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nopna.orgNOPNANews
North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association
2017 : issue 3
After 150 years of successive visions,
the Panhandle Park looks to a
neighborhood-focused future
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Early in the twentieth century, a carriageway led a
promenade of horse-drawn vehicles through the
eight blocks of the Panhandle to Golden Gate Park.
Decades later, neighbors fought back plans to convert
the Panhandle to a sunken freeway built for the age
of the motor car. Now, as the swelling city population
invests in its neighborhood parks, capital projects
seek to polish rough edges and create a new, though
still recognizable, Panhandle Park.
Safety on the Panhandle’s two paths — one reserved
for joggers and walkers, the other for mixed use —
generates the most heat among neighbors today.
Until recently, the southern pathway for pedestrians
was broken and bumpy, causing trips and falls. The
northern pathway, which was smoother but crowded
with growing numbers of cyclists, has been difficult
to share or cross. And an overall lack of cleanliness,
compounded by the antiquated and broken trash
bins and benches, tarnished the park’s image. Nearby
residents, including NOPNA Vice President Dera-Jill
Pozner, organized the neighbors’ input and pressed
the city for changes. With funding by District 5
Supervisor London Breed, the group hatched the
Panhandle Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project.
The project now nears completion with new, more
comfortable benches and upgraded trash bins,
including the first recycling bins installed in the
Panhandle. Bike racks welcome cyclists who traverse
the length of the park by the thousands. Signs
advising caution and spot repairs to broken asphalt
on the bike path are expected to follow.
In June, the city funded the resurfacing of the full
length of the troubled pedestrian path on the south
side of the Panhandle as well as cross paths. “I
expect to see more people using the fixed south
path, and a clearer understanding of how to travel
safely on the north path with new signage,” said
Pozner.
At the east end of the Panhandle, the long-neglected
(continued on page 3)
2 | NOPNANews
FROM THE BOARD
And just like that, we’re halfway through 2017.
It’s been a great first half of the year for our neighborhood. We made new
friends at the NOPNA Block Party, had beautiful weather for a fun and
peaceful Bay to Breakers, have seen major progress (finally) on the Panhandle,
and are looking forward to the warm September and October months,
Halloween, and the Holiday Party in December.
We at NOPNA couldn’t do this without the help of the many volunteers who
contribute in ways big and small to help build community and advocate for
our neighborhood. If you’ve been considering getting involved, but haven’t
found the right moment yet — NOW is the time. This will be the community
that we make of it, it will be the community that you make of it.
Not sure what you can do? We can use help both from people with specific
skills (Social Media Marketer?) and those who just want to help (set-up for
Halloween?). There are lots of options — and here are just a few of them:
Promotions/Publicity — Are you great at getting the word out? Have an
Instagram account? We need your help to ensure all our neighbors are aware
of upcoming events.
Business Outreach — Do you buy things locally? Want to know our local
merchants better? Do you run a local business and want to represent that
perspective? We need your help to integrate NOPNA with our business
neighbors..
Community Experience Planning — Do you love making people feel happy,
welcomed, and at ease? Do you believe that community is created through
shared experience? We need your help to bring the neighborhood together
through events.
NOPNA News — Do you like what you’re reading right now (but think it
could be better)? We need your help to put together a top-notch newsletter
that addresses the most salient neighborhood issues. Email jason@nopna.
org.
These are just a few ways. We also always
need volunteers to deliver the newsletter,
set up and breakdown events, improve
the Panhandle, and lead the many other
contributions that make our neighborhood
a better place. Reach out to us at board@
nopna.org and together we will keep making
our neighborhood a wonderful place.
Dera-Jill Pozner
is Vice President of the
NOPNA board and
responsible for volunteer
outreach
The NOPNA News is published by the North
of Panhandle Neighborhood Association 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
EDITOR
Jason Cauthen jason@nopna.org
COPY EDITOR
Nathan Lovejoy
Erika Alexander
Ann Kim
LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Lisa Eastlack
Brian Donovan
DISTRIBUTION
Will Valentine
PRINTING
Image Printing, San Francisco
NOPNA’s mission: The purpose of this
association shall be to establish neigh-
borhood 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
Please join us! You can sign up online at
Interested in donating to NOPNA? Check
if your employer double your donation
with a matching gift! NOPNA is a regis-
tered 501c3 organization.
NOW SERVING
LUNCH AND DINNER
Open 6 am – 9:30 am
everyday
Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes,
prepared with natural ingredients and
served with special “injera” bread
Meat and vegetarian options • Beer and wine
Cafe specialties (pastries, sandwiches, and
“one-cup-at-a-time” coffee) available all day
Great selection of Ethiopian coffee blends for sale
Wheelchair accessible • No reservations required
(continued)
Panhandle Park
issue 3 : 2017 | 3
PHOTO: Joseph Wilinski
monument to William McKinley is targeted for a complete
restoration by August according to the San Francisco Arts
Commission. NOPNA has committed $45,000 for lighting
and access paths near the monument. Additionally, a
new group, Friends of the Panhandle, uniting community
leaders from north and south of the park, plans to gain
fiscal sponsorship with the San Francisco Parks Alliance.
See www.thepanhandle.org for more information.
Meanwhile, planning for a new Panhandle playground
is underway. “We are very pleased with the turnout
at our first community workshop for the Panhandle
PANHANDLE PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
Playground Project, with over fifty people attending,
and the enthusiasm shown by the neighborhood,” said
Melinda Stockmann, project manager for the Recreation
and Park Department. Funding from the San Francisco
Parks Alliance will support the landscape architect, the
Neighborhood Parks Bond, and other possible donations,
will pay for construction costs. The rest of this year and all
of 2018 are allocated to gather community input, finalize a
design, and arrange a construction contract. The rebuild of
the playground will be completed by the end of 2019.
Dale Danley leads the neighborhood workday for the
Panhandle Park. He works in public health and posts park
news at panhandlepark.blogspot.com.
SIZE: 7,000 square feet
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET: $3,200,000
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET: $2,000,000
PROJECT MANAGER:
Melinda Stockmann
DESIGN CONSULTANT LEAD:
RHAA Landscape Architecture + Planning
NEXT PLANNING MEETING:
Check tinyurl.com/PanhandlePlayground
EXPECTED COMPLETION: late 2019
PANHANDLE PARK STEWARDS
Hands-on, neighborhood-based park improvement.
Meets the second Saturday of every month.
9 a.m. - 12 noon
All are welcome,
Tools & gloves provided.
Meet near the bulletin board by the playground.
4 | NOPNANews
SAFETY
BY THE NUMBERS
VISION ZERO
On busy nights, Divisadero, Masonic, and other neighborhood streets are filled to the brim with tourists, date goers,
bike commuters, and families. With so many pedestrians and cyclists on the road, it’s no surprise that traffic safety is a
major concern, as confirmed by the recent neighborhood survey. The traffic data needed to pinpoint major hazards and
provide insight into necessary safety solutions has been scarce — until now.
TOTAL COLLISIONS (AUTO,PEDESTRIAN, CYCLIST)
80
60
40
20
0
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
PEDESTRIAN-INVOLVED ACCIDENTS BY LOCATION
(TOTAL VALUES 2005-2015)
CROSSING
INTERSECTION
AT CROSSWALK
CROSSING NOT
USING CROSSWALK
OTHER
(+NOT STATED)
NOPNA recently analyzed neighborhood traffic data
provided by the city dating back to 2005. Collisions
have dropped by 40% from 2012 to 2015 (around
12% a year), though pedestrian and bike collisions
remain a pressing issue — 40% of all collisions in the
last 12 years have involved either a pedestrian or
bicyclist.
Of the 74 collisions involving pedestrians in that
12-year period (approximately 7 collisions per year),
most occurred in a crosswalk and 70% of those
were caused by a failure by the driver to yield right
of way to the pedestrian. Predictably, the most
common intersections for these collisions were
popular pedestrian areas — Divisadero between
Fell and Turk or Masonic between Fell and Hayes.
For cyclists, most collisions occurred at stop lights,
Masonic Avenue and Fell Street being the most
common locations.
Though reminders to look both ways before
crossing may seem tired, vigilance remains the
most important deterrent of traffic collisions. As
our neighborhood continues to grow in popularity,
and the number of bicyclists and pedestrians rises,
NOPNA will continue to look at additional safety
0
10
20
30
40
50
improvements to calm traffic, protect intersections,
Source: City of San Francisco, Traffic Data, 2005-2015
and deter other forms of unsafe driving.
Julian Mackie is a NOPA neighborhood resident
focusing on neighborhood improvement projects.
Block Party Recap
issue 3 : 2017 | 5
In May, we kicked off summer in the neighborhood
through setup and breakdown, manning the barricades,
with the NOPNA Neighborhood Block Party in its new
and generally ensuring a smooth event.
location. Thanks to the residents of Baker, between Fulton
and Grove, for sharing their block with us. The weather
prediction was foreboding, but in the end it cooperated
for a lovely early summer day — and we have the sunburns
to prove it! A great time was had by all, with music, food,
a fire truck, skate club demonstrations, yoga, and even a
bounce house.
NOPNA would particularly like to thank Doug D., Will V.,
Margaret D., Bob F., and Dom V. for their hard work and
good spirits that ensured a successful event.
We all are looking forward to next year! If your
neighborhood business or organization would like to
participate next year, please contact board@nopna.org.
NOPNA could not have put on this event without the
support of our neighbors. In addition to the residents of
Baker Street, many volunteers helped make this possible
In addition, NOPNA would like to thank the local
businesses and organizations that made this event possible
through contributions or participation.
SPONSORS
GOLD:
MOLLIE POE/DECLAN HICKEY
SILVER:
JENNIFER ROSDAIL
BRONZE:
BEND YOGA • CHILE PIES • SOUVLA • NOPA CORNER STORE
• WHOLE FOODS • BI-RITE • CENTRAL COFFEE & TEA
PARTICIPANTS:
NATIVE DAUGHTERS OF THE GOLDEN WEST • REDEMPTION
CHURCH • BRAHMA KUMARIS • SF SKATE CLUB • EMPORIUM
SF • NOPA NERT • THE JENNY KERR BAND
6 | NOPNANews
St. Cyprians Adapts with a Changing Neighborhood
You may be surprised to learn that
there are at least twelve churches in
our small neighborhood. Though
many churches keep a low profile,
inside nondescript exteriors there
are often vibrant communities with
decades-long histories.
St Cyprian’s is one such church.
Reverend Thomas Jackson shared
his view of the history of the
church, how it fits in our evolving
neighborhood, and his vision
to make St Cyprian’s a center of
healing and spiritual grace in this
neighborhood.
Tell me about the history of St
Cyprian’s.
shapes our lives at Turk and Lyon
The Episcopal congregation began
— preaching with the newspaper in
more than ninety years ago to serve
one hand and the Bible in the other;
the African American community in
advocating for social change and
San Francisco. St Cyprian’s moved
resistance. We can give the support
into its current home on Turk and
that people need to help them get
Lyon in 1960 and paid the mortgage
through the day — and that is a quiet
through pledges, rummage sales,
kind of miracle.
Tuesday nights, the SF Live Arts
concert series, and Village Project (a
summer day-camp that serves sixty
local children). We see ourselves as
the bridge between the new NOPA
and the old Western Addition. We
offer programs to help serve the
whole community, both new and
old.
What do you hope to do next?
We would like to provide free or
low-cost meals on a regular basis
to all members of the community
and are trying to build the volunteer
support to do so. It is a way to help
families who are pressed for time
and want good food, as well as help
us come together as a community.
If you’d like to volunteer or get
involved, please email me or give me
a call!
email: tcjackson@gmail.com
cell: 510.759.3275
How can neighbors get more
barbecues, and community meals.
The warmth and resonance of the
building is amplified by the people
How do you see your relationship to
involved?
the neighborhood?
You’re invited — come by! Join us
who have brought their troubles here
Ours is very much a neighborhood
September 17th for St Cyprian’s day
and found solace over the years.
church. We are an integrated
celebration, when there will be a
What is your approach to
spirituality?
congregation as measured by race,
visiting bishop and extra gospel music
gender, and orientation. In addition
and jazz, as well as a brunch following
to our services, we have opened
the service.
We take a laid back approach to
our space to the community by
talking about spiritual development
and to joining the church. We look
launching Cyprian’s Center (http://
cypriancenter.org/). So we now host
at how the Scripture we are reading
Mindfulness Meditation Sessions on
For the latest calendar of events — go
Jason Cauthen is a San Francisco native
who has lived in this neighborhood since
2011 with his wife and two kids.
issue 2 : 2017 | 7
8 | NOPNANews
OUT AND ABOUT
THE EMPORIUM
As previously reported in NOPNA News, the Harding
Theater will soon be home to the Emporium, an arcade/
bar/venue space. Danny Marks, the owner, was hesitant to
settle on a firm date but is hoping to open by late August
— when the business plans to hold a few soft pre-opening
events and, later, a grand opening event.
In addition to an arcade bar, Marks noted that they are
looking forward to opening the space up to everything
from rock bands to craft fairs: “we’ll say yes to almost
anyone.” The Emporium will not serve food because
“we’d rather be partners with neighboring restaurants than
competitors,” Marks said, noting that he’d love for folks to
come over after dinner or even bring their own food in from
restaurants like 4505 Burgers & BBQ and Souvla, or order
Little Chihuahua directly to the venue.
Marks acknowledged everyone wants to be able to let kids
into the space, but they haven’t yet found a solution. “We
definitely can’t be all ages all the time, but we know there’s
interest. We’re just trying to figure out the legal end.
We should be able to find a way. Everybody wants it.”
Marks was excited to speak about the restoration work in
the theatre. “Everything that was partially preserved, we
figured out how to restore,” he said. They even found
a way to salvage the vintage terrazzo tiling on the sidewalk
by redoing the slope and making it ADA accessible.
As the neighborhood awaits the hopeful end-of-summer
opening, Marks assures, “we’re going as fast as we can!”
PHOTO: NAMU STONEPOT STOREFRONT
NAMU STONEPOT
A spinoff of the Mission’s Korean-influenced Namu Gaji,
Nami Stonepot is on the verge of opening on Divisadero.
Nami Stonepot will open in the former Jay’s Cheesesteak
space at 533 Divisadero and will serve traditional Korean
stonepot dishes. As of late June, the space has a “now
hiring” flyer in the window and according to Dennis Lee,
Namu’s head chef, they anticipate opening sometime in
July.
Margaret Doyle is relatively new to the neighborhood
and interested in writing more about both newly-opened
and long-term local businesses.
SAN FRANCISCO APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
Supporting rental housing providers since 1917.
SFAA is dedicated to
educating, advocating,
and supporting the Rental
Housing Community so
that its members operate
ethically and fairly.
To learn more about the benefits
of membership please visit our
website or contact us at
415-255-2288
issue 3 : 2017 | 9
10 | NOPNANews
Rice Paper Scissors
Every Thursday for the past six years,
We love that Rice Paper Scissors
Thai basil and lettuce. The perfect lil’
Valerie Luu and Katie Kwan have
gives us an opportunity to be rooted
poppers.
been serving up their take on Viet-
in a community. In the six years of
namese street food at Rice Paper
business, we’ve seen babies grow up,
Scissors — a pop-up restaurant that
couples come together, see people
patrons are surprised to find inside
move here, move away or sometimes
of Mojo Bicycle Cafe on Divisadero.
move away to come back. We love
What are your favorite things to
do in the neighborhood on your
time-off?
I spend most mornings at Matching
Charles Dupigny caught up with Val-
how operating a brick and mortar
Half Cafe on Baker and McAllister. I
erie to learn how they got started.
allows you to be weaved into peo-
love the mix of people that come
ple’s lives and vice versa.
through. The people that own it and
What inspired you to create Rice
Paper Scissors?
To bring Vietnamese street food cul-
ture to San Francisco. We liked how
the best food in Vietnam was made
by entrepreneurial women at their
renegade restaurants. It involves a
bit of hustling, scrappiness, and per-
sonality that we’ve tried to incorpo-
rate into our business.
Why has Rice Paper Scissors been
such a good fit for the Divisadero
Corridor?
Katie and I both fell in love with San
Francisco in and around Divisadero.
Mojo Bicycle Cafe was actually my
Valerie Luu and Katie Kwan standing in
front of their future new restaurant space
at Folsom and 22nd. PHOTO: Andria Lo
work there are super sweet and some
of my closest friends are the regulars
I’ve met there. Otherwise, I love
running into people at Mojo, buying
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups from
my corner store, and treating myself
to a cocktail and dessert at NOPA.
And, when the weather’s good, I love
sitting on my stoop and talking to
whoever will listen.
What’s next for Rice Paper Scis-
sors?
We were really hoping to find a
restaurant space for Rice Paper
Scissors on Divisadero but had no
such luck. We’re opening our first
first favorite hangout when I moved
What are some of the favorite
restaurant on Folsom and 22nd next
to the neighborhood almost ten
years ago. Katie and I came up with
dishes in the menu?
We try to make something for every-
year. Until then, we’ll enjoy seeing
our Thursday night regulars at Mojo.
the idea for Rice Paper Scissors over
one out of Mojo’s tiny cafe kitchen.
We’re sad to have to leave Mojo
drinks at Mojo.
Right now, we’re serving up yellow
when our restaurant opens, but we’ll
curry noodles — gingery and warm-
be cherishing each Thursday until
We started selling banh mi in front
ing for when the SF summer fog rolls
then.
of the vacant Harding Theater. One
in. We always have our signature
night Remy, the owner of Mojo,
Mushroom Pho Rolls, a street food
invited us to do a regular pop-up
dish from Hanoi. It’s pho noodles
at Mojo. We’ve been there every
used as a wrapper, filled with mush-
Thursday ever since. That was six
years ago.
rooms in a vegan “oyster sauce,”
Charles Dupigny is President of the
NOPNA Board.
issue 2 : 2017 | 11
Fix Graffiti, Potholes, and Trash -
be a neighborhood “Semi-Hero”
What if you could fix neighborhood annoyances just by taking pictures of them? While
that superpower may remain elusive, the city has provided the next best thing through
the 311 app. Using it may not make you a superhero, but maybe a more modest
“semi-hero.” If you haven’t discovered it yet, simply download the SF311 app to your
smartphone and you can easily log everything from graffiti, to potholes, to the illegally
discarded furniture that sometimes litters the sidewalk.
The app makes it easy to take a picture of the issue and tag the location. You’ll be
notified when the problem is addressed. It’s surprisingly easy and surprisingly effective.
According to the Graffiti Advisory Board, 311 received an average of two hundred
graffiti reports each day citywide in the two months prior to their February meeting.
Of course, you can also call 311 to report issues or log issues on its website (https://
www.sf311.org/), but nothing approaches the convenience of the app if you want to feel
a bit like a superhero (or at least a semi-hero) on your next stroll.
Jason Cauthen is a San Francisco native who has lived in this neighborhood since 2011
with his wife and two kids.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOPNA GENERAL MEETING
Oasis Cafe • 901 Divisadero
Thursday, September 21st, 7pm
DIVISADERO FARMERS MARKET
Grove@Divisadero • Sundays, • 10am–2pm
PANHANDLE PARK STEWARDS
Bulletin Board near Panhandle Playground
Second Saturday each month • 9am–12pm
SFPD PARK STATION COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Park Station Community Room • Tuesdays, 6pm
August 8, September 12, October 10
SFPD NORTHERN STATION COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Northern Station Community Room • Thursdays, 6pm
August 10, September 14, October 12
SUNDAY STREETS • WESTERN ADDITION
Sunday, September 10th • 11am–4pm
Baker|Fulton|Fillmore
We are proud to support the North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association.
Michael Leeder
Senior Vice President – Wealth Management
Wealth Management Advisor
Merrill Lynch
555 California Street, 9th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
415.676.2585 • michael_leeder@ml.com
Resident of NOPA
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
© 2016 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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