Table Of Content\^LLEY
ViSITACION
GRAPEVINE
Our Community 2011
JAMUART Serving
Cohen wins DIO What Happened to the Grapevine?
There's an old African proverb November 2010 editions of The
Race
Supervisor that says, "When elephants fight Grapevine could not be published
the grass (reeds) gets hurt." The due to a cash flow shortage. This
Grapevine, Visitacion Valley's was the first time in the paper's
only community newspaper got long history that Visitacion Valley
The path to the top is seldom trenched communities? How will trampled during last year's record went without its monthly commu-
straight, just ask the Giants. Maha she maintain critical services in a breaking California State bud- nity news.
Cohen proved this axiom with an time of budgetary shortfalls? The get impasse. After over 100 days This unscheduled hiatus
amazing third place to first place list of 'how..?' can go on and oh. wmiutnhiotuyt abnasaepdproorvgeadnibzuadtgieotn,scothma-t cinloosneed tihmepodrotoarntonastpehcet.GrLaepnevAipn-e
victory to become Supervisor elect Only time will tell. rely on State funding were forced piano, the Grapevines 'Jack of
for District 10. Cohen's journey to make difficult decisions in the all trades' (layout, editor, ad sales,
to City Hall proved to be far more attempt to maintain their core ser- writer, photographer, hisforian,
complex then in past district elec- vices. The Visitacion Valley Com- and distribution) decided to pursue
tions when viable candidates were munity Center (VVCC), the pub- other endeavors. We wish him all
few, issues went un-debated, and lisher of the Grapevine, was one the best and sincerely thank him
such organization. Faced with the for keeping the Grapevine alive
district identitywastaken forgrant- reality that nearly 80% of the or- and well for over 25 years.
ed. The exodus ofSophie Maxwell, ganization's operation budget was With this edition, the Grape-
termed out Supervisor often years, held hostage by statewide politics vine is back, sort of. Funds to keep
opened the floodgates to an eclec- all non-essential services were put the paper operating are stiH very
tic horde ofold names, new faces, on hold. The October 2010 and restricted. EachComnotnitnhueVdVpCagCew2i.ll
and starry-eyed dreamers. Some
came with fresh ideas and a clear A Salute to the Help to beautify the Gambier Street
vision, while others relied on the McLaren Park entrance frirlher. Another work
same old rhetoric. Most talked of Group in progress at the same location
unity while slyly inserting insular is a mosaic project by which nine
By Betty Parshal
commentary. For the first time in After ftmd-raising for over two concrete bollards will be enhanced"
ten years outside interests made an years and helped by a grant from with mosaics. One bollard is
earnest attempt to swing the vote Parks Trust and SF Beautifiil, Help completed and the rest will soon
in a decidedly un-District 10 direc- McLaren Park saw the installation be finished, weather permitting.
tion. The next four years ofa kiosk at the Gambier entrance Monica Treanor, who designed
Twenty-plus candidates will not be easy for Cohen or for to the park. The kiosk was due to the mural at the small playground
and basketball court up the hill,
ran. The voters ranked their top the residents of Visitacion Valley. be completed by the last week of and Cindy Wong and several
three and after a complex process We are still seen as a 'not quite a Septemberand will provide a place neighbors, deserve many thanks
of eliminations and redistribu- San Francisco neighborhood' by for posting flyers ofpark events.
and appreciation.
tions Cohen emerged victorious. the less informed. We must there- Trilce Farrugia advised that much AndAnotherSalute,,.
Aside from the purely mathemati- fore stay engaged in the political of the fijndraising dollars are still To the Same Folks for recently
being held by the Neighborhood
cal aspects of Cohen's victory, a process to ensure our needs are winning a grant to refurbish one of
little bit of luck and a whole lot heard under City Hall's dome. We Parks Concil and will be used the Burrows Street playgrounds.
of dogged determination gave our have a new messenger. Let's make
new Supervisor-elect the edge over sure she hears from Visitacion Val- Winter Showcase 2010 ily portraits as part of the global
equally qualified candidates. Now ley on a regular basis. movement "Help-Portrait" day.
the hard part begins. How best to Conceived in 2009as awin- Help-Portrait is all volunteer col-
ubHnooirfwhyoogwdieloslgrwCaiopthhhiecndailsaltdyidndcritesstisadnettnhtneieticiguehls--? cDSiaesmteprpiacaitgge1n0,3cfoomrmMiatlmieant*s to ttmdehuoreevsetefhadiesrsowtinhndicWoomionsnrctseoerfrtatMionStththhehoeewrlpcaNasatarstkemuerivenew.unattIse,n tlsnheiaceottneinsdveetethdhayetoi.frdoOlnvipaemhtreoett7aoh5ngedrivaropeslhqkuiuinclitlpsemepterrosnohtfdeeolst-p-o
tural and ethnic shifts within en- planning for the 2010 event, the re-
alities ofoutdoor events during the
Comeback
Visitacion Valley: winter gave way to reason. Winter
Showcase 2010 would be held in-
doors. Moved to gym at 66 Ray-
Visitacion Valley Wins 2010 Award mond Ave and under the umbrella
By Nick Wolff of the Visitacion Valley Commu-
On Wednesday November 17th community leaders from Visita- nity Center the "2nd Annual - Win-
ter Showcase" featured live music
cion Valley gathered in the North Light Court ofCity Hall for the Neigh- from home grown musicians, arts
borhood Empowerment Network's (NEN) annual award ceremony. and crafts stations, and delicious
4
Devoted to honoring the hard work of neighbors and community based baked goods and treats. The event
organizations, NEN award categories ranged from 'Best Community was a magnificent success.
Green Project' to 'Best Graffiti Watch Volunteer.' After weeks of ad- The event was made pos-
vocacy from a variety oflocal stakeholders in an extremely competitive sible with the support from the
Visitacion Valley Community Cen-
nominating process, Visitacion Valley walked away with arguably the capture nearly 100 Visitacion Val-
ter. Real Options for City Kids
most prestigious award of the night - Comeback Neighborhood of the (ROCK SF), Boys and Girls Club, ley family and group portraits.
Year. and the Visitacion Valley Business The organizers and spon-
Improvement Group (formerly sors of the Winter Showcase 2010
VVBOOM). would like to thank all those that
Advertise in the Grapevine! Reasonable rates! In addition to the holiday committed their time and talents to
Starting at S20 per month. Call 415-740-4014 tfersetaitveidtiteosathsepeccioamlmguinftitoyffwraeesfaalms-o hvieclepwoiulrlrleasstidfeonrtsy.eaYrosuringtihfet ohfomseers-
and hearts ofour community.
P,2 January 2011 Grapevine
What Happens After the Big One? McLaren Park Notes Accordingtotheadvertisementthe
event is "our way of giving back
SF NERT Training-Two-Day Intensive Course Dear Readers: Some items in this to the community and is dedicated
column are a bit dated since the to the unity ofdifferent cultures in
Its 2:46 am on a Tuesday night in Visitacion Valley. You are Grapevinetook a break in October the urban scene. Brought to you
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tAwiamrceanretdahelyasoroumunabbdloaurotef.sbiDrnoenat'khitendegixsgptleaacnstcs.eh.eTlThpheaftrourwmtabhsleitnnhegexts"tBo7ip2sg.hOoInutrses"p.ittWhchahtadttahrdeko.y Women's Willa Hit tithehacsraowladrgtehaftoaltltoewnidnegd.juTdhgienognblyy
you do next? Once again Women's criticism I have is the number of
The San Francisco Fire Department offers free Neighborhood Will, the Bay Area's all-female cigarette butts that littered the
Emergency Response Team (NERT) Training Two-Day Intensive Shakespeare company, gave a entire area of the amphitheater
Course.Thegoal ofthisprogram is tohelpthecitizensofSanFrancisco crowd-pleasing performance at and the surrounding entryways.
tobeself-sufficient inamajordisaster the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. This was a heavy-smoking crowd,
BaCyovmiemwunPioltiyceRSotoatmion situation by developing multi- This year the company presented and sand-buckets should have
201 Williams @ Newhall bfausnicctieomnaelrgetnecamys,skilclsr.ossT-htrroauingehdthiisn Much Ado Ahaul Nothing, a been provided to park their butts.
Cla8ss:3S0eSasamstiutorondsa5y:1s3,02p&m 3: optonreohsgerlapprme,tphairenemdsivefiolrdvueaaslnsdawnbideltlttehlreeiarrrenslpohovonewdd cOthonametetcdhoyeuypalaberoeuhtamsetanwnoottpyafeiotrrsreeoacfcohglonovitezhreesd.r More ReMcaennytIWpoatreks users were
January 8,2011 to a disaster such as earthquake. The and scorn love, marriage and one dismayed and even angry
Class Sessions 4, 5 & 6: training includes preparedness another. The other couple is just when small trash receptacles at
January 22, 2011 training, as well as hands-on disaster the opposite, but is tricked by various places (the reservoir, the
skills. the villain of the piece who has amphitheater, and along the path
Pleasenotethat it isvery important forparticipantsto attend all his own evil designs and wants from the main parking lot).were
session in orderto gain the frill scope and benefit ofthe training. New to break them up. In the end removed and replaced by large
students may notjoin after session 2 ofthe 6-week training, or on day all comes out well, the trickery collection bins place only at
2 ofthe intensive sessions. and bickering have been "much curbside and parking lot locations.
To contTacotfitnhdeoSutFFmDoreNEviRsiTt: Phrttopg:r/a/mw,ww.esmfagiolv.sorfgf/[email protected] or adedloighatbfouult cnoomtehdinyg,."witThhismusiisc,a tSyoimnge bdaegmsonsotfradtoegd ptoheoipr tiore tbhye
call 415 970-2024 and the obvious enjoyment ofthe cyclone fence at the reservoir,
performers infects the audience to although this practice has been
Art at the Dump the point of booing the villain at greatly reduced now. While it
TheArtist in Residence Program at Recology San Francisco will host an his appearance. may be slightly inconvenient
exhibition and reception for current artists-in-residence Ferris Plock, Su- The company took to carry trash to the collection
zanne Husky, and Bill Russell on Friday, January 21st, from 5-9pm and advantage of the amphitheater's bins, this change does free up
Saturday, January 22, from l-5pm. This exhibition will be the culmina- setting in some scenes by gardeners to do gardening rather
tion of four months ofwork by the artists who have scavenged materi- approaching the stage from the than circling the park to empty
als from the dump to make art and promote recycling and reuse. Friday hill above; and when Beatrice had the small trashcans. How this
night's exhibition reception will include food provided by the El Tonay- to hide, she took cover in the third will work out during summer
ense Taco Truck. row ofthe audience and disguised picnic and amphitheater events
herselfwith the large sun hat ofa is still to be seen. Perhaps Rec
Ferris Plock: Hunt and Gather lady sitting there, which delighted & Park can require event people
While at the dump, painter and character illustrator Ferris Plock has con- everyone. to provide containers and remove
tinued to build on a recent body of work that incorporates elements of
Japanese ukiyo-e prints and iconography from world religions^with other While Women's Will trash, especially receptacles for
motifs that hold personal significance. Meticulously rendered paintings plan to continue producing all- cigarette butts. (Or perhaps
simultaneously contain an elegant reverence and Flock's characteristic female Shakespeare plays, they attempt to enforce the no smoking
hSuuzmaonrnaendHupslakyyf:ulSnlesese.per Cell Raising atlhseo dneovwelionpcmleudnet inofthenierwmispsliaoyns policy iAn thloetpaorfk.f)olks have seen
The wealth of materials available to Suzanne Husky during her resi- by women. We look forward to the large black and white rabbit
dency at the dump enabled her to construct small habitable structures seeing them again at McLaren in frequenting the area above the
that had previously existed only in herdrawings. The artist's intention for the fiiture. group picnic area. One of our
these forms, which appear like tiny homes for characters in a folk tale, is gardeners who saw it regularly
that they be placed in a forest or garden, potentially to be slept in. And For Something Completely has not glimpsed it for a couple of
Bill Russell: Recology Sketchbook: Por- Different weeks (as ofDecember 9""
traits and Stories Location: On the first Sunday of and in addition there have been
mVoinstuahlrjeosuirdnaelnicsytgBeitltlinRgustsoelklnsopwentthehispefoopulre- 50S3FTCmArn9e4l1A3v4e. tSoeopkteomvbeerr tDhoeiAnm'phItitihneattheerPaarnkd sweevlelraalsrienpoortthserofpaarctosyooftethtehepraerka.s
twsRecehracovvoielewnowgogeirydnkgSekamfteoptrlcRothehybceeoioerolskos:tgaoyrnPidoearstn.prdraHioetmdseutdcaarenpeddhwoarSatinobcdroaioleiklsn,y,- SaF2tr0ui1rd1ad,ya,y5,JpaJmnauntauoray9ryp21m2,2, eDonvrleiyrvyewapanasdrkcimonungsniesccptaipcnregovsotirndeeetdSsh.eflNrlooetmy tWrheeeadeahlrlusn'htoreeprpeoarttnhsdeorwnabotbuhiltedhsuabwsjeeelcvtca.odmeed
which features thesebiographical profiles pre- 201 1. Ipm to 5pm noon until sunset, free barbeque
sented in the form ofan artist's sketchbook was served while supplies lasted. Betty Pars/tail
http://www.recoIogysf.com/AIR
McLaren Park Council Formation
Need Tax Help? from page 1 WhatHappened Many months ago, at the final McLaren Park needs assessment
Tax-Aid is back at the Visitacion have to carefially consider its in- meeting, a suggestion was made to create a McLaren Park Council. The
Valley Community Center to help come and expenses. We will try Courtcil format would allow all the various groups (park advocates,
our best to keep the community's community and user groups), to share information, updates on park proj-
residents prepare their 2009 tax news available in print for as long ects, issues and advocacy. The idea has met with a lot ofexcitement and
returns. Last year Tax-Aid helped as fiscally possible. This edition is it is finally about to get rolling.
prepare 253 tax returns for a total a new start. Expect improvement Please spread the news to individuals and groups who might
of over $529,000. This free ser- over the next few months as we want to attend this first meeting. The goal is to create a new way to pro-
vice is made possible with the find a new balance, the Grapevine vide better communication among all the diverse groups and activities
generous support of ICPMG. For will improve. As always, commu- that make up the fabric ofMcLaren Park.
more information contact Minnie nhietlyp sbuyppsourptpoisrtcirnitgicoalu.r aYdoveurtciasn- WLhaeurnec:h LMoeueitsinSgu:ttWeerdR.oJuannduaHroyu,s1e9.thM.c2L0a1r1e.n6-Pa8rpkm, University near
Sage, Program Manager Tax-Aid. ers (tell them that you saw it the Woolsey.
[email protected] or Us-Tax- Grapevinel) Consider becoming For more information: Please contact: Linda Litehiser (on behalf
WCC
Aid((^kpmg.com Direct 415-963- a "member" of the fam- ofthe organizing committee) 415-585-8005 or lharte(«^earthlink.net
5133 Fax 415-963-8130 ily for an annual fee of $15 and
you'll also receive a year of the
Dates: Saturdays: January 29, GWreapehvoipnee dyeoluivereendjotyo yothuishoemdei.- Get the Grapevine delivered to your home!
February 5, February 12, February tion and will continue to support $20 per year
19, February 26. your community newspaper, the or Free with $15 Annual Membership
Times: 10am-2pm Grapevine. at the Visitacion Valley Community Center
WCC
Gym 66 Raymond Ave Call 647-6400 for more details
January 2011 Grapevine P.3
Visitacion Valley History Project landmark, the Cow Palace. Then the group walked along Tunnel Avenue
to Bayshore, across the highway and along Raymond Avenue. Having
learned much about Recology, Schlage Lock, the Bayshore hotel, the
PSroocjieectty mwaidthe tahOepnrteThsueeenmstedaat"iyWo,nhSeteropettheiemsbSVeairsni1tFa4rcaitnohcneisVVciaosliltHeaiycs?it"oonryRVuaaslnsldeelyMHMuiossretiounrmey cwStiortmehmetuCyntniottAhyrilaceetpnartoeavrniddaintndhgrhToihusugtohtrmitochaseleGirnHfaeloelrn,mwatathiyeonGgararlodouenpgnsptrhtoeocweLaeeydl.eadndupAvAelnpuhea,
explained the choice oftheme since he and so many ofus who live here Viewingthe library construction and the clubhouse at the park, the
frequently find ourselves in this kind ofconversation: group then entered St. James Presbyterian Church to hear about architect
"Where do you live?" Julia Morganandthe stainedglass window, andtoenjoy aseat inthe pews.
"In Little Hollywood." From there the walk went to Schwerin Street where the original 1906 St.
"Where's Little Hollywood?" James still stands, now a private residence, then on to Sunnydale Avenue
*'ln Visitacion Valley." to learn about the Eichler Towers. Entering Our Lady ofthe Visitacion
"Oh, is that in San Francisco?" church, the group enjoyed the beauty ofthe stained glass windows there.
Russel went on to show pictures of local landmarks and provide history The tour then proceeded along Sunnydale and across Bayshore to the
onoftthTe"ariCneyanwst'hhiiicnadhuCssothrxeieassmhauonswdeeddbutmshiaenneaysusdeeisxe.anmcpelweisthofheorurprneesiegnhtabtoirohnootidtlneda"mCe bbeuadirulckdaintniogownonawlanseexGdpeeobrryigetenh'ceseSLfyoolrvgeesCvtaerbriiynSo.tnaetT.uhairsyeCnod.edthtatheltoonugr,agano ewnajsoyaapbolpeualnadr
being misspelled by those who should know better. She also spoke on On Sunday, September 19 VVHP was busy again, manning our
the early history ofthe Valley, how it was named, and told about several popular used book sale tables at the Leland Avenue Stt-eet Fair. Our
notable early settlers. thanks are extended to everyone who donated books, CDs, DVDs and
Edie Epps presented a segment about the history ofchurches and videotapes to once again make our sale a success.
ohragvaenieznajtoiyonesd hienret,heanpdasItcaonvderuepd tthoetrheecrperaetsieonntadnady.parTkhsethpartesreenstiadteinotns HistoryIonfOtchteoSbcehrwoeurrignroFuapmiwlaysitnheReglraatteifoiniltroecViipsiietnattioofnaV"aMlliesyc,e"ldloannaetoeuds
concluded with a viewing ofthe Circle ofElders video, and was very well by Schwerin descendant Brian J. Shea. In fijture columns we'll share
receivedOnbyStahteuraduadyi,enSceep.tember 18 about thirty people, many of whom some ofthis history with ourAreaders.
Coining Next Year: San Francisco History Exposition will be
ahacdlosseeernltohoekpartestehnetaVtailolne,y.meTthneeitgouhrbosrtharotoedd toonurthgeuipdeedeCsytnrtihainaoCveorxpafsosr hVeislidtaatcitohneVOalldleMyiwnitllobneStahteurred.ayMaarnkd ySuonudNaye.wFYeebarru'asryca1l2e''n'daanrsda1n3"d'palnadn
at the Bayshore train station. From that vantage point one can see the
geographical boundaries of the valley as well as its most prominent to attend.
District 10: The Future of San Francisco by Malia Cohen JOE LELAND ....
Around the Neighborhood
Unfortunately. District 10 has too often been the City's forgotten and last priority. As Supervisor,
I will change that practice and bring out the true potential of District 10. I will utilize my experience Where'd go?
and connection with City Hal! to directly voice our community's concerns to City leaders. We have the Quietly anditwith no fanfare the US
opportunity to make District 10 a cornerstone of San Francisco and a home to a thrivingjob market, a
Post Office International Service
healthy and growing community, and a safer place for children and families.
Center (ISC) located at 2650 Bay-
Working: We have all felt the impact ofthe economic downturn:job loss, decreased salaries, lost
benefits, and anxiety over losing our homes. The recession has especially impacted this community as shore Blvd closed up shop and left
many working families have been forced to face the consequences ofbudget cuts and decreased govern- the Valley. The 250,000 sq ft build-
ing has been leased by the Post Office
ment support.
since 2000. The over seas mail opera-
Iinawmhiacshmatlhleybuasrieneasbsleotwonehirreanadndwirleltasiunppeomrptlosymeaelsl.buSsmianlelssbubsyineensssuersinagrethvaittatlhetoteaxcosntorumcitcureactiisvoitnye, tion was moved to save on transpor-
tation, maintenance and real estate
especially in District 10. I will continue to support policies that encourage small business and greenjob costs and also to "reduce the number
creation and stability and that bring economic activity to District 10 and all ofSan Francisco.
ofemployees required to process and
Healthy: I will be aproponent ofhealthy lifestyles by ensuringthat our residents have usable and
deliver the mail" according to a post
aitcicsesvseirbyleexgpreenesnivspeatcoeso.btIawiinllabpeeramnitadtvoohcoastteafboirrptohcdkaeytpapratryksataJnodhmnaMncaLgeaarbelnePpaarrkk, mfeaeks.inFgoritevxiarmtupallel,y stheervAiicre Mwaeibl sCieten.teTrhe(AIMSCC)mbouvielddintgo
iinnascucreesdsiabnldeutnodemre-mibnesurrsedofretshiedecntosm.muInwiiltly.woIrwkilwlitfihghCtittyo lceoandteirnsuheiptotoprkoeveipdceohmemalitmhitiynsuclriannicces ffournduend- near the airport. What will happen to
and to address disparities in low income neighborhoods. this large, modernized building? It
Safe: The violence that exists in our community is ofsignificant concern. In these tough econom- has good ft"eeway access and a partial
railroad spur. This would be a great
ic times, incidents ofgraffiti, break-ins, homicides, street violence and domestic violence have increased
and they, consequently, create mistrust and division in our community. site to do light manufacturing that re-
quires regional and nationwide bulky
favor a more robust community safety strategy that incorporates community resources like Together
I
United Recommitted Forever (TURF) and Community Response Network (CRN) in addition to increas- distribution (rail spur).
ing police foot patrols. Our streets must stay well lit and clean. I am committed to reducing criminal Moving on up..
recidivism by providing former offenders support in breaking down social barriers to find employment The Boys and Girls Club (located at
and a place in the community. I will work for better coordination among nonprofits, city agencies and 1099 Sunnydale) will be moving to
elected officials for an effective response plan to ensure that seniors and residents ofpublic housing are new digs very soon. A one year lease
not forgotten. was signedwith the SF Rec and Parks
Department for the use ofthe Visita-
cionValleyClubhouse locatedatCora
iPhone New Community Park Taking Shape at Candlestick Cove St. and Leland Ave. This move is be-
ingcalled a 'pilot'program. The Boys
RingTone Store and Girls Club will pay the Rec and
Parks Department $2000 per month
Step
Open Sa1f.ari and will operate programming M-
F 2pm-7pm. The Clubhouse will be
Step Z. available mornings and weekends for
type: www.iprts.cotn
community use. What's going to hap-
- Step 3. pen to the much larger space vacat-
Enjoy ed at 1099 Sunnydale? Wasn't 1099
Sunnydale designed with the Boys
and Girls specified as the anchor ten-
Grapevine Internet Corner ant? Maybe our new DIO Supervisor
can address this issue.
http://dlOwatch.blogspot.com/ Quote of the Month
www.renewvisvalley.com/ Winning isn't everything. Wanting to
www.baysidevistasf.com/ win
is.
www.sfwboom blogspot.com/ Catfish Hunter
.
39 1
P.4 January 2011 Grapevine
A HISTORY OF VISITACION VALLEY On December 29, 1942 the Visitacion Valley Community Center
COMMUNITY CENTER land and improvements were deeded to the city of San Francisco, with
VVCC reserving right to occupy and use the property as a "health and rec-
reation center." During World War II the Center added a Red Cross Cen-
In 1918 Florence Friedman, one ofthe first teachers at the Visitacion Val- ter to its programs and conducted blood donation drives and Red Cross
ley Elementary School, volunteered to operate the WarCamp Community first aid classes.
Center in an abandoned hall at 101 Raymond Avenue. Serving military The Center continued to provide the wide variety of programs
personnel from the nearby camp on Southern Pacific property, neighbors through the 1950's. A mid-1960's crisis occurred over facility mainte-
pitched in to provide potiuck dinners and social activities. When the war nance and repairs. The community organized a "Save the Center" cam-
ended in November 1919 and the War Camp was no longer in operation, paign and garnered enough support and funding to weather the difficulty.
neighbors voted to continue as a neighborhood community center smce Since that time shifting demographics, changes in the economy,
several community services and activities had already been mstituted. in community needs and funding resources have brought about profound
TheVisitacion Valley Community Service Club underthe auspices changes in the operation and programs of the Center. The Center's re-
ofthe San Francisco Community Service League was hosting a Boy Scout sponse to the needs ofa large population ofyoungsters brought expansion
Troop, the first community center Well of pre-school and after-school services.
Baby Clinic in San Francisco, cooking Neighborhood volunteer participation
and sewing classes for school students, has gradually decreased as more families
and first aid and hygiene classes, along experienced the necessity of both par-
with other social and recreafion activi- ents going to work. And there has been a
ties. An all-volunteer Parents' Assem- steadily growing dependence on govern-
bly was also formed to plan and help ment funding with its concurrent criteria
carry out the center's programs. Hav- of who may be served and the onerous
ing worked as a volunteer during her but necessary task of completing reports
after-school hours for six months. Miss documenting how the fijnding is used.
Friedman was appointed to the fiill time In spite of these challenges, the
position ofResident Director ofthe cen- Visitacion Valley Community Center
ter (The Visitacion Valley Community continues to serve the neighborhood in
Service Club was incorporated October a variety of very important ways. Senior
14, 1922 and then obtained a court order citizens look to the Center not only for
to change the name to Visitacion Valley a good lunch but to also enjoy socializ-
Community Center on April 4, 1923.) .V.;;ommuQlty 0«uter 1922 ing in a safe and fi-iendly place, as well-
Due tothe success ofthe Center's as to receive counseling and information
programs and the participation ofgreat numbers ofcommunity people the as needed. For many years the Center provided a place for hundreds of
need for larger quarters was soon evident. In 1922 neighbors came to- newly arrived immigrants to take ESL classes. Hundreds offamilies have
gether to build a new 'club house' at benefited trom the Family Program's childcare and childhood develop-
66 RaymondAvenue. Miss Friedman spearheaded the fiind raising. Dor- ment services. Under the auspices of the Center the Beacon program at
othy Wormser donated the architect's services, and volunteers under the Visitacion Valley Middle School has provided students with extra cur-
leadership ofneighborhood contractor Charles Eisenhut did construction. ricular educational and social activities And since 1986 residents have
The Center became a charter member ofthe Community Chest organiza- enjoyed reading the Grapevine, a ft'ee neighborhood newspaper issued
tion. once a month to provide news ofcommunity events and development and
Programs and services continued to expand. A pre-school nurs- edited by volunteer LenAppiano.
ery with parent participation, folk dancing classes for children and adults, The Center is available for community meetings. Meetings related
piano and violin lessons, a wide variety ofcraft classes. Boy Scouts, Girl to police community relations, city services and land development are
Scouts, Cub Pack and Brownies, and gymnasium classes for children and held in this familiar venue. The Visitacion Valley PlanningAlliance holds
adults were all offered. A very popular amateur drama group, "The Play- its monthly meefings in the gym, and most recently the Center hosted a
ers," was performing regularly. very-well attended District 10 Candidates' Forum and the SecondAnnual
By the middle ofthe 1930's the Center was once again bursting at Winter Showcase.
the seams. Application was made to the WPAand the city ofSan Francis- For all these reasons the Visitacion Valley Community Center at
co for ftinding which resulted in the construction ofthe additional build- 50 and 66 Raymond Avenue continues to play a vital, very necessary role
ing at 50 RaymondAvenue. The new building and a WPA nursery school in the community life ofVisitacion Valley.
were dedicated in 1941.
Visitacion Valley Business Directory
GROCERS
AUTOMOTIVE HOUSE OF WORSHIP RETAIL Support Your Local Merchants!
7 -II
Bayshorc Service American Indian BaptistChurch Golden 1-2-3 Zone 2200 Bayshore Blvd./468-8646 Shop Downtown
2P5&9K6 SAauytsohmoorteivBel,vdl.a/c239-5239 4C2h2urLcehlaonfdtAhveeV/is2i3t9a-c9i2on04 5D&&A25WiLreellaensdsAve./333-3923 C58asLaelLaonpdeAzveP,ro/d5u8c6e-4745 Visitacion V^alley
2598 Bayshore Blvd. /587-8410 655 SunnydaleAvenue/494-5517 78 LelandAve/452-4139 La Loma ProduceMarket
RovcrlandAutoRepair Iglesia ElEspiritu Santo Dragon CityAquarium 65 LelandAve / 239-7520 The mission of the
2520 Bayshore Blvd./585-7687 38 LelandAve/585-4350 144 LelandAve./3334598 G&K Grocery Visitacion Valley
T2V2i.55sW05i.00taABBcuaaiytyossonhhmAooourrtteeiovBBellRvveddp..a//ir528359--85228319 KC3St3oh3ruJeraTacmunnhensFeilPrrsAetvsPebr/yet4se6br8yi-ta1en2r1Ciahnurch 4SHL1a&PnLTsEealKCaninItdIcnAAhtveeLrneiTo&/rYs3B3a3t-h6.38L2LC S2P21i1ac5nLc5eoOllBnoaanyPHdseehtAroevbsrese, /Bl3v3d3,-8/040688-6801 eICnnodhimavminudcuneailsta,nydfCaemsintltrieeenrs,gitsahnteodn
BANK /REAL ESTATE 240 LelandAve/586-6381 2634 BayshoreBlvd./337-8883 33ALelandAve. / 333-7469 communities by providing
6BaLneklaonfdAAmvee.ri/c4a06-1464 S7t45PhVielllaispscoCAhvuerc/h239-901 S2i6l3v5estBraiysGhaorrdeeBnlvOdr.n/a2m3e9n-5t9s90 S24h0u0nBLaeyeshMoarrekBeltvd, /469-7292 resources, services and
La FlueWalton &Associates Valley BaptistChurch COMMUNITY LAUNDRY/ CLEANERS programs for the diverse
2428 Bayshore Blvd / 587-8683 301 RaymondAve/467-6055 ORGANIZATION 49erCleaner residents in Visitacion
R46oyLaellaPnadciAfviceM/or33t3g-a4g9e00 VCihsuirtacchion ChineseBaptist 6 SERVICE 5B1ayLeWlaansdhALvea,un/d2r3o9-m6a4t18 Valley and the
BEAUTY & HAIR 57 LelandAve/333-4503 PROVIDERS 44 LelandAve./(650)826-1322 surrounding area.
BeautifulAsYou R RESTAURANT Asian PacificAmerican City Wash International
170LelandAve / 756.1450 G&LBakery & Restaurant Community Center 83 LelandAve. /333-9467
Body.Soul& Spirit 198 LelandAve./239-6283 2442 Bayshore Blvd / 587-2689 Coin Wash & Dry Laundry GRAPEVINE
222 LelandAve./ 333-7261 Happy Donuts Florence CrittentonServices 186 LelandAve,
Connie Salon 2600Bayshore Blvd./239-5239 OneStop LelandAve. DryCleaner Published by the
2436Bayshore Blvd. / 586-8288 Happy Family Fast Food 73 LelandAve/239-8705 151 LelandAve./ 586-1412 Visitacion Valley
Emma'sHairSalon 107 LelandAve. / 333-7261 Leland House Valley Laundry Community Center
33B LelandAve. / 587-7429 Joe LelandColTccShop 141 LelandAve./405-2056 90 LelandAve,
HongKongHairNailBeauty 28 LelandAve,/740-4014 San Francisco PostOffice Visitacion Valley Laundr>' 50 RaymondAve
Salon LittleQuiapo Bakery 68 LelandAve, /{800) 275-8777 108 LelandAve./239-9030 San Francisco CA94134
199LelandAve, / 333-1005 169LelandAve, / 239-2253 RealOptionsforCity Kids Visitacion Valley Wash and Fold 415-467-6400
NailsbyJenny Luen FatBakery& Restaurant (ROCK) 105 LelandAve
50 LelandAve / 333-6600 llOLelandAve./585-1167 590 LelandAve/ 333,4001 MEDICAL /DENTAL
JB'sThe Shop El Buen Sabor Visitacion Valley Community North East Medical Center
160 LelandAve./239-6709 98 LelandAve,/ 587-772! Center50RaymondAve. /467- 82 LelandAve. /391-9686
SherrySalon TwoJacks Restaurant 6400 Visitacion Valley DentalOffice
6W0haLte'lsanBdaAdvde. / 333-9381 167 LelandAve./337-0433 FVriasnictiacsicoonPVuabllliecyLSiabnrary 3Vi7siLtealcainodnAVvael,le/y23P9h-a5r5m0a0cy
224 LelandAve./657-3156 45 LelandAve./335-2848 100 LelandAve, /239-581
