Who hates graffiti? I’m raising my hand up high on this one.

Next Monday night, Supervisor Eric Mar and his staff will host a public meeting to discuss the issue of graffiti vandalism and litter in the Richmond District. Officials from the Department of Public Works will also be on hand for the discussion. Find out how to prevent graffiti, what to do if you encounter it, and give your feedback about your experiences with it in the neighborhood.

The meeting will take place at the Richmond District Recreation Center, 251 18th Avenue, beginning at 5:30pm.

See the picture below? I took it back in June and have reported this graffiti twice to 311. This building at 12th and Geary is STILL covered in graffiti. Sigh.

Sarah B.

What says Halloween more than ancient mummies?

Next Friday night, the Legion of Honor will host a ghoulish celebration in honor of their new exhibition, “Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine”. The show, which officially opens on Halloween day, explores the modern scientific examination of mummies providing new insights into the conditions under which the Egyptians lived, by taking a closer look at them in death.

Friday night’s costume gala will include live music and dancing with Pop Rocks and DJ Shissla, and hosted open bars stocked with complimentary top-shelf potions, elixirs, and witches’ brew await. Plus some devilishly delicious hors d’oeuvres.

The party runs from 8pm to midnight, and it’s for 21 and over only. The attire? “Leave your body and soul at the door-costumes required!” Tickets are $65 for museum members, $85 for non-members.

But since you’re a reader of this blog, you get a chance to go for free! The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has graciously provided me with two pairs of tickets to the gala to be given away to readers.

For a chance to win, answer the two trivia questions below about the exhibition, and then use the contact page to send in your answers. I’ll pick a winner at random from the correct entries. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on Monday, October 26.

1) The new exhibition is a homecoming celebration of sorts, marking the return of a special mummy to the Legion of Honor. What is the name of the mummy?

2) Since 1944, the mummy has been on loan to another California museum. What is the name of the museum and where is it located?

Good luck!

Sarah B.

The mummy was unwrapped, examined and CT-scanned to gather information
for the upcoming “Mummies and Medicine” exhibition.

Came across this nice photo taken by Suzanne Dehne and posted on Flickr.

Through the rear view mirror… last friday evening. driving to open studios. that crane always catches my eye when i drive past it.

Thanks to Suzanne for sharing it!

Sarah B.

This week on the Green Apple Core, the store’s blog, they tell a nice story about one of their regulars who is known as “The Rev”.

Probably best known for his tendency to monopolize the free bin that’s out in front of the store, the staff has had a long, storied affection for this Richmond regular.

“Aside from just being a generally nice guy, The Rev is always dropping in the store with helpful information. For example if he sees a notorious shoplifter in the neighborhood (yes, sadly there are a few scumbag regulars that have chosen us as a target), we’re clued in asap. If we need to bring our tarps out to protect our bin books from the rain, same deal.”

And there’s much more behind his haul of free stuff than meets the eye. Head over to the Green Apple’s blog to read about The Rev’s second job during the holiday season.

It’s his 72nd birthday this Thursday, so if you happen to see him along Clement Street this week, send him some birthday wishes.

Sarah B.

Our neighborhood restaurant, Aziza, received a star in the 2010 Michelin Guide to San Francisco and Bay Area restaurants. They are one of only 39 restaurants in the entire Bay Area to make it into the guide.

And while one star may not sound like much, keep in mind that Michelin only rates as high as three stars, and they describe a one-star restaurant as “a very good restaurant in its category”.

When I asked RichmondSFBlog reader Bob if he’d eaten there, he said “Yes, it is outstanding. Great atmosphere and food.”

Congratulations to Aziza on making the list! Ready to try Aziza’s Moroccan food for yourself? Make a reservation on Open Table.

Sarah B.

Some shots of the de Young during the flash storm on Monday. From the FAMSF photostream on Flickr.

Sarah B.

In case you saw the post over the weekend about the Balboa Theater’s upcoming film festival, please be aware that I had the incorrect date for the event. It’s not this Thursday, but rather NEXT Thursday, October 29. Full details here.

Sorry for any confusion!

Sarah B.

This Sunday, come to Golden Gate Park’s Speedway Meadow to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival.

The original Woodstock concert was held for four days, August 15 – August 18, 1969 on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York. This Sunday’s tribute will be for one day only from 9am to 6pm, and it’s going to be right in our own backyard.

Acts will include Country Joe McDonald, Prairie Prince, Ray Manzarek of the Doors, Lester Chambers of the Chambers Brothers and original Sly and the Family Stone members Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson. Check out the full lineup.

The event will be jam packed with peace, love and great music: 42 bands, 3 stages and 26 poster artists, solar domes, alternative vehicles, Electric bikes, Native American Tipi Village, Sustainable Living Road Show, Conscious Art Gallery, Light Temple, Holistic Healing Section, Hooper Heaven, Rock’n Green Kids Zone and Eco Village vendors.

Narada Michael Walden featuring Vernon Ice Black will close the show, and attempt to lead 3,000 guitar players to pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix by simultaneously playing “Purple Haze” to try and break the Guinness World Record for largest guitar ensemble.

The festival is being produced by Boots Hughston, a well-known saxaphone player and music producer who two years ago put on the 40th anniversary Summer of Love concert in Golden Gate Park. Website artistfirst.com did an interview with Boots about the upcoming festival; listen to it by clicking the play button below:

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Even if you can’t make it to Golden Gate Park, you can watch from the comfort of your own home via the live webcast.

Sarah B.

A photo from the traffic jam leading to the original Woodstock in 1969.
Don’t let this happen to you – walk, bike or take public transportation to Sunday’s event!