The designation “San Francisco” was first applied to the San Francisco Bay in the early-16th Century when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into the inlet. Cabrillo named the bay, and the surrounding expanse, for Saint Francis of Assisi, a Catholic monk identified with poverty, charity, and humility. In 1775 Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de… Keep Reading
Now through 3/2 SaturdayLunar New Year: Dragon on ParadeZodiac on Parade features five wooden dragon statues installed in and around San Francisco. The publicly submitted artwork reflects upon the culture, people, and traditions surrounding the Chinese New Year. For more information on the installations, planning a route to find all five dragons, and details for… Keep Reading
In November a staffed Pit Stop public toilet opened in Franklin Square Park. Friends of Franklin Square hope that the temporary toilet will ultimately be replaced with a permanent facility. Franklin Square Park Pit Stop costs $290,000 a year, paid by San Francisco Public Works. That covers staffing, unit rental, water, soap, hand towels, a… Keep Reading
Potrero Hill was mostly used as pastureland by European settlers during the 19th Century. The earthquake and fire of 1906 triggered mass migration into the community from adjacent neighborhoods, including South of Market, with newcomers establishing modest dwellings. As Dogpatch industrialized, the Hill’s population increased, with residents commuting to shipyard and canning companies. The Great… Keep Reading
Enola D. “Miz” Maxwell, Sophenia “Sophie” Maxwell, and Edward Hatter are part of a generational line of civic advocates, which began with Enola’s arrival to Potrero Hill. Enola was born on August 30, 1919, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She moved with her children, Barbara and Ronnie, to San Francisco in 1949, following her mother, Lena… Keep Reading
One of my dominant childhood memories is of my father’s constant quest to get something for nothing. He’d pile my three sisters, my mom and me into our station wagon and troll the streets for shopping center and bank openings offering free cookies, balloons, and plastic key chains. I’d eaten hundreds of those flower-shaped shortbread… Keep Reading
Political Fallout Farley’s has been a Potrero Hill small business stalwart for coming up on 35 years, fostering community by sponsoring an annual Halloween pet parade, inviting artists and musicians to share their craft, and creating a homey place for families and friends to enjoy a cuppa and a snack. It has a newsstand! Which… Keep Reading
I knew going into the SIT Study Abroad program in South Africa last fall that I’d be one of two white undergraduates in a group of less than a dozen students, each of whom came from a different American university. I took no issue with being a minority, rather seeing it as a learning opportunity.… Keep Reading
On March 5, 2024, San Francisco voters will be asked to decide whether to remove two Superior Court judges from the bench, elect generally behind-the-scenes but influential Democratic (and Republican) party officials, and weigh in on proposals to combat drug addiction and manage the police department, among other contentious issues. Below is an early taste of… Keep Reading
The federal 1949 Housing Act authorized demolition and reconstruction of urban neighborhoods that were considered slums. Under the legislation, “redevelopment” targeted low income and non-white neighborhoods. In the 1960s, with its old Victorian houses and mostly Black population, the Fillmore became the focus of San Francisco’s urban renewal. Jazz clubs were shuttered. Businesses torn down.… Keep Reading
1/9 TuesdayTheater: Introduction to Improv In this three-hour workshop learn the basics of improvised theatre – spontaneity, playfulness, creativity, listening, storytelling, and more – through games and exercises. Coaches create a safe, inviting environment for trying new things and taking risks. Stretch your boundaries – just a bit, no pressure – while meeting new people and… Keep Reading
Last fall at Power Station, a 29-acre mixed-use project in Dogpatch, shovel hit dirt to inaugurate development of The Maxwell, a 105-unit affordable apartment complex. The building is named after Sophenia “Sophie” Maxwell, who served as District 10 Supervisor from 2001 to 2011. Maxwell is the daughter of Enola Maxwell, founder and former director of… Keep Reading
Though he lives on 20th Street, Patrick Mākuakane is mindful of and dedicated to his Hawaiian roots. Mākuakane is a hula dancer and kumu hula, or teacher. A San Franciscan for 38 years, and Potrero Hill resident two-thirds of that time, Mākuakane is the founder and director of the Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu… Keep Reading
A flurry of failed renovations at 945 Minnesota Street has left the property unprotected from the elements, prompting concerns by community members and municipal departments. “It’s a complete eyesore for the neighborhood,” said Dogpatch resident Janet Carpinelli. “The building is being neglected in the midst of construction and ruined. The building is open to the rain, mold, and intrusion by… Keep Reading
Ask pretty much any San Franciscan what’s wrong with their City and they’ll quickly come up with a passionate, well-considered, response: too many mentally unstable people living on sidewalks; streets are filthy; schools aren’t effectively educating students, especially Hispanics and African-Americans; local government spends too much and is too ineffective; retail crime and car break-ins… Keep Reading
Float A floating home in Mission Creek, a long throw away from Oracle Park, is on the market for $1.25 million. The houseboat, which is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, is located at the end of a dock of 20 other such boat-homes, only five of which have ever gone up for sale, according… Keep Reading
The View canvassed its readers to identify individuals who volunteer their time to make a positive difference in their community, some of whom are described in this article. The paper welcomes nominations of others. Alice Rogers has served as South Beach | Rincon | Mission Bay Neighborhood Association (SBRMBNA) president since 2018, initially joining the… Keep Reading
Last month, Friends of Jackson Park held its first in-person meeting at the Jackson Clubhouse since 2019. Roughly 100 people attended, including District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, District 11 Supervisor and San Francisco mayoral candidate Ahsha Safai, and mayoral candidate and Potrero Hill resident Daniel Lurie. The two-hour event focused on briefing community members on… Keep Reading
Earlier this year, Ericka Lacayo, a popular Potrero Kids preschool teacher, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, an aggressive breast cancer. The cancer hasn’t metastasized, but requires aggressive treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Lacayo began her leave of absence from Potrero Kids last month, after raising $20,000 as part of a GoFundMe… Keep Reading
Three new eateries opened last fall in Potrero Hill. Restaurant and hospitality management company, Bacchus Management Group, is offering an upscale Italian trattoria, a classic counter-style burger joint, and a coffee shop featuring gourmet doughnuts. The three establishments are nestled side by side on the corner of Carolina and Mariposa streets at the base of… Keep Reading
Almost every Sunday my mom, brother and I would go to the matinee at the New Potrero Theatre on 18th and Connecticut streets. We’d have our usual lunch of pasta, quickly do the dishes and be at the movie house before the 1 p.m. start. The theatre was owned and operated by a couple, Mr.… Keep Reading
12/2 SaturdayArt: Shasta Garcia Watercolor Demo at ARCHLocal designer Shasta Garcia will demonstrate her preferred watercolor setup using her handmade ceramic watercolor palettes. These one-of-a-kind palettes are functionally beautiful. Drop by anytime during the event. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. ARCH Art Supplies, 1490 17th Street. For more information and to reserve a space:… Keep Reading
I’ve always been fascinated with maps. In middle school I used to make driving direction maps that my school district printed on football flyers. They included major roads, school buildings, and landmarks. Exactly what the audience needed, nothing more or less. Eventually smart phones turned ubiquitous and a few mapping monopilies manifested. Now our maps… Keep Reading
The first All-American Soap Box Derby, advertised as ‘the greatest amateur racing event in the world’, was held in San Francisco on July 31, 1936. The event drew thousands of spectators and a hundred participants to Carolina Street between 19th and Mariposa streets. Racers sped past the Pioneer & Queen Lily Soap factory at 18th… Keep Reading
The View canvassed its readers to identify individuals who volunteer their time to make a positive difference in their community, some of whom are described in this article. The paper welcomes nominations of others. Keith Goldstein has served as Potrero Dogpatch Merchants Association (PDMA), president for 20 years. PDMA has 106 member companies. Goldstein, a… Keep Reading