“The Brow Houses of Franconia Street” by craig sakowitz
Bernalwood is a Land of Plenty, because there are many things we have in abundance. Two of those abundant things are 1) spectacular scenery, and 2) talented photographers.
Here is a round-up of some recent greatest hits shared in the Bernalwood Flickr Group.
The pictures tell the most important parts of this story: Last weekend a few motorheads from the Bernal Dad’s Racing Team organized the third running of the Bernal GT road rally, and it turned out to be a winning day for vintage cars and the children who love them.
Bernalwood’s Cub Reporter joined the rally for her first time. We are pleased to say that she took to it like a true natural, as the Bernal GT convoy of smile-inducing cars threaded the twisty-curvy roads between San Francisco and Pescadero (and back again). Good clean fun.
If you’re in the mood, motor along for the full photoset:
PHOTOS: Telstar Logistics
To properly manage the delicate relationship between the Dominion of Bernalwood and our rebellious vassals from La Lengua, it is important for us to understand the longstanding roots of the La Lenguans’ search for autonomy.
Neighbor Ben recently discovered an important artifact that should assist in this quest for historical context. Hiding in plain sight on a vacant Mission Street storefront just north of 30th Street, he found a vintage decal which pledges fealty to the “South of Army – Mission Merchants Association.”
Who were these proto-La Lenguans? What can we infer about the people who roamed the flatlands in the days before Army Street became Cesar Chavez Boulevard? The decal’s intimation that “He Knows You – You Know Him” suggests they were a paternalistic tribe that was closely bound by kinship ties and sharply-defined notions of geographic solidarity.
Minus the paternalistic bias, the same might be said of the La Lenguans of 2012. The contemporary articulation of La Lengua identity is a relatively recent phenomenon, but this decal demonstrates that the area’s sense of geographic “otherness” has been present for a very long time. Good to know.
PHOTO: Neighbor Ben
It’s not construction debris, and it’s not on Bernal Heights Boulevard, but Neighbor Andee called in a new dumping incident on Prentiss this morning:
There has been another dumping!! This time at the top of Prentiss Street, right in the middle of the street! 12 black plastic bags! Is this the same person??
PHOTO: Neighbor Andee
As wonderful as our beloved chert is, Bernal Heights is not impervious to earthquakes. When the Big One comes, professional emergency personnel will be overwhelmed, and the rest of us will have to work together to stay safe and begin the process of disaster-recovery.
That’s the basic premise of the San Francisco Fire Department’s Neighborhood Emergency Response Training (NERT) program, which provides regular civilians with in-depth training in emergency preparedness and response. It’s a superb program (I matriculated in 2002), and the next series of training sessions will start next month in Diamond Heights.
Neighbor Edward Whitmore, the NERT Coordinator for Bernal Heights South, tells us:
NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Training) is FREE training given by the San Francisco Fire Department. Learn how to prepare yourself, your family, and your pets for an emergency. Learn how you can help your neighbors in the event of an emergency. The next training is nearby – Diamond Heights
Contact neighbor Edward Whitmore (NERT Coordinator of Bernal Heights South) with any questions. He can be reached at 415.254.3357 or ekw171@comcast.net, or drop by his home at 171 Park Street.
NERT Training:
Diamond Heights
St. Aidan’s Church
101 Goldmine DrTuesdays 6:30pm-9:30pm
June 12: Class session 1
June 19: Class session 2
June 26: Class session 3
July 3: Class session 4
July 10: Class session 5
July 17: Class session 6
PHOTO: Erik Wilson
This was probably inevitable, but Bernalwood’s growing reputation for glamour and luxury is beginning to attract wannabes and hangers-on. They come here to see and be seen in Bernal Heights… and they don’t really seem to care how well they fit in to the local environment.
To cite one recent example: Neighbor Dan captured these photos of a waterbird that decamped near his thoroughly landlocked back yard on Precita Avenue.
Dan writes:
I believe this a Great Heron. I’ve spotted this guy a few times, mostly peering in to Neighbor Mike’s backyard. I’m told Mike has a pond with fish, so I’m guessing that’s what attracted all the attention.
PHOTOS: Neighbor Dan
In hindsight, the Occupy movement was a big disappointment. When the movement first took hold last autumn, Occupy’s clever framing of economic issues as a contrast between the uber-affluent 1% of America’s population and the remaining 99% was a masterful piece of sloganeering that generated widespread public sympathy. Over time, however, Occupy devolved into a self-indulgent spectacle of pointless grandstanding and ineffective wankery, punctuated by occasional bouts of anarchic violence. As Occupy sank into self-parody, public opinion plummeted and the movement became largely irrelevant.
On the bright side, our homegrown branch of the movement, Occupy Bernal Heights, has managed to avoid the ignominy of the rest of #occupy. Occupy Bernal’s secret: a tight focus on tangible goals and tried-and-true protest tactics. As the SFWeekly writes:
Back in December we told readers about the newer, much more civilized arm of the local Occupy movement, dubbed Occupy Bernal Heights. The goal of this new Occupy group was not to pitch tents on public property, but to stop foreclosures and help troubled homeowners get affordable refinancing.
So how successful has Occupy Bernal been over the last five months? We checked back with the group’s leaders, who tell us they’ve been able to stop one foreclosure and helped postpone plenty of others.
That may not sound like much, but it’s more than what some other Occupy groups have accomplished.
PHOTO: Lily Rothrock
Neighbor Hollace writes:
I am a Bernal resident on Manchester Street. I am reaching out to other seniors in Bernal to let them know about a meeting with SF Village on Thursday, May 24. I would appreciate your help in spreading the word about this meeting:
On Thursday, May 24, 6:30-8:30, San Francisco Village is holding an informational meeting at the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, 515 Cortland.
SF Village is a community-based membership organization of older adults. It links neighbors together to help them remain in their homes as they age. This organization is a part of a grass roots movement that began in Boston in 2001. Since then, more than 60 groups across the country have adapted the village model to their own communities. To find out more about the village movement and its diversity, you can check out The Village to Village Network.
Come to the May 24th meeting:
–Learn more about the village concept.
–Hear the Director and current members talk about their experience with SF Village.
–Ask your questions.
–Meet neighbors who want to start a Bernal Heights chapter.
For more information, contact SF Village at (415) 387-1375 or info@sfvillage.org or get in touch with Holly Veldhuis at hav2@earthlink.net/
MissionLoc@l brings us an unfortunate story about the latest controversy surrounding Sheila Milosky, the controversial principal of Paul Revere School. Apparently, Milosky was arrested in Marin last weekend for a DUI hit and run:
Sheila Sammon Milosky, the principal at The Paul Revere School in Bernal Heights, was arrested on suspicion of a DUI and a hit and run, reports the Marin Independent Journal. At 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, “a white 2011 Dodge Avenger with a Colorado license plate allegedly struck a Hyundai Tucson and a Lincoln Town Car just south of the Golden Gate Bridge,” says the report.
“The Avenger didn’t stop and continued heading north. The victims pulled over at Vista Point and called the CHP, which tracked down the suspect car,” it continues.
“Officers arrested Sheila Milosky, a 50-year-old Mill Valley resident, on suspicion of driving under the influence with blood-alcohol levels higher than .08 and hit and run.”
The San Francisco Unified School District said they are aware of the misdemeanor charges.
UPDATE: There’s more on the SFUSD’s response to the incident in the San Francisco Examiner:
The San Francisco Unified School District is aware of the arrest, spokeswoman Gentle Blythe said Monday.
“This incident occurred on a weekend and is unrelated to school activities,” Blythe said. “If she is convicted, by California law, a misdemeanor conviction in itself is not grounds for termination.”
Milosky, who took over at Paul Revere in 2010, underwent a background screening at the time of her employment, Blythe said. The district will “continue to monitor the situation,” she added.
The principal, who was hired to oversee federally mandated reforms at the troubled school, landed in hot water last fall after a group of parents accused her of deploying corporal punishment tactics. The allegations included physical punishment, restrictive bathroom policies, and silent lunches and recesses in the school’s basement.
PHOTO: Telstar Logistics
** Breaking News ** Breaking News ** Breaking News **
The electricity went down on Cortland this morning, and as of 9:35 this morning… it’s still down. Bernalwood sources report that caffeine delivery systems are inoperative in cafes up and down the street. Citizens are urged to remain calm and seek alternate beverages.
UPDATE: This just in from PG&E:
PHOTO: Good Life Grocery this morning, by Neighbor Mason
Our ever-valiant Neighbors Sarah and Edie attended the monthly crime-summary meeting at the SFPD’s Ingleside Station last week. This meeting was a special edition, with several celebrity guests from other City departments on hand to discuss the ongoing problem of illegal dumping on Bernal Hill. Per usual, you are advised to read the entire summary, as there are are lots of great info-nuggets in here that can help keep you and your property safe and secure.
And as always, the Citizens of Bernalwood are immensely grateful to Sarah and Edie for their diligent reportage.
CAPTAIN’S REPORT – 15 May 2012
by Captain Daniel J. Mahoney daniel.j.mahoney@sfgov.org**New anonymous tip line for Ingleside: 404-4035. This is checked once per day.
STAFFING
Lt. Jim Miller retired from the SFPD on May 14th, with 33 years of experience. He was an excellent officer with great skill in working with the community and will be sorely missed. Lt. Greg Yee will replace him. Yee has 22 yrs experience, most recently in the tech department at the Hall of Justice.
Lts. Mario Delgadillo and Trina Waring are the Night Watch commanders, handling issues when the captain is not present.
DA Sharon Reardon is working out of Ingleside now. When a case comes in, she’s on the scene with expertise and a different perspective from the police, which benefits both.
Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Choi has replaced Jana Clark as Ingleside Code Enforcement Attorney. Jana Clark was reassigned after doing a yeoman’s job. Choi worked with Clark and on cases involving smoke shops that sell illegal drug paraphernalia. As a result, she is already up to speed on the Ingleside District. The City Attorney’s office can be reached at 554-4700, and Jennifer’s email is jennifer.choi@sfgov.org.
Kevin Easton, Community Relations Coordinator for the City Attorney’s Office. As background, the City Attorney is an elected official, with a staff of 200 deputy attorneys. The Office handles civil litigation and civil law, including code enforcement, and represents all City departments, boards, and officials (the DA’s office handles all criminal matters). The Community Relations Coordinator facilitates communication between city officials and city residents, specifically on issues involving code enforcement, and Easton welcomes communications from the public.
Question about code enforcement from attendee: Blighted properties taken over by banks are often left empty and unkempt. Is something going to be done to hold bank owners accountable and make them clean up the mess? There is a code in place that if a property owner holds 10 or more properties they can be dealt with more severely.
CRIME STATS
Aggravated Assault: 27 incidents, up 17% from last month and up 24% YTD. 15 arrests made.
Primarily domestic violence and some gang problems.Robbery: 27 incidents, no change from last month but down 25% YTD. 3 arrests made.
Sexual Assault: No incidents, no arrests.
Burglary: 42 incidents, down 26% from last month, up 47% YTD. 5 arrests made. Bike thefts! Seven stolen over the
weekend, with not one serial number on them. IF YOU HAVE A BIKE, WRITE DOWN THE SERIAL NUMBER AND PUT IT SOMEWHERE SAFE. Do it now. Yes, now.Auto theft: 51 incidents, down 35% this month, up 31% YTD. 3 arrests made. Hondas still 90% of all car thefts. Arrests involved perps with shaved keys.
Auto burglaries: 45 incidents, down 18% from last month and down 32% YTD. 0 arrests made.
ILLEGAL DUMPING ON BERNAL HILL
There was a large group of representatives from various city departments on hand to address the recent dumping incidents, as well as a well-made-up woman from Channel 5 news. Kudos to the Bernal neighbors who got all this pulled together. Unfortunately, only the three usual Bernal attendees of this meeting were present when they were there, so it was a bit of a missed opportunity to provide feedback/requests/suggestions.
Greg Crump, DPW. There have been seven large incidents of illegal dumping on the hill since October, about 6 tons of construction waste, dumped in the middle of the night (best estimate 3:00-4:30am). The City has cleaned them up as fast as possible, but neighbors and all those who walk on the hill should be alert to new activity. Bernalwood reported on the latest of these.
Call 311 if you see stuff dumped and they’ll call the police. If you see a dumping in progress, you can call either 553-0123 (non-emergency dispatch) or 911. If possible, take note of the license number, or any writing on the truck before you call.
The City spends $4 million picking up garbage dumped illegally each year. Illegal dumping comes in two categories: 1) individual junk, like a mattress left on the sidewalk, and 2) larger-scale industrial dumping, such as that on the hill. Small-scale incidents may be prevented by better communication of how to get rid of junk (call Recology at 626-4000 for a pickup – they’ll pick up your bulky items twice a year for free) and DPW will try to put more information out there.
The DA’s Office is working hard to resolve these larger cases, but without a witness or video of the dumping, license plates, descriptions of people involved, or evidence such as addresses in the junk that’s dumped, the cases are difficult to make. Last year, they did successfully prosecute a company that was responsible for a rash of dumpings in the Bayview.
Dariush Kayhan, Superintendant for Bureau of Streets and Environmental Services (BSES), elicited suggestions from attendees, who suggested better lighting for the parking lots and around the hill on the roads and by the residences, cameras, and signs posted informing neighbors of the situation and telling specifically how they can help.
Eric Anderson, Park Service Manager, Rec & Park. They check gates between 6 and 7am six days a week, so dumping is occurring before that. Dumping in other city parks is also common. The city has filmed a PSA about dumping, starring Mayor Ed Lee.
Rex Hale, Battalion Chief of Bat. 6. Dumping is also a fire danger, especially with the summer season. Recent dumping incidents on Bernal Hill involved the dumper setting fire to the debris. Important to call SFFD in if you notice smoke, etc.
Hillary Ronen from Supervisor David Campos’s Office was there; they are working with the above departments and will follow up on the lighting/signs. Campos’s office: 554-5144.
NEIGHBORHOOD COURTS
Ingleside became part of District Attorney George Gascón’s restorative justice program by beginning to implement neighborhood courts. These courts encourage community empowerment by giving trained residents a chance to resolve non-violent misdemeanors and infractions within the community using restorative justice. In these cases, non-violent adults are removed from the criminal court system and instead are required to do community service, pay restitution, attend mediation with the victim, or get treatment for issues such as anger management. This can reduce backlogs in the criminal court system, because it removes cases of smaller, non-violent crimes, and often results in tangible consequences for criminals who might otherwise might not be prosecuted at all because of overloaded courts. Neighborhood courts take place in the community. Currently, the Ingleside location is at the Scottish Rite Center on 19th Ave.
The DA’s Office is looking for people to serve as volunteer adjudicators throughout the Ingleside Community. Participants are given 25 hours of training for free. Ongoing time commitment is not that high. Wade Chow and Rebecca Prozan are coordinating the program for Ingleside. Click here for further information.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
Will Escobar, Traffic Enforcement Officer for Ingleside, will be putting together a series of operations over the next four weeks. They are not advertising the locations in advance. Each will include an education component so residents understand why enforcement of traffic laws is important for all involved – motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Good news – accidents are down 30%.
PHOTO: Telstar Logistics
As part of the continuing debate about the true height of Bernal Hill, map/data guru Eric Fischer shares this lovely contour map of our hilly neighborhood, with super-grandular 5′ elevation lines. It’s illustrative and informative!
If you zoom all the way in on the full-scale image, it shows the summit of Bernal Hill at 450 feet:
But who cares?! Instead, all I can think about is how to turn this into a massively scaled wall graphic for installation in my living room. WANT!
IMAGE: DataSF via Eric Fischer
Scientists say the earth revolves around the sun. Others believe the whole thing is a liberal conspiracy concocted by scientists with a heliocentric agenda. Opinions differ, but among the former crowd, Sunday evening’s solar eclipse was a pretty big deal.
Neighbor Brent shot the video you see above, in which dozens of Copernicans can be seen massing atop Bernal Hill in anticipation of the eclipse. Brent writes:
It was really cool. People were talking to each other, sharing home-made viewers and commercially produced lenses (think of old 3D glasses with dark, “optical density 5” lenses instead). All sorts of people were there. Many trying to take pictures (some with tripods and serious looking equipment, others with smartphone cameras). It truly was a cool scene. Here’s a typical pic:
Fashionistalab captured this shot on the hill by attaching an iPhone to a telescope:
Of course, you didn’t have to be on Bernal Hill to enjoy the show. Here’s a great shot of some wacky eclipse-mutated shadows, taken by Neighbor Isaac:
I noticed a similar thing happening on the sidewalks of Precita Avenue:
And lastly, here’s a photo of Sutro Tower that I took; notice the crescent-shaped eclipse reflection at the top of the image. Spooky!
PHOTOS: Top, David Gallagher
Bernalwood 