Crossing Guards: the Road to Safety

WINTER 2014 VOLUME 32, NO. 4

Glen Canyon Park Trail Upgrades Take Crossing Guards: The Road to Safety A Step at a Time he Recreation and Park Department’s 15-month Glen T Canyon Trails Improvement Project is expected to be completed in early 2015. Work crews soon will maneuver their last Bobcat earth mover out of the can- by yon, along Alms Road, Murray exiting San Francisco’s Schneider 70-acre natural area and leaving in their wake freshly minted recreational trails built with scores of sturdy box steps to make the park easier to navigate. Funded by the voter-backed 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, to the tune of $900,000, the project was supported with two additional grants totaling $320,587. More financing came from the 2013 Habitat Conservation Fund in the amount of $130,000. Together, the upgrades cost $1.35 million. Rhonda Cash helps keep pedestrians safe at busy Bosworth and Diamond intersection. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf Recreation and Park’s Trails Project, which was planned over several years an Francisco’s surge of traffic ber of deaths in 2014 involving people steady stream of cars heading to and during 12 community meetings, also injuries and fatalities in recent who walk, bike and travel by motor from the freeway ramps—a scenario removed hazardous trees, improved S years has prompted the City vehicles was approaching 30 in early that puts people at risk. And while the drainage, conducted sediment basin to adopt the ambitious Vision Zero December. intersection may not have landed on repair and updated Americans with policy, which calls for None of the most dangerous loca- the unenviable most dangerous list, it Disabilities Act (ADA) access between by eliminating all traffic tions are located in Glen Park. But the nonetheless is a challenging place to Zachary Bosworth Street and the Silver Tree fatalities by 2024. neighborhood’s busiest intersection, at navigate safely. Clark camp-Glenridge nursery school site. Just 6 percent of the Diamond and Bosworth streets, has But every weekday, there’s an old- Glen Canyon strollers, dog walkers, intersections in San Francisco account high-volume pedestrian traffic, mul- fashioned traffic-safety program at summer campers, nursery school chil- for 60 percent of the fatal and serious tiple Muni bus lines and private shut- work: crossing guards. Their names CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 collisions, a sobering fact as the num- tle buses maneuvering through, and a are Rhonda Cash and Le Ta, and the Diamond-Bosworth intersection is their domain. Glen Park Businesses Get into the Holiday Spirit The City is preparing to start a At a loss for what to buy for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year? As usual, the streetscape safety improvement project merchants in downtown Glen Park can help you check off every name on your list. at Diamond and Bosworth. New side- And with just a little bit of effort, you can find things from right here in Glen Park. walk extensions at existing bus stops CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 By Gail Bensinger Gifts Over at Glen Park Hardware, Hal and Susan Tauber have GLEN PARK Eyedentity on Diamond Street sells custom-made beaded stocked one item that couldn’t be closer to home—hand- ASSOCIATION eyeglasses cords made by a local resident, for $20 apiece. some greeting cards hand-painted by their daughter Robin. QUARTERLY MEETING Other cords cost only $6. The store sells mostly prescription They’re blank on the inside so you can personalize your glasses, but they do stock Eyebobs reading glasses ($85) or Wednesday, January 14, 7 p.m. holiday message—nicer than a computer-generated letter. St. John School non-prescription sunglasses that range from $170 to $450. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 925 Chenery St.

GLEN PARK ELECTION RESULTS ~ PG. 5 MUSICIAN CHUCK PETERSON ~ PG. 10 REMEMBERING FADI MALOUF ~ PG. 15 2 Glen Park News | Winter 2014

S FROM THE EDITORS S GLEN PARK he tables on the other side of the McCurdy, who founded the business City, not rent, but it still leaves a hole NEWS big windows were set, awaiting 12 years ago, had several years to go on in our business district. T the evening’s diners, but the sign her lease when she was hit with a huge Readers who have been following The Glen Park News is pub- on Chenery Park’s door thanked the rent increase. The building owner had Marc Dickow’s real estate columns in claimed lease violations in demanding lished quarterly by the Glen neighborhood for “14 great years.” the Glen Park News (see Page 18) are The restaurant that put Glen Park on the higher rent. familiar with the phenomenon of ever- Park Association. Signed articles the culinary map shut down without Through mediation, a smaller rising home prices here. The term “over are the opinions of the authors advance notice in November, leav- increase and a new, longer lease were asking” has been part of the vocabu- and not necessarily those of the ing another store- lary of every would-be Glen Park Association. front vacant. Joe buyer and practically Kowal, who had A NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS BASIC BUSINESSES LIKE every homeowner, bought out his whether new to the Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gordon longtime Chenery LAUNDERETTES AND FULL-SERVICE BANKS AS WELL AS neighborhood or long- Park partners not established. Deputy Editor Gail Bensinger that long ago, was ENTERPRISES THAT CAN AFFORD HIGH RENTS. In the fall issue of reportedly facing a the Glen Park News, Copy Editor Denis Wade large rent increase Dickow reported, for the three-story restaurant at 683 negotiated. McCurdy said she didn’t the median sale price of a new Glen Photo Editor Liz Mangelsdorf Chenery St. want to relocate from the double-store- Park single-family home was about Instead, he decided to let the lease front location and jeopardize longtime $1.3 million. This quarter, that figure Design Editor Liz Mangelsdorf expire and concentrate on his other res- relationships with the clinic’s clients. topped $1.4 million. There are many taurant, Eureka, on 18th Street in the Another storefront, where Tina’s reasons to the hot real estate market Online Editor Elizabeth Weise Castro. The closure meant the end of Laundromat once handled the laundry here, of course, including the appeal kids’ nights on Tuesdays and witty sea- of both residents and nearby busi- of taking BART to the downtown Advertising Nora Dowley sonal decorations in those big windows, nesses, has been vacant since August. tech corridor along Market Street, the not to mention the best mac and cheese That business, too, closed rather than “Google buses” that stop outside the Distribution and fried chicken in our zip code. face a big rent hike. The decision to BART station, and the easy access to Manager Murray Schneider Up the street, the doors of East-West close the Citibank branch across from Silicon Valley via Interstate 280. Integrative Medicine Clinic at 605 the BART station two weeks before Yet the appeal of Glen Park extends Reporters Gail Bensinger Chenery St. remain open, but it was Christmas was due to corporate policy far beyond the ease of getting some- Zachary Clark touch and go there for a while. Marnie at company headquarters in New York where else. The business streetscape is Rachel Gordon a part of that formula. Murray Schneider We welcome the new restaurants that Susan Sutton Glen Park News Columnists followed after Chenery Park proved Bonnee Waldstein people here had a taste for fine dining. But we also value Glen Park Columnists Marc Dickow Provide Unique Perspectives Hardware, Destination Baking Co., the Betsy Eddy The Glen Park News, pub- Whenever one of our columnists branch library, Perch, Critter Fritters Kay Hamilton Estey lished quarterly by the Glen Park decides to move on, it’s a loss and and Canyon Market, the coffee houses, Jennifer Helton Association, is a labor of love pro- a signal that newspapers, like the lunch places and ethnic eateries, and Michael Rice duced by a dedicated team of vol- subjects they cover, evolve. Our long- the hair and nail salons. Amy St.Clair diLaura unteers that writes and edits stories, time “In Glen Canyon Park” colum- When Tommy Baik greets you Katrin Reimuller takes photos, designs the pages, writes nist Monika Lewis, who got squeezed by name with a smile at Glen Park Scott Wiener the headlines, sells the ads and deliv- for time due to a new full-time job, Cleaners, or Rick Malouf remembers ers 3,800 copies to neighborhood wrote her last column for us in the what you bought the last time you Photographer Gail Bensinger homes and businesses each March, fall issue. We will miss her insights shopped at Cheese Boutique, or Eric Stephen Labovsky June, September and December. on nature in the canyon and park Whittington turns his bookstore into Liz Mangelsdorf Most of the staff lives in Glen activities. a jazz mecca every weekend, you and Paul Matalucci Park. Some are, or were, professional She followed in the footsteps of they are both woven tighter into the Murray Schneider journalists who want to give back to other formidable canyon columnists, neighborhood fabric. the community; others simply have among them Jean Conner–nature Certainly, landlords are entitled to a gift for writing and picture-taking lover, Friends of Glen Canyon Park fair returns on their properties. That’s 2912 Diamond St. #407 and are willing to share their talents activist, tireless volunteer worker in the a given. But a neighborhood needs San Francisco, CA 94131 to tell stories about Glen Park canyon–whose column first appeared basic businesses like launderettes and (415) 908-6728 Threading the paper together in 1994 and continued regularly every full-service banks as well as enterprises [email protected] from one edition to the next is our quarter for 13 years. The editors are that can afford high rents. Balance is cadre of columnists who write about on the hunt for a new columnist, but everything. real estate, local schools, gardening, in the meantime, we will continue to One more note on the subject of To advertise in the Glen Park News politics, public safety, the library and cover our neighborhood’s prized park- closures: The Sunday Farmers’ Market call 908-6728 or e-mail advertis- our park. land in regular news stories. in the BART parking lot is closed for [email protected]. It’s not easy to come up with fresh We also welcome our new “Check the season. Its reopening in 2015 is ideas for column fodder every three It Out at the Library” columnist, one more reason to look forward to months, but our columnists, rooted Katrin Reimuller (see column, Pg. 6, spring. In the meantime, the volunteers P deep in their areas of expertise, excel and story, Pg. 7) who recently took who produce and deliver the Glen Park at keeping their topics relevant and over as head of the Glen Park Branch A News wish happy holidays to everyone interesting. Library from Denise Sanderson. in Glen Park.v Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 3

S GPA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN S GPA Board of Directors and Officers ecember: Your email in-box and Sally says, “With signage, which will end in Glen Canyon Park. U.S. mail slot have streams of include common name, family, genus, The Troupe missed Glen Park during for 2014 D end-of-year solicitations from species and country or area of origin, the 2013 playground reconstruction. charities, foundations, conservancies, it will become a point for teaching. But we heard that Glen Park would President funds, clubs, action groups—for wild- Many school groups visit the conser- not be on their 2014 schedule because Michael Rice life, social services, parks, international vatory. The relationships of various of other financial straits. The Mime [email protected] Troupe proposed a $1,000 grant to aid, refugees, medical research, food plants will be indicated through family Vice President banks, human rights, museums. or genus commonality. Some of the support a Glen Park date. We made the Nicholas Dewar You made a contribution last year, plant classification will perhaps sur- grant, with the stipulation that Glen [email protected] or perhaps once, three years ago. They prise gardeners, as genetic studies have Park was confirmed, and the happy Membership Secretary have your email address. changed and outdated whole families event came in August. Sally Ross by They call your phone and renamed geneses, such as the genus These are some of the worthy needs [email protected] Michael number, but Caller ID Datura and family Agavaceae.” I am right here in Glen Park, and I encourage us to think about where our sup- Recording Secretary Rice is a wonderful thing. looking forward to learning more about Janice Levy You look at these Agavaceae. port and donations can make a differ- [email protected] pleas and requests, and then pick a few A $700 GPA grant funded a por- ence in our neighborhood. to help. An envelope or web donation tion of the cost of the signage through Finally, but importantly, the GPA Communications Secretary grant program continues. We are always Mic Ames goes off to somewhere in San Francisco, FOSC. (Sally is also GPA’s diligent [email protected] New York, Sacramento, Oakland. membership secretary, but she did looking for organizations and ideas to But let’s look in Glen Park during not participate in the decision on the help the Glen Park community. The Treasurer this season. One year ago, in December FOSC grant.) application process is very straightfor- Dennis Mullen [email protected] 2013, we announced the Glen Park On a sunny Saturday in August, ward. Look at www.glenparkassociation. Association’s new grants program. We the San Francisco Mime Troupe’s jazz org/grants. (The GPA board recently Glen Park News Editor offered grants up to $2,000 to orga- wafted up from the green fields near the updated the grant guidelines, to clarify Rachel Gordon nizations, institutions or public agen- playground in Glen Canyon Park. A big that recipients should be 501(c)(3) non- [email protected] cies to fund neighborhood projects or crowd listened, laughed, and applauded profits, or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal spon- GPA Online News Editor services. In 2014, the outcome of the “Ripple Effect,” a sharp, funny, topical sor, and that grants cannot be used for Elizabeth Weise grant program is all around us: show about jobs, housing and love in further fund-raising activities.) [email protected] Friday nights, the crowd spills out the tech world of San Francisco. The A good holiday season and Happy Housing Chair from Bird & Beckett’s Jazz in the Mime Troupe, now going on 50-plus New Year to all. v Bruce Bonacker Bookshop. There’s a donation jar for years of political theater in the parks [email protected] the musicians and the wine, but owner of San Francisco and the Bay Area, had Michael Rice is president of the Glen Glen Park News Advertising Rep. Eric Whittington has to raise about always performed one summer week- Park Association. Nora Dowley $25,000 for the weekly “neighborhood [email protected] jazz party”—which Eric promotes “as Health & Environment Chair the longest-running uninterrupted Giants Celebration! Stephany Wilkes gathering of its kind in the city.” [email protected] There’s no admission charge, an early Neighborhood Improvement Chair evening weekly schedule, refreshments, John Walmsley and professional jazz musicians hold- [email protected] ing forth for two sets each Friday. Program Chair Eric told me that the $700 grant Carolyn Deacy received from the Glen Park Association [email protected] “has really cemented the neighborhood’s support” for his efforts to pres- Public Safety Chairs Carolyn Deacy, Hilary Schiraldi ent a robust schedule of performances, [email protected] “with guaranteed pay to the musicians pretty comparable to what they can Recreation & Parks Chair make at most any venue elsewhere in Ashley Hathaway [email protected] town. The musicians make it clear time and again how much they appreciate Transportation and Parking Chair Lewison Lem the audiences they find at B&B, and A crowd gathers in front [email protected] the reliability of the pay. of Glen Park Station to Since B&B got the grant, it has added watch the final game Zoning & Planning Chair a Jazz Club series on Saturday nights of the World Series, Tanya Treis and a once-a-month second-Sundays left. Above, Glen Park [email protected] Surf-a-Billy Swing Time Dance Party. residents celebrate the Over at the Sunnyside Conservatory Giants victory at the The mission of the Glen Park on Monterey Boulevard, new per- corner of Diamond and Association is to promote the collective Chenery streets. manent plant labels for the thriving interests of all persons living in Glen Park, to inform and educate about botanical collection will be in place neighborhood and citywide issues, to in early 2015. Sally Ross, a longtime Photos by Liz promote sociability and friendships Friends of the Sunnyside Conservatory Mangelsdorf (top) and and to support beneficial neighbor- (FOSC) activist, helped put together Stephen Labovsky hood projects. the plan for the signs. v 4 Glen Park News | Winter 2014

S NEWS FROM CITY HALL S

’m soliciting feedback from Glen housing needs is to allow and encour- people recognize that we must create is, a building’s height or bulk cannot Park residents about possible legis- age people to add in-law units in their additional, diverse housing opportu- be expanded to create the unit—and I lation to allow Glen Park property existing buildings—for example, by nities for our residents. The Board of must be created from spaces not owners to add new secondary units— converting garages, large storage areas Supervisors recently passed legislation currently being used for residential also known as in-law units or acces- or partially above-ground basements to allow existing illegal in-law units to purposes. An existing residential unit sory units—into the existing enve- into living units. be legalized, and also passed legislation cannot be divided to create an in-law lope of their buildings. The legislation According to various studies, in-law I authored to allow for the creation of unit. also would include Noe Valley, and units are the most affordable type new in-law units in the Castro. I’m The Building Code will be applied would track successful flexibly, similar to the treatment of by legislation I authored ONE STRATEGY TO ADDRESS OUR CITY’S historic buildings under the State Supervisor earlier this year to allow Historic Building Code, except for Scott new in-law units in the HOUSING NEEDS IS TO ALLOW AND ENCOURAGE life safety issues. In-law units in rent- Wiener Castro. I’ll be attending controlled buildings also will be rent- the January Glen Park PEOPLE TO ADD IN-LAW UNITS controlled. Under our City code, if Association meeting to discuss the a garage is converted into a living proposal. IN THEIR EXISTING BUILDINGS. unit, the associated curb cut must be San Franciscans disagree about many removed and the full curb restored, issues, but one fact on which we all which usually creates a new street agree is that our city is in the midst of of non-subsidized housing, since they currently authoring legislation to allow parking space. a housing crisis. Rents are through the tend to be modest in nature and on owners of buildings undergoing seis- I look forward to receiving feed- roof, and homes prices are increasingly the ground floor. They’re also ideal for mic retrofits to add in-law units while back from the community and to out of reach for middle- and working- seniors and people who have trouble they’re at it. discussing the proposal at the January class people. We need to employ vari- getting up and down stairs. They can The Castro legislation, on which the Glen Park Association meeting. v ous strategies to address this problem, be a good option for housing family Glen Park-Noe Valley legislation will including building more housing in members or simply for creating new be based, allows owners to add either Scott Wiener represents District 8, general, creating affordable housing rental units. one or two in-law units into their which includes Glen Park, on the San and keeping people stable in their San Francisco has historically been buildings, depending on the buildings’ Francisco Board of Supervisors. More existing housing. hostile to in-law units, but that size. The units must be within the information is available at www. One strategy to address our city’s dynamic is changing as more and more existing envelope of the building—that scottwiener.com.

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Vision Service Plan accepted Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 5 Glen Park: How We Voted in Last Election len Park residents flexed their citywide, with Prop. G losing with only local transportation policy, lost citywide ing from the more moderate forces. electoral muscle in the Nov. 45 percent “yes” votes, and Prop. K win- with 37 percent approval, while Glen “Glen Park is not far from the Bernal G4 election, which had a hotly ning with 65 percent approval. Park’s approval plummeted to an ane- Heights home of Supervisor Campos, contested race for the state Assembly Of the three ballot measures that dealt mic 29 percent. and Supervisor Chiu identified the Glen and a roster of ballot measures deal- with transportation, Glen Park voters The battle for the 17th Assembly Park neighborhood as a potential swing ing with the oft-contentious issues of sided with San Francisco voters as a District seat was fierce in San Francisco, district that could make the difference housing and transportation. whole, but the outcome was more lop- with the two candidates, David Chiu in the election outcome as early as the With 4,976 registered voters in Glen sided. The upshot: residents in this tran- and David Campos—and their battal- spring primary season,” Lem said. “At Park, the turnout in the neighborhood sit-rich neighborhood served by Muni ions of proxies—campaigning hard in the end of Election Day, Supervisor Chiu was 63 percent, considerably higher and BART are pro-transit and willing to Glen Park. They showed up in person, won more Glen Park voters to his side.” than the 53 percent logged spend money on improvements. shaking hands at the BART station, the Chiu, who squeezed out a slim vic- by citywide. Rachel Proposition A, the $500 million Sunday farmers’ market, and the com- tory, bested Campos 56–44 percent in An analysis of the election Gordon transportation bond, won with 72 per- mercial corridor. Neighborhood voters Glen Park—5 percentage points higher results by Lewison Lem, cent support citywide and 74 percent in also got bombarded with campaign calls than the rest of the Assembly district, a Glen Park Association Glen Park. Proposition B, which would and mailers. which represents the eastern portion of board member and a public policy con- set aside millions more for Muni opera- Chiu and Campos, colleagues on the San Francisco. sultant, found that Glen Park is a swing tions every year, based on population Board of Supervisors, who share not only “Glen Park voters may as a result voting district. growth, won with 61 percent citywide first names but Harvard law degrees have made the difference in the closely On the two housing issues— and 63 percent in Glen Park. and an allegiance to the Democratic fought election,” Lem said. Proposition G, a pro-tenant measure Proposition L, an advisory measure Party, are politically in the same orbit Glen Park’s representative on the opposed by real estate interests, and placed on the ballot by petition that by national standards: liberals with San Board of Supervisors, Scott Wiener, Proposition K, a policy directive to build would have restricted new parking Francisco values. But Campos was the won his re-election bid for the District more affordable housing in the city— meters in San Francisco and given the favored candidate of the city’s progres- 8 seat handily, obtaining 78 percent of Glen Park mirrored the will of the voters pro-car forces more consideration in sive flank while Chiu had strong back- the vote in a field of five candidates. v Halloween Glen Park Style

A Halloween reveler enjoys an adult beverage while his baby is served up on a platter of vegetables, above. A house on Chenery street is decorated with graves and skeletons.

Photos by Liz Mangelsdorf 6 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 S CHECK IT OUT AT THE LIBRARY S et me introduce myself: I am the the Library, starts in January with new branch manager and children’s Wine Pairings: Beyond Red & White L librarian at the Glen Park Library. (Saturday, Jan. 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m.). I am delighted to be in the neighbor- Cynthia Hogan, wine buyer for Canyon hood. Market, will explain components of wine and how they complement food. by The library will be Katrin hopping with programs Wine will be tasted; the session is open Reimuller for the rest of 2014 and to those 21 and older. into 2015. For the new year, art educator Lauren In December, we have Rock Out at Owenmark will lead Self-Exploration the Library with Alison Faith Levy Through Creativity (Saturday, Jan. (Saturday, Dec. 20, 31, 3:30–5 p.m.), an 2–3 p.m.). Formerly GLEN PARK enlightening work- of the beloved Sippy LIBRARY HOURS shop where partici- Cups, Alison per- Monday/Tuesday 10-6, pants will create col- laged cards that help forms a high-energy Wednesday 12-8, set of songs on gui- with life’s questions Thursday 12-7, tar and accordion, and transitions. To including songs from Friday/Saturday 1-6, attend, sign up in per- her album “World of Sunday 1-5 son, or call 355-2858. Wonder,” traditional Self-exploration for children’s tunes, and classic rock. the younger set will The crafty can make Fabric Envelopes be at Art on the Go (Saturday, Jan. 17, for cards and gifts (Saturday, Dec. 13, 2–3 p.m.), children will create a puppet 3–4:30 p.m.). Teens and preteens will and background map that reflects their have a chance to make LED light-up own dreams, inspired by author J. Otto crafts with GoGoCrafts (Thursday, Seibold’s character, Mr. Lunch. Dec. 18, 3:30–5 p.m.). Space for both Make a Lucky Fish! (Saturday, Feb. events is limited; sign up in person or 21, 2–3 p.m.), honoring Lunar New call 355-2858. Year, is a red-envelope craft workshop. For the literary-minded, we will host Reserve a space in person at the library, a Poets 11 2014 Reading, a city- or call 355-2858.v wide poetry contest and reading series, (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6–7 p.m.). Katrin Reimuller is the new chief librar- The new food series, Taste it @ ian of the Glen Park Branch Library.

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GLEN PARK DENTAL Conveniently located across the G590 Bosworth Street • San Francisco street from Glen Park BART! Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 7 Glen Park’s New Librarian Branches Out atrin Reimuller’s first career was the city. Then for a while she managed spatial relationships—important les- as a lawyer. Her second was as the entire bookmobile fleet, which sons disguised as play. K a stay-at-home mom. Her third once had six vehicles but now is down Another important area she cited is is being a librarian, most recently to four. STEM programs for kids of all ages. the new branch manager of the Glen Next came a stint at the Main STEM—science, technology, engi- Park Library, where she Library as elementary services coordi- neering and math—has seen a lot of by landed in mid-Novem- nator, with responsibility for children activities around the country aimed at Gail ber. from kindergarten age through middle exposing students, especially girls, to Bensinger In a small office filled school. Now, in Glen Park, she is both learning in those fields. It even has its with unpacked boxes, branch manager and chief children’s own website: www.ed.gov/stem. Reimuller took time out from her busy librarian, overseeing 10 full- and part- That seems like a natural for Glen second day on the job to talk about her time employees who serve readers in Park, where so many parents of young previous posts as a children’s librar- all age brackets. (Some vacancies will children are connected with the world ian and her pleasure at being in our be filled soon, she said.) of technology in its various forms. neighborhood. She replaced Denise Our branch already has a large, But first, Reimuller said, she wants to Sanderson, who has moved nearby to sunny section, separated from the determine “what the community needs be manager of the Noe Valley branch adults’ area, filled with kids’ books, and wants.” library. and a solid calendar of special chil- Public libraries are one of the best This is Reimuller’s first assignment dren’s programs, on which she plans things about America, she declared. If to a branch library during her eight- to build. they didn’t exist and someone came up New Library Manager Katrin Reimuller. year tenure with the San Francisco One of those unpacked boxes con- with the idea of a place with free access help from trained professionals, “It Public Library. Her first post in the tained Legos, which Reimuller called to books, publications and computer would never be funded.” system was as manager of the children’s valuable in exposing youngsters to services, where customers can search on Reimuller lives in North Berkeley, bookmobile, which took her all over things like creativity, structure and their own in open stacks and request where two of her three children, a sixth-grader and a high school sopho- New Mandarin Immersion Guide for Parents more, still live at home; her 20-year- old is a junior in college. She travels to len Park’s knowledge is needed work via BART—“the commuting is Beth Weise by either the students really good.” She previously worked in G doesn’t speak or their parents. the East Bay at the El Sobrante Library Mandarin, although Mandarin immer- and the Contra Costa County library she “kind of” under- sion also is avail- system. stands it. But her two able at other San She was born in Southern California, daughters do, thanks Francisco Unified but her family moved to Pt. Arena to the Mandarin School District in Mendocino County when she was immer- schools, including Jose by 7. She attended Cabrillo College and sion pro- Ortega Elementary. Gail San Francisco State as an undergrad- Bensinger gram at A program has been uate, and holds a law degree from Starr King started at Aptos UC Berkeley and a library science Elementary School on Middle School, and degree from San Jose State. Reimuller Potrero Hill. one is planned for practiced law briefly before beginning “I had always Lincoln High School. Career No. 2, and still values some hoped my kids would Nationally, there are of the lessons from that period of her grow up bilingual,” 184 Mandarin pro- life—analytical, prioritizing and writ- said Weise, whose day grams. ing skills. job is as a reporter at Weise had joined Her busy daily schedule affords “lim- USA Today. the Starr King PTA— ited free time” for personal reading, Just as her elder Weise with her new book, “A Parent’s Guide to Madarin Immersion.” “the typical mom although she reads the New Yorker on daughter was about Photo by Gail Bensinger thing”—and started to start school, Starr writing a blog about her tablet during her BART commutes. King’s immersion program began, immersion works,” Weise said. the program for other parents who She makes use of Zinio, a smartphone and both Zhou Qing, now 13, and Immersion learning encompasses had started a Mandarin support group. and tablet app available free through 11-year-old Zhou Yi (for this article, more than just language classes. The The research and writing gave her the the library website, for access to digital Weise asked that only their Chinese youngest students are taught all sub- idea of publishing the handbook. magazines, and usually checks out the names be used) were enrolled. jects except English reading and writ- She also maintains the Glen Park Huffington Post and the New York Out of that experience came a ing in the specified language. That Association website (glenparkasso- Times online. People magazine, she “labor of love”—a self-published, gradually is reduced until, in the fifth ciation.org), and edited the Glen said, is a “guilty pleasure.” 458-page book entitled “A Parent’s grade, lessons are half Chinese, half Park News until she decided to write As Reimuller settled into her Guide to Mandarin Immersion.” It’s English. the book, which she estimated would new job in Glen Park, she was still available on Amazon or at Bird & And while the market is tiny, it take a few months. Now, two and unpacking boxes and getting to know Beckett Books ($18.95). A e-book is growing. When Qing started first a half years later, “I’ve written the the branch’s patrons, staff and collec- version is in the works ($9.95). grade, the Starr King program had book that I wish I had had when we tions. “I’m super-excited to be back “It’s a ‘niche’ book, but there was no more than 30 students, and now were contemplating this program for in a bricks-and-mortar library,” she nothing written about how Chinese it’s more than 180. No prior language our kids.” v said. v 8 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 Park Trail Upgrades Take One Step at a Time CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 dren and their parents now will enjoy improved pedestrian access in a sanc- tuary removed from the city’s urban bustle. Along trails named Gum Tree Girls, Islais Creek and Coyote Crags, they can continue observing coyotes, red-tailed hawks, great-horned owls and white-crowned sparrows. “The canyon trail work is great and it’ll benefit the young and old, joggers and walkers,” said Jim Hanratty, a park volunteer who lives on the first block of Stillings Avenue. “There’s a little something for everyone.” Winding through a variety of habi- tats, from riparian willow to rocky grass and scrublands on the canyon’s steep eastern slope, recreational walkers can negotiate a path from Elk Street to Christopher Playground in Diamond Heights. It was possible to do so before construction began in October 2013, but now, assisted by durable box steps and stringer steps, hikers have a reduced A man and his canine companion walk on an improved trail in Glen Canyon. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf risk of faltering or straying off trail, which in past years contributed to ero- split-rail fencing, hikers can observe Yet to be constructed is a path that Park’s greenway centerpiece. sion and endangered sensitive habitat Franciscan chert outcrops and eucalyp- will be the length of three football When completed, walkers will be areas. tus and redwood trees, each of which fields, which eventually will switchback able to take a dogleg trail to the west Taking advantage of three new borders either the east or west side of through San Francisco Unified School of the Turquoise Way homes supported stream crossings, canyon users of all one of San Francisco’s two remaining District property and add the final high above the trail on stanchions, step ages can now better take in several above-ground running creeks. link in Recreation and Park’s Creeks to along a newly built Islais Creek stream Islais Creek restoration refuges. While What caps the project, though, is a Peaks Trail vision. crossing and, following interpretative protected by new retaining walls and final 300-yard segment of trail mosaic. With that project in mind, Phil and way-finding signage, strike a path Ginsburg, general manager of the to Portola Drive. Recreation and Parks Department Utilizing this green-belt throughway, weighed in: “The Creeks to Peaks walkers never again will need suf- Trail project is a model trail system. It fer exhaust fumes from cars along provides easy public access to a natural O’Shaughnessy Boulevard. oasis in an urban environment.” Heading north, leaving the School Seeded with $85,000, Creeks to of the Arts behind them, hikers will be Peaks is a featured project of the San able to cross heavily trafficked Portola Francisco Park Alliance, which held a Drive at Glenview Drive and continue gala dinner in September at the Randall up an uninterrupted stretch that leads Museum to trumpet Recreation and to Twin Peaks. v

Crews build new trailway steps in Glen Canyon. Photo Murray Schneider Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 9

S NEWS FROM DIAMOND HEIGHTS S

or readers unfamiliar with the expectation of renovating the play struc- history of Diamond Heights, tures and access walkways at George F here’s some background. Until the Christopher Playground. 1960s the area had few homes or trees, Diamond Heights Boulevard and consisted mainly Median Project: The Diamond by of barren ground, with Heights Boulevard Median Project Betsy some grassland where held its third workday on Oct. 11. Eddy dairy cows grazed. A Project head Paul Matalucci organized rock quarry was situated volunteers to plant the median islands where Walter Haas Park now delights from Addison Street to Berkeley Way. people of all ages. Plans for 2015 include a monthly In the 1950s, the Redevelopment workday to groom and maintain the Agency purchased the land to build new plantings, and to plant the wide a model community that included median islands between Diamond and affordable and market-rate housing, a Duncan streets. Enormous gratitude shopping center, a school—now the is felt for Paul and the volunteers who San Francisco Police Academy—and are turning barren patches of dirt into homes for three faith-based organiza- attractive landscapes. If you’d like more tions that won their places in the com- information or to support the project, munity by lottery. contact Paul at [email protected] or Monterey pines and New England 826-0445, or visit dhbmedian.word- Christmas trees were among the trees press.com. planted along the sidewalks, and the Holiday Party: Our community medians were landscaped. Little has disaster planning group, Resilient changed structurally since the neigh- Diamond Heights, along with St. borhood was created, except for the Aidan’s Church and the Diamond renovations at Walter Haas Park, which Heights Shopping Center, will host reopened in 2005. a holiday party for the neighborhood Some of the Monterey pines have from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. been removed because they were at 20. The party is free and people of the end of their life expectancy, and all ages are welcome. Refreshments, Volunteers plant drought-resistant plants on the Diamond Heights Boulevard median. the median strips were no longer well music, Santa and activities for children Photos by Paul Matalucci maintained by the City due to budget will be provided. constraints. Currently there is a sense Diamond Heights Community of renewed care and concern about Association: Looking forward to 2015, SEASONS GREETINGS the appearance of the neighborhood, the DHCA will continue to work on thanks to the Median Project, the lovely projects to improve the safety and WISHING YOU ALL A Little Red Hen Community Garden at appearance of the neighborhood. Our PEACEFUL & PROSPEROUS 2015 Duncan Street and Amber Way, and the organization has advocated for a well- marked crosswalk mid-block to access the Diamond Heights Shopping Center. Far too many people have been injured taking shortcuts across busy During this time of year, we gratefully look back and reect on Diamond Heights Boulevard. family and friends. We have the good fortune of living in such Our advocacy list includes installa- a wonderful community as Glen Park. tion of sidewalks where none exist; a Some community highlights I have proudly participated in: bus shelter at Casa De Vida, home for Glen Park Festival Sponsorship Committee 24 people with disabilities; replace- Glen Park Festival Sponsor ment of trees that were removed on Glen Park Merchants Association Diamond Heights Boulevard; improvement in the Muni’s 52-Excelsior line My commitment to the community continues with my for on-time reliability; “Next Bus” continuing pledge to make a donation to a San Francisco signs at more bus stops; more disabled school of your choice for every home listed and sold in our curb cuts; and continuing support of community. Each new Glen Park homeowner will also the median project. receive a membership to the Glen Park Association. The DHCA wishes all a happy holiday season. Please contact us with sug- Follow me at: Wishing you a Healthy & Prosperous 2015 gestions for improving the safety and Facebook.com/JudyMarroccoRealtor appearance of our community. v

www.vanguardproperties.com Betsy Eddy is president of the Diamond Heights Community Association. Contact SONOMA & MARIN CO. | SAN FRANCISCO | PALM SPRINGS her at [email protected]. 10 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 Glen Park Jazzman Chuck Peterson Has huck Peterson, like Robert “For me it was always simple,” said Zimmerman, was born in Peterson. “Practice and be on time.” C Duluth, Minn. Zimmerman He also played in the pit orchestra changed his name, became Bob Dylan, at the Curran Theater when Carol and altered American music forever. Channing starred in “Hello Dolly,” and Chuck Peterson kept his name, at the Golden Gate Theater when Rex moved to San Francisco when he was Harrison played Henry Higgins in “My 20 years old and carved out a living as Fair Lady.” “I backed Yul Brynner in a working musician. ‘The King and I,’ and Mickey Rooney by “I was a journey- in ‘Sugar Babies.’ Rooney would gab Murray man horn player,” said with the band, but Brynner never came Schneider Peterson on a recent out of his dressing room.” afternoon, sipping a cup The band played for “Mame,” “Hair” of Higher Grounds coffee, sprinkled and “Sweeney Todd,” he said, “but with three tablespoons of sugar. “I’d it was “A Chorus Line” that was the just show up.” most fun to perform, because it had And he still does, continuing to play the hippest music. I played alto sax, tenor saxophone on the fourth Friday clarinet, flute and piccolo. The more of each month, as he’s done since 2002, instruments you played, the more you at Bird & Beckett Books and Records. were paid.” His next gig is scheduled for Friday, He took whatever jobs came along, Dec. 26, at 5:30 p.m. patching together a living in pass- A Glen Park resident since 1979, through bands and one-nighters. He Peterson recently moved from Martha backed Petula Clark, Tony Bennett, Street to Arlington Street, near the Sammy Davis, Jr. and Marvin Gaye. bookstore. Now 83, he’s a bit chal- And then there was Elvis. lenged by steep hills and his eyesight Chuck Peterson, left, with Bird & Beckett proprietor Eric Whittington. “We went on a four-city tour with is failing. Photos by Murray Schneider Presley, to Oakland, Portland, Seattle He moved to San Francisco in 1951, and back to the Cow Palace,” said entered San Francisco State College, as “In 1962 I got my big break: Tennessee could also play clarinet,” said Peterson. Peterson. “As jazz players, none of it was called then, and graduated with Ernie Ford came to town, and I won an “It was the best years of my life, both us knew much about him except his a BA in music. He earned a master’s audition for his new television show.” financially and professionally, and it name. degree in music and a California teach- Ford, who’d hit it big with “Sixteen led to other jobs.” “We weren’t allowed to have any con- ing credential. Tons,” put out a casting call, and Howie Ford’s show lasted from 1962 to tact with him,” he recalled, “even in the Unable to find a full-time teach- Dudune, Peterson’s San Francisco State 1965 on KGO morning television. hotel. Security was tight.” ing job, Peterson became a substitute classmate and his current band mate, Two shows were taped each day, which It wasn’t all jazz, or even rock ’n’ roll. teacher, playing music at night and passed along the tip. allowed Peterson plenty of time to take “I’d go into the recording studios in the on weekends. Along the way he and “I got the tenor sax chair, and I on night jobs and practice. Haight and on Bush and Folsom streets his wife had three children. Principals’ secretaries called him to sub, but he coveted the calls from bandleaders and “contractors” from city hotels even more. “They were called ‘casuals,’” said Peterson. “If I was lucky, I’d be called as a sideman at the Fairmont and the Mark Hopkins. It was the mid-1950s, and people wanted to dance to Glenn Miller.” Eventually, he landed a full-time job teaching music in a South San Francisco middle school, but continued picking up gigs, which is what he really loved. “I couldn’t play the music, the way I wanted, and teach, too,” Peterson said. “The last time I picked up a band leader’s baton was at a 1960 graduation ceremony. The superinten- dent was in the audience, and after ‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ he yelled, ‘You can come back anytime you want, Pete.’” But he didn’t go back, instead becom- ing a freelance musician. “I just wanted to cobble together a living,” he said. Saxophone player and longtime Glen Park resident Chuck Peterson scans the window at Bird & Beckett on Chenery Street. Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 11

Glen Park Jazzman Chuck Peterson Has Music in His Soul Marc is a true professional …in every sense of the word. I had a great feeling of conﬁ dence with him handling even the most minute details of my sales transaction. He is personable, always available and has a lot of insight into the emotional factors involved in a real estate transaction. I would recommend him to anyone who wants a person of high integrity. THSELLER

I highly recommend Marc. He was terriﬁ c to work with in helping us sell our home from a distance. The home needed major repairs, and Marc knew the right crews, handled the Peterson, right, plays his saxophone on a Friday night at Bird & Beckett. arrangements, and gave the right advice. Marc is also and record jingles for 60-second com- to push for better contract terms for easy to work with. He cares and it shows. MTSELLER mercials. Except for a Harrah’s com- working musicians, and in fact, from mercial, there were so many I’ve for- what I’ve heard, he was at the forefront gotten now what was being advertised. of winning certain contract concessions Great Results, Personable, I recorded ‘Spirit in the Sky,’ and my that helped keep the profession viable High Integrity. daughter told me recently that it was in the late 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.” I have known Marc over a decade now and his used in a Denzel Washington movie. Now, Whittington’s bookstore is “In 1984 I took a sabbatical from Peterson’s musical home. dedication to getting us a property was unparalleled. ‘La Cage aux Folles’ at the Orpheum “Chuck’s the founder,” he said of Marc knows the bay area, will listen attentively to and traveled to Japan with ‘The Wiz.’ his jazz programs. “Chuck gave us the his clients, and works hard toward fulﬁ lling their It was a New York band, but a local opportunity to get this thing started, requirements in a property. CGBUYER guy, Ron Stallings, played in it. Ron and he and his confreres are still at its played with Glen Park Hardware’s Hal center, and the young players will make Tauber in their high school band.” sure it doesn’t stop.” Peterson’s mantra was “Have chart, Jimmy Ryan, Don Prell and Scott will travel.” He never stopped work- Foster all played with Peterson. Now ing, playing his horn at Pearl’s, the Chi they are fronting their own ensembles, Chi Club, the Palace Hotel, the Circle influencing their own disciples while As a Glen Park resident I really do know how best to Star Theater and the Hilton Hotel. He entertaining Glen Park audiences. market your property. I can help you from preparing played at Bimbo’s for 18 months. “I “Chuck and his colleagues bring even played the Moulin Rouge, a strip decades of priceless experience to the your home to put on the market through the close of joint on Broadway,” Peterson winked. Bird & Beckett bandstand and embody escrow and everything in between. MARCDICKOW “The girls never talked to us guys in the a direct link to bebop’s formative years,” band, though.” Whittington said. “For young players, As a member of the American bop continues to provide a wealth of Federation of Musicians, Local 6, he musical raw material and ways of inter- earned a living wage with full medi- action in performance, so that music cal benefits. “During this time there has the potential of being always fresh was an organization called the Music and inventive.” I’m Marc Dickow and Performance Trust Fund that filtered Like the jazz he performs, Peterson’s I invite you to call me residuals from the recording industry professional life has been improvisa- anytime to discuss your to the national union, and it trickled tional, made up as it went along. down to Local 6,” said Peterson. “In “Jazz,” he said, “is not scripted, it’s full real estate interests: the mid-’60s some of us formed the of self-expression and variations.” Sideman’s Association to ensure that “I was a less than top-of-the-line sax- where the money ended up was day- ophone player,” said Peterson, “but it lighted. Today you’d call it ‘transpar- was worth it because I always worked.” ency.’ Whittington begs to differ. “Chuck “In this way, we were able is a thoughtful and soulful player, who to finance something the City called swings hard and blows with convic- MARC DICKOW ‘Music in Public Places,’ which show- tion.” Broker, Realtor, Partner cased acts in Aquatic Park and Golden “I made an adequate income and I Gate Park. The money didn’t come enjoyed doing it. It was always chang- BRE # directly to artists, but it meant addi- ing and it was never dull,” Peterson P tional jobs for us and benefited the said, “and now it’s a pleasure to con- E [email protected] public at the same time.” tinue playing for the knowledgeable W altrockrealtor.com Eric Whittington, owner of Bird & audiences at Bird & Beckett who sit, Becket, added, “Chuck wasn’t afraid listen and never talk.” v 12 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 Glen Park Gift Guide for the Holidays CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Year’s Day, but will be open with a While you’re in their store, stock up prix fixe special menu on New Year’s on Christmas tree lights, and maybe a Eve. Manzoni will be open for dinner new tree stand. What about gifts? Hal Dec. 31. recommends a Rockwell rechargeable For those who want to start 2015 screwdriver for do-it-yourselfers, while with sushi, Tataki Canyon will be open Susan points out stocking stuffers— New Year’s Eve, but closed Dec. 25 flower and vegetable seeds, little lights, and Jan. 1. Our wonderful pizza joint, batteries for any type of gadget, key Gialina, also offers gift certificates for rings and other assorted tchotchkes. any denomination. It will be closed for For the newly water-conscious, there the holidays from Dec. 24, reopening are hand-held showers and faucet aera- Jan. 2. tors. Across the street at Critter Fritters, Gift Certificates and Services the windows are decorated this year For the picky adolescent or the adult in seasonal red and green. Among the who has almost everything, consider gifts suitable for pets and their owners giving a pick-your-own gift. All the are dog Christmas cards and pet-odor Decorative Christmas trees adorn Perch’s storefront. Photos by Liz Mangelsdorf shops and food purveyors mentioned scented candles (“Not that strong,” Golden Gate Bridge and Sutro Tower, in this story sell gift certificates—even says Tony, the one-named decorator- fill in any gaps on your holiday table by another San Francisco artist, Nate Glen Park Hardware. in-chief.) with prepared side dishes, bread and Tan. Handmade tote bags in denim At RockIt Swirl, if you buy ten $5 For $5, you can get the perfect special desserts. Be sure to order early. and cowhide also were made locally. gift certificates you get one more free. pet—a toy bird on a perch named Polly Check the market’s shelves for gift Fages has set up a corner for men’s You can give an Eyedentity eye exam that cheeps when you wave your hand possibilities, too—bottles of olive oil gifts, including some stylish gym bags, for $146, or you can purchase all or in front of her sensor, intentionally or and vinegar, chocolate bars, unusual and the kids’ section features kits to part of your gift recipients’ new glasses. otherwise. For live pets, there will be condiments, house-made cookies and make geodes and color-it-yourself You might consider bestowing a ser- gourmet dog cookies appropriate for an abundant array of wines. The market nightlights. Also available: cards and vice or membership on someone who both Christmas and Hanukkah. has stocked up on special Champagnes giftwrapping paper. deserves a little luxury or a tune- Critter Fritters will be throwing its for the holidays. And there are plants At Bird & Beckett, owner Eric up. A Saturday night Bird & Beckett annual holiday party on Thursday, and cut flowers to give to your hosts Whittington says he is paying spe- Jazz Club membership costs $75. The Dec. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Pets are or decorate your own home. There’s cial attention this year to children’s smallest Glen Park residents would optional. also a selection of wrapping paper right books—“dozens of individual new Perch, the gift shop on Chenery inside the Wilder Street entrance. enjoy art lessons at Little Artistas, 667 titles.” Of course, he’s not neglecting Street, is selling amazing handmade Canyon Market’s eighth annual holi- Chenery St. grownups either, with a selection of art, wreaths by local artist Bryan Mosé. day party will be held on Saturday, Gift memberships or entrée to single photography and cookbooks suitable They are composed from eclectic Dec. 13, with tastings and live music workouts, special classes or yoga lessons for gift-wrapping. Christmas tree ornaments, feathers, inside the store. On the patio outside, are available at the fitGLENfit gym And there’s plenty of jazz on hand, ribbons, toys and lots of glitter. Each you can adopt a dog from Muttville. at 666 Chenery. At Centered Body starting with the CD, “Jazz Is My one took a week to make, says owner The party is a fundraiser for this local Pilates, 652 Chenery, you can buy cer- Religion” ($10 – “the people’s price”) Zoel Fages, and all of them light up. dog-rescue organization (muttville. tificates for single sessions, 5-packs and sitting on the counter. Featuring the They range in price from $435 to org), which finds homes for older 10-packs. Dave Parker Quartet, the session was $475. dogs. Gift bags full of goodies will be East-West Integrative Medicine recorded right there in the store. As Perch also is selling trays hand- for sale, with all the proceeds going to Clinic at 605 Chenery has gift certifi- for live music, there will be a klezmer painted with local scenes, including the Muttville. cates available for massages ($90 for 60 ensemble on Sunday, Dec. 21, right Cheese Boutique on Chenery is minutes, $125 for 90 minutes), and in the middle of Hanukkah. (Check stocking up on Italian panettone, will give you $5 off if you mention the the Community Calendar on Page 20 German stollen, and other imported Glen Park News. for additional music events during the and domestic treats. You can get cheese The numerous nail and hair salons holidays.) In addition to books of all trays or Middle Eastern spreads for on Diamond, Wilder and Chenery genres and recorded jazz, B&B offers your parties, or custom-made gift bas- streets—Sassy Salon, Glen Park Nails, T-shirts, tote bags and jazz posters. kets as gifts. Star Nails, Dior’s Hair Salon, Sunshine At ModernPast, the shelves are full Destination bakery once again will Nails, Urban Soul Salon and Park of small housewares that would look offer its yummy buche du Noel, the Salon—all offer gift certificates, and fine on a gift recipient’s coffee table or traditional “Yule log” cake. Other some of them offer hair products and mantelpiece. annual holiday offerings include mince nail polish for sale as gifts. Mail Depot, across Diamond Street pies, panettone with candied fruits, a from the BART station, is the place to brandy-soaked fruitcake, and cookies. go to ship off out-of-town gifts. But Want some refreshment before you Holiday Alternative you also can get stocking stuffers and go home to wrap gifts and string holi- Not into Yuletide joy? Celebrate a other holiday necessities, including sta- day lights? Stop in at Bello coffee house do-it-yourself “Jewish Christmas”—a tionery, holiday cards, wrapping paper for a special holiday “barista creation,” Woody Allen movie and Chinese and packaging of all sizes. or head across Diamond Street to Glen food—instead. There’s no new Woody Park Station for seasonal hot toddies, Allen movie out this year, but old ones Food and drink eggnog with brandy and hot-buttered can be reserved on DVD at the Glen Expecting company over the holi- rum. Park Library. And our new Chinese res- days? There are plenty of choices avail- Glen Park’s dinner-only restau- taurant, Win Garden, 2794 Diamond Le P’tit Laurent is always a good place to able in the village. Canyon Market will rants all offer gift certificates. Le P’tit St., will be open for business as usual get a gift certificate. cook your entire Christmas dinner, or Laurent is closed Christmas and New on Dec. 25. v Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 13 Safeway’s Grand Plan to Renovate Store on Monterey Blvd. n 1942, while World War II was in Natalie Mattei, Safeway’s real estate full swing, Sunnyside and Glen Park manager. However, she added, “Many I residents had something to cheer aspects of the store are now anti- about on the home front: A brand new quated.” grocery store on Monterey Boulevard. Mattei said the project, if approved, Almost 30 years later, would take approximately a year to con- by in 1970, baby boomers struct and would include “an expanded Susan Sutton raising their own fami- organic department, service meat and lies were disappointed to seafood departments, new pharmacy, see their Safeway store close for two and expanded grocery and health and years, but they celebrated once again, beauty options.” A rendering of the proposed new entry level of the new proposed Safeway. when it reopened in 1972. She said the project also would pro- Now Safeway is looking to remake vide additional benefits to the neigh- Danielle Grillo likes the Sunnyside stores are too crowded!” the store once again and on Dec. 11, the borhood: upgrades to the Monterey market because “it’s less crowded than The nearest Safeways to Glen Park San Francisco Planning Commission Boulevard median, and new bus and most stores because it’s hidden and are in Diamond Heights and on will decide if the large grocery chain pedestrian “bulb-outs” at the Foerster only neighbors know this Safeway.” If a Mission Street. We are fortunate to can tear down the decades-old Street-Monterey Boulevard intersec- new Safeway were to come in, however, have the independent Canyon Market Sunnyside neighborhood market and tion to enhance pedestrian safety by she would welcome a larger variety of on Diamond Street in downtown Glen build another one in its place. widening the sidewalks and shortening merchandise. Park. A Whole Foods market is on This planned closure affects not the crossing distance. “They need more of a selection,” Ocean Avenue near City College. only Sunnyside Safeway shoppers, but Richard Goldman, a Sunnyside resi- Grillo said. “Their seafood section is Diamond Heights Safeway custom- their Glen Park neighbors as well, dent who has shopped at the store for very small and all frozen, nothing ers like Jeff Vidal, who has been shop- because the grocery void on Monterey 20 years, is a proponent of the project fresh.” ping there since he was a child in the Boulevard will need to be filled by that will double the size of the market. So, where will dedicated shoppers 1970s, wonders whether that store other stores in the area during con- While the temporary loss of the store like Goldman and Grillo go if the store could handle an overflow of custom- struction if the project gets the go- would be a blow to shoppers, Goldman closes, as proposed, in March 2015 and ers while the Monterey Boulevard ahead from the City. said, it needs to happen. “The current doesn’t reopen until spring of 2016? store is temporarily closed. “Parking at “The existing Safeway [fills] an building is decrepit,” he said. “If it closes, I am headed to Daly Diamond Heights can be a challenge at important neighborhood need,” said Others are not exactly excited. City,” Grillo said. “Other San Francisco times, and I do foresee a larger crowd venturing to Diamond Heights during this construction time,” Vidal said. Richard Tarlov, owner of Canyon Market, is not sure the closure would drive an influx of patrons to his business: “We might get some of those customers, which we would love,” he said. “As far as accommodating them, we will do what we try to do every day, which is practice outstanding hos- pitality.” But, he noted, a remodeled Sunnyside Safeway “would be a bigger competitor.” No matter what the outside of the building looks like, or what features are offered inside, Vidal said the most important aspect of a store is the people. “A smile, a thank you goes so far these days.” v

The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the project on Thursday, Dec. 11 at noon in Room 400 at City Hall. A video of the new store, and drawings and interior store layout, are on the website: A rendering of the proposed remodeled Safeway, seen from Monterey Boulevard. Courtesy of Safeway www.sunnysidesafewaysf.com. 14 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 Capturing the Moment, One Window at a Time ixty years ago, Halloween and they ask, ‘do you color outside the trick-or-treaters trooped along lines?’” S Diamond Street, armed with It is during this season that Armand’s shopping bags in one hand and bars art, full of squiggles and curlicues, of Lava soap in the other. If businesses refuses to remain within linear bound- or homeowners didn’t aries. by continue filling their “Once, during Easter, though, I Murray painted a bunny on a, but it was kind Schneider bags, kids might soap merchant windows and of frightening so I took it off,” said the windows of parked Chevys, Fords Armand, who moonlights creating dig- and Plymouths. ital images that he shops around card Tricksters were pretty benign all shops and science fiction bookstores. those years ago; soap, after all, is water- “You know, sign painting is a dying soluble. art,” he said with a shrug of resigna- These days, Tom Coulter, owner tion. “It’s a joy, though. Each window of Glen Park Station on Diamond is a joy.” Street, pays Lucas Armand and Johnny The word die isn’t in the 2014 San Breeding to paint his saloon’s windows, Francisco Giants vocabulary. Two days and afterward the paint is removed before Halloween they didn’t think of with razor blades. giving up the ghost. It was October, after all, and an The day after Armand and Breeding even-numbered year to boot. So the Glen Park Station owner Tom Coulter outside his bar. made the final Series brush stroke, Halloween windows of Glen Park’s Photos by Murray Schneider Bruce Bochy’s team went on to wax the venerable bar shared space with that Royals 11–4 in a four-hour marathon other American pastime—baseball. In the era when kids conjured soap- ing on the spot. There are no stencils Game 4, and a day later, on Madison “I like it and our customers appreci- ing windows along Chenery Street, or patterns.” Bumgarner’s left arm, they shut out ate it,” said Coulter, as he stood before mothers dragged their mischief-makers In other words, Lucas Armand sim- Kansas City 5–0 in Game 5. Armand and Breeding’s “splash” art, to shop at Union Square. There they ply splashes it on.“I was trained as an After the KC sixth game 10–0 blow- which this year boasted tombstones, one watched window trimmers such as architect, but I liked this sort of work,” out, it all came down to arguably the of which announced: “RIP Cardinals.” Armand and Breeding ply their craft Armand said. “It keeps me outside and most exciting event in American sports. That’s the St. Louis Cardinals, the team at upscale stores like City of Paris and it incorporates art into business.” Tied three games to three, the Giants the Giants beat to win the National I.Magnin. In those days Woolworths “I’ve always been an artist, though,” needed only nine more innings to League championship. served up submarine sandwiches at he said. “When I first got to San squeak out a 3–2 win and become the The two window painters returned its lunch counter, and MacFarlane Francisco in 1982, I was homesick. best team in Major League Baseball, after the pennant win and added the Candies dished out double-decker ice I earned $1,400 painting for two winning on Joe Panik’s glove and on words, “The World Series—Champions cream cones—and Glen Park moms solid weeks. I used the money I made Bumgarner’s arm yet again. 2010, 2012” above their earlier orange bribed their kids with these offerings. and returned to Portland with lots of “They keep on coming back, those and black GIANTS inscription. Below With a hoagie and a block of rocky Christmas presents.” Giants,” said Coulter, it, the two childhood friends, who road chocolate in either hand, Sussex Armand is rarely without paint and So does Lucas Armand who decided moved to San Francisco together from and Surrey street kids watched window brush, working Mission Street bars, to put his acrylics away, take a step Portland 32 years ago, painted “World artists perform their magic. coffee shops such as Tart to Tart in through the swinging door of his favor- Series—2014.” All these years later the tradition the Inner Sunset, and lots of res- ite saloon and lift a beer, not a brush, in Fingering a one-inch foam brush continues. “I was painting a window taurants, several in the East Bay. honor of the World Champions. and balancing two containers of acrylic at a restaurant at Market and Church There’s not a holiday—St. Patrick’s “I watched the game at the Glen Park paint atop a ledge, Armand surveyed a few years ago, and a mother walked Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Station,” he said. v his work. Images of full employment over and said her 5-year-old son was a Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Gay ran through his mind as he calculated tough critic and wanted to talk to me,” Pride Week—that doesn’t see Armand’s the 24 other venues that would employ said Armand. “The mom said her boy and Breeding’s imprimaturs. him now that the Giants were making a was ‘brutally honest.’” Their efforts aren’t without down- run at their third world championship Armand held his breath as the boy sides, though. in five years. closed in on him. “Once I was doing a window and a “I’ll be painting all over town now,” “Your work is really great. I like it,” City cleaning crew drove up and washed said Armand, who was born in Eagle the boy offered. down the window before it could even Pass, Texas. “I missed most of the “I’d made the grade,” said Armand. dry,” said Armand. “Another time a Cardinals series because I was doing a “I felt validated.” police officer got out of his patrol car Crepevine in Berkeley.” Splash art relies on cursive strokes and yelled. ‘Get down from there.’ He Window art is an old and hon- and follows limited borders. It has thought I was a tagger. I told them I get ored form of outdoor advertising. It few guidelines and fewer parameters. paid for this.” kept graphic artists employed and cre- Unlike other art, it’s supposed to be Glen Park barkeep Coulter has been ated customer awareness well before temporary, designed to become catchy, paying Armand for nearly 10 years Steve Jobs ever dreamed of dolling up hand-painted commercial window now. computer fonts. Such sign painting, campaigns. “Christmastime is always the best,” reliant upon graceful parabolas, often “It’s from memory, neither stud- said Armand, who lived in Diamond enhanced department store window ied nor sketched beforehand,” said Heights for three years. “Kids come displays featuring well-appointed man- Armand. “I get out of my car, carry my close and get really involved and ask, Artist Lucas Armand and the window he nequins. paints to a window and toss up a draw- ‘Are you an artist?’ Their eyes light up painted at Glen Park Station. Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 15 Jam Maker Fadi Malouf Fondly Remembered adi Malouf, known in Glen Park to live, but he did recover after years of as the entrepreneur who created surgeries and rehabilitation. F and sold Grandma’s Homemade Faced with the decision of what to do jam at the Glen Park Farmers’ Market, next, he decided to use his food back- the Cheese Boutique and other mar- ground to take a new direction. Rick kets in the Bay Area, died suddenly on and Nada Malouf helped Fadi launch October 29 following a heart attack. his fledgling jam company, Grandma’s He was 58. Homemade. His first variety was based It was an end to a life with many on the recipe for fig jam his grand- highs and lows, but mother used to make. Other flavors by through it all, many soon followed, along with a growing Bonnee Waldstein people who knew Fadi market for his product. described him as an Tina, 20, Fadi’s youngest daughter, a optimistic go-getter with the next big business major at San Francisco State plan tucked into his back pocket. University, helped Fadi with many Fadi Malouf with his longtime companion Susannah Lydon. Photos by Stephen Labovsky Born in Lebanon in the northern aspects of his burgeoning business and mountain village of Kafarakab, Fadi was also a regular at the Grandma’s to return to his village every summer, honest. Even when he had problems, grew up with his cousin Rashid “Rick” booth at the farmers’ market. “Once I where he would hold a farmers’ market, he didn’t impose them on other peo- Malouf, who, with his wife Nada, graduate, I’m going to work with my just like the one in Glen Park. All the ple,” recalled Manhal Jweinat, owner of own the Cheese Boutique on Chenery dad and get that business going,” Tina surrounding small villages would bring Glen Park restaurants Higher Grounds Street. Fadi’s family owned orchards told Nada. their local produce to sell there. and Manzoni’s. and vineyards, and made arack liquor, Fadi is also survived by his son As Fadi’s jam business grew he “I remember the things about his a national favorite. Nicholas, 31, a project manager at seemed to be everywhere, but he was personality,” he continued. “He was Fadi came to the United States to Intuit, and daughter Rachel, 27, a phar- very much at home in Glen Park, always happy; he loved socializing with study food science and fermentation at macy graduate student at the American among his many friends. people. You could feel the love for his UC Davis and graduated in 1984. He University of Beirut. Susannah Lydon, “He was a hardworking man, and family.” v returned to Lebanon to join the family of Bernal Heights, was Fadi’s longtime business and start his own family. He companion. came back to the U.S. in 2001 to visit Although building his business his ailing brother, and was here when entailed many long hours of hard work, the 9-11 attacks happened. Having much of it physical, Fadi found the lived through decades of civil war and time to be active in the expatriate religious strife in Lebanon, Fadi made Lebanese community. the decision to stay and make his life He was a board member of the here. Lebanese American Association, a non- Fadi became an increasingly suc- profit organization that engages in edu- cessful chemical engineer. Then, in cational, medical and economic issues 2007, he suffered a horrific industrial facing the Lebanese community in the accident in which he was burned over United States and Lebanon. much of his body. He was not expected One of Fadi’s long-term goals was

Fadi Malouf at the Glen Park Farmers’ Market. 16 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 + DIGGING THE DIRT + Water-Wise Gardening Advice from the Glen Park Garden Club We have a drought, that’s clear, but that stays on the plant all year. A favor- there is no need to give up gardening. ite for Glen Park gardens is the large Instead we are learning to love the Euphorbia characias wulfeni, with bril- dramatic and brilliant drought-tolerant liant green leaves and chartreuse flowers. landscape that supports so much bird Most varieties are drought-tolerant. and insect life. Salvias are perennial sages that Here’s a 10-step program to help require moderate water initially but less keep that beauty alive in drought years. once established. Favorites are lipstick Plan ahead: We all salvia, Salvia greggii, with bright pink by know water runs down- and white flowers, and (contributed by Kay hill and pools at the a reader in Balboa Terrace) the tough Hamilton lowest point. This also black sage, Salvia mellifera, a nice deep Estey happens to moisture in green evergreen with attractive flowers. the soil. Therefore, put Succulents comprise a large group of plants in many plant families. In plants that are truly drought-tolerant general, the thick fleshy leaves help uphill, and others that need more the plant survive low-water situations. water downhill, or in a more shel- Particularly useful and dramatic are the tered position. Some sturdy California agaves, aloes and aeoniums. Do not natives, such as the California lilac, Euphorbia characias wulfeni assume they all like full sun and no don’t like summer water or regular water—read succulent labels carefully. irrigation at all. Put that plant where it Don’t fertilize; use compost instead: water will filter through the gravel into Native plants are so much fun to will be happy. Who needs all that lush green growth your garden. Many permeable pav- use in this area. My current favorites Learn to love mulch: Mulch is that has to be supported by water? Use ing stones, bricks and fine gravel are are coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica, invaluable. Put it around your plants. compost and compost teas, which will available at local stores. This technique a reliable green shrub with tiny flow- Do not dig it in. It will stop the slowly and sustainably supply your reduces runoff and the water is avail- ers and large berries, and coyote bush, soilProduction from Specifievaporating cations: moisture, retard Publication: Glen Park News plants with nutrition. able to plant-root systems. Baccharis pilularis “San Bruno,” tough, weedsMedia Unit: and Quarter preserve Page Vertical the fertility of Install water-permeable hardscape: Get technical and recycle house- low and evergreen. theLive Area:soil. 5.0” Use x 6.0”a good mulch (no large When installing your new stone patio hold water: Install a rain catchment Help newbies survive: All new redwoodBleed Area: chips—theyNone take too long to or path, try a water-permeable design barrel (not hard to do), or a laundry- plants need water, even if the label says decay).Printing: BWMulch slowly deteriorates into to reduce runoff. For instance, separate water recycling system (more complex) “drought-tolerant.” It’s a good practice to the soil, a good thing. flagstone pavers with fine gravel—the for reusing household water. water plants deeply and infrequently— An excellent resource for advice is this encourages new roots to grow down SFWater.org. It is legal in San Francisco and deep. Never water plants just a little to install a low-cost graywater system in bit and often, because the roots stay up one- or two-residential-unit buildings near the surface to drink and therefore without a permit. The website has a dry up faster. design manual for DIYers. The pro- Use these resources: grams are the “Laundry-to-Landscape SFWater.org. Select the “Environ- Gray Water Program” and “Making ment” tab, then click on “Conserving Your Own Closed-Top Rain Barrel water and diversifying supply” for rain- System.” There are videos, measure- barrel and graywater instructions. ment guides and lots of free advice Bay Natives Nursery, 10 Cargo Way, EST: 1990 online. for California native plants and infor- Get technical and install an irri- mation. gation system: Install pipe irriga- San Bruno Mountain Watch, moun- tion, with a timed system of drips and tainwatch.org, information on native sprays placed around the plants that plants and Mission Blue Nursery sale need water. It’s a DIY project, with all dates. the tools and piping available at, for Helpful books: Sunset Western Garden instance, Urban Farmer in the Outer Book (see the section on plants for dry Sunset, where the staff will give advice areas); Gardening for a Dry California or install it for you. Irrigation systems Future, by Leslie Patten, and Succulents Specialists in Residential save water, and they take a lot of the Simplified: 100 Easy-Care Varieties, by worry out of gardening. Debra Lee Baldwin. Urban Landscaping Stay low-tech and bucket: I have Broadmoor Landscape Supplies, buckets in the shower and near the 1350 El Camino Real, South San kitchen sink, and save a lot of clean Janet Moyer Landscaping specializes in the creation of custom residential Francisco, for permeable pavers, gravel, landscapes that address the unique challenges posed by San Francisco’s climate, water. I use it for containers, which mulch, compost and more. terrain and architectural constraints. need more water than plants in the The Urban Farmer, 2833 Vicente St., ground. for irrigation supplies. v Irrigation Association Certifi cation Award winning design Use low-water plant families for Certifi ed Irrigaton Contractor, Certifi ed Irrigation “Outstanding Achievement Award” Designer, Certifi ed Landscape Irrigation Auditor California Landscape Contractors Association, beauty and drama: Kay Hamilton Esty is the Glen Park 2007 - 2009, 2012 & 2013 Euphorbias are striking perennials for Garden Club columnist. If you garden the contemporary garden. The many in Glen Park and would like to join the 415 - 821 - 3760 . 1031 Valencia St., San Francisco . jmoyerlandscaping.com Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 36389 kinds feature unusual green, yellow or club, or you have questions or input, con- bronze flowers, with bright green foliage tact her at [email protected].

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

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

EST: 1990 Contact Phone ...... 415-821-3760 Job Title ...... Print - Glen Park News Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... 1/4 Page Vert. Winter 2014 | Glen Park News 17 Glen Park Crossing Guards Earn Thanks and Smiles CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 some downtown intersections—could You might and at crosswalk corners will make it be beneficial. sooner recognize easier for pedestrians to cross safely, Other safety improvements, she them by their giant and the streets will be restriped to said, come down to common sense. ear-to-ear smiles improve visibility. She sees people all the time walk than by their Future plans, pending funding, call across the street talking on their cell bright SFMTA for redesigning the streets in the area phones, oblivious to their surround- work vests. Cash and installing new traffic signals to ings. “I always tell them ‘look up, look lives not far from improve traffic safety. up,’” says Cash. “They’re not aware of her work post, in Cash and Ta work for the San where they’re at. There’s this one guy Bernal Heights, Francisco Municipal Transportation I always see with his phone and one with her two Agency to enhance neighborhood day I asked him, ‘What do you take in grandsons. Ta lives safety—Cash for the past four years, Ta your coffee?’ And he says, ‘Why?’ And with her son in the Le Ta on the job in front of the Glen Park BART station. for the past nine. I said, ‘I just want to know what to Excelsior. Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf Armed with hand-held stop signs give you when you go to the hospital.’ And they don’t and whistles—and covered in neon And when I said that, it looked like just work in the neighborhood. Cash borhood. Bus drivers honk their horns reflectors—Cash and Ta are out there the bell went off in his head. He said, frequents Glen Park Cleaners and or wave; Ta has watched neighbor- making the daunting intersection safer. ‘You’re right,’ and we just get a big treats herself to a sandwich at Canyon hood kids grow up over the years; and Taking in the scene day in and kick out of that every morning. He Market when she can; Ta loves the one resident, after moving out of the day out, the crossing guards shared never used that phone again” when he library. Pebbles Cafe serves them both neighborhood, came back to show her their thoughts on making the streets walked through the intersection. free coffee whenever they stop by. “We appreciation: “She moved out of San safer. Cash likes the idea of widen- But for the most part, the Glen see a lot of the same people every day Francisco and came back to thank me ing the sidewalks to give pedestrians Park crossing guards say, drivers and and they always say thank you,” says for keeping her safe and she gave me a more room to move around safely, pedestrians follow the traffic rules. Cash. “They always tell me I’m doing gift card,” says Ta. “We’re here saving especially at the crowded bus stops. What they offer are an extra buffer a great job.” lives. From the homeless to the well- She also thinks ideas such as adding a from the potential dangers. “We feel Whether it’s the ebb and flow of dressed, they always say thank you.” left-turn signal for drivers, or allowing safe. We lead with our signs. We look traffic, the daily lives of residents or Ta nods enthusiastically. “That’s how pedestrians to cross the intersection in both ways. We have our whistles. For changes in the area, Cash and Ta are I feel, too,” she says with that same big all directions at the same time—as at the most part, we feel safe,” Cash said. in tune with and watch over the neigh- warm smile. v 18 Glen Park News | Winter 2014 S GLEN PARK REAL ESTATE S

his year started out with a bang to be strong desire to own property in prices. Granted, new supply is coming • 2005-2009 - 1.0 percent increase and just kept rolling. Many had the city, so I think we are in for a pretty on line, but the number of newly con- • 2010-2014 - 37.8 percent increase T predicted that things would slow solid year. structed units that will become avail- The usual housing cycle in San and inventory would increase, but that Predictions for 2015 able still lags far behind the predicted Francisco is closer to seven years. The didn’t happen. There is definitely some One of my business partners, Shawn population growth numbers. current run-up in prices began at the buyer burnout, which Case, took an in-depth look at what We looked at citywide appreciation beginning of 2012, so we are almost at by has begun to move the market has done over the past sev- rates in five-year increments since 1995. the end of year three of this cycle. That Marc things in a more even eral years. I’d like to share some of his Even though we have had some signifi- means we still have several years to go. Dickow direction. It will be findings with you to help predict what cant price increases the last couple of Finally I looked at Glen Park average interesting to see how the market might look like in the year years, those increases are still modest sale prices for single-family homes over the first quarter of 2015 shakes out. ahead. compared to the periods from 1995 the past few years. Here are the sale Here in Glen Park, from Aug. 20, First, after reading countless articles through 1999, and from 2000 through price increase or decrease numbers: through Nov. 7, 14 single-family that tell a similar story, San Francisco 2004. The year-over-year prices from • 2013-2014 - 14 percent increase houses, two condominiums and three is expected to do well in terms of job 2011 to 2014 all went up close to 14 • 2012-2013 - 22 percent increase two-unit buildings sold. The average growth, income growth and popula- percent. The data suggests more mod- • 2011-2012 - 2 percent increase sale price for single-family homes was tion growth for the next several years. est growth in the next couple of years, • 2010-2011 - 6 percent decrease $1,576,143, which is an increase of This is being fueled by the tech sector, perhaps in the 5–10 percent range per So from 2010 to 2014 we have seen a about 5 percent from the last quarter. which accounts for more than 30 per- year. Here are the sale price increase or 30 percent increase in average sale price During this period, the median list price cent of the jobs added since 2010. If all decrease numbers: of single-family houses in Glen Park. in Glen Park was $1,235,000, with the that holds true, it bodes well for a con- • 1995-1999 - 48.5 percent increase None of this is any guarantee of future median sale price at $1,432,500. Sale tinued increase in housing demand and • 2000-2004 - 63.6 percent increase growth, but I think I am pretty safe in prices averaged about 16 percent over saying that we will see modest growth the asking price, which is about where Single-Family Homes over the next several years, barring any it’s been for most of the year. The major economic event. ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP average number of days on the market It’s hard to believe that 2014 is at an remains at about three weeks. 882 Chenery St. Aug. 22, 2014 13 $849,000 $1,200,000 141.34% end—seems like it just started! I hope Overall, in San Francisco, there is a 227 Arlington St. Aug. 28, 2014 71 $1,399,000 $1,450,000 103.65% that you and your family have a won- general feeling that things have slowed 419 Baden St. August 29, 2014 33 $1,995,000 $2,150,000 107.77% derful holiday season and a great new a bit—properties staying on the mar- 191 Moffitt St. Oct. 3, 2014 28 $1,275,000 $1,320,000 103.53% year. Let’s all continue our rain dances ket longer, more price reductions than 1861 Church St. Oct. 3, 2014 17 $995,000 $1,475,000 148.24% and hope for a wet winter. See you in we’ve seen in years, offer dates coming 550 Laidley St. Oct. 8, 2014 8 $995,000 $999,999 100.50% the neighborhood! and going without any offers. I would I’m pleased that this is an interactive attribute some of that to buyer burn- 256 Chenery St. Oct. 14, 2014 9 $799,000 $1,100,000 137.67% column, answering questions that you out—would-be buyers getting beat out 631 Congo St. Oct. 16, 2014 38 $1,395,000 $1,572,000 112.69% have and writing about topics that are too many times by higher offers and 125 Moffitt St. Oct. 17, 2014 6 $1,175,000 $1,415,000 120.43% of interest to you as a reader. You can all-cash offers. I know that a couple of 44 Everson St. Oct. 21, 2014 12 $1,800,000 $2,800,000 155.56% send any questions or topic requests to my clients have decided to take a break. 1750 Noe St. Oct. 28, 2014 12 $2,395,000 $2,725,000 113.78% [email protected], marc@ I also think some sellers are pushing 163 Laidley St. Oct. 31, 2014 35 $1,195,000 $1,380,000 115.48% opni.com, or the Glen Park News, 2912 hard for really high list prices because Diamond St. #407, San Francisco, CA 612 Arlington St. Nov. 4, 2014 20 $849,000 $900,000 106.01% they feel that the market is so hot. 94131. v While it may be true that we’ve seen 150 Randall St. Nov. 6, 2014 32 $1,599,000 $1,579,000 98.75% some unusually high sale prices, listing Condominiums/Multi-Unit Buildings Marc Dickow is a Glen Park resident and prices that start out too high can cause ADDRESS SALE DATE DOM LIST PRICE SALE PRICE SP/LP the Broker/Owner at Core7 Real Estate. a property to sit on the market and He can be reached at [email protected], or 17-19 Valletta Ct. Sept. 9, 2014 36 $1,100,000 $1,450,000 131.82% become stale until the price is dropped. 2-Unit Bldg. 722-4018. His website is www.altrock- It’s all perception. 170 Fairmount St. Sept. 26, 2014 8 $1,195,000 $1,405,000 117.57% realtor.com. In Glen Park, however, that is not the Condominium case at all. Our neighborhood remains 315 Arlington St. Oct. 7, 2014 21 $749,000 $945,000 126.17% one of the hottest and most desirable Condominium in the city. All but one property sold 485 Chenery St.. Oct. 10, 2014 17 $1,095,000 $1,230,000 112.33% in the last quarter was at or well over 2-Unit Bldg. asking, and they sold quickly. The 2780-2782 Diamond St. Oct. 31, 2014 0 $1,600,000 $1,600,000 100.00% Federal Reserve continues to signal that 2-Unit Bldg. interest rates will remain low, keeping buyers in the market. There continues DOM - Days on market SP/LP - % over list price

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Sunnyside Elementary School families that doubled as a great com- purchase books for their students while Interested in learning more about After nearly two years of planning munity builder and also raised funds raising money for more books for our Glen Park School? Tours are held on and construction, we at Sunnyside for the school. Finally, we would like classrooms. Tuesdays at 9 a.m.; meet in front of the School are thrilled to announce that our to thank Acrosports, La Mediterranée, Glen Park School teachers have school office. We invite all prospective new building is finally finished. Classes Planet Granit, Ocean Cyclery, Mollie hosted one family STEAM (Science, parents to come look around and get a moved in November, Stone’s, Lovejoy’s Tea Room, Jensen’s Technology, Engineering, Arts and feel for Glen Park School.v by and everyone is enjoy- Mail and Copy, Pacific Catch, Fresca, Math) night, and are planning three Jennifer ing the big, beautiful Gallery of Jewels, Chloe’s Closet, more over the coming months. Spring Amy St. Clair DiLaura is the communica- Helton new rooms. The build- Divisadero Touchless Car Wash and SF also brings our annual Shape Up Walk tions chair of the Glen Park Elementary ing also includes a huge Bay Cruises for their support of past and our silent auction, both important School Parent Teacher Organization. For fundraisers. All of these folks are help- fundraisers for the school. school event updates, visit glenparkschool.org. library and an outdoor classroom. Our 2” teachers and students are very excited ing us to build a better school for our to use these lovely new facilities. kids! v Our project is not quite over, how- GPN Jennifer Helton is president of the ever. Renovations will continue on the CLASSIFIEDS old building throughout the winter Sunnyside Elementary School Parent- and spring. Over the summer, various Teachers Association. improvements in our yard also will be End Homework Hassles made. By the fall of 2015, we will have Glen Park Elementary School Family time’s better spent! a big open playground with no more The days are growing chillier, and www.mystudybuddy.org temporary bungalows—just two beau- evening comes more quickly as we Jane Radcliffe 415-586-4577 tiful permanent buildings, ready for the head into late fall, but inside Glen • Grades K–8 • Innovative Programs next generations of students. Park School, the hallways are glowing Social Media • Challenging • Extended Care Academics • Tuition Assistance This year marks the beginning of with artwork and energy, learning and Consultant/Tutor the planning process for our Green liveliness. Teaching beginners social Open House The past year has media skills and building Saturday, December 6 Schoolyards bond. Working with land- business web presence. brought exciting shifts 11 AM - 1PM scape architects and SFUSD, we will by about.me/heather.polley be designing improvements to our yard Amy in our school culture Heather Polley (415) 515-9402 St. Clair 1387 Valencia Street that will expand our garden and green and curriculum. We’ve [email protected] San Francisco, CA 94110 diLaura embraced the PAX www.synergyschool.org space. We are grateful to have the (415) 567-6177 opportunity to bring more nature into Good Behavior Game, 3 our urban children’s lives. which helps kids sustain attention, self- All of these improvements were sup- manage and cooperate with others to ported by bonds and would not be create a peaceful, productive, happy ST. JOHN CATHOLIC SCHOOL (K–8) possible without the support of San environment for learning. When one where community matters Francisco voters. Thanks to all of you of our teachers blows a harmonica who keep the public schools in mind at morning circle or in the bustling when you are at the ballot box! hallway, every kid grows quiet, holds We are also grateful for the support up two fingers in the peace sign and of the Glen Park Festival, which gave us listens. We love PAX! two grants this year. One was recently Our garden is thriving, and our used to purchase several new comput- students are now enjoying the literal ers for student use. fruits of their labor in the class gar- The other Glen Park Festival grant den time through Education Outdoors. is funding our partnership with the And thanks to Glen Park kindergar- San Francisco Opera. Artists from the ten parent and SFUSD Director of Opera have arrived on campus and are Sustainability Nik Kaestner, who has helping our kids write and stage their been working with our garden coordi- own mini-operas, which they will per- nator Mary Catherine Muniz, we now form in the spring. have monthly Walk and Roll to School IMAGE: SONPHOTO.COM Our two major fall PTA fundrais- Days. ers, the Annual Fund and Run to the Groups of Glen Park students and Sunnyside, were very successful. As their parents gather at points around offering traditional always, our amazing community pulled the city to walk, scoot and bike ride faith-based education together to provide the support our to school together, encouraging green school needs for the many academic, habits, building community and having while incorporating arts and wellness programs our PTA fun in the process. If you see one of our pays for. “walking school buses” one day, please cutting edge technology We would especially like to thank wave and say hello! Travis Jensen Photo and Atlas Skate It was a busy fall at school. Our 925 CHENERY STREET • SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131 Shop for their support of our Fun Run. book fair—a favorite event for all our www.stjohnseagles.com We are also very grateful to Bernal Star kids—took place in early November, 415.584.8383 for sponsoring a dining-night-out for and gave our families an opportunity to 20 Glen Park News | Winter 2014

F COMMUNITY CALENDAR F Check online for the latest information at Q Glen Park Association Q www.birdbeckett.com, pick up a monthly Quarterly meetings are held in January, HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE VILLAGE events schedule at the bookshop, or call April, July and October. Everyone is 586-3733. The shop opens at 11 a.m. seven welcome, members and non-members Tuesday, Dec. 9, 5:30–7:30: Santa makes his annual visit to ModernPast, days a week and closes at 7 pm when there’s alike. Annual dues of just $10 support no evening event. the Association’s important work on 677 Chenery St., to chat with Glen Park kids about you-know-what. behalf of the neighborhood. Thursday, Dec. 11, 4–7 pm: Critter Fritters’ annual holiday party. WEEKLY & MONTHLY SERIES Saturday, Dec. 13: Canyon Market’s 8th annual holiday party, a fund-raiser Next membership meeting: & Bird & Beckett Book Club: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7 pm, at St. John for Muttville, the nonprofit older dog-rescue agency. Tastings and live music in Meets 2nd Thursday of each month, 7 pm. School, 925 Chenery St. The agenda the store, adopt a dog outside. All welcome. Sunday, Dec. 21: Bird & Beckett’s regular Sunday concert series presents a includes election of officers for 2015, and Surf-a-billy Swing Time Dance Party: klezmer ensemble in tribute to Hanukkah. E a discussion with District 8 Supervisor 2nd Sunday of each month, Noon to 1:30 Scott Wiener about his proposed legis- SEASONAL POP-UP SHOP pm. lation to let Glen Park property owners ModernPast on Chenery Street has created Miel, “a cultural pop-up shop” * Dec. 21: The Lee Vilensky Trio – surf. add new in-law units. that features works by local and international artists from Mexico and Latin * Jan. 11: TBA - check birdbeckett.com America. “Miel’s decorative home and garden furnishings bring unique and Q Glen Park Recreation Center Q * Feb. 15: Todd Novak & the Benny complimentary items to those seeking unusual gifts and adornments,” said Thursday, Dec. 13: Registration for Hillbilleez – hot-rod surf-a-billy! proprietor Ric Lopez. winter activities. The Rec Center’s winter . Live Jazz in the Bookshop: A neigh- The seasonal pop-up shop, in the ModernPast store, opened Nov. 30 and E schedule was pending as we went to press. borhood party every Friday, 5:30–8 pm. will close Jan. 31, 2015. Its eclectic wares include jewelry, ceramic ware, tex- Visit sfrecpark.org for information, or call * 1st Friday of the month: Don Prell’s 337-4705. tiles, tin stars, hats, scarfs and paper flowers. SeaBop Ensemble. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Dec. 9, 11, 16 & * 2nd Fridays: Jimmy Ryan’s B&B Bebop 18: Tot Playtime in the auditorium. Q Glen Park Branch Library Q Q SFPD Community Forums Q Band. * 3rd Fridays: The Scott Foster Group. Q Friends of Glen Canyon Park Q The Glen Park Branch Library, 2825 Third Tuesday of every month, 7–8 pm, Diamond St., presents a lively agenda of at Ingleside Police Station, John V. Young * 4th Fridays: The Chuck Peterson Quintet. The Friends are volunteers who help events. Our new branch librarian, Katrin Way off San Jose Avenue. For details call * 5th Fridays: Special guests – check birdbeckett.com maintain and improve our neighborhood Reimuller, lists some coming events in her the station at 404-4000, or visit the website park and enhance our knowledge and “Check It Out at the Library” column InglesidePoliceStation.com. E Jazz Club: Saturday nights, 8–11 pm. enjoyment of the city’s natural wonderland. on Page 6. A full schedule is always All residents are encouraged to participate * 1st Saturday: Smith Dobson Quartet. To join Friends of Glen Canyon Park, available at the library, and all programs are in these informative monthly Community * 2nd Saturdays: Grant Levin Quartet. contact Jean Conner at 584-8576. For infor- free. Relations Forums, hosted by Ingleside * 3rd Saturdays: Check birdbeckett.com. mation about Friends’ activities, visit http:// Station’s commanding officer, Capt. Joseph bit.ly/glencanyonpark. These ongoing events are scheduled this * 4th Saturdays: Terrance Tony Quartet. winter: McFadden. Meet him, keep up to date on * 5th Saturdays: Check birdbeckett.com. Meet behind the Rec Center for these neighborhood police issues, get acquainted Which Way West?: activities in the Canyon: * Every Monday, 4–5:30 pm: Family with the dedicated people who keep our E Concert Series: Every Storytime and Playtime (all ages). Sunday, 4:30–6:30 pm. Third Saturday of each month, 9 am– neighborhood safe. * Dec. 7: Buena Vista Jazz Band – trad jazz. noon: Meetings and Plant Restoration Work * Every Tuesday, 10:30–11:30 am: Baby Next dates: Dec.16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17. Parties. Tools, gloves and instruction are Rhyme and Playtime (birth to 15 months). * Dec. 14: Grant Stewart with the Patrick Wolff Quartet – jazz. provided. Next dates: Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. * Second Wednesdays, 3–4 pm: eReader Q St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church Q 21, March 21. Drop-in (starting January 2015). * Dec. 21: The Chelm Feelharmonic – Diamond Diners: First Wednesdays, klezmer. Every Wednesday, 9 am–noon: Weekly * Second Wednesdays, 4:30–6 pm: Glen Park noon–1 pm. A monthly free lunch and * Dec. 28: Duncan James/Ray Scott Duo Work Parties. Knitting Circle (all ages & levels welcome). social hour for seniors over age 55 who live – jazz guitar. Volunteers are also welcome to work in in the 94131 zip code. Reservations are not * First Thursdays, 3:30–5:30 pm: Teen Time. * Jan. 4: Avotcja & Modupue – jazz/world. the canyon with the Recreation and Park required. * Fourth Saturdays, 3–5 pm: Saturday @ the Department’s Natural Areas Program staff. Food Pantry: Every Friday, 1–2 pm. For * Jan. 11: Montara Mountain Boys – Movies (call for titles) For information, contact David Burnet at low-income and disabled clients who live in country/Americana. 871-0203 or e-mail [email protected]. Q Diamond Heights the 94131 zip code. * Jan. 18: Billy Higgins Legacy – jazz. * Jan. 25: Dave Rocha Quartet – jazz. Q Sunnyside Conservatory Q Community Assocociation. Q Community Activities: St. Aidan’s, 101 Goldmine Dr., hosts yoga, AA, Al-Anon, * & Poetry with Open Sunday, Dec. 7, 1–3 pm, 236 Monterey Saturday, Dec. 20, 3–6 pm: Holiday Weight Watchers and other community Mic, hosted by Jerry Ferraz: Blvd.: Holiday Card + Ornament Making party for the neighborhood: Hosted by groups. For details, visit www.saintaidan.org *1st & 3rd Mondays, 7 pm. Party. Free. Bring your old holiday cards, the DHCA’s community disaster planning or call 285-9540. gift-wrap, calendars and magazines. Lots group, Resilient Diamond Heights, along SPECIAL EVENTS of examples and inspiration for handmade with St. Aidan’s Church and the Diamond Q Bird & Beckett Events Q * Sunday, Feb. 1, 2 pm: Tule Literary cards and ornaments using recycled, found, Heights Shopping Center. The party is Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Review reading. salvaged and everyday materials will be free and welcomes people of all ages. Chenery St., presents literary and musical * Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 pm: Early childhood provided, along with some cardstock, Refreshments, music, Santa and activities events under the auspices of the nonprofit educator Sydney Clemens’ book release: punches and other notions. Children are for children. Bird & Beckett Cultural Legacy Project, Seeing Young Children with New Eyes. welcome, but must be supervised by an supported in large part by individual neigh- Q Glen Park Farmers’ Market Q * Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 pm: Poet Kim Shuck’s accompanying adult. borhood donations. Admission is almost book release: Clouds Running In. This event is underwritten by a 2014 Our seasonal market is closed till always free (Saturday night jazz club is the grant from the Glen Park Festival. It is spring. The year-round Noe Valley major exception), and your patronage of the * Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7 pm: Film screening – co-sponsored by Friends of Sunnyside Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, shop is vital to keep it going. Contributions The Red Poet (about SF Poet Laureate emeritus Conservatory and the SF Rec and Park 8 am–1 pm at 3861 24th St., between to the Cultural Legacy Project are Jack Hirschman), directed by Matthew Furey Department. Sanchez and Vicksburg streets. tax-deductible. – poet and filmmaker in person.