Calamity

UPDATED: One Dead After Hit and Run Collision on Cesar Chavez

/ Todd_Lappin / 9 Comments

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There was a horrific hit and run accident on Cesar Chavez at Folsom in the early hours of Saturday morning that resulted in the death of one crash victim. Marisa Lagos from the Chronicle has the story:

The crash happened about 2:20 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Cesar Chavez and Folsom streets, police said. A car headed east on Cesar Chavez was broadsided when a car driving south on Folsom ran a red light, said Officer Gordon Shyy, a police spokesman.

The man driving the car that was broadsided was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he later died, police said. His name has not been released.

A third car was hit after the first collision, Shyy said, causing minor injuries to that driver.

The driver and several passengers of the car that caused the collisions ran away, according to police. One occupant of the vehicle stayed at the scene and was interviewed by investigators.

UPDATE, 8 May, 2014: The SFPD has made an arrest related to this fatal hit and run:

There was a deadly traffic collision on May 3, at 2:20 a.m. It appears that the suspect’s vehicle entered the intersection of Cesar Chaves and Folsom Streets at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at a red light. The victim’s vehicle was broadsided, and the victim suffered fatal injuries. The victim was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he died later. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

SFPD’s Traffic Collision Investigation Unit conducted the investigation. This investigation led to the identification of the suspected driver. A $1,000,000.00 warrant for felony hit and run and felony manslaughter was issued for Jamie Linares, 25 years old and a resident of San Francisco.

SFPD’s Traffic Collision Investigation Unit, Violence Reduction Team, plainclothes units from Bayview, Ingleside, and Mission Stations, went on an all out search for the suspect. The suspect turned himself in on May 7, 2014. He has been booked at the county jail on the above warrant, and he is currently on felony probation for robbery. There is no booking photo available, because there are identification matters pending

PHOTO: Broadsided vehicle, 6:30 am Saturday. By Telstar Logistics

Jackie Jones (and Her Dancing Cat) Need Our Help

/ Todd_Lappin / 13 Comments

Jackie Jones and Her Dancing Cat

Back in August 2011, your Bernalwood editor wrote a few appreciative words about the incomparable Jackie Jones:

Jackie Jones has been a Saturday fixture at Bernal’s own Alemany Farmer’s Market for as long as I can remember, entertaining foodies — and their kids — with her charming musical act. She was at Alemany last weekend, and — the passage of time being what it is — I confess that each time I see her I always fear it may be the last. She is a Bernal Heights treasure.

Alas, that fear proved prescient. Jackie Jones lives in Bernal Heights, and not long ago, Neighbor Hannah (who created the video you see above) reached out to Bernalwood to share the sad news that Jackie has been unwell.

Now Neighbor Hannah has organized a fundraising campaign to lend Neighbor Jackie a hand:

She is an 88-year-old musician who plays 1920’s jazz tunes on a washboard guitar, accompanied by a wooden tap-dancing cat, at the oldest farmers market in San Francisco. Her one-woman band has been captivating audiences at Alemany Farmers Market for over 15 years.

Last year, Jackie took a terrible fall in her home, breaking her foot and fracturing bones in both of her legs. She has been homebound ever since and, despite her age and the obvious challenges she continues to face regaining her independence, she fully intends to return – somehow! – with her wooden cat to the farmers market as soon as possible.

Given that Jackie relied financially on the donations she received while playing music, she is having trouble paying for her medical expenses not covered by Medicare. Jackie has wonderful friends who bring her groceries and get her to doctor appointments, but she needs your help to get back up on her feet (literally). $5,000 will cover the cost of one more month of home care, buying her a little more time to regain her balance and relieving her of the stress that comes with living from social security check to social security check.

It practically goes without saying: This is an opportunity to give back to someone who has given so very much to Bernal Heights — and San Francisco. If you can, please donate to assist Jackie Jones with her recovery.

PHOTO: Top, Jackie Jones on July 30, 2011, by Telstar Logistics. Video by Hannah Levinson

Bayshore Fire Creates Illusory Mt. Sutrito Eruption

/ Todd_Lappin / 6 Comments

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Neighbor Brandon made a comment about yesterday’s big industrial fire in Bayshore, to the effect that from the western side of Bernal Hill, the smoke from the blaze made it look like a volcano had erupted at the peak of Bernal Hill.

Brandon said:

The picture from 29th [Street] makes it look like Mount Sutrito has erupted.

True enough, And here’s a photo Tom Baker shared in the Bernalwood Facebook group that makes that illusion even more complete. Behold, the eruption of Mt. Sutrito, as seen from Diamond Heights.

UPDATED: Explosion, Fire in Bayshore Alarms Bernal Neighbors

/ Todd_Lappin / 9 Comments

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Details are just beginning to stream in, but a massive explosion and fire in the Bayshore District has created huge plumes of smoke visible over Bernal Heights. The SFFD is responding a three-alarm blaze at an auto body shop on the 2100 block of Jerrold Avenue.

UPDATE: KCBS reporter Doug Sovern says the fire took place at the Luxor Cab facility:

The SF Appeal just published their story:

1:15 PM: A three-alarm fire has destroyed a service garage for a cab company in San Francisco’s Bayview District, fire and company officials said today.

The fire, reported at 11:53 a.m., has been contained but not fully extinguished as of shortly after 1 p.m., fire department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge said.

The blaze caused the roof to collapse at the building, which was still smoldering this afternoon, Talmadge said.

Charles Rathbone, assistant manager with Luxor Cab Co., said the fire destroyed a service garage on Upton Street that the company used for maintenance and repairs.

“It’s a total loss,” Rathbone said.

He said all employees inside the building escaped without any injuries.

However, he said, “We lost a bunch of cars in there, including a beautiful 1938 Plymouth we had hoped to showcase as part of our history.”

Luxor was one of the city’s first cab companies, operating since 1928.

“It’s nothing that money can’t fix,” Rathbone said of the fire.

Neighbor Steffi saw this view from outside her home:

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This photo by Monique Soltani shows how dramatic the smoke looked, even from Mission Street:

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Bernalwood contributor Joe Thomas captured this remarkable video from his east-facing observation post:

PHOTOS: Top, Tom Saffell. Aerial photo by KTVU. Fireball by Neighbor Steffi. View from Mission, Monique Soltani

Victims Identified, Owner Devastated in Aftermath of Fatal Accident on Cortland

/ Todd_Lappin / 6 Comments

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Neighbor R contacted Bernalwood to find out if the Bernal community can somehow assist the families struggling to recover from last week’s fatal accident at Galaxy/CGI Granite on Cortland. To assess their needs, he visited the facility over the weekend:

Just spoke with the owner’s wife, who is visibly shaken. Here’s what she told me:

Her husband, the owner, is at home today, apparently he’s been sitting on the floor in a corner crying all night. He’s been repeating “they were my brothers”

The manager Philip was one of the victims, a long time employee who the owner gave a second chance to hiring him when he got out of jail for something years ago. He has no wife or children. She said “they were buddies” and mimed an arm around him…

Second victim was another longtime employee, with grown children. “Also buddies,” she said. Also told me they have workman’s comp and life insurance policies etc, so that should take care of survivors for the time being.

Left my name and number as well as the Bernalwood blog url, told her to pass on to her husband and if he wanted to talk or share anything with the neighborhood to call me, but no pressure if he didn’t want to. Also passed on the neighborhood’s condolences. Doesn’t sound like fundraising is necessary, at least at this point.

The San Francisco Chronicle has identified the victims as Hector Vazquez, 46, of Oakland, and Philip Marich, 53, of South San Francisco. The Chron also notes:

Meng Peng, the owner of Galaxy Granite, was in the container when the accident occurred. He said earlier that one of the victims insisted he could handle a slab on his own just before the load toppled over, trapping the men.

PHOTO: Accident scene on Friday, via KTVU

UPDATED: Falling Granite Kills Two Workers at Cortland Industrial Workshop

/ Todd_Lappin / 11 Comments

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Lots of questions from Bernalwood readers about all the helicopters over the neighborhood right now. KCBS reports there’s been a fatal accident at the Cortland workshop of CGI Granite:

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – One person was killed and another was injured in an industrial accident in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood Friday morning, a fire dispatcher said.

The accident was reported at 10:16 a.m. at 1525 Cortland Ave., where granite slabs fell on top of two employees, according to the fire department.

One of the two victims was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was transported to San Francisco General Hospital with traumatic injuries, fire officials said.

This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.

UPDATE 1 pm, 7 February: The second worker involved in the accident has died as well. KTVU has a photo of the accident site, and additional details:

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Two workers were fatally injured by granite slabs that fell on them as they worked in a shipping container in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood Friday morning, a fire department spokeswoman said.

The accident was reported at 10:16 a.m. at 1525 Cortland Ave., fire spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge said.

After the slabs fell on them, they were both extricated from the shipping container. One of the workers was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was taken to San Francisco General Hospital and was pronounced dead there, Talmadge said.

KTVU also has a video report from the scene.

Some Seasonal Excitement Involving Fire Trucks on Coleridge

/ Todd_Lappin / 4 Comments

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Last night, Neighbor Laura heard a commotion outside her house. Fire trucks on Coleridge!

https://twitter.com/saidbylaura/status/408498589271212032

Drama! But not too much drama. Just a little bit of drama. With fire trucks! And Christmas lights! So seasonal.

Neighbor Jeremy noticed the scene as well, when he snapped the photo you see at top and introduced himself to Neighbor Laura. That’s Engine 32, based at the fire station on Holly Park. Thanks neighbors!

So what was all the fuss about? @jcbeat reported:

And the satisfying conclusion:

A Sad, Sudden Farewell to the Deli Pub on Cortland

/ Todd_Lappin / 22 Comments

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Your Bernalwood editor recently received some troubling reports that the venerable and much-loved Deli Pub sandwich shop on Cortland at Bocana had closed down. We heard rumors of a violent robbery at the Deli Pub, but our sources on Cortland were unable to confirm any details.

Bernal neighbor and celebrity journalist Tim Redmond heard those rumors too, and he graciously offered to investigate the story… and share his fond memories of a Bernal Heights institution. Tim writes:

I got a little nervous two weeks ago when I walked past the Deli Pub, my favorite sandwich shop ever, and saw that the doors were closed. That was odd: Imad, the proprietor and sandwich maker, was always there: Seven days a week, pretty much 365 days a year, he’s hanging out in the shop, chatting with his friends, serving Middle Eastern Plates and Turkey on a baguette to the small but loyal stream of customers.

My kids grew up at Imad’s, much as they grew up at the Bernal Playground and Progressive Grounds; these were the places we hung out. Michael and Vivian played Imad’s piano, and sometimes, when he wasn’t too busy (well, much of the time – he was never too busy) he’d pull down his drums and play along.

The Deli Pub couldn’t be closed, I figured. He must be taking a vacation.

But no – as the days passed, and I walked by the door, I started to see dead leaves on the table tops, and I realized something was very wrong.

Imad loved his plants. When I first discovered the place 18 years ago, the ficus trees were fairly small; by this summer, they covered every window and much of the interior space and were threatening to squeeze the customers out. But they never got cut back, and the forest-like atmosphere was part of the charm.

So if the trees were dying, the Deli Pub was in trouble.

And, indeed, word on the street is that Imad has retired. I haven’t been able to reach him, but I’m told he decided to call it a day (or a quarter-century) after a frightening robbery in October.

According to SFPD Public Affairs Officer Wilson Ng, three suspects entered the Deli Pub Oct. 10, at 7:42 pm. One of them told Imad he had a gun, and forced my old friend and neighborhood icon to lie on the floor while the looted the register. There was nobody else in the shop, but witnesses on the street described one Asian man and two of unknown race leaving the scene. There have been no arrests.

Imad (of course) had no security cameras. He barely had a stove – the burner he used to head his sandwiches and make his hot peanuts looked like it had been through several wars. But he managed to make great food, and he was always happy to share; when my kids and I came for lunch, he’d offer us whatever specialty he was working on that day. When Michael was born, he sent me home with a big plate of humus, tomatoes, and olives for Jean; he did the same thing later when Vivian joined the family.

So now, apparently, the Deli Pub – a part of us, a part of our community – is gone. I will miss it, terribly. And Imad, if you’re out there reading this, please hold a goodbye party; everyone I know will come.

PHOTOS: Leonard Znao via Google+

Will Last Night’s Blackout Bequeath a Bernal Baby Boom?

/ Todd_Lappin / 3 Comments

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Darkness fell on Eastern Precitaville last night, as a PG&E transformer bit the dust near the intersection of Alabama and Precita, causing a prolonged blackout.

The Bernalwood Action News Satellite Uplink Miata rushed to the scene to investigate, where a PG&E worker confirmed social-media reports that the outage may have been caused by an errant children’s balloon.

Neighbor Kent used the darkness as an opportunity to get cosmic…

… while Neighbor Sarah pondered other ways to keep busy:

PHOTO: Telstar Logistics

Young Son of Accused Holly Park Hit and Run Driver Is Arrested for Hit and Run

/ Todd_Lappin / 11 Comments

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On top of everything else, this is simply unbelievable:

The son of a city gardener accused of running over a woman in a San Francisco park has been arrested for leaving the scene of a collision with a bicyclist. Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to pursue the case, but 19-year-old Jonathan Burnoski was booked by police, on a hit-and-run charge.

Police said the hit and run incident happened Wednesday afternoon in the Outer Mission shortly after Burnoski left the courtroom where his father was being arraigned.

Investigators say the 19-year-old hit a bicyclist as he was making a right turn. That person was not badly injured. Burnoski lives about a mile from where the accident occurred. He was followed by a witness who then called police. He was arrested for hit and run and booked into the county jail.

ABC-7 has video coverage of the younger Burnowski’s encounter with the law.

IMAGE: Scene of Jonathan Burnoski’s alleged hit and run, on Mission at Regent, via ABC-7 video