The Richmond District is full of great history – just take a look at the 1000+ historic photos that recently came to light thanks to the Western Neighborhoods Project.
But local history is about more than just places, events, and artifacts. It’s also about the people. Which is what makes a new book called “Legendary Locals of San Francisco’s Richmond, Sunset and Golden Gate Park” so interesting.
Authored by local historian and author Lorri Ungaretti, the book shines a light on the people that have helped make the western neighborhoods of San Francisco what they are today – varied, vibrant, colorful, full of beauty, rich with history, and still thriving.
Ungaretti, who has also authored books “San Francisco’s Richmond District” and “Stories in the Sand: San Francisco’s Sunset District”, focuses not only on the famous, former residents of the west side like Johnny Mathis, Ansel Adams and Barbara Eden, but also on the infamous – like Anton LaVey of 6666 California Street.
But you don’t have to be a famous or infamous figure to make it into Ungaretti’s book. True to the west side, it’s the people and businesses that are part of everyday life that have helped shape the neighborhood.
People like Angie Rando, owner of Angelina’s Cafe at 22nd & California, whose 30 plus years in business has made her business a neighborhood hub.
“I feel as if I’m just the ‘keeper’ of this place,” Rando says in the book. “It really onhealthy augmentin antibiotic belongs to the neighborhood.”
Or Paul Kozakiewicz, who started and continues to publish the free Richmond Review newspaper every month. And Woody LaBounty and David Gallagher of the Western Neighborhoods Project who help preserve our neighborhood’s history.
The book groups legendary local into six chapters: Golden Gate Park, History Lovers, The Builders, Making a Difference, The Arts, and Businesses.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the legendary locals of the past, or those that still work day in and day out to make our community great, “Legendary Locals of San Francisco’s Richmond, Sunset and Golden Gate Park” is a fun and interesting read.
“Legendary Locals of San Francisco’s Richmond, Sunset and Golden Gate Park” by Lorri Ungaretti is available in paperback at local bookstores like Green Apple Books, and online at Amazon or the Western Neighborhoods Project website.
BOOK SIGNING THIS SUNDAY AT RDNC
And while Ungaretti is too modest, it’s safe to say that her contributions to documenting our neighborhood’s history would easily earn her a page in her latest book. But you can thank her and show your appreciation at a special book signing on Sunday at the Richmond District Neighborhood Center (741 30th Avenue) from 10:30am until 2:30pm.
Stop by to pick up a signed copy of “Legendary Locals of San Francisco’s Richmond, Sunset and Golden Gate Park”. Who knows, you might even rub elbows with a legendary local or two while you’re there. 😉
Sarah B.
And while Sarah is too modest to say so, if she’s not in the book, she should be!
Thanks @Bob 🙂 I actually am in the book, it’s quite an honor!
Sarah B.