It’s summer and that means it’s time for fun, out of school adventures. Which should include one of the most unique overnight experiences you can have in San Francisco – sleeping over at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

Several times a year, the Academy of Sciences hosts their Penguins & Pajamas event, inviting families to enjoy a fun night of activities, including a sleepover in the African Hall, Aquarium, Lower Swamp, or Islands of Evolution areas of the Academy.

Each sleepover includes a host of fun activities like planetarium shows, live animal demonstrations, exploration of the Rainforests of the World exhibit, as well as a fun late night snack, and breakfast in the morning. And just in case you didn’t get to see everything on your sleepover night, you also get free admission to the Academy for the following day.

One of the best benefits of attending Penguins & Pajamas is that the Academy is far less crowded than normal. We stopped in to check it out when they first launched the event, and loved the freedom, space and time we had to leisurely enjoy everything the Academy has to offer.

We’ve teamed up with the California Academy of Sciences to give away free passes to one adult and child for this Saturday’s (June 15) Penguins & Pajamas event (includes admission for one adult and one child, plus overnight parking). To enter, you must live in the 94118 or 94121 zip codes, and be available to attend this Saturday’s overnight. To enter, fill out the entry form by 12noon on Thursday, June 13. We’ll draw a winner at random and notify by end of day Thursday.

Click here to enter for a chance to win Penguins & Pajamas passes

For more information on the Penguins & Pajamas event, visit the Academy website for full details on the event schedule, what to bring, and more. And if June 15 doesn’t work for you, there are additional family sleepovers coming up on October 18th, November 8th and December 28th.

Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to Jon K who won the drawing!

Sarah B.

This Thursday, Neck of the Woods (406 Clement) will host the YMCA’s Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser, featuring local, professional comics.

The lineup of local comics in this year’s show are Shanti Charan, Colleen Watson, Joe Tobin, Sandy Stec, and Ronn Vingh.

This is a 21+ event, and tickets are $15 per person. They can be purchased online, at the YMCA front desk on 18th Avenue, or the night of at the venue for $20.

Doors open at 7pm, the giggles start at 8pm. So go get some laughs and support the Richmond District YMCA!

Sarah B.

Last August, Woody Allen was in town filming scenes for a new film starring Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins, and Peter Sarsgaard. Shoot locations included our own Gaspare’s Pizzeria at 5546 Geary.

The film now has a title – Blue Jasmine – and a trailer. Check it out above. You’ll catch a peek of the Ocean Beach promenade at the 1:22 mark (on a suitably overcast SF day).

Blue Jasmine is due in theaters on July 26, 2013. I think we have to see it – because it takes place here, and it’s got Alec Baldwin in it. Oh and my Mom loves Woody Allen.

Sarah B.

We got an email this week from Satish Panchal, the instructor for a new class at the Geary Dance Center called “BollyBurn”. Ho hum, we thought. But then we visited the site, saw the videos, and became very intrigued.

The website says, “BollyBurn is a fun, high intensity, dance-cardio, workout set to Bollywood music, that is suitable for dancers and non-dancers alike. The routines are choreographed for all fitness levels and age groups. The class is suited to those looking for an intense calorie burn, to sweat and engage/strengthen the core. BollyBurn is a total body workout and addresses hip, back and shoulder mobility.”

This looks fun! And a lot easier than the choreographed Bollywood movie dance scenes we’ve seen.

Satish currently teaches just one class a week on Mondays at 12noon, but says he plans to add more classes if there is interest.

BollywoodBurn takes place at the Geary Dance Center, located at 5036 Geary. The cost is $15 per class. If that time doesn’t work for you, Satish also teaches BollyBurn at other locations and times in the city.

If you make it out to a class, let us know if you were able to tap into your inner Bollywood god or goddess!

Sarah B.

Back in August, we reported on plans that were underway for a new parklet on the north side of Clement Street near 3rd Avenue (in front of Cumaica Coffee).

In his monthly newsletter today, Supervisor Eric Mar included a sketch rendering of said parklet. The sketch shows an L-shaped bench at one end, planter boxes on the street side, and a counter level span on the street side. A bike rack sits outside the east end of the parklet.

If you’re new to the world of parklets, they are mini “urban” parks that have been installed in parking spaces around the city. Usually they take over 2 or 3 parking spaces, and each has their own individual design. They were developed as part of the city’s Pavement to Parks program; its goal is to reclaim or offer additional public open space in areas that are lacking.

The cost for constructing and installing a parklet varies, but averages around $20,000. Typically businesses foot the bill (after all it does add more seating right outside their door) or funds are contributed via donations.

Back in September, some residents took over the proposed parklet space during the worldwide PARK(ing) day event, to show how it could be used as a recreational space.

There are currently 36 parklets in San Francisco (view map), including three in the Sunset District. The Mission has the highest concentration of them along the Valencia Street corridor.

Mar mentioned the proposed parklet in his newsletter because he is looking into the impact that parklets have on communities:

“As parklets proliferate, it is important that the City study and understand the impact they have on communities. While evidence to date suggests that the increase in pedestrian activity outweighs the loss of parking, we need a stronger understanding of the overall effect so that we can work with businesses and residents better. To review all of these issues, I am convening a hearing at the Land Use Committee.”

Mar says that if residents have any input on parklets that they’d like to share with his office, they should contact his aide Nick Pagoulatos at nickolas.pagoulatos@sfgov.org or 415.554.7412.

Sarah B.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of June 6, 2013. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN SHARON FERRIGNO’S MESSAGE
With most successful law enforcement strategies there is an educational component. We put a great deal of effort into enforcement programs; however enforcement is more successful when it is accompanied by an educational component. We are working on a series of public safety handouts. This week I have attached the handout we prepared to help prevent you from being a victim of identity theft (DOWNLOAD HERE: Part 1 | Part 2). Please remember this is a threefold pamphlet, when you print it be sure to fold it so that the information is clear and easily understood. Please share this with your friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Congratulations to Officer Rose Castro and Officer Mike Wright whose great teamwork resulted in the arrest of a car thief and the recovery of a stolen firearm.

Our next Community meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 6pm. It will be in the Community Room, here at Richmond Station, 461 6th Ave.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 05/30/13 at 11:20am, the victim was standing near her vehicle at 40th and Anza Sts when a male suspect suddenly appeared and grabbed her phone from her hand. The suspect then jumped into the passenger seat of a vehicle that was double parked down the street. The victim called 911 and advised she was currently tracking her phone and providing updates. One of the officers also began tracking the phone which was heading towards downtown. Officers in the Market St area responded as the phone was now at Hyde and McAllister Sts. A plainclothes unit then observed the vehicle and saw there was a female driver and then observed the male suspect get into the passenger side of the vehicle and the vehicle pulled into traffic. Marked units responded to effect a traffic stop at 9th St and Jessie Alley. The suspect was identified by the victim; however the phone was not located as the male suspect most likely had sold it. The 17 year old male and his 19 year old girlfriend were both charged with robbery.

On 06/01/13 at 6:45pm, officers responded to the area of 9th Ave and MLK Drive on a report of a vehicle accident where one of the parties was passed out at the wheel. Officers determined that the victim’s vehicle was stopped at red light when it was struck from behind by the suspect’s vehicle. Officers found the suspect passed out at the wheel with the car in drive resting on the rear bumper of the victims’ vehicle. Officers turned the ignition off and placed the car in park. The suspect driver was under the influence of alcohol and when he took the breath test was over double the legal limit. The 58 year old was charged with driving under the influence.

Between 05/31/13, 2:40pm and 06/03/13, 7am a Rec and Park office near Big Rec was broken into by the suspect prying open the door. Numerous work items belonging to the victim had been taken, including, boots, jackets and tools. At 9:30am on 06/03/13 an officer was flagged down by the victim at 7th And MLK Drive and said that he and other Rec and Park employees had just spotted a male in the bushes with some of the stolen property. Officers detained the male and located some of the stolen property as well as other tools that did not belong to the original victim. The 21 year old male was charged with possession of stolen property and a probation violation.

On 06/03/13 at 8am on the 200 block of Anza, an officer responded to a call of an unoccupied stolen auto. However when she arrived on scene the suspect was now sitting in the vehicle. He was taken into custody by the officer and also recovered were master keys, car remotes and bolt cutters. As the investigation continued, it led to the recovery of a stolen firearm and it was determined that this suspect was wanted in connection of several other stolen vehicles. The 33 year old male was charged with possession of stolen property and burglar tools, narcotic violations and stolen auto.

On 06/04/13 at 4:50am a caller was reporting that a woman pushing a stroller was taking packages from people’s front porches near the area of Parker Ave and Geary Bl. Officers located a baby stroller with packages in it on the 100 block of Parker. Officers approached the building and saw the suspect inside the lobby near the mailboxes. When she saw the officers she threw something aside and tried to conceal another object in her back pocket. The officers saw that the lock box affixed to the iron gate was open and there was a purple key cord inside. Officers located a metal pick in her pocket as well as a screwdriver. The item she threw was a key that had a purple key cord attached to it. It appears that she used a tool to get into the lock box affixed to the iron gate. She then took the key from the lock box and opened the gate. She did not get into the main door to the building. The packages she had had been taken from the 2900 block of Clay St and another residence on Parker. The 41 year old female was charged with burglary, possession of stolen property and burglar tools.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
ON 05/30/13 at 4:30am, on the 2600 block of Post St, the victim was awoken to the sound of banging at his back door. The victim thought it was an earthquake and did not get up from the couch to check the sound. The back door then flew open and a suspect entered, quickly throwing the covers over the victims head. The victim could hear three different voices and when he tried to yell for help, he was hit over the head with an unknown object. He was then tied up while the suspects ransacked his home and took cash, jewelry, an iPad and the keys to his car. When the suspects fled, they took his vehicle that was parked in front. The victim heard a neighbor outside on the back steps and yelled for help. The victim was not able to give a description of the suspects.

On 05/30/13 at 12:00pm, the victim was at a coffee shop on the 3500 block of California St. She left the table for 20 minutes, leaving her laptop and cell phone unattended. When she returned she was surprised to find them missing.

Between 06/01/13, 9pm and 06/02/13, 10am on the 500 block of Lake St, a suspect entered a multi-unit garage by unknown means and took a tool box, generator and a 2003 Honda motorcycle.

Between 06/04/13, 9pm and 06/05/13, 7am on the 3200 block of Washington, a suspect entered a garage and took a briefcase and wallet from vehicles parked inside. The wallet and ID was later recovered on the 3200 block of California St. There was no forced entry into the garage.

On 06/04/13 at 12:30am on the 200 block of Anza, an argument ensued between acquaintances and three victims in the home were pepper sprayed. The suspects fled the scene and the victim’s were treated at the scene by medical personnel. The suspects were two black females in their 20’s.

Happy Thurday-almost Friday-yay the weekend! Here are some local links to keep you occupied…

• The SFMTA is moving ahead with a program to limit the parking of oversized vehicles on the city streets, including Fulton Street in the Richmond District. Fulton is known for having large RV’s and campers that park for long periods of time. New, no overnight parking signs will be posted and violators will be fined $100. The initial pilot will run for three months.
• Real estate website Socketsite has renderings of the new Grocery Outlet that will go into the old Delano’s Market space at 6333 Geary. In addition to upgrades inside, the exterior will sport “metal canopies and murals on the building’s west facade”. Plus new landscaping. They’re in front of the Planning Commission this afternoon, who has recommended approval of their plans. Thanks to reader Cath for the tip.
• Get Thee To The Nunnery, a women’s clothing store on Clement near 10th Avenue, will be closing their doors at the end of June. The store has been in their location for nearly 30 years, and the owner is retiring. In 2011, they won a “Best of SF” award from SFWeekly for “Best Literary Clothing”. We know they have a lot of fans and will be missed! Stop in to say adieu. “Truly fabulous. There has not ever been a time that I have been in this store where I have not found something so amazing, so unique, and so special.” – Rachel B., Yelp. Thanks to reader Mary for the tip.
• This Saturday, the first Chipotle Cultivate Festival is taking place in Hellman Hollow from 11am until 7pm. Dubbed as a “food, ideas, and music festival”, attendees can enjoy goodies from local chefs and farms, plus live music from the likes of Mayer Hawthorne and The Walkmen. Free admission.
• Just when you think you know a Sesame Street character… Remember that creepy guy who dressed up in an Elmo costume and harassed some kids and parents at Rossi Park last October? He made his way back to NYC and is currently on trial for trying to extort $2 million from the Girl Scouts (he used to work for the organization).
• In crime updates this week… In 2009, sushi chef Ryosuke Yoshioka was brutally murdered in the parking lot of the Office Max on Geary and Arguello by Peter C. Fong, a mentally ill man who was experiencing a psychotic break, according to his lawyer. Late last month, Fong was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a mental hospital. [SFGate.
  
  And in a murder from 2000, the state Supreme Court reinstated the second-degree murder conviction of Tari Ramirez, who fatally stabbed his 28 year old ex-girlfriend Claire Tempongko, in front of her two children in her Richmond District apartment. Ramirez will continue serving his sentence of 26 years to life.

On April 28, the Richmond District and the Chinese martial arts community lost one of its great kung fu masters. Everett Yet Wah Lee, a long-time teacher of traditional Chinese martial arts, died peacefully at the San Francisco VA Medical Facility. Sifu Lee was 84 years old.

The E.Y. Lee Kung Fu School, at Balboa and 34th, has been located in the Richmond District since 1979. The school has attracted students from all over the neighborhood, and from all over the Bay Area. Sifu Lee taught kung fu and tai chi to hundreds of students from all walks of life, including doctors, law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, actors, artists, and musicians. He was especially proud of his classes with children in the neighborhood, and for his annual open-house Chinese New Year’s Party.

Sifu Lee had an interesting life, to say the least. Though born in Kansas City in 1928, he was raised in San Wui, China, and at a very young age began learning Chinese martial arts. In 1941, he was sent on the four-day ocean crossing to San Francisco’s Angel Island, alone at the age of 13.

Upon his arrival in San Francisco, he continued his martial arts training and, at the age of 19, joined the US Army and was promptly sent to the front lines of the Korean War. Four years and two Purple Hearts later, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant, and began a long career in acting, professional bodybuilding, and martial arts instruction.

Pursuing an acting career, Everett landed various roles on television and on the big screen, such as The Streets of San Francisco, Blood Alley, and Star Trek (see clip below). His interest in bodybuilding led him to the studio of bodybuilding champion Charlie Mallon on Sutter Street, where he trained and instructed for many years.

His primary passion, however, was Chinese martial arts, and in the 1960′s he began studying with Grand Master Lau Bun, a famous teacher in Chinatown.

Sifu Lee opened his first kung fu school in Chinatown in 1975. The school relocated to the Richmond District in 1979, where it has remained ever since. The first location was on Clement near 25th, and the school later moved to Balboa and 34th in 1985, where it remains today.

His students were attracted to his school because of his reputation as a Master, but stayed because of his humility, his humor, his storytelling, and his philosophical and kind heart. In the end, Sifu Lee was a father figure to many.

The school will remain open with his blessing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8th, from 1 to 3 pm, at Ashley & McMullen Wing Sun Mortuary at 6th and Geary, open to the public. This will include a traditional Buddhist ceremony followed by a memorial.

Mike Fusello

Mr. Lee’s appearance in Star Trek IV (he comes out of the yellow door):

Mr. Lee appeared in the short-lived TV series “Midnight Caller”. A still from his appearance in Season 3, Episode 11 (7:18 and 8:20), after his character is attacked: