WINTER 2020 VOLUME 38, NO. 4

Muni Adds Bus-Only Lanes in Glen Park

ith the Covid-19 pandemic dor is among eight thoroughfares that The temporary lanes will be removed emergency plan in June, and meant still raging after almost a serve five critical bus lines. They were 120 days after the emergency order is to be put in place quickly—as early as W year in which the city has selected based on projected travel time lifted, unless there is a public process August—yet the implementation date been under a state of emergency, and savings, as well as the hospitals, essential to make a lane permanent. for the 44 line is not until the end of widespread vaccination months away, workplaces and low-income, transit- An irony of the timing of the pro- 2020 at the earliest. more and more drivers dependent communities they serve. gram is that it was designated as an CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 by have taken to their cars Bonnee to avoid exposure to the Waldstein virus. Concerned about Mosaic Project Gets a Step Closer increased traffic con- gestion when the city reopens post- pandemic, SFMTA has developed a program it contends will expedite the flow of public transit through busy cor- ridors, thus encouraging people to ride public transit. It would protect people who rely on transit from increased exposure to Covid-19 on slow or crowded buses. The plan calls for the creation of tem- porary emergency transit lanes, known in transit jargon as TETLs, to include buses, light rail and taxis. It’s unclear whether private buses and hospital shut- tles will be allowed to use the TETLs. By the end of 2020 or early 2021, sec- tions of the 44-O’Shaughnessy bus route will be striped and stenciled with white paint to indicate that they are bus-only lanes. One Glen Park bus-only lane will be activated along O’Shaughnessy from Portola to the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, about 800 feet south of Portola. Also included is a stretch on upper Woodside Avenue. Another would run Detroit Steps work party volunteers Peter Myers, Ken Hollebeck, Taylor Hughes, Jenny Marabello and Rosaura Valle, at the along Bosworth from Elk to Arlington. corner of Joost Avenue and Detroit Street, prepare to move mulch down to the steps. Photo taken Sept. 20, 2020. The O’Shaughnessy-Bosworth corri- Photo Courtesy of Pam Parker Souza

GLEN PARK he Detroit Steps Project is near- Joost avenues in the Sunnyside neigh- Photographs of most of the step ASSOCIATION ing culmination of its “2020 borhood. All 186 steps, both below and designs can be viewed at www.face- QUARTERLY MEETING TDrawing Contest.” above Monterey Boulevard, will be tiled book.com/media/set?vanity=detroitste Launched in November 2018, the with mosaic and other colored tiles. ps&set=a.109860110972697. Thursday Jan. 28, 7 p.m. multi-year, multi- “The contest is to derive imagina- “Submissions of art began Nov. by phase, community-led tive stairway designs that can generate 22 and will culminate on Jan. 3,” Via Zoom Murray beautification project inspiration to an artist retained to move Mullins told the Glen Park News. Schneider will add mosaic tiles the work forward,” said Suna Mullins, After Jan. 3, the steering committee Find the Zoom link at: to the outdoor stairs a member of the DSP steering commit- will vote to select three winners via glenparkassociation.org on Detroit Street between Hearst and tee. There are already 30 entries. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

VIRTUAL BIRD & BECKETT ~ PG. 6 GLEN PARK HISTORY ~ PG. 8 COVID TREE WALK ~ PG. 10 2 Glen Park News | Winter 2020

Glen Park S NEWS FROM CITY HALL S ews ore than 300,000 Americans is finally in the rearview mirror. sites function as pop-up outdoor navi- N have lost their lives during Creating a Place for All: I have gation centers, with portable toilets, The Glen Park News is pub- M the Covid-19 pandemic. As introduced legislation (co-spon- showers, security, food and other ser- lished quarterly by the Glen Covid-19 surges to new records in sored by Supervisor Sandra Lee vices. Since May the City has opened California and throughout the country, Fewer) to require the Department several of these sites as part of our Park Association. Signed San Francisco is experi- of Homelessness and Supportive Covid response, but I believe the City articles are the opinions of by encing a more signifi- Housing to open a network of tem- can and should commit to more than the authors and not neces- Rafael cant and rapid rise in porary safe sleeping sites with enough pilot efforts. sarily those of the Glen Park Mandelman cases and hospitaliza- capacity to ensure that on any given Building a Green Future: The Association. tions than we’ve seen night, any unhoused person who is Board of Supervisors passed my ordi- since the start of the pandemic, with unable to access a shelter bed, hous- nance to require all-electric construc- Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gordon approximately 900 Covid-19 cases ing unit or hotel room can at least be tion in new buildings that file permits, diagnosed each week. offered an overnight stay at such a site. starting next year. With limited excep- Deputy Editor Gail Bensinger To prevent our hospital system from It is unfair and wrong to leave tions, this ordinance would prohibit being overwhelmed and to save lives, unhoused people to find a place to new buildings from including natural Copy Editor Denis Wade the City has been forced to roll back sleep on our sidewalks, and it is unfair gas, a leading source of greenhouse gas our economic reopening and is urging and wrong to ask neighborhoods to emissions and a serious public health Art Director Liz Mangelsdorf San Franciscans to stay home. With provide their sidewalks, medians and and safety hazard. the holiday season upon us, we can plazas as shelters of last resort. If we are Over the past year, I’ve worked Calendar Editor Caroline Mangelsdorf keep our families and our communities to end camping in our neighborhoods, with a broad coalition of community safe by avoiding gatherings, especially our humanity and our laws require that and national environmental organiza- Online Editor Elizabeth Weise indoors, with other households. We we find alternative safe spaces where tions, labor, building and construc- owe it to our neighbors, our small they can be. tion experts, and public health and Advertising Manager Nora Dowley businesses and ourselves to follow com- Safe sleeping sites are a tested and equity advocates to craft a policy that mon-sense public health protocols and proven model that can be cost-effective will make San Francisco a leader in Distribution Manager keep wearing our masks until Covid-19 and scalable. The best safe sleeping the building electrification movement Murray Schneider growing across California, joining more than 30 cities that have enacted policies Reporters to limit natural gas construction. In Murray Schneider a year marked by historic wildfires, Bonnee Waldstein repeated heat waves and a record string of hazardous air quality days, building Columnists working for you a carbon-neutral future has never been Marc Dickow more important. Betsy Eddy Arlington Slow Streets Launch: The Kay Hamilton Estey WE BRING YOU THE GLEN PARK NEWS Slow Streets program expanded in Glen Eric Kammerud Our all-volunteer news teams write, publish (and deliver!) Park, with the addition of Arlington Rafael Mandelman the Glen Park News to homes and businesses throughout Street from Roanoke to Randall. The Kate Patterson the neighborhood. And, at www.glenparkassociation.org program limits vehicular access to local Evelyn Rose we keep up with the latest news, profiles and events. traffic only on certain blocks to provide additional space for pedestrians and Photographers cyclists to exercise or get to essential WE MAKE GLEN PARK (EVEN MORE) BEAUTIFUL Betsy Eddy services with social distancing. It has We’ve secured more than $500,000 in grants Dennis Mullen been popular on segments like Sanchez toward garden improvements for the Glen Park Evelyn Rose Street from 30th to 23rd streets, which Greenway and the Arlington Street path. Murray Schneider was one of the first to be implemented. Bonnee Waldstein The Arlington Slow Street joins WE KEEP OUR OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE Chenery Street between Burnside Our robust neighborhood association means the Glen and Lippard to serve Glen Park. The Park voice is influential at City Hall, in the state capitol Municipal Transportation Agency is 2912 Diamond St. #407 and with city agencies like SF Rec and Park and SFPD. seeking feedback on the implementa- San Francisco, CA 94131 tion of both these Slow Streets from [email protected] area residents and businesses as they [email protected] evaluate the future of the program and NOW, WE NEED YOU. possible additional or modified seg- ments via an online survey at sfmta. Glen Park Association membership is just $10 per year. com/slowstreets. Please support Stay Connected: The best way to We use membership funds to publish this newspaper, reach my office as we continue to work pay for our website, secure matching grant funds for our our remotely is by emailing mandelman- parks and open spaces, and pay for community events [email protected]. S Advertisers throughout the year. Rafael Mandelman represents District 8, they support us! Please join today at www.glenparkassociation.org/membership which includes Glen Park, on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 3

S CHECK IT OUT AT THE LIBRARY S GPA Board of here is something for everyone this winter at the San Francisco Directors and Officers T Public Library. When colder for 2020 weather keeps us indoors, kids and President families can discover Scott Stawicki by hands-on interactive [email protected] Kate programs to spark cre- Vice President Patterson ativity at home with our Hilary Schiraldi Make + Do craft series, [email protected] featuring local artists and beloved chil- Membership Secretary dren’s librarians. Tune into our virtual Adrienne Lacau storytime series, Sweet Stories, on the [email protected] Library’s Facebook page on Tuesdays Recording Secretary and Thursdays (en español) at 11 a.m. Heather World and our new Sweet Stories for Babies [email protected] on Mondays at 10 a.m., starting Jan. 4. The annual T(w)een Winter Read is Commuications Secretary Bonnee Waldstein the time to cozy up with a good book [email protected] during a much-needed Winter Break. New this year, tweens and teens ages Treasurer 10–18 can track the time spent reading Dennis Mullen [email protected] or listening to books on Beanstack, an online platform that can be accessed Glen Park News Editors from a computer or mobile device. Rachel Gordon (print) Track minutes and earn badges to hit shows, and a librarian will tailor a list Elizabeth Weise (blog) in cities around the globe. This year’s [email protected] 20 hours of reading. Finishers will virtual format was designed to spur made to match personal tastes. This receive a prize pack with a tote, books contemplation on the 2021 theme bespoke service is available in English, Glen Park Association Website and other winter goodies. Complete a Closing the Distance, an adaptation Chinese and Spanish. Producers Bonnee Waldstein 500 word book review for your chance proche SFPL is building a brand-new local of the international theme or Heather World at a weekly $100 deposit into a K2C “close.” Hosted by KQED Forum’s music collection called Bay Beats! This or ScholarShare account. Mina Kim, the program will present online showcase will feature the excit- Glen Park News Association Beginning on Martin Luther King a variety of perspectives on how we ing musical talent in our very own Webmaster Mary Szczepanik Jr.’s birthday weekend in mid-January can collectively move closer to a better Bay Area backyard. Local musicians and throughout February, the Library future by reimagining our civic spaces will have the opportunity to submit a Glen Park News Advertising Rep. champions Black history, culture and to be more inclusive and by advancing selection of original tracks for inclu- Nora Dowley heritage with special virtual events. racial equity. Expect to see perfor- sion in Bay Beats. A panel of music [email protected] This celebration is titled More Than a mances featuring some of our most experts will review submissions and Health & Environment Chair Month, in an effort to emphasize that iconic scenery and tributes to our select albums that our library users Stephany Wilkes reflection, open dialogue, interdisci- artists and essential workers who have will be able to stream and download. [email protected] plinary education and shared advocacy kept our spirits up during these chal- Upon signing a licensing agreement, Neighborhood Improvement Chair needs to take place in our communi- lenging times. Visit nightofideassf. musicians will receive an honorarium Carolyn White ties during Black History Month, as com to learn more. payment for their participation. More [email protected] well as all year round. Looking for something interesting information is at baybeats.sfpl.org. Program Chair On Jan. 28, the Library, in part- to read? Our new Biblio Boutique While many Public Library build- Carolyn Deacy nership with the French Consulate, service hooks you up with your very ings, including our Glen Park branch, [email protected] SFMOMA and KQED, will present own book stylist to outfit you with a remain closed to the public, we are Public Safety Chair the third Night of Ideas. Sponsored list of five titles. All patrons need to delighted that we can provide access Carolyn Deacy by the French government, Night of do is share their preferences, such as to physical materials through our [email protected] Ideas takes place on the same evening favorite books, authors, movies or TV SFPL To Go front door and mobile Recreation & Parks Chair pick-up service, now at 14 loca- Jessica Bogo tions throughout the city. Glen Park [email protected] patrons are encouraged to reserve and pick up materials at the two clos- Transportation Chair Scott Stawicki est branches, Excelsior and Eureka [email protected] Valley. Please visit sfpl.org/sfpl-to-go to learn more, or call our Tip Line, Zoning and Planning Chair 415-557-4400, and one of our staff Tania Treis [email protected] will be happy to walk you through the process. S The mission of the Glen Park Association Kate Patterson is director of commu- is to promote the collective interests of all persons living in Glen Park, to inform and nications of the San Francisco Public educate about neighborhood and citywide Library system. Michelle Waddy, the issues, to promote sociability and friend- manager of the Glen Park branch, has ships and to support beneficial been reassigned for the duration of the neighborhood projects. Covid-19 closure. 4 Glen Park News | Winter 2020 Renée Gonsalves Local. Experienced. Committed.

SOLD!

REVIVE YOUR HEALTH! Call 415-823-9333 Ashley Hathaway, Holistic Health Practitioner

Specializing in: 536 Chenery Street | Sold: $1,335,000 | 536Chenery.com Weight Loss & Digestive Health I'm safely selling homes in San Francisco. Here is one of my Pain & Stress Management latest Glen Park sales. I represented the seller and seamlessly managed the Compass Concierge Program, enabling the seller San Francisco Nutritional Therapy & Theraphi Center to restore her home to really shine which generated the best price! Compass paid upfront costs for painting, hauling, staging, www.sfnutritionaltherapy.com • www.theraphisf.com etc- at no extra costs to the seller. If you're thinking of selling, [email protected] or just curious about the market, please reach out! I am always happy to help. Glen Park Market Updates: The market is strong in Glen Park for single-family homes. Since SIP, around 60 homes have sold. Buyers are taking advantage of the record low interest rates and seeking more space. More homes have sold in 2020 (Jan-Nov 15) vs. 2019 same period. The average price of Glen Park homes has gone up 7% vs year ago. 2020 Glen Park Highlights:

$2.05M $1,200 ↑7%

Average Average Home Prices Home Price Price/Sq. Ft. 2020 vs. 2019 Per SFAR MLS - Homes sold 1/1/19 - 11/15/20 Here is what my recent Glen Park client had to say: “I met Renée when she was selling a house in Glen Park, and when it was time to sell my home, I chose her and couldn’t be happier with her services. She explained everything clearly and patiently, laid out a plan and she was spot on. Her team did a great job prepping the house for sale and her plan for listing and showing was completed without a hitch. Her knowledge and experience are invaluable. She made a potentially stressful situation so easy! Wish I could give her more than five stars !! - Ann S.

Renée Gonsalves 415.260.5805 [email protected] DRE 01365295 ReneeSellsGlenPark.com

Renée Gonsalves is a real estate sales person licensed in CA affiliated with Compass. Compass is a real estate broker licensed in CA and abides by equal housing opportunity laws Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 5

S NEWS FROM GLEN PARK SCHOOLS reetings from Glen Park Oppenheimer. The staff members on Born and Raised Elementary School! It’s been this year’s SSC are: certificated staff Ga busy fall, and distance learn- members Kim Wong and Nancy Larin, ing has taken some getting used to, with Irma Peinado and Christine Glen Park Native, but the Big Blue Whales are swimming Leishman sharing a single position strongly. with one vote; classified staff member In November we Lisa Stoeltje; Principal Liz Zarr; and Neighbor, and by learned that the San alternates Rebecca Sandford-Smith Eric Francisco Unified and Sheila Tenney. Kammerud Real Estate Resource School District has The SFUSD enrollment season is in placed Glen Park in the full swing. The district held a virtual first wave of schools to move into version of its annual Enrollment Fair Having grown up on Chenery Street, I know how just special this neighbor- Phase 2 of the district’s plan to return between Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. Glen hood and community is. My wife and I attended Glenridge Nursery School and to in-person learning. Park Principal Liz Zarr, with the help are now raising our two young children here. Phase 2 allows for a hybrid learning of faculty, staff and parent volunteers, model where families can choose to held four virtual sessions on Nov. 10 One of my recent contributions to our community was working with Evelyn allow their students to attend classes in to introduce prospective families to Rose and my Parlor at the Native Sons of the Golden West to raise 100% of person or can continue with distance our school community. Attendance the funds needed to purchase and install the plaque dedicated to the historic learning. This phase is further broken was great, with more than 100 visitors dynamite factory in Glen Park. Other local memberships include The Glen Park down into two sub-phases: 2A and 2B. tuning into the virtual sessions. Neighborhood Association, SPUR, The Small Properties Owners Institute, Phase 2A prioritizes students in the We will be hosting virtual events for The Residential Builders Association, and The Olympic Club. highest priority groups for return— families interested in joining the Glen moderate and severely disabled students Park family. Keep an eye on the PTO’s As a real estate agent at Compass, my business specializes in buying and in all grades, students attending website at glenparkschool.org or the selling a mix of residential, commercial, multifamily and new construction prekindergarten and early education school’s Facebook page for details. properties. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any needs, stand-alone sites, and younger students The application deadline for the questions, or just want to chat regarding real estate. in the prekindergarten to second grade 2021-2022 school year is Feb. 5. Visit range. Phase 2B includes homeless the district’s website at sfusd.edu to students and those in foster care, find more information and application Client Testimonial regardless of grade level. forms. The return to in-person learning During the week of Dec. 7, SFUSD could begin as early as Jan. 25. Of celebrated Inclusive Schools Week. The course, with Covid-19 cases surging week honors students with disabilities “Kevin was our agent for our rental property that we purchased in San in San Francisco and elsewhere, these and gives educators and community Francisco. We interviewed 4 agents and we quickly realized that Kevin had plans may be put on hold. You can members the opportunity to teach much more knowledge of the SF market compared to the others. This is the find additional information, including students about disabilities and how 7th real estate transaction that my husband and I have done and Kevin is by reopening criteria and explanations they intersect with other categories far the best agent we have encountered. He was professional, patient, of the various reopening phases and of identity, including race, gender courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. He was extremely organized and waves, on the district’s website at sfusd. and language preference. The district ensured that we found a place within 90 days of working with him in order edu. sponsored a panel discussion, virtual to avoid paying massive fees through our 1031 Exchange.” Also in November, we held elections assemblies, a virtual workout session for our Parent Teacher Organization with San Francisco 49ers mascot —Glen Park Neighbor, Vidya B. (PTO) executive board. Co-President Sourdough Sam, and an online art Seth Brenzel, Co-Communications showcase with the goal of fostering Secretary Eric Kammerud and discussion to improve learning and Treasurer Mike Clune all retain inclusion for all students. We’re proud their current roles. We welcome new that Glen Park Elementary, with its members Co-President Sarah Curran, strong record of inclusion, was chosen Vice President Joe DiMento and to host one of the virtual assemblies, Co-Communications Secretary Katie with Special Olympics athletes Hanrahan Pierce. Congratulations to speaking about their personal journey Kevin McCollom 415.710.8713 all, and best of luck in the year ahead! and the importance of inclusion and [email protected] We also chose new members for equity. KevinSF.com our School Site Council (SSC), which Of course, we’re also looking forward DRE 01947291 consists of members of the school to our winter break between Dec. staff, parents and broader community 21 and Jan. 4. Happy holidays to and helps develop the School Plan for everyone! S Student Achievement and school site budget. The parent and community Eric Kammerud is the communications members of the 2020-2021 SSC are: co-chair of the Glen Park Parent Teacher parent members Marcia Silva, Michael Organization. For updates on school Mahoney, Jake Leos-Urbel, and Kerry events, go to glenparkschool.org. Follow

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235v All material presented herein is Zobel; community member Susan us on Facebook at facebook.com/glen- intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. Tramontana; and alternate Laura parkschool. 6 Glen Park News | Winter 2020 Bird & Beckett Navigates the Pandemic

ith dire warnings from City as well as used books, jazz LPs and that not everyone is guaranteed safety the neighborhood have plied him with public health officials that compact discs, live jazz concerts and and health, as the Tenderloin and other orders, and with in-person sales after W the coronavirus will con- now streaming music to regulars and neighborhoods have seen impromptu Mayor London Breed green-lighted tinue through a dark winter, and with first-time customers alike. The web- encampments of the homeless and the store reopenings over the summer. California in a statewide site also has an up-to-date schedule of hopeless. “I drove throughout the city “There’s been a significant bump in by curfew, Bird & Beckett upcoming concerts. and delivered books,” he said. “Here business,” Whittington said. “I know Murray Books continues to keep “Since the pandemic began, we’ve we’re insulated from what I saw north it’s because my customer base wants to Schneider Glen Park supplied with continued to operate and sell books of Golden Gate Avenue.” support us.” reading material for at the store gate or from the vestibule, Now, Whittington is even more vigi- “Building on good months between stay-at-homes and sold gifts for the while I relied for a while upon hand- lant in his effort to keep customers and the last holiday season and March, holiday season. delivering to customers who feared staff safe. “This means I’ll be working when Covid hit, we’ve had a healthy Eric Whittington, proprietor of the leaving their homes,” Whittington said. alone, paying my staff to stay home cash flow and people seem to be buying bookshop and music venue, recom- In mid-June, when restrictions were during the current surge,” he said books and reading them at a good clip,” mends that regulars and potential eased, the shop allowed limited num- about employees Jenna Littlejohn and he said. “Now, with Covid, I’ve been newcomers check the store’s website, bers of customers to browse and make Michael Koch. “Or trying to, because selling lots of Toni Morrison and arm- birdbeckett.com or up-to-date Covid in-person purchases. Now the stricter Michael has continued to come in for chair travel, but few if any travel guides. status, or call them at 415-586-3833 limits have been reimposed—browsing his regular shift though I’m encourag- Escapist fare such as Carl Hiaasen, too.” to check on current restrictions before is strictly limited to two customers at a ing him to bail anytime he feels like it’s Dickens and Dostoevsky and Barack visiting the shop at 563 Chenery St. time, preferably by appointment. time to duck and cover.” Obama’s new memoir have also been “As long as the Covid numbers stay “I’m appreciative of everyone’s under- “As in the spring,” he emphasized, selling well. high, the store’s hours have been short- standing and cooperation,” he contin- “the gate will stay open during store With librarians given temporary ened a bit and my limit of custom- ued, “as we strive to keep one another hours so people can approach the assignments as pandemic contact trac- ers in the store has been reduced,” safe and healthy. Orders are always Dutch door, one person or small family ers, and with branch libraries closed or Whittington told the Glen Park News. welcome by email, phone or in person.” unit at a time in the vestibule.” offering only curbside pick-up, inde- “If the City mandates something more During the spring, in Covid’s early Even with the second sequestration, pendent book stores such as Bird & restrictive, we’ll comply.” spike, Whittington delivered phone Whittington has seen an uptick in Beckett have taken up the slack. Bird & Beckett has operated continu- and email orders in person. Sometimes, business. Loyal customers who appre- “Hopefully, people will realize that ously since 1999, offering best-sellers during those trips, he saw firsthand ciate the sophistication he brings to CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

The Scott Foster Trio: Matt Montgomery, bass; Omar Aran, drums; and Scott Foster, guitar, perform via live stream from Bird & Beckett on Sept. 18, 2020. Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 7 Pandemic Does Not Stop Bird & Beckett MARCDICKOW Broker, Realtor, Partner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 the musicians.” it’s more important than ever that Whittington’s affection for his book- they support the store with their book store and his loyalty to its working business and their donations to the musicians knows few bounds. “The nonprofit,” Whittington said, referring main thing from my perspective is that to the Bird & Beckett Cultural Legacy this is a difficult time for musicians fig- Project he established to accept tax- uring out how to make a living going deductible donations and to support forward,” he said. his jazz outreach programs. “If that Yet Whittington spins a caution- happens, I anticipate that we’ll squeak ary tale, aware that even at the best through and come out the other side of times working jazz players usually strong and not laden with debt.” make precarious livings, while these are But he’s anything but naive. the worst of times. “Somebody eventu- “Some folks might think I have ally has to get to City Hall and find a tech-industry riches that I’m spending way to finance the artists on a realistic on my hobby or that I’m a scion of a basis,” he said. wealthy family,” he said, “but that’s not Jen Campbell, author of The Bookshop the case. This business has always been Book, published in 2014, wrote about   President of San Francisco Association of REALTORS® reliant on cash flow, debt and living on spaces such as Bird & Beckett. “These a shoestring in this expensive city. stores are time machines, spaceships, “We’re optimistic that when the pan- story-makers, secret keepers. They are demic is mostly just a bad memory, dragon tamers, dream catchers, fact the store will have new status in San finders and safe places. They are full I am extremely grateful that Francisco that will carry us forward of infinite possibilities and tales worth due to the quality of our inventory, taking home.” I have remained totally   # the pleasure afforded by virtue of our For the next months, maybe longer, P BRE presentation of top-echelon local jazz B&B’s vestibule will remain open. His E [email protected] W altrockrealtor.com healthy. Grateful that I musicians working for respectable customers will be able to purchase a found a new office space guarantees, the support given from the book or two or three, even enter in safe . generous Conner Family Trust, dona- numbers. And best of all there’s always As a Glen Park resident, I really do know how best to market And grateful that I have tions to our Cultural Legacy Project his jazz. your property. I can help you from preparing your home to put on non-profit and grants from the Arts Now, he is gearing up for the holi- the market through the close of escrow and everything in between. multiple sources of income Hotel Tax Fund.” days. Check out my real estate column in this newspaper! Since the day Bird and Beckett “Friday, Dec. 25, will be only the — MARC DICKOW during a global public health began featuring jazz in October 2002, second time our regular jazz Friday will Whittington has not skipped a single fall on Christmas Day,” he said. “We’ll crisis of epic proportions. Friday evening performance. “When figure something out!” the pandemic hit, we began offer- He always does. S “Marc did a phenomenal job selling our home!” ing a live stream that “Marc and his team did everything to ensure we received top dollar for our is accessed through our Law Office of Jonathan McCurdy home and that it was as painless as possible. He was patient and thorough in YouTube channel and Legal Services in Your Home all the details. His team responded at all hours of the day and no question was our Facebook page, Since 1977 too small or silly. He is incredibly professional, responsive, caring, and it’s clear and where patrons can he loves what he does. Thank you Marc, we truly felt supported throughout this ‘pay the band’ by mak- whole process.” —J.C., Seller ing online donations,” he said. “It was a bit “Marc is extremely professional…” primitive at first, since “and well-organized. He was also very considerate and patient in answering the technology isn’t easy, all of my questions. In addition, he is well-connected, which allowed me the opportunity to get a special, personal tour of a beautiful historic building, but we’re now operating P.O. Box 720125 Tel: 415-505-3273 and a sneak peak at units before they were about to be listed. I never felt with promise and what San Francisco, CA 94172 Fax: 415-826-9177 pressured. I highly recommend him to anyone who is buying or selling a home, we experimented with and looking for an experienced, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and through the early sum- patient real estate agent.” —E.W. , Buyer mer is now more sophis- ticated. “We’re streaming live music typically twice a week,” he offered, “but A portion of each of Marc’s commissions go to fund projects for his Core Concern: given the November LOCAL SCHOOL MUSIC AND ART PROGRAMS surge, we’re making adjustments to increase the safety situation for 8 Glen Park News | Winter 2020

S (HI)STORIES OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS S n your next mask-wearing amble through the neigh- O borhood, be sure to look down before looking both ways to cross streets. On some street corners, you will find the embossed signature by of street artists—spe- Evelyn cifically, the contractors Rose who laid that sidewalk decades earlier. One pair of contractors made their mark not only in Glen Park, Fairmount and Sunnyside, but also contributed significantly to what was embraced as 20th Century Progress throughout San Francisco and beyond. Their names were Eaton & Smith. Clarence Burwell Eaton was the son of Amasa Eaton of Gardner, Worcester, Mass. The U.S. census of 1850 and 1860 list Amasa as being employed as a chairmaker in Gardner, widely recognized as “the chair capital of the In business less than 5 years, Eaton & Smith was successful in laying rail and conduit for major tunnel projects, including the Twin world.” [Read more at the Gardner Peaks Tunnel, seen here from the Market Street entrance on January 8, 1919. The single-bore entrance was replaced by a double- Museum] On his way to California, bore entrance in the mid-20th century. Photo courtesy of OpenSFHistory.org Amasa married Emeline A. Burwell, known as Emma, in Cuyahoga, Ohio, Murl Patton of San Jose in 1910. They San Francisco, he fell in love with sion the Municipal Railway line south in 1866. The Eatons settled in San had two sons and a daughter. a neighbor, Minnie Imelda Sheehy. from the new Van Ness line being con- Jose, where in the 1880 census Amasa’s James Michael Smith was born in They married in 1912 and soon had structed by the Mahoney Bros. stated occupation was “capitalist.” San Francisco in 1890. His father, two sons. Scheduled to begin service in August By 1899, he was on the board of direc- James H. Smith, a teamster, and If one word could describe the cor- 1914, it was to run from Market tors of the Light & Power Company mother, Catherine Casey, were natives poration of Eaton & Smith when it Street along 11th Street, then Potrero of San Jose. Because of its years-long of Ireland. The younger James gradu- was organized in San Francisco in Avenue to 25th Street. Their first- utility monopoly in the region, the ated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga 1914, “youthful” would fit the bill. ever bid of $134,767.80 against four company was described in one news- in 1910 with a degree in civil engineer- Eaton was 32 and Smith just 25. established contractors won by just paper account as “sort of a gold mine.” ing. He would remain affiliated with Recognized in announcements as a less than $2,600. They had 120 days Clarence Burwell, the youngest of their St. Mary’s throughout his life, first as “new firm of contractors” and “former to complete laying track and conduits; three children, was born in San Jose in chairman of the college athletic board, employees of the public works depart- if the work was completed early, they 1882. After obtaining a degree in civil and later as a regent and trustee. ment,” they were awarded their first would receive a $400 bonus for each engineering from Stanford, he married While living on Cortland Street in contract in May that year—an exten- day saved. The second-place finishers, the Mahoney Bros., protested the award. They complained that Eaton & Smith were a “couple of beginners,” and noted that Eaton had recently resigned from his role as an inspector at the Board of Public Works. The Mahoneys surmised that while performing the duties of inspector a few weeks earlier, Eaton must have looked up their records to familiarize himself with their plans and expenses as they worked on the Geary Street road. In response to the Mahoney com- plaint, the City responded that “noth- ing was thought of it” when Eaton left Public Works to start his own business, then delivered the lowest bid for the project. The complaint eventu- ally reached the office of Mayor James “Sunny Jim” Rolph. While there is no reported response from Rolph, the City never missed a payment to Eaton & Smith for the work. They com- Eaton & Smith made local street improvements on Arlington Street at Mateo Street in the Fairmount neighborhood in 1943. pleted the job but received no bonus. Photo courtesy of OpenSFHistory.org. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 9

S (HI)STORIES OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS S

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 By 1930, Eaton & Smith had moved Because of delays encountered while its offices to their asphalt plant on trying to cross the Ocean Shore and Ocean Avenue, where it is now also Western Pacific railroad tracks, the city producing concrete. Yet the pinnacle had given them an extension. Their for Eaton & Smith may have been its work was completed one month late in work in bridge construction. In August September 1914. 1937 it won the bid to construct the This delay didn’t impair their ability electric train viaducts that would exit to win future contracts. With construc- off the lower deck of the Bay Bridge tion of the Stockton Street Tunnel at Rincon Street, then via Beale Street nearing completion in August 1914, into the new Transbay Terminal. The the City accepted the Eaton & Smith winning bid was $605,350 (about $11 bid of just under $10,000 to lay track million today). and conduit of the municipal railway Four years earlier, Eaton & Smith line through the tunnel between Sutter had won the contract to construct and Sacramento streets. Other con- the San Francisco approach to the tractors were hired to lay the railway Golden Gate Bridge, a viaduct that along Stockton to Columbus, then later became known as Doyle Drive to North Beach, terminating at Van (named for Frank P. Doyle, a Sonoma Ness Avenue. When the tunnel was businessman who helped establish the completed in December 1914 at a total The name of Eaton & Smith was stamped into the wet concrete on the southwest Redwood Highway and whose idea it cost of $350,000, it was billed as the corner of Mizpah and Surrey streets in Glen Park in 1931. Most of the concrete on was to span the strait). Its winning bid “widest tunnel in the world.” this one-block stretch of sidewalk reaching up from Chenery Street remains, having was $1.05 million (equivalent to about In the ensuing decades, Eaton faithfully served residents for almost 90 years. Photo by Evelyn Rose $21 million today). Doyle Drive was & Smith secured municipal proj- completed in 1936. Likely because of ects throughout the city. They also chorus of 55 improvement clubs that immediately west of today’s Interstate heavy weight loads due to increasing won projects beyond San Francisco, enthusiastically supported the tunnel 280 between the Ocean Avenue off- traffic volumes and a brutal climate from Stockton to Fresno, to Niles, project, which would bring new resi- ramp and the Geneva Avenue on-ramp at the strait, Doyle Drive deteriorated Monterey, Petaluma and several points dents to the still “uninhabited stretch of on the site of Lick-Wilmerding High over time and was demolished in 2012 in between. They expanded their port- land” west of Twin Peaks. A recognized School. The remainder of the scenic to make way for the new Presidio folio of expertise: in addition to laying “pioneer of the movement” for the tun- boulevard, extending south to Portola Parkway. municipal railway lines, they added nel was A. S. Baldwin of the real estate Drive and encircling the peaks, was In preparation for the Golden Gate curbs and sidewalks, grading and pav- agency Baldwin & Howell. In 1898, he awarded to another contractor. No International Exposition in 1939, ing of thoroughfares, installation of had opened Glen Park and the Mission worries for Eaton & Smith, as it had Eaton & Smith won contracts for water and sewer lines, and construction Zoo in today’s Glen Canyon Park to also won the project to lay 12,000 feet grading the fairgrounds and building of highways and bridges. attract prospective buyers to his new of double-track rail through the Twin “sanitary sewer laterals” on Treasure In June 1914, San Francisco home lots in Glen Park Terrace [Glen Peaks Tunnel, in addition to a half-mile Island. Eaton also served on the execu- approved construction of a new tun- Park News, Summer 2016]. section from the Market Street entrance tive board of the fair. When Eaton died nel “under the elevation known as Baldwin had a vested interest in the along the surface to Church Street, in 1947, Smith continued as president Twin Peaks Ridge.” It had been noted tunnel: He had plans to construct sev- and from the West Portal entrance to of the company. Smith died in 1966. five years earlier that “40,000 San eral new residential districts around the Junipero Serra Boulevard. The total His two sons took over the business, Franciscans lived across the bay or in west end of the tunnel, including St. contract just topped $140,000 (about but the tragic death of elder son, San Mateo county because of the lack Francis Wood, Ingleside Terraces and $2.8 million today). James, in a 1970 construction accident of proper transportation,” and that Westwood Park. His business partner, In other local work, Eaton & Smith appears to have signaled the closure of such a tunnel would enable “rapid tran- Josiah R. Howell, was elected first vice- improved Detroit Street between the company’s illustrious career. sit to the outlying districts.” First pro- president of the combined clubs known Hearst and Flood avenues in 1918 with So, that barely noticeable imprint posed by the Merchants’ Association as the Twin Peaks Tunnel Association. brick catch basins and a “12-inch vitri- in the sidewalk at Mizpah and in 1909, the idea was opposed by the Once the project was approved, con- fied, salt-glazed ironstone pipe sewer,” Sussex packs some significant his- Glen Park Improvement Association. struction began in the summer of 1914 street grading and paving, and instal- tories and represents the era of 20th President Theodore A. Pinther, hus- under the oversight of City Engineer lation of concrete curbs and “artificial Century Progress in San Francisco band of Johanna Pinther, co-leader of Michael M. O’Shaughnessy, for whom stone” sidewalks. and beyond. S America’s first suffrage march [Glen O’Shaughnessy Boulevard is named. In 1922, Eaton & Smith improved Park News, Spring 2018], represented With the digging of the Twin Peaks Diamond Street between Chenery and Evelyn Rose, Director and Founder of the association at a meeting of the bore completed in June 1915, Eaton Bosworth in Glen Park, at about the the Glen Park Neighborhoods History Streets Committee of the Board of & Smith was awarded two projects by time Islais Creek [Glen Park News, Project, is documenting the histories of Supervisors. Pinther was acutely aware the San Francisco Board of Works. One Spring 2020] was rerouted to the under- Glen Park and nearby neighborhoods. of the City’s ongoing laggard response was construction of a portion of the ground water-sewer system. Their work To learn more about our local histo- to requests for improvement of his new scenic boulevard on Twin Peaks. included installation of ironstone pipe ries, visit www.GlenParkHistory.org. The district’s infrastructure. He suggested Beginning near today’s intersection of culverts and three underground brick Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project that before the City granted a franchise Clarendon Avenue and Twin Peaks catch basins with cast iron frames, grat- is offering intermittent virtual programs for the tunnel, it should first mandate Boulevard, the route up the northern ings and traps, one each at the south- during the pandemic. Join the mailing the improvement of all City street rail- summit was one-half mile in length east and northeast corners of Diamond list: [email protected]. The ways already in use, as well as build a (including the big horseshoe curve) and Wilder, and one on the west side of Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project new City Hall to replace the structure with 70,000 square feet of pavement. Diamond, all still in place today. They is fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. Eaton & Smith built an asphalt also graded the street, and added con- & Media, a California nonprofit corpo- Glen Park’s voice was lost among the plant at Ocean Avenue and Tara Street, crete curbs and asphalt paving. ration. 10 Glen Park News | Winter 2020 Trees Inspire a Neighborhood Walking Tour len Park neighbors have bookstores in town.” long experienced California “We want to make the tour a loop,” G wildflower walks through said Sullivan, “so no matter where you Glen Canyon Park, along with spi- begin, by the end you’re back near der walks, and of course Glen Park your start.” Neighborhoods History Project history “We like to keep the walk to a little walks. But they have never encoun- under two hours,” Turner added. tered anything like what “And not too hilly,” said Sullivan, by greeted them on Sunday whose interest in the city’s 600 or so Murray morning, Oct. 25. street trees began in the early 1990s Schneider Chalked on the side- when he started volunteering with and walk in front Bird & Friends of the Urban Forest. He later Kay Beckett Books and joined FUF’s board of directors and Hamilton Records on Chenery served for 12 years, including a stint as Estey Street they read: president. START – Glen Park Before finishing that morning, the Social Distancing #COVID Tree Tour three men would mark 56 street trees. SFTrees.com. To Sullivan, a tree of interest “has to be The block lettering announced large, it has to have a history, and it has the first Glen Park street tree ram- to make a good photo.” ble, thanks to Kay Hamilton Estey, Across from Destination Bakery, “Digging the Dirt” columnist for the the group stopped at 641 Chenery Glen Park News. Jason Dewees, Dick Turner and Mike Sullivan stand by a Kwanzan flowering cherry St. Dewees identified it, knelt and tree on Sussex Street. Photos by Murray Schneider “My longtime friend Dick Turner printed both Canary Island date palm told me about sftrees.com, which high- ing a neighborhood or following up a “Once we’re done, Dick types up the and Phoenix canariensis, then Canary lights neighborhood tree tours, and I lead, such as Estey’s, they settle upon notes, complete with street addresses, Islands/Spain on the sidewalk. Turner logged on, loved it, and saw there was intriguing trees, then arm themselves and sends them to me,” Sullivan said. anointed the inscription with the num- a blank spot for Glen Park,” said Estey, with chalk and hairspray. After Dewees reviews the details for ber 3 in blue. a 30-year resident of Conrad Street. “I “Each tree gets chalked with three accuracy, “I put them up on the web- “Jason’s truly encyclopedic in his said, ‘That’s no good. I can think of two pieces of information on the sidewalk,” site. That way, when the chalk fades, knowledge,” Sullivan said of Dewees, a significant trees near my house.’ So I said Mike Sullivan. “Its common name, the tour will still be there.” horticulturalist at Flora Grubb Gardens asked Dick, ‘How can I help organize a its scientific name and the geographic The trio have already toured Noe who lives in the Inner Richmond. tree walk around Glen Park?’” place of its origin. Sometimes we add Valley, the Mission, Dogpatch, Bernal “There’s literally no tree, no detail, he Turner, who was the editor for tidbits, such as the water gum of Heights, Potrero Hill, the Lower doesn’t know.” Pacific Horticulture for 20 years and Australia is the most common tree in Haight, Sea Cliff, the Inner Sunset and Canary Island palms line the medi- is now retired, enlisted Mike Sullivan, San Francisco.” Westwood Park. And now, Glen Park. ans of upper Market Street and Dolores author of Trees of San Francisco and That’s the chalk. But hairspray? Sullivan says he does the tours for Street. Sullivan said, “It’s one of the Jason Dewees, author of Designing with “Jason and I handle the descrip- many reasons: “In part, I’d like people trees best adapted to our climate, but Palms. Since the inception of the pan- tion with white chalk,” Sullivan said, to know and appreciate the trees that it’s under threat from a disease called demic, they have orchestrated nearly “and Dick brings blue chalk and gives they pass by every day; in part, because fusilium wilt, which kills the tree once two dozen similar city tours. “We’re the tree a number, then he grabs the it’s delightful hanging out with Dick it is infected.” like the Three Musketeers of trees,” hairspray, which acts as a fixative, and and Jason; and in part, because it’s fun They took a left on Castro Street and said Turner. sprays the chalk.” to explore new a neighborhood every headed up the hill. At Laidley Street, The men follow a six-month regi- Alas, nothing lasts forever, certainly two weeks and make new discoveries.” they tuned right, walking a few blocks men “tagging” sidewalks. After scout- not a chalked sidewalk. In his introduction to the Glen Park to Mateo before doubling back on the #COVID Tree Tour, Turner, the cur- other side of Laidley, both sides of rent editor of Trees of Golden Gate Park, which held towering treasures. nails our little neighborhood. Australia-born Kay Estey stood cap- “Glen Park is one of the most charm- tivated in front of 554 Laidley. “These ing and distinctive neighborhoods in are called New Zealand tea trees,” she San Francisco,” he penned. “Steep hills said, “and are planted in Glen Park gar- facing south, narrow winding streets, dens as they tolerate coastal conditions and jewel box homes characterize the and summer drought.” neighborhood along with a good selec- While Dewees and Turner worked tion of trees. Combine that with a wonders with their calligraphy, Sullivan small but wonderful shopping district, added his own nugget. “Getting a tip and you’ve got a nearly perfect residen- from the Maori, Captain Cook used tial neighborhood.” tea from its leaves to cure his sailors of The three tree geeks, as they describe scurvy when he visited New Zealand each other, were primed to begin their in 1769.” excursion on a warm Sunday morning. “It is a compact shrub with dark So, it was only fitting that they start leaves and oxblood red double blooms,” their stroll at Bird & Beckett, which Estey said of the tree known as manuka The chalked sidewalk in front Bird & Beckett on Chenery Street announces the start Turner described in his introduction as on its home island. It is “admired for of the COVID Tree Tour. “one of the most popular independent CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 11 Trees Inspire a Neighborhood Walking Tour

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 program called StreetTreeSF. passed by trees along the street. its swooping, dramatic growth habits.” voters in 2016, transferred responsibil- At 828 Chenery, they Only a few doors away, in front of ity for care of street trees from property stopped at a red flow- 535 Laidley, another New Zealand owners to Public Works, she noted. ering gum. import stood, as anemic as the manuka “Trees are inspected and pruned block- “This is a tree that was healthy. Sullivan identified it as a by-block on a regular basis.” I associate with Glen Myoporum laetum, commonly known Sussex Street was once a cow path, a Park more than any as the mousehole tree in its home narrow, winding, rutted dirt byway. The other,” said Sullivan. nation. It appeared emaciated, its walkers stopped at 53 Sussex. “Wow,” “There are gorgeous branches thinning, its trunk a perfora- said Estey. “A stunning huge yucca.” specimens lining tion of blemishes. The multi-trunked succulent is in Bosworth on both “Poor Myoporum,” said Estey. “It’s the asparagus family and is widely sides of the street. The under attack by thrips, a nasty little grown in gardens where it has space tree has spectacular sucking insect that is slowly wiping out for thick trunks. “It’s a sun lover red flowers and, inter- the species. and somewhat drought-tolerant,” said estingly, if you plant “This tree used to be one the best- Estey. “In Central America, the flower the seed of the tree, it adapted trees to San Francisco—every petals and the tender stem tips are doesn’t follow the color one of them in perfect health until this eaten, and the flower is the national of the parent.” pest showed up a few years ago.” Now flower of El Salvador.” Nearly done now, the almost all are under attack. At 155 Sussex—behind a fence that group stopped in front “There is no cure except to cut the practically begged for a Tom Sawyer of 757-763 Chenery tree to the ground,” she concluded. “It paint-over—towered a Monterey and studied a New The Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) on is considered invasive in California and cypress. “This is one of San Francisco’s Zealand Christmas Chenery Street, was one stop on the tour. the leaves are toxic to animals.” tree. They’d clocked most common trees, dominating our Photo courtesy of Mike Sullivan A couple of blocks away, in front of parks,” said Sullivan. “It’s not usually in at a little over two 371 Laidley, stood a group of Kentia a street tree because it gets so big. It’s hours. It was past noon. The Esteys “It’s a stunning tree,” Kay Estey said. and queen palms. “I don’t think the native to very small areas that aren’t said their so-longs and headed back to We don’t need to travel to find the popularity of palms ever wanes,” Estey contiguous in central California.” Conrad Street, where they’d turn right balm of nature, she said. Simply going said. “The neighbors on the block have Older Montereys develop striking onto unpaved Poppy Lane. Fifty feet on a walking tour of Glen Park trees planted a sophisticated selection of flat tops, due to wind resistance, and on their left was a giant specimen of allows us to “breath in the beauty and Kentia palms.” spreading, contorted branches. The California buckeye. mystery of our urban forests.” S Sullivan was similarly impressed. leaves grow in dense sprays that help “The Kentia is a relatively rare palm trap water from the fog, which is impor- for San Francisco. It’s native to tiny Lord tant for the tree’s health and the health Howe Island, off Australia,” he said. of the surrounding environment. “When we planned the walk, this was “The Monterey cypress, every tree,” our destination—we wanted to get to said Sullivan, “is a carbon sink, absorb- this little grove of interesting palm trees.” ing carbon, and helps in battling cli- Heading toward Sussex Street, the mate change and global warming.” group executed a dogleg up Roanoke. Estey was thrilled to spot a fern- A cathedral of overarching branches, leaf Catalina ironwood, native to the acting like leafy umbrellas, beckoned Channel Islands, at 167 Sussex. “It is them up the hill that ended at Bemis unusual to see such a splendid version Street. of the ironwood here. And second, “The entire block of Roanoke is it blooms heavily in summer, when planted with deciduous London plane it is thickly covered in wooly white Dr. Carrie Lee, O.D. trees,” said Estey. “They were very blooms—and the roots do not attack Optometrist popular in the early 20th century, but drains,” she said. they are a problematic tree. They are From Sussex they descended short, 2786 Diamond Street naturally huge, and to prevent them steep Swiss Street, then turned right San Francisco, CA 94131 from reaching their stature are often onto Surrey Street, where Zoanne given an annual pruning that leaves the Nordstrom lives. There is some- (415) 334-2020 stumps to sprout shorter shoots in the thing karmic about the tour circling www.eyedentityvision.com next season. Their leaf drop is impres- Nordstrom’s house. She is a Glen Park sive in the fall, and their roots can be legend, one of the three “Gum Tree ● Comprehensive adult and pediatric eye exams invasive.” Girls” who fought the planners who ● Contact lens fittings ● Screenings for glaucoma, “Friends of the Urban Forest will wanted to bulldoze Glen Canyon Park gladly assist residents in determining for a freeway. Nordstrom, Joan Seiwald cataracts, and macular degeneration ● Emergency which is the best tree to plant,” said and Geri Arkush did battle with and appointments ● LASIK surgery evaluation and co- Estey, a charter member of the Glen defeated these 1960s auto-centric types. management ● Customized eyeglasses and sunglasses Park Garden Club, “ensuring the integ- Now on Chenery Street, the group ● Eyeglass repairs and adjustments rity of sidewalks and (underground) headed back toward Diamond. The pipes.” Greenway paralleled their walk, but Vision Service Plan accepted A city-wide street tree maintenance they ignored it to concentrate on the 12 Glen Park News | Winter 2020 + DIGGING THE DIRT + inter is here and with it a 3rd edition. The bible of vegetable •Portable Latin for Gardeners, James few damp signals of the gardening in San Francisco and coastal Armitage. An enjoyable explanation of W coming rainy season. Now communities. Just crammed full of those technical plant names that crop gardeners can lay down their bypass information. up in nurseries and in this column. pruners, picks, dibbles and hori-horis •How to Grow More Vegetables, John Geeky but fun. and enjoy a respite from their labors. Jeavons. Forward by Alice Waters. •The Landscaping Ideas of Jays, Judith It is time to think of Jeavons lives in Willits and is the Larner Lowry. Backyard planning and by Kay holiday gifts for the gar- founder of Ecology Action and the restoration aimed at enhancing our Hamilton dener in your life, or modern bio-intensive movement. He abilities to create a wilder, less exacting Estey perhaps for the one hid- popularized intensive methods of veg- garden that is kinder to the environ- den deep in your own etable gardening that double and triple ment and exists for birds, insects, ani- soul. output. mals and people to enjoy. What do gardeners really need? I •The Botany of Desire, Michael Perch think good tools are important, gar- Pollan. Another Bay Area writer. A Just across the street from Bird & dening books are always appreciated, view of the world through the evo- Beckett, owner Zoel Fages has assem- or a fabulous container to brighten the lution and cultivation of four fasci- bled a stylish collection of stocking garden. For the super-picky giftee, I nating plants shaped by our desires: stuffers for gardeners. I like the ceramic recommend gift certificates, offered by the apple for sweetness, the tulip for tiger and panthers by Jangal designed most of the vendors I mention; they beauty, marijuana for intoxication, to be filled with water—self-irrigation- usually have an online presence for and the potato for sustenance. After systems for container plants. Perch ordering. reading this book we may wonder also has very smart water-misters, and First, here are suggestions from our exactly who is in control here—the child-sized pruners and clippers for the Glen Park village merchants, who have plant or the cultivator. younger set. I particularly like the help- a plethora of lovely garden-related •The Half-Acre Homestead: 46 years ful Kikkerland Seed Garden Kit in a goodies. of Building and Gardening, Lloyd Kahn tin, with 20 seed bags, 20 seed markers Bird & Beckett & Lesley Creed. A delightful compen- and an indelible pen. (654 Chenery St.; The Hori-hori digging tool from Hida Proprietor Eric Whittington had dium with 500 lovely photos of the 415-586-9000; perchsf.com) Tools in Berkeley. some great garden books in stock when Northern California couple's lifelong Glen Park Hardware Photo courtesy Hidatool.com I visited. (653 Chenery St.; 415-586- project to build a home and garden, Our neighborhood hardware store 3733; birdbeckett.com) never pay a mortgage and live out of has a large selection of practical items Flora Grubb Gardens is nearby. This •Golden Gate Gardening, Pam Peirce, their garden. for gardeners. They can order items as nursery carries many unusual plants. well. We agreed—buy the best garden It's also a great place to acquire large tools that you can afford. Cheap tools striking containers, such as smart break, don't work properly and can gray or white lightweight fibreclay, glen park dental even be dangerous. Fiskars and Corona or stoneware, or brilliantly colored Beautiful Smiles for life clippers, pruners and saws may cost ceramic pots. Check out the glamor- 415 | 585-1500 glenparkdental.com more, but they work/perform correctly ous garden furniture from Fermob. and last for years. (685 Chenery St.; This garden is a fascinating place 415-585-5761) to browse, gift certificate in hand. Happy Holidays from our Critter Fritters (1634 Jerrold Ave.; 415-648-2670; I know, I know, it's a store for floragrubb.com) Team at Glen Park Dental! our furry pets, but in the back is Hida Tools in Berkeley has a full This holiday season, enjoy a free custom home another gift suggestion—bird feeders range of Japanese garden tools to die whitening kit with your new patient exam! and seed—to encourage wild visitors for. The Hori-hori is a fierce-looking, to the garden. (670 Chenery St.; 415- small and efficient digging tool much 239-7387) beloved by gardeners. I bought a small Call 415 | 585 - 1500 Shopping Online garden pick/hoe there, and 20 years to schedule your appointment today! •The Gardener’s Supply Company later, after they reset the handle for me, (gardeners.com) has brightly colored, it is still one of my favorite tools. The Dr. Longa and Dr. Dickerson Longa are plastic, 11-gallon tubtrugs, or large bargain Hoe Set A, which includes my highly skilled in all areas of Family Dentistry, including: buckets with handles, at about $20. I favorite, now at about $54—a lovely •Cosmetic and metal-free restorations drag my bright purple trug all around gift. (1333 San Bruno Ave., Berkeley; • TMJ disorders the garden—it's super-light. All gar- 510-524-3700; hidatool.com) • Pediatrics deners need gloves. I'd like the good- One more thing • Orthodontics (including Invisalign) • Sleep apnea and Snoring looking goatskin gauntlet rose gloves I recommend hiring some garden from the same website—pricey but help as a gift. Older and/or busy gar- Their goal is to provide the useful. For shorter gloves, I like the deners often need help just getting highest level of care and advanced four-packs of washable nitrile gloves. started or cleaning up. Contact me technology to their patients, educate all •Gardener's Edge (gardenersedge. via email for recommendations from ages to proper and healthy dental care, com) has items for young gardeners, Garden Club members for arborists and to make their expertise accessible including small tools and standing and gardeners. S to everyone in their community. beds for planting. For children, I rec- ommend fast-growing plants such as Kay Hamilton Estey is the Glen Park glen park dental Conveniently located across the radishes, lettuce, sunflowers, zinnias, Garden Club columnist. For more infor- 590 Bosworth Street • San Francisco street from Glen Park BART! beans and peas. mation about the garden club, contact G Shopping in person her at [email protected]. Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 13 Muni Adds Bus Only Let Judy Lanes in Glen Park be your Guide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 can’t handle extra traffic. When this plan was announced, there Most participants, however, sup- were many comments on social media. ported the plan and thought that this The majority were negative, citing is the time to experiment with novel expectations of increased rather than approaches. They cited climate change In these uncertain times, you decreased traffic congestion. Many and the priority for essential workers need someone to guide you thought it was unworkable and would and those accessing medical care to be cause gridlock, without the hoped-for able to travel safely. through the decision-making increase in public transit ridership. There was discussion about equity in Others were more willing to give the transit accessibility vs. the need for pri- process. plan a chance. vate cars for those who can’t use transit. The Glen Park Association weighed SFMTA’s thinking can be summed up Judy has developed her skills to understand in before the vote by the Metropolitan in a statement the agency made: “We the housing and real estate industries. Transit Board, questioning the process don’t have a crystal ball to see into San by which the SFMTA gathered data Francisco’s future, but one thing is clear: Judy has completed many of her own and made decisions about the bus-only a citywide economic recovery is depen- renovations in the City. lanes, and asking how the plan will be dent in large part on the transportation evaluated for its effectiveness. recovery. And while we work to come Judy is a Glen Park resident, raised her In September, SFMTA had a virtual back from one crisis, we’re looking to son here, and is the Glen Park Festival community meeting to get feedback avert another—traffic gridlock.” Sponsorship Chair. on the proposed TETL in Glen Park. The Glen Park News hasn’t seen any They explained that the metrics used updates to the TETL plan since SFMTA’s to determine lanes were travel-time last undated post on their website, and Judy has ongoing contributions to Glen Park savings and passenger volumes. A com- hasn’t received a response to its request Festival and Larkin Street Youth Services. ment was made that the decrease in for an update. SFMTA Director Jeffrey overall traffic currently is not a good Tumblin’s description of the current Judy has the experience and background to prepare your measure for future conditions. There financial situation could indicate some was concern about how traffic might changes to the TETL program; read home for the market and the temperament to get you the be stalled along these routes, spewing more at sfexaminer.com/news/sfmta- best possible results. toxic fumes. Residents also made the prepares-for-massive-potential-layoffs-as- point that more drivers would opt budget-crisis-continues-to-build/ Buying or selling? Give Judy a call today and see the for alternate neighborhood streets that Stay tuned. S difference!

Trusted in business, a savvy realtor, Judy is needed now more than ever!

Things I Provide My Clients 1. Data Analysis 5. Marketing 2. Technology 6. Negotiation 3. Connections 7. Coordination 4. Preparation 8. Protection

Judy Marrocco 415.407.2572 [email protected] judymarrocco.com DRE 01919006

Compass is the brand name used for services provided by one or more of the Compass group The locations of approved temporary emergency transit lanes, top, and the backed-up of subsidiary companies. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. Home must qualify under traffic on Bosworth Street near Chilton Avenue, above. Photo by Dennis Mullen Compass Concierge guidelines. Subject to additional terms and conditions. Glen Park Elementary School as seen from Brompton Avenue. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf

14 Glen Park News | Winter 2020 Stairway Mosaic Project Gets a Step Closer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Facebook “likes” and balloting on the Detroit Steps Google and Sunnyside Neighborhood Association platforms. To participate in the contest, each artist ponied up an entrance fee. “Given the pandemic, we couldn’t have a step- a-thon fundraiser such as the one we had last year where entrants paid to walk or run up and down the Upper Steps,” Mullins said, “so this year we asked adults who submitted designs to pledge $25 and children under 12 to contribute $15. The contest fundrais- ing will allow us to purchase drought- tolerant plants that will adjoin and sur- round the steps,” she said. “So far, with a goal of $1,500, we’ve raised $2,000.” While it’s early yet to determine con- test winners, a simple mouse maneuver provides a glimpse of some of the possible prizes, which include a $25 Mitchell’s ice cream gift card and two pounds of homemade Rocky Road candy. Readers who would like to find out more about the project (and additional prizes) can check this link, the brainchild of Joost Avenue’s Taylor Hughes: detroit-steps.squarespace. com/drawing-contest. S Volunteers work to fill the Detroit Street step terraces with mulch. Photo by Murray Schneider

ST. JOHN CATHOLIC SCHOOL (K–8) where community matters

IMAGE: SONPHOTO.COM offering traditional faith-based education while incorporating cutting edge technology

925 CHENERY STREET • SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131 www.stjohnseagles.com 415.584.8383 Winter 2020 | Glen Park News 15 S NEWS FROM DIAMOND HEIGHTS S

enovations for George tancing and masks. Would neighbors Christopher Park are now sched- be cheered with a quick check-in, a Ruled for completion by the end brief visit outside at the front door, or of January 2021. The new black chain a park visit? It is hoped in this time of link fencing for the Covid that such a program will inter- by baseball diamond looks est people, including children, to find Betsy terrific. An imagination new ways to connect with neighbors. Eddy garden is taking form, Please send ideas and suggestions to with a bridge, painted the email address below. blue stream and plants. Much of the The community association's board new playground equipment has been of directors is in transition. Mike installed. The tennis court will be Kramer now serves as co-president resurfaced and the pathways around with longtime president Betsy Eddy. the park will be paved before the Pooja Sabharwal is the new vice pres- opening. ident. Mike has a background in In January, Resilient Diamond housing development and Pooja in Heights (RDH) will roll out a marketing. New leadership will help Block/Floor Champion Program expand the work of the DHCA and sponsored by Daniel Homsey and better incorporate concerns and ideas the Neighborhood Empowerment from a broader neighborhood base. If Network. Volunteers will be recruited you are interested in receiving DHCA as “block companions” to help pre- announcements and/or offering sug- pare their block or floor—there are gestions, please email the address at least 13 housing developments below. in Diamond Heights—for whatever For more information, email emergencies may be in our future. [email protected]. Funds arranged by Supervisor Rafael Happy Holidays! S Mandelman will provide $10,000 in emergency supplies for the neighbor- Betsy Eddy is co-president of the Diamond hood and another $10,000 for the Heights Community Association. Contact block champion program. The money her at [email protected]. The new playground struture at Christopher Park. Photo by Betsy Eddy will provide training and the purchase of supplies that each block champion ing 2 will store for their neighbors. at 0 Y br e e a An Epidemic of Kindness program l r Saint Aidan’s e s ! is being designed with support from C RDH and the Diamond Heights Episcopal Church Community Association (DHCA). Betty Peskin, DHCA board member, A Joyful Community of the Spirit inspired by the Covid podcasts of Dr. Michael Osterholm, has suggested On-Line Services: asking residents to join together online to find ways to have safe contact with Live Music Christmas Services: those living nearby using social dis- and Poetry Blue Christmas, December 16 at 6:30 pm For all who struggle at Christmastime Christmas Eve, December 24 BOOKS Storytelling & Carols at 5:30 pm Christmas Day, December 25 at 9:00 am Cheese New / Used Collectible Weekly Services: Boutique Sundays at 8:00 am and 10:00 am Wednesday Evening Prayer at 6:30 pm JAZZ Morning Prayer Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:30 am 33-1/3 & 45 rpm Contemplative Prayer RECORDS Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 9:00 am

Founded Email [email protected] for connection info. Fresh Sandwiches May 1999 Imported Cheeses Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church Homemade Hummus, 101 Gold Mine Drive, San Francisco, 94131 Bird & Beckett (@ Diamond Hts. Blvd., Across from Safeway) Baba Ganoush, Tabouli BOOKS AND RECORDS 653 Chenery St. Phone: 415.285.9540 San Francisco 660 Chenery Street birdbeckett.com 415-333-3390 www.staidansf.org 16 Glen Park News | Winter 2020 S GLEN PARK REAL ESTATE S he real estate market in the Bay or lesser value, subject to an inflation Area has continued to weather Single-Family Homes index in certain cases. The tax basis of T this pandemic pretty amazingly. ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP the original home may transfer to the Single-family homes have been the 151 Brompton Ave. 9/1/20 12 $1,695,000 $2,200,000 129.79% replacement principal residence. strongest performers, and most con- 382 Surrey St. 9/4/20 18 $2,100,000 $2,085,000 99.29% •Greater value: The replacement home tinue to receive multiple offers and sell is of greater value. The taxable value above the asking price. 165 Fairmount St. 9/15/20 10 $1,379,000 $1,470,000 106.60% While we are all still 38 Lippard Ave. 9/21/20 16 $2,075,000 $2,210,000 106.51% of the replacement primary residence by is calculated by adding the difference Marc adjusting to the “new 2371 Diamond St. 9/22/20 25 $1,525,000 $1,525,000 100.00% between the full cash value of the origi- Dickow normal” in our indus- 1727 Sanchez St. 9/23/20 0 $1,595,000 $1,853,000 116.18% try as well as our city nal primary residence and the full cash 129 Acadia St. 9/25/20 33 $1,194,800 $1,167,950 97.75% and state, it certainly is not hindering value of the replacement primary resi- homes being listed and sold. 252 Chenery St. 9/30/20 9 $1,899,000 $2,400,000 126.38% dence to the taxable value of the original Between Aug. 27 and Nov. 21, 30 518 Chenery St. 10/2/20 7 $1,398,000 $1,700,000 121.60% primary residence. For example, if your houses were sold in Glen Park—a 443 Chenery St. 10/6/20 47 $1,599,000 $1,550,000 96.94% house has a taxable value of $400,000, 20 percent increase from the previous 70 Joost Ave. 10/7/20 9 $1,999,000 $2,175,000 108.80% but you sell it for $900,000 and then quarter and an 80 percent increase com- 205 Beacon St. 10/7/20 5 $2,495,000 $2,863,000 114.75% buy a new primary residence for $1 mil- pared to the same period in 2019. The 190 Hamerton Ave. 10/21/20 14 $1,395,000 $1,570,000 112.54% lion, the taxable value of the new house median sale price for a single-family is $500,000, which is the $400,000 354 Arlington St. 10/22/20 19 $2,495,000 $2,450,000 98.20% home was $1,851,500. The median list taxable value of the old one plus the price was $1,695,000, which remained 390 Chenery St. 10/23/20 10 $1,375,000 $1,465,000 106.55% $100,000 in additional value you put unchanged from last quarter. The aver- 248 Arlington St. 10/28/20 38 $1,500,000 $1,450,000 96.67% into the new one. (The $500,000 profit age overbid was about 9 percent over 256 Chenery St. 10/28/20 10 $2,995,000 $3,100,000 103.51% on the old house doesn’t figure into the asking. The median price per square 326 Surrey St. 10/30/20 7 $1,550,000 $1,725,000 111.29% tax calculation for the new one.) foot was $1,066. The average number 257 Surrey St. 11/3/20 28 $1,749,000 $1,724,000 98.57% Q: If I pass my principal residence on of days on market was up to 27 for 151 Stillings Ave. 11/4/20 12 $1,295,000 $1,350,000 104.25% to my children or grandchildren, will single-family homes. 1271 Bosworth St. 11/9/20 18 $1,495,000 $1,620,000 108.36% the property be reassessed? As I write this, 13 homes are for sale A: So long as the property contin- 101 Poppy Ln. 11/13/20 10 $2,695,000 $2,800,000 103.90% in Glen Park, which is not far from ues to be used as the heir’s primary where it was last year at this time, 135 Arbor St. 11/16/20 70 $2,495,000 $2,400,000 96.19% residence, and the transferee claims before the pandemic began. I will be 167 Stillings Ave. 11/18/20 3 $1,695,000 $1,850,000 109.14% a homeowner exemption, the prop- doing my year-in-review in the next 8 Miguel St. 11/20/20 255 $3,495,000 $3,438,000 98.37% erty tax basis will remain the same, issue to see how this most unusual year 26 Mizpah St. 11/20/20 26 $1,995,000 $2,000,000 100.25% although this is subject to some upward compares to prior years. I think the Condominiums/Multi Unit Buildings adjustments if the property value at the results will be surprisingly positive. time of transfer is more than $1 million Now let’s delve into the recently ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP over the original tax basis. If the prop- enacted state Proposition 19, which 101 Randall St. 8/27/20 19 $1,789,000 $1,700,000 95.03% erty is transferred to a child or grand- governs property tax exemptions from 921 Bosworth St. #7 9/9/20 31 $949,000 $946,500 99.74% child and used as a family home, and at reassessment. With the passage of this 158 Everson St 9/11/20 31 $1,299,000 $1,305,000 100.46% the time of transfer the property value proposition, a homeowner who is over 53 Wilder St. #403 9/22/20 89 $1,295,000 $1,185,000 91.51% is less than $1 million over the original 55 years of age or severely disabled, DOM - Days on market SP/LP - % over or under list price tax basis, the new tax basis will remain or whose home has been substantially the same as the original tax basis. damaged by wildfire or natural disaster, ues to be used as a family home by the permitted such taxable value transfers. An important caveat: I am not a may transfer the taxable value of the recipient. Even then, if the divergence Second, it allows the transfer of the lawyer and I am not giving advice. If original primary residence to: between the taxable value and the actual tax basis of the sold principal residence you have any questions regarding these •A replacement primary residence, value is too great, a partial increase in to the replacement regardless of value, questions or answers, you should speak •Anywhere in the state, the new taxable value will be imposed. with certain adjustments to the tax basis to a qualified estate planning or real •Regardless of the value of the These new rules apply to any purchase if the replacement home is of “greater estate attorney. replacement primary residence (with or transfer beginning Feb. 16, 2021. value” than the sold principal residence. I hope you all have a safe and healthy adjustments if “greater” in value), The California Association of Realtors Under prior law, only transfers of “equal holiday season. Please continue to fol- •Within two years of the sale, has put out a great Q&A regarding Prop or lesser value” were eligible for the low all social distancing protocols, •Up to three times (but without 19. I’ve used that document as the basis exemption. And third, Prop. 19 permits including wearing masks, when out of limitation for those whose houses were for answering a few of the more relevant such transfers up to three times (but your house. This is how we can best destroyed by fire). questions for this article: permits unlimited transfers for those slow the virus until the vaccines now in Prop. 19 supersedes the old rules, Q: What are the most significant whose homes were destroyed or sub- the pipeline can be widely distributed. which limited this exemption to the sale changes regarding the transfer of the stantially damaged by fire). Prior law I’m pleased that this is an interactive and purchase of a principal residence taxable value of a principal residence? allowed such transfers only once. column answering questions that you within the same county (Proposition 60) A: Prop. 19 makes three significant Q: Can the replacement property be have and writing about topics that are or between certain counties (Proposition changes to the portability of one’s of greater value? of interest to you as a reader. You can 90), but only if the replacement prop- tax basis from the sale of a principal A: Yes. Prop. 19 has two provisions send any questions or topic requests to erty was of “equal or lesser value” and residence to a replacement principal regarding the value of a replacement me at [email protected]. S only for one transaction. residence. First, it allows a seller of a principal residence. Since many long- New Rules on Intergenerational principal residence to transfer the tax time homeowners have seen an increas- Marc Dickow, a Glen Park resident, is the Family Transfers: Prop. 19 also changes basis of that home to the purchase ing divergence between the house’s Broker/Owner at Core7 Real Estate. He the rules on exemptions from reassess- of a replacement home anywhere in assessed valuation and its market value, is also the President of the San Francisco ment for intergenerational transfers by California. Under prior law, the seller this can amount to considerable sav- Association of Realtors for 2020. He can limiting the exemption to the transfer was limited to transfers either within ings for heirs. be reached at [email protected], or by of a primary residence to a child (or the same county or between a limited •Equal or lesser value: The replace- phone at 415-722-4018. His website is grandchild) only if the property contin- number of counties that specifically ment primary residence is of equal www.altrockrealtor.com.