Yeah yeah, so it’s a Firebird instead of a proper Trans-Am. But still… with that gloss black paint reflecting Bernal Hill so perfectly on the rear quarter panel, this CB-era Pontiac would accessorize rather nicely with your Burt Reynolds costume, don’t you think?
Photo: Telstar Logistics
There’s been a lot of debate in the comments about Rhoda’s response to the anonymous neighbor who put an exasperated note on the windshield of her parked car regarding a perceived driveway encroachment. The debate has been spirited but commendably civil — especially given the intensity of the passions that parking problems can arouse.
Amid the to-and-fro, reader Rebecca turned to the DPT’s official rulebook to point out that “the reference that the City requires you to leave a foot from the curb cut is total BS. There are published and posted rules, and that ain’t one of them:”
A driveway begins at the curb cut, or the point at which the curb begins to slope downward toward street level. A vehicle parked within curb cuts can be cited and towed. Even partial encroachments into the driveway area can result in a tow.
Some driveways are marked with short red curb markings that indicate where vehicles should not park. Only red zones painted by the City with a DPT or MTA stencil are enforced. It is illegal for private parties to paint curbs or other markings on the street.
Residents can block their own driveways only if the building the driveway serves has two or one units and the vehicle’s license plate is registered to the building’s address. All other types of driveway parking can be cited.
So sayeth the Official Arbiters of Parking Legality. Hooray for facts! Hooray for Rebecca for bringing facts to the party!
Our beloved DPT even offers a handy print n’ bitch windshield flyer — with objective visual guidelines! — you can use to scold blatant driveway offenders.
(Thanks to someJuan for the pointer to the DPT flyer!)
Photo: The Stencil of Doom, by Telstar Logistics
Bernalwood is known known for many things — glamour, haute couture, and a certain jet-set languor, to name but a few. But rare are the instances when our neighborhood is synonymous with badassitude.
Yet like steep hills, arrogant canines, and giant insects, badassitude also resides among us, and I happened to catch a glimpse of it not long ago when this gentleman drove past in his unmistakably badass Dodge Challenger while I was standing on Cortand.
Photo: Telstar Logistics
Although this song has nothing to do with Bernal Heights per se, there’s something about it that seems congruent with the spirit of our neighborhood — precisely because it also runs contrary to the spirit of our neighborhood.
Written and performed by an earnest singer-songwriter, the tune describes his surprise at finding automotive salvation, kindness, and human connection at a WalMart in a remote corner of Texas. It’s a story of stereotypes defied and gratitude expressed, which is a feeling that I suspect that many in Bernalwood will understand first-hand.
They held a charity toy drive at the Precita Valley Community Center last weekend, and a bunch of the fellas from a few of the local car and motorcycle clubs showed up to be charitable. Everyone was in good spirits — according to one attendee, “we all got to know each other while working on the movie” — and a colorful time was had by all.
Lots more photos, here.
Photos: Testar Logistics
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