This has been another exciting week in the Haight for infrastructure disruptions, starring the third gas main rupture in four months, which closed Haight Street down for an hour on Thursday.
The excitement also includes, according to tipster Craig S. earlier this week, such a narrow bypass lane on Haight between Ashbury and Masonic that commuter buses (like the Genentech one, specifically) have had a hard time traversing the block. According to Craig, it took the Genentech six minutes to move one block. "Due to Haight construction these large Genentech buses can't use the narrow lanes, snarling traffic more than otherwise," he observed.
This past week, we learned that Eatwell Farm's Ice Box departed Second Act, and that VeganBurg's opening has been pushed back to November. We also discussed the possibility that the city's Sit/Lie law could come back under review, and noted the appearance of local author Steve Silberman at Booksmith.
And now, your Upper Haight weekend events:
Saturday, August 29th
Figure Drawing - Sketchboard Sf
2pm-5pm, $5 to $15 suggested donation
This afternoon, the Red Vic hosts its monthly SketchBoard night. From 2pm to 5pm you can drop in for live nude model drawings, complete with art teachers and (if you forgot your art box) some supplies for sketching. The event is BYOB and also includes some live music. (1665 Haight St.)
Playa Pop-Up Last Day
11am to 7pm
With Burning Man launching on Sunday, today is the last day to snatch some gear for the Playa at the Playa Pop-up Store, your one-stop-shop for burner gear. (Second Act, 1727 Haight St.)
For A Good Paws Fundraiser
9pm, $8
As we noted yesterday, this evening at Milk Bar is the For A Good Paws fundraiser benefiting Family Dog; the show is at 9pm, tickets are $8 at the door. The event will feature local bands Farhead, The Greening and The St. Ides, and will be emceed by local comedian Leslie Small. Stanyan Street's Green Pawz will host a raffle for free pet grooming. (Milk Bar, 1840 Haight St.)
Sunday, August 30th
Acoustic Music by Karaj Lost Coast
Noon to 4pm
Host description: Karaj Lost Coast is a California Bay Area songwriter with a taste for spare arrangements and insightful lyrics. Many songs are inspired by open spaces and western states. He wanders the Pacific Coast and beyond, playing homegrown original songs, plus more by great songwriters near and far. (Second Act)
Bluegrass and Beyond
5pm to 9pm
Host description: FREE Sunday early evening Bluegrass, Acoustic, Jamband concert. Keep the weekend going with hours of Sunday dancing fun! (Milk Bar)
Forebear, The Deaf Pilots and Beat Thieves
9pm, $5
Host description: Taking cues from cinematic and classical influences, Forebear creates and molds a surreal listening experience with solos that are sometimes brooding, sparse statements; and other times lyrical, fleeting phrases. How to classify The Deaf Pilots? High Energy Rock N' Roll. With influences from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Wolfmother and The Doors. (Milk Bar)
With Burning Man beginning, Sunday begins a week of line-free coffee shops, empty public parks and no-wait brunches for those staying in the city. Sail on, readers.
