103rd Anniversary of the Great Quake of 1906

Today, April 18th, is the anniversary of the Great San Francisco Quake. Back in 1906 at 5:12 a.m., a magnitude 8.5 earthquake struck the city. Incedible fires raged for two days, destroying much of city itself, from the Ferry Building all the way up to Van Ness Ave. Some people said they felt as if "Hell on Earth" had come to pass.

Locals wasted no time. It wasn't long before people banded together and started to rebuild - fast. The term "Phoenix rising from the ashes" is often used to describe San Francisco itself. It is a place full of strong willed, determined, unshakable people, and always has been. I have always been proud to call it home.

To read more about the Quake of 1906 please use the following links:

Virtual San Francisco Museum
U.S. Geological Society
Great Quake Eyewitnesses

Musee Mechanique

Having been born in 1973, I just missed the forever famous Playland at the Beach. Only my brother, I believe, was lucky enough to have great Playland memories. As for me, I had to settle for trips to Ocean Beach and the always-a-treat lunch with my mom at the Cliff House. It was during one of these lunches that we discovered the basement goldmine. I was in heaven, jumping from toy to toy, almost all of them still fully operational at the time. I remember my mom, overjoyed and shocked at finding her favorite Playland memory: Laughing Sal. She would always tell us kids how no matter how many times she passed Sal, she always had her in tears, until she couldn't laugh anymore.

Ahhh, Musee Mechanique. For many years this mechanical wonder sat underneath the Cliff House in the basement. It was this mesmorizing collection of antique coin operated machines and leftovers from the now debunked Playland. Musee Mechanique was owned by Edward Zelinsky until his death in 2004.

Here's the story, in Mr. Zelinsky's own words:

“My collection consists of more than 300 items, ranging from orchestrations, coin operated pianos, antique slot machines, and animations, down to small bird boxes. Most of the items are displayed at the Musée Mécanique at Pier 45, although I keep some of the more fragile and collectible items in my home.

I started my collection when I was about 11 years old, and that’s a long time ago. I went to the Ellis Theater on Fillmore Street and during the intermission they had a Bingo game. My number was called and I ran on stage. They had a big wheel, I spun the wheel, and believe it or not, I won the grand prize! No, I didn’t win a slot machine or a music box; I won five quarts of motor oil. Well, as I was 11 years old and I didn’t have a car, I carried the five quarts of oil home and then sold the oil to my piano teacher for 75 cents. With the 75 cents in my pocket I rode the streetcar down to Golden Gate Avenue, an area where they sold slot machines and old jukeboxes. For 5 cents I bought a penny skill game that you put a penny in and get five balls and it goes around in a circle. I put pennies in it and taught my parents and my friends to do the same; it acted like a bank. I used the money I saved from the machine to buy more equipment and I visited that area many times over the years. One of my favorite purchases was a slot machine, which is now a collector’s item. At the time slot machines sold for $20-$25, sometimes less. I bought a Charles Fey Liberty Bell slot machine for $25 and sold it for what I then thought was the fantastic price of $200 (it is now worth between $25,000 and $30,000). But that’s the way of a collector-you should have done this and you should have done that.

When I returned from the service after World War II, I again visited Golden Gate Avenue. In the basement of one of the warehouses I found eight picture machines for $10 apiece, including delivery. These machines have been working ever since-first, for a penny. Then, later, I changed them to a nickel and they received the same amount of play. Later on, I changed them to a dime and the number of plays increased. Several years ago, I changed them to a quarter and the number of plays tripled.

In 1946, while learning the painting business, I visited a job in Oakland at the Mills Novelty Company. While I was there, I noticed a Seeburg piano with a xylophone and mandolin attachment. I inquired about it and asked if they would play it for me. As soon as it started playing, several of the mechanics gathered around and tried to make it play better. I asked the manager if it was for sale and he said he would love to get it out of his shop because it was costing the company too much money to have these men play around with the machine. I paid $200 for the piano and had it delivered to my home.

The machine hardly played, so I asked Sherman Clay Piano Company to come out and give me an estimate to repair it. They came out, admired the piano, and said they hadn’t seen one like it in years. But, they had no idea how long it would take them to fix it-or if they even could fix it-which they would do on a labor and materials basis. I called two other piano companies and received the same answer. I finally decided to fix it myself. I did not smoke at the time, but I blew cigarette smoke and then cigar smoke (which lasted longer) through the tubes to see where the smoke led. I finally got it playing, and it’s still playing today.

I seldom sell, but I love to trade. I did a lot of trading with George Whitney, Sr.; we traded music boxes and pianos back and forth. I made one trade with George Whitney that I will never forget. I had lunch with him every third Thursday and Mr. Whitney sat at the same table that he sat at for 20 years. I remember he had a scotch over ice, shrimp cocktail and a minute steak. I tried to copy him, but I couldn’t keep up with him on the drinks. Well, one time I had quite a few drinks, and I was feeling no pain and George said, “Ed, you have a 1904 Franklin, do you want to trade it?” And I said, “George, what will you give me for it?” Well, I don’t really remember the conversation, but I do remember shaking hands with him and Mr. Whitney telling me, “Ed, you are the proud owner of a steam motorcycle.”

Later, we had dinner again and he asked me who got the best deal in the trade. I said, “I don’t know, George, you tell me.” He said, “Ed, I got the best deal. I got a Franklin that’s running and you got a motorcycle that isn’t, and needs repair.” I told him, “That’s funny, George. I thought I got the best of the deal because I got the only steam motorcycle, perhaps, in the whole world.” He called me up a few weeks later and asked if I wanted to trade back again. That’s when I knew I had a good deal. The motorcycle was made about 1912 in Sacramento by a man named Gillingwater. It is still in working condition and is on display at the Musée Mécanique.

Recently, I received an unsolicited offer of $250,000 for the motorcycle. Now I know I really got the best deal!”

Musee Mechanique currently resides in it's temporary home at Pier 45/Fisherman's Wharf. It is still free of charge - and in need of a permanent home. My only hope is that this landmark is kept alive.

Please visit the Musee Mechanique here.

Get A-Long, Doggie Diner

I have wonderful childhood memories of the Doggie Diner out by the beach. The site has long since been sold and was known as "Carousel" throughout most of my teenage years, yet the Doggie head remained. Then, in early 2000 hundreds of San Franciscans rallied to preserve the Doggie, as it was set to be demolished. A measure was put before the Board of Supervisors because apparently a local garden center wanted the property for a parking lot. You mean to tell me they couldn't scoot one parking place over to accommodate Mr. Doggie Diner??

What I find even sillier is how the supes were locked in such heated discussion regarding this obvious SF landmark, and how some of them even said labeling it a "landmark" would be lowering our standards....where do they find these people?

To me, there was no argument. How could you even consider destroying that symbol of summer beach days and childhood Playland frolic? He is PURE San Francisco.

Luckily, the doggie was eventually rescued, and moved (of course, as stupid as it sounds) to his new home at 45th Ave & Sloat Blvd. You can even find at RoadsideAmerica.com and the actual Doggie Diner website.

Going to San Francisco? Bring a bong...

Well, it finally seems that City Hall had found a way to make money on the whole medical marijuana deal, so why NOT legalize it?? I mean, something is only worth doing when there is a profit to be turned, am I right?

I am appalled at the City's blatant lack of concern for those that have suffered way too long and had to self medicate illegaly. My only question is: What is taking so damned long??? When my brother struggled with HIV through the 1990s (before passing away in 2000) he grew his pot in secret, knowing it was the only way to numb the pain. It did a hell of a lot more than the 15+ different "legal" meds the doctors had him on. And we all wondered why he drank.....

So, it all comes down to the almighty dollar. The two most destructive substances, tobacco and alcohol, are the most legal, but everyone freaks out when a City Supervisor wants to make an already socially acceptable (not to mention 100% NATURAL)substance legal. But it took putting dollar signs in the eyes of legislators to make it so. It's the least this city can do. Geeze.

Wanna read more? Grab your stash and head to Pot for Sale, Get Your Pot Here!

Funny things, these fortune cookies...

San Francisco has long been known as a city of innovation and ideas, but just how many things have traced back to the City by the Bay? Plenty, just check out these random inspirations:



The Mai Tai


Here is what Vic himself says regarding the birth of the Mai Tai:
"...I was at the service bar in my Oakland restaurant. I took down a bottle of 17-year-old rum. It was J. Wray Nephew from Jamaica; surprisingly golden in color, medium bodied, but with the rich pungent flavor particular to the Jamaican blends. The flavor of this great rum wasn't meant to be overpowered with heavy additions of fruit juices and flavorings. I took a fresh lime, added some orange curacao from Holland, a dash of Rock Candy Syrup, and a dollop of French Orgeat, for its subtle almond flavor. A generous amount of shaved ice and vigorous shaking by hand produced the marriage I was after. Half the lime shell went in for color ... I stuck in a branch of fresh mint and gave two of them to Ham and Carrie Guild, friends from Tahiti, who were there that night. Carrie took one sip and said, "Mai Tai - Roa Ae". In Tahitian this means "Out of This World - The Best". Well, that was that. I named the drink "Mai Tai".

read more here>



Denim Jeans

In 1853, the California gold rush was in full gear, and many items were in high demand. Levi Strauss, a young German immigrant, came to San Francisco from New York with a small supply of dry goods with the intention of opening a branch of his brother's New York dry goods business. Shortly after his arrival, a prospector wanted to know what Mr. Strauss was selling. When Strauss told him he had rough canvas to use for tents and wagon covers, the prospector said, "You should have brought pants!," saying he couldn't’t find a pair of pants strong enough to last. Hence, the blue denim jeans were born.

read more here



Chop Suey

It has been common wisdom to say that chop suey...did not exist in old China. The stir-fried hash was invented, according to tradition, in a San Francisco restaurant during the wee hours one morning when a rowdy group of holidaying diners would not hear of the Chinese cook's plea that he had no food. Rather than risk a drubbing, the cook concocted chop suey of the day's scraps.

read more here



The Fortune Cookie

Now here is one that seems to be up for debate. Many stories have circulated about the true origin of this tasty after dinner treat, including one that says a Chinese immigrant named David Jung invented them in Los Angeles in 1918. I don't really know for sure (no one seems to), but what I was always told was that the fortune cookie was invented in1914 by the designer of the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. He as in fact a Japanese immigrant by the name of Makoto Hagiwara.

read more here

I left my appetite in San Francisco.....

DISCLAIMER: Please excuse the rather short post, but today is my lazy day, and I am being lazy.




Some of the best food I have ever had came from San Francisco.

Chino's Taqueria
3416 Balboa Street (at 35th Ave) San Francisco, CA
Open Daily 10:30 am - 10 pm
Order (415) 668-9956
***some of the freshest burritos I have ever had in my life (and they are HUGE! - everything HOMEMADE!***













Wayo Sushi Restaurant
1407 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-8369
***one of the freshest, most affordable sushi joints in town - and the cozy atmosphere is sublime!***












Joe's Cable Car
4320 Mission St @ Silver Ave
San Francisco
Open 11am - 11pm 7 days a week

***All I can say is wow. Wow.***

Easter Sunrise Services on Mt. Davidson

Special thanks to the official Mt. Davidson website for providing content for this article, you can find them here.


There are many monuments which grace the San Francisco skyline: Coit Tower, The Ferry Building, Sutro Tower, but there is one that often goes unnoticed, or unrecognized. I am talking of course of the 100-foot cross which sits atop Mount Davidson overlooking the city. This is the place where Easter Services at sunrise have been a tradition for almost 80 years.

The story behind this monument is an interesting one, as the cross was built and destroyed three times before Margaret May Morgan, the first woman to sit on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and others on the Easter Sunrise Committee, solicited $1+ contributions to built the concrete cross in 1934.

In 1991, several organizations, including the Americans for separation of church and state, sued the City of San Francisco for owning a cross on city (public) land, and several court battles ensued. Eventually the courts forced the City to either tear down the Cross or sell it to a private entity. In 1997, Proposition F was put forth to the voters of San Francisco to allow the Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California to become the legal owner of the Mt. Davidson Cross and assume the responsibility for maintaining it. It was unanimously approved.

As for me, I recall my mother always wanted to take us kids to the Easter sunrise service, yet never quite being able to (I am not sure why). The only other memory I have of this monument is that it became the place in high school to hang out and do things that people probably shouldn't be doing at the foot of a 100-foot cross. As I look back now, I sort of wish we'd taken our drinking and smoking someplace else.

Hi Kids / Bye Kids!

I found myself prowling through youtube the other night (I believe just about everyone is guilty of that nowadays) and found myself sitting face to face with some of the most memorable local commercials ever. I tip my hat to three UHF channels:

KBHK Channel 44 San Francisco
KOFY Channel 20 San Francisco
KICU Channel 36 San Jose

Each of these stations brought us the best and the worst in local tv pitchmen. Who doesn't remember Cal Worthington and his dog Spot, Pete Ellis Dodge, Don Young Ford (what a guy!), and the slew of carpet and furniture stores! Carpeteria, MMM Carpets, The Saw Mill (Marty Sherman and George) and below is one of the most memorable late night furniture salesmen, Ed Barbara of Furniture USA whose supposed "joke" commercial was never supposed to air, but it did, costing him his job, and I suspect much more:



But seriously folks, no list like this would be complete without our beloved "King of Credit", Mr. Jewelry himself, the most recognizable face of the 1980s...no, not the Shane Company, it's...




Paul from the Diamond Center, of course.

The Little Man in the Chair

Here's an old favorite - the ever popular "Man in the Chair" which has always accompanied the movie/theater reviews in the Sunday Datebook. This little guy was the creation of artist Warren Goodrich sometime back in 1942.

On the Little Man’s 50th birthday in 1992, Goodrich recalled it was just another assignment that he sketched quickly, noting, “I’m surprised (it) continued." Goodrich, who died in 2007, once recalled that a woman (possibly a disgruntled actress) once hit him on the head with her umbrella and said, “I hate the Little Man!”

Here is what famed movie critic Roger Ebert had to say about this Bay Area icon:

"...The only rating system that makes any sense is the Little Man of the San Franciscio Chronicle, who is seen (1) jumping out of his seat and applauding wildly; (2) sitting up happily and applauding; (3) sitting attentively; (4) asleep in his seat; or (5) gone from his seat….The blessing of the Little Man system is that it offers a true middle position, like three on a five-star scale..."

I don't know about now, but years ago, the Datebook was printed on pink paper(years after the Chronicle stopped printing the Sporting Green on green paper back in the very early 1980s, remember that?), dubbing it the "pink section". On Sunday mornings in my house, I was the first to mangle my dad's paper by grabbing two things: the pink section and the funnies.

Here's to 50 more years of that little man hoping that in this eceonmy, he can still afford to go to the movies!

Thanks to sfgate.com and austinkleon.com for pics and info.

Kids' KTVU in the mornings

Anyone growing up in the late 1970s/early 1980s in the Bay Area can't help but remember Pat McCormick and his puppets, Charlie & Humphrey. Thirty years later, I still find myself using the phrase, "Glue!! I need glue!!" Enjoy this treat from the vault; it should stir up a few memories:

And now...another Chronicle working stiff

Scott Ostler


Few columnists have that true staying power, especially in this city. One of those that has stood the test of time is the Chronicle's own Scott Ostler. Ostler is currently a sports columnist, but years ago he wrote a weekday column that rivaled Jon Carroll to the "N"th degree. His witty writing and observations never failed to keep me laughing, even if I was sitting in the middle of a gang fight on the 14 Mission. I found the following column a good example of Scott's unique comic relief:

Cops protect S.F. From Sandwiches.


Column courtesy of sfgate.com archives:

Good Night, Cabbie

Back in the late 1990's, The San Francisco Chronicle ran a weekly column on Mondays called The Night Cabbie. Does anyone else recall this great segment???

A local cab driver whom, to this day, I have yet to uncover his (or her!) identity, would dazzle us locals with tales of late night fares throughout the city. For some reason, I was always convinced this was a DeSoto cabbie, don't ask me why. Sometimes it was the ramblings of some homeless kid on Polk St; other times you'd hear tales of apathy and ignorance from wealthy tourists. They ranged from the hilarious to the bizarre, and you always got the feeling that this guy should have been a sociology professor at SF State, or at the least run some head shop on Haight.

His column ran until 2004, when he finally decided that struggling to make ends meet peddling cab fares was just not worth it, and he hung up his keys (and his pen) for good. It was a real loss - a real shame.

I enjoyed his stories because of his ability to tell it the way it was. I could almost imagine myself sitting in that back seat, watching these random, bizarre exchanges, wondering, "What is THAT guy's deal?"

About two or three times a year, although living out of state now, I still find myself googling "Night Cabbie" hoping to see him back in the drivers seat but alas, he has vanished from the cab scene it seems for good. He brought the realness of the city home - and he is greatly missed. I wonder if he ever googles himself, perhaps to see if anyone still remembers.....

Luckily, the online SF Chronicle keeps ALL his work archived on their site, so below I have posted a link to his final column, written shortly after Christmas of 2004.

You can find his last column here.

As you read it you truly understand why he gave it up and wonder how many other cab drivers out there are starving as well. You wonder why the city makes it so hard for these guys to make a living.

You are still missed, and not forgotten Night Cabbie. I hope that wherever you are today, that if the opportunity arises to make a little extra money driving looneys from the Fairmont to Big Al's on Broadway, you just might take it....

Remember when Scott Ostler wrote non-sports columns?? Tomorrow....


Link courtesy of SFgate.com and the SF Examiner/Chronicle.

Baghdad by the Bay

I spent most of today arranging a rather busy collage, that once I posted it to my blog as a background, seemed just a tad too busy, so I am submitting it as a regular blogpost. Enjoy.

You can take the girl out of San Francisco but....

Hello there and thank you so very much for taking the time to check out my blog. I am a transplanted native of San Francisco and have found that my love for this beautiful, unique city will surely never die. From my lovely home in Raleigh, North Carolina I find myself spending so much time either reading or reminiscing about my far away city by the Bay.

Since I realize that returning to the City is highly unlikely, though not impossible, I am very happy and content in my new life in the Southeast living with my long sought-after other half/best friend. Sometimes he isn't sure if I might run back to the Bay Area! No....so I decided the best thing to do was to start this blog about all things San Francisco as a way to not only channel my affection for the Bay Area, but also as a means to bring it to those who have never been, and never known, this one of a kind world.

I plan on sharing memories, stories, history, pics, and any bits of interesting pulp I happen to come across. My theory is that in doing so, my memories will remain intact and my knowledge of the City will grow, to a point where I can someday call myself a San Francisco historian.

Please enjoy this trip through MY foggy SF memories and feel free to post comments and/or stories as well. Peace and love to you all.