From the Richmond SF Blog, an update on the saga of that earthquake shack on Cabrillo Avenue. It's been approved for demolition as being beyond repair and so altered that the original cottage is hard to discern; a new two-unit structure have been approved as well. Plans show the building well within the envelope, and Planning noted that it adds one housing unit, a factor which seems to be critical to approval these days. Even though numerous immediate neighbors support the project, it's been an ugly affair.
The documents recount allegations of false statements and shady dealings. Discretionary Reviews include identifying the owners as developers and cite the plan's failure to replace the low-income housing lost by the demolition. And the loss of an irreplaceable historic artifact: the docs include Rose Hillson's sixty-five page exegesis elucidating why the building is critical to San Francisco history. Ms. Hillson lives a few blocks away. She's also the same person who tried to landmark her rare manzanita, and in fairness to Ms. Hillson, the manzanita story's a good one. While there's only one known Arcostaphylos Hillsonia there are still thirty-two remaining shacks, including two restored shacks at the Presidio. We're not going to take sides here- but will point out that we have earthquake refugee shacks because in 1906 there was abundant redwood and fir here- and not enough canvas- to make earthquake refugee tents.
· Property Containing 1906 Earthquake Shack-Approved for Demolition [Richmond SF Blog]
· 226 Cabrillo (.pdf) [Richmond SF Blog]
· Mysterious Manzanita Mystifies Homeonwers [SFGate]
· 1906 Refugee Shacks Remaining [Outside Lands]
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