Hot Off The Tipline: R.I.P Harvey The Basset Hound, Forbes Island Updates, MorePhoto: Forbes Island/Facebook
Susan Xu
Published on January 07, 2017

Last year, we launched our SMS-based tipline at (415) 200-3233, giving us a way to connect with our readers and learn about happenings as they unfold in real time.

As we kick off 2017, we look forward to hearing more from the Hoodline community. But first, let's take a look back at some recently submitted tips that have come in via our new SMS tipline, [email protected], and our Twitter account, @hoodline.

Photo: Meghan A./Hoodline

We kick things off in Lower Haight with a photo sent to us by tipster Meghan A. on Dec. 23rd, which shows a flooded intersection at Scott and Waller.

This might be a recurring sight throughout the city, as high winds and gloomy skies are in the forecast for the weekend and next week, with some parts of California expected to receive over a foot of rain.

Photo: Mike R./Hoodline

Speaking of high winds, this past Tuesday, tipster and retired U.S. Navy meteorologist Mike R. sent in the photo above, which shows Santa's sleigh tearing off the rooftop of a Stockton Street building as 50 mph winds blew across the city. 

Mike R., who snapped the shot from a window at California and Joice, notes that debris from a Santa Claus display was found on Union Square and suspects that it might have come from this incident.

Also in Union Square, tipster Giselle P. sent in information about Boba Guys last week:

Boba Guys downtown (by Union Square) appears to have been shut down by protests. They've listed their holiday hours as shut until the new year, and as my friend and I both read the letter several other groups came along only to find disappointment as well! Not sure about the status of other locations.

Photo: Giselle P./Hoodline

The letter attributes the brief closure to protesters who were demanding that the Boba Guys force their general contractors, Bali Construction, to use union carpenters.

According to a post on Facebook, all Boba Guys stores were closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. Following the holidays, the Hayes Valley location reopened with limited store hours while the Union Square and Mission outposts remained closed until Jan. 3rd. 

Heading down to SoMa, tipster Linda R. informed us that Taboon, the city's first kosher bakery, recently opened on Sixth and Minna streets. The new venture is headed by three friends from Israel who are combining Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors in their pastries and breads. 

Back in August 2015, we spoke with Issac Yosef, one of Taboon's partners, who provided us with more details about the menu. Alongside challah and donuts, the bakery sells trademark items, including authentic pita bread and sambusak, which is stuffed with savory fillings, like feta and olives or mashed potatoes, mozzarella and chives. 

Photo: Asha M./Hoodline

Moving over to the Mission, tipster Asha M. snapped a photo of a memorial erected at 16th and Shotwell in honor of 27-year-old Lindsay McCollum and 51-year-old Eddy Tate—the victims of a double homicide that took place on Dec. 19th. Both were residents of a homeless encampment set up in the area.

Mission Local  reports that Tate, who went by “Tennessee Eddy,” had been living on the city's streets for decades.

Over in Duboce Triangle, tipster Mark V. asks:

Any way to find out what happened at 65 Henry Street the other night? Multiple emergency vehicles, someone injured and worked on in the street, a cop retrieving a rifle from inside the house, etc., etc. Three squad cars there tonight. I overhear things like "victim," "induced coma," etc. but have no way of knowing what's going on.

In a news report sent to us by tipster Eddie A., NBC Bay Area reports that an altercation took place between two roommates inside a house on Henry and Noe Streets early on Dec. 29th. Police arrived at the crime scene around 2:30am; one roommate was stabbed and another was arrested after he was discovered hiding under a car. The victim suffered non-life threatening wounds.

Next, we received a question from tipster Lucy J. about Forbes Island restaurant, which appeared to have left its usual spot in Sea Lion Harbor.

Hello, Forbes Island restaurant is missing as of Xmas day. Earlier? All web links are still up as though nothing's happened. But the island with building and palm tree are gone. Can you find out what's up? Thank you. A neighbor who walked down to Pier 39 Dec 25 (can't see it from home).

Last year, we reported that Forbes Island returned to its permanent post between Piers 39 and 41 after spending two months undergoing a major facelift. Hoodline reached out to the restaurant to learn of any updates but heard no response through email.

"Called the restaurant and there was a message saying that they were closed due to unexpected repairs. No info on when they will be open again or what the problem is," notes Hoodline reporter Nathan Falstreau.

Harvey the Basset Hound. | Photo: Geoffrey B./Hoodline

Rounding things up in North Beach, tipster Geoffrey B. informed us that a "legend has passed on New Year's Eve." He writes:

If you ever grabbed a Capp at Cafe Trieste or a pint at Maggie's, Grant and Green, Gino and Carlos, or Tupelo you heard him or saw him, or even petted him. Tourists all around the world have taken his pic for over 10 years. If you haven't seen him walking along the streets you haven't spent enough time North Beach. I'm referring to Harvey the Basset Hound or The Mayor or O.G. if you ask any door man in the hood. He may have never played a sold out show or wrote a novel but guaranteed if you saw him he filled you with joy and a smile.

Have any questions about your neighborhood you need answered? See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll see what we can find: (415) 200-3233.