Glen Park News Spring 2014

SPRING 2014 VOLUME 32, NO. 1

Muni Reworks 35-Eureka Line New Playground Comes Alive Reroute Plan he San Francisco Municipal Transportaion Agency appears T ready to back off its controver- sial rerouting plan to run the 35-Eureka by bus along Diamond Zachary Street and eliminate Clark direct bus service to another portion of Glen Park altogether, after neighbors rallied to stop the proposed change. Muni’s original proposal, unveiled last winter, called for eliminating the 35-Eureka’s current loop along Moffitt, Bemis and Addison streets and extend the route south along Diamond Street to serve the Glen Park BART station. The 35-Eureka proposal is part of the San Francisco Municipal Transpor- tation Agency’s Transit Effectiveness Project, which aims make the public transit system more efficient, reliable, safe and comfortable for its riders, in part by overhauling routes. The goal behind the 35-Eureka Glen Park children and parents enjoy the playground during opening week. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf change is to provide a direct Muni link between the Castro and Noe Val- ids being kids, they would not draw was the canyon. Now, it feels like ley neighborhoods and the Glen Park wait for the official inaugura- the playground is a destination, too.” BART station. K tion of the renovated Glen Can- The $5.8 million Glen Canyon Park While many residents are in favor yon Park Playground. They poured in playground improvements were funded of connecting the bus to BART, there before the speeches were over, before by the voter-backed 2008 Clean and was fierce opposition to the Diamond by the ribbon was cut. And Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, with Street route, largely from Diamond Rachel they kept coming after- added support from the Trust for Pub- Street residents worried about the Gordon ward—eager to try out lic Land and the California Coastal added noise, pollution and traffic con- the new dome-shaped Conservancy. gestion that the buses would bring. The climbing structure with its web of Grace Mendoza, 8, found refuge narrow, windy street already is used by ropes, the dual slides, sand pit, swings, from the blazing hot sun on the day of CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 and bars for somersaults. the grand opening beneath one of the “It’s a lot of fun,” exclaimed 7-year- climbing structures, and gave the new GLEN PARK old Katya Pabarcus, as she tried out the setting a big thumbs up. Her favorite play equipment on Saturday, March part: No more splinters from the fray- ASSOCIATION 15, just hours after the official ribbon- ing old wooden equipment that got QUARTERLY MEETING cutting ceremony wrapped up and the mixed into the sand that used to serve politicians and other City officials took Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m. as ground cover. Now, bouncy rubber Recreation Center in off. Her mom, Emily Pabarcus, kept covers the ground. Glen Canyon Park one eye on Katya as she looked around. “I always played at the old play- GPA President Michael Rice, left and For Agenda, see Calendar on Page 20 “I think it looks great,” said the ground, and it was fun,” she said. “But Supervisor Scott Wiener help kids cut the Glen Park mom. “It’s a big improve- this is nicer.” ribbon to reopen the playground. Photo by Michael Waldstein ment; it feels more open. Before, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 CHINA HOUSE OPENS ~ PG. 16 GLEN PARK FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ~ PG. 11 NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHTING ~ PG. 14 2 Glen Park News | Spring 2014

Glen Park News F FROM THE EDITORS F The Glen Park News is published It’s spring in Glen Park—the bloom- quarterly by the Glen Park Asso- ing and budding and greening in the Farmers’ Market Reopens March 30 ciation. Signed articles are the canyon are proof of that. So is the opinions of the authors and not imminent opening of the Glen Park The Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market begins its 2014 season on Sunday, necessarily those of the Glen Park Village Farmers’ Market. March 30, in the BART parking lot at Bosworth and Arlington streets. Association. Between March 30 and Nov. 23, the It will continue every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through the Sunday market will operate every Sunday from Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gordon before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, when it begins its winter hiatus. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the BART parking “Last year was a great success, and this year we have more events and activi- lot. at Bosworth and Arlington streets. Deputy Editor Gail Bensinger ties planned,” said Ric Lopez, president of the Glen Park Merchants Associa- Take your tote bag and stock up on tion. “Thanks again to all the neighbors for their overwhelming support. fresh vegetables and fruits, Grandma’s Copy Editor Denis Wade “Sunday mornings in Glen Park will not only be the time to shop at the Vil- jams, breads and confections from Des- lage Farmers’ Market, but also a place to meet and greet your neighbors.” tination Bakery, cheese and other sea- Photo Editor Liz Mangelsdorf sonal treats for the week ahead. This is the market’s third season, and recent years is giving way to a renewed reported selling a dozen small terrari- Design Editor Liz Mangelsdorf it has established itself as a popular sense of optimism. In the village’s com- ums during the holidays—maybe it’s Jack Orsulak addition to our local community. mercial district, most merchants report the way to start a garden despite the Along the business corridor of Glen things are picking up. drought. Online Editor Elizabeth Weise Park, there have been a couple of other On Page 18, you can read Marc Dick- As for that other Christmas tradition changes in the past year. China House low’s assessment of the current state of at ModernPast, about 125 kids visited Advertising Nora Dowley opened in February in the spot at 2794 real estate, but it’s no secret that Glen Santa Claus in early December. The Diamond St. vacated late last year by Park and our immediate neighbors— most unusual request? “A typewriter Distribution Hong Sing. A story about our newest Noe Valley, Sunnyside, Bernal Heights, like my mom used to have.” Techies, Manager Murray Schneider eatery is on Page 16. parts of the Mission—have become take note. desirable addresses. Thanks in part Canyon Market, the village’s largest Reporters Gail Bensinger FitGLENfit, the new gym at 666 to the influx of tech-industry workers employer, didn’t experience a downturn Zachary Clark Chenery St.—a sister to fitBERNAL- and other new residents, the Christmas comparable to other stores because a Rachel Gordon fit on Cortland Avenue—finished shopping season produced improved food shop tends to be “anti-inflation- Isabel Gordon its first calendar year “better than we bottom lines for Glen Park merchants. ary,” said co-owner Richard Tarlov. Kevin Janssen expected,” said Dean Eriksen, co-owner At Glen Park Hardware, owners Susan When money is tight, he explained, Murray Schneider with his wife Jeanne of both establish- and Hal Tauber said seasonal sales over people tend to shop for food rather Denis Wade ments. They have picked up new mem- the holidays resembled pre-recession than eat out. But he agrees that there Bonnee Waldstein bers (who can use either site) and have seen an increase of non-members taking good years more than the most recent are signs of economic recovery, such as Columnists Marc Dickow classes. “We’re trying to cross-pollinate “soft” ones, when the economy was an uptick in customer traffic at the end Capt. Timothy Falvey our two communities,” he added. shakier. Susan said a lot of parents of of commuters’ workdays. Connie A. Freeman Both facilities have been cited as the new homeowners, some from the East As for commuters and every- Jennifer Helton first “green gyms” by the San Francisco Coast and Midwest, came in for items one else, please shop the neighbor- Monika A. Lewis Green Business program. Dean lists to help their kids fix up their houses. hood. Our shops, restaurants and Michael Rice some of the furnishings that contrib- Of course, many of those visiting par- services contribute to what makes Denise Sanderson ute to the coveted designation: rubber ents are also grandparents who visited Glen Park such an appealing place Amy St.Clair diLaura matting made from old Nike sneakers, the children’s section of Bird & Beckett to live and our merchants—includ- Scott Wiener salvage lumber from the old Cal-Berke- Books & Records, sometimes buying ing those who are here only on Sun- ley stadium, “people-friendly” clean- the same books they bought for their days at the Farmers’ Market—such a Photographers Liz Mangelsdorf ing materials, low-flow toilets, recycled children a few decades ago. Overall, valuable addition to this community. Bob Heywood materials in the T-shirts for sale, mostly said proprietor Eric Whittington, busi- Murray Schneider battery-run equipment, fans instead of ness held up well in all departments. The readers of the all-volunteer Glen Denis Wade air conditioning, and compostable tow- Nick Whittington, Eric’s son and the Park News look to this quarterly paper Michael Waldstein els and cups. poet in the family, said the fifth edi- as a source of information that helps Next door, Cheese Boutique owners tion of Amerarcana, the elegant literary knit us together as a community. But Rick and Nada Malouf—who a year review he edits and the bookshop pub- the editors and contributors also owe 2912 Diamond St. #407 ago moved from the site the gym now lishes, is due out at the end of March. our appreciation to local design guru San Francisco, CA 94131 occupies—report that they are happy Nick noted wryly that his dad pitches Jack Orsulak for the modern look of (415) 908-6728 with their smaller quarters downstairs the shop to the tech crowd by tweeting our neighborhood newspaper. Over the [email protected] from Dalere’s Beauty Salon. They’ve that its location is served “by BART, past two years, Jack has been respon- sold their other location, on Irving Muni and Google bus.” sible for redesigning the paper’s layout, To advertise in the Glen Park News Street in the Inner Sunset, and say the Zoel Fages at Perch also noted that our transition to full-color photog- call 908-6728 or e-mail advertis- Chenery Street downsizing suits them. sales at his gift shop were “up over last raphy and a bunch of first-rate story [email protected]. Their loyal customers don’t seem to year,” and that “a lot of neighborhood ideas. Pressures of his job have forced mind. “The holidays were on the good folks were doing their shopping here.” him to resign as our volunteer design side,” Rick said. The shop sold out of all Across the street from Perch at Mod- editor, but we must acknowledge his Please Support their specialty items before Christmas, ernPast, owner Ric Lopez says he’s been departure with a wholehearted thank- he said. having a good spring. People are shop- you. And thanks, too, to Liz Mangels- Our Advertisers! Operating a small business is always a ping for furniture and accessories for dorf, our photo editor, for taking on challenge, but the difficult economy of their new homes, he noted. And he the layout and design role, as well. v Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 3

F GPA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN F GPA BOARD OF

You are northbound on I-280 as ment period by Supervisor Scott Wie- until August, with evaluation and rec- DIRECTORS AND the freeway curves around the Ocean ner’s office, SFMTA proposes measures ommendations by October. The goal is OFFICERS FOR 2014 Avenue-Geneva Avenue ramps, head- intended to: to achieve speed reductions of about 15 ing home to Glen Park. • Increase safety for those who walk, mph. Phase II would maintain Phase I, President by You line up for the San drive and bike along the corridor. but would reduce the San Jose off-ramp Michael Rice Michael Jose Avenue exit, two to a single lane, to achieve the speed [email protected] Rice • Reduce traffic speeds on north- lanes that sweep under bound San Jose Avenue by reduc- reductions. Phase II could be installed Vice President the freeway structure ing the number of traffic lanes on by December 2014, with analysis and Nicholas Dewar and emerge on the three-lane San Jose the I-280 off-ramp and on San Jose final recommendations in mid-2015. [email protected] Avenue, the slopes of the Bernal Cut Avenue. After the SFMTA presentation, staff Membership Secretary ahead of you framing a gateway to the • Upgrade the existing northbound answered questions and took comments Sally Ross Mission District and the rest of San bicycle lane with a wider, more sepa- at several breakout tables. I moved [email protected] Francisco. You make sure you are in rated bikeway (where space allows). around the room and listened. Neigh- bors on one-way Rousseau and Milton Recording Secretary the right-hand lane for the sharp turn • Facilitate safer turning movements Janice Levy streets need to get on and off San Jose to Rousseau Street, and then Bosworth to and from northbound San Jose [email protected] Avenue for most trips, and were very Street to the center of Glen Park. The Avenue and adjacent residential supportive of the changes. Others liked Communications Secretary rest of the San Jose Avenue traffic streets. cruises by, still on off-ramp speeds until the plan to buffer the northbound bike Mic Ames • Reduce cut-through traffic from [email protected] the signals at Randall Street. lane, like the current southbound lane. northbound I-280. We’ve used that route all our years Some comments pointed to the 2012 Treasurer We heard that this is a pilot proj- in Glen Park, and before that, the San Glen Park Community Plan’s long- Dennis Mullen ect, with the understanding that in Jose Avenue route led to homes in Ber- term proposal to reconnect San Jose [email protected] case of any unforeseen, significant and nal Heights and the Mission. San Jose Avenue as a boulevard reconnected to immitigable impacts, conditions may Glen Park News Editor Avenue still works as it did when it local streets as the next goal. In my cir- Rachel Gordon be reverted to the pre-pilot conditions. was widened in the 1950s. This was a cuit through the room, I did not hear [email protected] Phase I will include: segment of the Mission Freeway that objections to the pilot project. • Merge the left lane on the San Jose GPA Online News Editor was supposed to go all the way to the I did see concerns about the changes Avenue off-ramp with the lane from Elizabeth Weise Civic Center but was halted by the posted on the Glen Park Bulletin Board [email protected] “Freeway Revolt,” the movement that San Jose Avenue coming from south listserv—when is reaction to a project Housing Chair also stopped the freeway planned on of I-280, north of the existing I-280 in San Francisco ever unanimous? tunnel. On a scale of neighborhood issues Bruce Bonacker the Bosworth-O’Shaughnessy route [email protected] through Glen Canyon. • Reduce San Jose Avenue to two lanes in San Francisco, though, the San Jose Now, changes are in line for San Jose north of St. Mary’s Avenue, then Avenue project looks like a good win. Glen Park News Advertising RepNora Avenue. On a chilly Monday evening open up to three lanes just south of We will watch for the changes, and Dowley [email protected] in February, I joined about 50 neigh- Randall Street to maintain the traffic slow down. bors from Glen Park and nearby Mis- calming effect of the road diet. If you missed the meeting, see the Health & Environment Chair sion Terrace and College Hill at Glen • Upgrade the San Jose Avenue bicycle details at www.sfmta.com/projects- Stephany Wilkes Park School to hear about the “North- lane to a more comfortable, sepa- planning/projects/northbound-san- [email protected] bound San Jose Avenue & I-280 Off- rated bikeway (where space allows). jose-avenue-i-280-off-ramp-road-diet- Neighborhood Improvement Chair Ramp Road Diet Pilot Project.” (That’s Phase I, which would be installed pilot-project. You can contact Mike. John Walmsley what they call it!) in March 2014, essentially comprises [email protected] with questions. v [email protected] striping and signs, and would continue Mike Riebe, from the San Francisco Program Chair Municipal Transportation Agency Carolyn Deacy (SFMTA), presented the pilot project. GLEN PARK ASSOCIATION LEADERS, NOW AND THEN [email protected] He reminded us that prior to 1992, Public Safety Chairs and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Carolyn Deacy, Hilary Schiraldi the northbound I-280 off-ramp at [email protected] San Jose Avenue was a single lane. To accommodate traffic while I-280 to Recreation & Parks Chair northeast, and parts of US 101 (the Ashley Hathaway Central Freeway) were closed for post- [email protected] earthquake removal, repairs or retrofit- Transportation and Parking Chair ting, the off-ramp to San Jose Avenue Lewison Lem was widened. Guerrero Street signals [email protected] were also retimed to accommodate Zoning & Planning Chair greater traffic volumes. When the ret- Tanya Treis rofit work was completed and the free- [email protected] ways were reopened or replaced, the San Jose ramp was not reduced—the “road diet”—back to single-lane width. The mission of the Glen Park Associa- Riebe’s presentation noted that resi- tion is to promote the collective inter- dents of the adjacent neighborhood ests of all persons living in Glen Park, have expressed concerns about high to inform and educate about neighbor- speeds on northbound San Jose Avenue hood and citywide issues, to promote and effects on safety for those who Michael Rice, Glen Park Association president since 2005, and Zoanne Nordstrom, sociability and friendships and to sup- walk, drive and bike along the corridor. who served as president from 1998 through 2003, during the annual GPA holiday party, port beneficial neighborhood projects. After an initial community engage- held in December at the Sunnyside Conservatory. Photo by Denis Wade 4 Glen Park News | Winter 2013 Muni Reworks 35-Eureka Line Rerouting Plan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Arlington Street and continue to Bos- travel both directions on Chenery from Wilder and Diamond is already a hairy the 52-Excelsior. worth Street and the Glen Park BART Miguel down to Diamond. After Dia- one (no stop sign on Diamond and There also was pushback from resi- station. The bus would then turn right mond, the bus would stop at BART, regular jaywalking across Diamond at dents on Moffitt and Addison streets onto Diamond Street to Chenery Street turn left onto Arlington for one block, this point) and Wilder is too congested who depend on the 35. and back to Miguel, then left on Bemis and take another left onto Wilder Street with traffic and deliveries for our busi- Diamond Street residents and their and then right onto Addison Street, before turning back onto Diamond and ness and other businesses in the neigh- neighbors on Moffitt and Addison thereby completing the loop. then up Chenery. borhood,” they said in a written state- organized to fight the proposals. They Muni transit planners agreed to The SFMTA governing board will ment. packed meetings, sent e-mails and let- study Eddy’s proposal, and even ran a consider that iteration of the 35-Eureka Muni posted a response on its web- ters to City officials, circulated a peti- bus along the alternative route on Feb. reroute proposal, as well as other pro- site: “Wilder is a commercial street. tion, and went door-to-door rallying 21 to test the feasibility. Joining Muni posed Transit Effective Project route SFMTA will work with the businesses opposition. The strategy proved effec- officials on the test run were repre- changes, at a City Hall hearing on to reduce the likelihood of delivery tive, causing Muni to consider alterna- sentatives from the Diamond Heights March 28. The meeting begins at 8 vehicles delaying the bus, and will tives. Community Association and the Glen a.m. reevaluate effects on operations after Helping lead the charge against Park Association. Less than two weeks This revised plan for the 35-Eureka service is in place.” Muni’s original plan has been Betsy later, at a March 3 community meet- seems to have more neighborhood sup- As residents of Chenery and Miguel Eddy, president of the Diamond ing, Muni publicly endorsed much— port than Muni’s original proposal, but streets learn about the new route, they Heights Community Association. She but not all—of Eddy’s alternative route. serious concerns remain. are voicing their own concerns. Muni’s crafted an alternative route for the 35, Sean Kennedy, a Muni point man on Janet and Richard Tarlov, owners of 36-Teresita line already runs along which would avoid the Glen Park por- the proposed route changes, said the Canyon Market, are concerned about Chenery. tion of Diamond Street and preserve agency would like to avoid loops, or the use of Wilder Street, which is used “Chenery Street has more traffic than the Moffitt and Addison loop. “couplets,” as much as possible, work- by delivery trucks that serve their gro- any other street in Glen Park,” said Eddy’s proposal would bring the ing under the premise that riders are cery store. “While we couldn’t be more Katharine Westerberg, who lives on the 35-Eureka down Moffitt Street, as it better served by routes that go back and in favor of having the 35 run down into street. “If the bus traveled on Arling- does now, left onto Bemis Street and forth on the same street. the village, we are on record as saying ton, it would avoid all of the conges- then right onto Miguel Street. From To that end, Muni decided to avoid that we think having it on Wilder Street tion of the village area, which is getting there, the bus would turn right onto Arlington Street and have the bus would be a mistake. The intersection of worse all the time.” 35 Eureka

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL REVISED PROPOSAL

EUREKA ST 28TH ST CASTRO ST 35 Proposed 35 Eureka 21ST ST 35 Previous Alignment J

DOLORES ST J NOE ST 35 Proposed 35 Eureka CHURCH ST Current/Proposed

35 24 CHURCH ST Neighborhood Commercial 35 Revised Proposal 35 29TH ST GRAND VIEW HOFFMANAVE AVE L 52 CASTRO ST 9 Circulator Route

DOUGLASS ST 36

CORBETT AVE Current/Original Proposal J Light Rail 37 BART Stop Neighborhood Commercial 30TH ST L 24 24TH ST Remove Bus Stop 9 Circulator Route 48 36 CHURCH ST L Existing Routes J Light Rail 14 MISSION ST 48 BART Stop ADDISON ST

MARKET ST CLIPPER ST 24 26TH ST Remove Bus Stop FARNUM ST Existing Routes DIAMOND HEIGHTS BLVD 28TH ST CASTRO ST J Directional Signs

NOE ST CHURCH ST 35 29TH ST 52 36 MOFFITT ST 35 SAN JOSE AVE 30TH ST 24

CHURCH ST L 36 14 MISSION ST 35 BEMIS ST

ADDISON ST 24 CHENERY ST

FARNUM ST BOSWORTH ST J APPLETON AVE 52 ARBOR ST ELSIE ST WILDER ST MOFFITT ST 44 35 SAN JOSE AVE 36

36 BLVD OSHAUGHNESSY 35 BEMIS ST

ELK ST

CHENERY ST DIAMOND ST L BOSWORTH ST CRESCENT AVE 52 STILLINGS AVE 52 J 14

COLLEGE AVE WILDER ST MONTEREY BLVD MILTON ST 44 44 36 280 MANGELS AVE

DIAMOND ST 52 L 14 JUSTIN DR ALEMANY BLVD MONTEREY BLVD 52 36 44 44 1/4 Mile HEARST AVE TINGLEY ST J N ALEMANY BLVD 280 FLOOD AVE 52 COTTER ST 44 J 1/4 Mile N SILVER AVE 44 52 44 SILVER AVE

KEY ISSUES / CONCERNS RESPONSE Proposal Revised: Service will continue on Moffit and Addison loop. New route will Proposal means a loss of service on the Moffitt and Addison loop, continue to Miguel, make a right on Chenery, left on Diamond, left on Bosworth, left where senior and low income housing are located. on Arlington, left on Wilder, and back on Chenery. Wilder is a commercial street. SFMTA will work with the businesses to reduce Concerns on adding bus service on Wilder due to traffic the likelihood of delivery vehicles delaying the bus, and will reevaluate effects on congestion and loading/double parking issues. operations after service is in place. Proposal Revised: Service will continue on Moffit and Addison loop. New route will Residents on Diamond concerned that the proposal will add continue to Miguel, make a right on Chenery, left on Diamond, left on Bosworth, left additional bus service on a narrow, congested street. on Arlington, left on Wilder, and back on Chenery. Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 5 F NEWS FROM CITY HALL F Marc is a true professional. Glen Park faces a number of chal- one lane of traffic (going from three lenges around traffic, and pedestrian lanes to two, as currently exists on in every sense of the word. I had a great feeling of and bike safety. At long last, we are the southbound side) and creating a nearing significant steps forward for painted buffer between traffic and the confidence with him handling even the most minute two of these challenges. bicycle lane. These improvements will details of my sales transaction. He is personable, by San Jose Avenue improve conditions significantly while Supervisor northbound traffic still allowing easy access for cars exit- always available and has a lot of insight into the Scott calming: Due to the ing 280. emotional factors involved in a real estate transaction. Wiener current design of the Diamond-Bosworth intersection southern section of San improvement project: More than a I would recommend him to anyone who wants a Jose Avenue—which was created as a decade ago, the late Rep. Tom Lan- freeway that never actually happened— tos obtained a $3 million earmark to person of high integrity. improve conditions at the troubled many northbound vehicles exiting —T.H., Seller Highway 280 use the street as a free- Diamond-Bosworth intersection. After way extension and significantly exceed approval of the Glen Park Plan, I asked the 35 mph posted speed limit, with an the MTA and Planning Department to average speed of 50 miles per hour. As work with my office and the commu- Great Results, Personable, a result, neighbors on the east side of nity to formulate a plan to make this High Integrity. San Jose Avenue are subjected to awful much-needed and long-overdue invest- traffic conditions, and northbound ment. I have known Marc over a decade now and his bicyclists are exposed to potential col- The design is now being finalized, lisions, since there is no buffer between after significant helpful community dedication to getting us a property was unparallelled. auto traffic and the bike lane. feedback, and we anticipate that work Marc knows the bay area, will listen attentively to Over the past year or so, my office on the intersection will begin this June has worked closely with our Municipal and be completed by October. The his clients, and works hard toward fulfilling their Transportation Agency and Caltrans plan will change traffic signalization to formulate a pilot program to calm to improve traffic flow, including a requirements in a property. traffic on northbound San Jose Avenue, left-turn signal for southbound Dia- —C.G., Buyer and to create a safer environment for mond traffic turning onto Bosworth; motorists, cyclists, and neighbors. We add pedestrian bulb-outs to improve unveiled the proposal at a recent com- safety; and add landscaping and other I highly recommend Marc. munity meeting at Glen Park Elemen- improvements to beautify the intersec- tary School. Glen Park Association tion. v He was terrific to work with in helping us sell our home President Michael Rice attended that from a distance. The home needed major repairs, and meeting and writes about the project in Supervisor Scott Wiener represents District his column on Page 3. 8, which includes Glen Park, on the Board Marc knew the right crews, handled the arrangements, The pilot will change northbound of Supervisors. To receive his monthly San Jose Avenue to mirror the south- newsletter or to follow him on Facebook or and gave the right advice. Marc is also easy to work Twitter, go to www.scottwiener.com. bound direction, including removing with. He cares and it shows. —M.T., - Seller

Katie Vidosh As A Glen PArk resident I really do know how Dies at 100 best to market your property. I can help you Katie Vidosh, whose 100th birth- from preparing your home to put on the market day last September was reported in the Fall 2013 issue of the Glen Park News, through the close of escrow and everything in died peacefully of natural causes Dec. between. 23 at the home on Diamond Street where she had lived for 64 years. She is survived by her four children, Jack, MaRc DIckow Walt, JoAnn and Diane; 13 grandchil- 415.722.4018 dren; and 12 great-grandchildren. [email protected] Katie’s birthday brought commen- www.altrockrealtor.com dations from President and Michelle DRE# 01870650 Obama, the Vatican, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and NBC News. On Jan. 14, District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, who had presented Katie with a birthday proclamation from the Board, moved that the Board adjourn its meeting in her memory. “She was an amazing lady,” Wiener said. “I felt very honored to be included in her 100th birthday.”v 6 Glen Park News | Spring 2014

F NEWS FROM INGLESIDE STATION F

With the recent increase in vehicle- ners at San Francisco SAFE (sfsafe.org) shield are clean and unobstructed. that have been leading to collisions. pedestrian collisions, there has been a have provided us with fliers to hand I’m sure that you and your friends, great deal of talk about out to the public to increase aware- Pedestrian safety tips: family members and neighbors could by traffic safety issues. ness of some of the dangerous behav- • Never cross against a red light. come up with at least a dozen more Captain Unfortunately, a great iors that may contribute to collisions. • When walking in darkness, wear safety tips. Please, I’m asking you to Timothy deal of the talk seems light-colored or reflective clothing. talk to your friends, family members Falvey to be about casting Some driver safety tips: • It is safer to cross at a controlled and neighbors about traffic safety and blame. The problem • Be extra careful in marked schools intersection. to exchange ideas. The more we share with blaming different groups of com- zones. Always expect young children • Also, when entering the crosswalk, this information with each other, the muters is that it usually comes after a to appear at any time. make eye contact with the driver of better. collision has occurred, and we see that • Remember to yield to pedestrians an approaching vehicle. Make sure We all have a role to play in making so many of these in crosswalks before making a right the driver sees you and is stopping our streets and sidewalks safer. Not just collisions were turn on red light. the vehicle before you proceed. one group does, but all of us working preventable. • Never pass a standing streetcar or together. v In an effort cable car that is boarding or dis- Regardless of how you travel through to prevent colli- charging passengers. the neighborhood, please stop being sions, members • Additionally, please inspect your distracted by texting or talking on your Capt. Timothy Falvey is the commanding of Ingleside Sta- vehicle and make sure your lights phone while you are moving. There is officer at Ingleside station, serves Glen tion have been and windshield wipers are in good no message or conversation on your Park. This is his inaugural column for engaging in working order, that there is nothing phone that is more important than your the Glen Park News. educational out- hanging from your rearview mir- safety or the safety of those around you. reach. Our pub- ror that might obstruct your view, The officers of Ingleside Station have lic safety part- and that your windows and wind- been increasing their enforcement activ- ity as well. The San Francisco Police Please support our Department has reviewed several years Advertisers; F CHECK IT OUT AT THE LIBRARY F of collision data to see which vehicle Do you know where your library card ize a plain bag into a unique springtime code violations are leading to the most they support us! is? If not, or if you have never had one, this tote that you can use to carry your library collisions. We are stepping up enforce- is an excellent time to visit the library—in books or when you shop at the local farm- ment action against those behaviors January we launched our five colorful new ers’ market. All materials will be provided, designs. They were selected from more but space is limited. Please sign up at the than 3,500 entries in a Information Desk or call 355-2858. by design contest sponsored For children, we will be having our Denise by the Mayor’s office, annual puppet show, which is part of a sys- Sanderson Improve SF and the San tem-wide Performing Arts Festival, on Sat- Francisco Public Library. urday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m. The Fratello “Having a library card empowers our Marionettes perform “The Carnival of users to be lifelong learners and readers,” the Animals,” featuring three well-known said City Librarian Luis Herrera, a big sup- tales: “The Three Little Pigs,” “The Tor- porter of the new designs. toise and the Hare” and “The Ugly Duck- The contest, held in September and ling.” October 2012, accepted entries in five For teens, come and build a marshmal- categories, divided by age: 2nd grade and low catapult during Do it Yourself Teen under; 3rd through 5th grades; middle Tech week. The program is on Thursday, school; high school; and adult. For the first March 20 at 3:30 p.m. time ever, in addition to four children’s The Community Calendar on Page designs, San Francisco Public Library also 20 has information about other coming has a design created by an adult artist. The events. To find out more about our pro- Library also continues to offer a “classic” grams and other library news, please visit or standard card. our Glen Park Library Blog at glenparkli- There are some special programs at the brarysfpl.blogspot.com. v Glen Park branch that I would like to highlight. Please join us on Wednesday, Denise Sanderson is chief librarian at the April 9, at 6:30 p.m. for a fascinating talk San Francisco Public Library’s Glen Park about the brain. Learn how intellectual Branch. ability in the brain changes with normal aging, as well as the various pathologies GLEN PARK BRANCH LIBRARY that can happen as we age, plus 25 tips 2825 Diamond Street that will ensure that your brain survives (near Bosworth) Tel: 355-2858 Monday/Tuesday 10-6, well into old age. Wednesday 12-8, Also for adults, on Saturday, April 12, Thursday 1-7, at 3 p.m., we will have a do-it-yourself Friday/Saturday 1-6, Spring Tote Bags hand-sewing workshop. Sunday – Closed Instructors will teach you how to custom- Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 7 Glen Park Association Board Announces Grant Program

The Glen Park Association grants The GPA also made special donations program announced last December is in 2011 to the families of the firefight- under way. GPA is offering grants up ers who lost their lives in the Berkeley to a maximum of $2,000 each to orga- Way fire. nizations, institutions and public agen- But, according to a statement from cies to fund initiatives that promote the the GPA board of directors, a decision collective interests of Glen Park resi- was made “to improve and encourage dents, support beneficial neighborhood the solicitation and award of donations. Dr. Carrie Lee, O.D. projects or carry out educational and [Last] fall, we spent several months Optometrist charitable endeavors supported by the reviewing GPA’s financial status, year- association’s’ membership. to-year budgets, account balances, and 2786 Diamond Street “After we publicized the grant pro- the process for a formal grant program.” San Francisco, CA 94131 gram, we received three interesting pro- The board decided to: posals,” said Michael Rice, GPA presi- • Allocate $12,000 of the GPA (415) 334-2020 dent. “A board committee is reviewing reserves for a multi-year grant pro- www.eyedentityvision.com them, and we hope to announce the gram; decisions in early April. And we will • Develop grant funding guidelines; ● Comprehensive adult and pediatric eye exams continue the application and funding • Ensure that grants make a contribu- ● Contact lens fittings ● Screenings for glaucoma, cycles. Some of us will reach out to tion to the Glen Park community; cataracts, and macular degeneration ● Emergency make sure that people know about the • Create a simple and straightforward appointments ● LASIK surgery evaluation and co- program.” application and review process. The Glen Park Association has made The board will consider the propos- management ● Customized eyeglasses and sunglasses donations in the community in the als, and only under special circum- ● Eyeglass repairs and adjustments past, on a case-by-case basis, such as to stances will award grants larger than the Glen Park Library; to Glen Park, $2,000. Vision Service Plan accepted Sunnyside and Fairmont school PTAs; More information on the program and to the Glen Park Recreation Center can be found at www.glenparkassocia- for play equipment. tion.org/grants. v

Cheese Boutique

Fresh Sandwiches Imported Cheeses 100 Clipper Street Homemade Hummus, San Francisco, CA 94114 Baba Ganoush, Tabouli [email protected] 660 Chenery Street www.darinrealestate.com 415-333-3390 8 Glen Park News | Spring 2014 Neighbors Step Up to Improve Penny Lane Path

enny Lane, once a 19th century carriage path, makes a short, rut- P ted journey, threading between Sussex Street and Surrey Street back- yards, then dead-ends after 200 yards. At that point, the public easement bifurcates: fork left, up by to Sussex Street; or dog- Murray leg right, down to Sur- Schneider rey Street. “The fact is, the change in elevation made the Surrey Street descent difficult in wet weather,” said Adam King, a Diamond Street resident for 18 years. “The path was overgrown with Cape ivy and Himalayan blackberry, and in heavy rains a significant stream developed and spilled onto Surrey Street.” King and several of his 18 neighborhood volunteers—including children—gathered at the end of the lane where it meets the paths on a recent Saturday to continue working on a project that has occupied them since March 2013—preparing the soil and weeding. Nature’s perfume scented the air and songbirds jabbered. Due to the efforts of these neigh- Adam King, Kay Hamilton Estey, Ben and Jasper Cook take a respite from work on the Surrey Street steps bors, the lane’s 90-degree turn leading Photos by Murray Schneider down to Surrey Street is significantly “John Priola, who volunteers on changed. It now consists of 39 steps, a work party. Diana Scearce, Cook’s wife, concrete-block retaining walls and the the Bosworth Street median project, retaining wall of 1,800 concrete bricks, joined them. towering metal cone structure replace donated succulents, and Jeff Britt, who and hundreds of drought-tolerant “What people have done here,” said the natural landscape. “The steps are passed away last February, helped select native plants such as coyote bush and Scearce, “reaffirms everything we love an improvement,” concedes one neigh- plants and advised where they should California lilacs. about this neighborhood.” bor who bought his home on Surrey King, an architect for BAR Archi- King selected a pickaxe, and he and Street in 1979, back when Penny Lane be placed,” said King. “And we received tects, moved to a 16-foot tall metal Cook began wrestling to extract Cape was a nameless alley. “But it’s a shame advice from the Glen Park Garden mesh spire that towers like an excla- ivy roots from the roots of an ornamen- to urbanize this nearly hidden little bit Club. Connie Freeman, Jean Conner mation mark, punctuating the split in tal hydrangea bush, an operation that of nature.” and Kay Hamilton Estey all contrib- the furrowed path. “It’s literally a land- ultimately was successful in keeping Trevor Curry, Basile’s neighbor, uted. mark,” he said about the tower, which the bush but removing the interloper. doesn’t hold that view. Curry, who has An orchestra needs its conductor. eventually will be covered with grape- “The deeper we go, the longer it’ll last,” been on Surrey Street for three years, “I only met Adam through this proj- vines. “It will draw strollers down the said King. sees daylighting the lane as a positive ect,” said Basile, one of the homeown- lane.” By then 10 neighbors had joined change. ers who contribute water from their Stacked next to it were concrete the work party, the twentieth since the “Clara’s wall hasn’t been tagged since own drip systems to irrigate plants in blocks, which were put in place by a project began a year ago. we started the steps,” he said, as he the sections of the rebuilt path outside Mission Clean and Green team and “Along with the steps,” said King, pulled out oxalis. “Besides, with the their property lines. “He’s unbelievably which had the imprimatur of the “the rest of the ground is terraced. It’ll improved drainage, I can wear dress dedicated, and he’s made this happen.” Department of Public Works. help retain runoff and allow the rain shoes when I walk my dog.” “Adam has done us all a great favor,” King did the necessary preliminary to percolate—not to mention native “Early on I was concerned about chimed in Norman Fineman. “It’s his spadework. He organized signature- plants supporting fauna.” water, particularly in a drought year,” vision and his ability to coordinate that gathering of Surrey Street stakeholders “Hey, Jasper,” said Ben Cook, as if on said Norman Fineman, who has lived has gotten this project done.” and delivered an informational presen- cue, “you want to see a millipede?” on Surrey Street for 32 years and ques- So why did an architect who’d spent tation at a scheduled Glen Park Asso- Second grader Ananda White tioned the amount of water needed for his formative professional career in ciation meeting. wheeled a wagonload of bark around plants. When he was assured that the Manhattan become involved in direct- “The San Francisco Park Alliance the elbow in the steps and began new shrubbery required only initial ing all this volunteer labor for a year acted as liaison between Friends of removing bags. watering, Fineman was won over. or more? Penny Lane and DPW,” said King. “It Clara Basile’s house is adjacent to the “It’s feels like the 1940s back here,” “Why not?” provided a fiscal sponsorship program stairs. “I’ve lived here for seven years,” he said. He became more expansive. to handle neighbor donations to a dedi- she said, “and it was an overgrown mess David Wong, who has lived on Chen- “The longer answer is that it’s an cated account.” of ivy and blackberry. No one main- ery Street for 13 years, dug alongside opportunity for neighbors to get Altogether, $6,000 made it into the tained it. Now it’s like having a park in Gregory Holmes, who’d been on Chen- involved in their surroundings beyond Park Alliance coffers, earmarked to my own backyard.” ery for 20 years. what is within their own fence,” he Not all the nearby residents join the “This is my first time volunteering, cover the bills for plants, bark, bricks, said. “If we think differently about our chorus of unreserved approval. Some and I had no idea Penny Lane existed,” fertilizer and tools. neighborhood and treat it as though it have enjoyed Penny Lane as a rustic said Wong. “I logged onto nextdoor. Ben Cook has lived on Surrey Street is ours, why would anyone ask why we respite from its urban surroundings com and found out about the work for six years, and he accompanied his would want to improve Penny Lane?” boys, Miles, 7, and Jasper, 5, to the for years, and were not thrilled to see party.” Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 9

GPA Meeting Highlights WHEN YOU ARE READY TO MAKE The refurbished Glen Park Recre- ity for maintaining street trees from the ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ation Center opened its doors on Janu- City to adjacent property owners. After ary 7 to welcome residents to the quar- systematic defunding of tree main- DECISIONS OF YOUR LIFE... terly Glen Park Association meeting. tenance over the years, there are now The building has a new heating system only four or five arborists to tend to the (though it was hard to tell, as jackets City’s 105,000 street trees. It’s a terrible and scarves still made system that is unfair to owners, notes ...you need the help of someone you can trust by the fashion statement of Wiener: “Trees are a big loser when it and depend on. Turn to Judy Marrocco when Bonnee the evening); and spiffy comes to other pressing issues—pub- that time comes. She has the knowledge, the Waldstein plastic folding chairs, lic safety, health, kids’ programs, etc.” expertise; Judy is the professional to call though not nearly He’s considering a parcel tax as a pos- whether you are buying or selling in today’s enough to accommodate the crowd of sible solution, which would need two- market. She knows the neighborhood! Judy 50 or more. Here are highlights of a thirds voter approval. can help you sort through the process to ready packed agenda. a property for market or navigate the market Captain Tim Falvey, Commander to find your ideal home. She has a diverse Diamond and Bosworth Inter- of Ingleside Station: The big issue is background in construction and design, along with purchasing, renovating and section: A team from Public Works, pedestrian safety. Ingleside station is selling many homes, TICs, and condos. MTA, and the Planning Department working on an educational campaign gave an update on the Diamond and with SF State students, handing out Call Judy today to schedule an insider Bosworth intersection improvement flyers to pedestrians, cyclists and driv- market evaluation of your property or to plan, part of the Glen Park Commu- ers. Motorcycle police will saturate discuss strategies for today’s marketing nity Plan adopted in 2013. The original problem areas. Two weeks of education trends; free of charge. project was intended mainly to enhance will be followed by enforcement. pedestrian safety and traffic flow. Solu- Falvey gave a couple of safety tips: tions include widening sidewalks and In the warm weather, don’t leave a sec- 2501 Mission Street 199 New Montgomery Street adding “bulb-outs” at each corner to ond-story window open. And if you’re San Francisco, CA 94110 San Francisco, CA 94105 shorten pedestrians’ crossing distances. remodeling, don’t leave a lockbox on 415.321.7000 415.321.5300 Bus shelters will be installed at the three your door; thieves pry them open bus stops. The project has been expanded to Undergrounding Utilities: The San include some beautification elements. Francisco Coalition to Underground Street landscaping, benches and pot- Utilities describes itself as “extremely ted plants are now in the mix. Another grass roots.” It’s a partnership of vari- feature will be decorative brick at each ous neighborhoods that feels that the corner, matching the BART plaza only way to get all the utilities under- brickwork. grounded is as a community of San The plantings on the Bosworth Street Franciscans, not neighborhoods fight- median strip between the Highway 280 ing each other. overpass and Lippard Street will be Some 53 percent of the City’s utilities rehabilitated. A “courtesy strip” bor- are now underground. That includes dered with brick will aid pedestrians chunks of Glen Park, some of which waiting in the middle of the crossing. were done when BART was put in. Based on an inspection by a City arbor- The Coalition supports a citywide ist, eight trees along the median will be program to underground the remain- removed and replaced. ing 47 percent. Because of the huge The small vacant lot on the north- cost, at the present rate this would take west corner will get a “gateway fea- 75 years. The Coalition wants to speed ture,” a sort of welcome-to-Glen-Park that up to 20 years. mix of planting, concrete and signage. What’s so bad about utility lines DPW will install automatic irrigation above ground? Visual clutter, depressed systems, but residents and businesses property values, decreased fire safety, will be encouraged to partner with City increased power outages, for example. agencies to maintain the plantings. Coalition representatives described a Details of the Glen Park Community convoluted funding process in which Plan are at http://www.sf-planning. charges on utility bills for the purpose org/?page=1666 of undergrounding were used for other purposes—and then these charges were Supervisor Scott Wiener: Supervi- borrowed against expected income sor Wiener listed some issues he’s been 24 years into the future as well! They working on. City infrastructure is a described a number of funding mod- paramount concern, including street els and are working on a ballot initia- lighting (see story on Page 5). tive. They want the endorsement of Wiener is looking at progress of infra- our neighborhood and invited anyone structure projects financed by a 2011 interested to be a delegate to the Coali- bond: “Deferred maintenance is huge!” tion. Contact them at www.sfunder- These projects include road resurfac- grounding.org. ing, upgrading gas lines, and replacing A short, clever YouTube video sewer and water lines. A hot-button is at http://www.youtube.com/ issue is the transference of responsibil- watch?v=ySUrHykFrv0. 10 Glen Park News | Spring 2014 Volunteers’ Unexpected Encounter: Homeless Camp

riends of Glen Canyon Park vol- day in late January, they helped remove about their work. They were told not abandoned some time before. Given the unteers Steve Uchida and Jim 660 pounds of belongings from a to hug the bags close to their bodies, number of suitcases filled with clothing, F Hanratty were expecting a rou- homeless encampment hidden along for fear injuring themselves. Among she probably swept her one-time home’s tine trek to the northern reaches of the Islais Creek near Turquoise Way. the debris were hypodermic needles, closets clean. canyon to stuff refuse bags with poi- “Good grief,” said Hanratty, who kept in the sort of hazardous material The camp was secreted far from the son hemlock, Ehrharta lives on Stillings Avenue, when he first container you’d find in a doctor’s office. path that begins at the steps located on by grass, Scotch broom and encountered the vacated encampment. “How sad that anyone would choose the 500 block of Turquoise Way. To cre- Murray other invasive weeds. The volunteers were instructed to to live in a thicket of willow by a creek,” ate her jerry-built shelter, she’d made Schneider Instead, on a foggy wear protective gloves as they went said Uchida, who lives on Monterey her way deep off the trail, through a Boulevard. “But when someone sud- labyrinth of corkscrewing arroyo wil- denly finds herself alone and homeless, low, twisting through it day after day it might make sense.” for no one knows how long. An unknown percentage of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks homeless shun shelters or downtown gardeners had discovered her make- sidewalks, instead seeking out remote shift shelter in December when they’d enclaves in order to feel safe. Many removed scrums of Cape ivy. Rec and of them suffer from mental illness, Parks personnel had already spent 20 often complicated by drug and alcohol hours on the task before Uchida and abuse. Golden Gate Park is a magnet Hanratty arrived to help. for such encampments, but other open In a job guaranteed take a toll on any- spaces, including Glen Canyon and the one’s morale, the volunteers helped two hillsides above the Bernal Cut have also City gardeners carry her possessions been affected. out, load by load. They filled a waiting No one in authority knows the name truck with a half-dozen suitcases, doz- of the woman who had been camp- ens of garbage bags, even an ice chest. ing in Glen Canyon, or the reasons When they were done, the driver would she sought refuge in the park. But she deliver the load to Recology’s Tunnel had left her possessions stashed in this Road waste management facility. hard-to-find spot, which she apparently “The department deals with an esti- mate of more than three tons of waste Left: Friends of Glen Canyon Park in our park system each week,” said volunteer, Steve Uchida holds a carton of Connie Chan, Rec and Parks’ deputy homeless possessions on a canyon trail director of public affairs. “Such waste leading to the Turquoise Way steps. Below: some of the debris carried from becomes the department’s responsibil- the Glen Canyon homeless site, waits ity to dispose of, in order to ensure the at a staging area, with Turquoise homes public’s health and safety.” above. Back at the edge of the park, a wooden Photos by Murray Schneider clothes hanger peeked forlornly from a sodden carton, curving up from a box of clothing like an exclamation point. Anticipating the load would become heavier if it rained, the workers removed the debris as quickly as they could. Afterward, one of them began spreading willow boughs throughout the deserted campsite in an attempt to hide the area from further trespass. The limbs were crusted with lichen that appeared soft and fuzzy. On frigid, wind-swept winter nights high above Glen Park, not even its velvety sheen could be mistaken for the safety net the woman had fallen through. When they were done, the four workers stood, sipping water. A pair of red high heels, feminine and delicate, was visible in the truck’s flatbed. Everyone looked, but nobody said anything. v Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 11 Glen Park Festival Set for April 27 Volunteers Needed to Make the Annual Event a Success Mark your calendar for the 16th fun and make a difference in our com- mediterranean Elegance annual Glen Park Festival, which will munity by signing up to be a volunteer. be held this year on Sunday, April 27. Organizers are using VolunteerSpot— in the heart of Glen Park. The popular event, which organizers an online signup and reminder tool— note has evolved into a folksy, spon- to organize the event. taneous neighborhood get-together, Here’s how it works, in three easy offers music, dancing, food, crafts for steps: sale, information booths highlighting 1. Click this link to go to the festi- community programs, carnival games, val’s invitation page on VolunteerSpot: jumpy houses and a good dose of Glen http://vols.pt/1Feerg. Park spirit. 2. Enter your e-mail address. (You The festival, located in the heart of will NOT need to register an account downtown Glen Park, gets going at 10 on VolunteerSpot) a.m. and shuts down at 4:30 p.m. 3. Sign up! Choose your spots— The Glen Park Festival also raises VolunteerSpot will send you an auto- money for children’s programs based mated confirmation and reminders. in Glen Park. In 2013 it returned Easy! more than $6,200 to a variety of non- For more information about the profit organizations that serve kids in Glen Park Festival and the activities Glen Park and surrounding neighbor- volunteers are needed to help with Just steps from Glen Park to windows on every side and hoods. before, during and after the event, Village, this elegant home is a spectacular custom glass But the fabulous festival relies on please visit http://glenparkfestival. move-in ready. skylight. Period details include volunteers to make it happen. So have com/. inlaid hardwood floors, beveled The main residence includes a glass doors, picture molding and spacious living room with bay 9’ coved ceilings. Please support our Advertisers; windows and a wood-burning fireplace, large kitchen with new The second unit was formerly they support us! stainless steel appliances, formal used as an artist studio and dining room, three bedrooms renovated in 2002, with permits, and a wonderful sunroom. All into a fantastic open plan loft-like rooms are generously sized and space. the layout offers great flexibility of use. This home is filled with www.601chenery.com light, even on cloudy days due offered at $1,395,000

Our local real estate maRKEt iS incREDiBly hot right now. We’re seeing an abundance of buyers and a lack of homes for sale in the marketplace. If you’ve put off selling your property because you didn’t think you’d get the money you want for it, now is the time to reconsider! contact us, and ask for a FREE market analysis of your home.

Beth Kershaw (415) 260-2321 [email protected] BRE License # 00876376 Donald Gable (415) 350-3854 [email protected] BRE License # 01724961

Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter 12 Glen Park News | Spring 2014 Big Crowd Turns Out for Playground Celebration

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Some older kids—10 and 11 years old—complained that there’s not a lot in the playground geared for them. But time will tell whether they’ll find new adventures in the landscaped areas, which include boulders, terraces and curvy paths. After a lengthy community-driven planning process, construction on the playground, new tennis courts, pedestrian-friendly Elk Street entryway and paths began in January 2013. Work was to have begun the previous October, but the project was put on hold after critics of the City’s plan to remove 58 mature trees filed an appeal of the project’s building permit. The Recreation and Park Department will be planting 163 new trees to replace those that were removed because they were deemed a public safety hazard or conflicted with the new park design. Eventually, the appeal was rejected and the City won the right to proceed with the renovation project. “It’s a joyous day and a long time coming,” Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the Recreation and Park Depart- ment, said at the dedication ceremony. “This is a special place, one that features the diversity of our park system combined with the diversity that’s San Above: Many Francisco.” neighbors flock to the ribbon-cutting His remarks were briefly interrupted ceremony for new by a heckler, still upset about the trees. playground The interruption didn’t distract the crowd that showed up to celebrate the Right: Walkers playground’s rebirth. They were joined enjoy the new Elk by District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, Street entrance who represents Glen Park; Rec and to Glen Canyon Park commissioners and staff; repre- Park. Improve- ments include sentatives from San Francisco Public wider paths, land- Works, which managed the construc- scaping, pedes- tion project, and a host of community trian-scale lighting, leaders, park supporters and neighbors. and a safe and Michael Rice, president of the Glen conveinent vehicle Park Association, helped usher through turnout for pas- the transformation, and watched it sanger dropoffs come to life with the sounds of the chil- and pickups. dren who joyfully were breaking in the Photos by Michael Waldstein new play space: “This new playground and Liz is a tribute to how a neighborhood, Mangelsdorf City agencies and elected officials can wade through a long and difficult pro- In 2012, City voters approved Cecile Puretz, 35, grew up in a house young families using the new play- cess and reach a great outcome,” he another parks bond, which provides overlooking the park and spent her ground, but I’m nostalgic for what it said. $12 million to renovate the adjacent childhood playing at the old playground was,” said Puretz, who now lives in the And, as Wiener noted, there’s more Glen Canyon Park rec center, including and exploring the canyon. She was back Portola neighborhood. “Glen Canyon is to come: “With the completion of the upgrades to the gym and auditorium, on reopening day to meet a friend who not the wild, free-spirited park of when playground, we now look forward to new ground-floor restrooms and com- had her two children, ages 1 and 6, in I was young. It was our secret hangout. continuing improvements to the Glen munity rooms. Construction is sched- tow. Now, the secret is out and people know Park Recreation Center.” uled to begin in spring 2015. “I feel really excited to see a lot of about it.” v Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 13

GLEN PARK RECREATION CENTER - SPRING 2014 PROGRAMS

TUESDAY 1:30-3pm pm 3/20-4/17: Class Free Beginning Adult Tango (Auditorium) 10–11:30 am 3/18-5/27: Class Free, Senior Sing, ages 55and up (Auditorium) 5–7 pm 3/20-5/08: Class 35326, Yoga Adult (Auditorium) 6-8 pm 3/18-5/20: Class 35301, Girls Volleyball (Gym) 9 am–3:30 pm & 7-8:45pm: Basketball Open Gym 7-8 pm 3/18-5/06: Class 33327, Tai Chi - Adult (Auditorium) FRIDAY 9 am–5:30 pm & 8:15-8:45 pm: 10–11 am 5–7 pm 3/28-5/16: Class Basketball Open Gym 35307, WEDNESDAY The World - Tots (Auditorium) 4–5 pm 3/21-5/16: Class 34905 10–10:45 am 3/26-5/14: Class 35242, Girls’ Volleyball-Beginning, (Gym) Tot Picasso, (Auditorium) 5–6 pm 3/21-5/16: Class 34906 11:15 am–noon 3/26-5/14: Class 35243, Girls’ Volleyball-Intermediate, (Gym) Tot Picasso (Auditorium) 5:30-8:45 pm 3/21-5/16: Class free 5:30-8:45 pm 3/26-5/14: Class free Ping Pong Time (Auditorium) Ping Pong Time (Auditorium) 9 am–3:30 pm & 7-8:45pm: Basketball 1–3 pm 3/26-5/28: Class 35122 Open Gym Shape Up Seniors (Auditorium) Author Isabel Gordon on the new climbing structure. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf 6:30–9 pm 3/19-5/21: Class 34925, SATURDAY Men’s Volleyball, ages 18 and up (Gym) 2–4 pm 4/5 – 4/26: Class 35159 9am–6 pm: Basketball Open Gym Photography Adult, (Auditorium) New Playground: A Kid’s View THURSDAY 9 am–4:45 pm: Basketball Open Gym I grew up going to the Glen Park chose to bring it somewhere else, where 4–5:30 pm 3/20-5/15: Class 35368, they wanted it. It’s their way of saying, playground, and I was sad when it Girls’ Basketball, (Gym) Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., closed. But I was excited to see the new “This is our playground, and this is 5:30–7 pm 3/20-5/15: Class 35369, Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. one open. If the old one how we want it.” Closed Sundays and Mondays by Girls’ Basketball, (Gym) was going to be knocked The new playground has swings, but Please call to verify open gym hours: Isabel 5–7 pm 4/17-5/15: Class 35041, down, it’s important they’re really low. The big kids like me 337-4705, Gordon like higher swings because they feel like Personal Development Youth that something replaces (Auditorium) it. It’s important for kids you’re flying and a little bit scary, which to have playgrounds, somewhere they is really fun. “I can do this, I can do can get their energy out and have fun. this,” you say. F IN GLEN CANYON PARK F I went to the new playground the first On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give the day it opened, and again the next day. I new playground an 8. There are a lot Rain was light this fall and winter, also beneficial for the plants and animals feel really happy about it because there of fun and new things to do. But as an with two isolated storms in the fall, but in Glen Canyon Park. The day the rain are swings and climbing places, for little older kid, I wouldn’t give it a 10. Maybe Glen Canyon Park got a good drench- began, park workers were planting some kids and bigger kids. if I was younger I would. v ing in early February and of the thousands of new plants, includ- I like the big kids’ climbing structure by early March. During a ing bushes, trees and shrubs. I passed best—there’s a hammock and a slide, a Isabel Gordon, age 8, is a playground Monika E. lull in the rains, a flock by some oak trees near the Rec Center, place to sit, and you can climb on top enthusiast who lives in Glen Park. Lewis of about 20 gnatcatchers which needed water from the rain to help of it. There’s a rope ladder, too. You can passed through my yard them grow. The creek had more water use the ropes for monkey bars, but that here in the Glen Park neighborhood in running through it, and the birds clus- tering near it appreciated the natural site. hurts your hands. There are monkey mid-afternoon. These birds, light gray on A red-throated hummingbird perched bars at the playground, but they’re for the underside with darker gray wings and for a long time on top of the tallest twig little kids. I wish they had them for big- heads, prefer high shrub-like areas and sloping locations. They stayed for 10 or of one bare tree, showing a flash of irides- ger kids. Monkey bars are fun to play 15 minutes, hopping around a ceanothus cent ruby coloring as it turned its head on, they make you strong, and can help and a holly-leaf cherry, with their tails to look across the park and occasionally you get to the Olympics if you want to whipping back and forth, up and down. darted off to search for food. Townsend’s do gymnastics. The old playground had They pecked around and under leaves, warblers also flew nearby in the trees, gray monkey bars—they were high, a chal- presumably looking for insects. After a with yellow feathers around their heads lenge, fun, and if you pushed yourself, quarter hour, they all drifted off. and a black band across their eyes. They you could do them. In the morning of Feb. 7, when the rain prefer to congregate in riparian thickets The new playground has new slides, was light, I walked through Glen Can- and streamside willows, which makes the but they’re not as fast or as long as the yon Park to see the construction progress park’s Islais Creek an attractive place for old one that was on a big hill. I miss on the park renovation. I started out by them. Pink flowering currants and black- that slide. walking up the hill past a row of new crowned sparrows were also on view. I like the new ground—it’s really fun sidewalk trees, then down the stairs past While going through the path over- to jump, jump, jump on. the buckeye tree, which has been growing looking the creek across from the Rec One thing I noticed about the new at the top of Elk Street for many years Center, I saw a new redwood tree that playground is the sand. There’s a sand- and was separated from construction by had just been planted, to add to the over box area, but already the kids brought a a fence. It was beginning to show leaves 100 new trees that will be in the park lot of the sand to the new slide; it helps again in preparation for spring. after the renovations are completed. v It’s fortunate for all in the Bay Area you go down faster. So even though the Kids and adults enjoy the new slide. sand started out in one place, the kids Photo by Michael Waldstein that rain started again in February, to Monika E. Lewis keeps us informed about reduce the dangers of drought, but it was our neighborhood park. 14 Glen Park News | Spring 2014 Glen Park Neighbors Turned Off by Dark Streets ately in Glen Park and all over the city, discussions have lit up about L street lighting. A San Francisco Examiner “City Insider” column by Marisa Largos last fall had this snarky opener: “The Board of by Supervisors must be Bonnee back in session—Super- Waldstein visor Scott Wiener has called for a hearing on streetlights.” Sarcasm aside, Glen Park neighbors making their way home through residential streets can expect a patchwork of dark, dim or flickering areas and scantily placed lighting along the way. Safety awareness and precautions are ways to avoid becoming a victim of a crime or a hazardous sidewalk. A bit of delving into the issue of street lighting in San Francisco reveals a tangled morass of a system, controlled by both the San Francisco Public Utili- ties Commission (SFPUC) and PG&E, with a lack of coordination and funding that literally leaves a lot of people Streetlights shine on Diamond Street; other streets remain in the dark. Photos by Liz Mangelsdorf in the dark. The SFPUC owns and maintains being taken. At the end of 2014, the Street lighting guidelines are detailed having more lighting on their streets. 60 percent of the City’s streetlights, SFPUC will begin replacing 18,500 in the Better Streets Plan, an overall It’s not a slam dunk. Some people are compared with PG&E’s 40 percent. City-owned “cobra head” streetlights urban livability document adopted in bothered by streetlights shining into The rule of thumb is, if the light is on with ultra-efficient light-emitting San Francisco in 2010. It makes recom- their homes at night (“light trespass”), a concrete pole, it’s a City light; if it’s diodes (LED) fixtures. They direct the mendations on lighting issues such as disturbing their privacy and rest. Before on a wooden pole, it’s PG&E’s. In Dis- light downward where it’s most needed, location and spacing, light direction, any lights are added, there would be trict 8, which includes Glen Park, the rather than diffusing it in many direc- levels and uniformity. notification to the neighbors and com- SFPUC is responsible for half of the tions (“sky glow”) like most of the cur- A lighting subcommittee of the Glen munity meetings. streetlights. rent lighting. The new system will have Park Association Traffic and Safety The bottom line, says Barbara Hale Most lighting in the city, and all of remote monitoring and control, use Committee did an informal census of of SFPUC, is that “When you live in a the lighting in Glen Park, is roadway 50 percent less energy and be almost problem areas in the neighborhood. city, the safety and welfare of you and lighting. Its purpose is to light the way maintenance-free for 15–20 years. Under the leadership of Carolyn Deacy, your neighbors has to come first.” Hil- for vehicular traffic. Pedestrian lighting Construction is scheduled to be fin- GPA vice president, a dozen or so loca- ary Schiraldi, of the lighting subcom- is placed less than eighteen feet high ished by December 2016, at a cost of tions were identified in which street- mittee, got some current crime statistics and supplements street lighting levels. $16 million. lights were out, flickering, or absent from Falvey, commander of the SFPD’s Wiener did, in fact, hold a hearing The SFPUC has developed a 311 but needed. Another common problem Ingleside Station. There has been an on street lighting in December 2013. system for reporting issues with street- was tree canopy blocking the light from uptick in property crimes, especially It “illuminated” many of the challenges lights. PG&E has coordinated with it functioning streetlights. burglaries and thefts from vehicles, in and efforts being made to keep San since 2011. There’s a Smartphone appli- Deacy reported all the findings to the past year. Falvey attributes this in Francisco’s street lights on. The most cation, StreetLightsSF, which auto- 311 and the committee did a repeat part to early release of property offend- telling statistic to emerge concerns the matically reports the problem to 311. visit. Lights that had been out were ers from prison, who then re-offend. allocation of resources. Of the current The app can then be used to track the fixed. However, trees that were block- Pedestrian lighting at the street level capital budget of $11.5 million, around status of repairs. According to the City, ing light had not yet been trimmed. is a long way off in residential areas $11.2 million is going to the Van Ness in 2013 the SFPUC took just under six Armed with the data, heavy coats and such as Glen Park. Priority is given to Bus Rapid Transit Project. Other street days to close a complaint, PG&E just flashlights, the lighting subcommittee high pedestrian volume corridors such light costs, including repairs, are left under seven days. Emergency repairs led a nighttime neighborhood trek with as busy commercial areas. In the mean- with a whopping $389,000. The top have a 24-hour timeline. But several Supervisor Wiener and representatives time, keeping a porch light on and car- priority in funding repairs is in high people at the hearing differed strongly of SFPUC and PG&E. They pointed rying a flashlight can help keep Glen crime areas due to poor lighting. with those figures, complaining about out areas where more light is needed Park safe. The hearing made it clear that the protracted lack of response to outages. and where the tree canopy needed trim- current system of dual ownership and This year Supervisor Wiener secured ming. control of lighting in the city is confus- a commitment from the mayor and the Agency representatives took down Information on street lighting process: ing, inefficient and counterproductive, SFPUC to fund $9 million over the notes for future action. (An update on SFPUC Power Enterprise Utility Services and that one entity should have full next two years, to assess and address repairs will be posted on the GPA web- Group: http://sfwater.org/index.aspx? responsibility. capital needs of the city street lighting site as soon as available.) One issue they page=391. Some hopeful and positive steps are system. talked about was neighbors’ buy-in to Safety information: sfsafe.org Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 15

F ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS F Glen Park Elementary School donated to a fundraiser, or came to character of our lovely 1920s build- business for supporting us: Wonder- The last day of school will be May read to a class on Read Across America ing. The interior of the existing struc- sitter child care, Canyon Market, the 30, which means—though it’s hard to Day; if you’ve planted trees with us, ture will be updated, and a brand new 49ers Foundation, the Golden State believe—that we are nearing the end or plan to cheer our kids on as they structure, containing classrooms and Warriors, Anchor Oyster Bar, Bi- of the 2013-14 school run around the block during the third a new library, will be built on the yard Rite Market, Mrs. Meyers cleaning by year. It’s been a trans- annual Shape Up Walk on March 28; to replace the “temporary” bungalows products, Celsius and Beyond science Amy if you’re going to stop by our booth at we have been living with for years. program, Chloe’s Closet, Destina- St. Clair formative year at Glen tion Science, Foreign Cinema, Fresca diLaura Park Elementary. the Glen Park Festival on April 27; or Our schoolyard will also be leveled, The garden we if you’ve just slowed down to let our and areas for playing sports added. restaurant, Gallery of Jewels, Jungle planted last summer is flourishing. students cross the street, thank you. The construction process will no Red salon, Kokkari restaurant, the Our students love their lesson time in A special note for incoming fami- doubt bring its challenges, but at the Lawrence Hall of Science, Osha Thai, the garden, and have harvested broc- lies: Welcome! If you and your new end we are going to have a wonderful Pacific Catch, Tutors R Us and Vino coli, snap peas and kale, among other kindergartner will be joining our new facility in which generations of Rosso wine bar. The support of com- crops. We have 18 new trees planted Glen Park School community in the San Francisco children can learn and munity businesses like these means so on our school grounds, thanks to fall, you’ll be hearing from us about grow. Thank you, San Francisco vot- much to us, and is a big part of why our school community’s fundraising summer play dates—a great way to ers, for supporting these much needed San Francisco is a great place to raise efforts and the enthusiasm and labor meet other Glen Park families—as upgrades! You can learn more about kids! v of school volunteers, in conjunction well as other welcoming activities our renovation by visiting our website we have planned. Information about at www.sunnysidek5.org/renovation with Friends of the Urban Forest. Jennifer Helton is president of the Sunnyside these activities will also be posted at We held our Parents’ Night Out, In the Brompton Avenue yard, you Elementary School Parent-Teachers Associa- glenparkschool.org. We look forward a major fundraiser for our school, at can see the outline of a new mural tion. that will beautify our school’s exte- to meeting you. v Liberty Cafe on Feb. 22. Liberty very generously donated space and a por- rior. The mural was designed by G.K. GPN CLASSIFIEDS Callahan, from SFArtsED. It will Amy St. Clair diLaura is president of tion of the evening’s proceeds to our depict nature scenes from around the Glen Park Elementary School Parent PTA. Many local businesses showed End Homework Hassles Teacher Organization. For school event Family time’s better spent! Glen Park. Our students are excited their support for public education by www.mystudybuddy.org to help paint! updates visit www.glenparkschool.org. providing items for our silent auction. Jane Radcliffe 415-586-4577 On March 3, Glen Park School We would like to thank the following students joined thousands of other Sunnyside Elementary School school children across the country in The end of 2013 brought some observing Read Across America Day, wonderful news for Sunnyside Ele- ST. JOHN CATHOLIC SCHOOL (K–8) which is a celebration of the love of mentary School. We were awarded where community matters reading as well as Dr. Seuss’s birthday. a $15,000 Quality Volunteer readers, including grand- by Teacher and Educa- Jennifer tion Act Impact award. parents, parents, coworkers, neigh- Helton bors, and friends, came into our 18 This award honors our classrooms to read to our kids. recent gains in test Our community is integral to the scores—gains that were seen in all seg- success of Glen Park School. Thank ments of our school community. The you for all of your support. If you’ve award particularly recognizes Sunny- side’s2.25” work in closing the achievement gap for Latino and English-learner students. Winning this grant made us eligible to apply for the honor of being des-

ignated a California Distinguished IMAGE: SONPHOTO.COM School. We are one of only eight elementary schools in San Francisco that are eligible for this honor this offering traditional year. We submitted our application in December—fingers crossed! faith-based education • Grades K–8 • Innovative Programs As we move into the second semes- • Challenging • Extended Care while incorporating Academics • Tuition Assistance ter of the school year, Sunnyside is getting ready for some big changes. cutting edge technology 1387 Valencia Street Our long-awaited renovation will San Francisco, CA 94110 begin this spring. Funded by a 2011 925 CHENERY STREET • SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131 www.synergyschool.org bond measure, the renovation will www.stjohnseagles.com 415.584.8383 (415) 567-6177 give us some much-needed additional space3 while preserving the historic 16 Glen Park News | Spring 2014 Congregation Proves There is a Free Lunch hen Milton Friedman, the Word-of-mouth Nobel Prize-winning econ- brought more din- W omist, titled his 1975 book ers in following There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, months, and the he hadn’t reckoned with the folks at St. delicious home- Aidan’s Episcopal Church. cooked (well, On the first Wednes- church-cooked) by day of each month, fare has kept them Denis neighbors age 55 and coming back. Each Wade over gather at St. Aid- month’s menu is an’s, on Goldmine planned by a volun- Drive at Diamond Heights Boule- teer, prepared by a vard, for free lunch and conversation. crew of helpers and Some are members of the congregation, dished up cafeteria- including most of the volunteers who style by the kitchen prepare and serve the meals. Others volunteers. A par- rarely set foot in a sanctuary, but are ticular favorite drawn by the spirit of community that was the jambalaya the monthly meal provides. It’s strictly cooked up recently drop-in, with no reservations. And no by Rev. Tommy, a sermons. Louisiana native. “Diamond Diners” resulted from a St. Aidan’s would conversation the rector, Rev. Tommy like more neigh- Diamond Diners enjoy their lunch at St. Aidan’s Church. Courtesy of St. Aidan’s Dillon, had last fall with Jeanette Oli- bors to participate ver, manager of the Diamond Heights in Diamond Diners, and they hope ning 12-step meetings in the Parish regional emergency or disaster. Shopping Center across the street. people who read this story will tell their Hall; a morning meditation group and Benefit performances are regularly She wished there were activities in the over-55 friends and relatives about the morning yoga classes; Overeaters Anon- held at St. Aidan’s, too, including two in neighborhood for seniors, whose pri- lunches. ymous, which meets at 7 a.m. Monday March 2014: “A Gay Old Time!” with mary social outlet had been hanging Diamond Diners and the Food Pan- through Saturday in the Parish Hall; Poppy Champlin, on March 22, and out at Creighton’s Bakery (not that try both provide an added bonus: The and a new Tuesday evening 12-step “Brass Gumbo,” a New Orleans-style there’s anything wrong with that!). parish nurse, Susan Spencer, checks program, Facing Fear Anonymous, for brass band and gumbo buffet, with raf- St. Aidan’s thriving weekly Diamond blood pressure for anyone interested. people whose lives are impacted by fear, fle and silent and live auctions. Proceeds Heights Food Pantry provides grocer- anxiety or worry. from the benefits help fund St. Aidan’s ies on Fridays for clients in the 94131 Diverse Community Programs The church’s Emergency Prepared- own programs and also help support Zip code. Senior meals seemed a logical The St. Aidan’s congregation also ness Committee meets monthly. Its numerous community ministries. new avenue of outreach to older people sponsors or provides space for a vari- members participate in the Diamond For information about St. Aidan’s who live in areas around the church, ety of other community programs. Its Heights Emergency Preparedness and its programs, visit www.saintaidan. including Glen Park. So last October calendar for the first week in March Workgroup, which since 2008 has org, call the church at 285-9540, or the first sit-down lunch was served, to included Sacred Cocktails, an LGBT been planning for neighborhood coop- check the Community Calendar on the unanimous approbation. outreach program in the Castro; eve- eration in the aftermath of a local or last page of this newspaper. v Glen Park’s Newest Family Restaurant: China House A couple of days before the open- They left, promising to come 4015 24th St., near Noe Street. sum-style items appear on the appe- ing of China House on Valentine’s back soon. Less than a week later, Luo, who owns another restau- tizers menu, and beer and wine are Day, a young girl and her father Luo could be seen speeding around rant called China House in Half offered. Carry-out food and delivery peeked through the the now-orderly dining room greet- Moon Bay (but is not associated service are available. by brown paper cover- ing new customers from Glen Park with another place with the same Luo, a thin, wiry man with spiky Gail ing the windows to and beyond, delivering dishes and name near Fisherman’s Wharf), saw black hair that he confines under a Bensinger see what was going on clearing plates, checking with din- an ad for the vacant storefront in a baseball cap during off hours, con- inside. ers to make sure they were enjoy- Chinese-language newspaper and tinues the Glen Park tradition of res- Owner Jerry Luo opened the ing their meals, keeping his eye on decided to take the opportunity. taurateurs from other countries who door and invited them in to take a the staff while they learned to work “I liked the neighborhood; I like fit right into our neighborhood. (See look. As the man explained that they together as a team. this location,” he said, adding that Glen Park News, Summer 2010 issue.) lived up Diamond Street and had Hong Sing, the long-time tenant he has lived for more than 20 years A native of Xian, China, he arrived been watching the remodeling prog- at 2794 Diamond St., closed just in the Sunset District. in the Bay Area in 1991, when he was ress, his daughter wandered around after Thanksgiving last fall. While China House is open daily for 22. He and his wife, Selina, who is the seating space near the window it offered table service, its take-out lunch and dinner, from 11:30 a.m. also from China—although they met where steam tables of carry-out food fare, all visible from the steamy win- to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9:30 p.m., respec- here—each has a child from a previ- once stood. dow, was popular with nearby resi- tively, during the week, and from ous marriage attending the University Art for the freshly painted walls dents (and cab drivers). Many of the noon to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. of California—her daughter at Berke- was still in its packaging, and tables same items can be found at Tung The menu features Mandarin and ley, his son at Davis. and chairs were arranged haphaz- Sing, owned by Howard Tong, in Szechuan dishes. Are they likely to follow him into ardly as noises of final preparations Noe Valley. He is the older brother Luo listed some of his favorites: the restaurant business? Luo laughed emerged from the kitchen of down- of Eric Tong, who was co-owner of hot braised fish, crisp duck and and shook his head. “I don’t think so,” town Glen Park’s newest restaurant. Hong Sing. Tung Sing is located at green onion pancakes. Some dim he said. “Too many hours.” v Production Speciﬁ cations: Publication: Glen Park News Media Unit: Quarter Page Vertical Live Area: 5.0” x 6.0” Bleed Area: None Printing: BW Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 17

F DIGGING THE DIRT F News from the Glen Park Garden Club

Looking for plants that will flourish in the drought? Succulents may be your answer. They need to be planted in a sun-to-part-shade setting, and given a little water about once a month. They are easy to plant and to maintain. Strolling through by Glen Park and nearby EST: 1990 Connie A. Sunnyside, you will Freeman discover thriving succulents along the median strip of Bosworth leading to Elk Street, along Monterey Bou- Drought-tolerant Agave attenuata at San levard leading to the freeway, and in the Francisco Botanical Garden. garden of the Sunnyside Conservatory Photo by Stan Shebs on Monterey. A new community garden on Penny Lane, between Surrey and coral to red, orange, or yellow. Sussex Streets, features succulents and A favorite groundcover is Euphorbia native plants, as does and the little Vil- myrsinites, with blue-green leaves spiral- Janet Moyer One of the Award winning design - lage Garden on Diamond Street, just up Landscaping is a “100 Fastest Growing “Outstanding ing around the stem and yellow-green full - service Private Companies” Achievement” Award from Chenery Street. You can also see a flowers in spring, which will self-sow. landscaping company in the Bay Area California wide variety of succulent plants in the Another groundcover is Senecio madral- specializing in SF Business Times, Landscape Contractors San Francisco Botanical Garden in the iscae with glaucous blue, cylindrical sustainable landscapes 2008 & 2009 Association, 2007 & 2008 Arboretum of Golden Gate Park. leaves. You may have heard of common suc- Sedums are succulents that breath culents such as agave, aloe vera, sedum only at night, thereby losing less water 415-821-3760 and yucca. There are many others, so I than most plants. Sedum mexicanum . will share some of my favorites, which 1031 Valencia Street, San Francisco jmoyerlandscaping.com brightens your garden with light yellow- Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 36389 do well in Glen Park. Aeoniums range green foliage. Sedum treleasei has thick, from branching forms to groundcovers. pale blue-green leaves. Sedum decum- For height and drama, I like Aeonium bens will form a dense groundcover of JML_Print_Brand_GlenPark_P2-2.in1 1 12/14/2009 5:29:06 PM atropurpureum “Zwartkop,” with its clear yellow-green foliage with yellow deep maroon leaves and yellow cones flowers. of starry flowers. Aeonium decorum tri- Contact...... Michael Padgett Client Name ...... Janet Moyer Landscaping Sempervivum—“always alive” in EST: 1990 Contact Phone . glen...... 415-821-3760 parkJob dentalTitle ...... Print - Glen Park News color will light up your garden with its Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... 1/4 Page Vert. Latin—is an aptly named succulent Beautiful Smiles for life red-edged leaves variegating to yellow genus, as we think of plants that thrive 415 | 585-1500 glenparkdental.com centers. Aeonium subplanum look like in drought. Their dense rosettes of big happy faces, with large rosettes of green, red or bronze foliage form offsets green leaves. that can be detached and planted, hence What our Patients are Saying! Agaves add a sculptural quality to your the common name “hens and chicks.” garden. Agave attenuata has soft, broad Everyone at GPD is kind, caring and knowledgeable. My family has been going There are three reference books to there for 7 years. The staff are wonderful with my 4 and 6 year old children. – Amber W. blue-green leaves. Agave parryi’s rosette I actually look forward to going to the dentist now. LOVE this place!! – Rob H. of light blue-gray leaves and black ter- which I keep returning: Succulents for the Contemporary Garden, by Yvonne Cave, Three words to describe GP Dental: Friendly, courteous, and professional. minal spines somewhat resembles large I have recommended many friends to them. Their appointments always start on time artichokes. with great photos and cultivation advice; and they always try to work with you if you have dental emergencies.” – Diana R. Aloes are familiar because of aloe Succulents—The Illustrated Dictionary, “I love my new look. Thank you so much for giving me a vera’s healing qualities. Aloe arborescens by Maurizio Sajeva and Mariangela reason to smile again.” – Deborah J. forms large colonies and sports orange Costanzo, for its thoroughness; and Call 415-585-1500 today! tubular flowers, attracting humming- Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry birds. Aloe plicatilis looks like a spread- Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region, Dr. Longa and Dr. Dickerson Longa are highly skilled in all areas of Family Dentistry, including: ing fan and has red flowers. put out by the East Bay Municipal Util- Beschorneria yuccoides makes a lovely ity District, for inspiration, beautiful • pediatric dentistry • Invisalign photography and solid information. • sleep apnea/snoring •TMJ disorders centerpiece for your garden, with strap- • periodontal therapy • veneers like, glaucous blue-green leaves and Succulents are very forgiving plants that • smile makeovers • whitening showy green flowers with pink bracts. always look great. You can plant them and • neuromuscular dentistry • implants For a California native, you could be confident that you will have a stun- ning garden in our time of drought. v Their goal is to provide the plant Dudleya farinosa, which will do highest level of care and advanced particularly well on a rocky incline. technology to their patients, educate all Echeverias are spectacular in their ages to proper and healthy dental care, variety of foliage, from wavy-edged Connie A Freeman is the Glen Park and to make their expertise accessible leaves looking like sea creatures to Garden Club columnist. E-mail her to everyone in their community. fuzzy leaves that feel soft as a cat’s ear. at [email protected]. If you are The leaf colors can be blue-green, red, interested in becoming a Glen Park Gar- glen park dental Conveniently located across the lilac, green, and even dark purple. den Club member, contact nanw90@ 590 Bosworth Street • San Francisco street from Glen Park BART! Their bell-shaped flowers range from gmail.com. G 18 Glen Park News | Spring 2014

F GLEN PARK REAL ESTATE F

Did you know the April 1906 San little more inventory coming on the done. We had ours inspected before Thanks again to David for the Francisco earthquake sent refugees market and sales prices that show a we bought our house, and it has question about foundations. Please scrambling to Glen Park and other more modest increase. given us a great deal of comfort to send me any questions you have outer neighborhoods One reader, David, asked me to know its condition and what we can about specific issues or suggest topics by for safety? Glen Park write about the do to preserve it. that interest you as a reader. You can Marc types of foun- One thing you send any questions or topic requests Dickow suffered less earthquake damage than dations of local the average sale price for a should do, if you to [email protected], downtown, and residents freely homes and haven’t already, [email protected], or The Glen Park opened their homes to refugees. when is a good single-family home in glen is to take steps to News, 2912 Diamond Street #407, The Glen Park playground became a time to do keep vegetation and San Francisco, CA 94131. city of tents. The streetcar passenger work on your park was $1,427,500 moisture away from I hope you are having a good start to waiting house at Castro and Chen- foundation. the foundation. the year, and let’s all do a little rain ery streets sheltered the homeless. First, most Many of us with dance to help with the water short- Each day people waited in front of homes cur- houses on hills or age. v the relief station at the old shoe fac- rently have concrete slab founda- slopes have dirt and ivy that build up tory: one day for bread, another for tions, which is still the current along the foundation, and we need Marc Dickow, a Glen Park resident, meat, and so on. standard. Some older homes in the to make sure we periodically clean it is a Realtor-Broker associate at Van- Many refugees were won over by neighborhood were built with brick up. If you are interested in an inspec- guard Properties. He can be reached friendly villagers and impressed by foundations. These are the ones that tion, I can recommend several repu- at [email protected], or 722-4018. His the seismic safety of the area, and people are most concerned about. table inspectors. website is www.altrockrealtor.com. chose to remain in Glen Park. In Brick was the standard foundation October 1906, the Examiner adver- type before the 1906 earthquake. Recent Glen Park Sales tised Glen Park Homes: lots from It was found that in the harder-hit ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP areas of the city that the brick, and $500 upwards, 10 percent per casa, 191 Burnside Ave. Nov 13, 2013 20 $869,000 $1,050,000 120.83% $10 per month. To this day, some more precisely the mortar, could 831 Chenery St. Nov 14, 2013 60 $599,000 $615,000 102.53% residents of Glen Park are children crumble in a major quake. of the 1906 earthquake settlers. There are brick foundations still 161 Arbor St. Nov 14, 2013 20 $1,389,000 $1,405,000 101.15% Thanks to historian Mae Silver for standing more than a hundred years 186 Fairmount St. Nov 22, 2013 107 $1,385,000 $1,300,000 93.86% that interesting fact! after the 1906 quake, so it really 56 Chilton Ave Nov 22, 2013 10 $2,100,000 $2,175,000 103.57% As you can see by the chart on does depend on where your home 574 Congo St. Nov 27, 2013 29 $1,395,000 $1,400,000 100.36% homes sold recently, sales did cool is located. We are fortunate to live 556 Chenery St. Dec 3, 2013 29 $1,629,000 $1,750,000 107.43% off a bit over the holidays. Some of in an area that is primarily bedrock it was the natural holiday slowdown, under our homes and is less suscep- 128 Laidley St. Dec 3, 2013 0 $1,790,000 $1,790,000 100.00% but some was because list prices tible to major earth movements. 1829 Church St. Dec 4, 2013 26 $895,000 $1,425,000 159.22% caught up to sale prices. There wasn’t There are ways to shore up brick 21 Laidley St. Dec 5, 2013 57 $1,599,000 $1,410,000 88.18% the same fervor of overbidding that foundations if they are still in decent 35 Conrad St. Jan 2, 2014 103 $1,200,000 $1,160,000 96.67% shape. If you run your finger between had been going on during the first 1753 Noe St. Jan 9, 2014 17 $1,650,000 $1,650,000 100.00% three quarters of 2013. Sales prices the bricks and the mortar crumbles, 2 Arbor St. Jan 31, 2014 63 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 100.00% are now much closer to list prices, you should have a structural engineer with fewer offers per house. or construction company inspect Condominiums Here’s your Glen Park market your foundation. On concrete foun- update: From Nov. 4, 2013, through dations, extensive cracking or any 76 Wilder St. Nov 8, 2013” 14 $799,000 $910,000 113.89% Jan. 28, 2014, there were 13 sin- sort of bowing of the concrete is a Two-Unit Buildings gle-family homes, one condo and sign that you should have your foun- 26-26A Chenery St. Dec 11, 2013 19 $999,000 $1,150,000 115.12% three two-unit buildings sold in dation inspected. 1159-61 Bosworth St Dec 13, 2013 76 $1,099,000 $1,150,000 104.64% our neighborhood. The average sale If your foundation was not 2730-32 Diamond St. Jan 16, 2014” 36 $1,600,000 $1,600,000 100.00% price for the single-family homes inspected when you purchased your DOM - Days on market / SP/LP - % over list price was $1,427,500. In the last three home, I highly recommend having it months, the median list price in Glen Park was $1,392,000 with the median sale price being $1,407,500. Sale prices averaged about 4 percent over asking price, which is significantly down from the 15 to 20 percent over asking from January through October 2013. It will be interesting to see how the first half of 2014 shapes up. I predict things will remain pretty steady, with a Spring 2014 | Glen Park News 19

Howard Reinstein Manager Noe Valley Office SERviNG tHE #1 Glen Park Agent • Top Producer 415.296.2105 GLEN PARK CommuNity [email protected] www.howardreinstein.com foR ovER 20 yEARS!

#1 GlEn Park aGEnt More Glen Park Homes Sold Over $1 Million

AngolaAustraliaAustriaBelgium BotswanaCanadaChinaCroatia EnglandFranceGermanyGreece HongKongIndiaIrelandItaly LuxembourgMacauMalaysia MexicoMonacoMontenegro NetherlandsNewZealandNorway PolandPortugalRussiaScotland SingaporeSouthAfricaSouthKorea SpainSwaziland+SwedenSwitzerland TaiwanThailandVietnamZambia INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE GLEN PARK - In Escrow 12 Days! GLEN PARK - In Escrow 5 Days! 1101 Bosworth - www.1101Bosworth.com 130 Everson - www.130Everson.com McGuire real Estate is the exclusive san francisco Bay area brokerage and international associate for savills. together McGuire and savills bring unmatched international exposure for our agents, our properties, and our clients.

JuSt LiStEd - GLEN PARK ComiNG SooN - call for DEtaIls 2608 Diamond - www.2608Diamond.com spectacular View Home in Glen Park CALL todAy! foR ANy of youR 10 Years Chairman of Sponsor Development, The Glen Park Festival REAL EStAtE NEEdS. 25 Year Glen Park Home Owner | Partner Chenery Park Restaurant 415.296.2105 All up-to-date Glen Park sold prices are available at www.glenparkneighbors.com

100 Clipper Street | howardreinstein.com 20 Glen Park News | Spring 2014

F COMMUNITY CALENDAR F

Q Glen Park Association Q Q Glen Park School Q Q St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Q McClung, Layra Schulkind, Zara Raab. • Sunday, April 13, 2 pm: PEN/Oakland Quarterly meetings are held in January, Friday, March 28, 1 pm, 151 Lippard St Aidan’s, 101 Gold Mine Dr. at writers Floyd Salas, Claire Ortalda, Tony April, July and October. Everyone is Street: Third annual Shape-Up Walk. The Diamond Heights Boulevard, hosts yoga, R. Rodriguez, Kirk Lumpkin, Judith welcome, members and non-members alike. community is encouraged to cheer students AA, Al-Anon, Weight Watchers and other Cody, Sharon Doubiago and John Curl. Annual dues of just $10 support the Associa- on as they run around the block to promote community groups. For details, visit www. • Saturday, April 19, 7 pm: Daisy Rockwell tion’s important work on behalf of the neigh- fitness. Participating children, parents and saintaidan.org or call 285-9540, and see our reads from her new novel, Taste. borhood. volunteers should check in by 12:45 pm. story on Page 16. • Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 pm: Jeff Next meeting: Wednesday, April 9 , 7 pm, Monday, March 31–Friday April 4: Spring Every Friday, 1–2 pm: Food Pantry, for Johnson presents his book, Designing at the Recreation Center in Glen Canyon Break. with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide low-income and disabled clients who live in Park. to Understanding User Interface Design Q Glen Park Branch Library Q the 94131 zip code. The Agenda includes: Rules. First Wednesday of every month, noon–1 * Updates from Supervisor Scott Wiener Denise Sanderson, manager of the Glen • Thursday, April 24, 7 pm: Poets Ryan pm: Diamond Diners, a monthly free lunch Gallagher & Sunnylyn Thibodeaux. and Captian Tim Falvey, SFPD Ingleside Park Branch at 2825 Diamond St., oversees Station. a lively agenda of events at our local library. and social hour for seniors over age 55 who • Sunday, May 18, 2 pm: Latif Harris on See her column on Page 6 for more infor- live in the 94131 zip code. Reservations are the poetry scene of the late 1950s & ’60s. * SF Public Utilities Commission presen- mation. A full schedule is always available at not required. tation on water and sewer infrastructure WEEKLY & MONTHLY SERIES the library, and all programs are free. plans & user rates. Saturday, March 29, 6 pm: Brass Gumbo, a Live Jazz in the Bookshop: A neigh- Following are a few of the events planned * Recreation and Park Department update taste of New Orleans in S.F. This fund-raiser borhood party every Friday, 5:30–8 pm. this winter. on Glen Park Recreation Center building for St. Aidan’s programs features gumbo, the • 1st Friday of the month: Don Prell’s renovation plans. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Saint Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band, and live SeaBop Ensemble. and silent auctions. $25–$50, sliding scale. * PUC presentation of a plan to install new * Every Tuesday, 10:30 am: Baby Rhymes • 2nd Fridays: The Jimmy Ryan Quintet. & Playtime. Rhymes, stories and fingerplays Tickets at Eventbrite.com, or call the church lighting in Glen Park. • 3rd Fridays: The Scott Foster Quartet. for ages birth–15 months. office, 285-9540. • 4th Fridays: The Chuck Peterson Quintet. Q Glen Park Recreation Center Q * Mondays, March 10 & April 14, 10:30–11 Q Glen Park Farmers Market Q • Special 5th Friday Guests: May 30: Pacific Spring 2014 recreation programs began in am, Preschool Videos: For ages 3–5. Jazz Connection. March and run through May. The schedule * First Fridays, 4 pm, for ages 6 and older. Every Sunday, March 30–Nov. 23, 10 is on Page 13. Next dates: Apr.4, May 2, Jun. 6. am–2 pm, BART parking lot, Bosworth & Which Way West?: Every Sunday, Arlington streets. The 2014 season promises 4:30–6:30 pm. This concert series features * Sunday & Monday: Closed. TEEN PROGRAMS more events and activities, new and returning Americana roots bands, jazz groups, world * Tuesday: 9 am–5:30 pm, & 8:15–8:45 pm. * Friday, April 18, 3:30 pm: Great Teen vendors with great fresh produce and comes- music performers, classical music and more. Book Swap: For ages 12–18. * Wednesday: 9 am–6 pm. tibles. All ages welcome. ADULT PROGRAMS • March 23: Americano Social Club – Jazz. * Thursday & Friday: 9 am–3:30 pm, & Q School of the Arts Q 7 pm–8:45 pm. Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 pm: Brain • March 30: Heshima Duo – Jazz. Fitness - A fascinating talk about the brain. Throughout the school year, students * Saturday: 9 am–4:45 pm. • April 6: Larry Dunlap & Bobbe Norris – FOR ALL AGES present music, dance and theater perfor- Jazz. Activities can affect times; to verify hours, * Second Tuesdays, 3–4 pm: eReader mances as well as visual arts exhibits, all open • April 13: Jenny Ferris & Friends – Jazz. call 337-4705. Drop-In. to the public. There’s a modest charge for • April 27: Nilsson Fest 2014 – an embar- Q Glen Park Festival Q * Second Wednesdays, 4:30–6 pm: Knitting most events, and free parking in the lot off rassment of Harry Nilsson – Pop. Circle. All skill levels are welcome; presented O’Shaughnessy Boulevard. For event infor- Sunday, April 27, 10 am–4:30 pm, • May 4: Jon Frank Quartet – Jazz. by RuthKnits. mation, visit sfsota.org. Diamond and Wilder streets in downtown • May 11: Hamir Atwel/Michael Coleman * Saturday, April 12, 3 pm: DIY Tote Bag. Duo – Jazz. Glen Park. Music, dancing, food, booths, Q Bird & Beckett Events Q games, schmoozing, fund-raising for kids’ Space is limited; please sign up in advance at • May 18: Charles Hamilton Quartet – Bird & Beckett Books & Records, programs. Volunteers are needed to help in the information desk or by calling 355-2858. Jazz. 653 Chenery St., presents literary and advance and during the annual street fair. * Tuesday, April 29, 10:30 am: Jim Stevens. • May 25: Grant Levin Trio – Jazz. musical events under the auspices of the See the story on Page 11. Celebrating Month of the Young Child, the nonprofit Bird & Beckett Cultural Legacy • June 1: Dwaine Spurlin Quartet – Jazz. folksinger returns to perform songs for the Project. Admission is free, but requested • June 8: Times Three – Jazz. q Friends of Glen Canyon Park q whole family. donations make the series possible, and your • June 22: Joel Forrester – Solo Piano. The Friends are volunteers who help * Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 pm: Sing-along purchases are vital to keep the bookstore maintain and improve our neighborhood • June 29: Albatross Quartet – Clarinet with Tim Holt. Folk music for all ages. open. Tax-deductible contributions to the Ensemble. park. To join Friends of Glen Canyon Park, Cultural Legacy Project help keep cultural contact Jean Conner at 584-8576. For infor- Q Q Poetry with Open Mic, hosted by Jerry SFPD Community Forums programming alive in Glen Park. mation about Friends’ activities, visit http:// Ferraz: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, Third Tuesday of every month, 7–8 pm, bit.ly/glencanyonpark. Check online for the latest information at 7 pm. at Ingleside Police Station, John V. Young www.birdbeckett.com, pick up a monthly Meet behind the Rec Center for these Way off San Jose Avenue. For details call • April 7: Erica Goss & Jose Luis Gutierrez. events schedule at the bookshop, or call activities in the Canyon: the station at 404-4000, or visit the website • April 21: Michael Koch & Ronald Sauer. 586-3733. Shop hours are 11 am–7 pm Third Saturday of each month, 9 am– InglesidePoliceStation.com. Literary Talks: Saturday–Thursday, 11am–9 pm Friday (hours Last Sundays at 2:30 pm noon: Meetings and Plant Restoration Work All residents are encouraged to participate (except the summer months). are often extended on evenings of events). Parties. Tools, and instruction are provided. in these informative monthly Community • Walker Brents III addresses literary, Every Wednesday, 9 am–noon: Weekly Relations Forums hosted by Capt. Timothy SPECIAL EVENTS mythological and philosophical topics. Falvey, Ingleside Station’s commanding Work Parties. • Thursday, March 27, 7 pm: “The Life & • March 30: The 12th century German officer. Keep up to date on neighborhood Volunteers are also welcome to work in Art of Vincent Van Gogh” - an illustrated writer, composer, philosopher and police issues, get acquainted with the the canyon with the Recreation and Park lecture by artist Marlene Aron. Christian mystic, Hildegard Von Bingen. dedicated people who keep our neigh- Department’s Natural Areas Program staff. Bird & Beckett Book Club, 1st Thursday borhood safe. • Sunday, April 6, 2 pm: Poets of the For information, contact David Burnet at Finishing Line Press: Judy Bebelaar, Raffi of each month, 7 pm. Call the store for titles. Next dates: April 15, May 20, June 17. 871-0203 or e-mail [email protected]. Del Bourgo, Ellaraine Lockie, Kathleen