MadKat Morphs, Neighbors Unhappy

We haven't been able to confirm what's happening in the old MadKat space at 3836 24th St, but apparently the neighbors aren't pleased with the work. The following complaints have been filed at the building department:

• Construction on going without a permit
• Plumbing work in the commercial space w/o permits
• Elextrical work w/o permit in the commercial space, walls have been opened without permit, ceiling w/out permit

Apparently it's not possible to complain about the paint color.

[NVSF: MadKat Closed?]

Confirmed: GNC Closing

We posted in January that GNC was rumored to close and today the shelves are empty. GNC will officially close its Noe Valley location on July 7th. Don't know where you'll get your fix? The helpful sign in the window directs you to other San Francisco locations for your "nutrition" needs.

[NVSF: Closing: More Rumors on 24th Street]

Opening Tomorrow: Bistro 24

Bistro 24 is on schedule to open July 1st. Please report back if you check it out.

Update (7/1): "Bistro 24 will be opening today July 1st at 6pm. Our business hours will be Tuesday thru Sunday 6pm - 12am. In a few weeks we will introduce brunch service and also open on Mondays."

That's right! Late night dining in Noe Valley.

Bistro 24
4123 24th St
bistro24sf.com

[NVSF: Announced: Bistro 24]

PSA: Armed Robberies in Noe Valley and Glen Park

Dear Residents and Merchants of Glen Park and Noe Valley,

There has been an increase in the number of armed robberies on our streets in the late evening hours in Glen Park and Noe Valley. We, in the San Francisco Police Department, are committed to public safety.

As we investigate and move forward, here are some ways you can avoid becoming a victim:

• Avoid wearing headphones, i-pods or using your cell phone when walking in the community. It reduces your awareness of your surroundings and thieves target these items to steal.
• Keep your wallet and cell phone on your person and do not place them in your bag or purse. Attempt to separate your identification from your wallet. In the event you are a victim, your identification will remain with you as your purse or wallet is taken.
• If you are a victim, call the police immediately. Do not wait until you are home to call. Every minute counts to catch these thieves.
• Try to remember the suspect’s description. Look to see if a vehicle is involved and concentrate on obtaining the license plate of the vehicle.
• At night, walk in well lit areas and attempt to travel with other persons.

Method of Operation

• The suspects usually target people who are walking alone late at night. In some cases from the BART station.
• The suspect places a gun to the victim and goes through their pockets. They have taken cash, identification and cell phones.
• The suspects are described as African American males, both between 16 and 18 years old. The first suspect is 5’6, 160lbs, dark clothing. The second suspect is 5’7, 140lbs, wearing dark clothing.

Dial 911 for immediate police assistance or 415-553-8090 from a cell phone. If you have information regarding these recent robberies, you may phone Ingleside Station’s Anonymous Tip Line at 415-587-8984.

Captain David Lazar
Commanding Officer
Ingleside Police Station
San Francisco Police Department

[NVSF: All posts tagged 'armed robbery']

Crime Beat: Armed Robberies Continue

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

More of the same:

June 29, 2009

Street Robbery -- 11:15pm. 1800 block Church St. Officer Plantiga and Officer Khan responded to a call of an armed robbery. The victim stated that she had been confronted on the sidewalk in front of her house by two males. One suspect placed his hand under his shirt and displayed and object that the victim believed was a handgun. The two suspects forced the victim to surrender some U.S. currency, her ID, and her debit card before fleeing on foot from the scene.

And nearby:

Street Robbery -- 11:00pm. Elk St. / Chenery St. Officer Stansbury prepared a report at Ingleside Station regarding a street robbery that had just occurred. The victim stated that she had just gotten off the Muni bus at Elk and Chenery and was walking on the sidewalk when she heard a vehicle stop, and then start back up again, from somewhere
behind her. The victim then saw a small to mid-sized vehicle slowly pass her and disappear around a street corner. As she continued walking near the tennis courts, she was suddenly set upon by two males. The victim believed that one suspect may have been holding a firearm underneath his shirt and was pointing it at her. The two suspects stole various items,
including the victim's cell phone, and fled on foot, disappearing in the direction where the victim had noticed the suspicious vehicle had been driven. The victim was able to recover several of her personal items that
the suspects had dropped while they were fleeing on foot.

Also yesterday:

Buglary -- 11:52am. 500 block 28th St. Officer Lundy prepared a report of a residential burglary. An unknown suspect(s) entered the home by breaking a window while the owners were away on vacation. The suspect stole jewelry, cash and electronic items.

[NVSF: All posts tagged 'armed robbery']

Plastic-Free Farmer's Market

Malcolm Haar

Rumors have been floating around that the Noe Valley Farmer's Market is trying to eliminate plastic bags, joining the ranks of other markets that do the same. This weekend Cooks Boulevard's Malcolm Haar Tweeted a cool slidehow by Warbin K of people who already bring their own bags to the market.

It's not just the shoppers going green. Vendors leading the pack include reusable/redeemable yogurt crocks from Saint Benoît, paper bags and containers from Swanton Berry Farm, Far West Fungi and Bennett Valley Bread, biobags from Capay (even if they charge $0.25).

How 'bout you? Do you bring your own bags to the market or take what they give you? Do you plan your trips or just stop in on a whim? Would you still shop at the Farmer's Market if they didn't provide plastic bags?

[Warbin K: Flikr: Bring Your Own Bag]

Crime Beat

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

June 26

Street Robbery -- 10:30pm. 600 block Noe St Officer Rueca and Officer Polovina responded to a report of a street robbery with a gun. Two victims stated that they had just finished dinner and were leaving when they were approached by two males. One suspect pointed a semiautomatic pistol in their faces and forced each of them to relinquish their purses. The suspects then fled on foot from the scene.

June 27

Burglary --11:04am. 300 block 30th St. Officer Creed prepared a report of a residential burglary. An unknown suspect(s) broke in through a window and stole $750 worth of shoes.

And in anticipation of this weekend's barrage celebration:

4th of July Update:
Throughout the week, I will list the following phone number in the newsletter: 415-378-5243. Sergeant Miller will have this cell phone and is ready to take your Ingleside District fireworks complaints!

Photo: The King Of Pop

Rory (and the rest of Noe Valley) mourns.