Not Closing: La Sirena Botanica

A papered-over storefront always attracts our attention, as do empty shelves. And this morning we could also hear a lonely cat over the street noise. We spoke to Mary Ehm, owner, who informed us that she is painting the shop to "make a fresh look" and will be back in business in about a week. La Sirena Botanica has been "a supply store for matters of the spirit" at 1509 Church St since 1999, and this year was named Best Place to Put a Spell on You.


[SFWeekly: Best Place to Put a Spell on You]
[SFGate: In the stars, the cards and the grounds -- psychics eye the future]

Photo: Finally, A Clear Night In Noe Valley

bats1234 on Flickr

Found: Lambchop

I don't know if you can help, but we found a stuffed animal lamb on 24th Street earlier tonight (8/12). The lamb looks to be very well loved by someone.

If a little one in your house couldn't sleep last night and this looks familiar, send us an email and we'll put you in touch with the good Samaritan holding Lambchop ransom.

Update (8/16): Lamb and child have been reunited. Thanks to everyone for sending in tips.

Supes Race: DCCC Shenanigans Unchanged With Progressives In Power

BeyondChron was at last night's meeting of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) and notes that politics are unchanged since Progressives took power:

The Committee then moved to the District 8 race to succeed Bevan Dufty. As the only progressive candidate running, Rafael Mandelman had the edge. On the first round of voting, he grabbed 18 votes – one more than necessary. David Chiu, who I had heard from a few sources was a “wild card,” voted for Mandelman. But the real surprise was State Senator Leland Yee – who has endorsed Rebecca Prozan, but was the 18th vote.

Immediately after this vote, DCCC member Scott Wiener congratulated Mandelman for getting the Party’s endorsement – and said he would not be seeking the “second place” vote for the District 8 nod. “I’m running for first-place,” he said, “and I intend to win.” With Wiener out of the picture, Prozan easily secured the “second choice” endorsement.

It became clear that a deal had been struck, with one moderate politico telling me that Rebecca Prozan had “back-stabbed Scott.” Another way of putting it is Mandelman had to secure the endorsement, and Prozan delivered Leland Yee. And while it’s true that Mandelman only needed 17 votes to prevail, perhaps David Chiu didn’t want to be the 17th vote. Regardless, now progressives are going to feel beholden to Leland Yee.

As SFGate puts it: "Mandelman...walked away from the vote a happy man, noting that candidates who have the backing of the Democratic Party more often than not win their races."

[BeyondChron: Cronyism Makes a Comeback at SF Democratic Party ]
[SFGate: Who got the endorsement of SF Demo Party?]

Video Shilling: "Trust Your Agent"

Not one, but two Noe Valley "neighborhood guide" videos showed up in our email this morning. The first is from Zephyr, and is one of 28 videos they've packaged to highlight San Francisco neighborhoods. Too much to pick apart line-by-line, but we can't get over the total disconnect between what the narrator says and what is on screen.

The second is from Vanguard by way of SFGate. Actor/Salesman/Handyman Buzz Leer implores you to "trust your agent" (in this case Amanda Jones). Better yet -- take his other advice and "do your homework."

Midsummer Commotion on Church Street

If you're wondering about the mini traffic jam at the corner of Church and Cesar Chavez this afternoon: AT&T was filming a Yellow Pages commercial outside "Flannery's Pet Shop" (aka Noe Valley Pet Co.).

It's just another day in a busy few weeks for Pet Co. owner, Celia Sack who also runs and owns the indie-foodie bookstore Omnivore Books around the corner. She was tapped to recommend a cookbook a month that will be featured in all 259 Williams Sonoma stores. This month's pick is 5 Spices 50 Dishes by Ruta Kahate (Chronicle, 2007).

[Publisher's Weekly: Williams-Sonoma Partners with Omnivore Books]

Stroller Files: Noe Strolls Disappears

From a reader:

Do you happen to know if the Noe Strolls group was recently disbanded? Their web site is inactive and the e-mail addresses I had on file for the group are bouncing back. My wife and I recently moved to the neighborhood and are due next week, and we were hoping to join. Just curious what the story was.

Anyone know? Have the organizers already moved to the 'burbs?

Crime Beat

Information is from Mission and Ingleside District San Francisco Police Station newsletters.

August 1

Robbery w/ Gun -- 06:40 am. Church/30th St. A robbery victim reported the crime many hours after the incident to Officers Morrow and Naval. The victim stated that he was waiting for the bus at the corner when he was suddenly approached by an African American adult male, 25-30 years old, 5’11, 170 lbs, wearing a yellow shirt, black pants and black shoes. The man had been standing at the corner with the victim and the victim believed he was also waiting for the bus. The victim was startled when the suspect suddenly pointed a black semi-auto handgun at him and demanded his property. The suspect knocked the victims cell phone from his hand and bent to pick it up. As the suspect was bent over, the victim ran from the area toward Mission Street. The victim looked back and saw the suspect waiving his phone in the air in a taunting manner. The victim did not call for the police until after he reached his workplace.