Here's your weekly dose of intel from Hoodline's vibrant tipster community. You can join us by sending us tips, ideas, and photos via our text-a-tip line at (415) 200-3233, by email at [email protected], and on Twitter @hoodline.
Here are some of the messages we've received over the past week:
We begin in Bernal Heights, where a tipster sent in a photo of the words "No Wall" written on Bernal Hill (pictured above), a response to President Trump's executive orders on immigration.
A similar sign appeared on the fenced-off McCoppin Hub, taking aim not only at Trump's administration, but at Supervisor Jane Kim's plans to construct a fence around the hub, which has been a source of controversy in the area because of its high number of homeless campers.
For the moment, the hub is considered a construction site, and has been closed to the public. The sign reads "No Walls, No Fences, Not Kim's, Nor Pence's."
Speaking of homeless encampments, over in the Castro, resident Peter H. sent in this photo of a police barricade that was set up outside the Harvey Milk Library on Prosper Street. He said it looked like the barricade was being set up "in an apparent attempt to prevent the encampment from re-forming."
Over in the Richmond, tipster James C. sent in several photos of SF Public Works worker Lucinda "Lucy" Douglas taking what he describes as extra care, as she cleared out the belongings of a homeless woman in the doorway of a building at 8th Avenue and Clement.
"The care and attention Lucy showed this woman was far beyond her job description," James said. "Lucy swept out and sorted out debris into three large white bags and carted them off. She spent 30-45 minutes there performing this corporal work of mercy."
Many readers have spotted ongoing damage from the recent spate of rainstorms. Last week, tipster Kevin C. alerted us to a tree that had fallen on a house on Stanyan Street in Cole Valley:
Another anonymous tipster spotted a large fallen tree at the entrance of Alvord Lake in Golden Gate Park late last week:
The rain has caused numerous incidents throughout the city, including a power outage in the Castro and another fallen tree in the Upper Haight last week. With six more days of storms on the way, be sure to send us a tip if you see anything unusual.
Over in SoMa, tipster R.H. sent in some aerial photos, inquiring about this "bridge to nowhere" at 2nd and Mission.
The bridge, which is a replica of the Bay Bridge, is for the future Transbay Transit Center, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. It will connect buses traveling between the actual Bay Bridge and the center.
The project's website provides weekly updates on construction activities and road closures throughout the area.
Over in Mid-Market, Albertino M. alerted us to the opening of fast-casual Filipino stall Manila Bowl, which is inside The Market (1355 Market St.) It offers build-your-own bowls with a choice of rice, salad, proteins and vegetables, including traditional options like raw papaya, bitter melon, and daikon radish.
We originally reported on the future opening of the Filipino food-stall back in December. The Market has also recently added fried-chicken spot Organic Coup and Mara, a sushi stall.
Albertino M. also sent in a tip about Steap Tea Bar, which has replaced hair salon Top Look at 827 Sacramento St. in Chinatown.
"There's not much seating, only a bench with a stand-up counter with plenty of outlets to charge your gadgets," he said. "Most drinks are around $4.25 to $5."
Albertino M. also informed us of another new business in Chinatown: a new bakery, Little Swan, that just debuted at 1249 Stockton St.
"Little Swan Bakery is officially open to the public ... Everything inside the DIY bins is nearly empty by 3pm. Place was a madhouse for the first day of opening. What's popular here are the wifey cookies and Japanese cheesecake. Boba drinks are not available yet. Buns are $.60-2.00."
Many have been confused by the recent lighting colors at SF City Hall. Some have asked if they're a continuation of red and green for the holidays, while others have labeled them pink and teal:
However, the lack of light in the stripes is actually meant to represent black, creating the red, black and green stripes of black heritage.
Supervisor Malia Cohen requested for the lights to be installed for Black History Month, as she explained in a press release:
"I want us to take time to reflect on the innumerable contributions that African Americans have made to help establish and sustain this great country. Our work sometimes goes unsung, but we have been critical to pushing progress throughout times of struggle. We are our ancestors' wildest dreams. Our fortitude will keep us strong in the years to come and guide the way as we continue the fight for freedom and equality. Happy Black History Month."
In keeping with that legacy of activism, Civic Center has hosted many protests in recent weeks, including the #NoBanNoWall protest, which drew over 1,000 people to the plaza. Here are some more photos of the event, sent by tipster Beppe S.:
Want to send a tip to Hoodline? Text us your thoughts and photos at (415) 200-3233, send us an email at [email protected], or tweet us @hoodline.
