NVV May 2014: 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 other resources. Follow the NVV link at the bottom for full articles and all the ads.

May 2014

Front Page: Helpful neighbors come together to rescue a Philz patron's keys from the sewer; City Planners propose a combined tennis/basketball court with room for a dog-friendly quadrant for Douglass at 24th St [Ed.--imagine lots of fences]; Global Exchange closes in Noe and looks for a new location, while the Berkeley shop is still open; Sally Brunn Branch Library is now open 7 days per week.

Letters: St. Paul's corner store (and the former owner, Alex) at 29th and Sanchez will be missed; Sadness at the departure at the of Mike's shoe repair - oh and also for the Goodwill dropoff in the new Town Square; Praise for Supervisor David Chiu for supporting local B&Bs - from Richard Kreibich of Bed and Breakfast San Francisco; RIP Susie, the canine mayor of 29th St.

Cost of Living in Noe: A mystery buyer purchased the record $7 million home at 625 Duncan, and competition among home buyers in general is fierce. Average rent for a 2 bedroom? $4542.

Store Trek: TugTug (396 24th St at Sanchez)

Rumors: A retail space with 2 residences above is being built at 3820 24th St (near Shoe Biz) and the owners have received inquiries from a stationery company, men's and women's apparel company, a fitness center, yoga studio and pilates studio [available next year]; Mike's Shoe Repair is becoming Rare Device [Ed.--: the old shoe sign has been purloined by a neighbor for safekeeping]; Noe Valley Pack & Ship has a new owner, the building will be undergoing a seismic and ADA upgrade, and some of the mailboxes will be moved to create a new retail space which has already been claimed by another 24th St merchant who wishes to remain anonymous; Incanto has been reimagined as Porcellino; Women's clothing boutique Lola has moved into Clipper Corner as a pop-up and is hoping to negotiate an ongoing lease; Kitami Ropa on Church St has closed and will be replaced by TMI Colonics ("We really know our shit"), a certified colon hydrologist [Ed.--that explains all the new walls inside and the red velvet curtains]; On May 17th, Noe Valley merchants will host a giant sidewalk sale from Douglass to to Dolores; Noe Valley Pet Co is celebrating 15 years with champagne and cake on May 10, 2-5 pm.



[The Noe Valley Voice]

La Ciccia Plans To Open La Nebbia On Outer Church St

La Ciccia's Tuna Heart Pasta

Great news from Inside Scoop today - La Ciccia, one of the best Italian restaurants in the US, is opening a second location at 1781 Church St:

“Our idea is to do an enoteca,” says Conti. “An enoteca, but also a prosciutteria and fresh cheese bar.”

The plan is to offer a selection of 10 or so cured hams from Italy and beyond, giving guests a way to compare the various Italian versions with their counterparts from Spain, America, Germany, France and Portugal. The fresh cheese options will be similar, featuring mozzarella, burrata and ricotta — both local and Italian.

At 36 seats, La Nebbia will also feature a double-deck pizza oven, with one level for pizzas and another for roasted vegetables and a daily meat special. The oven will also churn out one more component of the restaurant: lasagna. According to Conti, he’s liked lasagna since he was a kid, but for some reason, never orders it in restaurants; he wants to offer four to five different types, be it vegetarian, sausage, meat and so on.

“We’d like to have fun with it,” he says, calling it more of a San Francisco restaurant than an “Italian” restaurant, given the local ingredients they’ll use on the pizzas and such. “We want it to be a fun place where you can go have a great glass of wine and some prosciutto — a neighborhood place, but also something different and unique.”

Cece's Closet and Napra's Back and Muscle Treatment vacated adjacent storefronts last June while the building owner made changes required by ADA laws. Permits filed 4/2/13 specify change of use for both 1781-1785 Church St. If the building and change of use permits sail through planning La Nebbia plans to open this fall.

[Inside Scoop: La Ciccia working on a new project nearby: La Nebbia]
[NVSF: More Changes on Outer Church Street]

NVV Feb 2013: 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 online until the middle of the month.

February 2013

Front Page: Cookie Time calls it quits and the Voice explores the long-standing food truck debate; Noe Valley Merchants recognized for their efforts to help small businesses accommodate handicapped patrons without getting slapped with a nuisance lawsuit; NV is full of married cheaters; Noe Valley Democratic Club gets an influx of moderate members.

Letters: The Noe Valley Ministry is looking a little neglected while renovations stall (renovations are expected to resume in March); a re-print of the letter from victim on 23rd St who narrowly escaped her attacker; Mary Isham's family seeks donations for her cancer treatment.

Crime: The Fair Oaks rapist is convicted and sent to jail for 373 years to life; the copper thief goes to jail for stealing water; the SFPD releases a sketch of the 23rd St. attacker.

Cost of Living in Noe: 25 homes sold in the last 2 months of 2012, including the $3.8 million contemporary home at 4529 25th St; condos are pricey - and selling like hotcakes.

Store Trek: Pressed Juicery, Adopt SF.

Rumors: Radio Shack is back after the fire 14 months ago; Noe Valley Deli owner Karim Balat has sold his business and says the new owners will likely be changing the menu; Bernie's is adding a 2nd location at Crocker Galleria downtown; Martha & Bros is adding a fifth location at Fifth and Irving in the inner Sunset; Caskhouse is open; Mazook remembers his "Auntie Po," aka Dear Abby.

[The Noe Valley Voice]

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!

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]

Update: Whole Foods Parking Lot Madness

The PR department at Whole Foods has more info on the chaos in the parking lot this month and some workarounds offered. It's interesting to note that WF is also dealing with ADA requirements plaguing other merchants around Noe Valley and SF:

Details/duration of project: The store is making required ADA improvements (as are many other retailers in the area) and these include added markings for a pedestrian walkway, improved caution markings to alert drivers to pedestrian crossing and repairs to the sidewalk next to the store. Duration is Aug. 13- 17 and Aug. 20-24 when we will have very limited spaces for parking – approximately 12.

What the store is doing to ease the impact of traffic in the neighborhood as well as ease shopper experience:

• We are hosting free valet parking from 9a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday- Thursday in the farmers’ market parking lot.
• Offering gifts and prizes for every customer that shops during non-peak hours which are Mon – Fri @ 8-10 a.m. and 9-10 p.m..
• There will be specials in every department all day Monday – Friday each week of construction.

PSA: Whole Foods Parking Lot To Close For Resurfacing

This notice from Whole Foods explains upcoming improvements. It'll be interesting to see how Noe Valley deals with less parking in light of recent issues:

To Our Friends & Neighbors in Noe Valley

Beginning Tuesday, August 7 the parking lot at Whole Foods will be under construction. The entire lot is being resurfaced and restriped as part of general property maintenance. The high level of traffic in our lot results in recurring cracks and potholes which we need to periodically address. In addition the lot will have new markings for safer accessibility to the store for our customers with disabilities.

The store will remain open for regular business hours throughout the construction. We are aware of the potential impact this will have on the neighborhood and have taken actions to address some of the effects on the neighborhood.

• The work is being done in sections to maintain maximum accessibility (see schedule below)
• Our suppliers and vendors have been warned of the restricted accessibility during construction so that they may better plan their delivery times and be prepared for restricted loading zones.
• Our contractors have been firmly warned about noise curfews and will act responsibly and with consideration for the neighborhood. We will have an on-site supervisor to oversee the contractor work at all times and enforce these expectations.
• We will have additional personnel available to help direct customer traffic in and out of the lot.
• Our Store Leadership is committed to making this project as quick, quiet and painless as possible for all. If you have any concerns please ask for us at our Customer Service desk inside the store – we are happy to meet with you.

Tuesday 8/7 through Friday 8/10 we plan to have most parking spaces available with normal traffic flow maintained. No weekend work and the lot will be fully available Saturday and Sunday.

Monday 8/13-Thursday 8/16 we will need to block off our West driveway as well as significant sections of the lot. Parking in the lot will be very limited this week. No construction on Friday, Saturday or Sunday with the lot fully available these days.

Monday 8/20 & Tuesday 8/21 will have all driveways in use and most parking spaces available. Wednesday 8/22 & Thursday 8/23 we will close our East driveway and significant sections of the lot. Parking will be very limited these 2 days. The project will be completed Thursday and the lot will be fully opened Friday 8/24.

As any of you who have survived a home remodeling project know, sometimes even the best laid plans can go off track. We are working diligently to ensure we have the best laid plan in place and appreciate your patient understanding as we complete this needed work.

Sincerely
Melanie, Dan, William & Dave
Store Leadership Team
Whole Foods Market, Noe Valley

More Changes on Outer Church Street

A reader tipped us that Cece's Consignment shop at 1781 Church St is closing -- at least temporarily -- in order to comply with yet another ADA lawsuit threatening Noe businesses.

For those unfamiliar with Cece's, it's a well-curated consignment shop that the reader reports is "pretty great, despite its humble appearance from the street." This note is currently posted in the window:

Dear Friends and Amazing Clients,

Due to ADA/wheelchair accessibility requirements our shop has to close for renovation. We hope to be able to re-open our shop in three months.

We cannot thank you enough for all your support and amazing friendship. We truly enjoyed the past 14 years working and serving you. This has been a great lifetime experience.

For our consignments clients we will calling to schedule a pickup appointment. We are doing this in alphabetical order. Thank you for your understanding.

We look forward to keeping in touch and see you soon! Thank you! Gracias! Merci! Hasta Pronto! A Bientot!

Cece's closet.
Cecy xoxo

The building, which also houses Napra-Back & Muscle Treatment (1785 Church St), has two active permits on file:

TENANT SPACE NEW STOREFRONTS AT 1781 & 1785 CHURCH ST NEED TO BE UPGRADED FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY. WILL ALSO REQUIRE MOVEMENT OF ELECTRICAL & 2 NEW EXTERIOR LIGHTS. LOWER RAISED FLOOR IN 1785 CHURCH ST. 

REVISION TO APP#201204027356. SWITCH DOOR AND WINDOW LOCATION. PROVIDE LANDING HANDRAIL AND WHEEL GUIDE RAIL.  WORK TO BE DONE IN COMMERCIAL UNITS ONLY.

A neighboring business told us that although Cece's has to close, Napra will likely be open during the work - and that Cece really does hope to return in 3 months, if she can.

Good luck Cece's – hope you're back in business soon.

Closing: Design Quarter

The small, locally-owned furniture and antique store at 1478 Church is closing at the end of the month. Not a victim of the ADA lawsuits plaguing businesses along the Church and 24th St corridors, Design Quarter tells us the landlord is raising the rent. Combine that with a down-sizing of the space (the landlord wants part of the space) and the business is untenable. Design Quarter won’t be looking for a new spot in Noe Valley, but it will be selling items on consignment in the garage part of Decor Galore on Sanchez at 24th (formerly the Garage Store). Sad to see DQ go – it was a nice addition to the Church Street corridor.

The Mystery Of 1513 Church St

After Loft 1513 moved to 24th St, Vivid Floral Design leased the space and began to prepare it for opening. Then at the end of April they vacated and a For Lease sign reappeared. No more Vivid. For the last few weeks there's been activity (mostly IKEA furniture assembly) and the space looks ready for use again. But for what?

Since we saw mail on the doorstep addressed to Blue Realty Group we contacted CEO Joseph Blue. His response was unequivocal and offered no further information: "NO WE ARE NOT MOVING INTO NOE VALLEY THANK YOU." Nearby merchants who have spoken to workers state that the space will be a realty office. [Update 5/22: This morning there's a new sign in the window for Realty World - BLUE.]

As for Vivid... Don at Heliotrope says that Vivid was threatened by two steps at the entrance and an ADA lawsuit. We're still trying to reach the owner of Vivid to confirm, and will post updates as we get them.

Anyone else have info?

This Week In Noe Valley

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

• Dianne Feinstein wants an end to "drive-by" ADA lawsuits plaguing small businesses. (Background) [SFGate]
• Noe Valley resident and Del Popolo propietor Jon Darsky has a $180,000 mobile pizza truck. [7x7]
• IVF/Noe Valley double-wides cited in article about increased prevalence of twin births (1 in 30).
• La Ciccia makes Chronicle's Top 100 Bay Area Restaurant roundup for 2012, joining Incanto as the only Noe Valley entries. [SFGate]
• British ex-pat leaves Noe for a new adventure after 2.5 years of blogging her life here. Her perspective will be missed. [Faites-Simple]
• A new Noe Valley blog by a SFSU journalism student. [NWN]
• Excellent example and tutorial of how to use the 1940 census data to find out what your block was like by Burrito Justice. [Burrito Justice]
• Improve your RecologySF experience with this survey (personal data optional). [Recology]

[Photo: 7x7]