The anonymous creative genius who adopted the big rock on Bernal Heights Boulevard that overlooks downtown is always full of surprises. The latest is a sparkling paint job that makes the rock look like a giant gold nugget. Rather awesome.
PS: Does that big rock have a name? If not, it needs one. The Bernalwood Nomenclature Committee will consider any and all suggestions.
PHOTOS: Rick Carlstrom


Saw this yesterday after having breakfast at The Moonlight Cafe. We chuckled at the sight of the giant golden nugget, and said “We’re rich, we’re rich!”
The Bernalstone
Clearly a humble offering to the eye of Sautrito in exchange for protection against illegal dumping…
I think the rocks next to this one are painted shiney silver. My favorite is still the candy cane theme a couple years ago around halloween. Although I also enjoy the gold. Since the paint job changes, the name of the rock should reflect that… The chameleon spire of Bernal. Bernal’s changing rock. (it changes, so might you, if you were to sit on it while thinking about something important and gazing down at the city below…).
I think we should call it George.
Fergus.
How about calling it Defacement or Graffiti.
Nah, too obvious.
The rock was finally recovering for the first graffiti and now this litterer has gone and repainted it and defaced two other rocks beside it. I was walking with my wife and we were heart broken and angry. This is worse than litter.
Bernice?
http://www.bernicegolden.com/testimonials.htm?
http://matusiak.org/2005/07/25/now-thats-what-i-call-a-mug-shot/
Warriors fan?
I think you just named it: “Golden Nugget” it is! So, anyone up for a sunset photo-walk? We can meet at 7:30 at the Golden Nugget (soon to be the site of the new Bernalwood Casino Resort(*) of the same name…).
*
Enter now for an All Season Lift Ticket to Ski Bernalwood!
—–
Void where prohibited by law; not to be combined with other offers; you milage may vary; obey all traffic laws; avoid alcohol while using this product; only valid between Mission and Bayview Streeet on alternate Thursdays, except street cleaning days. Many may enter, None may win
More graffiti of public property. And still people here in SF continue to support this kind of crap.
How liberal and open minded of you. Why can’t beautiful Bernal Hill be left alone?
Be gone! Before someone drops a house on you too!
tee hee!
Not going anywhere, honey. I love Bernal Hill too, but supporting defacement and graffiti on our natural resources is just plain dumb and ignorant.
The normal response to to paint splotches of grey/white paint over the graffiti. That would make for one ugly rock.
Yes. It would be much worse.
I’m with you. Whoever did this is a complete a-hole and should be booked for graffiti. How DARE they crap all over the natural beauty and call it art.
I strongly disagree. The rock was ruined a long time ago, when it became covered with real graffiti. Short of sandblasting it, it was never going to look “natural” again. This approach takes the bug and turns it into a feature. We’ve got plenty of nature around; gestures like the decoration on the rock reflect the fact that we live in a city — and a neighborhood full of creative people. LOVE LOVE LOVE the treatment the rock gets now.
Resayre Rock, obviously.
Golden Rock, one of our glamorous pilgrimage destinations
That is San Francisco’s Heart of Gold.
That would be San Francisco’s Heart of Gold.
Think it looked best when painted like a rock. Saving my thank yous for those that pull weeds or plant flowers in public spaces.
Agreed wholeheartedly. Please count me as one against the unsolicited display of artistic capabilities.
Is there any way to find out who this graffiti thug is? Does anyone claim it? What’s next painting the trees to look like candy canes? Change the word “adopted” to “kidnapped.” Thanks Rick for giving me a place to vent. I don’t hold any ill will toward you since you are clearly not the vandal.
Isn’t the rock landscaping put in place by the city?
http://g.co/maps/6btem <==I think I like this better. @Todd_Lappin, I don't see the graffiti from this view; perhaps it's on the other side?
What you’re seeing in the photo above is the rock covered with white paint. Now, one may prefer white paint, but it’s still not natural.
I see. Hmm..I suppose I would prefer power/sandblast wash to restore the rock vs. painting it white/gold, but that’s not economically feasible for the City, and I’m unable/unwilling to pick that duty up and fund it out of my own pocket. Therefore, I shall remain quiet (darn it) and leave it to whoever feels the creative urge to express themselves. Sigh.
Paint it “dog poop” brown so it blends in with the little gifts left by the careless owners of their 4 legged children.