Curbed SF: All Posts by RP NortonLove where you live2010-07-12T10:17:24-07:00https://sf.curbed.com/authors/rpnorton2097295/rss2010-07-12T10:17:24-07:002010-07-12T10:17:24-07:00Improving Lands End?
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<p><a href="http://richmondsfblog.com/2010/07/12/public-meeting-about-improvements-at-lands-end-july-21/">How is it possible to improve on perfection?</a> Nevertheless, Sarah B over at the RichmondSF blog is reporting that there will be a public meeting on July 21 to get public feedback on plans to improve this already-gorgeous trail on the northwestern tip of the City. Apparently there's a $5 million grant from the Goldman Fund burning a hole in the GGNRA's pocket, or something like that. <br>· <a href="http://richmondsfblog.com/2010/07/12/public-meeting-about-improvements-at-lands-end-july-21/">Public Meeting About Improving Land's End</a> [Richmond SF]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/12/10509630/improving-lands-endRP Norton2010-07-12T10:09:14-07:002010-07-12T10:09:14-07:00Seing Double? Contemporary Twins in Bernal
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<p> These twin houses caught our eye yesterday, side-by-side on a steep stretch of Bradford St. in Bernal. At first we thought someone just made a mistake and listed the same house twice, but no, they're really side-by-side identical 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath houses, each offered at $879,000. The homes are nice enough (LEED-certified, high-end finishes, landscaped backyards), but the cookie-cutter aspect kind of bothers us. Who wants to have the exact same home as one's neighbor? Maybe out in the 'burbs, but here in SF we like to express our individuality. Unless you're <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/postcards/browntwins.jpg">Vivian and Marian Brown</a>, of course. <br>· <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/340-Bradford-St-94110/home/12226773">340 Bradford St.</a> [Redfin]<br>· <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/350-Bradford-St-94110/home/12226774">350 Bradford St.</a> [Redfin]<br>· <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_and_Vivian_Brown">Vivian and Marian Brown</a> [Wikipedia]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/12/10509632/seing-double-contemporary-twins-in-bernalRP Norton2010-07-12T09:42:34-07:002010-07-12T09:42:34-07:00Chronicle: Property Tax Decline May Hurt Cities for Years
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<p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/11/MNGP1EAU7A.DTL">The Chronicle reported yesterday that in seven of the nine Bay Area counties, the property tax rolls are down from the prior year</a> -- a development that is likely to have a devastating effect on school districts, cities and county governments. According to the article:</p>
<blockquote>San Francisco stood out as the sole Bay Area county clocking an increase in the tax rolls, which were up 4 percent compared with last year. Napa County's tax roll stayed the same, according to Assessor John Tuteur.</blockquote> Because of the paper's annoying "exclusive to the print edition" policy, the link to the article won't work until the morning of July 13, so dig it out of a neighbor's recycling if you just can't wait a day until it's available online. <br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/11/MNGP1EAU7A.DTL">Property Taxes Drop to Historic Lows </a>[SF Chronicle]
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/12/10509682/chronicle-property-tax-decline-may-hurt-cities-for-yearsRP Norton2010-07-12T09:40:43-07:002010-07-12T09:40:43-07:00Update: SF Landlords from Hell Vanish
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<p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/crime/detail?entry_id=66847">The Chronicle reported last week that "landlords from hell" -- husband and wife Kip and Nicole Macy -- have vanished.</a> The couple were arrested in 2008 after taking some rather extreme measures to evict a tenant from a South of Market apartment they owned, including <em>cutting the support beams holding up the floor in the tenant's upstairs unit</em>. After spending some time in jail, the two were released to await trial, and their passports were confiscated. <br>But last week, the couple vanished. Prosecutors think they simply renewed their expired passports and left the country. We're sure they'll turn up eventually -- and we can't wait for the Movie of the Week about their adventures on the lam!<br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/crime/detail?entry_id=66847">Crime Scene: Landlords from Hell Vanish</a> [SF Chronicle]<br><a href="http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2008/04/24/bonnie_clyde_landlords_terrorize_tenants.php">Bonnie & Clyde Landlords Terrorize Tenants</a> [Curbed SF]<br><a href="http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2008/04/28/update_bonnie_clyde_landlords_terrorize_tenants.php">UPDATE: Bonnie & Clyde Landlords Terrorize Tenants</a> [Curbed SF]<br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/02/BAR210FTJJ.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea">SF Landlord Couple Plead Not Guilty</a> [SF Chronicle]<br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/26/MN0R10CDQC.DTL">Bizarre Account of SF Eviction Battle</a> [SF Chronicle]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/12/10509678/update-sf-landlords-from-hell-vanishRP Norton2010-07-12T09:38:00-07:002010-07-12T09:38:00-07:00AM Links
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<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/executionsinfo/">Whole Wheat Toast</a><br><a href="http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/under-the-dome/treasure-island-environmental-report-due-monday-98202284.html">Treasure Island Environmental Report Due Monday</a> [SF Examiner]<br><a href="http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/under-the-dome/friends-of-noe-valley-to-discuss-parking-lot-sale-98200914.html">Friends of Noe Valley to Discuss Parking Lot Sale</a> [SF Examiner]<br><a href="http://sfappeal.com/alley/2010/07/area-residents-scientist-to-protest-hunters-point-redevelopment-plan.php">Area Residents, Scientist to Protest Hunters Point Development</a> [SF Appeal]<br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/11/BADD1EC1IM.DTL&type=newsbayarea">Luxury Condos Plan Stirs Anger</a> [SF Chronicle]<br><a href="http://missionlocal.org/2010/07/garfield-pool-reopens/">Garfield Pool Reopens! </a>[Mission Loc@l]<br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/11/PKA21E6POL.DTL">Tom Graham Walks Every Street in San Francisco</a> [SF Chronicle]<br><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/11/BAN71ECQQP.DTL&type=newsbayarea">Partisans Pack Plaza for Big World Cup Viewing</a> [SF Chronicle]<br><a href="http://sfcitizen.com/blog/2010/07/09/print-what-you-want-more-or-less-at-the-temporary-levis-workshop-on-valencia/">Print What You Want, More or Less, at Temporary Levi's Workshop</a> [SF Citizen]<br><a href="http://www.baycitizen.org/development/story/farmers-fear-loss-tax-breaks/">Farmers Fear Loss of Tax Breaks -- and Land</a> [Bay Citizen]<br><a href="http://www.baycitizen.org/politics/story/how-sitlie-baseball-card/">How Sit/Lie is Like a Baseball Card</a> [Bay Citizen]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/12/10509684/am-linksRP Norton2010-07-09T12:24:52-07:002010-07-09T12:24:52-07:00City Place a Go for Mid-Market
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<p>Yesterday the Planning Commission approved plans to tear down three buildings in a decrepit stretch of Market Street and replace them with a glass-sheathed retail complex called City Place. Despite the <em>sturm und drang</em> from our commenter, parking opponent and SOMA resident Jamie ( "Traffic congestion is not a fact of life that we as residents of SOMA just have to suck on. Cars are killing us and our planet"), by and large the project seems to have broad support. We truly hope it's a new day for 6th & Market!<br>· <a href="http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Decrepit-block-poised-for-rebirth-98089849.html">Decrepit Block Poised for Rebirth</a> [SF Examiner]<br>· <a href="http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2010/07/06/at_the_planning_commission_this_week.php">At the Planning Commission This Week</a> [Curbed SF]<br>· <a href="http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2010/06/11/my_midmarket_madness.php">My Mid-Market Madness</a> [Curbed SF]<br>· <a href="http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2010/07/tminus_two_days_for_cityplace_935965_market_commission.html">T-Minus Two Days and Counting</a> [Socketsite]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/9/10509740/city-place-a-go-for-mid-marketRP Norton2010-07-09T11:29:26-07:002010-07-09T11:29:26-07:00More Open Homes This Weekend - Luxury Edition
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<p><br>Dance card still open this Saturday and Sunday? Check these out:<br><strong>A gorgeous Potrero Hill family home</strong> at 1118 De Haro St. is a contender -- 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, listed at $999K. Views, decks, details -- you name it. Open Sunday, 2-4 p.m.<br><strong>Despite mistakes in the listing (no bedrooms and one bath?)</strong>, this large Cole Valley Victorian looks pretty special, save the odd yellow and brown exterior paint combo. Reading between the lines, it looks like there are at least three bedrooms and two baths, and nice details throughout. 107 Belvedere St. (one of our favorite blocks in Cole Valley!) is listed at $1.749 million. Open Saturday 2-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.<br><strong>The 2 bedroom, 2 bath co-op in a "coveted location"</strong> on Telegraph Hill looks interesting, too, with all those built-in bookshelves and gorgeous views -- listed at $1.495 million. The building was designed by "flamboyant modernist" architect Henry Hill. Open Sunday, 2-4 p.m.<br>· <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/1118-De-Haro-St-94107/home/1502676">1118 De Haro St.</a> [Redfin]<br>· <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/SAN-FRANCISCO/1070-BELVEDERE-ST-94117/home/600890">107 Belvedere St.</a> [Redfin]<br>· <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/1725-Kearny-St-94133/unit-4/home/11743426">1725 Kearny St., #4</a> [Redfin]<br>· <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hill_%28architect%29">Henry Hill (architect)</a> [Wikipedia]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/9/10509748/more-open-homes-this-weekend-luxury-editionRP Norton2010-07-09T11:05:55-07:002010-07-09T11:05:55-07:00Cute & Spiffy at $499K: 1574 Underwood Ave
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<p><br>Surprisingly cute and nicely updated single-family home at 1574 Underwood Ave. in the Bayview: 4 bedrooms, three baths, a block from the T-Third line, listed at $499,000. Yes, we know it's a higher-crime neighborhood (perhaps why the listing highlights "two separate security alarms"?). Still, this one could be worth checking out for a family on a budget (there's an unwarranted studio with a separate entrance, too). It's open this Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11, from 2-4 p.m. both days. <br>· <a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/1574-Underwood-Ave-94124/home/1801672">1574 Underwood Ave.</a> [Redfin]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/9/10509756/cute-spiffy-at-499k-1574-underwood-aveRP Norton2010-07-09T10:12:55-07:002010-07-09T10:12:55-07:00Sunday Streets in the Mission this Weekend!
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<p>SF's new favorite weekend happening returns this Sunday to the Mission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. <br>· <a href="http://sundaystreetssf.com/?page_id=715">Schedule of Events</a> [Sunday Streets SF]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/9/10509764/sunday-streets-in-the-mission-this-weekendRP Norton2010-07-09T10:00:04-07:002010-07-09T10:00:04-07:00Craigslist protest
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<p><br>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdewar/">njudahchronicles</a><br>Yesterday we brought you the breaking news of a protest at Craigslist headquarters in the Inner Sunset. There's some fun coverage from various bloggers, including <a href="http://sfcitizen.com/blog/2010/07/08/fiasco-protesters-counterprotesters-and-a-ton-of-media-at-craigslist-hq-this-afternoon/">SF Citizen</a> (who tipped us in the first place -- thanks Jim!), <a href="http://www.gregdewar.com/2010/07/random_thoughts_on_todays_day.html">Greg Dewar</a>, and KPIX <a href="http://cbslocalblogs.prospero.com/kpix_eyeonblogs?entry=9169">Eye on Blogs</a> (aka local treasure Beth Spotswood). Ouch, a little harsh calling Craigslist founder Craig Newmark "Craig Newpimp" and making fun of his lack of hair. And counter-protesters? Really?<br>· <a href="http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2010/07/08/inner_sunset_shocker.php">Inner Sunset Shocker</a> [Curbed SF]<br>· <a href="http://sfcitizen.com/blog/2010/07/08/fiasco-protesters-counterprotesters-and-a-ton-of-media-at-craigslist-hq-this-afternoon/">Fiasco: Protesters, Counterprotesters and a Ton of Media at Craiglist HQ</a> [SF Citizen]<br>· <a href="http://www.gregdewar.com/2010/07/random_thoughts_on_todays_day.html">Random Thoughts on Today's 'Day of Protest' at Craigslist HQ</a> [Greg Dewar]<br>· <a href="http://cbslocalblogs.prospero.com/kpix_eyeonblogs?entry=9169">Eye on Blogs Visits Craigslist Protest</a> [CBS Eye on Blogs]</p>
https://sf.curbed.com/2010/7/9/10509778/craigslist-protestRP Norton