Visitacion Valley Grapevine - Valley News - April 2009

Chess Gold Cup for VVMS in Tournament The first known chess tournament in history between two SFUSD Middle Schools was played March 4 at host Everett Middle School (EMS) with Visitacion Valley Middle School (VVMS) taking home the San Francisco Middle School Chess Gold Cup. VVMS first gained prominence last year in an article written by Mike Kepka of the S.F. Chronicle and is currently in its second year averaging more than 20 members on a daily basis. The EMS club is run by Shujaa Mjasiri, a doctoral candidate who worked at VVMS last year and is now at EMS by way of the Transcendental Mediation Quiet Time Program currently being integrated into both schools. Mjasiri organized the event with the help of Tyrone Anderson, a VVMS teaching assistant. Tournament directors during the chess match included Mr. Madayag, who is one of four club directors and is responsible for VVMS wearing ties to the event; Mr. Laviolette, who came up with the idea of a chess club for VVMS; and Mr. Rulloda, who took the pictures at the tournament and works tirelessly showing students different aspects of the game of chess. Getting down to the business of the tournament, the match featured 12 players and four reserves from each school, with three groups of four: advanced, intermediate, and beginner. In rounds 1 to 4, EMS beginner level won their division 8.5 to 7.5. In the same rounds VVMS intermediate level won their division 9.5 to 6.5. The last division, the advanced level was tied at a score of 8 to 8. The match went back and forth all tournament and the second round ended with three draws. The tournament was so close in fact that it came down to the last match between Brandon Tang of VVMS and Mark Bihag of EMS, with the result ending in 25-23 score in favor of VVMS, who won the top honor. EMS won the Silver Cup. The day ended with refreshments and an awards ceremony with individual tournament winners including: First Place Advanced: Timothy Lau; Intermediate: Joaqhin Shaw; and Beginner: Cuong Doan. Second Place Advanced: Brandon Tang, Mark Bihag, Bilgun Makhbal, Brandon Nguyen and Stainlee Quach; Intermediate: Calvin Mendiola and Thanh Nguyen; Beginner: Marc Ardanes. The tournament, which may have its rubber match at the end of April, was a huge success and will hopefully encourage future tournaments. Tournament directors would like to thank all of the youth who took part in the event. Church and Architect to be Honored by Betty Parshall On Sunday, April 19, St. James Presbyterian Church and the Visitacion Valley History Project will co-host a program celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the church and honoring famed architect Julia Morgan, who designed the 1923 building. Mark Wilson, author of two books about Morgan and her work, will provide a talk with slides. Following his presentation refreshments will be served in the church social hall and visitors can view an historical display of church pictures and memorabilia. Mr. Wilson will have his latest book for sale and be glad to answer further questions. Proceeds of the event will be shared, with one-third to the church and two-thirds to the library fund. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. As there is limited seating in the sanctuary you are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will be on sale at Joe Leland’s coffee shop, 28 Leland Ave., and at the VVBOOM office, 91 Leland. They may also be purchased by contacting Betty Parshall, phone 415-467-7423 or e-mail bparshal@flash.net It is noted that the sanctuary of the church is not disabled-accessible. New Visitacion Valley Library Moves Forward The new Visitacion Valley Branch Library is becoming a reality. Demolition of the Super Fair Grocery store was slated to begin at the end of March with construction to follow. Six contractors submitted bids to the City to build the new branch, with the apparent low bidder within the Library’s budget. Stay tuned for a ground breaking party coming soon. The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library are organizing a neighborhood committee to fundraise for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new library. To learn more about the Visitacion Valley Library Campaign, please call Marian Chatfield-Taylor at 626-7512 ext. 103. Valley Organizations Vie for Community Grant Funding by Russel Morine Several Visitacion Valley Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are in the running to receive nearly $600,000 in funding through the annual allocation of Community Development Block Grants. Each year the federal government grants major cities and counties “block grants” that must be used for community development at the local level. In San Francisco, these grants are administered by the Mayors Office of Community Investment. Allocation is based upon prior assessments and specific community needs. CBOs throughout the city are encouraged to apply for this funding as a means to establish new community based services or to maintaining and improve existing services. Eight Visitacion Valley CBOs made the list for preliminary funding. If the final recommendations are granted, the funds will be dispersed by mid 2009. El Dorado Elementary School Happenings by Lori Fetzer Read Across America Day Coordinated by Ms. Crum, the teacher-librarian at El Dorado Elementary School, students celebrated Read Across America Day on Monday, March 2nd. Read Across America Day is the nation’s largest reading event held in conjunction with and commemorating Theodor Giesel’s (better known as Dr. Seuss) birthday. It is The National Education Association’s call for every child to be read to in the company of a caring adult. At El Dorado, without 300 available adults, students paired up. Students met with their buddies. The buddy pairs participated in many Dr. Seuss inspired activities. Together the buddies choose books, read, played rhyming games, made green eggs and ham, colored bookmarks, and played Seuss Says, a modified version of Simon Says. All students received one or two books to keep at home and share with their caring adults. Pink Friday – S.O.S. Save Our School! On Friday, March 13th, San Francisco residents and public school advocates were called upon to wear pink in support of SFUSD teachers and administrators who received pink slips. Pink slips were received by more than half of the classroom teachers at El Dorado Elementary School. Students and teachers felt the injustice of a system that threatened to lay off hard-working, well-liked, and supportive staff from an already hard to staff school. Principal Tai Schoeman says, “I’ve worked hard for four years to fill this school with dedicated adults who want to be here, working with and in this community. It’s demoralizing to all of us to receive layoff notices because we want everyone to return.” If you were watching the news that Friday afternoon, you may have seen coverage of the school’s rally. The teachers and students began their day on the school yard organizing and then proceeded to march from the school at Delta and Harkness to the corner of San Bruno and Paul. They wore pink, held pink signs, banged drums, and chanted and cheered. The students felt positive and empowered. They knew they were doing something to educate the public and hopefully ensure stability in their community. As one student said, “We don’t want to lose our teachers who care about us.” McLaren Park News and Notes by Betty Parshall People Have Been Asking A few people have asked me about the Philosopher’s Walk, a public art installation for McLaren Park. To fill in on the background for those who may not know, the San Francisco Art Commission sponsored an artists’ competition to develop a public art piece in McLaren Park. Community members met with three finalists who presented samples of their work and to hear what park users valued about McLaren. Several weeks later proposed designs were posted in the neighborhood and community folks completed survey sheets. After review of the public comments and the designs by the Art Commission, the artist team of Peter Richards and Susan Shwartzenberg were awarded the project. The winners designed the “Philosopher’s Walk” which will follow existing trails with benches and markers along the way. The markers will describe the views, ecology, geography and history of the surrounding neighborhoods. Recycled materials will be used for benches and markers as much as possible. In August 2008, Peter and Susan led a group of neighbors over the proposed walk, which provides wonderful views and covers the wide variety of terrain to be found in the park. All agreed that further discussion about the trail layout is needed, since the proposal had two crossings on Mansell, which could be hazardous to pedestrians. There was also a suggestion or two about other minor changes, e.g. where there are parallel trails should it be the lower or the higher? But everyone agreed that this walk will be a great benefit to visitors who want to enjoy all the natural features of the park with the occasional descriptive plaque and benches along the way for rest, relaxation and viewing. To learn about the status of the project, I had a conversation with Jill Manton, the Public Arts Program Director. She told me that the artists are well organized and busy making as much advance preparation as possible. One example of this is that negotiations with the Department of Public Works have resulted in DPW agreeing to donate the curbstone materials that will be used for the benches (and perhaps the markers, I’m not sure). They have also engaged a cartographer in the project so that an accurate map will be provided for the installation. There have been meetings with the Native Plants component of the Rec & Park Department who were concerned that the trail might infringe on sensitive native plant areas, and these concerns will be addressed. Accessibility for disabled persons is also a concern; so there are discussions going on about signage that will advise where there may be steep grades, and which parts of the walk are wheel-chair accessible. Also being discussed is the creation of a Web site that could provide a virtual tour so that people could enjoy the features of the walk even if unable to visit it in person. Naturally all of these meetings and discussions by various parties take time, so it was good to learn that progress is being made and that we should be able to see some actual work starting in the not too distant future. Spring is Sprung It’s a fine time to walk the hills on a clear day, as the grass is green and the spring flowers are beginning to show some bloom. This column was composed on St. Patrick’s Day, and this morning Hope, Rory and Raven enjoyed the grass and miner’s lettuce, fresh and crisp, not too tough. Poppies, lupine and blue-eyed grass are starting to appear, along with some blooms we could not name. Next on the shopping list, a wild flower identification book. Of course some of the blooms we see aren’t necessarily wild, settlers may have planted them a long time ago or seeds carried by birds may have brought them here. In any case, you are encouraged to walk McLaren in the springtime and enjoy it all. Park regulars Lewis, Bobbie and Sadie are shown here. Joe Leland ... Around the Neighborhood New ED at the VVCDC: Jennifer Dhillon has been replaced by Karen Gilbert as Executive Director of The Visitacion Valley Community Development Corporation. According to a statement from the VVCDC Board "Ms. Gilbert has more than twenty years of experience in organizational development. She has a Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She comes from the consulting firm Entrepren, which specializes in change management and has provided services to both for profit businesses and nonprofit organizations." Funk Out with ROCK: Funk out with R.O.C.K. is one of the hottest parties you will ever go to while 100 percent of proceeds benefit Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K.), Saturday, April 11, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Red Devil Lounge (1695 Polk St. at Clay). Featured will be live original, funk music by Stymie & The Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra. The mission of ROCK is to nurture the healthy development of children by listening attentively to their needs and by providing opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access. ROCK's programs are designed to serve girls and boys ages 6-17, who live or attend school in San Francisco's Visitacion Valley. The ROCK vision is to promote the positive development and long-term success of these youth, and this vision is reflected in three overarching program goals. www.rocksf.org Forsaken Buildings: Although it’s unlikely that any San Francisco property owner would walk away for a piece of local real estate, there are a few buildings in the neighborhood that have been forsaken to the point of abandonment. These eyesores not only hurt adjacent property values, they are dangerous fire hazards. Here’s four: 2458 Bayshore Blvd., 336 Lathrop Ave., 292 Arleta Ave., 316 Arleta Ave. If you know of more, let the Grapevine know! Vacant Lots Sale: At corner of Sunnydale Ave. and Hahn S.t, one will find a true San Francisco anomaly. Eight buildable vacant lots unable to be sold. Vacant as long as anyone can remember, the lots came close to being developed a few years ago but for some unknown reason the project stalled and was abandoned. Currently marketed as “31 Buildable parcels (condo's on top & retail space on bottom). 47 acre (20,473 sq. ft.). The city is motivated to help you move the project along. Great opportunity for developer/investor. Sell all units on top and cash in on the retail portion of this building. $3,950,000”. This translates to about $493,000 dollars per lot, which given the location may be overpriced by about $150,000 per lot. Zen Saying of the Month: Do not speak -- unless it improves on silence. Events in April at Valley Branch Library Following are events in April at the Visitacion Valley Branch Library, 45 Leland Ave.: Apr. 7, 14, 21 and 28, Tuesday: Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. Apr. 8, Wednesday: Preschool Videos at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3-5. Apr. 14, Tuesday: Worm Composting at 1 p.m. Join The Garden for the Environment and dive deep into the worm composting bin. Plant a seed to take home. For ages 5 and older. Buildings with Style in Visitacion Valley by Russel Morine Over the next few months the Grapevine will present this new feature Buildings with Style spotlighting Visitacion Valley buildings that exhibit notable architectural and stylistic characteristics. This month we feature styles that show evolution. Provincial Revivalism / Storybook stems from nostalgia of a different place and time while The Shoe Box/ Dingbat exhibits home grown practicality. Housing styles (clockwise from top left): Dingbat, Fairytale, Shoebox and French. Provincial Revivalism /Storybook Provincial Revivalism grew out of the memories of veterans returning home from the battlefields of WWI Europe. “Provincial” refers to the various small towns and villages of the Old World with their distinct stylistic characteristics. “Revivalism” is the latter non-contextual mimicry of these forms. Generally this style was popularly from the early 1920’s to the mid 1930s. Provincial Revivalism is actually a catch all phrase that describes several country / regionally specific styles. For example French, Normandy, and Tudor are all stylistically distinct but are still considered forms of Provincial Revival style. In Visitacion Valley Provincial Revival homes are rare. The best (only?) example of a French Provincial Revival home can be found at the interception of Blanken Ave and Nueva Ave. The large second story window that breaks the eave line, small balconies and the steeply pitched roof are distinct features of the European origin. The embellishments above the windows and the decorative balcony supports also have a European flair. Whereas Provincial Revivalism styles are modest reinterpretations of actual forms, Storybook style draws inspiration from the imagination. Storybook homes are purposefully whimsical, but still maintain a distinctly European flavor that connects their lineage back to the Provincial Revival style. Storybook homes incorporate decorative details such as painted ginger bread, turrets, roof pinnacles, and faux stonework. They tend to look like miniaturized castles or cottages made for story book characters, hence the name. Arguable the best example of this style can be found at the intersection of Blanken Ave and Tocoloma Ave. Notable for its prominent rounded turret with a fortress like door, a steep roof with shingles that simulate thatched roofing materials. Upon closer inspection, one will notice that the stucco is imprinted to create a stonework illusion. The cross pollination of ideas can also be seen in the Spanish roof tiles above the minor windows. All of these features are purely decorative, designed to evoke the look of another time and place. The Shoebox / Dingbat Shoebox style is so simply that it is almost a non-style. Picture two shoe boxes stacked upon one another. Now add nondescript widows and characterless doors. This is the humble Shoebox. Usually clad in stucco these rectangular tract homes are built to the property line and have no side setbacks. They are typified by a flat roofline with little to no overhang, flat facades and double wide garaged doors. The windows and doors are best described as of the ‘off the shelf’ variety. What minimal trim they do have is often quirky, as if there was a last minute attempt to impress potential buyers. In Visitacion Valley, rarely are they built as standalone buildings. They tend to be found in clusters, built as infill housing by small developers during the 1960s and 1970s. Excellent examples of Shoebox style can be found along Nibbi Court in Little Hollywood and the 400-500 block of Raymond Ave. Because of their uniformity they have a mass production look and feel. This is often confused with ‘cheapness’ rather than affordable or entry level housing. In fact, the Shoebox is designed to maximize space and often they are priced at a premium because of their relative newness. The Shoebox may be derided for its total lack of imagination but through another lens it is elegant in its original minimalism. Stylistically no longer in favor, the Shoebox is a true 1960-1970s phenomenon. Differing in scale, but not in the lack of imagination, The Dingbat is the multiunit expression of the single family Shoebox. Utilitarian to a fault, these 2-3 storied apartment buildings are a step above the motel. The ground floor is defined by a gapping open car port and ill-defined resident entryways. Plain and unoriginal as the Shoebox, location helps to define a true Dingbat. They are generally located along the margins of neighborhoods, near or directly next to non residential uses. Visitacion Valley’s sole Dingbat is located just off Geneva Blvd on Talbert St. This isolated location happens to be is steps away from an industrial site. The origin of the term “Dingbat” is somewhat debated, but it is agreed that the name was penned after the building emerged on the landscape. The name may stem from the earliest versions found in Southern California that had exterior decorative elements, pendant sconces, and lettering that resembled starburst and curvilinear shapes found in the typographical Dingbat Fonts set. Over time “Dingbat” became a purposeful slight of the uninspired architecture. Some are willing to extend this slight to anyone willing to live in such buildings. The Dingbat was popular from the late 1950s to the mid 1970s. Next Month: The California Bungalow and The Marina. Remembering John Siri, Sr. Visitacion Valley was saddened to learn of the March 15 passing of John Siri, Sr. in Stanford at the age of 87. A San Francisco native, Siri went to Balboa High School and was a WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. During his lifetime, he operated Siri's Supermarkets and Medallion Distributor, as well as the Piccolo Pete Deli on Bayshore Boulevard. Visitacion Valley Police Report Police Cases On Feb. 24 at 8:23 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of San Bruno Avenue regarding a fight. The officers located two subjects, in a verbal fight and attempted to detain them. One of the subjects began to resist the officers, while yelling and screaming obscenities. The officers struggled with the suspect for a few minutes before getting him into handcuffs and placing him in a patrol car. The subject then kicked at the patrol car window until the window came loose. Officers called for a wagon to transport the suspect to Bayview Station for booking. On Feb. 25 at 3:23 p.m. on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue, officers saw a wanted Sunnydale man and arrested the 28 year-old for robbery. The man had been identified in an earlier case from Market Street. His parole was violated, too. On Feb. 26 at 6:55 p.m., officers responded to Felton and Cambridge streets regarding a robbery. Officers met with two victims who stated that they were walking down the street when an unknown person came up behind them and pushed one of them to the ground. The suspects took the victim's purse and ran down the street. Neither victim was injured during the incident. The suspects were not located. Officers did find the victim's purse, which was missing a few items. Officers also spoke to a citizen who stated that he saw the incident and observed a vehicle drive away from the scene. Officers did not locate the car. On Feb. 27 at 4:40 p.m. on the 2500 block of Bayshore Boulevard, officers responded to a business regarding a robbery with a gun. Officers spoke to the victim who stated that he was at a carwash when a subject parked next to him and asked him if he wanted to buy a flat screen TV. The victim told the subject that he did not want to buy anything from him. The suspect then pulled a gun out of the car and pointed it at the victim, demanding his wallet. The victim gave the suspect the wallet. The suspect jumped into his car and drove off. The suspect was not located. The victim was not injured during the incident. At 7:45 p.m. at San Bruno and Wilde avenues, a 15 year-old Portola District male loaned his cell phone to a woman at a bus stop. She refused to return the phone and brandished a knife when he asked for it. On Feb. 28 at 6:45 p.m. on the 1100 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an officer investigated a family fight and arrested a 33-year old Sunnydale man for hitting his 72 year-old father over the head with a chair. On Mar. 2 at 6 p.m. on the 100 block of Blythdale Avenue, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and named a 20 year-old Oakland man as a suspect in a felony battery. On Mar. 3 at 12:25 a.m. at Bacon and Somerset streets, officers responded to a call of a robbery. Officers met with the victim who told them that he was just robbed at gun point by a suspect while trying to park his Taxi. The victim stated the suspect pulled up behind him and approached with a gun and told the victim to give him all of his money. The victim complied and the suspect got into his car and drove away. An officer searched for the suspect and vehicle, to no avail. On Mar. 5 at 7:25 p.m. at Sunnydale Avenue and Santos Street, a 29 year-old Visitacion Valley woman had her purse forcibly taken from her by a robber who pulled it from her lap as she sat on a Muni bus (#9 Line). At 9:05 p.m. on the 2200 block of Bayshore Boulevard, a 20 year-old Visitacion Valley woman was asked for the use of her phone by another woman. The first woman refused, was pushed to the ground and had her phone taken from her. On Mar. 7 at 8:30 a.m. on the 1600 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and named a 22 year-old Sunnydale man as a suspect in a felony battery case. At 7:30 p.m. on the 500 block of Argonaut Ave., a 54 year-old Visitacion Valley woman ran from a man and fell to the ground. Her pursuer pulled her backpack from her. He was described as a black male in his early 30s, 6'0 tall, 185 pounds, wearing a black hat, and a black hooded sweatshirt. On Mar. 8 at 10:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and arrested a 22 year-old Sunnydale man for felony assault and battery. At 7:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue, officers stopped a motorist for an equipment violation. The man was ordered from the car becasue he had no drivers license. The man ran from the officers and eluded them when he was told that he would have to go with them to Ingleside Station in order to clear up the matter. His passenger identified the man and the officers learned that he was wanted on three local warrants. The investigation continues. On Mar. 12 at 10:13 p.m. along San Bruno Avenue, officers Cloud and Lucchetti responded to San Bruno Ave to investigate a shooting. Officers at the scene found casings and bullet holes in a parked car as well as casings inside the car. Officers then spoke with a victim who stated that he was inside his parked car when a suspect approached the car and pointed a gun at him. The suspect told the victim to move, so the victim put the car in reverse and left the area. The suspect fired numerous rounds at the victim’s car, but did not injure the victim. Officers searched for the suspect, to no avail. At 10:47 p.m. at Silver and University avenues, officers responded to Colby Street regarding a strong arm robbery. Officers met with a victim, who stated that he was walking on the street when a suspect approached him from behind and demanded his wallet. The suspect then reached into the victim’s pocket and attempted to take his wallet, while simulating that he had a gun under his shirt. The victim continued walking towards his home, and the suspect pulled the victim’s backpack off the victim’s shoulder, knocking the victim to the ground. The victim held onto his belongings and yelled for help. The suspect, who was unable to take anything from the victim, fled the area. Officers searched for the suspect, to no avail. On Mar. 13 at 7:55 a.m. at Santos Street and Brookdale Avenue, a 17 year-old Visitacion Valley resident had her purse taken from her lap as she rode a Line 9X Muni bus. At 2:42 p.m.on the 600 block of Girard Street, members of Bayviews plainclothes team were in the area when they observed a vehicle which had damaged registration tabs. Officers lost the vehicle in the vicinity and then located it a few minutes later, unoccupied. Officers located the driver and conducted a search of his person. Officers found narcotics paraphernalia on him and suspected narcotics in his house. Officers placed the suspect under arrest and transported him to Bayview Station for booking. Officers cited another subject, who they located in the house and who also was on probation with a search condition. On Mar. 15 at 2 p.m. on the 100 block of Blythdale Avenue, a witness told officers that a resident was seen throwing burning clothing from an apartment window. The officers investigated and learned that the resident had found an ex-boyfriend's shirt in the apartment and set fire to it out of frustration. The officers admonished the woman. At 7:30 p.m. along San Bruno Avenue, a report was made of a robbery of a person who was punched in the face several times by two suspects after the suspects took the victim’s earphones. The victim told officers that the suspects also broke the victim’s glasses after the attack was over. No suspects were located. Loss was earphones. On Mar. 16: 6:45 p.m. on Hahn Street, an officer investigated a sexual abuse case and arrested a 36 year-old Visitacion Valley man for two counts of molestation. On Mar. 17 at 1:15 a.m. on Campbell Street at San Bruno Avenue, a 29 year-old Mission District woman was robbed of her cell phone and wallet by a man that she had met on the Muni T-line. He told her his name was Kane and she described him as a black male in his early '30s, 5'7" tall, 180 pounds, wearing all black. At 9:55 p.m., an officer responded to San Bruno Avenue regarding a theft. The officer spoke to the victim who stated that she was playing music on her iPhone on the bus when an unknown suspect came up to her and took the iPhone out of her hand. The suspect then got off the bus and left the area. The victim was not injured during the theft. The suspect was not located. On Mar. 18 at 6:30 a.m. on the 100 block of Santos Street, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and arrested a 61 year-old Sunnydale man for making criminal threats and stealing his girlfriend's car. At 1:40 p.m. in McLaren Park, a 57 year-old Outer Sunset District woman and a 39 year-old Pacifica man argued over their dogs. He pushed her to the ground, kicked and punched her, and beat her with a length of hard plastic. The man fled the scene and SFFD medics treated the woman for her injuries. The man surrendered to officers at Ingleside Station that evening. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. At 4:50 p.m. on the 3700 block of San Bruno Avenue, a 24 year-old Hayward man beat his 42 year-old mother, a Portola District resident, about the face, threw her to the ground, stomped on her head, and strangled her. She escaped her attacker and flagged down a police sergeant. He arrested the son for attempted murder. On Mar. 19 at 9:45a.m. at Hamilton and Woolsey streets, police were advised of a burglary in progress and two suspects jumping over a fence and fleeing in a car. Responding officers located the vehicle and one of the two suspects. Officers searched the vehicle, pursuant to the suspect’s search condition and located suspected narcotics, narcotics paraphernalia and tools, consistent with items used for burglary. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to Bayview Station. The second suspect was located jumping over fences and was also placed under arrest. The victim told officers that nothing was taken from the residence. No one was injured. At 12:35 p.m. along the 2700 block of San Bruno Avenue, officers responded to a person brandishing a knife at another person. Headquarters advised that two suspects had threatened another with a knife. Officers located five suspects, who were all detained and then placed under arrest. Officers located weapons on several of the suspects, including the knife used to threaten the victim. The victim was not injured during the incident. The Gang Task Force responded to take over the investigation, due to the suspect’s gang affiliations. On Mar. 20 at 3:30 p.m. on Bayshore Boulevard at Arleta Avenue, a 16 year-old Visitacion Valley male was robbed at knifepoint by two Hispanic males in their late teens. The victim lost his mp3 player in the theft. At 6 p.m. on Carrizal Street, two residents of a home, a 23 year-old man and a 21 year-old woman, were arrested by members of the SFPD Narcotics Detail on charges of sales and possession of cocaine. At 8:30 p.m. on the first block of Blythdale Avenue, a police sergeant investigated a Domestic Violence incident and arrested a 60 year-old Sunnydale man for felony battery and for making criminal threats. Police Summaries Feb. 23: First block of Delta St., '01 Dodge van stolen. Feb. 23: 200 block of Rey St., '09 Chevrolet Cobalt recovered, cocaine and indecia recovered inside car, suspect questioned and released. Feb. 24: 2:20 p.m., Castillo St., burglary occurred between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., forced entry through gate and front door with crowbar (crowbar recovered at scene), cash, TV, Playstation and jewelry taken. Feb. 25: 300 block of Campbell St., vehicle abandoned in the roadway towed. Feb. 26: 700 block of Velasco Ave., '02 Honda CRV recovered, stolen plate on car. Feb. 27: 1800 block of Sunnydale Ave., vandalism to building, broken window. Feb. 28: 100 block of Delta St., fraud, credit card theft. Mar. 2: 1100 block of Brussels St., stolen license plate. Mar. 2: First block of Cambridge St., '93 Honda Accord recovered. Mar. 2: 300 block of Campbell Ave., missing person, juvenile. Mar. 2: 1000 block of Goettingen St., death case, cause unknown. Mar. 2: Mill Street, 15 year-old Portola District boy arrested for battery. Mar. 3: Fratessa Ct., mental health intervention. Mar. 4: 3:30 p.m. 500 block of Raymond Ave., theft from locked vehicle. Mar. 4: First block of Velasco St., auto burglary. Mar. 5: 200 block of Blythdale Ave., threats suspect unknown. Mar. 5: Geneva and Brookdale Aves., battery, suspect unknown. Mar. 6: First block of Blythdale Ave., 47 year-old San Bruno man arrested on federal parole violation warrant. Mar. 6: 400 block of Campbell Ave., threats, suspect named. Mar. 6: Persia & Sunnydale Aves., one detained in garbage dumping investigation. Mar. 6: 200 block of Rutland St., found license plate. Mar. 7: 1800 block of Silliman St., mental health intervention. Mar. 8: Castillo St., three rifles seized by police during an investigation. Mar. 8: First block of Kelloch Ave., trespassing. Mar. 9: 4:50 p.m., 300 block of Argonaut Ave., burglary. Mar. 9: Occurred between 6 a.m. and 4:20 p.m., unlawful entry via front door, cash taken. Mar. 9: 6 p.m., 100 block of Rey St., burglary occurred between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., forced entry via front gate and door, computer taken. Mar. 9: First block of Blythdale Ave., 24 year-old Oakland man cited for possessing a switchblade knife. Mar. 9: First block of Burr Ave., battery, suspect named. Mar. 9: Hahn St. and Sunnydale Ave., theft, attended purse taken from Muni bus 9X line. Mar. 13: 5 p.m., 100 block of Britton St., burglary occurred between 2 and 3:15 p.m., forced entry via rear door, television, computer and cash taken. Mar. 13: 2200 block of Bayshore Blvd., 74 year old SOMA District resident arrested on local theft warrant. Mar 15. 4:45 p.m., 500 block of Brussels St., theft, entry made through open front door, loss was money and a bike. Mar. 15: 100 block of Blythdale Ave., '08 Ford Focus recovered. Mar. 15: 200 block of Blythdale Ave., battery, suspect named. Mar. 15: 100 block of Brookdale Ave., vandalism to parked car, slashed tires. Mar. 15: 1200 block of Sunnydale Ave., missing person: adult. Mar. 15: 400 block of Sunrise Way, mental health intervention. Mar. 15: Visitacion Ave. and Rutland St., vandalism to Muni bus shelter, broken window. Mar. 16: 300 block of Sawyer St., mental health intervention. Mar. 17: 10 p.m., 1800 block of Sunnydale Ave., burglary occurred between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., unlawful entry via unlocked bedroom window, video game and camera taken. Mar. 17: First block of Blythdale Ave., court order violation Mar. 17: First block of Blythdale Ave., resident reported that former boyfriend had trespassed at 5 am and brandished a handgun at 9 am. Mar. 17: 100 block of Blythdale Ave., 18 year old Pittsburg man arrested for possessing marijuana and cocaine for sale. Mar. 18: Ervine Street, '00 Dodge Durango recovered (vehicle had another car's license plate attached). Mar. 18: First block of Schwerin St., found person, juvenile. Mar. 18: First block of Tucker Ave., disturbing the peace. Mar. 18: Visitacion Ave. and Mansell St., mental health intervention. Mar. 19: 2400 block of Bayshore Blvd., mental health intervention. Mar. 19: 400 block of Campbell Ave., harassing phone calls. Mar. 20: 10:50 a.m., 500 block of Blanken Ave., entry made through front door that was smashed, no loss. Mar. 20: 8 p.m., 100 block of University Ave., entry made through metal security gate that was damaged, no loss. Mar. 20: 5:10 a.m., Sunnydale Ave. and Santos St., burglary. Free Saturday Classes at Garden for the Environment Free Saturday Urban Composting classes will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on both Apr. 4 and May 2 at Garden for the Environment, San Francisco's organic demonstration garden at 7th Avenue and Lawton Street. Since it's founding in 1990, the garden has operated as a demonstration site for small-scale urban ecological food production, organic gardening, compost education and low water-use landscaping. To pre-register, please call (415) 731-5627, or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org. The Garden for the Environment is Wheelchair accessible. …from the desk of the VVBOOM newsroom by Nick Wolff Leland Avenue Gaining Serious Momentum, it’s happening. In case you didn’t notice the congregation of merchants spilling out of the VVBOOM office onto Leland Avenue on the last Wednesday night in February, things are happening on Leland Avenue – big things. Over 30 stakeholders from the Leland Avenue business district packed into a standing room only meeting to discuss the creation of a Leland Avenue Merchant Watch Group. Engaged business owners and employees were joined by Ingleside Police Captain Denis O’Leary, fellow officers, San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SF SAFE) Business Security Specialist Furlishous Wyatt and VVBOOM, who joined forces to address community crime prevention. But this was no run of the mill safety meeting. It was the first of two inaugural Leland Avenue Merchant Watch meetings, the second of which (scheduled for business owners unable to attend Wednesday night) took place the following Saturday afternoon. It was there over a dozen additional Leland Avenue business district stakeholders convened with VVBOOM, SF SAFE and Ingleside Police to participate in the Merchant Watch initiative. When it was all said and done, over 80% of Leland Avenue merchants were engaged in Merchant Watch formation. This impressive showing of a unified business district signaled a new era in downtown Vis Valley, with a Leland Avenue merchant collaborative – greater than the sum of its parts. New lines of communication are being created between business owners up and down Leland Avenue -- from the Bank of America (6 Leland Avenue) on the corner of Leland and Bayshore Boulevard to Body, Soul and Spirit Salon (222 Leland Avenue) just west of Cora Street. Communication between Leland Avenue Merchant Watch members is critical not only to an effective safety program, but a cohesive business district. We’re just getting started – stay tuned. MMM… Dirty Popcorn and we’ve got it right here on Leland Avenue. What is Dirty Popcorn? Well, it’s popcorn that tastes like a meal. Still confused? Do a ( www.youtube.com ) search of ‘Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn’ to see first-hand why people love it so much. Better yet, come down to our retail storefront at 91 Leland Avenue and meet ‘Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn’ founder NaNoshka Johnson personally. If you want to hear a truly inspirational tale of entrepreneurship, ask her why she began making popcorn in the first place. NaNoshka is the latest local entrepreneur to participate in VVBOOM’s Microenterprise Program. In fact, her popcorn infusion has forced us to expand our retail storefront hours -- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn is available in a variety of sizes and price ranges; from the 1.5 ounce Mini Snack Pack for just $1.50, all the way up to the 2 gallon Party Pack for only $28.50. For more information visit: www.NoshsDirtyPopcorn.com or call 1-800.884.6505 (ext. 601). Warning – it can be addictive. Better in Red. Did you notice the bright red awning on Little Quiapo Bakery at 169 Leland Avenue? The eye-catching new awning is yet another investment on downtown Vis Valley. If the deliciously fresh bakery smells emanating from the bakery down Leland Avenue weren’t enough, they’ve added an attractive exterior design element to boot. Saturdays are Special at Randall Museum The Randall Museum offers drop-in, hands-on art and science workshops every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 199 Museum Way (off Roosevelt, above the Castro). Workshops are $3 per child; $5 for a parent and child combo. All kids under 8 must be with a paying adult. Call 554-9600 for further information. Apr. 4: Keep the rains coming, by making your own rain stick decorated with fabric and leather scraps. You can even bead your own handle! Apr. 11: Let the wind turbine in our front garden inspire you as you make your own hand-decorated, spinning wind turbine. Apr. 18: Let the sun shine! The days are getting longer (yay!). Make a shiny, silver and gold sun to hang on your door or in your window Apr. 25: Bug Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other regular Saturday activities include: Morning Family Ceramics from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ($5 per person workshop fee) Meet the Animals from 11:15 a.m. to 12 noon. Animal Feeding at 12 noon. *Golden Gate Model Railroad Club Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chess Gold Cup for VVMS in Tournament

The first known chess tournament in history between two SFUSD Middle Schools was played March 4 at host Everett Middle School (EMS) with Visitacion Valley Middle School (VVMS) taking home the San Francisco Middle School Chess Gold Cup.

VVMS first gained prominence last year in an article written by Mike Kepka of the S.F. Chronicle and is currently in its second year averaging more than 20 members on a daily basis. The EMS club is run by Shujaa Mjasiri, a doctoral candidate who worked at VVMS last year and is now at EMS by way of the Transcendental Mediation Quiet Time Program currently being integrated into both schools. Mjasiri organized the event with the help of Tyrone Anderson, a VVMS teaching assistant.

Tournament directors during the chess match included Mr. Madayag, who is one of four club directors and is responsible for VVMS wearing ties to the event; Mr. Laviolette, who came up with the idea of a chess club for VVMS; and Mr. Rulloda, who took the pictures at the tournament and works tirelessly showing students different aspects of the game of chess.

Getting down to the business of the tournament, the match featured 12 players and four reserves from each school, with three groups of four: advanced, intermediate, and beginner. In rounds 1 to 4, EMS beginner level won their division 8.5 to 7.5. In the same rounds VVMS intermediate level won their division 9.5 to 6.5. The last division, the advanced level was tied at a score of 8 to 8.

The match went back and forth all tournament and the second round ended with three draws. The tournament was so close in fact that it came down to the last match between Brandon Tang of VVMS and Mark Bihag of EMS, with the result ending in 25-23 score in favor of VVMS, who won the top honor. EMS won the Silver Cup.

The day ended with refreshments and an awards ceremony with individual tournament winners including:

*First Place Advanced: Timothy Lau; Intermediate: Joaqhin Shaw; and Beginner: Cuong Doan.

*Second Place Advanced: Brandon Tang, Mark Bihag, Bilgun Makhbal, Brandon Nguyen and Stainlee Quach; Intermediate: Calvin Mendiola and Thanh Nguyen; Beginner: Marc Ardanes.

The tournament, which may have its rubber match at the end of April, was a huge success and will hopefully encourage future tournaments. Tournament directors would like to thank all of the youth who took part in the event.

Church and Architect to be Honored

by Betty Parshall

On Sunday, April 19, St. James Presbyterian Church and the Visitacion Valley History Project will co-host a program celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the church and honoring famed architect Julia Morgan, who designed the 1923 building.

Mark Wilson, author of two books about Morgan and her work, will provide a talk with slides. Following his presentation refreshments will be served in the church social hall and visitors can view an historical display of church pictures and memorabilia.

Mr. Wilson will have his latest book for sale and be glad to answer further questions. Proceeds of the event will be shared, with one-third to the church and two-thirds to the library fund.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. As there is limited seating in the sanctuary you are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will be on sale at Joe Leland’s coffee shop, 28 Leland Ave., and at the VVBOOM office, 91 Leland. They may also be purchased by contacting Betty Parshall, phone 415-467-7423 or e-mail bparshal@flash.net
It is noted that the sanctuary of the church is not disabled-accessible.

New Visitacion Valley Library Moves Forward

The new Visitacion Valley Branch Library is becoming a reality. Demolition of the Super Fair Grocery store was slated to begin at the end of March with construction to follow.

Six contractors submitted bids to the City to build the new branch, with the apparent low bidder within the Library’s budget. Stay tuned for a ground breaking party coming soon.

The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library are organizing a neighborhood committee to fundraise for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new library. To learn more about the Visitacion Valley Library Campaign, please call Marian Chatfield-Taylor at 626-7512 ext. 103.

Valley Organizations Vie for
Community Grant Funding

by Russel Morine

Several Visitacion Valley Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are in the running to receive nearly $600,000 in funding through the annual allocation of Community Development Block Grants.

Each year the federal government grants major cities and counties “block grants” that must be used for community development at the local level.

In San Francisco, these grants are administered by the Mayors Office of Community Investment.

Allocation is based upon prior assessments and specific community needs.
CBOs throughout the city are encouraged to apply for this funding as a means to establish new community based services or to maintaining and improve existing services.

Eight Visitacion Valley CBOs made the list for preliminary funding. If the final recommendations are granted, the funds will be dispersed by mid 2009.

El Dorado Elementary School Happenings

by Lori Fetzer

Read Across America Day

Coordinated by Ms. Crum, the teacher-librarian at El Dorado Elementary School, students celebrated Read Across America Day on Monday, March 2nd.

Read Across America Day is the nation’s largest reading event held in conjunction with and commemorating Theodor Giesel’s (better known as Dr. Seuss) birthday. It is The National Education Association’s call for every child to be read to in the company of a caring adult.

At El Dorado, without 300 available adults, students paired up. Students met with their buddies. The buddy pairs participated in many Dr. Seuss inspired activities. Together the buddies choose books, read, played rhyming games, made green eggs and ham, colored bookmarks, and played Seuss Says, a modified version of Simon Says.

All students received one or two books to keep at home and share with their caring adults.

Pink Friday – S.O.S. Save Our School!

On Friday, March 13th, San Francisco residents and public school advocates were called upon to wear pink in support of SFUSD teachers and administrators who received pink slips.
Pink slips were received by more than half of the classroom teachers at El Dorado Elementary School.

Students and teachers felt the injustice of a system that threatened to lay off hard-working, well-liked, and supportive staff from an already hard to staff school.

Principal Tai Schoeman says, “I’ve worked hard for four years to fill this school with dedicated adults who want to be here, working with and in this community. It’s demoralizing to all of us to receive layoff notices because we want everyone to return.”

If you were watching the news that Friday afternoon, you may have seen coverage of the school’s rally. The teachers and students began their day on the school yard organizing and then proceeded to march from the school at Delta and Harkness to the corner of San Bruno and Paul. They wore pink, held pink signs, banged drums, and chanted and cheered.

The students felt positive and empowered. They knew they were doing something to educate the public and hopefully ensure stability in their community.

As one student said, “We don’t want to lose our teachers who care about us.”

McLaren Park News and Notes

by Betty Parshall

People Have Been Asking

A few people have asked me about the Philosopher’s Walk, a public art installation for McLaren Park. To fill in on the background for those who may not know, the San Francisco Art Commission sponsored an artists’ competition to develop a public art piece in McLaren Park. Community members met with three finalists who presented samples of their work and to hear what park users valued about McLaren. Several weeks later proposed designs were posted in the neighborhood and community folks completed survey sheets. After review of the public comments and the designs by the Art Commission, the artist team of Peter Richards and Susan Shwartzenberg were awarded the project.

The winners designed the “Philosopher’s Walk” which will follow existing trails with benches and markers along the way. The markers will describe the views, ecology, geography and history of the surrounding neighborhoods. Recycled materials will be used for benches and markers as much as possible.

In August 2008, Peter and Susan led a group of neighbors over the proposed walk, which provides wonderful views and covers the wide variety of terrain to be found in the park. All agreed that further discussion about the trail layout is needed, since the proposal had two crossings on Mansell, which could be hazardous to pedestrians. There was also a suggestion or two about other minor changes, e.g. where there are parallel trails should it be the lower or the higher? But everyone agreed that this walk will be a great benefit to visitors who want to enjoy all the natural features of the park with the occasional descriptive plaque and benches along the way for rest, relaxation and viewing.

To learn about the status of the project, I had a conversation with Jill Manton, the Public Arts Program Director. She told me that the artists are well organized and busy making as much advance preparation as possible. One example of this is that negotiations with the Department of Public Works have resulted in DPW agreeing to donate the curbstone materials that will be used for the benches (and perhaps the markers, I’m not sure). They have also engaged a cartographer in the project so that an accurate map will be provided for the installation.

There have been meetings with the Native Plants component of the Rec & Park Department who were concerned that the trail might infringe on sensitive native plant areas, and these concerns will be addressed. Accessibility for disabled persons is also a concern; so there are discussions going on about signage that will advise where there may be steep grades, and which parts of the walk are wheel-chair accessible. Also being discussed is the creation of a Web site that could provide a virtual tour so that people could enjoy the features of the walk even if unable to visit it in person.

Naturally all of these meetings and discussions by various parties take time, so it was good to learn that progress is being made and that we should be able to see some actual work starting in the not too distant future.

Spring is Sprung

It’s a fine time to walk the hills on a clear day, as the grass is green and the spring flowers are beginning to show some bloom. This column was composed on St. Patrick’s Day, and this morning Hope, Rory and Raven enjoyed the grass and miner’s lettuce, fresh and crisp, not too tough. Poppies, lupine and blue-eyed grass are starting to appear, along with some blooms we could not name. Next on the shopping list, a wild flower identification book. Of course some of the blooms we see aren’t necessarily wild, settlers may have planted them a long time ago or seeds carried by birds may have brought them here. In any case, you are encouraged to walk McLaren in the springtime and enjoy it all. Park regulars Lewis, Bobbie and Sadie are shown here.

Joe Leland ... Around the Neighborhood

*New ED at the VVCDC: Jennifer Dhillon has been replaced by Karen Gilbert as Executive Director of The Visitacion Valley Community Development Corporation. According to a statement from the VVCDC Board "Ms. Gilbert has more than twenty years of experience in organizational development. She has a Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She comes from the consulting firm Entrepren, which specializes in change management and has provided services to both for profit businesses and nonprofit organizations."

*Funk Out with ROCK: Funk out with R.O.C.K. is one of the hottest parties you will ever go to while 100 percent of proceeds benefit Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K.), Saturday, April 11, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Red Devil Lounge (1695 Polk St. at Clay). Featured will be live original, funk music by Stymie & The Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra. The mission of ROCK is to nurture the healthy development of children by listening attentively to their needs and by providing opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access. ROCK's programs are designed to serve girls and boys ages 6-17, who live or attend school in San Francisco's Visitacion Valley. The ROCK vision is to promote the positive development and long-term success of these youth, and this vision is reflected in three overarching program goals. www.rocksf.org

*Forsaken Buildings: Although it’s unlikely that any San Francisco property owner would walk away for a piece of local real estate, there are a few buildings in the neighborhood that have been forsaken to the point of abandonment. These eyesores not only hurt adjacent property values, they are dangerous fire hazards. Here’s four: 2458 Bayshore Blvd., 336 Lathrop Ave., 292 Arleta Ave., 316 Arleta Ave. If you know of more, let the Grapevine know!

*Vacant Lots Sale: At corner of Sunnydale Ave. and Hahn S.t, one will find a true San Francisco anomaly. Eight buildable vacant lots unable to be sold. Vacant as long as anyone can remember, the lots came close to being developed a few years ago but for some unknown reason the project stalled and was abandoned. Currently marketed as “31 Buildable parcels (condo's on top & retail space on bottom). 47 acre (20,473 sq. ft.). The city is motivated to help you move the project along. Great opportunity for developer/investor. Sell all units on top and cash in on the retail portion of this building. $3,950,000”. This translates to about $493,000 dollars per lot, which given the location may be overpriced by about $150,000 per lot.

*Zen Saying of the Month: Do not speak -- unless it improves on silence.

Events in April at Valley Branch Library

Following are events in April at the Visitacion Valley Branch Library, 45 Leland Ave.:

*Apr. 7, 14, 21 and 28, Tuesday: Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m.

*Apr. 8, Wednesday: Preschool Videos at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3-5.

*Apr. 14, Tuesday: Worm Composting at 1 p.m. Join The Garden for the Environment and dive deep into the worm composting bin. Plant a seed to take home. For ages 5 and older.

Buildings with Style in Visitacion Valley

by Russel Morine

Over the next few months the Grapevine will present this new feature Buildings with Style spotlighting Visitacion Valley buildings that exhibit notable architectural and stylistic characteristics. This month we feature styles that show evolution. Provincial Revivalism / Storybook stems from nostalgia of a different place and time while The Shoe Box/ Dingbat exhibits home grown practicality.

Housing styles (clockwise from top left): Dingbat, Fairytale, Shoebox and French.

Provincial Revivalism /Storybook

Provincial Revivalism grew out of the memories of veterans returning home from the battlefields of WWI Europe. “Provincial” refers to the various small towns and villages of the Old World with their distinct stylistic characteristics. “Revivalism” is the latter non-contextual mimicry of these forms. Generally this style was popularly from the early 1920’s to the mid 1930s. Provincial Revivalism is actually a catch all phrase that describes several country / regionally specific styles. For example French, Normandy, and Tudor are all stylistically distinct but are still considered forms of Provincial Revival style. In Visitacion Valley Provincial Revival homes are rare. The best (only?) example of a French Provincial Revival home can be found at the interception of Blanken Ave and Nueva Ave. The large second story window that breaks the eave line, small balconies and the steeply pitched roof are distinct features of the European origin. The embellishments above the windows and the decorative balcony supports also have a European flair.

Whereas Provincial Revivalism styles are modest reinterpretations of actual forms, Storybook style draws inspiration from the imagination. Storybook homes are purposefully whimsical, but still maintain a distinctly European flavor that connects their lineage back to the Provincial Revival style.

Storybook homes incorporate decorative details such as painted ginger bread, turrets, roof pinnacles, and faux stonework. They tend to look like miniaturized castles or cottages made for story book characters, hence the name. Arguable the best example of this style can be found at the intersection of Blanken Ave and Tocoloma Ave. Notable for its prominent rounded turret with a fortress like door, a steep roof with shingles that simulate thatched roofing materials. Upon closer inspection, one will notice that the stucco is imprinted to create a stonework illusion. The cross pollination of ideas can also be seen in the Spanish roof tiles above the minor windows. All of these features are purely decorative, designed to evoke the look of another time and place.

The Shoebox / Dingbat

Shoebox style is so simply that it is almost a non-style. Picture two shoe boxes stacked upon one another. Now add nondescript widows and characterless doors. This is the humble Shoebox. Usually clad in stucco these rectangular tract homes are built to the property line and have no side setbacks. They are typified by a flat roofline with little to no overhang, flat facades and double wide garaged doors. The windows and doors are best described as of the ‘off the shelf’ variety. What minimal trim they do have is often quirky, as if there was a last minute attempt to impress potential buyers. In Visitacion Valley, rarely are they built as standalone buildings. They tend to be found in clusters, built as infill housing by small developers during the 1960s and 1970s. Excellent examples of Shoebox style can be found along Nibbi Court in Little Hollywood and the 400-500 block of Raymond Ave. Because of their uniformity they have a mass production look and feel. This is often confused with ‘cheapness’ rather than affordable or entry level housing. In fact, the Shoebox is designed to maximize space and often they are priced at a premium because of their relative newness. The Shoebox may be derided for its total lack of imagination but through another lens it is elegant in its original minimalism. Stylistically no longer in favor, the Shoebox is a true 1960-1970s phenomenon.

Differing in scale, but not in the lack of imagination, The Dingbat is the multiunit expression of the single family Shoebox. Utilitarian to a fault, these 2-3 storied apartment buildings are a step above the motel. The ground floor is defined by a gapping open car port and ill-defined resident entryways. Plain and unoriginal as the Shoebox, location helps to define a true Dingbat. They are generally located along the margins of neighborhoods, near or directly next to non residential uses. Visitacion Valley’s sole Dingbat is located just off Geneva Blvd on Talbert St. This isolated location happens to be is steps away from an industrial site. The origin of the term “Dingbat” is somewhat debated, but it is agreed that the name was penned after the building emerged on the landscape. The name may stem from the earliest versions found in Southern California that had exterior decorative elements, pendant sconces, and lettering that resembled starburst and curvilinear shapes found in the typographical Dingbat Fonts set. Over time “Dingbat” became a purposeful slight of the uninspired architecture. Some are willing to extend this slight to anyone willing to live in such buildings. The Dingbat was popular from the late 1950s to the mid 1970s.

Next Month: The California Bungalow and The Marina.

Remembering John Siri, Sr.

Visitacion Valley was saddened to learn of the March 15 passing of John Siri, Sr. in Stanford at the age of 87.

A San Francisco native, Siri went to Balboa High School and was a WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Navy.

During his lifetime, he operated Siri's Supermarkets and Medallion Distributor, as well as the Piccolo Pete Deli on Bayshore Boulevard.

Visitacion Valley Police Report

Police Cases

*On Feb. 24 at 8:23 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of San Bruno Avenue regarding a fight. The officers located two subjects, in a verbal fight and attempted to detain them. One of the subjects began to resist the officers, while yelling and screaming obscenities. The officers struggled with the suspect for a few minutes before getting him into handcuffs and placing him in a patrol car. The subject then kicked at the patrol car window until the window came loose. Officers called for a wagon to transport the suspect to Bayview Station for booking.

*On Feb. 25 at 3:23 p.m. on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue, officers saw a wanted Sunnydale man and arrested the 28 year-old for robbery. The man had been identified in an earlier case from Market Street. His parole was violated, too.

*On Feb. 26 at 6:55 p.m., officers responded to Felton and Cambridge streets regarding a robbery. Officers met with two victims who stated that they were walking down the street when an unknown person came up behind them and pushed one of them to the ground. The suspects took the victim's purse and ran down the street. Neither victim was injured during the incident. The suspects were not located. Officers did find the victim's purse, which was missing a few items. Officers also spoke to a citizen who stated that he saw the incident and observed a vehicle drive away from the scene. Officers did not locate the car.

*On Feb. 27 at 4:40 p.m. on the 2500 block of Bayshore Boulevard, officers responded to a business regarding a robbery with a gun. Officers spoke to the victim who stated that he was at a carwash when a subject parked next to him and asked him if he wanted to buy a flat screen TV. The victim told the subject that he did not want to buy anything from him. The suspect then pulled a gun out of the car and pointed it at the victim, demanding his wallet. The victim gave the suspect the wallet. The suspect jumped into his car and drove off. The suspect was not located. The victim was not injured during the incident. At 7:45 p.m. at San Bruno and Wilde avenues, a 15 year-old Portola District male loaned his cell phone to a woman at a bus stop. She refused to return the phone and brandished a knife when he asked for it.

*On Feb. 28 at 6:45 p.m. on the 1100 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an officer investigated a family fight and arrested a 33-year old Sunnydale man for hitting his 72 year-old father over the head with a chair.

*On Mar. 2 at 6 p.m. on the 100 block of Blythdale Avenue, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and named a 20 year-old Oakland man as a suspect in a felony battery.

*On Mar. 3 at 12:25 a.m. at Bacon and Somerset streets, officers responded to a call of a robbery. Officers met with the victim who told them that he was just robbed at gun point by a suspect while trying to park his Taxi. The victim stated the suspect pulled up behind him and approached with a gun and told the victim to give him all of his money. The victim complied and the suspect got into his car and drove away. An officer searched for the suspect and vehicle, to no avail.

*On Mar. 5 at 7:25 p.m. at Sunnydale Avenue and Santos Street, a 29 year-old Visitacion Valley woman had her purse forcibly taken from her by a robber who pulled it from her lap as she sat on a Muni bus (#9 Line). At 9:05 p.m. on the 2200 block of Bayshore Boulevard, a 20 year-old Visitacion Valley woman was asked for the use of her phone by another woman. The first woman refused, was pushed to the ground and had her phone taken from her.

*On Mar. 7 at 8:30 a.m. on the 1600 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and named a 22 year-old Sunnydale man as a suspect in a felony battery case. At 7:30 p.m. on the 500 block of Argonaut Ave., a 54 year-old Visitacion Valley woman ran from a man and fell to the ground. Her pursuer pulled her backpack from her. He was described as a black male in his early 30s, 6'0 tall, 185 pounds, wearing a black hat, and a black hooded sweatshirt.

*On Mar. 8 at 10:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and arrested a 22 year-old Sunnydale man for felony assault and battery. At 7:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Sunnydale Avenue, officers stopped a motorist for an equipment violation. The man was ordered from the car becasue he had no drivers license. The man ran from the officers and eluded them when he was told that he would have to go with them to Ingleside Station in order to clear up the matter. His passenger identified the man and the officers learned that he was wanted on three local warrants. The investigation continues.

*On Mar. 12 at 10:13 p.m. along San Bruno Avenue, officers Cloud and Lucchetti responded to San Bruno Ave to investigate a shooting. Officers at the scene found casings and bullet holes in a parked car as well as casings inside the car. Officers then spoke with a victim who stated that he was inside his parked car when a suspect approached the car and pointed a gun at him. The suspect told the victim to move, so the victim put the car in reverse and left the area. The suspect fired numerous rounds at the victim’s car, but did not injure the victim. Officers searched for the suspect, to no avail. At 10:47 p.m. at Silver and University avenues, officers responded to Colby Street regarding a strong arm
robbery. Officers met with a victim, who stated that he was walking on the street when a suspect approached him from behind and demanded his wallet. The suspect then reached into the victim’s pocket and attempted to take his wallet, while simulating that he had a gun under his shirt. The victim continued walking towards his home, and the suspect pulled the victim’s backpack off the victim’s shoulder, knocking the victim to the ground. The victim held onto his belongings and yelled for help. The suspect, who was unable to take anything from the victim, fled the area. Officers searched for the suspect, to no avail.

*On Mar. 13 at 7:55 a.m. at Santos Street and Brookdale Avenue, a 17 year-old Visitacion Valley resident had her purse taken from her lap as she rode a Line 9X Muni bus. At 2:42 p.m.on the 600 block of Girard Street, members of Bayviews plainclothes team were in the area when they observed a vehicle which had damaged registration tabs. Officers lost the vehicle in the vicinity and then located it a few minutes later, unoccupied. Officers located the driver and conducted a search of his person. Officers found narcotics paraphernalia on him and suspected narcotics in his house. Officers placed the suspect under arrest and transported him to Bayview Station for booking. Officers cited another subject, who they located in the house and who also was on probation with a search condition.

*On Mar. 15 at 2 p.m. on the 100 block of Blythdale Avenue, a witness told officers that a resident was seen throwing burning clothing from an apartment window. The officers investigated and learned that the resident had found an ex-boyfriend's shirt in the apartment and set fire to it out of frustration. The officers admonished the woman. At 7:30 p.m. along San Bruno Avenue, a report was made of a robbery of a person who was punched in the face several times by two suspects after the suspects took the victim’s earphones. The victim told officers that the suspects also broke the victim’s glasses after the attack was over. No suspects were located. Loss was earphones.

*On Mar. 16: 6:45 p.m. on Hahn Street, an officer investigated a sexual abuse case and arrested a 36 year-old Visitacion Valley man for two counts of molestation.

*On Mar. 17 at 1:15 a.m. on Campbell Street at San Bruno Avenue, a 29 year-old Mission District woman was robbed of her cell phone and wallet by a man that she had met on the Muni T-line. He told her his name was Kane and she described him as a black male in his early '30s, 5'7" tall, 180 pounds, wearing all black. At 9:55 p.m., an officer responded to San Bruno Avenue regarding a theft. The officer spoke to the victim who stated that she was playing music on her iPhone on the bus when an unknown suspect came up to her and took the iPhone out of her hand. The suspect then got off the bus and left the area. The victim was not injured during the theft. The suspect was not located.

*On Mar. 18 at 6:30 a.m. on the 100 block of Santos Street, an officer investigated a Domestic Violence incident and arrested a 61 year-old Sunnydale man for making criminal threats and stealing his girlfriend's car. At 1:40 p.m. in McLaren Park, a 57 year-old Outer Sunset District woman and a 39 year-old Pacifica man argued over their dogs. He pushed her to the ground, kicked and punched her, and beat her with a length of hard plastic. The man fled the scene and SFFD medics treated the woman for her injuries. The man surrendered to officers at Ingleside Station that evening. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. At 4:50 p.m. on the 3700 block of San Bruno Avenue, a 24 year-old Hayward man beat his 42 year-old mother, a Portola District resident, about the face, threw her to the ground, stomped on her head, and strangled her. She escaped her attacker and flagged down a police sergeant. He arrested the son for attempted murder.

*On Mar. 19 at 9:45a.m. at Hamilton and Woolsey streets, police were advised of a burglary in progress and two suspects jumping over a fence and fleeing in a car. Responding officers located the vehicle and one of the two suspects. Officers searched the vehicle, pursuant to the suspect’s search condition and located suspected narcotics, narcotics paraphernalia and tools, consistent with items used for burglary. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to Bayview Station. The second suspect was located jumping over fences and was also placed under arrest. The victim told officers that nothing was taken from the residence. No one was injured. At 12:35 p.m. along the 2700 block of San Bruno Avenue, officers responded to a person brandishing a knife at another person. Headquarters advised that two suspects had threatened another with a knife. Officers located five suspects, who were all detained and then placed under arrest. Officers located weapons on several of the suspects, including the knife used to threaten the victim. The victim was not injured during the incident. The Gang Task Force responded to take over the investigation, due to the suspect’s gang affiliations.

*On Mar. 20 at 3:30 p.m. on Bayshore Boulevard at Arleta Avenue, a 16 year-old Visitacion Valley male was robbed at knifepoint by two Hispanic males in their late teens. The victim lost his mp3 player in the theft. At 6 p.m. on Carrizal Street, two residents of a home, a 23 year-old man and a 21 year-old woman, were arrested by members of the SFPD Narcotics Detail on charges of sales and possession of cocaine. At 8:30 p.m. on the first block of Blythdale Avenue, a police sergeant investigated a Domestic Violence incident and arrested a 60 year-old Sunnydale man for felony battery and for making criminal threats.

Police Summaries

*Feb. 23: First block of Delta St., '01 Dodge van stolen.

*Feb. 23: 200 block of Rey St., '09 Chevrolet Cobalt recovered, cocaine and indecia recovered inside car, suspect questioned and released.

*Feb. 24: 2:20 p.m., Castillo St., burglary occurred between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., forced entry through gate and front door with crowbar (crowbar recovered at scene), cash, TV, Playstation and jewelry taken.

*Feb. 25: 300 block of Campbell St., vehicle abandoned in the roadway towed.

*Feb. 26: 700 block of Velasco Ave., '02 Honda CRV recovered, stolen plate on car.

*Feb. 27: 1800 block of Sunnydale Ave., vandalism to building, broken window.

*Feb. 28: 100 block of Delta St., fraud, credit card theft.

*Mar. 2: 1100 block of Brussels St., stolen license plate.

*Mar. 2: First block of Cambridge St., '93 Honda Accord recovered.

*Mar. 2: 300 block of Campbell Ave., missing person, juvenile.

*Mar. 2: 1000 block of Goettingen St., death case, cause unknown.

*Mar. 2: Mill Street, 15 year-old Portola District boy arrested for battery.

*Mar. 3: Fratessa Ct., mental health intervention.

*Mar. 4: 3:30 p.m. 500 block of Raymond Ave., theft from locked vehicle.

*Mar. 4: First block of Velasco St., auto burglary.

*Mar. 5: 200 block of Blythdale Ave., threats suspect unknown.

*Mar. 5: Geneva and Brookdale Aves., battery, suspect unknown.

*Mar. 6: First block of Blythdale Ave., 47 year-old San Bruno man arrested on federal parole violation warrant.

*Mar. 6: 400 block of Campbell Ave., threats, suspect named.

*Mar. 6: Persia & Sunnydale Aves., one detained in garbage dumping investigation.

*Mar. 6: 200 block of Rutland St., found license plate.

*Mar. 7: 1800 block of Silliman St., mental health intervention.

*Mar. 8: Castillo St., three rifles seized by police during an investigation.

*Mar. 8: First block of Kelloch Ave., trespassing.

*Mar. 9: 4:50 p.m., 300 block of Argonaut Ave., burglary.

*Mar. 9: Occurred between 6 a.m. and 4:20 p.m., unlawful entry via front door, cash taken.

*Mar. 9: 6 p.m., 100 block of Rey St., burglary occurred between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., forced entry via front gate and door, computer taken.

*Mar. 9: First block of Blythdale Ave., 24 year-old Oakland man cited for possessing a switchblade knife.

*Mar. 9: First block of Burr Ave., battery, suspect named.

*Mar. 9: Hahn St. and Sunnydale Ave., theft, attended purse taken from Muni bus 9X line.

*Mar. 13: 5 p.m., 100 block of Britton St., burglary occurred between 2 and 3:15 p.m., forced entry via rear door, television, computer and cash taken.

*Mar. 13: 2200 block of Bayshore Blvd., 74 year old SOMA District resident arrested on local theft warrant.

*Mar 15. 4:45 p.m., 500 block of Brussels St., theft, entry made through open front door, loss was money and a bike.

*Mar. 15: 100 block of Blythdale Ave., '08 Ford Focus recovered.

*Mar. 15: 200 block of Blythdale Ave., battery, suspect named.

*Mar. 15: 100 block of Brookdale Ave., vandalism to parked car, slashed tires.

*Mar. 15: 1200 block of Sunnydale Ave., missing person: adult.

*Mar. 15: 400 block of Sunrise Way, mental health intervention.

*Mar. 15: Visitacion Ave. and Rutland St., vandalism to Muni bus shelter, broken window.

*Mar. 16: 300 block of Sawyer St., mental health intervention.

*Mar. 17: 10 p.m., 1800 block of Sunnydale Ave., burglary occurred between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., unlawful entry via unlocked bedroom window, video game and camera taken.

*Mar. 17: First block of Blythdale Ave., court order violation

*Mar. 17: First block of Blythdale Ave., resident reported that former boyfriend had trespassed at 5 am and brandished a handgun at 9 am.

*Mar. 17: 100 block of Blythdale Ave., 18 year old Pittsburg man arrested for possessing marijuana and cocaine for sale.

*Mar. 18: Ervine Street, '00 Dodge Durango recovered (vehicle had another car's license plate attached).

*Mar. 18: First block of Schwerin St., found person, juvenile.

*Mar. 18: First block of Tucker Ave., disturbing the peace.

*Mar. 18: Visitacion Ave. and Mansell St., mental health intervention.

*Mar. 19: 2400 block of Bayshore Blvd., mental health intervention.

*Mar. 19: 400 block of Campbell Ave., harassing phone calls.

*Mar. 20: 10:50 a.m., 500 block of Blanken Ave., entry made through front door that was smashed, no loss.

*Mar. 20: 8 p.m., 100 block of University Ave., entry made through metal security gate that was damaged, no loss.

*Mar. 20: 5:10 a.m., Sunnydale Ave. and Santos St., burglary.

Free Saturday Classes at Garden for the Environment

Free Saturday Urban Composting classes will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on both Apr. 4 and May 2 at Garden for the Environment, San Francisco's organic demonstration garden at 7th Avenue and Lawton Street.

Since it's founding in 1990, the garden has operated as a demonstration site for small-scale urban ecological food production, organic gardening, compost education and low water-use landscaping. To pre-register, please call (415) 731-5627, or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org. The Garden for the Environment is Wheelchair accessible.

…from the desk of the VVBOOM newsroom

by Nick Wolff

Leland Avenue Gaining Serious Momentum, it’s happening. In case you didn’t notice the congregation of merchants spilling out of the VVBOOM office onto Leland Avenue on the last Wednesday night in February, things are happening on Leland Avenue – big things. Over 30 stakeholders from the Leland Avenue business district packed into a standing room only meeting to discuss the creation of a Leland Avenue Merchant Watch Group. Engaged business owners and employees were joined by Ingleside Police Captain Denis O’Leary, fellow officers, San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SF SAFE) Business Security Specialist Furlishous Wyatt and VVBOOM, who joined forces to address community crime prevention. But this was no run of the mill safety meeting. It was the first of two inaugural Leland Avenue Merchant Watch meetings, the second of which (scheduled for business owners unable to attend Wednesday night) took place the following Saturday afternoon. It was there over a dozen additional Leland Avenue business district stakeholders convened with VVBOOM, SF SAFE and Ingleside Police to participate in the Merchant Watch initiative. When it was all said and done, over 80% of Leland Avenue merchants were engaged in Merchant Watch formation. This impressive showing of a unified business district signaled a new era in downtown Vis Valley, with a Leland Avenue merchant collaborative – greater than the sum of its parts. New lines of communication are being created between business owners up and down Leland Avenue -- from the Bank of America (6 Leland Avenue) on the corner of Leland and Bayshore Boulevard to Body, Soul and Spirit Salon (222 Leland Avenue) just west of Cora Street. Communication between Leland Avenue Merchant Watch members is critical not only to an effective safety program, but a cohesive business district. We’re just getting started – stay tuned.

MMM… Dirty Popcorn and we’ve got it right here on Leland Avenue. What is Dirty Popcorn? Well, it’s popcorn that tastes like a meal. Still confused? Do a ( www.youtube.com ) search of ‘Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn’ to see first-hand why people love it so much. Better yet, come down to our retail storefront at 91 Leland Avenue and meet ‘Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn’ founder NaNoshka Johnson personally. If you want to hear a truly inspirational tale of entrepreneurship, ask her why she began making popcorn in the first place. NaNoshka is the latest local entrepreneur to participate in VVBOOM’s Microenterprise Program. In fact, her popcorn infusion has forced us to expand our retail storefront hours -- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn is available in a variety of sizes and price ranges; from the 1.5 ounce Mini Snack Pack for just $1.50, all the way up to the 2 gallon Party Pack for only $28.50. For more information visit: www.NoshsDirtyPopcorn.com or call 1-800.884.6505 (ext. 601). Warning – it can be addictive.

Better in Red. Did you notice the bright red awning on Little Quiapo Bakery at 169 Leland Avenue? The eye-catching new awning is yet another investment on downtown Vis Valley. If the deliciously fresh bakery smells emanating from the bakery down Leland Avenue weren’t enough, they’ve added an attractive exterior design element to boot.

Saturdays are Special at Randall Museum

The Randall Museum offers drop-in, hands-on art and science workshops every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 199 Museum Way (off Roosevelt, above the Castro). Workshops are $3 per child; $5 for a parent and child combo. All kids under 8 must be with a paying adult. Call 554-9600 for further information.

*Apr. 4: Keep the rains coming, by making your own rain stick decorated with fabric and leather scraps. You can even bead your own handle!

*Apr. 11: Let the wind turbine in our front garden inspire you as you make your own hand-decorated, spinning wind turbine.

*Apr. 18: Let the sun shine! The days are getting longer (yay!). Make a shiny, silver and gold sun to hang on your door or in your window

*Apr. 25: Bug Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other regular Saturday activities include:

*Morning Family Ceramics from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ($5 per person workshop fee)

*Meet the Animals from 11:15 a.m. to 12 noon.

*Animal Feeding at 12 noon.

*Golden Gate Model Railroad Club Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.