If you think this headline was written today, think again. Think about over twenty years ago, May 26, 2000, when this was the headline in SF Gate, followed by a rundown of the people and places that make our neighborhood cozy and warm.
After you read the SF Gate story, look at the “footnotes” that follow to see the changes that have happened in the past two decades. Also note, updates would be appreciated if anyone has current information.
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Neighbors-Still-Say-Hi-In-Village-of-Glen-Park-2776464.php
- As everyone knows, Zoanne Nordstrom, who was president of the Glen Park Association, passed away on February 15. Hilary Schiraldi is the new president as of January.
- The housing price boom continues unabated. It’s more of an explosion. The Glen Park News real estate report in the Winter 2020 issue noted the median selling price was $1,851,500, for a three-bedroom home. The highest sale price was $3,438,000, for a four-bedroom home. A vacant lot (including architectural plans) sold for $1,850,000 in March 2019.
- Cesar Ascurrunz, a neighborhood fixture, and famous citywide for always running for mayor with campaign signs on the roof of his car: Up until awhile ago, he’d stand outside his house on Miguel Street and greet passersby.
- Rick Malouf, owner of the Cheese Boutique, is thankfully still cutting and slicing hunks of cheese and discussing all manner of topics with local patrons. When fifGlenfit bought the building where his shop was, at 666 Chenery, good neighbors, the Daleres, offered their space a couple of doors down, at 660. Rick’s wife Nada is there more than before and their son Michael, a college student, rounds out the family business.
- Dentist Dan Gustavson had a new Glen Park Dental office built at 590 Bosworth and then moved his practice out of the Bay Area. It was taken over by husband and wife dentists Carlos Longa and Kimberlee Dickinson.
- The “hip new” Bird & Beckett Books & Records continues as the cultural anchor of the neighborhood since 1999. In 2007, owner Eric Whittington moved the shop from its original location at 2790 Diamond Street to its present spot at the former Glen Park Library at 653 Chenery Street. He had a lot of help from neighborhood volunteers who did the literal heavy lifting. Prior to the move, to help cover costs, a griddle was set up in front of the store and neighbors lined up to unselfishly eat pancakes and pitch in some funds. Wendy and Ed Ely, who’ve since moved to Antioch, were quoted saying they showed up because “We adore pancakes and books.”
- The Pritikin mansion, hidden from street view at 47 Chenery, remains the most mysterious property in Glen Park. Owned for many years by adman Bob Pritikin, it was touted as a museum and event venue. Use your imagination.
- Hong Sing is now Win Garden. In between it was Wok Plus (fact check needed here).
- Café? (“Café Questionmark”) became a new coffee shop, Café Bello, in 2004.
- The complex of the Canyon Market, Glen Park Library, and condos opened in 2006 at the site of the burned down Diamond Super. This helped usher in a renaissance in Glen Park, turning it from a sleepy neighborhood into a lively bustling place. It encouraged other new businesses, activity and an influx of new neighbors.
These are just a few of the changes Glen Park has undergone since 2000: We now have a remodeled recreation center, improved trails in the park, and a Greenway, to name a few.
What else can you think of?