There’s a lot of fun things this weekend I wanted to be sure to let everyone know about. Before I do that I’d like to start with this photo I took at the Consulate of the Netherlands this week:
I got a chance to go to an event at the Consulate, where experts from the SFMTA, the SF Bicycle Coalition, and assorted Bike Pros from Elsewhere talked about bicycle transportation policy. It sounds boring but it was actually not. Plus they had free drinks, mini stroopwafels, and that awesome view of downtown. What’s not to like?
I also got a chance to say hi to Luke Bornheimer, who moderated the event. If you don’t follow on the socials, you really should because he’s a forceful advocate for safer streets, and is not afraid of using a shotgun full of Actual Facts and Reason to shut down nonsensical chatter.
Meanwhile, over on the westside, there’s a lot of Good Things happening this weekend:
First, of course is the 6th Anniversary Party for Yo También Cantina on Hugo Street. The Cantina has been a beacon of Good in the “Wes Anderson District” of San Francisco (aka Hugo Street). If you’ve followed my Instagram at all you’ve seen plenty of photos and videos I’ve taken there over the past 6 (!) years.
During the lockdown, I would stop by on the way home, after a session with the Friday Apocalypse Happy Hour, and for a least a few hours, things felt ok. Their continued resilience and success in the face of SF bureaucrats, pandemics and whatnot has been nothing short of amazing. Plus, they know how to throw a good party, and if last year’s event is any indication, it should be a fun day, so check it out.
Over at Irving and 12th Avenue, Hunt and Gather will be hosting a reception for artists in their Sunset Pride exhibit on Sunday, June 30th. If you aren’t going to the big parade downtown, consider stopping by here instead, and meet some nice local artists and neighbors. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested.
On Saturday, June 29th, neighbors in the Inner Sunset will be having another one of their clean up days. This is a great way to keep our neighborhood clean, and meet some neighbors you haven’t met yet. Here’s a flyer:
Also this weekend, the good people at the Eye and Hand Society in the Outer Richmond have a fun party for you on Saturday, the 29th. The Far Out Fest will feature live music and art on Balboa between 35th and 36th Avenues. These events are free and always fun, and with the weather cooperating, should have a nice turnout.
Finally, I wanted to let you all know about a GoFundMe by a friend of mine, a longtime Inner Sunset resident. Recently she was hit by a careless car driver and had serious injuries. In a weird twist, she ended up getting sued by the driver and their insurance company for “damages.” This is some seriously f-d up stuff being done to someone who in no way deserves any of it (the injuries or the legalisms). If you can’t donate, pass the link on to someone who likes riding bicycles who can.
That’s all for now. Have a nice weekend!
PS: This week we seem to have seen the closing of the Blackthorn Tavern, but I’m still gathering information, and would rather get Actual Facts vs. NextDoor style rumor-mongering nonsense. I also have some (complicated) thoughts about the Blackthorn that deserve their own post.
For now all I’ll say is that I will miss this place, and hope they at least keep the Amos Goldbaum mural and the N Judah one too. Here’s a video I took in 2012 during one of those many times the SF Giants won the World Series.
Fun fact, I used to work in the building the Netherlands consulate is in and they have their own reserved bike racks, specifically for them. :)
fun factoid: I was making a dumb jokey headline when I wrote "inner sun" on purpose but no one seems to be getting that lol