June 2008

Short Cuts

Go Fish

Dogpatch-based Moshi Moshi Sushi and Grill, which has been serving sushi and teriyaki for more than two decades, is now open for Sunday dinner, from 4 to 9 p.m.…The new nighttime hours may not sit well with a blogger at sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/potrerohill.shtml, who, in a seven-year- old posting, wrote “The fog lifts over Potrero Hill before most of the rest of San Francisco, and daytime walks are one of its great draws. However, nighttime is a different story; besides at nightclubs and around 18th Street’s restaurants and cafés, Potrero Hill can get deserted in a hurry, and care should be taken in deciding where to go for an evening stroll.”  While there are periodic crime waves in San Francisco – and a recent rash of muggings and car thefts in Bernal Heights, Liberty Hill, and Potrero Hill suggests we’re in one now – the remedy isn’t to stay home.  By and large Potrero Hill is a safe community in which to perambulate, and what’s the point of living in a city if you don’t go out at night?  If you don’t feel safe walking, then let our local police and District 10 supervisor know about it.

Hill Bottoms

Potrero’s Bottom of the Hill, which Rolling Stone magazine says is “the best place to hear live music in San Francisco,” and which Potrero Booster Neighborhood Association president Tony Kelly calls a “model entertainment venue,” is in danger of losing its liquor license.  The 18-year-old club has been notified by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that its food sales aren’t sufficiently robust to merit associated liquor sales.  Community members who’d like to see the establishment retain its right to serve drinks, and thereby remain in business, should let ABC’s Ross Glen know their feelings:  71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco  94105.  In the meantime, order more food when you visit.

Singing Sensation

Heidi Moss, who was profiled in last month’s View as a finalist in KDFC’s 2008 Classical Star Search competition, wasn’t selected as the contest’s winner.  But the Potrero Hill mom received a standing ovation for her performance, and, since she was competing against two pianists, was the first place vocalist.  How do you compare singing with piano playing anyway?

It’s a Grand Old Flag

In the wake of an April letter in the View complaining about its poor condition, the “filthy rag” that was flying at Pioneer Square, 555 De Haro Street, has been replaced with a new beautiful flag.  That’s a reason to stand-up and salute!

Help Wanted

Community members are raising funds to help pay for Kristen Lyons’, known as Tiana, medical care.  The 41-year-old mother of four-year-old Olive and wife of Leo Bersamina, who has an art studio on Mississippi and 17th streets, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer two months ago.  Tiana is being treated with chemotherapy and traditional medicine, as well as less conventional interventions that aren’t covered by insurance, including Chinese medicine and nutrition.  Information about how to contribute can be found at www.friendsoftiana.com.

Taking Care of Business

The Small Business Assistance Center, which is dedicated to serving the needs of San Francisco businesses with fewer than 100 employees, opened last month.  The Center’s case managers can help small firms with issues related to business start-up and expansion; permits; procurement; compliance with laws and regulations; and resource referrals.  For assistance call 554.6134 or email martha.yanez@sfgov.org

Don’t Bank on It

In the midst of the nation’s financial melt-down, in which property owners with superlative credit have had their equity lines unilaterally cut, Union Bank has been yanking its customers’ insurance chain.  Over the past year the bank has been making multiple niggling requests, some of which are either incorrect or contradictory, that its borrowers provide proof of property insurance.  While the mortgage holders work through the paperwork process, the bank slaps high-cost coverage on their loan, in one case assessing $18,000 in annual premiums on a property that was legitimately being insured for less than $6,000.   Under federal law banks aren’t allowed to place duplicate insurance on a property or reject valid evidence that it’s already insured.  Everyone in the business knows that lenders ask for paperwork over and over again, but this particular scam doesn’t instill confidence that our banking system is on the rebound.

Exchange Students

Nonprofit AFS-USA needs families to host international high school students for six months beginning this August.  AFS students come from more than 40 countries, and represent a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Local AFS volunteers enroll the students in high school, and provide support to students and their host families.  AFS is also looking for folks who want to volunteer to work locally with families and their hosted students.  For information: www.afs.org/usa/hostfamily  1.800.AFS.INFO.

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