Reopening news More online News Briefs reports on big Muni changes. p. 2 Expanded real estate Leslie Drapkin reveals how shops and restaurants are interview, the Coastal springing back to life on Union Street. p. 6 Commuter, and more. Liz Farrell looks at school in the age of Covid. p. 10 marinatimes.com

MARINATIMES.COM CELEBRATING OUR 36TH YEAR VOLUME 36 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2020 R R Opinion The city family is a Machiavellian tragedy As the FBI picks off his protégés, will Willie Brown’s luck run out?

BY SUSAN DYER REYNOLDS

But never, ever do you abuse your power for personal gain. The reasons are twofold. One, it’s wrong. And two, you’re going to get caught.

From left: Skippy Warren, bass; Henry “Cowboy” Noyd, drums; Jerome Richardson, and Pony Poindexter on — Willie Brown in his Feb. 1 Chronicle stage at Bop City, 1950s. PHOTO: STEVE JACKSON JR. column “Willie’s World,” after the arrest of former protégé and DPW boss Mohammed Nuru San Francisco’s Fillmore jazz scene revisited  S ,  C A- tor Naomi Kelly unceremoniously fired director of BY SHARON ANDERSON referred to as District. gave birth to the San Francisco jazz Animal Care and Control Rebecca Katz for “not After the earthquake and fire of scene of the 1940s and 1950s as Ibeing a team player,” I wrote a column called “It’s still ust west of San Francisco’s City 1906, the neighborhood changed described in Harlem of The West Willie Brown’s town: Personal politics run amuck at City Hall is a neighborhood that has forever. It became a financial and by Elizabeth Pepin Silva and Lewis Hall.” I interviewed numerous San Francisco employees Jhad many names over the years. retail center, a melting pot that Watts. The story is constructed as who had nothing bad to say about Katz, and nothing First, the Western Addition, and included Japanese, Pilipino, Hispan- a conversational history consisting good to say about Kelly, or about her husband, San then after large Victorian mansions ic, African American, Russian, and of anecdotes from people who were Francisco Public Utilities Commission general manager were constructed, the 20-square Jewish populations living together. there, giving it the intimacy of a Harlan Kelly Jr. blocks around were This rich cultural environment later ANDERSON, continued on 8 REYNOLDS RAP, continued on 4

D   3 S  M  S  ... F 

lized circles, even if there’s more true The future of families equality and respect to be achieved. That being the case, it’s rather seren- Why it should matter to all of us dipitous to see a pair of new movies that illustrate the struggle for female BY AARON PESKIN empowerment in two radically dif- ferent milieus, and — Minerva be     ’   praised — they are both directed by amplifying the struggles of families and their chil- women. dren throughout the district and the city during Ithis endless Covid-19 pandemic. The shutdown has ‘RADIOACTIVE’ highlighted deep inequities in our society, especially For the most part, Radioactive is a in our education and childcare systems. We should scrupulously produced period bio-pic all be worried about how this pandemic is impacting about Marie Curie that reveals crucial our kids. moments in her life as a revolution- Back in April, my office organized a meeting ary anomaly — a female scientist, with all the San Francisco Unified School District specifically a physicist and chemist, (SFUSD) school social workers and family liaisons in the 19th century. The Polish-born working on the front lines with families in District Parisian-dwelling Madame Curie, Irène Curie (Indica Watson ) with her mother, Marie Curie (Rosamund 3 schools. The stories relayed of parents battling played as sturdy and determined by Pike), at a Parisian sidewalk cafe in isolation, the digital divide, food insecurity, inad- Radioactive. British actress Rosamund Pike (Gone PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON STUDIOS equate health care and a lack of culturally compe- Girl, Jack Reacher), was under con- tent communication from the school district was stant pressure, despite the love and heartbreaking. Last month, SFUSD confirmed Sisters in rock and research unwavering support of her husband that schools will begin the school year with dis- and fellow scientist Pierre Curie (Sam tance learning and, with the predictions of a fall Pioneers get their moment in the spotlight Riley). Then, Pierre met an untimely surge of Covid cases, we can assume that distance demise, shattering Marie Curie and learning will continue until at least the end of the BY MICHAEL SNYDER men. Now, decades after the femi- leaving their two daughters fatherless. calendar year. Given SFUSD’s flat-footed rollout of nist movement brought the battle for Belittled by colleagues as the only distance learning last semester and lack of prepara-   ,  women’s rights into the mainstream, woman among them, Curie sol- tion for this semester, here are some requests I’m isn’t easy being a pioneer, things appear to be genuinely chang- diered on. The fact that the Curies hearing from parents and teachers for all of us to and historically, it’s been even ing for the better. Old biases and proved the existence of what Marie think about and make happen: Rtougher for women to blaze new systemic male chauvinism seem to Curie named “radioactivity,” shar- SUPERVISOR, continued on 2 paths in fields long dominated by be falling by the wayside in civi- SNYDER, continued on 8 Supervisor ming to combat learning loss, SFUSD continued from cover leadership must work with teachers and the city to implement year-round learn- CONNECTIVITY ing so students of all learning levels can Announcements were made in March catch up. that SFUSD would be partnering with Comcast to provide personal WiFi hotspots CREATIVE REPURPOSING OF THE in high-need neighborhoods, as well as PUBLIC REALM Chromebooks. Months later, the maps While we’ve had success with shared of confirmed deployments are still not spaces programming to enable struggling public and many parents complained they small businesses to partially reopen, pub- were notified of their allotted Chrome- lic space must be reimagined with youth book pick-ups only the day before for and children in mind, especially with play- locations outside of their neighborhood. grounds and many daycares closed. At Principals have also complained that the public sites like Joe DiMaggio Playground district’s technology plan changes day to and Francisco Middle School, SFUSD and day and it’s impossible to communicate the city must work together to reimagine clear and consistent messages to parents. possibilities for outdoor recreation and This is unacceptable. The communities outdoor learning. I’m also pushing for our at Francisco and Marina Middle Schools libraries to reinstate a schedule for curb- and Gordon J. Lau, Edwin and Anita Lee, side checkout of books so that children Jean Parker, John Yehall Chin, Spring Val- have options to learn offline. ley, Redding, and Tenderloin Elementary Schools need tailored and consistent tech- LISTEN TO TEACHERS nology plans and a commitment that they If you didn’t already recognize that will continue through shelter in place, teachers are undervalued and underpaid, regardless of what decisions SFUSD makes Covid-19 should be a wake-up call on the later. The city has continually offered to critical role of schools in our community. help with resources because we must work On top of educating our children, schools together to keep our families and children provide meals, therapy, and social and connected during this intensely rough physical development for our children, patch. In this richest of cities, kids should food pantries for families, and are the not be competing for learning time with primary frontline for mandatory reporters other siblings and parents working from who protect our children. Many teachers home, let alone without access to technol- have expressed fear and anxiety about ogy at all. returning to school without the proper safety protocols and protections in place, NEEDS ASSESSMENTS AND CLEAR particularly with vulnerable family mem- COMMUNICATION bers at home. The United Educators of San When SFUSD announced town halls to Francisco teachers’ union will soon release elicit feedback from the community last its own recommendations, and SFUSD month, Chinese families and Latinx par- should work with them to implement its ents in my district were given a robocall recommendations. and a newsletter blast to let them know a week and a half before the meeting. They INVEST IN OUR SCHOOLS: VOTE IN were told they would need to utilize three NOVEMBER apps simultaneously to access the presen- There will be two measures on our tation from the school board president ballot that are critical to the success of and the superintendent: Zoom, YouTube, our schools. The Schools and Commu- and a new app, Thought Exchange, which nities First Act will reform ’s SFUSD was still working on a tutorial for Proposition 13 loophole that has allowed the day before the Chinese-language town corporations to forgo paying upward of hall. One of the single biggest concerns $12 billion a year to our underfunded that I’m hearing is the lack of culturally public schools. In addition, here in San We Buy and Sell competent outreach and consistent com- Francisco we will try again to pass a par- munication. As SFUSD tailors distance cel tax to pay our teachers a living wage. Rolex Watches learning by age group, they must also tai- Finally, four seats are open on the San lor learning by need, including language Francisco School Board and you will have Jewelry access, family constraints, and preexisting a chance to challenge candidates to be learning challenges — even if that means the strongest advocates they can for our Coins doing a one-on-one assessment with every kids. I have endorsed Kevine Boggess, a single family during this challenging time. longtime organizer at Coleman Advo- Gold and cates for Youth and a parent, who knows Silver Bullion COMMITMENT TO CATCH UP firsthand what families are dealing with Just like the community has fought for on the ground — and who will fight to summer school and afterschool program- champion them. Open Now at 2299 Lombard Like us on Facebook.com/MarinaTimes Follow us on Twitter.com/TheMarinaTimes Sign up for our newsletters at MarinaTimes.com

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2 AUGUST 2020 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM 2418 VAN NESS AVE - 12 UNITS - $6,250,000 News Briefs News and updates Muni service expands But the agency says some recent cuts could be permanent

BY JOHN ZIPPERER arrested over allegedly being involved in bribery in connection with vendor space MUNI GIVETH, MUNI TAKETH AWAY at San Francisco’s airport. Several others There’s good news and bad news for have also been arrested in the ongoing commuters who rely on the San Fran- corruption investigation. cisco Municipal Transportation Agency “San Franciscans should not have to (SFMTA) to get around the city. wonder whether their taxes are being Starting Aug. 22, a number of bus used for corrupt purposes,” Stefani tweet- routes will be restored, have their routes ed. “As elected officials, our primary extended, or have smaller buses replaced responsibility is to be careful stewards of by larger ones, or all three. For example, public resources and public trust.” the 30 Stockton route will extend to Cris- District 6 Supervisor has sy Field at Mason Street in the Presidio also announced his intention to intro- from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; at other times, duce anticorruption legislation. Another Good One — Just Listed! it will end at Divisadero and Chestnut. This route will also see 60-foot buses AUTO BURGLARIES DECLINE Large, well-maintained 12-unit apartment • Russian Hill Apartment Building replacing the current 40-foot vehicles, For the week of July 13–19, the section building situated on the west slope of • 3 Vacant Units allowing more physical distancing by of the city protected by Northern Station Russian Hill. Located just one block from passengers (and fewer times when the experienced 41 auto burglaries, bringing • Unit Upgrade Opportunities Upper , the property is centrally bus driver has to pass up additional pas- the total so far this year to 1,843; the year- • 1 Block from Upper Polk Street located and provides residents with easy sengers because the vehicle has already to-date total in 2019 was 2,926. • Easy Walk to Downtown reached its pandemic-level capacity). Burglaries, on the other hand, are up to access to downtown by foot. The building Muni rail service will return as well, 737 in 2020, compared to 537 at the same consists of 1 studio, 7 one-bedrooms and • Opportunity to Add In-Unit W/D with changes. Some lines will be com- time in 2019. Robberies are down slightly 4 two-bedrooms units (three units are bined or have their routes changed, such (179 compared to 182). currently vacant). Nearly all units come as the and , a newly with a side porch, which permits easy combined line that will no longer enter PG&E HIT WITH CONTAMINATION MATTHEW C. SHERIDAN the tunnel at West Portal; passengers can LAWSUIT installation for in-unit washer and dryers. 415.273.2179 License 01390209 either transfer to the T and M subway Local law firm Gross & Klein LLP has [email protected] line (another combined line) or ride the filed a federal lawsuit against PG&E seek- www.2418vanness.com L/K new route to City College at Balboa ing an investigation and cleanup of con- Park Station. tamination allegedly caused by a manu- This summer also saw SFMTA officials factured gas plant (MGP) called Cannery aptGroup state that 40 of the bus lines it had cut MGP, located on the spot now occupied during the pandemic won’t return for at by the Argonaut Hotel in Fisherman’s least two years, and some of them might Wharf. MGPs were plants that created never return. gas from coal and crude oil. Cable cars are also not likely to return PG&E’s website includes an article on until there is a vaccine for Covid-19. MGPs, citing U.S. Environmental Protec- With the agency facing a budget short- tion Agency research from the 1980s that NOW OPEN FOR fall of hundreds of millions of dollars, found more than 1,500 “former manu- SFMTA says it might “be able to intro- factured gas plants around the country. duce some additional service changes The research found that, in some cases, in the fall, but looking further ahead, residues from these facilities may remain OUTDOOR DINING future service increases depend largely on-site.” The company says it has identi- on additional revenue and the poten- fied 42 MGPs it formerly owned or oper- tial relaxation of Covid-19 distancing ated, and it is “working to ensure that 5-10 PM Daily • 415 921-7600 requirements.” any potential impacts to the environment Muni says it has used the time during . . . are addressed.” However, the lawsuit the Covid-19 partial shutdown of its ser- alleges that despite evidence to the con- TAKE OUT AND DELIVERY vices to good effect, reporting on its blog trary, PG&E disclaims having owned or that “closing the subway in operated the Cannery MGP. DoorDash • Grubhub • Postmates • Uber Eats March allowed us to minimize risk to our front-line staff and the community FACTS AND FIGURES @brazenheadsf and redirect custodial resources to other July 13, 2020: day that SFMTA’s park- facilities. While the rail system was closed ing control officers resumed ticketing to customers, Muni was able to complete for parking meter violations . . . 70: per- critical maintenance work to our vehicles centage decrease in the city’s available and infrastructure.” shelter space due to social distancing requirements . . . 1,400: number of addi- SUPERVISOR STEFANI PROPOSES tional daily Covid-19 tests for San Fran- NO GRAFT ACT cisco residents announced in late July . . . As City Hall continues to come to 3,514: number of new homes to be fund- grips with a still-expanding scandal over ed from the Federal Home Loan Bank of corruption in city contracts (see “DPW San Francisco’s affordable housing pro- boss Mohammed Nuru finally swept to gram; the homes will be built in Arizo- the curb, but not by Mayor Breed,” Reyn- na, California, and Nevada . . . June 30, olds Rap, Marina Times, February 2020, 2021: date of Google’s extension of its and “Friends with Community Benefits,” work-at-home policy, following a surge Reynolds Rap, Marina Times, July 2020), in Covid-19 cases in numerous states District 2 Supervisor . . . Aug. 6–8, 2021: date of the next introduced the No GRAFT Act on July Outside Lands festival; the 2020 event 21. The legislation — GRAFT refers to was canceled . . . +150: odds from Government Rackets, Abuses or Fraud- sportsbook Bovada that celebrity couple ulent Transactions — would, according Kim Kardashian and newly announced to Stefani, “close several loopholes in the presidential candidate Kanye West will city’s contracting process that allowed for announce their divorce before 2021 . . . abuse, and bring our contracting proce- +300: Bovada’s odds that Kanye West will dures in line with nationally recognized “be confined to an institution in 2020.” best practices.” Mohammed Nuru, the former head Send feedback to [email protected]. of the Department of Public Works, was News tips? Email [email protected]

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES AUGUST 2020 3 N 

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Reynolds Rap on those favors by appointing the Kellys continued from cover to the top jobs in the city with more than $800,000 in combined income. Your Safety is at Risk “Naomi Kelly is a ‘Willie Girl,’ and Lee famously referred to his fellow offi- that’s how she got the job,” one said. cials as “the city family,” a term used Another insider, who worked more than by Brown for decades. But as the FBI Dear Marina and Cow Hollow resident, 20 years at City Hall and continues a picks off Brown’s protégés one by one, “strong relationship with government,” the normally talkative Brown is sur- My name is Gary Delagnes. I retired as an Inspector from the had even harsher words: “Kelly was a prisingly quiet, particularly about the San Francisco Police Department in 2013. Since that time I Willie Brown ornament . . . and we who Kellys. He still writes his San Francisco have owned and operated my security company, Barbary Coast worked in city government were skep- Chronicle column, aptly titled “Willie’s Corporate Security. I utilize only active or retired law enforcement tical of her credentials . . . ” Over and World” (for which he is reportedly paid personnel, all of whom are armed, insured, bonded, and licensed. over during interviews with current and $1,000 a week), where he distances him- former city employees, the role of San self from city family members that he Almost all of my o cers served in the SFPD. We are currently Francisco’s flamboyant former mayor once helped up the ladder. For exam- providing security for some residents in your neighborhood as Willie Brown in elevating the Kellys to ple, after Nuru’s arrest Brown wrote people become more and more concerned for their safety. prestigious positions they didn’t deserve “Nuru came to Public Works after I came up. In fact, Amy Brown, who was took office,” but in reality, Brown hired Lombard St. motels are now being utilized for the homeless deputy city administrator (March 2008 Nuru in 2000 as deputy director of oper- population, the Mayor is in the process of De-funding your through January 2011) and who served ations under then-DPW boss . police department, SFPD o cers are eeing to more police as interim city administrator (January As I wrote in my April 2019 column (“It’s friendly cities, and those of retirement age are leaving in droves. 2011 through January 2012), prior to time for Mayor Breed to sweep DPW The SFPD is suering from a severe personnel shortage and the Mayor Lee’s appointment of Naomi Kel- boss to the curb”), Nuru was no stranger ley, was infinitely more qualified (she to corruption even before Brown made DA’s o ce is simply not prosecuting criminal oenders. went on to serve in the same role for the him a member of the city family. In 1991 City of Campbell). he became second in command at the There have been 10 auto break-ins in the past month in the Willie Brown has aided in the ascen- San Francisco League of Urban Garden- parking lot alone! Aggravated assaults are up sion of many politicians, including ers, or SLUG. He took the reins in 1994, 71% and burglaries have risen 94% in your district. every mayor since him. Take for exam- winning city grants totaling $7 million, ple current California governor Gavin which drew praise from environmental In a word, it is a “mess”, and your safety is at risk. Newsom. A handsome businessman and groups — and the attention of then-Cal- friend of the powerful Getty family, ifornia Assemblyman Willie Brown. In Our o cers will patrol your neighborhoods and respond in Brown plucked Newsom from obscu- 1995, he volunteered for Brown’s success- seconds when your safety is threatened. We can provide you the rity, appointing him to San Francisco’s ful bid to unseat San Francisco Mayor security and response time that can keep you and your loved Parking and Traffic Commission and Frank Jordan, and he worked for Brown’s ones safe. later to District 2 supervisor. It was all reelection campaign in 1999. Former part of Brown’s master plan to sculpt a SLUG workers claimed Nuru said their Call us for more information, we would be happy to help! compliant mayoral successor (more on jobs depended on Brown’s reelection and that later). With the elevation of each required them to walk precincts, attend Thank You! protégé, Brown keeps his finger in the rallies, and work phones for Brown’s political pot. The marriage of Harlan campaign while they were supposed to Inspector Gary Delagnes (Retired SFPD) and Naomi Kelly, which Brown offici- be cleaning streets. [email protected] ated, was one of the biggest feathers in 415-250-1312 his fedora, but it came amid rumors that GHOSTS OF NURU’S PAST License # 18054 Harlan was “a player” not ready to settle In 2004, allegations of election fraud down. Melanie Lok of Mlok Consulting, surfaced again when Nuru and SLUG’s who recently received a subpoena from then-Executive Director Jonathan Gom- the FBI (along with Harlan Kelly, his walk were accused by street cleaners most recent gal pal SFPUC Assistant of bullying them into working for the General Manager Juliet Ellis, and wife mayoral campaign of another city fam- SAN FRANCISCO TRADITION— Naomi Kelly’s city administrator depart- ily member and Brown’s chosen suc- ment) is said to be a former girlfriend. cessor, . They said they for generations! Lok’s firm received a multimillion-dol- were repeatedly told their jobs depended ALIOTO-LAZIO FISH COMPANY lar contract with the SFPUC before on Newsom being elected. Gomwalk Kelly was in charge, but he amended it acknowledged that SLUG had taken 440 Jefferson St to increase the dollar amount after he employees to vote by absentee ballot San Francisco, CA 94109 took the helm. prior to the Dec. 9 runoff. He and Nuru It’s no secret that Lee owed Brown also assigned them to walk precincts, favors for elevating him from a meek knock on doors, and distribute campaign bureaucrat to Room 200, so it was no literature. surprise when Lee apparently made good REYNOLDS RAP, continued on next page Monday—Fridays 6 am to 2 pm Saturdays 6 am to 12 noon 415.673.5868 www.crabonline.com

4 AUGUST 2020 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Reynolds Rap in the bedroom and taking credit for continued from page 4 her successes, whether it’s true or not. There’s also nothing honorable about The allegations were serious enough a man who mentors the mighty, from that then-District Attorney Kamala Har- Nuru to Lee to the Kellys to Mayors ris — another Brown protégé — decided Breed and (now Governor) Newsom, to investigate. But street cleaners also and then comes calling for favors. And said Gomwalk told them to participate when they play dirty, get caught, and in a Dec. 2 get-out-the-vote event spon- fall from grace — their careers, their sored by the Harris for District Attorney lives, and their families’ lives ruined — campaign, riding in vans organized by he abandons them with a cold-hearted- Harris to the Department of Elections at ness that would shock a snake. City Hall, where they were pressured by “I’ve been investigated by every agency SLUG crew chiefs to cast absentee ballots with initials for a name that’s ever exist- for Newsom. After casting their ballots, ed, and I came out clean,” Brown crowed they said, crew chiefs asked them to turn in his Feb. 1 Chronicle column. Then he over their voter stubs. One street cleaner dropped the name of City Hall’s most even said a crew chief peered over her feared man: “I had a long lunch a little shoulder as she voted. while back with U.S. Attorney David After the scandal, Gomwalk was arrest- Anderson, the top federal prosecutor in ed by immigration officers for overstay- San Francisco. Not once did he give so ing his student visa (he was also arrested Former Mayor Willie Brown remains a power broker in San Francisco, but he has much as a hint he was looking at Nuru twice for check fraud in 1994). Because been unusually quiet as the FBI takes down his protégés one by one. or anyone else. Anderson was as cool, his father and uncle were assassinated PHOTO: GAGE SKIDMORE friendly and funny as could be, the com- by the Nigerian leadership, Gomwalk plete opposite of the stone-faced law- filed for political asylum, even setting Pit Stop toilets. Between salary and ben- who would become supervisors — some man who rolled out the charges against up a website, JusticeForJonathan.org, efits, Gomwalk currently makes nearly who are still in office today. Nuru…” Apparently Brown doesn’t to ask SLUG workers and others for $145,000 a year. As for city family patriarch Willie worry about the city family turning on money to help pay his legal bills. Gom- Brown, he has the Chronicle to set him, but he isn’t so sure about Ander- walk told Roger Gordon, then chairman THE SOUND OF SILENCE the record straight on everything from son. “I wouldn’t want him as an enemy,” of SLUG’s board of directors, that inves- As the FBI picks off the city family escaping prosecution despite years of Brown concluded. tigators were squeezing him for infor- one by one, the silence from Mayor corruption allegations to his relation- At some point one of his disgraced mation about Nuru’s alleged wrongdo- — another Brown protégé ship with now-Senator Kamala Harris. protégés may see the light: Brown is ings. “He said ‘they are trying to get to — is deafening. The Board of Supervi- When Harris was briefly the front- the big fish, and they are just minnows Mohammed through me, but what they sors, other than Catherine Stefani and runner in the race to become the 2020 swimming in his murky pond. If that don’t realize is that I don’t have anything new-kid-on-the-block Matt Haney (who Democratic presidential nominee, happens and they want to talk, I have to give them,’” Gordon recalled at the seems genuinely disgusted by the brazen Brown wrote a Chronicle op-ed declar- no doubt Anderson will be more than time. As is always the case with the city corruption enveloping City Hall) has ing for the record that he and Harris happy to listen — and become the enemy family, that loyalty paid off: Nuru created also been mostly mute. Not only were had dated 20 years ago, and he was Brown most dreads. a program analyst job for Gomwalk with Nuru and other members of the city pretty much responsible for every job the Bureau of Street Environmental Ser- family corrupt under the noses of four she’s had since. There’s nothing honor- E-mail: [email protected]. Follow the vices where he is responsible for multiple mayors, they were corrupt under the able about a man who demeans a strong Marina Times on Twitter @TheMarinaTimes programs, including the controversial noses of numerous supervisors and aides woman by publicizing their history and like us on Facebook @MarinaTimes.

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MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES AUGUST 2020 5 N  Union Street Coming back The new local Not business as usual

BY LESLIE DRAPKIN Still, we are nimble. We can do this. “Dude, you gotta be fluid,” I overheard one of our  S F    UPS drivers tell a merchant. Exactly. For business, Union Street begins to those able to open, fluidity and creativ- wake up. For merchants, shaking ity are vital requirements, especially for Aoff the effects of an imposed four-month -hit restaurants. “We are flying by the sleep isn’t easy. Everything has changed. seat of our pants,” said Carolyn Cherry of We left our businesses as usual one day, Perry’s (1944 Union Street) as she mounts and returned to the Twilight Zone anoth- the 11th health guidance poster to the er, an alternate universe where people wall. “We’re doing whatever it takes.” A wear masks, discuss hand sanitizing, check year ago, Perry Butler was celebrating his maximum capacity everywhere, and con- 50-year anniversary on the street with a template how best to navigate the new week of celebration and guest bartenders Shoppers and diners are returning to Union Street. PHOTO: NAOMI ROSE abnormal. In our existing dimension we culminating in a phenomenal block party take our temperatures regularly, figura- of music, food, and fun for decades worth and Super Duper (2201 Chestnut Street) seriously. I love the Caribbean beachy flair tively and actually, monitoring changes, of customers and neighbors. Today, Perry’s renown has been particularly creative in enhanced with French-style cane chairs, gingerly stepping into a world where the still brings the community together. With taking it to the streets. After a rough start space dividers with mini plants and the way we work, eat, drink, and play is radi- expedited permitting allowing seven out- of having to furlough most of his staff casual vibe. Makes me feel like I’m on cally different. side tables, ample standing hangout spots, when shelter-in-place went into effect, vacation and makes for a great Union and a loyal clientele, Perry’s continues to be Adriano went into survival mode. He Street a hotspot. On the 1800 block, the STAYING FLUID a go-to local favorite. streamlined menus, navigated safe curb- Peruvian Japanese restaurant Kaiyo (1838 Like all retail and restaurant corridors, side and to-go deliveries, and perfected Union Street) also signed on to outside Union Street has had to adapt to the TAKING IT TO THE STREETS the “cocktail to go” concept. Then, rather dining the French way with huge St.-Ger- coronavirus world at lightning speed. We Did someone say al fresco dining? The than just plopping a few tables outside, he main umbrellas and space heaters. The haven’t a template or a playbook. We’re second the city said yes to going outdoors, created environments specific to his food food is inventive, beautiful, and delicious. making it up as we go, adjusting to the not only did Perry’s sign on, but the race with music, plants, and lighting and began So are the cocktails, which are reason obstacle course of ever-changing guidance was on to build out and take advantage to rehire. Fortunately, it all worked and it’s enough to visit! affecting every part of our operations. This of as much shared public space as pos- been super (duper) busy. Speaking of reason to visit, one word is especially stressful and confusing for the sible to create stylish, fun places to have — Italy. Thank goodness for The Ital- smallest of businesses already walking a a bite. Adriano Paganini of Flores (2030 VACATION VIBES ian Homemade Company’s (1998 Union razor-thin line to stay relevant and con- Union Street), Wildseed (2000 Union Palm House (2032 Union Street) has Street) pasta, Bolognese, and lasagna during nected to neighborhoods and customers. Street), Delarosa (2175 Chestnut Street), also taken their outdoor dining experience UNION STREET, continued on 5

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6 AUGUST 2020 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM Union Street hanging up his apron. “I never expected family-owned shoe store since 1970 Other retailers like fine jewelers Car- continued from pg. 6 to be here for this long,” he said emo- who expects business to come back ats & Stones (1833 Union Street) have tionally. “I have loved being a part of slowly but surely. That should be possi- decided to open by private appoint- lockdown, for Gio Gelati’s (1998 Union the community and daily life of so many ble when people get a look at their new ment only. This allows dedicated time Street) stellar Italian gelato, and for Car- people.” I for one will miss his crazy fall styles. to check out the unique and beautiful los Pillado at Pane e Vino (1715 Union good huevos rancheros and the vibrant Birdies (1934 Union Street) has also selection of gems in a comfortable set- Street), who embraced the neighborhood personality he brought to the neighbor- stepped up in their cute shoes to adjust ting or to discuss a special custom-made with unwavering kindness, buckets full hood. to awkward retail 101. Despite a strin- design for a wedding, anniversary, or of Peroni, Pellegrino, and wine along Capannina (1809 Union Street) will gent protocol for distancing and trying just because. with plenty of yummy Italian goodness. not be reopening either. The struggle on shoes — each pair that’s tried gets a And in answer to several questions Without the benefit of an online delivery was simply too much for this established 48-hour quarantine — Birdie’s will do about our own store Jest Jewels (1869 service, Pillado became a truly essential beloved cozy Italian hideaway. We will anything to help find the right fit and Union Street), Eleanor Carpenter says business one meal at a time, often show- so miss Michele Di Ruocco, his staff, his style for you. Once the perfect pair is this: “Yes, we are open. Yes, we are ing his gratitude with a surprise slice of food, and the tenderness in which he found, which is not hard, believe me, still retiring, though postponed by the cheesecake or tiramisu. welcomed each customer and every dog Birdies then makes it easy to get more pandemic and months we were closed. in the community. with the least amount of contact. Free No, we don’t have an exact closing date WESTERN GEMS shipping, easy returns, and great com- because nothing is that exact at the On the other end of Union, Rose’s RETAIL REPORT munication combine to ensure a good, moment . . . and yes, we are continu- Cafe (2298 Union Street) has finally, On the retail front, businesses are safe experience. All this plus a great ing to have a big sale — at the moment thankfully, opened. This is a neighbor- evolving daily to adjust to our tricky product should be enough to keep them it is a happy-to-be-staying-in-business- hood gem, the end. Begin with brunch, new circumstances. I mean who could from flat sales and everyone else in won- for-a-while sale.” She added how lucky finish with dinner, remember to take have predicted this? Yet, here we are, derful flats. we are to have such dedicated lovely your dog, and soak in the atmosphere shifting focus, making things happen. No Smaller owner-operator businesses on customers and such a solid place in our of our favorite tasty corner. And don’t one has done this more fervently than Union Street such as Current Clothing community. People seem to be looking forget to try the assorted house-baked Donna O’Leary, owner of iconic women’s (1738 Union Street), Danielle San Fran- for connection and stability in this very goods, including dog biscuits. clothing store Ambiance (1858 Union cisco (2278 Union Street), Isalis (2127 unstable time, and we are glad to be able Nearby, Regan Caponi from The Street). When the mayor said curbside, Union Street), and Morning to provide a little of that. Comet Club (3111 Fillmore Street) and O’Leary said go and embraced it with a (1846 Union Street) are doing what it Chris Cheeseman from Tacko (3115 Fill- virtual shopping experience that expertly takes to inspire confidence and loyalty, Now more than ever because we are more Street) are adding the finishing mimicked shopping in her well-stocked working hard to build brands, a clientele home, we are truly shopping, living, and touches to paperwork for their combined store. When that wasn’t enough, she dove base, and solid place in the community. working local. As a result, we are expe- pop-up “backyard barbeque,” which will into launching a new website. When she Each notes that the way in which they riencing our neighborhood with new actually be a frontyard barbeque boast- was finally open (yeah!), she did it with a do business has changed in terms of san- clarity. The way I see it, Union Street ing weekly surprise menus. They’re due huge welcome-back sale including entic- itizing, distancing, and in tracking traffic will thrive in this homey role. The out- to open within a week, which will surely ing markdowns and a great customer loy- flow. So too has the way in which people side dining feels good, the relationships bring some added flavor to the street. alty program. “It will take a lot, but we’ve shop. Everyone’s needs have changed. between neighbors and merchants are got to do it. We have to do it all in order People are coming off of months of iso- stronger than ever, and the natural beauty SAD PARTINGS to survive,” O’Leary said in her candid lation, no shopping, and living in sweat- of our wide streets and Victorian archi- Not all of our favorite restaurants will manner. As one of the best and one of the pants. Most are working from home and tecture provide a great backdrop in which be reopening, sadly. After 25 years of most original boutiques in San Francisco still want that comfort level. Clothing to step out and back into life as it is. serving up great breakfasts, lunches, and since 1996, we expect she will. that is easy, functional, and looks great neighborhood chatter, Tony Giannini So too will Caroline Patterson from from the waist up for Zoom meetings is Leslie Drapkin is the co-owner of Jest Jew- from Caffe Union (1830 Union Street) is Shaw Shoes (1869 Union Street), the what’s selling. els (1869 Union Street, 415-563-8839)

1840 Union St. San Francisco, CA. 415.771.1108 topdrawershop.com 2001 Union Street www.ShawShoes.net COMET CLUB The Blue Light Now Serving Curbside Backyard Bar-B-Que Cocktails Beer

DINNER NIGHTLY WEEKEND BRUNCH Tri-Tips • Burgers Bottomless Mimosas Espresso Martini's Pina Coladas Moscow Mules 3111 Fillmore St. • 415-567-5589 1979 Union St. • 415.922.5510 • Bluelightsf.com CometClubSF.com

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Anderson the Fairmont.” Hilliard stressed continued from cover that, if you were a black man, you were playing in the Fillmore chat across the table over coffee and you weren’t crossing Van — punctuated by lively black Ness Avenue. and white photos documenting the music, the people, and the JAZZ NIGHTCLUBS fashion of the Fillmore District. Between 1900 until 1930, peo- ple of color were not welcome in ‘MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC’ most bars and clubs, and con- The National Hall, built in gregated on the Barbary Coast, 1907 at the corner of Stein- around Pacific Street. Jazz night- er and Post Streets, regularly clubs in this area, one owned by featured Al Jolson. Dreamland Jelly Roll Morton, were respon- Rink on Steiner Street became sible for dance crazes that began famous for its boxing and wres- in the Barbary Coast and then tling matches. As time passed, swept the country. In 1933, Jack’s more music venues popped Tavern on Sutter Street became up. Sugar Pie DeSanto, a sing- the first club in the Fillmore to er born in 1935 and raised in be managed by and cater to Afri- the Fillmore, sang at an early can Americans. Soon came the age along with her cousin Etta Champagne Supper Club, Leola James. “You could walk down King’s Blue Mirror, and Bop City Fillmore Street and see all kinds all catering to jazz, rhythm and of clubs lined up one behind the blues, and soul music. other, and the musicians could gig all the time. I mean, just THE FILLMORE music out of , win- AUDITORIUM dows of people’s houses. It was One of the most famous music just music, music, music.” venues in the world, the Fill- Lottie “The Body” and T-Bone Walker on stage at the Champagne Supper Club. Recalls Lottie: more Auditorium was built in “T-Bone Walker and I were working together at the Champagne Supper Club, and I was just coming LEGENDARY MUSICIANS 1912 by three women and was off the stage, and he was coming on. He used to go down doing a split playing, so someone told me Duke Ellington, Billie Holi- originally named the Majestic to do a leap over T-Bone’s head when he went down, and I did. I went right over the top of his head.” day, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon Hall and Academy of Dancing. PHOTO: LOTTIE CLAIBORNE COLLECTION and T-Bone Walker are just a Names changed throughout the few of the players who helped years, and in 1954 bands were only years later that I found vard. Graham took over the club displacement, it was too late define the party atmosphere of booked there and the venue was out that the guitar player, who and, in the process, renamed it as many buildings had already this neighborhood’s clubs, stores, christened the Fillmore Audito- kept getting in the way, was the , home and been stripped away. Remem- restaurants, and hangouts — rium. As the largest promoter of . I remember him host to legendary rock concerts. bered by songs such as Low- many of them minority owned. African American music west because he played with his teeth ell Fulson’s “Fillmore Mess Bay Area musician John Terry of the Mississippi, the stage was and behind his neck, but to me Redevelopment and gentrifi- Around” and “San Francisco Hilliard recalls, “There were still frequented by James Brown, Ike that night, he was just this gui- cation closed this chapter of San Blues,” the exuberant music and racial restrictions. Like if we and , B.B. King, and tar player who kept getting in Francisco jazz history begin- nightlife of the Fillmore District played at the Fairmont Hotel, Bobby Blue Bland. the way of me taking pictures of ning in 1953 when two-lane remains as an enormous part of we could only enter and exit That year Little Richard per- Little Richard.” Geary Street was excavated and the country’s African American through the kitchen . . . Unless formed with a lesser-known Charles Sullivan, who booked converted into a six-lane bou- musical history. you were playing with a named guitarist named Jimi Hendrix. the venue for years, allowed Bill levard. In 1963, which saw a act — a Billie Holiday or Sarah Music fan and photographer Graham to use his dance hall second redevelopment for the Sharon Anderson is an artist and Vaughn or something like that John Goddard, with his Brown- permit in 1965, ushering in a Western Addition and, though writer in Southern California. She can — you weren’t even getting into ie camera, remembered, “It was new era for 1805 Geary Boule- business owners fought against be reached at mindtheimage.com.

Snyder lotte Caffey, bassist , and continued from cover drummer Gina Schock); the two original Go-Go’s (bassist Margot Olavarria and ing a Nobel Prize for their achievement, drummer Elissa Bello) who were left by didn’t change the disdain that was shown the wayside; the female manager who ini- to her by the scientific community until tially fostered them; allies in the business; her later years, and it certainly didn’t ease and a handful of peers. These on-screen her pain at the loss of her husband. None- conversations let us in on the struggle a theless, she was the first woman to win gang of upstarts faced in an industry that a Nobel Prize, and the first person and questioned their musical skills and, after only woman to win two of them. So she realizing that the group made catchy, continued her research in radiation and marketable music, tried to use their sexu- its possible medical applications while ality to sell more product — to the dismay employed as the first woman to be a pro- of the Go-Go’s themselves. fessor at the University of Paris — always It seems that Ellwood has a serious at the forefront. affinity for Los Angeles-area musicians But Radioactive goes beyond simply and their stories, having already done depicting Curie’s career highlights, her a solid job on History of the Eagles, a tragedies and triumphs, as director Mar- two-part 2013 TV documentary about jane Satrapi occasionally jumps forward the SoCal country-rock superstars, and to a handful of significant moments this year’s Laurel Canyon, an impressive, during the past 100-plus years that were The Go-Go’s: Kathy Valentine, , , Gina Schock, and impressionistic two-part depiction of the impacted by Curie’s discoveries, for better PHOTO: VICKI BERNDT music scene that bloomed during the or worse. The long view contextualiz- late 1960s and early 1970s in that syl- es Madame Curie’s contributions to our and the Beat. A couple of albums later, tual reconciliation that has resulted in van, Hollywood-adjacent neighborhood. understanding of how the universe func- they would splinter and break up over reunion shows, the production of a juke- With The Go-Go’s, she travels a little tions while showing how one woman’s business and personal issues. They did box musical (Head Over Heels) using a further down the timeline, and comes up intellect and drive can change the world. reunite for one more collection of new number of their songs, and the recording with a tale of success that has particular Radioactive is available on Amazon recordings in 2001, but to this day, they of a spiffy new track, “Club Zero.” As one relevance today when sisters are doin’ it Prime Video. are still the first and only all-woman band might expect, The Go-Go’s makes use of for themselves more and more and still to record an album of their own compo- archival concert and studio footage, audio have to push a little harder than their ‘THE GO-GO’S’ sitions, while playing all the instruments demos, and even some lively animated male contemporaries. The Go-Go’s is a thoroughly engaging themselves, and have it reach the num- segues. The Go-Go’s is available on Showtime. documentary about the buoyant female ber one slot on Billboard’s album charts. Other than the ensemble’s lively, rock quintet of the same name, examining That’s indicative of how boundary-bust- ever-infectious tunes (”,” Michael Snyder is a print and broad- their emergence from the Los Angeles ing they were — and remain. “,” “Vacation,” and cast journalist who covers pop culture punk scene in the late 1970s; their shift Director Alison Ellwood takes a others), the documentary’s greatest asset on Michael Snyder’s Culture Blast, via into winsome, energetic pop-rock mode straightforward approach to examining is a series of candid interviews — vintage GABnet.net, Roku, Spotify, and YouTube, after a couple of personnel changes; and , how, and why of the Go-Go’s, and current — with the core band mem- and The Mark Thompson Show on KGO their stunning leap to the top of the charts their achievements, and the pitfalls of bers (singer Belinda Carlisle, rhythm gui- radio. You can follow Michael on Twitter: in 1981 with their debut album Beauty their journey. She also covers their even- tarist Jane Wiedlin, lead guitarist Char- @cultureblaster.

8 AUGUST 2020 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM C

Old First Church: Bow & Mallet Quintet FILMS Friday, Aug. 7, 8 p.m. Ai Weiwei: Yours Truly A E Livestream Ongoing This crossover ensemble brings ballads from Online the American Songbook and upbeat jazz tunes This film is based on the Chinese dissident’s NOT TO MISS THIS MONTH together for a program that will appeal to both 2014 installation on Alcatraz that focused on classical music and jazz aficionados. $25, 415-474- the plight of the unjustly incarcerated. $12 (50 t’s a crazy time, to put it mildly. We haven’t been able to enjoy life as 1608, oldfirstconcerts.org percent of proceeds benefit the Roxie Theatre), we’ve known it, all the things that make living in our special city so yourstrulyfilm.com special. While you may have all found your favorite online entertainment NIGHTLIFE John Lewis: Good Trouble I Ongoing and enrichments by now, here are some more for consideration. And while Online most of these events are free, these organization need your help in a big This film premiered at the beginning of last month, and seems even more poignant now way, so don’t take the $0 option. Do the right thing and donate so we with the civil rights’ leader’s recent death. $12, have a San Francisco to return to. (50 percent of proceeds benefit the Roxie Theatre), watch.eventive.org

ARTS & CULTURE MUSIC POTABLES & EDIBLES Japan Day S.F. Jazz: Fridays at Five : After Dark Online: Lobsterfest 2020 Thursday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m. Fridays (ongoing), 5 p.m. Hacking the Human Genome Saturday, Aug. 15 Livestream Livestream Hess Collection Winery (4411 Redwood Rd., Napa) Celebrate the cultural heritage of San Stream John Santos’s 60 Birthday Celebration Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. Enjoy steaming lobster, prawns, corn-on-the- Francisco’s Japantown with this festival of music (Aug. 7), Bokanté (Aug. 14), Dianne Reeves (Aug. Livestream cob, and more paired with Hess wines. $150, and arts. $0–$25, 415-581-3500, asianart.org 21), and a Wayne Shorter Celebration (Aug. 28). Discover what we can and can’t learn from our 707-320-9221, hesscollection.com $5, 866-920-5299, sfjazz.org DNA, balancing an optimistic perspective on biotechnology with an honest exploration of PERFORMANCES Stern Grove: Best of the Fest its ethical implications. Free, 415-528-4444, SPORTS & HEALTH Sundays through Aug. 16, 4:30 p.m. exploratorium.edu S.F. Playhouse: A Star of Bethlehem Channel 5 (KPIX-TV) & PHOTO: EXPLORATORIUM.EDU S.F. Zen Center: Meditation Session Monday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Channel 44/Cable 12 (KBCW-TV) Saturday, Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m. Livestream Online & YouTube (extended version), 5 p.m. Online Be a “fly on the wall” at the behind the This series of video playlists features This virtual session for beginners will introduce scenes virtual first rehearsal of this new play SCIENCE & THE performances and footage from the festival’s you to the benefits of meditation, which can by Suzanne Bradbeer. Free, 415-677-9596, archives. Prior episodes are available online. ENVIRONMENT help settle the body and mind amid the swirl of sfplayhouse.org Free, 415-252-6252, sterngrove.org daily life. $0–$25, 415-581-3500, asianart.org Climate Change Through an Artist’s Poetics of Solidarity Eyes with Alonzo King Run Wild San Francisco Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m. S.F. Symphony: Currents Thursday, Aug. 6, 4–6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 10–11 a.m. Livestream Thursday, Aug. 6 & 20 & Sept. 3 Livestream Lafayette Park Inspired by Nina Simone’s assertion that “an Online Join a conversation hosted by Climate One Enjoy a morning of play as you walk, sprint, artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect This video and companion podcast series about art, beauty, and humanity in the age climb stairs, lunge, and move, with optional the times,” local poets share original works explores the intersections between classical of climate disruption with Alonzo King (Lines bottomless Mimosas when you finish. $40–$54, that reflect the heartbreaking, devastating, and music and Chinese, jazz, Mexican, and hip- Ballet), whose new work is inspired by the eventbrite.org hopeful moment we are in. $0–$25, 415-581- hop musical cultures. Free, 415-864-6000, beauty and tragedy unfolding in the Arctic. 3500, asianart.org sfsymphony.org $0–$250, 415-597-6700, climateone.org Email: [email protected]

$3,199,000 $1,199,000 3br/2.5ba/2pkg 2br/1.5ba/1pkg Office nook and 4 decks! Charming balcony! 1968 1966

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Sheltering in place transforms a home into more than just where you live. Check out CowHollowCompound.com located at 1966-1968 Greenwich Street. With a luxury residence in front and a charming cottage in back, this expansive property can function as a sanctuary for spacious togetherness. Imagine a home school, an office, private quarters for extended family, friends, or a nanny. When we emerge from this pandemic, you’ll be well situated in one of the hottest areas to live in San Francisco.

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MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES AUGUST 2020 9 F P hil’s Electric Co . MomSense Education in a pandemic SINCE 1941 SALES SERVICE PARTS Phil’s wishes you and yours health and well being during this difficult time.

Expert

What will classrooms look like this fall? PHOTO: HALFPOINT LAMP REPAIR Back to school Covid anxiety

ELECTRIC SHAVERS: BRAUN  NORELCO  REMINGTON Dealing with your kids’ and your own worries BY LIZ FARRELL credit for. Our oldest will be a freshman starting high school, and I have said that I       I am just hope she is able to start in a “normal” awaiting school supply shopping way. The start of her freshman year will lists, looking for deals on backpacks be different than any of us thought, but we Fred’s: Uand tennis shoes, and taking inventory of keep telling her we know she will make the what no longer fits. This year all of that is on best of it. We all have questions including a cleaning product hold. With Covid-19 numbers continuing how much longer will this last? and when will to spike, there is conflicting information things be normal again? We don’t know how for every surface daily both nationally and locally about what long, as we adapt to a new normal. schools should do. All this uncertainty is in your home creating anxiety for both students and par- MODEL CALM ents. I recently saw a funny parenting meme Kids look to us in times of uncertainty that said, “It’s almost August — am I buying and they pick up cues from us on how we school supplies or more alcohol?” Parents are dealing with that uncertainty. So if we 2701 Lombard Street @ Baker • (415) 921-3776 have a lot of questions and concerns. All are calm about the situation, they will be, we can do is be honest and reassuring for too. If you aren’t calm, find a place away HOURS: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm • philselectric.com our children. This is easier said than done, from your children to express it. If they see especially when there are still so many us constantly talking to others about the unknowns, but here are some tips to help: start of school and the safety of returning, that will heighten their anxiety. Be careful of GET INFORMED your conversations when they are around, Visit us at One of the best ways to ease anxiety is to and if they have questions, answer them be informed. Information and decisions are honestly and appropriately. constantly changing, but staying on top of It is also important to teach them calming the data and research through trusted news strategies especially if they will be returning .com sources is critical. Know your school’s plan to the classroom. We have become used to • Additional content from and what safety and health precautions have not being around many people, and we are featured writers been put in place. Based on all the informa- getting comfortable with wearing masks for tion I have read and the educators I have longer time periods. But for children, espe- • Expanded calendar talked to, the plan for each school could cially younger ones, this can be challeng- of events be different. Most will begin with distance ing, so use these weeks until school begins learning; others to practice. When • Archives of past issues may combine that our youngest feels with some time on like he wants to take • Special offers and campus. School This school year will off his mask, we use much more! administrators and a special breath- teachers are doing require patience, ing technique or their best, and hon- tell him to sing his Like us on Facebook.com/MarinaTimes estly, I think we all kindness, and favorite song in his Follow us on Twitter.com/TheMarinaTimes thought we would head. I introduced have a better han- exibility. my teen daughter to dle on the virus by a sleep meditation now. app that I have found helpful, which she Parents feel stuck, and many might need now uses if she can’t fall asleep. We also to choose between their jobs or staying remind them of the importance of taking home with their child. Others have to go to care of their bodies and exercising regularly, work, so having their children home with which is helpful for remaining calm. no childcare isn’t an option. I have seen many families on social media offering to There are many different challenges with create their own pods and hiring a teacher, the start of this new school year. To help basically homeschooling but without the with the adjustment, establish a routine, burden on the parents of teaching. As plans set expectations, and check in on both become clearer, parents will have to make their academic progress and social emo- choices about what is best for the health and tional learning. This school year will require safety of their own families. patience, kindness, and flexibility. Let’s remember that when dealing with admin- COMMUNICATE istrators, teachers, our children, and our As your children start to wonder about partners. the new school year, communication is key. Tell them what you know, ask how they are Liz Farrell is the mother of three young feeling, and look for signs they might be children and the founder of TechTalks, a feeling more anxious than they are letting consulting group to help schools and families on. I have been reminded weekly during have productive and healthful conversations this pandemic that our children are more around social media and technology. Email: resilient and flexible than we give them [email protected]

10 AUGUST 2020 MARINA TIMES MARINATIMES.COM R E

The Observer Interview Change is coming soon to San Francisco markets

BY GAREY DE MARTINI Homes under $2 million continue to There has long existed a trend in this that the concept of luxury is moving away march off the shelf as before. In the $3–$10 country toward corporate consolidation. from the consumption of tangible wealth       million range, those sales are slowing down, In the end I believe that there will be five of to the enjoyment of experiences that add current real estate market, we talked but still moving; $10 million-plus, who everything — five global accounting firms, to the quality of life. It’s a very European to one of the most knowledgeable knows? Those are very specific properties five global law firms, five global advertis- concept. You don’t put it on the outside Tpeople in the business. that will find a buyer at some point in time. ing agencies, and by extension, five very for show. You put it on the inside where Alf Nucifora is the chairman and There’s an excess of condos on the mar- large real estate companies. you can enjoy it. Which is the absolute founder of LuxeSF. A native of Brisbane, ket. I think we’re going to see price suppres- Brokerages run on low margins. Up until antithesis of the way money is spent Australia, Nucifora entered the adver- sion there. And if I had a lot of spare cash, now, agents have operated as independent in aspiring environments — think the tising and marketing business on the I’d buy condos in the city at bargain prices. contractors. That means thousands of them nouveau riche in China and Russia. And corporate side working for two Fortune We’re going to see a lot of agents washed in the Bay Area marketplace, all trying to Texas. 500 companies, first in Australia and then out of the business, just as in 2008. Agents drum up business through referral and in the United States. He is a graduate of who were doing one property sale every 12 word of mouth, operating in a Velcro mode What gives you concern? the University of Queensland with an months or so left real estate in the ’08 crash. — if I throw my name out there hopefully The big thing, obviously, is Covid 19. I MBA from the Harvard Business School. I think the same is going to happen in 2020. it will stick. Marketing is going to become also get very concerned about the current Nucifora is a popular speaker, frequent- too sophisticated for that to happen in the lack of commonweal in this country. ly addressing Fortune 500 companies, What about commercial real estate? future. The bigger issue to me is that we may organizations, and associations across the Watch the cratering of the commercial real Ultimately the model will be exactly be in for a cataclysmic financial collapse. country and abroad. estate sector. We know that a lot of leasing what Robert Rifkin with Compass has The end of July is not going to be pretty. Here’s what Nucifora said about what is bills were not paid in those high-rise build- described. Analyzing big data, brokerages We’re going to start seeing second quarter taking place today in the real estate market, ings. We know a lot of the monthly retail will identify a home buyer before the buyer corporate earnings reports released, and and in the economy as a whole. leasing costs were not paid by the lessees. even knows that he or she wants to buy. they are going to show an absolute collapse Work from home has taught many of our And these brokerages will have proactively in numerous sectors, including retailing, What do you see taking place in San corporate leaders that they could leave their identified a home that is perfect for that travel, and hospitality. At the same time, Francisco’s real estate market? people at home and not have to worry about individual buyer based on his or her tastes, amnesty for mortgage payments and cor- What I’m about to tell you would be very bringing them into the office anymore. I needs, and budget. If you’re a small broker- porate leases will be ending. much anecdotal. LuxeSF has a database of think you’re going to see a reduction in the age with 50 agents, you just don’t have the I cannot see how we’re going to get [more than] 7,000 productive agents in the demand for office space — not immediately, wherewithal to do that. through December without some form Bay Area — representing some 15 broker- but over the next 12–24 months. I suspect of economic collapse. And that’s before ages, including all the major brokerages in that somewhere between 20–50 percent of What about the concept of luxury, even taking into account the November the region. So I’m in constant contact with the marketplace eventually says the new given all that’s going on today? election. these people. When I ask agents if they’re model is going to be work from home. I’ve always felt that the word luxury has going to make as much money or less been diminished and over-used through Visit marinatimes.com for an extended ver- money than they did last year, the majority What do you think about the consol- the years, much like the word quality. sion of this interview. anticipate making less. Understandable, idation of brokerages taking place in In the old days, luxury essentially meant given the circumstances. real estate? conspicuous consumption. Today I think Send feedback to [email protected]

Metro Service Returning

Starting Saturday, August 22

Temporary: Until further notice Embarcadero Montgomery Muni Metro service Powell returning with changes Civic Center Van Ness

Church New Transfer Point • Taraval Ingleside combined surface Castro Church & Market S only route, transfer at West Portal for S Church & Duboce downtown service. New Transfer Point S • Church surface-only route, transfer at Forest Hill Church and Market for downtown service. West Portal • Due to construction on Taraval, bus shuttles will operate from SF Zoo to 32nd Ave. Transfer to rail at 32nd Ave for downtown service. Visit SFMTA.com/ LTaravalProject for more details.

SFMTA.com/RailRecovery

MARINATIMES.COM MARINA TIMES AUGUST 2020 11