The Noe Valley Voice February 2026

THE NOE VALLEY VOICE

A Quick Job Survey Yields a Host of Openings

Noe Employers Need Waiters, Cooks, and Fitness Trainers

By John Ferrannini

Noe Valley businesses are hiring as the year gets under way Two restaurants with plans to open soon are among the neighborhood businesses advertising jobs

Dave Wasem, the owner of Grand Lake Kitchen, is opening a third location of his neighborhood restaurant serving standard American fare, brunch, and cocktails in the former Mr Digby’s space at 1199 Church St in March

Wasem says he is “looking for all positions,” including managers, servers, bartenders, food runners, kitchen managers, lead line cooks, line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers

Applicants can apply by emailing noe@grandlakekitchen com

Peruvian restaurant Fresca Noe Valley, whose doors have been closed for three years at 3945 24th St , is remodeling to open “soon,” according to a November post by co-owner Ivan Calvo-Perez

The restaurant is looking for line cooks/cocineros to join its kitchen team The positions pay $20 to $24 an hour, and interested applicants can apply online at Indeed or Glassdoor com Bartenders and servers are also needed for 30-hour-a-week

™ Resident Teaches Merchants How to Respond to ICE

Many Businesses

Already

Show Signs of Solidarity

By Matthew S Bajko

With tensions rising after a fatal shooting by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis in early January, Dan Geiger decided to ramp up his efforts to educate business owners in San Francisco

He began reaching out to merchants’ groups across the city, offering free presentations on what business owners should do if ICE agents showed up at their store or restaurant

jobs, and those pay $19 to $21 per hour

YuBalance Fitness Club at 4159 24th

St is looking for a full-time personal trainer, says proprietor Shala Cox (Call 415-796-3929 )

So too is Roar women’s strength training studio, according to founder and CEO Michelle Kunkel, who noted her business is “rapidly growing ” At its Noe Valley location at 1500

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Want to Pick Up a Walking Habit?

By Emily Hayes

Organizer Chris Nanda started Noe Walks in 2021, when Covid-19

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Church Says No to St. Paul Landmark

State Law Clouds City’s Efforts To Preserve Religious Sites

By Matthew S Bajko

Efforts

to add several church sites in or near Noe Valley to San Francisco’s list of official landmarks are now in doubt, due to a state law that allows religious properties to be exempted from such designations

Landmarking is a preservation tool that can give local leaders a measure of control in protecting historic structures from demolition But not always

In 2000, a divided California Supreme Court issued a ruling that upheld legislation enacted in 1994 which allowed religious groups to tear down noncommercial property they no longer needed or they could not afford to maintain

Then-Justice Marvin Baxter noted that the “exemptions free the owners to use the property as they would have done had the property not been designated a historical landmark ”

That legal precedent was cited by John Christian, executive director of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Real Property Support Corporation, in voicing the church’s opposition last month to a proposed landmark designation for St Paul’s Catholic Church, the twinspired jewel at 1660 Church St

The 115-year-old church is known for its English Gothic architecture, as well as its role in the 1992 film Sister Act starring Whoopi Goldberg

Speaking at the Jan 21 meeting of the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission, Christian also objected to landmark status for the buildings of Most Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic

“Everybody is freaking out about ICE,” says Geiger, a semi-retired business consultant with an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, a career in nonprofits such as the U S Green Building Council, and six years of experience on the board of the Northern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

On Jan 13, Geiger addressed the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association (NVMPA)

Geiger advised the members, “If ICE comes into a place, number one stay calm Do not confront Also, do not consent, unless they have a judicial warrant ”

A resident of Cesar Chavez Street at Dolores Street since the late 1980s, Geiger started his campaign last fall, speaking with individual merchants in Noe Valley He walked along Church and 24th streets handing out signs for businesses to put in their windows

The colorful posters, made by the advocacy group Indivisible, feature a

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Noe Valley Employers Are Hiring in 2026

Castro St , Roar is hiring a full-time head of team and community development, a full-time San Francisco superintendent, a group fitness instructor, and a part-time studio support person More information is available on Roar ’s website, roarsf com

The Philz Coffee location at 4298 24th St is looking for baristas The position pays $20 50 to $21 50 an hour

Team lead Santos Arteaga says, We re always taking applications” and “there’s always an application for all our barista positions” at Philz

People also can apply on Philz’ website, philzcoffee com The company, which was sold in August to the Los Angeles–based private equity firm

Freeman Spogli & Co , also has an opening for a “Director of Digital Marketing & eCommerce,” with a starting salary of $160,000 to $170,000 Meanwhile, Mathnasium of Noe Valley, at 3813 24th St , is offering $19 50 to $21 per hour for a qualified

math instructor and mentor willing to work 10 to 20 hours per week

Whole Foods, at 3950 24th St , is looking for an overnight grocery team member and other types of workers

The Bar on Dolores, at 1600 Dolores St , is seeking “enthusiastic waitstaff to join our team” (see jobtoday com) “Previous experience is a plus, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are most important

Fitwell Chiropractic Sports Medicine, at 900 Noe St , is looking for part-time chiropractors, working in the pay range of $40 to $100 an hour

An AI search of “Jobs Noe Valley” in late January also turned up a nanny job paying up to $55 an hour, a position at Noe Valley Bakery on a “fun crew [with] nice customers, free coffee, and free food daily,” and an opening for a full-time family physician at One Medical on 24th Street, with a salary range of $309,000 to $328,000

Send those resumes

What’s in Your Quake Kit?

Sally Smith / Illustrations by Karol Barske

Are you ready for the next earthquake, wildfire, or health emergency?

Consider the things you might need in order to live for a week without water or electricity

Below is a list of items for your home preparedness kit or “Go Bag,” suggested by the San Francisco Fire Department’s Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT)

NERT holds community-based training programs in basic preparedness and disaster response skills To find out more, go to the SF-fire org/NERT website or call 415-970-2024 (the NERT class hotline)

Water: One gallon per person to last 3 to 5 days (Use bleach to purify it, 2 to 4 drops per quar t )

Food for 3 to 5 days, such as canned or dried soups beans juice

Cooking Supplies: A grill or camp stove , utensils, matches, can opener, foil, plastic wrap, garbage bags

Clothing: Light and heavy layers for all, stored to stay dr y Include a pair of shoes and gloves

Safety: Flashlight, radio, batteries, rope , knife , scissors, fire extinguisher wrench to shut off utilities

Supplies such as cash, house or car keys, pencil and paper, i d cards, insurance info, maps

Shelter: Tent, sleeping bags

Medical: First-aid kit, medications, KN95 masks, extra pair of glasses

Pet Supplies, such as food, water, leash medications and carrier

Checklist for the ‘Go Bag’

It never hur ts to have a go bag at home or work or in your car

□ Sturdy shoes

□ Flashlight, whistle

□ Glasses

□ Crank or battery radio

□ Food and water

□ Cash ($100 in small bills)

□ Basic first-aid, medications

□ Change of clothes

□ Toilet paper, hand sanitizer

Hygiene: Waterless soap toilet paper shampoo, toothbrush, sanitar y supplies

Special items for children the elderly, or people with disabilities

□ Big trash bag, mylar blanket

□ Copy of driver’s license

□ Paper, pencil, family or pet photos, important documents

2026 has begun w interesting oppor of experience sell understanding of simply exploring y steady support th known for her tra with low inventory, strong buyer interest, and rtunities for homeowners considering a move ing real estate in San Francisco, with over $1. f changing market conditions. Whether you’r your options, Lamisse and her dedicated tea hroughout the process. A native San Francisc ansparency, local expertise, and in-depth mar

d historically high prices, creating e. Lamisse Droubi brings 28 years 8 billion in total sales and a deep re thinking about buying, selling, or m offer thoughtful guidance and can raised in Noe Valley, Lamisse is rket knowledge.

situation, Lamisse would be happy If you’re curious a to share insights

about how today’s market may apply to your and answer any questions.

Concerns About ICE Bring New Signs of Solidarity

butterfly and the words: “No Kings No ICE No Fear Immigrants Are Welcome Here ”

According to the organization, displaying the placards is a way for merchants to “declare their support for their immigrant neighbors and opposition to ICE, as well as to create a private area for employees that ICE cannot legally enter without a signed judicial warrant These are simple steps that businesses can take to protect their employees from ICE and make all immigrants feel welcome in your community ”

“I talked to a lot of store people There was a lot of concern,” Geiger said, expressed by business owners as he passed out the anti-ICE signs “It is important to educate people, because people don’t know what to do if ICE comes to their door ”

Anxiety Spreads Rumors

For months, rumors had been spreading that ICE agents detained employees at two eateries in Noe Valley However, the managers at both restaurants assured the Voice no such raids occurred

Noe Indian Cuisine manager Oli Bhupendra said the eatery, in the 4100 block of 24th Street, had not been visited by ICE but had heard via the grapevine that federal agents had arrested employees at Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers down the street

The manager at Barney’s said the rumor was false and the restaurant believed it had been started by a customer who mistook a dozen San Francisco sheriff deputies at the restaurant for a party last summer for ICE agents

Both businesses have spoken to their employees about what their rights are should ICE agents show up one day, said the managers

“We try to tell the guys in the kitchen

what to do, as they don’t speak English,” said Noe Indian Cuisine manager Bhupendra

The restaurant also has cards for the kitchen employees that list their rights and a phone number they can call should ICE pay a visit, Bhupendra said, noting there’d been an increase in anxiety in recent weeks

“We have seen in the news that a lot of people are having trouble with ICE,” said Bhupendra

Support in Noe

Clothing store Two Birds on Castro Street just off 24th Street put up a sign near its entrance With one of his coworkers born overseas and now married to an American, store manager

Delvon Brown said the shop embraced the message of support for immigrants As for ICE, “I know they can’t come in without a [judicial] warrant,” said Brown, who has managed the boutique the past five years

Brown said he had not encountered any ICE agents in the neighborhood

Still, he and his coworkers felt it was important to post the sign so that immigrants knew the store was a safe space

Reaction from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, said Brown

“To be honest, it is about showing people visibility and that we are aware of the situation immigrants face,” said Brown “We are insulated being in San Francisco But just because we are in a bubble doesn’t mean we shouldn’t support Minnesota or speak up about the crazy things that are happening ”

ICE Isn’t Talking

Geiger admits he has no direct knowledge of any ICE visits in Noe Valley But last month he attended an East Bay forum where a San Francisco BAR Association representative declared ICE agents were still going into commercial corridors in the city but were not actively trying to enter businesses “What tends to be happening in San Francisco now is not that ICE is targeting businesses but they are seeking an individual person They might wait outside the business for them,” said Geiger

Meanwhile, the local activist group RUTA (Rise Up To Action) has added a “Business Know Your Rights” focus to its work defending immigrant rights Like Geiger, RUTA members have been visiting local businesses to offer information

A spokesperson for ICE did not respond to the Voice’s request for comment In its year-end report for 2025, the agency claimed its officers “faced a 1,347% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them, thanks to the lies and smears from sanctuary politicians and radical activists, and hoaxes spread by the media ”

Employees Have Rights

While ICE agents can lawfully be in a public space, they are limited in their access to certain spaces inside a business without a judicial warrant, said Geiger Examples might be a storeroom of a retail store or behind the counter of an eatery or in its kitchen

“Let’s say they are looking for somebody If they don’t have a judicial warrant, they can’t go back there,” stressed Geiger “If you are at the counter, you need to know that and to say that It is important businesses know these things and know what their obligations are under California law ”

He advises employees to take the time to read a warrant if one is presented by an ICE agent and to make sure ICE has the correct information, such as a business address, and the warrant is signed by a judge

“If they do, then they can go in But if they don’t, they can’t,” Geiger said Employees also should know the phone number for the San Francisco Rapid Response Network, he said, so they can report an ICE visit The 24-

Roughly 20 people attended the 20minute presentation Geiger gave at the January meeting of the NVMPA, held at Novy Restaurant

Geiger said he explained at the gathering that California recently passed a new state law that requires employers to inform their employees once a year of their rights, and that includes immigrant rights

Another new law, notes Geiger, will allow employees to designate an emergency contact person, whom employers are required to call should the employee be arrested or detained while at the worksite

Geiger points out that while preparing his talk he discovered a good resource: the “Know Your Rights” page at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant website (eastbaysanctuary org) It has information tailored for immigrants, allies, schools, and workplaces

He hopes the merchants associations he’s meeting with will use their collective power to speak up for those who may not be able to speak for themselves, for fear of becoming a target of ICE

“It is important for businesses to speak up on these issues, not only for their own interest but because it is the right thing to do,” said Geiger “People are afraid, and not without reason If an association speaks up, then individual members are shielded ”

Geiger credits not only Mayor Daniel Lurie but local business leaders with convincing President Donald Trump to halt a planned deployment of federal troops to San Francisco last October “It was their collective voice that had an impact,” said Geiger

Catholic Church Declines Landmark Designation

Church at 100-117 Diamond St , in the Castro District He argued that city officials should drop their efforts to landmark any church sites, as they would have little chance to succeed “Landmarking church properties in California has been settled for over 30 years, as a matter of case law and statutory law,” Christian said

Church Votes Delayed

The oversight body postponed action on the church landmark proposals until its next meeting, on Feb 4

Commissioner Hans Baldauf said he was unfamiliar with the state court’s ruling and asked Deputy City Attorney Peter Miljanich to clarify the statute Miljanich responded that such a clarification should be deferred “to an offline setting ” But he addressed the matter in general terms:

“I will say today there are exemptions in state law for the landmark designation process and other historic resource protections on noncommercial property owned by religious organizations,” said Miljanich

A Preventive Measure

District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman had initiated the landmark process for the sites last fall, citing concerns that recently approved zoning changes allowing for more housing development across the city could put historic structures at risk

In total, Mandelman had proposed 16 properties for landmark status (For more detail, see “Landmark Status Eyed for Famous Church,” November 2025 Noe Valley Voice )

Fourteen of them received unanimous 7–0 support from the preservation commission at the members’ January meeting

They included residential properties at 102 Guerrero St and 361 San Jose Ave , and the San Francisco Fire Department’s former Engine Company No 13 at 1458 Valencia St

Among several LGBTQ-related sites were the former home of the late B A R founder Bob Ross (4200 20th St ) and the first location of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (514-20 Castro St )

The preservation body also voted to support landmarking for St Matthew’s Lutheran Church (3281 16th St ), St Nicholas Cathedral (Russian Orthodox, 2005 15th St ), and the historic former site of LGBTQ synagogue Sha’ar Zahav (220 Danvers St )

The 14 are headed to the Board of Supervisors for final approval as city landmarks

28 More Sites

In mid-January, Mandelman submitted requests to landmark an additional 28 properties across his supervisorial district

Included among the new sites is the Noe Valley Ministry at 1021 Sanchez St , an 1888 Carpenter Gothic building designed by architect Charles Geddes

Officials with the Noe Valley Ministry did not respond to Voice queries about whether the church would support landmark status

In the new group also is Holy

Innocents Episcopal Church, the brown-shingled building at 455 Fair

Oaks St It was designed by English immigrant Ernest Coxhead and built in 1890

Mandelman said he planned to ask City Attorney David Chiu about the supervisors’ options for preserving religious sites

“We don’t really want to be doing this over the opposition of property owners, so we have to figure this out,” Mandelman said

Among the new houses that Mandelman proposed as landmarks are two Queen Anne–style Victorians: the Charles Katz Home at 1200 Dolores St , built in 1909, and the Shaughnessy House at 394 Fair Oaks St , constructed in 1900

Also on the list are the P F Ferguson House at 2 Vicksburg St , an 1874 example of Stick-Eastlake design; and the former Firehouse No 44 at 3816 22nd St , built in 1909

The new landmark requests will be making their way through the city approval process later this spring

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Walking w/ Friends

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

restrictions were starting to lift He and his wife Tess had recently moved to Noe Valley “I thought it'd be interesting and fun to try and build community in the neighborhood, says Nanda, a senior director of venture investing at Fundrise

Nanda, now 31, still leads the walking group, and these days he’s bringing his 10-week-old son in a baby carriage

Whereas initially the group walked up the hill on Valley or 28th Street to a lookout point on Noe Street at Duncan, they now keep to the relatively flat stretch of Sanchez

Walking in a group offers the dual benefits of being physically active and socializing at the same time Over the years, Noe Walks has attracted an intergenerational crowd, and some members have gone on to meet socially outside the group, says Nanda, adding that he always intended the group to be a steppingstone to meeting people

A Way to Widen Your Circle

Richard Wei, a Polk Gulch resident, launched a meetup com group in 2023 that provides a platform for people over age 55 who want to start or join walking groups in their San Francisco neighborhood Wei, now 35, got the idea after experiencing the social disruption of the pandemic and his grandmother ’s isolating experience with Alzheimer ’s disease and her subsequent death around the same time

Walking is great for easing anxiety, depression, and loneliness, Wei says “We grow more and more insular with technology, so it becomes a bigger and bigger burden to try to socialize to get out there and allow our community to be that medicine,” says Wei, who cofounded a robotics engineering startup this year

It Does the Body Good

The medical establishment is increasingly aware that walking is a great way to get exercise, says Noe Valley resident Robert Nied, MD

Walking is probably the most common form of exercise and it’s certainly the most accessible, says Nied, who is chief of sports medicine at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco “As little as 10 minutes, in terms of a round of physical activity, is beneficial, so just simply walking to places that you historically might have taken a car to is beneficial to your health,” Nied says If you walk regularly, you can expect improvements in blood pressure and other markers of cardiovascular health To boost physical health benefits, Nied advises taking a brisk pace, for example doing a mile in 20 minutes You want to walk relatively quickly, while still feeling comfortable enough to carry on a conversation, he says Nied also points out that if you live in Noe Valley, and if you’re able, you can walk to get most everything you need Nied says he tries to do all of his errands on foot, including grocery shopping with a backpack, which helps him as a busy professional get his daily steps in

For weight loss, you will want to build some weight training into your fitness regimen But Nied does not advise wearing weights while walking, pointing out that the American College of Sports Medicine recommends doing strength training and cardio separately Glenn Shope, founder and senior trainer at MX3 Fitness, which operates four gyms in San Francisco, including one in Noe Valley (4045 24th St ), also

recommends against wearing weights while walking But he does routinely advise new members starting a weighttraining program to incorporate regular walking separately

“Walking lubricates your joints It increases your bone density It conditions your tendons It increases the blood flow to cartilage, tendons, and ligaments,” Shope says

For people who have been sedentary, Shope advises starting with 3,000 to 5,000 steps and building up within a few weeks to 10,000 steps per day not to mention walking instead of driving It’s 100 percent okay to start small and test your limits, Shope says Weight training is critical for maintaining muscle mass and a healthy body weight but you don’t have to go to extremes to get benefits

“We're not training to be athletes,” Shope says “We're training to be healthy human beings ”

Mind the Hills

With its many hills and stairs, Noe Valley is a great location for building intensity into your walk

Nied says it’s best to start with shallow hills and walk at a steady pace

Take a moment at the bottom to prepare for ascent Use a zigzag (aka “paperboy”) pattern when going up, and on the way down, take really short steps to protect your knees

Unless you have a known cardiovascular condition, like a prior heart attack or Type 2 diabetes, you probably don’t need to check with a doctor before starting to walk for fitness

If you have health concerns, you can also self-screen by taking the global standard test: the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) Find it at epar medx com

Strength in Numbers

If you’re starting your own group, you may find it easier than you think Based on his experience with Noe Walks, Nanda recommends putting up

“I work in tech, and so I thought that the tech piece would be the biggest way people would find [Noe Walks], but it turns out the old-school way was by far the biggest driver,” Nanda says You can chat with the owners of your local café, place posters there, and attract walking buddies by word of mouth You can also post on Nextdoor or Facebook, or check the meetup com website for walking events

Designer Routes

Wei says he would almost approach it like online dating: Put together a post, with your picture, some interests, and hobbies, describe the route you want to take (the elevation), the expected pace (conversational), and mention where bathroom stops are “Set the physical expectation so that people feel easier about signing up,” Wei says Nanda says there are opportunities at the end of the Noe Walks route to announce whether you are starting a new group or looking for walking partners To join Noe Walks, just show up at 24th and Sanchez some Saturday morning at 10 a m

Wei says you can contact his meetup com group for options using the platform to set something up in Noe

Valley He also advises that it’s okay to limit participation if you prefer a smallsize group

It may take a bit of time to get a group going But Nanda and Wei stress the importance of being consistent and developing relationships over time

posters around the neighborhood, including on your planned walking route, although he also has a website (noewalks com) and an Instagram account for the group

If it turns out to be just you on the first walk you organize, don’t get discouraged Carry on yourself sans earbuds or any other electronic distractions and if you run into a neighbor, strike up a conversation, Wei says “You might run into them at the grocery store later ”

LAMISSE DROUBI

DRE#01257759

2026 has begun w interesting oppor of experience sell understanding of simply exploring y steady support th known for her tra with low inventory, strong buyer interest, and rtunities for homeowners considering a move ing real estate in San Francisco, with over $1. f changing market conditions. Whether you’r your options, Lamisse and her dedicated tea hroughout the process. A native San Francisc ansparency, local expertise, and in-depth mar about how today’s market may apply to your and answer any questions.

d historically high prices, creating e. Lamisse Droubi brings 28 years 8 billion in total sales and a deep re thinking about buying, selling, or m offer thoughtful guidance and can raised in Noe Valley, Lamisse is rket knowledge.

situation, Lamisse would be happy If you’re curious a to share insights

415.531.2134 | lamisse@droubiteam.com

Thursday Night -Locals Night!

Serving great Sardinian Cuisine for 19 Years

Serving great Sardinian Cuisine for 18 years

Come join us for Great Food and Featured Wine Tastings.

Come join us for Great Food and Featured Wine Tastings. Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 pm-9:45 pm Friday and Saturday 5:00 pm-10:00 pm

291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 415-550-8114 • www.info@laciccia.com

Websit SAINT JOHN CATHOL

ebsite: Phone: (415) 584-8383

Email: offfficesj@stjohnseagles.c

te: https://stjohnseaglesc LIC SCHOOL 5 and 7-8 com com

San Francisco Police in a non-emergency

Burned-out Streetlights, streetlights@sfwater.org (PUC).

District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, mandelmanstaff@sfgov.org

District 8 Community Safety Liaison (SFPD)

415-553-0123

415-554-0730

415-554-6968

Dave.Burke@sfgov.org

Graffiti, fallen trees, street cleaning (DPW) 3-1-1 or zerograffiti@sfdpw.org. . 415-695-2017

Homeless Services: Street Outreach Services (SOS) medical care. .

Lost or Injured Animals: Animal Care & Control emergency dispatch .

Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services sfmayor.org

. . 415-355-2250

415-554-9400

415-554-7111

NERT Neighborhood Emergency Response Team sffdnert@sfgov.org. 415-970-2022 or 2024

Parking Enforcement (blocked driveway) DPT Dispatch

3-1-1 or 415-553-1200

PG&E Gas or electrical issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1 or 1-800-743-5000 or 1-877-660-6789

Pothole Repairs potholes@sfdpw.org.

Recycling Recology San Francisco (free pickup bulky items).

Rent Board San Francisco phone counseling

SFMTA or Muni: Call 3-1-1 or email MTABoard@sfmta.com.

Tree Planting (Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry).

3-1-1 or415-554-5810

. 415-330-1300

415-252-4600

. 415-701-2311

628-652-8733

24th Street Community Benefit District (Noe Valley Association) 415-802-4461 or 519-0093

Water main or sewer emergencies.

White House comments line and/or switchboard .

3-1-1 or www.sf311.org

202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414

“Supposing is good, but finding out is better.”

—Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain (1835–1910)

The Cost of Living in Noe

Noe Valley Home Sales*

By Corrie M Anders

Ahandfulof high-end sales gave Noe Valley’s real estate market a late-year boost, as 18 single-family detached homes changed hands during November and December of 2025

Condominium sales remained steady during the same two-month period, according to data supplied to the Voice by Corcoran Icon Real Estate

For both houses and condos, most of the activity took place before Thanksgiving

“November was really good,” said Christine Lopatowski, manager of Corcoran Icon’s 24th Street office

“People were listing their properties at the last minute before the holidays ” By the same measure, she added, buyers were anxious to get into their homes and start the new year in their new property ”

How hot was the market?

All 14 detached homes in November sold at or above their asking price, and buyers typically made offers in two weeks’ time Eight of the 14 closed escrow within 20 days and were “likely all cash deals,” Lopatowski said, noting that mortgage financing usually

required 30 to 45 days

Several luxury sales helped push home prices higher Two homes sold for more than $7 million, while two others topped $6 million, driving the average sale price to $3 8 million (The last time the average hit that level was in May 2024 )

The priciest sale in November was a six-bedroom, six-bath home in the 500 block of 28th Street, between Castro and Diamond streets, which sold for its asking price of $7 5 million Built in 1910, the home had been renovated and enlarged to four stories and 4,785 square feet of living space in 2019

Amenities included an elevator, a gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a sculptural light-filled staircase, air conditioning, solar panels, two terraces, a roof deck with panoramic views, and two-car parking

Close behind was the off-market sale of a $7 2 million home in the 100 block of Jersey Street between Vicksburg and Sanchez streets Originally built in 1900, the residence was redesigned in 2015 with a modern façade and four bedrooms and five baths in 3,720 square feet of living space Features included accordion glass walls, multiple skylights, a floating staircase, a chef ’s kitchen with a waterfall island, radiant heat, smart-home technology, a wine

cellar and wet bar, and spaces for five cars

December ’s most expensive detached-home sale was a remodeled Queen Anne Victorian in the 400 block of Clipper Street between Castro and Diamond streets A buyer paid $4 85 million for the four-bedroom, 3-5 bath home, with 3,157 square feet of living space Among its highlights were solar panels, a formal dining room, a chef's kitchen with a marble waterfall island and family room opening to a southfacing yard, two custom wet bars,

media room, and a two-car garage with EV charging

In the condominium market, November ’s top sale was a threebedroom, two-bath unit in the 800 block of Douglass Street between 24th and Jersey streets, which sold for $1,725,000 The 1,200-square-foot home shared a 1908 Edwardian building that had been remodeled while retaining “lots of its original details,” Lopatowski said December ’s highest-priced condo sold for $1 85 million The three-bedroom, two-bath unit occupied two levels in a Victorian renovated in 2020 in the 4000 block of Cesar Chavez Street between Sanchez and Noe streets Its main attractions were wide-plank wood floors, Bosch appliances, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a private roof deck with views of Noe Valley and Twin Peaks

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SHORT TAKES

Growing the Garden Tour

The Noe Valley Garden Tour is turning 20 in 2026 and organizers are celebrating the milestone by digging deep

For the first time, Friends of Noe Valley will team up with Friends of Slow Sanchez to highlight gardens along Sanchez Street, as well as on nearby blocks between Noe and Church streets The result promises to be “extra fabulous,” says co-organizer Peggy Cling, and will offer live music, gardener talks, a plant swap, and Friends of the Urban Forest advice

The event will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a m to 4 p m Proceeds will support beautification projects along Slow Sanchez

But this month and next, Cling and co-organizer Linda Lockyer are looking for eight to 10 gardens to feature in the tour “If you have a cozy back yard, a blooming front stoop, a brand new or a well-established garden, or a kid- or dog-friendly spot, we’d be happy to have you,” says Cling “Any type of garden is acceptable, and submissions are now open ”

To schedule a garden visit from Cling or Lockyer or to get more information, email Lockyer at lindalockyer3@gmail com

Forum on Trump’s Record

on the Environment

As part of its ongoing speaker series at the Noe Valley Ministry, the group Town Square Democracy, in partnership with Indivisible SF, will hold a free community forum on “Trump vs the Environment: Climate Science and Health Under Attack,” on Monday, Feb 23, from 7 to 8:30 p m

The evening, in the upstairs hall at 1021 Sanchez St , will include reports “from the front lines” by four environmental experts: John Balmes, physician-scientist and emeritus professor of medicine and environmental health (UCSF and UC Berkeley); Ellie Cohen, CEO of The Climate Center and a leader in climate-smart conservation solutions; ecologist/educator Tania Pollak, a former faculty lecturer at SFSU and current planner at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the Presidio Trust; and environmental lawyer Cliff Rechtschaffen, an adjunct professor at Berkeley Law (UC), a state energy and environmental impact adviser at NYU Law, and a member of the California Air Resources Board

The experts will assess the President’s impact on the environment and invite audience discussion on ways to respond

“The Trump Administration is destroying our climate change research in the United States,” warns marine ecologist and forum co-organizer Jim Harvey “Please join us in alerting the public to the threats to health, science,

the judiciary, immigrants, and our democracy ”

The February event is the 11th community meeting or political action sponsored by Town Square Democracy since its formation last year Says coorganizer Lisa Jaicks, “Our most recent gathering, which examined the assault on research and health, was hugely successful with over 100 attendees "

For more information, contact townsquaredemocracy@gmail com or visit the group’s website at townsquaredemocracy com

Memoirs With Local Magic

Two Noe Valley authors (and friends) Jan Sollish and Jackie Davis Martin are getting together to host a book party at Bird & Beckett

Books in Glen Park on Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p m Each will read excerpts from their works

Jan Sollish’s book, Simply Magical, is a memoir of the “magical” life she led in San Francisco in the 1970s as a La Bamba dancer for Beach Blanket Babylon by night and a Catholic school kindergarten teacher by day

Jackie Davis Martin’s book, A Life Fictively, is a collection of short stories, many published separately in literary journals Though the stories parallel her life in their chronology and settings, and sometimes in their characters, Davis Martin describes them as “fictive,” or fictional

Both books will be for sale at (and by) the bookstore, located at 653 Chenery St Everyone is invited

For more information, see

birdbeckett com or call Bird & Beckett Books and Records at 415-586-3733

The Town Square , Amplified Noe Valley Town Square events coordinator Leslie Crawford reports she is bounding into spring with some big events at the park on 24th Street between Vicksburg and Sanchez

“One of our biggest,” Crawford says, “will be Noe Valley's Big Game Watch Party,” on Sunday, Feb 8, from 3:30 to 7:30 p m (Yes, it’s the one with the Patriots, the Seahawks, and Bad Bunny, but due to trademark restrictions, SF Rec and Park cannot use the word that rhymes with duper )

The square, at 3861 24th St near Sanchez, will have a big-screen TV, and there will be pizza and beer, plus contests and games on the sidelines “This gives Noe Valleyans a chance to come together in our ‘living room’ and watch the game together and, for those with younger kids, have them run around a bit and play,” says Crawford “Bring lawn chairs!”

The other big news for 2026, Crawford says, is that the Town Square has won permission to amplify music at its Sunday afternoon concerts, “within moderation, to be considerate of neighbors This will broaden our range of what we can offer ”

The Sunday in the Square concerts, which are 1 to 3 p m on two Sundays a month, and run the gamut from solo musicians to rock or jazz bands

Set to perform on Feb 1, according to music director Gil Guillermo, were Latin and R&B performer Johnny Escobedo (1 p m ) and singer-songwriter Alie Halla and violinist Nina Violina (2 p m )

The lineup for Sunday, Feb 15, included folk-jazz singer-songwriter Amy Obenski, whose latest original is “Watch How We Breathe” (1 p m ) and café jazz duo Jackson Moran and Nathaniel Vincent (2 p m )

Crawford also notes that a new activity actually it’s a 4,000-year-old Chinese practice is now filling the square on two Thursdays a month from 8 to 9 a m (Feb 5 and 19): qigong The gentle movement, which involves slow stretching, breath, and meditation, is aimed at balancing life’s energy (“qi”)

Just like the Saturday morning Noe Valley Farmers Market (8 a m to 1 p m ), and Sunday morning yoga (11 a m to noon all except Feb 8), the qigong is free and beginners are welcome

The last big event in February is the Noe Valley Night Market, on Tuesday, Feb 24, from 5 to 8 p m It’s always been amplified because people love hearing Lambert Moss sing jazz and pop classics while they graze the retail,

art, and food concessions

To confirm details and get news of future events like the Silent Disco (March 15) dive deeper into Events at the Town Square’s website: noevalleytownsquare com

Roam Rancho San Miguel

The group Shaping San Francisco is leading a Noe Valley History Walk on Saturday, March 7, that will take hikers from Billy Goat Hill to Fairmount Heights to the east side of Twin Peaks

“We walk along sites of former dairies and quarries, through early and modernist residential developments, along Slow Streets and up and down staircases,” say the guides, who may be one or the other of Shaping San Francisco’s co-directors (Chris Carlsson and LisaRuth Elliott) or one of the many fans of their 28-year-old community history project

Reservations are required for the walk, which starts at noon at the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Library at 451 Jersey St and roams the hills of Rancho San Miguel till 3 p m “Be prepared for steep slopes and great views ” And bring water and a snack We don’t stop for food!”

The event is free (donations accepted) RSVP to shaping@foundsf org or call the library at 415-355-5707

You can learn about other history walks, including a Presidio to Mission Dolores Walk (Feb 21), a tour of the Northeast Industrial Mission (May 9), and a Wide Open Town Walk covering the 20th-century San Francisco of gay men and women (May 16), at shapingsf org or by calling 415-8817579 Oh, and the group is known for its bicycle and boat tours

This month’s Short Takes were written by Sally Smith

18 The Noe Valley Voice • February 2026

Feb 1, 15 & 22: Free Sunday morning

YOGA FLOW offers all-level classes; bring water and a mat 11 am-noon 3861 24th

noevalleytownsquare com

Feb 1-22: Galler y Sanchez at the Noe Valley Ministr y hosts an exhibit of Japanese ARTWORK mounted on scrolls 1021 Sanchez 282-2387; noevalleyministr y org

Feb. 1-March 28: CREATIVITY Explored hosts a solo exhibition, Color Field, by ar tist Hung Kei Shiu Thursdays and Fridays, 3-6 pm; Saturdays, noon-5 pm pm 3245 16th 863-2108; creativityexplored org

Feb 2, 9, 16 & 23: Mamahuhu hosts indoor and outdoor MAHJONG Mondays from 6 to 9 pm 3991 24th 374-7012; eatmamahuhu com

Feb 2, 9 & 23: Toddler STORYTIMES are Mondays, 11:15-11:45 am Tickets are available star ting at 11 am Noe Valley Librar y 451 Jersey 355-5707; sfpl org

Feb 3-28: The B AR on Dolores hosts free BINGO for booze and prizes, on Tuesdays, comedy on Thursdays and mahjong on Saturdays, 8 pm 1600 Dolores 695-1745

Feb 5 & 19: Thursday morning QIGONG all-level movement and meditation at the Town Square is from 8 to 9 am 3861 24th noevalleytownsquare com

Feb 5, 12, 19 & 26: Family STORYTIMES are Thursdays 10:15 am and 11 am Tickets are available at 10 and 10:30 am Noe Valley Librar y, 451 Jersey 355-5707; sfpl org

Feb. 5: Evelyn Rose gives a lecture on 1880s African-American author and entrepreneur ABBY FISHER 6:30 pm at Omnivore Books on Food, 3885 Cesar Chavez 282-4712; omnivorebooks com

Feb 6: The Bell Appeal Choir plays HANDBELLS at Bethany’s “Ring Out Danger : People of Faith Opposed to Gun Violence 9:30-9:45 am 1270 Sanchez 6478393; bethanysf org

Feb 6: The self-guided Castro ART WALK features the works of local ar tists on the first Friday of the month 5-8 pm For a map: castroar twalk com

Feb. 6: A free Interfaith LABYRINTH Walk is accompanied by meditative music 7 pm Bethany United Methodist Church, 1270

Sanchez 647-8393

Feb 6: The C ASTRO THEATRE reopens with a showing of The Adventures of Pr iscilla, Queen of the Deser t, a fundraiser for the Castro Community Benefit District 8 pm 429 Castro 621-6120; thecastro com

Feb 6-27: The Noe Valley RUN CLUB meets Fridays at Noe Cafe 1299 Sanchez 6:45 am for 4 miles, and 7:30 am for 2 5 miles noevalleyrunclub square site

Feb 7-28: The FARMERS MARKET offers fresh produce food and music Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm Noe Valley Town Square , 3861 24th noevalleytownsquare com

Feb. 7-28: The NOE WALKS group springs into action on Saturdays Meet at 24th and Sanchez, 10 am

Feb 8: “A Musical Tour of Glen Park” CONCERT by the Lowell Ensemble benefits Glen Park Beautiful 1-2:30 pm Bird & Beckett, 653 Chener y 586-3733; gpbeautiful org

Feb 8: The Big Football Game WATCH PARTY at the Noe Valley Town Square begins with the 3:30 pm kickoff; pizza and beer ; bring chairs 3861 24th noevalleytownsquare com

Feb 10: A hearing on AT&T’s proposed 104-foot cellphone “Monopole” TOWER in Diamond Heights is set for 3 pm at the Board of Super visors, Room 250 ,of City Hall neighbors4safecelltowers@gmail com

Feb. 10: It s LEGO and board game night at the Noe Valley Librar y 6-7:30 pm 451 Jersey 355-5707; sfpl org

Feb. 11: Polina Chesnakova describes Chesnok: Cooking from My Corner of the Diaspora, with Kate Leahy 6:30 pm OMNIVORE BOOKS, 3885 Cesar Chavez 2824712; omnivorebooks com

Feb 13: The Noe Valley Librar y screens the 2012 FILM Middle of Nowhere 2-3:45 pm 451 Jersey 355-5707; sfpl org

Feb 13: Running Wylder sponsors a 4-mile Galentines RUN in Noe/Glen Park followed

by a social with That Girl and Mizuno 6 pm

Make valentines for friends; opposites for the White House 1354 Castro

Feb 13: A VALENTINE’S Day Par ty at Noe Valley Books features games and activities for all ages 7 pm 3957 24th 590-2961; noevalleybooks com

Feb. 14: Dolores Deluxe hosta a POP-UP for Ovin Loven Pies 11 am-2 pm 2500 22nd doloresdeluxe com

Feb 15: Volunteers for the monthly Noe Valley CLEANUP DAY meet at the Town Square 10 am to noon 3861 24th Refuse Refuse , SF Public Works and TogetherSF; mobilize us

Feb 15: Sunday MUSIC IN THE SQUARE features singer Amy Obenski from 1 to 2 pm, and jazz from Jackson Moran and Nathaniel Vincent from 2 to 3 pm Noe Valley Town Square , 3861 24th noevalleytownsquare com

Feb 15: City Guides offers a WALKING TOUR of Noe Valley led by Cathie and Paul Staley, which star ts at the Noe Valley Librar y, 451 Jersey, at 2 pm Registration required: 375-0468; sfcityguides org

Feb 15: The chamber chorus Sacred & Profane performs “Fire in My Hear t: SONGS of Love” at 4 pm 1021 Sanchez Tickets chorusconnection com

Feb 17: Join the ACTION-SF group, strategizing on third Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 pm Noe Valley Librar y 451 Jersey; action-sf com

Feb 17: Evie Harbur y talks about her cookbook My Bohemian Kitc hen at Omnivore Books, 3885 Cesar Chavez 6:30 pm 282-4712; omnivorebooks com

Feb 21: SF Civic Music Association plays a free afternoon of CHAMBER MUSIC 3-5 pm 1021 Sanchez sfcivicmusic org

Dolores Deluxe hosta a POP-UP for Gax SF Burger 10 am-2 pm 2500 22nd doloresdeluxe com

Feb 22: The Corner Sessions monthly JAZZ concer t at Dolores Deluxe runs from

1-3 pm 2500 22nd doloresdeluxe com

Feb. 22: Noe MUSIC features Junction Trio performing works by John Cage , Beethoven, and Schuber t 4-6 pm Noe Valley Ministr y, 1021 Sanchez noemusic org

Feb 23: Townsquare for Democracy hosts a community FORUM, “Trump vs the Environment,” with guest speakers Tania Pollak John Balmes Cliff Rechtschaffen and Ellie Cohen 7-8:30 pm 1021 Sanchez Townsquaredemocracy com

Feb 24: The Noe Valley Merchants NIGHT MARKET in the Square offers ar t food and live music curated by Lamber t Moss, 5 to 8 pm 3861 24th noemerchants com

Feb. 24: Naoko Takei Moore talks with Lauren Saria about Takei Moore s Simply Donabe: Japanese One-Pot Recipes , at OMNIVORE BOOKS 6:30 pm 3885 Cesar Chavez 282-4712; omnivorebooks com

Feb 24: The SF HISTORY Association hosts a discussion, “The Hidden Treasures of Treasure Island ” 7 pm Sherith Israel, 2266 California sanfranciscohistor y org

Feb 26: Tami Parr introduces Goats in Amer ica: A Cultural Histor y 6:30 pm at OMNIVORE BOOKS 3885 Cesar Chavez 282-4712; omnivorebooks com

Feb 27: The Slow Sanchez HAPPY HOUR is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Noe Cafe 1299 Sanchez 915-8876; slowsanchez com

March 4: A BOOK PARTY at Bird & Beckett introduces new memoirs by Noe Valley residents Jan Sollish and Jackie Davis Mar tin 7 pm 653 Chener y 586-3733

March 7: Climb the slopes of Rancho San Miguel at a HISTORY WALK led by Shaping San Francisco Noon-3

March

STORE TREK

Store Trek is a regular feature of the Voice, highlighting new stores and restaurants in Noe Valley This month, we profile a coffee and sandwich shop on Dolores Street that recently changed its name to be more inviting

U AND I COFFEE AND SANDWICH SHOP

1300 Dolores Street (at 26th Street) 415-829-3151

uandishop.sf@gmail.com

https://www instagram com/uandicoff eeandsandwichshop/

Marking its two-year anniversary this month is U and I Coffee and Sandwich Shop, located in a residential building at 1300 Dolores Street, at the corner of Dolores and 26th streets

The neighborhood eatery is popular with police officers, firefighters, and construction workers, many of whom pop in to pick up to-go orders

Now, co-owner Sameera Madhigi is looking to boost foot traffic from residents in the area She rebranded the business in mid-December, giving it the longer U and I name to better reflect its mission

The business first opened on Feb 6, 2024, as the SF Gourmet Boutique That moniker confused customers, Madhigi told the Voice, and even caused a few to wonder whether the shop was a clothing boutique

“No one understood we were a coffee shop and sold sandwiches,” she said To Madhigi, the letters in the new name refer to more than the inclusive “you and I ” They are the initials of her nephews Uthman and Idrees, and a reminder of how families and friends can come together to cook and share a meal Her sister, who is a silent partner in the business, suggested the name last fall

“It was perfect I immediately wanted it for the new name,” said Madhigi “It is cute People can say let’s go to U and I, that little shop ”

Madhigi is the sole employee at the shop, which is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week She uses Illy coffee beans, with a 12 oz cup of drip coffee offered for $4 and a 16 oz for $4 50

A hit with customers is her Matcha Latte (12 oz , $5 50; 16 oz , $6), which can also be made iced (12 oz , $6 50;

16 oz , $7 50)

A popular breakfast item is the Avocado Amor, an open-faced sandwich made with avocado, tomatoes, arugula, dill, and feta cheese on toasted sourdough drizzled with a fig balsamic glaze ($12) There is also the Bonjour Bagel, toasted and served with cream cheese ($6)

When ordering sandwiches, customers inside the shop use the sheets on the counter to the left of the deli case to check off their choices of meat such as smoked turkey, pastrami, roast beef, or tuna and/or cheese, vegetables, or condiments The sandwiches can be made on rye, French, wheat, Dutch crunch, or sourdough bread Cold sandwiches cost $14 and hot ones $15

“The hot pastrami sandwich is our number-one seller, said Madhigi, who resides in the East Bay city of Hercules

The breads along with an assortment of pastries, from croissants and scones to bear claws and muffins are delivered fresh daily from City Baking Co

Atop the deli case at U and I is a menu board with specialty sandwiches; it changes roughly every three months

Currently it features Le Belle Lox ($12), an open-faced sandwich made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, tomatoes, onions, and capers on toasted sourdough

Le Café Egg ($12) is made with egg,

pesto, mozzarella cheese, tomato, and mayo on softer ciabatta bread The Méditerranéen ($12) is a veggie pita sandwich stuffed with hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, arugula, and olives

“The Méditerranéen wrap people love that,” said Madhigi

The shop also carries various candies, chips, and beverages, including sodas from Dad’s, Frostie, and Saranac ($2 99) It also has Coca-Cola and various bottled water brands

An assortment of Rock Candy sugar sticks can be found on one wall of shelving, along with boxes of Bit-OHoney, Whoppers, Sugar Babies, and Charleston Chew By the register is a box of Moon Pies in vanilla, salted caramel, banana, and chocolate flavors

We just like to add things that a lot of businesses in the area don’t carry, a lot of nostalgic things,” said Madhigi

She and her sister used to own a grocery store in Vallejo, which they sold to a family member They decided their next venture would be to open a small cafe in San Francisco Driving through the city one day, they spotted the vacant Dolores Street storefront for rent

It once housed the coffeeshop Luv a Java, which closed in 2021 The siblings signed the lease for the 850square-foot retail space in 2023 and gave it a complete remodel with new tiles and deli equipment

“We really like Noe Valley Noe Valley is really beautiful,” said Madhigi, adding they also liked the fact that the location was a bit off the beaten path “We didn’t want any competition around us, so we thought it would be the perfect place ”

While the business launched in the winter two years ago, selling packaged goods, the deli didn’t open until May 22, 2024 Madhigi told the Voice she wanted to invite Mayor Daniel Lurie to stop by in hopes he might do a social media post about the business and help attract more customers

“It is going good, but it could be better,” she said

There is no seating inside or outside, Madhigi noted, because the shop’s bathroom is too small to meet current zoning requirements for public use

“Hopefully, in the future we are going to try to see what we can do [to enlarge the bathroom] when business gets a bit better,” said Madhigi

For now, customers looking for a place to eat their sandwiches can head to Juri Commons Park a short walk away at 26th and Guerrero streets It has bench seating for enjoying breakfast or lunch outdoors

U and I Coffee and Sandwich Shop is open daily from 7 a m to 3 p m Matthew S Bajko

M O R E F O O D T O E A T

Chicken Wild Rice Soup at Trad Bone Broth

Has there ever been a more perfect pairing than warm chicken soup and a rainy day?

A recommendation that I try the Chicken Wild Rice Soup at Trad Bone Broth (3903 24th St )

came my way at the Noe Valley Voice holiday party, held a day before San Francisco’s Dec 19–20 “atmospheric river ”

Local music icon Ben Fong-Torres tipped me off to the dish, and I’m very glad he did I hadn’t realized that Trad offered meal-ready soups, and this one, priced at $22 for a quart of soup, immediately made an impression

I sometimes write about indulgent dishes that favor pleasure over prudence

This is not one of those cases The ingredients here are clean, comforting, and genuinely delicious I even added a pinch of salt, but don’t tell my doctor

The soup features a savory chicken broth, pasture-raised chicken, wild rice, carrots, onions, and herbs The shop even includes a bit of parsley on the side, a small thoughtful addition The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the wild rice is as unprocessed as it gets: pleasantly chewy, hearty, and structured in a way that adds texture and contrast to the broth

The carrots bring a bit of color that rounds everything out

Adding to the feel-good factor, the soup is served in a large mason jar no microplastics, no nonsense (though you can also bring your own container) Note: The mason jar is sold separately at $2

If you’re looking for something that will keep you warm, satisfied, and feeling virtuous during our cooler months, this is an excellent option In fact, the soup was so comforting and balanced that I happily went back for three bowls while researching this article

Matt Fisher on the beat for More Food to Eat

Have a suggestion for a dish to try in Noe Valley? Send an email to Matt Fisher at MoreF

NICKI SIZEMORE IN CONVERSATION WITH GEORGIA FREEDMAN • MIND, BODY, SPIRIT, FOOD • 6:30 P.M.

FREE! Nicki Sizemore turns cooking into mindful self-care with 51 gluten-free recipes, simple rituals, and joyful ways to savor every meal.

POLINA CHESNAKOVA IN CONVERSATION WITH KATE

LEAHY • CHESNOK • 6:30 P.M. FREE! 100 recipes from the Soviet diaspora with stories, traditions, and cherished flavors across Eastern Europe & Central Asia.

EVIE HARBURY IN CONVERSATION WITH NICHOLE ACCETTOLA • MY BOHEMIAN KITCHEN • 6:30 P.M.

FREE! Celebrate Czech food with nostalgic stories, regional recipes, and modern twists on beloved Bohemian flavors.

NATASHA PICKOWICZ IN CONVERSATION WITH ELEANORE PARK• EVERYONE HOT POT • 6:30 P.M.

FREE! Four unique hot pot menus from a four-time James Beardnominated chef bring this cozy, communal tradition to your home table.

OFF-SITE EVENT! AN EVENING WITH YOTAM OTTOLENGHI AT THE SYDNEY GOLDSTEIN THEATER • 7:30 P.M. FREE! Visit cityarts.net for details & tickets.

NAOKO TAKEI MOORE IN CONVERSATION WITH LAUREN SARIA • SIMPLY DONABE • 6:30 P.M. FREE! Donabe pots turn your ingredients into soulful meals, adding ritual to home cooking.

TAMI PARR IN CONVERSATION WITH JANET FLETCHER • GOATS IN AMERICA • 6:30 P.M. FREE! Goats have shaped American life for centuries, from milk to mischief, revealing surprising culture, history & humanity.

Join the Upper Noe Gardening Group

Chris Faust of Friends of Upper Noe Recreation Center reports: Winter Session began Jan 6 with expanded hours and rainy weather But clear sunny skies arrived the second week That’s good The park is now closing later, at 9 p m , on weekdays

The new Upper Noe Gardening Group met twice in late January to survey the park’s gardens and to plan workdays The members look forward to preparing the grounds for spring and taking part in the Noe Valley Garden Tour Meetings are on Saturday mornings Want to help or learn more about it? Email info@uppernoerecreationcenter com

New activities at the gym include Wrestling Camp, Coed Boxing, and Women’s Boxing Advanced Drop-In Volleyball has returned on Wednesday evenings, despite a previous notice that it would not View the 2026 Winter Catalog and registration information at https://sfrecpark org/DocumentCenter/View/27791/Winter-Catalog Web

Park staff is asking that parents monitor sandbox use and ensure that sand is not carried and dumped in other parts of the playground The sand is becoming depleted from the box as it is dispersed across the new turf surface Unlike the previous rubber surface which allowed for the sand to be easily blown back into the box, the turf is more challenging to maintain Equipment for pickleball, ping-pong, and other activities is available Call the Upper Noe Rec Center office, 295 Day St , at 415-970-8061. For more information, check out the website: www uppernoerecreationcenter com

Friends of Upper Noe Recreation Center is the stewardship group for the rec center and field Get involved Contact office personnel and/or San Francisco Customer Service (3-1-1) to improve conditions and keep the park healthy If you see something out of place, say something

For issues related to Joby’s Dog Run, open 7 a m to 10 p m , call 3-1-1 or email info@fundogsf org

Upper Noe Winter Session (Jan 6 to March 14, 2026)

Rec Center Hours, 295 Day St : Tues –Fri , 10 a m –9 p m ; Sat , 9 a m –5 p m Sun & Mon , rec center closed (outside activities only) Park Grounds: Daily, 7 a m to 10 p m

Tuesday

9 to 10 a m Zumba (outside) FREE

10 to 11:30 a m A Place to Play FREE

10 a m to 1:30 p m Pickleball (all ages)

12 to 1 p m Pilates (18+) 1:30 to 2:30 p m Strength & Flexibility (18+)

2 to 5 p m Open Basketball (ages 6-17) FREE

6 to 7 p m Tennis Beginning (ages 8-10)

6:30 to 7:30 p m Yoga Vinyasa (18+)

6:30 to 8:45 p m Open Basketball (18+) FREE 7 to 8 p m Tennis Beginning / Intermediate (18+)

Wednesday 10 to 11:30 a m A Place to Play FREE 12 to 1 p m Feldenkrais (18+)

2 to 5 p m Open Basketball (ages 6-17) FREE 6 to 8:45 p m Advanced Drop-in Volleyball (18+)

6:30 to 8 p m Coed Boxing (14+)

Thursday 10 to 11:30 a m A Place to Play FREE

10 a m to 1:30 p m Pickleball (18+) FREE 12 to 1 p m Pilates (18+) 1:30 to 2:30 p m Strength & Flexibility (18+)

4 to 5 p m Petite Bakers (ages 3-5) 4:30 to 6 p m A Place to Play

CHILDREN’S FICTION

A girl follows a trail of custard tar t crumbs to locate her grandfather, in Yaya and the Dan-tats by Camellia Koo, illustrated by Phoebe Xiao Ages 4-7

Each crayon needs to have a treat to fall asleep in Goodnight, Crayons , stor y by Drew Daywalt, illustrations by Oliver Jeffers Ages 4-8

A Filipina-American girl prepares a package to send to relatives in Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures, written by Christine Alemshah, illustrated by Dream Chen Ages 5-6

Twins handle the winds in the Oklahoma panhandle during the Dust Bowl in Where Only Storms Grow by Alyssa Colman Ages 8-12

CHILDREN S NONFICTION

For tune Cookies for Ever yone! The Surprised Stor y of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat is by Mia Wenjen and illustrator Colleen Kong-Savage Ages 4-7

In Forests , Nell Cross Beckerman and illustrator Kalen Chock discover adventure in tree-filled ecosystems Ages 4-8

The Dog Who Saved the Bees , by Stephanie Gibeault with illustrations by David Hohn, tells the stor y of Mack, who detects a disease in the hives Ages 5-8

The Book of World Records 2026 was compiled by Blythe Bouza, Michael Bright, Chris Hawkes, Abigail Mitchell, Cynthia O’Brien, Mike Robbins, Donald Sommer ville and Antonia van der Meer

CHILDREN’S EBOOKS

SD Youngwolf ’ s picture book The Echo

People (illustrated by Shonto Begay) follows the journey of Alyanna and Little Wolf, and their grandfather, a chief, to a sacred place Ages 3 to 5

Ever y Body Move! by Jenna Elyse Johnson with illustrations by Ananya RaoMiddleton, inspires children and parents to sing along as they move Ages 3-5

In Watch Out for Falling Iguanas , by Edwidge Danticat and Rachel Moss, Leila learns from her grandmother about Miami’s unique creatures Ages 4-8

Kids find out what to expect at school in On the Fir st Day of Kindergar ten: A Rhyming Read-Aloud by Tish Rabe , illustrated by Laura Hughes Ages 5-6

TEEN FICTION

A girl has a crush on the bear mascot, in Angelica and the Bear Prince , a graphic novel by Trung Le Nguyen Ages 12-17

The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (think The Inher itance Games) tells Hannah’s stor y, then flips to tell Toby’s Ages 12-18

In We Fell Apar t, by E Lockhar t Matilda finally meets her father and is reunited with her long-lost brother Ages 15-18

In Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel Minor Arcana, Theresa returns to her hometown to take care of her psychic mother Ages 16-18

TEEN NONFICTION

Do Not Disturb: How to Say No to Your Phone , by Brad Marshall, is a guide to a healthy relationship Ages 8 and up Taylor Cassidy’s Black Histor y Is Your Histor y (illustrated by Adriana Bellet)

M O R E B O O K S T O R E A D

Reading

Is a Good Escape

Agood book can take you away from the chaos of the real world

May we show you something in a new title from the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Library, courtesy of Children’s Librarian Madeleine Felder, Youth Librarian Cristal Fiel, and Adult Services Librarian Amy Lewis?

Once again, we thank them for sharing their latest in books and films

To put items on hold, visit SFPL org or download the app at sfpl org/services/mobile-resources/librarycatalog-mobile-apps/

Want to come back to Earth? Walk to the historic building at 451 Jersey St , and sit on the deck If you need to speak with Lewis, Felder, or Fiel, ask at the library or call 415-355-5707

We’ve been told that branch manager Mary Fobbs-Guillory is on leave we hope for just a short while We miss her Please note all city libraries will be closed on Feb 16, Presidents Day

Meanwhile, help me thank my Deputy Chief, April Fools Consultant, and Bookworm, of course (for only about 50 years here at the Noe Valley Voice!): Karol Barske She composes the book descriptions and makes us smile with little drawings like this one

Sally Smith, ed

interweaves a memoir and a stor y collection Ages 12 and up

In Bad Boy: A Graphic Memoir, Walter Dean Myers depicts the Harlem of the 1940s and ’50s Age 13 and up

Raymond Santana, one of the Central Park Five , reflects on wrongful conviction in Pushing Hope , a memoir illustrated by Keith Henr y Brown Ages 14-17

TEEN EBOOKS

Tori’s bohemian dream of living in Paris becomes a nightmare when vampires attack the city in The Uninvited by Nancy Banks Ages 12-17

In Kirsty McKay’s Seven All Alone , Maggie’s trip to the mountains brings back memories of her kidnapping Ages 12-17

Cassidy is asked to teach a teen hear tthrob how to be a cowboy in a sit-com in Trail Rides & Starr y Eyes by Katrina Emmel Ages 12-17

Ava Reid’s Archive of Romance holds the maps and diar y entries of Effy and Preston’s love stor y Ages 14 and up

ADULT FICTION

A mother who ran to freedom explains why in a letter to her daughter, in The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes

Meet the dark humor and explosive weirdness” of shor t-stor y writer Joy Williams in The Pelican Child

A young woman in Lagos is accused of being the reincarnation of her dead cousin, in Cur sed Daughter s by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Justinian Huang’s saga Lucky Seed is a humorous tale about a wealthy family

waiting for a male heir

ADULT NONFICTION

Sean Sherman offers native recipes in Tur tle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of Nor th America

The Tree of Life: Solving Science’s Greatest Puzzle , by evolutionar y biologist Max Telford examines the relationships of ear th’s species

In Philosopher in the Valley: Alex Karp, Palantir, and the Rise of the Sur veillance State , Michael Steinberger offers an analysis of a technolog y firm in the 21st centur y

Conny Den Hollander describes the work of an influential Dutch gardener in The Gardens of Mien Ruys: Strong Design, Lush Planting, and the Origins of the Modernist Garden

ADULT EBOOKS

In Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sor ts , Margaret Atwood star ts with her childhood in nor thern Quebec

Joseph J Ellis examines the Revolutionar y era in The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding Helm by Sarah Hall is a fictional histor y of a ferocious wind that intermittently blows through Nor thern England

Neighbors in an English countr y village confront their resentments in The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

ADULT DVD/BLU-RAY

Bugonia (2025) stars Emma Stone and Jesse Piemons in a satire about an alien invasion, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

LIBRARY EVENTS

Al events take place at the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Librar y 451 Jer sey St and are drop-in unless otherwise noted Be aware events are fir st come , fir st ser ved For information, visit sfpl org or call the branc h at 415-355-5707

Stor ytime for Toddlers, ages 16 months to 2 years, are Mondays 11:1511:45 a m , Feb 2, 9 & 23 (March 2, 9, 16 23 & 30) Space is limited; tickets available at the door 11 a m

Ages 10 through 18 can work on school projects, with help from librarians, at Homework Hangout; snacks available by request on Tuesday Feb 3 (and March 3), from 3:30 to 5 p m

Family Stor ytimes are on Thursdays at 10:15 a m and 11 a m , Feb 5, 12, 19 & 26 Space is limited; tickets available at the front door beginning at 10 a m

The Noe Valley Knitting Circle welcomes those who knit, crochet, tat, and macrame Meet on Saturday Feb 7 (March 7) from 10 a m to 12:30 p m

A concer t by a Guitar Trifecta (Lloyd Gregor y, Carl Lockett and Eddie Pasternak) fuses classical jazz and R&B Saturday Feb 7 from 1:30 to 2:30 p m

Drop in for Tech Help on Monday, Feb 9 (March 9) from 2 to 3 p m

Family LEGO and Board Game Night is a mountain of fun on Tuesday Feb 10 (March 10), from 6 to 7:30 p m

The Noe Librar y screens the adultappropriate Film Middle of Nowhere on Friday Feb 13 from 2 to 3:45 p m

Go to SFCityGuides org to reser ve a spot in a local histor y tour : “Noe Valley: Village Within the City, Sunday, Feb 15 (or Saturday March 7) from 2 to 3:30 p m Space is limited: registration required Meet at 451 Jersey St

The Shor t Stack Book Club discusses The Fr iend by Sigrid Nunez on Friday, Feb 20, from 3 to 4 p m Copies are held at the Noe Valley Librar y circulation desk for checkout

Children and their caregivers can learn about ar tist Alma Thomas at a Read Aloud and Craft get-together on Saturday, Feb 21, from 2:30 to 3:45 p m

SF public school students in 9th to 12th grades are invited to Basic Budgeting for Teens, on Sunday, Feb 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p m

Pajama Stor ytime includes stories, songs and movement for children and their caregivers on Tuesday, Feb 24, from 6:30 to 7 p m

Adults can create a Rubber Stamp at a workshop on Saturday Feb 28 from 2 to 3 p m

Walk the steep slopes of Rancho San Miguel with the Shaping San Francisco Walking Tour on Saturday, March 7, noon to 3 p m Reser ve at 355-5707 or email shaping@foundsf org

Make Herstor y themed buttons and play a women s histor y Trivia Game, for ages 8 and up, Saturday, March 7, 2:30 to 3:30 p m

Dear Luke Love Me , a 2025 romance made by Guillermo Diaz, features Ashiel Sharpe Chestnut and Nick Eversman

Roofman, a 2025 dark comedy directed by Derek Clanfrance , stars Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst

Samurai Fur y (2025), a Japanese action

film starring Yasushi Ami and Akira Emoto is written and directed by Yû Irie

Good For tune (2025) is a comedy starring Seth Rogan and Aziz Ansari, who also directed it

Annotations by Voice bookworm Karol Bar ske

Action SF, the National Movement in Your Neighborhood

https://m facebook com/ActionSFactivism/

Website: http://www action-sf com/

Email: ActionSFTeam@gmail com

Meetings: Usually third Tues Noe Valley Librar y, 451 Jersey, 6-7:30 p m

Al-Anon Noe Valley

Contact: 834-9940; office@al-anonsf org

Meetings: Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p m , St Philip Church, 725 Diamond St (park on Elizabeth Street side; enter on 24th Street)

Thursdays, 7:15-8:30 p m Bethany UMC , 1270 Sanchez St (enter through Clipper Street side door and go up the stairs)

Castro Merchants

Contacts: Terr y Asten Bennett, President;

Address: 584 Castro St #333 SF C A 94114

Email: info@CastroMerchants com

Comerford Greenway

Contact: Howard Fallon

Email: ComerfordGreenway@gmail com

Website: www sanfranciscoparksalliance org/par tners/comerford-greenway/ Monthly workdays in Comerford Alley

Diamond Heights Community

Association

Contact: Betsy Eddy, 867-5774

Address: P O Box 31529, SF, C A 94131

Website: www dhcasf org Meetings: Second Thursday 7 p m Call for location

Dolores Heights Improvement Club

Email: info@doloresheights org

Website: www doloresheights org

Meetings: Third Thursday of ever y second month Bank of America, 18th and Castro

Duncan Newburg Association (DNA)

Contacts: Deanna Mooney 821-4045; Diane McCarney, 824-0303; or Lili Wu, 647-0235 Address: 560 Duncan St , SF, C A 94131 Meetings: Call for details

Eureka Valley Neighborhood Assn

Contact: Board@evna org

Address: P O Box 14137 SF C A 94114

Meetings: See website Events Castro Meeting Room, 501 Castro St , 7 p m

MORE GROUPS TO JOIN

Fair Oaks Neighbors

Email: hello@fairoaksneighbors org

Address: 200 Fair Oaks St , SF, C A 94110

The Fair Oaks Street Fair is traditionally held the day before Mother’s Day

Friends of Billy Goat Hill

Contact: Lisa and Mo Ghotbi 821-0122

Website: www billygoathill net

Friends of Dolores Park Playground

Contact: Nancy Gonzalez Madynski, 828-5772

Email: friendsofdolorespark@gmail com

Website: friendsofdolorespark org

Friends of Christopher Park

Contact: Br ynna McNulty 818-744-4230

Email: friendsofchristopherpark@gmail com

Website: FriendsofChristopherPark org

Friends of Glen Canyon Park

Contact: Jean Conner, 584-8576

Address: 140 Turquoise Way SF C A 94131

Plant restoration work par ties Wednesday mornings and third Saturday of the month

Friends of Noe Cour ts Playground

Contact: Laura Norman

Email: noecour ts@gmail com

Address: P O Box 460953, SF, C A 94146

Meetings: Email for dates and times

Friends of Noe Valley (FNV)

Contact: Todd David, 401-0625

Email: info@friendsofnoevalley com

Website: friendsofnoevalley com

Meetings: Two or three annually

Friends of Slow Sanchez

Contacts: Christopher Keene Andrew Casteel

Email: info@SlowSanchez com

Website: SlowSanchez com

Friends of Upper Noe Recreation

Center

Contact: Chris Faust

Email: info@uppernoerecreationcenter com

Website: uppernoerecreationcenter com

Meetings: Email or check website

Friends of Upper Noe Dog Owners

Group (FUNDOG)

Contact: David Emanuel

Email: info@fundogsf org

Website: www fundogsf org

Glen Park Association

Contact: info@glenparkassociation org

Website: glenparkassociation org

Address: P O Box 31292, SF, C A 94131

Juri Commoners

Contact: Dave Schweisguth, MI7-6290

Email: dave@schweisguth org

Website: meetup com/Juri-Commoners

The group is on hiatus and seeking a new

leader Call Dave Tidy up when you can

Liber ty Hill Neighborhood

Association

Contact: Dr Lisa Fromer, president

Email: efromer3@gmail com

Meetings: Quar terly Email for details

Noe Neighborhood Council

Contact: Ozzie Rohm or Matt McCabe

Email: info@noeneighborhoodcouncil com

Website: noeneighborhoodcouncil com

Meetings: Quar terly at Sally Brunn Librar y, 451 Jersey St

Noe Valley Association–24th Street

Community Benefit District

Contact: Debra Niemann, 519-0093

Dispatch: To repor t spills or debris on 24th

Street, call Billy Dinnell, 802-4461

Email: info@noevalleyassociation org

Website: noevalleyassociation org

Board meetings: Quar terly See website

Noe Valley Democratic Club

Contact: Sam Maslin, President

E-mail: noevalleydemocrats@gmail com

Website: www noevalleydemocrats org

Meetings: Monthly at Valley Tavern or Tacolicious, dates publicized on website

Noe Valley Farmers Market

Open Saturdays 8 a m to 1 p m ; 3861 24th

St between Vicksburg and Sanchez

Contact: Leslie Crawford, 248-1332

Email: info@noevalleyfarmersmarket com

Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association (NVMPA)

Contact: Kristen McCaffer y, President, Kristen@novysf@gmail com, 829-8383; or Kathr yn Gianaras Vice President

Kathr yn@novysf@gmail com

Meetings: 9 a m Call to confirm location

Website: https noemerchants com

www NoeValleyMerchants com

Noe Valley Parent Network

An e-mail resource network for parents

Contact: Mina Kenvin

Email: minaken@gmail com

noevalleyparentsubscribe@yahoogroups com

Noe Walks

Contact: Chris Nanda

Email: christopher n nanda@gmail com

Website: NoeWalks com

Meetings: Saturdays 10 a m Star ts 24th and Sanchez Ends Noe and Duncan for photo

Progress Noe Valley

Facebook: ProgressNoeValley

Email: progressnoe@gmail com

Website: progressnoe com

Meetings: Check Facebook page for current meeting and event schedule

San Francisco NERT (Neighborhood

Emergency Response Team)

Contact: Noe Valley NERT Neighborhood Team co-coordinators Maxine Fasulis, mfasulis@yahoo com; Carole Rober ts, carole rober ts@faludi com

Website: https://SF-fire org/ner t Visit the website to sign up for trainings

Upper Noe Merchants

Contact: Info@UpperNoeNeighbors com; https://uppernoeneighbors com/merchants/ Upper Noe Neighbors

Contact: Chris Faust

Email: Hello@UpperNoeNeighbors com

Website: www uppernoeneighbors com

Meetings: Bi-monthly on third Wednesdays

Confirm by email or check website

THE NOE VALLEY VOICE editor@noevalleyvoice.com

All phone numbers are in the 415 area code, unless otherwise noted.

and

now

for the RUMORS behind the news

Still Turning 2026

By Mazook

HAPPY

NEW YEAR: There’s a lot to catch up on since we left you in December National news was centered on the horrifying ICE tactics, making it not a ver y happy Januar y for the 97 percent of Noe Valley voters who cast ballots for someone other than Trump in the 2024 election Hopefully, we will have our say in the mid-terms

BEST-DRESSED WINDOWS: Downtown Noe Valley stores via the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association held a contest in December for the best holiday decorations in their front windows They were viewed and rated by a group of local judges Contest organizer

Dave Karraker of MX3 Fitness announced the winners like so:

“Drum roll, please! We have the winners for the 2025 Noel Valley Windows & Parklets Holiday Decorating Competition Competition this year was ver y tough, with an increase in the number of windows with holiday flair over last year (yay!)

“Bringing home the golden trophy and prize package for Most Festive was Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast with their elaborate display Most Fun went to Mio Mio Salon, which featured a huge amount of creativity and whimsy And in our closest contest, Trad Bone Broth beat out Moonshot Studio by a single point to bring home the award for Most San Francisco ”

Karraker thanked the many businesses that provided prizes for the winners, including Just for Fun, Easy Breezy, TressWorks, Wink, Novy, MX3 Fitness, Perfectly Seasoned, Small Fr ys, When Modern Was, Trad Bone Broth and Mio Mio Salon ”

The judges were Karraker, Holly Reeves of RGH Designs, Merchants Association president Kristen McCaffer y, Noe Valley Town Square chief Leslie Crawford, and Noe Valley Voice leader (and my esteemed editor) Sally Smith

NOE WILL BE TELEVISED: Teresa Fitzgerald, owner of the aforementioned Moonshot Studio tells me that Moonshot was featured on ABC/KRON4’s LIVE! in the Bay daytime TV show on Jan 9 During an approximately five-minute custom candlemaking demonstration, she mentioned the store s Noe Valley location in her introductor y comments You can watch it online just Google “Moonshot Jan 9 KRON4” and the video will pop up Says Fitzgerald, It was my second time on the show (July 2023 was the first), sharing the fun and creativity of scent-blending and custom candle-making with their audience , and another terrific experience with a ver y professional production staff ”

NOTHING BUT FUN can be found these days at the Dolores Deluxe deli/café at the corner of 22nd and Dolores The place is hosting jazz concer ts and food popups, and they're also doing a podcast airing news and inter views with local chefs Ovin Loven Pie will pop up with their pastries on Valentine s Day, Feb 14, from

In December, the judges in the Noel Valley Windows & Parklets Holiday Decorating Competition—including (l-r) Dave Karraker, Holly Reeves, Kristen McCaffery, and Leslie Crawford—set about picking the winners. It wasn’t easy to choose in the Most San Francisco category, but Trad Bone Broth showed it wanted the prize. Photos by Sally Smith and Corrie M. Anders

11 a m to 2 p m and then again on Feb 19 and Feb 26 (4 to 7 p m ) Next, there’s Gax SF Burgers’ pop-up on Saturday, Feb 21, from 10 a m to 2 p m

The Corner Sessions jazz concer t is on Sunday, Feb 22, from 1 to 3 p m

In March, you could tr y the Okkon Japanese Fusion popup (March 1, noon-4 p m ) or Tacos El Gran Mac (March 8 10 a m to 3 p m )

All the events are listed on DoloresDeluxe com, even the Forever Neighbor Podcast, hosted by the deli’s chef/owner Ramzi Budayr

GAMES PEOPLE PLAY: Live old-school

Bar Bingo games star ted in December at The Dubliner (3838 24th) They happen on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p m

And the bar’s Trivia Night continues on Tuesdays, 8 to 10 p m Prizes may range from a pint of beer and tee shir ts to key chains, and bottle openers

Noe Valley organizer Andrew Keeler (“Mister Mahjong”) says Mamahuhu (3991 24th) is attracting crowds to the mahjong on Mondays, from 6 to 9 p m Players play a choice of Chinese and American-style games, both inside and outside the restaurant Search for “Mahjong Monday Drop-in at Mamahuhu Noe Valley ”

On the food front, after nearly four years as an elegant indoor restaurant chef Tracy Goh’s Damansara (1781 Church) has switched from dine-in to to-go It will be all takeout so that its menu of Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Thai, Chinese , Indian, and Burmese cuisine will be more affordable

The Slow Sanchez community group tells us what to expect in 2026 in its latest newsletter They have a $5,000 grant application to SF Beautiful to add “vegetated planters” in the bulb-out area of Sanchez and Day streets They are also busy creating sidewalk gardens to help neighbors add permanent greener y along Sanchez

Don’t miss the Slow Sanchez Happy Hour at Noe Cafe (1299 Sanchez) on Friday, Feb 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p m

And don’t forget this: In Februar y, Firefly (4288 24th) holds its annual public school fundraiser, where it donates 20 percent of the cost of your food and beverage to your favorite San Francisco public school “All you have to do is come in for dinner on any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and mention your school of choice to your ser ver, ” the restaurant says Reser vations may be made at fireflysf com

HEAR S TO YOU: Born and raised in Noe Valley, Jessica Limer Flores has become famous worldwide as a deafawareness rights advocate Her mom,

Christina Marie Flores (now) Bradley, has been a longtime friend of mine Our kids played together at Mar tha’s Coffee on Church Street back in the 1990s I often meet her while she is on her daily walk in Downtown Noe Valley Christina proudly points out that “Jessica is from a family that is four generations Noe ” She was born in 1988

When I saw Christina recently, she told me some exciting news: Jessica, who is also an ar tist, improviser, comedian, and YouTuber is playing a patient in several episodes of season two of The Pitt, which premiered on Max (now HBO Max) in Januar y a year ago The series is described as “ a medical procedural drama that follows an emergency depar tment staff as they attempt to overcome the hardships of a single 15-hour work shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, all while having to navigate staff shor tages and underfunding ” The show is huge it just won Best TV Series–Drama at the Golden Globes

Jessica Flores is also featured in an ABC-7 TV News inter view from April 3, 2024 (but it’s still streaming online , so you can easily find it by googling) One par t includes a Flores home video

When she was a girl,” the narrator says, “Jessica Flores was among a group of children singing holiday songs at a church in San Francisco In the video her father recorded, you can see as she struggles to keep up with the singing but couldn't understand why ” The message Flores tries to convey in the inter view is that society should tr y to detect and treat hearing problems as early as possible

Jessica “Limer” Flores known also as @YoJessicaFlores, chats and signs with others who are deaf via her own live streams on YouTube and other media She is truly inspiring

I am now and have always been a proud Noe Valleon

A PROUD PROTEST: Running Wylder, Omnivore Books, Bones Bagels, and Firefly restaurant were among the many local businesses that par ticipated in the one-day “ no work no school and no shopping” nationwide strike Friday, Jan 30, to protest Trump’s immigration policies and express their outrage over the killings in Minnesota

When the Voice checked with her afterwards, Celia Sack of Omnivore said, “Remember when America was proud to be a melting pot of people from all over the world? We decided to close during the National General Strike in solidarity with the citizens (and non-citizens) of Minneapolis, who are under siege by goons who believe America is better off without immigrants

“I asked my staff how they felt about

us closing I told them I would still pay them, but I asked would they want to close even if I didn’t? It was a unanimous yes We are a small shop, and losing a day’s sales is not easy, but that is the definition of sacrifice

“It was well wor th it to take a stand, because immigrants are what makes America great ”

YOU AUTO KNOW about a big-time local car crash On my daily walk on Jan 26, I climbed the 150 stairs on the 22nd Street hill from Church Street It is the 11th steepest hill in San Francisco, with warnings to vehicle drivers at its crest at Vicksburg

On the south side of the block I saw the remains of an auto crash The car had been towed away but lots of metal and broken glass remained, along with cement chunks and other signs of damage to the sidewalk and nearby residences

When I reached the top, I met a fellow walking who said he lived close to the crest “What happened?” I asked

He told me that at about 1 a m he was awakened by his house shaking like an ear thquake “When I went outside to see what was happening I saw the crest of the hill was blocked by police vehicles, with red lights flashing and police officers with guns drawn pointing down the hill I went back to my house ”

Apparently, the police were chasing a car turning east on Sanchez driven by someone not familiar with the huge drop of the road They flew halfway down the hill crashing into the steps and the fronts of several houses on the hill

The next morning at Mar tha’s, I encountered two police officers from Mission Station I asked them what happened They told me they were both off the past two days, but “it was the talk of the station,” and they said I should call and ask

I did and asked to talk to the captain or a lieutenant about the incident An officer called me back in the afternoon and not surprisingly told me , “We are aware of that matter, and it is currently under investigation ”

Hopefully I can talk to some of the proper ty owners and give you an update in next month’s Voice

SAD NOTES: Sorr y to see that Terrasol at 1307 Castro, may be closing or has closed It’s shutting its doors after two decades in San Francisco” was the word from one of its longtime fans “It's the end of an era for the charming boutique Terrasol The owners, Stephen and Alber to, filled the shop with the most quirky and fun stuff, celebrating all holidays and special occasions The shop is closing at the end of Januar y Let's shop and help them clear out the store!”

Also just heard about the passing of Larr y Reed a theater director with international fame He died Jan 30 at his longtime home on Chattanooga Street Reed was a multi-talented ar tist best known as the founder of ShadowLight Productions He created amazing shadow theater with puppets, cutouts, and live actors Larr y ’ s shows, many at the Noe Valley Ministr y, delighted adults and children alike He was 81 We will miss him

THAT’S ALL FOLKS See you as we march toward March And don t forget to register to vote