Community involvement is alive and well in the Richmond. I attended Saturday’s Town Hall Meeting at the Richmond Recreation Center. The topic was traffic calming and pedestrian safety in the Richmond District and the meeting was organized by Supervisor Eric Mar’s office.

About 30 people were in attendance, including representatives from the city’s Planning Department, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (SFMTA), Dept. Public Works and the Police Dept. The first part of the meeting included talks and presentations from these attendess, showing us what is already being done and what opportunities are available to us for better controlling traffic or beautifying our neighborhood. We saw interesting examples where neigborhoods across the city were making simple changes to busy areas to help slow traffic down and make it safer for pedestrians (and in the process, adding some needed greenery to their urban landscapes).

The last part of the meeting was brainstorming with other neighbors on trouble areas in the Richmond and potential solutions. Maps of the district which were laid out on each table and group members made notes on them, pointing out problem intersections and potential solutions.

Two areas were consistently mentioned by groups in the wrap-up at the end: the Fulton Street corridor and 25th Avenue. Several residents that live on the Fulton corridor mentioned taking their lives into their own hands to cross over and catch the bus or enter into the park, and some residents on or near 25th Avenue said that traffic was still going too fast despite some recent changes to the route.

Thanks to Eric Mar and his staff for organizing the meeting. While no definitive plans were made for changes, the representatives from the SFMTA, Planning Dept, Police Dept. and DPW had long lists of issues that they will investigate.

Sarah B.

4:47 pm | Posted under Community | Add comments

Here’s some good MUNI news for a change… This week, MUNI debuted its latest bus shelter design which aside from looking pretty, is also environmentally friendly. An unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday next to one that was installed at the southeast corner of Geary and Arguello Boulevards.

A red wave design sits atop the shelter but it’s not just for show. Solar panels are embedded inside the wave that power the NextMuni display, a Push-To-Talk system so blind people can hear the NextMuni information, and environmentally friendly light bulbs.

According to an article on SFGate.com, “Each new shelter will also include comfier seats and more maps and transit information. The city is also testing whether the new shelters can have WiFi connectivity.” Green and possibly wired – love it!

So who’s paying for this? Actually, it’s not the taxpayers. According to the SFGate article, “Clear Channel Outdoor is paying to create and maintain the shelters in exchange for the advertising space on the sides.” The good news is that it’s no more advertising space than what’s on the old shelters.

All told, 1,100 shelters around the city will be converted over the next few years. Check out the photos below to get a closer look at the new shelter.

Sarah B.

P.S. – The NextMuni display in the pics isn’t broken – my camera just didn’t pick it up properly.

9:00 am | Posted under Muni | Add comments

I stopped in on the all-day music festival Bazaar Stock that is taking place today at The Bazaar Cafe on California Street at 22nd Avenue (more info in this post).

While I ate my tasty lunch, I listened to three talented, local musicians, Rick Hardin, Brad Brooks and David Greco. You can see some clips of their performance in the video below.

Bazaar-Stock is going on today until 10pm. Headliner Jerry Hannan takes the stage at 8:45pm (full schedule here). Stop by for a meal, a cup of coffee or a hot dog & beer ($4 special!). The music sounds terrific.

Sarah B.

4:54 pm | Posted under Live Music | 1 comment

While I was out picking up lunch at Angelina’s, I noticed a bunch of colorful flyers in the windows of The Bazaar Cafe, located at 5927 California Street, between 21st & 22nd Avenues. The poster was for Bazaar-Stock, a day long music festival being held at this small neighborhood cafe and gallery.

From 10:30am to 11pm on Saturday (12.5 hours!), 28 performers will take the stage/platform/chair to perform. The headline act is Jerry Hannan, best known for his songs “Society” and “I Thought I Was You” that were used in the film Into the Wild. Hannan will perform at 8:45pm. See the full list of performers and schedule or stop by the event page on MySpace to hear more of the artists that will be performing.

The event is organized by another local musician, K.C. Turner, who according to his bio, typically hosts “house concerts” around the Bay Area to treat music fans to some unplugged goodness in the intimacy of a living room. The vibe will be similar at The Bazaar where space is at a premium. But this is a good thing for the kind of musicians that will be playing. Real music by real musicians in an intimate setting – I applaud it.

On top of all this audio goodness is the price – free. That’s right, no cover charge. So stop by, enjoy the music, and partake in some of The Bazaar’s tasty food and beverage.

Here’s a video of K.C. telling us more about the event (I know, he looks 16 but he’s 26 years old!). I recommend FF’ing to the :45 mark for the good stuff:

Sarah B.

4:35 pm | Posted under Events, Live Music | Add comments

This weekend is the last chance to see the Legion of Honor exhibition Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique, the first comparative study of the work of the three greatest jewelry and decorative arts designers at the turn of the 20th century: Peter Carl Fabergé, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and René Lalique.

Their design rivalry found its stage at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris—the only exposition where all three showed simultaneously and where the work of each was prominently displayed.

Some of their most elaborate designs for the Paris World’s Fair are reunited for the first time in a gallery recreating the ambiance of this opulent international exposition. Looking critically at the development, design, and marketing of each firm, this exhibition explores how these designers responded to the demand for luxury goods in the years leading up to World War I.

This Saturday the museum is putting on a special accompanying event, Luxe at the Legion: Divas as Patrons, Collectors, Artists. Free with exhibition admission, all ages are invited to indulge in this luxurious program of music, films, lectures, and art and to relive la belle epoque for a day.

Here is the schedule of events for the special event on Saturday:

1:30 – 3pm | Opera: Listen to the glorious voice of opera diva Miss Litz. | Gallery 10

1 – 2pm | Docent Lecture: “Sumptuous, Magnificent Opulent: The Art of Fabergé, Tiffany, and Lalique”. | Florence Gould Theater

1 – 3pm | Hands-on Art-making for Everyone! Create your own headdress, tiara, and crowns and transform yourself into a diva.

1 – 4pm | Film Projection: Moulin Rouge! Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film is a dazzling and colorful depiction of bohemian Paris. Spectacular images of life at the Moulin Rouge cabaret and the film’s diva performer, Satine, will be projected onto the gallery walls.

1 – 4pm | Artist Demonstrations. Jewelry designer Amy Faust demonstrates her ceramic cutting and grinding techniques, creating specific shapes and setting ceramic or glass into her unique jewelry designs. | Gallery 12

3 – 4pm | Lecture: “Divas in the Movies,” by Jan Wahl. KRON-4’s film critic, Jan Wahl, has been called “San Francisco’s sharp-witted solo answer to Ebert and Roeper.”

4 – 5pm | Organ Concert

You may recognize opera diva Miss Litz from her frequent performances on Maiden Lane near Union Square. Here is a short video of her performing:

A $10 surcharge applies to this exhibition. Adults are $20, youths 13–17 are $16, seniors 65+ are $17, FAMSF Members and children 12 and under free. A ticket to this special exhibition includes general admission to the permanent collection.

12:01 pm | Posted under Events, Museums | Add comments

Well, the holiday is definitely over because events are back in full swing THIS weekend. There’s lots of live music ranging from jazz to latin hip-hop (plus a young star on guitar at the Bazaar). The Frankenmart Gallery has a couple of fun events going on this weekend too and there’s a real, old-fashioned county fair taking place on Sunday to benefit the AIDS Emergency Fund. Oh I hope they have funnel cake!

Did we miss anything? Let us know by leaving a comment. Have a great weekend everyone!

Sarah B.

———-FRIDAY———-

de Young Museum: “Commotion: Mood, Music, and Movement”
5-8:45pm More info

Cliff House: Live Jazz in the Balcony Lounge
7-11pm, Mark Sowlakis with Special Guest
For more information call 415-386-3330

Matt Jaffe at the Bazaar Café
Young phenom! Check out this video of him performing
7pm, 5927 California Street, between 21st & 22nd Avenues

Mars Arizona @ Plough & Stars
9pm, 116 Clement

Frankenart Mart: Diorama Contest
4-9pm, 515 Balboa Street
Bring us your shoe boxes, your cigar boxes, your weary 3d cardboard creations. All dioramas welcome for the Diorama contest at frankenart elementary. Dioramas will be judged by frankenart visitors. Winner will receive a classroom pizza party.

———-SATURDAY———-

SF Frontrunners’ Weekend Run
9am, Stow Lake Boat House in Golden Gate Park
Each week about 100 gay, lesbian, and open-minded runners meet to take 1-to-5-mile runs through Golden Gate Park, rain or shine.

Richmond District Town Hall Meeting
10am-12noon, Richmond Recreation Center, 251 18th Avenue More info
Join Richmond Supervisor Eric Mar, Richmond Police Dept. Captain Corriea, and representatives from the Planning Department and the Municipal Transportation Agency to discuss traffic calming proposals and pedestrian safety. All community members are invited to share their suggestions for better streets, transportation and neighborhood improvements.

Bazaar-Stock Music Festival
10:30am – 11pm | The Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California Street @ 22nd Avenue
More info

Legion of Honor
Luxe at the Legion: Divas as Patrons, Collectors, Artists
A free public programs inspired by the exhibition Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique. All ages are invited to the Legion to indulge in this luxurious program of music, films, lectures, and art and to relive la belle epoque for a day. Schedule of events:

1:30-3pm | Gallery 10 | Listen to the glorious voice of opera diva Miss Litz.

1-2pm | Florence Gould Theater| Docent Lecture: “Sumptuous, Magnificent Opulent: The Art of Fabergé, Tiffany, and Lalique”

1–3pm | Hands-on Art-making for Everyone! Create your own headdress, tiara, and crowns and transform yourself into a diva.

1–4pm | Film Projection: Moulin Rouge! (2001, 127 min.). Baz Luhrmann’s film is a dazzling and colorful depiction of bohemian Paris. Spectacular images of life at the Moulin Rouge cabaret and the film’s diva performer, Satine, will be projected onto the gallery walls.

1-4pm | Gallery 12 | Artist Demonstrations. Jewelry designer Amy Faust demonstrates her ceramic cutting and grinding techniques, creating specific shapes and setting ceramic or glass into her unique jewelry designs.

3-4pm | Lecture: “Divas in the Movies,” by Jan Wahl. KRON-4’s film critic, Jan Wahl, has been called “San Francisco’s sharp-witted solo answer to Ebert and Roeper.”

4-5pm | Organ Concert

Ocean Beach: Snowy Plover Monitoring
Every Saturday. Help ensure the survival of the threatened Western snowy plover by walking on Ocean Beach, spotting and counting the birds. Call for information: 415-561-4456

The Bayonics @ Park Chalet
2-5pm | 1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach (behind Beach Chalet restaurant)

Benyaro @ Plough & Stars
9pm, 116 Clement

———-SUNDAY———-

Lindy in the Park
11am, Golden Gate Park: JFK Drive between 8th & 10th Ave

Golden Gate Park Band Concert
1pm, Music Concourse/Bandshell, Golden Gate Park More info

Frankenart Mart: School Photos
1-6pm | 515 Balboa Street
Our professional photographer will be taking individual school portraits against cheesy backdrops with her rusty Polaroid camera. Dress in your elementary best and come on down.

AIDS Emergency Fund County Fair
3-7pm | SF County Fair Bldg/Hall of Flowers, 1199 9th Avenue (at Lincoln)
AEF hosts its 27th annual fundraising and awards event, “AEF’s County Fair,” in Golden Gate Park, featuring an afternoon of carnival games, local entertainment with Mistress of Ceremonies Donna Sachet, contests, silent auction, awards and your favorite County Fair food. 100% of the proceeds benefit AIDS Emergency Fund. More info

Joel Streeter Band @ Park Chalet
2-5pm | 1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach (behind Beach Chalet restaurant)

Legion of Honor: Organ Concert | 4pm (every Sunday)

Una, Uneaq, Kenneth Pattengale, DJ Joshua Marquez, DJ Eddie B @ The Rockit Room
6pm–12am | 406 Clement Street

Marla Fibish, Erin Shrader, Richard Mandel, & Friends @ Plough & Stars
9pm, 116 Clement

———-ALL WEEKEND———-

Photo Exhibit: “The Botany of Nests”
San Francisco Botanical Garden – 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way
Come enjoy the photography by Sharon Beals, as she shares her native plant and bird imagery. This San Francisco photographer captures the essence of roses from the Rose Garden in Golden Gate Park to an exploration of the bird’s nest. More info

Edible Expeditions
Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park
An exhibit that touches upon food found in the wild, such as coffee, curry, chocolate, peach palm, guava, pineapple, and vanilla. Take a walk through the demonstration gardens, where you will encounter more than 50 species of popular and lesser-known plants on display. More info

Signs: Wordplay in Photography
de Young Museum | More info

Legion of Honor
Exhibition: Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique (Final weekend!)
Exhibition: Waking Dreams: Max Klinger and the Symbolist Print
More info

4-Star Theater
Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian
The Beast Stalker
Sin Nombre
Info & showtimes

Balboa Theater
Star Trek (2009)
Angels and Demons
Info & showtimes

6:00 am | Posted under Events | Add comments

No, this post is not about city politics

Saw a clip on the local news just now about a two-headed, redtail boa snake that was born in Hayward, CA at The Reptile Room. It brought back fond memories of the two-headed snake that I saw throughout my childhood at the Academy of Sciences. Wouldn’t it be great if the new Academy got this one too and kept the tradition alive?

Apparently they have had several four-figure offers for the snake, but here’s hoping it ends up in our backyard (in a nice, enclosed habitat of course!). A little video of it below:

Sarah B.

11:34 pm | Posted under News | Add comments

The The Western Neighborhoods Project sells fun neighborhood gear on their website. They’ve got an assortment of t-shirts (men’s & women’s), sweatshirts, bags and the ubiquitous coffee mug. The logo design is a vintage picture of 18th & Geary – you can see the Alexandria movie sign and the trolley car in it (click here for a closeup). The back side includes their WNP name and website address, http://www.outsidelands.org.

Prices range from $15.99 for a mug to $39.99 for the hooded sweatshirt (I sure could have used it in last weekend’s foggy weather – brrr!). And the profits go back into the Western Neighborhoods Project whose mission is to preserve the history of San Francisco’s west side.

Shop for Richmond District gear

Gear is available for several other western neighborhoods and landmarks as well: Playland, Sunset District, Sunnyside, Westwood Park, OMI (Ocean View, Merced Heights and Ingleside), and Clement Street 1907 (vintage photo of 6th & Clement). See all the items available in the Outsidelands shop.

Sarah B.

9:43 am | Posted under Community, Fun | Add comments