Mission Mission

The Salvadoreño Market.

Little Otsu.

Which is more appealing? Personally, I think the blue one is the better deal.

Fancy tea drinkers enjoying the wonderfully warm Sunday afternoon on the patio of Samovar Tea Lounge at 18th and Sanchez were unceremoniously jarred from their leisure by the rear end of a Mercedes SUV.  The driver apparently suffered a stroke while behind the wheel, causing her vehicle to roll backwards down the steep hill of Sanchez directly into the popular corner cafe.

One patron sitting outside was pinned against the wall and sustained a broken pelvis, but others sitting inside only suffered minor abrasions from the shattered glass flying everywhere.  Deigning this to be real news, ABC Local has a cute video about it with interviews from eyewitnesses like a Samovar server and the owner of Urban Bread who noticed the SUV rolling by and picked up the phone to call 911 as it crashed across the street.

Let’s hope everyone is OK and recovering (Samovar Tea Lounge included).

[Photo by Jsong, via Uptown Almanac]

This is by far, in the three plus years I’ve been doing this, the piece of street art I’ve been most thrilled to post.

Meet SWOMP THANG, a modern monster with modern problems and modern sensibilities.

Courtesy of our pal Penelope P.

Hey, Lucifer is responsible for this picture. Of a toilet at the Lex. That wants you to sit on its face.

Takers?

Previously:

Lexington Disco Ball

One of these days I’m going to force myself to make it over to that flea market at 15th and Mission next to the Kink Armory.  San Franciscans seem to love waiting in lines, be it for allegedly killer sandwiches, hip new restaurants, or bathrooms at Dolores Park. 

I wanted to check it out Thursday morning, but that robust line managed to dissuade my desire while also calling into question my San Francisco-ness.  Obviously there must be some great deals to be found there besides stolen bicycle frames (oh wait that’s the Laney College Flea Market).  

Have any of you dear readers ever braved the line?  What’s the coolest thing you’ve managed to find?

If you were the type of kid that had a White Out checkerboard pattern on your Jansport backpack in the 90s (guilty, here) you’ll probably recognize Karina Denike from her early gig as a lead singer for the Dance Hall Crashers.

Since then, she has been hanging out in San Francisco playing less-skankable tunes with groups like Mr. Lonesome and the Bluebelles, the Cottontails, and Eight Legged Monster. In my humble opinion, she’s probably got one of the most powerful, virtuosic voices around and a vocal delivery that’s JUST SEXY. You really have to see her live to know what I mean.

Ms. Denike also writes her own pop-y, quirky, singer-songwritery stuff, which is what she’ll be performing on Sunday at the Rite Spot Cafe on 17th and Folsom. She will be joined by her band, her harmonium, and the also insanely talented Lily Taylor. Show starts at 8pm.

If you can’t make that, Karina will also be singing with the Cottontails at Revolution Cafe Saturday night from 9-12ish.

(By the way, she loooves talking about the Dance Hall Crashers and is not embarrassed by it in the slightest.)

Critical Mass riders demonstrate that, yes, their bicycles can come to a complete stop at an intersection… if they want them to.

Apparently, this was part of the 15-year anniversary event. Consider yourselves more aware of cyclists now!

[photo by |\\ |) |=]

Happy Friday, guys and dolls! Should you require a new pet this weekend, consider these!

Saffron — 1 year old female terrier mix

Playtime!  Saffron is a sweet and charming little girl, ready to explore the world around here, chase some shadows, and be your best friend.  She’s young and spirited, and enjoys the finer things in life – rolling in the grass, chasing tennis balls, allowing you to scratch her adorable doggy belly…you, the good stuff.  If you’ve been thinking this summer is a great time to add a companion to your life, check this gal out ASAP!

Mercury — 4 year old male shorthair

What a pretty kitty! Mercury can be quiet and shy but he gets along with other cats (a slow introduction will be best), and will be a playful, friendly love bug once he gets to know you a bit better. His nicked left ear makes him even more unique!

All pets adopted from SFSPCA have received a pre-adoption veterinary exam and behavior assessment, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and a microchip.

Where: The San Francisco SPCA’s Maddie’s Adoption Center
Address: 250 Florida Street (at 16th – Street)
Hours: Open Tues – Friday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Contact: 415-522-3500, www.sfspca.org
Follow SFSPCA at facebook.com/sfspca and twitter.com/sfspca.

Spots Unknown has the scoop. (Embedded video below if you’re not using Google reader)

Perhaps Andrew spoke a little too soon when he said cyclists rule the streets.

Both photos by omega wolff.

Previously:

Freshly Painted Bike Lanes on Market Apparently Not Quite Enough