a gundy truffles. Harvested Rich always uses the very dish, but it’s so good I had in southern Italy, burgundy best seasonal ingredients, to mention it. and the menu Boba teashops changes fre- originated in quently so Taiwan and Harvested in southern I never get are popping bored (even up all over the Italy, burgundy truffles have when I visit City. There are an aroma reminiscent multiple times places like the in one week). Quickly chain of hazelnut. The sea scal- NEW YEAR’S EVE! that use stale lops are large tapioca and powdered tea, truffles have an aroma rem- and plump, seared to cara- and The Boba Guys, a shop iniscent of hazelnut and are melized perfection and Celebrate at the Cliff House using all organic ingredi- more robust in flavor than cooked just beyond trans- ents, but the tea tastes like summer truffles; they com- lucence inside. It’s a gener- DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY watered-down milk. And plement the delicate sweet ous portion, topped with then there’s Cool Tea Bar, potato but don’t overpower wilted escarole and rutaba- WITH DJ ERIC FROM SPINTRONIX AS THE an amazing little boba tea- it. If you’re a ravioli lover, ga miso puree. Rutabagas IS TRANSFORMED FOR ONE shop that’s tucked inside don’t miss this dish. (originally a cross between BISTRO an indoor strip mall in cabbage and turnip) MAGICAL NIGHT INTO AN Chinatown. At Cool Tea STEAMED SPARERIBS are a sadly underused Bar, they steep fresh tea and OVER RICE NOODLES root vegetable, and they OCEANSIDE DANCE CLUB! make the tapioca balls (the WRAPPED IN LOTUS shine here in chef Rich’s “boba”) on site, producing LEAF AT TAISHAN CAFE capable hands. 9:30 pm December 31ST – 1:00 am January 1ST that just-chewy-enough 1125 Clement Street texture. Their best seller (at 12th), 415-668-0838 COWBOY SALAD is the roasted milk tea — Taishan Cafe is a very tra- AT MIXT GREENS $40 ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY you can smell and taste the ditional clay pot restaurant 475 Sansome Street (at nuttiness, and it’s perfectly that serves cuisine from Commercial Alley), 415-296- Ticket price includes Sweet & Savory Hors d'oeuvres balanced with the green Taishan (a county-level city 8009, www.mixtgreens.com from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm, party favors & tea. The fragrant jasmine in southern Guangdong When I’m in the mood milk tea and Oolong milk Province, China). Their to eat like a health nut, I a champagne toast at midnight. tea are also not to miss, specialty is clay-pot rice head to this place for lunch. but my personal favorites with various toppings Mixt Greens offers the Tickets sold out early last year! are the roasted milk tea such as Chinese sausage, freshest vegetables in their and the kumquat green yellow eel, salty fish with salads, which are the best in Enjoy Special New Year’s Eve Dinner Menus tea. Additions like the pork patty, or chicken and the Financial District. My in the Bistro and Sutro’s Restaurants! fresh boba, grass jelly, or mushrooms. My favorite favorite is the cowboy salad aloe are optional. is the steamed spareribs — crisp romaine hearts, Last dinner seating in the Bistro at 7:30 pm with black bean sauce over grilled chicken, roasted red Last reservation for Sutro's at 10:00 pm SWEET POTATO RAVIOLI ho fun (flat rice noodles) peppers, black beans, sharp AT MASON PACIFIC wrapped in a lotus leaf. The cheddar, and red onion with To get all the details and to purchase tickets visit 1358 Mason Street (at aroma from the lotus leaf a Point Reyes blue cheese Pacific), 415-374-7185, combined with the porky dressing and a chipotle- www.cliffhouse.com/nye.html. www.masonpacific.com goodness from the spareribs honey drizzle to add a little I went to Mason Pacific is enticing, and the earthy sweet heat. Ask for it “Tony’s You can also purchase tickets at the a few times right after flavors are simple and com- Way” — substitute the black Cliff House Gift Shop or by calling 415-666-4006. it opened, and it left me forting. A few tips: Get there beans for edamame, the with fairly low expecta- early because they always roasted red peppers for yel- tions for future visits — run out of noodles; also, low beets, hold the chicken, 1090 Point Lobos | 415-386-3330 | www.CliffHouse.Com until I ordered the sweet they’ll give you complimen- and add extra dressing. potato ravioli. It’s perfect tary house soup, but only if for the season, and better you ask. E-mail: www.tony1andonly.com.

18 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com New and Notable Sabrosa Crack. Hip pain?

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by julie mitchell Dungeness crab served with chayote squash, carrot, radish, and chips and www.saintfrancismemorial.org www.stmarysmedicalcenter.org f the chilly winter temperatures guacamole; and a salad of kale, beets, have you craving a trip to Mexico, avocado, watermelon, radish, walnuts, take heart. Now you can sample shallots, Meyer lemon, and chilies. All Ifresh tastes from south of the border of these dishes resound with bright right in Cow Hollow. Stop by brand- flavors and an intriguing mix of heat new Sabrosa on the corner of Fillmore and spice. Rather than serving chips and Greenwich, and cure your win- with salsa and guacamole, Sabrosa The place offers up crispy strips of fried tortillas with gua- In spring, you’ll want to sit camole and mole sauce; where locals a welcome twist on the old standby. at the patio tables along In addition to interna- tional and locally made eat seafood! Greenwich and Fillmore. wine and beer, Matt Stanton, owner of El ter doldrums with a signature cocktail Dorado Cocktail Lounge in San Diego, or Margarita and something unique has created a bar program featur- Spectacular Bay Views and spicy from the kitchen. This light- ing ample selections of tequilas and filled bar and restaurant designed by mezcals and seasonal cocktails that husband-and-wife team Clinton Miller include the Pepino Diablo with Blanco and Parisa O’Connell is sure to become tequila, Serrano chili, cucumber, fresh a Triangle fixture. lime, and cracked salt; and the Eterno Sabrosa, which opened in mid- Llama with jalapeno-infused Blanco November, is decorated in warm gray tequila, strawberry, orange liqueur, accented in teal and gold tones, with one fresh lime, and ginger beer — tart, dark walnut wall, and another fashioned tangy, and refreshing. from old subway tiles. The floors are tra- Serving dinner nightly, Sabrosa ditional tile, and the deep, backlit onyx has plans to offer weekday lunch bar and plenty of tables, communal and and weekend brunch soon. Stop otherwise, are welcoming. Come spring, in for a cocktail and stay for din- you’ll want to sit at one of the patio tables ner. It’s a surefire way to get into the that will line the restaurant along both holiday spirit. Greenwich and Fillmore. World Famous Restaurant Jose Ramos, former opening chef at Nopalito, helped conceive the menu Now you can sample fresh at Sabrosa, which spotlights sustainable, home-style tastes from south of the border NO Mexican cuisine featur- right in Cow Hollow. ing ingredients and recipes 9 FISHERMEN’S inspired by his mother and grandmother. Sabrosa: 3200 Fillmore Street (at Just a few of the items on the Greenwich), 415-638-6500, www.sabro 415.673.7025 menu include seared Mayan spice- sasf.com; dinner nightly 5 p.m.–2 a.m. Free Validated Parking GROTTO rubbed rib eye with mashed plantain, through December; to come: lunch and Brussels sprouts and escabeche rojo dinner Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; No. 9 Fisherman’s Wharf at the foot of Taylor (red sauce); ceviche with lime-cured brunch weekends 10 a.m.–2 a.m. fish, persimmon, pineapple, pome- fishermensgrotto.com Banquet Facilities Available granate, picked onions, and chilies; E-mail: [email protected]

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 19 Food & Wine

The Tablehopper Tis the season of change Coming soon: Weekend wine tasting at We Olive Check our Facebook page and watch for more details!

The bar at the Big 4 photo: designersraum.com The Big 4 is closing (and Great Christmas & Holiday Gifts

Extra Virgin Olive Oil we don’t know if it’s forever) Aged Balsamic, Truffle oil, Tapenades and Pestos by marcia gagliardi Street) is coming in mid-December from Berkeley’s Gather crew. Chef Sean Baker Olive Oil body lotions and skin care ig news on Nob Hill: It looks will create a menu of contemporary sea- Olive wood serving bowls and sets like this will be the last holiday sea- sonal California cuisine, and wine director son we’ll be able to spend in the Big 4 Michael Ireland (French Laundry, Quince, CUSTOM LABEL your own bottle of olive oil or Balsamic for gifts B(1075 California Street, 415-771-1140) as we Restaurant at Meadowood) will pair wines know it. The new owners of The Huntington (his list will be very producer-driven). FREE shipping across the U.S. on orders over $50.00. Hotel, Grace International (a Singapore- The space is 2,200 square feet and will (Until December 31 only) For Christmas delivery orders based company) have announced they will have room for 58, plus 12 seats in the must be in by December 18th. close the 66-year-old hotel and the Big 4 upstairs mezzanine, and eventually (they from Jan. 4, 2014 to spring of 2014 for a $15 hope) room for 16 at outside tables. Abueg million remodel. Details are sparse: Is it a Morris Architects (Nopalito, Comal, Hi massive renovation? Will the piano remain? Lo BBQ, Roam) are behind the renova- What is to become of chef Gloria Ciccarone- tion. Verbena will serve dinner nightly, plus Nehls and her annual Big Game Dinners? weekend brunch. What about all the amazing artifacts? There’s Now open on Nob Hill is Ala Romana a whole lotta his- (1098 Jackson tory in that din- Street, 415-292- ing room. All I 3699), an eno- do know is I am All I do know is that I teca and piz- going in for one am going in for one last zeria in the for- last cocktail (or mer Rue Saint two), and really cocktail (or two). Jacques loca- hoping it stays tion by Lorenzo with us. Yes, parts of the bar and the din- Logoreci of nearby Allegro Romano. Chef ning room could benefit from some updat- David Taylor (A16) has put together a ing, but there’s a lot that really shouldn’t be Roman-inspired menu (think antipasti, touched (I hope the owners take a page out pizza, pasta, and some meaty mains). of the recent Tosca playbook). Let’s scoot over to Cow Hollow. Freshly But in the good news department: Can open in the former City Tavern space is you believe that after five years of laying Sabrosa (3200 Fillmore Street, 415-638- dormant, that someone is restoring Julius’ 6500). Chef José Ramos, who was a found- Castle (1541 Montgomery Street) on ing chef at Nopalito and has been at Nido in Telegraph Hill? The new owner is Paul Scott, Oakland until recently, helms this Mexican a resident of Telegraph Hill, not some techie restaurant. He is joined by partners Andy who wants to convert it into the ultimate Wasserman, Hugo Gamboa, and Adam playpen, but someone who wants to restore Snyder (Redford and The Brixton), and San the place to its former glory. I’m thrilled to Diego barman Matt Stanton. Look for a live- hear this historic location (since 1922!) is ly bar scene, but the place will be grounded going to get another run out on the track — with Ramos’s home-style, ingredient-focused that bar was fabulous (and a favorite of my cooking. The food will be seasonal, local, and grandfather’s). Stand by for updates. not completely traditional, but built around Some fresh blood on Russian Hill: Now recipes from Ramos’s mother, grandmother open in the former Luella is Stones Throw and aunt. There’s a large, 24-seat bar, a com- (1896 Hyde Street, 415-796-2901), featur- munal table for 12, and outdoor seating. ing Cal-American cuisine from chef Jason Over in Laurel Heights, Nico (3228 Halverson (Michael Mina). He is partner- Sacramento Street, 415-359-1000) is ing with general manager Ryan Cole, also now open, serving contemporary Cal- an alum of the Mina Group, plus Jason French cuisine, featuring local, season- Kirmse and Cyrick Hia (Fat Angel), and al, and foraged ingredients and modern front-of-house and operations partner Tai cooking techniques. Nicolas and Andrea Ricci (SPQR, Michael Mina). There are Delaroque are behind the project; French- some good bar snacks, tasty starters like born Nicolas has worked at Manresa, sunchoke soup or squid ink conchiglie Atelier Crenn and Coi. The intimate space pasta ($12–$16), and mains (from duck is full of wood, stylish but casual (no breast to chestnut ravioli, $16–$29). The tablecloths), with a small pewter bar at the beer list is amazing, and the wine selec- front and a mohair banquette along the tions are also appealing and well priced. wall. The wine program is of note as well. The 49-seat space is casual and has an Happy Holidays/buone feste to all! 11-seat bar, so it’s an easy place to swing by. There’s a bright yellow exterior, so you Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly can’t miss it. tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more Update on what’s opening in the former food news and gossip at www.tablehopper. Marbella/Rex Café: Verbena (2323 Polk com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.

20 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com La Vita Delizioso Please don’t pass the rolls

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Reach over 30,000 readers in San Francisco’s northern neighborhoods. T o inquire about our advertising rates and for more information, contact us at [email protected] or call our offices at (415) 815-8081 www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 21 Arts & Entertainment

Michael Snyder on Film Seven for Santa Christmas on screen by michael snyder familiar; some not so much. I trust ous cartoon adaptations from a Mr. is also enhanced by the presence of old geezer with the Claus complex, that you’ll enjoy some of them, Magoo TV special to a recent and an endearing Zooey Deschanel as the you get the opportunity to see a hristmas movies are part unless you’re unlucky enough to less-than-satisfying motion-cap- man-child elf’s naïve love interest, very young and super-cute Natalie of the fabric of Western succumb to your inner Grinch. ture feature. But this nearly flawless alongside veteran actors including Wood in one of her first roles. culture. And no matter template trumps them all. Edward Asner, James Caan, Mary Chow much you hope the season will Steenburgen, and, as Papa Elf, the be about “peace on Earth and good A Christmas Story (1983) devastatingly droll Bob Newhart. films to all men (and women),” it Directed by Bob Clark doesn’t always play out that way. Who’d imagine that the director Holiday Inn (1942) Some holiday movies will genu- of the notorious low-brow teen sex Directed by Mark Sandrich inely touch your heart. Yes, the comedy Porky’s would go on to helm My favorite Christmas film corn quotient can appear to be one of the cleverest, most amusing of all time is a musical mix of high, especially with the classics. and wholesome Christmas films romance and comedy that bene- Renowned for its emotional climax ever? But he had the advantage fits from the seemingly effortless set at Christmas, It’s a Wonderful of a script drawn from legendary performances of stars Fred Astaire Life — the beloved 1946 drama humorist Jean Shepherd’s won- and Bing Crosby — and a col- from populist director Frank Capra derful novelized memoir of grow- lection of holiday-themed tunes concerning the immense impor- ing up in an Indiana town during (including “White Christmas” in its tance of one ordinary man’s life the Depression. Such a good and movie debut) by one of the great- — is a perennial. The line between durable family-friendly flick that it est American songwriters, Irving quintessence and cliché, however, sometimes runs in marathon repeat Berlin. Crosby and Astaire play can seem mighty thin when some- Christmas Day showings on a cer- scheming members of a song-and- thing is so well known and so long- tain cable network. dance trio that breaks up on Dec. photo: © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer photo: © dimension films lived. Still, the tears are jerked, the 24 when they compete for the hand smiles break out, and the good feel- Bad Santa (2003) of their female partner. Leaving the The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) ings suffuse us, which is probably as Directed by Terry Zwigoff act, Crosby’s character decides to Directed by Henry Selick Christmas-sy as you can get. Surely the most profane Christmas open an inn in Connecticut where Starting with the brilliant idea But, as hard as we try, we film on this list — and the funniest. he puts on shows, but only on of one mythical holiday land in can’t forget the multitude of Every year, an alcoholic department- holidays. Then, Astair’s character conflict and merging with another, bad holiday features out there. store Santa (Billy Bob Thornton) and decides to snake his former col- this idiosyncratic fantasy features Alas, for every misfire that can a conniving little person, who serves league’s new girlfriend. Note: This is unforgettable characters, exqui- generate unintentional laughs as his elf and partner-in-crime, get not to be confused with the inferior site stop-motion animation, and a as camp (Santa Claus Conquers jobs in a different mall and rob it 1954 remake White Christmas. And set of memorable and witty songs the Martians) or sheer idiocy after casing the place. In the mid- to caution the politically correct: by Danny Elfman. The prem- (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Jingle dle of their latest caper, Santa meets There is a Lincoln’s Birthday num- ise involves Jack Skellington, the All the Way), there are many more a hot bartender who falls for him ber done in blackface by Crosby Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, films that are just bad, tedious and a sad, chubby boy who needs a and co-star Marjorie Reynolds. finding a portal into Christmas and painful to watch (Surviving friend. Hilarious and a bit poignant. Town. He decides to take over the Christmas, Fred Claus, Christmas Miracle on 34th Street (1947) cheerful, previously unfamiliar With The Kranks, Ernest Saves A Christmas Carol (1951) Directed by George Seaton dimension and replace Santa, with Christmas, Jack Frost, and so on). Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst I guess another title for this troubling repercussions. Co-written

So it’s off to the vaults for some There is no better cinematic photo: © New line cinema / warner bros. sweet fable could be “Good Santa,” by Tim Burton, it’s one of his most timeless suggestions that will serve retelling of Charles Dickens’s with its saintly bearded fellow who charming and enduring creations. as a livelier alternative to the video immortal, supernatural morality Elf (2003) gets the coveted Santa gig at Macy’s Yule log on your home enter- tale than this British version star- Directed by Jon Favreau in Manhattan and swears that he’s Michael Snyder is a print and broad- tainment screen. Here, in alpha- ring Alastair Sim as the archetypal The most unobnoxious role in the real Kris Kringle. Despite how cast journalist who covers pop cul- betical order, are seven Christmas Scrooge — a greedy codger for Will Ferrell’s career, to date, is that cloying a message movie such as ture every week on KPFK/Pacifica films that warm my eggnog, trim the ages whose overnight conver- of an ungainly human adopted and this one could be, it’s surprisingly Radio’s David Feldman Show, and my tree, and deck my halls. (It’s sion to kindness and generosity has raised as an oversized elf in Santa’s down-to-earth. And in addition on Michael Snyder’s Culture Blast, a Wonderful Life isn’t included, true resonance. There have been workshop until he’s sent out into the to note-perfect performances by available online at YouTube and because it doesn’t need to be. It’s many live-action interpretations real world to find his destiny. This Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Digidev TV. You can follow Michael sacrosanct!) A few are extremely of the story, not to mention vari- cute, cheerful and amusing comedy Edmund Gwenn as the loveable on Twitter: @cultureblaster

@Nite skating, stroll around downtown and ogle Orchestra. A Windham Hill Winter Solstice defrosted the turkey may not sound funny continued from page 1 at the holiday-decorated department-store Concert, as well as a New Year’s Eve bash now. But you’ll be laughing about those windows — you won’t want to miss the pop- with Pete Escovedo, round out the sea- things in January. Meantime, the holidays For a more official season opener, attend ular Macy’s Holiday Windows, featuring cute son. A few blocks away on Fillmore Street, offer some other ways to get a laugh that’s the World Tree of Hope Tree Lighting dogs and cats for adoption. For even more Yoshi’s hosts a handful of its own seasonal not on you. How about watching a Jewish (www.rainbowfund.org), a free event at City classic holiday fun, visit the Cow Palace, shows, including Greg Adams & East Bay comedy on Christmas in a Chinese restau- Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 which has been transformed into Victorian Soul: Sweet Soul Christmas on Dec. 19; San rant? From Dec. 24–26, the 21st Annual p.m. Hosted by Mayor Ed Lee and Rainbow London for the Great Dickens Christmas Francisco vocalist Natasha Miller’s Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy benefit (www. World Fund, the event features the Grammy- Fair & Victorian Holiday Party (dickens- Holiday Concert on Dec. 23, and Clairdee’s koshercomedy.com) features four comedi- winning San Francisco Boys Chorus, free fair.com). There, you can visit a re-created 11th Annual Christmas Eve Show on Dec 24. ans, a seven-course dinner show including cocktails and snacks, and of course, the Dickens city of winding lanes, music halls, And Feinstein’s at the Hotel Nikko (www. dim sum cocktails, and Yiddish proverbs in lighting of the World Tree of Hope. For pubs and shops, and bump into some color- hotelnikkosf.com) welcomes Broadway diva the fortune cookies. Or how about Tranny something different, head to the 9th Annual ful characters from literature and history. Betty Buckley from Dec. 5–15, followed Shack’s seasonal favorite, The Golden Girls: Parol Lantern Festival and Parade, from by songstress Connie Champagne’s holiday The Christmas Episodes!, a spoof of the 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. A A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC tribute to Judy Garland on Dec. 18. television sitcom, running from Dec. 5–22 series of lantern-making workshops at the If the holidays mean music to you, The bigger holiday stages also await. For at the Victoria Theatre (trannyshack.com). Bayanihan Community Center culminates San Francisco’s got you covered. The San some of us, it’s not Christmas until we’ve And, if the sight of grown men and with a parade and festival in Yerba Buena Francisco Symphony offers a repertoire seen the Sugar Plum Fairy twirl around women dressed as elves and other mythi- Lane, Jessie Square and St. Patrick’s Church; of holiday events this month, including “A the War Memorial Opera House stage for cal holiday figures makes you smile, join visit bayanihancc.org for details. Creole Christmas” featuring the Preservation the San Francisco Ballet’s beloved version Elf Party 2013, Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Looking for more classic holiday fun? Hall Jazz Band on Dec. 15, and “Colors of of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (www. Regency Ballroom. If you thought Will Hit the ice at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink Christmas” starring Peabo Bryson, CeCe sfballet.org), through Dec. 29. For others, Ferrell was funny in his elf suit, you’ll love in Union Square (www.unionsquareicerink. Winans, Melissa Manchester and Ruben the season demands hearing Tiny Tim seeing hundreds of grown men and women com), open through Jan. 29, or the Holiday Studdard, Dec. 16–18. Handel’s “Messiah” declare, “God bless us, everyone!” during donning holiday costumes during this wild Ice Rink at the Embarcadero Center (www. arrives Dec. 19–21, followed by “Twas the the American Conservatory Theater’s inter- and festive dance party, which benefits embarcaderocenter.com), open through Jan. Night” on Dec. 23, a holiday concert featur- pretation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas local charities like Family Giving Tree and 5. Bring a carafe of hot chocolate and listen to ing the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Carol (www.act-sf.org), Dec. 6–28. BayKids. For tickets, which start at $45, visit holiday music underneath the stars and spar- In the nearby jazz district, SF Jazz (sfjazz. www.theregencyballroom.com. kly city lights. The Union Square rink fea- org) hosts several holiday concerts star- YOU’VE GOT TO LAUGH A LITTLE tures a couple of fun holiday events, includ- ring City Church Little Big Band, Lavay Running out of wrapping paper on Maryann LoRusso is a San Francisco-based ing “Single in the City” on Dec. 5, and “Drag Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Arturo Christmas Eve, or discovering three hours journalist who also writes a blog for women Queens on Ice” on Dec. 12. After a round of Sandoval and Pete Escovedo’s Latin Jazz before your guests arrived that you never at www.redtypewriter.com.

22 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Hotel Chelsea shines in photographs The Best of Books Popular reads idea of refreshing the hotel’s Flying off the shelves look seemed to contradict the creative bohemian history and compiled by sandy mullin STAFF PICKS FOR KIDS landmark status of the Chelsea. Age 10 & up: Wild Boy, Before the interiors were forev- Books Inc. best-seller list by Rob Lloyd Jones er altered, Cohen gained access 1. The Boys in the Boat, A recluse turned circus freak finds to the uninhabited space to by Daniel James Brown himself accused of murder. Armed document the dwellings where 2. Dear Life: Stories, by Alice Munro with only his wits, a Holmesian so many songs, stories, and art- 3. Tender Bar: A Memoir, sense of observation and deduction, works were conceived. by J. R. Moehringer and the reluctant company of circus The resulting photogra- 4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard acrobat Clarissa, Wild Boy navi- phy collection communicates Luck, Book 8, by Jeff Kinney gates Victorian London on a quest a haunted beauty that, like a 5. Goodbye Year, by Toni Piccinini to clear his name, solve the murder, photo: © Victoria Cohen from Hotel Chelsea time capsule, forces the viewer 6. The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt and discover the nature of the mys- to imagine these spaces occu- 7. Allegiant (Divergent), terious Machine That Changes You. by sharon anderson from expansive windows. Others pied by its storied tenants by Veronica Roth — Marie Siegenthaler appear minimal. A room with a who lived and sometimes died 8. Season of the Witch Larry Rivers painting, tidy bed, its blankets and pillows within its walls. There’s a cer- by David Talbot Ages 8-12: Mister Max: The Book drag queens using a smoothly ordered, is punctuated tain tension and anticipation 9. Wild, by Cheryl Strayed of Lost Things: Mister Max 1, phone booth as a chang- by the absence created by an associated with the images; 10. Orange is the New Black, by Cynthia Voigt and Iacopo Bruno Aing room, and an animated empty chair. Cohen knows that the clock by Piper Kerman Left alone when his parents group of partygoers emerging Located at 222 West 23rd is ticking. Passageways, doors, depart to Kashmir, Max is forced from the lobby elevator: These Street in New York City, the light fixtures, corners, dated- STAFF PICKS FOR ADULTS to find work. Is he a dogcatcher? are some of the memories that Hotel Chelsea was constructed yet-charming kitchenettes and The Luminaries: A Novel, A child wrangler? Detective? All Victoria Cohen shares in her in 1883 and went on to become dining sets — aspects of the by Eleanor Catton of the above? A charming, whole- new book of photographs, one of the city’s historical land- hotel that might only receive Murder, gold, sex, opium, ship- some and suspenseful mystery. Hotel Chelsea (Pointed Leaf marks in 1966 due in no small a casual glance from an occu- wrecks — this massive, compelling — Marie Siegenthaler Press, $95). part to the famous inhabitants pant — are documented with novel (winner of the 2013 Booker Cohen can’t help but look back who visited the hotel through devotion through the camera’s Prize) has everything it takes to Ages 4 & up: Cinders: A Chicken 25 years earlier and remember the years. Artists from Henri lens. Throughout the book, keep you enthralled for 800 pages. Cinderella, by Jan Brett the Chelsea as she stood in the Cartier-Bresson to Robert absence consistently suggests — Tom Gartner Beautiful illustrations reminiscent lobby waiting for a friend. The Crumb frequented the Chelsea presence. Cohen’s lush photo- of those found in old European folk- Hotel Chelsea’s particular brand along with writers and musicians graphic style and keen sense Burial Rites: A Novel, by Hannah Kent tales are the highlight of this retelling of quirky charm is the subject of including Bob Dylan, Gregory of composition captures and A stunning historical novel set of the classic story. And you won’t Cohen’s first collection of photo- Coors, Herbert Huncke, Dylan preserves the space where so in 19th century Iceland about a think twice about the fact that chick- graphs. But instead of the bus- Thomas, Patti Smith, Brigit many dreams were born. woman accused of killing a cruel ens are stand-ins for all of the main tling chaos of the hotel’s past, the Berlin, Allen Ginsberg, and lover. The harsh setting, the intri- characters. It is thoroughly charming. viewer is confronted with a series Charles Bukowski. Sharon Anderson is an art- cate relationships, and the gradual — Sandy Mullin of rooms devoid of people. Some In 2011, the hotel was sold, ist and writer in Southern revelation of the truth blend to cre- contain ornate fireplaces, decor and its new owners decided to California. She can be reached ate uniquely meaningful suspense. Sandy Mullin is the manager at rich in textured color, and views renovate the space. The very at www.mindtheimage.com. — Tom Gartner Books Inc. in the Marina.

An exhibition of original illustrations and works on paper On view through March 23, 2014 Frog and Toad and the World of Arnold Lobel

736 Mission Street, San Francisco Plan your visit at thecjm.org

Frog and Toad and the World of Arnold Lobel is organized by The Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, in collaboration with The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts. Image: Arnold Lobel, Title page fromDays with Frog and Toad, 1979. Graphite, ink, and wash on paper, 19 15/16 x 15 15/16 in. (matted). Courtesy of The Estate of Arnold Lobel. Copyright © The Estate of Arnold Lobel. Patron Sponsorship for this exhibition is provided by an anonymous donor. www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 23 Calendar

12th Annual Jingle and Mingle & SantaFest Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–noon Golden Gate Club (135 Fisher Loop, the Presidio) December Events Bid on one-of-a-kind designer wreaths to support homeless children while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, then take the kids for gingerbread holiday happenings house decorating, Santa photos and crafts. $125 & up, 925-935-9938, www.childrenofshelters.org LIGHTINGS MUSICAL & CHORAL Christmas Concert: Gloria Sunday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m. 25th Annual Holiday Hob Nob on the Hill PERFORMANCES Calvary Presbyterian Church (2515 Fillmore St.) Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.–midnight 39th Annual Bill Graham Menorah Lighting St. Francis Hotel Celebrate the advent season with Antonia Vivaldi’s Daily thru Wednesday, Dec. 4 American Bach Soloists: Händel’s Messiah Enjoy a cocktail reception only or the entire Union Square Gloria followed by the dramatically contrasting Wed–Thu, Dec. 11–12, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Gloria by Francis Poulencs. evening with dinner, desserts and dancing. Mark the fourth through seventh Candle Lighting Free, 415-346-3832, Grace Cathedral www.calvarypresbyterian.org Proceeds support programs at Saint Francis Ceremony on the 25-foot-tall menorah; see Performed to sold-out audiences year after year, Memorial Hospital. $75 & up, 415-363-6679, website for times and other activities. Free, purchase your tickets early to this famous San A Brass and Organ Christmas www.hobnob2013.eventbrite.com 415-668-6178, www.chabadsf.org Francisco holiday event. $15–$94, 415-621-7900, Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Help is on the Way for the Holidays XII www.americanbach.org Grace Cathedral Holiday Tree Lighting Monday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. The Bay Brass joins the cathedral’s Aeolian-Skinner Thursday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. Marines’ Memorial Theater (609 Sutter St.) S.F. Girls Chorus Alumnae: pipe organ in a festive program of Christmas clas- 555 California St. Benefiting Positive Resource Center and Maitri Make a Joyful Noise sics. $15–$50, 415-392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com Join Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Friday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m. Compassionate Care, this annual gala includes Rae Jepsen, the Dick Bright Orchestra, Pacific Old First Presbyterian Church (1751 Sacramento St.) entertainment by cabaret stars Shawn Ryan, Carly Boys Choir, honorary chairs Karen & Ronnie Lott Golden Bough: The highest caliber of women’s choral music cele- Celtic Yultide Celebration Ozard, Tim Hockenberry, and Kim Nalley; 12-year- (former 49er and NFL Legend) and current 49ers old singer-actress Veronica Powers, comedian brates the traditions of Christmas and their modern Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m. Marcus Lattimore and Alex Boone in the light- Bruce Valance, and more. $40 and up, 415-931-2515, reimaginings. $14–$17, www.oldfirstconcerts.org Old First Presbyterian Church (1751 Sacramento St.) ing of an 80-foot-plus white fir tree and holiday www.richmondermet.org Hear Old World carols from Ireland and Scotland. festivities benefitting UCSF Medical Center and Russ Lorenson: Christmas in San Francisco $14–$17, www.oldfirstconcerts.org Benoiff Children’s Hospital. 925-930-9848 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Fri–Sat, Dec. 13–14, 7:30 p.m. Wed–Sun, Dec. 11–15 Pa’ina Lournge & Restaurant (1865 Post St.) Curran Theatre (445 Geary St.) This annual jingle-jazzy holiday show features The perfect way to come in from the cold, Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill and Veronica forget the holiday stresses and rediscover Klaus. $25–$45, www.christmasinsf.com the magic of the season, this show of 30 artists, 300 costumes and 20 acts features penguins spinning, puppets dancing, rein- deer soaring, toy soldiers marching, snow- men balancing and more all high above a landscape of holiday wonderment. $45–$160, 866-746-1799, www.shnsf.com

Kitka: Wintersongs It’s Christmas, Carole! Thu–Sun, Dec. 12–22 Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Creativity Theater, Yerba Buena Gardens Old First Presbyterian Church (1751 Sacramento St.) 84th Annual Golden Gate Park This world-premiere “human cartoon” tells the The women’s ensemble performs sacred and Holiday Tree Lighting story of a grumpy secretary working for Scrooge secular music from Slavic, Baltic, Balkan, Jewish, Industries who is visited by ghostly spirits. $10–$20, and Bosnian-Muslim traditions. $14–$17, Thursday, Dec. 5, 5–7 p.m. itschristmascarole.com www.oldfirstconcerts.org McLaren Lodge, Golden Gate Park (501 Stanyan St.) Burt Bacharach The lighting of a Monterey cypress includes live Crones for the Holidays: The Sequel Fri–Sat, Dec. 13–14 entertainment, Santa visits, carnival rides, and Christmas with the Celts Sat–Sun, Dec. 14–29, more. Free, sfrecpark.org Davies Symphony Hall Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 & 6 p.m. Exit Theatre (156 Eddy St.) Enjoy a festive evening when Bacharach, his Yoshi’s S.F. The Crackpot Crones comedians present a follow- band and vocalists join the S.F. Symphony for Annual Holiday Lights Irish, Scottish and Irish-American musicians from up to last year’s vadevillian holiday variety show. Tree-Lighting Ceremony holiday cheer and the music you know and love. $15–$20, 415-931-1094, www.theexit.org $40–$98, 415-864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org the PBS show play traditional instrumentals Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30–6:30 p.m. and hybrid Celtic pop-rock originals. $28–$55, Lincoln Blvd. at Funston Ave. 415-655-5600, www.yoshis.com Join in this decades-old Presidio tradition fea- G. Scott Lacy’s Holiday Cabaret turing the Golden Gate Carolers. Light refresh- Fri–Sun, Dec. 13–15 & Sunday, Dec. 22 Magnificat: A Venetian Christmas Mass ments will follow at the Presidio Community Hotel Rex (562 Sutter St.) Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. YMCA as well as a lantern-lit 20-minute for- Featuring special guest stars at each performance, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (1111 O’Farrell St.) est walk at 6:15 p.m. Bring a flashlight and this cabaret promises a light and bright sea- Magnificat together with The Whole Noyse meet in the YMCA gym. Free, 415-561-5500, sonal blend of music and song with no-mini- perform Andrea’s Mass, motets and canzoni by www.presidio.gov mum drinks and dining. $20–$40, 415-857-1896, Giovanni and appropriate chant for the feast day. www.societycabaret.com $12–$35, www.sfems.org Fantasy of Lights Christmas Celebration Saturday, Dec. 7, 3–7 p.m. Sing You a Merry Christmas Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Union Street (btw. Van Ness & Steiner) & Fillmore Saturday, Dec. 14 & 21, 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. St. (btw. Union & Lombard) Grace Cathedral Slim’s (333 11th St.) Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols This multiracial and multicultural choir promotes a Victorian houses and shops with merchant open as the toys of St. Nicholas’s workshop lead you message of faith, hope, love, and joy in a rollicking, houses and extended hours, entertainment, on an extraordinary journey sure to fill you with feel-good, energy-packed show that’s the best pony rides, face painting, costumed charac- the joys of the season. Particularly suited for way yet to spend a Christmas Eve. Ages 6 and up. ters, a horse-drawn carriage, photos with Santa, ages 8 and younger. $15–$50, 415-392-4400, $15, 415-255-0333, www.slims-sf.com Smuin Ballet: The Christmas Ballet cupcake decorating, an Ugly/Creative Sweater www.cityboxoffice.com Contest, and much more. Free, 800-310-6563, Wed–Sun, Dec. 18–22; Tuesday, Dec. 24; Thu– sresproductions.com Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir: Fri, Dec. 27–28 Starry Nights Candlelight Concert PERFORMANCES Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m. & PARTIES The program features new works including stunning Old First Presbyterian Church (1751 Sacramento St.) classical ballet, rollicking character numbers from Ring in the season with the sweet sounds of Broadway Against Bullying Bach, and sacred carols to klezmer, gospel and children singing from this internationally Monday, Dec. 2, 7–9 p.m. Elvis. $24–$64, 415-912-1899, www.smuinballet.org acclaimed organization. $14–$17, 415-474-1608, Club Fugazi www.oldfirstconcerts.org This holiday cabaret benefitting No Bully and Paula Poundstone’s 4th Annual their efforts to bring innovative, sustainable solu- Ha Ha Ho Ho Holiday Show Advent Lessons and Carols tions to bullying, harassment and violence in Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 3:30 p.m. schools features stars from some of Broadway’s Palace of Fine Arts Theater Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption biggest hit musicals. $75–$150, 415-421-4222, Famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity, (1111 Gough St.) www.childrenssafetynetwork.org you won’t want to miss Poundstone’s take on St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir and St. Mark’s Lutheran decking the halls and holiday hilarity. $35–$40, Church Choir perform works by Stanford, Victoria, Glide’s Annual Holiday Jam: Celebrate50 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com Lauridsen, Demantius. Free (with free-will offering), Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6–10 p.m. Holiday Lights & Sights Parade 415-567-2020, www.stmarycathedralsf.org War Memorial Opera House Guardsmen Annual Christmas Party Celebrate the season and Glide’s 50th anniversary Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 p.m.–1:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. A Chanticleer Christmas with this music and spoken word event benefiting Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Fisherman’s Wharf to Crissy Field Sunday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Mo’s Kitchen and other Glide programs and fea- Enjoy a hosted bar, D.J., dancing, and a spir- The oldest and largest lighted boat holiday parade St. Ignatius Church (650 Parker Ave.) turing Dr. Maya Angelou, Valerie Simpson, Judith ited crowd while you party the night away in returns and features more than 60 boats fes- This Bay Area tradition is a joyous recounting Hill, San Jose Taiko, Tom Johnston of the Doobie an indoor winter wonderland and support at- tooned with lights and holiday decorations. Free, of the Christmas story. Brothers, Glide Ensemble and Change Band, and risk youth through the Guardsmen S.F. 415-673-3530, visitfishermanswharf.com $35–$55, 415-252-7541, $50–$135, www.chanticleer.org more. 75–$500, 415-864-3330, www.glide.org 415-484-6568, http://guardsmentreelot.org

24 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com JUST FOR FUN POTABLES & EDIBLES

26th Annual Curbside Donation Drive

Sat–Tue, Dec. 21–24, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 27th Annual Macy’s Holiday Windows St. Anthony Foundation (121 Golden Gate Ave.) Giving for the holiday season made easier! Daily thru Jan 5 (except Dec 25), Drop off your holiday gifts of hams, pantry 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. (most days) Fisherman’s Wharf Crab Fest items, unopened hygiene items, new socks, Macy’s Union Square cold-weather outerwear, and monetary dona- The SF/SPCA’s magical Holiday Windows adoption Sunday, Dec. 8, noon–3 p.m. tions without ever leaving your car. 415-592- outreach program returns to find homes for kittens, Maritime Museum (800 Beach Street) 2700, www.stanthonysf.org cats, puppies, and dogs while raising funds for the Celebrate crab season and the holidays with signa- organization’s programs. SPCA volunteers will be ture crab dishes prepared by Wharf chefs comple- on hand to introduce the animals and the adoption mented by local wines to support the Fisherman’s Holiday Crafts Day process. Free, 415-554-3000, www.sfspca.org Wharf Community Benefit District, which seeks to preserve and enhance the waterfront. $40–$45, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. NEW YEAR’S EVE Botanical Wreath-Making Workshop www.visitfishermanswharf.com/crabfest Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) CELEBRATIONS Get crafty and make presents and decora- Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m–noon & 1–4 p.m. tions for the holidays! Create one-of-a-kind Circa 2013 NYE Extravaganza Strybing Arboretum, S.F. Botanical Garden, Guardsmen Annual Crab Feed hand-made gifts and items including beeswax Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.–midnight Golden Gate Park Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m. candles, scented gift soaps, wooden trains, Circa (2001 Chestnut at Fillmore) Create festive wreaths and garlands using colorful Guardsmen Christmas Tree Lot, Fort Mason Center candy houses, and more, followed by a special From a three-course dinner menu to D.J. Joe G greens and cuttings from the garden. Bring prun- Start with cocktails, then enjoy a fresh crab and holiday performance of the Daniel Da Vinci playing Top 40 hits and culminating in a com- ers, wire cutters and ornaments/ribbons. $35–$45, pasta dinner, and finish your evening with D.J. AJAX Comedy Circus Show. Free, 415-554-9600, plimentary midnight champagne toast, spend 415-661-1316 ext. 400, www.sfbotanicalgarden.org spinning tunes. Proceeds benefit at-risk youth. $65, www.randallmuseum.org your last hours of the year preparing for 2014. 415-484-6568, http://guardsmentreelot.org Contact for dinner specials, 415-351-0175, SFMade Holiday Gift Fair www.circasf.com Sat–Sun, Dec. 7–8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Festa dei Dolci Italiani Fleet Room, Bldg. D, Fort Mason Center Thursday, Dec. 12, 7–9 p.m. BATS New Year’s Eve Special Museo Italo Americano (Bldg. C, Fort Mason Center) Discover locally made gift items including jewelry, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8–9:45 p.m. View the new exhibition, Unescoitalia: The World gourmet gifts, home and garden items, pet gear, toys, Bayfront Theatre, Fort Mason Center Heritage Sites in the Work of 14 Photographers, holiday cards and decorations, and more from 100 BATS’ all-star cast presents a magical evening of enjoy special Italian holiday sweets, savories and local brands. Free, 415-408-5605, www.sfmade.org scenes and stories sure to capture your heart and wine, find gifts, and maybe even win a raffle prize. imagination with a lot of laughter and joy! $35–40, $35, RSVP by Dec. 6, 415-673-2200, www.sfmuseo.org 415-474-6776, www.improv.org 5th Annual La Cocina Holiday Alley Friday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Crocker Galleria (50 Post St.) This fair promises one-stop shopping from local food artisans for all your foodie needs plus live music, drinks and a gift-wrapping station. 415-824-2729, www.lacocinasf.org Mark Foehringer Dance Project | SF: Nutcracker Sweets 27th Annual Cable Car Caroling CHILD’S PLAY Various days, Dec. 7–24 Southside Theater, Fort Mason Center Sunday, Dec. 8, 12:30–6:30 p.m. Not Your Normal New Year’s Eve Children’s Magical Tea This Nutcracker redux is just 50 minutes long Galleria at the Design Center (101 Henry Adams St.) Fri–Sat thru Dec. 31, noon, 12:30 p.m. & 1 p.m. and is designed for families with young chil- Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Bring the family and climb aboard classic cable cars Top of the Mark, Mark Hopkins Hotel dren. Live music and dancer Brian Fisher, this Marines’ Memorial Theatre that dash through the city, visiting nursing facilities, This elegant tea service includes finger sand- production is as zany as it is beautiful. Suitable Ring in the New Year with an evening of hilari- group homes, and private residences to spread the wiches and freshly baked scones accompa- for ages 3 & up. $18–$28, 800-838-3006, ously unconventional stand-up comedy featur- gift of song and goodwill while lifting the spirits of nied by a specialty tea selection and a buffet www.brownpapertickets.com ing Laurie Kilmartin, Brent Weinbach, Kellen seniors. Afterward, share in a festive holiday din- menu designed for children. Includes a magic Erskine, Casey Ley, Dan St. Paul, Joe Klocek, and ner and entertainment to support the Institute on show, face painting and a cookie-decorating hosts Jill Bourque and Brian Copeland with live Aging. $10–$70, 415-750-4143, www.ioaging.org Holiday Heroes station with the chef. $48–$50, 415-616-6941, Monday, Dec. 9, 5:45–8:45 p.m. music by D.J. Lucio K. $45–$199, 415-392-4400, www.topofthemark.com AT&T Park www.cityboxoffice.com Rock the Square 33rd Annual Bay Area sports and media stars come together Celebrity Bell Ringing for the ultimate party to benefit the Junior S.F. Symphony: Friday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Giants Baseball Program, the 49ers Foundation, New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party Union Square Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Featuring S.F. celebrities and local bands, this day of Raphael House, and others. Enjoy celebri- Davies Symphony Hall bell ringing, singing, music, and fun seeks to spread ty athletes, ballpark fare and drink, cooking Enjoy a spectacular concert, then join the Prosecco the joy of the holiday season and the spirit of giv- demonstrations, face painting, kids’ activities, and dessert after-party and get your groove on ing to support The Salvation Army. 415-503-2736, and much more. $150 and up, 650-321-4142, with Hit Waves on the first tier, or harken back to www.celebritybellringing.org www.wenderweis.org the golden age of the 1930s with the Peter Mintun Orchestra and dance on the stage. $85–$195, Old Time Maritime Christmas www.sfsymphony.org, 415-864-6000 Saturday, Dec. 14, 6–7:40 p.m. WHAT YOU CAN DO Hyde Street Pier NYE Countdown 2014 SF Experience Christmas 1901, meet and talk with Project Glimmer: Boxing Joy Tue, December 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m. captains and crews aboard historic ships, and take ‘Tis the Season for Science Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Horizon Restaurant and Lounge (498 Broadway) a lamplit guided tour (tours leave every 20 minutes). Dance the year away on two dance floors to the Daily thru Jan 5 S.F. Firefighters Toy Program headquarters 415-447-5000 hip-hop, top 40, and club hits that will go nicely California Academy of Sciences (2225 Jerrold Ave.) with your premium party favors, LED glow sticks, Don’t miss this reindeer rendezvous of live Prepare gifts for distribution by putting them in Holiday Caroling on Union Street balloon drop, and a confetti blast that you’ll still caribou this holiday season. $19.95–$29.95, pretty boxes and bags for delivery to at-risk girls Saturday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m. www.calacademy.org and women during the holiday season. Light be picking off your clothes when you get home Meet at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church snacks and beverages served during three-hour in the early hours of 2014. Ages 21 & up, $20, 415-576-1118 , www.horizonsf.com (2325 Union St. at Steiner) shifts. http://projectglimmer.org/boxing-joy, Join the caroling while strolling down Union Teddy Bear Tea [email protected] Street and return to the church for refreshments. Fri–Sun, Dec. 6–8; Sat–Sun, Dec. 14–15; Fri–Tue, 5th Annual Streets of S.F. 800-310-6563, sresproductions.com Dec. 20–24, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Christmas Outreach New Year’s Eve Party Ritz-Carlton Saturday, Dec. 14, 8:30–2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.–2 a.m. 5th Annual This special tea experience features Santa’s Wednesday, Dec. 25, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market elf, plenty of stuffed animals, the giant City Impact (230 Jones St.) Party in the New Year with a premium-hosted bar Sat–Sun, Dec. 21–22, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear (photo ops avail- City Impact strives to help meet the physi- at this event that boasts the best bartender-to- Concourse Exhibition Center (635 Eighth St.) able), hot chocolate, cookies and pastries, cal needs of the hungry, lonely and poor guest ratio of any NYE party in the Bay Area as well Snag homemade gifts for everyone on your assorted sandwiches, holiday entertainment, and needs volunteers to help cook, pre- as state-of-the-art visuals and sound, and music list among the more than 250 indie crafters on and a teddy bear gift. A portion of the pro- pare and deliver meals and toys to kids, and by world renowned D.J. talent. 125–$150, www. eyeheartsf.com display. Includes interactive workshops, music, ceeds benefits the Greater Bay Area Make- serve hot sit-down meals to the homeless. craft-making for kids, and food and drinks. Free, A-Wish Foundation. $110, 415-296-7465, $25, 415-292-1770, [email protected], www.renegadecraft.com www.ritzcarlton.com/sanfrancisco www.sfcityimpact.com E-mail: [email protected] www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 25 At Home

Healthful Life Party smart Avoid the festive 15

by thalia farshchian • Drinking alters your liver SIT DOWN QUALITY TIME metabolism, so consult AND SLOW DOWN he holidays can your doctor if you are tak- The purpose of the hol- FOR THEM be a tempting time ing any medications. idays is to connect and in terms of eat- spend time with those you Ting and drinking. All too STAY HYDRATED love, so make sure to sit AND YOU often, we pay for our choic- Staying hydrated is key down and be present for Jungle Gym es in the New Year when to maintaining a health- the entire experience. Slow at the Presidio Community YMCA we step on the down by chew- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday scale or find a ing your food 10:30am - 12:00pm favorite outfit t h o r o u g h l y www.ymcasf.org/presidio a bit snug. By Alcohol impairs nutrient (approximately maintaining a 30 chews per balanced regi- absorption, so take a bite) to let your men, you can satiety signals still enjoy the good B-complex before keep up with holiday festivi- your intake. ties, avoid the a night out. This eating tip aftermath, and alone can make Beat the winter chill at launch into the new year ful weight and to elimi- a giant impact! our indoor playground. ahead of the game. nate accumulated toxins. A good general rule is KEEP UP PICK YOUR POISON to drink half your body WITH SLEEP There are things we weight in ounces. When The holiday season can indulge in because we properly hydrated, your bring about long eve- want them and then things body is more inclined to nings, but staying on top we indulge in because release toxins from fat of your sleep will help INVITATION they are in front of us. cells to be removed from you reduce stress and You are invited Most people know which the body. fatigue. The fatigue from indulgence they priori- lack of sleep can lead to meet Dr. Farah tize — commonly sugar, CONTRIBUTE TO your body to crave more salt, or alcohol. These may THE FESTIVITIES food, particularly sugar change from day to day, If you know you have and salt, to maintain but like many things in particular dietary needs, energy levels. New Patient Special $200 life, knowing what you bring a dish to your events want is key. even if it is not a pot- EXERCISE FIRST Comprehensive Initial Exam luck. People never say no THING IN MORNING Oral Cancer Screening DRINK RESPONSIBLY to more delicious food During the holidays, Our bodies cannot and you remain guilt-free. there is potential for last- Necessary X-rays store alcohol, and we Here is a crowd pleaser: minute exciting activi- Routine Dental Cleaning make every effort to ties to derail your plans. ($350 value) get it out of our system. Spicy Pumpkin Hummus Getting your exercise out Alcohol negatively affects Serves 12 of the way in the morning (Does not apply to patients with gum disease) our blood sugar and can allows you to check it off cause low blood sugar, 1-14 ounce can garbanzo your list and stoke your known as hypoglyce- beans, drained and rinsed metabolism at the start mia. The hypoglycemia 1 clove garlic of the day. By combin- Smile SF: Dr Farah Sefidvash increases hunger, which 1¼ cups pumpkin puree ing cardiovascular exer- results in the familiar ¼ cup tahini cise like walking, cycling, The Art & Science of Beautiful Smiles munchies. Alcohol has 2 tablespoons olive oil jogging, or swimming no nutrients, fat, car- 3 tablespoons lemon juice with weight training, you bohydrates, or protein, ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pep- can increase your metab- Call Today: 415-922-2990 but this blood sugar per (more or less to taste) olism and build muscle imbalance can greatly 1 teaspoon cumin to burn more calories. affect weight. 1 teaspoon salt If you are traveling, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground plan a body weight regi- DRINK SMARTER black pepper men ahead to keep you Follow these guidelines on track. when consuming alcohol: Place garbanzo beans in • Never drink on an empty the bowl of a food pro- START YOUR NEW stomach. cessor. Process until very YEAR OFF BY DETOXING • Consider alcohol your finely chopped. With the WITH THE DOC treat, and maintain a clean motor running, add the I will be kicking off the diet consisting of veg- garlic through the tube new year with a three- etables, lean protein, and and process until very week detox with the Doc healthy fats. fine. Add the remaining Workshop educating you • Moderation is key — ingredients and process on nutrition and personal- for men, no more than until smooth. Taste for izing a plan to your life- 4 drinks per day and no seasoning, adding addi- style. You will take away more than 14 drinks per tional salt, pepper and tools you can implement week. For women, no lemon juice, if desired. for the rest of 2014 to more than 3 drinks per day Serve with fresh vegeta- achieve your health goals. and no more than 7 drinks bles or sweet potato chips. Please call 415-732-7029 per week. for more information. • Drink a glass of water AVOID BANKING CALORIES between each alcoholic Many people “bank” food Thalia Farshchian is a natu- beverage. for the day, so they can ropathic doctor at Discover • Alcohol impairs nutrient indulge more in the evening. Health. Her background absorption, so take a good This tactic usually backfires includes both conventional B-complex before a night because you will find your- and alternative modali- out to avoid or reduce a self ravenous by the time the ties, and her practice is pri- hangover. evening comes. Eat health- marily focused on weight • Avoid diet soda mixers ful meals consisting of lean management, hormone and carbonated beverages, protein, healthy fats, and imbalances and gastroin- which actually increase the vegetables if you know you testinal conditions. E-mail: rate of intoxication. are going to indulge later. [email protected]

26 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Caring For Our Kids Annual snapshot

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The Dunn family trying to capture the perfect family photo Picture-perfect holiday photos

by liz farrell or hungry — it’s no fun for anyone. Time of day is important, and photographers t’s December and that means the will often suggest taking photos in the holiday rush is upon us. One of my morning after breakfast and before naps favorite parts of the holiday season is when children usually are at their best. Ithe tradition, and the one I look forward Keeping them well fed and well hydrated ✤ ✤ 6JGTCRGWVKE/CUUCIG 4GUWNVU(QEWUGF(CEKCNU $QF[6TGCVOGPVU to every year is receiving holiday cards is important. We usually pack a few non- #EEWRWPEVWTG✤ 'WECN[RVWU5VGCO4QQOU✤ 6GC)CTFGP5CPEVWCT[ from all over the world. It’s the one time messy snacks and lots of water. It also of the year I’m actually excited to get mail. never hurts to throw in a few bibs or )TQWR2CTVKGU%CVGTKPI✤ /CMGWR5GTXKEGU✤ 9CZKPI napkins to avoid spills. One of the best ways we have found )QTICU#XG2TGUKFKQ5CP(TCPEKUEQ† to keep kids motivated for 1RGPFC[UPKIJVUCYGGM†YYYUGPURCEQO The best advice is to color pictures is good old-fashioned coordinate without being too bribery. Decide on something beforehand that you can use “matchy matchy.” during the photo shoot to keep them interested and pay- Even though families of my generation ing attention, like a lollipop or small toy. shy away from a traditional Christmas Find Your Smile at Our letter and with all the pictures on social KEEP IT NATURAL Faculty Dental Practice media sites, there is still something special Choose a setting that means some- about receiving a card with a picture on it thing to your family, maybe a park Our expert faculty dentists offer comprehensive general dentistry and specialty around the holidays. or special picnic spot. This will help services including prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, endodontics and restorative dentistry. Services include check-ups and cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, We take many pictures in our family, so everyone feel more comfortable. When crowns and bridges, extractions, fillings, periodontal therapy, root canals and I know the labor of love that goes into tak- posing for the pictures, do things that more. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. ing and picking just the right picture. I am you would do naturally, such as walking not an expert, but between our immediate together, reading a story, or sharing a Faculty Dental Practice family and trying to capture 12 nieces and joke. This will allow the photographer University of the Pacific nephews under the age of 7, I hope I can to snap at just the right moment when Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry shed a little light on what it takes to get a you are all relaxed and enjoying the 2155 Webster Street (at Sacramento), 1st Floor great family picture. moment. And don’t be afraid to laugh at San Francisco, CA 94115 yourselves. Sending a silly picture will PLAN IT OUT most likely be the most remembered. Now accepting appointments. Call 415.929.6524 or visit us online Whether you are planning to hire a Remember, when taking pictures espe- at dental.pacific.edu and click “Dental Services.” professional or just have a friend take cially with small children, there is no such your photo, one of the best first steps is to thing as the perfect picture. Embrace the make a game plan. First, find a date that ages and stages of your children and go works for everyone, and avoid squeezing with a “majority rules” approach — the it in between soccer games or after work. picture where the most people look their Second, choose the setting and everyone’s best wins. Be open to the photo that was clothing. The best advice I have received on this is to color coordinate without looking too “matchy matchy.” Get it all laid I know the labor of love that out and organized down to the socks and hair bows so you can goes into pictures. avoid last-minute meltdowns. Third, depending on the ages of your taken without a lot of planning but turned children, it may be helpful to arrange out great (on the family vacation, for for an extra set of helping hands. This example). Sometimes the best pictures are person can be another set of eyes, help those we don’t plan for. with hair bows and collars, keep the chil- I hope these tips will take away some of dren’s attention, and maybe even make the stress and make the experience more the baby smile. enjoyable for everyone, which will reflect in your pictures. IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING This can be a critical piece of advice, Liz Farrell is the mother of three young chil- especially if you have small children. We dren. She was formerly a television produc- have all been there struggling to get our er in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. children to smile when they are overtired E-mail: [email protected]

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 27 At Home The Urban Home & Garden Snow cable chains

by julia strzesieski relates to a passenger car; “LT” signifies Mary D. Toboni a light truck. (European car models may uring the holidays and winter not have a letter.) Toboni & Co. ski months, many San Francisco Following the letter (or lack of one), Luxury Property residents take to the road to hit there is a three-digit number (285 in the Specialist Dthe ski slopes. Veteran Tahoe travelers example below), which is the NSW, or tire c. 415.317.4255 know that tire chains, or more accu- width in millimeters. d. 415.345.3002 rately, tire cables or traction devices, After the slash are two or three addi- [email protected] are sometimes necessary when crossing tional numbers. In the example below, 40 BRE# 00625243 the mountains in winter. In Northern represents the aspect ratio 40 percent, or California, chain requirements are most the percentage of the total width of the often enforced on Interstate 80 over tire that the sidewall would cover if placed Donner Pass, U.S. Highway 50 over directly over it. The San Francisco Bay’s entrance Echo Summit, and Interstate 5 north of Following the last series of numbers, was originally named “Chrysopylae” Redding. there may meaning Golden Gate because it Tire cables also be an are sold by additional resembled Istanbul’s Golden Horn. The the pair and letter indi- Golden Gate bridge consists of 23 miles help car or cating the of ladders and 300,000 rivets in each truck tires construc- tower, and was the world’s longest span Gillian Silver get more tion of the when it opened in 1937. It is so long that Toboni & Co. traction in tire carcass: by the time the painters get from one conditions “B,” (bias end to the other, it’s time to paint the c. 415.297.5572 where snow belt), “D” d. 415.345.3131 opposite end again. or ice have (diagonal) [email protected] or “R” (radi- BRE# 01523027 on the road. al, which is A l t h o u g h the standard four-wheel on most For a Custom Designed Market drive and vehicles). all-wheel Finally, the Analysis and Opinion of Value on your drive vehicles with snow tires used to be tire size will terminate with another Property (at no cost of obligation), exempt from chain control areas, cur- two-digit number, 15 in the example, or if you are interested in buying rently there is no exemption and all vehi- which is the wheel diameter the tires are property, please call 415.345.3131 or cles are required to have chains in these designed to fit. email [email protected] weather conditions. Cable chains usually feature tough car- IMPORTANT bon steel rollers that provide traction and If you buy a pair of tire chains, you long wear and are galvanized for rust often must buy a pair of tensioners with prevention. The low-profile steel roll- them. These are essentially six small rub- ers allow increased tire-to-road contact, ber bungee-type cords, bound by a circu- resulting in better stability and consider- lar rubber piece in the center and come c able reduction in noise and vibration. two to a bag. This is an integral part of Many hardware retailers and tire the several popular systems and may not stores stock the most popular-sized be omitted. cables for cars and passenger trucks. If you are required to put chains You will need your specific tire size as on your tires, you must pull com- set forth by the ISO metric tire code. pletely off the roadway. Independently Virtually all tires have this information employed chain installers are usually molded into the sidewalls, or you can available if you don’t wish to install use the factory spec for your tires if they them yourself. These folks do not sell have not been changed since you pur- or rent chains, and they do not work chased your car. At most retailers, tire for Caltrans. Be sure to have cash for cables are not returnable even if they their services, get a receipt, and note are unused, so it is important that you the installer’s badge number. purchase the correct size. Be prepared — don’t get caught on a mountain pass without snow cables! HOW TO READ YOUR TIRE SIZE The tire code consists of a leading let- Julia Strzesieski is the marketing coordina- ter and a string of numbers, for example, tor for Cole Hardware and can be reached P285/40R15. The leading letter “P” cor- at [email protected].

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956 Cole Street 3312 Mission Street 70 4th Street 2254 Polk Street (@ Parnassus) (@29th) (Near Market) (@ Green) 415-753-2653 415-647-8700 415-777-4400 415-674-8913

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Hotel Del Sol, a JDV Collection hotel. | Rate discount good for locals all year round. Restrictions apply.

28 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Real Estate

Real Estate Investor Private and commercial real estate report

Real estate prices vary greatly across the city by the bay, but the closer to the Marina and the Bay you live, the more you can expect to pay. photo: Brocken Inaglory / wikimedia commons 2013: A year at the top What really happened to San Francisco real estate this year? by john zipperer toward “Housing Bubble 2.0.” San was $2.41 million in the Marina, reports that, for example, the aver- There have been numerous Francisco appears third on his list $3.58 million in Cow Hollow, $4.95 age days of a property on the mar- reports that prices have begun to year ago, as San of the “overvalued” markets, which million in Presidio Heights, and ket also varies greatly by neighbor- moderate slightly in San Francisco, Francisco headed into could indicate a crash in the offing. a sinus-clearing $5.25 million in hood, with North Beach having 44 but that doesn’t mean they’re 2013, its residential real Luckily, he threw water on his own Pacific Heights. days and Presidio Heights having crashing by any means. According Aestate market was firing on all cyl- fire by noting that the mortgage Median selling prices for condos 56 days. Meanwhile the average to Trulia, citywide average list- inders and — sticking with the market is much more constrained in the Marina for that same time- price per square foot was highest ing price as of early November auto metaphor — there were no than in the pre-Great Recession frame were $1.16 million, $1.07 mil- (for a 90-day period in the fall) was $1,534,456, which was down brakes. There were a few predic- go-go days, and the degree of over- lion in Cow Hollow, $1.24 million in Noe Valley at $2,678 (up 344.1 $87,688 (or 5.4 percent) from the tions of a crash, but those wor- value is less than in 2004. in Pac Heights, and $1.78 million percent over the previous 90 days), week before. Yet the median sales ries would not be realized. Instead, So how did San Francisco per- in Presidio Heights, according to but you could get a bargain in Glen price was $840,000, which was up 2013 turned out to be a year in form in 2013? And specifically how that same Frank Allen source. Note Park for $343, according to Zephyr. $92,000 (or 12.3 percent) from a which the local market recorded did the City’s Northside do? that in this sample, 71 of the sales in Those numbers probably under- year earlier. Naturally, any such new highs in housing prices and Starting with our neighbor- the Marina over the past 12 months score the likely effects of individual numbers can be affected by a few rental rates, and commercial devel- hoods, Frank Allen Realtors pro- were condos, 33 were single fam- sales that warp the overall averages; outsized sales, especially in a mar- opment changed the skyline. vides some helpful info guaranteed ily residences, 11 were tenants-in- Noe Valley’s a great neighborhood, ket with relatively few properties Time’s Christopher Matthews to deflate many hopeful homeown- common units, plus three each of certainly, but it’s not that far out of on the market, which remains the offered an assessment in November ers. As of November 18, the medi- three-unit and two-unit properties. whack; and this writer can attest case in San Francisco. in which he asked whether certain an selling price for single-family A few random statistics from to the many charms of his former In mid-November, Redfin report- U.S. housing markets were headed homes for the previous 180 days Zephyr help fill in the details. It neighborhood, Glen Park. investor, continued on 30

SOMA Nob Hill Noe Valley Offered at $1,595,000 Offered at $1,395,000 Offered at $1,345,000 Sophisticated Beautiful 2BD/2BA Charming 3BD/2BA New York Style Loft. Beaux Art Condominium. Home. Just steps from Special fashion-forward Rarely available home in the all of the amenities of design on 2 levels with St. Elizabeth, an elegant 24th Street, this well- open floor plan, Beaux Art building. Beautiful maintained home is full 3 spacious bedrooms, detailing both in the unit of light and has a wider 3 full baths, 2 panoramic and the building. Spacious than average lot. On city view decks. Fabulous rooms, great flow and the main level the family natural light, fireplace, wonderful light. One car room opens to a lovely high ceilings plus 2 car parking. Elevator to all levels. landscaped Southern garage with storage Common view roof deck. garden. Spacious master and wine cellar. Great 901Powell.com suite upstairs with views location! and custom cabinetry. Sandra Bagnatori 45JuniperPentLoft.com 4239-25thStreet.com (415) 518-4865 Paula Pagano Scott Brittain Annie Williams (415) 860-4209 (415) 385-6657 (415) 819-2663

Russian Hill Cow Hollow Nob Hill Offered at $1,295,000 Offered at $1,049,000 Offered at $849,000 2BD/1.5BA Townhome Modern 2BD/2BA Bright and Cheery, Top with Panoramic Bay Condo. Completely Floor 2BD/1BA Condo. and City Views. Perched renovated, top floor flat in With a transit score of 100 high in the Las Casitas prime location. West- and a walk score of 98, complex, let the “hillavator” facing living room flooded this is an urban dweller’s transport you to the front in sunlight, with fireplace dream location. The unit door of this charming and private deck, spacious itself is a lovely Edwardian townhome. Light and formal dining room, flat with windows and bright, it boasts expansive renovated chef’s kitchen, light on three sides. The bay and city views, high in-unit washer/dryer, 1 car large living room has bay ceilings, hardwood floors, side-by-side parking. windows with southern wood-burning fireplace, 3030Octavia.com views. Includes a formal 1 car parking. Scott Brittain dining room. 725Bay.com (415) 385-6657 1454California3.com Barbara Stein Friedman Marla Moresi-Valdes John L. Woodruff III (415) 321-4246 (415) 971-2535 (415) 321-4266

Marina Russian Hill Offered at $749,000 Offered at $699,000 The City’s Best Spacious 1BD/1BA Sophisticated 1BD/1BA Top Floor South-facing Condo. Premium Condo. The sunny living Russian Hill location! To see homes for sale in your neighborhood, room features floor-to-ceiling Special, sophisticated make your smartphone smarter using our mobile App. French paned window, end unit condo in a Text: HILLCO To: 87778 balcony and views of Pacific well-maintained elevator Heights. The large formal building with deeded and dining room and adjoining guest parking and extra Hill & Co. is a proud member of the Who’s Who charming kitchen have peek- storage. Bedroom in rear. In Luxury Real Estate international network. a-boo views of the Golden Spacious L-shaped living/ Gate Bridge. 1 car parking. dining area, double-paned 2230Francisco.com windows. Ride the cable Sandra Bagnatori car to work! 98 Walkscore. (415) 518-4865 1425Vallejo-106.com Scott Brittain Paula Pagano (415) 385-6657 (415) 860-4209 (415) 921-6000 • www.hill-co.com

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 29 Real Estate

Real Estate Update Present and accounted for A home for the holidays

by stephanie saunders ahlberg If you’re thinking about selling your home during the holidays, it is a great time of year hatever holidays you to put mulled spices on the stove when show- celebrate, I think we all look ing your property. It makes the buyer feel forward to being in our home right at home. You can even put out a plate Wwith friends, family, and loved ones. of holiday cookies for those coming through. Throughout history, there have been As a buyer, when looking for your new countless songs, poems, and expressions home, ask yourself, “How does this home written about home, going home, love of make me feel?” home, and home and family. What are some of the words you would A big part of the American Dream has use to describe the property? Bright? been, and continues to be, to own one’s Cheerful? Happy? Chic? Beautiful? Think own home. Of course, in San Francisco, about the adjectives that make you feel many rent rather than own. Still, the most content when you think of “home.” desire to own is strong. Is there a match? What about the month of December? The holidays are always special. But Is this a good time to buy? Though you spending them in a home you own with might not have time enough to purchase your family seems the most special of all. a home and move into it by the holidays, If you’re serious about buying a home, it is not too late to make a new home your continue your search during the holidays. biggest holiday gift ever to the family. Who knows — you might just own that Yes, there are fewer homes on the mar- home sooner than you think possible. ket during the holidays, but those who are And what a holiday gift that would make! selling during this period are motivated Happy Holidays! sellers. Likewise, those who are buying now are serious buyers. So if getting a new Stephanie Saunders Ahlberg has been a home (or even an investment property) is real estate agent for more than 30 years on your list, you might consider continu- and joined Hill & Co. in 1983, where ing your search during the holidays. Why she has consistently been among the top wait until the busy, hyper-competitive 10 salespeople. She can be reached at spring buying market? www.realtyinsanfrancisco.com.

Investor in the entire country, to get multi-year process needed continued from page 29 below Bayview’s prices; San to plan, get approvals, and Diego’s median price was a build office space, because ed the citywide median list- reported $485,000. if a developer waits until ing price was a lower-than- the market is strong again Trulia $849,000, at a median The office Sector before beginning the pro- square foot price of $743, Nationally, the commer- cess, the new office space and purchasers paid 106.7 cial real estate sector expe- might come on the market percent of the asking price. rienced a good 2013 and after it has peaked and is Trulia, Zillow, Redfin, and expects that to continue headed back downward. other services have different into 2014, with office space It won’t surprise anyone stats based upon the par- and multifamily real estate to report that the office ticular properties reported doing quite well. market is currently strong, Margaret Handelman, resident since 2011 on their sites, but they are According to LoopNet, and neither will the reasons consistent in showing that an online commercial real for that raise an eyebrow. the market remains strong, estate marketplace, San “San Francisco County The Life She presenting a prime selling Francisco is a good place to added 12,700 jobs year- opportunity for owners and be a commercial developer over-year, while unemploy- a challenge for buyers. or landlord. Asking rents for ment fell to 5.6 percent Paragon Real Estate office, industrial, and retail — well below the national Group reports that from are all up noticeably from average of 7.3 percent,” WA N T S May 1 to September 30, the a year earlier, with average notes real estate services most expensive house sales asking rents for office reach- firm Jones Lang LaSalle In The City She Loves. were in Pacific Heights, ing $39.57 per square foot in its 2013 third-quarter Presidio Heights, and Cow (up 1.1 percent over the past report. It’s not just Twitter The wonderfully fashionable mix of a life well lived is Hollow, with $4,775,000 as year), industrial asking rents and other social media right here at San Francisco Towers, the city’s premier median sales price. If you’re at $15.54 (up 12.1 percent), companies behind the looking to remain in Fog and retail asking rents at expansion; Jones says it’s senior living community. Margaret finds time to help City but want to pick up $40.06 percent (up 8.6 per- also cloud computing and a bargain, there’s Bayview’s cent), LoopNet reports. e-commerce companies. organize both our fundraiser fashion show and our $475,000 or Visitacion Going more in-depth into In the first three quarters Valley’s $580,000 median the office market, we see of 2013, total net absorption annual holiday trunk show. Be our guest, come by prices. According to Pacific a good snapshot of what’s — the amount of invento- CLIENT ESC / San Francisco Towers and meet people like Margaret who still pursue their Union, for the entire first 10 happening overall to the ry newly leased — reached months PUBof 2013 Marina (numbers Times San Francisco economy. 816,000 square feet of office passions and are writing their next, best chapter right weren’t inAD yet NAME for the Margaret final Matching available office space, and more than 200,000 two months), sales prices inventory with the market sf of that was just involved REF NO EPSF651-01re here. To learn more, or for your personal visit, please in the City were more than need for commercial space in two large deals, accord- 100 percentTYPE of Half-pagethe asking vertical,can be as difficult 4C as trying ing to Jones. Overall, the call 415.447.5527. price. That’sSIZE saying 4.936” some x- 16”to fire an arrow accurately firm’s research office reports thing, considering just last while running. When there that office vacancy rates fell DecemberISSUE 2012 12/01/12sales prices is an economic downturn, over the past year, as did were a reportedDUE 11.11.13 91 percent demand for office space the amount of new supply of askingVERSION prices. 01 can disappear quickly; new of office space. Against that Not surprisingly, San companies are few and background, two speculative FranciscoAGENCY made the National RESIN far between, some exist- developments broke ground, AssociationCONTACT of Realtors’ Tim list Paschke ing companies 415-987-4274 are driven each expected to bring more of the five most expensive out of business, and other than 100,000 square feet housing markets with an businesses either cancel to the market, and Jones average price of $705,000, their expansion plans or expected leasing activity to topped only by San Jose’s cut costs by reducing the remain strong through the 1661 Pine Street San Francisco, CA 94109 sanfranciscotowers-esc.org $805,000. You have to move amount of space they lease. end of the year. all the way to San Diego, the But in many ways, a down- A not-for-profit community owned and operated by Episcopal Senior Communities. License No. 380540292 COA #177 EPSF651-01RE 120113 fifth most expensive market turn is the time to start the E-mail: [email protected]

30 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com STRATEGIC & PROACTIVE

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

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 31 Real Estate

The Marina Times Real Estate Mystery Housebuyer Ruhan and Ben’s story Market Report: October 2013 By Hill & Co. Match game 2013: SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON Neighborhood Address Bathrooms Sale Price Asking Price Market Buying without tears

Cow Hollow 77 Pixley Street 3BD/2.5BA $2,125,000 Above 3 3052 Octavia Street 4BD/4BA $3,100,000 Above 21 3150 Buchanan Street 4BD/3.5BA $3,600,000 Above 12 by anonymous location, location is perhaps the savviest 2720 Lyon Street 2BD/3.5BA $3,854,000 Above 19 way to compromise. The saying is usu- 2529 Union Street 3BD/3.5BA $4,200,000 Above 10 2829 Greenwich Street 4BD/4.5BA $5,850,000 Below 62 en and Ruhan want a house ally deployed in defense of a property

Lake 352 Lake Street 6BD/3BA $2,850,000 Above 12 in San Francisco. Not just any that is expensive — if you want to be 120 Lake Street 4BD/4.5BA $3,425,000 Below 93 home — a house, with a yard, located in the prime spot, you’ve got to 82 6th Avenue 4BD/3.5BA $3,650,000 Above 10 Bgood neighborhood, multiple bathrooms, be willing to pay for it. But if being in Laurel Heights 18 Manzanita Avenue 4BD/3BA $3,025,000 Above 26 off-street parking, and the usual wishlist San Francisco city limits is enough, and Lone Mountain (no sales) of incidentals. Their budget doesn’t agree. Ben and Ruhan don’t have to live next

Marina 59 Rico Way 3BD/1.5BA $1,692,000 Below 32 Ben and Ruhan currently rent, but as to their favorite restaurant or be within 230 Capra Way 3BD/2BA $1,900,000 Above 26 1650 Bay Street 3BD/2.5BA $2,125,000 Above 45 they have watched their friends buy homes a two-minute walk to the Google bus, 501 Marina Boulevard 5BD/4BA $5,214,000 Below 39 in recent years, they realized that they, too, then they’ve just found something that Nob Hill (no sales) they can give up and that will

North Beach (no sales) save them a ton of money.

Pacific Heights 2668 Vallejo Street 4BD/5BA $9,500,000 At 3 Naturally, if this couple were 2622 Jackson Street 7BD/6BA $13,300,000 Above 19 They have plenty of time only thinking about prices, they Presidio Heights 60 Arguello Boulevard 5BD/3.5BA $4,330,000 Below 42 to wait until their budget would probably have jumped at Russian Hill 18 Moore Place 2BD/1.75BA $1,600,000 Above 25 the chance to buy a two-bed- 131 Culebra Terrace 3BD/3BA $2,500,000 Above 10 room, two-bathroom house in 2430 Hyde Street 3BD/3.5BA $5,675,000 Above 6 and the market agree. 864 Francisco Street 4BD/3.5BA $6,500,000 Below 124 Oakland for the list price of

Sea Cliff 259 32nd Avenue 3BD/2.5BA $1,927,000 Above 12 had a growing desire to own a place of $629,000. Or the Berkeley three-bedroom, 250 32nd Avenue 4BD/2.5BA $2,408,000 Above 8 their own. A place they couldn’t be evicted two-bathroom home priced at $575,000.

Telegraph Hill (no sales) from. A place where the rent can never There are options. go up, forcing them to find a new place But Ruhan and Ben have been insistent: CONDOS to rent in a landlord’s market. ($3,500 for They want to buy in San Francisco. They BEDROOMS/ ABOVE/AT/BELOW DAYS ON a one-bedroom apartment? Seriously?) A can compromise on location, size, park- Neighborhood Address Bathrooms Sale Price Asking Price Market place, in short, in which they can antici- ing, age and condition of the property, pate growing old. That will take a while, and other things. But location might well Cow Hollow 2701 Van Ness Avenue #503 1BD/1BA $505,000 Above 19 2378A Union Street #A 1BD/1BA $560,000 Above 7 because this couple is in their early 30s. So be what can give them the biggest gain for 2920 Buchanan Street #4 1BD/1BA $780,000 Above 25 2629 Chestnut Street 2BD/1.5BA $1,450,000 Above 28 they have plenty of time to grow older, and their compromise. though they don’t know it, they have lots If they were up for being pioneers, Lake 182 8th Avenue 2BD/2BA $1,100,000 Above 21 4502 California Avenue 2BD/2BA $1,100,000 Above 16 of time to wait until their budget and the and they were willing to face down San 51 14th Avenue 2BD/1.5BA $1,120,000 Above 12 240 24th Avenue 2BD/2BA $1,199,000 At 28 market agree. Francisco’s ever-present anti-gentrifiers, They hope to spend about $650,000. If they might consider buying in one of Laurel Heights 8 Jordan Avenue #3 2BD/2BA $1,176,000 Above 17 their desires matched their budget and the the City’s less expensive up-and-coming Lone Mountain (no sales) market, they would buy a great condo- neighborhoods. Forget about doing that Marina 3120 Franklin Street #1 1BD/1BA $680,000 Above 19 minium in trendy SOMA or a fixer-upper in the Tenderloin; for a host of structural 1921 Jefferson Street #303 2BD/2BA $820,000 Below 72 1540 Lombard Street #J 2BD/1BA $825,000 Above 10 house on the southern end of the City. and political reasons, the Tenderloin is 1540 Lombard Street #D 2BD/1BA $885,000 Above 43 1111 Bay Street #202 2BD/2BA $1,050,000 Above 21 From a simple search on Zillow, I found not going to become Lincoln Park West. 3244 Broderick Street 2BD/2BA $1,250,000 Above 26 a one-bedroom, 1.5 bath condo just under But, Mission is attracting many newcom- 2021 Jefferson Street 2BD/2BA $1,475,000 At 13 66 Cervantes Boulevard 2BD/2BA $1,605,000 Above 20 $650,000 that even includes a parking space. ers who are coming in and investing in 3743 Fillmore Street 2BD/1.5BA $1,700,000 Above 13 Or for that same price they might take an the neighborhood (to the consternation Nob Hill 41 Reed Street 0BD/1BA $325,000 Above 49 Opera Plaza two-bedroom, three-bathroom of some longtime locals, of course). Or 1615 Jones Street #5 1BD/1BA $485,000 Below 43 1177 California Street #922 0BD/1BA $486,000 Below 32 townhouse condo and be right 1177 California Street #208 1BD/1BA $535,000 Above 12 1440 Broadway #104 1BD/1BA $715,000 Above 16 in the midst of museums and 1650 Jackson Street #404 1BD/1BA $725,000 Below 38 concert halls and even a handy 1234-1254 Washington Street #1250 3BD/2BA $947,500 Below 61 Even in pricey areas such as 1566 Jones Street 3BD/2BA $1,150,000 Above 40 courthouse for when they have 1310 California Street 3BD/2BA $1,155,000 Above 16 jury duty. (O.K., most people 1419 Clay Street 4BD/2BA $1,200,000 Above 104 the Marina District, 1308 California Street 3BD/2BA $1,270,000 Below 34 don’t put that on their wish list, 1320 Taylor Street 3BD/2.5BA $1,600,000 Above 21 30 Miller Place #1 2BD/2BA $2,000,001 Above 21 but it’s there nonetheless.) There’s bargains can be found. North Beach 33 Vandewater Street #204 1BD/1BA $520,000 Below 42 even a single family home in 600 Chestnut Street #111 2BD/2BA $790,000 Below 163 Outer Mission that’s a trust sale; it has two they might consider Dog Patch and be 865 Vallejo Street #101 2BD/1BA $900,000 Above 16 445 Francisco Street #101 2BD/2BA $995,000 At 36 bedrooms and one bathroom, but it needs right near downtown. Or head out to the

Pacific Heights 1817 California Street #109 1BD/1BA $530,000 Below 87 work. (The listing says “Needs new kitchen, far western end of the City, and what they 2211 California Street #307 1BD/1BA $540,000 Above 46 baths, plumbing and too much to list.” Good give up by not being near downtown they 2556 Gough Street 1BD/1BA $735,000 Above 27 2800 California Street #301 2BD/2BA $890,000 Above 33 to know they’re not overselling it.) gain by being near the Pacific Ocean. 1945 Washington Street #203 2BD/2BA $915,000 Above 16 3110 California Street #1 2BD/2BA $950,000 At 38 But Ben and Ruhan are not there yet; Even in pricier neighborhoods such as 1800 Washington Street #913 2BD/2BA $1,180,000 Above 17 they’re not yet matching their means to the Marina, bargains can be found, but 3128 Washington Street 3BD/2BA $1,270,000 Below 154 2882 Jackson Street 3BD/2BA $1,275,000 Above 98 their wants. Real estate advisors, agents, probably not without some of those other 2400 Steiner Street #2 1BD/1.5BA $1,280,000 Above 4 2200 Sacramento Street #702 2BD/2BA $1,375,000 Above 21 and other commentators bring up this compromises coming into play. (Forget the 2846 Sacramento Street 2BD/2BA $1,450,000 At 17 topic all the time, and that’s for the simple yard for $650,000.) 1890 Green Street 3BD/2BA $1,541,500 Above 15 1870 Jackson Street #702 3BD/2.5BA $1,700,000 Above 10 reason that people shoot for the moon Ben and Ruhan will find a place, but it 2240 Green Street #4 2BD/2BA $1,775,000 Above 41 1927 Jackson Street 3BD/2.5BA $1,975,000 Above 9 when they are buying a home, especially will probably take them a while to reach 1980 Vallejo Street #2 4BD/3BA $2,725,000 Above 14 if it is their first home (so they might not the point where they know what they are 1980 Vallejo Street #5 3BD/3BA $2,850,000 Below 153 have been paying sufficient attention to willing to compromise. When I last heard Presidio Heights 436 Laurel Street #436 2BD/2BA $930,000 Above 18 122 Arguello Boulevard 3BD/2BA $1,500,000 Above 27 how things really work). from them, they were still at the shooting- 331-335 Spruce Street #333 3BD/2.5BA $1,708,000 Above 73 They can compromise on all kinds of for-the-moon stage and had not yet come 312 Locust Street 3BD/2BA $1,860,000 Above 26 136 Locust Street 4BD/2BA $2,575,000 Below 124 things, and that could be demoralizing if down to earth. When they get here, the

Russian Hill 1925 Leavenworth Street #11 0BD/2BA $423,000 Below 57 they don’t realize that some things don’t good news is that they will still be able to 2555 Leavenworth Street #102 2BD/1BA $720,000 Above 34 really bother you if you lose them. purchase their home in San Francisco. 1101 Green Street #404 1BD/1BA $725,000 Above 34 1000 North Point Street #1002 2BD/1BA $990,000 Below 91 The old saying that the most impor- 945 Lombard Street 2BD/1BA $1,175,000 Above 36 1325 Filbert Street 2BD/2BA $2,600,000 Above 35 tant thing in real estate is location, Anonymous is in an undisclosed location. 1374 Union Street 3BD/3.5BA $2,700,000 Above 47 1000 North Point Street #309 2BD/1BA $815,000 Below 124

Sea Cliff (no sales) Telegraph Hill 237 Greenwich Street #A 0BD/1BA $415,000 Above 26 the 382 Green Street #1 1BD/1BA $535,000 Below 73 Advertise in 382 Green Street #2 1BD/1BA $565,000 Below 129 382 Green Street #6 1BD/1BA $601,000 Above 87 382 Green Street #5 1BD/1BA $717,500 Above 131 339 Filbert Street 2BD/2BA $1,450,000 At 32 341 Filbert Street 3BD/3BA $3,425,000 Below 192

The data presented in this report is based on the San Francisco Multiple Listing Service and is T o inquire about our advertising rates and for more information, accurate to the best of our knowledge, but cannot be guaranteed as such. For additional information, contact Hill & Co., 1880 Lombard Street (at Buchanan), 415-321-4362, www.hill-co.com. contact us at [email protected] or call our offices at (415) 815-8081

32 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com Real Estate Today S.F. is different by carole isaacs on whose information you are con- sidering. It may feel like it is time re you a recent trans- to wait for prices to settle down or plant to San Francisco try- even go down. Waiting to buy is a ing to get your sea legs in serious mistake. This is the begin- Athe city by the bay and thinking ning of what most informed people about buying a home? Are you a believe is a 20-year growth period first-time home buyer? Are you in the Bay Area. a buyer who has owned a home • There are so many high-rise for many years and is thinking buildings under construction about downsizing? Even if you today or in the works that single- have read about the high price of family homes are going to be under San Francisco real estate and the extraordinary demand in years to competitive nature of making an come. New transplants continue to believe they should pay less since • It may take six months or more The mantra will be helpful. It will offer on a home, the realities of the flow into the City at a pace that will they are paying cash. Remember the to find a home that works for you. inspire you to think differently market will be quite an eye opener. keep the demand for housing high. bank’s money is green too! In the Patience is key to buying a home. and carefully walk around the “You don’t need to sugar coat • The pace of sales in recently end most sellers are looking at how • If a house comes up early in home and ask the agent questions. the information you give me,” a completed and soon-to-be-com- much money will be in their bank your search that you love, don’t No question is too small, and the buyer who had just moved to San pleted buildings is amazing to even accounts when the deal is done. pass it up to save on a few month’s agent’s job is to answer questions. Francisco wrote in an e-mail. I the most experienced developers. • Inventory is so low that few rent that are left on your lease. It replied that another client who was • The market is moving fast, and homes fall out of escrow and come is difficult to believe but true that Remember San Francisco is dif- a recent transplant said to me after desirable homes are in contract in back on the market. in San Francisco, rarely are two ferent. It is a mecca for people seek- looking at property for some time 10 days or less. This will leave you • Buyers submit back-up offers. homes alike. Over the years, own- ing a better, more enjoyable life. and getting to know the market, breathless when it comes time to This means that the seller has ers have remodeled and updated A city of parks, restaurants, and “I’ve learned that in San Francisco, make an offer and you have little accepted another offer, but will their homes. Homes here have little neighborhoods where you can walk real estate is a blood sport.” I had time to consider what to do. This take a back-up offer in case the in common with the track homes to coffee, use public transit, and to agree it was not for the faint of is when you must trust your real first offer falls out of contract. of the suburbs or other cities. bike to work in many areas. We all heart or a buyer who was not com- estate agent for advice. The contract price and terms are • Before you start your search pay more to live here. When I leave mitted to living in the City. Only • Winning offers often have few settled and the contract is fully online or go to your first open San Francisco for a vacation or to the most aggressive and focused or no contingencies. This is difficult ratified and in back-up position. house, memorize this simple man- visit family and friends, I always buyers meet with success. for new buyers to understand and Believe it or not, there may be as tra: San Francisco is different. Once feel very fortunate when I return Following the request to not makes it extremely important that many as three back-up offers on a you have begun your search and that I live in such a fabulous city. sugar coat information, here are they carefully read the disclosures. desirable home. find yourself thinking, “Oh my some things to keep in mind. • Don’t let the cash offers dis- • Because so many homes have God, I cannot believe the price,” Carole Isaacs is a Realtor with • Since the beginning of 2013, courage you. Investors and others back-up offers, even fewer homes this is a time for your mantra to McGuire Real Estate. Visit her real estate in San Francisco has with cash are closely comparing come back on the market if they kick in and automatically say to online at www.caroleisaacs.com or gone up 15–25 percent, depending their investment options and often fall out of escrow. yourself: San Francisco is different. call 415-608-1267.

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 33 Travel

Weekend Traveler Squaw Valley Winter playground

by garrick ramirez For blue lines, hit the fast lifts and quick tree runs in the Shirley ki season is here and those Lake area. Or try nearby Alpine in the know will head to Meadows. Your lift ticket gets you beautiful Squaw Valley for access to the adjacent resort, a mere Sits excellent terrain, alpine charm 15 minutes away via a free shuttle and après fun. The lofty monu- that runs throughout the day (800- ments that mark both the entrance 403-0206, www.squaw.com; 800- to the valley and its Olympic leg- 403-0206, www.skialpine.com). acy lend only a hint of the splen- Like its European progenitors, Alpine charm at the Village at Squaw Valley photo: Garrick Ramirez dor hidden beyond. Nestled at the the resort was created with recre- base of six towering granite peaks, ation at two levels of the mountain. prehensive selection of gear and and undeniably fun (530-583-4505, pizzas. Projection-screen ski flicks the toy-like mountain village is an Take the thrilling Aerial Tram outerwear. Across the way, upscale www.squawchamois.com). and a nice beer and sake list keep inspiring sight from the road lead- that ascends 2,000 feet to High PlumpJackSport has fitted ski Feeling more Burgundy than the vibe lively (530-584-0110, ing in. There’s something about Camp where you can ice skate and winter wear to transition you Bud? Sample a flight at the allur- mamasake.com). the setting that feels far-flung above the clouds or join the party seamlessly from the lifts to the ing Uncorked at Squaw Valley. from California. And why not? at the heated pool and hot tub. lounge (530-452-4478; 530-584- Owner Kali has created a soulful STAY Squaw Valley was modeled after Or board the Funitel — the only 6181, www.plumpjacksport.com). wine bar and retail shop that’s a A snowball’s throw from the the iconic ski resorts of Europe. European-style gondola in exis- warm haven in the Village. Settle in lifts, the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Yet, the clear days and deep ceru- tence in the United States — up to DINE with a cheese plate or snag a bottle Inn is an ideal base camp. It’s a lean skies are 100 percent Tahoe. the Gold Coast area where you’ll Wildflour Bakery is known to take to dinner (530-584-6090, stylish, boutique property with enjoy a decidedly American inven- throughout the mountain for www.uncorkedsquaw.com). a modern lodge motif. Rooms PLAY tion: a ski-in ski-out Starbucks its fresh, still-warm cookies and Families and groups will appre- are winter cozy with gratifying Host to the 1960 Winter (800-403-0206, www.squaw.com). Scharffen Berger hot chocolate. But ciate Fireside Pizza Company for extras like plush robes, single cup Olympics and proving ground go in the morning and tell yourself it’s its streamlined service and reliable Keurigs, and free WiFi. Guests are to some of the world’s best ski- SHOP for one of their breakfast sandwiches grub. Pizzas do exactly what pizzas also treated to a hearty breakfast ers, Squaw Valley Ski Resort is One part alpine village and one or homemade bagels (530-583-1963, should and a gluten-free option has spread with warm dishes comple- renowned for its varied terrain part Epcot, the Village at Squaw www.wildfloursquaw.com). everyone covered. Mason jars are mented by homemade breads, and technical lines. Just ask the Valley is an atmospheric outdoor There’s no shortage of casual alternatively filled with beers and jams, and granola. But what did I die-hards who never tire of end- marketplace with restaurants, bou- spots to grab a pint and a bite after draft root beer while a blazing firepit secretly love the most? The luxu- less laps off the legendary KT-22 tiques, and ever-present views of the slopes, but tradition maintains warms the brave folks outside (530- rious bottle of hand cream that run. But who knew Squaw was Tram Face, the striking mountain that you join the rest of the moun- 584-6150, firesidepizza.com). provided thoughtful relief to dry ideal for beginners too? Instead of cliffside with a less-than-cud- tain on the patio at Le Chamois. A Popular sushi spot Mamasake winter hands (530-583-1576; www. being stuck in parking lot snow, dly name. Given the number of local institution since 1969, “The encourages you to get raw at plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com). kids and never-evers can frolic at mountain outfitters, you’d be fine Chammy” is the quintessential après- Squaw. Creative rolls, large cuts of mountaintop Bailey’s Beach and packing only a toothbrush. Newly ski bar. You’ll rub shoulders with ski nigiri and an assortment of fusion Garrick Ramirez can be reached on enjoy the same Sierra vistas as opened Parallel Mountain Sports legends … and everyone else for that comfort foods are a welcome break Twitter at @WeekendDelSol or at everyone else. is a one-stop shop with a com- matter. Yep, it’s crowded, boisterous from the ubiquitous burgers and [email protected]. City College of San Francisco is OPEN, ACCREDITED and READY for YOU to enroll for SPRING 2014! DREAM BIG! It all starts HERE

www.ccsf.edu @officialCCSF

Classes begin January 10 Only $46/unit Financial Aid* and payment plans available

*For students who qualify

34 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 35 Pets

Skylar’s Holiday Pick Hill & Co. Holiday Food Drive Dec. 1 - Dec. 5 Hill & Co. Holiday Toy Drive Dec. 6 - Dec. 20 &The barrels are back! Food Drive: Please remember the hungry kids and people of San Francisco this Holiday Season. Bring in cans of food, or packaged foods, and place them in our barrels for delivery to the San Francisco Food Bank. Please NO GLASS or Fresh Foods.

Toy Drive: Please drop off toys and books - Give a dog a BarkBox, a unwrapped and new - and place them in our barrels for delivery to the San Francisco unique gift that gives back Fire Department. by susan dyer reynolds and sent me an invite to Challenge Winner HeARTs try the service. “Now you Speak Shelter Photography Next time you’re hen I adopted get $5 off and I get a free Workshop Initiative (www. out shopping for Skylar Grey from month — it’s a great way heartsspeak.org), an inno- food or toys, please San Francisco to sample a variety of toys vative program developed WAnimal Care and Control, and treats to see what Sky to improve photography remember the barrels, she was 2 months old, 19 likes and what works with skills of shelter personnel and the good you can do for others this holiday. pounds, and, we think, had her tummy,” she said. Great and volunteers (better pho- been living in a car with idea. “And they donate 10 tos dramatically increase an a kid who fed her French percent to dog charities,” animal’s chances of adop- fries from the Dollar Menu she added. Even better. tion). They also work with at McDonald’s. A lot has Here’s how it works: Go rotating specific organiza- www.hill-co.com changed in little over tions for monthly a year: Skylar is now promotions — for Drop-off locations: Hill & Co. offices at 2107 Union Street, 1880 Lombard Street, 3899 24th Street 14 months old, 63 example, they gave pounds, and she eats The folks at BarkBox a free BarkBox to better than we do. are serious about every bulldog res- Bully breeds in cued in October. general, and blue helping dogs. You can also give nose pit bulls like BarkBox as a gift. Skylar in particular, can to www.barkbox.com and My dear friend and KGO have very sensitive stom- select the size of your dog Radio cohort Ryan Scott achs, and Sky has the most (“Small and Cute” up to had a birthday recently. sensitive stomach I’ve ever 20 pounds, “Just Right” 20 As a celebrity chef, he not encountered. During our to 50 pounds, or “Big & only has everything, he has first six months together, Bold” for 50 pounds and friends who can give him she had giardia, a ubiqui- over). Choose a plan — $29 what he doesn’t (Rachael tous parasite found every- a month for one month, Ray gave him a really nice where from puddles to $24 for three months, or watch that probably cost grass, four times (think 2 $19 for six months (you more than some people a.m. whining puppy wake- save over 34 percent on make in a year). He and up calls and bouts of diar- this plan, so it’s obviously his girlfriend, Leslie, abso- rhea). It’s not uncommon the best deal). Shipping is lutely adore their dog, in puppies, which have free, and 10 percent goes to Pumpkin, so for Ryan’s developing digestive sys- help doggies in need. Plans birthday I gave them a tems and are exploring automatically renew, and BarkBox. It’s a total win- (Sky still goes for grass like you can cancel at any time. win situation: Ryan got a she’s grazing the Sizzler Each month, you receive a unique gift for his lucky salad bar), but it makes you box in the mail with four dog, and dogs not as lucky realize the importance of a or more carefully selected as Pumpkin are getting healthy digestive system. products for your dog: toys, help as a result. My friend Cat Obuhoff bones, treats, hygiene prod- Skylar loves her BarkBox from Cat Fix It was over ucts, and new stuff just hit- — she waits patiently each one day setting up my new ting the market. (If your month as we unwrap the MacBook Air, and she dog loves a certain item, or surprises together (it’s just Happy Holidays brought along her Boston you want to gift a favorite as much fun for me). Some terrier, Sydney, one of Sky’s item to your doggy’s friend, items, like Honest Kitchen best dog-park pals. “Oh, the folks at BarkBox offer Ice Pups, are now a reg- by the way, I brought you exclusive opportunities to ular part of her regimen. some treats for Skylar,” she order more at a great price Products she turns her nose said, pulling them from her through their app.) up at or that don’t agree backpack. “Syd didn’t like BarkBox is serious about with her sensitive tummy, these.” I told her about Sky’s helping dogs. They work I give to friends for their sensitive stomach and she closely with rescues, shel- dogs (and encourage them said, “Well, BarkBox is per- ters, military dog organi- to sign up). fect for you.” Considering zations, sanctuaries, and If you’re looking for a myself pretty knowledge- low-cost spay-and-neuter unique gift for your dog able about all things dog, programs. In 2013, they or a friend’s dog, give a I was surprised, as Cat donated over $150,000 and BarkBox — the dogs will maneuvered around the over 1,000 BarkBoxes, sup- love it, and best of all it’s a website, that I’d never ported 80 charity events, gift that gives back. heard of it. She typed in her and awarded a $10,000 username and password grant to the Hugo E-mail: [email protected]

36 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com ANNOUNCEMENT: We urgentlyneed foster need homes! short Gratefuland long Dogs term Rescue foster partnershomes! with theGrateful San DogsFrancisco Rescue city partners shelter with to save the Sandogs Francisco from euthanasia. city shelter, Make Animal your Care home and Control,a short termto save or dogslong fromterm euthanasia.safe haven Makeand help your save home a dog’s a short life. term Vet billsor long for termfoster safe dogs haven paid and by GDR.help save Volunteers a dog’s life.and Vetdonations bills for are foster always dogs welcome! are paid byOur GDR. website Volunteers features and more donations dogs, events,are always training welcome! resources, Visit usetc. at Apply www.gratefuldogsrescue.org today to foster, adopt, toor foster-to-adopt!view more adoptable GDR dogs,is an allevents, volunteer, training 501(c)(3) resources, non-profit. etc. ApplyMake today your to year-endfoster, adopt, tax-deductible or foster-to-adopt! donation GDR today!is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit.Make your year-end tax-deductible donation today! AUSTIN LULU ELLIEAustin is an eight-month, ROOLulu is a little 6 pound, 6 years Thispuggle loving, (beagle lightly x pug). brindled He’s a15 oldRoo sweetheart is about a Chihuahua. year old Sheand girlpound (we puppy think full she’s of acuriosity Great lovesweighs to 13cuddle pounds. and Inshares person foster he Daneand affection. mix) has He’s done very her active stint homelooks like with a miniature other small husky. dogs. Roo asand a loves doting, going loving out mother for walks. to She’sis a young, easy friendly, going outgoing and happiest little Austinher two is very pups affectionate and is ready with to whendog. He you plays are well close with by. Beingother receive love and attention dogs, he loves people, he is good with cats, and he adores everyone he meets. He likes to alone is not fun for her. Sleeping on her own. Ellie’s maternal children. He would really like a home with some kids to play snuggle and sleeps with his people at bedtime. He enjoys a in a crate is scary for Lulu, she would prefer sleeping near you. good game of chase with instinctsdogs his aresize. still He evidentis friendly — withshe with, and maybe another dog. He will benefit from some leash Lulu was terrified of the car but has gotten much better. Lulu little kids. Austin is quite smartwill check and already in on knows dogs aroundhow to training work (he likes to “take you” to meet everyone while on is great on her leash, and loves to explore outdoors. She is sither on to command, make sure he they is working are fine on andhis housenot in training. distress. Austin Once walks!) but he is smart and eager to please, and he will make a the other dogs have checked out, she is content to play house broken and alerts her foster parents that she needs to can be left alone, but prefers being around people. Are you wonderful companion for a family or an individual. and have some fun for herself. And does she have fun! go outside. This little girl wants to be your friend. Do you have up to giving this active, fun-loving pup his forever home? She loves playing with any toy she can get her paws on! a gentle, loving home for her? Ellie is house trained and great with other dogs. Once you meet Ellie you will fall in love with her just like we have. TRISTAIN BAILEY Tristan is a very sweet, loving, Bailey is an adorable, huggable purebredPHARAOH white miniature poo- NAPOLEON11-year-old Corgi-Pomeranian Pharaohdle weighing a 10-week-old about 13 pounds. Shep- herdHe is mixaround puppy. 7 years His fosterold. When par- mixMeet (his Napoleon body is mostly the Puggle Corgi entsTristan have was given picked him up lots as ofa stray,love and(pug/beagle his head mix)!is the He Pom is 8 part!).years he looked like he had beenand neglected nurturing for since a very being long born.time, Heold currently and about weighs 26 23 pounds;pounds. but it is obvious that he wasPharaoh once someone’s LOVES everything beloved lap in Baileyhe’s veryis very healthy healthy but with could no dog. This cuddle bug bonds quickly and shadows his per- shedbreathing a few issues, extra and haspounds. the his world: people, playing ball, son. Tristan has some vision issues, but he will know his way Bailey is looking for a companionenergy of he a can puppy. hang Napoleon out with sitting in your lap, giving kisses, around a new environment in just a day. He loves going on on the couch, at the park,is or already on a nicehouse walk trained, through knows the napping, puppy treats, toys, and other dogs. He is already walks, and stays right by your side; he doesn’t pull on the neighborhood. His ideal homecommands, will be and one can without be trusted small trained to come when called, sit for treats, and fetches. leash, so he’d be a great companion for a senior citizen look- children. He doesn’t requireto a runlot of off exercise leash but in he parks. loves Pharaoh is trained to use wee wee pads. Pharaoh is looking ing to stay active (and have the company a sweet, quiet lap Napoleongoing for walks is looking and being for a outdoors. loving home. He Heis good is extremely on leash for someone to spend time with him, as he is too young dog at night). Tristan would do best in an adult-only home expressive,and is fine loveswith meetingother dogs. new Bailey people, is looking and he hasfor aa waywalking of to be left alone. He will positively make you laugh and as children might startle him, but he is very cat friendly. makingcompanion- peoples’ are youhearts the melt. one? He’d a great walking buddy smile! Pharaoh will be your new best friend. He will love along Crissy Field or the Marina Green and can go for you Soooo much! miles. He also loves the company of other dogs. He is a very sweet boy who will addLADY some holiday joy to your life! WILLIE Lady is a 4-year-old, 21-pound SHILOH Schipperke mix but looks more Shiloh.WONKA He is a 6 year-old Rat like a combination of border NELLIE TerrierWillie Wonka mix and is as sweetaround as 40his collie and black bear! Lady Lovely young Nellie is ready to pounds.name implies. He loves Wonka his walks is a and tri- hadbecome a part miserable of your life. beginning This is colored Chihuahua mix with long to her life, unloved and tied all the people he meets. Shiloh a sweet little one who loves to islashes a pure that joycurl ataround home his and eyes. is toplay a and short snuggle. cable She by gets day along and He is a friendly guy about 5 yrs. and loves people. Wonka is inside a storeroom at night. completely house trained. with kids and dogs of all sizes about 9 1/2 pounds, is easy Shilohto pick is up, not and comfortable loves to be when held. Despite this, Lady has adaptedand she well looks to forwardher foster to homegoing Willie Wonka has special needs. His hind legs are a bit “wonky” and quickly learned basic manners and housetraining. strange dogs run up to his face. He gets nervous and can to puppy training classes with actand out.not as His strong perfect as his home front would legs. He be has one difficulty with time with to givesteps. Gentle Lady loves her walks.you. She She loves is about belly four rubs months while But his MRI revealed no significant problems – he just needs him lots of love and time for daily walks. Someone to toss oldlying and upside-down will grow to in be your a medium lap. Lady sized thrives dog. Nellie’s on human ideal someone who understands his needs. Wonka loves to walk attention and would be happiest as the only dog in the his ball for him and rub his belly. He knows all his basic home is with humans who have experience with pitties or and can cover surprising distances. Big dogs and children home. Lady is ready for a gentle, loving home where she commands. Shiloh is looking for the perfect companion border collies. Like with any puppy, patience and training overwhelm him as they challenge his maneuverability. Wonka can get the attention she deserves. to share life’s simple pleasures. classes are a must and, of course, lots of love! is a gentle boy, looking for a gentle home.

ComeGDR’S MESSAGE: join us for Are a you Grateful looking Dogsto adopt fundraiser! a dog in the San Francisco Bay area? Then you should come out to the Grateful Dogs Rescue Adoption event on March 16 at Pet Food ExpressDoc’s Clock on Fundraiser,Market from December 12:30 to 7, 3PM.4:00 to Our 8:00 second p.m. March event will be at BellaPelle at 9 Maiden2575 Mission Lane Street on March (Between 30th 21st from and 11AM22nd Street)to 2PM. | 415-824-3627

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER DOGS: 415-587-1121 • www.gratefuldogsrescue.org [email protected]

This page is sponsored by Locally owned and operated by Michael & Mark GRATEFUL DOGS RESCUE GRATEFUL GRATEFUL DOGS RESCUE GRATEFUL

www.Marinatimes.com THE MARINA TIMES decEMBER 2013 37 Pets

The Adventures of Skylar Grey Chapter 7

Karma is a bitch named Skylar

by susan dyer reynolds Jazzy became sick with cancer, Blue knew something was wrong. She went from the Tell me have you ever heard bratty little sister to the caretaker, sleeping About this little five-letter word? beside Jazzy for long hours and only play- What comes around goes around ing if Jazzy felt well enough to initiate it. I’m telling you, baby, When Jazzy lost her top canine and three It’s called karma … other teeth to the tumor, Blue could eas- — “Karma,” by Jessica Andrews ily have taken her tug-o-war crown, but she didn’t; she let Jazzy win every time. When n a June day in 2009, I called Jazzy passed away, Blue was as devastated as Steve. “Come over and meet my everyone else, sleeping with Jazzy’s favorite foster puppies,” I said. “It’s gorgeous Ugly Doll tucked under her chin and turning Oout. We can sit in the garden and have down her favorite treats. cocktails.” When Steve arrived, there was a On a September day in 2012, I called Steve. pitcher of martinis and three four-month- “It’s time for you and Blue to meet Skylar Grey,” City and County of San Francisco old pit bull mix sisters. I had picked up the I said. When Steve and Blue arrived, Skylar Outreach Advertising puppies from Rocket Dog Rescue that morn- raced across the garden and, in all her puppy 2013 – 12A ing. They came from clumsy glory, body Newspaper Outreach Advertising Survey the now-closed Kern slammed Blue, who The Board of Supervisors is evaluating the effectiveness of Outreach advertising. Was the County shelter in was none too pleased. information in this ad helpful and/or interesting to you? Please provide your comments at Skylar raced across (415) 554-7710 or email [email protected]. Please include the publication Bakersfield, notori- She growled and gave name and date. ously dubbed Doggie the garden and body Skylar “The Elvis,” Notice of Availability of Request for Proposals (RFP) Auschwitz, which with her left upper lip was located in a rural raised; and then “The Mayor’s Offi ce of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) has announced the slammed Blue, who availability of the RFP for 2014-2015 programs under the following funding sources and area where people Double Elvis,” with her program areas: rarely spay or neu- left lip raised, and then • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Capital Projects, HOPE was not pleased. SF Community Building Services, Housing Development and Public Space ter their pets, lead- her right; and finally, Improvements; ing to an influx of over 500 dogs a month. the “Full Vampira,” raising her front upper • Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA): Capital Projects; and • General Fund: Capital Projects Even with the help of rescue groups from lip to bare her canines. She ducked under the The RFP is available electronically on MOHCD’s website at www.sfmohcd.org. All California and beyond, only a small percent- lavender and then ran to the rosemary bush proposals must be submitted electronically by 5:00pm on Monday, December 16, age of the dogs made it out alive. “These are trying to find respite, but Skylar was so small 2013. Please visit www.sfmohcd.org for more information. the luckiest pups in Bakersfield,” I told Steve, she fit anywhere — there was no escape. Tell us where you need curb ramps! and I wasn’t exaggerating — they had been Blue finally gave up and rolled over on her Do you use a wheelchair, walker, or scooter? Do you have trouble getting to the nearest just seven hours from the death chamber back, but when Sky’s needle-sharp puppy transit stop? You can make a request for a curb ramp in your area by calling 3-1-1. Just jot down the intersection and tell the 3-1-1 operator how a curb ramp would increase when Rocket Dog stepped in to save them. teeth were too much, Blue chased her and access for your neighborhood. There are approximately 50,000 curb ramp locations in San As Steve arrived, the pups were climbing butted her with her nose just like her mama Francisco and we are trying to reach them all. We appreciate your help! This is a project of the Department of Public Works and the Mayor’s Offi ce on Disability. all over Jazzy. Just moments ago, she had would have done. Every time Blue found been enjoying a peaceful nap on the sun- another place to lie down Sky was right From the Department of the Environment drenched lawn, and while she was easygoing there, nipping at her ears, her legs and her Guess what? San Francisco has a website that tells you how and where to recycle almost anything! sfenvironment.org/recyclewhere as always, even Jazzy had her limits. She play- tail. “Stop that,” I said to Sky as she nibbled San Francisco Arts Commission fully rolled over on her back, but when those on Blue’s ankle. “This is not KFC and that is Join the San Francisco Arts Commission for a Town Hall meeting to learn more about its needle-sharp puppy teeth were too much, not a drumstick.” Sky flopped beside Blue, plans for the future. Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny will present our vision for Jazzy would chase them and butt them with her tongue — so long it could be the Eighth the next fi ve years and our goals for getting there. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask her nose just like their mama would have Wonder of the World — hanging out the side questions, share comments and provide input on priorities for arts-related policy in the City. on Sat., Dec. 14, 10-11:30am at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. Visit done. Every time Jazzy found another place of her mouth, covered in dirt, as her sides sfartscommission.org. to lie down the pups were right there, nip- heaved with exhaustion. SAN FRANCISCO POLICE DEPARTMENT ping at her ears, her legs, and her tail as Sky quickly got her second wind and AUXILIARY LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TEAM (ALERT) Jazzy’s bright blue eyes begged for mercy. pounced on Blue again. My mind flashed The San Francisco Police Department has developed a volunteer citizen disaster The youngest and oldest were black and back to the first time Blue and her sisters preparedness program. The ALERT program will train members of the public to assist law white, but the middle sister had a silver-col- came barreling into the backyard and piled enforcement in essential tasks after a major disaster. Such tasks may include: traffi c control, foot patrol of business and residential areas, and reporting criminal activity. Volunteers ored coat and golden eyes. “I really like this on top of Jazzy. “This looks familiar,” Steve must be at least 16 years of age and live, work, or attend high school in San Francisco. one,” Steve said. A few martinis later, Steve chuckled. Blue realized she had no choice ALERT volunteers will fi rst complete the Fire Department’s Neighborhood Emergency left with a puppy. but to lie there and take it — Sky was Response Team (NERT) training (www.sfgov.org/sfnert), and then graduate into an eight hour Police Department course specifi cally designed for ALERT team members. For a In about a week Rocket Dog found good like The Tasmanian Devil with Energizer comprehensive overview, please visit our webpage at www.sanfranciscopolice.org/alert homes for the other two sisters. Steve named Bunny batteries and no off switch. Blue Additional information can be obtained by emailing [email protected], or by calling his new baby Blue, in honor of big sister, gasped for air, her tongue unfurled like a Sergeant Mark Hernandez (SFPD, Ret.), Coordinator, at (415) 401-4615. Jasmine Blue, and over the next year, they flag of surrender. “Sorry Blue,” I said as her The City and County of San Francisco encourage public outreach. Articles are translated became inseparable. They played constant- golden eyes begged for mercy. “Karma is a into several languages to provide better public access. The newspaper makes every effort to translate the articles of general interest correctly. No liability is assumed by the City and ly: games of chase on the beach, wrestling bitch named Skylar.” County of San Francisco or the newspapers for errors and omissions. matches in the backyard, and their favorite, CNS#2559918 tug-o-war (which Jazzy always won). When E-mail: [email protected]

38 decEMBER 2013 THE MARINA TIMES www.marinatimes.com 1/4 H PG: 4.936” X 7.875” MARINA TIMES LEAVE NO DOG BEHIND.

ADOPTION EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY AT PET FOOD EXPRESS: 3160 20TH AVENUE, SAN FRANCISCO FROM NOON TO 5 P.M. Can’t have a pet but still want to help save lives? Consider volunteering, donating, or fostering! Visit www.rocketdogrescue.org for more information.

CARLOS & RAMON LULU Meet Carlos and Ramon, two ador- Meet Lulu, a Chihuahua/Dachs- able young terrier/Pekinese mixes hund mix (also known as a Chi- who ended up at a high kill shel- weenie!) who is around 8 months ter up north. They are the sweet- old. Lulu spent the first few months est boys who love each other very of her life living under a truck in the much. They are looking for a home lot of an auto repair garage. She preferably together or each with an- was scrawny, but has been nursed other dog. You won’t find any boys back but to a healthy 21 pounds! She’s almost full-grown but cuter than these. They can be shy at first but will warm up once will still grow a little bit more. Lulu is curious about almost they get to know you. everything. She likes all people — adults and kids — as well as other dogs, but she’s not sure about cats or other small animals because she hasn’t met any yet! Lulu likes new ex- JAGGER periences and is always up for an adventure. She loves to “Moves like Jagger!” Yes, this play and then cuddle when it’s time to settle in. young pup has some smooth, graceful moves! Jagger is about 4 PAXTI to 5 months old, 22 pounds, and very loving. He was found wander- Meet Paxti, a darling, 6 month old ing with his brother Bowie (also American Bulldog mix. This sweet- available for adoption!) in the cold heart is a true gem — she’s loving, woods near Red Bluff. These pups have danced past any gentle and kind. She does well with danger and are ready to tackle the big city! Jagger is almost kids, and with most other dogs (she fully house trained, is learning crate training, and loves to was raised with her two sisters). Paxti play with other dogs! He is a big cuddle bug who wants to would love an active home where she could walk along the Ma- dance his way into your heart! rina Green or Crissy Field. She’s energetic but not hyper, and she settles down well in the house. Who can resist that face? AMY PIGEON Meet Amy, a 10-year-old chocolate Lab mix who was originally res- Meet Pigeon, one of the most cued from the streets of New Or- unique dogs you will ever meet leans after Hurricane Katrina. She (she even has one captivating, has been a much-loved dog and it Jazzy-like blue eye!). This lovely, shows. Unfortunately, Amy’s owner tiny girl is a 2 to 3 year old muscular has serious health problems and short stack, not standing any taller cannot keep her any longer. Amy than the average person’s knee. She has a good amount of has lived as an only dog in her current home, but she really energy but also loves to settle down and hang out inside the does enjoy the company of other dogs and would do well in house with her people. Pigeon is a comical girl who loves a home with another canine. She has an incredibly sweet to keep you laughing, even though there was nothing funny disposition and loves to be around people, so she’d be a about the start of her life — she came to Rocket Dog Res- terrific family dog. (Bonus: she’s also great with cats!) Amy cue from a high kill shelter after she being dumped there absolutely adores being able to roll around in the soft grass with her dead puppies inside her, and had to undergo emer- and her playful side definitely comes out, but she’s also a gency surgery to save her life. Pigeon’s ideal home is some- gentle, calm girl in the house who would love to curl up with one who has experience with bully breeds, and who will let you while you read a good book, or keep the kids company her be an only dog (she deserves to be doggy queen of the while they do their homework. house after all she’s been through!).

ROCKET DOG RESCUE | 415.756.8188 | P.O. BOX 460826, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94146 WWW.ROCKETDOGRESCUE.ORG | [email protected]

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