Gpn Spring 2007

Spring 2007

GLEN PARK NEWS Volume 25, No. 1

Official Newspaper of the Glen Park Association www.glenparkassociation.org

Published Quarterly

Don’t Miss This Year’s Glen Park Festival Diamond Street in Glen Park Sunday, April 29, 10 – 4:30 Music. Dancing. Food. Beverages. Arts. Crafts. Plants. Honeybees. Fire engine. Kids’ section. Volunteers are Needed — See Page 17.

Firefighters battle a blaze in an upper story on Diamond Street Feb. 20. The fire displaced three local residents and one business but no one was injured. Photo by Michael Waldstein

Quick Action by Neighbors and Firefighters Limits Damage in Rush-Hour Fire on Diamond Street A chimney fire on Diamond Street during the evening rush hour last month brought five fire trucks and a pump truck to downtown by Glen Park, blocking cars, Joanna buses and pedestrian trafPearlstein fic and bringing dozens of neighbors to the edges of the police tape to see what was happening. Three local residents and one business were displaced but no one was injured. The blaze was discovered just before 6 p.m. on February 20. Working in his frame shop, Art for Art, Walter Frederick said he wasnʼt aware of the fire upstairs until passers-by began commenting on the smoke. On the second floor, building owner Frank Walsh and friends were sitting in the living room chatting while

a fire burned in the fireplace. “We didnʼt know anything was wrong until a policeman and neighbor rang the doorbell,” said Walsh. “We grabbed papers and cats and got out.” Eric Whittington, owner of Bird & Beckett books next door, was returning from the taqueria down the street when he noticed the smoke and a number of people on the street looking up at the top of the building. He, Frederick and another helpful soul ran into the frame shop and started carrying Frederickʼs

clientsʼ artwork into the bookstore to save it. They were “hoping, but not certain the fire wouldnʼt get that far,” said Whittington. “Eventually the firemen just told us to get out of the way.” The fire was contained quickly, though Diamond Street remained closed until well after 7 p.m. As the firefighters worked, dozens of residents and curious passers-by crowded the streets, watching the hook-and-ladder crew and other firefighters tame the blaze that sent flames shooting through the buildingʼs roof. People were pretty cool about staying out of the way of the fire department, and the level of concern for the guys in the flat and for Walter and his shop was high. Because of damage caused by fire, smoke and water, Walshʼs home is now uninhabitable. “We pretty much lost everything,” he said. A 25-year Glen Park resident, he plans to rebuild and return to the neighborhood, perhaps within six months. Walter Frederick is still in business, now working out of his Glen Park home. Clients can reach him at the Art for Art telephone number, 333-3344. It will probably be months, rather than weeks, before he can move back into the shop.

Glen Park Association Meeting Notice Tuesday, April 10, 2007, 7:00 p.m. St. John’s School, 925 Chenery St. Meeting topics are: Planning Department staff update on the community plan and neighborhood improvement ideas.

“It could have been a lot worse; Iʼm very grateful,” he said. “After we moved all of the clientsʼ work to safety, a lot of my own personal artwork was still in there. But the firemen covered everything so completely that there was virtually no damage; they even built a little damn so that water running from the burned-out roof ran out into the street and didnʼt fill the floor of the shop. “The firefighters were really great,” Frederick added. A San Francisco Fire Department representative said the fire was conclusively determined to be an accident. Structural damage is estimated at between $300,000 and $350,000. Although neighbors pitched in to save artwork and warn residents, not everyone was helpful. The next day the Ingleside Police Station received a report that the home upstairs had been burglarized after the fire. n

IN THIS ISSUE: Canyon Market prices compare well. Report crime suspicions! Local bees brought to their knees. Community garden. New Japanese restaurant in Diamond Heights. Entrepreneur forced to Bug out. Tiny streets and byways. Students bake pies. Street trees proliferate. Pizzeria’s a hit.

Glen Park News

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From the Editors Just when it seems that things are picking up in “downtownʼʼ Glen Park—the market is up and running, a new pizzeria and smoothie shop opened, the Department of Public Works assigned a regular street sweeper to the corridor—a dose of bad news comes along. Bug, the childrenʼs clothing consignment shop on Chenery Street, no longer could make a go of it and shuttered its doors, and the Art for Art frame shop on Diamond Street, was forced out—perhaps just temporarily—because of a fire. A robust commercial district helps a neighborhood feel alive and evokes a sense of pride. We are fortunate to live in a place where we can walk to grab a cup of coffee, attend a book-reading, buy a box of nails, a chair, a can of dog food, a t-shirt by a local designer or imported cheese. We can pick up a loaf of bread, a carton of eggs or a lottery ticket. We can get our nails done, our hair cut or

Glen Park News

2912 Diamond St. #407 San Francisco, CA 94131 (415) 908-6728 [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Photo Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Advertising

Elizabeth Weise Rachel Gordon Liz Mangelsdorf Mary Mottola Denis Wade Nora Dowley

Reporters

Dolan Eargle Ashley Hathaway Rebecca Kassekert Miriam Moss Joanna Pearlstein Karen Peteros Jennie Rose Emma Bland Smith Vanessa Viray Bonnie Wach Bonnee Waldstein

Columnists

Vince Beaudet Jean Conner Sharon Dezurick Susan Evans Ric López Michael Walsh

Photographers

Ellen Rosenthal Michael Waldstein

our teeth cleaned. Thereʼs acupuncture, massage therapy and places to mail packages or deposit checks. Most are independently run enterprises, creating a flavor all our own in San Francisco. It is incumbent on us to support our local businesses and to pitch in when and where we can to make Glen Park the best neighborhood it can be. If you see suspected criminal activity, call the police. If you see litter, pick it up, or call the city hotline, “28CLEAN,” to report problems with trash and graffiti. And of course take time to get to know your neighbors. That goes a long way to foster a sense of community. The upcoming Glen Park Festival, on April 29, also will provide locals and visitors alike a chance to meet neighbors and merchants and find out whatʼs happening in the neighborhood. Representatives from clubs and associations involved in Glen Park activities will be on hand to answer questions and to welcome volunteers. Staffers from the Glen Park News also be there, and weʼd love to get feedback from our readers, and, of course, will welcome any news tips. n

Newspaper Racks, ʻSpillover ʼ Crime and Soap Plants: Your Glen Park Association at Work Thirty-six neighbors braved a slightly frosty evening to attend the January 9 meeting of the Glen Park Association at by Elizabeth St. Johnʼs School on Chenery Street. The Weise meeting began at 7 p.m. with bread, cheese and cookies from local shops and the chance to chat with neighbors (or the chance for the kids in attendance to take advantage of St. Johnʼs nice long halls for a good run). Crime and Punishment Capt. Paul Chignell of Ingleside Station spoke to the Association, accompanied by Lt. Donna Meixner, the stationʼs Night Commander. Chignell first told residents that the young boy who was shot May 30 is home and doing well. This was the triple-shooting at 5 oʼclock in the afternoon that shocked the neighborhood. The attack, which Chignell characterized as gang-related, was on Addison at

The mission of the Glen Park Association is to promote the collective interests of all persons living in Glen Park, to inform and educate about neighborhood and citywide issues, to promote sociability and friendships and to support beneficial neighborhood projects.

GPA Board of Directors and Officers for 2007 President

Spring 2007

Michael Rice 337-9894 [email protected] Vice-President Jeff Britt 239-4347 [email protected] Treasurer Dennis Mullen 239-8337 Recording Secretary Kim Watts 902-4767 Corresponding Secretary Tiffany Farr 215-2320 Membership Secretary Heather World [email protected] Health & Environment Michael Ames [email protected] Neighborhood Improvement John Walmsley 452-0277 Glen Park News Elizabeth Weise 908-6728 [email protected] Public Safety Kincy Clark [email protected] Recreation & Park Richard Craib 648-0862 Traffic, Parking & Transportation Dan Lanir [email protected] Zoning & Planning D. Valentine [email protected] Program Volunteer needed

Digby. It injured two men and sent the 11-year-old to the hospital. Then Chignell talked about the job that Ingleside faces. There are 140,000 people living within the Ingleside stationʼs jurisdiction, including Upper Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, the Outer Mission, Crocker Amazon, Crocker Heights, Glen Park and Sunnyside. One problem Chignell deals with daily is a lack of officers. The station had 126 officers in January, with seven new recruits due to arrive in February. Thatʼs down from the 150 the station once had, he said. The stationʼs biggest problem is “extreme violence” in public housing in the Sunnydale and Alemany projects. An example is a series of robberies by young African-American men targeting elderly Chinese women in the Sunnydale and Excelsior neighborhoods. There were more than 90 such crimes last summer and fall, Chignell said. When crime comes to Glen Park, “itʼs mostly spillover,” Chignell said. “Overall this is a very safe neighborhood.” The absolutely safest neighborhoods in the Ingleside stationʼs district are St. Francis Wood, followed by Miraloma Park, Westwood Park, then Glen Park, Diamond Heights and Upper Noe Valley, he said. A map of neighborhood crimes printed out by Meixner and passed around showed problem areas, which donʼt include us. Some other neighborhoods experience routine problems, but crime in Glen Park is sporadic and relatively rare. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Glen Park News The Glen Park News is published quarterly by the Glen Park Association. Signed articles are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Glen Park Association. To advertise in the Glen Park News call 9086728 or e-mail advertising@ glenparkassociation.org.

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When are they going to... ...open a business in the long-closed storefront with whitewashed windows at 678 Chenery St.? Building owner Tiffany Farr said in February that the tenant of the space planned to be open in five weeks. A sushi restaurant has been rumored for the location. Sushi lovers need not wait, however—Yakiniku has filled the void with a full selection of sushi, Japanese entrees, American burgers and sandwiches, and traditional breakfasts. Yakiniku is at the back of the Diamond Heights shopping center in the former Burger King/Taylorʼs Taqueria space. Emma Smith likes it—see Page 6. ...remove the old wooden light poles on Laidley and Surrey streets now that the classy new light standards are operational? The new lights were turned on January 5, and overhead phone lines were removed March 2, but PG&E canʼt remove the old poles till a couple of “holdout” property owners finish undergrounding their electricity (a process that most completed in 2004); only then can the remaining overhead wires finally be taken down. So for now, the blocks from Thor to Roanoke are among the best-lit in the city, with both old and new streetlights shining brightly. ...take down the construction barricade that obstructs the Diamond Street sidewalk in front of the new library? No time soon, says the contractorʼs Project Manager David LeClair. Until interior construction is finished, hopefully by summerʼs end, the wooden fence will stay up to protect the already completed facade from vandalism. Mindy Linetzky of the Cityʼs Branch Library Improvement Program says the contractor told her he needs to be able to safely leave the library doors open

while moving things in and out; and, she adds, the building permit allows the barricade (the City building inspector didnʼt return our call). Could the barrier at least be moved a foot or so closer to the building to allow two people to pass on the sidewalk? Maybe, if enough passersby complain to LeClair (205-9744) or Linetzky (557-4354). ...reinstall parking meters on Diamond and Wilder by Canyon Market? Our reporter Denis Wade didnʼt ask. If you can score one of the unmetered spaces, enjoy it while it lasts! n

Letter to the Editor

I am writing in regard to the “Purchasing a Pooch...” article (by Ashley Hathaway) [in] the Fall issue. It is really disappointing to hear about peopleʼs planʼs to buy “purebred” dogs from breeders. Not only is this genetically somewhat of a risk (depending on the breeder), it also is depriving many needy dogs in the pound and shelters of homes. Pure breeding, in a sense, can be inbreeding. Many breeders do this to make money. When I worked in a vetʼs office, breeders would often lose a few puppies in a litter or even as many as half to birth defects. This is because they were inbreeding dogs so they could sell “purebred” dogs to people. They stayed in business because many people believe that the more a dog costs, the better his/ her quality will be. What a bunch of baloney! Every dog that I have grown up with was a mutt from the pound. Cross-breeding makes genetic sense. Pooches from the pound usually have an understanding with you—a bond. You saved them.

People often think that pooches in the pound are there because of some defect. Usually the defect is with their owners who ditch them as soon as they have to move. Or they expect their dog to be perfect from the beginning (could we live up to such standards?). One last rant: If you really want a dog, go to the pound. Dogs are really more spiritually evolved than humans in many ways. They can love unconditionally with ease. Isnʼt that worth giving up your apartment with the great view or finding new roommates? Ben Wanicur Ashley Hathaway responds: I understand your point about the many dogs who desperately need homes. I spent many weeks researching dog adoption, rescue groups, then full-fledged breeders. I have nothing against pound or shelter dogs. I know many people with these dogs who have a wonderful pet in their lives. Not all breeders are irresponsible; reputable breeders take care to ensure that their dogs grow up to be wonderful, loving companions. And not all shelter or pound dogs make great pets, nor do all purebreds. The reality is that no matter where or how a person acquires a pet there are never any guarantees. Editorʼs note: The second part of Hathawayʼs article appears on Page 18. n

Glen Park News

Glen Park News

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Spring 2007

Friends of the Urban Forest Helps the Greening of Glen Park Take 30 or so Glen Park residents and those hurdles were cleared, a planting volunteers from Friends of the Urban date was set and an FUF planting manForest (FUF). Mix with ager coordinated the logistics. The by a neighborhood leader residents chose the type of tree they Bonnee and an FUF planting wanted from a list of species that FUF Waldstein manager. Add 28 sap- says meet the criteria for good growth lings. The result: proud in urban settings. The cost is currently stewards of fledgling $150. FUF is available for help with trees and a greener neighborhood. tree problems and maintenance issues Glen Park was the first of seven for the first five years of the treeʼs FUF tree-planting sites in the first life. quarter of 2007. (FUFʼs packed calResidents chose their trees based endar also includes tree care, prun- on what would work best in their little ing workshops and sidewalk garden environment. Some popular choices planting in neighborhoods throughout were the strawberry tree, English hawthe City.) “Green” is now a verb: The thorn, and Tristania laurina. Susanna Livable City Initiative, launched in Russo of Chenery Street was fascinated 2005 after the signing of the U.N. by the history of the Southern magnolia World Environmenthat she and her hustal Accords, intends Popular choices for band, Dwight Smith, to make San Franwould plant in front cisco a world leader re-greening the streets of their house. The in “greening.” The magnolia is part of plan is to dramatiwere the strawberry a family of trees that cally improve the has been in existence beauty and safety tree, the English haw- for 58 million years. of city streets. FUF The earth had a is partnering with thorn and Tristania lau- tropical climate and City government to the magnolia existed help achieve Mayor rina, or the Water Gum. from north to south. Gavin Newsomʼs With the Ice Age, the goal of planting 25,000 street trees tree retreated southward; the Chinese in San Francisco by 2010. Other fea- cultivated the Asian species. It was tures of the program, which will invest welcomed in Europe in 1688. It is $11 million by 2008, include planting pollinated by beetles, rather than flyschoolyard gardens and creating green ing insects like more modern trees. spaces from unused public rights-of- Planting this particular tree, Susanna way. feels, gives her a connection with the The tree-planting event is not continuity of nature over the vastness a casual get-together for tree hug- of time. gers. It came to fruition in Glen Park In the month before the planting thanks to the perseverance and orga- date, there was the final approval of nizational know-how of resident Tom tree locations; ordering of and payment Ramirez. Ramirez earned his stripes for the trees; scoring, cutting and lifting at a huge tree-planting effort in his the concrete to create the tree basins; former neighborhood, the Mission, and auguring the soil in preparation for where he took part in a brigade of planting. The planting manager also 150 volunteers. Now living in Glen drew up a map of the tree locations and Park, communicating largely through clustered them in groups. On plante-mail, he got together around 20 ing day, the volunteers were divided interested residents. There were two up and assigned to work in a location application processes, one to FUF, that included planting four or so trees, which had PG&E assess the wires including their own. and cables above and below ground; On January 20, the eager plantthe other, to the Department of Public ing party assembled at a garage on Works, which evaluated such issues as Beacon Street, where the trees had whether sidewalks were wide enough, been delivered, along with tools and whether the trees would obstruct stop supplies. Christian Drake, the FUF signs or bus stops, etc. Inevitably, planting manager, demonstrated Tree some sites were disqualified. After Planting 101. Fortified by coffee and

A row of new trees on Surrey Street, thanks to Friends of the Urban Forest Photo by Michael Waldstein

bagels, everyone discovered the right way and the wrong way to execute every procedure, and the reasons why. There is a knack to removing the tree from the container, holding it in a certain position and fraying out the root ball. There is a correct moment to stop digging the hole. The fabric arbor ties that help support the tree are loosely tied to the stakes to promote exercising, rather than restraining, the tree, in order to build the trunkʼs strength and girth. Buckets of water poured on a certain schedule, in a specified amount, help the tree establish itself. Putting any competing plantings at the base of the tree would take nutrients away—“Let your tree be a tree!”

yelled someone. Thus educated, the group was dispatched in several pick-up trucks to begin the greening of Glen Park. By noontime, Glen Park was 28 trees greener, and it was time for the weary planters to celebrate their achievement and thank the FUF volunteers with a potluck lunch. Ramirez, the organizer, expressed the sentiments of many in saying that the group was planting more than trees—they were also sowing the seeds of community organization, pride and friendship. Bonnee Waldstein has lived with her family in Glen Park for over 20 years.

Spring 2007

Glen Park Association CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Ingleside has focused strongly on gang houses in the neighborhood and by working together with various city agencies has been able to deal with some known problem houses, Chignell said. 342 Arlington has been a problem, with prison gang members living there. But he is concerned about street robberies. “Communicate with us!” he told the assembled neighbors. For example, on December 4 a woman leaving La Corneta was robbed at gunpoint at about 11 p.m. on Chenery St. a few blocks off Diamond as she walked home. Chignell said that witnesses later told police theyʼd seen a young man “hanging around that corner and acting suspicious” for more than 30 minutes before the crime took place. The neighbors knew something wasnʼt right but didnʼt call police. “Weʼre asking you to call about what you see—we need you to be our eyes and ears. We need to get that phone call,” Meixner said. Chignell said Ingleside officers have also been working hard to tow cars with expired registration, to clear derelict vehicles off the streets. Officers have also been working to cut down on unsafe driving that endangers pedestrians. There have been 9,300 moving violations issued by station officers in the last quarter. “Residents are tired of people blowing past traffic stops,” Meixner said. Injury accidents have gone down substantially since the push began. District 8 Supervisor Bevan Duftyʼs office is investigating the possibility of installing surveillance cameras on Chenery Street. People with thoughts about this are urged to contact him at 554-6968 or e-mail [email protected]. Neighborhood Notes The GPA is looking into the newspaper rack situation at the BART station. There are 37 newspaper vending boxes currently in place there. Weʼre looking in to what it would take to have them moved into the new, nicelydesigned consolidated boxes that are being installed at selected sites around the city. Glen Park is currently not slated to receive the new boxes. Thereʼs lots going on at the park. Richard Craib of Friends of Glen Canyon Park reports that they had an excellent Pancakes in the Park event in November. Friendsʼ work groups have relocated 100 soap plants, moving them closer to park trails. Theyʼve also planted over 200 native plants grown by the Recreation and Park Department in

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its greenhouses. Lovely forest-green Friends of Glen Canyon Park t-shirts can be purchased at Glen Park Hardware for $12 to benefit the Friends. The work Friends volunteers do is important because Rec and Park gardeners allocate only about 10 hours a month to our park, Craib told the crowd. GPA is looking into various projects in the neighborhood. If thereʼs something you think GPA should be doing, drop a line or give a call! Current possibilities include: -Getting buckled sidewalks fixed. -Installing lighting at the underpass under San Jose Avenue and 280, and possibly fixing up the murals there. -Landscaping around BART. -Cleaning up the west side of Elk street, where storms and insect damage have taken out at least 12 pine trees. Friends of Glen Canyon Park volunteers will try to schedule a work day there soon. The Association Membership coordinator Heather World reported that GPA currently has 85 members, a number that should rise significantly April 29 at the annual Glen Park Festival, if past years are any guide. Our head count is slightly low just now, in part because there wasnʼt a festival last year and thatʼs when many people renew their memberships. The Glen Park Association is a nonprofit, volunteer-based community group representing the interests of Glen Park residents. Weʼve been around for nearly 30 years. Membership is a paltry $10 a year. Find out more at www.glen parkassociation.org or call 908-6728. The next GPA meeting is Tuesday, April 10, 7 p.m., at St. Johnʼs School, 925 Chenery St.. Parking is available. Bring your kids, meet your neighbors and get involved. n

Glen Park News

In just a few short months this will be a welcoming, book-filled space. Really. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Public Library

New Library Interior is Now Taking Shape Construction workers are hard at work upstairs in the space that will become our new 8,500 square-foot Glen Park branch library, above Canyon Market, with by generous windows Bonnie overlooking Diamond Wach and Wilder streets. The library is now scheduled to open by the end of the summer, about a year later than the initial target date. When completed, what is now the cityʼs smallest branch library (on Chenery Street) will have grown by 7,000 square feet and will include an expanded childrenʼs area, a designated teen zone, a community program room and nearly 14,000 more books, CDs and videos. The lobby, an additional 700square-foot, street-level space on Diamond Street, will feature a two-story wall-sculpture by local artists Reddy

Lieb and Linda Raynsford. Glen Park is one of five brandnew library buildings scheduled to open in the next two years, with 18 other branches undergoing renovation. According to the City, this is the largest building campaign in San Francisco Public Library history. Funds to build the new library came from a bond measure approved by voters in November 2000, but that money doesnʼt cover furnishing the interior. A separate fund-raising campaign is under way to provide amenities ranging from chairs and tables to workstations, as well as additions to the branchʼs collection of books, periodicals, DVDs, etc. Friends of the San Francisco Public Library has established “naming opportunities” for donors that range from individual pieces of furniture for a few hundred dollars to collections and library areas for several thousand. But Marian Chatfield-Taylor of the Friendsʼ Neighborhood Library Campaign, stresses that individual donations of any amount are welcome. n To learn more about the Neighborhood Library Campaign and how you can contribute to the new Glen Park branch, e-mail [email protected], or call 626-7512, ext. 103. Bonnie Wach lives in Glen Park. Her most recent book is San Francisco As You Like It: 23 Tailor-Made Tours for Culture Vultures, Shopaholics, NeoBohemians, Famished Foodies, Savvy Natives & Everyone Else.

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Spring 2007

Bi Bim Bop? Yum Yum Yum! Bi bim bop. Those are the words that kept running through my head as I headed home after studying the menu posted on the window of Choice Yakiniku, a new take-out-or-sit-down restaurant in the Diamond Heights shopping center. My favorite Korean dish, a delectable by Emma rice bowl with stir-fried Bland veggies and meat and a Smith fried egg on top, wasnʼt listed as such on the menu, but I recognized it in the description under the House Special section. I used to have to run down to Hahnʼs Hibachi on West Portal; how nice to have my Korean favorite right near Safeway and the post office! Of course, Choice Yakiniku, which opened in November, replacing Taylorʼs Taqueria, predominantly serves Japanese offerings. As it turns out, the owners, Marilyn and Edward Lee, are from Hawaii but of Korean descent. The macaroni salad is pure Hawaii, Marilyn said with a laugh, as we sat down to talk during the afterlunch lull, but the majority of the menu reflects the strong Japanese culture in Hawaii. (Sixty percent of the islandsʼ population is Japanese, according to Marilyn.) She described the food as “American Japanese”: teriyaki, sushi, udon and tempura, in American-sized portions (big!). The husband-wife team have a strong culinary background. Edwardʼs family was in the business back in Hawaii, and Marilyn studied nutrition in college. They moved to San Francisco in 1987 and worked at family membersʼ restaurants before opening their own place—a teriyaki house on San Bruno Avenue—in 1996. Just a year later, Marilyn and Edward had a daughter, and soon after, Marilyn dropped out of the daily grind to raise baby Janice. In 2006, with Janice in school at West Portal Lutheran

on Sloat Boulevard, she was ready to rejoin the workforce. The Lees rented the space in Diamond Heights and opened a restaurant that drew from their combined heritages and experience. It is truly a family affair. On the day I visited, Marilyn pointed out her sister, nephew and husband working in the kitchen. Hours are long: Monday through Saturday 9 to 9, Sunday 10 to 6. (Whatʼs for breakfast? Pancakes and omelets, of course! Thatʼs the classic American part.) Her nephew and others also help with childcare, picking up Janice from school and bringing her to the Lee home in Ingleside Terraces (across from Junipero Serra Boulevard). It sounds grueling, but this is what they do, and they do it well. There are a dozen or so tables in the restaurant, and every time Iʼve been there (to pick up my coveted rice bowl) about half of them have been full. Thatʼs not terrible, considering that the shopping center is not exactly where one goes for an atmospheric night out. Choice Yakiniku will probably depend largely on take-out service (delivery isnʼt available). Itʼs hard to choose from the culturally varied menu. Philly cheese steak and fries (made with vegetable oil, Marilyn notes)? Beef bento box with tuna sashimi? A crab, unagi and avocado San Francisco roll? I turn to the chef for guidance. Yakiniku means “broiled meat,” and savory barbecued teriyaki and ribs are the restaurantʼs specialty. But Marilyn also points out the yakisoba, stir-fried vegetables, meat and noodles with curry seasoning. Itʼs in the same category as the bi bim bop. Iʼll take it. Choice Yakiniku is at the west end of the Diamond Heights shopping center, between the hair salon and the playground. Beer and wine are available. For take-out orders, call 206-9755. To help you choose, stop in and ask for a take-out menu in advance. n

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Mission Pie is a project of Glen Parkʼs Destination Bakery, Pie Ranch and Mission High School students. The students bake in Glen Park and sell their wares at the shop at 2901 Mission St. Photo by Michael Waldstein

Mission Pie Nourishes the Body, Mind and Soul Mission Pie, with its focus on education, consciousness and sustainable local food, opened its doors for business on January 3. Located at 2901 Mission St., Misby sion Pie hopes to create Rebecca Kassekert a community filled with “conscious and powerful food consumers,” says Karen Heisler, co-owner of Mission Pie. The caféʼs goal is to foster a relationship between the urban community and local agriculture, so that citizens discover the connection between farming and wholesome eating. Mission Pie is the collective effort of Pie Ranch, located north of Santa Cruz, Destination Baking Company, located on Chenery Street in Glen Park, and students of Mission High School. In 2005, Pie Ranch—whose name derives in part from its pie-shaped piece of land in Davenport—partnered with Mission High School to educate students on local, sustainable food systems and how to become active, strong participants within the community. Juniors and seniors at Mission

High began learning and working at prepared by the students with the help Pie Ranch as a part of their school cur- of their Mission High and Pie Ranch riculum, gathering at the Ranch once a teachers. Student response to the promonth. A typical Pie Ranch day for the gram is overwhelmingly positive, with students begins with at least one student observing the land Students learn and commenting that she and reflecting on the is “more conscious of changes that took healthy foods” work on the land… eating place over the prior since her involvement month. Following in the program. planting, harvesting the observation Shortly after comperiod, the students mencement of the learn and work on or tending pumpkins, program, one student the land for one to reminded Heisler two hours, often and her Pie Ranch apples, beans, corn, planting, harvesting partners that most or tending to the of the students did squash, wheat and “fruits of the land,” not have cars and it including pumpkins, was a challenge to apples, beans, corn, commute from San berries. squash, wheat and Francisco to the Davvarious berries. The students then take a enport. At that time, Pie Ranch decided half hour of reflection by finding “their it needed a local presence and a forum piece of the pie”—the personal space of to fully teach the art and craft of farmtheir choice on the land where they can ing and baking to its students and the write journal entries on their experience. community. Heisler, a former Glen Park The day ends with a shared meal, ide- resident who frequented Destination ally food harvested from Pie Ranch and Baking Company, contacted Destina-

Glen Park News

tion co-owner Joe Schuver to gauge his interest in collaborating with Pie Ranch to create a local café specializing in pies. Schuver was immediately interested and was particularly excited to return to his childhood farming roots. Personally, Schuver was excited at the chance to work with the Mission High students to teach them the art of baking as well as consuming healthy food choices. Schuver said “it is huge” when students state that they no longer eat at McDonalds because they know fast food is not a healthy choice. Mission Pie serves savory pies made with organic fruit, vegetables and meat, along with various pastries and Taylor Maid coffee. The pies are freshly baked at Destination Baking Company and delivered to the café each day. On a recent afternoon, Mission Pie served apple, walnut, sweet potato, banana cream and pear-raspberry pies. The long-term goal for Mission Pie is to expand its current location so that baking occurs on site, eventually offering baking classes and producing fully organic pies created from Pie Ranch crops. In its work to “support healthy food, work and conversation in the San Francisco Mission District community,” Mission Pie is making a difference in the community, particularly with the Mission High youth who study and work with Pie Ranch and Mission Pie. Five Mission High students involved in the Pie Ranch curriculum are now employees at Mission Pie. Melissa Oseguera, a senior and “peer leader” in the Pie Ranch curriculum, enjoys learning and working both at Pie Ranch and at Mission Pie. “It is fun to get away from school” to work with the land, says Oseguera. “It makes me relax.” Oseguera especially enjoyed serving pumpkin pie at Mission Pie, which recently featured pumpkins she harvested at Pie Ranch. The pies are “fresh and good,” comments Oseguera, who is proud that her work is helping the community understand “where the food comes from.” Destination Baking Companyʼs Schuver, who taught high school for four years, is thrilled to work with kids again: “The kids are pretty amazing. Hopefully weʼre making a difference.” Located at 2901 Mission St., with its entrance on 25th Street, Mission Pie is open seven days a week.. The café is open various hours. Mission High youth who work weekdays after 4p.m. and all day on weekends proudly serve coffee and pies and share their knowledge of farming and sustainable food systems. n

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Spring 2007

Glen Canyon Park, 60 acres of urban forest, grasslands, creek thickets and native plant and animal species in the middle of the city. Photo by Ellen Rosenthal

Pilgrims at Islais Creek Glen Canyon shares its name with a mystical canyon land in southern Utah. Both have canyon walls as steep as a by cathedral. Both attract Jennie hikers and climbers. Rose Our own Glen Canyon is all the more riveting for the fact that the nearly 60 acres of urban forest, grasslands, creek thickets and native plant and animal species seem to thrive while flanked by the usual trappings of a city. Buttressing the floor of our canyon are some of the cityʼs largest and most impressive rock outcrops. A variety of resident and migratory bird species, like the great horned owl and red-tailed hawk, find nesting habitat here. The extensive grasslands provide habitat for butterflies and other insects. Dense willow thickets offer protection for resident and migratory birds. The acres host native plants as well as populations of sensitive plant and animal species such as the brush rabbit and California meadow vole, important prey items for the red-tailed hawks. Through the canyon floor trickles one of the last free-flowing creeks in the city, Islais Creek. Islais Creek is the hub for the wheel of life in the canyon. Thatʼs both the good news and the bad news. To persevere is written in the coded cells of all life no matter what we do or do not do. From time immemorial the creek has been fed by rainfall from the eastern slope of Mt. Davidson, and other water sources. But the fact is that through the years, Islais Creekʼs watershed has been reduced by as much as 80 per-

cent. Islais has become a delicate system, and if mismanaged, the diversity of life in the canyon could be suffocated. “If we were to discontinue our restoration process [of the creek], the invasive species would quickly dominate this diverse community, becoming a monoculture, thereby negatively impacting much-needed habitat,” says Christopher Campbell, supervisor of the Recreation and Park Departmentʼs Natural Areas Program, which has had a presence in the canyon since 1997. For the past 11 years, the Natural Areas Program has been developing the Draft Management Plan, a meticulous outline for restoring San Franciscoʼs natural areas over the next 20 years. A document of unprecedented scope and detail for a city of our size, the plan outlines an inventory of species, and makes recommendations for preserving the habitats of San Franciscoʼs natural areas. Islais Creek is home to salamanders and damselflies; itʼs a water source for the hawks and owls; the thickets around it provide nesting places. The creek can support a diversity of life that nearby natural areas without water sources, such as Twin Peaks, cannot. It provides the canyon with the necessary qualities to support an island oasis within an urban matrix. To continue to support this life, the open-water habitat of the creek must be restored. Invasive species like cape ivy, Algerian ivy, water cress and poison hemlock encroach on this open water and create monocultures, areas where only a few plants grow rather than the plethora necessary for a healthy bio-

system. Mindful of the long view of 20 years, the Management Plan calls for creating an area with an open-water habitat to improve the water flow of the creek, open the canopy and help mitigate sediment accumulation. The Natural Areas Programʼs work aims to restore as much native habitat as possible. Revegetating specific areas with native plants is ongoing. For instance, in 2004, the Natural Areas Program removed over 21 invasive eucalyptus trees from along banks and replanted the area with plants native to the creek sides. Now, after 11 years, the Draft Management Plan is just weeks away from approving a contract with a consultant for the environmental review, which

is expected to take about 18 months. During the review, public input will be welcome. For more information, view the Draft Management Plan section 6.3 at http://www.parks.sfgov.org/site/ recpark_index.asp?id=1896. For information about volunteer work parties in the Canyon, contact San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department at 831-6332, or participate in the Friends of Glen Canyon Parkʼs regularly scheduled work sessions, listed in the Community Calendar on Page 23. n As the mother of two small children, Jennie Rose finds the Canyon a lifesaver.

Spring 2007

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Glen Park News

Market Moving Forward

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Where can you get fresh fish and grass-fed beef, refill your printer ink cartridges, recycle used batteries and by make-your-own salad Ashley all under one roof? Hathaway Well, at Glen Parkʼs own Canyon Market of course! Yes, itʼs true, all these things—and much more—are available at our very own full-service grocery store right on Diamond Street. But this long-awaited market didnʼt come without a price (or two) to pay. Richard and Janet Tarlov, who own and manage the market, have had to pay the price in some ways just with the countless hours required to put it all together, all the while trying to maintain their own family life. The neighborhood has paid a price too, with many of the items in the store being priced too high by mistake. Most of this is cleared up now, although Janet says they have missed some things and rely on customer feedback to fix pricing and other issues. She also says they are “making progress every day with the staff and customer service, operating systems, and day-to-day management.” There is a suggestion box in the store; every suggestion is read, and many are posted along with a regularly updated “market progress” letter from the Tarlovs to their customers. Richard says, “One of the greatest successes of the market is the meat and fish department.” They are trying to highlight sustainable fish. Natural meat and sustainable fish are of great

interest to the bulk of their customers, and the staff is being educated and trained to be knowledgeable about it for this reason. The neighborhood is still checking the store out, says Richard: “People are still coming in for the first time.” There has been quite a lot of buzz in the neighborhood about the market and longtime Glen Park resident Maureen Cronin, who lives two blocks from the store, says, “I love the new market, especially the already-prepared foods. A few things do concern me a little—the prices are a bit high for everyday shopping and I fear that they are going to put Rick at the cheese shop out of business, which would devastate me!” Other neighbors seem to have similar concerns about prices and the beloved Cheese Boutique. In addition, many have expressed frustration with the lack of parking. Richard emphasizes that “Nothing helps us more than the suggestions we get from our customers—and the positive feedback weʼve received is heartwarming.” The market is still struggling to deal with the crush of customers in the store. So far there havenʼt been requests for delivery, but the Tarlovs say they hope eventually to have a delivery service. If youʼre interested, please let them know. Staff can also carry groceries out to waiting cars. “If someone has parked a block away, when theyʼre done shopping they bring their car around to the curbside on Wilder and we run their groceries out to them,” says Richard. After 3 p.m. shoppers are welcome

to parallel park in the storeʼs delivery curb cut on Wilder Street, when deliveries to the market are finished for the day. “Thereʼs room for two cars there” without blocking the sidewalk, Richard notes. And two-hour parking is also almost always available on Wilder and Arlington streets during the day. n

Buying Locally Could Save Cash When the Canyon Market opened in November, neighbors were thrilled to once again have a full-service supermarket within walking distance. But many complained that the items seemed pricey. To test whether this was true, the Glen Park Newsʼ Joanna Pearlstein recently compared prices at four local markets: Canyon Market, Safeway at Diamond Heights, Mollie Stoneʼs Tower Market and the Whole Foods store South of Market. Her market basket consisted of 14 conventional and organically produced items, ranging from ice cream to broccoli. Although all four stores were close in price, Canyon Market came out the second cheapest, and just slightly higher than Mollie Stoneʼs. Shoppers who are primarily motivated by price may find it cheapest to shop for conventionally grown and

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produced items at Safeway. But for consumers looking for a mix of organic and conventional products—as many San Franciscans do—the good news is that Canyon Market isnʼt likely to be any more expensive than other, comparable destinations. In fact, in some cases shopping in downtown Glen Park could save you some money, especially when you factor in the ever-climbing price of gas. n Shopping Hint: If your household uses a lot of milk, compare Canyon Marketʼs price with Safewayʼs!

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Glen Park News

Page 10

Spring 2007

Glen Park Honeybee Colony Has had a Tough Winter ST. FINN BARR CATHOLIC SCHOOL 419 HEARST AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94112

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When I last wrote about the honeybee If she has sufficient stored sperm, she colony in my Glen Park backyard, will regulate the population of her hive everything was going well. However, so that it is approximately 88 percent as seems to be the rule in workers during spring and through sumbeekeeping, things can mer, to 100 percent workers by late fall by take a turn very quickly. and through winter. Karen During the summer, my The problem with a new queen Peteros honeybee colony had hatching in winter is that there is taken a quick turn for virtually no drone population from the better by providing me with almost other colonies available to mate with 100 pounds of excess honey. On a virgin queen. And even if there were December 30, my colony took a quick a few, honeybees will not go outside turn for the worse. their hive during rain or if the temThat day I found the dead body of perature is colder than 55° F. the colonyʼs queen outside the hive. I So while I was pleased to see queen had looked for her during every hive cells, I also knew it was unlikely that inspection but was never able to spot her any new queen that hatched during among the mass of bees. Nonetheless, January would successfully mate. A I recognized her right colony is doomed if it away—she was clearly has no fertile eggs to The queen was longer and bigger than become worker bees, any of her worker or with which young dead. Would the or drone offspring. worker bees could The next day was create a new queen hive survive? warmer so I opened the that would hatch hive to see if the colony when successful mathad anticipated her death. They appar- ing flights were likely. ently had, because on one of the frames As of late February, there was no within the hive I saw three “queen sign of any new worker bees and the cells.” population of my backyard colony had Like the descriptions I had read and dwindled to only a few hundred bees, and pictures I had seen, they look like half of I could not see any queen. The only way a peanut, still in its shell, protruding on to save the remaining bees is to merge the lower part of the frame. Two of the them with another colony. So I moved my queen cells were still open and I could other honeybee colony from the Mission see a larva in each; the third queen cell Dolores neighborhood to my backyard. was closed with the resident already in That colony appears to be doing OK but her pupal stage of development. not great. One of the many fascinating attriThe true test will come as the butes of honeybees is that the worker weather warms up later in March. daughters know when their queen The queen of that colony, if she has mother is injured or sick, not laying well, survived the winter, will be entering becoming infertile or otherwise faltering. her third and likely last year of life. Young worker bees will select a number She will need to be replaced so I have of new larvae and will feed them royal ordered an already-mated replacement jelly throughout their larval stage. queen bee from a breeder. If all goes well, a queen bee will If my bees can hold out until hatch about 16 days later and, during mid-April I will be able to get them the first week after hatching, she will a new, fertile queen and the colony take several nuptial flights. During these will continue another cycle of the flights, she will mate with up to 15 dif- seasons. n ferent drone bees and receive a lifetime supply of genetically diverse sperm. These flights are critical because she will never mate again. Depending Say hello to Karen Peteros at the April on the success of her nuptial flights, she 29 Glen Park Festival—look for her can expect to reign as the queen of the booth on Wilder Street near the fire hive for as short as a few months to as engine. She will have an observation long as 3 years. hive on display with two frames of bees, During her lifetime, she will use her including a queen. Come by and see the stored sperm to fertilize eggs to become Glen Park bees! For beekeeping inforworker bees, and withhold stored sperm mation, see the Community Calendar when laying eggs to become drone bees. on Page 23.

Spring 2007

Page 11

their personal garden, but the reality doesnʼt match their romantic notions. If a member neglects his plot, he can be asked to give it up to another. Members work their roughly hundred-square-foot plots as either vegetable or decorative gardens. (Backyard gardeners take note: In Glen Park, the most successful vegetables are peas, beans, Swiss chard, carrots and cabbages. Some tomatoes grow okay—the smaller varieties—but others are terrible.) Each gardener has a key to come and go and is responsible for maintaining the plot and the path and fence around it. There are also two or three general clean-up days in the spring and fall. Although the garden is not regimented in its organization, there is an annual business meeting to set policy, sign agreements, pay dues and decide upon future projects. There are several common areas in which members are supposed to volunteer, like the herb garden, and the new addition: In 2005, the City fenced off a wedge of adjoining land to incorporate into

Tony Vaccarezza, master gardener of Arlington Community Garden, and his tamarillo tree. Photo by Michael Waldstein

Arlington Community Garden Glen Park has a back-to-nature haven for city dwellers who yearn to till the land to yield natureʼs bounty. Arlington Community Garden, located on the by south side of the 200 Bonnee block of Arlington Waldstein Street, is a wonderful example of reclaimed land that was in disuse for many years. Itʼs a wedge between Arlington Street and the San Jose Avenue thoroughfare, a site where houses were torn down in the 1950s. It lay vacant, attracting trash, parked cars and all manner of urban detritus. Finally, the surrounding neighbors got the City to fence off the land and organize a community garden in 1988, under the Agnos administration. The land is owned by the Department of Public Works and managed by the Recreation and Park Department. The City provides water, major maintenance on the fences, replaces plots, and prunes the larger trees. Information and workshops for community gardeners are available through the San Francisco Garden Resource Organization (SFGRO).

Mike Jacob has been involved with the garden since 1999 and is the current coordinator. Having just retired after 32 years working in food programs for the Agriculture Department of the federal government, heʼs looking forward to devoting more free time to the garden. Jacob explained how the garden works. Itʼs an organization in which the members rent a plot for $35 a year. The dues cover the cost of shared materials—chips, soil, fertilizer and tools. There are 20 plots that are tended by individuals, families, friends or other partnerships. Members can live in any part of the city; indeed, thereʼs no requirement that they even live in San Francisco, although city residents are given preference. As it happens, most live near the garden, four or five on Arlington Street itself. Thereʼs a waiting list with about a dozen names posted on the bulletin board. Itʼs a fluid situation; two years ago there was no waiting list. Members leave for a variety of reasons: They move, take on child- or eldercare responsibilities, a demanding job. Or, perhaps they liked the idea of tending

Telegraph Hill, Meet Glen Park In a city as compact as San Francisco, there are six degrees of separation, or fewer, between places that on the surface seem unrelated. In reporting on the Feb. 27 by Bonnee landslide on Telegraph Waldstein Hill, the San Francisco Chronicleʼs David Perlman recapped the history of geologic instability of that area—one major cause being the blasting of rock and undermining in what was once a quarry there, owned by the two Gray Brothers. After the 1906 quake, the Gray Brothers also owned a quarry on 29th Street and Noe, near Laidley Street. In the days before OSHA, flying rocks were a constant hazard in the area. A Mr. LeCoco worked there, but the work was too hard on his heart so he resigned—but the Gray Brothers wouldnʼt pay him for time worked. LeCoco shot George Gray dead and beat the rap: it was deemed justifiable homicide. The other Gray brother, Harry, is undeservedly immortalized by the street named after him, at the 100 block of Laidley: the 250 stairs which ascend to Beacon Street. n

Glen Park News

the garden, which is being developed for common use as a natural shade garden with native plants. Every organization has an icon, and in the Arlington Community Garden itʼs Tony Vaccarezza, master gardener. Jacob has installed a bench with a plaque dedicated to Tony. Tony has lived on Chenery Street, a block away from the garden, since 1951 and has been active in establishing and maintaining many of its features, such as its kiwi garden and tamarillo tree. This idyllic spot is not without occasional urban problems. A couple of hostile neighbors have deposited trash inside; a person committed an act of vandalism; someone jumped the fence and stole berries and fruit and, incredibly, bags of dirt. Then there are feral cats. “All in all,” says Jacob, “these incidents are on a manageable scale.” In the winter, weeds take over parts of the garden and will be attended to come April. Very soon Arlington Community Garden will be in full bloom. n

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Glen Park News

Page 12

Tiny Streets and Byways

One of a series of unusual things about Glen Park As I walk the streets of Glen Park, I have come upon several little alleys, about which Iʼve wondered: how many are there? by what kind? are there Dolan any oddities connected Eargle with them worth writing about? Some of you may have read the Glen Park News story about Ohlone Way, its history, and how it came about. It is one of a few narrow streets laid out in subdivision maps in the early days of the spread of sprawl, in the section named Glen Park. There arenʼt very many of these alleys, and they are mostly unpaved. They were designed as alleys behind homes, to provide access to the rear of the lots—useful now in case of emergency or simply convenient access to back yards, but originally they served horses, too. The City has said these are still City streets that are maintained by their adjacent owners. Why? Mainly because underneath these access lanes lie one or more City services—like transept sewers, to say nothing of aboveground access to fire or emergency

vehicles. It was to help those vehicles respond to potential emergencies that the City began naming our formerly anonymous lanes in the 1990s; abutting property owners selected the names. The Excelsior neighborhood, on the south side of I-280, has numerous named and unnamed alleys, but none like Glen Parkʼs. Ohlone Way, between Surrey and Sussex streets, was originally designed as a carriageway—its north end deemed impassable owing to its steepness. Poppy Laneʼs second block, off Diamond Street, has the same problem—an exit to the south was too steep for vehicles of any type; eventually its south exit was blocked off, fenced off, or simply cut off by extension of properties upward from Sussex Street. Penny Lane, also off Diamond, terminates at a “wye,” where neighbors have graciously beautified a footpath up to Sussex and some green work has been done to improve the path down to Surrey; the entire lane is a pleasant and scenic throughpath. Southwest of the first block of Lippard, we find a stub that looks like one of the tiny streets. It is. The cottage just

one lot west has a Lippard address, but the lane actually continues some 10 lots westward, according to the Cityʼs 1975 microfiche maps in the Main Library. Evidently no one wishes clear access, so Lippardʼs Stub remains clogged with green growth. Quickie: Thor Street was once named Cliff Avenue and appears to have had access to Diamond. Then the little Glen Park garden across from there would have been a Cliff Mote? The older City maps show other interesting features. Today, two streets running south of Chenery appear to end as they cross Islais Creek (alas, underground) below Bosworth, but they donʼt really end there: Burnside, on the west side of St. Johnʼs Elementary School, presents concrete stairs to and from Bosworth; after a forested gap, the name continues above Bosworth. Chilton has a ramp suitable for disabled access to Glen Park School. Hamerton (now part of the schoolyard at its Chenery Street end) has stairs up to Bosworth from the back of the schoolyard, then extends south from Bosworth up a series of attractive steps and landings with benches, up one block to a real street. This is a good footpath access to upper Sunnyside. These access structures were given to us when Bosworth was widened in 1964. Another superb set of steps at the edge of Glen Park is scenic Harry Street, a staircase with residences between Laidley and Beacon streets (see “Telegraph Hill, Meet Glen Park” on Page 11. Anyone can find several more sets of public stairs in GP, but I think none designated as streets. Poppy Lane has a history too. Originally, it stretched (on an old map) from an unbuilt section of Castro Street, along the flat land above Sussex, across Diamond, then westward to Conrad (as it still does). Beyond there it was about two feet wide, on over to the park. West of Conrad the former cow path from the grassy heights of Diamond to the green pastures of the canyonʼs glen no longer exists, taken over by structures and green things. n Thanks to John Rohosky, Roberta Guise, Bruce Bonaker and the SF City Library for their historic input. Dolan Eargle is a long-time Glen Park resident.

GlenSpring Park News 2007

Pillaging Poppy Lane Poppy Laneʼs recent history is fraught with controversy. In the 1960s, some property owners uphill on Moffitt Street were by convinced to sell off Dolan the “excess” rear porEargle tions of their lots creating five substandard lots along the alley. In later manipulations, these were merged into one. Neighbors challenged the merger, but the City was persuaded to waive any previous subdivision “errors,” and declared the parcel legal and buildable. Five architects and 28 years later, the current developer has a building permit and as of this writing is ready to break ground, even though 14-foot-wide Poppy Lane does not qualify as a legal street (16 feet). Opening up a bucolic country lane to development is not proper for this neighborhood. One design scheme attempted to install a grand mansion of 3,900 sq.ft. with in-law provision and a 4-car garage on Poppy Lane; the architect called it the “beacon of the neighborhood.” Abutting neighbors, led by Architect John Rohosky and Roberta Guise, among others, rose up no fewer than five times to “Save Poppy Lane” in great protest concerning this assault on the quietude and simplicity of the area. Their cause: To protest the permitting of building on an illegal lot; the narrowness of the 14-foot-wide Poppy Lane in terms of fire access/safety; permanent destruction of what the City should have designated as open space in the first place; the paving over of Poppy Lane with wall-to-wall concrete; and finally a precedent-setting development which may in the future cause the rest of the Lane to be sold off and developed. After these years of protest and reluctant resolution, a somewhat scaleddown structure has been approved for construction. The steep portion of the lane between Diamond Street and the ersatz lot is to be surfaced with two strips of interlocking pavers and three strips of landscaping, permanently protected by the Bureau of Urban Forestry. The City has promised no further development will take place along Poppy Lane. Any further development attempts will be hotly contested. Incidentally, look for the green National Wildlife Federationʼs “Certified Wildlife Habitat” plaque awarded to Roberta and Johnʼs rear garden—itʼs on the wooden gate about 100 feet up the lane from Diamond Street. More of these will be seen soon around Glen Park. n

Spring 2007

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Glen Park News

Pizza, Salad and Wine: Just What We Needed From the first day Gialina opened for crack for me,” she said. business on Jan. 22, the pizzeria in the Right now, Gialina is open only heart of Glen Park village has been for dinner. Ardiana said sheʼs thinkpacked. ing about adding lunch service but “I knew that Glen has yet to figure out all the details Park was a great neigh- and how it would pencil out finanby borhood and that the cially. Rachel restaurant was probNot only is Gialina bringing new Gordon ably going to be busy,” night-time life to the neighborhood—it said owner/chef Sharon also is filling a need for locals hankering Ardiana. for good pizza and Italian fare. It took Thatʼs an understatement. over the space last occupied by Sunset Most nights around suppertime the Pizza, which never drew much walk-in cozy, 38-seat restaurant is jammed, with business. a spillover crowd often gathered on the Adriana, who lives in the area street out front, or down the block at bordering the Mission and the Casthe Glen Park Station tro, has been working tavern, waiting for a Shortly after Gialina in the restaurant busitable. On the busiest ness for 23 years, most nights, Ardiana said, recently as general opened, Ardiana the small kitchen turns manager and execuout more than 100 of tive chef at Lime, on its Neapolitan-style added another deck Market Street. Her new thin-crust pizzas, the endeavor is close to her house specialty. to the pizza oven heart. Gialina is named Shortly after after her grandmother, Gialina opened, Ardi“Nonni Lina.” T h e to keep up with ana added another menu—pizzas, salads, “deck”—restaurant antipasti, roasted meat, demand. industry parlance for fish and desserts preshelf—to the pizza pared with fresh, simple oven to help keep up with demand. ingredients—is inspired by the food of The restaurant, on Diamond her family roots in the Emilia-Romagna Street at the corner of Kern alley, region of Italy. is still trying to get its footing. At Anne Stevens, who lives four times, when the kitchen gets backed blocks away, popped in one recent up, phone-in takeout orders are cut night with her boyfriend in what, off. The reason, said Ardiana, is to she said, is becoming a weekly make sure patrons eating in-house ritual. are not neglected. “Salad. Pizza. Wine,” said Stevens. “Takeout has been a tough nut to “Itʼs just what Glen Park needed.” n

Renée Gonsalves & Peggy McIntyre The Glen Park Real Estate Team

In today’s market, expertise and reputation count. Peggy and Renee bring over 32 years of combined real estate experience and always look after our clients’ best interest first. We don’t just sell homes, we sell your neighborhood. If you’re thinking of making a move, call us! We would be happy to give you a free evaluation of your home’s value, share our effective marketing strategies and answer your real estate questions. We assisted Glen Park buyers/sellers in the following homes:

353 Arlington St 319 Bosworth St 1313 Bosworth St 357-359 Chenery St 948 Chenery St 1749 Dolores St 5122 Diamond St 25 Elk St 49 Elk St 123 Laidley St

128 Laidley St 554 Laidley St 51 Lippard St 130 Monterey Bl 249 Randall St 253 Randall St #2 10 Roanoke St 16 Roanoke St 114 Rousseau St 267 Surrey St

201 Sussex St 1713 Sanchez St 166 Stillings St 21 Whitney St 35 Whitney St 61 Whitney St 126 Whitney St 159-161 Whitney St 218 Whitney St 53 Wilder St #304

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Photo by Liz Mangelsdorf

Glen Park News

Page 14

Spring 2007

Check It Out at the Library! Jess Taclas and members of the Glen Park Capital Campaign—a group raising money for the new Glen Park branch library— by Sharon will host a family event Dezurick at the Glen Park Recreation Center on Sunday, April 15 (income taxes are due April 17 this year) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be a story time, a clown, music, craft activities, light snacks, drinks and family fun. This column gives me a chance to say goodbye to the Glen Park library users. It has been a pleasure to be the librarian in this community. I have often said that Glen Park has a “mild, rather than wild” clientele. With the support of the administration, I am now going to work half-time at the Mission branch in the childrenʼs room. My training was as a childrenʼs librarian, although I have not been able to focus primarily on this aspect of my work during my time at Glen Park. I am happy to be returning to childrenʼs work. I also am happy that my half-time schedule will give me the time to unearth and pursue a range of interests, and time to slow down and enjoy the neighborhood, while still having the structure that working provides. Denise Sanderson is the interim manager for the Glen Park branch, while the process of reassigning or hiring a new manager takes place. Please give Denise your full support. There will be familiar faces: Precy, Carol, Tess, Sarah, Ileana and Claire will still be working at Glen Park. When the new branch opens in late summer you will be able to welcome Spencer, Gia and a new half-time adult librarian. For those of you wondering about our new library, the latest date for us to vacate the current branch is Aug. 30. I am confident that the administration will work to minimize the length of the transition from the current branch to the new branch, around the corner on Diamond Street. I certainly intend to be there for the opening party. At the new location there will be many new books and materials—more CDs and DVDs, much larger Chinese

and Spanish sections, more seating and more computers, including catalog-only computers. In addition, there will be views from the north- and westfacing windows, better bathrooms, and a comfortable space for teens, widely separated from a comfortable space for children. Adults will have the pride of place at the well-lit corner of Diamond and Wilder. The concept for the art installation by the team of Reddy Lieb and Linda Raysnford has been approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission. Quoting from the information board displayed in the window of the branch, “The overall feel of the work plays tribute to many natural elements. Several glass circles will be fused with copper cut into various plant forms indigenous to the Glen Park area. Two steel plates have cutouts of eucalyptus leaves and branches and there are hand-painted steel cutouts in the shape of foliage and leaf forms. A bat house element references the batabatement program in the park, and painted water images are inspired by Islais Creek. Honored are the ʻGum Tree Girls,ʼ three women who stood firm and saved the park from the intrusion of a proposed freeway. We chose the circle as our predominant geometric element, a form that denotes community, oneness and the earth.” Thank you for making my time here such a pleasure and so rewarding. I will continue to see many of you in the neighborhood, during my period of semi-retirement. n Glen Park Branch 653 Chenery Street San Francisco, CA 94131 (415) 337-4740

Editorʼs note: The Glen Park News would like to thank Sharon Dezurick for being a faithful contributor to the newspaper. We also want to thank her for making the Glen Park branch library a great neighborhood asset. We wish her well in her next adventures.

Spring 2007

Page 15

On Patrol in Glen Park Itʼs only March, and already 2007 has proven to be a particularly curious time for the San Francisco Police Department. We have seen a rise in the homicide rate, a political debate among law enforcement amateurs as to how to combat it, a Police Commission that fails to acknowledge the necesby sity to engage in proacOfficer tive police work, and a Michael recruitment effort that Walsh becomes exponentially more difficult as our city competes for candidates with other communities in less political environments. Nevertheless, I wouldnʼt choose to do this job in any other city. The real question is: how does the political circus in which the department operates affect the people who live in the city, specifically Glen Park? Without question, the shortage of almost 300 officers in the department impacts all neighborhoods. Although I am assigned to the “2car sector,ʼʼ which includes Glen Park, I respond to calls for service in other beats regularly. As such, my assignment is not “dedicated,” as are those units whose assignments are located in public housing developments and who may not leave their area of responsibility absent an emergency or some other exigent circumstance. The more we dedicate officers for specific enforcement projects and legislatively mandated foot beats, the fewer officers are available to service the needs of the remaining neighborhoods. Until such time that we reach sufficient—if not full—staffing, the longer the potential wait times for nonemergency calls will be, and the greater the risk to the public and the officers responding to emergency calls The recent debate at City Hall over foot beats is a prime example of political perception vs. practical reality. In an election year, members of the Board of Supervisors decided that mandatory foot beats, no matter the staffing constraints, were the most effective way to address the homicide rate. While I wonʼt debate in this space the curious logic that brings them to that conclusion, I will tell you that having to dedicate eight full-time officers a week to the beats, without staffing flexibility, due to mandated legal compliance, makes meeting the needs of neighborhoods such as Glen Park extremely difficult for the lieutenants who are responsible for deploying the officers

in the district. Nevertheless, the officers at Ingleside Station have maintained an excellent level of response. More of us are working solo to maintain district coverage, which is not ideal but for which we are all trained. All the officers agree that removing the authority to deploy officers where needed from the chief and district captains and remanding it to the Board of Supervisors is, to those of us who must respond, well… frightening. Recent Police Academy classes that have graduated and entered patrol only artificially increase staffing counts. Those officers must complete 17 weeks of training with a field training officer (such as myself), and then must work with a senior officer a following year of probation. This increases the gross number of officers on the street, but it does not increase the net number of patrol units working and, by extension, the coverage and enforcement they provide. These increased numbers were cited by the Board as evidence of more available officers, but that is not practically accurate. As Iʼve written previously, Glen Park is not on the “beats” list (apologies to Ferlinghetti, Ginsburg, Kerouac, et al…) but will continue to have an assigned sector car most shifts. Historically, when staffing allowed, Glen Park shared a bicycle beat officer with Upper Noe Valley. Perhaps some day we will reach the City Charter-mandated staffing level and be able to staff that beat again. In the meantime, for those who live and work in Glen park, continue to be the Police Departmentʼs eyes and ears. Last month a concerned citizen on the 300 block of Arlington Street called in a suspicious vehicle and person near a notorious problem house. The result was the arrest of a parolee-at-large with a fully loaded .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun. In another case, our plainclothes officers have been observing a house in the neighborhood (canʼt tell you where yet) about which I received an e-mail from a concerned neighbor. The officers are attempting to establish probable cause to support the neighborʼs suspicions that drug dealing is taking place in the house. This takes time and patience, but we are a step ahead simply because of an alert resident. Keep watching, keep calling and keep those porch lights burning. Iʼve seen a marked increase of lights since my suggestion in the last edition of the Glen Park News. Iʼll say it again—thieves hate light! n

Glen Park News

A Bugʼs Life

Why Kidsʼ Store Has Closed

It seems like just yesterday when an energetic, bright-eyed woman came to my store announcing the arrival of BUG, a childrenʼs consignment shop offering “hip clothing for the urban child.” by I was excited; it was Vanessa just what we needed Viray to make Glen Park more of a shopping destination and maybe generate more foot traffic on Chenery Street. I watched as the proprietor, Kortney Eichenberger, transformed a long, narrow, nondescript room into a clean, airy, cheerful childrenʼs store, and saw moms park their strollers and with young ones in tow, enjoy the chockfull-of-goodies shop. It became a daily ritual seeing Eichenberger and her daughter, Zoe, walk our block of Chenery. They were fast becoming neighborhood fixtures. Her visits to our store were comforting—it was good to talk to someone about the travails of having a small business; we mirrored each otherʼs challenges and issues. We did some cross-marketing and planned events together. During bad days, we assured each other that there would be more business in the days to follow. On good days, high-fives were exchanged and a renewed sense of optimism encouraged us to hang in there and keep doing what we were doing. Other businesses later opened

and continue to open—restaurants, an architectural firm, a massage therapy office. Then, almost a year after signing her lease, Eichenberger informed me that BUG was closing. How sad, so heartfelt. I asked her some questions and she answered candidly. Vanessa Viray: When did you open BUG? Kortney Eichenberger: I opened in May [2006], after signing my lease March 1. VV: What are the challenges of running a small business? KE: I found the biggest challenges to running a small business were both the ridiculous fees associated with having a storefront, including but not limited to: rent, insurance, resale license, special City resale permit, business phone lines and utilities, permits, licenses, taxes and build-out fees. I think that laws governing business donʼt allow room for small businesses to grow, which in turn promotes cheating on taxes, etc. But perhaps the most challenging thing was balancing being a mom, partner and business owner. When it came time to renew my lease, I evaluated my situation closely. The store needed more of me. My partner needed more of me. My daughter needed more of me. My dog and my house needed more of me. Without a live-in au pair and at least two employees at the store, it was impossible to CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Merchants Forum Because we are all sometimes on “automatic pilot” and not so mindful of our surroundings, I would like to re-introby duce some of the busiRic nesses that are known as López “upper floor.” These are small businesses located above street level, also adding to the tapestry of Merchants in Glen Park. Here are some: Diamond Dental, General and Cosmetic Dentistry, 2790 Diamond St. Martin C. Leung, M.D., Civil Surgeon, 598 Bosworth St

Share Foundation, Solidarity work with El Salvador, 598 Bosworth St. Michael Kreutzer, M.D., Pyschiatrist, 676 Chenery St., #2 Jennifer Chien, Massage Therapist, 676 Chenery St., #6 Many artist studios will be available for visitors during this yearʼs Open Studios event. Please visit the Merchantsʼ Association web site, www.gpmasf.com, for more information and event dates. n Ric López is president of the Glen Park Merchants Association.

Glen Park News

Page 16

Spring 2007

In Glen Canyon Park Volunteers planted many native plants of a long hike, the campers discovered in the Canyon on Wednesday and Sat- their food was still in the parking lot. urday workdays during December and Roasted soap plant bulbs were served January. One of the noteworthy plants for supper and breakfast. is a member of the lily The leader of the group was expefamily, the soap plant rienced in eating wild plants and knew by (Chlorogalum pom- that cooking the bulbs deactivated Jean eridianum). The bulbs whatever stupefied the fish; the cooked Conner of the soap plant were bulbs could be eaten. Though they were removed from one area filling, none of the campers found them of the Canyon where it was very abun- to be a dining treat. dant and planted in areas were there When many items were scarce durwere none. ing the gold rush, soap plant bulbs were Historically, the soap plant has dug up by the cartload. The hairy fibers had many uses. It was used by Cali- were used as stuffing in a mattress-makforniaʼs Native Americans, by Span- ing business. ish settlers, and by merchants during The soap plant bulb sends up the early years of the gold rush. Any- green leaves after the first winter one interested in how to survive in rains. The new shoots in the canyon the wilderness should were 3 or 4 inches learn about this plant. The soap plant, a high by the middle It has a many-layered of January this year. bulb similar to an Native member of the lily California onion. The outer layer Americans gathered of the bulb is densely these tender shoots family, could be covered with brown and cooked them as fibers. greens. These fibers were The plant is easily used to make used by Native Ameridistinguished from cans to make brushes. brushes, salve, glue the iris by the wavy The brushes were margins of its long, used when cooking thin leaves. These and , of course, to clean baskets and leaves were used by mortars. These types California Native of brushes are still Americans to wrap up soap. being made and used acorn dough before it today. Richard Craib, president of was baked into bread. the Friends of Glen Canyon Park, has A spreading flower stalk one to a soap plant brush he uses to clean two feet tall grows up from the bulb in mushrooms. early summer. Although I heard that If it isnʼt already obvious from the the small white flowers were quite name of the plant, the soap plant was beautiful, for many years I saw many used as soap. A crushed bulb could soap plants stalks with buds but never be worked up into a lather with the saw a flower. addition of a bit of water. It made a I found out that I was looking for good shampoo and laundry soap. The the flowers at the wrong time of day, Spanish named it “Amole.” The bulb since I usually take walks early in the was also used to make a salve to cure morning. The soap plant flowers open poison oak, and was used to make about four oʼclock in the afternoon and glue. they are closed by dawn. California Native Americans used The little white six-petaled, starthe bulb to capture fish during the sum- shaped flowers attract the night-flying mer when streams were low and the fish moths and insect pollinators. Tiny would remain in the shallow pools. The round three-part seedpods form after women would take soap plant to the the flowers are gone. They pop open pools. According to different sources, when they are ripe and scatter the seeds. they would either throw crushed bulbs The soap plant leaves die down by late into the water or whip up a lot of lather. summer. Only a dried seed stalk may The fish became stupefied and could mark the spot where a bulb remains easily be picked up as they floated to dormant until the winter rains. the surface. When walking through the canyon, I A friend of mine told me about an hope you will take time to get to know and overnight camping trip he took. Upon appreciate this California native plant arriving at the camping spot at the end with its many uses. n

Soap Plant

Image courtesy of Jean Conner

Spring 2007

Page 17

Fun Fest in May, Rec Center Summer Programs to Come Mark your calendar: The Family Fun Glen Park visitor sitting on the benches Fest is set to go. The date is Saturday, to read a book or just rest their feet. May 19, from 11 a.m.–3 Graffiti continues to be a problem p.m. We look forward to in the park. Our new mural was hit by creating an atmosphere over Presidentsʼ Day weekend but was Miriam of fun and friendships. cleaned up thanks to the protective Moss Meet your neighbors, coat of anti-graffiti paint that had been share some food, have applied over it. But the walls surroundfun and make future friendships. ing the mural had to be painted over. The Glen Park Advisory Board can The cement wall along OʼShaughnessy always use donations of and the foundation from food, money and enter- Come to the Family the house at the corner tainment for this popular of Elk and Bosworth is day in the park. We also another favorite Fun Fest intend to make this the spot of vandals. best one ever. This is The next round of at the park – our seventh event and programming for the perhaps our last one. Recreation Center will The Advisory Board Saturday, May 19, begin in June for the did not get the grant for summer months. If you the tree guards we had want to see new and from 11-3. hoped for, but we will different types of protry again. We still wish gramming at our park to get planted the trees in the “Plaza” call the Glen Park Recreation Supervisor, picnic area. This area is heavily used Gil Rocha, at 337-4747; Neighborhood by everyone using the picnic tables for Service Manager Marianne Bertuccelli parties, field trips by schools as the at 831-6818; or Scott Reese, Superinplace to meet, doing homework, meet- tendent of Neighborhood Services at ing a friend for lunch and just the casual 831-2745. n

Glen Park News

Digging the Dirt: News from the Garden Club With spring on its way, itʼs time to once again get serious about gardening, and one of the best ways to get started is to have the right tools on hand. Everyone has their by favorites. Susan For Glen Park neighEvans bor Mary Betlach, the foot-long, swan-neck, sharp-edge hoe is just the right size to work a small garden. So is a small broom rake. Both are good for reaching under shrubs. For pruners, there are the Felco and Fiskars brands. Each has its cheerleaders. The Fiskars are light—and made in the USA. The company makes small snippers, light loppers and a 4-inch long light pruner. To divide perennials, some of Glen Parkʼs most serious gardeners use the very sharp Japanese hori hori knives, which are good for digging, cutting and weeding. Neighborhood gardener Terri Campbell swears by a pick-ax to dig in clay soil. A foldable saw also comes in handy for yard work. Cutting takes less energy because itʼs a pull-type saw. Many gardeners wear tool belts to haul around their equipment. And for gloves, many prefer flexible nitrile gloves, which are waterproof and easy to wash. Some of our tools are generations old, and while they may not incorporate todayʼs ergonomic designs, some just feel right. Gardening tools are available at nurseries and hardware stores—including Glen Park Hardware—and also can be found online. Good deals often can be found at www.gemplers.com, but for first-timers, itʼs often best to handle the tool in person to make sure the fit and feel are right.

But tools alone donʼt transform land into a garden. It takes work—and vision. Local gardening educator and author Pam Pierce brought her expertise to Glen Park recently when she made a presentation to the Glen Park Garden Club on “learning to grow what you can eat, and learning to eat what you can grow.” Her message: With our neighborhoodʼs cool Mediterranean climate, greens do great year-round. Finding the perfect way to cook them can be both a challenge and an adventure, adding flavor and nutrition to recipes from around the globe. Looking for edible crops to plant in March? Consider leeks, chard, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, beets, peas, cilantro, arugula, mizuna, choys, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards (gai lan), or kale. Flowers also can be eaten, adding color and an interesting taste to salads. Among such flowers are Johnny-jumpups, calendula, nasturtium and borage. And remember, when planting your spring garden during the upcoming month, make sure to leave room so you can plant more later. The Glen Park Garden Club is a great place to share the joys of gardening. Please visit our booth at the upcoming Glen Park Festival—the proceeds from plant sales will go, as always, to local causes such as the Glen Park branch library or Friends of Glen Canyon Park. n

After a year hiatus, organizers are putting the finishing touches on the 2007 Glen Park festival. The festival will take place Sunday, April 29 from 10 am –4:30 pm. Over 50 food, craft, art and nonprofit vendors plan to be in attendance, along with local acts, DJ, and a rockinʼ band (Mestizo). There will be plenty of fun for children and adults but... Volunteers are needed to get this show on the road! Organizers need at least 25 volunteers. Your minimum time commitment is 2 hours. The need for volunteers begins at 7 a.m., and ends at 5 p.m. This is

a great way to show your support for our community and have fun too. Volunteers are needed for set-up and break-down, and to staff the raffle, beer and wine booths. A volunteer coordinator is needed to work with Kathleen Tracey to coordinate with volunteers prior to and during the festival. In addition to that warm, fuzzy feeling you get for doing something for your community, all volunteers will receive a thank-you gift. Interested volunteers should contact Kathleen at [email protected] or 269-6571. We look forward to seeing you at the festival. n

Susan Evans is a member of the Glen Park Garden Club and the new gardening columnist for the Glen Park News. E-mail her at [email protected].

Be a Part of the Beating Heart of Glen Park — Volunteer at the Festival!

Glen Park News

Page 18

Spring 2007

Handyman/Carpenter: Responsibility on a leash: Bodie, Hathawayʼs Labrador Retriever puppy. Photo by Ashley Hathaway

Hang a door, build or repair a fence or deck, shelves, sheetrock or some electrical. I do good work for a reasonable price. Robert – 566-3389

Purchasing a Pooch: Puppies, Puddles and Bliss Mother Nature made puppies cute and irresistible for a reason. She also made puppies by Ashley with razor-sharp teeth—I Hathaway have proof of that on every inch of my fingers, hands and arms! After just three days of having our puppy home, he peed, pooped and piddled inside our house more times than I can count—but somehow it was all OK. You canʼt get mad at something so lovable, innocent and cute! Their cuteness is like a built-in suit of armor, protecting them from the frustrations of their new “parents.” But itʼs taken awhile even to get to this point. Last fall my husband and I got word that the female dog weʼd hoped to get a puppy from had not gotten pregnant. Weʼd been hoping to bring a puppy home at the end of October. After weeks of research and waiting (and many years of wanting a dog) this was sad news from the breeder we selected to produce our pup. But what can you do? Mother Nature doesnʼt always give us what we want. We then were put on the list for a pup from the next available momand-pop pair. Everything worked as planned and we brought our 8-week old pup Bodie home the second week of December. Bodie is a “good” puppy… a really good puppy, but he is a lot of work, all the time—as most puppies are. Heʼs now almost 5 months old. A quiet house and sleeping more than 6 hours in any given night are things of the past now,

but he is fast becoming the best part of every day for us. This little creature can touch places in our hearts we never knew were there. I liken this responsibility factor to that of having a toddler running around the house—you just canʼt imagine the extent of it until you are actually doing it. I believe this is one reason there are so many dogs in shelters—given up by their parents who really didnʼt know what they were in for when they got a puppy. I prepared myself fairly well by reading books, doing lots of research, asking friends about their experiences with puppies and by really wanting this in my life. Okay, the warm and fuzzy puppy bliss is one thing, but the naughtiness this little guy can dish out is a lot to manage. Our little Labrador puppy has a pretty strong sense of self and seems to think that sometimes weʼre not as smart as he is. When is he going to understand that shoes and the sofa are for people only? Maybe never. They say it is the highest compliment when your dog takes your shoes since it means he loves your smell. Everything is about smell with this pup. In fact, a dogʼs ability to detect scent is hundreds of times stronger than a humanʼs. So our little Bodie is not only in puppy obedience school, heʼs now in training to be a Search and Rescue dog. I felt we had to do something positive with all that puppy-chewing-smelling energy! CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Spring 2007

Page 19

Glen Park News

Glen Park News

Page 20

Muni: Better Late than Never, But Must it Always be Late? Glen Park Lines are On Time Only 60 Percent of the Time Not one of the Municipal Railway lines serving Glen Park comes close to meeting the 85 percent on-time performance goal mandated by San Francisco voters, but there may be hope for people who ride the by J-Church. Rachel Mayor Gavin NewGordon som announced that the J Church will be subject to a 120-day pilot project during which Muni will make a concerted effort to make the streetcar line run on time. Currently, it adheres to schedule just 61.9 percent of the time, the worst in

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the Metro system. “This is long overdue,ʼʼ said Newsom, who is running for re-election this year and said that improving Muni will be a top priority for 2007. The J-Church project will be modeled after a similar undertaking on the 1-California line, whose on-time performance improved from 81 percent to 88 percent over a three-month period that ended in February. To accomplish that, Muni made sure the line was fully staffed—whether that meant borrowing drivers from other routes or using overtime—and that no runs were missed because a bus was taken out of service. In addition, extra parking control officers were deployed to make sure double-parkers werenʼt blocking traffic lanes, and inspectors were out in force on the streets to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. Newsom said the same will be done during the J-Church experiment, which began March 5 with a top-to-bottom assessment of the problems. One area that officials are studying is whether parking spaces at the intersections where the streetcars make turns should be removed to make passage quicker. The J-Church, which carries nearly 19,000 passengers on an average weekday, runs between Balboa Park and the Embarcadero. Thereʼs a stop serving Glen Park in the median of San Jose Avenue, accessed by a pedestrian bridge and stairs at the junction of Diamond Street and Monterey Boulevard. Gloria Morales, who lives in Glen Park and works at a Church Street restaurant, said the dismal on-time performance of the J-Church often puts her in a bad mood before she starts her workday: “Iʼve waited a half-hour, 45 minutes for one to show up. It drives me crazy.” During the morning and evening commute hours, the J-Church is supposed to arrive at least once every 10 minutes. The Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates San Franciscoʼs public transit system, is in the midst of a comprehensive 18-month review that is looking at ways to improve service and efficiencies in the operation. The pilot projects on the J-Church and 1-California are putting some of the initial theories to an early test. The 1-California experiment cost $168,000 to implement; MTA officials could not attach a price

Spring 2007

A Bugʼs Life

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Many dogs like to have a “job,” but most Labrador Retrievers need a job! They were bred to serve as working hunt dogs and are happiest when they have something to do. A lot of training, patience and responsibility is involved with having a puppy—search and rescue aside—and since Bodie is so young he has a long way to go with just the basics. Itʼs going to be two or three years until we know whether heʼll be able to find lost people in the woods, so for now itʼs all about love, walks in the park, “sit-down-stay” and wondering which part of our hearts heʼll get to next! n

continue BUG without sacrificing my family. The last straw was the landlord at my building. I believe property owners have a right to do what they want, but her tough business tactics made continuing business in the location too difficult. VV: What is your outlook on the Glen Park neighborhood? KE: The neighborhood, community and merchants were the best part of my year in Glen Park. I will be around, and hope to keep in touch with many of the people Iʼve met. I think that the vacancies on Chenery have hurt the merchants, and itʼs a shame that it took the grocery store so long to be able to open. Once everything is filled with interesting businesses, I hope Glen Park becomes a vibrant merchant community that serves its community better. Although I was well received in Glen Park, there was not enough walking traffic to sustain my retail store. I wish the next business in that location luck, and encourage the remaining merchants to support each other! I want to send out special thanks to the Glen Park News, which was always helpful, informative, supportive and flexible. I also want to wish Canyon Market and the new restaurants best of luck. Iʼll be frequenting your places. Thank you, Glen Park Hardware, Critter Fritters, Cheese Boutique and Higher Grounds for your emotional, as well as hands-on, support. You people rule! And finally, Vanessa and the Paragraph family: We were like sister stores. You gave me so much support that I would never have made it even one year with out you. I wish you best of luck and promise to shop at your store often! VV: What are your future plans? KE: I donʼt know what my plans are yet. Iʼm going to recover from pneumonia, close the store, and then go to Hawaii. My next venture remains to be planned. I do know that Iʼll advocate for working moms! n

Part 1 of Hathawayʼs saga of puppy love ran in the Fall 2006 issue of the Glen Park News. Itʼs available at www.glenp arkassociation.org if you donʼt happen to keep bound copies by your bedside.

Vanessa Viray is an active memeber of the Glen Park Merchants Association. She owns Paragraph, a retail shop at 654 Chenery St., near Bugʼs former location.

to the J-Church scheme yet. Meanwhile, other bus lines serving Glen Park residents and visitors also fall short of the service standards created under Proposition E, a 1999 ballot measure that was intended to reform the troubled Muni system. One provision called for an 85 percent on-time performance rate. The 23-Monterey, which carries an average of 4,733 passengers a day, shows up on time 73.4 percent of the time, City records show. The 44-OʼShaughnessy meets its schedule 69.1 percent of the time. That line has an average daily ridership of 13,136. The 26-Valencia, with 3,290 daily boardings, has a 66.8 percent on-time rate. The 48-Quintara, with an average of 8,857 daily riders, has a 61.7 percent on-time record. And the worst in the neighborhood is the 52-Excelsior. With 2,189 daily riders, it has an ontime rate of 60 percent. Citywide, only four of Muniʼs lines exceed the 85 percent mark for on-time performance. The top-rated line is the 108-Treasure Island, at 94.7 percent. The worst is the 80-Gateway Express, which shuttles passengers up and down the hill between Forest Hill station and Laguna Honda Hospital. It shows up on time just 33.3 percent of the time. It also has the fewest riders, with 69 a day.

Pooch

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Spring 2007

Page 21

Real Estate in Glen Park After taking time off to enjoy the holidays in November and December, buyers have flocked back to the market, wanting to purchase homes in San Francisco, especially in our magical neighborhood. by Vince Since January, we have seen unprecedented demand from buyers Beaudet wanting to call Glen Park home, and with the shortage of homes for sale we are once again seeing multiple offers from buyers. Still, many of the properties are selling at or slightly below asking price. Following is the list of the 16 single-family homes sold during the past three months. Address

List Price

Sold Price

174 Arbor 156 Arlington 139 Brompton 807 Bosworth 763 Chenery 108 Farnum 155 Fairmount 334 Laidley 84 Lippard 465 Laidley 116 Moffitt 130 Roanoke 99 Surrey 1720 Sanchez 248 Whitney 118 Whitney

$699,000 $829,000 $799,000 $649,000 $1,295,000 $759,000 $910,000 $769,000 $849,000 $1,188,000 $795,000 $475,000 $499,000 $1,195,000 $958,000 $1,375,000

$699,000 $840,000 $785,000 $505,000 $1,300,000 $759,000 $905,000 $720,000 $910,000 $1,168,000 $775,000 $559,625 $499,000 $1,080,000 $970,000 $1,400,000

Realtor Vince Beaudet works for Herth Real Estate. He can be reached at 8615222 x333 or [email protected].

Glen Park News

San Francisco Services Abandoned Cars

553-9817

Building Inspection Info

558-6088

Bus Shelters (repair/clean)

882-4949

District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty

554-6968

Garbage (oversized item pickup)

330-1300

Graffiti Hotline

28-CLEAN

Mobile Assistant Patrol (MAP)

431-7400

(Homeless Outreach/Transportation) Mobile Crisis Team

355-8300

(Mental Health) Muni Information

673-6864

Muni Complaint/Compliment

923-6164

Parking Enforcement

553-1200

Police (non emergency)

553-0123

Potholes

695-2100

Rent Stabilization Board

252-4600

Street Construction Complaints

554-7222

Street Lighting

554-0730

Tree Problems

695-2165

Towed Cars

553-1235

Mayorʼs Office of Neighborhood Services

www.sfgov.org/mons

Stay in Touch With Your Neighbors

The Glen Park Association hosts a free electronic mail list open to all Glen Park residents. It is moderated by membership coordinator Heather World and consists of a weekly calendar and news update, with very occasional late-breaking news stories and police updates. To subscribe, send e-mail to [email protected]. Also, donʼt forget the Glen Park Association website, which is updated periodically: www.glenparkassociation.com Other neighborhood lists include: Ingleside Police Station Crime Report Straight from the desk of Capt. Paul Chignell Send e-mail to [email protected] to subscribe. Glen Park Parents A medium-traffic list with over 350 families in Glen Park and environs. Moderated and spam-free. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ glenparkparents/ The boardwalk over Islais Creek in Glen Canyon.

Photo by Ellen Rosenthal

Gay Glen Park A low-traffic list for gay and lesbian residents, their friends and families. Moderated and spam-free. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayglenpark/

Glen Park News

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Spring 2007

Spring 2007

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Glen Park News

Community Calendar Glen Park Association

Quarterly meetings are held on the second Tuesday in January, April, July and October at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike. Annual membership dues of just $10 support the Associationʼs important work on behalf of the neighborhood.. Next meeting: Tue, Apr. 10, 7:30 pm, St. Johnʼs School, 925 Chenery St.

Friends of Glen Canyon Park

Nature Walks in Glen Canyon: Sun., Apr. 1, 10 am: Spiderman Returns - Darrell Ubrich, arachnologist at the California Academy of Sciences, leads a spider and insect walk in the canyon. Meet behind the Rec Center for this popular walk. Sun., May 6, 9 am: Birds of the Springtime - With David Armstrongʼs help we will see some of the many birds that can be found in this urban oasis. Meet behind the Rec Center. Pancakes in the Park: Sun., May 6, 10:30 am, Silvertree building picnic tables. Following the Bird Walk, enjoy an outdoor breakfast of pancakes, bacon, orange juice, coffee and tea. Please RSVP to Richard Craib, 648-0862. Suggested donation for breakfast is $5.00. Meetings and Plant Restoration Work Parties: Third Saturday of each month, 9 am–noon. Next dates: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16. Meet behind the Recreation Center. Tools, gloves and instruction provided. Learn about botany and ecology, exercise your green thumb, enjoy entertaining camaraderie or examine public-lands management issues. Weekly Work Parties: Every Wednesday, 9 am–noon. For the current weekʼs meeting place contact Richard Craib, 648-0862. To join Friends of Glen Canyon Park or learn more about their activities, contact Richard Craib at 648-0862 or Jean Conner at 584-8576.

Glen Park Advisory Board

Family Fun Fest: Sat., May 19, 11 am–3 pm, in the park. Meet your neighbors, share some food and fun, and make new friendships at the seventh annual event. The hard-working, all-volunteer Advisory Board can use donations of food, money and entertainment to help make this the best one ever. To participate, please contact Miriam Moss at [email protected].

Glen Park Library Campaign

Kidsʼ Day in the Park: Sunday, Apr. 15, 1:30–3:30 pm, Glen Park Rec-

reation Center. Bring the family for entertainment, story times, giveaways, raffles and refreshments! Admission is free and snacks will be provided for children. Proceeds raised from the raffle and from donated goodies for adults will benefit the Glen Park Library Campaign, to furnish and equip the new Glen Park Library on Diamond Street. For more information, or to donate items for the event, contact Marian Chatfield-Taylor, capital campaign manager for Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, at 626-7512, ext. 103 or marian.ctaylor @friendssfpl.org.

Beginning Beekeeping Class

Friends of the Urban Forest

Wed, Mar. 28, 7–9 pm, Park Branch Library, 1833 Page St. between Cole and Shrader. Free 2-hour disaster preparedness training by the Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams organization. Essential information covers risk awareness, disaster supplies, personal disaster planning, utilities overview, SF Safe orientation, and an overview of the NERT program. RSVP to sffdnert@sfgov or call 9702024 to register. For more info visit www.sfgov.org/sffdnert.

Art Auction and Soiree: Mon., Apr. 23, 6–9 pm, California Modern Gallery, 1035 Market St.: Annual Arcadia event features art from more than 100 talented local artists. Cocktail reception, hors dʼoeuvres, silent auction, stellar art and fabulous company. Tickets start at $125, sponsorship begins at $350. Free preview Sun. April 22. For tickets and info contact Hanni Chehak, 821-9693 or Arcadia@cbc sanfrancisco.com.

SFPD Community Forums

Third Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, Ingleside Police Station, John Young Way off San Jose Avenue. All residents are encouraged to participate in the informative monthly Community Relations Forum hosted by Capt. Paul Chignell. There are refreshments, guest speakers, and the opportunity to ask questions and air your concerns. Drop in and get acquainted with some of the dedicated people whose job is keeping our neighborhood safe. The main station number is 404-4000, or send e-mail to [email protected]. Next dates: Mar. 20, Apr. 17, May 15, Jun. 19.

Neighborhood Walking Tours

San Francisco City Guides gives free walking tours (donations welcome) of Glen Park and the Fairmont district each May and October. Learn the colorful history of the neighborhood and experience it as a tourist! Glen Park Tour: Sat., May 13, 1 pm Fairmont District Tour: Sun., May 21, 10 am Both tours meet at the Glen Park Library, 653 Chenery St. No reservation is necessary. For more information: www.sfcityguides.org

Sat., March 31, 9 am–3 pm., $35. Morning session at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, afternoon session examining nearby honeybee colonies. The morning session will provide an introductory understanding of honeybee biology, the history of beekeeping and how to obtain, set up and get started managing a colony of honeybees. Emphasis is on basic beekeeping equipment, techniques and responsible urban beekeeping practices. Contact Paul Koski, 990-5358 or e-mail [email protected]

Emergency Response Training

Bird & Beckett

Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 2788 Diamond St., presents a variety of free literary and musical events every month. Check their web site for latest information, or call owner Eric Whittington at 586-3733. Coming Events: Thu., March 15, 7 pm: B&B Political Book Discussion Group considers Jimmy Carterʼs Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Fri., March 16, 5:30–8 pm: Bass player Don Prellʼs SeaBop Ensemble, featuring Mad & Eddie Duran on reeds and guitar, with Chris Bjorkbom on drums. Sun., March. 18, All Day: Stop in at the store on your way to or from the anti-

war march, but by all means march! Mon., March 19, 7:30 pm: Poets Jack Trainor and Jack Pantaleo followed by an open mic. Fri., March 23, 5:30–8 pm: Guitarist Henry Irvinʼs Jazz Sextet, featuring vocalist Dorothy Lefkovits, Bishop Norman Williams and Barbara Hunter on reeds, Albert Yamanoha on bass and Jimmy Ryan on drums. Sun., March 25, 4:30 pm: Walker Brents III plumbs “The Tao of Anarchy,” another in his edifying monthly talks on topics literary, mythological and diverse. Fri., March 30, 5:30–8 pm: Jazz in the Bookshop Founder Chuck Peterson brings in a stellar quartet specially tooled for this event! Sun., April 1, 4:30 pm: Memoirist, novelist and writing guru Alan Kaufman presents a reading of works in progress by Venice Blue, Nathaniel Eaton, Kirsten Edwards, Teadora Funicello, Claire Greensfelder, Kristen Kadner, Barry Oriunger, Terese Taylor and William Wright. Fri., Apr. 13, 8:30 pm, following our regular jazz party with The Jimmy Ryan Quartet: Bird & Beckett will celebrate Samuel Beckettʼs 101st birthday with a special, post-jazz performance by Beckett interpreter extraordinaire (and regular neighborhood guy) Scott Baker. Sun., April 15, 4:30 pm: A program to honor, in equal parts, the victims of the Holocaust and the travails of the Palestinian people, with a reading from the letters of student activist Rachel Corrie and from the book Words to Outlive Us: Eyewitness Accounts from the Warsaw Ghetto. This will be an occasion for reflection, not debate. Fri., April 20, 5:30 pm: Vive la France! A special performance by the SeaBop Ensemble to salute our French cousins and celebrate the paperback release of Bernard Henry Levyʼs American Vertigo. n

The Festival’s Back!!! Don’t Miss This Year’s Glen Park Festival Sunday, April 29, 10 – 4:30 Diamond and Wilder streets in Glen Park Music. Dancing. Food. Beverages. Crafts. Plants. Honeybees. Kids’ section. People from across the city and out of town are discovering Glen Park’s low-key, high-energy, neighborhood-oriented street fair. Mingle with your friends, make new ones. Meet our business people. Learn more about our unique neighborhood. Have fun!

Glen Park News

Page 24

Spring 2007