potrero view

November 2009

Starr King Openspace Yours to Enjoy

By David Glober

A three-hour hearing took place at the San Francisco Planning Commission on October 15 regarding Starr King Openspace and a proposed development at 1321 De Haro Street.  At the hearing, the Commission granted applications for demolition of the existing structure and a rear yard variance for the project.  The Commissioners also ruled that a garage could not be placed at the property directly adjacent to the Openspace – this effectively means that any garage for the project would have to access the site from De Haro.  The Commission also set height limits in an attempt to respect open space protections in City codes and plans.

During the public comment period many citizens expressed their feelings about the Openspace.  Some spoke rapturously about the wildflowers, hawks, and animals that can be seen in the area.  Others told personal tales of inward rejuvenation they’ve found at the Openspace, closeness to nature, and respite from the busy urban environment at this unique hilltop neighborhood site.  Still others pointed to the ecological restoration that has taken place since concrete remnants of government housing were removed in the mid-1980’s.

Some local residents who frequent the site countered that Starr King Openspace appears empty and untended, unlandscaped, and covered with grasses that might pose a fire hazard.  One gentleman said he’d never seen Starr King Openspace’s celebrated wildflowers.  These comments are of particular interest, as the Starr King Openspace board is contemplating an education and outreach program to offer to the community-at-large.  Some initial clarifications to View readers follow here.

Starr King Openspace is unique in that ownership of this land is public and neighborhood-based, as much as it is private and not operated under the Recreation and Park Department.  Neighborhood citizens have both the opportunity and the responsibility to learn the difference between an open space and a park, the intended purpose of the use of this land and how that’s evolved over time, and how land stewardship decisions are made at the board level, but also with community input.

Starr King Openspace is a restored section of serpentine grassland – a geological and ecological system that runs from Hunters Point to the Presidio.  So far this eco-restoration has taken place over a quarter century.  Serpentinite is the state rock of California, and Starr King is a purposely an undeveloped portion of this band of serpentine rock, and the grassy ecosystem formed by the soil associated with that rock.  In San Francisco, this system runs from the southeastern corner to the northwestern corner.  Management of plant and animal wildlife is therefore intentionally different from landscaping in a backyard or a lawn.

Wildflowers are not blooming now because, as in the southern California desert, wildflowers emerge in Starr King Openspace from March to May.  They are delicate yet hardy, able to survive in our serpentine grassland soil, which is grainy, dry, and high in magnesium relative to calcium, where many plants cannot thrive.  And they haven’t been planted from seed packets from a garden store.  They have been carefully gathered from nearby lots, and are indigenous to Potrero Hill.

Starr King Openspace is carefully managed in compliance with Fire Department regulations.  Each year we cut a 20-foot safety border around the perimeter of the entire 3.5 acres.  We recently had a workday where board members and neighbors volunteered time and labor to clean up accumulated plant debris, and the San Francisco Department of Public Works loaned a collection truck and two hard working employees, even though the open space is not under official City care.  

Contrary to being empty or uncared for, Starr King Openspace is brimming with life.  Recently a blue heron was observed.  Red-tailed hawks soar over eucalyptus trees, hunting ground squirrels.  American kestrels feed on insects and lizards.  Dogs run free, with their humans attentively nearby.  Cats, too, especially when the dogs have left for the day.  People relax and talk on rock outcroppings near De Haro and 24th streets.  Tai chi practitioners and meditators find quiet.  Lovers of views and vistas embrace the wide expanse from Bernal Heights to Twin Peaks to the Golden Gate Bridge.  School children enjoy the freedom of the outdoors and learn about native plants.  This is a place that belongs to plant life, animal life and people.

 For more information on spring wildflower walks, ecology, land stewardship, general management and community involvement at Starr King Openspace, check out www.starrkingopenspace.org.  Learn more about the Openspace and help with monthly maintenance on the third Saturday of every month from 9 to noon.


David Glober is Vice President of the Starr King Openspace Board.   


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