potrero view

November 2009

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

It was nice to see such fond remembrances of Eliza’s in the View’s October issue (“Potrero Hill Says Good-Bye to Eliza’s”).  I do want to correct an impression given by one of the people quoted. This person noted that Eliza’s had supported a charitable cause, and that no other Hill restaurant had done the same. I can absolutely assure folks that 18th Street restaurants like Moshi Moshi, Aperto, Lingba and especially Goat Hill Pizza have been unwavering and extraordinarily generous in their support of numerous community events and causes over the years. They always step up to the plate.  We’re lucky to have such businesses on the Hill.

In the same issue, Eliza’s landlord was described as greedy and arrogant and also as avaricious (“Thoughts on a Sunny Sunday Morning;” “Short Cuts”). I well recall his brutal treatment of The Good Life in that same space 20 years ago, but I think these were unfair characterizations vis-a-vis Eliza’s.  My understanding is that they closed simply because they were working too hard, not because of a rent dispute.  I look forward to eating at the Mediterranean restaurant that will soon open in the space.

Thank you for your focus on local businesses in the recent issues of the View. These are tough times for all businesses, but especially so for small independents. I urge my neighbors to make a special effort to support not only our local restaurants, but our insurance agents, photographers, bookstores, contractors, chiropractors and all the other small businesses that help make the Hill such a special place.

And finally, I love your new restaurant review columns!


Keith Goldstein, President, Potrero Hill Association of Merchants and Businesses


Dear Editor,

 Thank you for focusing your October issue on local businesses.  In our busy lives, it is so easy to get into the habit of going to big box stores because we think it’s cheaper or more convenient.  We have such wonderful little shops in our neighborhood!  Thank you for reminding me to shop and eat local.  Next time I’m at a local store and think, “Oh, I can get it cheaper at Target,” I will remember that spending the few extra bucks is well worth it to keep our neighborhood vital and thriving.


Daphne Magnawa, Utah Street


Dear Editor,

 I wholeheartedly support your proposal to convert Jackson Park into a multi-use open space (“Publisher’s View,” August 2009).  Years ago I lived opposite the park and was sad to see such a prime recreational space used primarily for one sport, softball. At one point I played on a San Francisco softball league team in Jackson Park and I can tell you that few players live in the Potrero Hill neighborhood and a significant percentage, perhaps 25 percent, don’t even live in San Francisco.  Moreover, softball players comprise a tiny percent of the overall population and are primarily from one age group. So why is this small group allowed to dominate a scarce and valuable open space?

Potrero Hill could use a Washington Square like park where residents of all ages are able to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, taking a walk, or just enjoying the day. I can also envision outdoor cafes springing up on the north side of 17th Street opposite the park, creating a wonderful atmosphere for residents to gather and look out on a pleasant green open space.

I no longer live in San Francisco, but occasionally I visit Potrero Hill and hope to someday see this vision become a reality.  

 

Daniel Bacon, San Rafael


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