December 2011

Hail to the Chief…with all of the angst being written about Ranked Choice Voting, and how it would play out with the mayoral candidates the election turned into a big yawn, as Ed Lee put away the competition. Entering the race with a base of about 30% of the voters, he finished with 31%, with John Avalos and Dennis Herrera pulling in 19% and 11% respectively. None of the other candidates could muster more than 9%. Congrats to Mayor Lee on winning a full term.

With all of the money raised and matched with public financing do you think the citizens got their moneys worth with many candidates only receiving 5% or less of the vote? The concept is altruistic, but with this many candidates could the money have been better spent. Supervisor Sean Elsbernd is working to revamp the public financing process.

Voter turnout was only 40%, much weaker than in 2003 when Gavin Newsom and Matt Gonzalez locked horns in a very tight race. It was better than in 2007 when Newsom ran against a very weak field of challengers, dropping the turnout to 34%.

One election down—yet another is looming as six districts will have elections next year for supervisor. Voters in Districts, 1,3,5,7,9 and 11 will go to the polls. Here in District 7, there seems to be no front-runner to replace Elsbernd, but several potential candidate names are being mentioned. Antonini, Crowley, Garcia and (N) Yee being among them, with others sure to join. It should be an interesting summer and fall leading up to the next election in November 2012.

Don't you know SOTF? It's the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, which is becoming the first line of defense for civic-minded activists watching out for governmental abuse and incompetence. We are featuring two stories this month. Whether it's hidden records at Rec and Park (see the George Wooding piece), or meeting rules that are broken, as Hope Johnson, the Chair of the Task Force documents in her report concerning Parkmerced, there seems to be no shortage of important stories to bring out into the open. The SOTF is a valuable resource for the citizens of San Francisco, but one that most people don't know about. Read the pieces and you will see why their work is important.

I cannot believe it's the last issue of the year, but my calendar says December at the top. All of us at the Observe wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! Support our West Portal, Lakeside and Sunset and merchants and look for us in the New Year.

Do you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper? Just drop it to us in the mail, or email me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online at www.WestsideObserver.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

December 2011

November 2011

Election day is upon us and we are being reminded by email, telemarketers, newspapers and television ads about the candidates and the initiatives. Like the first snowflakes in winter, it's finally feeling like an electoral contest as some of the campaigns are dropping the "we all get along well" gloves and ratcheting up the hyperbole and rhetoric.

Allegations of voter fraud, not "really" supporting marriage equality, questionable donors and other "newly-discovered facts" seem to be popping up each day as the campaign "machines" try to discredit their closest perceived opponents. Who is to know what is true? The District Attorney's office is looking into some of the actions, but how long will that take and will it make any difference to the voters? Could an investigation cloud the results of an already murky process known as ranked choice voting?

Especially troubling are the various videos, which clearly show volunteers with "Ed Lee" shirts on "helping" people to mark ballots, even to the point of using stencils to ensure the correct box is filled in. The interim-Mayor states that these people are independent and not on his campaign. The clamor for investigations is rising as his challengers are rightfully asking for a thorough investigation into these issues. Lee claims not to know the group behind this, or the group that produced the book about his life, one that his wife Anita was signing for supporters. It truly sheds a bad light on Lee and the campaign. "Officially" these "volunteers" may not be working for Lee's campaign but conducting voter fraud in an unofficial capacity is just as troubling. This campaign has already had to answer questions about the "behind the scenes" impact of Rose Pak and (former Mayor) Willie Brown, and to see people in "Ed Lee" shirts breaking the law undermines the credibility of his campaign, and smacks of "Chicago-style" electioneering. I don't know the truth, but the videos bring up very troubling questions that need to be investigated.

As we go to press, the choice of who to elect is in the hands of the voters and as such it is imperative for the Department of Elections to ensure that the ballot results are correctly tabulated with audits and cross checks done to ensure that the process is as true and uncorrupted as possible. No one wins when hints and allegations of voting irregularities occur. The District Attorney's office has to be forthright on the investigations into the ballot tampering that is evident on the videos.

We should be truly proud to live in an area where our office holders and citizens are so passionate about public service and making a difference. There is much work to be done in San Francisco, and regardless of the final outcome to select the next Mayor, District Attorney, and Sheriff, it is going to require the office holders to partner with all of the stakeholders. Each will need to focus on inclusion, listening to staff and citizens, to craft workable solutions to the challenges that face San Francisco. Governmental honesty, ethical responsibility for actions taken, and true transparency should serve as the cornerstones of our local elected and appointed public servants. As voters we should demand no less, however difficult it is to implement and audit these values.

Our duty, as citizens, is to exercise our right to vote, and to make our choices known. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It is one that requires participation from the citizens, and protection by the officials charged with ensuring that the elections results are not tarnished by fraud. We deserve the truth about what is going on here.

Do you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper? Just drop it to us in the mail, or email me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

November 2011

October 2011

The election season is heating up, and there is barely more than a month to go. Candidates are making proclamations, ads are appearing on TV and in the papers, and local offices are cropping up all over. And, of course, the accusations of "hypocrisy" are springing forth from all different directions.

This month we cover issues relating to the election; the opening of Interim-Mayor Ed Lee's campaign office on West Portal Avenue; a solid piece on "Ranked Choice Voting" by George Wooding, on what the candidates and political pundits think of the process.

One of our ads, from the Department of Elections does a good job in spelling out the process of filling out the Ranked Choice Ballot. Be sure to take a look at it so there is no confusion when the time comes to make your choices and vote.

It has always been my contention that newspaper publishers should not make candidate endorsements as "the fourth estate" should be as fair and open as possible and try to provide relevant information on both sides of issues.

As we went to press, we had the opportunity to get a close-up and personal look at the major candidates at the West of Twin Peaks Central Council Candidates Forum. The forum, held on October 1st at the St. Stephen's Parish Hall, was organized by the WOTPCC, which represents the neighborhood associations within the West of Twin Peaks area and was attended by over 400 citizens, and candidate supporters. A recap is slated to appear covering the major questions and responses.

It has been a long time since the major offices in SF have had this number of qualified candidates running. Aside from the Mayoral election, close races are being run for the offices of District Attorney and Sheriff. Well-qualified candidates are also on those ballots, so the voters will have a multitude of prospects and choices to make.

While I commend everyone in the races, I am concerned by some candidates seemingly unrealistic concept that we can continue to put more fees and taxes on SF businesses and residents to solve the many political and societal issues that face the city.

For example, most of the candidates state that MUNI is broken, but increasing parking fees hurt our neighborhood businesses and just throw more money down the MUNI/MTA hole. A tax on cars may relieve congestion, but our neighbors and businesses in Marin and on the Peninsula will reap the benefits, not the merchants on West Portal and at Stonestown Center. To the city department heads, Board of Supervisors and Mayor (whoever it will be): How about getting your fiscal books in line and fixing the out of control spending?

One candidate stated that the city budget is 3x what it was when Frank Jordan was Mayor. Has the city population increased…No, however we get less money from Sacramento (and Washington) and inflation has driven the cost of everything up. But a three-fold increase? An interesting question would be the amount of city employees from then to now.

Another candidate, a Supervisor, spoke of passing legislation that was only deliberated for 30-40 seconds before being passed unanimously regarding making changes in building glass to protect birds. Hey, we all like birds, right? I do. But, what is the cost impact of the legislation on landlords, building owners, tenants and businesses? Could they have possibly cared, if only 30-40 seconds was spent on this? Sounds like a "throw away – politically correct" vote that no one will remember, but may have big costs to those who build and rent city offices, apartments and other civic buildings. If this law was considered for 30 seconds or so, and the ramifications not considered or debated, then it is poor legislation that borders on arrogance of the highest order. I do not claim to have the answers, but then again, I am not an elected official. For those of you that are, quit trying to make everyone happy, protect everything and everyone from themselves, and take a look at making some sound, fiscally responsible decisions, not perpetuating the failed policies of the past. The people put their trust in you. You owe them real transparency, up front discussions from all stakeholders, and the consideration of the cost of what you legislate into law.

WWQD?? (What Will Quentin Do) - Check out what Quentin thinks about the candidates and the propositions in the upcoming election as he gives us his opinion on who and what he supports.

Be sure to come to West Portal Avenue on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16 to check out performance art where dance meets MUNI in "Trolley Dances". Performances will occur at several locations on the MUNI line through West Portal from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It's sure to be a unique and fun experience.

Do you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper? Just drop it to us in the mail, or email me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

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October 2011

September 2011

It's gonna be a fun election season…Now that the declaration period is over, we finally can see the field for the running of the SF Mayor's derby. Front-runners, dark horses and long shots abound with a candidate or two to fit every voter's profile. The next two months will be a blur with the candidates trying to get their messages out any way they can.

The good news is that the field is stocked with an overflow of political talent. Of the plethora of candidates vying for the Mayors' office, at least 11 look like they could do a very credible job as SF's chief exec. Leland Yee, Tony Hall, Dennis Herrera, Michela Alioto-Pier, Bevan Dufty, David Chiu, John Avalos, Joanna Rees, Phil Ting and yes, Ed Lee and Jeff Adachi give the voters an unusually deep field of quality candidates that have knowledge and experience about working in and running the SF city government. I wish them all well as it takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, family support, and funding to run any campaign to be elected to public office With "ranked choice" voting, where each voter is asked to provide a ranking of their top three candidates, I believe votes will be very spread out with a whole host of recalculations and tabulations at the end to bring us (eventually) a winner.

Speaking of "ranked choice," former District 7 Supervisor Tony Hall garnered the top endorsement this week from the SF Log Cabin Republicans, who also named Michela Alioto-Pier and Ed Lee as second and third respectively, as their recommendations for the ranked choice ballot in the November election for Mayor. The gay Republican group cited Hall as the most fiscally conservative candidate. While not a huge voting bloc in the city, nevertheless it is a good starting point for the "straight talking" former supe.

We will get a close-up and personal look at the major candidates at the West of Twin Peaks Central Council Candidates Forum. The forum, to be held on October 1st at the St. Stephen's Parish Hall, has been organized by the WOTPCC, which represents the neighborhood associations within the West of Twin Peaks area. For more information go to their website, www.WestofTwinPeaks.org.

We also have elections for District Attorney and Sheriff. Six candidates (including incumbent DA and former police chief George Gascon) are in the DA's race, while five candidates (including Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi) are vying for the silver sheriff's badge. A full list of candidates can be downloaded off of the SF Government website (sfgov.org).

With the advent of ranked choice voting, where each voter can select up to 3 choices (in order of preference), it will be more important than ever to do research in order to make the most informed choice. We are fortunate to have such a choice of candidates; it's truly democracy in action.

Music has been at the forefront in the city with the annual Stern Grove (free) concerts, the very successful OutsideLands Festival and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass fest. In addition we have great local venues such as The Music Store on West Portal, Café DuNord on Market Street (just over and down the hill), and the Independent (on Divisadero).

If the spoken word calls to you, check out the events at BookShop West Portal. This local gem brings authors from very diverse genres together for events and readings during each month. It's a great literary resource for the neighborhood.

If you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online at www.WestsideObserver.com.

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September 2011

July-August 2011

Summer is upon us and that means music in the Stern Grove on Sundays, the Outer Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park, and many other local musical events. Check out our calendar for listings and dates.

I recently attended a retirement party for one of "San Francisco's Finest." SFPD Motorcycle Officer Tom Vellone has put away his riding gloves and helmet after a distinguished career. Tom served in a variety of venues, operating out of Mission Station, Tenderloin Station and the Hall of Justice. 200+ people attended the event, put together by his wife Susan. Photos and video snippets traced his early life, his hobbies (scuba diving), and photos of the years spent protecting the citizens of SF in many different ways. Best wishes in retirement and a "thank you " for a dangerous job well done.

Help promote live music in West Portal!—The Board of Supervisors is considering approval of an ordinance that would allow small merchants to have music in their venues. Live musicians such as a guitarist, small jazz trio, etc. could help the restaurants and shops to attract customers and provide for a "Parisian" type of ambiance on the Avenue. Currently West Portal is not included in the proposal. Email or call your local supervisors to put a plug in for this worthwhile endeavor.

Will he or won't he? This was the question posed to Mayor Ed Lee at the West Of Twin Peaks Central Council meeting on Monday, June27th. His honor, being on hand to conduct the swearing in of the new WOTPCC officers, sidestepped the question somewhat be saying that he doesn't want to be distracted from the job at hand by having to campaign, and that we doesn't see himself as a "politician." With people downtown wearing "Run Ed Run" shirts, and Paul Conroy asking the Mayor if he would endorse a "write in" campaign, will the lure be too much to resist? The audience at the event also included candidates, (Former District 7 Supe) Tony Hall, Joanna Rees, and City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

Our readers filled the "mail bag" this month with observations in the neighborhood and a historic description of the "historic" photo from last month. Reader Hobie MacQuarrie, who claims to live in a computer free zone, penned a response, informing us that our photo was a nice picture of Miraloma Park in the mid-fifties, with O'Shaunessey Blvd. in the foreground. His letter describes the purchase of the house in 1960 for..$19,500 ($2000 down), and that the house is still in the family, with his son and daughter-in-law living there. While there the family witnessed the transformation of the golf driving range into McAteer High School (Now School of the Arts), and the development of Diamond Heights. The letter even closed with a telephone number; DELAWARE (DE)4-XXXX. How many remember when the prefixes were words. I used to love the sound that the rotary telephones made…Thank you to the Mac Quarrie's for sharing with us.

Unfortunately, a young driver with extremely poor judgment crashed his car into the fountain at St. Francis Circle on June 26th at about 4 AM, causing an extreme amount of damage. Rumor has it he was trying to "jump" over the structure with his car. Fortunately the driver was not seriously injured, but he was arrested. I hope he has better insurance than he has common sense.

Historic Landmark Damaged—St. Francis Wood Circle fountain, San Francisco, circa 1912 by John Galen Howard, 1864-1931, Architect. Teenagers used to pour dishwashing liquid into it and watch bubbles overtake the neighborhood back in the 1960s. Lately it has been a quiet reminder of the World War I era in a peaceful, tree-lined setting.

Finally (from local "celeb" Marc Troy) – Hello to Bella, who has opened "Simply Bella" a ladies boutique in the second block of West Portal; and a farewell to Maris Jewelers who are having a "retirement" sale and saying goodbye after 37 years on the Avenue.

As most of you know, this is a combined July-August issue of the Observer, as we do not publish an August issue to give our staff and families a bit of a break. September marks my 3rd year as the Publisher of the paper, and I want to say thank you to our writers, contributors, advertisers and readers who make this journey so worthwhile. Have a great summer, and see you in the fall.

If you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online at www.WestsideObserver.com.

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July-August 2011

April 2011

Important issues are all around us here on the Westside: changes to the SF Housing Element document (affecting what is and is not acceptable to be built in existing neighborhoods); projects planned for Golden Gate Park; the ongoing planning and discussions related to the 30-year planned revamping of Parkmerced, including the revised 19th Avenue Transportation Corridor planning; the race to be the next Mayor of San Francisco; the budget impasse in Sacramento and how it will affect all of us; the continuing public discussions on the direction of MUNI, Recreation and Parks Dept.; public pension reform; street repairs; the list goes on and on.

It's never too late to get involved. True change comes from interested citizens getting involved and asking tough (and fair) questions of our elected and appointed officials. We are fortunate to have dedicated people within our neighborhoods that care about the fabric of the neighborhoods and are not afraid to do research and speak up when they have concerns on how things are going. Each month I attend several community meetings and am amazed with the in-depth research and knowledge that people have within the community groups.

Last month we ran a piece on the front page on the proposed CVS store on Portola and the neighborhood concerns and opposition to the proposed sale of alcohol and the operating hours of the store. It was reported at the WOTPCC meeting that the Miraloma Park Neighborhood group and CVS had negotiated a successful agreement. CVS has agreed not to offer alcohol beverages for sale and the operating hours were modified into a compromise that everyone agreed to – without a battery of lawyers in court. Congratulations to all of the parties in the negotiations.

Join the "Relay for Life" – each year the American Cancer Society conducts the "Relay for Life" event throughout the country. The Relay is all about celebrating cancer survivors within our community, remembering those we have lost, and continuing the fight so that cancer can be defeated. As a community-based, volunteer driven event, everyone has a place at the events. Teams of 8-15 people commit to raise $100 per person, and take turns walking in the Relay. On April 16th there will be a Relay in the Sunset. For more information visit www.relayforlife.org/sanfranciscosunsetca – a most worthy event. For information on other Relay events visit the website for the American Cancer Society.

Small Business Newsflash…congratulations to everyone at Georgette's of Westlake. The salon just celebrated its 50th anniversary in business!! It is a true testament to value and customer service, as many small businesses don't survive for 5 years, much less 50. A great accomplishment, especially in a field as competitive as hairstyling.

"Great Eats" dept…we recently visited the Parkside Tavern on Taraval Street for a meal and the food is terrific. The owners have created a truly beautiful venue with good food, very reasonable prices and a comfortable atmosphere. Bring the family for breakfast, lunch or dinner; or stop in for a beer and watch a game or match. Even though the name says "tavern" it is family-friendly and well worth visiting. Two thumbs up – check it out.

What about you? If you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

April 2011

March 2011

Hunkered down under piles of blankets and layers of clothing, many were disappointed when snow did not happen. Many news outlets had been predicting. Snow is a rare sight in San Francisco with the last memorable snowfall occurring in 1976. City officials and planners were preparing trucks ready to spread sand on the icy slopes. As a transplanted Easterner, but being here almost 30 years, I cannot recall any city where freezing temperatures and icy roads could be more hazardous. (OK maybe Pittsburgh.) Heck, even our driveways are steeper than most hills in many parts of the country. At least we did get to have a colder version of our "normal" winter weather with ice forming on windshields, and wind chill temperatures below freezing. Were you scraping your windshield with a credit card too?

The race for Mayor is heating up with former District 7 Supervisor Tony Hall, and former District 2 Supervisor Michaela Alioto-Pier joining the race, as well as current City Attorney Dennis Herrera. It will be a crowded field as Board President David Chiu, Assessor Phil Ting, former District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty, State Senator Leland Yee, and venture capitalist Joanna Rees also launching their campaigns to succeed interim Mayor Ed Lee. I'm sure the number of candidates will continue to rise, as we get closer to spring. We look forward to many positive ideas and workable solutions from the candidates to continue to make San Francisco the great city that we all cherish. Publisher's note: With Tony Hall's entry into the race, he will be taking an extended hiatus as an Observer columnist until the Mayoral results are in.

"Great Eats" dept…for a brunch or dinner change of pace, guide your car (or Muni) down Upper Market to Tangerine Restaurant. Located at the corner of 16th and Sanchez it is an Asian-fusion restaurant with an extensive menu for brunch or dinner. I was there last weekend for brunch, and the food is terrific. My "blue crab" omelet was the best I've had outside of my ancestral Maryland haunts. No reservations are accepted for brunch, so get there early. For a most romantic dinner that will take you back in time (with Frank or Dean on the jukebox) take a drive down Skyline Blvd., just South of hwy 92 to the Bella Vista. It's a great "old-school" type of restaurant with great food, desserts like soufflés made to order, a very romantic destination. A bit of a drive, but one of the great hideaways from the past that is still delivering great food, service and ambiance.

B of A Newsflash….The Bank Of America on West Portal Avenue was robbed at gunpoint on Saturday, February 26 at about 3:00 PM. If you have any information or insight that will help the police get in touch with the SFPD's Taraval Station.

What about you? If you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you'd like to get in the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

March 2011

February 2011

We’re back in the swing of things and have shaken off the post-holiday overload. The sun is out and the rainy weather has ceased (for now). New supervisors, a new Mayor and a new District Attorney (the former Police Chief) have taken office, as well as an interim Police Chief. And that’s only in San Francisco. California has a new Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General all who should smile favorably on the City.

Fiscal honesty dept.…(ouch): The wrangling has started about the proposed budget that Governor Brown has forwarded, cutting 12.5 Billion dollars out of the spending plan, and trying to end redevelopment agencies and extend some taxes. How many of the cuts can be made without a 2/3 majority vote, and how much fiscal pain are we really prepared to bear? Sacramento wants to balance their budget by pushing more responsibility onto the cities and counties. What will that do to local projects, school budgets, and life in the City as a whole? On top of all of this the “pension costs” are still looming out there. At least people are talking about the issue and not just trying to sweep it under the carpet and “kick the can down the road” for a few more years. Hopefully a workable budget plan can be implemented that allows the state to function, yet gets the long-term debt load under control. We’ll see how much all of the stakeholders really want to address the issues at hand and what impact their actions will have on local SF needs such as transit; water projects and other local programs. We’re all in this together as we vote for programs (via the initiative process); but we don’t love paying for them. “Oh, we’ll just float a bond measure to make it happen…” Now the hard work comes about.

Blogs and “local news” – Eric Kauschen is a local blogger (and devotee of the late Herb Caen) who blogs under the name “Baghdad” on his “baghdadbythebay” blog, which covers a multitude of topics in San Francisco. Recently he put in a great plug for the local papers on the Westside by highlighting the Sunset Beacon, West Portal Monthly, Richmond Review and yes, the Westside Observer as examples of “really local news” that “talks about what’s really happening in your neighborhood.” It was great to see and really pushes the point home that information never really stops and is available in many different ways. Print, blogs, tweets and video all serve to inform and educate. Journalism is alive and well, and in the hands of more people than ever before; just different than it used to be. Good stories still need to be told, and people really want to know what’s happening where they live. Check out Eric’s blog at baghdadbythebaysf.com. Lots of really good stuff.

What about you? If you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you’d like to get in the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

February 2011

December 2010

It’s hard to believe that this issue closes out another year of the Observer. There was much to cover and report on in 2010 with the excitement of elections and baseball dominating the headlines in recent weeks.

On a more local level, the neighborhoods around West Portal survived the MUNI rebuild, and the merchants are looking to rebound as the general economy improves at a glacial pace (although the crowds on “Black Friday” could dispute this) and we hope that 2011 is a little brighter and more on the road to recovery.

This New Year will bring San Francisco a new (interim) Mayor, and quite possibly a new District Attorney as well. Several new members of the Board of Supervisors will be sworn in and will be faced with the task of working within the severe budget constraints that face San Francisco. I hope that the new officials will pledge to work together to represent and help the citizenry en masse, including the business community without which there are many less jobs and tax income.

Whatever happens, we will be continuing to observe and report the events and interesting facts about the western side of this wonderful city. My continuing thanks and appreciation goes out to the cadre of writers, columnists and staff members that work to keep this periodical in the boxes and on your doorstep. And, of course, the merchants and advertisers who enable us to buy the paper, ink and services through their support.

I believe that community based journalism is an important part of the fabric of the city and all of us from the editors, writers and readers are participants. The 16 monthly newspapers in San Francisco give a clear and detailed snapshot of each of the locales they cover and together bring the largest amount of local news to the readers. In attending neighborhood meetings and events I often hear from readers how the local papers have much more local content than the larger papers.

While gratifying to hear, it’s a sad fact that the once great dailies can no longer cover all sections of the neighborhood with the depth of writing that they once had, and that trend is probably irreversible as news and journalism continues to evolve. Email, blogs and “twitter” inform people in ways that were unimaginable even 5 years ago.

On the other hand, the neighborhood monthlies are in tune with the micro-local issues that you are interested in and exist to keep you informed. The “Westside” of San Francisco is fortunate to have four monthlies covering events and news. In addition to the Observer, the West Portal Monthly, the Sunset Beacon, and Richmond Review all strive to meet the needs of the neighborhoods. Relying on “volunteer” journalists, local columnists and reader inquiries these publications paint a hopeful picture of local news that will continue to evolve.

What about you? If you have an interesting snippet, idea, or some insights just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

Thanks for reading us. Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

December 2010

November 2010

Baseball in November…in SF? For only the fourth time in 52 years, the Giants are going to be playing baseball in November as they take on the Texas Rangers in the World Series. It seems fitting that the ‘orange and black” will be hosting the series during Halloween week. Let’s hope that the Texas Rangers play more like the Washington Senators they used to be prior to moving to Texas in 1972.

It’s great to see the fans excited about this team, and it seems to me that during this year it’s been more fun to follow the Giants than in years past when they were expected to win. Let’s hope for a little more “torture” that brings four more victories and the first World Series title in San Francisco Giants baseball history.

Local West Portal favorite Manor Coffee Shop was recently filmed for the Channel 9 (KQED) show “Check Please, Bay Area.” In the show three people recommend a local favorite, and then take turns visiting each other’s picks and offering a review on the air. By the time you read this, the show will have run on Channel 9 but will be featured on their website. The Manor features hearty breakfasts, great turkey lunches and pies to die for. Get your counter seat now as the line may soon be out the door…

Congratulations to Healthy Pets Veterinary Hospital located at 373 West Portal Avenue on their recent opening. They offer full service pet care with an emphasis on nutrition and pet wellness as well as medical and surgical services for your pet. Dr. Adam Piaseczny and his staff have created a friendly and open environment, with a bit of fun as they recently hosted a Halloween pet costume party and open house. They can be reached at sfhealthypets.com, or at 415-742-5961.

Good news – the financial picture for Parkmerced has improved as Fortress Investment Group has acquired control of the property through an equity investment. New stores have recently opened in the Park Plaza shopping center and the future of Parkmerced again looks promising.

Bad news - graffiti thugs have again made their presence known as several buildings were tagged on 14th Avenue. As a reminder, if you see someone vandalizing property, call 311 as soon as you can.

What about you? If you have an interesting snippet, or some other fact you’d like to get into the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

November 2010

Halloween, Elections, and other scary stuff…

Autumn is here, and with the weather it seems that we just by-passed summer completely. I know that a summer in SF is more a state of mind than an actual weather pattern lasting more than 3 days, but this “summer” was really cool and uninspiring from a weather standpoint. At least the SF Giantsmade the season one of the most exciting in memory.

It’s hard to believe that Halloween and Election Day are right around the corner, but the calendar says that it is so. The election has some very important Propositions that will affect pensions, MUNI, pot clubs, the ability to sit/lie on the sidewalk, as well as the normal phalanx of propositions that we are asked to support and reject. Throw in that we actually have some interesting candidates to vote for or reject, and this election sizes up as one that will impact California and San Francisco for years to come. Although I do not believe in newspapers endorsing candidates (I think the voters should be able to do their homework and make the most informed choice) it is clear that one of our biggest hurdles is getting people to vote at all.

The advent of the absentee ballot and early voting is changing the way that campaigns are run and dollars spent. Absentee/early balloting may account for 15-20% of vote totals in some areas of the state. This is a large rise from years past when only the “snowbirds” or vacationers would bother to use the absentee method of voting. If you register early, it makes for an easy way to have your vote counted and frees your schedule from having to be in town on November 2. Although we may disagree on issues and candidates, there is no disputing that the ability to vote is one of the greatest gifts that we have. So, please vote and make your choices known. Check out “Quentin’s Column” as he takes on the Propositions quite nicely.

Halloween will be fun and festive as the storefronts and windows on West Portal Avenue will become 20 by 24 inch “works of art” …

Halloween will be fun and festive as the storefronts and windows on West Portal Avenue will become 20 by 24 inch “works of art” in a contest where children will paint and decorate the merchant windows in a window painting and decoration contest. Sponsored by the West Portal Merchants Association and the local Rotary Club, students from the first grade to the 10th grade will be working in teams to create their works of art, and to bring a festive and “scary” feel to West Portal Avenue.

The artwork is expected to be completed by October 24th and will be on display for judging through Halloween, with an awards ceremony in early November to celebrate and acknowledge the artists.

I’ve heard that over 40 merchants have signed on for the event so it should be a fun time and bring a spark of color to the Avenue. To sign on or to get other information you can contact either Elliot Wagner at 415.731.8080 (Dimitra’s), or Bob Scully at 415.239.4562 with the SF –West Rotary Club. It should be a fun and festive event.

Are we there yet? - Last month I asked this questions in reference to the West Portal Avenue/St. Francis Circle project that seemed to be taking forever. As soon as we hit the press, the cones disappeared and the boulevard was again “Open for Business.” The new MUNI equipment, the pedestrian crossings, the sparkle of new concrete and asphalt and having WPA open again is a joy to us drivers, and no doubt to the merchants who had to persevere through the construction. A big “Thank you” to the Merchants and to MUNI and the construction crews who kept things moving during the large and disruptive process. Please keep them in mind when you are shopping as the economy is still not humming along, and our small merchants and businesses are highly dependant on residents/shoppers within 1-2 miles of West Portal Avenue.

What about you? If you have an interesting snippet, or some other fact you’d like to get into the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

October 2010

Que Syrah Wine Bar just celebrated their 4th anniversary of pouring and selling delicious wine at 230 West Portal Avenue. Owners Stephanie and Keith Mc Cardell feature many wines that you can’t find in lots of places, and these treasures make for a great visit. They have a Neighborhood Happy Hour every Tuesday night from 6-8 PM and are featuring tapas on Thursdays as well. They just started a “Yappy Hour” for doggies and their owners on Sunday, August 29th. In September they’re having a “Barbeque and Big Reds Event” on September 18th from 5-8 PM. Check it out.

What was with the hot weather last week??? 98 degrees in San Francisco…I know, I know…earthquake weather. People all around the town were happy when the fog started to roll back in.

Good luck to Tsing Tao #3, Healthy Pets, and The Pawber Shop, which recently had their grand openings. It’s great to see storefronts starting to re-fill on the Avenue.

Have you checked out the Farmer’s Market held each Sunday at Stonestown? Since it started the crowds have built steadily and in recent weeks, it’s been very well attended with lots of people checking out the large variety of fruits, vegetables and baked goods. Get there early or get in line. The market has been so successful that the neighboring Parkmerced farmer’s market has closed its operation. The Stonestown market is located in the rear parking lot at the Stonestown Galleria, towards the Buckingham Way end of the lot.

Are we there yet? Work has been continuing on the St. Francis Circle, West Portal Avenue project, and you can see progress amid the swirl of cement mixers, detour signs and orange cones. So far the merchants have tolerated things as best as they can, although they say that business has been much slower. No wonder. At any given time you never know if the eastern end of West Portal Avenue will be open, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to which days it’s open. When closed you have to make the drive up Portola and curl back around. Let’s hope that this MUNI project gets finished SOON so we get back to normal. (Like complaining about the lack of parking, etc.)

I’d like to take a moment to thank the readers and contributors for helping all of us make the Observer a success. We are now in our third year of publishing the Observer, which celebrates 23 years of bringing local news to the West Of Twin Peaks area. Along with the West Portal Monthly the local beat is well documented thanks to publishers who care and lots of local writers, columnists, photographers and advertisers (who help all of us in the newspaper sector). The neighborhood is fortunate to have so many caring citizens and a vibrant setting. Twenty-three years, and there are still lots of new things to observe and report on.

What about you? If you have an interesting snippet, or some other fact you’d like to get into the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.

Sept 2010

From the Publisher’s Desk…

Parking, parking and more expensive parking… the issue of parking was the hot topic at the quarterly meeting of the San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations, held on the 21st of September at Clay Oven. Over 40 merchants from across the city attended the meeting to hear Supervisor Sean Elsbernd give an update on an MTA (Municipal Transit Authority) plan to extend the hours for parking meters.

Several plans are being floated for different areas of the city, but all have a central component; the hours that we will have to pay the meters will be greatly extended. There are proposals to extend the hours from 9-9 PM on Monday through Thursday, and until midnight on Saturday. Sundays will also be targeted for metering from 11-6.

It doesn’t take a Berkeley scientist to figure out that people will go shop where there is free parking…the local malls; or just stay home and order over the internet. This will further reduce the business in our local neighborhood shopping districts and reduce the amount of permits and taxes that the city will receive. I am not sure how this will help “balance” the city budget. As for being “Transit First” I am sure that Serramonte Mall and Stonestown will be thrilled with the MTA “solution.”

Of course City employees get to park for free…is this in the budget???

The City of Oakland also tried to balance the budget on the back of the local merchants with the extension of meter hours and increased rates. A merchant outcry was heard and the topic was revisited. This past week, the City Council in Oakland voted to uphold the fees, stating that balancing the budget was the most important issue…more important than any worries that the merchants have about staying in business. Way to go Oakland…send more business to Walmart.com.

San Francisco MTA reps…are you listening?

I have been reading a new book about the community of houses built from old cable cars, horse drawn cars, etc. It’s called “Carville-By-The-Sea”- San Francisco’s Streetcar Suburb, and is written by Woody La Bounty of Outside Lands Media, and the Western Neighborhoods Project. The book is a delightful and interesting history of an artistic bohemian community living in cable cars in the sand dunes East of Ocean Beach. It is scheduled for a publication release on November 1. Check out the website at www.carville-book.com.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chinese Immersion Education Project, which started at West Portal Elementary School 25 years ago and became the model across the country. There will be an anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 17th at 5PM at the West Portal Elementary School.

There’s some question if the annual Taraval Street Fair will be held this year. The permit fees and associated costs have skyrocketed. Stay tuned for more information.

What about you? If you have an interesting snippet, or some other fact you’d like to get into the paper just drop it to us. You can reach me at: mitch@WestsideObserver.com. Be sure to check out the Observer online @ www.WestsideObserver.com.