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Maybe it's the spirit of the holiday season, but things seem to be settling down in North Beach this week—there's not much contention and strife, as there have been in past weeks and months, and a decent amount of good cheer. Even the North Beach coyote (or one of them, anyway; we hear there could be multiple now) came out to say hello, as shown in this Instagram pic from Owen Thomas.
We started off the week with a recap on Caffe Trieste's toy drive for the San Francisco Firefighters, which raised $7,000 and 10 barrels of toys, and brought the community together for music and good times. (If you missed it, check the toy program's website for how to donate.)
In other feel-good news, the North Beach Business Association gave us the lowdown on a trio of new initiatives to attract customers to local merchants. They include a fun holiday window display contest, spiffy new colored lights on street poles and possibly a Super Bowl street party.
Check out local window displays, like this one at Z. Cioccolato. (Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline)
In business news, the highly anticipated (or dreaded, depending on your perspective) Terrific Street opened at 1534 Grant Ave. This was the shop that ruffled feathers for its "canned parrot" display, but now the partners are gearing up to be a "community art clubhouse" where creatives can collaborate and everyone can sip Stumptown coffee.
Also, Rialto Mercato, from Da Flora owner Flora Gaspar, opened its doors on Thursday selling a curated selection of her favorite Italian ingredients, wine and specialty goods. And we got official word that the Halloum family will be opening not one, but two Baked Bear ice cream sandwich franchises: One in a food concession trailer at Fisherman's Wharf in January and another in the former Giordano Bros. at 303 Columbus Ave. in a few months.
Rialto Mercato goods. (Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline)
In the "Whatever happened to..." files: After months of wondering why snazzy new Broadway nightclub Hue was never open for business during happy hours the past few months like the partners said it would be, we tracked down some answers. We're told construction issues and funding has led to delays, but happy hour and Super Bowl parties will roll out in January, and construction should begin on a lounge next door in February.
The saddest news of the week came when we heard admired sketch artist Stuart "Stu" Jackson passed away after being on life support for a week following an unprovoked attack December 5th near a bus stop on Market and Van Ness. We spoke to his brother, Bob Jackson, who hopes to organize a memorial service in the neighborhood, and are currently soliciting sketches he's drawn for a tribute to him we'll publish next week.
And now, if you haven't had enough holiday revelry already, here is your events roundup for the coming week, including a party for kids 12 and under today at Joe DiMaggio Playground:
Did we miss anything? Please let us know, and enjoy your weekend!
