My City By The Bay

There is a proposal in the city to encourage retired residents to mentor school children.  I’m not sure who proposed it but I think it’s a great idea.  Children so benefit from the wisdom and loving nature of older adults. Much like grandparents with their grandchildren.A program such as this could have a positive dramatic effect for not only the retiree and child but the entire community.  There are so many children who live in a one parent household and while the parent is out working the children are left alone to care for themselves.  With a mentoring program like the one proposed the child and mentor can partake in learning and leisurely activities benefiting both.For the mentor it would mean not being alone all the time and being able to share their life experiences with the child.  A learning situation for everyone involved.  It would enhance the life of the senior and the child.  The age difference aspect to this proposal which some have argued means nothing. The vast wisdom  and companionship related to this proposal far outweighs any age differences.  While this is merely a proposal I certainly hope it comes to fruition.  We need more plans like this in San Francisco and I know that Mayor Newsom would agree that this proposal is beneficial not only to the mentor and child but to our city as a whole.There’s nothing more satisfying than sharing your time with someone and benefiting from the unique experiences brought forth by each party involved.  I see this proposal as a win - win for all.  

Here is one of my favorite buddies.  I’ve been going to the zoo for as long as I can remember.  I live quite close to the zoo which is located in the outer Sunset/Parkside district next to the Pacific Ocean.

The zoo has gone through many changes and renovations throughout the years.  As a child our family would spend the day there picnicking, enjoying the animals, riding the zoo train and hopping on the carousel. 

Snow leopards, tigers, wart hogs, giraffes, pigs, goats, bears and penguins, just to name a few call this urban jungle their home.  There is also the children’s zoo which I love because you are able to get up close and personal with the cows, goats and pigs. There’s an insect zoo with the likes of tarantulas and creepy crawlers of all species.  Near the insect area outside you’ll find owls and bald eagles posing for photos amongst the trees.  It always amazes me that they are so close to the public yet keep perfectly still.

Since the Christmas tragedy last year where a man was killed and his friend injured by a tiger, the zoo has completely revamped the tiger exhibit as well as the lion exhibit making it safe for the visitors.  I do have to comment however that what happened last Christmas day is still not really known. However the zoo is safe for all once again.

They are open 365 days a year and admission is free the first Wednesday of each month.

The photo above is my polar bear buddy.  I love visiting him while there.  I’ll be posting more on the zoo in the days to come along with pics and video so check back often.

The Rose Garden - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco

Back in 1912 when James Rolph Jr. was the Mayor of San Francisco he was living out here in the Sunset district on 45th Avenue.  At that time the homes were sparse - few and far between.  For a long period of time the sunset was merely sand dunes.

The mayor had a beach house on 45th and at that time planted a palm tree in front of his house.  Though many years have passed and many a homeowner took up residence in the home, the palm tree remained.  It grew and grew into a tall, living piece of history and considered a relic by neighbors.  It is the only sight of greenery along the concrete oasis on that block.  The problem is that it is so tall that it is interfering with the power lines.  As a result PG&E demanded it be cut down.  Well, considering this tree is a piece of history the neighbors protested and took the issue to the sitting supervisors for this area, Carmen Chu and Mr. Dudum.  They, on behalf of the neighbors took the case to City hall and have worked out a deal where PG&E will have to figure out how to “rewire” the power lines around Mr. Palm Tree.

The neighbors are ecstatic, PG&E is angry and I just had to smile over the fact that in my neighborhood the top story of the day was the life or death of a tree.  I’m happy Mr. Tree got a reprieve.  The giant tree against a giant corporation and the tree won.

I love San Francisco.

I always enjoy coming across street musicians all around San Francisco. There are such talented and creative people here and many who make their living by performing on the streets. One of the most fascinating is the pots n pans drummer. He is located on the embarcadero right across from the Ferry Building by the F Market line at the foot of Market Street.  He basically has a table set up with pots and pans and uses them as his drums. He performs when the weather is good and always on Tuesdays and Saturdays when the Ferry Building market vendors are selling their delicacies. He is a very gifted talent and also allows tourists to get in on the action and they play as a duet. I love to just stand there and watch him. He’s a friendly, nice, sweet and extremely talented individual. So, if you are ever in that area make sure to stop and take a listen.