Harvest Fest 2010: Giants Love, Politicking, Costumes...And Goats

This year's Noe Valley Harvest Fest was more subdued than years past. It felt denser (more booths) but less ambitious (smaller stage, less entertainment), and the rainy weather certainly didn't help. The event could be summed up as a mix between catering to kids and people looking for your vote.

The costume contest was once again a hit (especially among mothers). The 2008 winner (as a geisha) won again, this time as a flamenco dancer. Second place was a mummy, third a little lion.

In politics, Scott Weiner's team was part of the zeitgeist (go Giants!):


There was no petting zoo this year, but Rafael Mandelman's crew brought...goats.

Noe Valley Now Ranked # 1 For Trick-Or-Treating

Thanks to the real estate cheerleaders VP of Marketing & Communications at Zillow for ranking Noe Valley the number one trick-or-treat destination in San Francisco. Since Zillow also ranks San Francisco as the number two city in the nation for same that makes us pretty cool. After ranking number two last year, Noe Valley has worked hard for the top spot.

How did we do it?

...the Zillow Trick-or-Treat Housing Index was calculated using four equally weighted data variables: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), population density, Walk Score and local crime data from Relocation Essentials. Based on those variables, the Index represents neighborhoods that will provide the most candy, with the least walking and safety risks.

We're also thinking huge amounts of free candy provided by Noe Valley merchants might have something to do with it...

[Zillow: Best Places to Trick-or-Treat in San Francisco]
[NVSF: Noe Valley Ranked # 2 For Trick-Or-Treating]

Halloween House on Noe St

You can't see it in the photo, but this Noe St house that screams LOOK AT ME with its generator-inflated blow-up decorations also proudly displayed a "Don't Close Noe Street" sign during the plaza kerfuffle. Linger if you dare...

[NVSF: Photos: Halloween 2009]
[Photo: bats1234]

Video: J-Church Rail Replacement

Ken Murphy lives on 30th at Church and put together this 13 minute timelapse video of the last weekend's J-Church rail replacement from 18,520 images.

Also check out Streetsblog's writeup of the weekend's work. Best line: “Just as I was thinking it, a neighbor nearby noted with happiness, 'Hey, it doesn’t make noise anymore.'”

[Vimeo: Ken Murphy Via Streetsblog]
[Streetsblog: Replacing the Rails on the J-Church Line]

This Week At The Planning Commission

A weekly look at Noe Valley projects in front of the Planning Commission. 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.

940 Elizabeth STREET - north side between Hoffman and Grand View Avenues; Lot 014 in Assessor's Block 2807 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2009.12.24.3858 proposing to construct a vertical addition, add a garage, and alter the front façade of a single-family dwelling, located in a RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve

This 81 page PDF includes planning staff analysis, site details, letters from neighbors and architectural drawings of the proposed project.

Open: Tatataki Sushi on Church St

Now open in the old Deep Sushi space, Tataki South is a second outpost of the sustainable sushi spot of the same name on California St. The website for Tataki still hasn't been updated to announce the new space, but Tablehopper reports "The menu will continue their focus on only serving sustainable sushi, although since there is a robata grill, they now have a yakitori section they’ve added as well. There are also even more vegetarian and vegan selections."

Hours are Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, and dinner nightly starting at 5:30pm. Call ahead if you plan to go--hours are subject to change as they "gauge the needs of the neighborhood."

1740 Church St. at Day St.; 415-282-1889.

[Tablehopper: Tataki South Opens on Church Street]

Blue Skies, Blue Angels Over SF

Click image for full picture.

The biggest Fleet Week in decades is in town and the Blue Angels are flying. While you can see them buzz Noe a few times, it's worth the trip across town to see them at close range by the Bay. The airshow runs from 1-4 and the Angels fly from 3-4.

J-Church Rail Replacement Almost On Track

We spoke to workers this morning at 30th and Church who said work is going well, but that they are about a half-day behind. They expect the trains will run again by Tuesday night, but they won't finish all the paving they had hoped to before then.

They still had seven sections of track to lay/join as of 9:00am. The foundation bed and ties are in place. One person told us that the new track is stronger and that the new foundation means less vibration. They're also installing a new signal system to speed track switching and a quieter mechanism for switching tracks.

We also learned that while this project is disruptive, the project that will really make you late for work is scheduled for the end of 2011: replacement of all transit infrastructure at Church and Duboce.

[NVSF: PSA: J-Church Rail Repairs Continue In October]