Coleridge Neighbors Planning Informal Community Concert

May 8, 2014May 8, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 10 Comments

Neighbor Ania was recently seen posting handbills about an ad hoc concert planned for next Sunday afternoon, May 18, at the glamorous Coleridge Minipark. It sounded like a charming idea, so Bernalwood asked her to share the details for those who might like to participate. Neighbor Ania writes:

After the mugging on our street some neighbors started talking about making something good happen, for a change.

I spoke about a musical event with Sasha, who often plays the accordion on his doorstep, across the street from us. Two neighbors stopped by and were enthusiastic, so I posted on Nextdoor.com and heard from Dave Klaus who plays the guitar. The three of us met a few weeks ago over a beer, set the date for May 18th 12-3 at the Coleridge Minipark and decided that it should be informal, acoustic and in a talent show format.

There is also going to be singalong. We are printing out lyrics – Imagine was mentioned – and I can lead something operatic. It is my mission in life to prove anyone can sing opera, even Wagner! (and it will probably be Wagner)

The lineup so far includes:

Sasha Goldshtrakh, Dave and their bands, some friends of Dave’s from Lundys with guitars, Ellen Hobbs from our building on ukelele and myself with opera (backing tracks on boombox).

There were suggestions of barbecue and mimosas. My husband Clay might coordinate that part of things, with some help of our nearest neighbors.

That’s the story so far. We are getting some fliers out and hope for not too much wind on the day. A few people expressed interest as performers; I am waiting to hear back and we are open for more!

IMAGE: Coleridge Minipark photo by Neighbor Ania

Saturday: Eat Chocolate and Help a School At The Same Time

May 2, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 5 Comments

Neighbor Natasha writes:

We are hosting a chocolate tasting at Hillside Supper Club on Folsom at Precita this Saturday from 4-6pm to benefit La Scuola, an Italian immersion pre-8 school in Dogpatch that several Bernal kids attend

Our good friend, Sunita de Torreil, founder of The Chocolate Garage, will be conducting the tasting. She is fiercely passionate about her work and can answer all questions related to chocolate – from the science of cacao to fair trade policy. She started The Chocolate Garage about 5 years ago and sources the best chocolate from around the world. The presentation is incredibly informative and lots of fun. Of course, tasting the chocolate is the really fun part and there will be plenty of that!

It’s $50/person and that includes lots of chocolate to taste, assorted beverages, and one chocolate bar of your choice to go.

We encourage people to stay for dinner (separate from the event), because if you haven’t been, Hillside Supper Club is delicious – our hidden gem in Bernal! Make a reservation if you plan to stay for dinner; they’ll be opening at 6pm just as our event ends.

IMAGE: via The Chocolate Garage

Let Us Now Celebrate 15 Years of Blue Plate (You’re Invited!)

April 29, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 7 Comments

We, the Citizens of Bernalwood, are fortunate to live in a land of tasty food plentitude. Yet amid our regular updates on all the deliciousness at our doorsteps, let’s take a moment to celebrate one of Bernal’s most esteemed and old skool eateries, Blue Plate on Mission at Valencia.

Blue Plate was delicious and cozy and local before delicious and cozy and local were cool. The restaurant is marking its 15th anniversary this year, with a series of dinner events scheduled for this week. (More on that in a moment.)

In an interview with Zagat (!!!) Blue Plate co-owner Jeff Trenam provides a capsule history of the restaurant’s run:

Zagat: Blue Plate has defied all logic about the restaurant industry to be open for 15 years – what’s the secret?

Jeff Trenam: I suppose it is a bit illogical to stay in the restaurant biz for 15 years, but when you enjoy your work and the people you work with, the time flies. [Co-owner Cory Obenour] and I have a relationship that is a little yin-yang, or maybe we are both just real yang. Whatever you want to call it, we help each other keep things in perspective. Essentially, we are having a dinner party every night which is supposed to be fun and nourishing, right? Throwing pans and screaming at people doesn’t sound very fun or nourishing or interesting. We try to give everyone a sense of ownership, employees and guests alike, and then have fun with them. Whether it’s the group visiting from Norway that we may never see again, our regulars, our farmers, delivery guys, wine reps or anyone of the great people that work with us, I suppose the secret is we really like the people.

Have there been any hard times or slumps when you wanted to just give up and close?

We have had our share of knocks but for the most part we have been very fortunate. We have a loyal group of supporters that have made tough times much easier to bear. We have weathered all of the tech bubble bursts without even noticing much of a difference. Of course, we are a neighborhood joint and not so trendy, so that helps. We haven’t been showered with riches from the bubble times and we haven’t been wrung out when they burst. Steady Eddy: that is more like us. For sure there have been times when I have wondered if the city really wants full service, independent dinner houses like us to flourish. We seem to bear the brunt of new taxes, labor laws and political crusades while large companies get tax breaks and incentives to move here. But it actually doesn’t matter. We are here and everyone needs a comfortable place to eat with friends.

Mission accomplished! Blue Plate remains a true neighborhood treasure.

Jeff Trenam reached out to us to invite all Citizens of Bernalwood to join Blue Plate’s 15th Birthday celebration this week. He says there will be feature flights from winemakers, along with special food pairings, and the complete details are below:

Celebrate 15 Years at Blue Plate

Bernal Heights Pioneer Blue Plate Celebrates Their 15th Birthday with a Series of Wine Dinners in May

WHO: Blue Plate, the seminal Bernal Heights neighborhood gem co-owned by Cory Obenour and Jeff Trenam.

Blue Plate offers a seasonal menu of New American cuisine and evolved comfort food by Chef de Cuisine, Sean Thomas. Intimate dining rooms inside a cozy San Francisco Victorian, a robust and eclectic wine list, and a secret garden to drink and snack, have made it a favorite of the Bernal Heights neighborhood.

WHAT: Come celebrate Blue Plate’s 15th anniversary by clinking crystal with celebrated wine makers from Palmina Wines, Sean Thackery Wines, and Skylark. Each night Blue Plate will exclusively feature one wine maker who will be on site to mingle and talk with guests. Chef de Cuisine, Sean Thomas will create special menus featuring new dishes and will bring back landmark hits from the past to showcase the wines.

Wine flights will cost $15 each night and will include five glasses of wine. Menu items will be listed a la carte.

Reservations available at www.blueplatesf.com or call 415-282 6777

WHEN: Thursday, May 1, 2014, 5:30 PM -10 PM Steve and Chrystal Clifton of Palamina Wines

Friday, May 2, 2014, 5:30 PM – 10: 30 PM Sean Thackery of Sean Thackery Wines

Saturday, May 3, 2014, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM John Lancaster of Skylark

WHERE: 3218 Mission Street (at Valencia)  San Francisco, CA 94110

Congrats to Jeff and Cory, thanks for all the yum, and BIG CONGRATULATIONS on 15 delicious years.

PHOTO: Blue Plate’s iconic neon sign by Erik Wilson

Wednesday: Benefit Dinner at Hillside Supper Club for School of the Arts Instrumental Music Program

April 22, 2014April 21, 2014 / Todd_Lappin

Neighbor Julie invites you to a benefit dinner at Bernal’s glamorous Hillside Supper Club tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23 starting at 6 pm:

Hi- I’m a long time Bernal resident, and a community organizer and activist in the public schools here in SF.

A few Bernalwood residents are working with the folks at Hillside Supper Club to host a special evening to benefit the Instrumental Music Dept at the School of the Arts, the public high school devoted to visual, literary and performing arts located at Portola and O’Shaughnessy.

The School of the Arts receives about 30% of its operating costs from the San Francisco Unified School District. It falls to the SOTA community to raise the remaining 70%. This is achieved in a variety of ways, from regular performances on the campus and at different venues around the city, to bake sales, car washes and pancake breakfasts. The Friends of School of the Arts is a non-profit foundation that manages donations and contributions and also engages in targeted campaigns.

Instrumental Music is divided into four strands: Orchestra, Band, Guitar and World Music. The funds we raise go to purchase instruments and equipment and to pay for department Artists-in-Residence– working professionals in the Bay Area who coach and mentor our students.

This year we hope to purchase music stands and three clarinets, among other numerous needs.

There will be a three course meal- the “Seafood Serenade”, wine and dessert are included, and the musical entertainment will be provided by Matt Cmiel, Director of Orchestras and Brad Hogarth Band Director.

A portion of the purchase price ($100 per seat) is tax deductible.

Currently over 50 students in the immediate Bernal Heights neighborhood attend SOTA. It should be a great evening, tasty and fun!

Tickets are limited, so get yours right here. Additional deets

Seafood Serenade- a sublime feast, plus wine and dessert, with musical accompaniment.

One sitting.
Three courses.
Twenty two seats available for purchase.

Culinary genius courtesy of Tony Ferrari and Jonathan Sutton of the local pop-up grown-up, Hillside Supper Club.

Musical genius courtesy of Matthew Cmiel (Guitar) and Brad Hogarth (Horn), Directors of Orchestra and Band at Asawa SOTA.

Internationally acclaimed guitarist Peppino D’Agostino and his daughter, Aleza D’agostino will be surprise featured guests.

Seafood generously provided by Royal Hawaiian Seafood

All proceeds to benefit Instrumental Music at the School of the Arts.

MENU:

AMUSE
Asparagus, quail egg, and caviar

FIRST COURSE
Raw oysters with a cilantro lime mignonette
Grilled Monterey bay squid, with charred spring onions, basil pesto, and lemon
Pea tendril salad of spring peas, easter egg radish, honey vinaigrette, and pecorino;

MAIN COURSE
Lobster pot pie, king trumpet mushrooms, baby carrots, black truffle veloute.

DESSERT & WINE

Buy tickets here.

Sunday Morning: Renegade Bernal Heights Easter Egg Hunt

April 19, 2014April 18, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 2 Comments

Shhhhhhh! There’s word on the street that the Easter Bunny may hide some eggs in Holly Park tomorrow morning:

Bernal’s unofficial, unauthorized, unorganized, nondenominational EGGZELLENT Hide & Hunt in Holly Park

WHEN:
Date Sunday, April 20
9:00 for hiders.
10:00 for hunters.

WHERE:
North steps of Holly Park

HIDE:
9:00 am. Meet at the top of the north steps of Holly Park for the hiding parent. (rules and chatter until around 9:15 and then 30 minutes of hiding. NO Kids until 9:45am please…)

HUNT:
Around 10:00 am we’ll go over the rules (quickly) for the kids and then start. The rules will be made up on the spot. They depend on how many people show up, the age range, and the weather.

BRING:
– at least 12 nicely colored eggs; chocolate or plastic. Also, there have been multiple requests for more stickers/plastic dinosaurs/ikea finger puppets/whathaveyou and less candy!
– a basket for your kid to carry eggs.

Notes:
– eggs with candy, crackers, tattoos, toys, confetti– what ever you like as long as its safe.
– there will be separate areas designated for toddlers and bigger kids so hide eggs accordingly.
– In previous years the outer areas were for the older hunters and the baseball field was reserved for the younger hunters (toddlers, babies,etc).

– watch your kids when they open the eggs. Make sure what is inside them is appropriate for your kid.
– If hiding eggs in the baseball field, please try to make sure they are more age appropriate
– ***please do not take more eggs than you came with***

RAIN DELAY:
– Light rain or shine… we hide and hunt…. same time same place.
Downpour, forget about it.

WHO:
This is a word of mouth event that is open to the community, but at risk of losing it’s charm and appeal if it gets too big. All welcome, but it doesn’t need to be majorly publicized. Thank you.

PHOTO: Hunting for eggs in 2012, by Bronwyn Ximm

¡Oh Dios mío! Dr. Rick’s Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling Benefit Event in Bernal on Saturday Afternoon

April 18, 2014April 18, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 8 Comments

As a general principle, it should not require much coaxing to persuade you to attend a simple, old-fashioned afternoon of Lucha Libre Mexican Wresting right here in Bernal Heights this Saturday. Especially when you consider that the event is a benefit for a medical clinic at San Francisco General Hospital. And especially especially when you throw in the fact that the event will happen at the glamtacular Farmhouse Mansion at the top of Folsom Street on Bernal Hill.

But just in case you need even more reasons why you really shouldn’t miss this simple, old-fashioned afternoon of Lucha Libre Mexican Wresting right here in Bernal Heights, Neighbor Orlando wants you to know why the money that will be raised on Saturday really matters:

My buddy Rick across the street who is a doctor at SF General, and he is putting on a fundraising event for the hospital. Well, his is clinic anyway. The clinic is for folks of lower income. It’s worth every penny of the $20 donation he kindly asks of us to attend.

San Francisco General for years has served an array of different communities from all over the City. Dr. Rick has been at General since he left medical school, and he’s been respectfully serving us since. He’s a man of integrity, with one of the kindest hearts you will ever meet in a lifetime. His clinic has been giving back to the community for years, and especially to non-affluent families. This is one big reason I have come to grown close to Rick over time; I respect what he has dedicated his life to.

So at this point, no further convincing should be required. All you should need are the exciting logistical details about Neighbor Dr. Rick’s Lucha Libre Mexican Wresting benefit, and when and where you should go Saturday afternoon, April 19. Dr. Rick himself seals the deal:

¡oh Dios mío!

You are invited to the rarest of events.
Lucha Libre Wrestling at the Farmhouse Mansion.

¡a lo grande!

It took a lot to arrange… this is an afternoon event, all VIP, private benefit, with professional wrestlers, the full ring, opinionated announcers, 10-piece mariache band, referees, tasty margaritas, taco trucks, beer, juice, two other bands, pinatas, gente apasionada, baile apasionado, you get the idea.

All to benefit a trio of hardworking volunteer and vocational rehabilitation programs at:

San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry
Westside Community Services
SFSMILES

See you at the Farmhouse Mansion
3340 Folsom Street, SF
Sat. April 19th at 3pm (wrestling at 4pm)

What? You still have questions?

Here are some answers:

1) Yes, kids can come, but parent/guardian must be present and responsible.
2) Suggested donation is $20 per person (child or adult) or whatever you can give.
3) Yes, this is the real deal. The Lucha Libre Wrestlers you would see on TV, Cow Palace, or where ever such events occur.
4) No, I will not be wrestling… I think. Then again, anything is possible, probable, we’ll see.
5) No, you will not be wrestling either… I think. Oh, heck. Bring your mask and we’ll see.

In addition, just down the hill at Precita Park, on that same day, Sat from 11am – 2pm is… EASTER in the PARK where there will be Easter Egg Hunt, gift giveaways, 27 foot slide, jumper houses carnival games and much more for the kiddos prior to the below.

See you all soon!

Dr. Rick

Thursday: Bernal Filmmaker to Have Glamorous SF Premiere for New Documentary

April 16, 2014April 16, 2014 / Bronwyn Ximm

Neighbor Samantha Grant feels like she’s hardly been in the neighborhood for the past 10 months, because she’s hardly been in the neighborhood for the past 10 months. Instead, she’s been busy jetting from film fest to film fest with her new documentary, A Fragile Trust. Luckily, now we can enjoy the fruits of her labor much closer to home, at the film’s San Francisco premiere this Thursday, April 17 at the Roxie Theater.

A Fragile Trust chronicles the infamous Jayson Blair scandal at the New York Times. (Remember that? New York Times! Plagiarism! Fabrication of facts!) Grant describes it as “a character-driven narrative” about “power, ethics, representation, race, and accountability in the mainstream media.” Stay home if you’re looking for fluff, because this one promises to be thought-provoking:

If you can’t make it to the Roxie, never fear: A Fragile Trust also screens at the Rafael Film Center on Wednesday, April 23 (tickets here), and it airs nationally on PBS on May 5.

Also on the theme of ethics in journalism (and also on May 5), Neighbor Samantha and team are launching a browser-based, iPad-friendly game called Decisions on Deadline, in which players navigate “the complex and shifting world of journalism ethics as they collect facts and information to report a story.” While aimed at journalists and journalism educators, the game’s goal is “to get regular people interested in these issues,” she says.

Because after all, everyone’s a journalist these days.

Saturday: Gun Buyback to Get Surplus Weapons Off Our Streets

April 3, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 2 Comments

Neighbor Sarah, Bernalwood’s official unofficial liaison to the San Francisco Police Department, brings news of the Ingleside gun-buyback event happening on Saturday:

Join us for a community-organized gun buyback this Saturday, April 5, 2014, 9am-2pm, at 2630 Bayshore Blvd. @ Sunnydale at the new Grocery Outlet store.

Receive up to $100 in cash for firearms, and up to $200 in cash for assault weapons. Totally anonymous; no questions asked. Bring guns in working condition. Drive up with guns in trunk of car.

Sponsored by Mayor Ed Lee; Supervisors Cohen, Campos, Avalos, Wiener, and Yee; Alive & Free; River of Life Church; SF Interfaith Council; CARECEN; SFPD; Gun by Gun.

Click for more information. Questions? Look right here.

Grief, Anger at Memorial Vigil for Alejandro Nieto on Bernal Hill

March 25, 2014March 25, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 36 Comments

There is still much to learn about what happened to Neighbor Alejandro Nieto, the 28 year-old man who was shot and killed by SFPD officers on Bernal Hill Friday night. But there are some things we already know: Alejandro’s death was a tragedy, and the grief his family and friends feel right now runs very deep.

These photos were taken yesterday during the memorial vigil for Neighbor Alejandro that took place on the spot where he died. (You can read more about the vigil at MissionLocal, The Examiner and ABC7)

According to some neighbors who attended, the incident has also unleashed a wave of anger directed not just at the circumstances surrounding Alejandro’s death, and the SFPD, but also at the socio-economic changes taking place in Bernal Heights, and an entire generation of new Bernal neighbors who have moved here in recent years.

This is a raw and sensitive moment. It is also an opportunity for us to properly honor the memory of Neighbor Alejandro Nieto by coming together to support our neighbors who are in pain, to ensure that all the facts surrounding this incident are revealed, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us as a neighborhood.

Finally, a reminder: The SFPD “Town Hall” meeting about this incident happens tonight at 6 pm at Leonard Flynn School on Cesar Chavez and Harrison, near Precita Park.

VIGIL PHOTOS: Courtesy of a Bernal neighbor

Today: Bernal Kids Will Present Spoken Word in Bayview

March 20, 2014March 20, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 1 Comment

Tonight, several of Bernal’s most distinguished junior street poets will be in Bayview for a spoken word performance. Neighbor Maya Sussman provides the preview:

I’m an Elsie Street native and current resident. I work at Performing Arts Workshop, a 49-year-old arts education nonprofit that provides performing arts classes at schools and community centers around the Bay Area.

On Thursday, March 20th, some of our students from Bernal’s Paul Revere K-8 School will be performing their original spoken word pieces at the 3rd on Third community arts and culture celebration in the Bayview.

What: Beats of the Bayview: FREE live spoken word and Afro-Peruvian dance performances, featuring young artists from Dr. Charles Drew College Preparatory Academy and Paul Revere K-8 School

When: Thursday, March 20th, 2014, 5:30-8pm

Where: 3rd Street, between McKinnon and Palou, San Francisco, CA 94124

Contact: For more information, visit our Facebook event page.

This Sunday, Bernal’s Own “Music on the Hill” Presents: The Stern Trio

March 14, 2014March 14, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 1 Comment

Neighbor Sheri brings news of a chamber music performance happening on Sunday:

Music on the Hill is a uniquely Bernal Heights organization — a community-supported chamber music non-profit dedicated to presenting high-quality concerts featuring Bay Area musicians at affordable prices. Since 1998, we have presented four concerts per season to enthusiastic and loyal audiences.

The artistic director and all but one board member live in Bernal, and 60% of the concert-goers live in the 94110. Bernal music celebrity Joan Jeanrenaud, former cellist of the Kronos Quartet, was a founding member of Music on the Hill. She performed in the inaugural concert that kicked off the series in 1998 and continues to be a frequent contributor and artistic advisor.

From 1998 to 2009, concerts were presented in St. Kevin’s Church on Cortland. In 2009 Music on the Hill moved its venue to St. Aidan’s Church in Diamond Heights.

We have an upcoming concert on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 7:30pm. The Stern Trio is returning for another season with Music on the Hill:

Kay Stern, violin
Natalie Parker, clarinet,
Ava Soifer, piano
Kristen Brown, guest soprano

The program features a scintillating concert of mostly American & Bay Area composers, with a world premiere of “Up and Away” by Joan Jeanreneaud, “Moon Shadow & Tango” by Wayne Wallace, “Three Pictures of Hassidic Life” by Ernest Bloch, plus trios by Menotti, Schoenfield, & Milhaud.

St. Aidan’s is located at 101 Gold Mine Drive, San Francisco, across from Diamond Heights Safeway. Ample parking is available at the shopping center across from the church.

Tickets are $15 general/$9 seniors and students.

You’re Invited to the Glamorous Leonard R. Flynn School Fundraiser, Saturday

March 14, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 7 Comments

The PTA at Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School on Precita Park is having their annual fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday March 15. Neighbor Jeff extends the invitation:

This Saturday night the Leonard R. Flynn PTA will be hosting its 3rd annual “Viva la Noche” fundraiser with music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, and a silent auction.

Bid on all manner of Bernal local favorites and food, gift certificates, vacations, wine, massages, and more!

Saturday, March 15, 2014    7:00pm until 11:00pm
@ Mars Bar, 798 Brannan Street, SF, CA 94103

Tickets are $25 in advance/ $30 at the door.

Silent Auction info viewable right here.

About the PTA and the School:
Flynn is the elementary school that borders on Precita Park. We serve close to 500 students from Kindergarten to 5th grade in both Spanish immersion and English language programs.

The mission of our school is to promote excellence in education and create a nurturing learning environment for our students. Over 65% of our students come from low-income families who qualify for free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch.

Donations to the PTA fund the programs that the district is not able to provide — things that many of us would consider essentials for a decent education for our kids:

* Physical Education – a program from Playworks that promotes physical health and social development
* Sciences – programs in partnership with Mission High School, plus gardening, and water conservation
* Arts Enrichment – Visual arts, Dance and Music education

Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Leonard R Flynn PTA is a non-profit tax-exempt organization as defined by IRS code section 501 (c)(3) and our non-profit tax I.D # is 56-2587473.

More info on our Facebook page.

PHOTO: Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School, by Jeff Luszcz

TONIGHT: Pop-Up Will Make Whoopie [Pies] Inside Little Bee Baking

March 7, 2014March 6, 2014 / Todd_Lappin / 5 Comments

If you think the thing that’s missing from your life is a whoopie pie, then you’re in luck! After Suppa is having a pop-up at Little Bee Baking on Cortland tonight, Friday March 7. Neighbor Stacy from Little Bee tells us:

After Suppa is a fledgling baking company specializing in Whoopie Pies started by one of my part-time helpers, Meredith Lee

But hold on. A whoopee pie? Sounds smutty! Meredith from After Suppa explains:

What: What the heck is a whoopie pie? It’s a wicked good baked treat that could only be described as a mini cake sandwich with buttercream filling. The pop-up shop at Little Bee will be first time selling them to the public after becoming an official business (and getting my Cottage Food Operation [CFO] permit).

Where: Little Bee Baking at 521 Cortland Ave. Friday, March 7 from 6-9 PM. Possible repeat pop-up assuming all goes well!

Why: I had just moved to San Francisco and was feeling homesick for my native New England when I spotted a whoopie pie at a little grocery store. With my first bite my heart fell. Dry cake. Chalky frosting. Definitely not like the whoopie pies my nana used to make. It was at that moment that I decided that San Francisco needed real whoopie pies. The kind with moist, springy cookies and creamy filling that you can find at mom-and-pop shops all over Maine and New Hampshire. Thus, After Suppa was born.