4 PA S T, PRE S E N T, A N D F U TU RE June 2010
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Crowded Race for District 10 Supervisor By Rigoberto Hernandez Editor’s Note: Since the View’s publisher and editor, Steve Moss, is a candidate in the race for District 10 Board of Supervisors, the paper reached an agreement with the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism’ s Mission Loc@l initiative to cover the election. The following article wasn’t edited by the View. This is the only article Moss has published in the View that he didn’t first edit, which is far more painful to him than the uncertain impacts it may have on his supervi- A rendering of 20th Street at Pier 70 if the Port of San Francisco’s Preferred Master Plan is realized. sorial candidacy. We hope that by offering this coverage we’ll spur our 20th Street in the future - a pedestrian and bicycle oriented place readers to get involved in the election. Some facts were spot-checked by Lisa Tehrani. 32 | PIER 70 PREFERRED MASTER PLAN tor Sims Metal. Several artists lease tion vice president, who leases an art By Sarah Mcdonald space in the pier’s Noonan Building. studio at the pier. Eslick has been The supervisor election for DisEarlier this year the Port of San The 30-year Master Plan includes involved in the Central Waterfront trict 10 is shaping out to be the most contested one based on the high in- Francisco published its Preferred environmental remediation, historic Advisory Group, which provided terest from candidates and donors Master Plan for Pier 70, an historic preservation, and the creation of community input to the port during area along the City’s eastern shore, significant new open space. When the planning process. “I just hope I’m alike. Most candidates said this is be- which stretches from Mariposa to fully developed, Pier 70 could include alive to see it happen.” John Borg, who lives and runs cause the stakes are high in the elec- 22nd streets. Once a bustling ship- three parks, medical and biotechnology offices, art and performance his business, Eco Imprints, across tion to replace termed out Supervisor yard, much of the pier is dilapidated Sophie Maxwell. District 10 is where and closed to the public. Current spaces, restaurants and retail es- the street from the pier, was also the Lennar Corporation is scheduled tenants consist of ship repairer BAE tablishments, alongside continuing involved in the Advisory Group. He envisions Pier 70 as a place to to develop the Candlestick Point and Systems; Auto Return, a towing ship repair. “I’m excited,” said Susan Eslick, learn about and witness the City’s company; 1450-AM KEST’s radio see Candidates page 13 transmitter; and scrap metal collec- Dogpatch Neighborhood Associa- 130-year-old labor tradition. According to Borg, the area “has a little bit of grit and authenticity and reality” that he hopes will carry over into its future. David Beaupre, the Port of San Francisco’s senior waBy Michael Condiff unknown is about as common as Cutbacks in Vargas’ household terfront planner, agrees, saying that The year hasn’t been kind to Marie discarded sheets of Bounce in the include fewer meals eaten outside the preserving the pier’s history is one Konner. Since January, the 26-year-old City’s laundromats. Whether at home and a delay in dental work for of the plan’s most important aspects. City College student has lost two jobs the Potrero Launderette, Mr. Bur- her husband, John, who broke a tooth “There are literally historic buildand an apartment. And now, peering buja’s on 24th Street, or Brainwash on a pork chop bone three months ings that are just crumbling into the into a dryer at the Potrero Launderette on Folsom Street, San Francisco’s ago. “I keep telling him to go, but bay,” said Borg. The plan identifies eight buildon 18th Street, it seems she’s also lost a great unwashed are concerned that he won’t spend the money,” she said. sock. “That’s just about the way things their futures may not emerge from “He’s worried we’re going to need it ings as its highest priority for preservation, including the Union Iron are going,” Konner said, unable to find the latest spin cycle as bright as they for something else.” At the beginning of the year Works Machine Shop, a unique cathe missing black footie. “There haven’t want. “Everybody’s worried about been a whole bunch of positive things their jobs, their homes, their fami- Konner was laid off from a hostess thedral-like building on 20th Street happen. But, it seems like it’s that way lies,” said South-of-Market resident position at a Pacific Heights eatery. which could become a central node for a lot of people, so I don’t feel quite Susan Vargas, folding a pile of towels Within a month she was hired and of a redeveloped pier. The Machine so bad. The way the economy’s going, at Brainwash. “So many people are then let go by a Haight-area clothing Shop is surrounded by six other I know a lot of people have it worse out of work or losing hours; there’s no store. “They never should have hired buildings that make up the “historic than me. But still…this year has really security. Everybody’s cutting back, me,” she said. “They didn’t have the core” of the development plan. saving their money because they’re sucked, so far. It’s scary.” see Laundromat page 5 see Pier 70 page 11 These days, fear of the economic not sure of their next paycheck.”
Pier 70 Development Slowly Sets Sail
Laundromat Users Hope for Better Times
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Islais Creek p. 6
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Puppy Rescue p. 9
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Calendar p. 17
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