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North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association
Nov/Dec 2015
New Lights Installed in
Panhandle Park
By Dera-Jill Pozner
The new lights were quick to install and should last 20 years.
Photo: Dera-Jill Pozner
Panhandle Park is a safer, brighter, more energy-efficient place, thanks to
the September installation of upgraded LED lighting in all existing lamp
posts. The new lights also mark the completion of Phase 1 of the neighborhood-
initiated Panhandle Park Improvements project.
Members of the North of the Panhandle Neighborhood Association
(NOPNA), Panhandle Residents Organization Stanyan-Fulton (PROSF) and
Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council (HANC) have been working since
January 2014 to champion park improvements. Many neighbors have shared
input on much-needed safety improvements at more than a dozen community
meetings. Most of the planned improvements are funded by $500,000 from
District Supervisor London Breed’s 2014-16 budget add-backs.
Although the old lights were in good condition, neighbors determined they
were too dim and burnt out too frequently. The resulting dark zones posed a
safety threat.
(Continued on page 3)
Calendar of
Events
Divisadero Farmers Market
Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Grove Street between Divisadero
and Broderick
SFPD Park Station
Community Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m.
Park Station, 1899 Waller St.
SFPD Northern Station
Community Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.
Northern Station, 1125 Fillmore St.
Panhandle Park
Community Work Day
Saturday, Jan. 9, 9–11 a.m.
Meet at the bulletin board in
Panhandle Park, near playground
NOPNA MEETING
Thursday, Jan. 21
7 p.m.: Informal get-together
7:30 p.m.: General Meeting
OASIS CAFE
901 Divisadero St. @ McAllister
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 1
North Panhandle News is published for the residents, businesses,
and friends of our neighborhood, which is bounded by Masonic
Avenue and Turk, Divisadero and Fell Streets.
Publisher: NOPNA Board of Directors
Managing Editor: Libby Estell
Production Editor: Mimi Sparrow
Graphic Designer: Lisa Eastlack
Distribution: Will Valentine
Printing: Image Printing, San Francisco (415-553-7788)
NOPNA’s mission: The purpose of this association shall be to
establish neighborhood unity, maintain multi-ethnic and multi-cultural
diversity, foster a sense of neighborhood pride, promote a safe and
clean community, and improve the quality of life for all residents of
the neighborhood.
CONTACT NOPNA by email: board@nopna.org
GET the NEWS?—PAY your DUES!
Your NOPNA membership gives us a stronger voice at City Hall and
supports our efforts to create a clean, safe, and friendly
neighborhood.
Please join us! You can sign up online at nopna.org.
For more information, call 415-267-6113.
From the Board
By Charles DuPigny
As we approach the end of
the year, there are many
wonderful things we can all be
thankful for. At the beginning
of the year, I expressed the
importance of community
involvement and shared
how the North of Panhandle
Neighborhood Association’s past
accomplishments had enticed my own involvement.
This year NOPNA continued its record of
achievement. In 2015, we recruited more volunteers
from the neighborhood, and they contributed countless
hours to this newsletter, the neighborhood sidewalk sale,
summer block party, Halloween and holiday festivities
and other endeavors.
We also reached a milestone in the Panhandle Park
Improvement project when new energy efficient lights
were installed in the park. NOPNA believes these will
light the way to a safer, more beautiful park for our
community.
Also in 2015, our neighborhood saw changes and
proposed developments that will make an impact along
Divisadero and in NoPa as a whole. NOPNA brought
together advocates, elected officials, and residents to
highlight legislation and propose ways we can shape
a better neighborhood.
We know our work is not yet done, but for now, on
the behalf of NOPNA’s all-volunteer board, we thank
you. We acknowledge you, our volunteers, officials,
advocates, neighbors and those who might feel their
efforts go unnoticed in the community. As we head
into a new year, NOPNA believes with continued joint
effort, NoPa will continue to shine.
Charles DuPigny is vice president of the NOPNA board.
Page 2
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
New Lights (from page 1)
In search of a solution, neighbors
reached out to Holophane, which
manufactured the original fixtures
about 20 years ago. The company did
not have an LED retrofit compatible
with the existing cement poles. The
lamp posts are common to many
San Francisco parks, so Holophane
designed and manufactured a
new product.
Panhandle Park is the showcase
project for this new and economical
LED retrofit light. Only the internal
transformer and lamp need to be changed,
while reusing all of the remaining fixture
parts. The new lights take only about
20 minutes each to install.
In addition to the improved
visibility they provide, the LED and
photocell have a 100,000-hour rating
and should last 20 years with little to
no required maintenance. What’s
more, energy usage has been cut
by 60 percent.
So what’s next for the Panhandle
Park Improvements project? Phase 2
will include signage with rules and
wayfinding, new benches, new waste
bins, bike racks and water filling
stations. Work is expected to begin
this summer.
Phase 3 includes the repaving of
the entire pedestrian path along Oak St
and all cross paths, which neighbors
identified as their highest priority
during community outreach. The
Recreation & Parks Department is
designing irrigation upgrades for
the park, which will be coordinated
with Phase 3. Although Phase 3
has been conceptually approved by
the parks commission, it is not yet
funded. NOPNA, PRO SF, and
HANC continue to request funding
support from the commission and
Supervisor Breed.
There are also plans for a complete
overhaul of the playground The
project is funded and awaiting the
assignment of an RPD project
manager to kick it off.
Visit panhandleparkimprovements.com
for more information.
Dera-Jill Pozner is a NOPNA board
member and architect who practices
in NoPa.
You Can Prevent Textiles From Entering Landfills
By Brandon Northart
Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo
and Marin has teamed up with the San Francisco
Department of the Environment and the Youth Leadership
Institute to eliminate textiles from landfills. While textiles
are generally seen as woven materials like clothing and
linens, they also include items such as shoes, purses,
backpacks, jewelry and other accessories. Americans are
buying more textiles than ever. What happens when you
don’t want those old jeans anymore?
Since textiles are not suitable for recycle and compost
bins, they often end up in the landfill. A lot of attention has
been brought to recycling plastics, glass and paper, but did
you know the greenhouse gas savings from textile recycling
is greater than all three of those materials combined?
Reducing textile waste plays a pivotal role in achieving
our city’s of zero waste by 2020. Despite diverting 80
percent of its overall waste, San Francisco sends 4,500
pounds of textiles to landfills every hour, enough to fill
1,500 Muni buses. Most of the 39 million pounds of textiles
we send to the waste stream each year can be reused or
recycled into insulation material, flooring, packaging, or
cushioning in stuffed toys, insoles, and bags.
Here are some ways you can reduce textile waste:
Photo: Shutterstock
• Reduce new clothing purchases or buy used.
• Reuse your textiles as much as possible.
• Donate your used textiles to an organization that will
reuse or recycle and provide benefits to local people.
• Demand extended producer responsibility and access
to landfill alternatives.
Together we can tackle zero waste, one textile at a time.
Brandon Northart is the sustainability coordinator for Good-
will Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin.
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 3
Halloween Brings Costumes, Candy and Cannon
Fire to Grove Street
By Mimi Sparrow
Grove Street residents pulled out
all the stops to entertain revelers
at the annual NOPNA Halloween party
on Oct. 31. Families, residents and
friends decked out in zany costumes
of all persuasions strolled from house
to house, enjoying spooky garages,
graveyard gardens, and the Rusty
Squid, a pirate ship complete with a
cannon that shot candy from a second-
story window. Neighbors greeted
each other, enjoyed candy and treats,
and admired each other’s creative
costumes and makeup. The costume
contest was a popular draw, as always,
with awards given out to many scarily-
clad youngsters.
band provided the music. Many
thanks also go to all of the resident-
hosts of Grove Street; Sara Leeder,
who created the flyers; NOPNA
Board members and event volunteers;
District Supervisor London Breed,
who assisted with the costume contest;
and Captain John Sanford and the
SFPD for making sure all was safe
during and after the party.
2
Deep thanks and appreciation go
to everyone who helped make the
party a success. The event’s Premier
Sponsor, Jennifer Rosdail of Paragon
Real Estate Group, sponsored the
costume contest and provided prizes
for winners. Target stores donated $50
worth of candy for trick-or-treaters,
and the University of San Francisco
4
1
3
5
Page 4
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
9
6
8
7
1. Scary cheerleaders were to die for. 2. District 5 Supervisor London Breed and legislative aide Vallie Brown caught up with NOPNA
board member Leela Gill. 3. Grove Street residents gave out treats. 4. The Rusty Squid’s cannon shot candy from a second-floor
window. 5. Three sugar skull girls won their age group in the costume contest. 6. Ghosts played Scrabble. 7. Super Mario family
costume. 8 and 9. Kids trick-or-treated along Grove Street. Photos: Mimi Sparrow and Lisa Eastlack
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 5
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015www.nopna.orgPage 6The changes just keep coming to the 30 square blocks we call home. It’s a lot to keep track of, so we’ve outlined the latest openings, closings and other news here.RETAILDEVELOPMENTOut and AboutBy Libby EstellPhotos: Hoodline.com (Cane), HauteLiving.com (Salt), Topetcher Architecture (Harding), Lisa Eastlack (Filming), Libby Estell (all others)Panhandle Home, a shop specializing in pillows and chandeliers, opened Oct. 30 at the corner of Hayes and Broderick streets. It shares the space with home staging and interior design firm Arthur McLaughlin & Associates, which took over the former Osso & Co space just over a year ago.Portland, Oregon-based leather goods maker Tanner Goods opened just before Thanksgiving in the former Cara Glass workshop at 651 Divisadero St. RESTAURANTSVegetarian restaurant Herbivore closed its doors in October after 16 years on Divisadero. Its Mission and Berkeley locations remain open.The owners of Namu Gaji in the Mission have filed an application for a beer and wine license at 553 Divisadero, the space occupied by Jay’s Cheesesteak since 2001. The new restaurant is to be called Namu Stonepot, but there’s no word on when the transition will occur.Plans for renovation of the Harding Theater and the construction of a five-story condominium building have been released. They call for a bar/arcade called Emporium in the former theater, two retail storefronts on either side and seven residences around the corner at 1282 Hayes. An architect filed a preliminary planning assessment in October to demolish both 1735 and 1751 Fulton St., currently occupied by Sunshine Cleaners and a former restaurant/bar, and build a five-story mixed-use building in their place. The plan calls for nine residential units, retail and parking spaces. HEALTH AND BEAUTY
THE ARTS
After extensive repairs to damage caused by a fire
that ousted the previous tenants two years ago, two
new studios have opened at 321 and 327 Divisadero.
An Arthur Murray Dance Studio opened upstairs
at in August. It teaches tango, salsa, swing and
more, Mon.-Fri. from 1-10 p.m. Salt Fitness opened
downstairs in September. Classes at the boutique
fitness studio start at $20.
In October, Our Victorian Schoolhouse used funds
raised partly at a bake sale during the NOPNA
Sidewalk Sale in April to replace the vandalized
mural on its roll-down gate. Artist, gallerist and NoPa
resident Antione Marnata worked pro bono to create
the colorful new “Imagine” mural.
Pushing Dead, a movie
about a struggling, HIV-
positive writer who loses
his health plan when he
deposits a $100 birthday
check, filmed all over the
city in September. The
locations included Golden
Gate Avenue and McAllister
Street, in the heart of NoPa.
The film is not yet slated for
distribution.
Keep an eye out for giant
insects. Several spray-
stenciled ladybugs—the
work of street artist fnnch—
have appeared on NoPa
sidewalks.
Cane sugaring studio opened in October at 803
Divisadero. The owners completely redesigned the
former psychic shop to offer a full range of hair
removal services for women and men.
Libby Estell is the managing editor of this newsletter. She has lived in NoPa for five years.
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 7
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015www.nopna.orgPage 8Bonnie SpindlerAll Time Top Residential Sales Agent at Zephyr415.474.4445 LIC# 01175723properties@bonniespindler.comwww.bonniespindler.comREALTOR, MENTOR, AND SOME WOULD SAY, DEVELOPERThe way Bonnie Spindler works goes well beyond what you might expect from a REALTOR®. She knows this market inside and out. She studies it, uncovers extraordinary opportunities and shares this knowledge with her clients. Once involved in a transaction, she can mobilize any number of people on your behalf. It’s a remarkably comprehensive approach to real estate. And it’s why more than 80% of her clients now own multiple properties. New Group Offers Spiritual Community
for the Non-Religious
By Anders Peterson
What does community mean
in a 21st-century urban
environment? Today we are connected
in ways that we could never have
imagined a few decades ago, but many
of us feel something’s missing. We
may have hundreds of friends through
social media networks, but have never
met our neighbors. We have a desire
to do good, but we struggle to get
civically engaged.
Religious institutions have long
provided an outlet for this type of
community, but the human need for
meaningful connection evolved long
before religious institutions—and it
may outlive them, too. Today, more
than a third of Bay Area residents
are not affiliated with any religious
community, but many of us still yearn
for a nourishing, interconnected
community.
Middle Circle is a new nonprofit
founded by a team of local community
members. The group is working
to create these authentic, spiritual-
but-not-religious, “church-like”
communities. Their hub is located here
in NoPa at St. Cyprian’s Church.
Middle Circle is developing mid-
sized community groups, called
circles, around meaning-making,
belonging, openness, service and
common values. The organization
aims to create spaces where
community members can build deep,
compassionate relationships through
meaningful conversations and fun
activities.
Check out middlecircle.org to
explore the emerging groups, share
ideas for a new circle, and learn
how you can help foster curiosity,
community and social good in your
neighborhood.
Anders Peterson is a community
chaplain and a founder of Middle Circle.
Middle Circle groups form around service and common values.
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 9
How to Welcome All Diets to Your Holiday Table
By Stacey Ellis
As a personal chef specializing in
vegan cuisine, I’m often hired by
health-conscious people who not only
love plant-based eating, but often have
a few dietary preferences going on at
the same time: gluten free, specific
food combinations, non-GMO. The
latest one gaining steam is “SOS-free,”
zero salt, oil or sugar.
It’s my job to satisfy all desires
without sacrificing the emotional
Stacey Ellis is a
vegan personal
chef and owner
of Herb’n Vegan.
experience of eating. But for home chefs, heightened food
consciousness can complicate plans for a simple dinner
party, let alone a holiday feast for 12. How do you please
everyone? Here are some tips to keep mind:
1. Everyone wants to eat more healthfully—even people
who seem unfettered by dietary trends. So lighten it up.
Make your gathering a cornucopia of modern healthful
takes on old favorites. Your guests will thank you.
2. Ask your guests if they have special dietary requests and
build them into your menu for all to enjoy. By taking care
of food preferences up front, we put everyone at ease and
can focus on creating memories with the people we love.
3. Invite people to bring a dish to share. It’s a great way
to ensure your guests have the options they need to enjoy
themselves freely.
4. If you don’t know everyone’s dietary thing, go ahead
and make some assumptions. Gluten, meat, dairy and nuts
are common culprits. Let your crown roast, turkey or tofu
be the stars, but apps, sides, and salads can be discreetly
healthful and fill up a plate so beautifully that your guests
may want for nothing more.
5. Tell guests how you’ve prepared everything. People love
to talk about food and will be delighted to try something
unusual or new.
We’re fortunate to have the luxury of choosing what
food we put into our bodies everyday. So let’s be grateful
this holiday season, and hey, maybe tread a little more
lightly on our planet by forgoing that pound of butter or
quart of cream. No one will miss it. I promise.
For healthful, plant-based holiday menu ideas, visit
www.herbnvegan.com and download my free recipe PDF.
Page 10
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Vision Zero
Pedestrian Safety Improvements Coming to Divisadero
By Tim Hickey
The SFMTA proposal will prohibit left turns on Divisadero at McAllister and Hayes during peak hours.
Photo: Libby Estell
Walking along one of the busiest
streets in the neighborhood
could soon be much safer. The San
Francisco Municipal Transportation
Agency has proposed left turn
restrictions along the heavily trafficked
Divisadero corridor.
Unsafe left turns have caused
numerous traffic collisions and been
cited as a cause of unsafe conditions.
The new restrictions will forbid left
turns from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, on
Divisadero Street at McAllister and
Hayes streets. The rule applies to both
north- and southbound lanes. Muni
buses are exempt.
Other changes are designed to
smooth traffic on Divisadero. Traffic
signals will be coordinated on the
southbound side of the street, between
O’Farrell and Hayes streets, so that
traffic will generally arrive on a green
light. This should help ensure that
car traffic doesn’t slow service on the
24-Divisadero, and may even improve
it slightly.
The proposed changes are part
of the Wiggle Neighborhood Green
Corridor project. The traffic calming
and greening infrastructure program is
a partnership between the SFMTA, the
San Francisco Department of Public
Works and the city’s Public Utilities
Commission. It is designed to reduce
traffic collisions and divert rainwater
from storm drains. More details can
be found on the SFMTA website for
Wiggle Neighborhood Green Corridor.
At press time, the proposal was
awaiting final approval from the Board
of Supervisors.
Tim Hickey is the president of the
NOPNA board. He has lived in NoPa
since 2010.
Volunteer
for the NOPNA Newsletter
Join our team of volunteer writers, photographers
and designers or help us with distribution.
Interested? Contact board@nopna.org.
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 11
MOLLIE POE
Top Producer & NOPA Specialist
As a long-term resident of North Panhandle, a Mom with kids in local schools,
and a strong supporter and advocate of everything NOPA (including the
neighborhood association as a business member and avid sponsor), I
regularly represent Buyers and Sellers within our wonderful neighborhood.
Please visit my website for further information on past sales and property
presentations, or call me directly with any Real Estate inquiries.
If you are thinking of selling, I'd love to help with a market analysis of your
property. Low inventory continues to drive our market and you maybe very
surprised to find the 'hidden equity' in your home, given these market
conditions. I have good insight into NOPA's Buyer pool, and I frequently
have access to pocket listings and a proven strategy to get you the best
results within NOPA's borders or other neighborhoods in our 7x7.
MY RECENT NOPA SALES
527 BRODERICK STREET
• Gorgeous Broderick St Home
2077 GOLDEN GATE AVE
• Upper Level Condo, Recently Converted
1157 BRODERICK STREET
• Upper Level Condo Remodeled with
• Remodeled Detached House-Like Condo
• 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom
• Privately Located in Rear of
Central NOPA Lot
• Spacious Open Floor Plan
• Beautiful Southern Views
• Large Exclusive-use Redwood Deck
• Private Exclusive-Use Garage
• 2 Levels 3BD/2.5BA
• 11' Ceiling and Custom
Designed Features
OFFERED AT $1,149,000
SALE PENDING
Designer Finishes
• Recently Condo Converted
• Spacious Master Suite +Addl Powder Room
• Tranquil Views of Terraced Yard Designed
by Flora Grubb
• Exclusive-Use Bonus Room on Ground Level
• 1-Car Independent Parking and Storage
OFFERED AT $1,649,000
PRICE AND DETAILS:
659 BRODERICK STREET
• Upper Level Condo in 2 Unit Bldg
803 CENTRAL AVE
• New Construction 2012
• 3 Bedrooms + Split Bath
• 3 Bed 3 Bath Townhome Condo
• Spacious 1772 sqft Floor plan
• 2 Levels + Deeded Patio
• Huge Undeveloped Attic
• Shared Yard
• No Parking
1506 GOLDEN GATE AVE
ALAMO SQ
• 3 bedrooms 3 baths
• Fire Damaged Unit
• Below Market Rate
• 80% Improved
SOLD $1,375,000
SOLD OFF MARKET PER
SOLD $1,199,000
REPRESENTED BUYER
SELLERS REQUEST $1,625,000
REPRESENTED BUYER
Mollie Poe | NOPA Sales Specialist | Top 1% SFAR 2014
20 Year NOPA Resident | NOPNA Business Member
Pacific Union Int’l • Christie’s Real Estate
1699 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109
415.902.2447 | mollie@molliepoe.com | www.molliepoe.com
North Panhandle News, Nov/Dec 2015
Page 12
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