Tomorrow: A Meeting About the State of the Bernal Library

October 1, 2012September 26, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 8 Comments

Ms. Valerie, the Children’s Librarian at the Bernal Branch Library, invites one and all to attend an important meeting tomorrow evening to discuss the library’s operating hours:

We Need Your Input on our Public Service Hours!
SFPL Bernal Branch Public Hearing
Tuesday, October 2nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served

Bernal Heights Library Meeting Room
500 Cortland Avenue
(415) 355-2810

Please join us for a public hearing and give us your input about our library operating hours.* We need to hear your ideas on library services and priorities. City Librarian, Luis Herrera will give an overview of the Library’s Five Strategic Priorities and Deputy City Librarian Jill Bourne will provide the overview of the Open Hours Project. Also attending the hearing will be a SF Supervisor; Neighborhood Council Members; Friends of the SFPL Board Members, Staff, Donors and Members, and other Community Partners.

*The Library Preservation Fund, renewed by Proposition D in November 2007, requires that the Library Commission assess and modify as appropriate the hours of operation of the Main and branch libraries at least once every five years. As part of that process, San Francisco Public Library is conducting public hearings in each of the City’s 11 supervisorial district this September and October to obtain community input about library hours and services. These public hearings will also allow residents to give us their ideas about library services and priorities and allow the Library to present ideas about its future goals and initiatives.

To ensure the participation of people with disabilities, patrons are invited to request sign language interpreter services, real-time captioning, and materials in alternative print formats. Requesting accommodations at least 72 hours in advance will help to ensure availability. For inquiries or requests for accommodations, please call (415) 557-4557.

PHOTO: Telstar Logistics

All Are Invited to the Elsie Street Block Party on Saturday

September 28, 2012September 26, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 1 Comment

Neighbor Michael invites all Citizens of Bernalwood to attend the fashionable Elsie Street Block Party that will take place tomorrow afternoon:

Bernal Neighbors – You are cordially invited to the 6th Annual Elsie Street Block Party, between Cortland & Eugenia, this Saturday, Sept. 29 from Noon to 3pm.

Bhangra Dancers at 1pm. Ten of them! Be a judge in the Bake-Off Contest, Jump in the Bouncy House, Swat a Pinata (if you’re young enough), enjoy food, drink and great company. Be carefree and carfree on the Best Block of Bernal.

Colossal 20-Family Benefit Garage Sale, Saturday

September 28, 2012September 28, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 1 Comment

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Ye Hunters of Bargains!

Neighbor Noah brings news of a group garage sale happening in North bernal on Saturday to benefit the Rocky Mountain Co-Op Preschool:

HUGE 20-FAMILY GARAGE SALE & BAKE SALE

All profits go to benefit our school: Rocky Mountain co-op preschool.

We are cleaning our our closets/homes and selling loads of stuff that we have outgrown or no longer need. Come and be a part of the recycle & reuse! Grab something “new” for you while also helping our our preschool.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
in front of Grace Korean Presbyterian Church
30 Norwich Street between Harrison St. and Alabama St.
A block away from PRECITA PLAYGROUND.

– Furniture
– Clothes
– Baby stuff
– Toys
– Books
– Electronics

Over twenty families are donating for our BIG Garage Sale. If that weren’t enough, we are also having a bake sale at the same location!

Lots of homemade bake goods for sale too!
– cookies
– cupcakes
– breads

What’s The Best Way to Prevent Illegal Dumping on Bernal Hill?

September 21, 2012September 18, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 7 Comments

Remember that illegal dumping epidemic that plagued Bernal Hill last spring? Bernalwood does, and frankly, it kind of sucked.

In the meantime, D9 Supervisor David Campos has lined up some City money to make the site less dump-friendly, and he’s holding a community meeting tomorrow night at the Bernal Heights library to discuss how best to spend it:

Help Decide How to Solve the Illegal Dumping Problem on Bernal Hill

Please join Supervisor Campos and staff from the Department of Recreation and Parks to decide how to solve the illegal dumping problem on Bernal Hill. Supervisor Campos was able to secure funds in order to make changes to the area where illegal dumping has occurred. Some ideas include installing nighttime lighting in the area or making structural changes to the parking lot area that would make dumping more difficult. Both Supervisor Campos and the Department of Recreation and Parks do not want to make any changes until the Bernal community decides what is best for the neighborhood. We want to hear from all of you!

Date: September 20, 2012
Hour: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bernal Height Library Community Room, 500 Cortland Avenue

Questions?: Please contact Hillary Ronen, legislative aide to Supervisor Campos, (415) 554-7729 or hillary.ronen@sfgov.org

PHOTO: Bernal Hill on May 7, 2012

This NASA Pilot Will Think of Bernal Heights As He Flies the Space Shuttle Over San Francisco Tomorrow

September 20, 2012September 21, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 8 Comments

This is Craig Batteas. He flies the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier aircraft, and tomorrow morning he will fly his plane, with the Endeavour space shuttle strapped to its back, over San Francisco. And as you can see, he really wishes he worked for BASA, Bernal’s very own space agency.

The shuttle will fly over San Francisco tomorrow; I’ve seen the flight plan, and it looks like Crissy Field and Treasure Island will be prime viewing spots. @KarltheFog permitting, the shuttle should be visible from Bernal Hill.

Timing-wise, it looks like the overflight will happen between 9 or 10 am, but there may be a 1 hour delay. Check the @bernalwood Twitter account tomorrow morning for updates.

Your Bernalwood Editor saw Endeavour arrive here at Edwards AFB a few hours ago. Here’s what it looked like:

BONUS: This just in….

PHOTOS: Telstar Logistics

BASA Visits NASA to Say Farewell to Space Shuttle Endeavor

September 19, 2012September 19, 2012 / Todd_Lappin

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Today, as you read this now, a representative from BASA, Bernal’s very own space agency, is visiting a facility operated by NASA, that *other* space agency you may have heard about.

Specifically, your Bernalwood editor is spending a few days at NASA’s Dryden Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. BASA is here at NASA’s invitation to watch Space Shuttle Endeavor arrive on the back of it’s specially modified Boeing 747 carrier aircraft, which is scheduled to happen tomorrow. If the past is any guide, it should look something like this:

But the thing is, this is not only the last time a space shuttle will fly on the back of a 747; It’s the very last time a shuttle will fly at all. Ever. Endeavor is headed to its permanent home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, and it’s the last of the retired shuttle fleet to require transportation via 747.

But before that happens, there will be adventure. Early Friday morning, NASA’s special 747 will take off from Edwards. From there it will fly north, to the Bay Area, for a scenic low-and-slow flight over Silicon Valley and the City of San Francisco. (PRO TIPS: NASA tells us the shuttle flight should arrive over San Francisco between 9 and 10 am on Friday morning. Bayfront vantage points between the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown will probably be best, but the view may be pretty good from Bernal Hill with binoculars. Please take photos!)

And then that’s it. Forever. Maybe you will live long enough to see another Transit of Venus from Bernal Hill. But you will never, ever see another space shuttle flying over Our Faire City — or anywhere else. Sad but true.

Keep an eye on the @bernalwood Twitter account for updates and announcements on the Shuttle overflight. Viva BASA! Thank you, NASA!

Three Bernal Homes Selected for Schwanky Architecture Tour

September 14, 2012September 13, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 16 Comments

Here’s some deep evidence of Bernal’s celebrity status. This year, three (3!!) Bernal Heights houses were selected for inclusion in this weekend’s Home Tour organized by the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects. So chic!

Thankfully, our real estate-obsessed friends at CurbedSF prepared an excellent executive summary:

The 10th annual San Francisco: Living Home Tours are this weekend. We thought it best to give you a preview of the featured projects on the tour. The tour aims to shine a little light on a wide variety of architectural styles, neighborhoods and residences – all from the architect’s point of view (most of which will be on hand to answer all your questions). This is a great way to get an inside look into the world of distinctive and new residences in the city. The projects are showcased on either Saturday, the 15th or Sunday, the 16th from 10am to 4pm.

The Folsom Street Residence [3407 Folsom] designed by Gary Gee Architects is a brand spankin’ new home that was built on a vacant, cross-sloping downhill lot in Bernal Heights. From the architect we learn that the design concept was “to create simple layering of living spaces stacked and interlocked to express the mass and topography of the site.” It’s a 3-level home with a 2-car garage. Our favorite property highlight is the roof deck that has views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown, East Bay Hills and the Bay. [EDITOR’S NOTE: This same roof deck/helipad was much beloved by the Invisible Obamas during their recent visit to Bernal Heights.]

Bernal Heights is definitely the neighborhood of choice for this year’s tours. The Bernal Tower [66 Ellsworth] by Blue Truck Studio is a tightly-detailed modern home that re-mastered a decrepit bungalow. The architect says things about the house like “The classic bay windows and siding of neighboring Victorians were re-interpreted as a floor-to-ceiling front window and square-grooved vertical siding” and “The street level facade of nearby stucco houses was re-invented with a rough-sawn cedar siding hand-coopered to curve up under the soffit.” It has a green roof.
[…]

This single-family home [175 Ripley] designed by Zack | de Vito Architecture and Construction is a retreat in Bernal Heights for a professional couple. The residence is a spacious 3,200 sq. ft. and has “dramatic views” of downtown via floor-to-ceiling glazing and terraces from the back.

If you want to join the Home Tour, tickets are available. For everyone else, do not be alarmed if you see a lot of architect-types wandering the neighborhood over the weekend. They’re easy to spot; just look for sharply-dressed men and women wearing the telltale Daniel Libeskind glasses.

Lastly, hearty congrats to the Bernal Heights homeowners (and their architects) who are participating in the tour. Thanks to you, all of Bernal can now bask in the glory of being AIA-certified glamorous.

PHOTOS: Folsom, Mark Luthringer Photography; Ellsworth, Eduardo Navarro Photography; Ripley, Bruce Damonte Photography

Why You Should Attend the Polkapalooza Benefit for the Children of Bernalwood

September 14, 2012September 12, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 3 Comments

Neighbor Kristen is the president of the PTA at the J. Serra Elementary School near Bernal’s fashionable Holly Park. In that capacity, Neighbor Kristen does a really really really good job explaining why you really really really should attend the Polkapalooza benefit she’s organized for the school this weekend:

I’m attaching a flyer /poster about PTA of J. Serra Elementary School’s Second Annual Polkapalooza event coming up on Sunday Sept. 16 from 11am -3pm.

I’m PTA president and my husband is the drummer for Polkacide and our event will be held at Thee Parkside (1600 17th St. at Wisconsin). Totally kid-friendly. The club does the food and rents the space to us for 250.00. Bands donate their time and great music. The PTA is having a bake sale (since the club doesn’t serve dessert, they encourage us to sell baked goods to raise more cash!)

Our first band is Erin Brazill and the Brazillionaires. Our very own fifth grade teacher, Ms. Mermer is the stand up bass player. Again, totally kid friendly, we’ll have arts and crafts out back and a “beauty salon” for the kids where we’ll pain nails, faces and spray crazy colors on hair. GOOD TIMES. Please buy tix for all your family members and friends as it is, of course, FOR THE CHILDREN.

That’s right, citizens. Please Polkapalooza… for the children.

Action! It’s Time for the Bernal Heights Outdoor Film Festival

August 29, 2012August 29, 2012 / Todd_Lappin

It’s that time of year again!

It’s the time of year when the streets of Bernal Heights are clogged with black stretch limousines disgorging gaggles of glamorous celebrities and glitterati, all of whom have come to enjoy the world-famous Bernal Heights Outdoor Film Festival.

The BHOC kicks off tonight with a stylish party, then runs until September 2. Per tradition, the schedule will bring BHOC to a variety of glamorous Bernal venues, with a fabulous lineup of films showing at each location. The screenings are free, but its up to you to bring your own seating, popcorn, and premium wine coolers for refreshment. Check out the complete BHOC schedule for full details, but here’s an overview of the events:

1. August 29
Opening Night at Roccapulco Supper Club
3140 Mission Street
7 pm

2. August 30
Top of the Hill, Bernal Heights Park
Folsom Street at Bernal Heights Boulevard
7 pm

3. August 31
Film Crawl on Cortland
7 pm, 8 pm and 9pm

PLUS: After Party
The Lucky Horseshoe
453 Cortland Ave
10 pm

4. September 1
Park Bench Café
3214 Folsom Street
4:30 pm

Under the Stars at Precita Park
6:30 pm
Films & music in the park

5. September 2
Connecting Filmmakers
& Film Lovers
Dell’Uva
3235 Mission St
4:30 pm

PLUS: Closing Night at El Rio
3158 Mission St
8 pm

Again, visit the BHOC website for complete details, dress warmly, and see you there.

PHOTOS: Telstar Logistics

Thursday: A Festive Street Crawl in “Bernal Flats”

August 21, 2012August 22, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 11 Comments

The Bold Italic has organized a festive street-crawl in La Lengua on Thursday evening to celebrate the glamour and abundance of the neighborhood. The event takes place this Thursday, August 23, from 6 to 8 pm:

The Bold Italic’s microhood party returns this month to celebrate an amazing corner of the city on Thursday, Aug. 23. This round is focused on Bernal Flats (also known as La Lengua or SoCha), the pocket of Mission St. just past Cesar Chavez that plays host to some of San Francisco’s best spots for dining, drinking, and shopping.

The Bold Italic is teaming up with Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Secession Art and Design, ICHI Sushi, Cruz Skate Shop, Rock Bar, 31Rax, El Rio, Way Out! Cafe and an assortment of awesome merchants for an evening of delicious eats, complimentary libations, and sweet bargains.

The Tongue in Cheek microhood is a great excuse to come hang with the neighbors and help spread the word of mouth on everything Bernal Flats related. We’re looking forward to celebrating one of our favorite local destinations with you.

Now, this certainly sounds like a fun event, with an all-star cast of participating merchants. Plus, it comes recommended by Miss Eden from Secession Art and Design, which in local terms is almost as good as an endorsement from Barbara Streisand or Zaha Hadid.

But what about this whole “Bernal Flats” nomenclature thing?

Specifically, where is Bernal Flats? Apparently, it’s somewhere around the La Lengua Autonomous Zone. Setting aside the fact that the La Lenguans are notoriously prickly about their sovereignty and their nomenclature, in 2012 everyone, including the cartography gods of Google, calls it La Lengua:

It’s unclear how this error occurred. The kids from The Bold Italic generally come across as a rather hip and in-the-know kind of crowd. They’re urban. They’re sophisticated. They have deep thoughts about typography. So one would expect them to know that calling Bernal’s Mission Street corridor “Bernal Flats” is kind of like stepping off a Powell Street cable car and asking a local for tips on “good places to eat around ‘Frisco.”

But please overlook all that for the moment. Instead, do check out the gig in ~~La Lengua~~ “Bernal Flats” on Thursday evening.

UPDATE, August 22: The Bold Italic has published more details on what’s on tap for Thursday night:

Our La Lengua microhood party, Tongue in Cheek, is almost here! We’ve joined forces with Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Secession Art and Design, ICHI Sushi,Cruz Skate Shop, Rock Bar, 31Rax, El Rio, Way Out! Cafe, and Zipcar to sing the praises of a special corner of the city on Thursday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Read Erin Conger’s love letter to some of her favorite spots in the neighborhood for additional incentive to explore the streets around Mission and 29th, south of Cesar Chavez.

So what, exactly, is in store for this little gathering? Secession Art and Design celebrate its five year anniversary with 20% off jewelry and apparel, plus complimentary wine. Pick up a double espresso and your choice of sweet treat for only $4 at Way Out! Cafe with boss sounds courtesy of DJ David Greenfield. El Rio’s happy hour kicks off at 5 p.m. for everyone who wants to get the celebration started early with $3 well drinks and pints of beer and $5 Bloody Mary pints. These new specials join other drink and retail discounts, free nibbles, and other treats at participating merchants during Tongue in Cheek. The event is free but we’d love it if you’d RSVP. All ages are welcome, but many activities are 21+. See you there!

The Alemany Night Market Was Fabulous, So Let’s Do It Again

August 20, 2012August 19, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 6 Comments

As you can see, last Friday’s first-ever Alemany Night Market was a smashing success. And just as you’d expect, everyone there was soooooooo stylish and glamorous. Check out this group of hipsters:

I was impressed by the woman wearing a drop-dead gorgeous haute-couture wrap. It’s Prada, I believe:

Star Sighting! I also saw Miss Anna from Anda’s Piroshki:

Naturally, the media was on hand to interview all the Bernal Heights celebrities:

Yet amid all the glitz and great food, I kept thinking one thing: A night market is a fantastic use of the Farmer’s Market site. It’s a fun way to take make the most of the facility, and I really really really hope that something like last Friday’s event can become a semi-regular fixture there.

Until then, however, enjoy these photos, and kudos to La Cocina for orchestrating such a terrific (and inspiring) evening.

Let’s do that again sometime!

PHOTOS: Telstar Logistics

Tonight! Tasty Treats for a Good Cause at the Alemany Night Market

August 17, 2012August 17, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 6 Comments

Neighbor Arno reminds us that the Alemany Night Market, a benefit for the deliciously fantastic La Cocina incubator for food entrepreneurs, happens TONIGHT on the site of the Alemany Farmer’s Market:

More coolness coming to Bernal for Friday Dinner:
Night Market, August 17, 6p-9p at Alemany Farmer’s Market.

This event is part of the legendary San Francisco Street Food Festival this weekend.

There will be 27 vendors, each making one great thing, from all over the world. This event is a benefit for La Cocina, a non-profit incubator kitchen.

Entrance is a $25 donation, with tickets available here. All food and drink is priced under $10 from there. Come hungry and get ready to eat to your cart’s content.

Members and friends of Bernal Bucks get 25% off their tickets, if you use the registration code “bernalbucks”! (40 available)

Full details about the event right here. Also, Yum!

Reminder: Bernal Hillwide Garage Sale Happens on Saturday

August 10, 2012August 10, 2012 / Todd_Lappin / 3 Comments

This is a last call announcement for potential garage sale hosts, and a reminder for aspiring bargain-hunters: The annual Bernal Heights Hillwide Garage Sale happens tomorrow, Saturday, August 11!

If you want to sell off some of your stuff, the deadline to add your address to the Bernal Hillwide Garage Sale MegaMap is tonight at midnight. (Listing instructions here.)

If you want to buy other people’s stuff, use the Hillwide Garage Sale MegaMap to navigate. So far there are 57 71 homes participating, with more added daily: