Mission Mission

Over at The Snitch, Masha Rumer tells us about an overhaul of Valencia Street in the works at the Department of Public Works:

Some highlights of this $6.1 million project, according to DPW’s Great Streets Program: the center median will be removed; the sidewalks will be widened from their current 10 feet to 13-15 feet, allowing for more foot traffic, for outside seating in cafes and hopefully for room to push through swarms of bluegrass-crazed people congregating outside busy Mission establishments. The parking lane will grow by 0.25 feet to 9 feet. [...] Also planned are new bike racks, art, trash receptacles, curb ramps and bulb-outs instead of left-turn pockets in some areas.

Full analysis here. Now, I’m open to change, and I love sidewalk seating and pedestrian safety, but I also love Valencia’s narrow sidewalks and crummy old bike racks and trash receptacles. Will improvements curb our beloved boulevard’s fundamental charm?

Update: Subito_Piano informs us that there’s a “status update meeting” regarding this project being held at the Mission Police Station tonight at 6:30pm. More at Better Valencia Project.

Previously on Mission Mission:

Construction Camp on Valencia Street

ZOUNDS!!!!  You’ve been caught in a TIME MACHINE!!!  Quick, Click Here to warp back to the 2010 18th Street Block Party!  Warning:  Not Safe For Vegans (NSFV)

Reader Robert forwards us the skinny on the fancy charity shindig:

It’s the season of block parties! Next Saturday September 6th is ~PARTY ON BLOCK 18~, a full-tilt hootenanny featuring the 18th Street businesses between Dolores and Guerrero, which is where the street will be closed off. A family-style meal will be available, and the purchase of a ticket entitles everyone to a meal with your choice of three savory meals from Bi-Rite, Delfina, Dolores Park Café, and Craig’s Place, and Tartine and Bi-Rite Creamery will be handling the sweets. Since 18th Street is ALL about food, here are the menu items: spit-roasted Niman Ranch pork shoulder with summer bean salad and salsa verde, Fulton Valley chicken grilled under a brick with a Tuscan bread salad, and vegetarian paella and corn on the cob with Calabrian chili butter. The kids can enjoy Let’s Be Frank organic hotdogs, fresh sandwiches, and Bi-Rite Creamery hot fudge sundaes, fresh fruit smoothies, lemonade, and a watermelon agua fresca by Dolores Park Café. For the adults, in the Wine & Beer Garden there will be premium barrel of wine by Unti (a fave of mine) and keg beer by Russian River Brewing Company, Magnolia Brewery, and Anchor Steam. Entertainment includes gypsy band Gaucho, and teen rockers She’s and The Psychotherapists for the kids. The party runs from noon to 4pm. All proceeds from the party will be donated to the Women’s Building. Meals are $15, sides and sandwiches $2.50–$5, beverages $2.50–$5. For information and to purchase advance meal tickets, call Christie Ward at 415-971-7291 or email PARTYBLOCK18@gmail.com.

Looks like a bargain, and for a good cause, and Russian River Brewing Company! Thanks, Robert!

Update: Robert attributes this find to Marcia Gagliardi and her Tablehopper.com newsletter.

Previously on Mission Mission:

Katie Loves Gaucho

Women’s Building Architecture, Murals Celebrated

Reader Lauren asks:

Can you post up some info about the 18th street block party on September 6th? I’ve seen posters around but can’t seem to find info anywhere online with the juicy details.

We performed some perfunctory investigations, but turned up nada. What up with the 18th Street Block Party?

Myopenbar.com hips us to the news that Million Fishes is hosting a celebration of counter culture tonight:

RE/Search ‘Counter Cultural Hour’ is a monthly TV show screening, featuring speakers who have made a mark on counter culture. This month chronicles the celebration of PUNK ’77 at Beyond Baroque. Featured are Jerry Casale of DEVO and Graeme Revell of SPK, hosted by V. Vale. Anybody angry with the state of the U.S. and the world now will find truly soul-satisfying ‘content’ in this program, and indeed, inspiration. It’s well worth seeing…

Link. Note that it looks like the event is BYOB.

Previously on Mission Mission:

Million Fishes the Most Intimate Venue in the Mission?

In the wake of yet another Mission murder, reader Subito_Piano got in touch to let us all know that there’s a District 9 Supervisor debate scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, to be held at the Victoria Theatre at 16th and Capp. On the official debate website, you’ll find links to more info on each candidate, an agenda, as well as a form with which you can submit questions of your own.

Thanks to reader mcas for sending this in. mcas says: “Could be more concise, but I guess it gets the message across…”

Previously on Mission Mission:

Maybe The Best Multi-Panel Sidewalk-Stencil Graffiti Ever?

Carlos Reyes just posted a fun — if low-res — photo set that chronicles a big dinner with a bunch of friends at Oye! Managua. The Outer Mission is awesome; am I right or am I right? See the whole party here.

Gravel & Gold hips us to tomorrow’s festivities:

The countdown to the Rock Make Street Festival has begun! If the idea of a San Francisco street fair conjures up tired images of funnel cakes, hemp necklaces, and guys playing didgeridoos, prepare to be blown away by the FIFTY amazing independent local designers, artists and craftspeople and TWELVE great indie rock bands at this year’s Rock Make event. It’s a great chance to get some great bargains on high-end pieces from nationally reknowned artisans while enjoying some great music. It’s a free, all ages, totally DIY event and an excellent way to spend a warm Sunday afternoon!

I hate hemp necklaces! Complete list of bands and vendors and stuff here. Everything takes place on Treat between 17th and 18th.

Rock Make on Myspace.

PS, why the fuck isn’t Treat called Treat Street? Google Maps says it’s “Treat Avenue.” Boo on that. “Treat Street” RHYMES for God’s sake.

Melissa Gira of Valleywag and Sexerati and a bunch of other things just nailed all of our troubles in one bittersweet tweet. Link. BTW, I have a hard enough time defining regular irony. What is Mission irony?

Dan’s Hole in the Wall just posted a story about an interesting adventure in the neighborhood:

Our team of seven was sent into the Mission District for a project entitled “Meet A Need.” The team is given $20 and told to wander around, find somebody with a need, and use the $20 to meet it. Hence the name. (Oh: and you couldn’t meet a need simply by giving somebody the money. That’s a bad way to help people.)

Link to full story.