BODY & SOUL NEW NEIGHBOR REAL ESTATE Zen and the art Java joint opens Local home sales of the public bath in jazz district bouncing back

PAGE 7 PAGE 10 PAGE 14 THE NEW FILLMORE ■ JUNE 2009

Life IN THE Express Line

When James Moore retires at the end of the month, the neighbors will notice

By Barbara Kate Repa

ome of the light will leave Mollie Stone’s at the end of this month. On June 30, James Calvin SMoore Sr. — just James to his many admirers — will retire from the neighborhood grocery after 31 years at the store. “Your body tells you when to retire, not your mind,” says James, who at 66 seems as spry and chipper as always, dispensing high-fi ves, fi st-bumps and good humor along with receipts in the store’s express line. James — it seems impossible to call him anything else — says he’s not sure what he’ll do on July 1, his fi rst day of retirement. “I haven’t fi gured that out yet. I’m going to watch TV as late as I can the night before — and hope I don’t wake up at 4 a.m.,” he says. “I’m not a hobby person. Not a fi x-it man. I’m an opinion man. I’ve got plenty of opinions.” His plan is to stay right here in the neighborhood. “I’ve got my place all picked out — a bench at Fillmore and O’Farrell,” he says. “I’m just going to sit over there and give my opinions all day.” He’ll still be a local fi xture, he says. “I go up to Fillmore and California, then turn the corner and go back down to Fillmore and McAllister. I call that my square,” he says. “You can meet everyone “Th e express line is the spot that’s just clicked for me. you know in those blocks.” Most Saturday mornings, he makes it a point to pass Th e truth is, I’m like an entertainer. When they get on stage, through the Fillmore Farmers Market at the Fillmore they get energized. When I get to work, I’m ready to go.” Center on his way to work. “I always tell folks, ‘Go over there to the Fillmore produce market if you haven’t — JAMES CALVIN MOORE SR. seen someone in a long time,’ ” he says. “You run into everybody there. And you can listen to some good photograph by Kathi O’Leary music, too.” TO PAGE 3  FURTHERMORE

Fillmore Hardware Go green with style. He’s Leaving the Fast Line

at the End Put in a good word of the Month Have a favorite story about James Moore  FROM PAGE ONE and his special James Moore came to San Francisco touch in the from Stephens, Arkansas, in 1962 looking express line? for a job, drawn because his mother, Email editors@ Eunicetene, lived here. Now 83, she still newfi llmore.com — or drop us a KATHRYN AMNOTT KATHRYN lives in the neighborhood. Beyond that, note. he’s private about his personal life, allowing “Jazz Land,” a mural by Santie Huckaby, adorns the Fillmore Street Cafe. only that he’s had “a lot of wives and a lot

of children.” O’LEARY KATHI He got his fi rst job — cleaning meat About Th at Mural – and Muralist counters at Westlake Shopping Center — through a friend of the family and has She and James talked for nearly an hour before his antie Huckaby lives in the intergenerational interactions. At stayed in the grocery business ever since, How’s Your Mother? shift began — about their lives and their histories, the Western Addition and has Golden Gate Elementary School, doing some of everything — working weather here vs. there, the diffi culties of raising kids. Sspent 50 years bringing art and located at Turk and Pierce, you can stock, unloading trucks, sweeping out the fter my father died, my mother came out from When she came home, she was something she hadn’t music into the lives of people in this see another large-scale mural by back room — and, for most of the last three Wisconsin for her fi rst solo visit. We took in her been in a while: almost happy again, with a spring back community and all of San Francisco. Santie and artists from Culture on decades, working at the checkstand. Afavorite local spots — hunting for bargains in in her step. As a fi ne artist, Santie specializes the Corner, which included local “I always worked for a small company the thrift shops, lunching at Vivande, admiring the cats To this day, many years later, when I come through in mural-making, including the one muralist Eustinove Smith. Titled — no Safeway for me,” he says. “It’s more up for adoption at Pets Unlimited — then made a run the express line, James never fails to ask, “How’s your in the Fillmore Street Cafe seen on Th e Grandmother Mural, this work like family that way.” through Mollie Stone’s to pick up the makings for soup. mother doing? Tell her I said hello.” the cover of the May issue of the portrays grandmothers and how After a stint with QFI, which was later Of course we had to go through the express line to As for so many others, James’s gentle kindness left a New Fillmore. Th e omission of his they relate to youth as guides and acquired by , he came to the say hello to James. He somehow intuited the fragility of lasting impression on my mom. We talk on the phone name in the credits for the article mentors and how they serve as a Grand on California near her fresh widowhood, even before she burst into tears nearly every day, and she often asks, “How is James?” In More than a hardware store about coff eehouses in the Fillmore bridge between generations — hence Fillmore in June 1978. and told him my father had died. her book, the express line at Mollie Stone’s holds more prompted me to complain to the the large image of the Golden Gate “I was just lucky to be in the right place “Let’s have coff ee tomorrow morning,” he suggested. attraction than the Golden Gate Bridge. 1930 Fillmore Street (between Pine & Bush) • 346-5240 editors. I am happy to correct this Bridge in the mural. at the right time,” he says. Th e next morning, my mother was afl utter, worrying Now 88, my mother sent a note when she learned Serving the neighborhood since 1961 wrong by writing about Santie and Other murals outside the Fillmore Rich Moresco, who owned the Grand whether she had picked the right blouse and urging me that James is retiring. She wrote: “I will never forget that his public artworks. created by Santie can be seen in Central before selling to Mollie Stone’s a to come along. he bought me an early morning coff ee one time — and Th e title of Santie’s mural at several places in Bayview-Hunters decade ago, hired James. I stood fi rm: “No, mom, he asked you.” I basked in his sunshine.” the Fillmore Street Cafe is Jazz Point. “It was the smartest thing I ever did,” And so she went. — Barbara Kate Repa Land. It was painted in 1997 and Santie has worked with me Moresco says. “Jimmy’s always been a has provided coff ee drinkers and in the children’s mural program, gentleman. He’s never had a bad word computer users — locals and visitors mentoring hundreds of youth in this about anyone.” asks a fellow wearing a Cubs cap, then at Mollie Stone’s, even after he retires. humor. And he’s just so kind. He bought — a sense of Santie’s powerful vision, longstanding program that teaches His former boss says James still gives confi des that he’s not much of a sports fan “I’ll be going there the rest of my life,” me my fi rst discount Muni pass on my which permeates the walls of this art and environmental science — him a gift every year on Father’s Day. anymore. “Th e players these days, they’re he says. “I have to mess with all those folks birthday when I became a senior. Now we neighborhood. especially the cleanup and reuse “Every time I come in there, he can’t just out there to pose for the camera,” he I worked with for so long. Th at will be the laugh because he’s got one, too.” Santie’s mural at Post and Steiner of Hunters Point shipyard. Santie thank me enough for hiring him,” says says. “I liked the old sports — the guys who fun part.” Allen, who has checked at the registers on the Hamilton Recreation Center has a studio in Building 101, being Moresco. “He’s one in a million.” came along when I came along.” His longtime co-workers are not looking alongside James for many years, still marvels is titled Evolution of the Blues. Santie renovated as part of the massive ■ But it’s inside Mollie Stone’s, in forward to his retirement, for several at his cheerful disposition. completed this monumental artwork redevelopment project now under “Th e store is it for me,” James says, “my the express line — reserved at least reasons. Th ey all echo the sentiment that “James always has a pleasant word for all in 2004. It depicts blues greats Fats way after decades of planning and customers, my family, my everything.” theoretically for shoppers with fewer than Lorain in the meat department expresses. the customers — even the grumpy ones,” Waller, Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, environmental remediation. Visit Spend a few minutes with him on the a dozen items — where James has been a “I’ll miss him, that’s for sure,” she says. “He he says. “We could all learn a lesson from T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, John Lee Santie’s studio during the biannual street and it’s clear he knows everybody in neighborhood fi xture for as long as anyone always takes time out to help everyone else that.” Hooker, Louie Jordan, Memphis open studios, or call him directly for the neighborhood. He keeps up a constant can remember. here.” ■ Minnie, Dina Washington and many commissioned murals and portraits at patter, calling out greetings to nearly every “Th at’s the spot that’s just clicked for Also on the minds of his fellow cashiers “I don’t want a party,” James says as he others, including living legend Jimmy 775-3243. passerby. me,” he says. “You hear a lot. You learn a lot. is the concern that they might have to take enters his fi nal month. “I’m too teary-eyed. McCracken. Santie’s life as a drummer is “Good morning. You doing alright today?” A lot of people come through there. And I over the express line. I want to walk away quietly — just sort of At Rosa Parks Elementary School another story that must be told, but “You keeping busy this morning? just like people.” “I hate it,” says Nel, another longtime ride into the sunset. It’s been beautiful to at O’Farrell and Webster, his mural, not today. “Good morning, sweetheart, how you “Th e truth is, I’m like an entertainer,” cashier. “People are supposed to be limited me — Grand Central, Mollie Stone’s. Th ey Th e Life and Power of Rosa Parks, Heidi Hardin feeling today?” he says to an elderly woman he says. “When they get on stage, they get to 12 items or less, but they act like asses were the best.” celebrates her contributions as a civil executive director on a walker, who looks up from the sidewalk energized. When I get to work, I’m just — loading up.” He has just one request: “Don’t quit rights leader, as well as family and think round inc. and beams back, “Never better, sugar.” ready to go.” “Somehow,” she says, “James is able coming to Mollie Stone’s. I need my “Wasn’t that a great game last night?” he He says he’ll still be a familiar face to save the whole thing with his sense of retirement check.”

THE NEW FILLMORE $POHSBUVMBUJPOT +BNFT 0/&.03&5"45&0' 2130 Fillmore Street #202 ■ San Francisco, CA 94115 415 / 441-6070 ho could resist the sweet furrowed brow of John-John, editors@newfi llmore.com a one-year-old Chihuahua mix who loves to play. Quite ZFBSTBHP XIFO* Editors Barbara Kate Repa & Thomas R. Reynolds the fancy-pants, John-John is looking for a mellow XBTZFBSTPMEBOENPOUIT W Production Ginny Lindsay Proofreader Donna Gillespie QSFHOBOU *TUPQQFEJOUP-JDLT &ILLAMENTO home and family, possibly with a feline friend or dog of a similar 4VQFSNBSLFUPO$MFNFOU4USFFUUP Advertising inquiries ads@newfi llmore.com or 415 / 441-6070 CVZHSPDFSJFT"T*MFGU BGSJFOEMZ 'SPNUIF"SDIJWFT4IBEPXCPYFTCZ *SJT'VMMFS disposition – and maybe even an older kid or two. John-John Published on the fi rst weekend of each month. Deadline: 20th of prior month CVTCPZXJUIBIFBSUPGHPMETBXNF would love guardians ready to go to doggie class, take strolls Subscriptions by mail are available for $30 per year. Please send a check. TUSVHHMJOHXJUINZCBHTBOEPõFSFE around the neighborhood, and understand the sweet, gentle boy UPXBMLNFIPNF*IBWFMPWFE $-04*/(3&$&15*0/ 4VOEBZ .BZ GSPNUP1. he is. Sound like love? Meet John-John today! +BNFT.PPSFFWFSTJODF‰MPOH The neighborhood connection CFGPSFIFDBNFUPUIFFYQSFTT Every month, 20,000 copies are delivered to homes and businesses in the MJOFBU.PMMJF4UPOFT FWFOCFGPSF Fillmore, Pacifi c Heights and Japantown. We thank you for your support and 'JMMBNFOUPDBNFBOEXFOU 2343 Fillmore Street encouragement and we welcome your ideas and suggestions. &OKPZZPVSSFUJSFNFOU 4(/-!3 2%9./,$3 '!,,%29 Adoption Center: (415) 568-3058 Archive of recent issues: www.NewFillmore.com *SJT'VMMFS 777  4 ( / -!3 2%9./ ,$3  #/-

Comments and letters about neighborhood issues are welcome there, too. ■ ■ Do something good for pets Visit us at: www.petsunlimited.org 0INE3TREETAT&ILLMORE 3AN&RANCISCO #!   

2 NEW FILLMORE June 2009 June 2009 NEW FILLMORE 3 CRIME WATCH

Narcotics apartment to see if anyone was inside. Th ey Gough Street and Elm Alley found a pry bar on the fl oor of the apart- April 10, 12 a.m. ment; nearby was an opened jewelry case, #!,)&/2.)!3(%,, Offi cers on patrol observed a man uri- with jewelry still inside. Th e anonymous nating against the wall in an alley and caller rang again, telling dispatch that the “Any time you eliminate a station !54/3%26)#%2%0!)2 detained him. When the offi cers searched men who had broken in were now standing À>ŽiÃÊEÊ/ˆÀià the man, they found he was carrying crack in front of the building. Offi cers who ar- iVŽÊ ˜}ˆ˜iʈ} Ìà pipes and crack cocaine. He was placed un- rived for backup detained the men. A ring œ“«ÕÌiÀÊ ˆ>}˜œÃ̈Và der arrest and booked at Northern Station. fell out of one man’s pocket as police were it is going to have an impact. It could >V̜ÀÞÊ-V i`Տi`Ê >ˆ˜Ìi˜>˜Vi searching him. Th e ring was similar in style £x]ÊÎä]Ê{x]ÊÈäÊEʙäÊ-iÀۈVià Possession of a Loaded Firearm to the jewelry located in the apartment. Ad paid for by your San Francisco Firefighters Local 798. your Ad paid for by œœˆ˜}Ê-ÞÃÌi“ÊEÊ/À>˜Ã“ˆÃȜ˜Ê*ÀœLi“à Eddy and Laguna Streets One of the men threatened to kill the offi - -“œ}Ê/iÃÌÃÊEÊ,i«>ˆÀÃÊvœÀÊ>ˆÕÀi April 12, 3:30 p.m. cers. All three suspects were transported to be considered Russian Roulette.” >ÌÌiÀˆiÃÊEÊ-Ì>À̈˜}Ê*ÀœLi“à Offi cers on patrol observed a man they Northern Station for further investigation. ˆ˜œÀÊ,i«>ˆÀÃʜvÊ>Ê/Þ«ià knew was on court probation, which in- Th e offi cers then conducted a thorough 1,"*  ÊUÊ* - ÊUÊ ,  — SF DEPUTY CHIEF GARY MASSETANI cludes a search condition, and detained search of the scene and were able to link >ÃÌ]ÊÀˆi˜`ÞÊEÊÕ>À>˜Ìii` him. Several offi cers assisted in searching all three suspects to the burglary. Th e men Óxä£Ê >ˆvœÀ˜ˆ>Ê>ÌÊ-Ìiˆ˜iÀÊÊÊUÊÊÊ­{£x®ÊxÈLJÈx£Ó the subject’s home and located a gun that were booked on various charges, including œ˜`>ÞÊÌ ÀœÕ} ÊÀˆ`>ÞÊÊnÊ>°“°Ê̜ÊÈÊ«°“° had been hidden there. Th e suspect was threatening a police offi cer. placed under arrest and booked. Crime at a Glance in May Attempted Burglary, Parole Violation Gough & Eddy — Driving Without a Eddy and Franklin Streets License April 18, 1 a.m. Gough and O’Farrell Streets — Narcot- Th ree offi cers responded to a report of an ics Arrest auto burglary in progress. Th e offi cers dis- Scott and Eddy Streets — Street Rob- covered that the suspect was still inside the bery with Force vehicle. Th e car’s rear side passenger win- Jackson and Divisadero Streets — Van- dow had been broken. Th e offi cers detained dalism to a Vehicle the man, who was positively identifi ed by a Ellis and Steiner Streets — Battery, witness. Th e suspect was placed under ar- Possession of Alcohol by a Minor rest and booked at Northern Station. Divisadero and Eddy Streets — Found Person Burglary, Conspiracy Scott and Eddy Streets — Found Person and Th reats Against an Offi cer Scott and Eddy Streets — Hot Prowl Buchanan and Eddy Streets Burglary April 19, 8 a.m. Ellis and Scott Streets — Domestic Offi cers working in plainclothes re- Violence, Battery sponded to an anonymous caller’s report of Geary and Divisadero Streets — Do- a burglary in progress. When they arrived, mestic Violence, False Imprisonment, In- three men standing in front of the location juring Phone Line started to quickly walk away. Th e offi cers Scott and Eddy Streets — Missing Ju- observed the individuals, then entered the venile

MURETA’S ANTIQUES VitaminExpress A trustworthy name since 1982 We Buy & Sell Antique Jewelry L-Carnosine 500mg Potent amino acid that $39.95 aids all cells* • powerful anti-oxidant* Reg. $49.99 • protects against cellular damage* (100 vegicaps) • chelates out mercury* 2418 Fillmore Street • 415.922.5652 • helps increase muscle mass & endurance* 2005 study by the San Between Washington & Jackson • encourages repair of tissue * Francisco Fire Department SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD Tuesday through Sunday 12pm to 6pm A concluded that response FIREHOUSES Full range B Complex B Right™ times were slower in 22 of 24 areas that has no odor* $11.95 of the city where fire stations were St. Dominic’s Catholic Church • full range of B vitamins* 1. Join online at www.SaveOurFirehouses.com Reg. $14.95 MASSES • pleasant to take* “browned out.” Longer response 2. Join the Save Our Firehouses page on Facebook • effective formula* (100 caps) SUNDAY • choline bitartrate microencapsulated* times put our neighborhood safety at 3. Fill out and send this card to: 5:30 pm (Saturday Vigil) 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 am • scientifically balanced formula * risk — the faster the response time to 1139 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 1:30, 5:30 & 9:00 pm WEEKDAYS emergencies, the greater the chance 6:30 & 8:00 am & 5:30 pm Effective healthy Station #5 on Turk Street in the Fillmore. Zyflamend Protect safety in your community by saving of saving lives and preventing damage. NAME SATURDAY Inflammation response* your neighborhood firehouse. 7:40 am Rosary, 8:00 am Mass $34.50 • number #1 COX-2 inhibitor* PRAYERS & SACRAMENTS • promotes normal cell growth* But the San Francisco Board of Reg. $58.95 ADDRESS The church is open for prayer all day (120 gels) • promotes healthy joint function* Supervisors is considering a new and into the early evening. • aids healthy inflammation response* Liturgy of the Hours (Daily) • potent super critical extracts * plan that would cut funding and “brown out” more of our neighborhood Morning Prayer 7:15 am/Sat 8:00 am firehouses, our first line of defense in the event of fires, medical emergencies CITY STATE ZIP Evening Prayer 5:00 pm 1428 Irving Street SF 564-8160 Reconciliation Sat 5:00 pm, 2047 Fillmore Street SF 922-3811 or any major disaster. Sun 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 am, 5:00 pm PHONE Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Visit www.SaveOurFirehouses.com for instructions on how to call or email Mon & Wed 8:30 am & 6 pm These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Tue & Fri 8:30 pm your local Supervisor to urge them to protect your neighborhood safety and EMAIL 2390 Bush St. (at Steiner) • (415) 567-7824 • Free Parking Mill Valley VitaminExpress.com Berkeley Save Our Neighborhood Firehouses! 4 NEW FILLMORE June 2009 BODY & SOUL

zen Ridiculously Unlimited Cheap and the art of the FASTTALK THRILLS Public Bath A trip to the Kabuki spa relieves fears and stress

By Donna Domino

s a bay area resident for 35 years, I had been to most of the Awell-known local spas save one: the Kabuki Springs & Spa, the famed bathhouse in Japantown. So I approached my fi rst visit with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Kabuki Springs & Spa Would I, a 60-year-old woman, feel comfortable walking around naked in 1750 Geary Boulevard (near Fillmore) 922-6000 front of women of all ages and sizes and www.kabukisprings.com shapes? Or on coed night, when bathing Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily suits are required, would I feel self- Reservations available conscious mingling with strange men in click away... turn it on... the sweaty confi nes of the sauna, steam COMMUNAL BATHS talk it up... Men only: Monday, Thursday, Saturday room and communal hot tub? Would Women only: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday there be a semi-sexual, pick-up vibe — a ™ Coed: Tuesday s Faster Internet with McAfee s Unlimited Local Calling plus s ON Demand gives you thousands watery Zen variation of a singles bar? Security Suite—worth $120—helps 12 popular calling features like of shows and movies to watch, Enter the Kabuki baths from the urban Above: The communal baths. keep your computer safe Call Waiting and Caller ID most for no additional charge. Play, cacophony of the Geary and Fillmore Left: Traditional Japanese seated crossroads and you are immediately bathing areas. ™ pause, rewind them whenever. EasyChanges automatically s Keep your current phone number transported by the tranquil atmosphere. forwards your email and lets and use your existing phones s The channels you want: A&E, Soothing traditional Japanese music everyone know your new CNN, ESPN, MTV and lots more combines with the aroma of herbal oils email address to create healing smells and sounds that s Your easiest solution to the encourage harmony and relaxation. Digital Transition Friendly staff ers greet visitors, who can choose from a wide array of massages, areas and standing western-style showers. the tender attentiveness of a middle-aged city. One of them, a 22-year-old visiting facials and body treatments — even Complimentary bath products, sea salts, couple that caught my attention. Th e from North Carolina, noted, “I’m acupuncture. chilled cucumber face cloths, teas, ice woman was seated at one of the individual typically a very shy person, but I feel ■ water and towels were provided. A nearby bathing areas along the wall while her very comfortable.” Th ey considered the On my fi rst visit, on a busy coed lounge off ered toning and cleansing partner gently washed her back, using the price — $22 on a weekday and $25 on a Tuesday evening, I brought a male friend. lotions. traditional Japanese basins provided at weekend — reasonable, and both liked the After getting our locker keys at the front A spacious sauna and a steam room each station. selection of body lotions and skin toners desk, we were escorted past an alcove open off the main communal bath area. Most of the people there were young provided. adorned with a Buddhist shrine toward After washing and rinsing off in the — in their 20s and 30s — and shapely. ■ the Kabuki’s dressing rooms. While showers, we followed the recommended But there was no obvious fl irting, which When I returned on a women-only discussing where to meet after changing order: fi rst the sauna, then the steam seemed to allow a relaxed atmosphere for Friday night, the ambiance was defi nitely clothes, we were gently reminded to lower room. Although the cold plunge is everyone. diff erent. Th ere’s something freeing about as low as our voices and turn off our cell phones to suggested as the next stop, it seemed a Two young women visiting the being with a bunch of naked females preserve the spa’s serenity. little chilly for our warmed bodies, so we communal coed baths for the fi rst — for most women, anyway — that ™ We then converged in the large room headed straight for the spacious hot pool. time said they came after a friend allows us to be relaxed about our bodies, Comcast Triple Play $ 99 that features the hot soaking pool, the cold Th ere were a few couples, including a recommended the Kabuki. So they whatever their shapes. 89 a month plunge, traditional Japanese seated bathing cute young duo holding hands, but it was included it as part of their day in the TO PAGE 9  “If I had but two loaves of bread, ii«ÊޜÕÀÊۈÈ̜Àà I’d sell one and buy hyacinths ˆ˜ÊÌ iʘiˆ} LœÀ œœ` to feed my soul.”

KAREN PALAMOS, M.F.T. PSYCHOTHERAPY

Specializing in therapy with visual artists, writers, musicians and other creative people JUDITH SKINNER Michael W. Perry Fine Gardening & Company 38 Years of Experience (415) 835-2199 Offer ends 6/30/09. Limited to residential customers in participating Comcast systems in wired and serviceable locations. Digital Starter Cable and Economy Internet limited to a single outlet. Service, features and pricing ar e Fine Custom Framing BUSH @ OCTAVIA ubject to change.s Equipment and installation charges, taxes, Regulatory Recovery Fee and other charges (e.g., toll and international calling) extra. After 12 months, regular monthly rates for each service apply. Service is subjec ÓÓΣÊ*ˆ˜iÊ-ÌÀiiÌÊÊ [email protected] Antique Prints & Maps o Comcast standard terms and conditions of service. Speed comparison for downloads only and compares Comcast 1 Mbps Internet service to 56 Kbps dial-up. Many factors affect speed. Actual speeds may vary and are no iÌÜii˜Ê7iLÃÌiÀɈ“œÀi CA LICENSE MFC38971 guaranteed. Not all features, including McAfee, are compatible with Macintosh computers. Comcast Digital Voice ® Local with More ™ pricing applies to direct-dialed local calls from home. Additional charges apply for calls beyon d 415.776.8272 ® overage area. Separatec long distance carrier connections and dial around calling not available. Activation fee may apply to Comcast Digital Voice. Comcast Digital Voice service (including 911/ emergency services) may no {£x°Î{È°£™£™ÊUÊÜÜÜ°>À̈ÃÌȘ˜°Vœ“ • unction after an extended power outage. Certain customer premises equipment may not be compatible with Digital Voice services. EMTA required ($3.00/month from Comcast). Call 1-800-Comcast for restrictions and complet e 1837 Divisadero 415-563-8853 etails. Comcast ©2009.d All rights reserved. 8239_CCWB_BA R June 2009 NEW FILLMORE 7 went to massage school before affi liating hands on it because I had sat in that sauna with the Esalen Institute, the legendary re- and thought, ‘Just a few thousand dollars treat in Big Sur. and I could make such a diff erence here.’ After attending beauty school and get- It just didn’t have a good atmosphere,” she A Spa Veteran ting licensed as an aesthetician, she created recalled. “AMC is a Kansas City company a line of cosmetic products before going to — and they didn’t know what they had Calistoga’s Indian Springs spa. here.” Nurtures Spirit Nelsen then moved back to the city and During the heyday of San Francisco’s bathhouses, many were gay sex clubs, but Nelsen says the Kabuki was never a “full- of Baths, Clients on sex club.” “Sometimes when men But even now, she says, the printed By Donna Domino policy prohibiting sexual activity handed to get their clothes off , they guests at check-in is necessary. here’s a very special energy “Sometimes when men get their clothes here,” says Kathy Nelsen, long- just don’t know what off , they just don’t know what to do with “Ttime director of the Kabuki to do with themselves. themselves,” she observes dryly. “Some- Springs & Spa, explaining why the cultural times we have to tell people they’re getting fi xture has endured for nearly 40 years. With women, we have too intimate. It’s really one of the things we The Kabuki’s “Th e communal baths are really what dif- the yakkers.” get to help men explore: how to be sensual dressing rooms ferentiates us. We have some of the only without being sexual. I think that’s not a have the same tranquil atmosphere ones in California and the U.S.” Before — KATHY NELSEN natural thing for men. But once they get it, manager of Kabuki Springs & Spa as the rest of the Nelsen, who has carefully nurtured the managing the how liberating it can be.” spa. Kabuki’s distinctively spiritual environ- Kabuki spa, Women, on the other hand, tend to be Kathy Nelsen ment for the last decade, says another thing chatty, hence the gong of silence in the ran Miracle that sets the Kabuki apart is a deep respect Baths, located opened Miracle Baths, just up the street at main room housing the public bathing for the body. beside Fillmore 1928 Fillmore, beside Fillmore Hardware. pools. She describes a recent women’s night to Hardware. Th e building had previously housed the “With women, we have the yakkers,” ‘It’s the Perfect Antidote to Our Stressful Times’ make her point. Little Zion Baptist Church, and she con- Nelsen says. “A lot of time they come with “I was in the baths, and there were a verted the church’s baptismal pool into a their girlfriends, and we have to ring the  FROM PAGE 7 massage. Since I’m not a big fan of the rice powder. Th e body is then slathered couple of really big gals, and I thought: room for yoga classes. She describes Mir- gong.” One Kabuki regular listed her favorite more strenuous Shiatsu pressure point with yogurt, ending with a soak in a Th is is so beautiful. Th is celebration of the acle Baths as “this sweet, little community Although the Kabuki off ers a range of things: “the sound of water and the massage, I found the gentle touch of fl owered bath. body can take place for anybody,” she said. run by two women.” It was among the fi rst spa services, massage is requested most of- feeling of a communal, silent, ritual.” Swedish massage, applied with oil, more Th e bliss treatment includes being “I fi nd that so healing because I think that, was so nervous to go in, and I came out and “It became kind of a funny little night- to off er a range of spa services for men and ten. She explained, “We’re here taking care of appealing. After 50 minutes under the washed by an attendant while immersed as women, we all have issues with our bod- realized everyone’s got a belly!’ ” Nelsen club,” says Nelsen, who remembers seeing women: a communal sauna for women, “I think massage is always popular be- ourselves and each other. Where else can expert touch of massage therapist Erica in a deep Japanese ofuro tub, followed ies. So when you go back there and see all said. “And I thought, if I can help one 18- performance artist Laurie Anderson and four private saunas, massages, facials and cause people so need to be touched, and you fi nd this in our culture? It’s a place of Hokett, I emerged feeling like a limp by a massage. Th e grounding treatment these women walking around with every year-old woman start to feel good about “a couple of punk bands” there in the mid- body wraps. She called it quits after 10 we so need a way to be touched in a thera- refuge where the beauty of each individual noodle, thoroughly relaxed. provides a foot massage while lying on a diff erent body type, you see there’s not a her body and not have to go through a 1970s. years when the landlord raised the rent peutic way,” Nelsen observes. “One of the is unique.” Among the Kabuki’s other sybaritic covered, warm mudpack. perfect body.” lifetime of this stuff that we all carry, that’s In 1978, AMC cinemas bought the from $1,000 to $6,000. things I’m seeing in this economic down- On this visit, after spending some time indulgences are the exotic Javanese One woman explained Kabuki’s Nelsen recalls another situation that un- very freeing.” building, turning the dinner theatre into a Nelsen then opened the spa at the Clare– turn is that there are a lot of beauty treat- in the sauna and steam room, I even took Lulur body treatment, originally done enduring appeal this way: “It’s wonderfully derscores her mission. Originally opened in 1972 by a Japa- multiplex. mont Hotel in Oakland before jumping at ments you can give up, but what we all still a brief cold plunge before getting into the for Balinese royalty as part of a 40-day relaxing, the perfect antidote to our “Th is young girl called me from Min- nese company, the Kabuki building once Nelsen, who has a master’s degree in the chance to return to the neighborhood need is stress reduction and detoxifi cation hot pool’s warm embrace. marriage preparation, which includes a stressful times. You come out relaxed and nesota one day to describe her experience, featured a sushi bar, a dinner theatre and a psychology, has been in the spa business and run the Kabuki spa in 1998. — you know, those basic things that will I also opted for one of Kabuki’s stone massage with jasmine-frangipani oil, refreshed.” saying, ‘I came there with my aunt and I men’s bathhouse. for 32 years. A native of the Midwest, she “I’d always kind of wanted to get my help us get through tough times.” signature services, choosing a Swedish followed by exfoliation with turmeric and I heartily agree.

Our Hotels Provide More Than Great Hospitality

Revenue generated by San Francisco’s hospitality industry helps provide essential services to all San Francisco residents. From law enforcement to fire fighting and from parks and recreation to care for the less fortunate, the hospitality industry plays a critical roll in keeping San Francisco moving. So whether you call San Francisco home, or you’re just visiting, our hotel industry is on the front lines, making sure San Francisco will always be... Everybody’s Favorite City.

To learn more from the Hotel Council of San Francisco, visit www.hotelcouncilsf.org or call 415.391.5197

8 NEW FILLMORE June 2009 June 2009 NEW FILLMORE 9

FOOD & DRINK Come experience great wine from small production vineyards

By Cheryl Lurie Th e regulars are a cross-section of the ever-more-vital Fillmore Jazz Dis- few doors down from a kara- trict: commuters, hipsters, delivery guys oke bar and a sandwich shop, from the Safeway and seniors from the wine A around the corner from the nearby assisted-living residences. jar Safeway delivery dock and a talking “Th e people are like sunshine around dumpster (“You are being recorded by sur- here,” says Agatha as she sets down a The new neighborhood wine bar veillance cameras…”) blooms an oasis: coff ee for an older patron. An enthusi- Espress Yourself cafe, now open on Fill- astic customer chimes in, “A new kind more at the corner of Ellis. of friendliness comes to the neighbor- HHAPPYAPPY HOURHOUR

Th e coff ee shop, with its new-store hood!” CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT smell, brings sparkle and cheer to an Th e cafe’s hours extend into the eve- every day until 7 p.m. otherwise challenging time and location. nings until 9 — and on Friday and Sat- Th e planter-lined outdoor patio pro- urday until 10 — to catch the crowds ■ FIRST PERSON 20% off all bottles • $3 beer vides morning sun for patrons reading coming and going from nearby perfor- the paper or using the free WiFi; inside, mances. Yoshi’s jazz club is nearly next owner-baristas Agatha and Gene Mar- door, and the Sheba Piano Lounge is Opening Night at Via Veneto czak whip up fair trade, organic cappuc- across the street. 1870 Fillmore Street near Bush 415-931-2924 www.winejar-sf.com cinos and lattes that warm the heart. “People may want to socialize with a By Andre Bolaffi me and asked, “And how do you Originally from Poland, the Mar- cup of coff ee,” says Gene. “And we like know Salvatore?” czaks moved to the Bay Area more than to accommodate the neighborhood.” t was a Friday night in January “Salvatore? Well, you know…” 20 years ago after living in New York Still a work in progress, Espress Your- 1990. We had been in our new Before I could embarrass myself, and Texas. self ’s owners hope to add a local lunch Ihome on Bush Street for fi ve years. he saved me by asking, “From North “We came to San Francisco to fi nd menu to their current off erings from a Janice, my wife, suggested we walk Beach?” a home,” says Gene, “not because of South San Francisco bakery. up Fillmore to the Clay Th eatre to see “Yes, of course, from North Beach,” the jobs.” Th e couple decided to ditch “Th at way, when we grow, all the a French fi lm, Claudine-Claudel, about I cheerfully agreed. KATHRYN AMNOTT KATHRYN their careers in a Silicon Valley semi- money stays here and benefi ts the local Rodin, his work and his mistress. We I was continuing to enjoy the wine, “A new kind of friendliness comes to the neighborhood,” says a patron of the cafe. conductor cube farm for a more pas- businesses,” says Gene. went to the 7 o’clock show with plans the food and the company when a sionate calling: a cafe that recalls their “Some folks said ‘you have to be stu- to have dinner afterward. statuesque brunette approached. ■ NEW NEIGHBOR European roots while providing a per- pid’ to start a new business now,” he says. Th e movie was sold out, but we “Hi,” she said, “and how do you sonal connection to the neighborhood. “But good comes with hardship. We learn managed to excuse and pardon our way know Massimo?” “We want it to be like you’re com- to problem-solve better, making a busi- to the remaining two empty seats in the Now I knew Salvatore was from ing over to our house to have coff ee and ness more successful. We went through dead center of a front row. After half North Beach, but who in the world ‘Espress Yourself ’ conversation,” says Agatha. “You can the dot-com bust here, and we believe an hour, I said to Janice — quietly, I’m was Massimo? Th ink fast. borrow a book from the shelf, or sit and there is no better system anywhere in the sure, despite the shushes from nearby “Well,” I responded, “you know, Fillmore gets another coff ee shop, use the Internet, just like family.” world than America. We have a passion theatergoers — “If something doesn’t Salvatore is …” Th e borrow-a-book shelf — their for this business and want to give people develop soon, I’m going to leave.” “But of course,” she said, “Massimo building community in the jazz district son David’s idea — contains an eclectic variety. And there is plenty of room for “You can’t leave,” she said. and Salvatore both worked in…” library, ranging from Frankenstein to the everybody to succeed here.” An hour into the fi lm, having “ . . . North Beach,” I chimed in. Funk and Wagnall’s Dictionary. Patrons Espress Yourself is located at 1406 endured enough, I decided to leave. Again the conversation was are welcome to add books. Fillmore Street. “You can’t leave,” said Janice, “you’ll interrupted by the jostling crowd. I disturb all these people.” noticed that Claudine-Claudel must “Watch me,” I responded, and I have fi nally — mercifully — ended, excused and pardoned my way down the since people were exiting the theatre. row and out of the theater. I made my way toward the door to tell ■ Janice about this wonderfully friendly Across the street, a new restaurant new restaurant. Just as I opened the called Via Veneto looked lively, full of door and was about to step outside, a people and all lit up. I decided to check fellow grabbed my arm. it out while the movie dragged on. “Leaving so soon?” he asked warmly. As I opened the door and stepped “No,” I said, “I’m just going across inside, I was met with a celebratory the street to bring my wife back.” VVIAIA VVENETOENETO crowd of fashionably dressed people in “Wonderful!” he said. Celebrate since 1990 jackets and ties and dresses and heels. Filled with wine and bravado A ggenuineenuine ppieceiece ooff ItalyItaly I noticed the restaurant had no chairs; by now, I turned and asked him summertime “the pasta was phenomenal – its tables were pushed up against the confi dently, “And how do you know iinn tthehe hhearteart ooff PPacifiacifi c HHeights!eights! walls and fi lled with delectable looking Massimo?” on our terrace! Fresh Seafood • Veal & Chicken light and delicate, antipasta. He looked at me and responded: Fresh Pasta • Home-made Desserts perfect amount of sauce” Before I could think much about “I am Massimo!” Daily Specials —Yelp Reviewer it, a waiter off ered a glass of red wine. ■ Lunch daily: 11:30 - 3 Wow, what a great new restaurant. I Later I found out: Th at was Via Dinner nightly: 5:30 - 10 LLUNCHUNCH began to enjoy myself, while keeping Veneto’s opening night celebration, Weekend brunch: 10 - 3 Mon- Fri: 11:30-2:30 • Sat: Noon-3pm VIVANDE an eye on the Clay across the street. by invitation only. And we’ve been DDINNERINNER 2125 fi llmore st. 346-4430 Th e clientele was jovial and friendly. crashing this wonderful neighbor- Sun-Thurs: 5 - 10pm • Fri-Sat: 5 - 11pm 2500 Washington St. at Fillmore www.vivande.com A smartly dressed man approached hood restaurant ever since. 415.359.0075 • www.chouquets.com 22444444 FFILLMORE/CLAYILLMORE/CLAY • 346-9211346-9211 restaurant ~ wine bar ~ catering

For our New Fillmore readers: VALLEV Ò CERASUOLO (ROSÉ) WINE $5 glass while supplies last Dry, bright & fresh on palate. The Elite Cafe Solid pink color, aroma & fl avor of strawberry with mineral notes. Established 1981 www.fl oriosf.com 2049 Fillmore Street ◆ 4 1 5 . 6 7 E L I T E www.The Elite Cafe.com

10 NEW FILLMORE June 2009 June 2009 NEW FILLMORE 11 JAZZ HOME & GARDEN taught a lesson while they were at it. You call a song and off you go. Improvising with a structure. Well, this is what June is going to look like at Yoshi’s. Th e best musicians Succulents Find a Place in the Urban Garden available, when presented the opportunity Th is Month, to collaborate with other like-minded By Constance Burnikel all-stars, said, “Let’s do it.” And so they’ll rehearse a little bit prior to the gig and low down and take a look when Improvising then off they’ll go. pressing the pavement in the neigh- ■ Sborhood. Th e urban garden, often Th is month we’re kicking off a new planted in the privacy of a back yard or on at Yoshi’s festival of sorts on June 22 and 23 and a deck, sometimes creeps out into public Ambassador for jazz calling it the “GO LEFT FEST.” Th ese two view in small front yards, in pots lining New festivals, of a sort, An ambitious new exhibition in days will feature creative improvisation stairways or in raised sidewalk tree boxes. the Yoshi’s lobby documents the by world-renowned artists and Bay More and more often, the urban garden and new collaborations role of jazz musicians in American Area icons, including celebrated author includes drought resistant plants known as diplomatic efforts during the cold Ishmael Reed collaborating with his succulents. Th ese plants provide delightful war. Louis Armstrong (at left outside By Jason Olaine favorite musicians. In addition, 85-year- eye appeal with their variegated colors, tex- A planter a hospital in Egypt), Dizzy Gillespie, box of Duke Ellington and many others old saxophonist Marshall Allen, longtime tures and sizes. And they come in a vari- succulents ello, neighbor. I’m the new appear in JAM SESSION: AMERICA’S leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra, will join ety of personalities, too. While a sedum, a on the 2900 artistic director at Yoshi’s here JAZZ AMBASSADORS EMBRACE THE pianist Matthew Shipp and bassist Joe ground cover plant, is delicate, an agave has block of on Fillmore. WORLD. Previously at Jazz at Lincoln Morris for the fi rst time. And many others “teeth” and can easily puncture the skin on Sacramento H Center in New York, the exhibition Street. I just came on board April 1, and I’m is presented by the Fillmore will do the same. It will be an avant garde your fi nger. still learning my way around the club and Heritage Center and open daily at jazz fan’s smorgasbord. Most of these plants require little water- the neighborhood. Right now I’m on a 1330 Fillmore through June 25. I could go on and on about legendary ing; they have adapted to dry desert condi- learning curve, and I’ve got summer on For more information, visit www. Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri hooking tions by developing plump leaves that store the brain. jazzheritagecenter.org. up with an all-star cast that we’re calling water. Th ough many succulents are native a.m. to 5 p.m. at the county fair building in echevaria with glorious dark purple fl ower We’ve been busy playing catch-up to “THE PAN-CARIBBEAN SUMMIT.” Or multi- to far-fl ung areas of the globe, especially Golden Gate Park at 9th Avenue and Lin- spikes. get our June, July and August calendars Grammy winning bassist Charlie Haden South Africa, Madagascar and the Canary coln Way, includes more than 20 specialty ■ THE 400 BLOCK of Locust Street, be- fi lled with quality acts. playing in two diff erent all-star groups. Or Islands, other species such as sempervivum vendors and off ers lots of seasoned advice. tween California and Sacramento, off ers a Th e problem with sax titan Pharoah Sanders teaming with are native to Alpine countries. ■ labor of love. For several years, the neigh- ■ POST FROM THE YOSH playing catch-up in the else. If you’re wondering how these As in all fi elds, there are uncontrol- and lots of rehearsals. But for the best jazz tabla master Zakir Hussain. But come As our latest Northern California Here are a few suggestions for a succu- bors have been planting a nice variety of booking world is that it “Only at Yoshi’s/One of a Kind/All-Star able factors. Th ings — and people — can musicians, this high-wire act is part of judge for yourself. drought heads into its third year, succulents lent walking tour of the neighborhood. succulents surrounding many of the trees can be akin to shopping Collaborations” came to be, I off er three and often do change. Or ask for more their collective DNA. Improvisation is at ■ have become more readily available in local ■ THE 2600 BLOCK of Sacramento Street, along the sidewalk. Note the aeoniums for bottled water after the earthquake has words: It wasn’t easy. No one in his right money. Or realize they’ve committed the very heart of jazz music. We love the Th anks to those of you who’ve emailed garden centers. Sloat (www.sloatgardens. between Steiner and Pierce, includes some punctuated with spiky groups of what ap- hit. It’s slim pickin’s. Most acts are already mind would try to put so many fi rst-time themselves to a gig elsewhere. Th is must element of surprise, of stepping out into and off ered comments and ideas. As I com) off ers a nice range of San Francisco- large, impressive bunches of echevaria con- pear to be senecio, or blue chalksticks. booked. So we’ve been scrambling to put collaborations together in one month. have happened a dozen times these past the unknown and creating something new learn what music we’re programming here hardy succulents and Flora Grubb Gardens tained by a small metal fence. ■ ON THE 1800 BLOCK of Pierce Street, at together a compelling June lineup. And George Wein, who founded the few weeks as we were setting this month’s or meaningful or beautiful or strange in works and what doesn’t work, I need and (www.fl oragrubb.com) is a wonderland of ■ ON THE 2900 BLOCK of Sacramento, be- Bush, the western garden at St. Dominic’s we’ve had to get creative. Newport Jazz Festival and New Orleans calendar. the process. want you to be a part of the process and succulents and cacti. tween Divisadero and Broderick, look for Church has been fi lled with rows of eche- If you’re not familiar with the folks we Jazzfest, among many others, has had me Fortunately, we’re a jazz club and we Back when this music was taking the conversation. You never know — your One of the best opportunities to fi nd a the house with the small front garden just varia. have on our June calendar — check it out book his Newport festival for the past two deal primarily with jazz musicians. Th ey shape, you’d fi nd jam sessions, or cutting suggestions may show up on next month’s vast variety of succulents and cacti comes above sidewalk level. In addition to a small ■ THE 2000 BLOCK of Pierce Street, at Per- at www.yoshis.com — then you’ll have years. He tells me, “Knock yourself out, improvise for a living. Rock and roll or sessions, where younger musicians would calendar. this month at the SAN FRANCISCO SUCCU- succulent garden, a planter box next to the ine Place, has a couple of lovely displays of to believe me when I tell you we’ve put kid, but don’t come to me when it all falls other musicians often won’t create music step onto the bandstand with their elders Let me hear from you: jason@yoshis. LENT & CACTUS SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SHOW AND drive is fi lled with a number of specimens. jelly bean sedum and aeoniums accented together a lineup you won’t fi nd anywhere apart.” Or words to that eff ect. together publicly on stage without lots and show their stuff — and most likely be com. SALE on June 13 and 14. Th is event, from 9 Give special attention to the fantastic large with a pair of air plants.

Zephyr Real Estate...in your neighborhood.

Russian Hill: Inner Richmond: 2BD/1 BA majestic full floor 2BD/1.5BA gorgeous top-floor J A ZZ HE RITAGE CENTE R We’ll drive you home. condo. Wood burning condo near Golden Gate Park. fireplace, chef’s kitchen, private Bright and airy floor plan 1320 Fillmore Street, San Francisco FREE WITH $20 PURCHASE garage, shared garage and highlights the elegant and You are cordially invited to join us for... walking distance to all the original detailing. Garage neighborhood has to offer. parking and deeded storage. Listed at $1,595,000 Listed at $749,000

SM ȽɨȐȽȨȽȝɬȨɜȣHǸȽȇɴ\ȐɕɜɄȽ "Weston has the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk, AT GRAND CENTRAL 2435 California Street as well as the richest most inventive beat, but his art is more than projection and time; it's the result of a studious and inspired intelligence... an intelligence that is creating a fresh Pacific Heights: Marina: synthesis of African elements with Elegantly remodeled 2BD/2BA stylish top floor jazz technique.” 4BD/5.5BA single family home condo close to all the amenities - Stanley Crouch, Jazz Critic features 11’ ceilings and 7 gas of Chestnut, Union, and Polk fireplaces throughout. Master Streets. Private deck and suite boasts luxury bath and remodeled kitchen and baths dressing room. make this a must-see! Listed at $2,995,000 Listed at $1,079,000

Carol Friedman

guest ith special Thursday, June 4th, 2009 w moderator ! Dr. Herb Wong 5:30 PM

Zephyr Real Estate. We’re all about San Francisco. www.zephyrsf.com Thursday, June 4th - 5:30 p.m. NOE VALLEYtPACIFIC HEIGHTStPOTRERO HILLtSOUTH BEACH/SOMA tUPPER MARKETtUPPER MARKET/CASTRO tWEST OF TWIN PEAKS

12 NEW FILLMORE June 2009 June 2009 NEW FILLMORE 13 NEIGHBORHOOD HOME SALES LOCAL TALENT

Single Family Homes BR BA PK Sq ft Date Asking $ Sale $ 1610 Lyon St 4 3 1 1392 28-Apr 792,900 785,000 3312 California St 2 2.5 2 30-Apr 1,395,000 1,350,000

EST: 1990 1924 Pine St 3 2.5 1 2429 17-Apr 1,695,000 Not Disclosed nets to $20 embroidered chokers to $60 ties 2203 Broderick St 3 2 1 12-May 1,975,000 1,750,000 Stitching for men and women. She uses high quality 1612 Vallejo St 4 2.75 2 2760 24-Apr 2,095,000 1,875,000 organic cotton and soy fabrics whenever 2604 Sacramento St 3 2.5 2 8-May 1,895,000 1,925,000 possible, and is extremely detail oriented. 2646 Chestnut St 3 2.5 5 3640 1-May 2,550,000 2,300,000 Locally, For example, Madrigal covers the backs of 3041 Divisadero St 5 3.5 2 4000 30-Apr 2,750,000 2,700,000 her stitches with contrasting fabric in the 2647 Filbert St 3 3.5 1 3500 1-May 3,750,000 3,490,000 interior of the baby hoodies. Janet Moyer One of the Award winning design - 3352 Washington St 4 4.5 2 14-May 3,650,000 3,600,000 On Etsy, viewers and other shop owners Landscaping is a “100 Fastest Growing “Outstanding Pitching can select pieces as their favorites. full - service Private Companies” Achievement” Award 3041 Laguna St 5 4.5 2 3520 14-May 3,750,000 Not Disclosed California “I’ve noticed that a lot of the people landscaping company in the Bay Area 2838 Washington St 5 5.5 5 8000 1-May 4,200,000 Not Disclosed specializing in SF Business Times, Landscape Contractors who’ve made my work their favorites are October 24, 2008 Association, 2007 2030 Lyon St 6 6 2 30-Apr 4,495,000 Not Disclosed sustainable landscapes Globally jewelers,” Madrigal says. “Th at makes sense 3570 Washington St 6 3.5 2 28-Apr 5,600,000 Not Disclosed to me, since my embroidery is very delicate 2712 Broadway 7 5 2 7000 17-Apr 7,750,000 Not Disclosed By Anne Paprocki — like jewelry.” Indeed, the embroidery on 415-821-3760 . 1031 Valencia Street, San Francisco . jmoyerlandscaping.com Madrigal’s ties for men, which are recycled, Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 36389 Condos / Co-ops / TICs / Lofts ongtime Pacifi c Heights artisan looks almost like jewels or stars against the 3330A Clay St 1 1 7-May 359,000 345,000 Carla Madrigal creates and sells fabric. 1450 Post St #1009 1 1.5 1 883 24-Apr 439,734 439,734 delicately embroidered ties, baby “I really think the ties could catch on,” 2106B Scott St 1 1 1 525 1-May 499,000 515,000 L clothes, personalized nametags and more. Madrigal says. “Obviously they’re not for 1600 Webster St #311 1 1 1 986 7-May 599,000 595,000 But you can’t buy her colorful designs in a everyone. But for a certain creative type 2347 Union St #4 1 1 1 763 5-May 639,000 634,000 Fillmore Street boutique. “For a certain creative type who has the confi dence to who has the confi dence to wear whatever 2200 Sacramento St #505 1 1 1 870 8-May 729,000 687,000 Instead, she is part of the grow- he wants, they could be perfect.” 1945 Washington St #301 2 2 1 12-May 715,000 705,000 ing movement that sells online through wear whatever he wants, they could be perfect.” Madrigal will also create designs on 1800 Washington St #719 2 2 1 1042 28-Apr 839,000 799,000 Etsy, an online marketplace for hand- CARLA MADRIGAL, on her embroidered ties commission, working with buyers to give 345 Locust St #5 3 2.5 1 24-Apr 1,375,000 1,315,000 made goods featuring thousands of indi- them the colors and designs they want. 2111 Baker St 3 1 1 4-May 1,495,000 1,395,000 vidual shops selling cards, clothes, prints While handmade goods like Madrigal’s 2768 Green St Upper 2 1 1 30-Apr 1,795,000 1,795,000 and jewelry. Madrigal’s work is off ered at she says. “Everyone loved them and told Unlimited veterinary center on Fillmore. can be expensive, she says customers are still 2115 Baker St 3 2 2 12-May 1,995,000 1,900,000 www.madrigalembroidery.etsy.com. me I should sell them.” With Etsy, Madrigal says she did not buying gifts, despite the pinched economy, Madrigal, a self-described hippie, has When Madrigal left her job as an illus- have to persuade a local store to sell her and recognize the value and uniqueness of been making art of all kinds for years from trator after 14 years last fall, she decided it embroidered ties and hoodies, and that no handmade items. At all levels, local home sales jump dramatically her home on Clay Street near Alta Plaza was time to take the plunge and try selling one else’s aesthetic dictates her designs. “Th ere’s just something special about The number of single family home Park. She paints on everything from eggs her wares. She set up shop on Etsy after Etsy charges 20 cents to list an item, plus them,” she says. “Spending money on art is sales in the neighborhood increased to shoes — once sculpting 36 birds for her learning about the site from a local card a 3.5 percent commission on every sale. just a diff erent choice we can make.” dramatically last month — from four to 14 daughter’s 36th birthday. maker. Th e site also provides a built-in network of While Madrigal is happy with Etsy and — and recent sales included properties in “I’ve just always done things with my Despite selling her art globally online, customers, which Madrigal especially ap- appreciates the site’s focus on handmade #FBVUJGVM8JOF$PVOUSZ)PNF all price ranges, which could be a sign the hands,” she says. But it is her hand-embroi- Madrigal is also intensely local. She has preciates. goods, she does see a downside to selling 1FSGFDUSFOUBMGPSGBNJMJFTPSTJOHMFT housing market is beginning to stabilize. dered clothing that has garnered Madrigal lived in the same Clay Street Victorian for “I’m shy,” she says. “Marketing myself is online. Homes that show well and are well tNJOVUFTGSPN4BO'SBODJTDPJO4POPNB$PVOUZ priced are now receiving immediate the most attention. 35 years. And in an eff ort to support an- the hardest part.” “My work is very tactile,” she explains. t(SFBUQSFTFBTPONPOUIMZSBUFGPSUIFTVNNFS attention. Such was the case with 2604 “I used to give my embroidered baby other area business, Madrigal, a cat lover, Her online shop currently holds 48 “I don’t know what it is exactly, but when t$BMMPSFNBJMTVCMZ!BPMDPN Sacramento (left): It went into contract hoodies as presents to expectant mothers,” donates 5 percent of her profi ts to the Pets items, ranging from $7 handpainted mag- people touch it, they want to have it.” just a week after going on and, after several offers, sold over the asking price. Even properties that came on

the market before or during the fi nancial crisis are selling now, with appropriate ... price reductions. A good example is 2203 Broderick, which came on the market New Listing! XXX1JOFDPN at $2.395 million at the beginning of October and fi nally closed for $1.75 Pacific Heights Presidio Heights Pacific Heights million in mid-May. Recent sales also show signs of life at the upper end of the $1,550,000 $1,397,000 $1,199,00 Home Sweet Home in Pacific Heights market: Four properties over $4 million sold this month — including 2030 Lyon, Bright, Fresh, Arts & Crafts Spacious Condo, the former home of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, which went into contract Classic Top Floor Edwardian. Great Location. within days of coming on the market. Flat in 2-unit 4BD/2BA/1Pkg Enter this home-like Building. Great The condo market has also been active, although the number of closings condo includes a grand Edwardian Pacific Heights condo! formal foyer, living condo through a is down from last month. We are seeing a similar trend: Properties that are 3BD/2BA. Spacious, room, and dining skylit foyer and look well priced sell quickly. A good example is 3330A Clay. Even though the nicely remodeled kitchen room, a stunning through multi-paned updated TIC unit did not have parking, it sold quickly after being listed at w/adjacent family remodeled kitchen pocket doors into the $359,000. With little inventory in the neighborhood priced below $400,000, the room. Living room with breakfast nook. gracious south facing with fireplace and Arts and Crafts living room. This unit was sure to garner attention. built-ins. Formal dining charm combines 3BD/2.5BA top-floor NEW LISTINGS: A fl urry of new listings have come on the market in recent room. Bright and airy with modern rear flat comes with weeks. There is likely to be considerable interest in two properties that have with a great layout. craftsmanship. pkg and storage. been signifi cantly remodeled and show well: 3778 Clay is a 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath 2232Divisadero.com 212Arguello.com 1859vallejostreet-4.com

home priced at $5.5 million, while 37 Presidio is a 7-bedroom, 5.5-bath home BestBestBest StephanieCaroline Kahn Ahlberg Werboff Kim Barnes Soni Goodman priced at $5.395 million. In addition, 3712 Jackson — a grand Tudor that backs (415) 321-4232321-4260 (415) 730-2593 (415) 321-4261 up to the Presidio — is a 6-bedroom, 5-bath home listed at just under $8 million. For those looking for a fi xer-upper, a 3-bedroom, 1-bath single family home was recently listed at 2621 Lombard for $799,000. Bring along your hammer — or Lower Pacific Heights Pacific Heights Pacific Heights your contractor. $949,000 $775,000 $749,000 BBright and Spacious 2BD/2BA PrestigeP & Prime — Data and commentary provided by JOHN FITZGERALD, a partner in SSpacious This Condominium. Location.L Very large the Byzantium Brokerage and an agent at Pacifi c Union. Contact him at 22BD/2BA unit has it Located in one of 1BD/1BA/1Pkg1 aall. Great kitchen with jfi [email protected] or call 345-3034. San Francisco’s condoc with amazing ggranite counter tops, most sought-after viewsv and private nnew hardware and neighborhoods, this terrace.t Double sink a breakfast counter. comfortable Pacific vanityv and fabulous A stand-out Edwardian classic meets modern chic. This full floor flat offers the best TThe dining area and Heights condominium doubled shower of lliving room are open, floor plan for entertaining! The living/dining room/kitchen open to warm southern light has sweeping views designerd Italian tile eelegant, perfect for of the Bay & Alcatraz. anda glass. Granite and Twin Peaks and city views. Designer kitchen with limestone counters, mosaic back eentertaining. Wood 1-car parking & kitchenk with island. splash, modern cabinetry and open island. Cherry hardwood floors, plantation shutters, floors throughout. deeded storage. GenerousG closets LLarge private deck. limestone counters, and designer finishes throughout. Three full bedrooms and two Great location! anda storage. 1725PierceSt.com1 1998Pacific205.com 2040franklin504.com2 full baths. Master bedroom suite has separate dressing room and two closets leading Trent Fashimpaur Robert Vernon Kim Barnes to master bath. Grand hallway offers access to laundry, storage and rooftop access. (415) 321-3112 (415) 321-4207 (415) 730-2593 Two additional bedrooms boast bright light and large built-out closets. One car garage parking. Where else can you find this kind of beautiful and gracious space at this Pacific Heights Pacific Heights These are just a few of the price point just 2 blocks from the heart of the Fillmore District! $599,000 $560,000 homes you’ll find for sale at CityCityCity s s s SSun Drenched RussianR Hill & Hill & Co. Stop by our offices #%#"1,(t.-4t0òFSFEBU   CCorner Condo. WaterW Views From EEnjoy picturesque PrivateP Terrace. to see more, or visit our Web site at eeast views of BeautifulB box www.hill-co.com. LLafayette Park from studio.s Custom tthis 1BD/1BA/1Pkg built-insb have queen Also Announcing: ccondo. Spacious bed,b desk/dining Jeannine Barnard lliving room/dining ttable, electronic My new “Home Sweet Home” at 2523 California Street rroom with beautiful storages ++. Pretty

Zephyr’s Pacific Heights Office! 415.203.1976 pparquet wood floors, hardwoodh floors, [email protected] ccrown molding, wallw of windows. Feel free to ask for advice and floor-to-ceiling east- LargeL double closets. (415) 921-6000 • www.hill-co.com

information for future planning now. ffacing windows. 1-car deed parking. I’m here for the long term! Easy as 2121Laguna2.com2 2040Franklin506.com2 Offices on Lombard Street, morning coffee at Peet’s! Stephanie Ahlberg Kim Barnes Union Street and 24th Street (415) 321-4232 (415) 730-2593 TTThe CThe CThe C 14 NEW FILLMORE June 2009 Best The City’s June 2009 NEW FILLMORE 15 NNotot mmanyany ccitiesities ccanan bboastoast a vvibrantibrant ssectionection ooff ttownown tthathat iiss uupscalepscale bbutut aapproachable,pproachable, ffashionableashionable bbutut nnotot eelitist,litist, ccomfortableomfortable wwithoutithout bbeingeing bboring.oring. SSanan FFrancisco’srancisco’s FFillmoreillmore iiss aallll tthesehese — aand,nd, bbestest ooff aall,ll, iit’st’s nnotot sstrivingtriving ttoo bbee ooriginal.riginal. IItt jjustust iis.s. — Gourmet magazine

ART & ANTIQUES GIFTS & FLOWERS RESALE Fillmore Estates Blooming Floral Design Crossroads Trading Co. 2450 Fillmore 567-1447 2182 Sutter 749-1533 1901 Fillmore 775-8885 Kuraya Japanese Antiques Cottage Industry Goodwill Industries 2425 California 885-3313 2328 Fillmore 885-0326 1699 Fillmore 441-2159 Mureta’s Antiques Fillmore Florist Next-To-New Shop 2418 Fillmore 922-5652 1880 Fillmore 929-5200 2226 Fillmore 567-1627 Narumi Japanese Antiques In Water Repeat Performance 1902 Fillmore 346-8629 2132 Fillmore 359-1232 2436 Fillmore 563-3123 Thomas Reynolds Gallery Nest Seconds to Go 2291 Pine 441-4093 2300 Fillmore 292-6199 2252 Fillmore 563-7806 Walter Adams Framing Papyrus 2019B Fillmore 922-6811 2109 Fillmore 474-1171 SERVICES Winterbranch Gallery Paper Source Artists Inn 2119 Fillmore 673-2119 1925 Fillmore 409-7710 2231 Pine 346-1919 Bank of America CLOTHING & SHOES HOME & GARDEN 2310 Fillmore 650-615-4700 Betsey Johnson Design Within Reach Copy.net 2121 Fillmore 776-0669 1913 Fillmore 567-1236 2404 California 567-5888 Blu Duxiana Invision Optometry 2259 Fillmore 776-0643 1803 Fillmore 673-7134 1907 Fillmore 563-9003 Cielo Jonathan Adler Jet Mail 2225 Fillmore 776-0641 2133 Fillmore 563-9500 2130 Fillmore 922-9402 Crosswalk Shoes New Asian Style Music Lovers Audio 2122 Fillmore 921-0292 1906 Fillmore 346-3378 2285 Bush 345-8111 De Novo Shabby Chic R. Carrie Insurance 2413 California 563-5937 2185 Fillmore 771-3881 2140 Sutter 567-7660 Eileen Fisher Studio D S.F. Boot & Shoe Repair 2216 Fillmore 346-2133 2184 Sutter 346-9694 2448 Fillmore 567-6176 Elizabeth Charles Timeless Treasures Skyline Cellular 2056 Fillmore 440-2100 2176 Sutter 775-8366 1920 Post 751-8282 Erica Tanov Zinc Details UPS Store 2408 Fillmore 674-1228 1905 Fillmore 776-2100 2443 Fillmore 922-6245 Gimme Shoes Walgreens 2358 Fillmore 441-3040 1899 Fillmore 771-1568 JEWELRY Heidi Says Wells Fargo 2426 Fillmore 749-0655 Aumakua 2100 Fillmore 396-4453 2238 Fillmore 673-4200 Heidi Says Casual 2416 Fillmore 749-1144 Eric Trabert Goldsmith 2420 Fillmore 567-8887 Heidi Says Shoes 2105 Fillmore 409-6850 Gallery of Jewels 2115 Fillmore 771-5099 Her 2053 Fillmore 923-9628 Linco & Co. 1908 Fillmore 931-8228 Jigsaw 2121 Fillmore 931-5520 NEWS & BOOKS Limu 2237 Fillmore 567-9500 Browser Books 2195 Fillmore 567-8027 LTH Market 1919 Fillmore 567-1735 Juicy News 2453 Fillmore 441-3051 Marc by Marc Jacobs 2142 Fillmore 447-8940 Marcus Books 1712 Fillmore 346-4222 Margaret O’Leary 2400 Fillmore 771-9982 Metro 200 2116 Fillmore 776-5652 Mio 2035 Fillmore 931-5620 My Boudoir 2029 Fillmore 346-1502 Mrs. Dewson’s Hats 2052 Fillmore 346-1600 Muse Ten 1820 Fillmore 922-6873 Nomadic Outfitters 2426 California 345-8338 Paolo Shoes PETS 2000 Fillmore 885-5701 Aqua Forest Aquarium 1718 Fillmore 929-8883 Ralph Lauren 2040 Fillmore 440-6536 Barry for Pets Romi Boutique 1840 Fillmore 346-8899 2040 Fillmore 922-7664 George 2411 California 441-0564 sunhee moon 1833 Fillmore 928-1800 Pets Unlimited 2343 Fillmore 563-6700 Toujours 2484 Sacramento 346-3988

www.FillmoreStreetSF.com