BernalBlog

Thank you and farewell

2008-01-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

Friends,It was a sad day when the moving van pulled up to our home on Gates Street. We recently moved from the city and headed north across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley. With the kids getting bigger, the lure of bike paths and open space was too strong.The thing I miss most about Bernal is the community -- the friends, neighbors, shop keepers, police, and city officials who worked so

Tinderbox Opens in Bernal Heights

2007-09-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

After many months of waiting, TinderBox has opened.The Chronicle shares their thoughts in an inside view of what it takes to open a restuarant.

Food for Thought

2007-08-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever shared the feeling that buying groceries for dinner at Goodlife (or whatever your healthy local choice is) costs as much or more than eating out?When it comes to putting food into your kids bellies, these decisions are as much emotional as they are financial. At some point, however, the $10 gallon of milk raises some questions.A very quick survey of the milk that has come through

Avedano's open on Cortland

2007-08-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

I stopped into Avedano's, the new meat market on Cortland, this evening for some prawns. I was impressed with the people and selection. The guy behind the counter offered me some delicious soup as I waited for my prawns to be de-veined.Avedano's is owned by three woman one of whom is the chef at Sociale, one of my favorite restaurants across town. They also offer pre-cooked dinners that look

Home wind turbines in Bernal

2007-08-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Bay Guardian has an article about Bernal resident Todd Pelman on Roscoe Street and his six-foot-tall cylindrical turbine. The article says a turbine can generate about 10% of a home's electricity needs."A one-turbine system will cost around $5,000, though Pelman estimates that rebates will reduce the price by $1,500. It's an "emotional purchase," he said, that will at least partially satisfy

Bernal Heights' History Now in Print

2007-07-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

The History of Bernal is now in print.from the review:"San Francisco’s Bernal Heights is a hilltop village tucked away in the southern part of the city. Freeways and urban thoroughfares now bound the neighborhood, once defined by the swamps and creeks of the original Mexican land grant. The legacy of Potrero Viejo, or “old pasture,” and the farms of the 19th and 20th centuries have developed into

Ammiano spins rooftop wind turbine idea in S.F.

2007-07-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ammiano spins rooftop wind turbine idea in S.F.SAN FRANCISCO - A San Francisco supervisor wants to give residents of Bernal Heights the opportunity to harness wind for energy by allowing wind turbines on rooftops to rise beyond existing area height limits. The relatively new and untried practice of erecting wind turbines on rooftops to generate electricity may be catching on in San Francisco.more

Financial Times calls Bernal the "City's Last Secret"

2007-05-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

The city’s last secretBernal Heights is getting recognition for being a the last, true San Francisco neighborhood. Even the Brits have noted the "secret" "cult-like" feel of Bernal.By Kevin AllisonPublished: April 20 2007 18:37 | Last updated: April 20 2007 18:37Perched on a hillside above the gritty, funky streets of San Francisco’s Mission district, Bernal Heights feels a world removed from

Interactive Google Map of Bernal

2007-04-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Gavin Comes Clean at Bernal Bubbles

2007-04-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

SF's Mayor Gavin Newsom came clean this evening at Bernal Bubbles.I came late to the gathering at the Bernal laundromat so I had to squeezed in right next to the door. I was incredibly impressed by how knowledgeable and articulate he was. Gavin was very comfortable going into details on a wide range of topics. Some of the specific areas that caught my attention:SF Connect -- The question of

Piqueo's opens in Bernal

2007-04-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Peruvian comes to Bernal in the shape of Piqueo's, the long awaited replacement to Moki's space opened last Friday.From the Chronicle review:The cuisine: The menu is dominated by piqueos, or appetizers, such as beer-battered fried smelt for dipping into huancaina al rocoto limon, a creamy sauce infused with rocoto chile. The same chile adds warm heat to halibut ceviche served with

Green the Ghetto - Environmental Justice

2007-04-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

A recent conversation about the challenges in Bayshore and Hunterspoint reminded me to go back and listen to an inspiring talk by Majora Carter, a 2005 MacArthur "genius" grant recipient, who fights passionately for environmental justice in South Bronx.From the TED site:"In an emotionally charged talk, Majora Carter explains her fight for environmental justice in the South

Can you spare 18 minutes for inspiration?

2007-04-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

TedTalks, one of the most inspiring sites on the net, has just rolled out a very nice enhancement to their site.My favorite part of the site contains a series of 18 minutes videos by a fascinating collection of the world's leading thinkers. The talks range from Technology, Entertainment, and Design to Business, Art and Global Issues.Drop me a comment and let me know which are your favorites.

Bernal community is driving change

2007-03-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

I sat in the Bernal Heights safety meeting last Thursday evening thinking how lucky we are to have such an engaged and committed neighborhood.More than 35 residents from all corners of the neighborhood came together in the BH Community Center for a safety update. This gathering followed a previous meeting that drew more than 170 residents earlier in the year. Ingleside Police Captain Paul

Why is Toyota littering our neighborhood?

2007-02-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

By now anyone walking down Cortland has come across the Want2BSquare posters.Posters have gone up on shop windows, trash cans, street lights, and anything with a flat surface.The box headed man holding a bloody knife is brought to you by Toyota's Scion marketing team.There is a great video of a guy walking down Cortland and being inundated with the annoying posters.

FUF Brings Trees in Bernal

2007-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

We just finished a great morning of tree planting with the team from FUF, Friends of the Urban Forest. Along with FUF came volunteers from Berkeley's Civil Engineering club as well as Berkeley's RotorAct group. There was also a contingent of Japanese tourists who helped to plant. We put in about thirty tree and wrapped up with a wonderful potluck lunch.If you are interested in getting trees

Support Bernal at meeting with Chief Fong

2007-02-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

SFPD Chief Heather Fong will present her budget proposal for the coming fiscal year to the Police Commission this Wednesday 2/14 at [time to be determined -- either 4:00 or 6:30] in Rm. 400 at City Hall. (Think of it as your Valentine to Bernal Heights)Building on our very successful community meeting, our emails to the City, and our meeting with Chief Fong, Bernal neighbors need to turn out in

Bernal Author / Photographer seeks the soul of SF in her new book

2007-02-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

Bernal's Laura Dorothy Haertling has a wonderful new book on San Francisco, "Cool Places to Warm up in San Francisco". This is a view of San Francisco from a photographer who seeks the soul of the city over 24 hours.Check it on Amazon.

Friends of the Urban Forest come to Bernal

2007-01-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

From a recent Friends of the Urban Forest email:"... we get together to plant on Saturday, February 17th. But before then, we have to plan it out, and so we'll be having a community meeting to be held at your Neighborhood Organizer's Anil Dutt's home at 200 Andover Street, on the corner of Eugenia, on Monday, January 22nd at 6:30 p.m.The hour-long meeting serves three purposes: 1) To acquaint you

Bernal Heights Crime / Safety Meeting

2007-01-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

There will be a major Bernal Heights Crime/Safety Meeting at:Wednesday, January 17, 2006515 CortlandBernal Heights Neighborhood Center6:00 pm-8:00 pm. They tell me that childcare will be provided.

Lighten up on your coffee

2006-12-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

There's a very cranky discussion about the best coffee in Bernal on the Bernal Tribes list. Some of these people take themselves a little to seriously.

Pie Month at Liberty Cafe

2006-11-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

November is Pie Month at The Liberty Cafe; Get your orders in for Thanksgiving pies in early.We are making, PUMPKIN PIE, PUMPKIN PECAN, BANANA CREAM, APPLE, APPLE-CRANBERRYThe Liberty Bakery number is 415-695-1311

Liberty Cafe Releases October Menu

2006-10-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Another month of great dining from Bernal's Liberty Cafe. Some of the more unusual dinner items from the October Menu inlcude:SAVORY PUMPKIN AND GOAT CHEESE TART with autumn greens, 9.00P.E.I. MUSSELS with white wine, Spanish chorizo and a roasted red pepper aioli crouton , 10.00PORK CHOP with cauliflower and potato gratin, broccoli di ciccio and pork reduction, 16.50HALIBUT braised in white

Jennifer McNeely's work on Bocana

2006-09-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Jennifer McNeely's work caught me by surprise this afternoon as I came down Bocana onto Cortland. Her work will be on display until 14 October.She begins the description of her work with:"My work is about breakdown and repair, and alludes to the cultural situation and compulsions of women."

Best Seat in Bernal Heights. Chez Maman now Aura

2006-09-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

The restaurant formerly known as Chez Maman has been renamed to Aura. Tucked away in the back of the restaurant is the best table in Bernal, Potrero, and Noe. It is a deep red room that seats six to eight. It is set off from the rest of the restaurant making it a great escape or hideout. And while you're at it, the flowerless chocolate cake is excellent.

Liberty Cafe Patio on Friday Evening

2006-09-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

The back patio at Liberty Cafe was perfect this Friday evening. We were luck to arrive at 5:30. By 6:00 all tables had been moved outside and the place was full. The kids were playing outside and the parents relaxing with a glass of wine.

Pilates Heights Open House

2006-09-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Pilates Heights, Bernal's foremost Pilates Studio, is having an open house to celebrate new owners and new instructors."COME CELEBRATE WITH US & BRING YOUR FRIENDS ~OPEN HOUSE DURING FIESTA ON THE HILLSUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH 1-4JOIN US FOR WINE, CHEESE, GOODIES & MEET THE TRAINERS* Please feel free to contact us at info@pilatesheights.com or 647-CORE

Cool video on Bernal and Potrero

2006-09-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

Check out Dan mcKinney's very well done video.

Fiesta on the Hill

2006-09-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Venus Gallery coming to Cortland

2006-09-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

The Venus Art Gallery for Adults and kids is coming in next to Vino Rosso on 627 Cortland.There are few details but the gallery did open its doors to host the film makers reception for the Outdoor Film Festival.

Jazz at Liberty Cafe

2006-09-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

SIMON SAYS JAZZ TRIO is playing Thursday, September 21st and October 5th at The Liberty Cafe Wine Bar!SIMON SAYS is:Ray Simon - TrumpetJean DeBroux - GuitarSean Neprud - Bass Simon Says will play two sets from 6:30 to 8:30.The Liberty Cafe is at 410 Cortland Avenue in Bernal Heights.The wine bar has a great wine selection and an excellent food menu.Hope to see you there.

Libery Cafe September Menu Online

2006-09-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Nice to see our friends from Liberty are sharing their menu online. You can even sign up for an email notifying you of the new menu.

Peruvian Comes to Cortland

2006-08-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

The Chronicle's Inside Scoop reported on what's coming into the old Moki's space:After much snooping, I found out that chef Carlos Altamirano, who also owns Mochica (937 Harrison, near Fifth Street), will take over the old Moki's space at 830 Cortland in Bernal Heights and reopen it as Piqueos before the end of the year. He'll serve Peruvian tapas that will span multiple regions, and is

Bernal Heights Outdoor Cincema

2006-08-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

The Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema is here again. The showings start on 2 September with seating at 7:00 and the shows starting at sundown, apx. 7:30PM.Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema's third annual summer series grows to four (4) evenings of free films by Bernal Heights' filmmakers in local parks and outdoor spaces in September-October of 2006. The presentations in September are on a Saturday

Blogging for bottles

2006-08-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

The generous folks ar Manka's Hills Vineyards are giving a bottle of their 2004 Amelie Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot out to bloggers. Very few strings attached except that you have to be 21, live in a state where they can ship, and have posted once in the last 3 months. If you fit in this category and could benefit from a bottle of nice wine, check it out.

Cortland is booming

2006-08-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

The shops on Bernal's Cortland are thriving. The relocated Moki's is full every time I go past; Moonlight Cafe's new remodel draws a strong breakfast crowd, and the new wine bar looks to be pouring a lot of vino.I need to get the scoop of Chez Maman. They're open and look about the same but the menu is now a Asian-Vietnamese.

Chez Maman

2006-08-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I had dinner at the restaurant formerly known as Chez Maman. They restaurant is open with a different menu -- an attractive Vietnamese / Asian menu. I was there at 7:00PM and the restaurant was full by the time I left.I had the first two items on the menu -- a fried duck roll and the "Cali Roll". The insterior retained the comfortable feel. Olivier is still there and is as gracious as

A Restful Respite in Bernal

2006-06-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

It's nice to now have an authentic wine bar on the main stretch of Cortland.

Bernal Woman Knits Sweaters For Iraq Deaths

2006-05-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

May 29 - KGO - A San Francisco woman is remembering fallen troops in Iraq through an art project on display in her front yard. Nina Rosenberg has knitted more than 2,000 miniature red sweaters. They hang on a tree in front of her Bernal Heights neighborhood home. Rosenberg is knitting the sweaters to raise public awareness about the war. But she's nearly 250-sweaters behind the current death

The Power of Buying Local

2006-05-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

A recent Bioneer's podcast was devoted to the power of buying local. They reviewd the impact on the local economy of the locally owned bookstore vs. a Borders. The message was -- shoop at the locally owned shops if you want to keep the $$' sin the local economy. Some of the factors that ensure our dollars stay within our Bernal neighborhood:Do the staff own, rent, and live in the

Bernal Video found on You Tube

2006-05-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the Bernal Video I was looking for....

The Library Debate

2005-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm missing something with the library debate but it looks like we should all support the renovation. If I'm missing something please let me know.As I understand it, the Bernal Library is slated for a $3.5M renovation that will result in:a new expanded children’s room on the lower level a designated teen area on the main floor The renovations will also include an elevator and accessible

Bernal Hill is going to the dogs!

2005-12-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, there are more tales of kids getting charged and nipped by dogs on Bernal Hill. The more common issue comes with the small kids who are afraid of dogs -- even the friendly ones. Should small children have to be freightened and slobbered by unknown dogs?I had to laugh when there were more than 20 dogs being walked by what looked to be cell-phone yapping professinal dog walkers.

Going to the dogs

2005-12-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

Below is a note from a neighbor to which I can relate. But first, my perspective on the issue-->I have two kids -- one who likes dogs and the other who is more hesitant. People on the street ate regularly saying, "Oh my dog loves kids."Two issues with this way of thinking: The kids may not love dogs and don't welcome even a friendly face-filling slobber, and How does Mr. Dog Owner know how

Reliable in the news

2005-09-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

The recent SF Chronicle article drew traffic and comments to this site.As a resident and parent in the neghborhood, I am very impressed with the Massis' involvement and commitment to the community. It is important to me to have merchants engaged and raising a family in the neighborhood.

Reliable: More than a liquor store

2005-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

OK, I should not have been so quick to post on Reliable Grocery. Since posting this, I've received numerous emails from various lists arguing for and against the Reliable move.This morning, I stopped into the store to see what all the hoopla was about. Liquor -- Yes Porn -- No (despite what has been written on several postings)The woman who owned the store was the friendliest merchant I've

Do we need another liquor store?

2005-08-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Reliable Grocery II has applied for a transferof their liquor license to the space currently occupied by Cotton Basics. From what I can tell from a quick peak inside, Reliable Grocery if a reliable liquor store.Based on what I see on Cortland, I'm not so sure it's a good idea to have more locations selling liquor. Feel free to share your thoughts and protests with the address provided on the

Hard to know what to do with the $4.00

2005-08-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

These two are right next to each other at the Goodlife checkout.

Cross Walks Painted!

2005-08-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the folks who came together to pursuade the city to paint the cross walks!

Cross Walks -- DPT

2005-08-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Sam who wrote the letter below and he said that he is working with the wonderfully named "Traffic Calming" group to see what can be done to re-paint the cross-walks. More to come....

Cross Walks -- DPT Responds

2005-08-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Does DPT really share our concern about the faded crosswalks?On the one hand, they say, "we have investigated the crosswalks on Cortland Avenue and agree that they are faded." However, the letter below indicates that this will not be dealth with until 2010.....The letter below is a response I recieved to a request to re-paint the faded cross walks on Cortland, especially those between Gates and

Mini-Park or Litter Box

2005-08-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

One of the actions that came out of a recent Bernal neighborhood meeting was follow up with the Parks and Planning Commission to look into the state of the mini-park at the East end of Eugenia (@ Banks). This is the small park with poles of varying heights poking out of the sand.Thanks for Captain Chignell, the Parks department sent a letter confirming that they have cleaned and painted the park

Cross Walks -- A Face Lift Please

2005-07-31T23:37:00.000-07:00

Cortland's crosswalks are fading quickly. This strecth of Cortland contains several playgrounds, a public library, a recreation center, a pre-school and numerous bars and restaurants. Enough said -- the cross walks should by up to par.This route is heavily traveled by children and parents with strollers. There is also a lot of non-neighborhood traffic cutting across between Mission and Bayshore

Street Cleaning -- Support it & Sign the Petition

2005-07-31T06:01:00.000-07:00

Sign the petition After attending several of the community meetings, we created a petition to request street cleaning for a few streets on the north side of Cortland. We're supporting this because we want:...A clean, trash-free neighborhood for our kids...A neighborhood free of abandoned cars...A neighborhood for the neighbors; not a long-term parking lot for people from out of the area. There