Temporary Park

Blocking off Mason st.

Somebody was thinking at City Hall. I know you think I'm going to launch off on a fantasy or reveal it was all a dream, but it really happened. North Beach library is due for its seismic makeover. The construction money has been set aside for construction, as opposed to committees, signature salespeople, politically connected academics, and theorists of various stripes. ( Brylcreem Boy is off running for Governor, and the circus of supervisors is summering in Marin) The environmental impact statement needs to be signed so the digging and hammering can start. Someone, God bless their soul, decided to block the area with a temporary park, and actually count the cars shunted off to Columbus st. Of course, the idea of actual numbers on an impact statement upsets some people. No theoretical papers, no need for a special committee to meet at the Mandarin Oriental @ $10K per, and even less need for a supervisor to come to the rescue someone living in St. Francis Wood who feels the city should buy his signature because...well, he drove by once. Actual numbers, generated on site, in the neighborhood, in San Francisco. I'm sure the person who did this won't have much trouble getting a real job when the city identifies and fires him/her.

The Language of Birds

the language of birds

The Language of Birds was installed at the corner of Broadway and Columbus, just a block from my hovel, late last year. It flies above a small plaza that was originally a right hand turn lane and an island. A video of the unveiling is here. Usually I'm a bit leery of art (or music: pace Bailey) that can't explain itself, i.e. needs an artist or publicist to provide an exegesis, but at night the lights and placement of this piece provides its own raison d'être without need of the backstory. During the day you can see the wires and hanging equipment, but it's easy to overlook the mechanism behind the illusion in the overhead tangle of the bus line and crosswalk infrastructure. All-in-all, a nice addition that graces a previously schlumpy corner.