What's new in the Inner Sunset?
On Monday, concerned citizens packed a community meeting where major players in local and state government addressed rising crime in the Sunset and around the city.
Off the Grid may start appearing on Wednesdays at the skate park on Waller at Stanyan, picking up the slack left behind the departing Upper Haight Farmers Market. Near 9th and Irving, there's been quite a bit of new business activity; Green Spa & Nails opened its doors at 347 Judah, Will Sushi may be getting a new owners, and Ke's Seafood Barbecue inches closer to opening in the former home of Andy's Chinese.
Near 7th and Judah, Sprint is upgrading a cell tower located in a "stealth penthouse," and Spotted Dog Design shuttered its HQ at 7th & Irving after 22 years to transition into a cloud-based office with remote employees.
And now, on to the weekend...
Friday, September 18th
Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting with State Senator Mark Leno
County Fair Building, 1199 9th Ave., 6:30pm
Neighborhood groups SHARP and GGHNA are co-sponsoring an event tomorrow night with State Senator Leno, who'll take questions "about the drought, aid-in-dying legislation, Medi-Cal, transportation and other critical state issues." Afterwards, Sheriff candidates Ross Mirkarimi and former interim Sheriff Vicki Hennessy will face off in an election debate before taking questions from the audience. "Refreshments and light dinner" will be served.
Author Bill Clegg (photo via Publishers Weekly)
Bill Clegg and Molly Antopol at Green Apple Books on the Park
1231 9th Ave., 7:30pm
Author Bill Clegg and Molly Antopol will discuss his first novel, "Did You Ever Have a Family," which observes a small group "who find solace in the least likely of places as they cope with a horrific tragedy." Previously, Clegg wrote bestselling memoirs Portrait of an Addict as a Young Man and Ninety Days, and has also written for The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, New York Magazine, and The Guardian.
(via Sunset Mercantile)
Saturday, September 19th
West Sunset Playground, 3223 Ortega St., 10am-4pm
This recurring "pop-up open air metropolis" gives you a chance to directly support local "artists, crafters, food artisans, budding entrepreneurs, businesses and non-profit organizations." In addition to the merch, the event offers activities for kids, live music and delicious things to eat.
(via New Belgium Brewing)
New Belgium Brewing's Tour de Fat
Golden Gate Park, 10am-5pm
Kicking off with a costumed family ride that starts in Lindley Meadow and ends at the Conservatory of Flowers, The Tour de Fat is "a rolling carnival of creativity" intended to celebrate and promote "cycling as a sustainable form of transportation." Proceeds from this event support the SF Bicycle Coalition and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council.
Attendees are encouraged to make a "life-changing commitment" to swap their automobile for a bicycle and hand over their car keys on the spot. If you'd like to be San Francisco's Car Trader this year, apply here.
1199 9th Ave., Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm
Stop by the County Fair Building for the 27th year of "California’s marketplace for the best in vintage design, style and period pieces." More than 50 vendors will offer jewelry, clothing and accessories produced "from the late 18th century to the 1990s." If you're in the market for "vintage couture, designer, period pieces, fine jewelry, rare and esoteric items," buy tickets on Eventbrite and bring your wallet.
Spreckles Temple of Music, Golden Gate Park, 11am-6pm
This free festival "lets you explore a variety of ways to unplug and unwind while living in a fast-paced urban environment." Set in the historic bandshell on the music concourse, attendees can choose from "world music,dances, tai-chi, hatha yoga, life-enhancing seminars, kids activities, peace exhibits, and meditation experiences." Namaste.
SF Public Library, Sunset Children's Area: 1305 18th Ave., 10:15am-12:15pm
Bring your knitting supplies to the Sunset Library to get to know other knitters and crocheters "of all ages and levels." This group meets on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Sunday, September 20th
Helen Crocker Russell Library, 1199 9th Ave., 10:30am
Also in the County Fair Building this weekend: a storytime session for children ages 4 - 8 with "with comfy kid-sized cushions, a bevy of stuffed animals and lively readers." After approximately 30 minutes of storytime, families are invited to take a "docent-led children's tour" of the Botanical Garden. If you can't make it this week, this event recurs on first and third Sundays.
Whoopi Goldberg (via Comedy Day)
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, noon-5pm
"The original, longest-running, free outdoor comedy concert" showcases 40+ comedians "from the Bay Area and beyond." Founded in 1981, more than 750 comedians have performed before 500,000 people. Comedy Day is a non-profit group that supports conflict resolution through humor and provides comedians to hospitals, charities and hospices. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
SF Cheese Fest Tour du Fromage
McLaren Lodge, Golden Gate Park, 12:30pm-5pm
Combine your love of biking and cheese during this year's SF Cheese Fest Tour du Fromage. Bring your helmet and leave your lactose intolerance at home as you sample wares from "some of the best independent cheese shops" in the city. This year's event benefits the California Artisan Cheese Guild.
Last chance to see JMW Turner Exhibit
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, ends Sept. 20th
If you haven't seen this collection from "one of the greatest English painters of the nineteenth century," this weekend is your last chance. J.M.W. Turner is best known for his brilliant depictions of light, the virtuosity of his technique, and his extraordinary Romantic imagination.
Have a great weekend, Sunsetters!
