This Year In Noe Valley: The Big Stories Of 2012

For the rest of the world this might have been the year of Gangnam Style, Call Me Maybe, Superstorms, "the most important election of your lifetime" and the fiscal cliff. But in Noe Valley we were obsessed with local issues. Here's a look back at some of the major themes and top stories from 2012 that resonated in our little village:

It Was a Year of Cool Meteorological Events…
The end of the Mayan calendar barely registered among NV residents, but who cares about that when you've got the awesome transit of Venus, a solar eclipse and a blue moon. While not a meteor, the space shuttle Endeavour buzzed Noe on the way to LA, which was also pretty cool.

Unreal Estate…
Facebook went public this year feeding a frenzy of real estate action in the hood, including the rebirth of the Blue Church on Church St as The Luxe, trust fund house lust, and average home prices of $1.5+ million and counting. And even as a former crack house sold for $1.3 million, Mark Zuckerberg bought a pied–à–terre close by.

Natural and Unnatural Disasters…
The wild weather around the country didn't spare Noe Valley as a fluke thunderstorm and lightning strike zapped transformers on 24th and Hoffman in November, causing more than a few locals to leap out of bed in alarm. The strange weather may also have been the culprit behind this naked car stomper. Granted we did not have extreme weather events, but the bigger threat this year was fire: After the 2-alarm 2011 conflagration in the Radio Shack building, our little hood experienced not one, not two, but five house fires and one case of arson in 2012. Fire and Victorians don't mix – be careful out there.

Changes on 24^th and Church Streets…
Lots of businesses closed or relocated this year including Urban Nest, Ladybug Ladybug, Kohler-Jones, Design Quarter, La Sirena Botanica, Heliotrope, and more than a few business were also scared away by the obnoxious ADA lawsuits. Even the oldest store in the neighborhood, Tuggey's, vacated after decreasing sales and the realization that the real money was in renting the space to...One Medical Group. Meanwhile, First Republic bailed on 24th St after merchants and locals objected, Real Foods of course remains blighted with no resolution in sight, and La Boulange was assimilated by Starbucks. Fortunately there was good news including the addition to 24th St of Loft 1513, Saru Sushi Bar, Easy Breezy, Mill, Olive This Olive That, Philz, DAVIDsTEA, and Pressed Juicery. Coming very soon: CraftCaskHouse and MF Chicken. All of this added up to AAA naming Noe one of the best window shopping areas in SF.

Crime and Punishment…
Despite NV's reputation for being a yuppie sleepy bedroom community, we had plenty of crime to worry about this year. Bike thefts were rampant, there was DEA action on Chatanooga, upper Noe became a dumping ground for stolen cars, joggers were harassed, iPhones were snatched at gunpoint (and in broad daylight), crime continued on Fair Oaks and a package thief made life hell for residents. Fortunately there was also some justice served: the Fair Oaks rapist of 2011 was sentenced to 373 years to life, the notorious bad neighbor and copper thief was sentenced to 3 years after "his" house was sold, and a brave local resident caught the package thief in action with some bear spray, a bokken and…some serious chutzpah. Huzzah!
 

 
#FirstWorldProblems …
In addition to crime, we had some whining too: The city installed an electric vehicle charging station at Walgreen's that prompted some outrage and a few cheers; Whole Foods had to close the parking lot for a nanosecond in August to resurface the pavement (the horror); and a few neighbors complained about the SFPD availing themselves of "entitled" parking spots. [It's parking folks, that's all.] Another hot button was the Noe Valley Town Square – which crossed the $430,000 fundraising mark in October (the last time there was an update - is it losing momentum?). 2012 was also the year that the outside world took note of the Google Bus phenom.

There Are Lots of Reasons to Celebrate...
We live in a beautiful neighborhood, in a beautiful city – with lots of cheer around us. Here's to a safe and prosperous 2013. Happy New Year, Noe Valley!

Open: Pressed Juicery

Just in time for the end of the holiday season and the beginning of the New Year: Pressed Juicery opened today at the corner of 24th and Sanchez. Judging from the foot traffic it's getting more than a few Noe Valley neighbors will be cleansing in early 2013.

Pressed Juicery
3901 24th Street
Mon-Fri 7:30am-8pm/Sat-Sun 8am-8pm
415-285-1414
pressedjuicery.com

This Week In Noe Valley: Google Bus Scrutiny Goes National, Copper Thief Is In Jail, And Another Fire

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• Shuttle buses make national news [Marketplace; Also: New York Mag]
• Notorius copper thief finally sentenced to three years...for stealing water [SFGate]
• Yet another Noe Valley house fire [SF Appeal]
• San Francisco? Small town. [bmander]
• Oakland based writer thinks Scott Wiener is too conservative. Seriously. [America Blog]

[Photo: A Girl and A Camera Photography]

Crime Beat: Daytime Phone Jacking On Church St

From the Ingleside District San Francisco Police Station newsletter:

December 19

Robbery -- 11:21am Duncan/Church. Officers Rueca and Elton went to investigate a robbery that just occurred at Church and Duncan Streets. They met with the victim who was visibly shaken up. The victim said she had just parked her car and began walking on the sidewalk while talking on her Apple Iphone, which was described as Black in color with an Orange and White striped phone cover. As the victim arrived at her destination, she saw a suspect crouching down on the sidewalk who appeared to be tying his shoe laces. When she walked past him, the suspect quickly stood up and pushed her, knocking her off balance and snatched her cell phone right out of her hand. The suspect then pulled his hood over his head and fled the scene. After the units searched the area, Officers Hurwitz and Canales located and detained a subject matching the physical and clothing description. The victim was transported to view the subject and she immediately recognized him as the same suspect who just robbed her. The Officer then searched the suspect and found a Black Iphone with Orange and White striped cover, just as the victim had described. The suspect couldn’t deny it and admitted to taking the phone. The suspect was booked accordingly for the robbery.

Stay frosty.

This Week in Noe Valley: Late-Night Mischief, Food Fight, and Holiday Cheer

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• A suspicious late-night fire in a house under construction on Sanchez [SF Appeal, NVSF photo]
• Merchants propose a moratorium on new restaurants on Valencia – detractors cite Noe Valley's failed experiment [SFGate]
• Two Day St houses damage by late-night car ramming [@Tinyrach, NVSF photo]
• Noe Valley maintains the stereotype. Represent! [The Bold Italic]
• Average Noe Valley single family home price topped $1.5 million in November [Downing & Co.]
• A break from the storms [michelejanezic]
• Carolers on 24th St [@PeepCaro] 

[Photo: Noe Valley stoops on a brisk Friday afternooon, ricardo415]

Photo: Sutro Tower Work At Night

If you were up late last night you may have noticed some activity on Sutro Tower. Noe Valley resident trophygeek sent the above photo with this explanation:

Was headed to bed at 3am when I noticed strange lights coming from Sutro Tower. Guess they were doing work up there. The shot is of the mid-platform all lit up. First time I've seen it since moving to this neighborhood 3 years ago.

So what sent workers up the Tower on a cold night in December? Trophygeek heard from friends around the City that "they heard a massive bang last night from all over town. I think it was related to this work." Can anyone point to more info or speculation? Google isn't helping.

Regardless, we think the comments posted about this GIF provide the most likely explanation: epic lightsaber duel.



[Flickr: trophygeek]

This Week In Noe Valley: Justice Served, La Boulange Under Starbucks, And A Spectacular Rainbow

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• The best sandwich worth hunting down needs your Kickstarter pledge [Kickstarter]
• A profile of Noe Valley designers The Podolls [Refinery29]
• La Ciccia is selling their own olive oil [@LACICCIASF]
• Frederick Dozier, Jr gets 373 years to life [SFgate]
• Starbucks is ruining La Boulange's chocolate croissant [That Brazilian Girl]
• There's a pot of gold somewhere in Noe Valley [@sfdpw, monsterkat]

[Photo: Layers on Layers, @NoeValleySF]

DEA Action On Chattanooga Last Night

We received a few emails today about DEA action on Chattanooga St last night. This email from johnnyawe best set the scene:

In the middle of the night last night we heard pounding noise and angry voices, "open the door", not our house but nearby and loud enough to wake us up. This morning at 8:15am - 3 SUVs and 1 town car marked "department of justice" parked on the sidewalk and also in the driveway of 283-285 chattanooga. Several DEA agents (wearing all black with yellow letters "DEA") loading stuff into the cars.

This Tweet from KCBS reporter Ted Goldberg only adds to the mystery:

DEA confirms its agents served a search warrant in the area of Chattanooga St in SF this morning. spokes: the warrant is under court seal
— Ted Goldberg (@TedrickG) December 13, 2012

Nothing else from any of the neighborhood email lists or local news sources. Can anyone provide more info?

Update from the comments:

Folo up to Thurs DEA raid in SF: agents arrested Young Yu, 52, of SF on a warrant out of Sclara Co. on state drug violations and conspiracy
— Ted Goldberg (@TedrickG) December 14, 2012

[Photo: Street View]

Update: Why Crafthouse Became Caskhouse

At least one reader questioned why the restaurant named Crafthouse has awnings advertising Caskhouse, so we contacted partner John Dampeer:

We received a cease & desist letter regarding a trademark on the word 'craft' being used in any food service business. We were familiar with the company using 'craft' but didn't think our neighborhood bar would be an issue... Live and learn, I guess! It was unfortunate, but we believe in our new name, Caskhouse, and how it represents our bar.

Still no set opening date, but John says "hope to be serving you soon!"

Caskhouse
3853 24th St

[NVSF: Interview: John Dampeer Of Crafthouse]

Announced: Pressed Juicery

A small sign in the window of 3901 24th St reveals the mystery behind the paper and construction since First Republic abandoned plans to open there. With five locations in the Los Angeles area, Pressed Juicery appears to be opening in Noe Valley. So what is it?

At PRESSED JUICERY, we have created a comprehensive cleansing program designed to work with your everyday life. You will receive a daily supply of eight, 16 fl. oz. beverages straight to your doorstep each morning. Our juices are produced on a hydraulic press which extracts straight from the pulp, minimizing the changes that juices undergo during typical juicing processes, and releasing essential vitamins and minerals into each beverage.

Good timing for post-holiday purging, but the opening date is unknown. The Department of Public Health permit to operate is still pending, but there should be no problem as the space has been used as a "retail grocery or specialty food store" before (Belgano's, Stonehouse). Stay tuned.

Pressed Juicery
3901 24th St
http://www.pressedjuicery.com/

Announced: Kitami Ropa

Update (1/4/12): The original details posted in December have been removed at the request of shop owner Tara Kitami pending evolving details and negotiations. Tara says to expect the shop to open under a different name at 1478A Church St in mid-February. We'll update with details when they're confirmed. Meanwhile, the paper is off the windows and merchandise is on display. Stay tuned.

Package Thief Relief: Amazon Locker In Philz

The package thief is in custody, but there are still some reports that parcels may be disappearing from doorsteps around the holidays. Enter Amazon delivery lockers. A tweet alerted us to an Amazon pickup locker in in Philz Coffee. If you're worried about delivery thieves, order your package from Amazon and you can have it delivered to the secure locker in the back of Philz for pickup.

Opening: Spark Creativity

Just a few weeks after Little Folkies opened, another oh-so-Noe kids' class is taking up residence next door in the space vacated by Loft 1513 in February and Reality World last month. Spark Creativity offers "art classes for children ages 2-6 where we encourage exploration, celebrate effort, delight in mess making, and guide children toward discovery of their creative spark."

The website is still just a splash page but the Facebook page is live. Classes start in January 2013 – call to enroll.

Spark Creativity
1513 Church Street
415-562-4172
Sparkcreativitysf.com

[Click the image to see the flyer posted in the window]

This Week In Noe Valley: The Holidays Are In Full Swing, Scott Wiener In The News, And A Field Of Dreams Hits The Market

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• Christmas vandals left their ladder [@mauriolg]
• Noe Valley Carolers [@SFGeoNinja]
• The New York Times profiles Scott Wiener's moderate voice [NYTimes]
• Ceremony for the completion of Church and Duboce improvements [@Scott_Wiener]
• Rare, large and vacant Noe Valley lot with a view for sale (and priced for a bidding war) [Zephyr, Also: Street View]

[Photo: @ShopSweetThings]

This Week At The Planning Commission

A look at Noe Valley projects in front of the Planning Commission this week. Information is provided by the Planning Commission, and taken from its published agenda. All hearings are on Thursday at 1:30pm, Room 400 in City Hall.

December 6

1144-1146 CASTRO STREET - on the west side of Castro Street between Elizabeth and 23rd streets; Lot 006 in Assessor’s Block 2804 - Mandatory Discretionary Review, pursuant to Planning Code Section 317(e), requiring review of Loss of Residential Units Through Merger, of Building Permit Application No. 2012.07.19.5186, to merge two dwelling units into one dwelling unit, changing the existing two-family dwelling to a single-family dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Staff Analysis: Full Discretionary Review
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve

It's rare that Planning Staff recommends approval of a Dwelling Unit Merger (DUM). It's very rare to place the application on the Consent Calendar. What makes this project special? Hard to know.

This project meets only three of the five criteria established for mergers. But since "neither of the two existing units is family-sized housing" and "the proposed unit merger would create a family-sized single-family dwelling," Staff concludes this project "would bring the building closer into conformance with the prevailing density, which is single-family dwelling." Sounds good. It also doesn't hurt that no one is opposing the project.

There is a bit of legal maneuvering in the application we're hoping someone can chime in on. The application states:

The property was sold with 1146 Castro vacant and 1144 Castro was tenant occupied. 1144 Castro has been owner-occupied since it was legally removed from rental housing use in May 2012.

The application also states:

As a matter of state law, this building is not residential rental housing and should not be considered as such since it cannot legally be used as rental housing under the Ellis Act. Merger will result in creation of new affordable housing for a family in a single unit home.

Is it really that simple? Buy a 2-unit building, Ellis Act the tenants and apply for a DUM? If it's that easy, why are these projects so rare?

The full staff analysis is here (PDF).

Update: Approved 4-3.

[SF Planning: 1144-1146 Castro St (PDF)]
[Photo: Google Maps]

NVV Dec 2012: We Read It So You Don't Have To

The Noe Valley Voice is published ten times a year and has been a neighborhood fixture since 1977. Here are notable highlights from the latest issue. Links are to stories we've covered here on NVSF or outside sources as the Voice doesn't post stories until the middle of the month.

December 2012

Front Page: Life at the local Fire Houses (the kind that still have active crews); A profile of Upper Noe Neighbor's Vicki Rosen; A profile of local bars, bistros and wine shops that seeks to dispel the belief that Noe Valley is full of sleepy old people.

Letters: One resident is unhappy with the NVV's recent "good report card" for Scott Wiener; Another appreciates coverage of families dealing with recent fires.

Feature: Local senior centers keep their doors open through tight times.

Cost of Living in Noe: "There's not of lot of [sales] difference to report this month." Still expensive. Solution: "Buy a condo."

Store Trek: DAVIDsTea.

Rumors: A promo for 24 HoliDAYS on 24th St; A promo for the recently released Noe Valley Guide to promote the neighborhood to tourists; Cliché Noe owner wants to create a Noe Valley Museum and bring back the Pioneer - "the first motor car built on the West Coast" to the shop where is was built on 24th St and that could house it permanently [Ed.--cool!]; Someone cleaned Harry Aleo's plaque; Election results ("Maintaining an Election"); The Tech Search Party is February 2nd; Bidding farewell to Claire Pilcher, founder of Friends of Noe Valley, who died recently at the age of 73.


[The Noe Valley Voice]

Coming Soon: MF Chicken Replacing Hahn's Hibachi

Inside Scoop shares the news today that another new restaurant/take-out venue is headed to Noe soon – and it will replace the Korean BBQ restaurant Hahn's Hibachi. Called MF Chicken, it will be a Mexican-inspired rotisserie chicken spot from Joe Hargrave and chef Telmo Faria, the team behind Tacolicious in the Mission. From the writeup:

"The emphasis is going to be on takeout," says Hargrave, adding that he and his wife (San Francisco Magazine's Sara Deseran) live with their kids three blocks away and are always looking for easy weeknight dinners. "The idea is that people can pop in for lunch, or a mom can stop by after picking up kids from school and get a whole chicken with sides for dinner."

Faria, who will be the chef, explains the MF Chicken concept: "You can order a half or whole bird and pick your sides and you'll get your salsas and La Palma tortillas … The food will be fresh and quality, but it will be approachable and it will be affordable."

MF Chicken will be beer and wine only, and there will be an emphasis on the aguas frescas and horchata. Since it's a small space (25-30 seats), it will be a relatively quick build-out; Hahn’s Hibachi is currently still open.

Noe Valley residents that live within 2 blocks of the current restaurant are likely to be happy about the change, and they can still get their Korean BBQ fix at the Hahn's on Polk or Irving.

MF Chicken
1305 Castro Street at 24th Street

[Inside Scoop: MF Chicken, from the Tacolicious crew, headed to Noe Valley]
[NVV: Residents Fuming Over Odors from Hahn's Hibachi]

This Week In Noe Valley: Package Thief Claims Entrapment, Open House Insanity, And Trust Fund House Lust

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• Package thief suspect alleges vigilatism and entrapment, pleads not guilty and is held on $150,000 bail [SF Appeal]
• 24 Holidays on 24th St began today [NVMPA]
• Open house insanity for underpriced listing [Curbed SF]
• Omnivore Books adds online sales [Omnivore Books]
• CH&D Exec Editor wants to live in smug skateboarder house; derides those who question how it was financed [California Home & Design]
• In case you were wondering why travel was so hard last week [@BuzzFeedAndrew]

[Photo: SF Conservatory of Music Brass Quintet by @immortalsrun]

Crime Beat: Have You Seen This Package Thief?

From Jonathan:

I live on 22nd Street. We have been victimized by the "bicycle bandit" for years. We have called the police on several occasions when we have seen him in the neighborhood but they told us there was nothing they could do until someone caught him the act. Fortunately for us (and the residents of Noe Valley) he was arrested the other day after Sonya Yu's daring arrest.

I took this photo of him a few weeks ago. When we yelled at him to get out of the neighborhood and leave us alone he smiled and waved. I'm sending this to you because his arraignment is today and most likely he'll be released. If anyone sees him riding his bicycle in the neighborhood they should call the Mission Police Station at 558-5400. If they see him stealing anything or even up on anyone's front porch they should dial 911.

So what about it Noe Valley? Do you have pictures of this guy in the area? We want everyone to know who this guy is. Send your photos and we'll add them to the post - and tell your neighbors to be on the lookout.

Here's another via Twitter user @gmbrickley (from Bernal Heights):

[NVSF: Crime Beat: Suspected Package Thief Doused With Bear Spray, Arrested]
[NVSF: Video: Thief Empties Box Left By OnTrac]

Crime Beat: Suspected Package Thief Doused With Bear Spray, Arrested

Update (11/28): Zach pulled the videos after being hounded by too much media (some actually camping out in front of the house). The image above is just a screen shot.

Also this from SFGate:

Police held Andy Anduha, 51, on her citizen’s arrest before booking him into county jail on suspicion of attempted burglary. Anduha is scheduled to be arraigned on one count of first-degree residential burglary, said Alex Bastian, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office. He faces up to six years in state prison if convicted, and one strike against him under the state’s three-strikes law.

The original post continues below:

Great news sent to us straight from people involved: Zack says a package thief was arrested today in spectacular fashion:

My fiance Sonya chased him down today after pepper spraying him. 10 cops and a citizens arrest later, he is currently being processed for attempted burglary.

Here's a nice video of her running out the front door with a bokken in hand. [Ed.--deleted]

Zack had previously installed a motion-activated camera in their entryway that sends an alert when recording. Presumably, Sonya received an alert and took off in pursuit. "Sonya was actually sitting on the front balcony above the gate. The sound of the gate opening is what startled her." What happened next may become legend:

HE IS BEIN TAKEN AWAY IN AN AMBULANCE CUZ OF THE BEAR SPRAY I DOUSED HIM WITH.
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

And:

@nettatheninja he didn't try to attack me but he did have a knife. I was above him on the 1st floor balcony, dousing him with bear spray.
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

And:

I WAS ALSO HIT WITH BEAR SPRAY BLOW BACK, SO MY FACE IS BURNING BUT IT FEELS SO GOOD.
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

But she's ok:

Now onto making a dinner of blowtorch prime rib roast & fried brussels sprouts for friends tonight. All in a day’s work.
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

The Bad Guy on the other hand:

@_bryce_ he escaped, but not far. The bear spray debilitated him & painted him orange so other cops picked him up within 5 minutes. GOT HIM!
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

As for the cops?

@nettatheninja hhahah cop asked me if I have a license for it - I told him it's sold on the shelves at REI. Very handy for home protection.
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

But their initial reaction?

@nettatheninja yes otherwise ok :) I chased him with the spray & bokken. Cops were cracking up when they arrived to see me & my weapons.
— Sonya Yu (@sonyayu) November 27, 2012

The best part? Sonya said she received a call from SFPD and that the perp has been booked for attempted burglary (a felony). He'll be in jail for a while.

Well done, Sonya!

Update (5/28/13): From the comments below:

Looks like Mr Anduha the "bicycle bandit" may be back on his rounds. I saw him this morning on his bike checking doorsteps in Bernal. He actually parked his bike up on it's stand in the middle of the street and looked both ways before walking up my neighbors drive. I should add I didn't see him take anything this time but I'll be challenging him next time I see him.

[Twitter: @sonyayu]
[Wikipedia: bokken]
[REI: Bear Spray]
[NVSF: Video: Thief Empties Box Left By OnTrac] 

This Week At The Planning Commission

A look at Noe Valley projects in front of the Planning Commission this week. Information is provided by the Planning Commission, and taken from its published agenda. All hearings are on Thursday at 1:30pm, Room 400 in City Hall.

November 29

88 28TH STREET - north side between Dolores and Guerrero Streets; Lot 016A in Assessor’s Block 6599 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2012.03.14.6044, proposing to construct a rear addition at the first and second stories, a new third story and roof decks above the second story of the existing single family dwelling structure within the RH-2 (Residential, House – Two-Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Staff Analysis: Abbreviated Discretionary Review
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve

Chalk this one up to a classic San Francisco argument over rights to air and light, with an added twist of objecting to the abatement of asbestos siding. There were meetings with lawyers, experts engaged, some compromises and now a hearing in which approval is expected.

The complete document with request for Discretionary Review, response, lights studies, drawings, letters of support and staff analysis is here (large PDF).

Update: Approved 6-0.

[SF Planning: 88 28th St]
[Photo: SF Planning]

This Week In Noe Valley: Holiday Conversation Starters

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• Trip Advisor users define "real" Noe Valley [Trip Advisor]
• And what does Airbnb say about Noe Valley? [Airbnb]
• But living in Noe Valley isn't always puppies and butterflies [Curbed SF]
• Nor is it cheap: $1.39M average sale for single family homes in October [Downing & Co]
• Yet people will do anything to get here [@tessde]
• Meanwhile, the kittens at Macy's recommend getting out of the house [SF SPCA (live cam)]

[Photo: papahazama]

Umpqua Bank Swallows Circle Bank

A new sign popped up on 24th St that caught our eye and a quick turn of the head confirmed that Cirle Bank is no more - it's been acquired by Umpqua Bank. Apparently the deal was announced in late August, but today the rebranding was completed. Umpqua is based out of Portland, OR, and currently has 184 locations throughout the West. Not exactly the "local" Circle Bank people were attracted to.

Umpqua Bank
3938 24th St

[SF Biz Times: Umpqua CEO: Circle Bank deal puts 'wind in our sail' for Bay Area expansion]

Opening: Little Folkies

The space vacated by Heliotrope on Church St has transformed into the new location for Little Folkies, an oh-so-Noe music class for kids and parents. From the flyer:

Little Folkies is a song circle for children and their parents/caregivers. It's a fun-filled and relaxed incarnation of this classic children's music format, making music with family and friends in a circle (minus the campfire).

The songs of Little Folkies presents the stuff of day to day life in language understood and loved by class members both young and old, especially relatable to children.

The songs presented at Little Folkies cover a lot of ground and will provide endless hours of fun and moments of pure joy for you and your family. The 35-40 minute class will highlight the experience of singing this wonderful material in a cozy, comfortable environment surrounded by friendly faces.

That's a lot of words to sell the classic campfire song, but it's nice to see something going in that bare stretch of Church.

No strollers (or shoes) allowed inside. The class schedule and prices are posted on the website.

Little Folkies
1515 Church St. @ 27th St
Littlefolkies.com

This Week At The Planning Commission

A look at Noe Valley projects in front of the Planning Commission this week. Information is provided by the Planning Commission, and taken from its published agenda. All hearings are on Thursday at 1:30pm, Room 400 in City Hall.

November 15th

481 JERSEY STREET - south side between Diamond and Castro Streets, Lot 029 in Assessor's Block 6539 - Requests for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2008.03.18.7426 proposing to construct a one-story vertical addition, a rear horizontal addition, infill the setbacks at the east side of the building, and alter the front façade of a single-family dwelling, resulting in a two-story over garage, single-family dwelling, located within a RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Staff Analysis: Abbreviated Discretionary Review
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve

In brief: Previous owners filed for a construction permit in 2008 (that was approved after a mandatory Discretionary Review) but never started work. Instead, they remodeled the kitchen and bathroom and sold the building in 2011. The new owners filed to complete the original permit with some envelope changes, triggering new 311 notification. Neighbors on both sides requested Review citing light and air concerns, as well as design issues. The neighbors say that the new owners have made no effort (and "refused to meet") to discuss alternative designs. The applicant disputes that claim and provides a timeline of meetings and concessions. The Residential Design Team states the project meets Guidelines, and Planning staff recommends approval.

The complete document with request for Discretionary Review, response, drawings, letters and complete staff analysis is here (large PDF).

Update: Approved 5-0.

[SF Planning: 481 Jersey St]
[Photo: SF Planning]

For Sale: Noe Valley Pizzeria

Via Craigslist:

San Francisco Pizza Restaurant For Sale! - $320000 (noe valley)

Well established for 30 years, San Francisco Pizza Restaurant For Sale. Includes Beer and Wine License. New Lease to be negotiated with the owner of the property. Business claims net profits of over $100,000.00 per year. Gross profits of over $300,000.00 per year. Ideal for someone with a culinary background. Information herein needs to be verified by Buyer. Please call for more information. Potential Buyer needs to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before exact location or further details is disclosed. The current owner is relocating abroad and that is the reason for selling. Not a distressed business.

What's clear is that the listed restaurant has been around for 30 years, comes with a beer/wine license, needs a new lease, and is profitable (by gross receipts anyway).

That's all we know for sure, so let's speculate. Patxi's? Unlikely. Twin Peaks? Possible, but in business for only 26 years. Haystack? Dunno, but they've been in business for 37 years and a recent change on the block may have tipped the owners to how hot 24th St's real estate market is. Hmmm... All three have a beer/wine license.

Noe Valley diners were excited about Contigo, Saru, Little Chihuahua and now Crafthouse. But this old thread illustrates that a) Noe Valley has strong opinions on pizza; and b) residents will search beyond our borders if the pie doesn't rate.

Thoughts?

[Craigslist: San Francisco Pizza Restaurant For Sale!]
[NVSF: Best Pizza Delivery In Noe Valley?]
[Photo: SFoodie]

Verdict: 24th St Rapist Is Guilty

The man accused of beating and raping three women last year was found guilty today:

Frederick Dozier Jr., 33, sat silently as a court clerk read guilty verdicts for 25 felony counts on Tuesday, including attempted rape, kidnapping and forced oral copulation. The jury acquitted him of one count of attempted murder.

Evidence against Dozier included DNA and testimony from the victims (2 of whom were in court today). The serial rapist DA Gascón called "an animal" will be sentenced on December 14th.

Another important bit from the SFGate article:

The Fair Oaks Community Coalition has raised $16,000 for the victims. Coalition member Charles Moser said donations can be sent to the 24th Street Survivors Fund at the Sterling Bank on 24th Street.

[SFGate: DA Gascón: "Frankly, he is an animal."]
[NVSF: 24th St Rape Suspect In Custody]
[NVSF: Sketch And Video Of 24th St Rape Suspect]
[NVSF: Crime Beat: Rape]

This Week In Noe Valley: Election Results, Food Truck Reform, And The Perils Of GPS Directions

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• San Francisco voted (Certified results post December 4th) [SF Elections]
• Dennis Herrara helped clean up a blighted Noe Valley property [SF City Attorney]
• Truck driver follows GPS, gets stuck in Noe Valley [ABC7]
• Scott Wiener wants to make access to food trucks easier while protecting existing restaurants (and kids) [SF Biz Times]
• Chris Cosentino with Michael J Fox [@MeatMaven]

[Photo: @pud]

Lightning Strike Shuts Off Noe Valley Power

Anyone else jump out of bed just after 1am this morning following a loud explosion? Turns out lightning took out 5 transformers near 24th and Hoffman Streets, cutting off power to about 100 PG&E customers. A very dramatic hail storm followed, and then silence a minute or so later. (An odd storm in many ways for this part of the country.)

Power is expected to be on by 11am. No other damage has been reported.

[ABC7:  Storm Knocks Out Power In Noe Valley]
[Photo: @amyhollyfield]

Vote!

If you're one of a shrinking percentage of voters who still cast your ballot at the polls today is the day--go vote! Polls are open now! What? Don't know where to go? Check out sfelections.org for polling place info.

[Photo: Partisan poopy bags by K9ScrubClub]

Benefit: Bulldog Day & Dog Show At James Lick

Dogs and kids - what's not to love? Here's an event that combines the best of both: A dog lover's festival raising money for kids at James Lick. From the press release:

On Saturday, November 10, 2012, James Lick Middle School in Noe Valley, will hold our 1st Annual Bulldog Day & Dog Show, a day of fun for all dogs and their families and friends. The Bulldog is our school mascot, and the day will celebrate our four-legged friends as well as our school pride.

The festival will include: Dog competitions (for all breeds) throughout the day, a canine agility course, a"Bowzer Bar" and "Poochie Parlour" to pamper your pup, a Photo Booth run by professional photographer Jim Burnett, carnival games, live music, an “International Food Court,” Doggie vendor booths, a raffle and a silent auction. The event will be held at the enormous schoolyard at James Lick Middle School, a beautiful Art Deco building in the heart of San Francisco’s Noe Valley.

Dog contests will include: a "Costume Catwalk", "Best Trick", "Best in Show" (all 3 open to all breeds), "Cutest Toy" (dogs under 20lbs and 16"), "Top Dog" (over 60lbs), "Mutt-astic!" (Rescue dogs and mixed breeds of unknown heritage), and a“Bulldog Beauty Pageant” (just for American, English, French Bulldogs, and "wannabees"), which will end with the crowning of the lucky winning pooch who will be the face of our mascot for the coming year.

Local comedian Michael Cappozola will be emceeing. Dog Trick performances by the Pooch Coach, Beverly Ulbrich.

Celebrity judges include:

• Supervisor Scott Weiner
• Former Supervisor Bevan Dufty
• Board of Ed Rachel Norton
• Performer Fabulous Bud E. Luv
• Dog Wrangler Jan Mills
• Pooch Coach Beverly Ulbrich

James Lick’s 600+ student body hails from all corners of San Francisco and 65% of the students are Latino. We are blessed with exceptional, dedicated educators and staff, but the continual state budget cuts to education has made their job much, much harder. Unfortunately, we need to raise money to provide some of the experiences and activities we want all our children to have, activities like the arts, team sports, counseling services, and field trips. This year, we need to raise $78,000 to cover these expenses as well as a part-time staff position that was eliminated from our school funding. Support from our community has become essential.

Bulldog Day is made possible by the generosity of Vanguard Properties, our top sponsor, as well as fellow sponsors: Wells Fargo, The Pooch Coach, Zephyr, Fetch, Friends of Noe Valley, Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles, Cliche Noe, K9 Scrubclub, HH Imaging, Noe Valley Pet Co, Green Paws, and the Noe Valley Merchants Association.

What: Bulldog Day & Dog Show
When: Sat. Nov. 10th, 11-4pm
Where: at James Lick Middle School's Lower Yard, 1220 Noe St. (between 25th and Clipper)
Cost: Free Admission; $5 registration for Dog Contestants, and $5 per contest category.
Parking: $5 parking available in Upper Yard (access on 25th Street)

Vacated: 1513 Church St

Usually we'd say a business had "closed" but it was never clear that Realty World BLUE on Church St was ever open. Some IKEA furniture and a brochure in the window was the only sign of activity since "opening" in May. This week the space was abruptly cleared out.

That means the 1500 block of Church St is now an empty stretch with Heliotrope packing up next door, and La Sirena Botanica also still vacant. ADA remains a challenge at 1513-1515, and rumored seismic repairs for 1509 have not been permitted or started (but dry-rot at the rear porch has been repaired). Sadly, it could be a while before we see life on that block.

[NVSF: The Mystery Of 1513 Church St]
[NVSF: Moving: Heliotrope]
[NVSF: Closed: La Sirena Botanica]

NVV Nov 2012: We Read It So You Don't Have To

The Noe Valley Voice is published ten times a year and has been a neighborhood fixture since 1977. Here are notable highlights from the latest issue. Links are to stories we've covered here on NVSF or outside sources as the Voice doesn't post stories until the middle of the month.

November 2012

Front Page: Local authors roundup; neighbors rally to help families displaced by fires; interview with Top Chef Chris Cosentino of Incanto.
 
Letters: A complaint about a screaming child at a restaurant (and the rude backlash); a long explanation from Scott Wiener about tree removal as part of Glen Canyon Park improvements [PDF].

Cost of Living in Noe: Inventory is tight - which means most homes sold quickly and for more than their listed price (including this one with a checkered past that sold for 45% over asking).

Store Trek: Mill (3751 24th St.)

Rumors: The Town Square project has raised $435,000 of the $2 million needed; Facebook CEO Mark Zukerberg bought a house near Noe; a vague unconfirmed rumor that the corner at 24th and Sanchez that First Republic had tried to occupy has been rented to "a retail store, probably clothing;" the owner of the old Mikey-Tom Market space that was most recently Kohler Jones wants to sell, not rent; Playhouse is closed; Crafthouse is replacing Joe's and planning to open Dec. 1.

[The Noe Valley Voice]

This Week In Noe Valley: Giants Sweep, No Slow Down For Condo Sales, And A Town Square Update

News from, about and for Noe Valley from around the interwebs:

• From Giant to bunny in 30 minutes [@ESBAle]
• A Town Square update with next steps [NV Town Square]
• 5 straight months of $1M+ condos [Downing & Co]
• The Delphi Trio will play at Sunday's NVCM last-of-the-year concert [NVCM]
• As seen at Zynga [Buzzfeed]

[Photo: @brodiebrazilcsm]

Sold: 1266-1270 Dolores St

Another sign that Noe Valley real estate is hot hot hot: we learned today via Downing & Co that the condos at 1266, 1268 and 1270 Dolores St sold in September. Over asking, and in spite of a lengthy battle between the neighbors, developers and the City.

1266 Dolores: 2br/2ba, asking $899,000, sold for $950,000  (+6.7%)
1268 Dolores: 2br/2ba, asking $929,000, sold for $1,055,000  (+13%)
1270 Dolores: 3br/3ba, asking $1,249,000, sold for $1,510,000  (+21%)

[NVSF: For Sale: 1260-1270 Dolores & More Than A Few Headaches]
[NVSF: 1260-1270 Dolores St: Under Fire]
[NVSF: 1266 Dolores St.]

Highlights: Halloween 2012

A little fog, a little rain and a potential hangover from the Giants parade weren't enough to dampen the frenzy on 24th St this Halloween. As one person on Twitter put it, "Let me tell you, Noe Valley Halloween is no joke!" Some photos of the costumes and candyfest of 24th Street this year...