Vol. XLVII, No. 5
May 2023
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THE NOE VALLEY VOICE What’s New In Downtown Noe Valley
Prefab Bathroom May Reach Town Square by Fall
Fresh Business Offerings Fill Spots on 24th, Castro
Bulk of State Grant Going to Toilet #2 in Precita Park
By Matthew S. Bajko
By Matthew S. Bajko
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pringtime is the season of renewal, so it is no surprise to see 24th Street blooming anew. A number of businesses have opened their doors this year along the commercial corridor, while several new or returning businesses plan to do so in the coming months. In mid-April, the SF Fire Credit Union opened a third branch at 3908 24th St., in the ground floor of a recently built mixed-use building with residential units above. The financial institution originally formed 72 years ago to meet the banking needs of the city’s firefighters. It is throwing a block party May 20 to introduce itself to Noe Valley residents, as this month’s Store Trek notes (see page 19). The opening of a new branch follows the credit union’s closure this winter of its downtown
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Are You Hungry? Mamahuhu has taken over the spot once occupied by Toast at 3991 24th St. The restaurant, specializing in Chinese American fare, is one of several businesses filling spaces along the 24th Street commercial corridor. Photo by Art Bodner
location at Mint Plaza in the South of Market neighborhood. “We are meeting our members where they are at,” said SF Fire Credit Union CEO Kathy Duvall. “SF Fire Credit Union is always looking for new ways to deliver a quality member experience. Part of that commitment is having a physical presence in places where our
members work, play, and live.” This winter brought the opening of Mamahuhu’s third location at 3991 24th St. The casual dining spot has revived the space vacated by eatery Toast in 2019. Mamahuhu is a more affordable
n October debut is being eyed for the loo heard round the world. A new San Francisco tourist destination, however, it likely will not be. But the prefabricated toilet will provide relief to the many users of the Noe Valley Town Square, from the children who romp on its play structures to the shoppers and vendors at the weekly Saturday farmers market. Installation of the small restroom should begin later this summer, according to city parks officials. “I am just glad we have a toilet,” said Leslie Crawford, a co-founder of the public square and the person who programs its events for the rec and park department. Last fall, the proposal garnered CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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Local Galleries Showcase Art Aplenty
Noe Garden Tour in Full Blush
Clothing, Photography, and Paintings Sparkle This Spring
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By Kit Cameron
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ith Spring finally blooming all around us, three Noe Valley galleries are putting forth their best efforts to celebrate the season. Lola San Francisco Lola Herrera Lola Herrera, of Lola San Francisco, at 1250 Sanchez St., is brimming with joy at the new season and all its possibilities. “It’s mother-of-the-bride season,” says the artist and fashion designer. “We get to use special occasion fabrics and we get to have fun.” Her gallery studio is chockablock with objects and art, including her own whimsical miniature figures in bisque (unglazed) ceramic. On the walls, artwork by Willa Owings explores the beauty of the California landscape in pastels, acrylic, and watercolor through the end of May. A plethora of cotton socks, knitted hats and scarves, and floaty vintage silk scarves will tempt you to add a dash of spring to your wardrobe. Herrera is particularly pleased with a dress she designed and made with and for Iranian artist Shiva Pakdel, who shows colorful printed coasters in the studio shop. “We took digital images of her designs,” says Herrera, “and enlarged them, then cut them out and appliqued them to a black dress.”
Lola Herrera, owner of the popular gallery and studio that bears her name at the corner of Sanchez and Clipper streets, greets one of her favorite visitors, Ginger. Photo by Kit Cameron
Check out the website, lolasanfrancisco.com, for images of paintings and fabrics designed by Herrera, or visit the studio shop
Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., or by appointment (415-642-4875 or lola@lolasanfrancisco.com). CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
ime to put on your walking shoes, pick up your camera, and check out the nine gardens on this year’s Noe Valley Garden Tour, sponsored by Friends of Noe Valley. Gardens range from a historic property at the top of Liberty Hill to an accessible vegetable garden that covers a whole city lot. It all takes place Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets, which run $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and free for kids, are available at Friendsofnoevalley.com, as well as at local shops and, on the day of the tour, at the Noe Valley Town Square or any of the gardens on the tour. Maybe you will want some inspiration for your own landscape. Visit a hummingbird sanctuary, a revived rose garden with an apricot tree, or an urban oasis with Japanese maple trees and multiple decks for lounging. The Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Library on Jersey Street will offer you a choice of sun or shade gardens, with volunteers eager to answer questions. As usual for the annual event, proceeds will go toward a worthy neighborhood project. Your ticket will have a detailed walking map of the tour. Just make a note, gardens are spread out this year, from the top of the hill on 21st Street down to 26th Street. And they will be open rain or shine.