Glen Park News Summer 2015

SUMMER 2015 VOLUME 33, NO. 2

Intersection Redo Sparks Hope, Skepticism y the end of July, the dust should have settled and Glen Park will B find out whether the redesign of the Diamond and Bosworth Street intersection actually did what it set out to do: calm traffic, improve transit by connections and make Elizabeth it easier for pedestrians Weise to navigate the area. “There’s no magic bullet. It’s a mess and all we can do is try to improve the flow,” said District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, who represents Glen Park. The intersection long has been a sore point in a neighborhood that’s become much sought-after in the past decade, bringing in more cars, more buses and more people heading to BART, in addition to the thousands who go through Glen Park to get to other parts of the city. The redo was first discussed in the City’s Draft Glen Park Community Plan back in 2003, and finally revised and adopted in 2012. The work actually began in earnest in January 2015 and is now scheduled to be completed by the middle of July. Construction was supposed to have been wrapped up by the beginning of June, but unexpected sidewalk installation complications set the project back. Pedestrians wait to cross Diamond St.reet at Bosworth Street, as construction work continues. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 Businesses Suffer Through Construction Disruption etween the orange barricades, no- real estate firm, said he is working During May, when the maze of barri- down 15 to 20 percent, too. He pointed parking signs, noise and dust, the with a bank that has expressed inter- cades made it a challenge even to reach out that all the parking spaces on the B seemingly endless construction est in replacing the shuttered Citibank her front door, business was down 20 block were off-limits, dissuading both at the Diamond-Bosworth intersection branch. But no tenants are in sight percent compared with last year, she eat-in and carry-out customers. has hit small businesses on Diamond for the two other vacant ground-floor said. The previous month, when the Construction workers occasionally Street hard. business locations where Chenery Park construction was centered on the other drop in for lunch, he said—“but by The immediate restaurant and Tina’s Laundromat have side of Diamond, it was off by 10 to not usually.” Gail closed. 15 percent. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 Bensinger inconveniences for drivers, pedestrians, Muni Diagonally across the intersection “After they finish, it’s going to look and BART users, bicyclists and poten- from the bank building, Jung Lee of better, and there may be fewer accidents,” GLEN PARK tial customers overshadowed the pros- the Glen Park Market, the corner store Lee conceded. But in the meantime, it’s ASSOCIATION pect that a new bank may be occupy- across from the BART station, pointed hitting her in the cash register. Lee’s store ing the vacated bank building at the to the empty rack where sacks of potato isn’t the only business that is suffering on QUARTERLY MEETING intersection early next year. chips should be. The supplier couldn’t Diamond Street across from BART. Thursday July 16, 7 p.m. Rick Shaffer, who is handling the find a place to park his truck to deliver At Viking Sandwich Shop next door, St. John School property for the CBRE commercial his usual order, she said. Steven Chang said his business was 925 Chenery Street REC CENTER REMODEL ~ PG. 4 A NATIVE SON REFLECTS ~ PG. 6 ERNIE SOLON’S CRAZY YARD ~ PG. 12 2 Glen Park News | Summer 2015

S GPA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN S Glen Park cracked open a fortune cookie on ews May 27. I don’t really believe these N I “fortunes,” do I? The next night, May 28, I welcomed a gathering at the The Glen Park News is pub- Glen Park Recreation lished quarterly by the Glen by Center, to kick off Park Association. Signed articles Michael the community pro- are the opinions of the authors Rice cess for the Glen Park and not necessarily those of the Greenway Plan. I read Glen Park Association. out from the little fortune-cookie slip, “The project you have in mind will soon gain momentum.” Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gordon This fortune cookie was right on the mark. The crowd of almost 50 Deputy Editor Gail Bensinger listened to the presentations, asked questions and then moved around Copy Editor Denis Wade the five topical tables to give ideas and comments on how the Glen Park Art Director Liz Mangelsdorf Greenway should be improved, Other Michael Rice with his wife Jane, at the Glen Park Festival. Glen Park Association organizers and I Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf Online Editor Elizabeth Weise saw tremendous positive momentum, as described by Bonnee Waldstein on Street, this is a beginning. In six weeks Creek watershed, which runs all the Advertising Nora Dowley Page 5. or so, Roderick Wylie and his staff way to the Bay. We’ve asked SFPUC I moved around the tables and heard at Surfacedesign, Inc. will come back staff to come out soon and present Distribution ideas about trails, landscaping, water- with a summary of the ideas and plans and polices on watershed issues to Manager Murray Schneider sheds, dog-walking, stroller paths, proposals recorded in May, and show the community, to inform and support safety and maintenance. “Scribes” filled us three alternative concepts for the the Greenway Plan. Reporters sheets and sheets of easel notes, and the Greenway. There will be another lively For now, nothing is settled, but we Gail Bensinger volunteer facilitators made sure every- community meeting to critique and can picture a future where residents and Zachary Clark one was heard. Nicholas Dewar, GPA’s refine the alternatives, and reach rea- visitors will walk the Greenway from Murray Schneider vice president, and a professional facili- sonable consensus on the overall plan. “downtown” Glen Park, to improved Susan Sutton tator in his own right, called out tim- The Greenway is primarily San trails in Glen Canyon Park, up to the Bonnee Waldstein ing to move people to the next tables. Francisco Public Works and San trails on Twin Peaks. From Twin Peaks, Francisco Public Utilities Commission you will continue on a few quiet streets, Elizabeth Weise (Full disclosure: I made a suggestion property. We will hear again from and make your way to trails around Heather World myself. Not only is mine just one among many others, but my wife Jane the DPW, and how the City manages Mt. Sutro. A few more blocks, and you made exactly the opposite suggestion.) the tree resources in the corridor, and will be in Golden Gate Park. Columnists As we have made clear since we can partner with neighborhood groups Let’s keep up the momentum. v Marc Dickow announced the funding of the initial to upgrade open space. We also will Betsy Eddy plan to improve the open-space cor- hear from the SFPUC, responsible for Michael Rice is president of the Glen Park Kay Hamilton Estey ridor from Diamond Street to Elk stormwater management in the Islais Association. Jennifer Helton Katrin Reimuller Michael Rice S FROM THE EDITORS S Amy St.Clair DiLaura he more things change, the more lishment at the corner of Diamond shattering breaks from the past. But Scott Wiener things stay the same. The French and Chenery where Tyger’s now stands; one constant has remained: the strong T proverb, penned by French novel- the old Safeway market on Diamond sense of neighborhood pride in Glen Photographers ist Alphonse Karr more than a century Street, where Canyon Market now Park. We like our hilly geography and Liz Mangelsdorf ago, resonates today in Glen Park. Yes, operates. We also found a great shot of the village-like feel of our commer- Murray Schneider our neighborhood is changing, but it Silver Tree day camp in Glen Canyon cial corridor rich with independently Bonnie Waldstein always has been changing. Park from the 1940s. The City-run owned shops and restaurants. We like Favorite neighbors move away; the camp is still going strong nearly seven our canyon and our creek. And we new strangers next door eventually decades later. like the civic debate over land-use and become familiar. Beloved restaurants Businesses come and go, driven transportation issues. 2912 Diamond St. #407 close, sometimes replaced by even more largely by market demands; young As volunteers producing the Glen San Francisco, CA 94131 beloved restaurants. Vacant shops inter- campers grow up and their children, Park News, we try to cover the news of 415-908-6728 rupt the rhythm of the streetscape, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the day in Glen Park, and to capture [email protected] but eventually new tenants move in. take their place getting muddy in Islais the spirit of the neighborhood. To meet Housing booms sometimes end in Creek, climbing the boulders, catch- these goals, we need your help. Is there To advertise in the Glen Park News housing busts, and vice versa, as the ing glimpses of coyotes and hawks a simmering issue the neighborhood call 415-908-6728 or e-mail adver- economies of our city and our state wax and eating sun-warmed blackberries should know about? An interesting [email protected]. and wane. As we were putting together straight off the bush. Our streetscape neighbor whose story should be told? this edition of the Glen Park News, we has evolved over the years, with roads Something local that pleases or bugs Please support our Advertisers dug through the San Francisco Public widened and narrowed and lanes you? They support us Library’s online photo archive for some reconfigured. Please share your ideas with us. Our bygone images of Glen Park and came To some, the changes may be a subtle email, snail mail and voicemail infor- across some gems: a steam-beer estab- evolution; to others they may be earth- mation is in the box at left. Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 3

New ‘Road Diet’ for San Jose Avenue GPA Board of Directors and Officers Stirs Debate Over City’sTraffic Policy for 2015

eighbors at odds over changes President to northbound San Jose Avenue Michael Rice N are circulating opposing peti- [email protected] tions to gather support for and against Vice President the “road diet” pilot project meant to Nicholas Dewar slow traffic on the busy corridor. [email protected] Glen Park resident Dave Wang circulated a petition Membership Secretary by Sally Ross opposing the pilot after [email protected] Heather repeated requests for World data showing the road Recording Secretary is dangerous were met with silence Janice Levy from the San Francisco Municipal [email protected] Transportation Agency. Communications Secretary “This corridor doesn’t affect just the Mic Ames adjacent houses and neighbors,” said [email protected] San Jose Avenue from the Miguel Street bridge. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf Wang. “It is a thoroughfare for resi- Treasurer dents of Noe Valley, Glen Park, Bernal Dennis Mullen Heights and the Mission, and for com- the goal is to bring vehicle speeds to 35 traveling at higher speeds to Rousseau [email protected] muters to the Peninsula.” mph or less on this formerly 45-mph Street and St. Mary’s Avenue, presum-

Shortly after Wang’s petition appeared, stretch. The agency has not made avail- ably by vehicles seeking to avoid the Glen Park News Editor longer backup created at the Randall Rachel Gordon a Sunnyside neighbor circulated a peti- able accidents data pre- and post-pilot. [email protected] tion in support of the pilot project. “We Phase I of the Northbound San intersection by cutting traffic lanes support your efforts to humanize San Jose Avenue & I-280 Off-Ramp Road from three to two. Glen Park News Advertising Rep. Jose Avenue and eventually turn it into a Diet Pilot Project started in June, The number of bicyclists has also Nora Dowley safer street that serves the families of our 2014, when the three northbound increased, from an average of 145 a day [email protected] neighborhoods,” it says. lanes between the freeway exit and before the pilot to 200 after. GPA Online News Editor Pro-pilot petition supporter Jim the Randall Street intersection were According to the agency’s website, a Elizabeth Weise Ausman of Glen Park said he bikes along reduced to two lanes with a bike lane. community meeting was to be sched- [email protected] uled in fall 2014. That period has long San Jose Avenue through the Bernal Cut, The change reduced average speeds Housing Chair and believes the number of cyclists using by only 3 mph, rather than the desired since passed, and no meeting had been Bruce Bonacker the route will continue to rise. 15 mph, so SFMTA began Phase II this announced by press time. [email protected] “For me, the main thing is that June. Phase II reduced the two-lane off- To sign the petition opposing the

ramp from Interstate 280 to one lane. changes, go to the following web Health & Environment Chair cars go way too fast through there,” Stephany Wilkes address: https://goo.gl/9N2jLN. said Ausman. “We don’t need to have According to data released by SFMTA, [email protected] people going 55 or 65 mph through a an average of about 25,000 vehicles use To sign the petition for the traffic residential neighborhood.” northbound San Jose Avenue each day. changes, go to this web address: https:// Neighborhood Improvement Chair According to the SFMTA’s web page, Phase I added significantly more traffic goo.gl/9Ew4UH. v John Walmsley [email protected]

Program Chair S NEWS FROM CITY HALL S Carolyn Deacy n January, I was sworn in to my sec- rating recreation center. We held sev- Committee. I also was recently elected [email protected] ond term as a member of the Board eral community meetings around that to chair the San Francisco County Public Safety Chairs I of Supervisors. It has been an honor design, and it will be moving forward Transportation Authority. Carolyn Deacy, Hilary Schiraldi to represent Glen Park in the near future. I will continuing to work with the [email protected] by over the last four years, Another important project is finally community to tackle our significant Recreation & Parks Chair Supervisor and I look forward to moving forward after much delay—the housing and transportation challenges Ashley Hathaway Scott continuing to work safety and traffic-flow improvements and to work to obtain funding for criti- [email protected] Wiener with the community on to the Diamond-Bosworth intersec- cal City needs, such as Police Academy important projects and tion. This intersection has huge traffic classes, more park rangers and gardeners, Transportation and Parking Chair policies to make the neighborhood flow, including private automobiles, more and better landscaping and mainte- Lewison Lem [email protected] even better than it already is. Muni buses and employee shuttles. The nance of our public spaces, and improved Over the past four years, we’ve intersection also sees significant pedes- funding for various health needs and the Zoning & Planning Chair worked together as a community to trian traffic to and from the BART needs of our seniors and youth. Tanya Treis make much-needed improvements to station. While the improvements won’t I want to thank all of the residents of [email protected] the neighborhood. We saw the comple- completely solve all of the intersection’s Glen Park for allowing me to serve you tion of the first phase of the Glen challenges, they will make things bet- at the Board of Supervisors. I promise The mission of the Glen Park Canyon improvement project, with ter. Thank you to the late U.S. Rep. I will continue to work hard for the Association is to promote the collective new recreational facilities and a new Tom Lantos for obtaining an earmark neighborhood and for the city. v interests of all persons living in Glen and improved entrance to the park (back when earmarks still existed) for Park, to inform and educate about from Elk Street. this important project. Scott Wiener represents District 8, which neighborhood and citywide issues, to promote sociability and friendships I was also able to insert funding in I’m thrilled to serve again on the includes Glen Park, on the San Francisco and to support beneficial neighbor- the 2012 parks bond for a complete Budget and Finance Committee and Board of Supervisors. More information hood projects. renovation of the aging and deterio- the Land Use and Transportation is available at www.scottwiener.com. 4 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 Rec Center Renovation Set for Mid-August Start losing day for the Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center, orig- C inally scheduled for the last week of May, is now set for Aug.16, making the 76-year-old building available to day camp participants through the summer. Construction was delayed so the summer camps at the park by Susan can be go on as sched- Sutton uled, said Recreation and Park Department spokeswoman Connie Chan. The Recreation Center will remain open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for drop-in gym play, camp use and classes arranged by staff. The barn-with-charm rec center project will include renovation of mechanical and plumbing systems, seismic safety code upgrades, exterior renovation, renovation of the gym and auditorium, addition of multi-purpose classrooms, and improvement of Artist’s rendering of the updted Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center. Courtesy San Francisco Public Works the building’s circulation. The building will be brought up to code in who has been playing hoops in Glen arrangement on the open, south-facing tive, according to Justine Topfer, proj- accordance with the Americans with Park for 10 years, stopped in the office plaza in front of the Glen Canyon Park ect manager of the City’s Public Art Disabilities Act and Leadership in to obtain a bandage after cutting his Recreation Center. A solar-powered Program. Energy and Environmental Design hand on a rusty hoop. heliograph mechanism with a spheri- Topfer said, “The panel responded to standards for green buildings. To him, renovation is a slam dunk. cal lens [will be] mounted on one of the aesthetics of the artwork, the site The project, funded by the voter- “It’s much needed,” he said. “I don’t the logs. specificity, the fact that it responded to approved 2012 Clean and Safe want to see it go away, but it needs “The sun’s rays are focused by the and was empathetic with, the natural Neighborhood Parks Bond, will cost work just like the other parks, rec cen- lens to lightly burn into the wood. As environment, and that it has educa- an estimated $12 million and take a ters and gyms in the city. It’s time to the sun moves across the sky, the burn tional possibilities.” year and half for completion, with the update.” becomes a line; preserving a record of The art budget for the project is possible reopening in the fall or winter Oskar Rosas, the center’s facilities sunshine periodically broken by fog $80,000. The City requires that a coordinator, also is looking forward to or cloudy skies. The lens is advanced portion of construction costs on civic of 2016, according to the Recreation the renovation. He would like to see a small distance each day to create a buildings be set aside for public art, and Park Department. the building used for more than merely distinct daily line.” Topfer said. “The artwork is currently The Depression-era structure was a restroom stop for hikers, bikers, dog Sowers, who has created exhibits for in the design development phase. We saved from the wrecking ball because walkers and playground visitors. the Exploratorium and the Randall anticipate that fabrication will begin in of its historical significance. According That’s the idea behind adding class- Museum, said, “I have thought about the fall 2015, and that the work will be to Evelyn Rose of the Glen Park rooms to the building: to draw people sun-powered and sun-responsive works installed in March 2016.” Neighborhood History Project, “It’s in. before, but have never quite figured out Sowers hopes “to get people to notice not designated as a historic building In addition to the building, an art what really works conceptually and in the world around them, to delight in yet. It was designed by a prominent project by Charles Sowers titled “Solar real life. I have been toying with the the beauty and curiosity of things that architect, William Merchant, a protégé Totems” will adorn the area adjacent to sunshine recorder concept for several sometimes go unseen, unnoticed, or of Bernard Maybeck, and I would the playground. years, but have always been disap- unconsidered.” think it may qualify in the future.” The artist hopes to sow seeds of pointed at how they either have over- While the scope of the entire proj- While the building is not a land- interest and respect for the environ- lapping burn-lines, or the archiving ect seems enormous, encompassing mark, the site it sits on is, Rose said. ment with his work, using the inspira- substrate (usually paper) has to be renovation of the building and addi- “The site of the rec center is historic tion of 19th-century meteorological changed every day. tion of aesthetic art outside, Jones is and designated as California Historical instruments that used a spherical glass I had been trying to figure out how excited about the changes to his old Landmark #1002, the location of the lens to burn a sunshine record on a to separate the lines so that one can eas- pal. first dynamite factory in the U.S., per- substrate of wood or paper. “Solar ily discern individual days. Somehow, “It’s stood the test of time,” he said sonally licensed by Alfred Nobel.” Totems is an aesthetic-scientific instru- during the process of thinking about it of the recreation center. “I’m glad they To recognize the former dynamite ment, a kind of sculptural data-logger for the Glen Canyon site, I hit upon a are finally upgrading it and I hope it’s factory, talks are already underway for that creates an archive that helps the way to do it by moving the lens every here 50 years from now so my kids and a plaque to be placed outside the rec viewer consider the interaction of sun, day.” grandkids can enjoy it.” center. weather and site.” Sowers’ proposal was selected by a Although Rosas will have to move Ryan Jones, a high school resource According to the design proposal, panel which consisted of a community out of his office in August, he too is aide and football coach, met a group of “Solar Totems is a sculpture composed member, members of the Recreation optimistic about the renovation: “It’s friends at the center to play basketball of three 30-inch-diameter by 9-foot- and Park project team, two indepen- a great canyon and I look forward to on what was supposed to be the last tall old-growth redwood logs. The logs dent arts professionals, and a San a brand-spanking-new building. This week the gym would be open. Jones, [will be] installed upright in a triad Francisco Arts Commission representa- place is amazing.” v Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 5 Concept Plan Under Way for Glen Park Greenway lthough it’s one of the and St. John School that is church ple rotated through five tables, each of quitoes, mud and mischief. Flooding smaller neighborhoods in San property. which focused on a different aspect of from runoff has also been a big prob- A Francisco, Glen Park is fortu- Each block is different. From the greenway: hydrology, safety, plants lem in the area; many neighbors were nate to have a jewel of an improved- Brompton to Lippard there’s a broad and animals, recreation, and transit. concerned about compounding this yet-wild park, plus many pockets of grassy field. The Lippard-to-Chilton At each table people discussed their problem. greenery and cultivated natural spaces. stretch is an asphalt pathway with ivy ideas, hopes and concerns, while a Residents expressed varied opinions More enhancements could be on on either side. Both of these blocks facilitator made notes on flip charts— about potential recreational uses and the way. As reported in the Glen Park have trees all of which accessibility issues. Other ideas included News this spring, the along the Daylighting Islais Creek is an will be dis- installing benches, creating community by Glen Park Association was Brompton tilled, posted, gardens, posting educational signage, Bonnee awarded a $40,000 grant Street bor- idea that has been around for and studied for and developing rules about dog use. Waldstein by the Morris and Alma der. Beyond inclusion in the Most wanted to make sure that the area Schapiro Fund to come up the St. John a long time in Glen Park. final concept is not overdeveloped and that native with a concept plan for a safe pedes- playground, plan. vegetation is restored. trian route—a “greenway”— along the from Chilton “I like the The overriding concern is mainte- north side of Bosworth Street, that will to Burnside, is a rather unkempt area idea, but we have a fantastic canyon,” nance. Whatever the final greenway extend from Diamond to Elk streets. dominated by wild fennel. noted one resident. “What’s the point looks like, it will need care. Right District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener’s Underneath the proposed greenway’s of putting something to walk in when now the funding only extends to office and the Glen Park Association path runs Islais Creek, which was chan- it will be desecrated and destroyed like developing the plan. Later, funds will provided additional funds, bringing the nelized underground in the 1920s, other areas in the park?” be needed to bring the concept to total available for planning to $60,000. ending its free run at a culvert north The current drought was a major fruition. The conceptual planning is now of the rec center in Glen Canyon Park. topic as people discussed what types Beyond that, there are no answers as under way. The first of three commu- Together, these spaces could enhance of plantings were appropriate and how to how the greenway would be main- nity brainstorming sessions was held the Creeks to Peaks concept (Twin they would be maintained in the most tained. Stewardship—that is, volun- in May. Participants discussed what, if Peaks to Glen Canyon Park) that’s been ecologically sound manner. Four or five teers— will undoubtedly be counted anything, to do with the undeveloped gaining traction recently. trees in serious decline would need to upon to play the major role. Grants stretch of green space that is the result Surfacedesign, Inc., a landscape be removed. and creative fundraising are other of something that didn’t happen. In architecture firm, has been engaged by Neighbors voiced concerns about options. the 1960s, the City bought around the City to come up with the concept safety. They debated the pros and cons This summer, all these issues will 20 houses along Bosworth Street in plan that will tie these disparate parts of lighting the greenway, patrolling be hashed out and, based in large part anticipation of a proposed Crosstown together. The result would be a green it, and posting hours of use. Many on community input, three alternative Freeway. The houses were then demol- space that provides an enjoyable experi- residents whose homes adjoin the land plans will be presented, with time- ished by Caldwell Wreckers of Daly ence and helps link the Glen Park vil- told of current conditions, including frames for phasing in. City in order to widen Bosworth Street lage hub to Glen Canyon Park. trash, graffiti, homeless camping, par- It is possible, however, that the com- and make room for the freeway. The idea has been a part of the Glen tying and drug use. munity will decide not to support the In the now famous lore of Glen Park, Park Community Plan for five years, “Daylighting” Islais Creek—bringing greenway, and conditions will remain a group of neighborhood women led but nothing has come of it until now. it to the surface from underground—is status quo. the “Freeway Revolt,” which ultimately Neighborhood input, and hopefully an idea that has been around for a If history is any judge, there will be and successfully put the idea to death. consensus, is key to developing the long time in Glen Park. It has passion- compromises and no one will be com- The largest part of the land adjoining plan. As a start, the first of three com- ate advocates and detractors, especially pletely satisfied with the result. Many this area is owned by the San Francisco munity gatherings, attended by almost among the adjoining neighbors. hope that in the long run, a greenway Public Works and the San Francisco 50 people, was held at the Glen Park On one hand, it would be a wonder- will be a major asset to Glen Park. Public Utilities Commission. There is Recreation Center on May 28. After a ful natural experience; on the other, Keep up with the Greenway Plan at also a parcel between Bosworth Street brief general discussion, groups of peo- it could invite standing water, mos- www.glenparkgreenway.org.v Cheese Boutique

Fresh Sandwiches Imported Cheeses Homemade Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Tabouli 660 Chenery Street The San Francisco Planning Department’s rendering of the proposed greenway through Glen Park. 415-333-3390 6 Glen Park News | Summer 2015

A Native Son Reflects on Glen Park an Francisco’s soaring prices and San Francisco neighborhoods, which changing landscape are among Is Our Neighborhood Changing keeps turnover relatively low. Walk Sthe most talked about and polar- the streets and you’ll see familiar faces, izing issues of the day in the city. working class folks—just ordinary- Housing costs continue to rise to With the Rest of San Francisco? looking people. You might see a Tesla unprecedented highs, displacing or two, but their presence doesn’t feel longtime tenants and making the Residents like me who grew up here, been easy. Our beloved Bird & Beckett overwhelming. Many Mission District city out of reach for or who’ve lived here for many years, bookstore recently added a mini art natives, for example, speak of feeling by many but the wealthy. have seen plenty of change, while our gallery and is hosting more events than like outcasts in their own homes. I Zachary Neighborhoods are neighborhood continues to grow in ever. Higher Grounds, Tyger’s, Glen don’t want to sound presumptuous, but Clark going through dra- popularity. Park Hardware and Critter Fritters I’m sure that feeling is far less prevalent matic transformations, A wave of change in 2000 brought long have been neighborhood stand- here in Glen Park. These are all visual including the nearby Mission district, Chenery Park restaurant and bys. When Hong Sing closed its doors symbols and anecdotal references, but which has seen an influx of luxury ModernPast, among other establish- last year (and one of its owners was I’m trying to say the neighborhood condos and trendy, pricey restaurants ments. The opening of Le P’tit Laurent clear that the reasons had nothing to looks and feels much as it has for years. and retail shops. The booming devel- and Gialina in 2007 made Glen Park a do with rent increases), it was replaced The real change—and this is dra- opment is changing the landscape— dining destination, and the neighbor- by a restaurant offering similar prices. matic, unprecedented change—is in architecturally, economically and cul- hood has only become more popular Glen Park Station still caters largely the numbers, particularly the cost of turally. with the relatively recent additions of to neighborhood clerks, grocers and housing. This is the cognitive disso- The infamous $4 artisanal toast Tataki Canyon and Manzoni restau- baristas who can afford the beers and nance I have—and that I think many served up at restaurants, the caravan rants. well drinks. Glen Park residents have—when I of corporate buses shuttling tech work- Our neighborhood branch library Canyon Market, a high-end, indepen- think of the state of the neighborhood: ers between San Francisco and Silicon also got a much-needed makeover (and dent grocery, is going strong, weaving Glen Park is changing rapidly, it’s just Valley, and the pockets of neighbor- relocation) in 2007, and the Glen itself into the neighborhood’s fabric. hard to see. At least for now. hood gentrification that threaten the Canyon Park entrance and tennis courts Glen Park has successfully resisted Here are some of the numbers I’m city’s diversity are symbols of change. were renovated last year. But these are large chain stores, and you won’t see referring to. According to Zillow, Glen But how does Glen Park, our cozy mostly gradual, organic changes; many the kinds of businesses like upscale Park home values have gone up 16.7 “village” that began as dairy farms in of them came long before the recent clothing boutiques that many associate percent over the last year, compared the 1800s and grew into a working- boom. with gentrification. with a citywide increase of 11.9 per- class neighborhood in the decades that The neighborhood has stood by its Glen Park is home to more home- cent. The median home value in San followed, reflect this change? mom and pops, though it hasn’t always owners and fewer renters than most CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Panoramic photo of the corner of Diamond and Chenery streets as they look today. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 7

CONTINUED FROM PRECEDING PAGE Francisco is $1,045,500, but in Glen Park it’s $1,433,300. Similarly, Glen Park’s median rent is $4,800, which is higher than the San Francisco median of $4,225. The website also predicts Glen Park’s home values will rise more than the city as a whole next year. Recently, a 1,700-square-foot home in the neighborhood sold for more than $2 million—more than half a million over the asking price. Another Glen Park home with 3,400 square feet recently sold for $4.2 million. These statistics are mindboggling, and certainly Glen Park’s first home- owners never foresaw changes like these. But again, it’s hard to see the physical evidence. Many Glen Park homes have undergone renovations, but most are relatively modest—a far cry from what other neighborhoods Diamond Street looking north toward Chenery Street in 1949, opposite page; and Chenery Street from Diamond Street looking might point to. Facades have certainly west. Photo taken in 1959. San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library been upgraded, but we’re not seeing many huge additions to homes. And then one could argue that short-term rooted in the unknown, of what the quietly exist in the numbers forever. we haven’t been graced with giant new rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO, future might hold. Most people don’t And no one can predict just how these apartment complexes. So while I cel- which have a large presence in Glen want a return to the Glen Park of 20 changes will transform the neigh- ebrate Glen Park as the quaint village Park, have something to do with our years ago, but how much change, and borhood. But make no mistake: the it’s always been, the price tag is undeni- inflating rents. Just a quick glance at what kind is too much? wheels are in motion. I like to think ably inflating. It’s inflating as you read Airbnb alone revealed 51 rentals in If the neighborhood has retained its of the French expression: The more this, and at a faster rate than the city Glen Park, 39 of which are listed as character while housing costs continue things change, the more they stay the as a whole. the “entire place.” These are just two to soar, at what point do increasing same. We can only hope it continues v Displacement hasn’t made headlines of many debatable factors, but change costs impact character? Change can’t to apply. in Glen Park like it has in the Mission, itself is not debatable. Just as there are many factors that but it’s still a reality. Justin Ancheta, explain change, there are many reasons a musician, and his roommates were Glen Park has been able to preserve its forced to leave the neighborhood for character. Building codes and the sim- the East Bay about a year and a half ago ple scarcity of land explain at least part when their rent jumped to $6,000—a of why most area buildings don’t reflect 50 percent increase. “The tech-boom the neighborhood’s influx of wealth. brought in so many people that make And then community involvement and 100K-plus per year that musicians, groups like the Glen Park Association teachers and other professionals who and Glen Park Merchants Association do not make this same income have to work hard to preserve the character of look for something else,” said Ancheta. the neighborhood. “I think people on fixed incomes would Ric Lopez, owner of ModernPast and probably be in the same boat.” president of the Glen Park Merchants I mentioned earlier that Glen Park Association, said this is largely due to has always been home to working folks, longstanding relationships local busi- but according to the San Francisco nesses have with their landlords. Most Association of Realtors, occupational Glen Park mainstays see manageable employment in Glen Park is about 75 commercial rent increases, typically percent white collar and 25 percent under 5 percent. blue collar. I’m grateful to live in a neighborhood Here’s another striking stat: According that works hard to preserve its identity, to data collected last year by the consult- and I’m grateful for the relationships ing firm WealthEngine, Glen Park is and sense of community that seem to home to 59 unmarried millionaires, foster that preservation. But relation- which ranks us seventh among San ships don’t last forever. “Change is Francisco neighborhoods. While San inevitable,” said Lopez. “It’s how we Francisco as a whole is experiencing an transition.” identity crisis, Glen Park demographics As San Francisco’s citywide transfor- offer a glaring illustration. mation gets national attention, Glen There are many complex and con- Park is in the midst of a quiet and creep- tentious factors that explain why some ing transformation of its own, one that things change here in Glen Park. No is hard to detect in the visual landscape doubt part of the reason Glen Park’s of the neighborhood but is shockingly property values are rising faster than undeniable on paper. A ticket to join the city as a whole has something to our village is becoming increasingly out- do with its proximity to Interstate 280 rageously expensive. For many residents, and to Silicon Valley by extension. And anxiety about a changing Glen Park is 8 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 S CHECK IT OUT AT THE LIBRARY S ummer means reading! Everyone is getting a chance to enjoy some S good leisure reading time, and our library is happy to by help. “Summer Stride Katrin 2015: Read. Make. Reimuller Learn.” encourages and rewards all summer readers—kids, teens and adults—with prizes, programs and fun. Sign up at the Glen Park Branch, any SFPL library, or online at sfpl.org. Any and all reading counts! Visit the library for books, audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more. Track your reading time—10 hours for kids and 15 hours for teens and We are having weekly raffles as well. online at sfpl.org/events (limit to Glen responded, “Is it heavy?” I replied, adults. Read to yourself. Read together Prizes include tickets for the SF Giants, Park if desired). “Well, it is Faulkner, and about burying as a family. Read to your dog or cat. Or Golden State Warriors, California Come get your Summer Stride the mother of the family.” Patron, “No, listen to a good book. It all counts in Academy of Sciences and Pump It Up, Guide with Tracking Guide centerfold, I’m taking a plane flight, how much Summer Stride! When you’ve finished to name just a few. Everyone can enter enter the raffle, attend a program, and does it weigh?” It is a rather short novel and the reserve was placed. v your reading, come to the library and once a day, every day—just stop by the browse our varied and expertly culled collect your Summer Stride book bag library and ask us for a raffle ticket. collection of new, contemporary and Katrin Reimuller is the chief librarian at And if all this wasn’t enough, there are classic titles for all ages and tastes. prize. The bag is adorned with original the Glen Park Branch Library. and whimsical San Francisco-themed special programs every week: Reptiles Funny things happen at the library. art by Chronicle Books children’s with the Lizard Lady. Cartooning with Here’s one to make you chuckle at my GLEN PARK LIBRARY HOURS author-illustrator Benjamin Chaud (A Cara, for teens and tween. Family, teen expense. A patron called the Reference Monday/Tuesday 10-6, and adult movies. Allison Faith Levy Desk and asked if we had a copy of Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Wednesday 12-8, School). Psst, this is your only chance rocks out with families. Storytelling William Faulkner’s novel “As I Lay Thursday 12-7, to get this one-of-a-kind item! about the Nature of the Presidio. Dying.” After checking to see that it Friday/Saturday 1-6, But wait, there are more prizes for Button Making. A full list of programs was on the shelf, I asked if she would Sunday 1-5 you. is in the Summer Stride Guide and like me to put it on reserve. The patron

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Handmade books on display at Bird & Becket. The “Death of the Book” show ends June 21. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf

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Festival Enjoyed By Kids of All Ages

The 17th Annual Glen Park Festival took place on Sunday, April 26, with fun had by all. There was food, music, dancing and shopping — not to mention mingling with neighbors. The festival serves as a fund- raiser for neighborhood children’s programs.

Photos by Liz Mangelsdorf 12 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 Ernie Salon’s Whimsical Gewgaws rnie Solon makes gewgaws. The His name is Jerry Salazar, and we get big front yard of the Chenery to talking. Jerry’s a sign painter and he E Street home where he lived for 57 needed some cash. There’s not much to years was jumbled with them. spend money on while shipping out, One day last year, at 4 a.m., a fire and I’d saved some, so we did a deal— raged through his downstairs workshop, Jerry teaches me the sign painting busi- destroying a lifetime of brushes, equip- ness and I give him the money.” ment and tools. Faced with the cost and Ernie stayed with Salazar until 1958, bureaucracy involved in then went out on his own. He worked by rebuilding, Ernie, a retired on Valencia Street and at Sanchez and Murray Market streets. He set up shop at his Schneider sign painter, moved next door. Most of his gewgaws own house in Glen Park the year after moved with him, to a smaller space he met his wife. next to his new driveway. Passers-by “I met Betty in 1957 at a bar on still take time to gawk at them. Lombard Street. It was a time when “Crazy Horse is made from concrete,” neighborhood saloons had dancing, Ernie said about his replica of the Sioux and I asked her for one,” he said. warrior, who is in full war bonnet. “I “Later, we’d go dancing at the Avalon in added wood chips to give it texture.” the city and the Ali Baba in Oakland.” A wizened fortune-teller stands next Betty and Ernie moved to Chenery to Crazy Horse, and next to that is a Street and had three children, Brooks, casino slot machine with “Little Big Frederica and Domingo, who followed Horn” inscribed on its face. Indian his father in the sign-painting business visages appear on three windows of for a while. the gambling machine, with whimsical “Sign work wasn’t easy when San Francisco was a blue-collar town,” labels: one says “Sitting Bull;” another said Ernie, “and the city was full of says “7th Calvery.” The middle likeness sign shops. We did our own lettering, is Ernie’s play on George Armstrong and we needed heavy wooden 40-foot Custer’s last name, one of those words extension ladders. The secret was not the FCC doesn’t allow broadcasters to getting hurt. use over the airwaves. “I’d take my ladders to Candlestick Behind Crazy Horse is a windmill, and do the sign work on the outfield which may have first seen service next fences,” he continued. “A decade ear- to a Nebraska sod house, a relic of the lier I did the signs for a Van Ness 1862 Homestead Act. Oldsmobile dealership. Joe Perry sold “I ordered the windmill,” he admit- Ernie Solon adjusts one of his gewgaws, above; his fortune teller gewgaw, below. cars there.” Joe “The Jet” Perry, a 49ers Photos by Murray Schneider ted. fullback and a member of the team’s For anyone steeped in San Francisco when the seventh inning ended,” said American ladies,” he said, his playful “million-dollar backfield” during the history, there’s a whiff of the old Ernie, an impish smile crossing his lips. smile getting even wider. 1950s, moonlighted selling cars. Playland at the Beach in his collec- “I named my daughter Brooks after Discharged on the West Coast in “I couldn’t drive an Olds,” said Ernie. tion. That long-closed amusement park Brooks Holder, a 1946, Ernie lived “If you were a working-class guy, you was the home of Laffing Sal, once the Seals outfielder.” for a while in couldn’t afford one. city’s best-known gewgaw. (Sal presided Ernie Solon Contra Costa “We worked hard, took our share of over the entrance to Playland’s Fun was born in County, work- abuse from customers, but when the House, cackling and gesticulating and 1926 in Allison, ing for the day was over we knew we’d created frequently frightening young children.) N.M. “My father Hercules Powder something that’d last for a dozen years, “I painted the Fun House and a lot was an Apache, Company and and we knew how to relax. of the concessions at Playland,” Ernie my mother was the Pullman “It took me 10 years to learn the sign recalled. Hispanic,” he Company. business, but I paid the bills and led a He has painted lots of other things, said. “My dad Eventually he working man’s life.” as well, including the signs at Bird & worked in the was drafted into Fifty years ago, corner grocery stores Beckett Books and Records, and over Madrid, New the Army dur- dotted Chenery Street, and Ernie added the door of Glen Park Hardware. Mexico, coal ing the Korean one more at the Randall Street corner. Ernie painted signs for more than 40 mines, and in War. A civilian The shop opened in 1965, with Betty years. Once, you could find his work 1943, when I again at the end as manager. Ernie painted footprints to on parking lot directional signs, in City was 17, I joined of that “conflict,” and from the doorway for a block in Hall, at the airport, and at Excelsior the Merchant he ended up liv- each direction. District pizza parlors, Sunset District Marines and saw ing in a hotel in “Glen Park was like a tiny little dry cleaners and Mission District auto the world.” North Beach. Swiss village back then,” he said. “We parts dealers. Sailing the seas during World War “It was a flophouse,” he said. “So had a dachshund we called Buford, “After work we’d go to Seals Stadium II, Ernie anchored in ports below the one day I’m sitting in a North Beach and we’d take him to Glen Canyon. and get in through the right field gate equator. “I liked the Central and South bar and there’s this guy next to me. Buford liked ice cream, so afterwards Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 13 Take Root in a Magical Front Yard we’d drive him to Mitchell’s. Buford He’s also learning computer software always liked slurping his ice cream coding — “I want to stay current.” from a cone.” He stood and took a step or two from Betty died in 2013, and now he his chair. Star padded along, rubbing shares his home just with Star, his against his leg. Bending over, Ernie 11-year-old cat. Ernie can’t help think- fingered his stiff knees. ing of Betty when he looks at his col- “Bad knees,” he volunteered. “Job- lection. related.” “You know how wives are,” he said, By way of explanation, he said, smil- a twinkle in his eyes. “She’d look at ing: “All that beer settles.” v Crazy Horse and the slot machine and say, ‘You want to fix something in the house, fix a door!’” Ernie is 89 now. His Pacific Coast League Seals are long gone. His sign painter cro- nies are mostly gone, too. As for the San Francisco Giants, not enough can be said about them as far as he’s concerned—he watches every game.

Eric Whittington welcomes Ernie Solon to Bird & Beckett, top left; Ernie in his living room with his cat Star, top right; and appraising his Little Big Horn gewgaw, above. Photos by Murray Schneider 14 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 Upgrades in the Works for Makeshift Trail esidents of the Beacon Street area cypress trees at the entrance, which in upper Glen Park are well aware are significantly off vertical, will need R of a social trail that begins across significant trimming. Removing some the street from the Billy Goat Hill trail underbrush will make the trail more entrance on Beacon, and ends in Walter open and hopefully less prone to Haas Park on Diamond Heights. unseemly activity. The social trail—an informal, There will be a split-rail fence along unplanned path created by foot traf- the bottom of the trail and neighbors fic—has a kind of dual by were concerned that it be only as much Bonnee personality. It’s a secluded as needed so as not to be intrusive. Waldstein area where people can Lisa Ghotbi, coordinator of Friends take a pleasant short hike, of Billy Goat Hill, expressed the hope or make it part of a longer walk that the flora from Billy Goat Hill to through the natural areas of Glen Park. the new connector trail be the same, According to neighbors, it’s also a place such as allium and buckwheat. where people sometimes camp out, With all the above concerns and leave trash and use and deal drugs. more, there was still enthusiasm for the On a recent Sunday afternoon, fami- connector trail. Fred Lacosse, of Beacon lies were enjoying the twists, turns and Street, a former KRON anchorman slopes of the trail. While one concerned with a long reporting career, struck a dad dissuaded his child from attempt- A concept drawing of the connector trail plan.. positive note: “I’m all in favor of letting ing a downhill trek on a steep slope the professionals handle this. I attended with loose, slippery rocks, a group of out and fenced off. She is fed up with than jumping to the social trail and long meetings in January and February. boys scampered down with abandon. the problems that the trail attracts. causing erosion. The point was also I was very impressed—they resolved any At the Walter Haas Park entrance to Another neighbor suggested leaving it raised that the material within the box concern. I’m 100 percent in favor of the the trail, their scooters and helmets a wild trail and letting folks “rough it.” steps (local soil and decomposed gran- current design.” were scattered on the ground, lying in While one resident observed that a ite) tends to migrate, causing hazards Whereas the social trail will be cov- wait for their return. social trail is the result of years and and blight to the trail. ered with African ivy and thus dis- The San Francisco Recreation and years of people finding the most effi- One aspect of having a trail design, appear in a year or so, the new trail Park Department proposes making this cient way from point A to point B, Wayne explained, is that in the natu- should last 50 years. It will be main- an official City trail, with improve- Cancian maintained that “social trails ral setting, one can’t have an exact tained under the open space unit of ments to make it more accessible and have some logic but are not a carefully blueprint. In the process of improving Rec and Park’s landscape operations. user-friendly. In December 2014 the thought-out solution.” They don’t take the trail, crews will encounter condi- There will be one more site meeting agency held a deliberative Community into account the needs of the general tions that can’t be anticipated. They to refine the trail plan. Design Meeting to hear feedback and population. will have to make adjustments along For more information, visit these solicit ideas from the neighbors. Some residents were surprised and the way to accommodate the natural websites: The consensus was to have a mostly taken aback when they saw the pro- topography. sfrecpark.org/project/connecting-wal- earthen trail with stairs at the top and posed trail in situ. It contained a Improving the trail also will neces- ter-haas-park-and-billy-goat-hill/ bottom—one that will have the least number of switchbacks with box sitate removing a handful of trees, www.friendsofbillygoathill.blogspot- impact on the natural environment; steps, rather than the expected steps at including four eucalypti. Two sickly com v protect the privacy of the neighbors just the top and bottom. Wayne and with “buffer zones;” lessen the poten- Cancian explained some of the design tial for erosion and, lastly, make the constraints imposed by accessibility trail “less creepy.” standards. Mainly, a trail cannot have The construction budget is $147,000, more than a 10 percent grade at any derived from the Open Space point, necessitating the switchbacks. Contingency Fund. If approved by the Stairs—to have or have not? This was Rec and Park Commission, the project a major point of controversy. The pro- will be put out to bid. Construction posed trail will meander for about 560 could begin in the fall and be com- feet in length, comprising 82 percent pleted in a couple of months, according earthen surface and 18 percent steps. to project manager Lisa Wayne. While some felt that stairs would be To follow up to concerns expressed an impediment to aging knees, others at the December meeting, an open-air realized that they would provide flat open house was held at the site in May resting areas within the trail. so that residents could get a firsthand Cancian pointed out that, for every look at the proposed connector trail. two stairs removed, the trail would Wayne and Steve Rasmussen Cancian, need an additional 12 feet in length of Shared Spaces, a consultant to the to conform to the 10-percent grade City, led the discussion and walk- requirement. That gets into the issue through. of impinging on neighbors’ privacy. In this more informal setting, A related topic is the use of handrails. there was a freewheeling discussion. Again, the pros and cons were aired. Elizabeth Farrah, of Beacon Street, Another purpose of the stairs is to The connector foot path between Walter Haas Playground and Billy Goat Hill. preferred to have the whole trail taken keep people on the official trail, rather Photo by Bonnee Waldstein Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 15 S NEWS FROM DIAMOND HEIGHTS S iamond Heights is experiencing new sidewalk on Diamond Heights Water-Saving a burst of energy to improve Boulevard from Diamond Street north D the appearance of the neigh- to the Diamond Ridge condomini- borhood. We are fortunate to have ums. Restrictions the Little Red Hen The Diamond Heights Boulevard by Community Garden, Median Project (dhbmedian.wordpress. The San Francisco Public Utilities Betsy which celebrated its com) has enlisted more than 300 sup- Commission asks everyone to reduce water Eddy fourth anniversary on porters and volunteers to plant and May 8, as well as Friends maintain low-growing, drought-tol- consumption by 10 percent. Here is a list of Walter Haas Park, the Diamond erant plants in the median islands of state-mandated water restrictions to Heights Boulevard Median Project and along Diamond Heights Boulevard, our newest gardening group, Friends from Duncan Street to Berkeley Way. help you conserve water: of Christopher Park. Updates for the The project team has engaged a land- greening of the neighborhood follow. scape architect to prepare a design for Friends of Christopher Park held neighborhood review this summer. Site •Reduce outdoor water use its first work party on April 18. Parents preparation and installation are sched- •Eliminate runoff and children from the Noe Valley uled to begin this fall. Nursery School, located in the park’s A volunteer work day is scheduled •Wash hardscapes only when needed for Rec Center, spread woodchips around for Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to park trees and plants. For information noon. Please notify Paul Matalucci if health and safety about the Friends group, contact Alice you plan to participate so there will be •Equip hoses with shut-off nozzles. Stroud at friendsofchristopherpark@ an accurate headcount for food, etc. yahoo.com. Christopher Park, named ([email protected] or 415-826-0445). •Limit landscape watering to two days a for former Mayor George Christopher, Newcomers are welcome. is at the rim of Glen Canyon, west Team leaders will demonstrate proper week or less of the Diamond Heights Shopping planting techniques. No experience is Center. required, just a willingness to dig in the •No watering while it’s raining The Friends of Walter Haas Park dirt and laugh. DPW provides tools, was created to help provide commu- safety vests and traffic lane closure. The Find more information at: nity input for park renovations that project team provides kneepads, food were completed in 2005. It assists and beverages. Volunteers who would sfwater.org/drought Recreation and Park gardeners with like to participate, but are unable to weeding and clearing brush. Workdays bend to work at ground level, are are scheduled on Saturdays from 9 needed to help with other non-plant- a.m. to noon on a quarterly basis. For ing items. information, contact Robin Lee, coor- Schedule for Renovations for WHEN YOU WANT TO KNOW dinator, at [email protected]. Walter Christopher Playground: The Haas Park is at Diamond Heights Recreation and Park Department is ABOUT REAL ESTATE Boulevard and Addison Street. about to start the planning phase for The Diamond Heights Community the renovations of the park, funded IN GLEN PARK: Association (DHCA) is currently by the 2012 Park Bond. Community working on infrastructure issues in input meetings will start this summer. advance of the repaving of Diamond Potential plans include replacing the ASK JUDY MARROCCO: Heights Boulevard in 2016-17. The two play structures, which are made  Glen Park Homeowner who DHCA is delighted that years of advo- with pressure treated wood containing knows how special Glen Park is cacy have resulted in the SFMTA plan- arsenic, and improving walking paths.  The professional to call whether ning to install a crosswalk in the Construction is scheduled to begin in you are buying or selling in middle of the 5200 block of Diamond April 2017 with completion in April today’s market. Heights Boulevard. v 2018.  Volunteer for Sponsorship Over the years, pedestrians have cre- Committee with Glen Park ated nine informal paths across the Betsy Eddy is president of the Diamond Festival median islands, creating dangers for Heights Community Association. Contact  people and drivers. Thanks are due her at [email protected]. Committed Sponsor of Glen Park Festival to Supervisor Scott Randy Gilstrap Wiener for his assistance in add- ® JUDY CAN HELP YOU SORT THROUGH ing this important Esalen THE PROCESS TO READY A PROPERTY safety measure to FOR MARKET OR NAVIGATE THE MARKET the City budget. TO FIND YOUR IDEAL HOME. Thanks are due as Your Neighbor Bodyworker well to Mohammed Since 1997 2501 Mission Street 199 New Montgomery Street Nuru, director of San Francisco, CA 94110 San Francisco, CA 94105 the Department of 415.321.7000 415.321.5300 Public Works, for the 130 Murray • 415.637.1084 • randygilstrap.com 16 Glen Park News | Summer 2015

+ DIGGING THE DIRT + t can be overwhelming to contem- a list of suitable plants. In my case, I plate the environmental issues we found 124 plants, which I could then I face now—global climate change, filter by habitat value, plant type, size, pollution, threats to the oceans and water requirements and bloom time. the relentless attrition This is the kind of resource gardeners by of species. In addition, need, accurate information specific to Kay Glen Park gardeners their plant community and gardening Hamilton and lovers of nature are desires. And a real treasure for plant Estey dealing with drought freaks! and perhaps, like me, We can take action to deal with the have lost some beloved specimens in issues we are facing by volunteering their garden. with these organizations and planting But there is light in this dark picture, our gardens to provide food, cover, as there are things you can do in com- nesting sites and water to help wild- pany with other enlightened individu- life survive. Start by checking out the als and organizations in San Francisco Nature in the City website (nature- who are working to make a difference. inthecity.org), the Green Connections We can take positive steps even in our Network (sf-planning.org) and SF Walks own Glen Park gardens! We can learn (Walksf.org). There are fun activities for how to garden in a drought. We can families on these sites as well. fight back against habitat loss for birds, And of course the drought is on every bees, butterflies and insects by adding gardener’s mind. The ground is getting plants suitable for nectar-gathering and Western tiger swallowtail on a buddleia bloom. Photo courtesy Nature in the City increasingly dry deep down, and large nesting. plants are suffering. Many of these ideas have come from wildlife corridors. Working with the birds. For instance there is the green Here are a few ways to start coping Production Specifi cations: San Francisco Planning Department hairstreak butterfly corridor west of speakersPublication: Glenat the Park NewsGlen Park Garden now. Club,Media Unit: which Quarter has Page a lively Vertical program each and the Green Connections Network, Twin Peaks; volunteers in that area Look after your soil first. Add com- monthLive Area: with5.0” x advice6.0” from experts and they have published a biking and walk- can help clean up or select the right post (not for natives) and mulch the experiencedBleed Area: None gardeners. ing map of San Francisco’s 29 wildlife habitat plants for their garden. The surface. Mulch will help keep down Printing:Recently, BW speakers from Nature in corridors, each named after a particular coyote corridor winds its way across the thirsty weeds and protect your soil the City explained the concept of species: coyotes, grasses, butterflies and entire peninsula, from McLaren Park from drying out. Install drip irrigation through Glen Canyon to the Presidio. systems to stop water waste. Watch Of course, our canyon is home to many your garden—are you overwatering? other native species, including the great Roses, for instance, are surprisingly horned owl, which nests in the euca- tough. I have a few plants that seem to lyptus each year. thrive no matter what, many of them My favorite corridor is the Tigers on natives. Save water from the house and Market project. Market Street is partly use it to water container plants. lined with London plane trees, which But don’t stop watering altogether. were about to be removed when two Our precious feature plants, such as activists pointed out that these trees large ornamental trees, will still need to are a nesting site for the giant black- be deep-watered around their periph- EST: 1990 and-yellow western tiger swallowtail, ery at least once a month. I have given the largest butterfly in this area. The up on a few thirsty plants, but we can trees were saved, and the tigers can be cautiously nurse our plants through seen wafting lazily down Market Street. this drought. Note that these glamorous creatures Take action and check out some of also reside in Glen Canyon Park, where these resources to find out what to do they live among the willows growing next: along the creek, one of the few day- lighted creeks in the city. Nature in the City (natureinthecity.org) Specialists in Residential With our close proximity to Glen SF Plant Finder (sfplantfinder.org) Canyon and San Bruno Mountain SF Walks (walkssf.org) Urban Landscaping State Park, we in Glen Park are ideally LarnerSeeds.com placed to contribute by providing wild- SFbee.org life with food, cover and water. Native sfbaywildlife.info Janet Moyer Landscaping specializes in the creation of custom residential plants are the top choice for doing this, BayNatives.com landscapes that address the unique challenges posed by San Francisco’s climate, but some species can also adapt and terrain and architectural constraints. UrbanFarmerStore.com thrive on non-native plants. California Native Plant Society Irrigation Association Certifi cation Award winning design For the best plant choices I recom- (cnps.org) v Certifi ed Irrigaton Contractor, Certifi ed Irrigation “Outstanding Achievement Award” Designer, Certifi ed Landscape Irrigation Auditor California Landscape Contractors Association, mend a new resource, the SF Plant 2007 - 2009, 2012 & 2013 Finder database (sfplantfinder.org) Kay Hamilton Estey is the Glen Park created by the Green Connections Garden Club columnist. If you would 415 - 821 - 3760 . 1031 Valencia St., San Francisco . jmoyerlandscaping.com Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 36389 Network and Nature in the City. like to join the club, contact her at kay. Simply type in your street address for [email protected].

JML_Print_Brand_GlenPark_P3.indd1 1 5/16/2014 12:05:05 PM

Contact...... Michael Padgett Client Name ...... Janet Moyer Landscaping

EST: 1990 Contact Phone ...... 415-821-3760 Job Title ...... Print - Glen Park News Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... 1/4 Page Vert. Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 17 One Family, One Canyon: A Cascade of Memories ou can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the Y country out of the girl, or so the saying goes. Such was the case with Amelia Leake, known to her family as by Angie. She was born in Murray Schneider 1896 along the James River and grew up on a farm outside Richmond, Va. As it would happen, in 1977, a year before her death, Amelia hiked Glen Canyon, through which flows San Francisco’s Islais Creek, a stream some- what less imposing than the James. “She was in her element,” said Paula Gerhardt, her granddaughter, reminisc- ing along with her mother, Eleanore, about that day when the three generations of women hiked through the 70-acre canyon. Angie took the lead, wearing a blue raincoat and carrying a walking stick. “Mom took off ahead of us,” said Eleanore. She took a photo of her Paula and Eleanore Gerhardt revisit their 1977 Glen Canyon walk, above; William Alan Youngblood’s 1977 watecolor of Amelia mother on the trail, with the creek run- Leake walking in Glen Canyon, below left; Amelia Leake as a young woman, below right. ning to her right, the Franciscan chert rock outcroppings looming on her left. “I sent it to my cousin’s husband Alan, and he painted two versions, one for me and one for my sister, Roberta.” Alan was William Alan Youngblood, arguably one of the best-kept secrets in 20th-century American art. His water- colors of that photograph captured Amelia Leake on a wilderness adventure, her walking stick doubling as a pilgrim’s staff. While she appears a bit stooped, as befitting a woman entering her ninth decade, Youngblood depicts her soldier- ing forward. Youngblood was born in hardscrabble eastern Tennessee in 1915. When he died in 2009, he lived in Powhatan, Va., along the James River. “Alan learned to draw on brown lunch bags,” Eleanore said. “Through his entire life he spoke with the slowest southern drawl.” ject of his Glen Park watercolor. erts and was keen to show my mother Gerhardt. “My grandmother’s maiden During the Depression, Youngblood “Mother loved to garden, even in and grandmother this natural area.” name was Jones. She was Welsh, and I worked for the Civilian Conservation Philadelphia where I grew up,” said Of her mother’s walk in the canyon, believe she had an archetypal reverence Corps, as a sketch artist during the Eleanore Gerhardt. “We lived in a Eleanore said, “She could identify oaks, for the outdoors beyond growing up in building of the Great Smoky Mountains narrow row house with hardly any pines and redwood trees, but also many her rural Virginia setting.” National Park. He subsequently became backyard, but she always found a California native plants.” “Alan’s painting is precious because an architectural draftsman for the patch of soil to plant flowers. During her Philadelphia childhood, he’s saying while we may no longer National Park Service. This spring, the Gerhardts revisited Eleanore recalled, “My father treated live in the country, what remains is After service in World War II, he their Glen Canyon idyll. Whiffs of us to what he called Sunday ‘mystery our shared and collective memory of worked in advertising, then eventually aromatic eucalyptus scented the air history tours,’ which often took us it, which is sacred and a pathway along became art director of Southern States as they walked toward the new box to Wissahickon Valley Park,” a large our journey,” said Paula. “When the Cooperative. In 1964 he joined the steps scaling the steep-sloped eastern city park with a seven-mile-long creek, three of us walked in the canyon that James River Art League. From 1972, he grasslands. Eleanore recalled. “I think this is afternoon, I felt a bond I’d never expe- began painting full-time and moved to On the day of that 1977 walk, what my mom remembered when she rienced before. There’s a Welsh word, Powhatan, where he built a home and Paula had only recently discovered walked in Glen Canyon that afternoon, hyraith, that means a feeling of home- studio. He devoted the remainder of his Glen Canyon, thanks to a fortuitous because Wissahickon Park, for her as a sickness for a place you’ve never seen. life to his art. sublet on Diamond Street. “I felt I’d young woman, was wild, uncultivated That is what I felt on our walk.” A lover of fishing and hunting and a come to the country,” she said. “I was and natural.” “My mother,” said Eleanore skilled woodworker, he was also an avid blown away. I’d attended Arizona State “The connection to forests, glens and Gerhardt, “always remained a country gardener. So was Amelia Leake, the sub- University and loved canyons and des- groves of trees goes deeper,” said Paula girl from Virginia.” v 18 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 Intersection Redo Sparks Hope and Skepticism CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 position. However, they said they will “We’ve made changes that will check into it. improve things overall for people and They also are looking into whether it buses, in addition to it being a much might be possible to add a protected left more attractive,” said Wiener. turn for southbound Diamond Street Those changes include an intersec- traffic to accommodate evening rush- tion with sidewalks that are as much hour traffic. as 10 feet wider, fewer vehicle lanes The Community Plan also calls for and the removal of two dedicated bus new signals on Bosworth at Arlington stops. This turns the intersection into and Lyell streets, Greenaway and Curtis more of a walker-oriented space than said. Funding needs to be identified for a car-oriented space. It is also, accord- those improvements. ing to City planners, intended to make the crosswalks safer by shortening the Welcome to Glen Park crossing distance for pedestrians. The Another feature of the intersection traffic signals will be retimed to favor plan that hasn’t yet been finalized is pedestrians. what form the intended “Welcome to While the maze of orange construc- Glen Park” sign or structure will take. tion cones and barriers has been difficult A construction worker lays decorative bricks along Diamond Street at Bosworth It’s written into the plan that something to traverse, Joost Avenue resident Amy Street.. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf will be placed on the thin strip of dirt Friedman looked to the future. “It seems on Bosworth Street west of Diamond. like it’s going to be lovely,” she said. “The cars don’t let the buses pull out,” make it better for everyone.” About one-third of the strip, the part Andy Hoskin said he won’t know until said Wiener. “When you talk about Michael Rice, president of the Glen next to the sidewalk, belongs to the City. it’s totally finished, but so far it seems like a bus carrying 20, 30, 40 or even 50 Park Association, commented, “We’ve However a design for the future fixture it’s going to be better for walkers. people, it’s more efficient” to let them been watching these plans evolve for hasn’t been agreed upon. It’s also unclear Simona Agnolucci is reserving judg- go first. years, and finally get built. I know bus, whether there’s money to build it. ment: “The traffic and safety impacts Carlos Longa, who lives on Wilder car and pedestrian patterns will change, Specific Intersection Changes and people will have to learn how things are all that matter to me. If it turns out Street and owns Glen Park Dental on When the barricades come down, we work. I say to folks, wait until every- we ripped up the streets and caused Diamond, isn’t convinced: “The elimi- will find these changes: thing is done, the barriers are cleared, severe traffic delays just to put in some nation of the bus lane/right turn lane Diamond Street, south of Bosworth, and the new signals are set up. I think bulb-outs and ‘decorative’ stones on will only serve to make already horrible will have three traffic lanes, one south- the [proposed] left-turn lanes in all the sidewalk, I will be extremely disap- traffic even worse. [I’m] not sure why bound, toward Monterey Boulevard, four directions will be a positive change pointed. That would be a frivolous use they felt they needed to expand the and two northbound. The center north- for traffic movement. Also, SFMTA is of taxpayer money. But let’s hope that sidewalk in both these areas, as I never bound lane will become a left turn lane committed to monitoring the intersec- is not the case, and the traffic improves thought the pedestrian congestion was at Bosworth. tion conditions in the first months, and with the addition of [turn] lanes.” unbearable; the traffic, however, has Diamond Street, north of Bosworth, making signal adjustments. Wendy Bowers noted that the goals been,” he added. will still have one northbound lane from outlined by the San Francisco Municipal Irate Drivers Lights and Signage Bosworth to Chenery. Southbound traf- Transportation Agency (SFMTA) say One of the biggest remaining ques- fic will also have a single lane from nothing about making traffic bet- Many people who have to drive tions is whether the SFMTA will add Chenery to Bosworth, but a new left- ter. Instead, officials discussed reduc- through the neighborhood aren’t dedicated left-turn signals to the inter- turn lane is being added between Kern ing pedestrian conflicts, strengthen- happy with the changes. Traffic is fre- section. The concern is that without Alley and Bosworth, facilitated by the ing neighborhood identity, improving quently backed up in both directions them, drivers wishing to turn left will removal of three parking spaces in pedestrian access to transit and making of Diamond and Bosworth streets for have to wait for a long time, sometimes front of the Hayes-Kelly building and the streetscape more inviting. “I’m still several blocks as cars slowly wait to several light changes, before they can Pebble’s Café. That had been a conten- hopeful that the timing of the lights, get through the intersection. Drivers safely make the turn. tious issue: the Glen Park Merchants and the final road striping, will make regularly try to find alternative routes At a meeting with members of the Association opposed the loss of parking. a difference. But I’m struggling to find to avoid the area, which has exactly the Glen Park Association and the Glen Park But SFMTA deemed the addition of a that vision in my mind’s eye,” she said. opposite effect of the traffic calming it was supposed to accomplish. Merchants Association, the SFMTA said left-turn lane more important. New Bus-Stop Loading “Biking to work or even taking BART that a left-turn light would be installed Bosworth Street, east of Diamond, is The additional space for wider side- isn’t an option for many people. And for northbound traffic on Diamond. being cut from four lanes to three. There walks was accomplished by changing one of the great aspects of Glen Park was The light will be what is officially will still be two eastbound lanes. At the three bus stops, on the north and the accessibility to the 101 and 280” known as a “protected/permissive light.” BART, the lane adjacent to the wid- south sides of Bosworth and the west freeways, said Gina Rossman. While she That means it will first be a green arrow, ened sidewalk/bus zone will serve as a side of Diamond, for Muni’s 23, 36, is able to work from home and her hus- then a plain green light during which through lane when buses aren’t present. 44 and 52 lines. The theory is that bus band takes BART, she can see that it’s drivers will have to yield to oncoming Westbound Bosworth traffic will con- stops are inefficient because buses have pushing cars to find other routes: “The traffic if they are turning left. It will tinue to have a left-turn lane at Diamond, to pull into them in order to load and residential streets will get more traffic — have a duration of 110 seconds, much but there will be only one lane to accom- unload passengers, and then fight to get that isn’t good for the neighbors or for longer than the current 75 seconds modate through traffic. The widened back into the traffic lane and start mov- the tight streets” in Glen Park, many of with no arrow, to allow more cars to get sidewalk/bus zone will be the curb lane. ing again. Instead, buses now will stop which have one lane but two-way traf- through the intersection. Bosworth Street, west of Diamond, in the right most traffic lane and be able fic, she noted. Traffic engineer Damon Curtis and will essentially have the same configura- to board and off load passengers more Still, the changes weren’t meant to project planner David Greenaway didn’t tion as at present, with two lanes west- quickly. This, according to SFMTA, will be anti-automobile, says Wiener: “This think that northbound and southbound bound, two lanes eastbound, and the help Muni get from one end of the run isn’t a project designed to make it hard Diamond could accommodate simul- left-turn lane from Bosworth to north- to the other faster. When no buses are for drivers and easier for buses and taneous protected left turns because bound Diamond. But pedestrians are at the curb, the lanes will continue as pedestrians,” he said. “Right now it’s the lanes aren’t lined up well with each expected to appreciate new bulb-outs through-traffic lanes. a broken intersection. We’re trying to other and cars would have to jockey for designed to reduce crossing distances. v Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 19 Businesses Suffer Through Construction Disruption

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 pledge, a safer intersection for pedes- At the Mail Depot, owner Anne trians, bus stop improvements and a Cho said her business was off by a nicer-looking streetscape. third, adding, “I don’t know how I can But with three vacant storefronts, recover.” Unlike at the sandwich shop business overall has been affected or grocery store on the block, her cus- throughout the Glen Park shopping tomers frequently bring in heavy, awk- district even without the inconve- ward packages for shipping, or leave niences caused by the construction. with unwieldy packing merchandise, Shaffer, the agent for the Citibank Cho said. Pre-empting parking spaces space, said finding a new tenant is and blocking direct access to the door complicated because Citi, the mega- interferes with that. “I feel so sorry for bank firm headquartered in New York, the customers,” she said. holds the existing lease through mid- As she spoke, a customer rushed in 2018. to drop off a package for shipping, He said he is working on a three-way but kept checking through the shop deal with the landlord and another window because she had parked in a bank to vacate Citi’s existing lease and driveway. get a longer-term lease for the new Pramephan Kulpreyawat, owner of occupant. “It’s going to take some Osha Thai restaurant, said the noise time,” Shaffer said, adding he hoped and dust from the construction are a to finish it in time for the new bank to headache during the day. In the eve- open its branch next spring. nings, business has been down because Citi vacated the corner site last so many parking spaces have been off- December, just two weeks before limits. Christmas, inconveniencing the mer- Across Bosworth, businesses also have chants who had business accounts there been affected. Sheena Lee at Pebble’s and customers in need of cash from the Café said her business, too, was down recently installed ATM machine. (See about 30 percent. “Without parking, Glen Park News, December 2014.) it’s so slow—we’ve lost so many cus- The rent on the bank site is about tomers.” $7,300 a month, Shaffer said. Another Ric Lopez, president of the Glen kind of tenant—a shop or restaurant— Park Merchants Association, said of the would have a difficult time taking over lost business, “Even if it’s 1 percent for a sublease because the space would one store and 10 percent for another, need remodeling, and it would be the whole neighborhood pays.” “hard to recoup that money.” At Canyon Market, owner Richard Confidentiality prevents him from Tarlov was reluctant to put a number naming the potential new bank. A Construction hinders access to businesses on Diamond Street, across from BART. to a drop in revenue, but acknowl- rumor popping up around the vil- Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf edged, “It was a slower May than is lage is that the new tenant would typical.” be Wells Fargo, which maintains a The market is Glen Park’s largest retail heavily used stand-alone ATM outside for a new restaurant in the three-level business, and the “interminable” project Canyon Market. But the bank’s com- site would be major expenses to bring has been “a pain in the neck,” Tarlov munications manager, Ruben Pulido, it into compliance with the Americans said. He cited the lack of parking places, could neither confirm nor deny it. “At with Disabilities Act. the traffic bottlenecks, and the rerouting Wells Fargo we are constantly review- The problematic mezzanine dining of buses onto Wilder Street—which has ing our store network and our custom- spaces were added when Chenery Park interfered with Canyon Market’s deliv- ers’ needs,” he said. But at this time, supplanted Diamond Pizza, a popular ery bay—for the problems. “The bus “I have nothing further to add to your sit-down restaurant, which opened drivers have a lot of difficulty driving in story.” after workers removed plumbing fit- these conditions.” Interior work was under way at press tings left from the previous occu- Laurent Legendre, owner of Le P’tit time in the Chenery Street space that pant—a laundromat that flourished in Laurent, says the construction dust has housed Tina’s Laundromat. A worker the 1970s. v meant a lot of extra cleaning inside his said the plumbing restaurant and kitchen even though it fittings were being Law Office of Jonathan McCurdy removed to make the Legal Services in Your Home opens only at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, Since 1977 after the construction workers have space appropriate for a quit for the day. A barista at Bello’s potential retail client. said the noise and dust prevent the café The third vacant from leaving its door open during the storefront, site of the day. erstwhile Chenery The construction headaches will Park restaurant, end, eventually, leaving the area with remains unoccupied. P.O. Box 720125 Tel: 415-505-3273 upgraded sewers and, City officials One major problem San Francisco, CA 94172 Fax: 415-826-9177 20 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS S Glen Park Elementary School Our tireless healthy snack team has yard on Lippard Street. We are excited gram brings opera professionals to our The 2014-15 academic year must worked with the SF-Marin Food Bank to meet you! school to work with our kids. Over have been the fastest moving year in to put into place a parent volunteer- Have a wonderful summer, everyone the course of several months, students history. Glen Park School fifth graders driven fresh snack program. Every day a write their own operas, design their have flown the nest, our former baby- team of parents washes, cuts and divvies Amy St. Clair DiLaura is the commu- sets and costumes, and then perform faced kindergartners are up morning snacks for each classroom nications chair of the Glen Park Parent their pieces for our community. Five of by moving on up to the at school, ensuring that our kids have Teacher Organization. For updates on our classes performed at Night at the Amy first grade, and we are fresh food to help fuel their minds and school events, see glenparkschool.org. Opera, and it was truly exceptional. St. Clair preparing to welcome a bodies. Thank you to everyone who is Each class’s opera celebrated a par- DiLaura fresh batch of new stu- helping with this program. Sunnyside Elementary School ticular San Francisco neighborhood, dents in the fall. I often use space in this column to Here at Sunnyside Elementary, we and their work grappled with themes of From our fall carnival to our movie talk about changes to our schoolyard. wrapped up our spring semester with history, gentrification and social justice nights, walk-to-school events, fam- Two years ago it was our garden, and a series of student performances show- (with a few magical creatures thrown ily STEAM (Science/Technology/ last fall it was our chickens—now a casing our school’s amazingly rich arts in). We would again like to thank the Engineering/Art/Math) nights and, growing flock of five. The latest, great- program. Glen Park Festival Association, whose most recently, our spring book fair est project is our Brompton Avenue The annual International Potluck extremely generous grant funded this (including a Spanish language book mural, designed by the Create Peace Night was held in April. This hugely year’s Opera program and made this fair—a first for our school, and some- Project and painted with the helping popular event features experience possible for our kids. thing we look forward to repeating in hands of every single Glen Park stu- by food from countries Finally, in late May, our annual lit- the fall), we have been busy, busy, busy! dent. We hope you enjoy this vibrant, Jennifer that make up the heri- erary magazine, The Ray, came out. Thanks to all the families who helped joyful display as much as we do. Helton tage of our very diverse This magazine features work from all make each of these events a success. We’re excited to welcome the newest school community. Our Sunnyside students, including visual We value our Big Blue community, and families to our Glen Park community. students gave us a fantastic dance per- art, essays and poetry. It is a unique and building and strengthening our bonds. We invite incoming kindergarten formance while our families dined on inspirational testament to the talent Another highlight this spring was families to our summer playdates at the delicious global cuisine. of our students, the dedication of our our annual walkathon, which broke Glen Canyon Playground, 11 a.m. to 1 Soon after the potluck, “Sunnyside teachers, and the commitment of our records this year. Our students blew p.m. on June 27, July 19 and Aug. 15. Sings” was released. This CD, pro- parent volunteers. their goal out of the water, raising Come meet your Glen Park classmates, duced by our music instructor, Jackie I would like to thank the local busi- $25,000 in pledges by walking, run- as well as families of current students. Ng, features performances by the kin- nesses who have supported our PTA ning and obstacle-coursing their hearts This is a great way to ensure that your dergarteners, first graders and second through donations to our auction and out on a sunny spring day. Way to child will see some familiar faces on the graders. The students performed their events. Most of our arts programs go, kids! These funds go to support first day of school. pieces at a school-wide concert, after are paid for by the Sunnyside PTA. Playworks and our garden education We’re also hosting a Meet Your which their adoring fans scooped up Without the help of donors, our chil- program, as well as other academic and Teacher event on Thursday, Aug. 13, copies of the CD to share with family dren would not have as much music, enrichment programs. 2 to 3 p.m., in the school kindergarten and friends. art or dance as part of their education. The performances continued with From the bottom of my heart, Sunnyside’s Got Talent, our annual thanks to: Jillian’s at the Metreon, ST. JOHN CATHOLIC SCHOOL (K–8) talent show. Students sang, danced, Dynamo Donuts, Bird and Beckett, where community matters told jokes and performed astound- Whole Foods, Rick Herns Productions, ing feats of gymnastics. One student Office Depot, Glen Park Festival, even recited the preamble to the U.S. Art 4 Moore, Lowe’s, Acrosports, Constitution! American Gymnastics Club, Bernal Our biggest event of the year, Star, Cafe XO, California Academy SpringFest, also featured student per- of Sciences, Canyon Market, Celsius formances, from fourth and fifth grade and Beyond, Dance Mission, Ellis instrumental music students. And our Handmade, Fahrenheit Salon, FarFaria, fourth grade students, working with Gardenhood, Galileo Camp, Gallery Sunnyside parent and dance instructor of Jewels, Gialina Pizzeria, Hero Bags, Jo Kreiter of Flyway Productions, per- Ichi Sushi + Ni Bar, Integral Body, formed a dance in honor of Ruby Bell. International Orange Spa, Kelly and For almost 40 years, Ms. Bell served Tiffany Skincare, Kelly Forde Catering, the Sunnyside community in her role Kokkari Estiatorio, Lawrence Hall of as elementary advisor. She is a warm Science, Legarza Sports, LOCZIdesign, and loving professional who has nur- Mission YMCA, Organized to a Tee, IMAGE: SONPHOTO.COM tured generations of students. In fact, Red Hill Station, Rock Band Land, we love her so much that we decided S23P, San Francisco Opera, SF Glens, to name our new building after her! Shari Carlson Studio, Soccer Kids, offering traditional The naming ceremony took place at Sunset Soccer Supply, Tree Frog Treks, SpringFest, and Supervisors Norman Tutors R Us (TRU),Valley Chiropractic, faith-based education Yee and Scott Weiner, along with Vega, VinoRosso Enoteca, Waits-Mast School Board members Emily Murase Family Cellars and Wondersitters. while incorporating and Shamann Walton, were present to Next year will be Sunnyside help us. Ms. Bell herself was on hand Elementary’s 90th anniversary. We look cutting edge technology to share her wisdom. forward to serving the children of San The performance season wrapped up Francisco for generations to come! v with Sunnyside Night at the Opera. 925 CHENERY STREET • SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131 Our school is very lucky to have a part- Jennifer Helton is president of the www.stjohnseagles.com 415.584.8383 nership with the San Francisco Opera’s Sunnyside Elementary School Parent- ARIA network. This remarkable pro- Teachers Association. Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 21 G’Day Glen Park MARCDICKOW Broker, Realtor, Partner, CORE REAL ESTATE P BRE # E [email protected] W corerealestate.com

Working with Marc was a fantastic experience. He helped us set realistic expectations, but also encouraged us to take steps to maximize the selling price of our home. He made a point of making the process easy for us and completely delivered on his promises. We were very happy with the process and result of our home sale and recommend Marc highly. JKSELLER Marc is extremely professional… and well-organized. He was also very considerate and patient in answering all of my questions. In addition, he is well-connected, which allowed me the opportunity to get a special, personal tour of a beautiful historic building, and a sneak peak at units before they were about to be listed. I never felt pressured. I highly recommend him to anyone who is buying or selling a home, and looking for an experienced, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and patient real estate agent. EWBUYER Marc is star all around! Marc listened to our needs, only showed us properties that matched our criteria exactly and helped us work quickly to secure our new home. He knew our area (SOMA) very well and we feel Ashley Hathaway, a Glen Park News contributing reporter, traveled throughout conﬁdent he knows the rest of the city just as well! MHBUYER Australia with the paper’s spring edition in hand .

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As a Glen Park resident I really do know how best to market your property. I can help you from preparing your home to put on the market through the close of escrow and everything in Glen Park: between. — MARC DICKOW San Francisco’s Hidden Gem Please call me anytime to discuss •Grades K–8 your real estate interests! •Small Classes •Challenging Academics Support Your •Tuition Assistance •Multi-cultural •Innovative Programs Local • Extended Care 3 Businesses 1387 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 www.synergyschool.org (415) 567-6177 22 Glen Park News | Summer 2015 S GLEN PARK REAL ESTATE S

hat makes one neighbor- Glen Park village and Glen Canyon Single-Family Homes hood more desirable than Park, as envisioned in the Glen Park W another? Well, appearance, ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP Community Plan. There are currently of course, is a huge factor. Do the 158 Burnside Ave. Feb. 6, 2015 99 $1,074,990 $1,050,000 97.68% workshops under way to get input from houses look well-maintained? Are the 763 Chenery St. Feb. 11, 2015 11 $1,749,000 $2,250,019 128.65% the community for the concept plan. streets free of trash? There will be a lot of outreach over the 32 Laidley St. Feb. 13, 2015 64 $1,950,000 $1,915,000 98.21% And what about the public spaces— next few months, so watch for it. those areas, both big and small, that 40 Joost Ave. Feb. 13, 2015 14 $899,000 $1,110,000 123.47% Can’t find a group that addresses the define the whole character of a street or 180 Lippard Ave. Feb. 13, 2015 0 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 100.00% needs of your immediate neighbor- corner? Are they neglected? Overgrown 2712 Diamond St. Feb. 25, 2015 15 $1,595,000 $2,100,000 131.66% hood? One of my business partners and collecting litter? 233 Laidley St. Feb. 26, 2015 6 $4,200,000 $4,200,000 100.00% formed his own little task force in We’ve all seen trash- 144 Fairmount St. March 13, 2015 21 $3,195,000 $3,100,000 97.03% his neighborhood in the Mission to by strewn hillsides that 543 Chenery St. March 20, 2015 45 $1,395,000 $1,300,000 93.19% help keep the streets around his home Marc encourage even more 62 Natick St. March 20, 2015 28 $1,450,000 $1,580,000 108.97% cleaner and better tended. Dickow litter and eventually 393 Arlington St. March 24, 2015 6 $990,000 $1,450,000 146.46% Then there are independent micro- the illegal dumping of 729 Congo St. March 26, 2015 59 $2,599,000 $2,475,000 95.23% projects by folks like the green- easy chairs and bookcases. Streets and thumbed resident on Arlington Street 440 Laidley St. March 27, 2015 25 $1,595,000 $1,800,000 112.85% sidewalks with broken glass where you who have created a secret garden adja- wouldn’t take your child or pet. Places 78 Whitney St. April 7, 2015 0 $1,700,000 $1,700,000 100.00% cent to the park at the foot of Roanoke. like this can be downright depressing, 624 Congo St. April 10, 2015 33 $1,495,000 $1,500,000 100.33% This patch of land, once unremarkable, and will most assuredly affect the per- 1888 Church St. April 10, 2015 9 $1,799,000 $1,985,000 110.34% now has flowers in bloom nearly year- ceived value of the property. 11 Whitney St. April 14, 2015 13 $1,895,000 $2,500,000 131.93% round. Thank you, friend! Glimpsing On the other end of the spectrum, 18 Roanoke St. April 15, 2015 14 $1,495,000 $2,050,000 137.12% a single flower really can change your there are the neighborhoods with well- 446 Chenery St. April 22, 2015 1 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 100.00% whole day. tended, well-loved public spaces. Little 16 Stillings Ave. April 24, 2015 35 $1,998,000 $2,250,000 112.61% So, if you’re looking for a worthwhile gems that are pleasing to look at and, 22 Harper St. April 30, 2015 40 $1,800,000 $1,870,000 103.89% activity into which you can chan- as a result, tend to stay cleaner and are 90 Laidley St. May 1, 2015 45 $1,995,000 $2,315,000 116.04% nel your creative energies, have fun visited more often. outdoors, meet your neighbors and I’ll talk more about how you can be Condominiums/Multi-Unit Buildings improve your community (not to men- part of creating and maintaining beau- ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP tion your property value), look into tiful spaces and have a positive impact, 55 Miguel St. #3 - March 2, 2014 13 $849,000 $1,070,000 126.03% getting involved in the beautification not only on your property value, but Condominium of your public spaces. on your psyche, as well. 65 Lippard Ave. - 2 Unit March 17, 2015 12 $899,000 $995,000 110.68% If you’re not a joiner, simply adopt But first the market update: Building a barren hillside that could use a The real estate market in Glen Park 45 Wilder St. #3 April 16, 2015 25 $599,000 $830,000 138.56% good cleanup and/or some drought- was very lively between Feb. 6 and May resistant plants. Or “curb-cruise” local 15, 2015, with a whopping 22 single DOM - Days on market SP/LP - % over list price churches for discarded pots of Easter family homes, two condominiums and lilies and plant them in a shady spot. one multi-unit building sold. That though certainly not as much as it property, we should let the City take Aside from the visual payoff, you’ll get was up 32 percent from the previous had been in years past. Despite what I care of it, but the fact is that there aren’t the added benefit of a sense of pride: quarter! The average sale price for hear all the time about people wanting always enough municipal resources to “I did this, this is my ’hood, and ain’t single-family homes was $1,929,546, to live downtown in condominiums take care of all the spaces that need she lovely?” which is up 27 percent from the last and not wanting to hassle with a car tending. For links to the organizations men- quarter—that’s hard to believe, but it’s or the maintenance of a single-family To help compensate for this, places tioned above, you can refer to www. true! Even if you take out the largest home, there is a lot of evidence to the like Glen Park and Diamond Heights altrockrealtor.com/Blog. Hope to see sale, which was $4.2 million, we are contrary. have organized groups of caring stew- you out there—I’ll be the guy with a still talking about an average sale price I recently read an article explaining ards who gather outdoors with friends shovel, plastic bags and blisters. of $1,821,428. why prices here continue to climb, and neighbors and roll up their sleeves In the meantime, have a wonderful Lots of overbidding on these sales and it certainly made sense. The key in the worthwhile and enjoyable pur- summer, and I’ll see you in the neigh- took place, averaging around 10 per- factor is population growth—did you suit of beautification. borhood! cent over the asking price. During this know the city adds about 10,000 new If you want to be part of the fun, I’m pleased that this is an interac- period, the median list price in Glen residents every year? As you know, The Friends of Walter Haas Park tive column answering questions that Park was $1,647,500, while the median we aren’t adding 10,000 new homes have a park cleanup day each quarter, you have and writing about topics sale price was $1,892,500. Again, a each year. Other reasons include all thanks to Robin Lee. Similar organi- that are of interest to you as a reader. huge jump from last quarter. The aver- the new wealth in the tech industry, zations include the Diamond Heights You can send any questions or topic age number of days on market was also continuing low interest rates and high Boulevard Median Project, the Little requests to news@glenparkassociation. a little bit shorter than it had been, rental prices. There’s also the trend of Red Hen Garden, the Friends of org, [email protected], or The Glen coming in at 27 days. people who, rather than selling their George Christopher Playground, the Park News, 2912 Diamond St. #407, What does this all mean? It means homes when they make a move, are Friends of Glen Canyon Park and San Francisco, CA 94131. v that Glen Park is one of the most renting them out as additional sources the Arlington Community Garden, to desirable communities in the city! That of income. name a few. Marc Dickow, a Glen Park resident, is is, when people find out about it. It’s So, how do the more charming Want to help in the planning? Check the Broker/Owner at Core7 Real Estate. always a surprise to me when my cli- neighborhoods, those with the stellar out the Glen Park Greenway proj- He can be reached at [email protected], or ents say they don’t know Glen Park— curb appeal ratings, do it? ect, described by Bonnee Waldstein by phone at 415-722-4018. His website it’s still a wee bit under the radar, Many people assume that if it’s City on Page 5, a pedestrian link between is www.altrockrealtor.com. Summer 2015 | Glen Park News 23

Howard Reinstein Manager Noe Valley Office #1 GLEN PARK AGENT #1 Glen Park Agent • Top Producer 2000 - 2015 415.296.2105 [email protected] www.howardreinsteinsf.com

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CONTACT HOWARD TODAY! FOR ANY OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS. 25 Year Glen Park Home Owner 415.296.2105 10 Years Chairman of Sponsor Development, The Glen Park Festival [email protected] All up-to-date Glen Park sold prices are available at www.glenparkneighbors.com

100 Clipper Street | howardreinsteinsf.com INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE 24 Glen Park News | Summer 2015

F COMMUNITY CALENDAR SUMMER 2015 F

Saturday June 20 Monday June 29 Wednesday July 15 Friday July 31 SF Giant Sweep Clean-up Day Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties St. Aidan’s Food Pantry 8 a.m.–noon, Diamond St. at 28th St. 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center 1 – 2 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Drop-off event for District 8 residents. To schedule (See June 26) a time slot, call Recology Sunset Scavenger at 415- Tuesday June 30 330-1300. They’ll accept items from mattresses and Thursday July 16 Live Jazz in the Bookshop refrigerators to light bulbs and household batteries. Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth - 15 months Glen Park Association Meeting 5:30 – 8 p.m., Bird & Beckett Bring documents for shredding. Bring a bucket to 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library 7 pm, St. John School, 925 Chenery St. receive 5–10 gallons of free compost. Saturday August 1 Diamond Heights Boulevard Work Day Wednesday July 1 Friday July 17 Jazz Club 9 a.m. – noon, Diamond Heights Blvd. Diamond Diners lunch & Social Hour Great Teen Book Swap 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett The Diamond Heights Boulevard Median Project, dhb- Noon – 1 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church 3:30 – 5 p.m., Glen Park Library median.wordpress.com, plants and maintains the median Volunteers prepare and serve a free lunch for seniors Sunday August 2 over age 55 who live in the 94131 zip code. St. Aidan’s Food Pantry between Duncan Street and Berkeley Way. To partici- Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market pate, email [email protected] or 415-826-0445. Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties 1 – 2 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church (See June 26) 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth Friends of Glen Canyon Plant Restoration 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind Rec Center 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center (See June 24) Live Jazz in the Bookshop Which Way West? Concert Series The Friends are volunteers who help maintain and 5:30 – 8 p.m., Bird & Beckett 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett improve our neighborhood park and Tools, gloves Thursday July 2 & instruction are provided for work parties. To join Teen Time Saturday July 18 Monday August 3 contact Jean Conner at 584-8576. For information 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library, Friends of Glen Canyon Park, Poetry with Open Mic, visit http://bit.ly/glencanyonpark. Plant Restoration 7 p.m., Bird & Beckett Jazz Club Friday July 3 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett, 653 Chenery St. Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages St. Aidan’s Food Pantry (See June 20) 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library Sunday June 21 1 – 2 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Jazz Club (See June 26) 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett Tuesday August 4 Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market Live Jazz in the Bookshop 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth - 15 months 5:30 – 8 p.m., Bird & Beckett Sunday July 19 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library Which Way West? Concert Series Glen Park School Weekend Playdate 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett Saturday July 4 Glen Canyon Playground, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday August 5 Jazz Club (See June 27) Diamond Diners lunch & social hour Monday June 22 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market Noon – 1 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library Sunday July 5 (See July 1) Which Way West? Concert Series Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center Tuesday June 23 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth SF Symphony Chamber Concert Which Way West? Concert Series Monday July 20 Saturday August 8 7 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett Diamond Heights Boulevard Poetry with Open Mic Jazz Club An evening of string quartets by Samuel Barber, Monday July 6 7 p.m., Bird & Beckett 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett Henry Dutilleux and Claude Debussy, to benefit St. Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages Aidan’s Food Pantry and other outreach programs. eReader Drop-in Group 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library Sunday August 9 Tickets at door, $25, $15 students & seniors. 3 – 4 p.m., Glen Park Library . Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth - 15 months Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages Tuesday July 21 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library SFPD Community Forums Surf-a-Billy Swing Time Dance Party Wednesday June 24 Poetry with Open Mic 7 – 8 p.m., Ingleside Police Station, Noon – 1:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett 7 p.m., Bird & Beckett John V. Young Way off San Jose Avenue Which Way West? Concert Series Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties Ingleside Station’s Capt. Joseph McFadden hosts 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center Tuesday July 7 a Community Relations Forum. Keep up to date Volunteers are welcome to work in the canyon with Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth - 15 months on neighborhood police issues. For information, the Recreation and Park Department’s Natural Areas call the station at 404-4000, or visit the website Monday August 10 Program staff. For information, contact David Burnet 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library InglesidePoliceStation.com. Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages at 871-0203 or email [email protected]. Wednesday July 8 Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth - 15 months 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library Friday June 26 eReader Drop-in Group Tuesday August 11 St. Aidan’s Food Pantry 3 – 4 p.m., Glen Park Library Wednesday July 22 Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth - 15 months 1 – 2 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Glen Park Knitting Circle All ages & levels Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library Diamond Heights Boulevard 4:30 – 6 p.m., Glen Park Library 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center Volunteer run free Food Pantry for low-income and Wednesday August 12 disabled clients who live in the 94131 zip code. For Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties details, visit www.saintaidan.org or call 285-9540. 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center Friday July 24 eReader Drop-in Group 3 – 4 p.m., Glen Park Library Live Jazz in the Bookshop St. Aidan’s Food Pantry 5:30 – 8 p.m., Bird & Beckett, 653 Chenery St. Thursday July 9 1 – 2 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Glen Park Knitting Circle Bird & Beckett Book Club Diamond Heights Boulevard All ages & levels Saturday June 27 7 p.m., B&B, 653 Chenery St. (See June 26) 4:30 – 6 p.m., Glen Park Library Live Jazz in the Bookshop Glen Park School Weekend Playdate in Thursday August 13 the Park Friday July 10 5:30 – 8 p.m., Bird & Beckett Glen Canyon Playground St. Aidan’s Food Pantry Glen Park School 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1 – 2 p.m., St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Saturday July 25 Kindergarten Introductions Incoming kindergarten families are invited to bring Saturday @ the Movies 2 – 3 p.m. Live Jazz in the Bookshop Kindergarten Yard, Lippard Street their kids to meet their new Glen Park classmates. 5:30 – 8 p.m., Bird & Beckett 3 – 5 p.m., Glen Park Library This is a great way to ensure that your child will see Call the library for film titles “Meet Your Teacher” event, for teachers and new some familiar faces on the first day of school. Saturday July 11 Jazz Club families to get acquainted before the fall term begins. Bird & Beckett Book Club Saturday @ the Movies Jazz Club 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett 3 – 5 p.m., Glen Park Library 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Becket 7 p.m., B&B Jazz Club Sunday July 26 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett, 653 Chenery St. Sunday July 12 Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market Saturday August 15 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth Glen Park School Weekend Playdate Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market Glen Canyon Playground, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday June 28 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth Which Way West? Concert Series 44th SF Pride Parade 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett (See June 27) 10:30 a.m., Market Street Surf-a-Billy Swing Time Dance Party Friends of Glen Canyon Park, Supervisor Scott Wiener encourages friends and Noon – 1:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett Monday July 27 Plant Restoration families to enjoy the parade. To join his group, email Which Way West? Concert Series Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center [email protected] or call 415-554-6987. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett Straights for Gay Rights, based in Glen Park, will 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library (See June 20) be marching for the 39th year. Everyone is welcome. Jazz Club This contingent is led by Saralie Penington and Tom Monday July 13 Tuesday July 28 8 – 11 p.m., Bird & Beckett Herz. Call 415-334-1045 or email saraliep@sbc- Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages Baby Rhyme & Playtime Birth – 15 months global.net a week before the parade for info. 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Glen Park Library Sunday August 16 Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth Tuesday July 14 Wednesday July 29 10 a.m.–2 p.m., BART parking lot on Bosworth Which Way West? Concert Series Library Storytime & Playtime For all ages Friends of Glen Canyon Park Work Parties Which Way West? Concert Series 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett 4 – 5:30 p.m., Glen Park Library 9 a.m. – noon, Meet behind the Rec Center 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Bird & Beckett